| 18th week of 2010 patent applcation highlights part 68 |
| Patent application number | Title | Published |
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| 20100114128 | GASTRIC BYPASS DEVICES AND PROCEDURES - Methods and devices for treating obesity are provided, and more particularly, methods and devices for performing gastric bypasses are disclosed. In one exemplary embodiment a gastric bypass procedure is provided that includes forming a gastro-entero anastomosis between a stomach and an intestine and forming an entero-entero anastomosis between a portion of the intestine distal to the gastro-entero anastomosis and a portion of the intestine proximal to the gastro-entero anastomosis. A surrogate path is formed between the esophagus and the gastro-entero anastomosis to at least partially direct fluid from the esophagus to the intestine by way of the gastro-entero anastomosis, thereby bypassing the stomach. A variety of devices that are particularly useful in gastric bypass procedures are also disclosed. The devices include anastomotic devices that can be coupled to or integrally formed with a shunt. The devices can include a plurality of tubular bodies that are configured to have an adjustable length. Still further, methods for repairing an abdominal aortic aneurysm and leaking heart valve are also disclosed. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114129 | TISSUE JOINING DEVICES CAPABLE OF DELIVERY OF BIOACTIVE AGENTS AND METHODS OF USE THEREOF - The instant invention concerns a device for joining tissue comprising a ring and rivet, the ring comprises a biocompatible and biodegradable polymer and contains at least one bioactive agent. The rivet has a hollow lumen. The invention also relates to methods of making such devices and the use of such devices in joining tissue. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114130 | INTESTINAL SLEEVE - A gastrointestinal implant device is anchored in the duodenum and extends beyond the ligament of Treitz. All food exiting the stomach is funneled through the device. The gastrointestinal device includes an anchor for attaching the device to the duodenum and an unsupported flexible sleeve. The anchor can include a stent and/or a wave anchor and is collapsible for catheter-based delivery and removal. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114131 | SKIN TAG REMOVAL SYSTEM - A skin tag removal device operative to remove skin tags via the use of compressive force to stop or restrict blood flow to the skin tag. The device comprises first and second members that are attached to one another, preferably via a hinge, and operative to assume an open configuration whereby the members may be positioned about the base of a skin tag and a second closed configuration whereby the first and second members cooperate to impart a compressive force about the base of the skin tag to stop or substantially restrict blood flow. The first and second members may be formed such that the same are biased to one another to impart the compressive force, or may be attached via a hinge and operative to be locked to one another to assume the closed, blood-restricting configuration. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114132 | Systems and processes for controlling inflatable members and gastric bands based on geographic location - A system and process employs a gastric band device having an adjustable restriction amount that is adjustable based on at least one first control signal. The system and process also employs at least one of a wireless receiver and location detection electronics configured for providing at least one second signal. In addition, a controller is configured to provide at least one first control signal to the gastric band device based at least in part on at least one second control signal from at least one of the wireless receiver and the location detection electronics. The controller may be configured to provide at least one first control signal for one of increasing restriction or reducing restriction of the gastric band in response to receiving a signal from the location detection electronics representing a predefined geographic location. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114133 | SURGICAL CLIP - A clip is provided that can be used for ligating tissue, such as vessels, other tubular ducts, and the like. The clip has opposed first and second leg members having proximal and distal ends. The proximal end of each leg member is connected by an apex having a notch formed therein. Moreover, each leg member has an inner tissue-contacting surface and an outer compression-receiving surface, both of which include features to provide a more secure ligation of the vessel or duct. A method for ligating vessels is also provided. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114134 | Device and Method for Temporary Vessel Occlusion - A method of occluding a vessel, comprises forming an incision through tissue covering the vessel to expose a portion of the vessel and looping a first suture around the vessel such that ends of the first suture extend out of the incision in combination with closing the incision with the ends of the first suture protruding through the closed incision, placing a force distribution element over the incision and tightening the first suture over the force distribution element to form a kink in the vessel. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114135 | Devices and methods for temporarily opening a blood vessel - A device for temporarily opening a blood vessel is provided. The device has an expandable cage mounted over a shaft having a lumen. The lumen has a distal end, which extends beyond the distal end of the cage so that the lumen provides access to the vasculature distal to the obstruction. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114136 | CUTTING DEVICE AND METHOD OF VESSEL HARVESTING - Embodiments of the invention provide a cutting device and method of vessel harvesting. The cutting device can include at least one tubular member, a cutting element, and a centering member. The cutting device can include at least one tubular member with a flexible section and a cutting element. The method of vessel harvesting can include spacing a cutting element of the cutting device from the vessel as the cutting element is advanced over the vessel. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114137 | SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HAVING AN ARTICULATED JAW STRUCTURE AND A DETACHABLE KNIFE - A surgical instrument with articulated jaw structure includes a frame and two jaws. The jaws have proximal portions that are mounted to each other for movement in a substantially parallel relation between a fully open position wherein the jaws are separated for receiving tissue therebetween and an approximated position wherein the jaws are closer together. Preferably, the jaws are in the fully open position when the distal portion of at least of the jaws is located in an extended position and are in the approximated position when the distal portion of the extended jaw or jaws is located in a retracted position. The surgical instrument may further include a detachable knife assembly and knife actuating mechanism. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114138 | Nerve Decompression Scissors - A surgical instrument and method for freeing tissue in a nerve decompression operation. Tissue is freed from the area surrounding a nerve with use of the blunt tip on one jaw of the instrument. The freed tissue is then cut with the bladed region of the instrument and removed from the area surrounding the nerve while leaving the nerve untouched. The instrument includes a pair of pivotally connected arms. Each of the arms is elongated and has a free end and a handle end, the free end of each having a blade, the handle end of each having a finger loop for the surgeon to grasp. One of the free ends is longer than the other, with a blunt, rounded tip and edge for freeing tissue without cutting. The pivot between the two arms separates the two sections and allows the arms to move with respect to each other within a plane of pivotal movement so that the tissue is selectively cut along the extent of the overlap of the arms. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114139 | SURGICAL INSTRUMENT - A surgical instrument is provided with a gripping part arranged in a stationary manner on a tubular guide housing having a guide hole and with an actuating lever, which is pivotably mounted thereon and which is in functional connection via a lever arm with a plunger. The plunger is axially shiftable in a mounting housing, via which a tool can be actuated. The plunger has, in its end area located adjacent to the lever arm, a circumferential, radially expanded pushbutton, via which the plunger is guided axially adjustably against the spring force of an axial compression spring in the guide hole of the guide housing. The mounting housing is provided with a ring shoulder for axial fixation in the guide hole of the guide housing. To guarantee secure fixation of the mounting housing in the guide housing along with simple handling and low manufacturing costs, a radially inwardly projecting stop of a pin-like design is provided in the guide hole of the guide housing. The ring shoulder has on its circumference an axial groove, which extends from the free end of the ring shoulder into an at least partially circumferentially extending ring groove axially defining the ring shoulder. The positioning of a section of the stop, which said section extends into the guide hole, and the dimensions of the axial groove are coordinated with one another such that the ring shoulder with its axial groove can be pushed into the guide hole beyond the stop and can be axially locked in the guide hole by the section of the stop after a rotation about the axis of the guide hole. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114140 | Transseptal Puncture Apparatus - Devices and methods for performing a transeptal puncture procedure are described. In certain embodiments, the device includes a blunt outer needle, and a second inner needle disposed longitudinally through the lumen of the outer needle, wherein the inner needle is flexible, e.g., has a flexible portion and/or a bend or other non-traumatic conformation at its tip. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114141 | OPTIMIZING THE OPERATION OF AN INTRA-GASTRIC SATIETY CREATION DEVICE - A method for determining an optimum control parameter of a distension system for causing distension in a stomach. The method includes the step of providing an implantable distension system for causing distension in a stomach, the system including an adjustable distension device configured to form a distension in a stomach. The method also involves adjusting the distension device, and determining the value of a control parameter of the distension system. The method also involves repeating the steps of adjusting the distension device and determining the value of the control parameter until the control parameter is substantially convergent as a function of time. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114142 | POWERING IMPLANTABLE DISTENSION SYSTEMS USING INTERNAL ENERGY HARVESTING MEANS - An implant for placement within a hollow body organ. The implant includes a distension device having an undeployed shape for delivery within a hollow body and one or more deployed shapes for implantation therein. The distension device 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 implant also includes a powered means for changing the deployed shape of the member while implanted within the hollow body including an apparatus operable to convert energy produced by the patient into energy to power the implantable device. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114143 | WEARABLE ELEMENTS FOR INTRA-GASTRIC SATIETY CREATIONS SYSTEMS - A device, including an implant for placement within a hollow body organ. The implant 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 implant includes a means for changing the deployed shape of the member while implanted within the hollow body. The device includes a wearable element configured to be worn by a patient, and has an external device coupled thereto and configured to send and/or receive a wireless signal to control the means for changing the deployed shape. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114144 | INTRA-GASTRIC SATIETY CREATION DEVICE WITH DATA HANDLING DEVICES AND METHODS - An implant for placement within a hollow body organ. The implant includes an implantable distension device having an undeployed shape for delivery within a hollow body and one or more deployed shapes for implantation therein. The implantable distension device 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 implant includes a powered means for changing the deployed shape of the implantable distension device while implanted within the hollow body. The implant also includes an implantable sensing device in communication with the implantable distension device and configured to sense a parameter related to the implantable distension device and to communicate the parameter to a filter, the filter transmits a selected portion of the parameter to a data storage device. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114145 | METHODS AND DEVICES FOR FIXING ANTENNA ORIENTATION IN AN INTRA-GASTRIC SATIETY CREATION SYSTEM - A device, including an implant for placement within a hollow body organ. The implant 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 device includes a means for changing the deployed shape of the member while implanted within the hollow body. The means includes an antenna configured to wirelessly communicate with an external device. The external device is configured to communicate telemetrically with the member. The device further includes at least one means to limit rotational movement of the antenna relative at least one of the member and the external device. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114146 | METHODS AND DEVICES FOR PREDICTING INTRA-GASTRIC SATIETY AND SATIATION CREATION DEVICE SYSTEM PERFORMANCE - A method of affecting a weight loss treatment comprising the step of providing an implant for placement within a hollow body organ. The implant comprising 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 implant also includes a means for changing the deployed shape of the member while implanted within the hollow body. The method further includes the steps of implanting the implant within a patient, implanting a data gathering device within the patient, collecting physiological data of a patient relating to the implant, and comparing the data to a fixed value and changing the shape of the member. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114147 | DIRECTIONAL SOFT TISSUE DILATOR AND DOCKING PIN WITH INTEGRATED LIGHT SOURCE FOR OPTIMIZATION OF RETRACTOR PLACEMENT IN MINIMALLY INVASIVE SPINE SURGERY - A soft tissue dilator for use in a surgical procedure includes a first dilator member that defines a first axis and a second dilator member that defines a second axis. The second dilator member is supported on the first dilator member such that relative rotational movement of the first and second dilator members causes eccentric movement of the first and second axes defined by the first and second dilator members. Additional dilators members may be sequentially supported on the first and second dilator members. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114148 | DEVICES AND METHODS FOR ADJUSTING A SATIATION AND SATIETY-INDUCING IMPLANTED DEVICE - An implant for placement within a hollow body organ having a member with 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 implant also includes a means for changing the deployed shape of the member while implanted within the hollow body. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114149 | AUTOMATICALLY ADJUSTING INTRA-GASTRIC SATIATION AND SATIETY CREATION DEVICE - An implant for placement within a hollow body organ, the implant includes a distension device having an undeployed shape for delivery within a hollow body and one or more deployed shapes for implantation therein. The device 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 implant further includes an implantable pump in fluid communication with the distension device and having a plurality of actuators configured to change the shape of the distension device upon the application of energy thereto such that sequential activation of the plurality of actuators is effective to create pumping action to move fluid through the pump. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114150 | DUODENAL STIMULATION DEVICES AND METHODS FOR THE TREATMENT OF CONDITIONS RELATING TO EATING DISORDERS - A device useful for treatment of conditions relating to an eating disorder comprises: a) a duodenum obstructing component configured to partially obstruct the lumen of a duodenum in which deployed, preferably so as to reduce the rate of passage of materials through the duodenum; and b) an anchoring component configured to substantially maintain a position of the obstructing component inside a duodenum wherein deployed. The obstructing component does not block entry of food into the duodenum but rather causes a given volume of food that enters the duodenum to induce a greater degree of satiety and/or to induce a perception of satiety for a longer period of time and/or to induce a perception of satiety faster than otherwise. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114151 | METHODS AND DEVICES FOR DEPLOYMENT INTO A LUMEN - The present invention is directed to an intracorporeal occlusion device having denuding elements, motion transfer converter or anti-migration features or a combination of one or more of these features. The disclosed occlusion device can denude the body lumen through a rotational motion of the denuding elements within a lumen. The delivery system can transfer a linear motion of a handle to a combination of linear and rotational movements of the occlusion device for placement and denuding action. Anti-migration features provide free spinning of the main body of the occlusion device to prevent migration of the deployed occlusion device, especially with rotatable denuding elements. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114152 | Minimally-Invasive Method and Device for Permanently Compressing Tissues within the Body - The present invention is method for permanently compressing tissues in the body. The method employs a compression device made of a spring and a flexible sheet that cooperate to form a compressive envelope around the desired tissue. The spring is preferably Z-shaped or a coil. The sheet is made of a flexible material and the material is preferably elastic. The sheet is preferably a biocompatible elastic material, such as a mesh made of stainless steel or a woven or non-woven elastomer. The method is minimally invasive because it deploys the compression device through the patient's skin directly to the tissue, as opposed to through catheterization or open invasive surgery, such as open-heart surgery. The preferred use is for compressing the left atrial appendage to prevent clots from forming and circulating, thereby preventing strokes. The device is deployed by making an incision in a patient's chest, inserting the compression device through the incision into the pericardium without piercing the heart, and deploying it around the entire appendage. The device remains in place by its own compressive nature: either the spring, the sheet, or both components compress the appendage and cause the device to stay in place due to friction. Preferably the entire compression device is left in place, but the spring or the sheet may be removed, leaving the remaining component to compress the appendage. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114153 | Snap-Off Diet Aid.TM. tragus clip with single-point removable pressure head - This acupressure clip is designed to apply single-point pressure to the tragus of the ear to achieve either appetite control or a sense of tranquility. The clip has two opposing wing-shaped finger tabs joined by a reverse-compression band with an integral stop. The band applies pressure to the tragus through the single raised nub of the attached desired pressure head. The integral stop acts to prevent the band from passing the yield point of the material. The finger tabs have ridges to prevent slippage. Each of the interchangeable heads has a specifically molded nub located to activate a single acupressure point on the tragus of the ear for either appetite control or to achieve a sense of tranquility. At the end of the lower finger tab is a compression pad with an embossment to ensure proper fit and backing for the single-point pressure to be applied from the opposing head. The upper splayed pad is designed with a locking raised protrusion to secure and ensure proper location of the desired head. The heads lock into the upper splayed pad with a corresponding locator hole to secure the desired head during use. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114154 | SURGICAL BONE CLAMP - The surgical bone clamp securely grasps and removes bone and other tissue during surgery, such as total knee replacement surgery. In one embodiment, the device includes a handle portion, a clamp portion, and a ratchet portion. The handle portion includes two handle arms that are pivotally connected, and the ratcheting portion permits the handle arms to be spaced at any one of a plurality of step settings. One of the handle arms provides a finger loop to engage the thumb, while the other handle arm provides a finger loop to engage at least one opposing finger. The clamp portion includes two serrated clamping jaws designed to engage the bone or other tissue surface and to provide adequate gripping force to allow for removal of the bone piece or tissue from the body cavity. The device provides significant mechanical advantage to the user, may be operated with one hand, and may include removable clamping jaws. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114155 | APPLIANCES FOR TREATING HOOFED ANIMALS - A support for treating a cloven hoof of an animal including a sole providing elevation, to one toe of a hoof of the animal. A toe securing structure (TSS) is joined to the sole. A foot securing means is connected in one end to the sole, while the other ends of the securing means are fastened together such that the sole is tightly secured to the animal cloven hoof. In another aspect of the present invention, in order to treat hoof disorders such as fungal infection, which typically plague the area between the toes of a cloven hoofed animal, a medical composition is delivered from a bandage. After use, the bandage can be discarded without being touched. The bandage is preferably made of degradable and environment-friendly materials. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114156 | CLOSURE DEVICE - A closure device for closing an opening in tissue is provided. The closure device according the present invention includes a delivery system for deploying a closure element, wherein the closure element is movable between a delivery configuration and a deployed configuration to close an opening in tissue. The closure device of the present invention may further include a charge of hemostatic material. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114157 | OCCLUSION DEVICE - An obturator for a bronchial tube or tubule of a human or animal lung comprises a blocking element ( | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114158 | DELIVERY ASSEMBLY, DELIVERY TIP, AND METHOD OF USING SAME - Embodiments of a delivery device, a kit comprising the delivery device, and methods of using the same are presented. In one embodiment, the delivery device includes a syringe assembly defining two or more reservoirs each configured to hold a dispensable material. Additionally, the delivery device may include a delivery tip. The delivery tip may have an inlet, an outlet, a central flow-restricting portion, and one or more channels adjacent to the central flow-restricting portion that provide fluid communication between the inlet and the outlet, the one or more channels including a section that tapers inwardly toward the outlet. In one embodiment, the delivery device is configured such that if the two or more reservoirs hold dispensable material then the syringe assembly can be actuated to dispense the dispensable material from the two or more reservoirs substantially simultaneously into the inlet. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114159 | CLOSURE DEVICE - A device for closing an opening in a wall of a body lumen includes a closure element with a first flange and a second flange. Both the first flange and the second flange may have a delivery cross-sectional dimension and a deployed cross-sectional dimension. The device for closing an opening further includes a first coupler element disposed on the first flange and a second coupler element disposed on the second flange, the first and second coupler elements cooperating to couple the first flange to the second flange. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114160 | Method for creating a temporary hypobaric wound space in an intentionally left open surgical wound to diagose substrate losses and prevent exogenous contaimation with microorganisms - A hypobaric wound space is provided for prophylactic and diagnostic purposes in surgical wounds of the abdomen deliberately left open. The hypobaric wound space provided is established by a combination of an impermeable folio sheet or thin flexible membrane, tissue fluid absorbing gauze or sponge, a drain tube, and a suction device to create hypobaric conditions and prevent wound contamination and infection, and to collect wound fluid to diagnose protein, fluid and other substrate losses on a quantity and quality basis. More specifically the invention provided relates to postoperatively applying negative pressure to the wound space of any surgical wound that was deliberately left open by filling the wound space with medical gauze or any material that is capable of absorbing tissue fluid, sealing the wound space with an impermeable folio or flexible membrane by engaging the folio to the skin of surrounding wound edges, and evacuating air and tissue fluid from the wound space by continuous suction through a drain tube to protect the wound from contamination and infection, and to diagnose fluid and losses substrate losses on a quantity and quality basis | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114161 | Apparatus for Tissue Repair - An apparatus includes first and second fixation members, a flexible member coupled to the first and second fixation members, and a limiting element coupled to the flexible member. The limiting element is movable relative to the second fixation member and acts to limit loosening of the flexible member relative to the second fixation member. The limiting element can be slidably received by the flexible member. The flexible member can be coupled to the fixation members such that pulling on a free end of the flexible member shortens a length of the flexible member between the fixation members. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114162 | Methods for Tissue Repair - A method of closing a tissue wound includes providing a wound closure device having a first fastener, a second fastener, and a flexible member extending between the first and second fasteners and movably attached to the second fastener by a one-way knot formed in the flexible member between the first and second fastener, positioning the first fastener against tissue, passing the flexible member across the wound, positioning the second fastener against tissue, and pulling on a free end of the flexible member to shorten a length of the flexible member between the first and second fasteners, thereby closing the wound. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114163 | T-TYPE SUTURE ANCHOR - A suture anchor of a T-type is inserted into and through a small-diameter hole formed in a bone and, when deployed, is oriented substantially transversely with respect to the small-diameter hole. Prior to deployment, the suture anchor is coupled to an insertion shaft through a deformable portion and is aligned with the shaft axis so that the insertion shaft and the suture anchor can be inserted into the small-diameter hole. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114164 | Pacifier holder - A pacifier holder with a clamping device, a pacifier, a pacifier holding ring, a flexible wire form, a wire form to pacifier connector member and a polyfoam tube covering the wire form. The wire form terminates at each end in a threaded portion. One threaded portion engages with female threads in the connector member. The other the threaded portion engages the clamping device. The connector member has a male thread that can engage a mating female thread portion located on the rear of the pacifier holder ring. The pacifier holder ring includes a circular base plate and a side perimeter ring, and the side perimeter ring which can removably retain the pacifier. A preferred embodiment includes a clamping device that has slidably connected top and bottom plates and a screw down plate that locks the pacifier holder onto the frame of a chair or bed. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114165 | POSTERIOR DYNAMIC STABILIZATION SYSTEM WITH PIVOTING COLLARS - A dynamic spinal stabilization system. The system can include a spinal stabilization rod and a pivoting collar which can be attached to a vertebra. The pivoting collar can define a bore which has internal surfaces and corresponding contact points. The bore can accept the rod and allow it to pivot about a contact point. The internal surfaces can be structured, shaped, and dimensioned to limit the range of motion of the rod in some or all directions. One portion of the rod can be flexible while another portion of the rod can be flexible. The flexible portion of the rod can engage the pivoting collar and bend within the pivoting collar to provide a greater range of motion. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114166 | EXTENSION LIMITING DEVICES AND METHODS OF USE FOR THE SPINE - Medical devices and related methods for the treatment of spinal conditions are described herein. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a support member configured to be implanted at least partially in a space between adjacent spinous processes and an actuator coupled to the support member. The apparatus also includes an elongate retention member having a first end coupled to the actuator and a second end coupled to either the support member or the actuator. The actuator is configured to be rotated such that the first end moves from a first location at a first distance from the second end, to a second location at a second distance from the second end. At least a portion of the elongate retention member is disposed at a non-zero distance from an outer surface of the support member when the first end of the elongate retention member is at its second location. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114167 | TRANSITION ROD - A device for supporting vertebral components of a spinal column includes a first spinal rod, a second spinal rod, and a connection element disposed between the first and second rods. The connection element has a front surface with a rod-receiving opening having a first region sized greater than a cross-section of the second rod, and has a second region sized smaller than the cross-section of the second rod, wherein the first and second rods align in series in an end-to-end manner. A locking member is associated with the connection element that urges the second rod toward the second region in a manner that the second rod frictionally engages with the connection element to restrict removal of the second rod from the connection element. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114168 | ANCHOR WITH NON-THREADED SECURING MECHANISM TO ATTACH AN ELONGATED MEMBER TO A BONE - An anchor with a non-threaded securing mechanism for attaching an elongated member to a bone. The anchor includes a receiver, shaft, and securing mechanism. The receiver includes spaced-apart arms that form a channel sized to receive the elongated member. The shaft extends from the receiver and is configured to engage with the bone. The securing mechanism, including a base and an insert, attaches to the receiver to capture the elongated member in the channel. The base is configured to attach to the arms and includes an aperture that receives the insert. The insert extends through the aperture and may contact against the elongated member. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114169 | FLEXIBLE LINKING PIECE FOR STABILISING THE SPINE - Embodiments described herein relate to a connecting member for maintaining the spacing between at least two anchor members screwed into vertebrae and methods for stabilizing the spine using a connecting member. One embodiment of a connecting member can include a first rigid portion formed of a first material, a second rigid portion formed of the first material and a connecting body comprising a second material that is more elastically deformable than the first material. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114170 | MULTI-PLANAR TAPER LOCK SCREW WITH INCREASED ROD FRICTION - A spinal fixation device includes a coupling, a pedicle screw, and a collet. The coupling has an opening extending therethrough. The pedicle screw has a head mounted to a shank that is positionable within a first vertebral body. The collet is receivable in the opening of the coupling and engagable with the head of the pedicle screw. The collet is selectively positionable between a first position and a second position where the collet engages a spinal rod and prevents one or both of axial and rotational movement of the spinal rod. The collet is adapted to facilitate the connection of the spinal rod to a second vertebral body. The collet defines a saddle having one or more locking features for engaging the spinal rod. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114171 | MULTI-PLANAR SPINAL FIXATION ASSEMBLY WITH LOCKING ELEMENT - A spinal fixation assembly includes a spinal rod, a first spinal fixation device, and a locking element. The spinal rod defines a longitudinal axis. The first spinal fixation device includes a coupling, a screw, and a collet. The coupling has an opening extending therethrough. The screw is mounted to the coupling and positionable within a first vertebral body. The collet is receivable in the opening of the coupling and defines a saddle for engaging the spinal rod. The locking element is mounted to the spinal rod and is configured to prevent axial translation of the spinal rod in one or both directions along the longitudinal axis thereof. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114172 | ANCHOR ASSEMBLIES FOR SECURING CONNECTING ELEMENTS ALONG A SPINAL COLUMN - Devices and methods that securely engage an elongated connecting element in a receiver of an anchor assembly are provided. The anchor assembly includes an anchor member engageable to bony structure and the receiver includes a passage for receiving the connecting element when the connecting element is positioned along the bony structure. The anchor assembly includes an engaging member that engages the receiver and the connecting element to secure the connecting element in the receiver. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114173 | FLEXIBLE LINKING PIECE FOR STABILISING THE SPINE - Embodiments described herein relate to a connecting member for maintaining the spacing between at least two anchor members screwed into vertebrae and methods for stabilizing the spine using a connecting member. One embodiment of a connecting member can include a first rigid portion, a second rigid portion and a connecting body disposed between the first rigid body and the second rigid body that is more flexible than the first rigid body and the second rigid body. The connecting member can be provided as a preassembled connecting member. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114174 | Systems and Methods for Delivering Bone Cement to a Bone Anchor - A system for delivering bone cement to a bone anchor includes an anchor connection instrument for releasably connecting to a proximal end of the bone anchor. The anchor connection instrument includes a first member coupled to an opposed second member. The first member and the second member have a distal end configured to releasably connect to the proximal end of the bone anchor. The first member is movable between a release position to facilitate release of the anchor connection instrument from the proximal end of the bone anchor and a connect position in which the first member and the second member connect to the proximal end of the bone anchor. A cement delivery tube is positionable in the passage between the first member and the second member of the anchor connection instrument. A bone cement delivery system is coupled to the tube. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114175 | Facet Fusion Implants and Methods of Use - An implant is insertable onto a vertebral facet joint includes a body with an inner surface that mates with one or both articular processes of the facet joint. The inner surface may define an interior cavity that accepts at least a portion of an inferior articular process and a superior articular process forming the facet joint. The body may be constructed of a bone growth material that fuses with the articular processes. The implant may help retain bone growth promoting substance that is inserted between or on articulating surfaces of the facet joint. A receiving portion of an exterior surface of one or both articular process may be prepared to stimulate bone growth. The implant may be placed onto the receiving portion to cover an exterior junction between or on the articulating surfaces of the facet joint. The implant may be secured to one or both of the articular processes. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114176 | Static Compression Device - A Static Compression Device (SC device) for active, measurable compression of a fusion graft by the surgeon at the time of surgery is disclosed. The SC device is attachable to adjacent vertebral bodies or other pieces of bone and has a device that applies compressive force to the adjacent vertebral bodies or pieces of bone to assist fusion according to Wolff's law. The SC device has a locking mechanism that maintains the compression applied at surgery, but prevents further compression (settling) from occurring after surgery. The SC device allows the surgeon the ability to compress a segment, measure the applied compression, and lock the segment in the compressed position. In one embodiment of the invention, the pressure is applied to the SC device through a compression device that applies a desired and measurable amount of force. In this embodiment, the combination of the SC device with a pressure applying and measuring device allows the surgeon more control over the force applied to a cervical, thoracic or lumbar implant than has previously been available. In the preferred embodiment, the SC device compresses two or more adjacent vertebrae across an adjacent bone graft to facilitate fusion of these vertebrae to treat pain produced by pressure from the disks between such vertebrae bulging and resulting in contact with and pressure on the spinal cord and adjacent nerve roots. In other embodiments, the SC device may be used to apply measurable compression across any type of bony interface (e.g. fractures) to facilitate union. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114177 | VARIABLE GEOMETRY OCCIPITAL FIXATION PLATE - A fixation device for connecting a stabilization device to a bone comprises a first member comprising a first portion for attachment to a bone; a second member comprising a second portion for attachment to a bone and connected to the first member by a pivotal connection such that the first and second portions are spaced apart by an adjustable distance, at least one of the first and second members further comprising a portion for mounting a connector adapted to secure a stabilization device. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114178 | BONE FIXATION ASSEMBLY - A bone fixation assembly and associated method. The bone fixation assembly includes a bone fastener having a head and a bone-engaging portion, a receiver defining an opening along a first axis for receiving the bone fastener at a variable angle, and at least one supporting augment coupled to the bone fastener. The receiver has an inner articulation surface at a lower portion of the opening and matingly articulates with the supporting augment. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114179 | System And Method For Micro-Invasive Transfacet Lumbar Interbody Fusion - Spinal surgery systems are provided. In one embodiment, a system includes threaded caps and screw assemblies. Each assembly includes a cannulated and threaded screw having upper and lower ends, a polyaxial head permanently fixed to the screw upper end in a ball-and-socket engagement, and an extension portion fixed to the head wherein extension portion movement causes the head to move in concert. Each head has a receiving area for engaging a rod and a threaded area for receiving one of the caps after the rod is engaged in the receiving area. Each extension portion has: (a) two arms spaced apart such that the arms are on opposite sides of the polyaxial head receiving area; and (b) at least one point of weakness such that forcing the arms away from one another causes the extension portion to divide at the point of weakness and separate the extension portion from the head. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114180 | MULTI-PLANAR, TAPER LOCK SCREW WITH ADDITIONAL LOCK - A pedicle screw construct includes a pedicle screw, a coupling, a collet, and a set screw. The pedicle screw includes a shank having a helical thread formed thereon and a head at one end. The collet is positioned atop the head of the pedicle screw. The collet and pedicle screw are inserted into the coupling. The set screw is positioned in the collet such that the set screw contacts a portion of the rod and is releasably secured to the pedicle screw via a gripping tool. The pedicle screw is rotatable and pivotable relative to the collet and coupling assembly. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114181 | FIXING ELEMENT FOR A BONE FRAGMENT - A fixing element, in particular a peg, for fixing bone fragments or the like has at least two outer sub-elements extending parallel to each other and an expansion element. The sub-elements and expansion element are of such a configuration and so arranged relative to each other that the fixing element is to be transferred by means of the expansion element from a compact condition into an expanded condition. The two sub-elements define a cavity for the expansion element and have sliding surfaces for the expansion element. The sliding surfaces extend parallel to the longitudinal axis of the fixing element and, in the compact condition of the fixing element, are at a mutual spacing smaller than the mutual spacing of sliding surfaces of the expansion element, that also extend parallel to the longitudinal axis of the fixing element. The sliding surfaces of the sub-elements and the sliding surfaces of the expansion element are of such a configuration and so arranged relative to each other that introduction of the expansion element into the cavity between the sub-elements drives the sub-elements apart in the lateral direction and transfers the fixing element into its laterally expanded condition. The sub-elements provide to the fixing element in its compact condition a cylindrical basic shape of a diameter of between 3 and 7 mm and a length of over 60 mm. The fixing element in its compact condition has longitudinal portions of round cross-section and longitudinal portions of stellate cross-section which alternate in the longitudinal direction of the fixing element. The longitudinal portions of stellate cross-section are provided with prismatic ribs on the outside thereof. The diameter of the longitudinal portions of round cross-section is smaller than the diameter of the longitudinal portions of stellate cross-section. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114182 | SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS FOR DELIVERING FORCES TO BONY STRUCURES - Spinal surgical systems, instruments and methods include a surgical instrument with a first member mountable to a first vertebra and a second member mountable to a second vertebra. The first and second members are coupled to one another with a coupling mechanism that allows translation of the first and second members relative to another along a predetermined path. The coupling mechanism also provides a pivot axis about which the first and second members are manipulated relative to one another to deliver forces to the first and second vertebrae. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114183 | IMPLANT INSERTION TOOL - An insertion tool for placing a spinal implant in an intervertebral space includes a handle assembly, a jaw assembly having first and second jaw members movable with respect to each other, and a holding member adapted to hold and release an implant in response to a manipulation of the handle assembly. The holding member is configured to move longitudinally with respect to the jaw assembly upon manipulation of the handle assembly. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114184 | FLEXIBLE TOOLS FOR PREPARING BONY CANALS - Apparatus is provided that includes a surgical tool, which includes a proximal shaft, a distal rod, and a target sight. A proximal end of the distal rod is coupled to a distal end of the proximal shaft such that the distal rod articulates with the proximal shaft. The target sight includes an aiming element, which is coupled to the distal rod and extends toward the proximal shaft, and which is indicative of an alignment of the distal rod with respect to the proximal shaft. Other embodiments are also described. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114185 | DISTRACTION TOOL FOR BONE GROWTH - The described embodiments relate to a bone distraction plate device, which is surgically implanted, and a distraction tool for the purpose of growing new bone through the process of distraction. The device comprises a prosthesis housing a screw mechanism that attaches to a threaded post, which extends through tissue from an onlay plate and is surgically placed on the alveolar bone. The distraction tool is used to rotate the screw mechanism to create extension between the tissue and the onlay plate. After a brief, latent period, the screw mechanism is then activated daily using the distraction tool until the desired amount of new bone growth (height and width) is achieved. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114186 | System for altering motional response to music - A system for altering a user's motional response to music is generally described. The system includes a current source and a music source including at least one musical piece. The system also includes an information source including information associated with at least one characteristic of the at least one musical piece. Further, the system includes a sound delivering device configured with a sound producing structure and in communication with the music source. A feedback sensor device is configured to detect motions associated with the user. A control unit is configured to receive signals from the feedback sensor and receive the information, the control unit generating control signals based on the signals and the information. Further, electrical contacts are configured to contact flesh of the user and deliver current from the current source to the vestibular system of the user in response to the control signals. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114187 | System and method for providing feedback control in a vestibular stimulation system - A method is generally described which includes a method for altering a user's motional response to sound. The method includes receiving a sound produced by a sound device capable of producing sound and the sound device in communication with a sound data source. The sound data source includes information associated with at least one set of sounds. The method also includes detecting movement by a feedback sensor device and compared to information from an information source including information associated with at least one characteristic of the at least one set of sounds, and the comparison information being provided to a control program, the control program having a control algorithm configured to generate control data based on the comparison. Further, the method includes receiving current, by a vestibular system, from electrical contacts coupled to a current source, the current delivered being based on the control data and output control signals. Further still, the method includes causing alteration of the created movement in response to the current. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114188 | System and method for providing therapy by altering the motion of a person - A method for providing motor control therapy for a user by altering a user's motional response is generally described. The method includes directing a user to perform a specified motion in accordance with a schedule. The method also includes detecting the user's motions in response to the directions, by a feedback sensor device, the motions associated with the user and providing information from an information source including information associated with a target motion. Further, the method includes generating, by a control program, control data based on the data representative of the detected motions and the information. The control program is configured to receive data representative of the detected motions and to receive the information. The control program has a control algorithm configured to generate control data based on the data representative of the detected motions and the information. Further still, the method includes running the control program by a controller configured to output control signals based on the control data. Yet further still, the method includes delivering current from the current source to a vestibular stimulation device configured to deliver a stimulation current to at least one electrical contact, in response to the control signals. The at least one electrical contact is configured to contact flesh of the user. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114189 | THERAPY MODULE CROSSTALK MITIGATION - A first implantable medical device (IMD) implanted within a patient may communicate with a second IMD implanted within the patient by encoding information in an electrical stimulation signal. The delivery of the electrical stimulation signal may provide therapeutic benefits to the patient. The second IMD may sense the electrical stimulation signal, which may be presented as an artifact in a sensed cardiac signal, and process the sensed signal to retrieve the encoded information. The second IMD may modify its operation based on the received therapy information. Crosstalk between the first and second IMDs may be reduced using various techniques described herein. For example, the first IMD may generate the electrical stimulation signal to include a spread spectrum energy distribution or a predetermined signal signature. The second IMD may effectively remove a least some of the signal artifact in a sensed cardiac signal based on the predetermined signal signature. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114190 | NERVE STIMULATOR AND METHOD USING SIMULTANEOUS ELECTRICAL AND OPTICAL SIGNALS - An apparatus and method for stimulating animal tissue (for example to trigger a nerve action potential (NAP) signal in a human patient) by application of both electrical and optical signals for treatment and diagnosis purposes. The application of an electrical signal before or simultaneously to the application of a NAP-triggering optical signal allows the use of a lower amount of optical power or energy than would otherwise be needed if an optical signal alone was used for the same purpose and effectiveness. The application of the electrical signal may precondition the nerve tissue such that a lower-power optical signal can be used to trigger the desired NAP, which otherwise would take a higher-power optical signal were the electric signal not applied. Some embodiments include an implanted nerve interface having a plurality of closely spaced electrodes placed transversely and/or longitudinally to the nerve and a plurality of optical emitters. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114191 | TREATMENT OF HEADACHE - Headache treatment methods are described and include providing an energy delivery device; locating a secondary or higher-order branch of a postganglionic nerve that provides innervation for a patient's head, by identifying a target region of the patient's head that includes the nerve branch; positioning, within the target region, a portion of the energy delivery device; and applying, from the positioned portion of the energy delivery device to the target region, an amount of energy effective to result in a stimulation activity of the nerve branch; and, after observing the stimulated nerve branch activity, delivering, from the energy delivery device to the nerve branch, energy in an amount effective to reduce a headache severity in the patient. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114192 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR STIMULATING A MOTOR CORTEX OF THE BRAIN TO TREAT A MEDICAL CONDITION - Methods of treating a medical condition include applying at least one stimulus to a motor cortex within a brain of a patient with an implanted system control unit in accordance with one or more stimulation parameters. Systems for treating a medical condition include a system control unit implanted within the patient that is configured to apply at least one stimulus to a motor cortex within a brain of a patient in accordance with one or more stimulation parameters. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114193 | METHOD OF TREATING DEPRESSION, MOOD DISORDERS AND ANXIETY DISORDERS USING NEUROMODULATION - The present application involves a method and a system for using electrical stimulation and/or chemical stimulation to treat depression. More particularly, the method comprises surgically implanting an electrical stimulation lead and/or catheter that is in communication with a predetermined site which is coupled to a signal generator and/or infusion pump that release either an electrical signal and/or a pharmaceutical resulting in stimulation of the predetermined site thereby treating the mood and/or anxiety. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114194 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ACCURATELY DETECTING CARDIAC EVENTS USING MULTI-THRESHOLD PROCESSING - A system and method provide precise detection of the time of occurrence of a cardiac event of a heart. The method comprises the steps of sensing electrical activity of the heart to generate an electrogram of the heart and applying the electrogram to an event detector having a plurality of spaced apart thresholds. The thresholds are selected such that the electrogram has an amplitude for crossing at least one of the thresholds. The method further comprises determining a characteristic identifying feature of the electrogram at each threshold crossing of the electrogram, comparing the determined characteristic identifying features to an electrogram template, and identifying the time of occurrence of the cardiac event based upon the comparison. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114195 | IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE INCLUDING EXTRAVASCULAR CARDIAC STIMULATION AND NEUROSTIMULATION CAPABILITIES - An implantable medical device may deliver pacing, cardioversion, and/or defibrillation stimulation to a heart of a patient via extravascular electrodes and delivers electrical stimulation to a nonmyocardial tissue site to modulate the autonomic nervous system of the patient. The implantable medical device may include a cardiac therapy module that generates and delivers at least one of pacing, cardioversion, or defibrillation therapy to a patient via an extravascular electrode, and a neurostimulation therapy module that generates and delivers a neurostimulation signal to the patient via a neurostimulation electrode. The cardiac therapy module and neurostimulation therapy module may be disposed in a common housing of the medical device. In some examples, at least one common lead may electrically couple the neurostimulation electrode and the extravascular electrode to the neurostimulation and cardiac therapy modules, respectively. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114196 | IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE CROSSTALK EVALUATION AND MITIGATION - Electrical crosstalk between two implantable medical devices or two different therapy modules of a common implantable medical device may be evaluated, and, in some examples, mitigated. In some examples, one of the implantable medical devices or therapy modules delivers electrical stimulation to a nonmyocardial tissue site or a nonvascular cardiac tissue site, and the other implantable medical device or therapy module delivers cardiac rhythm management therapy to a heart of the patient. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114197 | IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE CROSSTALK EVALUATION AND MITIGATION - Electrical crosstalk between two implantable medical devices or two different therapy modules of a common implantable medical device may be evaluated, and, in some examples, mitigated. In some examples, one of the implantable medical devices or therapy modules delivers electrical stimulation to a nonmyocardial tissue site or a nonvascular cardiac tissue site, and the other implantable medical device or therapy module delivers cardiac rhythm management therapy to a heart of the patient. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114198 | IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE CROSSTALK EVALUATION AND MITIGATION - Electrical crosstalk between two implantable medical devices or two different therapy modules of a common implantable medical device may be evaluated, and, in some examples, mitigated. In some examples, one of the implantable medical devices or therapy modules delivers electrical stimulation to a nonmyocardial tissue site or a nonvascular cardiac tissue site, and the other implantable medical device or therapy module delivers cardiac rhythm management therapy to a heart of the patient. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114199 | IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE CROSSTALK EVALUATION AND MITIGATION - Electrical crosstalk between two implantable medical devices or two different therapy modules of a common implantable medical device may be evaluated, and, in some examples, mitigated. In some examples, one of the implantable medical devices or therapy modules delivers electrical stimulation to a nonmyocardial tissue site or a nonvascular cardiac tissue site, and the other implantable medical device or therapy module delivers cardiac rhythm management therapy to a heart of the patient. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114200 | IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE CROSSTALK EVALUATION AND MITIGATION - Electrical crosstalk between two implantable medical devices or two different therapy modules of a common implantable medical device may be evaluated, and, in some examples, mitigated. In some examples, one of the implantable medical devices or therapy modules delivers electrical stimulation to a nonmyocardial tissue site or a nonvascular cardiac tissue site, and the other implantable medical device or therapy module delivers cardiac rhythm management therapy to a heart of the patient. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114201 | IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE CROSSTALK EVALUATION AND MITIGATION - Electrical crosstalk between two implantable medical devices or two different therapy modules of a common implantable medical device may be evaluated, and, in some examples, mitigated. In some examples, one of the implantable medical devices or therapy modules delivers electrical stimulation to a nonmyocardial tissue site or a nonvascular cardiac tissue site, and the other implantable medical device or therapy module delivers cardiac rhythm management therapy to a heart of the patient. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114202 | IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE CROSSTALK EVALUATION AND MITIGATION - Electrical crosstalk between two implantable medical devices or two different therapy modules of a common implantable medical device may be evaluated, and, in some examples, mitigated. In some examples, one of the implantable medical devices or therapy modules delivers electrical stimulation to a nonmyocardial tissue site or a nonvascular cardiac tissue site, and the other implantable medical device or therapy module delivers cardiac rhythm management therapy to a heart of the patient. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114203 | IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE CROSSTALK EVALUATION AND MITIGATION - Electrical crosstalk between two implantable medical devices or two different therapy modules of a common implantable medical device may be evaluated, and, in some examples, mitigated. In some examples, one of the implantable medical devices or therapy modules delivers electrical stimulation to a nonmyocardial tissue site or a nonvascular cardiac tissue site, and the other implantable medical device or therapy module delivers cardiac rhythm management therapy to a heart of the patient. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114204 | INTERDEVICE IMPEDANCE - An electrical parameter value indicative of an impedance of an electrical path between a first medical device implanted within a patient and a second medical device implanted within the patient may be determined by generating and delivering an electrical signal between electrodes connected to the first medical device and sensing the electrical signal with two or more sense electrodes connected to the second medical device. In some examples, the electrical parameter value indicative of the impedance may be used to detect a system integrity issue, such as relative movement between the first and second medical devices, such as between leads connected to the medical devices, or a lead-related condition. In other examples, the determined impedance may indicate a transthoracic impedance of the patient. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114205 | SHUNT-CURRENT REDUCTION HOUSING FOR AN IMPLANTABLE THERAPY SYSTEM - Techniques for minimizing interference between first and second medical devices of a therapy system may include providing an outer housing for at least one of the medical devices that comprises an electrically insulative layer formed over at least the electrically conductive portions (e.g., an electrically conductive layer) of the housing, or providing an electrically insulative pouch around an electrically conductive housing of at least the first medical device. The electrically insulative layer or electrically insulative pouch may reduce or even eliminate shunt-current that flows into the medical device via the housing. The shunt-current may be generated by the delivery of electrical stimulation by the second medical device. In some examples, the techniques may also include shunt-current mitigation circuitry that helps minimize or even eliminate shunt-current that feeds into the first medical device via one or more electrodes electrically connected to the first medical device. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114206 | Patient Interface Device and Therapy Delivery System - A method and system for diagnosing a medical condition, alerting a patient that a therapy is impending, and allowing the patient to override or modify the impending therapy are provided. The system may include an implantable medical device (“IMD”) and a patient interface device. The IMD may sense a physiological parameter within a patient, determine whether the physiological parameter qualifies for therapy based on a therapy criteria, and alert the patient via the patient interface device that therapy is impending if the physiological parameter qualifies for therapy. The patient may be given an opportunity to respond to the alert with the patient interface device and send an therapy modification indication if the therapy is not needed or wanted. The IMD may wait a predetermined period of time for the patient response and deliver the therapy if the patient response is not transmitted before expiration of the predetermined period of time or withhold the therapy if the patient overrides the delivery of the therapy within the predetermined period of time. The IMD may adjust one or more operational settings applied during its operation in response to the activity of the system. The patient interface device may be configured to avoid accidental override or modification of the delivery of the therapy. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114207 | INTERFERENTIAL CARDIAC PRECONDITIONING AND DEPOLARIZATION - Exemplary systems, devices, and methods pertaining to cardiac related therapy and particularly to interferential cardiac preconditioning and depolarization are described. A cardiac arrhythmia is detected from electrogram data sensed from a patient's heart and a region of the heart affected by the cardiac arrhythmia is determined. The affected region is the interferentially energized by multiple cycles of two concurrently delivered alternating currents which are offset in frequency. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114208 | IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE CROSSTALK EVALUATION AND MITIGATION - Electrical crosstalk between two implantable medical devices or two different therapy modules of a common implantable medical device may be evaluated, and, in some examples, mitigated. In some examples, one of the implantable medical devices or therapy modules delivers electrical stimulation to a nonmyocardial tissue site or a nonvascular cardiac tissue site, and the other implantable medical device or therapy module delivers cardiac rhythm management therapy to a heart of the patient. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114209 | COMMUNICATION BETWEEN IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICES - A first implantable medical device (IMD) implanted within a patient may communicate with a second IMD implanted within the patient by encoding information in an electrical stimulation signal. The delivery of the electrical stimulation signal may provide therapeutic benefits to the patient. The second IMD may sense the electrical stimulation signal, which may be presented as an artifact in a sensed cardiac signal, and process the sensed signal to retrieve the encoded information. The second IMD may modify its operation based on the received therapy information. Crosstalk between the first and second IMDs may be reduced using various techniques described herein. For example, the first IMD may generate the electrical stimulation signal to include a spread spectrum energy distribution or a predetermined signal signature. The second IMD may effectively remove a least some of the signal artifact in a sensed cardiac signal based on the predetermined signal signature. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114210 | IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE LEAD CONNECTION ASSEMBLY - A lead connection assembly of an implantable medical device (IMD) may include at least two different types of electrical connectors. In some examples, the lead connection assembly may include first and second electrical connectors that have at least one of a different electrical contact arrangement, a different lead connection receptacle geometry or a different size than the first electrical connector. The first electrical connector may be electrically connected to a first therapy module that generates cardiac rhythm therapy that is delivered to a heart of a patient, and the second electrical connector may be electrically connected to a second therapy module that generates electrical stimulation that is delivered to a tissue site within the patient. The second electrical connector may be configured to be incompatible with a lead that delivers the cardiac rhythm therapy to the patient. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114211 | SHUNT-CURRENT REDUCTION TECHNIQUES FOR AN IMPLANTABLE THERAPY SYSTEM - Techniques for minimizing interference between the first and second medical devices or between the different therapy modules of a common medical device are described herein. In some examples, a medical device may include shunt-current mitigation circuitry and/or at least one clamping structure that helps minimize or even eliminate shunt-current that feeds into a first therapy module of the medical device via one or more electrodes electrically connected to the first therapy module. The shunt-current may be generated by the delivery of electrical stimulation by a second therapy module. The second therapy module may be enclosed in a common housing with the first therapy module or may be separate, e.g., a part of a separate medical device. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114212 | SINGLE-CHAMBER CARDIAC STIMULATOR - A single-chamber cardiac stimulator ( | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114213 | SINGLE-CHAMBER HEART STIMULATOR - A single-chamber heart stimulator has an electrically conductive housing, first and second detection units, and a VT/SVT discrimination unit. The first detection unit is connected to an electrode pair of a ventricular electrode lead for obtaining a first electrocardiogram signal recorded in bipolar fashion, and is designed to sense and classify ventricular heartbeats. The second detection unit is connected on one side to an electrode of the ventricular electrode lead, and on the other side to the electrically conductive housing, for obtaining a second electrocardiogram signal containing signal features characteristic of atrial heartbeats. The VT/SVT discrimination unit is connected to the first and second detection units, and effects discrimination between ventricular and supraventricular tachycardias based on ventricular heartbeats measured through the first detection unit, and on atrial heartbeats measured through the second detection unit to the extent the rate of measured ventricular heartbeats exceeds a threshold value (VT zone threshold). | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114214 | IMPLANTABLE CARDIOVERTER DEFIBRILLATOR CAPACITOR ASSEMBLY WITH FLEX CIRCUIT - An implantable cardioverter defibrillator (“ICD”) comprises a battery, control circuitry and a capacitor assembly. The capacitor assembly includes at least one capacitor, a flex circuit for connection to the control circuitry of the ICD and a first and second support portions. The flex circuit is arranged between the first and second support portions and includes a plurality of tangs for connecting to the anode and cathode of the capacitor(s), as well as to the control circuitry of the ICD. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114215 | IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE INCLUDING TWO POWER SOURCES - An implantable medical device (IMD) may include a battery dedicated to providing cardiac stimulation therapy and a separate power source that provides power for electrical stimulation therapy. Such a configuration preserves the battery dedicated for providing cardiac stimulation therapy even if the second power source is depleted. As an example, the IMD may comprise a cardiac stimulation module configured to deliver at least one stimulation therapy selected from a group consisting of pacing, cardioversion and defibrillation. The IMD further comprises a electrical stimulation module configured to deliver electrical stimulation therapy, a first power source including a battery, wherein the first power source is configured to supply power to the cardiac stimulation module and not to the electrical stimulation module, and a second power source. The second power source is configured to supply power to at least the electrical stimulation module. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114216 | INTERFERENCE MITIGATION FOR IMPLANTABLE DEVICE RECHARGING - A therapy or monitoring system may implement one or more techniques to mitigate interference between operation of a charging device that charges a first implantable medical device (IMD) implanted in a patient and a second IMD implanted in the patient. In some examples, the techniques may include modifying an operating parameter of the charging device in response to receiving an indication that a second IMD is implanted in the patient. The techniques also may include modifying an operating parameter of the second IMD in response to detecting the presence or operation of the charging device. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114217 | THERAPY SYSTEM INCLUDING CARDIAC RHYTHM THERAPY AND NEUROSTIMULATION CAPABILITIES - An implantable medical system that includes a cardiac therapy module and a neurostimulation therapy module may identify when neurostimulation electrodes have migrated toward a patient's heart. In some examples, the system may determine whether the neurostimulation electrodes have migrated toward the patient's heart based on a physiological response to an electrical signal delivered to the patient via the neurostimulation electrodes. In addition, in some examples, the system may determine whether the neurostimulation electrodes have migrated toward the patient's heart based on an electrical cardiac signal sensed via the neurostimulation electrodes. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114218 | RESUSCITATION AND LIFE SUPPORT SYSTEM, METHOD AND APPARATUS - A method of applying electrotherapy to the heart of a patient includes positioning electrodes in communication with the heart of the patient; monitoring the patient's heart to determine if its fibrillating; and providing a first signal with a current generator to the heart through the electrodes in response to an indication that the heart is fibrillating. The first stimulus signal reduces the amount of fibrillation. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114219 | PULSE DETECTION METHOD AND APPARATUS USING PATIENT IMPEDANCE - The presence of a cardiac pulse in a patient is determined by evaluating fluctuations in an electrical signal that represents a measurement of the patient's transthoracic impedance. Impedance signal data obtained from the patient is analyzed for a feature indicative of the presence of a cardiac pulse. Whether a cardiac pulse is present in the patient is determined based on the feature in the impedance signal data. Electrocardiogram (ECG) data may also be obtained in time coordination with the impedance signal data. Various applications for the pulse detection of the invention include detection of PEA and prompting PEA-specific therapy, prompting defibrillation therapy and/or CPR, and prompting rescue breathing depending on detection of respiration. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114220 | NON-INVASIVE DEVICE FOR SYNCHRONIZING CHEST COMPRESSION AND VENTILATION PARAMETERS TO RESIDUAL MYOCARDIAL ACTIVITY DURING CARDIOPULMONARY RESUSCITATION - A method for improving the cardiac output of a patient who is suffering from pulseless electrical activity or shock and yet still displays some myocardial wall motion including sensing myocardial activity to determine the presence of residual left ventricular pump function having a contraction or ejection phase and a filling or relaxation phase. In such cases, a compressive force is repeatedly applied to the chest based on the sensed myocardial activity such that the compressive force is applied during at least some of the ejection phases and is ceased during at least some of the relaxation phases to permit residual cardiac filling, thereby enhancing cardiac output and organ perfusion. Also incorporated may be a logic circuit capable of utilizing multiple sensing modalities and optimizing the synchronization pattern between multiple phasic therapeutic modalities and myocardial residual mechanical function. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114221 | THERAPY SYSTEM INCLUDING CARDIAC RHYTHM THERAPY AND NEUROSTIMULATION CAPABILITIES - An implantable medical system that includes a cardiac therapy module and a neurostimulation therapy module may identify when neurostimulation electrodes have migrated toward a patient's heart. In some examples, the system may determine whether the neurostimulation electrodes have migrated toward the patient's heart based on a physiological response to an electrical signal delivered to the patient via the neurostimulation electrodes. In addition, in some examples, the system may determine whether the neurostimulation electrodes have migrated toward the patient's heart based on an electrical cardiac signal sensed via the neurostimulation electrodes. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114222 | LEAD INTEGRITY TESTING TRIGGERED BY SENSED ASYSTOLE - A method includes sensing a cardiac electrogram (EGM) signal of a patient via one or more electrodes on at least one implantable medical lead. An asystolic EGM signal is detected from the patient, and a lead integrity test of the at least one implantable medical lead is initiated in response to the asystolic EGM signal. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114223 | DETERMINING INTERCARDIAC IMPEDANCE - A system and method for determining complex intercardiac impedance to detect various cardiac functions are disclosed involving a signal generator means for providing an adjustable direct current signal, a modulator for modulating the adjustable direct current signal to produce a modulated signal, at least one electrode for propagating the modulated signal across a myocardium, at least one sensor for detecting an outputted modulated signal from the myocardium, and at least one circuit to reduce the influence of process noise (aggressors) in the outputted modulated signal. The at least one circuit comprises an amplifier, a demodulator, and an integrator. The amplitude and phase of the final outputted modulated signal indicate the complex impedance of the myocardium. Changes in the complex impedance patterns of the myocardium provide indication of reduced oxygen and blood flow to the myocardium. The apparatus can be employed in implantable devices, including cardiac pacemakers and implantable cardioverter defibrillators. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114224 | IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE CROSSTALK EVALUATION AND MITIGATION - Electrical crosstalk between two implantable medical devices or two different therapy modules of a common implantable medical device may be evaluated, and, in some examples, mitigated. In some examples, one of the implantable medical devices or therapy modules delivers electrical stimulation to a nonmyocardial tissue site or a nonvascular cardiac tissue site, and the other implantable medical device or therapy module delivers cardiac rhythm management therapy to a heart of the patient. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114225 | HOUSING STRUCTURE FOR A MEDICAL IMPLANT INCLUDING A MONOLITHIC SUBSTRATE - Embodiments described herein provide lid structures for medical implant (MI) housing. In one embodiment, the invention provides a lid structure for a MI housing comprising a substrate comprising a dielectric material, a conductive portion fabricated on a substrate surface or interior, a frame at least partially surrounding the substrate perimeter, a plurality of vias projecting at least partially through the substrate, a plurality of conductive pins with at least one pin projecting through a via. The frame is hermetically joined to the substrate and can be hermetically joined to the housing. The conductive portion allows electrical components, including capacitors, inductors, resistor and antennas to be fabricated on or coupled to the substrate surface or interior. The antenna comprises a conductive trace positioned on a substrate top surface and is configured to send and receive signals between an implant within a patient's body and a communication device external to the body. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114226 | SYSTEM TO PROVIDE MYOCARDIAL AND NEURAL STIMULATION - Various aspects provide an implantable device. In various embodiments, the device comprises at least one port, where each port is adapted to connect a lead with an electrode to the device. The device further includes a stimulation platform, including a sensing circuit connected to the at least one port to sense an intrinsic cardiac signal and a stimulation circuit connected to the at least one port via a stimulation channel to deliver a stimulation signal through the stimulation channel to the electrode. The stimulation circuit is adapted to deliver stimulation signals through the stimulation channel for both neural stimulation therapy and CRM therapy. The sensing and stimulation circuits are adapted to perform CRM functions. The device further includes a controller connected to the sensing circuit and the stimulation circuit to control the neural stimulation therapy and the CRM therapy. Other aspects and embodiments are provided herein. | 2010-05-06 |
| 20100114227 | Systems and Methds for Use by an Implantable Medical Device for Controlling Vagus Nerve Stimulation Based on Heart Rate Reduction Curves and Thresholds to Mitigate Heart Failure - Systems and techniques are provided for controlling vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) delivered by an implantable medical device for mitigating heart failure in a patient. In one mode, VNS therapy is set to levels just below a heart rate reduction threshold so as to deliver VNS near the highest stimulation levels that can be achieved without reducing patient heart rate. In this manner, a maximum level of heart failure mitigation can be achieved via VNS therapy without incurring the potentially adverse consequences of inducing bradycardia within the patient. In another mode, VNS therapy is instead controlled to deliver VNS above the threshold so as to mitigate heart failure while also selectively reducing heart rate, as may be appropriate in patients susceptible to cardiac ischemia. A controlled heart rate reduction curve may additionally or alternatively be determined for use in achieving target amounts of heart rate reduction. | 2010-05-06 |
