| 27th week of 2009 patent applcation highlights part 62 |
| Patent application number | Title | Published |
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| 20090171297 | CONTAINER AND CAP ASSEMBLY - A substance delivery system may include a substance delivery device, a cap, and a removal device. The system may be designed for ease of use. The substance delivery device may include an elongated member adapted to interface with a body. Substance delivery devices may be designed allowing for a predetermined separation distance between the body of the device and end of an elongated member used to drive substance from the device. | 2009-07-02 |
| 20090171298 | SYRINGE WITH EXTENDABLE AND RETRACTABLE NEEDLE - A syringe for use with a carpule and needle is provided. The syringe comprises: (i) a holder for accepting the carpule, the holder comprising at least two linearly disposed first mating members; (ii) a plunger for engagement with the holder; and (iii) a shell for slidably housing the holder, the shell having a distal aperture and a proximal aperture, with a bore therebetween, the shell comprising at least one integral biased member proximate to the proximal aperture, the biased member having a second mating member proximate to a distal end, for mating with the first mating member, such that in a first position, the needle is housed within the shell and in a second position, the needle extends at least partially from the shell. | 2009-07-02 |
| 20090171299 | ADAPTOR WITH BLUNT CANNULA - An adaptor comprises a plate having upper and lower surfaces, and oppositely disposed side edges therebetween. A luer mating structure is associated with the plate upper surface. A blunt cannula is associated with the lower surface. The blunt cannula has a proximal portion extending from the plate lower surface and a distal portion extending from the proximal portion to a tip end. A pair of generally flat guide walls extends from the plate side edges to either side of the blunt cannula. | 2009-07-02 |
| 20090171300 | DELIVERY SYSTEM FOR MEDICAL DEVICE - A system for delivery of a medical device to a target site within the body of a patient includes an introducer sheath, and a delivery assembly receivable within a passageway of the sheath. The delivery assembly comprises an inner tubular and an outer tubular member. At least a distal portion of the inner tubular member has a diameter such that the medical device is receivable thereover. The outer tubular member is generally coaxial with the inner tubular member, and has a length such that the outer tubular member distal end terminates proximal to the inner tubular member distal portion. The outer tubular member has a first outer diameter at the proximal end and extends for a length of the outer tubular member to a first diameter boundary point. The outer tubular member has a gradual inward taper in the distal direction from the boundary point to a second outer diameter, and has an abrupt outward taper in the distal direction from the second diameter to the first diameter. | 2009-07-02 |
| 20090171301 | Multi-conduit balloon catheter - A suctioning and irrigating sinus balloon catheter ( | 2009-07-02 |
| 20090171302 | ENHANCED DURABILITY OF HYDROPHILIC COATINGS - Lubricous coatings, methods for making an using lubricous coatings, and medical device that include lubricious coatings. An example lubricous coating may include includes a hydrophilic polymer, a flow modifier, an acrylic monomer, a photoinitiator, and a solvent. The coating can be used to coat a medical device along an inner surface, an outer surface, or an intermediate surface. | 2009-07-02 |
| 20090171303 | Fixed- or Variable-Length, Wire-Reinforced Catheter and Method of Adaptation - This disclosure relates to a fixed- or variable-length, wire-reinforced catheter for use in a human body or connected to a subcutaneous port implanted in a human body for use under a cyclical internal load and method of adaptation thereof, and more particularly, to a wire-reinforced catheter of increased internal diameter or reduced external diameter of fixed or variable lengths for the optimized transportation of blood under cyclical internal load and without damage. | 2009-07-02 |
| 20090171304 | COATED HYPODERMIC NEEDLE - A needle for a medical procedure includes a shaft with an inner surface, an outer surface, a proximal section, and a distal section. The distal section has a conductive tip configured to be a first electrode for voltage measurement. The needle further includes a first electrically insulative outer layer over a portion of the outer surface of the shaft. The conductive tip is adapted for insertion through tissue into, for example, a pericardial space of a patient. A system for determining the location of a needle during a medical procedure includes the needle and an anatomical mapping and localization system electrically coupled to the needle and adapted to measure voltage at the conductive tip. A system for determining tissue thickness during a medical procedure includes the needle, an anatomical mapping and localization system electrically coupled to the needle, and an electrocardiograph operatively coupled to the needle and adapted to monitor electrical activity at the conductive tip and at the second electrode. The needle may include a second electrode. | 2009-07-02 |
| 20090171305 | COMBINATION THERAPY FOR LONG-LASTING CKR - Corneal collagen crosslinking of CKR™-treated cornea results in a long-lasting, potentially permanent correction of corneal shape and improved vision. | 2009-07-02 |
| 20090171306 | Pre-Filter for an Ostomy Bag - An ostomy bag with a filter assembly having a gas filter and a pre-filter for preventing or delaying solid/semisolid matter and liquid from reaching the gas filter. The pre-filter is at least substantially flat and comprises a number of constrictions, such as ribs extending along and between two inner surface parts of the channel. These constrictions/ribs form narrower and wider passages where the gas may more quickly pass a narrow passage and where the wider passages tend to receive and hold the liquid, solid matter and semisolid matter. At least a part of the constrictions may be provided in a random pattern. | 2009-07-02 |
| 20090171307 | TRANSLUCENT INTERNAL GRAPHICS ENHANCEMENT - Methods for forming a translucent window on the inner surface of a liquid impermeable breathable film outer cover of an absorbent product, such as a diaper, for viewing a water dispersible ink to indicate when an insult has occurred are disclosed. Additionally, absorbent products having a translucent window and a water dispersible ink are disclosed. | 2009-07-02 |
| 20090171308 | Absorbent Structure Comprising Water-Swellable Material - An absorbent structure formed from a process of providing water-swellable material that includes water-swellable polymer particles, which are coated with a coating agent. The coating agent is a phase-separating elastomeric material that has a first and second glass transition temperature. The coated water-swellable polymer particles are able to swell without breakage of the coating. | 2009-07-02 |
| 20090171309 | Body adhering absorbent article - The present invention provides a body adhering absorbent article which is capable of absorbing bodily fluids. In this particular embodiment of the present invention, provided is an absorbent article which is specifically designed for attachment to a wearer's skin in the vulva region of the wearer's torso. | 2009-07-02 |
| 20090171310 | Fluid Management Device with Fluid Transport Element for use within a Body - A fluid management device for use in a mammalian body has at least one fluid transport element capable of interfacing with a mammalian body element to provide a substantially uninterrupted fluid conduit. The fluid conduit provides a fluid path between at least one fluid transport element and the storage element. A distal portion of the at least one fluid transport element is capable of extending away from the fluid storage element, and the at least one fluid transport element has a Wing Stiffness of less than about 10 g | 2009-07-02 |
| 20090171311 | DISPENSER AND THERAPEUTIC PACKAGE SUITABLE FOR ADMINISTERING A THERAPEUTIC SUBSTANCE TO A SUBJECT, ALONG WITH METHOD RELATING TO SAME - A dispensing device comprises a sealed package including a collapsible compartment and an administration assembly. The administration assembly includes a delivery device in fluid communication with a substance within the sealed package. A compression panel collapses the compartment to dispense a substance through the delivery device. Embodiments for a single use dispenser for hypodermic administration of a unit dose of a therapeutic fluid, as well as therapeutic packages and methods for administering therapeutic substances to subjects, are also provided. | 2009-07-02 |
| 20090171312 | System And Method For Remotely Operating A Peristaltic Pump - A method of storing on a remote storage device protocol information for a drug for administration via a peristaltic pump is disclosed. A communications path between the peristaltic pump and the remote storage device is provided. The protocol information for the drug is entered into the peristaltic pump. The protocol information is transferred from the peristaltic pump to the remote storage device. The protocol information for the drug is stored on the remote storage device. History information may be retrieved from the peristaltic pump. A user request is received requesting retrieval of history information from the peristaltic pump. A pump request is formatted to retrieve history information. The pump request to receive history information is transmitted to the peristaltic pump. The history information is received from the peristaltic pump. The history information is displayed and stored. | 2009-07-02 |
| 20090171313 | IONTOPHORESIS DEVICE HAVING AN ACTIVE ELECTRODE UNIT - An iontophoresis device transdermally administers an active agent, such as a drug ion, to a biological interface of an organism. The iontophoresis device includes a first electrode assembly having a first electrode member, which is electrically coupled to a terminal, of a main electric power source, having a first polarity that is the same polarity as that of a drug ion. The iontophoresis device includes a drug solution reservoir arranged in an electric field generated by the first electrode member and holding a drug, a counter electrode assembly electrically coupled to another terminal (of the main electric power source) having a second polarity that is opposite to the first polarity, and a vibrating portion having an ultrasonic oscillator for oscillating an ultrasonic wave and an ultrasonic vibrator vibrating due to the ultrasonic wave supplied from the ultrasonic oscillator. The ultrasonic vibrator is provided in the vicinity of the active electrode assembly. | 2009-07-02 |
| 20090171314 | MOLDED ARTICLES COMPRISING MICRONEEDLE ARRAYS - A molded article comprising at least one chain of microneedle arrays wherein adjacent arrays in the chain are interconnected by integrally formed runners. Such a molded article may further comprise two or more chains of microneedle arrays, wherein adjacent chains are interconnected to each other by integrally formed runners. Also, methods of making molded articles and positioning them for delivery to a patient. | 2009-07-02 |
| 20090171315 | Method and device for delivering drug to the trigone of the bladder - Methods of treating functional disorders of the bladder in mammalian females are disclosed. A therapeutic compound is delivered directly into the trigone of the bladder. The therapeutic may be delivered to the trigone through the vaginal wall. A device for delivering the therapeutic compound is also disclosed. The device may be an array of microneedles connected to a reservoir. | 2009-07-02 |
| 20090171316 | METHOD OF TREATING A JOINT USING AN ARTICULAR INJECTION SYSTEM - Systems for injecting fluids and/or other materials into a targeted anatomical location, in particular, an intra-articular space, include a handpiece assembly having a proximal end and a distal end, a needle extending from the distal end of the handpiece assembly, a fluid delivery module comprising a cassette and a fluid transfer device. A conduit is generally configured to place the fluid delivery module in fluid communication with the handpiece assembly. Medications, formulations and/or other fluids or materials contained within vials that are secured to the fluid delivery module can be selectively delivered into an anatomy through a needle located at the distal end of the handpiece assembly. In some embodiments, ultrasound or other imaging technologies can be used to locate a joint or other targeted anatomical location. | 2009-07-02 |
| 20090171317 | Self-Catheterization Device To Administes Compounds To The Bladder - Devices and methods for self catheterization and for instilling fluid into the bladder are disclosed. A catheter device is provided for inserting into the urethra of an individual by the subject him or herself for the purpose of instilling a therapeutic compound into the bladder. The catheter assembly includes a catheter that has an opening near the tip, a valve mechanism, and a reservoir at the opposite end from the tip. The catheter may be provided with separate channels for draining the bladder and instilling a therapeutic compound into the bladder. Methods for self catheterization and self-administration of a therapeutic compound into the bladder by a patient are disclosed. | 2009-07-02 |
| 20090171318 | Catheter with non-uniform wall thickness - A catheter having a non uniform wall thickness comprising first and second wall regions is described. The first region is thicker than the second region and at least a part of the first region comprises a material having a lower stiffness modulus than the second region. Typically, the ratio of stiffness between the first region and the second region is less than 1.25:1 and preferably approximately 1:1. The first region may comprise the same material as the second region but having a different formulation so that the stiffness modulus is altered. Alternatively, the regions may comprise different materials. The lower modulus material is coextruded into at least a part of the broadest/thicker cross sectional region(s). | 2009-07-02 |
| 20090171319 | Catheter Shaft with Multiple Reinforcing Layers and Method of its Manufacture - A catheter shaft includes an inner layer of a first polymeric material, an intermediate layer of a second polymeric material, an outer layer of a third polymeric material, a first wire reinforcing layer encapsulated between the inner and intermediate layers, and a second wire reinforcing layer encapsulated between the outer and intermediate layers. Typically, the first wire reinforcing layer includes one or more metallic wires helically wound in one direction and the second wire reinforcing layer includes one or more metallic wires helically wound in the opposite direction. The intermediate layer is bonded to the inner and outer layers, as by extruding layers over one another or by thermal lamination or reflow bonding. Typically, the intermediate layer has a larger yield strain and/or a lower flexural modulus and/or a lower durometer than at least one of the inner layer and the outer layer. | 2009-07-02 |
| 20090171320 | MEDICAL ELONGATE MEMBER, METHOD OF MANUFACTURING THE SAME, AND APPARATUS FOR MANUFACTURING THE SAME - Disclosed herein is a medical elongate member including a elongate base material, a resin layer formed to coat or to be integral with the surface of at least a part of the base material, and a plurality of projections dispersed uniformly in a surface of the resin layer. | 2009-07-02 |
| 20090171321 | REDUCED RADIATION FLUOROSCOPIC SYSTEM - An imaging system includes a display, an x-ray based image acquisition device, a workstation, and a medical device, e.g., a catheter. The image acquisition device is configured to obtain real-time two-dimensional images of a portion of a patient's body that is disposed within the field of view of the image acquisition device. The workstation is configured to integrate and register a three-dimensional model of an anatomic structure with the two-dimensional image, and to provide the display with a real-time image of the integrated image. The catheter includes a distal portion that comprises a radiopaque material. The image acquisition device is further adapted to apply radiation at a first dosage rate that is below a second dosage rate sufficient to detect anatomic structures. | 2009-07-02 |
| 20090171322 | Breakage Resistant Fitting - The invention may be said to be directed to a luer fitting. The luer fitting may include a male luer, a luer collar disposed about the male luer, and a fulcrum ( | 2009-07-02 |
| 20090171323 | Catheter assembly and fluid supply apparatus therefor - A catheter assembly includes a multi-lumen catheter and fluid supply apparatus for supplying fluid to said multi-lumen catheter. The fluid supply apparatus includes an inlet element for coupling to a supply of catheter fluid, a plurality of fluid outlet elements arranged to be each coupled to a respective lumen of the catheter and a flow splitter arranged between the inlet element and the outlet elements. The flow splitter is able to split or divert flow of fluid from the inlet to at least one of the plurality of outlets. For this purpose, the preferred embodiment includes a gate for directing fluid flow to one or more of the outlet elements. There may also be provided a diffuser and a nozzle. | 2009-07-02 |
| 20090171324 | Reservoir Pressure Equalization Systems and Methods - Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to equalizing pressure in a reservoir containing fluidic media, possibly due to imperfect installation of the reservoir or an external influence such as an altitude or a temperature change. In various embodiments, fluidic media may be expelled from the reservoir through a needle and contained in an interior volume of a pierceable member before the needle pierces the pierceable member to establish a flow path to a user. In other embodiments, fluidic media may be expelled through a port of the reservoir into a chamber. In further embodiments, fluidic media may be expelled through a channel in a plunger head and out a passage in the reservoir when the channel and passage are aligned. In other embodiments, fluidic media may be expelled through a valve, and the valve may be pierceable by a needle to establish a flow path to the user. | 2009-07-02 |
| 20090171325 | Method for Treatment and Diagnosis of Eye Tissues - The invention relates to a process for minimally invasive to non-invasive optical treatment of tissues of the eye and also for diagnosis thereof and to a device for implementing this process. The object underlying the invention is to create a process and a laser arrangement for minimally invasive to non-invasive optical treatment in the interior of the eye, particularly of cases of defective vision, by ablation of tissue, said treatment being distinguished by a hitherto unattained high precision, with possible widths of incision in the range less than 2 μm, without a significant mechanical impairment of the surrounding tissue occurring that has been generated by photodisruption. The process and the arrangement are to be inexpensive and easy to operate. In addition, at the same time the arrangement is to enable a three-dimensional imaging of the tissue. This object is achieved by virtue of a process in which the ablation is effected by focused planar or spatial scanning while adhering to equal, in order of magnitude, focusing-point diameters and point spacings below 5 μm with a radiation within the spectral range from 500 nm to 1200 nm, whereby, by virtue of a pulse duration in the order of femtoseconds and an energy of the individual pulse in the order of nanojoules and below, the destruction of the tissue is substantially limited to the diameter of the point, and permanent changes by virtue of propagation of energy beyond this diameter are avoided. The invention can be applied in opthalmology. | 2009-07-02 |
| 20090171326 | Medical Device and Method - A medical device comprising a lens epithelial cell deactivation unit adapted for selectively deactivating lens epithelial cells of an eye. | 2009-07-02 |
| 20090171327 | Photodisruptive Laser Treatment of the Crystalline Lens - Apparatus and methods of treating a hard lens region of an eye with a laser where one method includes identifying a boundary of the hard lens region, selecting a laser-parameter to enable a photodisruptive procedure in the hard lens region and to control a spreading of bubbles in the hard lens region, modifying a mechanical property of a posterior portion of the hard lens region in a proximity of the identified boundary by the photodisruptive procedure, and modifying a mechanical property of a portion anterior to the modified posterior portion of the hard lens region by the photodisruptive procedure. The laser bubbles can be applied to form incisions which are non transverse to an axis of the eye and intersect the lens fibers. | 2009-07-02 |
| 20090171328 | Surgical Console Display Operable to Provide a Visual Indication of a Status of a Surgical Laser - A surgical console display operable to provide a visual indication of status of a surgical laser or other surgical instrument or peripheral device coupled to the surgical console is provided in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. This facilitates the surgeon's management of a surgical procedure where a multitude of tasks and surgical control equipment are manipulated during an ocular surgery. The surgical console includes a processing module, an external interface, and a user interface having a display screen. The display screen specifically allows operators to view a status of peripheral devices and/or surgical instruments such as but not limited to a surgical laser. | 2009-07-02 |
| 20090171329 | Spaster pattern and pulse blanking - System and method of photoaltering a region of a material using a pulsed laser beam. The method includes scanning the pulsed laser beam in a first portion of the region with a first pattern, scanning the pulsed laser beam in a second portion of the region with a second pattern, and separating a flap of the material at the region. The system includes a laser, a controller selecting at least first and second patterns, and a scanner operable in response to the controller. The first pattern has a first maximum acceleration associated with the second portion, and the second pattern has a second maximum acceleration associated with the second portion. The second maximum acceleration is less than the first maximum acceleration. The scanner scans the pulsed laser beam from the laser in the first portion with the first pattern and in the second portion with the second pattern. | 2009-07-02 |
| 20090171330 | TUNABLE NANOPARTICLE TAGS TO ENHANCE TISSUE RECOGNITION - A method of locating and ablating a target tissue is described. The method includes providing a catheter that has at least one light guide, where the light guide is adaptable to receive light from a light source. A distal portion of the catheter is advanced through vasculature of a patient towards the target tissue. A nanoparticle dye is introduced into the patient, where the nanoparticles selectively bind to the target tissue. The target tissue is mapped by detecting fluorescence light emitted from the nanoparticle dye bound to the tissue. The distal tip of the catheter is positioned adjacent to the mapped target tissue, and a light pulse is transmitted through the light guide to ablate at least a portion of the target tissue. | 2009-07-02 |
| 20090171331 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF PHOTODYNAMIC-BASED CARDIAC ABLATION VIA THE ESOPHAGUS - Systems and methods for photodynamic ablation of cardiac tissue via an esophagus are disclosed. An exemplary system includes an ablation catheter having an expandable distal end for securing the ablation catheter in the esophagus. The distal end of the ablation catheter contains at least one light source operable to activate a photodynamic substance delivered to the target area of the cardiac tissue to be ablated and form a lesion. The system also includes at least one feedback device contained in the distal end of the ablation catheter. The at least one feedback device provides feedback for at least one of: positioning a distal end of an ablation catheter in a desired position in the esophagus adjacent a target area of the cardiac tissue to be ablated, forming an adequate lesion, and assessing lesion formation. | 2009-07-02 |
| 20090171332 | MEDICAL DEVICE WITH ORIENTABLE TIP FOR ROBOTICALLY DIRECTED LASER CUTTING AND BIOMATERIAL APPLICATION - A medical device used in a medical robotic system has a conduit and an orientable tip. An optical fiber coupled to a laser source and/or a catheter coupled to one or more biomaterial sources extends through the conduit and tip so that the tip of the medical device may be robotically directed towards a target tissue for laser and/or biomaterial application as part of a medical procedure performed at a surgical site within a patient. A protective sheath covers the fiber as it extends through the conduit and tip. A first coupler adjustably secures at least the sheath to the medical device and a second coupler adjustably secures the fiber to at least the sheath. A similar dual coupler mechanism may be used to secure the sheathed catheter to the medical device. | 2009-07-02 |
| 20090171333 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLABLY DELIVERING LIQUID COOLANT TO A CRYO-ABLATION DEVICE - Systems and methods for controllably delivering liquid coolant such as nitrous oxide to an ablation device for cryogenically ablating tissue. A cooling element liquefies gaseous coolant released from a coolant supply or tank. An actuator in fluid communication with and between the cooling element and the ablation device defines a chamber. Liquid coolant is controllably drawn into and controllably expelled from the chamber for delivery to the cryo-ablation device. Liquid coolant can be controllably drawn into the chamber from the cooling element or from a container or reservoir that stores liquid coolant generated by the cooling element. | 2009-07-02 |
| 20090171334 | SUBDERMAL CRYOGENIC REMODELING OF MUSCLES, NERVES, CONNECTIVE TISSUE, AND/OR ADIPOSE TISSUE (FAT) - Devices, systems, and methods treat cosmetic defects, and often apply cooling with at least one tissue-penetrating probe inserted through of the skin of a patient. The cooling may remodel one or more target tissue so as to effect a desired change in a composition of the target tissue and/or a change in its behavior. Exemplary embodiments of the cooling treatments will interfere with the nerve/muscle contractile function chain so as to mitigate wrinkles of the skin. Related treatments may be used therapeutically for treatment of back and other muscle spasms, chronic pain, and the like. Some embodiments may remodel subcutaneous adipose tissue so as to alter a shape or appearance of the skin surface. | 2009-07-02 |
| 20090171335 | Surgical System and Procedure for Treatment of Medically Refractory Atrial Fibrillation - The invention provides surgical systems and methods for ablating heart tissue within the interior and/or exterior of the heart. A plurality of probes is provided with each probe configured for introduction into the chest for engaging the heart. Each probe includes an elongated shaft having an elongated ablating surface of a predetermined shape. The elongated shaft and the elongated ablating surface of each probe are configured to ablate a portion of the heart. A sealing device affixed to the heart tissue forms a hemostatic seal between the probe and the penetration in the heart to inhibit blood loss therethrough. | 2009-07-02 |
| 20090171336 | CATHETERS AND MANUFACTURING THEREOF - A catheter includes a longitudinally extending body having proximal and distal ends and defining at least one lumen that extends longitudinally from the proximal end through the body to the distal end and looping back to the proximal end. A liquid metal, e.g. an alloy of gallium and indium, such as galistan, is disposed in the lumen. In another aspect, a catheter includes a longitudinally extending body defining first and second lumens. An electrically driven device is coupled to a distal end of the body and is in electrical communication with the first and second lumens. A power source is in electrical communication with the first and second lumens and a liquid metal is disposed in the first and second lumens to provide an electrical conduit between the power source and electrically driven device. Each lumen may loop from a proximal end of the body to the distal end back to the proximal end. | 2009-07-02 |
| 20090171337 | Photodynamic-Based Cardiac Ablation Device and Method Via the Esophagus - A method and system for ablation of cardiac tissue in a living being via the esophagus is provided. The method includes the step of introducing a photodynamic substance to the cardiac tissue. A deformable, elongated body defining a proximal end and a distal end is inserted into an esophagus of the living being. The distal end of the elongated body is located proximate the cardiac tissue. A first set of electromagnetic radiation is then directed from the distal end of the elongated body towards the cardiac tissue. Reflective and opaque surfaces at the distal end of the elongated body may be used to direct the electromagnetic radiation and an expandable membrane at the distal end may be used to urge the distal end of the elongated body to a predetermined position within the esophagus. | 2009-07-02 |
| 20090171338 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PREVENTING COLLATERAL DAMAGE WITH INTERVENTIONAL MEDICAL PROCEDURES - A system for performing an interventional medical procedure is disclosed. The system includes a treatment device having a treatment portion, a localization system, and a means for defining a boundary about the treatment portion relative to location data point. The system may further be configured to provide a response when a portion of the treatment device enter or leaves a defined boundary, region, or range. Methods for performing interventional medical procedures that, among other things, reduce or prevent collateral damage to non-target regions are also disclosed. | 2009-07-02 |
| 20090171339 | ELECTROSURGICAL PROBE HAVING CURRENT ENHANCING PROTRUSIONS - Tissue ablation probes and methods of treating diseased tissue using one or more probe components that include one or more current enhancing protrusions are disclosed. An uninsulated, electrically conductive section of the shaft can include one or more current enhancing protrusions. Conductive elements or individual electrodes of electrode arrays can also include current enhancing protrusions. The current enhancing protrusions increase current density around the uninsulated outer surface and/or conductive elements to bias or enhance tissue ablation. | 2009-07-02 |
| 20090171340 | ELECTROSURGICAL PROBE HAVING CONDUCTIVE OUTER SURFACE TO INITIATE ABLATION BETWEEN ELECTRODE - Tissue ablation probes and methods of treating diseased tissue are disclosed that include or use a partially uninsulated shaft that carries conductive elements such as electrode arrays. The shaft has an uninsulated outer surface that is electrically conductive and is electrically connected to one of the conductive elements. The uninsulated outer surface and one of the conductive elements are insulated from the other conductive element. Tissue ablation is performed “inside-out” and begins between the proximal and distal electrode arrays and migrates outwardly towards the electrode arrays when electrical current is applied to the probe. | 2009-07-02 |
| 20090171341 | DISPERSIVE RETURN ELECTRODE AND METHODS - Apparatus and methods for safely performing electrosurgery on a patient by evenly distributing electric current density at a return electrode unit having a plurality of concentric return electrodes. In an embodiment, each electrode may be independently coupled to a passive electrical element, and each of the passive electrical elements may have a different value of capacitance, resistance or inductance, according to the configuration of the concentric return electrodes, to provide the even distribution of electric current density between the plurality of concentric return electrodes of the return electrode unit. | 2009-07-02 |
| 20090171342 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR USING COMMON SUBCHANNEL TO ASSESS THE OPERATING CHARACTERISTICS OF TRANSDUCERS - A system and method for using a common subchannel to assess operating characteristics of one of a plurality of transducers that are coupled to said subchannel is disclosed. The plurality of transducers are divided into subsets and each subset is coupled to a subchannel. The system is configured to activate a selected transducer on the subchannel and the subchannel delivers operational information on the activated transducer. The present invention reduces the number of subchannels required to collect information on the plurality of transducers. The present invention may utilize one or more loading conditions to take at least one measurement, which at least one measurement is then used to derive operational information on the transducer. In one configuration, information on the amount of energy being delivered to the transducer is collected simultaneously with information on the operating temperature. In another embodiment only the temperature is measured. The present invention permits a more compact ablation device to be constructed based on the invention's ability to reduce the total number of subchannels required to collect transducer information. | 2009-07-02 |
| 20090171343 | PRESSURE-SENSITIVE FLEXIBLE POLYMER BIPOLAR ELECTRODE - The present invention is directed to bipolar ablation systems. A bipolar electrode system for ablation therapy is disclosed, including a pressure-sensitive conducting composite layer and a pair of electrodes in electrical conductive contact or communication with the pressure-sensitive conducting composite layer. Energy (e.g., ablation energy) is delivered via the pressure-sensitive conductive composition when sufficient pressure is applied to transform the pressure-sensitive conductive composite to an electrical conductor. An electrically insulative flexible layer, which may include a passageway for a fill material is also disclosed. In some embodiments, the systems can also be used for targeted delivery of compounds, such as drugs, using a bipolar electrode. | 2009-07-02 |
| 20090171344 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR MONITORING PATIENT-APPARATUS CONTACT - Systems, apparatus and methods for monitoring contact of electrosurgical apparatus with a patient's body via a contacting monitoring unit having a plurality of contacting segments, wherein each of the contacting segments is separate from an active electrode and/or return electrode. In an embodiment, the contacting monitoring unit may sense an electrical parameter value of the contacting segments to indicate contact, or lack of contact, of each contacting segment with the patient's body. | 2009-07-02 |
| 20090171345 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MEASUREMENT OF AN IMPEDANCE USING A CATHETER SUCH AS AN ABLATION CATHETER - A catheter and patch electrode system is provided for use with an apparatus, such as an ablation generator, having a 4-wire interface for improved impedance measurement. The 4-wire interface includes a pair of source connectors across which an excitation signal is produced and a pair of sense connector wires across which the impedance is measured. The RF ablation generator may also produce an ablation signal across a source wire and an indifferent return patch electrode. The system further includes a cable that connects the generator to a catheter. The catheter includes a shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, with an ablation tip electrode disposed at the distal end. A source lead is electrically coupled to the tip electrode and extends through the shaft to the proximal end where it is terminated. An optional sense lead is also electrically coupled to the tip electrode and extends through the shaft to the proximal end. The system further includes a source return (e.g., skin patch) and a sense return (e.g., skin patch), either or none of which may be combined with the indifferent return, and if used may be placed on opposite sides of the patient for improved performance. The impedance sensor circuit produces an excitation signal across the source connectors, which is then carried to the catheter by the cable, then to the tip electrode, travels through the complex load (tissue volume), and returns to the generator via a patch electrode. The impedance is measured by observing the voltage drop across the sense connectors caused by the excitation signal. | 2009-07-02 |
| 20090171346 | HIGH CONDUCTIVITY INDUCTIVELY EQUALIZED ELECTRODES AND METHODS - Apparatus and methods for evenly distributing electric current density over a surface of at least one of an active electrode and a return electrode during electrosurgery, wherein the active and/or return electrode includes a spiral inductor. The spiral inductor may include a low electrical resistivity material or a spiral bare metal surface for contacting the patient's body. In a multi-layer spiral inductor having a plurality of stacked spirals, each turn of a first spiral may be electrically coupled in series to a radially corresponding turn of each successive one of the stacked spirals; and each turn of the innermost spiral may be electrically coupled to an adjacent, radially outward turn of the outermost spiral. | 2009-07-02 |
| 20090171347 | TRANSITION APPARATUS FOR USE WITH A MEDICAL DEVICE HAVING AN ELONGATE ELEMENT - A transition apparatus for use with a medical device having an elongate element is disclosed. The apparatus may include a body defining a lumen for housing at least a portion of the elongate element. The body may have a proximal end configured for releasable connection to the medical device and a distal end. The apparatus may further include a connection piece connected to the distal end of the body. The connection piece may have a first opening configured to receive the elongate element from the lumen of the body and a second opening configured to receive the elongate element from the first opening and direct the elongate element toward the body. A method of connecting a transition apparatus to an ablation device having a leash is also disclosed. | 2009-07-02 |
| 20090171348 | DEFLECTABLE CATHETER WITH DISTAL DEFLECTABLE SEGMENT - A guidable, or steerable, or deflectable catheter is provided that includes a proximal portion and a distal portion for insertion into a body cavity. A selectively deflectable segment having an anisotropic bending stiffness for deflection in individual planes is incorporated into the distal portion of the catheter shaft. Upon actuation of pull wires, the distal deflectable segment may be deflected to move/sweep the distal catheter tip through a sweeping plane. The anisotropic bending stiffness of the distal deflectable segment permits in-plane movement of the distal catheter tip in the sweeping plane while resisting any out-of-plane movements. In one arrangement, stiffening elements are selectively disposed within the distal deflectable segment such that the out-of-plane bending stiffness is largely increased and greater than the in-plane bending stiffness for deflection in the sweeping plane. In another arrangement, the cross section of a distal deflectable segment is altered to produce anisotropic area inertias of moment about its centroidal axes, and thus anisotropic bending stiffnesses. | 2009-07-02 |
| 20090171349 | ADJUSTABLE LENGTH FLEXIBLE POLYMER ELECTRODE CATHETER AND METHOD FOR ABLATION - An ablation catheter includes a flexible elongated shaft having a flexible electrode at its distal end. The flexible electrode includes an inner, flexible, electrically-conductive element and an outer, flexible, electrically-conductive polymer layer in electrical contact with the inner, flexible, electrically-conductive element. The catheter further includes an electrically insulative sheath surrounding at least a portion of the flexible electrode and a linear displacement mechanism capable of adjusting at least one of the electrically insulative sheath and the flexible electrode to vary a length of the flexible electrode exposed at the distal end of the shaft. Also disclosed is an adjustable length ablation electrode and methods of ablating tissue. | 2009-07-02 |
| 20090171350 | VESSEL SEALER AND DIVIDER WITH NON-CONDUCTIVE STOP MEMBERS - An endoscopic bipolar forceps includes an elongated shaft having opposing jaw members at a distal end thereof. The jaw members are movable relative to one another from a first position wherein the jaw members are disposed in spaced relation relative to one another to a second position wherein the jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween. The jaws members are connected to a source of electrical energy such that the jaw members are capable of conducting energy through tissue held therebetween to effect a tissue seal. At least one non-conductive and spaced-apart stop member is disposed on an inner-facing surface of the jaw members to regulate the gap distance between the jaw members when tissue is held therebetween. The forceps also includes a longitudinally reciprocating knife which severs the tissue after sealing at a location which is proximate the sealing site. | 2009-07-02 |
| 20090171351 | ELECTRIC OPERATION SYSTEM - When a treatment instrument is connected to the corresponding device (electric scalpel device or ultrasonic wave generation device), the device (electric scalpel device or ultrasonic wave generation device) transmits information related to the type, mode, and setting of the treatment instrument to a system controller. Accordingly, if a new treatment instrument is used, the system controller can perform display information related to the new treatment instrument and control the new treatment instrument. Even when the system controller is used in combination with newly-developed electric cautery knife and other treatment instruments, the system controller can obtain fixed information related to the respective medical instruments, thus increasing the operationality. Even if wrong setting is performed outside the ratings of the instruments in the system controller, the instruments can be prevented from damage such as dielectric breakdown on the basis of the obtained fixed information. | 2009-07-02 |
| 20090171352 | CUTTING AND COAGULATION ELECTRODE - In an electro-surgical instrument ( | 2009-07-02 |
| 20090171353 | Vessel Sealing Instrument - A bipolar electrosurgical instrument for clamping, grasping, manipulating, and sealing tissue includes first and second shafts each having a jaw member extending from a distal end thereof and a handle disposed at a proximal end thereof. The handle being operable to effect movement of the jaw members relative to one another from a first position wherein the jaw members are disposed in spaced relation relative to one another to a second position wherein the jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween. The bipolar instrument is connectable to a source of electrical energy having a first electrical potential connected to one of the jaw members and a second electrical potential connected to the other of the jaw members such that the jaw members are capable of selectively conducting energy through tissue held therebetween to effect a seal. Both the first and second electrical potentials are transmitted to the jaw members through the first shaft. | 2009-07-02 |
| 20090171354 | Cordless Medical Cauterization and Cutting Device - A cordless surgical device includes a modular battery, a radio-frequency signal generating assembly, a surgical handle and an interchangeable circuit casing. The RF signal generating assembly includes RF-signal-generating circuitry, a voltage-control circuit and an external output. The voltage circuit is configured to control an output of the RF-signal-generating circuitry. The handle is configured to support a bipolar end effector having jaws with bipolar contacts and a cutting blade disposed between the jaws. The handle includes leads operable to receive RF signals from the external output and defines an aseptically sealable battery-holding compartment configured to hold the battery. The circuit casing is configured to house the RF signal generating assembly and includes a securing connection adapted to couple the external output of the RF signal generating assembly to the leads. The external output is operable to impart RF signals to the handle when the circuit casing connects to the handle. | 2009-07-02 |
| 20090171355 | Reconstruction of Anterior Cruciate Ligaments - Apparatus for locating an attachment position for a reconstructed anterior cruciate ligament on an attachment surface of a bone comprises locating means ( | 2009-07-02 |
| 20090171356 | Bone Repositioning Apparatus and System - The present invention provides an apparatus and system for bone repositioning. The bone-repositioning apparatus includes an actuator controller configured to transmit a series of coordinated signals; an outer sleeve dimensioned to encircle a body limb, including fragments of a fractured bone within the body limb; and a plurality of individually operable actuators, each actuator connected to the actuator controller and configured to receive one or more of the coordinated signals, each actuator comprising a member configured to protract and retract into and out of an interior portion of the outer sleeve to exert a predetermined force on the body limb and on at least one of the bone fragments. A bone-repositioning system including the bone-repositioning apparatus is also described, including a computer program product that partially or fully automates the repositioning process depending on the application. | 2009-07-02 |
| 20090171357 | COLLET FIXATION SYSTEM - A bone fixation assembly which may include a bone fixation element, a collet and a flexible line. The bone fixation element may comprise a first and second passageway and at least the first passageway is configured to receive the collet. The flexible line passes through both passageways and is secured through the second passageway. The collet may be advanced into the first passageway causing the collet to circumferentially engage the flexible line fixing it in place. Instrumentation for securing the collet includes a collet driver, a counter torque instrument and a tensioner. | 2009-07-02 |
| 20090171358 | Internal Bone Fixation Sizing Device and Methods - An internal bone fixation sizing device and methods for using this device during a procedure for repairing a weakened or fractured bone are disclosed herein. A medical device for determining a depth and a diameter of a medullary cavity of a bone includes an outer shaft having a proximal end engaging an activation mechanism, a distal end having a first opening at an upper surface and a second opening at a lower surface, and a longitudinal axis between the proximal end and the distal end, wherein the longitudinal axis of the outer shaft includes a plurality of markers; and an inner shaft having a proximal end engaging the activation mechanism, a distal end terminating in two sizing arms, and a longitudinal axis therebetween, wherein the two sizing arms are able to move from a retracted position to an extended position extending beyond the outer shaft. | 2009-07-02 |
| 20090171359 | COMBINED FLIP CUTTER AND DRILL - A flip cutter and drill instrument and method of antegrade drilling and retrograde cutting using such an instrument. The flip cutter and drill instrument is provided with a drill which has a multi-blade configuration and which engages an inner tube or inner member of the instrument to articulate between at least a first “straight” position (for example, about parallel to the longitudinal axis of the instrument) when the instrument is in the drilling mode, and at least a second “flip” position (for example, a non-parallel position relative to the longitudinal axis of the instrument) when the instrument is in the cutting mode. | 2009-07-02 |
| 20090171360 | APPARATUS FOR LOADING TENDONS INTO THE KNEE - A surgical kit for loading ligament grafts into a joint. A longitudinal socket formed in a bone is intersected by a transverse pin. The kit includes a flexible strand that is drawn with a pin through the bone. The strand is positioned so that a looped portion of the strand protrudes out of the entrance to the longitudinal socket. The ends of the strand remaining accessible on either side of the bone. The ligament graft is captured within the strand loop protruding from the entrance to the socket. The strand is retracted into the socket, drawing the graft into the socket. The kit includes an implant for transversely fixing the graft in the socket. | 2009-07-02 |
| 20090171361 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR MIXING AND DISPENSING A BONE CEMENT MIXTURE - Among other things, an apparatus for mixing and dispensing a bone cement mixture are provided. In certain embodiments, the apparatus includes a housing having a first chamber for containing an ampoule having a first bone cement component. The housing has a second chamber for containing a second bone cement component and the first and second chambers are in fluid communication. An ampoule breaking device is disposed within the first chamber and is configured to engage and break the ampoule for release of the first bone cement component. Disposed within the second chamber is an impeller that is configured to rotate such that the impeller mixes the first and second bone cement components together to form the bone cement mixture. Adjacent the impeller is a displacer that is configured to advance through the second chamber, receiving the impeller and dispensing the bone cement mixture. | 2009-07-02 |
| 20090171362 | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR MIXING AND DISPENSING A BONE CEMENT MIXTURE - In at least one embodiment of the present invention, a device for mixing and dispensing a bone cement mixture is provided. The device comprises a first chamber and a second chamber. The first chamber is for containing a first bone cement component. The second chamber is for containing a second bone cement component. A valve is in fluid communication with the first and second chambers. A first and a second plunger are respectively within the first and second chambers and are configured to actuate within their respective chambers. When the valve is in a first position actuating the first plunger advances the first bone cement component into the second chamber to form the bone cement mixture. | 2009-07-02 |
| 20090171363 | AUTOMATED INSERTION DEVICE FOR HEART VALVE PROSTHESIS - The invention concerns an automated ancillary device ( | 2009-07-02 |
| 20090171364 | SCLERAL DEPRESSOR - A remotely controllable system and method for positioning and operating a scleral depressor. A track is positioned to encircle at least a portion of the eye. One or more independent thrusters, or actuators, are radially positionable about the eye. An actuator is selectively deployable and selectively retractable by remote control. Thrusters may be mechanically operated and include pneumatic, hydraulic, electrical, chemical or other power supply forces. Remote control is provided by hand-operated controls, foot-operated switches or voice-operated control. A light source is positioned about at least a portion of the eye to provide transcleral illumination. | 2009-07-02 |
| 20090171365 | Intraocular lens insertion tool - An intraocular lens insertion tool with a tool body for accommodating an intraocular lens and adapted to insert into an eye the intraocular lens through displacement of the lens in an axial forward direction by a plunging member, and to push out the lens through an insertion tube section disposed at an axial distal end of the tool body. A base plate of a resting portion that houses the lens is provided with side plates that respectively project from two widthwise edges of the base plate to both sides in a thickness direction of the base plate thereby imparting to the resting portion a generally “H” shaped cross section. The tool body inclusive of the resting portion and the insertion tube section is integrally formed from light-transmissive synthetic resin material whereby the lens housed within the resting portion is viewable from an outside through the base plate. | 2009-07-02 |
| 20090171366 | Intraocular lens insertion tool - An intraocular lens insertion tool with a tool body for accommodating an intraocular lens and adapted to insert into an eye the intraocular lens through displacement of the lens in an axial forward direction by a plunging member, and to push out the lens through an insertion tube section disposed at an axial distal end of the tool body. The insertion tube section has an inclined orifice that opens on diagonal to the center axis of the insertion tube section. The plunger member has a sliding part that during displacement thereof in a direction of plunging into the tool body will slide against the tool body. A resistance graduating mechanism is provided for gradually increasing operation resistance of the plunger member by gradually increasing contact force on the sliding part as the lens gradually emerges from the inclined orifice through plunging of the plunger member into the tool body. | 2009-07-02 |
| 20090171367 | LOOP TIP WIRE GUIDE WITH OUTER SLEEVE - A wire guide has first and second portions with first and second diameters, respectively. The second portion is located distal of the first portion. A resilient loop positions a distal end of the wire guide adjacent another section of the wire guide. A closure member maintains the distal end in a fixed position relative to the remainder of the wire guide. An outer sleeve may be positioned around one or more parts of the wire guide. A radiopaque element may be secured to the outer sleeve. | 2009-07-02 |
| 20090171368 | BIOMECHANICAL PROBE - The present invention relates to a probe adapted for use in retrieving blood clots from part of the blood circulatory systems, together with an associated device and method. The probe has a first end and a second end and each end is provide with an aperture therein. The aperture in the second end is adapted in use to be connected to a suction pump by a connection means. A channel provided passing from the aperture in the second end of the probe to the aperture in the first end of the probe. The probe has no moving parts and is of a suitable configuration to give rise, in use, to the creation of a sheer force in the form of a vortex around the first end of the probe. | 2009-07-02 |
| 20090171369 | TWO-PART EXTRACTION BALLOON - A two-part extraction balloon and method of use is provided. The balloon catheter comprises a first balloon and a second balloon attached to an elongate catheter shaft near the distal end thereof. The first balloon has an inflated diameter that is larger than the inflated diameter of the second balloon, and in particular has an inflated working diameter range that is greater than the inflated working diameter range of the second balloon. Each of the balloons comprises an elastic or compliant material, and is separately inflatable via one of two inflation lumens extending through the catheter shaft. The larger first balloon is configured to engage and sweep calculi or debris through a relatively large bodily lumen, duct or passageway, whereas the smaller second balloon is configured to engage and sweep calculi or debris through a relatively small bodily lumen, duct or passageway. | 2009-07-02 |
| 20090171370 | Navigation System for Hip Replacement Surgery Having Reference Mechanism and Method Using the Same - A navigation system for an acetabular cup, which guides an insertion orientation of the acetabular cup inserted into a pelvis during a total hip replacement surgery, includes: a pelvis position tracer which includes probes in contact with three particular points of the pelvis placed on an anterior pelvic plane and a first reference mechanism disposed to indicate a specific reference plane when the probes come in contact with the particular points; and a pelvis position indicator which is fixed to the pelvis, and includes a second reference mechanism that is adjustable to indicate a plane parallel to the specific reference plane indicated by the first reference mechanism, or to indicate a plane perpendicular thereto, or to indicate the both planes. Accordingly, an insertion orientation of an acetabular cup can be guided by using a reference mechanism having a simple structure, and the acetabular cup can be accurately guided regardless of changes in the patient's pelvic position during surgery, because a plane used in the insertion of the acetabular cup can be indicated continuously. | 2009-07-02 |
| 20090171371 | MEDICAL ROBOTIC SYSTEM WITH FUNCTIONALITY TO DETERMINE AND DISPLAY A DISTANCE INDICATED BY MOVEMENT OF A TOOL ROBOTICALLY MANIPULATED BY AN OPERATOR - A medical robotic system has functionality to determine and display information of a distance indicated by movement of one or more tools being robotically manipulated by an operator. The distance is determined using sensed robotic manipulation of the one or more tools. Information of the distance is displayed on the monitor so as to be visually associated with the movement and/or positions of the tools, such as a virtual tape measure that extends along with or between images of the one or more tools on the monitor or as a virtual ruler with the distance being indicated by a pointer. Alternatively, information of the distance may simply be indicated on a digital read-out shown on the monitor that is displayed and continually updated with the movement of the one or more tools. | 2009-07-02 |
| 20090171372 | MEDICAL DEVICE WITH ORIENTABLE TIP FOR ROBOTICALLY DIRECTED LASER CUTTING AND BIOMATERIAL APPLICATION - A medical device used in a medical robotic system has a conduit and an orientable tip. An optical fiber coupled to a laser source and/or a catheter coupled to one or more biomaterial sources extends through the conduit and tip so that the tip of the medical device may be robotically directed towards a target tissue for laser and/or biomaterial application as part of a medical procedure performed at a surgical site within a patient. A protective sheath covers the fiber as it extends through the conduit and tip. A first coupler adjustably secures at least the sheath to the medical device and a second coupler adjustably secures the fiber to at least the sheath. A similar dual coupler mechanism may be used to secure the sheathed catheter to the medical device. | 2009-07-02 |
| 20090171373 | MULTIFUNCTIONAL OPERATIONAL COMPONENT FOR ROBOTIC DEVICES - The various embodiments disclosed herein relate to modular medical devices, including various devices with detachable modular components and various devices with pivotally attached modular components. Additional embodiments relate to procedures in which various of the devices are used cooperatively. Certain embodiments of the medical devices are robotic in vivo devices. | 2009-07-02 |
| 20090171374 | MEDICAL MANIPULATOR AND MEDICAL ROBOT SYSTEM - The present invention relates to a medical manipulator and a medical robot system. The manipulator has a connecting block, a joint shaft, and a distal-end working unit. The distal-end working unit has a gripper, a pitch axis, and a yaw axis which serve as distal-end joints for changing the orientation of the gripper. The gripper, the pitch axis, and the yaw axis are operated by rotors around which wires are wound. The joint shaft has a first intermediate joint and a second intermediate joint which are bendable by the wires which are moved back and forth. Since the manipulator can be bent at the first intermediate joint and the second intermediate joint, the joint shaft can appropriately be placed, and the gripper can be adjusted to an appropriate orientation with respect to an organ by being turned around the pitch axis and the yaw axis. | 2009-07-02 |
| 20090171375 | CONTROLLING PRESSURE IN ADJUSTABLE RESTRICTION DEVICES - Methods and devices are provided for regulating a hydraulic restriction system including a restriction device. In general, the methods and devices can allow for non-invasive, transient pressure control. The methods and devices can also, in some embodiments, mechanically regulate pressure of the restriction device without using any electrical components that may need to be powered to operate over extended periods of time. | 2009-07-02 |
| 20090171376 | Mesh Anchoring System - Medical devices configured for securing the position of a tube or wire in a desired position. Embodiments of the medical devices include an anchoring element and a mesh element coupled to the anchoring element. The medical device can be secured to the skin surface of a subject, or to muscle or fascia within a surgical incision. The medical device can be secured, for example, by stapling the mesh element to underlying skin or tissue. | 2009-07-02 |
| 20090171377 | MESHES OF VARIABLE CONSTRUCTION - According to one aspect, the present invention provides a substantially two-dimensional surgical mesh comprising a base material, a first area having a first characteristic and a second area having a second characteristic that differs from the first characteristic. The surgical mesh may further comprise a third area having a third characteristic that may be the same as or different from the first and second characteristics, and so on. | 2009-07-02 |
| 20090171378 | CONSTANT FORCE MECHANISMS FOR REGULATING RESTRICTION DEVICES - Methods and devices are provided for regulating a restriction system. In one exemplary embodiment, a restriction system is provided having a restriction device coupled to a port with a fluid disposed therein, such that the restriction device is adapted to form a restriction in a pathway corresponding to an amount of fluid contained therein, and a pressure adjustment unit in communication with the port and effective to maintain a substantially constant equilibrium pressure between the pressure adjustment unit and the restriction device. The pressure adjustment unit is configured to regulate an amount of fluid in the restriction device in response to a fluid pressure acting thereon. | 2009-07-02 |
| 20090171379 | FLUID LOGIC FOR REGULATING RESTRICTION DEVICES - Methods and devices are provided for regulating a restriction system. In one exemplary embodiment, a restriction system is provided having a restriction device configured to receive fluid and to form a restriction in a pathway corresponding to an amount of fluid contained therein, at least one fluid reservoir, and a fluid logic system coupled between the restriction device and the at least one fluid reservoir. The fluid logic system is configured to regulate an amount of fluid in the restriction device in response to a fluid pressure acting thereon. | 2009-07-02 |
| 20090171380 | LIGATION CLIP WITH FLEXIBLE CLAMPING FEATURE - A polymeric surgical ligating clip is provided having curved leg members joined by a resilient hinge. A leg member includes a flexible rib protruding from a vessel clamping inner surface and extends longitudinally between the proximal and distal end portions of the leg member. The flexible rib defines a channel extending transversely through the rib along a majority of said length. The flexible rib can collapse and provides better retention of the clip on a vessel. The clip can contain a flexible rib on both legs in an interlocking fashion. Or a plurality of teeth can protrude from a second vessel clamping inner surface of a second leg member. The plurality of teeth can include first and second rows of teeth extending longitudinally on the second leg member, transversely separated from each other on opposite sides of a centerline of the clip. | 2009-07-02 |
| 20090171381 | DEVICES, METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR NEURAL LOCALIZATION - Described herein are tissue manipulation devices having a tight bipole network. In particular, described herein are smart tools such as rongeurs configured to sense the presence of a nerve or portion of nerve. Tissue may be cut (or otherwise manipulated) by using a tool having a tight bipolar network to sense when a nerve or portion of a nerve is in the tool prior to cutting. | 2009-07-02 |
| 20090171382 | DELIVERY SYSTEM AND METHOD OF DELIVERY FOR TREATING OBESITY - A delivery system and method of use thereof for introducing a bundled intragastric bag into a gastric lumen are described. The delivery system includes a pushing mechanism movable between an unexpanded and expanded configuration. The pushing mechanism in its expanded configuration pushes each of the bundles of the bag into the gastric lumen. A suture strand is periodically pulled during the procedure to help create doughnut-shaped bundles. Another suture strand extends between a proximal button and distal button of the deployed assembly to maintain the doughnut-shaped bundle structure. | 2009-07-02 |
| 20090171383 | GASTRIC SPACE OCCUPIER SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF USE - Systems for controlling obesity utilize a number of space occupiers positioned in the stomach to reduce the effective volume of the stomach. Such arrangements provides sufficient stomach volume consumption to induce weight loss, but enable use of space occupiers that are proportioned to minimize the threat of obstruction even if they should migrate into the intestine. In general, numerous small volume space occupiers are placed in the stomach such that the total volume equals or exceeds the single volume of prior art single unit space occupiers. However, each individual space occupier is proportioned so that it will pass without obstruction if it moves into the intestine. | 2009-07-02 |
| 20090171384 | EMERGENCY SNAKE BITE TREATMENT DEVICES, MEDICAL KITS AND RELATED METHODS - The disclosure describes emergency or first aid snake bite treatment devices that include a belt or other securing member attached to a compression (bite isolation) member, the compression member having an outwardly projecting wall that is configured to surround the snake bite and compress the skin about the snake bite a distance inward to thereby isolate the venom from the bite to impede the venom from entering a victim's lymphatic system. | 2009-07-02 |
| 20090171385 | Facelift device - A cosmetic device for naturally toning the facial and the upper neck muscles of a user. The device comprises a pair of adhesive pads for adhering to the user's facial skin, a pair of supporting earpieces connected to the adhesive pads, and a strap connecting the pair of earpieces. The length of the strap is to be adjusted until a desired tension is placed on the pads. The tension causes the pads to stretch the skin and thereby tone the facial and upper neck muscles naturally over a period of time for creating a more youthful look. | 2009-07-02 |
| 20090171386 | PERCUTANEOUS CATHETER DIRECTED INTRAVASCULAR OCCLUSION DEVICES - Embodiments of the present invention provide an improved vascular occlusion device for occlusion of a passageway, cavity, or the like. According to one embodiment, a medical device for occluding a left atrial appendage is provided. The medical device includes a first portion having at least one plane of occlusion that is configured to be positioned outside of the left atrial appendage, and a second portion having at least one plane of occlusion that is configured to be at least partially positioned within a cavity defined by the left atrial appendage. | 2009-07-02 |
| 20090171387 | VASCULAR CLOSURE DEVICE HAVING AN IMPROVED PLUG - Various embodiments of a device are shown and disclosed for closing a vascular access puncture site following percutaneous diagnostic or therapeutic interventional procedures. The vascular closure device includes an improved plug that is configured to be positioned adjacent to the hole in the vasculature. The plug may be shaped to prevent the plug from moving away from the hole in the blood vessel due to pulsatile pressure from the blood. In one embodiment, the plug may include a plurality of projections that extend outward from the plug and contact surrounding tissue in the tissue puncture tract to prevent the plug from moving away from the hole in the blood vessel. | 2009-07-02 |
| 20090171388 | VASCULAR CLOSURE DEVICE - A biocompatible material may be configured into any number of implantable medical devices including a vascular closure device. The vascular closure device includes a fibrous structure formed from at least one randomly oriented fiber, the randomly oriented fiber comprising at least one polymer, and at least one agent, in therapeutic dosage, incorporated into at least one of the fibrous structure and the at least one randomly oriented fiber. | 2009-07-02 |
| 20090171389 | BONE FUSION DEVICE AND METHODS - A bone fusion device can include elongated interlockable segments, each having an engaging surface interlockable with the engaging surface of another segment. The segments can be inserted in between bones one at a time. A device can include an outer expandable component having outer expandable members insertable to a location between bones in an unexpanded configuration and an inner expander including surface engaging portions interlockable with inner surface engaging portions in the outer expandable members. A device can include the inner expander having an outwardly flared proximal portion that can interlock with the proximal end of the outer expandable members. A device can include a locking bridge expandable with an expandable body, such as an inflatable balloon, and movable to a locked expanded configuration. A bone fusion system, a bone fusion device kit, and/or a method for fusing bone can include such a bone fusion device. | 2009-07-02 |
| 20090171390 | BONE FUSION DEVICE AND METHODS - A bone fusion device, system, kit, and/or method can include an elongated structure including at least two anchor portions and at least one deformable segment connected on each end to one of the at least two anchor portions. Each deformable segment can include a plurality of spaced apart deformable members deformable from an unexpanded configuration to an expanded configuration. The bone fusion device may be implanted between two bone structures in the unexpanded configuration utilizing a minimally invasive surgical procedure. The deformable members can be compressed along a longitudinal axis of the device to deform the deformable members to the expanded configuration into contact with the two bone structures. A bone growth promoting material can be placed in the anchor portion lumen and in the interior of each deformable segment to promote bone in-growth between the bone structures. | 2009-07-02 |
| 20090171391 | Systems and methods for spinal fixation - A spinal stabilization system, method, and a surgical kit having a surgical extender apparatus for implanting a surgical screw are disclosed. The extender includes a housing having a distal end and a proximal end, a hollow interior passageway disposed between the distal end and the proximal end, a channel disposed along an exterior surface of the housing at least partially between the distal end and the proximal end and configured to at least partially expose the hollow interior passageway, an interior locking mechanism disposed on an interior surface of the housing and substantially adjacent the proximal end, wherein the interior locking mechanism is configured to allow attachment of at least one surgical tool, and at least one flexible member disposed substantially adjacent the distal end. The housing is configured to accommodate placement of a surgical screw implant. The surgical screw implant is secured to the housing a mating feature in the surgical screw implant. The at least one flexible member is configured to retain the surgical screw implant. The mating feature is configured to control axial movement of the surgical screw implant. | 2009-07-02 |
| 20090171392 | Guide wire mounting collar for spinal fixation using minimally invasive surgical techniques - An improved guide wire having a collar member for affixation to a pedicle screw, the guide wire assembly used in a system, set of instrumentation and method comprising the combination and use of plural pedicle screws, a rod for connecting pedicle screws in a relatively rigid manner, and instrumentation means to optimize insertion of the rod into the pedicle screws, such means comprising a guide wire and instrumentation to position the guide wire in the pedicle screws, whereby the guide wire is mounted to a pedicle screw, all the screws are implanted into the vertebrae, and the rod subsequently guided into the pedicle screws along the guide wire, all using minimally invasive surgical incisions. | 2009-07-02 |
| 20090171393 | Tissue Distraction Device - An apparatus and method is provided for distracting, in a given direction, and supporting opposed endplates of a vertebral body. A plurality of wafers are consecutively inserted within the vertebral body between the two endplates to create a column of wafers. The column of wafers is oriented between the endplates so as to expand in the given direction as the wafers are consecutively added to the column. The method further includes the step of introducing bone filler in contact with the expanded structure. | 2009-07-02 |
| 20090171394 | Devices And Methods For The Treatment Of Facet Joint Disease - An orthopedic implant is adapted to be implanted within a vertebral facet joint and adapted to maintain motion between adjacent vertebral bodies. An embodiment of the implant includes first segment that rigidly attaches to a facet joint surface of a first vertebra, wherein the first segment contains a cavity that houses a bone forming material which forms a bony fusion with the first vertebra. The implant also includes a second segment having an abutment surface with a facet joint surface of a second vertebra, wherein the second segment does not rigidly attach to the second vertebra. | 2009-07-02 |
| 20090171395 | Dynamic spinal rod system - A dynamic spinal rod system for semi-restrained holding of the vertebrae with respect to each other in a corrected position while providing varying degrees of vertebral body freedom of movement. A first or “male” component has an enlarged proximal end with a bio-compatible elastic polymer insert through which an anchoring component, such as a pedicle screw, may be placed for attachment, and a cylindrical distal end. A second or “female” component includes a similar enlarged proximal end with a bio-compatible elastic polymer insert through which an anchoring component may be placed for attachment, but has a distal end with a colleted portion into which the distal end of the first component may be inserted and retained to form a joined system. A third “interconnector” component may be used to attach to the proximal end of either of the first two components. | 2009-07-02 |
| 20090171396 | Bone fixation plate - A bone plate for use in anterior lumbar spinal fixation has interlocking components to prevent dislodgement of the plate due to anatomical forces. The exposed surface of the plate is smooth to prevent trauma to internal body tissue. The plate spans the intervertebral space with each end attached to an adjacent vertebrae by locking screws threadably engaged with tubular bone anchors. The bone anchors include helical members are threaded through the bone plate and inserted into holes within the bone. The plate has a countersunk cavity including portions overlapping the locking screws. A locking cap fits in the cavity to secure the other end of the locking screws from backing-out of the plate. The locking cap includes at least two chamfered portions that cooperate with mating recesses in the countersunk cavity of the bone plate. | 2009-07-02 |
