| 31st week of 2013 patent applcation highlights part 57 |
| Patent application number | Title | Published |
|---|
| 20130197570 | DEVICE FOR CLOSING LUMINAL CAVITY AND METHOD THEREFOR - A luminal cavity closing device can include a flexible shaft, a lid member, and a detachment mechanism. The flexible shaft extends in an axial direction. The lid member which is attached to a distal end of the shaft, can be rotated according to a torque transmitted from the shaft. Thus, a lock section can be thrust into a periphery of an opening of a luminal cavity formed in a living body lumen, to thereby lock the lid member to the periphery. The detachment mechanism can be configured to detachably attach the lid member to the shaft. The torque can be transmitted to the lid member, and the shaft can be detached from the lid member by the detachment mechanism while the lid member is locked to the periphery of the opening of the luminal cavity. | 2013-08-01 |
| 20130197571 | MINIMALLY INVASIVE SURGICAL TECHNIQUES - Apparatus and methods are described including a trocar ( | 2013-08-01 |
| 20130197572 | Wound Closure Device - A wound closure device includes an elongated body with proximal and distal ends having a plurality of through-holes along the length and defining a longitudinal axis with a plurality of surface features extending away from the axis. The proximal end is configured and dimensioned to pass through body tissue and thereafter be selectively passed through at least one of the plurality of through-holes such that at least one of the surface features also passes through the through-hole thereby forming a locked closed loop to secure body tissue held therein. | 2013-08-01 |
| 20130197573 | Wound Closure Device - A wound closure device includes an elongated body with proximal and distal ends having a plurality of through-holes along the length and defining a longitudinal axis with a plurality of surface features extending away from the axis. The proximal end is configured and dimensioned to pass through body tissue and thereafter be selectively passed through at least one of the plurality of through-holes such that at least one of the surface features also passes through the through-hole thereby forming a locked closed loop to secure body tissue held therein. | 2013-08-01 |
| 20130197574 | JOINING ELEMENT - Disclosed is a joining element ( | 2013-08-01 |
| 20130197575 | ROTATING LOCKING MEMBER SUTURE ANCHOR AND METHOD FOR SOFT TISSUE REPAIR - A suture anchor apparatus and method for anchoring a length of suture with respect to a target tissue has an anchor body with an anchoring structure for fixing the anchor body within the target tissue and a suture locking member. The moveable suture locking member is disposed at least partially within an anchor body lumen while a portion of the length of suture is looped around the suture locking member such that a first and second limb of suture exits the lumen. A suture locking member includes at least two elongate arms, and each arm has an extension dimension respectively, such that the first arm extension dimension is substantially greater than the second arm extension dimension. | 2013-08-01 |
| 20130197576 | FREE FLOATING WEDGE SUTURE ANCHOR FOR SOFT TISSUE REPAIR - A suture anchor device and method for attaching soft tissue to bone includes an anchor body and a suture locking wedge movably disposed within the anchor body. The suture locking wedge includes lateral portions which engage slots or windows in the anchor body. Tension applied to one limb of a suture causes the suture locking wedge to translate and rotate to a position which compresses the suture, thereby locking the suture in the anchor. | 2013-08-01 |
| 20130197577 | RESTRICTED WEDGE SUTURE ANCHOR AND METHOD FOR SOFT TISSUE REPAIR - A suture anchor device and method for attaching soft tissue to bone includes an anchor body and a suture locking wedge movably disposed within the anchor body. Tension applied to one side of a suture causes the suture locking wedge to move in a translational and angular dimension to a position which compresses the suture, thereby locking the suture in the anchor. The anchor body includes tracks or slots which guide the suture locking wedge from the unlocked open configuration to the locked configuration. | 2013-08-01 |
| 20130197578 | BIASED WEDGE SUTURE ANCHOR AND METHOD FOR SOFT TISSUE REPAIR - A suture anchor device and method for attaching soft tissue to bone includes an anchor body and a suture locking wedge movably disposed within the anchor body. Tension applied to one side of a suture causes the suture locking wedge to translate and rotate into a position which compresses the suture, thereby locking the suture in the anchor. A resilient or spring biasing member within the anchor device urges the suture locking wedge to compress the suture, facilitating suture locking. | 2013-08-01 |
| 20130197579 | METHOD FOR SOFT TISSUE REPAIR WITH FREE FLOATING SUTURE LOCKING MEMBER - A suture anchor device and method for attaching soft tissue to bone includes an anchor body and a suture locking wedge movably disposed within the anchor body. The suture locking wedge includes lateral portions which engage slots or windows in the anchor body. Tension applied to one limb of a suture causes the suture locking wedge to translate and rotate to a position which compresses the suture, thereby locking the suture in the anchor. | 2013-08-01 |
| 20130197580 | TISSUE GRAFT ANCHORING - A fixation device includes a member defining at least two openings, and a suture tied to the member by passing the suture through the at least two openings in the member to form two suture loops through which ends of the suture pass. The two suture loops are interconnected. A method of securing a tissue graft includes providing the fixation member, attaching the suture to a tissue graft, and adjusting the length of the suture between the fixation member and the tissue graft by pulling the suture. | 2013-08-01 |
| 20130197581 | SPINOUS PROCESS IMPLANT WITH TEMPORARILY EXTENDED POST - Spinous process implants and methods relate to a spinal implant with two plates that are connected together by a post. The implant is configured for each plate to be positioned on outer lateral sides of spinous processes with the post extending through the interspinous space. The second of the two plates includes a bore that receives the post, and that plate is movable along the length of the post, and selectively lockable in position. A guide is removably attached to the distal end of the post and acts to guide the placement of the second plate during assembly, particularly assembly in situ during surgery. The guide is advantageously flexible, or at least more flexible than the post, so that the guide may be routed conveniently during surgery. The guide is removable from the distal end of the post after assembly, prior to closing the surgical site. | 2013-08-01 |
| 20130197582 | VERTEBRAL CONSTRUCT AND METHODS OF USE - A vertebral construct comprises a longitudinal element extending between a first end and a second end. The longitudinal element defines a central axis. A first spacer is mounted to the longitudinal element. A second spacer is mounted to the longitudinal element. A flexible element is disposed about the longitudinal element and between the first spacer and the second spacer. The flexible element defines a central axis offset from the central axis of the longitudinal element. Methods of use are disclosed. | 2013-08-01 |
| 20130197583 | Spinal Anchoring Screw - A spine stabilization system includes at least one bone anchor assembly, the bone anchor assembly including a bone engaging member and a receiver member, wherein the receiver member includes a connecting member cavity, and an elongated connecting member inserted into the connecting member cavity and connected to the receiver member, wherein the connecting member comprises locking features configured to secure the connecting member to the receiver member without the use of a fixation screw extending through a top portion of the receiver member. | 2013-08-01 |
| 20130197584 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR TRANS-LAMINA SPINAL FIXATION - A method of providing spinal stabilization is provided herein. More specifically, the method includes positioning a plurality of fixation assemblies within a plurality of vertebrae in a trans-lamina orientation wherein each fixation assembly includes a proximal portion configured to securely receive a stabilization element (e.g., a stabilization rod). The proximal portions of the various fixation assemblies can be aligned so as to secure at least one stabilization element in a desired position (e.g., along and above a midline of the patient's spine, adjacent and parallel to the midline). A system for providing spinal stabilization is also provided which utilizes trans-lamina delivery and positioning of fixation assemblies within target vertebrae thereby providing stronger fixation and a significant reduction in associated tissue damage. | 2013-08-01 |
| 20130197585 | Multi-start closures for open implants - An open implant closure structure includes a helically wound guide and advancement structure having at least two helically wound forms thereon providing a multi-start closing mechanism for use between spaced arms of a cooperating open medical implant having mating helically wound structure thereon. Illustrated structures include interlocking flange forms, v-threads, square threads, reverse angle threads and buttress threads and receivers with break-off extensions and cooperating tooling. | 2013-08-01 |
| 20130197586 | BONE ANCHORING DEVICE - A polyaxial bone anchoring device includes a bone anchoring element having a head and a shaft, a receiving part having a head receiving portion, a rod receiving portion, and a bore having a bore axis, and a pressure member movable in the bore and having a first surface for engaging the head, wherein the pressure member is movable to a first position where friction between the first surface and the head generates a preload on the head to maintain the shaft at a temporary angular position relative to the receiving part, and wherein the pressure member is configured to engage the receiving part to generate a holding force for holding the pressure member at the first position without a positive lock, and wherein the pressure member is movable in and out of the first position by applying an axial force on the pressure member greater than the holding force. | 2013-08-01 |
| 20130197587 | DEVICE AND METHOD TO ACCESS THE ANTERIOR COLUMN OF THE SPINE - Methods and devices are configured to permit a surgeon to access the anterior column of the spine without significant manipulation of intervening nerve elements. | 2013-08-01 |
| 20130197588 | BONE FIXATION SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF IMPLANTATION - A bone plate system is adapted to be attached to bone. The system includes a base plate having at least one aperture for location adjacent to a bone member and a bone screw sized to be inserted through the aperture such that the bone screw sits within a seat of the aperture for engaging the bone member. A retainer member is adapted to transition between a deployed state wherein the retainer member at least partially blocks the aperture for retaining the bone screw in the seat, and an undeployed state wherein the bone screw permits the bone screw to be inserted into the aperture. The retainer member automatically transitions to the undeployed state as the bone screw is inserted into the aperture and automatically transitions to the deployed state once the bone screw is seated within the seat. | 2013-08-01 |
| 20130197589 | Bone Plate - A bone plate has an underside on the side of the bone, an upper side and a plurality of holes in the plate connecting the underside with the upper side, with a central hole axis. At least one of these holes in the plate has an internal jacket surface that tapers towards the underside, while the internal jacket surface has N≧3 recesses which extend radially away from the axis of the hole. | 2013-08-01 |
| 20130197590 | SACROILIAC FUSION SYSTEM - An undercutting system for preparing a region between an ilium and a sacrum for sacroiliac fusion. The undercutting system includes an insertion apparatus, a probe assembly and a cutting assembly. The probe assembly is operably mounted to the insertion apparatus. The probe assembly is moveable with respect to the insertion apparatus between a retracted configuration and an extended configuration. In the extended configuration at least a portion of the probe assembly extends from the insertion apparatus. The cutting assembly is operably mounted with respect to the probe assembly and the insertion apparatus. The cutting assembly is movable with respect to the insertion apparatus between a retracted configuration and an extended configuration. In the extended configuration at least a portion of the cutting assembly extends from the insertion apparatus. | 2013-08-01 |
| 20130197591 | SURGICAL FASTENER WITH PREDETERMINED RESORPTION RATE - A resorbable screw fastener and a method of firing with an applicator capable of applying a surgical fastener to tissue in order to form tissue connection to secure objects to tissue, the fastener including a body portion having a helical thread, a head portion disposed at the proximal end of the body portion. The resorbable screw fastener is 100% resorbed in vivo during a period of time ranging from about 14 days to about one year after implantation. | 2013-08-01 |
| 20130197592 | ANCHORING CANNULA - An apparatus and method for an anchoring cannula including a first cannula having a proximal end, a distal end, a longitudinal axis and a lumen extending from the proximal end to the oppositely disposed distal end along the longitudinal axis. A second cannula is concentrically arranged within the lumen of the first cannula, the second cannula having a proximal end, a distal end and a lumen extending from the proximal end to the oppositely disposed distal end along the longitudinal axis. The second cannula includes an expandable portion connected to the distal end that is configured to expand when the second cannula is advanced out of the distal end of the first cannula and to change to an unexpanded configuration when retracted back into the distal end of the first cannula. | 2013-08-01 |
| 20130197593 | BONE FASTENER AND METHODS OF USE - A bone fastener comprises a proximal portion including an inner surface that defines a cavity. A carrier is disposed in fixed engagement with the inner surface and includes at least one arm defining a proximal face. A pivoting member is disposed with the carrier. The pivoting member defines an implant cavity with the proximal portion. A distal portion defines a longitudinal axis and is configured to penetrate tissue. The bone fastener further includes a first coupling member. The proximal portion is rotatable relative to the distal portion in a first plane of a body and the pivoting member is rotatable relative to the proximal portion in a second plane. The first coupling member is engageable with the proximal face such that the carrier engages the distal portion to fix the bone fastener in an orientation. Methods of use are disclosed. | 2013-08-01 |
| 20130197594 | CLOSED LOOP NEURAL STIMULATION SYNCHRONIZED TO CARDIAC CYCLES - Various aspects of the present subject matter relate to a method. According to various method embodiments, cardiac activity is detected, and neural stimulation is synchronized with a reference event in the detected cardiac activity. Neural stimulation is titrated based on a detected response to the neural stimulation. Other aspects and embodiments are provided herein. | 2013-08-01 |
| 20130197595 | MODE KNOB WITH TIME CIRTICALITY ORDERING OF MODES - A multi-function defibrillator having an improved mode selection switch ( | 2013-08-01 |
| 20130197596 | CHARGE CONTROL FOR HIGH VOLTAGE THERAPY ENERGY STORAGE COMPONENT - Techniques for controlling charging of a high voltage therapy energy storage component are provided to reduce any undesirable impact from charging during unusual operating conditions. Unusual operating conditions may be caused by any of a number of external factors, including saturation of charging transformer core, circuit failures, capacitor mismatches, or the like, which may result in an unexpected power supply voltage drop or abnormally high currents through device components. An implantable medical device may comprise a power source, a therapy module that includes at least one energy storage component, and a charging module coupled between the power source and the therapy module. The charging module is configured to obtain a measurement representative of an average power drawn from the power source and to terminate charging of the at least one energy storage component based at least on the measurement representative of an average power drawn from the power source. | 2013-08-01 |
| 20130197597 | TECHNIQUES FOR MITIGATING MOTION ARTIFACTS FROM IMPLANTABLE PHYSIOLOGICAL SENSORS - Disclosed techniques include monitoring a physiological characteristic of a patient with a sensor that is mounted to an inner wall of a thoracic cavity of the patient, and sending a signal based on the monitored physiological characteristic from the sensor to a remote device. | 2013-08-01 |
| 20130197598 | PRIORITIZED PROGRAMMING OF MULTI-ELECTRODE PACING LEADS - Various techniques are disclosed for facilitating selection of at least one vector from among a plurality of vectors for pacing a chamber of a heart. In one example, a method includes presenting, by a computing device, a plurality of criteria by which each of the plurality of vectors may be prioritized, selecting at least one criterion from among a plurality of criteria by which each of the plurality of vectors may be prioritized, measuring the at least one selected criterion for each of the plurality of vectors, and automatically prioritizing, by the computing device, the plurality of vectors based on the measurement of the at least one selected criterion. | 2013-08-01 |
| 20130197599 | ADAPTIVE CARDIAC RESYNCHRONIZATION THERAPY - Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) delivered to a heart of a patient may be adjusted based on detection of a surrogate indication of the intrinsic atrioventricular conduction of the heart. In some examples, the surrogate indication is determined to be a sense event of the first depolarizing ventricle of the heart within a predetermined period of time following the delivery of a fusion pacing stimulus to the later depolarizing ventricle. In some examples, the CRT is switched from a fusion pacing configuration to a biventricular pacing configuration if the surrogate indication is not detected, and the CRT is maintained in a fusion pacing configuration if the surrogate indication is detected. | 2013-08-01 |
| 20130197600 | BULIMIA TREATMENT - At least one of a plurality of disorders of a patient characterized at least in part by vagal activity innervating at least one of a plurality of organs of the patient is treated by a method that includes positioning an electrode on a vagus nerve. An electrical signal is applied to the electrode to modulate vagal activity by an amount selected to treat the disorder. In some embodiments, the disorder is bulimia. The signal may be a blocking or a stimulation signal. In some embodiments, the signal is selected to, at least in part, downregulate neural activity on the vagus nerve. | 2013-08-01 |
| 20130197601 | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR INDEPENDENTLY STIMULATING HEMIDIAPHRAGMS - A device and method for treating a subject is provided where electrical stimulation may be separately provided to each hemidiaphragm to cause diaphragm contraction. Fatigue may be avoided among other possible benefits. Each hemidiaphragm may also be stimulated with different stimulation parameters. Stimulation may be smoothly transitioned between hemidiaphragms. Such stimulation may provide an increase in functional residual capacity or other therapeutic effects. | 2013-08-01 |
| 20130197602 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR IDENTIFYING THE CIRCUMFERENTIAL POSITIONING OF ELECTRODES OF LEADS FOR ELECTRICAL STIMULATION SYSTEMS - A lead assembly for an electrical stimulation system includes terminals disposed along a proximal end of a lead body and electrodes disposed along a distal end of the lead body. The electrodes include segmented electrodes. At least one distal marker is disposed along the distal end of the lead body. The distal marker identifies the circumferential position of at least one of the segmented electrodes along the lead body. The distal marker is aligned with at least one of the segmented electrodes along the longitudinal length of the lead body. At least one proximal marker is disposed along the proximal end of the lead body. The proximal marker is aligned with the distal marker along the longitudinal length of the lead body. The distal marker and the proximal marker are discontinuous with one another along the lead body. | 2013-08-01 |
| 20130197603 | CONTACT BLOCK USING SPHERICAL ELECTRICAL CONTACTS FOR ELECTRICALLY CONTACTING IMPLANTABLE LEADS - A contact block for electrically connecting a medical device to a conductive pin using improved electrical contact components. More specifically, an electrical contact block for achieving electrical contact with a conductive portion of an in-line IPG pin by utilizing a plurality of spherical conductive contact structures arranged in a ring around the conductive portion of the pin and biased toward the pin and held in place using a compliant o-ring. | 2013-08-01 |
| 20130197604 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR QUICK PAIN SUPPRESSION - Apparatus and methods for quick acute and chronic pain suppression, particularly useful and effective towards high-grade pains and/or pains resistant to other analgesic drugs such as opiates. One apparatus and method generate synthetic “non-pain” information strings of great clinical effectiveness, allowing high reproducibility of the clinical result. Synthesis of the strings occurs by combining novel geometries of complex waveforms in a sequence, perceived as “self” and “non-pain” by the CNS. | 2013-08-01 |
| 20130197605 | STIMULATION ELECTRODE SELECTION - Bioelectrical signals may be sensed within a brain of a patient with a plurality of sense electrode combinations. A stimulation electrode combination for delivering stimulation to the patient to manage a patient condition may be selected based on the frequency band characteristics of the sensed signals. In some examples, a stimulation electrode combination associated with the sense electrode combination that sensed a bioelectrical brain signal having a relatively highest relative beta band power level may be selected to deliver stimulation therapy to the patient. Other frequency bands characteristics may also be used to select the stimulation electrode combination. | 2013-08-01 |
| 20130197606 | Tonality-Based Optimization of Sound Sensation for a Cochlear Implant Patient - An exemplary system includes a sound processor configured to 1) divide an audio signal into a plurality of analysis channels and 2) generate one or more tonality indices each representing a tonality of one of the analysis channels, and an implantable cochlear stimulator communicatively coupled to the sound processor and configured to 1) generate one or more stimulation pulses configured to represent the audio signal in accordance with one or more stimulation parameters, and 2) adjust the one or more stimulation parameters based on at least one of the tonality indices. | 2013-08-01 |
| 20130197607 | DUAL PATIENT CONTROLLERS - Devices, systems, and methods incorporate the most-used functions of a electrical stimulator's controller into a small, thin pocket controller that is not only comfortable to carry in a pocket, but can also be attached to a key ring, lanyard, or other such carrying device for ease of daily use. A separate patient controller charger is used to charge and control the implanted medical device. | 2013-08-01 |
| 20130197608 | HEAT DISPERSION FOR IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICES - An implantable medical device that includes electrical circuitry for providing a therapy to a patient. The device also includes a housing forming an inner chamber that is adapted for receiving, at least a portion of the electrical circuitry. The device further includes a thermally conductive material that is configured to disperse heat from a first portion of the implantable medical device that is located in proximity to a heat generating component of the electrical circuitry, to a second portion of the implantable medical device that is not located in proximity to said heat generating component. The thermally conductive material is a discrete component separate from the electrical circuitry and the housing. | 2013-08-01 |
| 20130197609 | IMPLANTABLE WIRELESS ACCOUSTIC STIMULATORS WITH HIGH ENERGY CONVERSION EFFICIENCIES - Receiver-stimulator with folded or rolled up assembly of piezoelectric components, causing the receiver-stimulator to operate with a high degree of isotropy are disclosed. The receiver-stimulator comprises piezoelectric components, rectifier circuitry, and at least two stimulation electrodes. Isotropy allows the receiver-stimulator to be implanted with less concern regarding the orientation relative the transmitted acoustic field from an acoustic energy source. | 2013-08-01 |
| 20130197610 | SUPERPLASTIC FORMING FOR TITANIUM IMPLANT ENCLOSURES - A titanium alloy metal sheet is provided and heated to a superplastic forming temperature. A die has a plurality of housing forming areas each corresponding to one of the medical device housing portions. The heated titanium alloy metal sheet is forced onto the die and over each one of the plurality of housing forming areas, thereby superplastically forming a workpiece comprising a plurality of integrally formed implantable medical device housing portions. | 2013-08-01 |
| 20130197611 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR OPTICAL TOMOGRAPHY FEEDBACK CONTROL OF DOSIMETRY FOR PHOTODYNAMIC THERAPY (PDT) - Control of interstitial photodynamic therapy (PDT) by means of modulation control and/or optical tomography are disclosed. Accurate reconstruction of optical properties in tissue treated by the PDT is provided. Optical tomography is used as an input for controlling dosimetry in said PDT system. | 2013-08-01 |
| 20130197612 | Electromagnetic Radiation Therapy - Apparatuses and methods for the prevention, reduction, or elimination of tissue injury by the application of electromagnetic energy. The apparatuses and methods have application for use in various tissues within diverse regions of the body, including for the prevention, reduction, or elimination of acute kidney injury, kidney failure, and contrast-induced nephropathy. | 2013-08-01 |
| 20130197613 | MANAGING RECHARGE POWER FOR IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICES - Devices, systems, and techniques for controlling charging power based on a cumulative thermal dose to a patient are disclosed. Implantable medical devices may include a rechargeable power source that can be transcutaneously charged. An external charging device may calculate an estimated cumulative thermal dose delivered to the patient during charging over a predetermined period of time. Based on the estimated cumulative thermal dose, the external charging device may select a power level for subsequent charging of the rechargeable power source. In one example, the charging device may select a high power level when the cumulative thermal dose has not exceeded a thermal dose threshold and select a low power level when the cumulative thermal dose has exceeded the thermal dose threshold. | 2013-08-01 |
| 20130197614 | SELECTIVE ACCUMULATION OF ENERGY WITH OR WITHOUT KNOWLEDGE OF TISSUE TOPOGRAPHY - Medical devices and methods for making and using medical devices are disclosed. An example method may include a method for heating a body tissue region adjacent to a body lumen. The method may include positioning an energy delivery portion of a catheter within the lumen and engaging the body lumen with the energy delivery portion. Engaging the body lumen may complete a plurality of circuits. The method may also include determining a pulse characteristic in response to a thermal property of a first tissue type and applying controlled pulsed electrical energy with the pulse characteristic from the energy delivery portion through the plurality of circuits. | 2013-08-01 |
| 20130197615 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PERCUTANEOUS ELECTRICAL STIMULATION - Systems and methods according to the present invention relate to a substantially extracorporeal pulse generator system for electrical stimulation of one or more target nerve or their branches using one or more preferably percutaneous leads each having one or more electrodes implanted in, on, around, or near the target nerve. Improved systems include a patch assembly configured to be adhesively mounted to a patient's skin and an electrical stimulation assembly configured to be mechanically mounted to the patch assembly. A preferred patch assembly, in addition to provide mechanical mounting of the stimulation assembly, provides a power source for the stimulation assembly, and may further serve as a return electrode. Associated system components and methods of use are also provided. | 2013-08-01 |
| 20130197616 | MEDICAL ELECTRICAL LEAD - An improved medical electrical lead is disclosed herein. The lead may include a longitudinally extending body having a distal end, a proximal end, a conductive element extending between the distal and proximal ends, and an electrode coupled to the conductive element utilizing a reflow process. The conductive element and electrode may comprise materials that are incompatible. | 2013-08-01 |
| 20130197617 | STENT - The invention relates to a medical device and a method of using it. The device is a stent which can be percutaneously deliverable with (or on) an endovascular catheter or via other surgical or other techniques and then expanded. The stent is configured to have a central portion defined by “open” cells and at least two end portions, defined by “closed” cells, spaced apart and directly connected to the distal and proximal ends of the central portion of the stent. The stent may also optionally have a covering or a lattice with openings. | 2013-08-01 |
| 20130197618 | Medical Device Package And Methods - A medical device package includes an elongate tubular holder having a first and a second detachable tip, and a medical device positioned within a cavity and contained within the holder via the first and second detachable tips. The medical device has a self-shaping bias and is loaded in opposition to the bias via contact with an inner surface of the holder defining the cavity. The first and second detachable tips may include snap-off tips, such that upon detachment the cavity is opened for removing the medical device. Related methodology is disclosed. | 2013-08-01 |
| 20130197619 | INDWELLING DEVICE DELIVERY SYSTEM - An indwelling device delivery system including a hollow shaft, a dilatable balloon mounted on a circumference of a distal part of the shaft, and an indwelling device mounted on a circumference of the balloon and expanded by dilatation of the balloon. The balloon has a plurality of protrusions for adhering to the indwelling device and the protrusions are constructed so as to elicit adhesion force based on physical adhesion due to van der Waals force by means of creating more surface area. | 2013-08-01 |
| 20130197620 | Stents with Profiles for Gripping a Balloon Catheter and Molds for Fabricating Stents - A radially expandable stent can comprise a proximal section tapering inward to a proximal end of the stent and a distal section tapering inward to a distal end of the stent. The tapered sections can be adapted to improve the attachment of the stent to the delivery system and to facilitate the delivery of the mounted stent into and through a bodily lumen. | 2013-08-01 |
| 20130197621 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR TREATING A CAROTID ARTERY - Systems and methods are adapted for treating the carotid artery. The systems include interventional catheters and blood vessel access devices that are adapted for transcervical insertion into the carotid artery. Embodiments of the systems and methods can be used in combination with embolic protection systems including blood flow reversal mechanisms, arterial filters, and arterial occlusion devices. | 2013-08-01 |
| 20130197622 | Means for Controlled Sealing of Endovascular Devices - Expandable sealing means for endoluminal devices have been developed for controlled activation. The devices have the benefits of a low profile mechanism (for both self-expanding and balloon-expanding prostheses), contained, not open, release of the material, active conformation to the “leak sites” such that leakage areas are filled without disrupting the physical and functional integrity of the prosthesis, and on-demand, controlled activation, that may not be pressure activated. | 2013-08-01 |
| 20130197623 | NON-WOVEN HELICAL WIRE STENT - Exemplary non-woven helical stents are described that are efficient to fabricate in terms of labor and resources by being able to be manufactured by hand or machine while providing mechanical stability equivalent or close thereto of known braided or woven stents. | 2013-08-01 |
| 20130197624 | STENT - The invention relates to a medical device and a method of using it. The device is a stent which can be percutaneously deliverable with (or on) an endovascular catheter or via other surgical or other techniques and then expanded. The stent is configured to have a central portion defined by “open” cells and at least two end portions, defined by “closed” cells, spaced apart and directly connected to the distal and proximal ends of the central portion of the stent. The stent may also optionally have a covering or a lattice with openings. | 2013-08-01 |
| 20130197625 | FIBERS AND YARNS USEFUL FOR CONSTRUCTING GRAFT MATERIALS - The present invention discloses a composite yarn comprising at least one wear-resistant polymeric fiber and at least one flexible polymeric fiber. The present invention also discloses a co-extruded filament comprising a polymeric inner core and a polymeric outer sheath. The polymeric inner core comprises a flexible polymeric material and the polymeric outer sheath comprises a wear-resistant polymeric material. The composite yarn and the co-extruded filament synergistically combine durability and flexibility, and thereby are particularly useful for the construction of graft materials. The present invention further discloses a reinforced fiber graft comprising wear-resistant beads and weaves of flexible polymeric fibers. In another aspect, the present invention discloses a process for assembling a graft device without suture knots by using the inventive co-extruded filament. | 2013-08-01 |
| 20130197626 | HOLLOW DRUG-FILLED STENT AND METHOD OF FORMING HOLLOW DRUG-FILLED STENT - A stent is formed from a wire that in cross-section includes an outer member having a lumen and a radiopaque core member partially filling the lumen. A substance for elution through openings formed through the outer member fills the portion of the lumen not filled by the radiopaque core member. In a method of forming the stent, a composite wire including an outer member and a dual core member is shaped into a stent pattern. The dual core member includes a first core member and a second, radiopaque core member. The shaped composite wire is processed to remove the first core member from the outer member without adversely affecting the outer member and the second core member. The portion of the lumen that was occupied by the first core member may be filled with a substance for elution through openings from through the outer member to the lumen. | 2013-08-01 |
| 20130197627 | IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE - A fenestrated implantable medical device, such as a stent graft ( | 2013-08-01 |
| 20130197628 | COPOLYMER-MODIFIED NANOPARTICLES, ESPECIALLY FOR USE IN MEDICAL ARTICLES - Copolymer-modified nanoparticles produced by a process in which nanoparticles are ablated by laser radiation from a surface of a substrate in a liquid include an amphiphilic copolymer. | 2013-08-01 |
| 20130197629 | Inversion Delivery Device And Method For A Prosthesis - A delivery device usable to deliver an inverting implant is provided that includes a positioning mechanism that automatically initiates the inversion process once a predetermined length of the implant has exited a delivery catheter. The positioning mechanism allows the implant to be safely and accurately deployed with reduced operator experience and in a greater variety of target locations. | 2013-08-01 |
| 20130197630 | Device for Replacing at Least One Chord in The Mitral Valve, Kit Comprising at Least Two Devices, and Surgical Method - The replacement device according to the invention makes it possible to replace at least one natural chord ( | 2013-08-01 |
| 20130197631 | DURABLE MULTI-LAYER HIGH STRENGTH POLYMER COMPOSITE SUITABLE FOR IMPLANT AND ARTICLES PRODUCED THEREFROM - A thin, biocompatible, high-strength, composite material is disclosed that is suitable for use in various implanted configurations. The composite material maintains flexibility in high-cycle flexural applications, making it particularly applicable to high-flex implants such as heart pacing lead or heart valve leaflet. The composite material includes at least one porous expanded fluoropolymer layer and an elastomer substantially filling substantially all of the pores of the porous expanded fluoropolymer. | 2013-08-01 |
| 20130197632 | ADJUSTMENT SUTURE MARKERS FOR ADJUSTABLE ANNULOPLASTY RING - An adjustable annuloplasty ring includes a body in the form of an endless loop having an internal lumen therethrough, an adjustment suture extending through at least a portion of the internal lumen, a first portion of the suture exiting the lumen through a first opening in the body and a second portion of the suture exiting the lumen through a second opening in the body, and a first adjustment marker on the first portion of the suture outside of the body. The suture may be adapted to reduce the length of the body around the loop when tightened. | 2013-08-01 |
| 20130197633 | DISPOSITIF DE SUCCION POUR LE TRAITEMENT D UNE PATHOLOGIE OCULAIRE - The invention concerns a device allowing the treatment of an ocular pathology, comprising:
| 2013-08-01 |
| 20130197634 | APPARATUS FOR PATTERNED PLASMA-MEDIATED LASER TREPHINATION OF THE LENS CAPSULE AND THREE DIMENSIONAL PHACO-SEGMENTATION - System and method for making incisions in eye tissue at different depths. The system and method focuses light, possibly in a pattern, at various focal points which are at various depths within the eye tissue. A segmented lens can be used to create multiple focal points simultaneously. Optimal incisions can be achieved by sequentially or simultaneously focusing lights at different depths, creating an expanded column of plasma, and creating a beam with an elongated waist. | 2013-08-01 |
| 20130197635 | Accommodating Intraocular Lens - An intraocular lens has a polymeric optic defined by a harder posterior layer and a softer anterior layer. Haptics having a fulcrum attached to the posterior layer and a resistance arm attached to the anterior layer are provided. A bias is provided to the haptic to rotate the haptics about the fulcrum and cause the resistance arm to deform the softer anterior layer about the harder posterior layer to increase the optical power of the lens. As the haptic rotates, it axially displaces the optic anteriorly to additionally increase the optical power. The optical power is adjustable in response to stresses induced by the eye. The haptics are subject to a pre-bias that urges the haptics to rotate or bend about the fulcrum. Temporary restraints are provided to the haptics to retain a stressed shape of the lens against the bias during a post-implantation healing period. | 2013-08-01 |
| 20130197636 | INTRAOCULAR LENS IMPLANT - An intraocular lens implant comprises two viewing elements ( | 2013-08-01 |
| 20130197637 | METHOD FOR MAKING NOVEL COMPOSITIONS CAPABLE OF POST FABRICATION MODIFICATION - The invention relates to a novel method for preparing materials whose properties can be manipulated after fabrication. In this process, a base material is created in a manner that provides spaces or voids which can then be filled with a modifying composition. The method is particularly useful in the manufacture of light adjustable optical elements such as intraocular lenses. | 2013-08-01 |
| 20130197638 | FEMORAL AND TIBIAL BASE COMPONENTS - Various embodiments are directed to base components that are usable with implantable mechanical energy absorbing systems. According to one embodiment, the base component includes a low-profile body having a elongate, straight portion at a first end and a curved body portion at a second end. The second end is elevated as compared to the first end. An inner surface of the low-profile body has a raised portion extending along the elongate, straight portion of the low-profile body. The base component also includes a plurality of openings positioned along the low-profile body for alignment and purposes of affixation to body anatomy. | 2013-08-01 |
| 20130197639 | EXTRA-ARTICULAR IMPLANTABLE MECHANICAL ENERGY ABSORBING SYSTEMS AND IMPLANTATION METHOD - A system and method for sharing and absorbing energy between body parts. In one aspect, the method involves identifying link pivot locations, fixing base components and minimally invasive insertion techniques. In one particular aspect, the system facilitates absorbing energy between members forming a joint such as between articulating bones. | 2013-08-01 |
| 20130197640 | METHODS FOR MAKING A TISSUE ENGINEERED MUSCLE REPAIR (TEMR) CONSTRUCT IN VITRO FOR IMPLANTATION IN VIVO - Provided herein are methods of culturing organized skeletal muscle tissue from precursor muscle cells by cyclically stretching and relaxing said muscle cells on a support in vitro for a time sufficient to produce said organized skeletal muscle tissue, including reseeding said organized skeletal muscle tissue by contacting additional precursor muscle cells to said organized skeletal muscle tissue on said solid support, and then repeating said step of cyclically stretching and relaxing said muscle cells in said support in vitro for time sufficient to enhance the density (i.e., increased number of nuclei and/or number of multinucleated cells) of said organized skeletal muscle tissue on said support. | 2013-08-01 |
| 20130197641 | LAMINOPLASTY IMPLANT, METHOD AND INSTRUMENTATION - In one embodiment, the present invention is a system for use in a laminoplasty procedure, the system including an implant comprising a first body and a second body, the first and second bodies adapted to slide relative to one another; and an implantation instrument including: a shaft having a longitudinal length, a proximal end, a distal end and a hollow throughbore along at least a portion of its length; a handle positioned on the proximal end of the shaft; an actuator rod having a proximal portion and a distal portion, the actuator rod being positioned within the hollow throughbore of the shaft; a knob adapted to engage the proximal portion of the actuator rod; a first connector adapted to engage the distal portion of the actuator rod; and a second connector fixedly secured to the distal end of the shaft. | 2013-08-01 |
| 20130197642 | EXPANDABLE IMPLANT FOR MAMMALIAN BONY SEGMENT STABILIZATION - Embodiments of bony region stabilization implants are described generally herein including a controllable expandable implant for placement between two bony segments including vertebrae. Other embodiments may be described and claimed. | 2013-08-01 |
| 20130197643 | INTERVERTEBRAL DISC PROSTHESIS AND METHOD - The present disclosure generally relates to an intervertebral disc prosthesis for partially or totally replacing an organic intervertebral disc. The disc prosthesis includes an interbody device, a face plate and a pair of locking mechanisms for achieving dual fixation in the cephalad and caudal direction. Methods according to the present disclosure achieve such dual fixation in a single fixation step. | 2013-08-01 |
| 20130197644 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PERFORMING SPINAL SURGICAL PROCEDURES USING NATURAL ORIFICES - This disclosure describes devices and methods for performing spinal surgical procedures. In some embodiments, a method may include positioning at least a portion of at least one surgical instrument in at least one naturally occurring orifice of a human by a user. In some embodiments, a method may include accessing an interior space of the human using at least one of the surgical instruments. The method may include performing at least a portion of a spinal surgical procedure using at least one of the surgical instruments positioned in at least one of the naturally occurring orifices of the human. The method may include removing at least one of the surgical instruments from at least one of the naturally occurring orifices upon completion of at least a portion of the spinal surgical procedure. | 2013-08-01 |
| 20130197645 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR FACET JOINT TREATMENT - A facet implant system for implanting between a superior facet and an inferior facet. The facet implant system includes a first facet implant component and a second facet implant component. The first facet implant component has a first articulating surface and a first engagement surface located opposite the first articulating surface. The first facet implant component has a leading edge and a trailing edge. The first facet implant component has teeth that extend from the first engagement surface. The teeth are arranged in a plurality of rows and wherein teeth in adjacent rows are offset from each other. The second facet implant component has a second articulating surface and a second engagement surface located opposite the second articulating surface. The second facet implant component has teeth that extend from the second engagement surface. | 2013-08-01 |
| 20130197646 | VERTEBRAL FACET JOINT PROSTHESIS AND METHOD OF FIXATION - Devices and methods for altering the spacing and motion at the facet joints of the vertebral column are provided. One embodiment of the invention comprises a prosthesis with surfaces configured to articulate with the facets of the facet joint. A retaining member for anchoring the prosthesis within the facet joint is optionally included. Methods for surgically and less invasively implanting the prosthesis and securing the prosthesis to the articular processes or surrounding soft tissue are also provided. | 2013-08-01 |
| 20130197647 | EXPANDABLE SPINAL INTERBODY AND INTRAVERTEBRAL BODY DEVICES - A device for insertion into a spinal (intervertebral or intravertebral) space is expandable from a first circumference to a second circumference through axial compression of segments of the device, particularly once the device has been properly situated within a vertebral space. The interbody/intravertebral body device is characterized by a plurality of axially stacked, individual segments that are provided on a central insertion and deployment rod. Each segment includes a central plate or body to which are pivotally attached plate or leaf structures. Pivoting of the structures provides a collapsed or unexpanded position of the first circumference and an open or expanded position of the second circumference. | 2013-08-01 |
| 20130197648 | IMPLANT FOR THE SPINAL COLUMN AND ACTUATING INSTRUMENT - The invention relates to an implant device, comprising an actuating instrument ( | 2013-08-01 |
| 20130197649 | SUBSTRATE FOR WEAR-PROOF ORTHOPAEDIC JOINTS, OF NON FERROUS METAL WITH A NITRIDE-BASED COATING - Substrates for joints for orthopaedic implants are described, wherein at least one of the sliding surfaces of non-ferrous metal alloys, in particular of cobalt, chromium, molybdenum alloys, has a coating consisting of niobium nitride nanolayers alternating with chromium nitride nanolayers, the lot being protected by a chromium nitride microlayer. | 2013-08-01 |
| 20130197650 | REVERSE SHOULDER PROSTHETIC - A reverse modular humeral implant for implantation into a humerus that includes a natural humeral shaft and a natural humeral head. The implant includes a humeral stem implantable into the natural humeral shaft, and an adapter couplable to the humeral stem, the adapter including an anchoring projection configured to be coupled to a convex bearing. | 2013-08-01 |
| 20130197651 | CONVERTIBLE GLENOID IMPLANT - A shoulder implant assembly constructed in accordance to one example of the present disclosure includes a frame member, a cup, and a glenosphere. The frame member can have a central hub and a first arm extending therefrom. The frame member can be configured to selectively and alternatively couple with first shoulder implant components in a traditional shoulder configuration and with second shoulder implant components in a reverse shoulder configuration. The cup can have a concave surface that is configured to articulate with a humeral head component. The cup can be selectively coupled to the frame member in the traditional shoulder configuration. The glenosphere can have an outer articulating surface that is configured to articulate with a second cup. The glenosphere can be selectively coupled to the frame member in the reverse shoulder configuration. | 2013-08-01 |
| 20130197652 | ROTATABLE COLLAR FOR A PROSTHESIS | 2013-08-01 |
| 20130197653 | PROSTHETIC JOINT - A joint prosthesis comprising, e.g., a femoral component and a tibial component. The medial and lateral condylar articular surfaces may have substantially uniform and equal radii from full extension to about 90° of flexion. From 90°, the lateral condylar articular surface has a smaller radius than the medial condylar articular surface such that the medial condyle gradually becomes increasingly more proud than the lateral condyle to facilitate internal rotation of the tibia at deep flexion. Also, the tibial articular component may include a post intermediate the medial and lateral compartments that engages a cam on the femoral articular component between the medial and the lateral condylar articular surfaces. The cam and post become congruent at flexion angles of approximately 70° flexion and mate symmetrically during the first 20°-30° of further flexion, and then mate asymmetrically at greater degrees of flexion to force internal rotation of the tibia. | 2013-08-01 |
| 20130197654 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING A FEMORAL COMPONENT - Systems and methods for providing deeper knee flexion capabilities. In some instances, such systems and methods include a femoral knee replacement component that includes an articular surface, a first interior surface, and a second interior surface, wherein the first and second interior surfaces run substantially parallel to each other. In some cases, the articular surface includes an anterior condylar extension that is configured to replace an anterior articular cartilage of a femur such that the anterior extension is configured to terminate adjacent to a proximal limit of the anterior articular cartilage of the femur. Other implementations are also discussed. | 2013-08-01 |
| 20130197655 | PROSTHESIS FOR THE BASAL JOINT OF THE THUMB - A basal joint of the thumb prosthesis includes a socket element to be secured to the trapezoid and capitate, and a metacarpal component to be secured to the first metacarpal. A ball on the metacarpal component is received and substantially enclosed by the socket element. | 2013-08-01 |
| 20130197656 | ADJUSTABLE PROVISIONAL COMPONENT OF A MEDICAL DEVICE - An adjustable provisional component for an implantable medical device comprises a first portion mountable to a first part of a patient, and a second portion coupled to the first portion, wherein at least one of the first portion and the second portion is adjustable to select a value of a first geometric parameter of the adjustable provisional component. | 2013-08-01 |
| 20130197657 | CENTRAL AIRWAY STENT - The present invention relates to central airway stents, and methods and devices for deploying such stents. The central airway stents are useful for maintaining or prolonging the patency of a central airway. | 2013-08-01 |
| 20130197658 | NASAL PASSAGE STENT - Embodiments of the invention are directed to nasal stents incorporating a filter and methods of use thereof. In one embodiment, a nasal stent has a stent body having a lumen with the same inner diameter (ID) along the length thereof. In an alternative embodiment, the nasal stent has a stent body having a lumen with a decreasing ID along the length thereof. In any embodiment, the stent is capable of having a compressed configuration and an expanded configuration. The nasal stent may further include a tubular insert housing a retaining mechanism to retain a filter at a proximal end thereof. A support may further fix the filter at a proximal end thereof. When inserted within a nostril of a person, the filter may function to filter particulates from the air when a person breathes in. | 2013-08-01 |
| 20130197659 | JOINT PROSTHESIS - A joint prosthesis comprises a first component having a bearing surface and a second component having a bearing surface arranged to articulate with the bearing surface of the first component, said bearing surfaces of the first and the second component thus forming a bearing couple. The bearing surfaces consist of a silicon carbide whisker reinforced alumina. Thus, a bearing couple with low wear, low friction and high hardness is provided. | 2013-08-01 |
| 20130197660 | IMPLANTABLE DEVICES HAVING ANTIBACTERIAL PROPERTIES AND MULTIFUNCTIONAL SURFACES - Implantable devices having antibacterial activity for preventing periprosthetic infections and for improving osteointegration capacity are provided. Methods for making and using such devices are also provided. | 2013-08-01 |
| 20130197661 | MUCOSAL TISSUE ADHESION VIA TEXTURED SURFACE - The present specification discloses porous materials, methods of forming such porous material, biocompatible implantable devices comprising such porous materials, and methods of making such biocompatible implantable devices. The porous material may be used to fix to the interior mucosal lining of a patient's gastrointestinal tract. | 2013-08-01 |
| 20130197662 | COLLAGEN GEL FOR BONDING POROUS COLLAGEN-BASED MATERIALS WITH NON-POROUS COLLAGEN-BASED MATERIALS - The invention discloses a process for fabricating a biomaterial, comprising: a) joining a porous collagen based-material with a non-porous collagen based-material by applying a controlled amount of a bonding layer of a gel comprising collagen to a bonding surface of the non-porous collagen based-material, and contacting a surface of the porous collagen based-material with the gel applied to the bonding surface to partially hydrate a section of the porous material at the interface between the materials; b) drying the gel to dry to bond the materials together; and c) cross-linking the collagens in the bonding layer. Also disclosed are biomaterials and implants produced using the fabrication process. | 2013-08-01 |
| 20130197663 | BIOMEDICAL PATCHES WITH ALIGNED FIBERS - A structure of aligned (e.g., radially and/or polygonally aligned) fibers, and systems and methods for producing and using the same. One or more structures provided may be created using an apparatus that includes one or more first electrodes that define an area and/or partially circumscribe an area. For example, a single first electrode may enclose the area, or a plurality of first electrode(s) may be positioned on at least a portion of the perimeter of the area. A second electrode is positioned within the area. Electrodes with rounded (e.g., convex) surfaces may be arranged in an array, and a fibrous structure created using such electrodes may include an array of wells at positions corresponding to the positions of the electrodes. | 2013-08-01 |
| 20130197664 | Electrospun Porous Media - Espun material may function as a filtration medium or be put to other uses. The espun material may comprise espun poly(tetrafluoroethylene) (espun PTFE). One or more layers of the espun material may be included. The properties of the espun material can be tailored. For example, a gradient fabric may include espun PTFE. The gradient fabric may include two or more layers of espun PTFE. | 2013-08-01 |
| 20130197665 | PLACENTAL TISSUE GRAFTS AND IMPROVED METHODS OF PREPARING AND USING THE SAME - Described herein are tissue grafts derived from the placenta. The grafts are composed of at least one layer of amnion tissue where the epithelium layer has been substantially removed in order to expose the basement layer to host cells. By removing the epithelium layer, cells from the host can more readily interact with the cell-adhesion bio-active factors located onto top and within of the basement membrane. Also described herein are methods for making and using the tissue grafts. The laminin structure of amnion tissue is nearly identical to that of native human tissue such as, for example, oral mucosa tissue. This includes high level of laminin-5, a cell adhesion bio-active factor show to bind gingival epithelia-cells, found throughout upper portions of the basement membrane. | 2013-08-01 |
| 20130197666 | METHODS AND DEVICES FOR PREPARING AND IMPLANTING TISSUE SCAFFOLDS - Methods and devices are provided for preparing and implanting tissue scaffolds. Various embodiments of scribing tools are provided that are configured to mark one or more predetermined shapes around a defect site in tissue. The shape or shapes marked in tissue can be used to cut a tissue scaffold having a shape that matches the shape or shapes marked in tissue. In one embodiment, the scribing tool used to mark a shape in tissue can also be used to cut the tissue scaffold. | 2013-08-01 |
| 20130197667 | Acellular Vascular Products - A product comprising a natural acellular xenogenic vascular tissue matrix having at least an 80% reduction in DNA content as compared to an untreated control vascular tissue matrix and being antigenically inert by being substantially free of epitopes capable of reacting with pre-formed human antibodies and also without having the ability to substantially activate complement. The invention also includes methods of preparing such products and uses of the products especially in bypass surgery. | 2013-08-01 |
| 20130197668 | STRUCTURE MODELED ON A BIOLOGICAL TISSUE AND METHOD FOR PRODUCING SAID STRUCTURE - The present invention relates to a method for producing a structure modeled on a biological tissue. The invention also relates to a structure which can be produced using the method according to the invention. According to an embodiment of the invention, a precursor of a biopolymer is locally irradiated with electromagnetic radiation in a targeted manner, wherein the irradiation, in particular the selection of the areas to be irradiated, is effected according to data which describe a structural construction at least components of the extracellular matrix of the biological tissue. In this case, the electromagnetic radiation is such that two-photon or multi-photon absorption takes place in the irradiated areas of the precursor and results in the precursor being polymerized to form the biopolymer in the irradiated areas, with the result being that the precursor is at least partially solidified there. | 2013-08-01 |
| 20130197669 | MYOELECTRIC ELECTRODE ASSEMBLY - A myoelectric electrode assembly for a prosthesis comprising a retention ring adapted to be inserted into a correspondingly shaped aperture in the wall of the prosthesis. The assembly also has a myoelectric electrode unit held within the retention ring by means of a gasket which surrounds the electrode unit and is in sealing engagement therewith. A portion of the gasket is received in and sealingly engages with an annular recess around the inside of the retention ring. | 2013-08-01 |
