34th week of 2012 patent applcation highlights part 48 |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20120215193 | SELF-ADAPTIVE AND OPTIONALLY ALSO OTHERWISE ADAPTABLE WOUND DRESSING - An automatically self-adjusting variable permeability providing (AVPP) layer is provided over and in operative interaction with a wound site containing a wound to the integumentary system of a living creature such as the skin of a human patient. The AVPP layer has the capability of automatically changing in respective fluid permeability characteristics provided by respective subregions of the AVPP layer where the changes are in reaction to extant or changed conditions in corresponding micro-zones of the wound site. The automatic self-adjusting behaviors of the respective subregions of the AVPP layer can include providing a faster rate of vapor removal for micro-zones of the wound site that are too wet and providing a slower rate of vapor removal or essentially no vapor removal for micro-zones of the wound site that are too dry. | 2012-08-23 |
20120215194 | SANITARY PAD WITH INCREASED ABSORBABILITY - A multi layered sanitary pad having a unique contoured oval shape and design for snug fit, increased absorption, comfort, obscurity and enhanced leak prevention that includes a cotton oval or elliptical shaped body made up of very thin cotton contoured oval embossed fleece layers, cotton wadding layers, cellulose/SAF/SAP layers, and cotton contoured oval weave layers. The upper surface of the sanitary pad includes a central protrusion extending longitudinally and laterally from end to end and side to side, the cross-shaped protrusion including additional cotton wadding, coupled with cellulose/SAF/SAP layers for increased absorption and leak prevention for extended wear. The top surface protrusion also is shaped and sized to slightly penetrate the vaginal opening to ensure a snug comfortable fit to increase absorption and enhance leakage prevention along with extended wear. The top surface also includes (4) recessed portions surrounding the central protrusion area, again for a snug fit, additional absorption, leakage prevention and comfort. | 2012-08-23 |
20120215195 | ABSORBENT ARTICLE HAVING LINE OF WEAKNESS FOR FOLDING THE ARTICLE - A feminine care absorbent article has a longitudinal axis, a transverse axis, and an absorbent structure configured for disposition adjacent a female wearer's vaginal region to absorb bodily fluids discharged by the wearer. The absorbent structure has end portions and a middle portion located between the end portions. The absorbent structure has at least one line of weakness disposed in one of the end portions and configured to facilitate folding of the absorbent structure in a longitudinal direction in response to a lateral compressive force. The absorbent structure has a relief for inhibiting the longitudinal folding of the absorbent structure facilitated by the at least one line of weakness from extending beyond the middle portion of the absorbent structure. | 2012-08-23 |
20120215196 | PLASTIC FILM HAVING OXYGEN ABSORBING FUNCTION AND INFUSION BAG - The present invention relates to a plastic film for medical containers having an oxygen absorbing function including at least 4 layers ( | 2012-08-23 |
20120215197 | Non-Coring Fill Needle - A non-coring needle that includes a sharpened and hardened tip having a tapered back region against which a length of tubing is pressed and welded, brazed or soldered. A Luer Lock hub may be attached to the other end of the tubing. | 2012-08-23 |
20120215198 | APPARATUS AND SYSTEM FOR ADMINISTERING MEDICATION - A method and apparatus for administering medication. The method and apparatus includes providing a treatment tube having a wall with an exterior surface and a central lumen. The treatment tube also includes at least one hollow tubular channel disposed within the wall of the treatment tube. Medication is delivered supplied to the hollow tubular channel and delivered through the wall of the treatment tube to the exterior surface of the treatment tube. | 2012-08-23 |
20120215199 | METHODS AND APPARATUSES FOR DETECTING OCCLUSIONS IN AN AMBULATORY INFUSION PUMP - An improved pump, reservoir and reservoir piston are provided for controlled delivery of fluids. A motor is operably coupled to a drive member, such as a drive screw, which is adapted to advance a plunger slide in response to operation of the motor. The plunger slide is removably coupled to the piston. Methods, systems, and articles of manufacture for automatically detecting an occlusion in a medication infusion pump are provided. The electrical current to an infusion pump may be measured. Based on measurements of one or more variables, such as force, the infusion pump detects whether there is an occlusion in the system. The methods of detecting occlusions may be dynamic. | 2012-08-23 |
20120215200 | PRECISION FLUID DELIVERY SYSTEMS - A precision syringe ( | 2012-08-23 |
20120215201 | INTEGRATED DELIVERY DEVICE FOR CONTINUOUS GLUCOSE SENSOR - Systems and methods for integrating a continuous glucose sensor, including a receiver, a medicament delivery device, and optionally a single point glucose monitor are provided. Manual integrations provide for a physical association between the devices wherein a user (for example, patient or doctor) manually selects the amount, type, and/or time of delivery. Semi-automated integration of the devices includes integrations wherein an operable connection between the integrated components aids the user (for example, patient or doctor) in selecting, inputting, calculating, or validating the amount, type, or time of medicament delivery of glucose values, for example, by transmitting data to another component and thereby reducing the amount of user input required. Automated integration between the devices includes integrations wherein an operable connection between the integrated components provides for full control of the system without required user interaction. | 2012-08-23 |
20120215202 | MULTICHANNEL CATHETER - An extracorporeal circulation catheter has three independent channels and an expandable balloon at one end of the catheter. The first channel allows for delivery of blood to a patient in an amount sufficient to maintain the patient's metabolism and perfusion throughout the treatment or surgery. The second channel is integrated into the wall of the first channel and is suitable for delivering a fluid (e.g., for cardioplegia) to the heart. A third channel is integrated into the wall of the first channel and is suitable for delivering a fluid to the balloon for its expansion when positioned in the ascending aorta to occlude the flow of blood to the heart. The first channel accounts for at least about 70% of the total channel volume. | 2012-08-23 |
20120215203 | COMPRESSIBLE MULTI-CHAMBER FEEDING TUBE DELIVERY DEVICE AND METHODS - An ingestible material delivery device for sequentially delivering first and second ingestible materials to a user through a feeding tube provides a tube body having first and second chambers separated by a seal. A puncture tool is disposed in the second chamber extending toward the seal. The puncture tool engages and disrupts the seal when the second chamber is compressed. In some embodiments, the second chamber includes a plurality of interconnected bellows operable for axial compression of the second chamber. Another embodiment of a delivery device provides a tube body having first and second chambers with exit nozzles extending in opposite flow directions. A method of sequentially delivering first and second ingestible materials to a user through a feeding tube is also provided. | 2012-08-23 |
20120215204 | METHOD OF CONTROLLING THE PROPAGATION OF MRSA, STAPH AND OTHER INFECTIONS THAT COLONIZE IN THE NOSE - A method for reducing the spread of bacterial infections includes identifying a group of individuals at risk of an infection that colonizes in the nose, determining whether any individuals can be exclude, designating an individual or group of individuals who will receive treatment, providing a strip, mask, and/or clip, the strip, mask, and/or clip having an effective amount of antimicrobial agent capable of being delivered to the colony of bacteria in, on, and around the nose, the strip, mask, and/or clip is applied to the nose of the individual or group so to allow the agent to migrate to eradicate the colony. | 2012-08-23 |
20120215205 | PLUNGER-DRIVEN FEEDING TUBE DELIVERY DEVICE AND METHODS - A plunger-driven delivery device for use with a feeding tube for delivering an ingestible material to a user is provided. The delivery device includes a device body having a first chamber, a second chamber and an exit orifice through which the ingestible material is delivered to the feeding tube. A first plunger is disposed in the first chamber, and a second plunger is disposed in the second chamber. The delivery device can be provided with an ingestible material disposed in the first chamber and a flushing liquid disposed in the second chamber. The delivery device is operable to provide sequential delivery first of ingestible material and then flushing liquid into a feeding tube. In some embodiments, a mechanical interlock is disposed between the first and second plungers to prevent use of the second plunger until the first plunger has been depressed. In additional embodiments, a first passage is defined between the first chamber and the exit orifice and a second passage is defined between the second chamber and the exit orifice. The second passage has a longer passage length than the first passage, allowing delivery of the ingestible material into the feeding tube before flushing liquid is ejected from the delivery device. A method of delivering ingestible material to a user through a feeding tube is also provided. | 2012-08-23 |
20120215206 | Skin Graft Applicator - A skin graft applicator with a handle member and a roller member is described for use in applying a skin graft to a patient. The skin graft applicator has a manipulator pad for positioning the skin graft, and a roller member for forcing air and fluid from underneath the skin graft ensuring the proper bond between graft and tissue. | 2012-08-23 |
20120215207 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SELECTIVE PHOTOTHERMOLYSIS OF VEINS - A system and method are provided that are capable of selectively treating a vein using photothermolysis techniques, where an electromagnetic radiation is applied to tissue containing the vein. The radiation can be selected so that it may be more effectively absorbed by veins as compared to arteries. Thus, unwanted thermal damage to arteries in the vicinity of the vein being treated can be reduced or avoided. The radiation can have a frequency of approximately 654 nm, which can provide a ratio of absorption by veins to absorption by arteries of about 3.7. Other wavelengths near 654 nm may be provided, for example, which can have an absorption ratio greater than, e.g., about 3.3 to 3.6. | 2012-08-23 |
20120215208 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PRECISION WORKING OF MATERIAL - A method for precise working of material, particularly organic tissue, comprises the step of providing laser pulses with a pulse length between 50 fs and 1 ps and with a pulse frequency from 50 kHz to 1 MHz and with a wavelength between 600 and 2000 nm for acting on the material to be worked. Apparatus, in accordance with the invention, for precise working of material, particularly organic tissue comprising a pulsed laser, wherein the laser has a pulse length between 50 fs and 1 ps and with a pulse frequency of from 50 kHz to 1 MHz is also described. | 2012-08-23 |
20120215209 | Tattoo Removal and Other Dermatological Treatments using Multi-Photon Processing - A system and method for removing a portion of a tattoo using multi-photon ablation is described. A localized, multi-photon processing event is initiated within a vicinity of a pigment in order to remove it. The multi-photon event requires a relatively low energy, but very intense, pulse of light. The low amount of energy per pulse allows ablation of the material to be highly localized, with negligible thermal damage to surrounding material. The multi-photon event may be initiated by focusing a suitable electromagnetic pulse, such as a 2 mJ laser pulse having a pulse duration of 100-300 femtoseconds, into a focal volume small enough that the intensity exceeds 10 | 2012-08-23 |
20120215210 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR THE TREATMENT OF HUMAN OR ANIMAL TISSUE BY LIGHT - Apparatus for the treatment of human or animal tissue by light includes a light source for directing light towards the tissue in use, an applicator having a tissue-facing surface, a detector for detecting in use proximity of the tissue-facing surface to the tissue, and a control element responsive to the detector for controlling the light source to direct light to be incident on the tissue in use only when the tissue-facing surface is spaced from the tissue. | 2012-08-23 |
20120215211 | DELIVERY FIBER FOR SURGICAL LASER TREATMENT AND METHOD FOR MAKING SAME - An optical surgical fiber assembly for delivering laser radiation from a laser radiation source to a treatment site has a sealed off capillary enclosing a delivery end of the fiber. The capillary is formed from an outermost layer of fused silica and an adjacent layer of boron-doped fused silica having a higher CTE than that of the fused silica. The capillary is shrink-fitted onto the delivery end of the fiber. A compressive stress is imparted to the outermost layer of the capillary as a result of the shrink-fitting process and the CTE difference between the layers. This provides mechanical hardening of the surface of the outermost layer. | 2012-08-23 |
20120215212 | TREATMENT FOR PULMONARY DISORDERS - A thermochemical ablation system can be used to ablate a portion of a bodily structure, such as a human airway. In some examples, the thermochemical ablation system includes a first ablation reagent, a second ablation reagent, and an expandable balloon positioned adjacent the distal end of a catheter. The expandable balloon can be inserted into the bodily structure and the two ablation reagents combined to cause an exothermic reaction that generates heat. The heat may create a substantially uniform temperature distribution across the surface of the expandable balloon, providing substantially uniform ablation of tissue adjacent the balloon. | 2012-08-23 |
20120215213 | Monitoring and controlling energy delivery of an electrosurgical device - A method is disclosed for delivering energy to a region of tissue within a patient's body using a medical treatment system. The medical treatment system comprises an energy delivery device coupled to an energy source. Energy is delivered through the energy delivery device positioned within the patient's body. An energy delivery parameter associated with the delivery of energy by the medical treatment system is monitored and if one or more values of the energy delivery parameter exceed a predetermined magnitude threshold, one or more errors are detected. The extent of the detected errors is determined or assessed and the delivery of energy is controlled if the extent of the errors detected exceeds a sensitivity threshold before the expiry of a predetermined time period. | 2012-08-23 |
20120215214 | Cool Tip Junction - A conduit junction for use with an electrosurgical system includes a body having a lumen defined therein and at least one positioning structure. The lumen is configured to receive to receive at least a portion of a tubular structure. The tubular structure includes at least one of a conductor and a conduit of an electrosurgical system. The positioning structure is disposed in mechanical cooperation with the lumen and is adapted to position at least one of the conductor and the conduit within the body of the conduit junction. The body of the conduit junction may include a first section and a second section pivotably connected to each other. The positioning structure may include at least one rib pocket. | 2012-08-23 |
20120215215 | Vessel Sealer and Divider with Captured Cutting Element - The present disclosure relates to an end effector assembly including first and second jaw members and a knife body. The first and second jaw members have a curved configuration and are disposed in opposed relation to each other. One or both of the jaw members include a ledge, a first knife channel and a second knife channel. The ledge is disposed along the length of one of the jaw members. The first knife channel is defined along the length of a portion of the ledge. The second knife channel is defined along the length of a portion of the jaw member, and below a bottom portion of the ledge such that the ledge covers a portion of the second knife channel. The knife body includes a knife blade at a distal end thereof and a recessed portion proximal to the knife blade. | 2012-08-23 |
20120215216 | ELECTROSURGICAL GENERATOR CONTROLLER FOR REGULATION OF ELECTROSURGICAL GENERATOR OUTPUT POWER - An electrosurgical generator may reduce unintended tissue damage by improving regulation of output power. The electrosurgical generator may control the power during a cycle, and react to a change in power if arcing occurs. Voltage sources, especially, demonstrate the tendency to have large, uncontrolled power excursions during normal electrosurgical use. The magnitude of the power excursions may be dependent on various factors. An exemplary electrosurgical generator control scheme reduces or minimizes the thermal spread by accurately supplying the specified power within a few cycles. Additionally, fast and accurate regulation provided by the constant voltage mode reduces or minimizes unintentional tissue charring. Thus, reduced thermal spread and charring should result in better surgical outcomes by reducing scarring and decreasing healing times. An electrosurgical generator controller may be configured to control both a DC-DC buck converter and a DC-AC boost inverter based in part on electrical parameters of the electrosurgical generator. | 2012-08-23 |
20120215217 | SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH PROTECTIVE SHEATH - An electrode tip for use in performing electrosurgical operative procedures is disclosed. The electrode tip includes a main body that can receive electrical energy from an electrosurgical generator. The main body includes a working surface that communicates the electrical energy to patient tissue during the operative procedure. An insulative sheath is disposed around a portion of the electrode tip to prevent electrical energy from being communicated from the covered portions of the electrode tip to patient tissue. The insulative sheath has a leading edge that is shaped to minimize resistance to the movement of the electrode tip through patient tissue. The leading edge can be arcuately shaped or angled relative to a longitudinal axis of the electrode tip to provide the resistance reducing characteristics. | 2012-08-23 |
20120215218 | System and Method for Electrical Stimulation of the Lumbar Vertebral Column - Disclosed methods and devices treat chronic lower back pain from degenerated or injured intervertebral discs. Electrodes connected to a pulse generator deliver electrical impulses to nerves located within the posterior longitudinal ligament and annulus fibrosus of lumbar intervertebral discs. The stimulation reduces back pain reversibly, adjustably, and with almost complete coverage of the pain-generating region. A temporary percutaneous lead and a permanent paddle lead are used. The percutaneous lead, designed to prevent inappropriate stimulation of the thecal sac, is inserted using a specially-designed introducer cannula and lead blank. The paddle lead is configured individually for implantation in the anterior epidural space of each patient. Electrical stimulation parameters may also be selected so as to ablate the nerves, using non-thermal irreversible electroporation, or using joule heating wherein a thermal insulator covers substantially all of the thecal sac, thereby shielding the thecal sac from potential heat damage. | 2012-08-23 |
20120215219 | Apparatus with Multiple Channel Selective Cutting - A forceps includes an end effector assembly and one or more cutting blades. The end effector assembly defines a longitudinal axis and has a pair of jaw members selectively positionable relative to one another about a pivot. One or more of the jaw members includes an electrically conductive tissue engaging surface adapted to connect to an electrosurgical energy source. One or more of the jaw members includes two or more blade channels defined therein and extending therealong. The one or more cutting blades are selectively movable within one or more of the two or more blade channels. | 2012-08-23 |
20120215220 | FUSING AND CUTTING SURGICAL INSTRUMENT AND RELATED METHODS - A surgical instrument can include a shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, and a wrist coupled to the distal end of the shaft and configured to articulate in multiple degrees of freedom coupled to the distal end of the shaft. The surgical instrument can further include an end effector supported by the wrist, wherein the end effector includes a cutting element and jaws configured to grip tissue and fuse tissue via electrosurgical energy. The surgical instrument can be configured for use with a teleoperated robotic surgical system that can include a patient side console configured to interface to actuate the surgical instrument and a surgeon side console configured to receive inputs from a surgeon to control the actuation of the surgical instrument. | 2012-08-23 |
20120215221 | ELECTROSURGICAL SYSTEM WITH SUCTION CONTROL APPARATUS, SYSTEM AND METHOD - System and method for selectively applying electrical energy to structures within or on the surface of a patient's body and controlling the flow of an electrically conductive fluid from the application site to provide or maintain a desired operating condition of the electrosurgical device. An electrosurgical probe is in communication with a fluid transport apparatus through a fluid transport lumen having an opening at an end proximate the application site and disposed proximate the electrosurgical probe. A controller in communication with the fluid transport apparatus provides control signals to the fluid transport apparatus in response to at least one operating parameter associated with the system. Based on the received control signals, the fluid transport apparatus adjusts a flow rate of the electrically conductive fluid at the application site through the fluid transport lumen in response to at least one operating parameter associated with the system. | 2012-08-23 |
20120215222 | COMPRESSIBLE DEVICE ASSEMBLY AND ASSOCIATED METHOD FOR FACILITATING HEALING BETWEEN BONES - A method of applying compression between a distal bone portion and a proximal bone portion using an orthopedic device is provided. The method may include inserting the orthopedic device through the proximal bone portion and into the distal bone portion, where the orthopedic device includes a core and a sleeve. The method may further include fastening the core to the distal bone portion and fastening the sleeve to the proximal bone portion. The method may further include applying initial compression between the distal bone portion and the proximal bone portion. The method may further include maintaining compression between the distal bone portion and the proximal bone portion with a pawl member. The method may also include allowing for dynamic compression between the distal bone portion and the proximal bone portion after the initial compression has been achieved and maintaining the dynamic compression between the distal bone portion and the proximal bone portion with the pawl member. | 2012-08-23 |
20120215223 | Medical Devices for Use During Ankle Fusion Surgery - The present invention is directed to devices and methods that can be used in ankle surgery, especially ankle fusion surgery. | 2012-08-23 |
20120215224 | CABLE SYSTEM FOR SURGICAL APPLICATION - A surgical cable system having a length of cable and a locking body on which a first cable end is operatively located. The locking body defines a receiver for a first portion of the cable with the cable formed into a first loop that resides generally in a first plane. A locking structure on the locking body cooperates with the first portion of the cable to maintain the first loop in a tensioned state. The locking structure has an actuator that is operable to change the state of the locking structure. The locking structure is changeable from a released state into a locked state as an incident of one of: a) moving at least a part of the actuator along and/or around an axis that is generally parallel to the first plane; and b) moving a part of the cable length along a first line that is generally parallel to the first plane. | 2012-08-23 |
20120215225 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PERFORMING AN OSTEOTOMY IN BONE - A method and apparatus for forming an osteotomy in bone. The osteotomy opening is formed in a bone with a keyhole. A similarly configured implant is inserted into the opening with a key configured to engage the keyhole to provide stability and support to the osteotomy opening. | 2012-08-23 |
20120215226 | METHODS FOR USING A PATIENT SPECIFIC ALIGNMENT DEVICE - A moveable implant may be provided between the distal end portion of a femur and a proximal end portion of a tibia. The implant may be freely moveable relative to both the femur and the tibia. Embodiments may be configured to fit the surfaces on the distal end portion and proximal end portion of the femur and tibia. As a result of imaging a portion of the patient, the actual configurations of the existing surfaces on the femur and tibia can be accommodated. | 2012-08-23 |
20120215227 | METHOD OF PLANNING AND PERFORMING A SPHERICAL OSTEOTOMY USING THE 3-DIMENSIONAL CENTER OF ROTATION OF ANGULATION (CORA) - A pre-surgical planning method for performing a spherical osteotomy for the surgical sectioning of a bone includes obtaining a CT scan of a bone. Subsequently manipulating the scan into a three-dimensional CAD format. Utilizing the scan to identify one or more centers of bone correction or 3D CORAs. A surface, configured in the shape of a portion of a sphere, e.g., a semisphere, is then superimposed on the computer representation of the bone. The center of the surface is positioned at a respective center of bone correction. The intersection of the surface and the bone defines a sectioning surface along which the bone is to be cut. Simulating a sectioning of the bone along the sectioning surface and the subsequent realignment of the bone in an optimal configuration using the computer is then performed. The computer simulation is then utilized as a guide for actually sectioning the bone. | 2012-08-23 |
20120215228 | Method and apparatus to remove cast from an individual - A method for installing a fiberglass cast on and removing the cast from an individual includes an open ended pliable thin-walled polymer guide track and cutting tool designed to track along said guide track to cut the cast and to prevent, while a cast is being removed, injury to the individual. | 2012-08-23 |
20120215229 | CURVILINEAR SPINAL ACCESS METHOD AND DEVICE - A system for performing a procedure on a spine of a patient includes a curved tissue distractor, a curved housing, and an exterior channel. The curved tissue distractor includes a first distractor ramp and a second distractor ramp. The curved housing is configured to slide between the first and second distractor ramps. The curved housing includes a distal end, a proximal end, and an interior channel disposed between the distal end and the proximate end. The exterior channel is disposed on an outside surface of the curved housing and between the distal end and the proximal end. The curved housing is configured to slide between the first and second distractor ramps to provide access through the interior channel to the spine. | 2012-08-23 |
20120215230 | PLUGGED TIP DELIVERY TUBE FOR MARKER PLACEMENT - An intracorporeal marker delivery device includes a delivery tube which has a distal tip, a discharge orifice and an inner bore extending to the discharge orifice. A plug is releasably secured within the inner bore. The plug may itself serve as a marker, and may be the sole marker. Markers may be positioned proximal to the plug, and may be detectable by ultrasound, X-ray, magnetic resonance imaging, and other imaging devices, and may include bioactive elements. | 2012-08-23 |
20120215231 | HAIR RESTORATION SURGERY - A surgical apparatus includes an elongated member ( | 2012-08-23 |
20120215232 | SURGICAL FASTENER AND ASSOCIATED SYSTEMS AND METHODS - According to one embodiment, an apparatus for installing and removing a fastener includes a handle and a shank coupled to the handle. The shank includes an external periphery, an interior channel, and at least one fastener engagement element at least partially positionable within the interior channel. The apparatus further includes a wire positioned within the interior channel and an actuator coupled to the wire. The actuator is actuatable to move the wire within the interior channel and into contact with the at least one fastener engagement element to move the at least one fastener engagement element into a fastener engagement position. In the fastener engagement position, at least a portion of the at least one fastener engagement element is positioned external to the external periphery of the shank. | 2012-08-23 |
20120215233 | SYSTEM FOR SECURING A PORTION OF A BODY - Embodiments may have one or more projections which engage one or more recesses to position the sections of the retainer relative to each other. An applicator assembly may be used to apply energy to the retainer. Energy applied to the retainer may affect bonding of end portions of the projections to bottom portions of recesses in the retainer. The end portions of the projections may function as energy directors which concentrate energy. The applicator assembly may grip the retainer with a predetermined force. While the applicator assembly is gripping the retainer, the applicator assembly may apply energy to the retainer to effect bonding of sections of the retainer together. | 2012-08-23 |
20120215234 | Single Actuating Jaw Flexible Endolumenal Stitching Device - An end effector for use in an endoscopic stitching device includes a fixed jaw, a moveable jaw, a linkage member, needle engaging blades and a rotatable member. The moveable jaw is pivotably associated with the fixed jaw about a first pivot axis. The linkage member is pivotably associated with the moveable jaw about a second pivot axis. The needle engaging blade is slidably supported in each of the fixed and moveable jaws. An axial movement of the linkage member causes the moveable jaw to pivot about the first pivot axis with respect to the fixed jaw, and rotation of the rotatable member causes opposed axial movement of the pair of needle engaging blades. | 2012-08-23 |
20120215235 | ENDOSCOPIC TISSUE APPOSITION DEVICE AND METHOD OF USE - An endoscopic tissue apposition device that includes a vacuum chamber configured to securely hold a portion of tissue therein, the vacuum chamber being defined by a proximal wall and a distal wall opposite to the proximal wall. Working and vacuum channels are provided in communication with the vacuum chamber. A portion of tissue may be held in the vacuum chamber when vacuum is applied in the vacuum chamber through the vacuum channel. A carrier needle is disposed on a proximal side of the vacuum chamber and is longitudinally advanceable into and across the vacuum chamber, while a punch needle is disposed on a distal side of the vacuum chamber and is configured to receive the carrier needle therein. A hold and release mechanism holds and releases the punch needle to facilitate joining portions of tissue together. | 2012-08-23 |
20120215236 | Tissue fastner production method and tissue fastener - A tissue fastener production method of clamping two living tissues together by bringing the two living tissues into close contact includes the following steps: fixing one end of a wire material made of a metal to a shaft body, and winding the wire material around an outer periphery of the shaft body while twisting the wire material round an axis of the wire material, thereby forming a coil on which a predetermined force is exerted in the winding direction; heat treating the wire material to impart superelasticity thereto; and deforming the wire material to which the superelasticity is imparted in a range in which the wire material is elastically deformable, and reversing the winding direction of the coil in a direction reverse to the winding direction of the coil wound in the step of forming the coil so as to obtain an initial tension corresponding to the predetermined force. | 2012-08-23 |
20120215237 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR REPAIRING MUSCLE DEFECT - A space in a muscle wall is dilated by a plunger-based mechanism to break up fibrotic bands by divulsion. While the space is dilated a dynamic plug is advanced into it, with the plug expanding and contracting with the space. | 2012-08-23 |
20120215238 | END-TO-END JOINT FOR CONNECTING END ZONES OF BODY DUCTS - An end-to-end joint for joining end zones ( | 2012-08-23 |
20120215239 | EASILY CLEANED ATHERECTOMY CATHETERS AND METHODS OF USE - An atherectomy catheter is provided having a tissue collection chamber capable of being cleaned out in a simple, fast and effective way, and also provides methods of using said catheter to remove material from a blood vessel lumen. In one embodiment the tissue collection chamber has an expandable tip having a first closed position capable of retaining material in the chamber and having a second open position that may allow expulsion of material from the chamber. In a second embodiment the tissue collection chamber has a displaceable tip having a first closed position to retain material in the chamber and having a second open position to allow expulsion of material from the chamber. | 2012-08-23 |
20120215240 | MEDICAL CUTTING INSTRUMENT FOR SEVERING MUSCLES AND TENDONS - A medical cutting instrument for cutting muscles and tendons, with an instrument body that includes a handle on its proximal end and at least one cutting knife in the area of its distal end. To provide a medical cutting instrument that guarantees ease of handling and simple structure along with secure cutting of the muscle/tendon tissue, the instrument body should be of grooved configuration in the area of its cutting knife in such a way that the instrument body includes a hollow space extending in the longitudinal direction of the instrument body to receive and guide the muscle/tendon tissue that is to be cut, such that the instrument body includes an opening extending in the longitudinal direction of the instrument body and the cutting knife constitutes a side of the instrument body. | 2012-08-23 |
20120215241 | MICRO SURGICAL KNIFE WITH SAFETY FEATURE - A surgical knife safety handle device comprises a handle body being essentially solid. A movable guard engages with the body for longitudinal movement between an extended position and a retracted position. The guard encloses a knife blade. The operation is an intuitive push/pull to extend or retract guard. The guard is formed of a clear material with a low profile that does not interfere with vision in use. The guard includes a leaf spring. The spring has a hemispherical protrusion on its underside that engages with a slot on the handle for positive engagement and an audible “click” when it seats. | 2012-08-23 |
20120215242 | Low Profile Cutting Assembly with a Return Spring - The present disclosure relates to a forceps that includes a housing, a cutting assembly, and an actuator. The housing has a shaft attached thereto that extends therefrom and is configured to support a pair of jaw members at a distal end thereof. The jaw members are movable to grasp tissue therebetween. The cutting assembly includes a spring element that has proximal and distal ends. The proximal end of the spring element is fixed to a boss disposed within the housing and the distal end of the spring element includes a cutting edge. The spring element is coiled at a proximal end thereof to create a spring bias against the boss. The actuator is operably coupled to the spring element and is configured to selectively advance the cutting edge of the spring element into the jaw members against the spring bias to sever tissue disposed therebetween. | 2012-08-23 |
20120215243 | ULTRASONIC SURGICAL APPARATUS - An ultrasonic surgical apparatus includes a treatment portion, a driving portion which drives the treatment portion by resonance, an operation portion main body which drives and controls the driving portion, and a connecting portion which connects the treatment portion and the operation portion main body. The driving portion includes a piezoelectric film and is formed on the treatment portion inside the connecting portion. The piezoelectric film has a perovskite structure, with crystals constituting the perovskite structure being oriented in the (100) direction or the (001) direction with a degree of orientation of not less than 60%. | 2012-08-23 |
20120215244 | ULTRASONIC SURGICAL SHEARS AND METHOD FOR SEALING A BLOOD VESSEL USING SAME - An ultrasonic surgical shears includes an ultrasonic surgical blade, a clamping arm operable to open and close toward the blade, and a tissue pad attached to the clamping arm. A method for sealing a blood vessel of a patient includes obtaining an ultrasonic surgical shears and positioning the blood vessel between the blade and the tissue pad. The clamping arm is operated to exert an average coaptation pressure on the blood vessel between and including 60 psi and 210 psi. The blade is ultrasonically vibrated to transect and seal the blood vessel. | 2012-08-23 |
20120215245 | SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH DISTAL SUCTION CAPABILITY - A surgical instrument includes a main unit and a suction conduit. The main unit includes at least one tubular body having a distal end, a proximal end, and an inlet disposed near the distal end. The suction conduit is slidably disposed over the main unit, and is slidably movable along the main unit between a retracted position, at which the suction conduit does not cover the inlet of the main unit, and an extended position at which the suction conduit covers the inlet of the main unit and a suction inlet of the suction conduit is placed in fluid-communication with the main unit inlet. The surgical instrument can be used as a suction tool by placing the suction conduit in the extended position and applying a vacuum through the inlet of the main unit and the suction inlet. | 2012-08-23 |
20120215246 | LANCET PRICKING DEVICE - There is provided a lancet pricking device, comprising a lancet, a launching spring, a trigger part and a holder for housing therein the lancet, the launching spring and the trigger part. In the lancet pricking device, the lancet comprises a lancet body, a lancet cap and a pricking needle, and the pricking needle is disposed in both the lancet body and the lancet cap, and the trigger part has a pair of arms positioned inside the holder, and the launching spring is attached to the lancet body, and the lancet body is secured to the arms of the trigger part by an abutment of the lancet body on the arms such that the launching spring is kept compressed before a pricking operation. In such lancet pricking device, the trigger part cannot be pushed toward the inside of the holder at a point in time before the lancet cap is removed, and whereas the trigger part can be pushed toward the inside of the holder at a point in time after the lancet cap is removed, and thus the lancet body becomes capable of warping upon being pressed from an outside to cause the secured lancet body to be released. | 2012-08-23 |
20120215247 | TROCAR WITH RETENTION CANNULA - A trocar comprises a retention cannula comprising an inverted or incised retention pattern disposed thereon. Embodiments of the incised cannula exhibit reduced tissue trauma compared with screw-threaded cannula, improved fixation and/or retention compared with an unthreaded cannula, and good sealing between the cannula and the incision. | 2012-08-23 |
20120215248 | FLUID DELIVERY SYSTEM AND RELATED METHODS OF USE - An apparatus and method for ejecting fluid from a fluid delivery system. The fluid delivery system has a pneumatic assembly that when triggered injects gas into a hydraulic assembly, which in turn ejects fluid through an external interface. An electronic interface displays various measurements, for example, how much fluid has been ejected and if the hydraulic system is closed the pressure of the system. The pneumatic assembly can also be depressurized such that fluid can reenter the hydraulic assembly through the external interface. | 2012-08-23 |
20120215249 | Compressive Device for Percutaneous Treatment of Obesity - An apparatus and method for treating morbid obesity in mammals using a gastric reduction assembly that reduces the gastric volume of a stomach and induces early satiety. The gastric reduction assembly comprises at least two or more expandable devices, each able to be adjustably inflated with a fluid (e.g., a liquid or a gas) using a filling tube. In a preferred embodiment, the gastric reduction assembly is inserted through the abdominal wall and placed at a location exterior to the stomach body, avoiding an abdominal incision. Once positioned near the stomach body, the gastric reduction assembly allows for the external compression of the stomach body to limit food intake. The gastric reduction assembly also minimizes the potential for shifting of the expandable devices after insertion to the stomach body to revert to its pre-compressed state. | 2012-08-23 |
20120215250 | VASCULAR AND BODILY DUCT TREATMENT DEVICES AND METHODS - Devices including, but not limited to, a self-expandable member having a proximal end portion and a main body portion. The self-expandable member is movable from a first delivery position to a second placement position, in the first delivery position the expandable member being in an unexpanded position and having a nominal first diameter and in the second position the expandable member being in a radially expanded position and having a second nominal diameter greater than the first nominal diameter for deployment within a vessel or duct of a patient. The expandable member includes a plurality of cell structures with the cell structures in the main body portion extending circumferentially around a longitudinal axis of the expandable member and the cell structures in the proximal end portion extending less than circumferentially around the longitudinal axis of the expandable member to form first and second peripheral rails that vary in width along their lengths. | 2012-08-23 |
20120215251 | CUTTING BALLOON WITH CONNECTOR AND DILATION ELEMENT - A balloon catheter is provided that may be used to dilate hardened regions of a stenosis. The balloon catheter is provided with one or more dilation elements that extend along a surface of a balloon. Each dilation element is connected to an outer surface of the balloon by a connector. The connector is sufficiently sized and designed to undergo stress-induced plastic deformation incurred during blow molding so that a significant portion of each of the dilation elements does not become absorbed into the wall of the final blow molded balloon, thereby maintaining the structural integrity of each of the dilation elements. | 2012-08-23 |
20120215252 | FEMORAL COMPRESSION DEVICE - A femoral compression device ( | 2012-08-23 |
20120215253 | Extendible Tourniquet Cuff with Stabilizer for Improved Utility and Safety - A surgical tourniquet cuff that includes a stabilizer component that facilitates application of an overlapping cuff around the limb of a patient. The stabilizer is fixed to the cuff, and requires no tying or similar user manipulation to secure the overlapping cuff in alignment with the underlying cuff. The stabilizer improves the stability of the inflated cuff to prevent sideways shifting motion of overlapping cuff portions as the cuff is applied to the limb. The stabilizer also provides a handle mechanism to enable the user to snugly apply the overlapping cuff around the patient's limb while the overlapping portions remain properly aligned along their long axes. The stabilizer is designed to also facilitate attaching together two tourniquet cuffs end-to-end, with respective bladders overlapping and in proper alignment so that those attached cuffs can be used as a single, extended surgical cuff applied around a patient's limb. | 2012-08-23 |
20120215254 | EMERGENCY TOURNIQUET DEVICES AND ASSOCIATED METHODS OF USE AND MANUFACTURE - Tourniquet devices and associated methods of use and manufacture are disclosed herein. Tourniquet devices configured in accordance with several embodiments of the disclosure can include, for example, a strap having a proximal end portion and a distal end portion, a buckle assembly connected to the proximal end portion, and a pulley assembly movably coupled to the strap. Tourniquet devices configured in accordance with the technology can be easily applied because the pulley assemblies can reduce the force a user must exert on the tourniquet devices to constrict or occlude blood flow. Additionally, tourniquet devices disclosed herein can also serve as functional, wearable items (e.g., a belt, integrated into clothing) such that the tourniquet devices are conveniently stored and readily accessible in emergencies. | 2012-08-23 |
20120215255 | PFO CLOSING DEVICE - A PFO closing device for bringing the septum primum and the septum secundum into contact with each other and joining them together includes a clamping mechanism and energy supplying device. The clamping mechanism includes a needle part for puncturing the septum primum, and a clamping member for cooperating with the needle part in clamping therebetween tissue of the septum primum and the septum secundum. The energy supplying device supplies energy for joining the tissues clamped by the needle part and the clamping member. The clamping mechanism is mounted in a catheter so as to be protrudable from and retractable into the catheter. | 2012-08-23 |
20120215256 | PFO CLOSING DEVICE - A PFO closing device for bringing the septum primum and the septum secundum into contact with each other and joining them together includes a clamping mechanism and energy supplying device. The clamping mechanism includes a needle part for puncturing the septum primum, and a clamping member for cooperating with the needle part in clamping therebetween tissue of the septum primum and the septum secundum. The energy supplying device supplies energy for joining the tissues clamped by the needle part and the clamping member. The clamping mechanism is mounted in a catheter so as to be protrudable from and retractable into the catheter. | 2012-08-23 |
20120215257 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SECURING AN OBJECT TO BONE, INCLUDING THE PROVISION AND USE OF A NOVEL SUTURE ASSEMBLY FOR SECURING AN OBJECT TO BONE - A suture assembly comprising:
| 2012-08-23 |
20120215258 | Chiropractic distraction plate - A portable devise that provides a plate attached to a ball and socket structure with an adjustable range-of-motion ring supported by a stable rigid platform that is capable of performing gyroscopic motion that can be applied to the spine or pelvis in either the prone, supine, or sitting position when placed on the floor, structure with flat surface, chair, or table to be used in conjunction with the methods, techniques, and procedures of spinal manual manipulation and manipulative surgery by a doctor educated and trained in the professions of either chiropractic, osteopathy, naturopathy, or physical medicine for treatment of spinal and pelvic disorders, conditions, and syndromes. | 2012-08-23 |
20120215259 | POSTERIOR CERVICAL FUSION SYSTEM AND TECHNIQUES - A posterior cervical fusion surgery assembly and method. The assembly includes a sled adapted to be positioned in a facet joint and two receivers slidably mounted on the sled. The receivers are adapted to support surgical instruments such as a drill, a tap, and a screw. The sled assists in orienting the instruments at a desired angle with respect to the spine. | 2012-08-23 |
20120215260 | Lateral Spine Stabilization Devices and Methods - A resilient core is positioned between bony projections which are offset from a principal load bearing region of a spinal joint. Shaped projections extend from the core, and engage the bony projections by conforming to anatomical landmarks, and may be fastened to the bony projections. During flexion of the joint, the core absorbs some of the force of compression, and limits an extent to which the joint may compress. If the shaped projections are connected to the bony projections, extension of the joint is inhibited by the projections and the core, limiting the extent to which the joint may be distracted. In this manner, healing is fostered, and a weakened or damaged joint is protected from excessive movement. | 2012-08-23 |
20120215261 | SPINAL IMPLANT DEVICE WITH FUSION CAGE AND FIXATION PLATES AND METHOD OF IMPLANTING - There is provided a spinal implant device for placement between adjacent spinous processes and a pair of opposing facet joints. The spinal implant device includes a fusion cage, first and second fixation plates and a connector for connecting the cage to the plates. The fusion cage includes a superficial face, a deep face, superior and inferior saddle portions, and opposing cage ends. Each cage end defining a facet fusion surface sized and configured to respectively contact the opposing facet joints. The first and second fixation plate are sized and configured to extend along and in contact with the adjacent spinous processes. A method of implanting the device is provided. In another embodiment the device includes the fusion cage. | 2012-08-23 |
20120215262 | SPINOUS PROCESS SPACER AND IMPLANTATION PROCEDURE - A spinal fixation procedure and system are provided for fixing the spacing of an inferior vertebra relative to a superior vertebra. The procedure for implanting a spinous process spacer can comprise decorticating and/or forming a notch in adjacent spinous processes, measuring the distance between the notches formed in the spinous processes, and inserting an interspinous process implant such that the implant is fitted into the notches of the spinous processes. Other fixation devices, such as bone screws, can also be used for fixing the position of the vertebrae and to create facet fusion. | 2012-08-23 |
20120215263 | EXTENSIBLE PEDICLE SCREW COUPLING DEVICE - An extensible pedicle screw coupling device for holding a spinal rod in the head of a pedicle screw is disclosed. The device is extensible so as to fasten to the rod stably while maintaining fixing power if there is a gap between the vertebra and the rod. The device comprises pedicle screws that are inserted into the vertebrae, and a coupler in which the pedicle screw inserted into the vertebra and a head of the pedicle screw are connected, and the rod is housed therein, and fixes the rod by screw fastening the retainer to a thread formed on the top, and an extending means that can adjust the length so as to correspond to the distance between rod and vertebra is installed on the pedicle screw and the coupler. | 2012-08-23 |
20120215264 | EXTENSIBLE PEDICLE SCREW COUPLING DEVICE - An extensible pedicle screw coupling device for holding a spinal rod in the head of a pedicle screw is disclosed. The device is extensible so as to fasten to the rod stably while maintaining fixing power if there is a gap between the vertebra and the rod. The device comprises pedicle screws that are inserted into the vertebrae, and a coupler in which the pedicle screw inserted into the vertebra and a head of the pedicle screw are connected, and the rod is housed therein, and fixes the rod by screw fastening the retainer to a thread formed on the top, and an extending means that can adjust the length so as to correspond to the distance between rod and vertebra is installed on the pedicle screw and the coupler. | 2012-08-23 |
20120215265 | BONE SCREW FOR POSITIVE LOCKING BUT FLEXIBLE ENGAGEMENT TO A BONE - A fracture fixation device is described for fixing a bone having a near cortex and a far cortex, comprising a shaft portion configured to span a distance between the near cortex and the far cortex of the bone; a head portion adjoining the shaft portion and providing for engagement of the device with a bone plate, wherein the head portion is integral with the shaft portion; and a threaded front section for engagement of the device with the far cortex of the bone, wherein the device permits motion of the shaft portion relative to the near cortex. | 2012-08-23 |
20120215266 | SINGLE ACTION ANTI-TORQUE ROD REDUCER - A rod reducing device includes an elongate member, a pair of jaw members, a sleeve having a cam pin, and an actuation lever. Translation of the cam pin along the inner surfaces of the jaw members pivotally moves the jaw members between a receiving position in which distal end portions of the respective jaw members are widened and an engaging position in which the distal end portions of the respective jaw members are move toward each other to engage the head of the bone screw. The actuation lever is movable between an open in which a distal end portion of the sleeve is disposed proximal of the distal end portions of the jaw members and a closed position in which the distal end portion of the sleeve is disposed distal of the distal end portions of the jaw members for reducing the connecting rod. | 2012-08-23 |
20120215267 | ELECTRIC MOTOR DRIVEN TOOL FOR ORTHOPEDIC IMPACTING - An orthopedic impacting tool comprises a motor, a linear motion converter, an air chamber, a compression piston, a striker, a detent and a broach adapter. The compression piston may cause the striker to apply controlled force on a adapter to create a precise opening for subsequently disposing a prosthesis in a patient. The detent may hold the striker in a position until a sufficient pressure is applied to release the striker. The tool allows forward or backward impacting for expanding the size or volume of the opening or for facilitating removal of the broach and tool from the opening. A force adjustment control of the tool allows a user to increase or decrease the impact force. A light source and hand grips improve ease of operation of the tool. | 2012-08-23 |
20120215268 | APPARATUS FOR RETAINING BONE - An apparatus ( | 2012-08-23 |
20120215269 | Method and Device for Treating Cardiac Arrhythmias - The present invention provides both methods and devices for termination of arrhythmias, such as ventricular or atrial tachyarrhythmias. The device and method involves application of alternating current (AC) for clinically significant durations at selected therapeutic frequencies through the cardiac tissue to a subject experiencing arrhythmia. Methods are also provided to minimize or eliminate pain during defibrillation. | 2012-08-23 |
20120215270 | RESERVE BATTERY OPERATED EMERGENCY MEDICAL DEVICES - An automated external defibrillator including: a reserve power source for providing power to defibrillate a patient, the reserve power source including: a reserve battery which requires activation to produce power; an activator for activating the reserve power upon one of an electrical or mechanical activation; a pair of terminals operatively connected to the reserve battery for outputting the produced power to electrode pads configured to supply the produced power to a surface of the patient; and a stop for preventing the activator from activating the reserve power source, the stop being selectively removable when activation is desired. | 2012-08-23 |
20120215271 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DISCONNECTING ELECTRODES OF LEADS OF IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICES DURING AN MRI TO REDUCE LEAD HEATING - Systems and methods are provided for reducing heating within pacing/sensing leads of a pacemaker or implantable, cardioverter-defibrillator that occurs due to induced loop currents during a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) procedure, or in the presence of other sources of strong radio frequency (RF) fields. For example, bipolar coaxial leads are described herein wherein the ring conductor of the lead is disconnected from the ring electrode in response to detection of MRI fields so as to convert the ring conductor into an RF shield for shielding the inner tip conductor of the lead so as to reduce the strength of loop currents induced therein and hence reduce tip heating. | 2012-08-23 |
20120215272 | Methods and Apparatus to Increase Secretion of Endogenous Naturetic Hormones - A method and apparatus for treatment of heart failure by increasing secretion of endogenous naturetic hormones ANP and BNP such as by stimulation of the heart atria. Heart pacing is done at an atrial contraction rate that is increased and can be higher than the ventricular contraction rate. Pacing may include mechanical distension of the right atrial appendage. An implantable device is used to periodically cyclically stretch the walls of the appendage with an implanted balloon. | 2012-08-23 |
20120215273 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONCURRENT ATRIO-VENTRICULAR ANTI-TACHYCARDIA PACING - An implantable medical device delivers anti-tachyarrhythmia therapies including anti-tachycardia pacing (ATP). If a detected tachyarrhythmia is classified as a type suitable for treatment using ATP, the implantable medical device selects one of an atrial ATP (A-ATP) mode, a ventricular ATP (V-ATP) mode, and a concurrent atrio-ventricular ATP (concurrent AV-ATP) mode according to the characteristics of the detected tachyarrhythmia. The concurrent ATP mode is an ATP mode during which the atrial pacing pulses and the ventricular pacing pulses are delivered concurrently. In one embodiment, the concurrent AV-ATP mode includes a synchronized atrio-ventricular ATP (synchronized AV-ATP) mode during which atrial and ventricular pacing pulses are delivered synchronously and an independent atrio-ventricular ATP (independent AV-ATP) mode during which atrial and ventricular pacing pulses are delivered concurrently but timed independently. | 2012-08-23 |
20120215274 | ACCELEROMETER ENHANCED IMPLANTABLE CARDIO-DEVICE - An implantable medical device (“IMD”) processes and analyzes valuable clinical information regarding cardiac performance. A database or correlator is pre-customized to the specific patient, by correlating signals received by a remote accelerometer associated with heart movements with accurate heart sounds recorded from a microphone to provide a more effective and customized basis for estimating heart sound. The information is then used to better control an implantable medical device. | 2012-08-23 |
20120215275 | IMPLANTABLE SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR USE THEREWITH FOR MONITORING AND MODIFYING ARTERIAL BLOOD PRESSURE WITHOUT REQUIRING AN INTRAVASCULAR PRESSURE TRANSDUCER - Embodiments of the present invention are directed to implantable systems, and methods for use therewith, that monitor and modify a patient's arterial blood pressure without requiring an intravascular pressure transducer. In accordance with an embodiment, for each of a plurality of periods of time, there is a determination one or more metrics indicative of pulse arrival time (PAT), each of which are indicative of how long it takes for the left ventricle to generate a pressure pulsation that travels from the patient's aorta to a location remote from the patient's aorta. Based on the one or more metrics indicative of PAT, the patient's arterial blood pressure is estimated. Changes in the arterial blood pressure are monitored over time. Additionally, the patient's arterial blood pressure can be modified by initiating and/or adjusting pacing and/or other therapy based on the estimates of the patient's arterial blood pressure and/or monitored changes therein. | 2012-08-23 |
20120215276 | SYSTEMS, DEVICES AND METHODS USED IN VERIFYING NEURAL STIMULATION CAPTURE - Various system embodiments comprise a neural stimulator, a premature ventricular contraction (PVC) event detector, a heart rate detector, an analyzer, and a controller. The neural stimulator is adapted to generate a stimulation signal adapted to stimulate an autonomic neural target. The analyzer is adapted to, in response to a PVC event signal from the PVC event detector, generate an autonomic balance indicator (ABI) as a function of pre-PVC heart rate data and post-PVC heart rate data. Other aspects and embodiments are provided herein. | 2012-08-23 |
20120215277 | MODULAR MEDICAL DEVICE PROGRAMMER - A medical device programmer comprises a medical device module and a computer module. The medical device module comprises a telemetry module that wirelessly communicates with an implantable medical device (IMD) and a medical device module processor communicates with the IMD via the telemetry module. The computer module housing mates with the medical device module housing to form a congruent external surface of the programmer. The computer module comprises a user interface including a touchscreen that displays data received from the IMD and receives input from a user, a memory that stores selectable patient therapy parameters for the IMD, a computer module interface in electrical communication with the medical device module interface, and a computer module processor that communicates with the medical device module. The medical device module processor forwards communications between the computer module processor and the IMD via the medical device module interface and the telemetry module. | 2012-08-23 |
20120215278 | DEVICES AND METHODS FOR ELECTRICAL STIMULATION OF THE DIAPHRAGM AND NERVES - Medical devices, systems, and methods are provided for providing respiratory therapy by electrically stimulating the phrenic nerves and/or the thoracic diaphragm. In one embodiment, at least one electrode is deployed to a position within the patient's airway and placed in proximity to a phrenic nerve or to the diaphragm. The electrode may be attached to a controller housing including a pulse generator using one or more electrical lead or leads or may be in wireless communication with the pulse generator. The controller housing may be implanted at a position within the patient or the controller housing may reside external to the patient. | 2012-08-23 |
20120215279 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SUSTAINED BAROREFLEX STIMULATION - Various aspects of the present subject matter provide an implantable medical device. In various embodiments, the device comprises a baroreflex stimulator and a controller. The baroreflex stimulator is adapted to generate a stimulation signal to stimulate a baroreflex. The controller is adapted to communicate with the baroreflex stimulator and implement a baroreflex stimulation protocol to vary an intensity of the baroreflex stimulation provided by the stimulation signal to abate baroreflex adaptation. According to various embodiments, the controller is adapted to implement the baroreflex stimulation protocol to periodically modulate the baroreflex stimulation to produce an effect that mimics an effect of pulsatile pressure. Other aspects are provided herein. | 2012-08-23 |
20120215281 | IMPLANT DEVICE FOR STIMULATING OSTEOGENESIS AND OSSEOINTEGRATION - An implant device for stimulating osteogenesis and osseointegration comprises a hollow annular housing member, a pulsed current modulator, and a coil connected to the current modulator. The current modulator and at least a portion of the coil are mounted within the housing member. A frequency of the pulsed current is selected to generate an electromagnetic field of a predetermined flux density that penetrates, and propagates radially outwardly from, the housing member for a sufficiently large propagation distance to stimulate osteogenesis and osseointegration, by means of the generated electromagnetic field, of a bone region in which the implant device is implanted and which is disposed radially outwardly from the housing member. | 2012-08-23 |
20120215282 | Wide-Field Retinal Prosthesis - A wide-filed retinal prosthesis enables an increased field of vision with a relatively small scleral incision. The retinal prosthesis includes a flexible substrate comprising a central member and at least one wing, with an array of electrodes disposed therein that are configured to stimulate the central and peripheral nerves of the retina. | 2012-08-23 |
20120215283 | RECORDING AND RETRIEVAL OF SOUND DATA IN A HEARING PROSTHESIS - A hearing prosthesis for delivering stimuli to a hearing-impaired recipient is disclosed, the hearing prosthesis comprising: a sound transducer for converting received sound signals into electric audio signals; a sound processor for converting said electric audio signals into stimuli signals; a stimulator for delivering said stimuli to the recipient; a memory for storing data representative of sound signals; and a controller configured to cause selected sound data to be retrieved from said memory and processed by said sound processor. | 2012-08-23 |
20120215284 | MEDICAL DEVICE PROGRAMMER WITH ADJUSTABLE KICKSTAND - A programmer for an implantable medical device includes an adjustable kickstand. In one example, the kickstand is configured to combine with the base to support the programmer in an upright position when the kickstand is fully-collapsed to support the programmer in a reclined position when the kickstand is fully-extended. Further, the programmer housing may include a fan grate that allows airflow from a cooling fan to pass through the programmer housing. The fan grate is positioned behind the kickstand when the kickstand is in the fully-collapsed position. The kickstand includes an aperture adjacent the fan grate when the kickstand is in the fully-collapsed position, the aperture allowing airflow from the cooling fan to pass through the fan grate when the kickstand is in the fully-collapsed position. | 2012-08-23 |
20120215285 | System for Communication with Implantable Medical Devices Using a Bridge Device - A communications bridge device communicates between a consumer electronics device, such as a smart telephone, and an implantable medical device. The bridge forwards instructions and data between the consumer electronics device and the implantable medical device. The bridge contains a first transceiver that operates according to a communication protocol operating in the consumer electronics device (such as Bluetooth®), and second transceiver that operates according to a communications technique operating in the implantable medical device (e.g., Frequency Shift Keying). A software application is installed on the consumer electronics device, which provides a user interface for controlling and reading the implantable medical device. The software application is downloadable using standard cellular means. The bridge is preferably small, and easily and discreetly carried by the implantable medical device patient. The bridge is preferably also simple to operate, and may have only a simple user interface, or no user interface at all. | 2012-08-23 |
20120215286 | Telemetry-Based Wake Up of an Implantable Medical Device in a Therapeutic Network - An external controller wishing to communicate with a particular microstimulator in a microstimulator therapeutic network broadcasts a unique wake-up signal corresponding to a particular one of the microstimulators. Each microstimulator has its unique wake-up signal stored in memory, and the wake-up signals for each microstimulator are also stored in the external controller. The microstimulators power up their receiver circuits to listen for a wake-up signal at the beginning of a power-on window. Each microstimulator not recognizing the received wake-up signal (because it does not match the wake-up signal stored in its memory) will power off their receivers at the end of the power-on window, or earlier once recognition cannot be established. The one microstimulator recognizing the received wake-up signal (because it matches the wake-up signal stored in its memory) will realize that the external controller wishes to communicate with it, and will send an acknowledgment to the external controller, which will in turn send the desired communication to the now-active microstimulator. | 2012-08-23 |
20120215287 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MAKING AND USING ELECTRICAL STIMULATION SYSTEMS WITH IMPROVED RF COMPATIBILITY - An implantable control module for an electrical stimulation system includes an electronic subassembly disposed in a sealed conductive housing. A plurality of feedthrough pins extend through the sealed housing and couple connector contact of an external connector to the electronic subassembly. Each of the plurality of conductive pathways electrically couples a different one of the plurality of feedthrough pins to the electronic subassembly. A ground line electrically couples the electronic subassembly to the housing. A capacitive flex circuit is disposed in the housing and couples to each of the feed through pins. For each of the plurality of feedthrough pins the capacitive flex circuit includes a first conductive path electrically coupling the feedthrough pin to a corresponding conductive pathway of the plurality of conductive pathways, and a second conductive path electrically coupling the feedthrough pin to the ground pin. | 2012-08-23 |
20120215288 | RF TRAPEZOIDAL CAPACITOR BASED EMI FEEDTHRU FILTER ASSEMBLY - A multi-layer capacitor includes a first capacitor layer and a second capacitor layer adjacent and substantially parallel to the first capacitor layer. The second capacitor layer has a surface area that is less than the surface area of the first capacitor layer. | 2012-08-23 |
20120215289 | Low Level Laser Therapy Device with Open Bore - A laser device for applying low-level laser energy around a patient's body part comprises a laser support having an open bore through which the body part to be treated is inserted and at least one laser connected to the laser support. Each laser emits laser energy in a plane substantially perpendicular to the axis of the bore, such that energy is applied to the circumference, of the body part, or a portion thereof. The laser support is attached to an adjustable stanchion that is shaped to cantilever the ring so that a chair or table may be positioned underneath the ring. In the preferred embodiment, the laser support is a C-shaped ring having a diameter large enough to accommodate at least a patient's upper arm. Lasers are slidably engaged with the C-ring and can be moved around the circumference of the ring to treat desired locations around the upper arm. | 2012-08-23 |
20120215290 | LIGHT THERAPY DEVICE - A light therapy device includes a number of light emitting elements, a detection module, a determination module, and a control module. The detection module is configured to detect a body parameter of a human body. The determination module is in communication with the detection module and configured to receive the body parameter and output a fatigue level corresponding to the body parameter. The control module is in communication with the determination module and the light emitting elements. The control module is configured to receive the fatigue level and control the light emitting elements to emit lights with an irradiation intensity for a preset period of time in response to receiving the fatigue level. The irradiation intensity and the preset period of time have a predetermined relationship with the fatigue level. | 2012-08-23 |
20120215291 | LIGHT THERAPY SYSTEM INCLUDING SPECTACLE FRAMES AND CONTACT LENSES - The present invention provides for eyeglasses used together with contact lenses to deliver light therapy to the wearer. The eyeglass lenses or frames feature an embedded light source in logical and electrical communication with power, sensors, processors, and other components contained within the eyeglasses. The eyeglass lenses or frames project light into complimentary contact lenses which refract, diffract or reflect light into the wearer's eyes. | 2012-08-23 |
20120215292 | FLUORESCENT HANDPIECE - A handpiece can treat biological tissue using electromagnetic radiation, which can be substantially fluorescent light. The handpiece includes a source of electromagnetic radiation and a waveguide. The waveguide is adjacent the source, receives electromagnetic radiation from the source, and delivers the electromagnetic radiation to the biological tissue. The handpiece also includes a system for moving a fluorescent substance through the waveguide. The fluorescent substance includes a fluid base and a fluorescing agent and is capable of modulating at least one property of the electromagnetic radiation. A method is described for removing the fluorescing agent from the fluorescing substance and replacing it with a second, different fluorescing agent. | 2012-08-23 |
20120215293 | HIGH COMFORT HOT OR COLD THERMAL THERAPY PAD - A comfortably, yet highly efficient therapy pad that is effective in delivering cold or hot thermal therapy for the relief of pain, inflammation, swelling, and muscle stiffness. | 2012-08-23 |