34th week of 2011 patent applcation highlights part 53 |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20110208230 | RADIOPAQUE EXPANDABLE BODY AND METHODS - Systems and methods for radioscopic visualization of the positioning of an expandable body in an interior body region are described. One such system includes a radiopaque marking pattern in communication with the expandable body. The radiopaque marking pattern can be configured to allow for visualizing radioscopically the orientation and movement of the expandable body in unexpanded and expanded states in an interior body region. Such a device is useful for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes, including, for example, providing cavities in interior body regions. | 2011-08-25 |
20110208232 | MEDICAL DEVICES COMPRISING A CO-POLYMER OF A POLYAMIDE AND A POLYCARBONATE DIAMINE - The present invention refers to medical devices comprising a modified Co-Polymer or to the modified Co-Polymer itself having high flexibility and high stress resistance, especially tensile strength or tear resistance, in addition to the good physical characteristics of a Block-Co-Polymers of a polyamide and a polycarbonate diamine. | 2011-08-25 |
20110208233 | DEVICE FOR PREVENTING CLOT MIGRATION FROM LEFT ATRIAL APPENDAGE - A device for placement within the left atrial appendage of a patient comprising a retention member and a material positioned within the retention member and unattached thereto. The retention member has a first elongated configuration for delivery and a second expanded configuration for placement within the left atrial appendage. The material is configured to float within the retention member. The retention member can have at least one appendage wall engagement member to secure the retention member to the appendage. | 2011-08-25 |
20110208234 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR FILTERING BODY FLUID - Medical devices for filtering fluids flowing through a lumen and a method of forming medical devices. The devices can be used in vascular channels, urinary tracts, biliary ducts and the like, and filter emboli and other debris generated at a treatment site. | 2011-08-25 |
20110208235 | Pedi-Massaggio - This invention, Pedi-Massaggio , enables anyone to benefit from the stimulating effects of a walk on a pebble beach in the comfort of their home (shower) via the stimulating effects of the sole of the feet. | 2011-08-25 |
20110208236 | MUSCLE BIOPSY CLAMP - A muscle biopsy clamp device may be used to measure sarcomere lengths in vivo where laser diffraction may not be possible. The clamp device includes a jaw having serrated markings for securing a muscle bundle in the clamp device as well as to provide markings for the muscle biopsy as reference for the sarcomere length measurement. | 2011-08-25 |
20110208237 | FORCEPS FOR PATHOLOGICAL DIAGNOSIS - A forceps for pathological diagnosis includes first and second proximate arm segments including finger-operable grip ends that are movable towards or away from each other, first and second distal arm segments including grasping-jaw ends that are movable towards or away from each other, a coupling member disposed to bring the relative movement between the first and second proximate arm segments into synchronization with that between the first and second distal arm segments, an ultrasonic probe mounted to the grasping-jaw end of the first distal arm segment, and adapted to transmit ultrasonic waves towards a target tissue that is clamped between the grasping-jaw ends and to receive reflected ultrasonic waves traveling from the target tissue, and a shielding member disposed on the grasping-jaw end of the second distal arm segment, and capable of partially reflecting ultrasonic waves transmitting through the target tissue. | 2011-08-25 |
20110208238 | APPLICATOR DELIVERY TIP EXTENSION - A delivery tip extension communicates an adhesive material from a fluid applicator tip to a site within a patient. The delivery tip extension has an elongated shaft with a proximal end portion, a central body portion, and a tapered distal end portion. The central body portion has a length between about 5 cm and about 45 cm. A lumen is defined within and extends along the elongated shaft from a proximal opening to a distal opening. The elongated shaft is relatively more rigid along the central body portion than along the distal end portion to facilitate driving the elongated shaft through the patient with reduced trauma to the patient by the distal end portion. The lumen is sized and shaped along the proximal end portion for securely receiving the fluid applicator tip inserted through the proximal opening such that a dispensing outlet on the fluid applicator tip is in fluid communication with the lumen. The delivery tip extension is sterilized or sterilizable. | 2011-08-25 |
20110208239 | Method and Apparatus for Forming a Self-Locking Adjustable Loop - A self-locking adjustable loop construction and a method of forming the construction are disclosed. The construction can include a flexible member having a first end, a second end and a first portion therebetween. The first end can be passed back through the first portion at a first point such that the first end passes through the first portion from a first side of the flexible member to a second opposite side of the flexible member. The first end can be passed through the first portion at a second point spaced apart from the first point such that the first end passes through the first portion from the second side to the first side so as to place the second end outside of the first portion. | 2011-08-25 |
20110208240 | Method and Apparatus for Soft Tissue Fixation - A surgical method can include passing at least two adjustable loops of a flexible construct through at least the first tissue to extend from an outer surface of the first tissue opposite a tissue engaging surface facing the second tissue, and attaching the two adjustable loops to a first selected area of the second tissue. The method can further include positioning an elongated locking member within the two adjustable loops such that the locking member extends between the two adjustable loops adjacent the outer surface, engaging the locking member with the outer surface by drawing the two adjustable loops towards the outer surface, and compressing the first tissue between the locking member and the second tissue by tensioning the two adjustable loops. Related tissue fixation devices are also provided. | 2011-08-25 |
20110208241 | BABY TEETHING/FEEDING DEVICE - The infant mouthpiece of the present invention comprises a U-shaped mouth mold for inserting into the mouth of the infant, wherein the mouth mold comprises a top, a bottom, a center, a distal end, a proximal end, and a plurality of ridges disposed along the top of the mouth mold. The infant mouthpiece further comprises a female portion of a plug and a stopper, wherein the stopper comprises a proximal side, a distal side, and a center. The mouth mold, the stopper, and the female portion of the plug are connected such that the proximal end of the mouth mold is connected to the distal side of the stopper and the proximal side of the stopper is connected to the female portion of the plug. | 2011-08-25 |
20110208242 | RESTRAINT, REPOSITION, TRACTION AND EXERCISE DEVICE AND METHOD - A restraint, reposition, traction, and exercise device treats acute or chronic mechanical pain, particularly back, neck, hip, pelvis, shoulder, knees, and/or leg pain, and restores and/or increases range of motion in suitable users. The device may include two or more movable support structures and two or more restraints, such as straps. The restraints may be incrementally adjustable to stabilize two or more portions of a person's body, such as the back and/or pelvic regions, against the support structures in any number of three-dimensional orientations that produce a substantially pain-free position. The support structures may be moved apart to apply spinal traction to the portions of the person's body between the restraints. Exercises may be performed while in a substantially pain-free position before, during, or after spinal traction is applied. The user may reposition and restrain herself/himself in another substantially pain-free position and then re-apply spinal traction and/or perform further exercises. | 2011-08-25 |
20110208243 | CROSSOVER SPINOUS PROCESS IMPLANT - A device intended for the treatment of spinal stenosis. This device is an inter-spinous spacer that is introduced through a single posterior incision. It uses a single piece insertion technique with a unilateral approach. The surgeon does not need to access the opposite side of the spinous process. It allows the user infinite adjustability in distraction height with a single locking mechanism. | 2011-08-25 |
20110208244 | INTERSPINOUS SUPPORT AND METHOD FOR FIXING SAME - Disclosed herein is a support between spinous processes and method for fixing the same when a surgery on a backbone is unavoidable due to spinal stenosis or other lumbar lesions, wherein the support | 2011-08-25 |
20110208245 | Arthroplasy Revision System and Method - The present method includes the following steps: removing a portion of a previously implanted spinal arthroplasty device; and attaching a revision component to a remaining portion of the previously implanted spinal arthroplasty device to alter a biomechanical characteristic of the implanted arthroplasty device. Another aspect of the invention provides a method of limiting motion between adjacent vertebrae including the steps of accessing an implanted spinal arthroplasty device comprising a cephalad component fixed to a first vertebra and a caudal component fixed to a second vertebra inferior to the first vertebra, the cephalad and caudal components having a range of motion between them, and attaching a revision component to the cephalad and caudal components to reduce the range of motion. The invention also includes revision devices for revising the biomechanics of implanted spinal arthroplasty devices. | 2011-08-25 |
20110208246 | Spinal Facet Implant with Spherical Implant Apposition Surface and Bone Bed and Methods of Use - Superior and/or inferior facets of one or more facet joints may be replaced by superior and/or inferior facet joint prostheses. In one embodiment, a kit of superior or inferior prostheses is provided, in which the prostheses have at least two dimensions that vary among members of the kit independently of each other. Each prosthesis may have a bone engaging surface having a surface that is polyaxially rotatable against a corresponding resection of a vertebra. Each prosthesis may also have an articulating surface shaped such that, after attachment to the spine, the replaced or partially replaced facet joints provide a larger medial-lateral range of motion when the spine is flexed than when the spine is extended. Crosslinks may be used to connect left and right prosthesis together in such a manner that they are stabilized in a position in which they are seated directly against the vertebra. | 2011-08-25 |
20110208247 | Bone Plate Screw Holes Convertible to Hooks - A system for treating a bone, comprises a bone plate extending longitudinally from a first end to a second end and including a plurality of openings extending therethrough and a first hook member including a head sized and shaped to be lockingly received within a first one of the openings, the first hook member further including a spiked portion extending distally from the head to a sharp bone engaging distal end which, when the head is lockingly received within the first opening, projects distally from the bone plate toward a first target portion of bone to be engaged thereby to temporarily maintain the first target of bone in a desired spatial relation to the bone plate. | 2011-08-25 |
20110208248 | POLYAXIAL SCREW ASSEMBLY - A polyaxial screw assembly includes a pedicle screw, a coupling, an insert, and a housing. The pedicle screw includes a shank having a helical thread formed thereon and a head at one end. The coupling is positioned on top the pedicle screw and releasably engages portions of the head. The coupling and pedicle screw are positioned within a distal portion of the housing. The pedicle screw is slid through an opening in the insert and the insert is thread into the distal portion of the housing to retain the coupling and the pedicle screw within the housing. The pedicle screw is rotatable and pivotable relative to the housing. Compressing the coupling within the housing locks the pedicle screw in a desired orientation. | 2011-08-25 |
20110208249 | BONE ANCHORING DEVICE - A bone anchoring device includes an anchoring element having a head, a receiving portion having a first region adjacent to a second end for receiving the head and a recess which is open towards a first end to form two free legs for receiving a rod. The anchoring device further includes a pressure element configured to couple to the head, a first closure element and a second closure element. The first closure element cooperates with the legs to simultaneously fix the rod in the recess and fix the head in the receiving portion, and the second closure element cooperates with the legs, the second closure element acts on the pressure element and on the rod to independently fix the head in the receiving portion and fix the rod in the recess. The first closure element and the second closure element are interchangeable. | 2011-08-25 |
20110208250 | ADJUSTABLE BONE SCREW ASSEMBLY - A bone screw assembly includes a screw body, including anchor portion and rod-receiving portion, and a rod seat movably mounted in the screw body to allow for controlled angulation between a spinal connection element disposed in the rod seat and the screw body. The rod seat is pivotable in one or more selected directions about one or more axes relative to the screw body. The rod seat may include a first lower rod seat element disposed in a recess of the screw body having a cylindrical bottom surface to facilitate pivoting in a first direction. A second lower rod seat element is stacked on the first lower rod seat element and has a conical bottom surface abutting a top surface of the first lower rod seat element to facilitate pivoting in a second direction. | 2011-08-25 |
20110208251 | Locking polyaxial ball and socket fastener - A polyaxial ball and socket joint that can be locked into a fixed position. The fastening system consists of the polyaxial ball and socket joint used in conjunction with a bone screw having threads on one end for use in anchoring to the spine and a spherical connector on the other end operating as a pivot point about which a connecting assembly moves in a polyaxial fashion. A substantially U-shaped connecting assembly has a lower receptacle that operates as a socket for housing an upper retainer ring and a lower split retaining ring. The socket is receptive to the spherical connector which is inserted through the lower split retainer ring causing a momentary displacement thereof which allows for the positioning of the spherical connector between the upper and lower retainer rings. | 2011-08-25 |
20110208252 | BONE SCREW SET - The invention relates to a bone screw set for fixing two bone fragments, especially for treating a scaphoid bone fracture or a scaphoid bone pesudoarthrosis, comprising a first bone screw ( | 2011-08-25 |
20110208253 | MINIMALLY INVASIVE TISSUE PROSTHESIS IMPLANTING DEVICE AND METHOD - A tissue prosthesis delivery device ( | 2011-08-25 |
20110208254 | MINIMALLY INVASIVE METHOD AND INSTRUMENT FOR THE REDUCTION OF A ROD INTO POSITION IN A PEDICLE SCREW - Minimally invasive methods and instruments for reducing spinal stabilization rods into pedicle screws. In some embodiments, a method comprises positioning an instrument over a pedicle screw where a rod remains proud. A distal end of a first extension of the instrument is engaged with a collar of the pedicle screw. A second extension of the instrument is moved in translation relative to the first extension until a distal end of the second extension contacts the rod. This translation is accomplished by manipulating a pair of handles of the instrument. The rod is urged into the collar of the pedicle screw by application of force on the rod through the distal end of the second extension. The rod can be locked in the collar of the pedicle screw using a set screw passed through a passage in the first extension of the instrument. | 2011-08-25 |
20110208255 | INTRODUCER DEVICE FOR USE IN NUSS PROCEDURE - An introducer device is for use in Nuss procedure to guide a steel bar in retrieving an insertion route which passes through and between a patient's sternum and heart. The introducer device includes an elongated introducer body and an ultrasonic probe. The introducer body extends in a lengthwise direction to terminate at a leading tip end for coupling the concave steel bar to retrieve the insertion route, and a grip end opposite to the leading tip, and has a curve segment configured to establish the insertion route when the leading tip end is led to pass through and between the sternum and the heart. The curve segment has a concave sternum-side surface and a convex heart-side surface. The ultrasonic probe is coupled to the leading tip end to transmit ultrasonic waves towards the heart and to receive reflected ultrasonic waves traveling from the heart when passing through and between the sternum and the heart. | 2011-08-25 |
20110208256 | TRACKED CARTILAGE REPAIR SYSTEM - A system and method for repairing an area of defective tissue reduces the removal of healthy tissue at the margins of the defect. During excision of diseased or damaged tissue, the system tracks the movement and function of a tissue resection tool within a monitored surgical space. This movement is continuously recorded to create a three-dimensional set of data points representative of the excised volume of tissue. This data set is then communicated to a custom implant forming device which creates a custom implant sized to fit the void created by the excision. The system and method of the present disclosure allows a surgeon to exercise intraoperative control over the specific shape, volume and geometry of the excised area. Moreover, the surgeon may utilize a “freehand” resection method to excise only that tissue deemed to be diseased and/or damaged, because the custom-formed implant will accommodate an irregularly-shaped resection volume. | 2011-08-25 |
20110208257 | CRANIAL ELECTROSTIMULATION METHOD, EQUIPMENT AND ELECTRODE UNIT - A method of conducting cranial electrostimulation on a patient is provided as well as equipment therefore. Suitable electrodes are attached to the head of the patient and electrostimulation currents are created in response to pulses applied to the electrodes. Multiple electrodes are employed and the electrostimulation currents are caused to flow between different pairs of electrodes of the multiplicity thereof sequentially in either a random order or a predetermined order. Typically, the multiple electrodes are arranged in two sets thereof in which instance the different pairs of electrodes are selected one from one set and one from the other set so that current flows between the electrodes of only one pair at any one time. The sets of electrodes are generally engaged with the ears of a patient. The polarity of the pulses applied to the various pairs of electrodes may be varied sequentially or randomly. | 2011-08-25 |
20110208258 | METHOD FOR CAPTURING THE CHANGES INDUCED IN AN INITIAL CRYSTAL STRUCTURE BY THE ACTION OF THE ACOUSTIC AND ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELDS OF A BIOLOGICAL MEDIUM AND A DEVICE FOR CARRYING OUT SAID METHOD, METHOD FOR DUPLICATING THE CHANGES IN THE INITIAL CRYSTAL STRUCTURE IN THE STRUCTURE OF A DUPLICATE CRYSTAL (VARIANTS) AND A DEVICE FOR CARRYING OUT SAID METHOD (VARIANTS), METHOD FOR EXERTING AN EFFECT ON A BIOLOGICAL OBJECT (VARIANTS) AND A DEVICE FOR CARRYING OUT SAID METHOD - The invention relates to medicinal equipment and is useful in physiotherapy for controlling the functions of biological objects. | 2011-08-25 |
20110208259 | DEFIBRILLATOR/MONITOR SYSTEM HAVING A POD WITH LEADS CAPABLE OF WIRELESSLY COMMUNICATING - A modular external defibrillator system in embodiments of the teachings may include one or more of the following features: a base containing a defibrillator to deliver a defibrillation shock to a patient, (b) one or more pods each connectable to a patient via patient lead cables to collect at least one patient vital sign, the pods operable at a distance from the base, (c) a wireless communications link between the base and a selected one of the two or more pods to carry the at least one vital sign from the selected pod to the base, the selection being based on which pod is associated with the base. | 2011-08-25 |
20110208260 | Rate Responsive Leadless Cardiac Pacemaker - A leadless cardiac pacemaker comprises a housing, a plurality of electrodes coupled to an outer surface of the housing, and a pulse delivery system hermetically contained within the housing and electrically coupled to the electrode plurality, the pulse delivery system configured for sourcing energy internal to the housing, generating and delivering electrical pulses to the electrode plurality. The pacemaker further comprises an activity sensor hermetically contained within the housing and adapted to sense activity and a processor hermetically contained within the housing and communicatively coupled to the pulse delivery system, the activity sensor, and the electrode plurality, the processor configured to control electrical pulse delivery at least partly based on the sensed activity. | 2011-08-25 |
20110208261 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ASSESSING AND REPROGRAMMING SENSING VECTORS FOR USE WITH AN IMPLANTABLE CARDIAC RHYTHM MANAGEMENT DEVICE - Techniques are provided for use with a pacemaker or other implantable medical device capable of sensing electrical signals along a set of programmable sensing vectors. In one example, electrical cardiac signals are sensed within a patient using a primary sensing vector connected to a primary sensing channel for use in controlling the delivery of therapy. If the device detects a significant drop in key signal parameters such as peak signal amplitude or slew rate, an assessment is made whether an alternate sensing vector provides improved cardiac signal sensing. During the assessment, the device can continue to sense signals along the primary channel for the purposes of controlling therapy while alternate vectors are assessed in the background. If it is determined that an alternate sensing vector provides improved cardiac signal sensing, the primary sensing channel can be switched to the alternate sensing vector for use in controlling further therapy. | 2011-08-25 |
20110208262 | LEAD-CARRIED PROXIMAL ELECTRODE FOR QUADRIPOLAR TRANSTHORACIC IMPEDANCE MONITORING - An implantable medical device (IMD) provides quadripolar transthoracic impedance measurement capability by forming at least one of the two electrodes associated with the canister of the device on a lead proximate the canister. | 2011-08-25 |
20110208263 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR TREATING PARKINSON'S DISEASE AND OTHER MOVEMENT DISORDERS - Systems and methods for treating movement disorders using cortical stimulation. In one embodiment, a method for treating movement disorders comprises determining a site at the cortex of the brain of a patient related to a movement disorder of an afflicted body part. The site can be determined by obtaining a representation of neural activity occurring in the cortex of the patient and correlating an area of neural activity with the afflicted body part. The method can also include applying neural stimulation, such as electrical or magnetic waveforms, directly to the site. | 2011-08-25 |
20110208264 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR AUTOMATICALLY OPTIMIZING STIMULUS PARAMETERS AND ELECTRODE CONFIGURATIONS FOR NEURO-STIMULATORS - Methods and devices for automatically optimizing the stimulus parameters and/or the configuration of electrodes to provide neural stimulation to a patient. In one embodiment, a system includes an electrode array having an implantable support member configured to be implanted into the patient and a plurality of therapy electrodes carried by the support member. The system can also have a pulse system operatively coupled to the therapy electrodes to deliver a stimulus to the therapy electrodes, and a sensing device configured to be attached to a sensing location of the patient. The sensing device generates response signals in response to the stimulus. The system can also include a controller operatively coupled to the pulse system and to the sensing device. The controller includes a computer operable medium that generates command signals that define the stimulus delivered by the pulse system, evaluates the response signals from the sensing device, and determines a desired configuration for the therapy electrodes and/or a desired stimulus to be delivered to the therapy electrodes. | 2011-08-25 |
20110208265 | MULTI-PROGRAMMABLE TRIAL STIMULATOR - Disclosed are systems and methods which provide trial stimulators suited for use interoperatively and during patient trial. Trial stimulator embodiments provide a patient interface and/or clinician interface which appears and functions substantially the same as an interface of a pulse generator controller which will be used after a trial period. A compliance monitor feature may be provided to facilitate verifying the proper use of the trial stimulator during a trial period. A diagnostic feature may be provided to facilitate verifying proper operation of various aspects of a trial stimulator, such as electrode impedance analysis. Trial stimulators of embodiments provide stimulation to a plurality of tissues and/or areas of the body, such as spinal cord stimulation, deep brain stimulation, etcetera. Embodiments provide for multi-electrode stimulation and multi-stimulation programs. Embodiments are configured to provide active discharge of stimulation pulses as well as to utilize constant current sources in providing the stimulation pulses. | 2011-08-25 |
20110208266 | Apparatus for Applying Electrical Current to a User's Leg Muscles - The invention relates to apparatus for applying electrical current to the quadriceps muscle. The apparatus is in the form of a garment (to be worn on a user's thigh) having a integrated programmable stimulation device including integral electronics, LCD display, user controls and a battery. To ensure accurate and repeatable positioning of the garment, it is shaped such that it locates above the patella. Furthermore, reference lines are provided on the skin facing surface of the garment to assist the user in the accurate placement of skin engaging electrodes. In combination, the features of the invention provides a safe and convenient means of electrically stimulating the quadriceps muscle irrespective of patient size whilst minimizing the opportunity for error. Moreover, the invention dispenses with the need to employ a skilled clinician to individually place each electrode. | 2011-08-25 |
20110208267 | REMOVABLE IMPLANTABLE BATTERY POSITIONED INSIDE IMPLANT COIL - An implantable component of a prosthesis comprising of at least one powered component; at least one antenna coil contained within an electrically insulating surround; and an electrical storage element for powering at least one powered component, the electrical storage element being positionable within a support area of the surround, the support area being at least partially within the area defined by the at least one antenna coil. | 2011-08-25 |
20110208268 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR POWER-ON-RESET DETECTION AND DECODING - Systems, methods and devices are provided for automatically detecting and classifying power-on-reset (POR) events occurring in medical devices. Data regarding the operating parameters of the medical device is communicated to a remote server where a POR detection algorithm is operated to detect whether a POR event occurred in the medical device. Upon detection of a POR event, the remote server determines a severity rating of the POR event, a basis of the POR event, and/or the time of the POR event, where this information is associated with the POR event itself. An automated alert message is then generated and communicated to at least one of a patient, a clinician, a care giver or another device with the information about the POR event. | 2011-08-25 |
20110208269 | Battery Protection and Zero-Volt Battery Recovery System for an Implantable Medical Device - Circuitry useable to protect and reliably charge a rechargeable battery, even from a zero-volt state, is disclosed, and is particularly useful when employed in an implantable medical device. The circuit includes two charging paths, a first path for trickle charging the battery at a relatively low current when the battery voltage is below a threshold, and a second path for charging the battery at relatively higher currents that the battery voltage is above a certain threshold. A passive diode is used in the first trickle-charging path which allows trickle charging even when the battery voltage is too low for reliable gating, while a gateable switch (preferably a PMOS transistor) is used in the second higher-current charging path when the voltage is higher and the switch can therefore be gated more reliably. A second diode between the two paths ensures no leakage to the substrate through the gateable switch during trickle charging. The load couples to the battery through the switch, and preferably through a second switch specifically used for decoupling the load. | 2011-08-25 |
20110208270 | Swallowable Capsule and Method for Stimulating Incretin Production Within the Intestinal Tract - Embodiments of the invention provide apparatus and methods for stimulating L cells in the intestinal tract to produce incretins for the treatment of conditions including diabetes and obesity. Many embodiments provide a method and apparatus for the treatment of diabetes by electrically stimulating L-cells to secrete incretins to stimulate or otherwise modulate the production of insulin. Particular embodiments provide a swallowable capsule for stimulating L-cells in the intestinal tract as the capsule moves through the tract. The capsule can include two or more electrodes for providing electrical stimulation to L-cells, a power source for powering one or more components of the capsule, a sensor for sensing the location of the capsule in the intestinal tract; a controller and a waveform generator for generating the electrical signals emitted by the electrodes to stimulate the L-cells to secrete incretins such as GLP-1 to stimulate insulin production for glucose regulation of diabetic conditions. | 2011-08-25 |
20110208271 | DYNAMIC NERVE STIMULATION EMPLOYING FREQUENCY MODULATION - Described are apparatus and methods for electrically modulating a nerve in a mammal. An electrical signal that includes a signal intensity pattern and a signal frequency pattern is delivered to a nerve. The combination of the signal intensity pattern and the signal frequency pattern is effective to result in weight loss, fat loss, and/or lean-mass gain, in a mammal. In some embodiments the nerve is modulated in response to a physiological parameter. In some embodiments, the physiological parameter is measured by a sensor. | 2011-08-25 |
20110208272 | Skin treatment with electromagnetic or mechanical waveform energy - A hand held device generates a predetermined number of pulses of electromagnetic radiation having a predetermined electromagnetic spectrum, a predetermined duration, a predetermined inter-pulse interval, and a predetermined total energy. The pulse sequence is delivered to a skin surface to reduce or eliminate Xray or ultraviolet radiation damage to the skin surface. | 2011-08-25 |
20110208273 | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR REGENERATIVE THERAPY BY HIGH INTENSITY LASER THERAPY - A method of high intensity laser treatment for stimulating regeneration of living biological tissue in a patient by applying a pulsed laser beam to a skin of the patient in need of the treatment. | 2011-08-25 |
20110208274 | LOW ASPECT RATIO DIFFUSING FIBER TIP - A kit for treating an antimicrobial resistant biological contaminate at a treatment site is disclosed which includes a diffuser tip adapted to receive near infrared therapeutic light from a light delivery system and diffuse the light to illuminate at least a portion of the treatment site; a quantity of an antimicrobial; agent; instructions to use the antimicrobial agent in conjunction with the therapeutic light to potentiate the antimicrobial agent to treat the biological contaminate; and suitable packaging. | 2011-08-25 |
20110208275 | Apparatus For Altering The Body Temperature Of A Patient - Apparatus for altering the body temperature of a patient comprises an enclosure defining an interior space for receiving at least a portion of a patient's body therein. The enclosure is constructed for transferring a heat transfer liquid into direct contact with the portion of the patient's body received in the enclosure to promote heat transfer between the patient's body and the heat transfer liquid. A drain for draining the heat transfer liquid from the interior space of the enclosure is at least partially disposed beneath the enclosure. A hold-open inhibits occlusion of the drain. A weir in fluid communication with the drain maintains the heat transfer liquid at a predetermined height in the enclosure. A control system is preprogrammed with a target temperature for the body temperature of the patient. | 2011-08-25 |
20110208276 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR REGIONAL AND WHOLE BODY TEMPERATURE MODIFICATION - A heat exchange fluid supply system for supplying a heat exchange fluid to an intravascular heat exchange catheter includes a disposable cassette having a bulkhead and an external heat exchanger, and which is configured to operate in combination with a reusable master control unit. The bulkhead includes a reservoir section and a pump section. The reservoir section is provided with a means to monitor the amount of heat exchange fluid that is in the system. The bulkhead provides the mechanism for priming the system with heat exchange fluid from an external source and for circulating fluid to the catheter in a closed circuit. The pump section is configured to allow for pumping of heat exchange fluid at a constant pressure. | 2011-08-25 |
20110208277 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR REGIONAL AND WHOLE BODY TEMPERATURE MODIFICATION - A heat exchange fluid supply system for supplying a heat exchange fluid to an intravascular heat exchange catheter includes a disposable cassette having a bulkhead and an external heat exchanger, and which is configured to operate in combination with a reusable master control unit. The bulkhead includes a reservoir section and a pump section. The reservoir section is provided with a means to monitor the amount of heat exchange fluid that is in the system. The bulkhead provides the mechanism for priming the system with heat exchange fluid from an external source and for circulating fluid to the catheter in a closed circuit. The pump section is configured to allow for pumping of heat exchange fluid at a constant pressure. | 2011-08-25 |
20110208278 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR REGIONAL AND WHOLE BODY TEMPERATURE MODIFICATION - A heat exchange fluid supply system for supplying a heat exchange fluid to an intravascular heat exchange catheter includes a disposable cassette having a bulkhead and an external heat exchanger, and which is configured to operate in combination with a reusable master control unit. The bulkhead includes a reservoir section and a pump section. The reservoir section is provided with a means to monitor the amount of heat exchange fluid that is in the system. The bulkhead provides the mechanism for priming the system with heat exchange fluid from an external source and for circulating fluid to the catheter in a closed circuit. The pump section is configured to allow for pumping of heat exchange fluid at a constant pressure. | 2011-08-25 |
20110208279 | Method and therapeutic apparatus for normalizing function of sinus cilia using heat - The invention relates to a non-surgical and non-invasive drug-free therapeutic apparatus and method of using thermal energy-in-transfer to normalize poor sinus cilia function that can cause upper respiratory tract problems. The nasal and sinus cavity membranes have thousands of very small hair-like organelles called cilia. They are capable of rhythmic beating like oars, and they keep the sinus cavities clear of debris, pollutants and excessive drainage. This Mucociliary Clearance System performs best at a temperature slightly above the human body's normothermia. The method and therapeutic apparatus includes a mask with a pocket cavity that accommodates a heating element. The heating element can use heat from a disposable heating pack. When the apparatus is affixed to the human head with the heating element engaged, the warmth helps restore normal cilia function by bringing the temperature of the sinus cavities to a more optimal temperature which is above normothermia. | 2011-08-25 |
20110208280 | LEAD INCLUDING CONDUCTORS CONFIGURED FOR REDUCED MRI-INDUCED CURRENTS - Systems and methods for improving response of implantable leads to magnetic fields during medical procedures such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are described. In various embodiments, the lead includes an inner conductor that is helically shaped and radially surrounded, at least in part, by one or more high-voltage conductors. The high-voltage conductor can be mechanically and/or electrically coupled, via a coupler, to the shocking coil. The pitch of the inner and/or outer conductor can be varied (e.g., continuously or at certain points) along the length of the lead. In some embodiments, the filar thickness, the pitch, and the mean coil diameter of the inner coil, the high voltage conductor coil, and the shock coil can be configured such that these coils have a desired inductance value when subjected to externally applied electromagnetic energy at radio frequencies commonly generated by MRI scanners (e.g., 40 MHz to 300 MHz). | 2011-08-25 |
20110208281 | RESORBABLE ANCHOR ARRANGEMENTS FOR IMPLANTABLE DEVICES AND METHODS OF MAKING AND USING - An implantable device includes a device body and at least one anchoring unit configured and arranged for anchoring the device body in a patient upon implantation. The anchoring unit includes a resorbable material that resorbs into the patient over a period of time after implantation. | 2011-08-25 |
20110208282 | INTERCONNECTED ELECTRODE ASSEMBLY FOR A LEAD CONNECTOR AND METHOD THEREFOR - An electrode assembly includes an interconnect for at least a first connector electrode and a second connector electrode, where the interconnect provides the mechanical and/or electrical connection between the electrodes. In one example, the assembly is an elongate member having material removed therefrom along an intermediate portion. | 2011-08-25 |
20110208283 | TRANSCATHETER VALVE STRUCTURE AND METHODS FOR VALVE DELIVERY - A valved stent including a stent structure having a generally tubular body portion with an interior area, a first end, a second end, and a longitudinal axis; a valve structure including a plurality of leaflets and positioned within the interior area of the stent structure; and an invertible structure extending from one of the first and second ends of the stent structure. The invertible structure can be rotatable relative to the end of the stent structure from which it extends. | 2011-08-25 |
20110208284 | PROTECTIVE SLEEVE FOR A MEDICAL DEVICE, SYSTEM COMPRISING A PROTECTIVE SLEEVE AND A MEDICAL DEVICE, AND A METHOD FOR THE PRODUCTION THEREOF - A protective sleeve for a medical device including a main body which has a distal end and a proximal end and on the lateral surface of which at least one stop element is disposed, which during insertion of the protective sleeve into an introducer limits the insertion depth of the protective sleeve into the introducer and which preferably is disposed at the distal end of the main body. | 2011-08-25 |
20110208285 | STENT DELIVERY SYSTEM - A stent delivery system comprising a catheter having an inner tube and an outer tube surrounding the inner tube; a balloon having a proximal end fixed to the outer tube a distal end fixed to the inner tube and an interior including a proximal portion and distal portion, a stent disposed on the balloon and being expandable from a delivery position to a deployed position by a contrast medium adapted to be supplied to the interior of the balloon, and a contrast medium distribution means disposed in the interior of the balloon adapted to equally distribute the contrast medium to both the proximal portion and the distal portion of the interior of the balloon. | 2011-08-25 |
20110208286 | CATHETER ASSEMBLY AND METHOD FOR TREATING BIFURCATIONS - An improved stent design and stent delivery catheter assembly for repairing a main vessel and a side branch vessel forming a bifurcation. The stent includes rings aligned along a common longitudinal axis and connected by links, where the stent has one or more portals for aligning with and partially expanding into the opening to the side branch vessel. The stent is implanted at a bifurcation so that the main stent section is in the main vessel, and the portal section covers at least a portion of the opening to the side branch vessel. A second stent can be implanted in the side branch vessel and abut the expanded central section to provide full coverage of the bifurcated area in the main vessel and the side branch vessel. Radiopaque markers on the stent and on the tip of the delivery catheter assist in aligning the portal section with the opening to the side branch vessel. | 2011-08-25 |
20110208287 | Stent Delivery Catheter With Balloon Control Bands - A stent delivery catheter including a catheter tubing defining a lumen therethrough, a balloon disposed near a distal end of the catheter tubing and moving between deflated and inflated states, and proximal and distal balloon control bands concentrically arranged around respective proximal and distal end portions of the balloon. The proximal balloon control band has a proximal end located proximally of a proximal end of the balloon and a distal end located adjacent a proximal end of a received unexpanded stent. The distal balloon control band has a proximal end located adjacent a distal end of the received unexpanded stent and a distal end located distally of a distal end of the balloon. The balloon control bands each have a diametric cross-section larger than the balloon in an uninflated state and the unexpanded stent received over the balloon to impede axial movement of the unexpanded stent off of the balloon. | 2011-08-25 |
20110208288 | STENTS AND STENT GRAFTS - Elastic compressible stents have a plurality of proximal and distal apices joined by struts that are essentially straight. The stent can have a polygonal cross-sectional shape, such as a dodecahedron shape. Elastic compressible stents can be made by a method that includes winding stent wire around an outer surface of a longitudinal axis of a polygonal cross-sectional shaped mandrel into a desired shape that is polygonal in an elevation orthogonal to the longitudinal axis. The stent can be formed by setting the wound stent wire in the desired polygonal final shape. The polygonal cross-sectional shape mandrel can be a mandrel having a multi-sided outer surface. Stents can include graft material attached to the stent. | 2011-08-25 |
20110208289 | Flexible Stent-Grafts - A stent-graft includes a graft and annular stent springs, including first, second, and third tapered stent springs, coupled to a generally tubular portion of the graft. Each of the tapered springs include stent cells that circumferentially taper to a set of one or more circumferentially-adjacent narrowest stent cells within the spring. The first and second tapered springs axially adjacent; the second and third tapered stent springs are axially adjacent. The narrowest stent cell sets of the first and second springs are rotationally positioned on the portion of the graft with a non-zero relative angle shift therebetween, as are the narrowest stent cell sets of the second and third springs. | 2011-08-25 |
20110208290 | STENT FOR THE POSITIONING AND ANCHORING OF A VALVULAR PROSTHESIS IN AN IMPLANTATION SITE IN THE HEART OF A PATIENT - The present invention relates to a stent for the positioning and anchoring of a valvular prosthesis in an implantation site in the heart of a patient. Specifically, the present invention relates to an expandable stent for an endoprosthesis used in the treatment of a narrowing of a cardiac valve and/or a cardiac valve insufficiency. So as to ensure that no longitudinal displacement of a valvular prosthesis fastened to a stent will occur relative the stent in the implanted state of the stent, even given the peristaltic motion of the heart, the stent according to the invention comprises at least one fastening portion via which the valvular prosthesis is connectable to the stent. The stent further comprises positioning arches and retaining arches, whereby at least one positioning arch is connected to at least one retaining arch. | 2011-08-25 |
20110208291 | BISTABLE SPRING CONSTRUCTION FOR A STENT AND OTHER MEDICAL APPARATUS - The present invention is directed to bistable cells and their use in devices, particularly medical devices such as stents, clamps and valves. An expandable stent formed of a plurality of bistable cells is described. The stent has two or more stable configurations, including a first stable configuration with a first diameter and a second stable configuration with a second, larger diameter. A valve comprising a bistable cell for use in eliminating incontinence is also disclosed. | 2011-08-25 |
20110208292 | HINGED SHEATH ASSEMBLY AND METHOD OF USE - A sheath assembly is provided for protecting a stent mounted on a catheter. An inner tubular member is positioned over the stent without longitudinal movement of the inner tubular member along the stent surface thereby eliminating the possibility of scraping or scratching a drug coating or polymer coating on the stent surface. An outer tubular member slides over the inner tubular member to firmly compress it onto the stent for further protection. In use, the outer tubular member is removed from over the inner tubular member so that the inner tubular member can open similar to a clamshell opening radially outwardly away from the stent without longitudinal movement along the stent surface. | 2011-08-25 |
20110208293 | Catheter-Based Heart Valve Therapy System with Sizing Balloon - A catheter-based heart valve therapy system, includes a stented heart valve prosthesis including a stent frame having a valvular contact region that is configured to make contact with a heart valve and nearby anatomy of a patient. A sizing balloon includes a first region having a shape in an inflated state that matches a shape of the valvular contact region of the stent frame in an expanded state. At least one catheter-based delivery system is configured to deliver the sizing balloon to the heart valve of the patient for a size determination, and deliver the prosthesis to the heart valve for implantation. | 2011-08-25 |
20110208294 | BIOABSORBABLE MEDICAL DEVICE WITH COATING - A biodegradable, bioabsorbable medical device with a coating for capturing progenitor endothelial cells in vivo and delivering a therapeutic agent at the site of implantation. The coating on the medical device is provided with a biabsorbable polymer composition such as a bioabsorbable polymer, copolymer, or terpolymer, and a copolymer or terpolymer additive for controlling the rate of delivery of the therapeutic agent. | 2011-08-25 |
20110208295 | IMPLANTABLE DEVICES FOR CONTROLLING THE SIZE AND SHAPE OF AN ANATOMICAL STRUCTURE OR LUMEN - An implantable device system for controlling the dimensions of internal anatomic passages corrects physiologic dysfunctions resulting from a structural lumen which is either too large or too small. Implantable devices are disclosed which employ various mechanisms for adjusting and maintaining the size of an orifice to which they are attached. Systems permit the implants to be implanted using minimally invasive procedures and permit final adjustments to the dimensions of the implants after the resumption of normal flow of anatomic fluids in situ. | 2011-08-25 |
20110208296 | Catheter Assembly with Valve Crimping Accessories - Catheter assemblies including a handle assembly located on the proximal end of the catheter assembly and a distal tip assembly located on the distal end of the catheter assembly. A crimping funnel is slidably positioned along the catheter. The crimping funnel includes a distal end having a first diameter and a proximal end having a second diameter smaller than the first diameter. An axial split is formed in the proximal end. A first collar is provided encompassing a portion of the proximal end. The first collar is configured to hold the axial split in the proximal end together when the first collar is at a first axial location along the proximal end, and to allow the axial split in the proximal end to open when the first collar is at a second axial location along the proximal end, such that the crimping funnel can be removed from the catheter assembly. Various methods of retaining a prosthetic valve on the catheter assembly during the crimping process are described. | 2011-08-25 |
20110208297 | Mitral Prosthesis and Methods for Implantation - Apparatus and methods are provided including a mitral valve prosthesis. The prosthesis includes an inner support structure having downstream and upstream sections, the upstream section having a cross-sectional area greater than the downstream section. The inner support structure is configured to be positioned on an atrial side of the native valve complex, and to prevent the prosthesis from being dislodged into the left ventricle. A prosthetic valve having prosthetic valve leaflets is coupled to the inner support structure. An outer support structure has engagement arms, downstream ends of the engagement arms being coupled to the inner support structure. The prosthesis is configured such that, upon implantation thereof:
| 2011-08-25 |
20110208298 | Mitral Prosthesis and Methods for Implantation - Apparatus and methods are provided, including a mitral valve prosthesis for implantation at a native mitral valve complex of a subject. The prosthesis includes an inner support structure having a downstream section, and an upstream section, the upstream section having a cross-sectional area greater than the downstream section, the inner support structure being configured to be positioned at least partially on an atrial side of the native valve complex, and to apply an axial force directed toward a left ventricle. The prosthesis further includes an outer support structure having two or more engagement arms, the engagement arms being coupled to the inner support structure. The prosthesis is configured, upon implantation thereof, to clamp portions of leaflets of the native valve between the inner support structure and the engagement arms. Other embodiments are also described. | 2011-08-25 |
20110208299 | IMPLANTABLE VALVE PROSTHESIS AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING SUCH A VALVE - The invention relates to an implantable valve prosthesis, optionally comprising a support structure and at least one valve leaflet. The valve prosthesis comprises a material structure of unidirectional reinforcing elements of drawn ultra high molecular weight polyolefin, extending in at least two directions, wherein the modulus of elasticity of the polyolefin reinforcing elements is at least 60 GPa. The invention furthermore relates to a method for manufacturing such an implantable valve. The valve is easily manufactured and has an improved durability. | 2011-08-25 |
20110208300 | Corneal Onlay Devices and Methods - A corneal only is configured to adhere to the cornea so as to inhibit epithelial growth under the onlay. Structures can be provided on the onlay to adhere the onlay to the eye. At least one of an epithelial layer or the water inhibiting layer can be provided on or over the onlay, for example a natural epithelial layer or water inhibiting layer that inhibits, for example minimizes, water penetration into the onlay, so as to adhere the onlay to the eye with pumping of the endothelium. The water inhibiting layer may comprise a therapeutic covering positioned over the onlay to inhibit swelling of the cornea. The posterior surface of the onlay may be shaped so as to fit the anterior exposed surface of the cornea. | 2011-08-25 |
20110208301 | Fluid for Accommodating Intraocular Lenses - Fluids incorporated into intraocular lenses and their methods of use. In some embodiments the fluids are silicone oils, and in some embodiments they are used in accommodating intraocular lenses. | 2011-08-25 |
20110208302 | RECONSTRUCTIVE BREAST PROSTHESES - A reconstructive breast prosthesis suitable for implantation into a void in a breast following a lumpectomy procedure in which a body of tissue is excised from the breast, the reconstructive breast prosthesis including an implant body at least generally configured to assume an implant shape corresponding to the shape of the body of tissue excised from the breast and an implant shape retaining structure adapted to maintain the implant body in the implant shape, the reconstructive breast prosthesis having an overall density which is less than the density of the body of tissue excised from the breast. | 2011-08-25 |
20110208303 | IMPLANTABLE DEVICE HAVING OSSEOINTEGRATING PROTUBERANCES - A housing for an implantable device for mounting to a patient's bone is disclosed. The housing comprises one or more surfaces, wherein at least one of the surfaces is substantially orthogonal to an implant axis and is configured to abut the patient's bone, and a first osseointegrating protuberance extending from one of the surfaces, wherein a longitudinal axis of the first protuberance is disposed at an acute first angle relative to the implant axis. | 2011-08-25 |
20110208304 | Laser Based Metal Deposition LBMD of Antimicrobials to Implant Surfaces - A method is provided for depositing a hard wear resistant surface onto a porous or non-porous base material of a medical implant. The wear resistant surface of the medical implant device may be formed by a Laser Based Metal Deposition (LBMD) method such as Laser Engineered Net Shaping (LENS). The wear resistant surface may include a blend of multiple different biocompatible materials. Further, functionally graded layers of biocompatible materials may be used to form the wear resistant surface. Usage of a porous material for the base may promote bone ingrowth to allow the implant to fuse strongly with the bone of a host patient. The hard wear resistant surface provides device longevity, particularly when applied to bearing surfaces such as artificial joint bearing surfaces or a dental implant bearing surfaces. An antimicrobial material such as silver may be deposited in combination with a metal to form an antimicrobial surface deposit. | 2011-08-25 |
20110208305 | COMPOSITE BONE GRAFTS, PARTICULATE BONE-CALCIUM SULFATE CONSTRUCTS, AND METHODS OF TREATING JOINT INJURIES - A solid implantable bone construct ( | 2011-08-25 |
20110208306 | TISSUE SPACER IMPLANT, IMPLANT TOOL, AND METHODS OF USE THEREOF - Tissue spacer implants, surgical distraction instruments, surgical insertion tools, coupling devices, surgical kits, surgical methods for distraction, and methods for coupling bodies are disclosed. The tissue spacer implants include a first end member, a second end member, and an intermediate spacer member having a coupling mechanism adapted to couple the first end member with the intermediate spacer member and to couple the second end member with the intermediate spacer member. The surgical instruments may be used for inserting these implants and include a first elongated member, a second elongated member, a distraction mechanism, and an actuator. The coupling devices may be used to couple the components of the implants. | 2011-08-25 |
20110208307 | TOTAL DISC REPLACEMENT WITH W-SHAPED SPRING ELEMENTS - An intervertebral implant for mounting between superior and inferior vertebrae includes first and second endplates and an inlay. The first endplate has a first vertebra engagement surface and a first inner surface. The first vertebra engagement surface is mounted to the superior vertebra in an implant positions. The second endplate has a second vertebra engagement surface and a second inner surface. The second vertebra engagement surface is mounted to the inferior vertebra in the implanted position. The inlay is mounted to and between the first and second inner surfaces in an assembled configuration. The inlay includes a first mounting plate, a second mounting plate, a first W-shaped spring and a second W-shaped spring. The first and second W-shaped springs are mounted between the first and second mounting plates. The first and second W-shaped springs have longitudinal axes that are generally parallel to the insertion axis. | 2011-08-25 |
20110208308 | TISSUE PROSTHESIS INSERTION SYSTEM AND METHOD - A tissue prosthesis insertion system ( | 2011-08-25 |
20110208309 | Spinal Fusion Implant and Related Methods - A spinal fusion implant of non-bone construction adapted to be introduced into any variety of spinal target sites, in particular the lumbar spine via a transforaminal surgical approach. | 2011-08-25 |
20110208310 | ULTRASONIC WELDABLE SPINAL IMPLANTS AND RELATED METHODS - A spinal implant for augmenting or supporting a patient's spine including vertebrae and intervertebral discs includes a first component constructed of a thermoplastic material and a second component constructed of the thermoplastic material. The first and second components are configured for implantation into the spine such that the first component contacts the second component at a welding point in an initial implanted position. An ultrasonic probe includes a tip that is configured to selectively contact the first component and/or the second component in the initial implanted position to transform the welding point to a welding joint in a final implanted position. The first component is fixed to the second component at the weld joint in the final implanted position. | 2011-08-25 |
20110208311 | Device For Securing An Impalnt To Tissue - An implant device is provided for implantation within an intervertebral space between adjacent vertebrae comprising an implant body, a rotatable portion and a piercing portion configured to pierce the adjacent vertebra. | 2011-08-25 |
20110208312 | BI-DIRECTIONAL FIXATING TRANSVERTEBRAL BODY SCREWS, ZERO-PROFILE HORIZONTAL INTERVERTEBRAL MINIPLATES, EXPANSILE INTERVERTEBRAL BODY FUSION DEVICES, AND POSTERIOR MOTION-CALIBRATING INTERARTICULATING JOINT STAPLING DEVICE FOR SPINAL FUSION - An apparatus and method for joining members together using a self-drilling screw apparatus or stapling apparatus are disclosed. The screw apparatus includes a shell and first and second first screw members having tapered ends and threaded bodies that are disposed within the shell. A drive mechanism rotatably drives the first and second screw members from the shell in opposite directions and causes the screw members to embed themselves in the members to be joined. The screw apparatus can be used to join members such as bones, portions of the spinal column, vertebral bodies, wood, building materials, metals, masonry, or plastics. The stapling apparatus includes first and second lever arms rotatably joined together at a fulcrum, and the lever arms rotate in opposite directions. First and second cartridges are disposed at the ends of the lever arms. Each cartridge is capable of holding a staple including a bracket, a nail member and an alignment slot. When the ends of the lever arms are rotated towards each other the staples from the cartridges are interlocked. The staples can be also be used to join members such as bones, portions of the spinal column, or vertebral bodies. | 2011-08-25 |
20110208313 | SPINAL FUSION IMPLANT WITH BONE SCREWS AND A BONE SCREW LOCK - An interbody spinal fusion implant made of a material other than bone adapted for placement across an intervertebral space formed across the height of a disc space between two adjacent vertebral bodies. The implant has a leading end that is curved to form a portion of a circle from side to side, sides that are at least in part straight, and a trailing end with a bone screw receiving hole for receiving at least one bone screw to engage the vertebral bodies. | 2011-08-25 |
20110208314 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR SUPPORTING VERTEBRAL BODIES - An apparatus and method for supporting upper and lower vertebral bodies, including first and second end members adapted for engagement with the vertebral bodies, and at least one elongate support member coupled between the end members to maintain an axial space between the vertebral bodies. In one aspect of the invention, each of the end members has a parametrical or horseshoe-shaped configuration extending about an open inner region and defining a lateral passage communicating with the open inner region to facilitate insertion of the apparatus or the individual end members into the intervertebral space via a posterior surgical approach. In a further aspect of the invention, a fusion member is positioned within the axial space to promote bony fusion between the upper and lower vertebral bodies. | 2011-08-25 |
20110208315 | Knee Arthrodesis Implant - A knee arthrodesis implant has a femur nail inserted in the bone marrow canal of the femur, and a tibia nail inserted in the bone marrow canal of the tibia, the nails being rigidly connected to each other by a connecting means. The problem of providing a knee arthrodesis implant having increased modularity as the result of increased length variability, having a reduced number of parts, and allowing simplified modification is addressed. The problem is addressed in that the connecting means has at least one collar-like module lying in the axis direction defined by the nail, the module having at least two half-shells which are connected to each other in a detachable manner and which are separated in the axis direction (LA) of the module, said half-shells together forming a passage which extends axially and through which a nail neck is inserted, and which have recesses corresponding to each other for receiving a tensioning means, said recesses being arranged coaxially in the longitudinal direction of the module and positioned perpendicular to the axis (LA). The tensioning means fixes the respective nail neck in the passage when in the tensioned state in the manner of a clamping jaw, exclusively by means of a friction fit producing a sufficient clamping torque to prevent axial displacement and rotation. | 2011-08-25 |
20110208316 | LATENT MOBILE BEARING FOR PROSTHETIC DEVICE - A prosthetic device for an anatomical feature includes a prosthetic member able to be fixed to the anatomical feature. The device also includes a bearing including a bearing surface able to support an articulating surface for articulation thereon. Additionally, the device includes a bearing restraining member that limits movement of the bearing relative to the prosthetic member at a first time. The bearing restraining member also allows for increased movement of the bearing relative to the prosthetic member at a second time without surgical intervention. | 2011-08-25 |
20110208317 | SUBTALAR ARTHROEREISIS IMPLANT APPARATUS AND TREATMENT METHOD - A device and method of manufacturing and implanting a custom subtalar arthroereisis implant having side surfaces which are mirrored in topography with the sinus tarsi of a patient. The implant is formed using images of the patient standing in a weight bearing position with their sinus tarsi and the surrounding bone structure in an anatomically correct alignment. Once implanted, the implant urges and maintains the anatomically correct alignment thereby minimizing any patient tendency for abnormal motion between said patent's talus and calcaneus. | 2011-08-25 |
20110208318 | Prosthetic element - A removable prosthetic element having an elongated stem with a smooth outer surface, a portion of which defines, when the element is implanted in a subject, a contact interface between the stem and surrounding bone and/or fibrous tissue. One or more longitudinal guide channels in the form of longitudinal circular bores are located to the interior of the outer surface of the stem, the bore being adapted for receiving and laterally retaining a drill bit. One or more anchoring cavities comprising pores or passages having an opening with a distal perimeter at the outer surface of the stem lead to a longitudinal guide channel. At least a portion of the distal perimeter is formed as a sharp or pointed cutting edge that cuts the ingrown tissue upon upward removal of the element. | 2011-08-25 |
20110208319 | BLOOD FILTERING DEVICE AND METHOD - A device for filtering blood is provided herein. The device includes a device body configured for at least partial implantation within a marrow of a bone and a filter disposed on or within the device body and being for filtering blood flowing through the marrow. | 2011-08-25 |
20110208320 | ABDOMINAL WALL TREATMENT DEVICES - Devices and methods for treating or repairing openings in an body wall are provided. The devices and methods can include acellular tissue matrices. The tissue matrices can be positioned within the abdominal opening and can be used to close the opening. | 2011-08-25 |
20110208321 | Polymeric Prosthetic Liner With Controlled Stretch Characteristics - A controlled-stretch prosthetic liner comprising a polymeric material covered with at least a stretch-controlling fabric. Certain liner types, such as below knee (BK) liners, may also include a panel of more stretchable fabric so as to prevent any interference with knee flexion. The polymeric material of the liner may also be used to control liner stretch, such as by adding Kevlar pulp or other materials that increase the strength and reduce the elasticity of the polymeric material and/or by reducing the amount of plasticizer(s) present therein. The stretch-controlling fabric, possibly in conjunction with the polymeric material, acts to limit the longitudinal stretch of the liner while not adversely affecting the radial stretch thereof. | 2011-08-25 |
20110208322 | Joints for Prosthetic, Orthotic and/or Robotic Devices - An artificial foot device may include a talus body, a core operatively coupled with the talus body by a first joint, and a toe operatively coupled with the core by a second joint. A vertical restraint link between the toe and the core and provides a coupling for the second joint. A toe insert limits motion of the toe relative to the core. A toe bushing receives a tension member for operatively coupling the toe to the talus body. The vertical restraint link, toe insert and bushing constrains relative movement between the core and the toe at the second joint. Relative movement of the core and the talus body at the first joint is guided and constrained by pivot bearings. Constrained relative movement between the talus body and the core corresponds to a coordinated movement of a first joint and a second joint during ambulation of a natural human foot. | 2011-08-25 |
20110208323 | METATARSAL JOINT SHAPE FOR PROSTHETIC FOOT AND CONTROL MECHANISM AND SYSTEM FOR SAME - A prosthetic foot can include a plate-like foot member extending along a longitudinal axis between an anterior end generally corresponding to a toe portion of a foot to a posterior end, and a metatarsal hinge comprising an elongate groove extending between medial and lateral edges of the foot member. The elongate groove can intersect the longitudinal axis of the foot member, and can be positioned along the length of the foot member at a location generally corresponding to a metatarsal region of the foot. The metatarsal hinge can also comprise a plurality of elongate apertures that extend completely through the foot member, or a plurality of recessed channels that extend only partially through the foot member, or a combination thereof. | 2011-08-25 |
20110208324 | SYSYEM, METHOD, AND APPARATUS FOR MAINTENANCE OF SENSOR AND CONTROL SYSTEMS - An apparatus and method for providing maintenance of sensor and control systems is provided. A maintenance device coupled to a controller via a network backs up program-related information from the controller to a database via the network. The maintenance device determines when a malfunction occurs in the controller or a controller is replaced, and automatically restores backed up program-related information to the controller. | 2011-08-25 |
20110208325 | Optimizer for two staged refrigeration systems - An optimizer for modulating the speed of an indoor fan and first and second stage compressors of a two staged refrigeration system with a plurality of relays and an already existing power source. The optimizer is comprised of a speed modulation device, a supply air temperature sensor, and a controller. The speed modulation device is located in proximity to the existing power source and configured to collect current and power related information from the refrigeration system and power source to send to the controller. The supply air temperature sensor is linked to the indoor fan of the two staged refrigeration system and operable to obtain supply air temperature values. The controller is linked in communication with the speed modulation device and supply air temperature sensor and is operable to generate a system mode based on the power, current, and supply air temperature information. Speed commands are then sent to the speed modulation device to modulate the speed. | 2011-08-25 |
20110208326 | STRUCTURAL SUPPORT AND TRACKING SYSTEM - A structural support and tracking system comprising a utility platform defining an X-Y plane and supported over a central support post defining a longitudinal axis Z being normal to the plane X-Y. The utility platform comprises at least three platform cord connection elements, at least three left ground cord connection elements associated with two left platform cord connection elements, and at least one right ground cord connection element associated with at least one right platform cord connection element (PCCE). A tension cord system wherein a cord extends from each platform cord connection element towards at least one corresponding ground cord connection elements, and a manipulating system for tilting the utility platform by tension adjustment of the cords. | 2011-08-25 |
20110208327 | SAFETY CONTROLLER HAVING A REMOVABLE DATA STORAGE MEDIUM - A data storage medium has a carrier element configured to carry a memory element. The memory element stores data for configuring or even programming a safety controller. The data storage medium has at least one mounting element which is able to move relative to the carrier elements such that it is able to interact with a holding unit arranged on the safety controller. As a result, the data storage medium can be easily and removably be connected to the safety controller. | 2011-08-25 |
20110208328 | STRATIFICATION-BASED AND CATEGORIZATION-BASED SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR HARNESSING COLLECTIVE INTELLIGENCE TO PREDICT SPORTS OUTCOMES - A system and method for stratifying and categorizing individuals based on their ability to predict the outcome of sporting events and crowd sourcing the individual's sporting event predictions according to the system and method to generate improved prediction regarding specific sporting events. | 2011-08-25 |
20110208329 | CLOCK SYNTHESIS SYSTEMS, CIRCUITS AND METHODS - A clock synthesis system may include a feed forward divider circuit configured to divide a source clock signal by one of a plurality of integers in response to a select signal to generate a reference clock that is synchronous to a synchronous pulse; a modulator that modulates the select signal in response to at least a difference value; a multiplier circuit that frequency multiplies the reference clock to generate an output clock; and a timing circuit that generates the difference value in response to the source clock and synchronous pulse. | 2011-08-25 |
20110208330 | SOUND RECORDING DEVICE - A sound recording device includes a recording unit which records an input sound signal in a recording medium, a detection unit which detects a specific sound signal corresponding to specific sound output from a predetermined instrument that can be included in the input sound signal, and a control unit which controls an action of the recording unit on the basis of a result of the detection by the detection unit. | 2011-08-25 |