40th week of 2008 patent applcation highlights part 73 |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20080243053 | METHOD FOR INSERTING A CANNULA INTO AN INFUSION SITE - A method for inserting a cannula of an infusion set into an infusion site includes releasably retaining a cannula cartridge of an infusion set on a distal end of a cannula insertion device plunger. The method also includes releasably retaining an infuser base on a distal end of a housing of the cannula insertion device. Subsequently, the method involves moving the plunger from a retracted position, wherein the cannula cartridge is remote from the infuser base, to an advanced position wherein the cannula cartridge is engaged with the infuser base and a cannula of the cannula cartridge has been subcutaneously inserted into an infusion site by a cannula insertion needle attached to the plunger. | 2008-10-02 |
20080243054 | Method and device for irrigation of body cavities - A pressure and a vision regulation method and device for irrigation of a body cavity ( | 2008-10-02 |
20080243055 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SEQUENCING CHANNELS IN A MULTI-CHANNEL INFUSION PUMP - A system, method, and computer program for controlling at least one infusion pump wherein the system comprises a first channel for delivering a first fluid, a second channel for delivering a second fluid, a first input for receiving channel sequence data wherein the channel sequence data identifies the sequence for delivering the first fluid from the first channel and the second fluid from the second channel, a second input for receiving first delivery data for the first channel and the second delivery data for the second channel, and a processor for controlling delivery of the first fluid from the first channel and the second fluid from the second channel according to the channel sequence data, the first delivery data, and the second delivery data. | 2008-10-02 |
20080243056 | Controllable release nasal system - Embodiments of devices and system for controllable nasal delivery of materials are described. Methods of use of such devices and system and software for controlling the operation of such devices and systems are also disclosed. | 2008-10-02 |
20080243057 | FLUID DELIVERY SYSTEM AND FLOW CONTROL THEREFOR - A fluid delivery system having a closed-loop control process for delivering a medical fluid to a patient. A fluid infusion system includes a pump for delivering a fluid to a patient via an administration tube. A flow sensor associated with the administration tube provides an indication of the actual flow rate of fluid in the administration tube. Such a flow sensor may comprise a positive displacement flow sensor constructed using micro-fabrication and/or micro-molding techniques. A reader reads the actual flow rate signal and provides an indication to a controller for controlling the pump. The flow rate information can also be used for providing status information, such as the existence of a blockage in the fluid delivery system. | 2008-10-02 |
20080243058 | FLUID DELIVERY SYSTEM AND FLOW CONTROL THEREFOR - A fluid delivery system having a closed-loop control process for delivering a medical fluid to a patient. A fluid infusion system includes a pump for delivering a fluid to a patient via an administration tube. A flow sensor associated with the administration tube provides an indication of the actual flow rate of fluid in the administration tube. Such a flow sensor may comprise a positive displacement flow sensor constructed using micro-fabrication and/or micro-molding techniques. A reader reads the actual flow rate signal and provides an indication to a controller for controlling the pump. The flow rate information can also be used for providing status information, such as the existence of a blockage in the fluid delivery system. | 2008-10-02 |
20080243059 | BREAST PUMP - A breast pump can include a breast pump main body having a milking portion and negative pressure generating structure for generating negative pressure. A storing structure can be provided for storing expressed milk, and an opening/closing structure can be disposed between the breast pump main body and the storing structure for temporarily halting or permitting passage of the expressed milk into the storing structure. The milking portion can include a shape maintaining portion and a negative pressure generating portion that serves as a part of the negative pressure generating structure and can be attached to and detached from an inner side of the shape maintaining portion. At least one end of the negative pressure generating portion on an enlarged diameter side can include a flexible diaphragm portion and a pressing portion formed when a folded-back portion of the diaphragm portion passes an imaginary line of extension of a contact portion contacting the breast to press the breast, while the other end of the negative pressure generating portion is connected to the opening/closing structure. | 2008-10-02 |
20080243060 | Breastpump - A breastpump comprising a breastshield ( | 2008-10-02 |
20080243061 | PUMP APPARATUS - An apparatus for use in extracting milk from a human breast includes a pliant receiving member having an inner receiving portion sized to receive the human breast and an adjacent inner connecting portion defining an opening extending therethrough. The receiving member has an inner surface defining a recess located in the inner receiving portion and a passageway extending from the recess to the opening to provide fluid communication between the recess and the opening during use. The passageway provides fluid communication between the recess and the opening such that negative pressure can be generated between the recess and the breast. | 2008-10-02 |
20080243062 | INFUSION SET KIT - An infusion set kit includes an infusion set and a cannula insertion device. The infusion set has an infuser base configured for adhesive attachment to an infusion site on a user's skin, a cannula cartridge configured for operative engagement with the infuser base, and a hub configured for user-controlled 360 degree (360°) rotary engagement with the infuser base. | 2008-10-02 |
20080243063 | ROBOTIC INSTRUMENT SYSTEMS CONTROLLED USING KINEMATICS AND MECHANICS MODELS - Robotic instrument systems and control implementations are disclosed. In one such system, an elongate guide instrument such as a guide catheter includes tension or deflection element such as a stainless steel wire or pull wire. An actuator, such as a servo motor, is operably coupled to the controller. The controller is configured to control actuation of the servo motor based on execution of a control model including a mechanics model that accounts for a force on the guide instrument. The control model may also utilize both kinematics and mechanics models. The controller is configured to control actuation of the actuator based the control model that includes the mechanics model such that the elongate guide instrument bends when the actuator moves the deflection member. | 2008-10-02 |
20080243064 | SUPPORT STRUCTURE FOR ROBOTIC MEDICAL INSTRUMENT - A robotic medical instrument system including a catheter body and an elongate, flexible support member that includes substantially spherical elements and a plurality of non-spherical elements, such as cylindrical elements, which may be configured as a series of alternating substantially spherical and cylindrical elements. The support structure is bendable with the catheter body lumen. The substantially spherical and non-spherical elements may also collectively define a central, inner lumen. Bending of respective catheter body and the flexible support structure may be controllably by manipulation of the control element. | 2008-10-02 |
20080243065 | LUMEN REENTRY DEVICES AND METHODS - A method including introducing a catheter between two layers of a wall of a body lumen, the catheter including a balloon disposed at a distal end thereof, the catheter being formed with a first lumen through the balloon for passing therethrough a guidewire and a second lumen for inflation and deflation of the balloon, and expanding the balloon so that a distal portion of the first lumen that passes through the balloon is bent with respect to a portion of the first lumen proximal to the balloon and is directed towards the body lumen. | 2008-10-02 |
20080243066 | PERFUSION AND EMBOLIC PROTECTION - Disclosed is a combination perfusion and occlusion device that can have a perfusion member, an occlusive member and an elongate member. The perfusion member can be an elongate perfusion member that can have a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration. In the collapsed configuration, the perfusion member can be disposed around the elongate member. In the expanded configuration, the perfusion member can define a perfusion lumen. The occlusive member can have a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration. The occlusive member in the collapsed configuration can have a low profile that can facilitate insertion of the occlusive member in a body lumen. In the expanded configuration the occlusive member can be a structure that restricts the flow of fluids through a body vessel, for example a filter or another structure that restricts the flow of fluids. The occlusive member can be disposed on the elongate member, for example on a distal portion of the elongate member. | 2008-10-02 |
20080243067 | LUMEN REENTRY DEVICES AND METHODS - A device, such as for use with lumen reentry, including a catheter including a balloon disposed at a distal end thereof, the catheter being formed with a first lumen through the balloon for passing therethrough a guidewire and a second lumen for inflation and deflation of the balloon, the catheter and the balloon being sized and shaped for entry between two layers of a wall of a body lumen, wherein upon expansion of the balloon when placed between the layers, a distal portion of the first lumen that passes through the balloon is bent with respect to a portion of the first lumen proximal to the balloon and is directed towards the body lumen. | 2008-10-02 |
20080243068 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR TREATMENT OF VENOUS INSUFFICIENCY - Methods and apparatus for the treatment of venous insufficiency, such as varicose veins, are described herein utilizing endovenous treatments. Such treatments may include systems to create an initial endovascular injury to the vessel wall utilizing any number of mechanisms, such as chemical, mechanical, electrical, etc. modalities. An implantable device, optionally having a sclerosing agent infused therein, may additionally be implanted along the injured tissue to promote, maintain, and otherwise enhance the tissue inflammation and scarring, thereby remodeling the diseased vessel wall. | 2008-10-02 |
20080243069 | Self-Crimping Radiopaque marker - A radiopaque marker band includes a tube having an inner surface and an outer surface. The tube is made from a shape-memory material, such as a nickel-titanium alloy. A coating is disposed on at least a portion of the outer surface of the tube. The coating has a greater radiopacity that said shape-memory material. The coating may be applied in a plurality of bands on the outer surface of the tube. | 2008-10-02 |
20080243070 | EXPANDABLE MEDICAL DEVICE WITH BENEFICIAL AGENT DELIVERY MECHANISM - An expandable issue supporting device of the present invention employs ductile hinges at selected points in the expandable device. When expansion forces are applied to the device as a whole, the ductile hinges concentrate expansion stresses and strains in small well defined areas. The expandable medical device including ductile hinges provides the advantages of low expansion force requirements, relatively thick walls which are radio-opaque, improved crimping properties, high crush strength, reduced elastic recoil after implantation, and control of strain to a desired level. The expandable tissue supporting device includes a plurality of elongated beams arranged in a cylindrical device and connected together by a plurality of ductile hinges. Although many ductile hinge configurations are possible, the ductile hinges preferably have a substantially constant hinge cross sectional area which is smaller than a beam cross sectional area such that as the device is expanded from a first diameter to a second diameter, the ductile hinges experience plastic deformation while the beams are not plastically deformed. | 2008-10-02 |
20080243071 | INTRAGASTRIC BALLOON SYSTEM AND THERAPEUTIC PROCESSES AND PRODUCTS - A gastric space filler device for treating obesity in a patient by reducing the stomach volume features at least one inflatable space filler with drag delivery and stimulation features and includes therapeutic devices and anchoring apparatus enabling tracking, visualization and optimized management of inter-balloon connecting sections, drug reservoirs and pumping systems along with related improvements. | 2008-10-02 |
20080243072 | Perfusion Device - A perfusion guidewire is disclosed. The perfusion guidewire includes an elongate core member and a collapsible sheath tightly wrapped around at least the distal portion of the elongate core member such that the wrapped sheath is folded upon itself, forming a plurality of layers of material in a radial direction from the longitudinal axis of the elongate core member. The wrapped sheath is tightly wrapped about the elongate core member such that the wrapped sheath and elongate core member travel as a unit during navigation within the blood vessel of the body of a patient. The wrapped sheath is expandable to a larger diameter in order to allow a perfusate to pass through the lumen of the sheath. | 2008-10-02 |
20080243073 | BARREL TYPE PLUNGER FOR USE WITH A NEEDLE-RETRACTABLE SAFETY SYRINGE AND THE SYRINGE USING THE SAME - The present invention provides an improved barrel type plunger for use with a needle-retractable safety syringe, comprising a barrel, a needle retracted trigger and a supporting member. A front portion of said barrel is fitted over a sealing rubber pad, a slotted hole is provided at a wall of the front portion of said barrel, a bearing piece is provided in said slotted hole, and one end of said bearing piece is connected to the front side wall of said slotted hole. Said barrel and said supporting member are provided with a snap-in structure, respectively, which make supporting member releasably engaged in said barrel. After having released from said barrel, said supporting member is able to translate backwards under the action of a needle retraction force so that said bearing piece can be returned to such a position that said needle can be retracted backwards to the interior of said barrel. The present invention further provides a syringe comprising the above-mentioned barrel type plunger. The barrel type plunger and syringe according to the present invention have relatively simple and reasonable structures, are easy to produce and make the controllable retraction of the needle more convenient. Because of more compact structures, the barrel type plunger and syringe according to the present invention are suitable for a minor volume syringe with a thinner syringe barrel. | 2008-10-02 |
20080243074 | Catheter malfunction determinations using physiologic pressure - Methods and systems for determining whether an implanted catheter used to deliver fluids to a selected internal delivery site is malfunctioning. The malfunctions may include that the infusion section of the catheter is not located at or has migrated away from the selected internal delivery site, is leaking, is blocked, etc. The determination is made by analyzing the pressure modulation of fluid within the catheter and determining whether the pressure of the fluid in the catheter is modulated by physiologic pressure changes experienced at the selected internal delivery site. The physiologic pressure modulations at the selected internal delivery site may be caused by, e.g., cardiac activity, respiration, changes in patient's posture, etc. | 2008-10-02 |
20080243075 | Medical Device with Retractable Needle - A tamperproof retractable non-reusable syringe has a one piece hollow outer body with a barrel for a slidable plunger, a transition zone and a smaller diameter nose portion. An elongated needle holder and spring combination is installable from the rear of the outer body, guided into the nose portion and held by cooperating inwardly and outwardly facing surfaces oriented in the direction of retraction at the most constricted part of the transition zone where the nose begins. The plunger has an opening with a dislodgable stopper for receiving parts of the retraction mechanism. The stopper and the head of the needle holder are of significantly reduced diameter from the injection fluid chamber to resist blowing out prematurely. In one embodiment the head of the needle holder is surrounded by a separable retainer member which is slidingly removed by contact with the tip of the plunger after the stopper is mostly or fully removed to avoid cumulation of force required for retraction after the injection. In a second embodiment the head of the needle holder is clamped and held by constricting forces imposed by stress on the outer body induced by interference fit. Release occurs by slight expansion on the barrel by contact of the plunger tip with a small internal ramp in the outer barrel. Both embodiments have a plunger cap configured to enter an opening in the outer body to provide an additional tamperproof feature. The retraction cavity is provided with venting structures to assure that all uninjected fluid is retained within the syringe body. | 2008-10-02 |
20080243076 | Method and Apparatus For Venipuncture Site Location - A vein locator comprises an energy source for directing incident energy toward organism tissue. At least a portion of the incident energy is reflected from structures within the organism tissue as reflected energy. The vein locator comprises an energy detector connected to detect energy reflected from the organism tissue. The incident energy is moved across a scan region a first time and the energy detector produces a corresponding first signal representative of at least one characteristic of the first reflected energy. A controller receives the first signal, identifies an extremum in the first signal and determines a threshold level based on the identified extremum. The incident energy is then moved across the scan region a second time and the energy detector produces a corresponding second signal representative of at least one characteristic of the second reflected energy. The controller compares the second signal to the threshold level to determine whether a current location of the incident beam represents a location of a vein. | 2008-10-02 |
20080243077 | Fluid dispenser with uniformly collapsible reservoir - A compact, easy-to-use dispensing device that includes a uniquely configured unitary fluid container formed by a blow-fill-seal process. The container has a collapsible, tapered sidewall of progressively varying wall thickness that, upon being acted upon by an elastic member, will deliver an injectable parenteral fluid contained within the fluid reservoir to the patient at a substantially constant flow rate. | 2008-10-02 |
20080243078 | SINGLE CONTROL BUTTON TYPE AUTOMATIC INFUSION PUMP OPERATION METHOD - A single control button type automatic infusion pump comprised of a circuit board, a motor pump, a three-way connector, a buzzer and a power adapter is disclosed. The circuit board has a controller to control the operation of the motor pump and the buzzer and a sensor to detect the pressure or status of the infusion bag/nutrition bag and the three-way connector. The three-way connector is a connection interface for enabling the motor pump to increase or reduce the pressure of the external infusion bag or nutrition bag. By means of a single button design, the single control button type automatic infusion pump automatically controls the pressure of the infusion bag/nutrition bag and detects its operation. | 2008-10-02 |
20080243079 | Rechargeable battery backup apparatus and method for insulin pump - An apparatus and method for allowing an operator of a portable infusion device continue to operate the device after the primary battery source becomes depleted. The invention contemplates providing a secondary, rechargeable battery in addition to the primary battery, to allow the infusion device to operate even in the instance of a sudden drop in primary battery voltage. The apparatus includes a housing accommodating a syringe, where the syringe contains a liquid to be infused. Also included is a motor, a drive system operatively connected to the motor, where the drive system advances a piston of the syringe in order to expel the liquid from a barrel of the syringe. A power source is in electrical contact with and supplies power to the motor. The power source includes a primary battery module, and a rechargeable battery module, wherein the primary battery source supplies power to the rechargeable battery module. The result is a fail-safe system of alerting the user of low or critical battery conditions. | 2008-10-02 |
20080243080 | Method and apparatus for vascular access - A method and apparatus is described that facilitates appropriate placement of a closure device and allows ease of placement with repeated access without bleeding. A suitable biocompatible polymer diaphragm such as silicone or nipple is place on the adventitia of the vessel through a small cutdown incision. The puncture surface is a diaphragm that functions as a self-sealing valve. For embodiments designed for small catheter access such as 4 to 9 Fr, this may be a polymer that elastically seals around the puncture once the catheter is removed. Especially for larger access catheters, such as 10 French to 24 French, a preformed aperture or slit may be cut into the material, allowing controlled and atraumatic penetration of the device and artery. The sealing element may also be fixed to the outside wall of the vessel with holdfasts through a method that facilitates percutaneous delivery through the use of a guiding wire. A method and apparatus is also described that minimizes the potential migration of emboli generated upstream from the access site, an anchoring cannula and method for facilitating localizing of the access device. | 2008-10-02 |
20080243081 | EXPANDABLE TRANS-SEPTAL SHEATH - Disclosed is an expandable transluminal sheath, for introduction into the body while in a first, low cross-sectional area configuration, and subsequent expansion of at least a part of the distal end of the sheath to a second, enlarged cross-sectional configuration. The sheath is configured for use in the vascular system and has utility in the performance of procedures in the left atrium. The access route is through the inferior vena cava to the right atrium, where a trans-septal puncture, followed by advancement of the catheter is completed. The distal end of the sheath is maintained in the first, low cross-sectional configuration during advancement to the right atrium and through the atrial septum into the left atrium. The distal end of the sheath is subsequently expanded using a radial dilatation device. In an exemplary application, the sheath is utilized to provide access for a diagnostic or therapeutic procedure such as electrophysiological mapping of the heart, radio-frequency ablation of left atrial tissue, placement of left atrial implants, mitral valve repair, or the like. | 2008-10-02 |
20080243082 | System for surgical drain fixation - Devices, systems and methods for fixation of medical articles which remain in a patient's body for a period of time are provided. The articles may be secured to the patient's skin by use of a device having an arcuate channel for holding the medical article. In one device, a base member including an arcuate channel receives the medical article, which base member has a plurality of protrusions which rest against the skin providing a gap for application of a polymerizable adhesive composition which polymerizes, forming a seal around the medical article and securing the medical article to the body. Alternatively, a device including a base member having an arcuate channel is provided adhered to a flexible member. The device receives the medical article and is positioned proximate to the patient's skin. Polymerizable adhesive composition is applied to the flexible member, securing the medical article to the patient's body upon polymerization. | 2008-10-02 |
20080243083 | INFUSION SET WITH USER-CONTROLLED 360-DEGREE ROTARY MOTION HUB - An infusion set includes an infuser base, a cannula cartridge and a hub. The infuser base includes an adhesive pad configured for removably adhering the infuser base to an infusion site, a barb, and an infuser base opening. The cannula cartridge includes a cannula for subcutaneous insertion into the infusion site and a cannula cartridge self-sealing septum. The hub is configured for removable and user-controlled three hundred and sixty degree (360°) rotateable engagement with the barb. The hub includes a hub needle for piercing the self-sealing septum, thereby creating a fluid pathway from the hub needle to the cannula of the cannula cartridge. The hub also includes a flexible tube in fluid communication with the hub needle. The cannula cartridge of is configured for insertion into the infuser base opening with the cannula being subcutaneously inserted into the infusion site. | 2008-10-02 |
20080243084 | USER-RELEASABLE SIDE-ATTACH ROTARY INFUSION SET - An infusion set includes an infuser base, a cannula cartridge, a hub and a tube set connector. The infuser base includes an adhesive pad for removably adhering the infuser base to an infusion site, an infuser base opening and a barb. The cannula cartridge includes a cannula for subcutaneous insertion into the infusion site and a cannula cartridge self-sealing septum. The hub is configured for removable and user-controlled three hundred and sixty degree (360°) rotateable engagement with the barb. The hub includes a hub needle for piercing the self-sealing septum, thereby creating a fluid pathway from the hub needle to the cannula of the cannula cartridge, and a hub self-sealing septum. The cannula cartridge is configured for insertion into the infuser base opening with the cannula being subcutaneously inserted into the infusion site. The tube set connector includes a connector module configured for user-releasable attachment to the hub in a direction perpendicular to the direction of cannula insertion, a tube set connector needle for piercing the hub self-sealing septum, and a flexible tube in fluid communication with the tube set connector needle. | 2008-10-02 |
20080243085 | METHOD FOR MOUNTING A USER RELEASABLE SIDE-ATTACH ROTARY INFUSION SET TO AN INFUSION SITE - A method for mounting an infusion set to an infusion site includes adhering an infuser base of the insertion set to an infusion site and inserting a cannula cartridge of the infusion set into an opening of the infuser base such that the cannula is subcutaneously inserted into the infusion site. The method also includes subsequently removeably attaching a hub of the infusion set to a barb of the infuser base such that a hub needle of the hub pierces a self-sealing septum of the cannula cartridge, thus creating a fluid pathway from the hub needle to the cannula. Further included in the method is laterally attaching a tube set connector (in a direction perpendicular to the direction of cannula insertion) to the hub in a user-releasable manner, thus mounting the infusion set to the infusion site. In the method, the attachment of the hub to the barb provides for user-controlled three-hundred and sixty (360°) rotateable engagement between the hub and the barb. | 2008-10-02 |
20080243086 | BLOOD EXPOSURE PREVENTION IN VASCULAR ACCESS DEVICES - An apparatus for preventing blood exposure or contamination upon withdrawal of a hypodermic needle is provided. The apparatus may include a needle having a tip and a shield configured to at least partially entrap the needle tip upon withdrawal of the needle. The apparatus may further include a blood stabilizing material disposed such that upon withdrawal of the needle the blood stabilizing material is disposed in operative association with the needle tip such that blood carried by the needle is prevented from escaping the apparatus. In some exemplary implementations, the blood stabilizing material may be disposed on one or more surfaces of the shield. The shield of the hypodermic needle may include protective device and/or a housing for shielding the needle tip upon withdrawal. The housing may be adapted to at least partially cover the needle tip upon withdrawal of the needle. In some implementations, the housing may be adapted to allow the protective device to shield the needle before the needle is completely withdrawn. | 2008-10-02 |
20080243087 | Dose Mechanism For an Injection Device For Limiting a Dose Setting Corresponding to the Amount of Medicament Left - A mechanism for preventing setting of a dose, which exceeds the amount of a medicament in a reservoir in an injection device. The device comprises a threaded piston rod, a limiter and a driver. The three elements are arranged such that during dose setting, the limiter is moved towards an end-of-contend position, wherein dose setting is limited. The invention comprises an accumulative and a non-accumulative embodiment. The invention further relates to a mechanism for prevention ejection of a dose exceeding the set dose. | 2008-10-02 |
20080243088 | Radio frequency identification drug delivery device and monitoring system - A drug delivery device, system and method for identifying a drug contained in the drug delivery device and the amount of the drug administered. The drug delivery device includes at least a first portion and a second portion, in which the portions move relative to one another as a drug contained in the drug delivery device is administered or expelled from the drug delivery device. The drug delivery device includes radio frequency identification (RFID) tags that are mounted on each of the portions. At least one active tag is mounted on one of the first and second portions. | 2008-10-02 |
20080243089 | Color-coded slide clamp - A color-coded slide clamp for controlling the flow of fluid or other substance through an I.V. delivery tube. Each slide clamp generally comprises two longitudinal sides connected at one point by a resilient transverse end. At an opposing end, the longitudinal sides include crimping surfaces, which are clamped around the flexible delivery tube to regulate the flow of fluid passing there through. The precise width of the longitudinal sides determines the rate of flow of the fluid that may pass through the delivery tube. The wider the sides are, the lower rate of fluid that may pass through the tube. The width of the sides is fixed at the time of manufacture to correspond to a single, steady flow rate. The flow rate of the clamps can be easily identified by a color coding scheme. Alternately, clamps can be color-coded for easy identification of the type of fluids passing through the tubes. | 2008-10-02 |
20080243090 | Nozzle assembly for enema kit - A nozzle assembly for enema kit includes an extension tube curved in a predetermined manner, and a plug body connected at a proximal end to a first end of the extension tube. The plug body has a distal end formed into a nozzle, which has a predetermined short length and is provided at a front end with a plurality of nozzle apertures, and includes a rearward flared cup portion. When a user uses the enema kit to do colonic hydrotherapy with the nozzle introduced through the user's anal sphincter, water is supplied to the nozzle assembly and jetted into the user's anus. A rearward flared cup portion is formed behind the nozzle to press against the user's butt, preventing the nozzle from moving too deep into the user's anus, making the enema kit comfortable and safe for use by a non professional person. | 2008-10-02 |
20080243091 | Process and System For Systematic Oxygenation and Renal Preservation During Retrograde Perfusion of the Ischemic Kidney - A delivery system to provide end organ oxygenation and even systematic oxygenation in the face of ischemic result. The deliver system including a retrograde oxygenation and perfusion stent. The stent employing at least two and possibly more channels to allow flow of the perfusate from the device to the renal pelvis then to a back out to a collection apparatus. The stent may include various vital sign monitors, such as a renal pressure monitor, temperature monitor, and even an oxygenation monitor. The stent may include an anchoring device to allow the stent to be anchored into the renal pelvis in a temporary way during the retrograde oxygenation process. | 2008-10-02 |
20080243092 | BLOOD EXPOSURE PREVENTION IN VASCULAR ACCESS DEVICES - An extravascular system includes a catheter assembly, a needle assembly, and a hemostatic adapter. The catheter assembly defines a lumen extending from an opening at a distal end thereof to a catheter hub at a proximal end thereof. The needle assembly includes a needle hub disposed at a proximal end of a needle disposed within the lumen defined by the catheter assembly. The needle has a needle tip extending from the opening of the catheter assembly. The hemostatic adapter defines a passage and is adapted to be operatively associated with the needle assembly and the catheter assembly. The hemostatic adapter further includes at least one liquid-reactive material adapted to at least substantially seal the passage upon contact with one or more liquids. The liquid-reactive material is selected and configured to morph upon contact with liquids to provide a mechanical barrier to prevent blood flow. A fluid may be injected into the lumen and/or passage by way of an optional port to provide a fluidic barrier in addition to the mechanical barrier. | 2008-10-02 |
20080243093 | DETECTING NEEDLE ENTRY INTO A PORT OF AN INFUSION DEVICE - Systems for detecting needle insertion into a port chamber of an implantable medical device include a pressure sensor. The system detects characteristic pressure profiles associated with needle insertion into the port chamber through a septum and may generate a sensory cue to a clinician that proper needle placement has been achieved. Methods for detecting needle insertion into a port chamber of an implantable medical device includes detecting characteristic pressure profiles associated with needle insertion into the port chamber through a septum. | 2008-10-02 |
20080243094 | BATHTUB APPARATUS, THERAPEUTIC BATHTUB APPARATUS, BATHING WATER AND THERAPEUTIC BATHING WATER - A bathtub apparatus is provided, including a nanobubble and/or nanosized medical component generating section to combine at least either of nanobubbles or a nanosized medical component with bath water from a bathtub and to circulate the bath water to the bathtub. | 2008-10-02 |
20080243095 | Method and Apparatus for Ophthalmic Medication Delivery and Ocular Wound Recovery - An annular device may include a biocompatible material. The device may be configured to substantially conform to a curvature of an eye. The device may be placed on a surface of the eye such that the device surrounds, but does not cover, the cornea. The device may cover a site of one or more incisions in a sclera of the eye without extending past an edge of a bulbar conjunctiva of the eye. | 2008-10-02 |
20080243096 | Device For Active Treatment and Regeneration of Tissues Such as Wounds - Hydrostatic pressure of aqueous solutions—supplied from reservoir under rate control through tube to port of airtightly applied open pore dressing pad—is eliminated by levelling reservoir placed on rest with pad. Dressing pad may overlie a tissue culturing scaffold. A drip chamber with angulated channel permits drops to fall freely and be counted. Injection port elastic membrane prevents air inlet to pad while suction is applied at port, permitting fluid given under rate control through membrane to distribute evenly in pad. A drainage port flange, wholly covered by an open grid, is described. Acute wound bleeding is detected by computer-controlled serial weighing of a movement-stabilized drainage fluid canister with warning of abnormal flow rate increase. | 2008-10-02 |
20080243098 | Access Port For a Medical Appliance and Method - A medical access port ( | 2008-10-02 |
20080243099 | Absorbent articles with external access to internal conductors - An absorbent article includes a liner and an outercover in facing relation and at least one conductive element located between the liner and the outercover. At least a portion of the conductive element is exposed through the liner and/or the outercover to define at least one external contact point. The external contact point defines a perimeter and the liner and/or the outercover is sealed about the perimeter. The contact points provide external access to the internal conductive elements. | 2008-10-02 |
20080243100 | Absorbent article having fluid transfer layer - A disposable absorbent article having a fluid transfer layer with target insult zone and/or wavy cut edges can have a liquid permeable top sheet, a liquid impermeable back sheet, an absorbent core disposed at least partially therebetween, and a fluid transfer layer disposed between the absorbent core and the top sheet, wherein the target insult zone is provided in the fluid transfer layer and can be defined by a generally centrally located cut-out portion therethrough. At the target insult zone, the fluid passes through the cut-out portion into the absorbent core unimpeded by the fluid transfer layer. The fluid transfer layer and/or the cut-out portion defining the target insult zone can have at least one edge which can be cut in a specially designed pattern, for example, a wavy cut pattern, to provide improved aesthetics. | 2008-10-02 |
20080243101 | ABSORBABLE POLYMER FORMULATIONS - A co-polyester which includes the reaction product of a polycondensation polyester and epsilon-caprolactone, wherein the polycondensation polyester comprises the reaction product of diglycolic acid and/or a derivative thereof and a diol. The co-polyester is injectable and absorbable into animal, such as human, tissue and can be used for facial cosmetic or reconstructive surgery of soft tissue. Another embodiment is directed to a method for preventing adhesion using a co-polyester comprising the reaction product of a polycondensation polyester and epsilon-caprolactone, wherein the polycondensation polyester comprises the reaction product of diglycolic acid and/or a derivative thereof and a diol, and the co-polyester comprises about 40 to 50% by weight of the polycondensation polyester based on the total weight of the co-polyester. | 2008-10-02 |
20080243102 | Apparatus for segmental varicose sclerosis - The present invention relates to a minimally invasive apparatus and method of use to correct varicose veins by sclerosis. The apparatus comprising a semi-flexible first catheter having a proximal end, a distal end, and an outer surface. The first catheter also has a lumen area extending the length of the catheter and capable of receiving a guide wire. The proximal end is fitted to receive an inflation device and/or a closure device. At the distal end, a collapsible occlusive balloon is attached. Additionally, the apparatus has a second catheter having a proximal end, a distal end, an outer surface. The second catheter also has a lumen area extending the length of the second catheter. The second catheter has a larger lumen than the first catheter, allowing the first and second catheters coaxial alignment. The distal end of the second catheter adapted to from a sealing engagement with the periphery of the first catheter, allowing the second catheter to movably extend over and retract from the first catheter. Attached to the second catheter is a reservoir for dispensing a treatment agent into the lumen. The second catheter is adapted to connect to the reservoir. The treatment agent is dispensed to the vein via one or more side openings. | 2008-10-02 |
20080243103 | Medical Device for Delivering a Bioactive and Method of Use Thereof - A device and method for delivering a bioactive to the uterine wall. In one embodiment, the device comprises a balloon having the bioactive present within the material of the balloon or on an outside surface of the balloon. Another embodiment provides a method comprising inserting the balloon into the uterus, inflating the balloon so that the outside surface of the balloon exerts pressure on uterine wall and delivering the bioactive to the uterine wall. | 2008-10-02 |
20080243104 | Enteral-Only Syringe And Method Of Manufacturing Same - A method of manufacturing a syringe for use in enteral feeding includes providing a premolded syringe body having a plunger end and an outlet end, loading the premolded syringe body into a mold having a core pin extending into the outlet end of the premolded syringe body, closing the mold to thereby retain the premolded syringe therein and to close a mold cavity around the outlet end of the syringe body, injection molding by injecting plastic molding material into the mold cavity and cooling to thereby form a tip at the outlet end of the premolded syringe body, and opening the mold and extracting the syringe body and the tip. | 2008-10-02 |
20080243105 | Surgical Footswitch with Movable Shroud - The present invention provides a surgical footswitch with a movable shroud. The footswitch is capable of controlling different kinds of surgical instruments and is adaptable by moving the shroud to meet the convenience and safety requirements of each kind of surgical instrument. | 2008-10-02 |
20080243106 | DETACHABLE END EFFECTORS - Methods and devices are provided for performing various procedures using interchangeable end effectors. In general, the methods and devices allow a surgeon to remotely and selectively attach various interchangeable surgical end effectors to a shaft located within a patient's body, thus allowing the surgeon to perform various procedures without the need to remove the shaft from the patient's body. In an exemplary embodiment, multiple end effectors can be introduced into a body cavity. The end effectors can be disassociated or separate from one another such that they float within the body cavity. A distal end of a shaft can be positioned within the body cavity and it can be used to selectively engage one of the end effectors. In particular, the device can be configured to allow each end effector to be remotely attached and detached from the distal end of the shaft. For example, a surgeon can actuate an actuation mechanism on the proximal end of the shaft to mate one of the end effectors to the distal end of the shaft without assistance from other tools and devices. After use of the end effector, the end effector can be released and another end effector can be remotely attached to the distal end of the shaft. | 2008-10-02 |
20080243107 | Safety Mechanism for Laser Treatment Apparatus - The invention relates to a laser treatment unit for performing eye surgery, comprising a contact glass ( | 2008-10-02 |
20080243108 | Ophthalmic laser treatment apparatus - An ophthalmic laser treatment apparatus comprises: a laser source that emits a laser beam for treatment of an affected part of a patient's eye; an optical fiber that transmits the laser beam emitted from the laser source; and a delivery optical system that irradiates the laser beam emitted from the optical fiber to the affected part of the patient's eye, the delivery optical system including: a plurality of diffraction optical elements each being configured to shape a beam profile of the laser beam at an emission end face of the optical fiber into a beam profile having one of a uniform intensity and a lower intensity in the center than on the periphery on the affected part and also to shape the laser beam to have a different spot size on the affected part of the patient's eye; and a changing unit which selectively disposing one of the diffraction optical elements on an optical path. | 2008-10-02 |
20080243109 | Method and Device for Producing Cuts in a Transparent Material - The invention relates to a method for producing cuts in a transparent material, in particular in the cornea, by creating optical openings in said material by means of laser radiation that is focused in said material, whereby the focal point is displaced in order to produce the cut from a surface grid-type array of optical openings arranged in sequence. The focal point is displaced along a trajectory and optical openings along said trajectory that are adjacent are not produced immediately after one another. In addition, the surface grid-type array of optical openings is constructed from at least two sub-grids, the optical openings of which are processed sequentially grid by grid. | 2008-10-02 |
20080243110 | Laser Apparatus for Medical Treatment of Skin Disease - The present invention provides a laser apparatus for medical treatment of skin disease. The laser apparatus comprising: a laser generator | 2008-10-02 |
20080243111 | Surgical method and apparatus for treating atrial fibrillation - The present invention advantageously provides a method and system for cryogenically ablating large areas of tissue within the left atrium. In an exemplary embodiment a cryotherapy device includes a catheter body, a proximal end and a distal end; a first lumen; a second lumen; and an ablation element expandable from a first diameter to a second diameter, the ablation element having a surface portion that conforms to the uneven surface topography of the cardiac tissue. The ablation element can include one or more deformable balloon and/or flexible elements. The surface of the balloon can further be shaped by regulation of pressure within the one or more balloons. In an exemplary method, a tissue ablation device is provided and tissue in the left atrium is ablated with the device, whereby the ablation is created by freezing tissue. | 2008-10-02 |
20080243112 | Device and Method For Assisting Heat Ablation Treatment of the Heart - A heat exchange balloon assembly ( | 2008-10-02 |
20080243113 | MODIFICATION OF STENT SURFACES TO IMPART FUNCTIONALITY - In one aspect, the invention relates to coated substrates comprising a substrate having a surface, a cationic polymer layer adjacent the surface of the substrate, an anionic polymer layer adjacent the cationic polymer layer and methods for producing and using same. In one aspect, the cationic polymer layer comprises at least one residue of a first compound having the structure: | 2008-10-02 |
20080243114 | Instrument For Plasma Coagulation - For the coagulation of tissue by plasma, instruments are known that comprise a tubular probe body through which inert gas is conducted and an ignition electrode within the lumen in the region of an outlet of the probe body. A current conductor is provided to supply a coagulation current to the ignition electrode. The ignition electrode is fixed to the probe body substantially in the middle, by means of fixing devices. The present invention provides an instrument for plasma coagulation wherein a fixing device for the ignition electrode comprises a piece of sheet metal, a wafer or similar flat body, which is fixed by its longitudinal edges to the tube wall so that it extends substantially diametrically across the lumen, and to which the ignition electrode is attached. | 2008-10-02 |
20080243115 | Catheter actuator - A catheter actuator | 2008-10-02 |
20080243116 | Catheter assembly - A catheter sheath | 2008-10-02 |
20080243117 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ELECTROSURGICAL PREVENTION OF DISC HERNIATIONS - The present invention provides systems and methods for selectively applying electrical energy to a target location within a patient's body, particularly including tissue in the spine. The present invention applies high frequency (RF) electrical energy to one or more electrode terminals in the presence of electrically conductive fluid or saline-rich tissue to contract collagen fibers within the tissue structures. In one aspect of the invention, a system and method is provided for contracting a portion of the nucleus pulposus of a vertebral disc by applying a high frequency voltage between an active electrode and a return electrode within the portion of the nucleus pulposus, where contraction of the portion of nucleus pulposus inhibits migration of the portion nucleus pulposus through the fissure. | 2008-10-02 |
20080243118 | Electrosurgical Pencil With Drag Sensing Capability - An electrosurgical pencil configured and adapted to support an electrocautery blade. A strain gauge is affixed to the proximal end of the electrocautery blade and measures the displacement of the blade as a result of resistance and drag acting on the blade. The electrosurgical pencil also includes a meter electrically connected to the strain gauge for monitoring either a change in voltage, a change in electrical current or a change in optical wavelength. The amount of blade displacement as measured by the strain gauge is available for display to the surgeon and/or as sensory input for a control circuit in the electrosurgical generator that modulates the generator output waveform. The electrosurgical pencil further includes a control circuit electrically coupled between the electrocautery blade and the electrosurgical generator. The control circuit is configured and adapted to control power supplied to electrocautery blade based on the displacement measured by the strain gauge. | 2008-10-02 |
20080243119 | VACUUM COAGULATION PROBE FOR ATRIAL FIBRILLATION TREATMENT - An embodiment of the invention includes a surgical device for coagulating soil tissue such as atrial tissue in the treatment of atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, and atrial tachycardia. The surgical device can include at least one elongate member comprising conductive elements adapted to coagulate soft tissue when radiofrequency or direct current energy is transmitted to the conductive elements. Openings through said conductive elements are routed through lumens in the elongate member to a vacuum source to actively engage the soft tissue surface intended to coagulate into intimate contact with the conductive elements to facilitate the coagulation process and ensure the lesions created are consistent, contiguous, and transmural. The embodiments of the invention can also incorporate cooling openings positioned near the conductive elements and coupled with a vacuum source or an injection source to transport fluid though the cooling openings causing the soft tissue surface to cool thus pushing the maximum temperature deeper into tissue. The embodiments of the invention can also incorporate features to tunnel between anatomic structures or dissect around the desired tissue surface to coagulate thereby enabling less invasive positioning of the soft tissue coagulating device and ensuring reliable and consistent heating of the soft tissue. | 2008-10-02 |
20080243120 | Bipolar forceps having monopolar extension - An endoscopic forceps for treating tissue includes a housing having a shaft affixed thereto which has first and second jaw members attached to a distal end thereof. The forceps also includes an actuator for moving jaw members relative to one another from a first position wherein the jaw members are disposed in spaced relation relative to one another to a second position wherein the jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween. Each of the jaw members is connected to a source of electrosurgical energy such that the jaw members are selectively capable of operating in a bipolar mode which enables the jaw members to conduct bipolar energy through tissue held therebetween to treat tissue. The forceps also includes a monopolar element housed within the first jaw member which is selectively movable from a first position within the first jaw member to a second position distal to the first jaw member. The monopolar element is connected to the source of electrosurgical energy and is selectively activateable independent of the bipolar mode. | 2008-10-02 |
20080243121 | CURATIVE TREATMENT SYSTEM, CURATIVE TREATMENT DEVICE, AND TREATMENT METHOD FOR LIVING TISSUE USING ENERGY - A treatment system that applies energy to a living tissue includes first and second holding members, an operating section, an energy source, and a plurality of energy applying portions that apply energy supplied from the energy source. Each of the first and second holding members has a holding surface to hold the living tissue. The operating section operates a relative movement of at least one of the first and second holding members with respect to the other. The energy source supplies energy to at least one of the first and second holding members. The plurality of energy applying portions are provided on the holding surface of at least one of the first and second holding members, and control density of energy applied to a living tissue held by the first and second holding members. | 2008-10-02 |
20080243122 | APPARATUSES AND METHODS FOR BONE SCREW AUGMENTATION - An apparatus includes an expandable member and a cutting member coupled to the expandable member. The expandable member is configured to form a cavity within a cancellous portion of a bone. The cutting member is configured to cut a cortical portion of the bone. | 2008-10-02 |
20080243123 | Maxillary Bone Cutting System, Kit, and Method of Using the Same - A device includes a tubular element, and a cutter spring-biased relative to the tubular element. In an unloaded configuration the cutter is displaced relative to the tubular element by a displacement distance, and when the cutter is in a loaded configuration the displacement distance is reduced. A first structure is longitudinally fixed relative to the cutter and rotationally engaged relative to the tubular element. A length of the first structure extends proximally in the unloaded configuration. A second structure is longitudinally displaceable relative to the first structure. In the loaded configuration, a driver engages and rotates both the first and second structures, and thus the tubular element and cutter together. Once the cutter breaks through the bone, the cutter spring-biased into the unloaded configuration, resulting in disengagement of the first structure from the driver to prevent rotation of either the tubular element or the cutter. | 2008-10-02 |
20080243124 | Contoured Reamer Teeth and Method of Manufacture - An acetabular reamer ( | 2008-10-02 |
20080243125 | SYSTEM, APPARATUS, AND METHOD FOR CUTTING BONE DURING AN ORTHOPAEDIC SURGICAL PROCEDURE - A bone saw tool includes a bone saw and a bone saw blade assembly. The bone saw blade assembly includes a bone saw blade and a bone saw blade guard. The bone saw blade guard is movable to an extended position to reduce the cutting effectiveness of the bone saw blade and/or the maximum cutting depth of the bone saw blade. The bone saw may be configured to activate the bone saw blade guard in response to a signal received from a computer system when the bone saw is moved outside a predetermined cutting region. | 2008-10-02 |
20080243126 | Rotary angled scraper for spinal disc space preparation - A scraper instrument for preparing an intervertebral disc space is disclosed. The scraper instrument incorporates a uniquely configured end bit having a cutting head with a cavity for passing debris therethrough. Variations of the scraper instrument include one or more angled portions and shaft assemblies that transmit rotational torque applied at the proximal end of the instrument through the at least one angled portion and to the distally located end bit. An adjustable angled portion in addition to a bayonet-like angled portion is disclosed. | 2008-10-02 |
20080243127 | Surgical Tools for Arthroplasty - A patellar 3-D guidance tool includes a template. The template includes at least one contact surface for engaging a surface of the patella. The at least one contact surface substantially conforms with the surface associated with the patellar. At least one guide aperture directs movement of a surgical instrument, wherein the shape and/or position of the guide aperture is based, at least in part, on three or more anatomic reference points associated with the patellar. | 2008-10-02 |
20080243128 | Surgical Instruments And Method Of Using Same - The present invention relates to surgical instruments particularly suitable for preparing vertebral endplates during spinal interbody surgical procedures. Methods of using such instruments are also disclosed. | 2008-10-02 |
20080243129 | DEVICE FOR INJECTING HIGH VISCOSITY MATERIAL - A device for injecting a high viscosity material into a cannula, comprising a container being non-compliant and having an outlet adapted to communicate with the cannula for transferring the high viscosity material thereto, a pressure applicator in fluid communication with the container, the pressure applicator defining a fluid flow path through which an incompressible fluid is displaceable, and a material-moving member interrupting the fluid flow path and defining an incompressible fluid receiving portion on one side thereof in communication with the fluid flow path and a high viscosity material receiving portion in communication with the outlet of the container on an opposed side. The material-moving member being displaceable by a pressure of the incompressible fluid acting thereagainst to force the high viscosity material out of the high viscosity material receiving portion of the container and into the cannula. | 2008-10-02 |
20080243130 | Device for the delivery of viscous compositions - Devices and kits, and methods of their use, for the delivery of viscous compositions are described. | 2008-10-02 |
20080243131 | Implant Inserter Having A Bifurcated Adjustable Stop - An insertion tool for inserting a spinal motion disc, wherein the insertion tool has a bifurcated adjustable stop. | 2008-10-02 |
20080243132 | TENSIONING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR THE FIXATION OF BONE FRACTURES - A gauge device that measures and displays the tension applied to a first object portion and a second object portion is disclosed. An exemplary gauge device comprises a first and second housing portion, a tension member, a compression member and a connector portion. The components of the gauge device may be cannulated so as to allow a wire (e.g., lagwire) connected to a first and second object portion to be inserted through the gauge device. When pressure is applied to the lagwire, the tension member is compressed causing the housing to translate horizontally along indicator, thus displaying the amount of tension applied. | 2008-10-02 |
20080243133 | Surgical Driver - Apparatus, methods, systems, and kits related to surgical procedures and instruments are disclosed. In one aspect, a method for securing a fixation device to a driver for use in a surgical procedure is disclosed. The method comprises engaging a first portion of the driver with the fixation device to limit rotational movement of the fixation device relative to the driver; and engaging a second portion of the driver with the fixation device to limit axial movement of the fixation device relative to the driver; wherein engaging the second portion of the driver with the fixation device comprises actuating an actuator of the driver to cause the second portion of the driver to move relative to the first portion of the driver. In other aspects, surgical drivers, surgical kits, and surgical procedures are disclosed. | 2008-10-02 |
20080243134 | BIDIRECTIONALLY RATCHETING SURGICAL INSTRUMENT - A tool for driving a workpiece during surgical procedures has a handle. A gear with teeth thereon is rotatably supported along an axis within the handle. Two pawls are pivotally supported by the handle adjacent the gear and are orbital about the axis upon rotation of the handle. Each pawl has teeth that engage the gear teeth to transmit torque from the handle to the workpiece. Two springs yieldingly urge the pawls into engagement the gear teeth. A cap, with an actuator thereon, is rotatable with respect to handle. The cap has a first position in which the actuator retracts the first pawl out of engagement with the gear teeth, a second position in which the actuator retracts the second pawl out of engagement with the gear teeth, and a third position in which neither the first pawl nor the second pawl is retracted by the actuator. | 2008-10-02 |
20080243135 | Driver-Fixator System, Method, and Apparatus - The invention may be characterized as a method, apparatus and bone-fixation system. The system includes a plurality of drivers, each of the drivers including a handle coupled to a shaft, the shaft including a distal tip opposite the handle that is configured to couple with a head of a surgical fixation element, each of the drivers including indicia of a particular length and a particular diameter; and a plurality of surgical fixation elements, each of the plurality of surgical fixation elements being detachably coupled to the distal tip of a corresponding one of the drivers that has indicia of the length and diameter of the fixation element coupled to the driver. | 2008-10-02 |
20080243136 | Screwdriver for bone screws - A screwdriver for bone screws, especially for compression screws and locking screws, has a handle and shaft extending out centrally from the handle. The shaft has a screw-driving tool on its free end. The shaft, includes a flexible shaft portion, wherein the shaft has two rigid, solid portions on both sides of the flexible portion. The flexible shaft portion has a flexible element for the transmission of a torque, and at least the flexible shaft portion is surrounded by an elastic protection hose or a rubber or plastic elastomeric tubular cover. | 2008-10-02 |
20080243137 | System and methods for clearance of obstructions - The present invention is a system and methods to clear obstructions including foreign objects and food boluses during an EGD procedure. The medical device according to the present invention includes a flexible tubular housing, power transfer device, clamp, tool element, power source, and optional hood. The present invention drills through the obstruction to rupture it into pieces. Displaced obstructions, and/or pieces thereof, can be collected into retainers positioned within the housing. The remainder of the obstruction can then be passed into the stomach where it can be digested, safely excreted, or actively removed by an endoscopist. | 2008-10-02 |
20080243138 | INSERTION SYSTEM FOR CORNEAL IMPLANTS - Provided therein are apparatuses, systems and methods for storing and retrieving a corneal implant and for delivering the corneal implant in or on the cornea. In an embodiment, a insertion system comprises an inserter for delivering a corneal implant to a desired location in or on the cornea. The inserter has a holding space at its distal end for holding a corneal implant therein. A solution may substantially fill the holding space with the corneal implant to keep the implant hydrated and to hold the implant in the holding space by the surface tension of the solution. The corneal implant may be preloaded in the holding space of the inserter and stored in a storage container filled with storage fluid, e.g., saline, until use. To deliver the corneal implant, the inserter is positioned at the desired location, and the corneal implant released from the holding space of the inserter. | 2008-10-02 |
20080243139 | Method for assembling a ring used in a small pupil phaco procedure - A ring that can maintain a pupil in an extended position during an ophthalmic procedure. The ring has a plurality of loops that capture iris tissue. The ring is configured to extend the pupil when iris tissue is inserted into each loop. An ophthalmic procedure such as phacoemulsification can then be performed on the patient. The ring has a first end and a second end that each have an indent. The ring includes an adhesive that extends into the indents and attaches the first end to the second end. | 2008-10-02 |
20080243140 | SPACING DEVICES FOR RELEASING ACTIVE SUBSTANCES IN THE PARANASAL SINUS - The invention relates to a spacing device (stent) for use in fenestrations of the paranasal sinus. Said device consists of a sheath which forms a hollow body, surrounding an internal cavity. An active substance, which is released in a controlled manner by the spacing device, is contained in the sheath or in at least one layer of the sheath. The relationship q of the external diameter of the hollow body to the internal diameter of the hollow body is expressed by 1.2≦q≦3.0. | 2008-10-02 |
20080243141 | SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH SEPARATE TOOL HEAD AND METHOD OF USE - Surgical instruments are disclosed in which an elongated shaft is used in conjunction with a separate, remotely actuable tool head for performing a procedure on a target tissue. The shaft has a tool engagement member carried at its distal end that is remotely actuable through the shaft to engage and release the tool head. | 2008-10-02 |
20080243142 | Videotactic and audiotactic assisted surgical methods and procedures - The present invention provides video and audio assisted surgical techniques and methods. Novel features of the techniques and methods provided by the present invention include presenting a surgeon with a video compilation that displays an endoscopic-camera derived image, a reconstructed view of the surgical field (including fiducial markers indicative of anatomical locations on or in the patient), and/or a real-time video image of the patient. The real-time image can be obtained either with the video camera that is part of the image localized endoscope or with an image localized video camera without an endoscope, or both. In certain other embodiments, the methods of the present invention include the use of anatomical atlases related to pre-operative generated images derived from three-dimensional reconstructed CT, MRI, x-ray, or fluoroscopy. Images can furthermore be obtained from pre-operative imaging and spacial shifting of anatomical structures may be identified by intraoperative imaging and appropriate correction performed. | 2008-10-02 |
20080243143 | Surgical instrument having a fastener delivery mechanism - A delivery device for delivering a plurality of individual surgical fasteners. The delivery device includes a drive mechanism having distal and proximal ends. The drive mechanism has a moving member and a fixed opposing member, wherein the moving member is moveable proximally and distally with respect to the delivery device. The moving member has a sharpened distal end for piercing tissue. The device includes at least one surgical fastener located between the first and the second members. Each of the at least one surgical fasteners has a proximal end and a distal end. The device also has an actuator having at least two sequential positions. A first position for moving the moving member distally and piercing tissue, and a second position for moving the moving member proximally, thereby deploying the distal end of the fastener. | 2008-10-02 |
20080243144 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR MANIPULATING TISSUE - An endoluminal treatment device and method includes introducing an endoluminal device into a lumen of a patient and engaging a wall of the lumen with an implant device. The implant device can be a drug delivery device or medical device. | 2008-10-02 |
20080243145 | ENDOSCOPIC SURGICAL CLIP APPLIER - An apparatus for application of surgical clips is provided and includes a lockout system selectively engageable with a pusher bar to prevent the pusher bar from returning to a home position and to prevent a trigger from completing a full stroke when a plurality of clips are substantially exhausted. The apparatus may include a trip mechanism including a trip lever biased into contact with the pusher bar, wherein distal movement of the drive bar moves the trip mechanism until the trip lever engages a lip of the pusher bar and in turn distally moves the pusher bar. The apparatus may include a wedge plate including a distal end placeable between spaced-apart jaw members, wherein the wedge plate is moved proximally to withdraw the distal end thereof from between the jaw members when a drive channel is moved in a distal direction. | 2008-10-02 |
20080243146 | LOCATING AND OCCLUDING VESSELS - A medical device for blood vessel detection and occlusion includes an elongated member, a sensor, and an occluder. The elongated member includes a distal portion configured and dimensioned for accessing anatomical regions. The distal portion includes a recessed area. The sensor of the device can sense a blood vessel disposed in or near the recessed area. The occluder is operatively associated with the distal portion, and it is configured for at least partially stopping the flow of blood through the blood vessel disposed within the recessed area. | 2008-10-02 |
20080243147 | Replaceable Tip Suturing Devices, System, and Methods for Use with Differing Needles - Medical suturing devices, systems, and methods will be useful for endoscopic or open surgeries, including ear, nose, and throat procedures. Articulation motions may be transferred from a handle to needle grasping jaws using an axial movement of a shaft. Portions of the devices may be disposable, replaceable, and/or reusable, with different needle-grasping jaws and/or different elongate extension bodies having different configurations optionally being selectably coupleably to an articulatable handle and housing so as to allow the user to configure the device for a particular procedure. | 2008-10-02 |
20080243148 | SUTURE INSTRUMENT - A suture instrument that is inserted into a body and ejects an elongated anchor to be engaged to tissue, consisting of: an elongated member that extends from a proximal end on a hand side to a remote end that is introduced to tissue and has flexibility; a needle that is provided at the remote end of the elongated member, has at the distal end a sharp tip that is capable of puncturing tissue, is capable of housing a plurality of the anchors inside, and is provided with a side hole through which the anchors are capable of passing; a pusher whose remote end abuts the anchor that is housed in the needle and is disposed in a manner to be capable of moving in the axial direction of the elongated member; and a push-out control portion that is provided in the needle or the pusher and changes the movement direction of the anchor that has been moved to a formation position of the side hole by the pusher from the length-wise direction of the needle to a direction heading toward the side hole. | 2008-10-02 |
20080243149 | Hernia Mesh Fabric For Inguinal or Hiatus Hernia Repair - A hernia mesh fabric for repair of in particular inguinal or hiatus hernias comprises a base sheet ( | 2008-10-02 |
20080243150 | DELIVERY DEVICES AND METHODS FOR HEART VALVE REPAIR - Devices, systems and methods facilitate positioning of a cardiac valve annulus treatment device, thus enhancing treatment of the annulus. Methods generally involve advancing an anchor delivery device through vasculature of the patient to a location in the heart for treating the valve annulus, contacting the anchor delivery device with a length of the valve annulus, delivering a plurality of coupled anchors from the anchor delivery device to secure the anchors to the annulus, and drawing the anchors together to circumferentially tighten the valve annulus. Devices generally include an elongate catheter having at least one tensioning member and at least one tensioning actuator for deforming a distal portion of the catheter to help it conform to a valve annulus. The catheter device may be used to navigate a subannular space below a mitral valve to facilitate positioning of an anchor delivery device. | 2008-10-02 |
20080243151 | Luminal Structure Anchoring Devices and Methods - The present invention relates to a device for endoscopy or endosonography-guided transluminal interventions whereby two luminal structures in the body may be drawn toward each other and a fluid conduit formed in between. The device may have a hollow central member to which is coupled a distal retention member and in one embodiment a proximal retention member. The retention members may each be positioned inside one of the luminal structures and expanded from a first condition to an expanded second condition having an increased radius. The length of the central member may be shortened and its diameter expanded to approximate the two retention members and thereby the luminal structures. | 2008-10-02 |
20080243152 | Atraumatic Surgical Band - A surgical band comprising a flexible strip ( | 2008-10-02 |
20080243153 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR THROMBECTOMY SYSTEM - In certain embodiments, the system is configured to remove from or fragment materials in a vessel by inserting a catheter into a vessel, wherein the distal tip of the catheter is placed at the surgical site and a liquid spray is applied to materials to remove or fragment (as defined herein) the materials. In certain embodiments, the system comprises a liquid spray emanating from a fragmentation lumen and across a fragmentation opening. | 2008-10-02 |