42nd week of 2010 patent applcation highlights part 52 |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20100268210 | Inductively heated surgical implement driver - A power source delivers oscillating electrical energy to an electrical conductor, such as a wire or catheter, which is coated circumferentially with a ferromagnetic material in a selected region. With high frequency electrical energy, the ferromagnetic material has a quick response in heating and cooling adjustable by the controllable power delivery. The ferromagnetic material can be used for separating tissue, coagulation, tissue destruction or achieving other desired tissue effects in numerous surgical procedures. | 2010-10-21 |
20100268211 | Inductively Heated Multi-Mode Bipolar Surgical Tool - Thermal, electrosurgical and mechanical modalities may be combined in a surgical tool. Potentially damaging effects in a first modality may be minimized by using a secondary modality. In one example, thermal hemostasis may thus help electrosurgical applications avoid the adverse tissue effects associated with hemostatic monopolar electrosurgical waveforms while retaining the benefits of using monopolar incising waveforms. | 2010-10-21 |
20100268212 | METHOD FOR INDUCTIVELY HEATING A SURGICAL IMPLEMENT - A power source delivers oscillating electrical energy to an electrical conductor, such as a wire or catheter, which is coated circumferentially with a ferromagnetic material in a selected region. With high frequency electrical energy, the ferromagnetic material has a quick response in heating and cooling adjustable by the controllable power delivery. The ferromagnetic material can be used for separating tissue, coagulation, tissue destruction or achieving other desired tissue effects in numerous surgical procedures. | 2010-10-21 |
20100268213 | INDUCTIVELY HEATED MULTI-MODE SURGICAL TOOL - Thermal, electrosurgical and mechanical modalities may be combined in a surgical tool. Potentially damaging effects in a first modality may be minimized by using a secondary modality. In one example, thermal hemostasis may thus help electrosurgical applications avoid the adverse tissue effects associated with hemostatic monopolar electrosurgical waveforms while retaining the benefits of using monopolar incising waveforms. | 2010-10-21 |
20100268214 | Surgical tool with inductively heated regions - An electrical conductor, such as a wire or catheter, which is coated circumferentially with a ferromagnetic material in a selected region, is fed from a high frequency alternating current source. The ferromagnetic material has a quick response in heating and cooling to the controllable power delivery. The ferromagnetic material can be used for separating tissue, coagulation, tissue destruction or achieving other desired tissue effects in numerous surgical procedures. | 2010-10-21 |
20100268215 | Catheter with inductively heated regions - An electrical conductor, such as a wire or catheter, which is coated circumferentially with a ferromagnetic material in a selected region, is fed from a high frequency alternating current source. The ferromagnetic material has a quick response in heating and cooling to the controllable power delivery. The ferromagnetic material can be used for separating tissue, coagulation, tissue destruction or achieving other desired tissue effects in numerous surgical procedures. | 2010-10-21 |
20100268216 | INDUCTIVELY HEATED MULTI-MODE ULTRASONIC SURGICAL TOOL - Thermal, electrosurgical and mechanical modalities may be combined in a surgical tool. Potentially damaging effects in a first modality may be minimized by using a secondary modality. In one example, thermal hemostasis may thus help electrosurgical applications avoid the adverse tissue effects associated with hemostatic monopolar electrosurgical waveforms while retaining the benefits of using monopolar incising waveforms. | 2010-10-21 |
20100268217 | VESSEL SEALING DEVICE AND METHODS - A device is provided that is suitable for percutaneous insertion into a hollow vessel, such as a blood vessel, within the body of a patient for purpose of causing endoluminal closure of the vessel at a specified therapeutic site in the body of a patient. The device suitably is in the form of a catheter that is slidably mounted on a guidewire. The catheter may comprise one or more heating modules, as well as one or more extendable structures located on the device and optionally on the associated guidewire, that lead thermal ablation of the vessel walls and subsequent collapse of the vessel. The catheter can function alone or in cooperation with an associated guidewire to induce sealing of the vessel. Methods of using the catheter to treat lesions such as tumours or hemorrhages are also described. | 2010-10-21 |
20100268218 | Electrically Tunable Tissue Ablation system and Method - An ablation system which transmits radio frequency (RF) energy for the ablation of biological tissues has a transmission line and an RF antenna disposed at the distal portion of the transmission line. An RF signal generator supplies RF energy to the proximal end of the cable for transmission to the antenna, and an electrically tunable transformer is connected between the signal generator and the antenna. The transformer is tuned based on detection of the reflected power level from the antenna so as to reduce or minimize reflected power, thereby increasing RF energy coupling between the antenna and tissue. | 2010-10-21 |
20100268219 | RADIO FREQUENCY BASED ABLATION SYSTEM AND METHOD WITH DIELECTRIC TRANSFORMER - An ablation device which transmits radio frequency (RF) energy for the ablation of biological tissues has elongate inner and outer coaxial conductors extending from a proximal portion to a distal portion. An RF antenna is disposed at the distal portion of the device and transmits RF energy for ablation of a tissue region to be treated. Reflection of energy from the tissue or the ablation point is reduced by providing multiple layers of dielectric media about the antenna, or by providing a gradual transition point from the conductors to the antenna tip, by means of a longitudinally stepped dielectric layer transformer. | 2010-10-21 |
20100268220 | Systems, Apparatus, Methods and Procedures for the Noninvasive Treatment of Tissue Using Microwave Energy - The present invention is directed to systems, apparatus, methods and procedures for the noninvasive treatment of tissue using microwave energy. In one embodiment of the invention a medical device and associated apparatus and procedures are used to treat dermatological conditions using microwave energy. | 2010-10-21 |
20100268221 | SIGNAL DEVICE FOR ELECTROSURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, ADAPTOR FOR CONNECTING AN ELECTROSURGICAL INSTRUMENT - An electrosurgical instrument comprising an indicator device for displaying at least one piece of status information regarding a control unit. The indicator device is arranged on the electrosurgical instrument and oriented in the distal direction thereof such that, in an active state, the indicator device illuminates an operation area of the electrosurgical instrument. In use, the indicator device fulfils a dual functions. First, the indicator device provides information and second, it simplifies the medical intervention by illuminating the operation area. | 2010-10-21 |
20100268222 | DEVICES AND METHODS FOR TRACKING AN ENERGY DEVICE WHICH TREATS ASTHMA - Methods for treating a network of organs including generating a map of at least a portion of the network of organs using a rendering system; selecting at least one treatment location within the luminal passageway of the network of organs; and applying an energy therapy to the treatment location to treat the smooth muscle tissue, where the energy therapy applied to the respective treatment location is defined by a plurality of parameters that are associated with a map. Such a system allows for historical or ideal treatment parameters to be identified, visually or otherwise to actual treatment locations. Also, control systems and methods for delivery of energy that may include control algorithms that prevent energy delivery if a fault is detected and may provide energy delivery to produce a substantially constant temperature at a delivery site. In some embodiments, the control systems and methods may be used to control the delivery of energy, such as radiofrequency energy, to body tissue, such as lung tissue. | 2010-10-21 |
20100268223 | Methods for Image Analysis and Visualization of Medical Image Data Suitable for Use in Assessing Tissue Ablation and Systems and Methods for Controlling Tissue Ablation Using Same - A method of image analysis includes the initial step of receiving a data set including image data. The image data represents a sequence of 2-D slice images. The method includes the steps of segmenting an object of interest from surrounding image data of each slice image based on a p-value of a t-statistic relating each pixel successively examined to statistical properties derived from pixel values within the region of interest, and rendering a volume of the object of interest using (x,y) coordinates corresponding to boundaries of the segmented object of interest. | 2010-10-21 |
20100268224 | BIPOLAR ELECTROSURGICAL TOOL WITH ACTIVE AND RETURN ELECTRODES SHAPED TO FOSTER DIFFUSE CURRENT FLOW IN THE TISSUE ADJACENT THE RETURN ELECTRODE - A bipolar electrosurgical tool including a shaft to which active and return electrodes are mounted. The return electrode is mounted to the shaft and shaped to have an exposed surface that, in at least one direction has a substantially linear profile. A bore extends through the return electrode and opens into the portion of the exposed surface with the substantially linear profile. The active electrode is seated in the bore and extends forward from the exposed surface. A collar formed from electrically insulating material extends over the portion of the active electrode adjacent the return electrode. The collar extends both outwardly of the active electrode and forward of the exposed surface of the return electrode. | 2010-10-21 |
20100268225 | Methods for Image Analysis and Visualization of Medical Image Data Suitable for Use in Assessing Tissue Ablation and Systems and Methods for Controlling Tissue Ablation Using Same - A method of image analysis includes the initial step of receiving a data set including image data. The image data represents a sequence of 2-D slice images. The method includes the steps of segmenting an object of interest from surrounding image data of each slice image based on a topographic growth rule and a pixel intensity value threshold with respect to a starting pixel, and rendering a volume of the object of interest using (x,y) coordinates corresponding to boundaries of the segmented object of interest. | 2010-10-21 |
20100268226 | System and method for resecting a valve - A system and method for resecting a valve in a patient, in which the system includes: a proximal frame and a distal frame opposite the proximal frame, each frame including a plurality of interconnectable frame segments, in which the proximal and distal frames are separated by an adjustable distance and positionable on opposite sides of the valve; an electrode, adjacent to the valve on at least one of the proximal and distal frames, that electrosurgically resects valve tissue; a proximal chamber and a distal chamber coupled to the proximal and distal frames, respectively, that allow passage of fluid and captures at least a portion of resected valve tissue, in which each chamber selectively operates in one of a radially collapsed mode and a radially expanded mode; and a drive system that adjusts the distance between the proximal and distal frames. | 2010-10-21 |
20100268227 | Methods and Devices for Bone Attachment - Methods and devices directed to attaching a bone to an implant are disclosed. Some aspects are directed to a modified substrate, such as a mineralized collagenous scaffold, that can be part of an implant. The substrate can have a porous structure that includes a collagen-based material and a calcium-phosphate-based material. In some cases, the collagen is disposed as collagen fibrils, and hydroxyapatite can be coated onto the fibrils and the porous structure. The porous structure can be three-dimensional, and can promote bone in-growth thereto. One or more bioactive agents can be coupled to the modified substrate, which can further promote bone growth. Further details regarding such modified substrates, and techniques for producing and utilizing such materials, are also disclosed. | 2010-10-21 |
20100268228 | SURGICAL METHODS AND TOOLS - The present invention relates generally to tools, tool kits and methods useful for treating an SI joint. In one embodiment, the present invention is a. In one embodiment, the present invention is a method including the steps of: implanting a graft into a SI joint of a patient, wherein the implanting comprises: creating an incision in the patient's skin proximal to the patient's SI joint; dilating the incision; creating a void in the SI joint, wherein the creating comprises displacing a portion of the patient's ilium and a portion of the patient's sacrum; and inserting a graft into the void in the SI joint, wherein the graft contacts the patient's iluim and the patient's sacrum and wherein the graft is configured to substantially fuse the patient's ilium to the patient's sacrum, thereby substantially immobilizing the patient's SI joint. | 2010-10-21 |
20100268229 | Intramedullary Rod with Spiraling Flutes - This invention relates generally to devices, systems and methods for the internal fixation of bone fractures, and particularly, to intramedullary fracture fixation devices such as those used in, for example, the treatment of long bone fractures. An IM rod preferably is provided with multiple curved sections in different planes preferably designed to conform with the long bones of a patient, both during insertion and in the rod's final position in the long bone. In addition, the overlap of portions of the curved sections results in a co-planar curvature of portions of the IM rod which assist in the insertion process by guiding the proper rotation of the IM rod as it is inserted into the bone. Spiraling flutes extending down the distal portion of the rod also assist in properly guiding and orienting the rod about its longitudinal axis during insertion such that the appropriate segment of the curved rod conforms with the appropriate portion of the long bone at the appropriate place. | 2010-10-21 |
20100268230 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DENS FRACTURE FIXATION - Embodiments of the present invention provide methods, apparatuses, and systems for fixing dens fractures. The mode of failure for screw fixation of C2 dens fractures is often via cut-out at the anterior body. In an embodiment, securing a plate, such as a locking plate, to the anterior surface of the vertebra attached directly to an interfragmentary screw may reduce potential for anterior screw cut-out and improve construct strength. Plate supplementation of anterior screw fixation of Type II dens fractures thus improves construct strength and changes the failure mechanism from anterior screw cut-out to posterior displacement of the screw, thus improving clinical outcomes for these fractures. | 2010-10-21 |
20100268231 | EXPANDABLE POROUS MESH BAG DEVICE AND METHODS OF USE FOR REDUCTION, FILLING, FIXATION AND SUPPORTING OF BONE - A method of treating a compression fracture in a bone comprising the steps of forming a transverse cavity within said bone defined by at least one substantially flat surface lying substantially in a transverse plane formed by and communicating with said transverse cavity, the transverse cavity having a substantially uniform transverse extent and a maximum height, the maximum height being less than said transverse extent and applying a force within said transverse cavity generally normal to said surface to displace said surface and restore said bone to its substantially normal anatomic position. | 2010-10-21 |
20100268232 | DELIVERY SYSTEMS, TOOLS, AND METHODS OF USE - A covering for delivering a substance or material to a surgical site is provided. The covering, with substance provided therein, may be referred to as a delivery system. Generally, the covering may be a single or multi-compartment structure capable of at least partially retaining a substance provided therein until the covering is placed at a surgical site. Upon placement, the covering may facilitate transfer of the substance or surrounding materials. For example, the substance may be released (actively or passively) to the surgical site. The covering may participate in, control, or otherwise adjust the release of the substance. In various embodiments, the covering is suitable for a variety of procedure specific uses. Implantation tools may be provided for placing the covering at a surgical site. Kits may be provided including variously sized or shaped coverings and one or more tools for use in placing the covering. | 2010-10-21 |
20100268233 | Apparatus for Forming a Tunnel in a Bone - An apparatus and method for forming a tunnel in a bone. The apparatus is used to form a first tunnel in the bone, the tunnel having a longitudinal axis, inserting a first drill guide into the first tunnel, supporting a first tunnel-forming device along an axis defining a first offset relative the longitudinal axis of the first tunnel with the first drill guide, and forming a second tunnel alongside the first tunnel with the first tunnel-forming device, the second tunnel communicating with the first tunnel and defining a single elongated opening. | 2010-10-21 |
20100268234 | Devices and Methods for Vertebrostenting - The invention relates to devices and methods for creating a curvilinear cavity within a vertebral body or other body structure. An example method of forming a void in bony structure includes accessing a bony structure with a cannula, inserting a distal end of a combined drill and reaming device through the cannula and into the bony structure, manipulating the distal end of the combined drill and reaming device to create a void in the bony structure, and removing the distal end of the combined drill and reaming device from the cannula. | 2010-10-21 |
20100268235 | DEVICE FOR CREATING A SCREW-SHAPED, PARTICULARLY WORM-SHAPED RECESS IN A BONE - Disclosed is a device ( | 2010-10-21 |
20100268236 | Surgical Rotary Abrader - Apparatus for use as a surgical handpiece is disclosed. An exemplary apparatus includes a body, a rotatable shaft extending from the body and including a tissue contacting component such as a burr, and an outer tube connected to the body and surrounding at least a portion of the shaft. In some configurations, the minimum separation between the tissue contacting component and the outer tube is greater than the minimum separation between the shaft and the outer tube, thereby preventing the tissue contacting component from contacting the shaft upon the application of a force perpendicular to the axis of the shaft. The device may include stand-off elements positioned between the shaft and the outer tube to aid in preventing the tissue contacting component from contacting the outer tube during operation. The outer tube may be flexible with respect to the body, such as by being constructed of a relatively flexible material and/or by being flexibly connected to the body. In some embodiments, the outer tube may be more flexible than the shaft with respect to the body. | 2010-10-21 |
20100268237 | Systems, Devices and Apparatuses For Bony Fixation and Disk Repair and Replacement Methods Related Thereto - The present invention features new methods, apparatuses and devices for fixing adjacent bone segments, segments of a bony structure and adjacent vertebrate of a spine. The methods, apparatuses and devices utilize an apparatus for forming a channel in a surface of the bone or bony structure segments or adjacent vertebra or a channel submerged within the bone or bony structure segments or adjacent vertebra. In more particular embodiments such apparatuses and methods including forming an arcuate channel and which channel can receive therein a curved rod or implant member. Also featured are systems, apparatuses and methods for removably suspending a spacer in the intervertebral space while forming such a channel as well as systems, apparatuses and methods for use of dynamized implant members. | 2010-10-21 |
20100268238 | Glenoid Resurfacing System and Method - A system and method for repairing a defect on an articular surface. An excision guide is positioned on an articular surface, wherein the excision guide includes a guide head and a guide sleeve disposed on the guide head, wherein the guide head includes a contact surface configured to locate the excision guide relative to the articular surface. A guide pin may be advanced through the guide sleeve and secured to the articular surface, wherein the guide sleeve is configured to receive the guide pin therethrough and position the guide pin at an angle β relative to an axis generally normal and central to a defect on the articular surface, wherein angle β is less than 90 degrees. | 2010-10-21 |
20100268239 | Glenoid Resurfacing System and Method - The present disclosure relates to a system and method for repairing an articular surface. A guide pin may be secured to an articular surface of a glenoid, wherein the guide pin defines a working axis and the working axis is positioned at an angle α relative to the articular surface, wherein angle α is less than or equal to 90 degrees. An excision device may be advanced over the guide pin, wherein the excision device includes a cannulated shaft and at least one cutter, wherein the at least one cutter is generally aligned in a single plane. A generally hemi-spherical excision site may be formed with the excision device within the articular surface of the glenoid. | 2010-10-21 |
20100268240 | ADJUSTABLE SURGICAL CUTTING SYSTEMS - Adjustable and modular systems, devices and methods for accurately cutting or resecting bones during surgery, particularly in preparation for installing joint implants during arthroplasties, including, but not limited to, preparation of femur or tibia during knee arthroplasties, such as total knee arthroplasty. The embodiments of the present invention provide solutions for adjusting a position of the cutting guides, or structures for guiding or directing the implements for resecting a patient's bone tissue, such as saws. The systems and devices comprise an adjustor for adjusting the cutting guide's position at the patient's bone in at least one degree of rotational freedom and in at least one degree of translational freedom. | 2010-10-21 |
20100268241 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ACCESSING THE INTERIOR OF A HIP JOINT, INCLUDING THE PROVISION AND USE OF A NOVEL TELESCOPING ACCESS CANNULA AND A NOVEL TELESCOPING OBTURATOR - A telescoping access cannula comprising:
| 2010-10-21 |
20100268242 | CANNULATED FASTENER SYSTEM - A cannulated fastener system is provided for orthopedic applications that include attaching bone plates to bone. The bone fastener has a cannulation with an inner shape. One or more screwdrivers is provided with a shaft having a shape that matches the cannulation of the fastener to rotationally fix the fastener to the screwdriver. In addition, the screwdrivers have a cutting blade that begins the drilling of a hole for the bone fastener. The screwdrivers may either be for use with a single fastener or have multiple fasteners Loaded within a retaining sleeve for automatic or controlled dispensing. | 2010-10-21 |
20100268243 | FLEXIBLE SHEATH WITH POLYMER COIL - A medical device including a tube having a coil fitted around at least a part of an inner liner, such as PTFE, and a braid extending over at least part of the coil. A polymeric layer is positioned over the braid to adhere to the inner liner. A portion of the coil advantageously comprises a polymer, such as PEEK, while the coil may also have a metal portion. The polymer coil may extend along at least at the proximal region of the tube, and the metal coil may extend along at least at the distal region of the tube. A polymer coil, a metal coil or any combination thereof can extend along the intermediate region of the tube. The polymer coil can be configured so that the tube is longitudinally splittable with a cutting instrument. | 2010-10-21 |
20100268244 | STENT INTRODUCER APPARATUS - A dilator element | 2010-10-21 |
20100268245 | Devices, Systems and Methods for Treating Disorders of the Ear, Nose and Throat - Sinusitis, mucocysts, tumors, infections, hearing disorders, choanal atresia, fractures and other disorders of the paranasal sinuses, Eustachian tubes, Lachrymal ducts and other ear, nose, throat and mouth structures are diagnosed and/or treated using minimally invasive approaches and, in many cases, flexible catheters as opposed to instruments having rigid shafts. Various diagnostic procedures and devices are used to perform imaging studies, mucus flow studies, air/gas flow studies, anatomic dimension studies and endoscopic studies. Access and occluding devices may be used to facilitate insertion of working devices such asendoscopes, wires, probes, needles, catheters, balloon catheters, dilation catheters, dilators, balloons, tissue cutting or remodeling devices, suction or irrigation devices, imaging devices, sizing devices, biopsy devices, image-guided devices containing sensors or transmitters, electrosurgical devices, energy emitting devices, devices for injecting diagnostic or therapeutic agents, devices for implanting devices such as stents, substance eluting or delivering devices and implants, etc. | 2010-10-21 |
20100268246 | ATRAUMATIC MEDICAL RETRIEVAL DEVICE - Baskets with atraumatic distal tips allow the capture of material from difficult-to-reach areas of the body, while reducing the risk of tissue damage. | 2010-10-21 |
20100268247 | EXPANDABLE MEDICAL RETRIEVAL DEVICE AND RELATED METHODS OF USE - Embodiments of the invention are directed to a medical device and methods for immobilizing and retrieving material from a patient's body. The device may include a sheath having a lumen, a distal end, and a proximal end. An elongate member is provided including an expansible member connected to a distal portion of the elongate member. The elongate member and expansible member are movable relative to the sheath to achieve a first state of the expansible member when the expansible member is within the lumen of the sheath and an expanded state when the expansible member extends from the distal end of the sheath. The expansible member comprises a material that expands to the expanded state due to the presence of fluid. | 2010-10-21 |
20100268248 | Scaled head frame positioner and tabletop adapter - A scaled head frame positioner and tabletop adapter are provided. The positioner may be employed for any neurosurgical procedure that requires fixed positioning of the stereotactic head frame or ring onto a patient's skull. The positioner employs a generally triangular shaped member with Velcro tapes fixed at each corner. The tapes have measurement markings, such as measurement tapes. The positioner supports the head frame with the tapes engaging means on the frame and fastened back to themselves, with markings indicating distances to adjust the position of the frame about the patient's head. Furthermore, the tabletop adapter clamps the patient with a stereotactic head frame onto a CT or treatment table. The tabletop adapter includes a generally U-shaped bracket secured to a support to be placed on the tabletop. The bracket is attachable to the head frame of the patient to hold his head in a desired position. | 2010-10-21 |
20100268249 | SURGICAL SYSTEM WITH MEDICAL MANIPULATOR AND STERILE BARRIER - A surgical system for use in performing medical procedures on a body of a patient is provided. The system can include a manipulator having a tool mounting arrangement including a modulated mechanical energy transmitter capable of transferring power. The manipulator is capable of moving the tool mounting arrangement with at least one degree of freedom. The system also includes a tool support including a modulated mechanical energy receiver capable of receiving power. A sterile barrier is arranged between the robotic mechanism and the tool support to isolate the robotic mechanism from the sterile environment. The tool support is engageable with the tool mounting arrangement with the sterile barrier therebetween and with the sterile barrier extending between the modulated mechanical energy transmitter and receiver. The modulated mechanical energy transmitter and the modulated mechanical energy receiver can transmit power across the sterile barrier between the manipulator and the tool support when the tool support is engaged with the tool mounting arrangement. The system can further include a retention mechanism configured for engaging the tool support with the tool mounting arrangement with the sterile barrier therebetween only when the tool support and tool mounting arrangement are in at least one desired orientation relative to each other. | 2010-10-21 |
20100268250 | SURGICAL SYSTEM WITH MEDICAL MANIPULATOR AND STERILE BARRIER - A surgical system for use in performing medical procedures on a body of a patient is provided. The system includes a manipulator having a tool mounting arrangement including a power transmitter. The manipulator is capable of moving the tool mounting arrangement with at least one degree of freedom. The system has a tool support including a power receiver. A sterile barrier is arranged between the robotic mechanism and the tool support to isolate the robotic mechanism from the sterile environment. The tool support is engageable with the tool mounting arrangement with the sterile barrier therebetween. The power transmitter and power receiver can wirelessly transmit power across the sterile barrier between the manipulator and the tool support when the tool support is engaged with the tool mounting arrangement. | 2010-10-21 |
20100268251 | DELIVERY WIRE FOR OCCLUSIVE DEVICE DELIVERY SYSTEM AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURE - A delivery wire assembly for delivery of an occlusive device to a location in a patient's vasculature includes a delivery wire conduit having a proximal tubular portion coupled to a distal coil portion, the respective tubular and coil portions defining a conduit lumen, a plug at least partially seated in the conduit lumen and coupled to an interior surface of the coil portion so as to form a substantially fluid tight seal of the conduit lumen, and a core wire disposed in the conduit lumen, the core wire having a distal end extending through the plug and coupled to an occlusive device | 2010-10-21 |
20100268252 | ELECTRICAL CONTACT FOR OCCLUSIVE DEVICE DELIVERY SYSTEM - A delivery wire assembly for delivery of an occlusive device to a location in a patient's vasculature includes a delivery wire conduit having a proximal tubular portion coupled to a distal coil portion, the respective tubular and coil portions defining a conduit lumen. A core wire is disposed in the conduit lumen and having a distal end coupled to an occlusive device, wherein an elongate electrical contact body at least partially seated in the conduit lumen and coupled to a proximal end of the core wire, the electrical contact body and the proximal tubular portion forming a junction. A coil collar is disposed around the electrical contact body near the junction | 2010-10-21 |
20100268253 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CLOSURE OF AN INTERNAL OPENING IN TISSUE, SUCH AS A TRANS-APICAL ACCESS OPENING - A method for closing an opening at a target site including bodily tissue including embedding a plurality of self-closing clips into the target site in a spaced apart manner about a perimeter of the opening. Each of the clips has opposing clip ends and an intermediate segment. A flexible tether is coupled to the embedded clips to form a loop about the opening perimeter. A pulling force is applied onto at least one of the loop ends, thereby drawing the perimeter of the opening onto itself to completely close the opening. The loop ends are secured to maintain the target site in a closed state. In some embodiments, the target site is apical cardiac tissue, and the method is performed as part of a trans-apical access procedure. | 2010-10-21 |
20100268254 | Clamp System and Method of Using the Same - A system for deploying clamps and methods of using the same are disclosed. The system can be configured to be inserted through a percutaneous trocar with a releasably attached clamp in a closed configuration. The system can be configured to then open the clamp and position the clamp around a target vessel. The system can be configured to then close the clamp over the vessel, squeezing the vessel to partially or completely close an internal lumen in the vessel. The clamp can be detached from the remainder of the deployment system and left on the vessel, or the clamp can be opened and removed. | 2010-10-21 |
20100268255 | APPARATUS FOR AND METHOD OF DELIVERING AND ANCHORING IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICES - An apparatus includes an elongate member having a distal end portion and a proximal end portion. The elongate member defines a longitudinal axis. The distal end portion of the elongate member defines a notch having a face defining an axis. The axis of the face and the longitudinal axis define an acute angle with respect to a first direction along the longitudinal axis. The notch is configured to retain a loop of a suture when the elongate member is moved through a tissue of a patient in the first direction along the longitudinal axis. The notch is configured to release the loop of the suture when the elongate member is moved through the tissue of the patient in a second direction different than the first direction. The suture has at least one tissue anchor configured to be disposed within the tissue of the patient. | 2010-10-21 |
20100268256 | SUTURE PASSER - A device for placing one or more sutures and approximating tissue includes an elongate body member and a suture deployment system. The suture deployment system includes a suture carrier with a sharpened end for piercing tissue. | 2010-10-21 |
20100268257 | SUTURING DEVICE, SYSTEM, AND METHOD - Improved medical suturing devices, systems, and methods may hold a suture needle at a fixed location relative to a handle of the device, allowing the surgeon to grasp and manipulate the handle of the suturing device to insert the needle through tissues in a manner analogous to use of a standard needle gripper. Cycling the handle from a closed position to an open position and back to the closed position may alternate the device between gripping the needle with a first clamp (for example, along a proximal portion of the needle) to gripping the needle with a second clamp (for example, along a distal portion of the needle) and optionally back to gripping with the first clamp, with the needle often staying at a substantially fixed location relative to the suturing device body. Related single-clamp needle grasping devices can be bent plastically by a surgeon, and/or have bodies that are grasped by a hand while a portion of the hand actuates a handle. | 2010-10-21 |
20100268258 | SAFETY SCALPEL - A scalpel enabling both safe blade engagement or disengagement and safe passing among personnel during surgical procedures. The scalpel is positionable in three configurations, including a blade shielded position, a blade exposed and operational position and a fully extended position for engagement and disengagement of the blade. | 2010-10-21 |
20100268259 | SKIN INCISION INSTRUMENT AND METHOD FOR INCISING SKIN WITH THE SAME - Provided are skin incision instrument to efficiently incise minimal portions and a method for incising skin with the skin incision instrument. The skin incision instrument according to the present invention comprises a holder, a needle, a needle drive unit, two or more skin expander sets, and a reader, wherein the skin expander sets comprise a first skin expander and a second skin expander; the first skin expander and the second skin expander are capable of expanding skin at both sides of the linear incision portion away from the linear incision portion and expanding the linear incision portion in a direction to expand the linear incision portion; and, minimal portions are efficiently incised by selecting a single skin expander set from two or more of the skin expander set based on the direction of the linear incision portion, such that an angle is adjusted to 45 degrees or more and 90 degrees or less wherein the angle is formed by the direction of the linear incision portion read by the reader and the direction to expand the skin by the single skin expander set. | 2010-10-21 |
20100268260 | Method and apparatus for restricting flow through an opening in the side wall of a body lumen, and/or for reinforcing a weakness in the side wall of a body lumen, while still maintaining substantially normal flow through the body lumen - An expandable substantially spherical structure for deployment in a blood vessel or other body lumen, comprising:
| 2010-10-21 |
20100268261 | OSTEOCHONDRAL IMPLANT FIXATION PROCEDURE AND BONE DILATOR USED IN SAME - A surgical procedure for implanting a graft according to which a dilator is inserted in a recipient opening and the graft is inserted in the dilator to cause outward expansion of the dilator into engagement with the portion of a bone surrounding the opening. After the dilator is removed from the opening, the bone surrounding the opening collapses around the graft to secure the graft in the opening. | 2010-10-21 |
20100268262 | Biomedical filter - A drug-eluting medical filter having a conically shaped wire frame with a circular base and a plurality of bioabsorbable prongs extending at various positions around the periphery of the base toward a common apex. The prongs have a variable thickness along their length and contain bioactive material, such as heparin or other anti-platelet agent, etc. The bioactive material is varied in concentration along the length of the prongs depending on the need by the patient, and a protective or other coating can be applied on any portion of the frame and/or prongs. | 2010-10-21 |
20100268263 | EMBOLIC PROTECTION FILTERS, FILTER MEMBRANES, AND METHODS FOR MAKING AND USING THE SAME - Embolic protection filters, filter membranes, and methods for making and using the same. An example embolic protection filter may include an elongate shaft having a proximal region and a distal region. A filter frame may be to the distal region. A filter membrane may be attached to the filter frame. The filter membrane may have a plurality of apertures formed therein. The filter membrane may include a polymer having a bulk portion and a surface portion. The surface portion may include a surface modification. | 2010-10-21 |
20100268264 | INTRAVASCULAR GUIDEWIRE FILTER SYSTEM FOR PULMONARY EMBOLISM PROTECTION AND EMBOLISM REMOVAL OR MACERATION - An intravascular emboli capture and retrieval system for intravascular embolism protection and embolism removal or maceration. Guidewire mounted proximally and distally located multiple opening filters are deployed within the vasculature and used to part, divide and macerate embolic debris and to capture such embolic debris within the confines thereof. A deployable flexible preformed memory shaped capture sleeve is alternatively used to collapse one or more filters and embolic debris therein for subsequent proximal withdrawal from the vasculature. | 2010-10-21 |
20100268265 | RETRIEVAL APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR USE - An apparatus for capturing material within a body lumen includes a shaft carrying an expandable basket device on a distal end thereof. The basket device includes a distal basket carried and a proximal basket carried on the shaft such that the proximal basket is proximal to and spaced apart from the distal basket. Each basket includes an open end communicating with an interior of the respective basket and oriented towards one another. In one embodiment, a tubular middle portion extends between the baskets. In another embodiment, the distal basket includes an actuator coupled to the distal basket open end such that movement of the baskets towards one another causes the actuator to direct the distal basket open end inwardly to allow the open end to be received within the proximal basket to facilitate removal of the apparatus after capturing material within the baskets. | 2010-10-21 |
20100268266 | DEVICE FOR LOADING AN EMBOLIC PROTECTION FILTER INTO A CATHETER - A transvascular embolic protection system for safely capturing and retaining embolic material released during an interventional procedure comprises an embolic protection device ( | 2010-10-21 |
20100268267 | Low-Cost Contour Cuff For Surgical Tourniquet Systems - A low-cost contour cuff for surgical tourniquet systems comprises: a sheath containing an inflatable bladder, the sheath having an arcuate shape, an outer surface and a centerline equidistant between first and second side edges; a securing strap non-releasably attached to the outer surface and formed of substantially inextensible material having a shape that is predetermined and substantially flat, wherein the strap includes a bending portion near a first strap end and a fastening portion near a second strap end, and wherein the bending portion is adapted to allow twisting of the bending portion out of the substantially flat shape to facilitate positioning of the fastening portion into any of a plurality of positions in the substantially flat shape; and fastening means for releasably attaching the fastening portion of the securing strap to the outer surface whenever the sheath is curved into a position for surrounding a limb. | 2010-10-21 |
20100268268 | Medical Instrument With A Rotatable Detent - A medical instrument comprises a shaft, a handle connected to said shaft and having a movable gripping part. An insert is guided along said shaft and connected to said movable part at its proximal end. A tool is provided at a distal end of said insert. A lock is provided for locking said movable grip part in a position. A detent is provided for releasing said locking of said lock. A rotatable stopping member is arranged on said movable grip part. A rotational plane of said rotatable stopping member lying across a longitudinal axis of a movement direction of said movable grip part. Said rotatable stopping member can be rotated between a first position not influencing said locking function of said lock and a second position keeping said lock permanently away from said locking engagement. | 2010-10-21 |
20100268269 | Surgical Clamp - An apparatus and method an apparatus and method for suturing, wherein said apparatus is a surgical instrument comprising a pair a cross members having securing means for pivotally securing the cross members to one another creating a first end, wherein the cross members second end comprises a locking device for locking the cross member and the first end comprises a clamping surface at a distal ends having at least two opposed curves forming a S-shaped sections having a outer smooth surface and a serrated inner surface assisting the suture process avoiding proximal slippage of suture material while tying a clamped structure. | 2010-10-21 |
20100268270 | Magnetically Retained Incision Closure Devices And Methods Of Incision Closure Using Same - An incision closure device includes an elongated handle portion including a distal end, a first connector detachably affixed to the distal end of the handle portion, and a second connector adapted to be axially moveable along the handle portion, wherein the first and second connectors are magnetically attracted to one another. | 2010-10-21 |
20100268271 | BRONCHIAL VALVE PLUG - The bronchial plug ( | 2010-10-21 |
20100268272 | ANCHORING DEVICE - A medical device having an elongate body at a proximal portion, a distal portion of the elongate body forming a loop at a distal portion of the anchoring device. The loop may further include a plurality of barbs disposed along a surface thereof and the loop also including an end effector. The elongate body, loop, and/or medical device may be formed from shape memory polymers. Methods for securing medical devices of the present disclosure are also disclosed. | 2010-10-21 |
20100268273 | ADJUSTABLE SUTURE BUTTON CONSTRUCT AND METHODS OF TISSUE RECONSTRUCTION - An adjustable construct for fixation of a tendon or ligament graft in a tunnel. The construct comprises a flexible, adjustable loop connected to tissue (for example, graft, ligament or tendon). The adjustable loop may be integrated with an additional tissue supporting device (for example, a wedge or a plug). The tissue is secured within a bone socket/tunnel by adjusting the length of the flexible adjustable loop. | 2010-10-21 |
20100268274 | SUTURE ANCHOR LOADING DEVICE - A suture anchor member manual loading device may include a body comprising first and second portions preventing operator contact with a tip of a needle. An anchor receiving portion shaped to receive and restrain a suture anchor member is disposed in the first portion of the body. A suture receiving portion has a first end connected to the anchor receiving portion and a second end disposed on an outer surface of the body such that the suture receiving portion extends away from the anchor receiving portion at a non-parallel angle. When the suture is tensioned the anchor member is translationally and rotationally restrained against the anchor receiving portion. A needle receiving portion disposed in the second portion of the body is shaped to receive the needle such that the suture anchor member is received into a lumen of the needle when the needle is advanced through the needle receiving portion. | 2010-10-21 |
20100268275 | Soft Tissue Repair Assembly and Associated Method - A soft tissue repair assembly. The assembly includes a flexible member having first and second ends, and a strand passing through the flexible member. The strand has first and second strand ends extending through the flexible member, such that pulling at least one of the first and second strand ends changes the flexible member from a first shape suitable for insertion through soft tissue to a second shape suitable for securely lodging the soft tissue repair assembly relative to soft tissue. | 2010-10-21 |
20100268276 | PACIFIER - A dummy teat including a nipple carrier and a hollow dummy nipple projecting from the nipple carrier, which has areas of a smaller wall thickness at least on two opposed longitudinal sides. | 2010-10-21 |
20100268277 | ARTIFICIAL SPINOUS PROCESS FOR THE SACRUM AND METHODS OF USE - Devices and methods for attaching a support to the sacrum. One device may include first and second anchors that mount to the sacrum, and first and second lateral extensions coupled to the anchors to secure the device to the sacrum. A bearing face having a width is positioned between the lateral extensions. The face may have a height in an anterior-posterior direction greater than the spinous process of the sacrum. Further, the bearing face may be oriented in a superior direction when the device is mounted to the sacrum. An implant may be supported by the device to space the sacrum and L5 vertebra. The implant may be an interspinous device and positioned between the L5 spinous process and the bearing face. The implant is supported at least in part by the bearing face. | 2010-10-21 |
20100268278 | TENSION BAND - Various embodiments of a vertebral tension band assembly and associated connection structure are provided. The tension band assemblies may be attached to vertebral bodies to, for example, connect one vertebrae to another, retain the band in approximately a preferred position by application of tension to the band during insertion and/or limit, impede, inhibit, reduce or interfere with the separation from one vertebra to another and may further block, impede, interfere with, inhibit, reduce or present an obstacle to dislodgement of a spinal implant from between the vertebrae to which it is attached. Flexible band portions of the assemblies may be treated and/or configured to promote bony integration between the band and the associated vertebrae, limit tissue adhesion to the band, and/or to elute a therapeutic substance from the installed band to the surgical site. | 2010-10-21 |
20100268279 | CLAMPS USED FOR INTERCONNECTING A BONE ANCHOR TO A ROD - The present invention relates to a clamp, and, more particularly, to a clamp for securing the position of a bone anchor with respect to a longitudinal rod, preferably for use in the spine. The clamp may include a housing, a rod clamping assembly, and a bone anchor clamping assembly. The clamp preferably enables the longitudinal axis of the rod to be offset or laterally displaced from the longitudinal axis of the bone anchor. The rod clamping assembly and the bone anchor clamping assembly are preferably moveably coupled to the housing in order to provide increased flexibility to better accommodate the location and geometry of the longitudinal rod and to better accommodate bone positioning. | 2010-10-21 |
20100268280 | DEVICE FOR SECURING SPINAL RODS - A device is disclosed for securing a spinal rod to the spine which includes a head portion configured to receive a spinal rod, a locking cap configured to engage the head portion and the spinal rod upon rotation of the locking cap relative to the head portion to secure the position of the head portion relative to the spinal rod, and a fastener portion depending from the head portion and configured to engage the spine. The locking cap has discontinuous opposed engagement flanges that are received within opposed engagement slots of the head portion when the locking cap is rotated into a locked position. | 2010-10-21 |
20100268281 | DEVICES AND METHODS FOR INTER-VERTEBRAL ORTHOPEDIC DEVICE PLACEMENT - Within a given spinal segment, the stable vertebral level is identified. Within the lower lumbar spine, that level is most commonly at the sacrum. A bone fastener is rigidly affixed to the stable spinal segment and an interconnecting member is rigidly affixed to the bone fastener so as to form a cantilever construct. Vertebral bodies that exhibit aberrant spinal motion and/or mal-alignment relative to the stable segment are then attached to the interconnecting member using non-rigid bone fastener(s). The motion profile of the dynamic fastener can be varied and may be selected to provide the desired vertebral motion characteristics. The interconnecting member may be rigid or it may be alternatively made rigid parallel to the direction of greatest instability and non-rigid in the other planes. | 2010-10-21 |
20100268282 | ANTERIOR SPINAL PLATE WITH PREFORMED DRUG-ELUTING DEVICE AFFIXED THERETO - An anterior spinal plate has affixed to at least a portion of a surface thereof at least one preformed drug-eluting device fabricated from a drug-eluting matrix containing at least one elutable drug. | 2010-10-21 |
20100268283 | Volar Fixation System And Methods of Using The Same - A volar fixation system includes a plate intended to be positioned against the volar side of the radial bone. The plate includes holes for receiving fasteners along a fixed axis relative to the plate. The plate is positioned against the radius bone, and a portion of the plate is preliminarily fixed to the radius bone. The fracture is reduced, and a plurality of fasteners are each inserted through a respective plate hole so as to extend immediately below the subchondral bone of the radius bone and is fixed in axial relationship relative to the plate. Together the fasteners form a stabilizing construct that conforms to the concave curvature of the articular surface of the radius bone. | 2010-10-21 |
20100268284 | MINIMALLY INVASIVE FIXATION SYSTEM - A minimally invasive fixation system and method for providing access to a surgical site. The fixation system may include a holding assembly, the holding assembling preferably including a lateral implant holder which may be attached to a pedicle screw and a sleeve positioned in connection with the lateral implant holder to prevent the lateral implant holder from separating from the pedicle screw. The sleeve may further include a tissue protection portion to keep the tissue out of the surgical site. A holding sleeve may be operably connected to the holding assembly and pedicle screw and may be used to insert the pedicle screw into the body. Multiple constructs may be inserted into the body so that a portion of the holding assembly extends from the body and provides access to and visualization of the surgical site. A rod holder may also be used to insert a rod into the head of the screw. The rod may be held by the rod holder so that the rod may be angulated as the rod is inserted into the screw heads. Once the rod is positioned in the screw heads, locking caps and/or set screws may be positioned over the rod and engage the screw heads so that the position of the rod may be fixed with respect to the screws. In some embodiments, a movement mechanism may be used to move the screws relative to each other to compress and/or distract the vertebrae. | 2010-10-21 |
20100268285 | BONE SCREW SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR THE FIXATION OF BONE FRACTURES - A bone screw comprising a sleeve and a shaft reciprocally received within the sleeve. The bone screw may be partially or fully extended prior to insertion into a bone by inserting a driver into a longitudinal opening in the sleeve to push the shaft out of the sleeve. The bone screw may be used in connection with a locking plate or other stabilization device. The sleeve of the bone screw may have a smooth distal end. The distal end may have a wider diameter than the main body of the sleeve so as to sit within a counter bore in the locking plate. A threaded set screw may be used to secure the bone screw within the locking plate. | 2010-10-21 |
20100268286 | METHOD FOR SECURING A MEDICAL ELEMENT IN AN IMPLANT, AND MEDICAL ELEMENT - The invention relates to medical element and a method for securing the medical element in an implant, where the medical element has a connecting pin which is received in a receiving recess of the implant, the pin having a projection on at least one wing of a clip element and movable transversally relative to the longitudinal extension and brought into engagement with a radially outwardly facing corresponding depression in a jacket surface of the receiving recess such that the wing is subsequently secured against radial movement by hardening of a curable compound in the receiving recess. | 2010-10-21 |
20100268287 | METHODS AND DEVICES FOR INCREASING LEARNING AND EFFECTS OF TRAINING IN HEALTHY INDIVIDUALS AND PATIENTS AFTER BRAIN LESIONS USING DC STIMULATION AND APPARATUSES AND SYSTEMS RELATED THERETO - Featured is a method and device for increasing learning and effects of training. Such methods include locating a pair of electrodes on a head of a person in relation to a specific area of the brain, applying a desired DC current to the electrodes at a level sufficient to stimulate the brain tissue; and controlling the DC current application so the current is applied to the specific brain area at least one of before, during or after such a learning or training event. In this way, application of the DC current to the brain area improves a subject's ability to acquire one of motor skills or knowledge of the learning or training event or the ability to retain the motor skills or knowledge of the learning or training event. The person to which the electrodes are attached can be healthy or a patient after brain lesions. | 2010-10-21 |
20100268288 | ELECTRICAL DEVICES AND ANTI-SCARRING AGENTS - Electrical devices (e.g., cardiac rhythm management and neurostimulation devices) for contact with tissue are used in combination with an anti-scarring agent (e.g., a cell cycle inhibitor) in order to inhibit scarring that may otherwise occur when the devices are implanted within an animal. | 2010-10-21 |
20100268289 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR THE PREDICTION OF CARDIAC ARRHYTHMIAS, MYOCARDIAL ISCHEMIA, AND OTHER DISEASED CONDITION OF THE HEART ASSOCIATED WITH ELEVATED SYMPATHETIC NEURAL DISCHARGES - Methods and systems are provided for determining an increased likelihood of the occurrence of a cardiac arrhythmia, myocardial ischemia, congestive heart failure and other diseased conditions of the heart associated with elevated sympathetic neural discharges in a patient. The methods and systems comprise monitoring the sympathetic neural discharges of a patient from the stellate ganglia, the thoracic ganglia, or both, and detecting increases in the sympathetic neural discharges. The methods and systems may further comprise delivering therapy to the patient in response to a detected increase in the sympathetic neural discharge, such as delivering one or more pharmacological agents; stimulating myocardial hyperinnervation in the sinus node and right ventricle of the heart of the patient; and applying cardiac pacing, cardioversion or defibrillation shocks. Pharmacologic agents which may be used in connection with the delivery of include those which are known to exert anti-arrhythmic effect and anti-convulsant agents, such as phenytoin, carbamazepine, valproate, and phenobarbitone. Other pharmacologic agents may be used to treat impending myocardial ischemia and other diseased conditions of the heart associated with elevated sympathetic neural discharges. | 2010-10-21 |
20100268290 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SELECTING AND TIMING ANTI-TACHYARRHYTHMIA PACING USING CARDIAC CYCLE LENGTH STABILITY - An implantable medical device delivers anti-tachyarrhythmia therapies including anti-tachyarrhythmia pacing (ATP). When a tachyarrhythmia episode is detected, the implantable medical device analyzes cardiac cycle length stability to determine whether and/or when to deliver an ATP. In one embodiment, the cardiac cycle length stability is measured by existence of stable ventricular tachyarrhythmia clusters (SVTCs) during the tachyarrhythmia episode. Each SVTC includes at least a specified minimum number of heart beats over which the cardiac cycle lengths meet a stability criterion. | 2010-10-21 |
20100268291 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR THE DETECTION AND TREATMENT OF ATRIAL FIBRILLATION - Embodiments of the invention provide methods for the detection and treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF) and related conditions. One embodiment provides a method comprising measuring electrical activity of the heart using electrodes arranged on the heart surface to define an area for detecting aberrant electrical activity (AEA) and then using the measured electrical activity (MEA) to detect foci of AEA causing AF. A pacing signal may then be sent to the foci to prevent AF onset. Atrial wall motion characteristics (WMC) may be sensed using an accelerometer placed on the heart and used with MEA to detect AF. The WMC may be used to monitor effectiveness of the pacing signal in preventing AF and/or returning the heart to normal sinus rhythm (NSR). Also, upon AF detection, a cardioversion signal may be sent to the atria using the electrodes to depolorize an atrial area causing AF and return the heart to NSR. | 2010-10-21 |
20100268292 | HERMETICALLY SEALED WET ELECTROLYTIC CAPACITOR - A hermetically sealed wet electrolytic capacitor includes a hermetically sealed case, a cathode, an anode, and an insulator between the anode and the cathode to provide electrical insulation between the anode and the cathode. An electrolytic solution is disposed within the case. A first terminal is electrically connected to the anode and a second terminal is electrically connected to the cathode. The cathode comprises a metal substrate having an alloy layer formed with a noble metal and a noble metal/base metal electrode element layer electrochemically deposited thereon. The electrolytic solution has a conductivity between 10 and 60 mS/cm. The capacitor may be used in an implantable device. | 2010-10-21 |
20100268293 | DELAY TO THERAPY FOLLOWING PATIENT CONTROLLED ATRIAL SHOCK THERAPY REQUEST - An implantable cardiac device detects a patient therapy request originating from external to the implantable device. A shock therapy delay period is timed in response to the detection of the patient therapy request. Atrial shock therapy is provided to the patient after expiration of the shock therapy delay period (if the presence of an ongoing atrial arrhythmia is detected). The patient therapy request may be provided by a patient activator including a magnet for operating a reed switch in the implanted device to provide the request. A patient activator including an input and receiver/transmitter circuitry may be employed to request the immediate providing of atrial shock therapy, and/or to set the duration the shock therapy delay period. By allowing specific delays to therapy after a therapy request, a patient can prepare for the requested therapy and thereby mitigate therapy discomfort. | 2010-10-21 |
20100268294 | HEART MONITOR - Embodiments relate to a heart monitor, which is connected to or can be connected to at least one sensor for pressure and volume data or equivalent substitute variables and which comprises an evaluation unit for processing at least one input signal reflecting the temporal course of pressure and volume data or equivalent substitute variables of the heart. The evaluation unit is configured such that it segments the input signal in accordance with individual completed cardiac cycles and examines segments of the input signal obtained in this way as to whether a particular segment of the input signal represents a PV diagram, which corresponds to specified quality conditions regarding the direction of circulation, morphology and distance between a starting and end values. | 2010-10-21 |
20100268295 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR THE DETECTION AND TREATMENT OF ATRIAL FIBRILLATION - An embodiment of the invention provides an apparatus for the detection and treatment of atrial arrhythmia comprising an electrical lead having proximal and distal portions. The distal portion is positionable in an atrial chamber and the end of the proximal portion is configured to be coupled to a pacemaker. The lead comprises a plurality of conductive wires clad with an insulative coating and has sufficient flexibility to be positioned in the atria from a percutaneous introductory site. The conductive wires are coupled to a plurality of pairs of bipolar electrodes positioned on a membrane attachable to an endocardial wall. The electrode pairs are distributed in a pattern defining an area for detecting a location of a foci of aberrant electrical activity located within or adjacent the area and sending a pacing signal to that location to prevent or stop an occurrence of atrial fibrillation caused by that foci. | 2010-10-21 |
20100268296 | CARDIAC RHYTHM MANAGEMENT SYSTEM WITH USER INTERFACE FOR THRESHOLD TEST - An implantable cardiac rhythm management system includes a user interface, such as an external programmer, for performing therapy energy threshold tests. The threshold tests allow the caregiver to determine the threshold energy at which paces capture the heart, i.e., cause a resulting contraction of the heart chamber to which the paces are delivered. The programmer provides recorded indications of the energy corresponding to each paced event, so that the caregiver can easily determine the point at which capture was lost. This recorded representation of pacing energy makes it easy for the caregiver to determine proper pacing thresholds to be used to ensure adequate pacing, while minimizing energy drain to prolong the useful life of the implanted device. | 2010-10-21 |
20100268297 | Duodenal Stimulation To Induce Satiety - Methods and devices for creating and/or adding to sensations of satiety to reduce food intake. Methods include electrically stimulating the duodenum which may induce false nerve signals in the duodenal region which are normally indicative of duodenal distension (fullness) and/or the presence of food in the duodenum. These artificially generated signals may be superimposed on existing, naturally present signals. The artificially generated signals may be applied in a pattern which mimics at least in part a naturally occurring pattern of duodenal signals generated responsive to eating a meal. Some artificial patterns may be exaggerated relative to the natural patterns, by occurring earlier after ingestion, and/or lasting longer after ingestion, having an exaggerated (higher) frequency response or a faster rate of frequency increase after ingestion. The applied signals may generate nerve signals going to the brain which induce a feeling of satiety. The signals may trigger local neural loops which may feed back to and decrease peristalsis in, the stomach. | 2010-10-21 |
20100268298 | DEEP BRAIN STIMULATION CURRENT STEERING WITH SPLIT ELECTRODES - A device for brain stimulation includes a lead having a longitudinal surface, a proximal end, a distal end and a lead body. The device also includes a plurality of electrodes disposed along the longitudinal surface of the lead near the distal end of the lead. The plurality of electrodes includes a first set of segmented electrodes comprising at least two segmented electrodes disposed around a circumference of the lead at a first longitudinal position along the lead; and a second set of segmented electrodes comprising at least two segmented electrodes disposed around a circumference of the lead at a second longitudinal position along the lead. The device further includes one or more conductors that electrically couple together all of the segmented electrodes of the first set of segmented electrodes. | 2010-10-21 |
20100268299 | Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation and Method Using Same - The present disclosure relates to an apparatus and associated methods to produce analgesia in a mammal by providing an electrical nerve stimulus utilizing a pulsed input of low level electrical current, wherein the level of current is measurable with the measurements utilized to at least adjust the strength of the current according to selected parameters. Additionally, the use of magnets to produce a magnetic field to further control chronic and acute pain. In exemplary implementations, the apparatus maintains continuous monitoring of the electrical characteristics of TENS at the site of input and output, and the electrical input can be modified during treatment to obtain desired electrical input. More particularly the disclosure relates to an electromagnetic apparatus incorporating pulsed direct current, two or more electrodes, and at least two dipole antennae wherein the dipole antenna circuits receive and analyze signal from the dipole antennae, using the information from signal analysis within the methods for producing analgesia in mammals. The strength of the current that the patient is receiving at the targeted site as the actual field is measured by the dipole antennae and adjustment is not dependent on subjective measurements to ascertain whether the proper amplitude, frequency and pulse duration are being applied. | 2010-10-21 |
20100268300 | LOW FREQUENCY ELECTRICAL STIMULATOR DEVICE FOR THE PREVENTION AND TREATMENT OF CHRONIC WOUNDS - A low frequency electrical stimulation device for the prevention and healing of chronic wounds resulting from diabetes, or other type of pathology. This device applies electrical stimulation through a square bipolar signal, and a paused squared bipolar signal in at least one of the output channels, and at different therapy times and frequencies that will depend upon the specific needs of the patient. | 2010-10-21 |
20100268301 | IMAGE PROCESSING ALGORITHM FOR CUEING SALIENT REGIONS - A method for cueing salient regions of an image in an image processing device is provided and includes the steps of extracting three information streams from the image. A set of Gaussian pyramids are formed from the three information streams by performing eight levels of decimation by a factor two. A set of feature maps are formed from a portion of the set of Gaussian pyramids. The set of feature maps are resized and summed to form a set of conspicuity maps. The set of conspicuity maps are normalized, weighted and summed to form the saliency map. | 2010-10-21 |
20100268302 | FITTING A COCHLEAR IMPLANT - A method and system for fitting a medical implant to a recipient is disclosed. The medical implant is operative to stimulate a physiological system of the recipient over a plurality of stimulation channels. The method includes the steps of determining an initial stimulation profile for the plurality of stimulation channels and then determining a fitting stimulation profile by modifying the form or shape of the initial stimulation profile. | 2010-10-21 |
20100268303 | ESTABLISHING A COMMUNICATION SESSION BETWEEN AN IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE AND AN EXTERNAL DEVICE USING A BURST PERIOD AND A SNIFF INTERVAL - Communication sessions between an external device and an implantable medical device are established by the initiating device periodically transmitted bursts of energy and with the device that is the target of the bursts periodically sniffing for the transmitted bursts of energy. A silent period between bursts may be established and the sniff interval is chosen to avoid repetitively sniffing during the silent period. The length of the bursts may be chosen to reduce the delay in establishing the communications and/or to reduce the power consumption. The implantable medical device may use multiple modes of operation where in some modes the implantable medical device sniffs and in another mode the implantable medical device transmits bursts. The sniff interval for the implantable medical device may vary depending upon the mode. The burst length may vary depending upon whether the external device or the implantable device is transmitting the bursts. | 2010-10-21 |
20100268304 | CONTROLLING A PERSONAL MEDICAL DEVICE - Medical monitoring and treatment apparatus, which is controlled by a plurality of control sources, includes a “personal medical device” (PMD) or an “implantable medical device” (IMD), respectively carried by, or implanted in, a patient. The PMD/IMD is alternatively self-controlled or controlled by one or more local external control stations, at or near the location of the patient, and/or one or more remote external control stations, remote from the patient. Either or both of the local and remote stations may be operated by a person, such as the patient, a patient facilitator and/or a medical professional, or the stations may operate automatically. Since the device is controlled by multiple sources, hierarchies are used to select the source of control. | 2010-10-21 |
20100268305 | ALIGNMENT INDICATION FOR TRANSCUTANEOUS ENERGY TRANSFER - System for transcutaneous energy transfer. An implantable medical device, adapted to be implanted in a patient, has componentry for providing a therapeutic output. The implantable medical device has an internal power source and a secondary coil operatively coupled to the internal power source. An external power source, having a primary coil, provides energy to the implantable medical device when the primary coil of the external power source is placed in proximity of the secondary coil of the implantable medical device and thereby generates a current in the internal power source. An alignment indicator reports the alignment as a function of the current generated in the internal power source with a predetermined value associated with an expected alignment between the primary coil and secondary coil. | 2010-10-21 |
20100268306 | ESOPHAGEAL ACTIVITY MODULATED OBESITY THERAPY - Methods and devices for delivering electrical stimulation to the sympathetic nervous system in response to the onset of eating. In some methods, swallowing is detected which then initiates a dose of stimulation which can vary in intensity, frequency, or both over the dose length. In some methods, the dose length is between about one quarter hour and one hour. The dose frequency may increase, hold steady, then decrease over the dose duration so as to mimic the response of the gut stretch and nutrient receptors to receiving food. The dose can drive biomarkers indicative of eating, for example glucagon, glucose, FFA or glycerol to at least about half of their normal post eating levels and then stop so as to retain stimulation effectiveness for subsequent doses and to prolong battery life. | 2010-10-21 |
20100268307 | METHODS FOR INTRAVASCULARLY-INDUCED NEUROMODULATION - Methods and apparatus are provided for intravascularly-induced neuromodulation using a pulsed electric field, e.g., to effectuate irreversible electroporation or electrofusion, necrosis and/or inducement of apoptosis, alteration of gene expression, changes in cytokine upregulation, etc., in target neural fibers. In some embodiments, the intravascular PEF system comprises a catheter having a pair of bipolar electrodes for delivering the PEF, with a first electrode positioned on a first side of an impedance-altering element and a second electrode positioned on an opposing side of the impedance-altering element. A length of the electrodes, as well as a separation distance between the first and second electrodes, may be specified such that, with the impedance-altering element deployed in a manner that locally increases impedance within a patient's vessel, e.g., with the impedance-altering element deployed into contact with the vessel wall at a treatment site within the patient's vasculature, a magnitude of applied voltage delivered across the bipolar electrodes necessary to achieve desired neuromodulation is reduced relative to an intravascular PEF system having similarly spaced electrodes but no (or an undeployed) impedance-altering element. In a preferred embodiment, the impedance-altering element comprises an inflatable balloon configured to locally increase impedance within a patient's vasculature. The methods and apparatus of the present invention may be used to modulate a neural fiber that contributes to renal function. | 2010-10-21 |
20100268308 | CRANIUM PLUG - The present invention relates to a device for securing medical leads in a cranial burr hole, in particular, for securing a brain stimulation lead within such a burr hole. The device includes a circular socket element adapted to be secured within a burr hole of the skull of a patient, the circular socket element having a through lead passage arranged to have the lead pass therethrough, the lead passage including passage walls including at least one resilient partition wall extending from an inner wall of the circular socket element, and the circular socket element having at least one inner compartment delimited by the partition wall. Further, the device includes a cap element having a circular upper portion being arranged to mate with the socket element, the circular upper portion having at least one protruding member arranged to co-operate with the at least one inner compartment when placed into the compartment so as to apply a radial pressure on the at least one resilient partition wall such that a lead passing through the passage is fixated in the passage by a resulting radial pressing force. | 2010-10-21 |
20100268309 | Architectures for Multi-Electrode Implantable Stimulator Devices Having Minimal Numbers of Decoupling Capacitors - Architectures for implantable stimulators having N electrodes are disclosed. The architectures contains X current sources, or DACs. In a single anode/multiple cathode design, one of the electrodes is designated as the anode, and up to X of the electrodes can be designated as cathodes and independently controlled by one of the X DACs, allowing complex patient therapy and current steering between electrodes. The design uses at least X decoupling capacitors: X capacitors in the X cathode paths, or one in the anode path and X−1 in the X cathode paths. In a multiple anode/multiple cathode design having X DACs, a total of X−1 decoupling capacitors are needed. Because the number of DACs X can typically be much less than the total number of electrodes (N), these architectures minimize the number of decoupling capacitors which saves space, and ensures no DC current injection even during current steering. | 2010-10-21 |