43rd week of 2012 patent applcation highlights part 50 |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20120271258 | LEAK-PROOF SPUTUM SUCKER - The sputum sucker includes an outer tube and an inner axially slidably disposed in the outer tube. A normally-closed valve and a sleeve are disposed at a front end and a rear end of the outer tube, respectively. A bracket is fixed at a rear end of the inner tube. A connecting handle is articulatorily connected between the sleeve and the bracket. A torsion spring is disposed between the bracket and the connecting handle for normally exerting a force on the bracket to push the outer tube forwards. The normally-closed valve will seal up the inner tube when the connecting handle is not forced. The normally-closed valve will be broken open by the inner tube when the connecting handle is operated to pull the outer tube rearwards, and the normally-closed valve clings to the suction head to clean up while the normally-closed valve is being broken open and moved rearwards. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271259 | Method and Apparatus for Eliminating Urine and Keeping a Person Dry - An apparatus for eliminating excreted urine so as to keep a person dry without the person having to actively or consciously participate in the process. The apparatus may be part of a diaper or similar article of clothing or may be a device used in such clothing. The apparatus has a plurality of receiving tubes for receiving the urine, a central collecting tube and/or similar collecting and holding facility associated with the receiving tubes for receiving, collecting and at least temporarily holding the urine, and a vacuum source for suctioning the urine into the receiving tubes. A sensor detects urine released by the person and activates the vacuum source which pulls the urine into the receiving tubes. The central collecting tube may be routed directly or indirectly to a drain for disposing of the collected urine. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271260 | SUPERABSORBENT POLYMER CONTAINING CLAY PARTICULATE, AND METHOD OF MAKING SAME - A process for the preparation of superabsorbent polymer containing clay, the process including the steps of (I) polymerizing a polymerization mixture comprising: (a) one or more ethylenically unsaturated carboxyl-containing monomers, (b) one or more crosslinking agents, (c) optionally one or more comonomers copolymerizable with the carboxyl-containing monomer, (d) neutralizing agent to partially neutralize the polymer to from about 50% to about 99%, by weight, and (e) a polymerization medium, to form a crosslinked partially neutralized hydrogel, (II) admixing a clay with the crosslinked partially neutralized hydrogel to form partially neutralized superabsorbent polymer-clay hydrogel; (III) drying the crosslinked partially neutralized hydrogel at a temperature from about 190° C. to about 210° C. and for a time period of from about 15 minutes to about 120 minutes, and (IV) comminuting the dried partially neutralized superabsorbent polymer-clay hydrogel to particles. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271261 | Breast and Body Crease Sweat and Moisture Absorb - A moisture absorbing pad adapted for insertion into creases of the body prone to perspiration is made of a generally planar sheet of moisture absorbing material. The planar sheet is formed into two parts, a first part rolled into a cylinder having two ends which are substantially flattened, and a second part folded back on itself to form a tab, which is substantially teardrop shaped in profile. The material may have anti-microbial or emollient properties. To use the pad, a body crease is opened and the pad inserted near the center of the crease. The crease may then be reformed around the pad. When inundated with moisture, the pad may be extracted by using the tab and flattened ends as handles. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271262 | Stabilized Absorbent Composite - An absorbent article includes a liquid pervious liner, a liquid impervious back sheet, and an absorbent composite located between the liner and the back sheet. The absorbent composite includes a first sheet, a second sheet, and a unitary absorbent core. The unitary absorbent core has a plurality of holes there through, wherein each hole has an area less than 200 mm | 2012-10-25 |
20120271264 | ABSORBENT ARTICLE HAVING AN ABSORBENT STRUCTURE CONFIGURED FOR IMPROVED DONNING AND LATERAL STRETCH DISTRIBUTION - An absorbent article generally has a longitudinal axis, a lateral axis, a front waist region, a back waist region, and a crotch region extending longitudinally between and interconnecting said front and back waist regions. The article comprises an outer cover stretchable in at least the lateral direction and a liner in opposed relationship with the outer cover and stretchable in at least the lateral direction. An absorbent structure is disposed between the liner and the outer cover and extends from the crotch region to at least one of the front waist region and the back waist region of the article. The article has an attachment zone and at least one non-attachment zone laterally adjacent the attachment zone. The absorbent structure is configured for improved lateral stretch distribution of the article. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271265 | Zero-Strain Stretch Laminate with Enhanced Strength, Appearance and Tactile Features, and Absorbent Articles Having Components Formed Therefrom - A stretch laminate having enhanced features is disclosed. The laminate may include a first layer of nonwoven, a second layer of an elastomeric material, a third layer of a polyethylene and/or ductile polymeric film, and optionally, a fourth layer which may also be a nonwoven. The third layer may be bonded to the second layer in a pattern that includes bonded and unbonded areas. Following lamination the laminate may be activated to impart stretchability in a stretch direction. Activation causes plastic deformation/elongation of the third layer along the stretch direction, and upon elastic contraction of the second layer the deformed/elongated third layer gathers in the unbonded areas, creating desirable visual and tactile effects. The laminate has other advantages and may be provided with other features for enhancement of visual and/or tactile effects. The laminate may be used to form components of absorbent articles such as disposable diapers and training pants. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271266 | DISPOSABLE WEARING ARTICLE - Provided is a disposable wearing article improved so that the tensile stress in the middle of the crotch region as well as in the vicinity thereof can be set to be higher than in the other regions without adjusting the number and thickness of the leg elastic elements and a relatively large body waist retaining space can be formed to protect the wearer's skin from being soiled with body waste. A crotch region is provided in both lateral portions thereof with a plurality of leg elastic elements extending in a longitudinal direction Y wherein the respective outermost elastic elements are laid so as to define concave curves in a middle zone of the crotch region and in the vicinity thereof. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271267 | ABSORBENT ARTICLES AND METHODS OF MANUFACTURING THE SAME - An absorbent article includes a chassis having a substantially rectangular shape a first portion, a second portion and a crotch portion extending between the first and second portion, a portion of the chassis being configured to absorb fluids. The absorbent article includes a first securement portion operatively coupled to the first portion of the chassis. The absorbent article includes a second securement portion operatively coupled to the second portion of the chassis and configured to releasably attach to the first securement portion. The chassis is configured to include one of a first chassis length or a second chassis length. When the chassis includes the first length, the chassis includes a first width and the first securement portion includes a second width, and when the chassis includes the second length, the chassis includes the first width and the first securement portion includes a third width, greater than the second width. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271268 | ABSORBENT ARTICLE AND MANUFACTURING APPARATUS FOR ABSORBENT ARTICLE - A compressed portion is formed in the absorbent article by compressing the absorber through a compression process. The compressed portion has a top-surface groove formed on the skin-contact-surface side, and a back-surface groove formed on the clothing-contact-surface side. A bottom portion of the top-surface groove is flat. Since the recessed portions are formed in the bottom portion of the back-surface groove through the compression process, a compression part where the density of the absorber is increased more than in an uncompressed portion and high compression parts where the density of the absorber is increased more than in the compression part are formed in the bottom portion. Thus, the absorbent article can be permeate into by a thick liquid, and is more likely to absorb liquid. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271269 | WEARING ARTICLE - A wearing article having a chassis bent in a crotch region. A diaper is folded along an imaginary lateral center line so that front and rear waist regions are in contact with each other and so that front and rear upper end edges in the regions substantially have the same level with each other. In such a folded state, first folds extending in the longitudinal direction are defined in portions of gasket cuffs which are biased toward the front waist region relative to the imaginary lateral center line. The first folds are defined along lateral edges of core of a liquid absorbent structure, and the gasket cuffs being located outboard of the lateral edges are folded along the first folds onto a garment-facing side of an outer sheet. Second folds which extend in the longitudinal direction are formed in containment cuffs. The second folds are lying on a side closer to the front waist region in relation to the imaginary lateral center line, and folded distal ends are expanded and folded to the garment-facing side of the outer sheet. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271270 | PLASTIC CONTAINER COMPRISING CYCLIC POLYOLEFIN LAYER - The present invention provides and a plastic container and multilayered films, which comprises a heat-sealable seal layer, a cyclic polyolefin layer, and an outermost layer, wherein the seal layer comprises polypropylene, the cyclic polyolefin layer comprises a cyclic polyolefin polymer or a cyclic polyolefin copolymer, and the outermost layer comprises a layer containing polypropylene, and which further comprises a resin composition layer comprises a blended product of a propylene polymer and a styrene elastomer. The plastic container of the present invention can suppresses a reduction in the medicament content of a liquid-state medicament and is excellent in terms of shock resistance, handling ability during the filling of the container with the medicament, and the moldability and transparency of the container. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271271 | NEONATAL FLUID TUBING HEATER - A heating system for warming nutritional liquid fed to a neonate or preterm infant may comprise a control module and a heater. The heating system is portable so that the heating system is not connected to a syringe pump or other device used to feed the neonate. The heater of the heating system is mounted to the tube that is used to feed the neonate. The heater is positioned along the tube in close proximity to the neonate so that a temperature drop of the nutritional liquid after the nutritional liquid exits the heater and reaches the neonate is negligible. The heater raises the temperature of the nutritional liquid to a target desired temperature (e.g., body temperature of the mother and neonate or to a temperature above the temperature of the mother and neonate) so that the neonate may consume warm nutritional fluid. Once the nutritional liquid reaches the neonate, the nutritional liquid is at about the body temperature of the mother or neonate or at least above room temperature. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271272 | DEVICE FOR OCULAR ACCESS - The present invention provides devices to access the suprachoroidal space or sub-retinal space in an eye via a minimally invasive transconjunctival approach. The devices may also be used after a partial dissection, for example after dissection of the outer scleral layer of the eye, and using the device within the dissection to access the suprachoroidal space or the sub-retinal space. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271273 | MEDICAL FLUID AUTOCONNECTION AND AUTOIDENTIFICATION METHOD - A medical fluid autoconnection method includes: enabling acceptance a pierceable connector that is capable of fluidly communicating with a source of medical fluid into a moveable holder; temporarily fixing a spike to a medical fluid pumping machine; automatically detecting whether the pierceable connector has been placed into the moveable holder; if the pierceable connector is sensed as being placed in the moveable holder, moving the holder so that the spike pierces the pierceable connector; and enabling medical fluid to be pumped from the source through the connected spiked and connector. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271274 | TUBING SET HAVING A GATE FOR THE CONNECTION OF VIALS - The present invention refers to a tubing set ( | 2012-10-25 |
20120271275 | MEDICAL DEVICES AND METHODS COMPRISING AN ANABOLIC AGENT FOR WOUND HEALING - Improved medical devices and methods are provided comprising an anabolic agent for wound healing. These improved medical devices and methods can enhance wound healing in wounds from cuts, abrasions, lesions, burns including sunburn, surgical incisions, pressure ulcers, diabetic ulcers, traumatic wounds, or other injuries or maladies, which can be chronic or non-chronic in origin. In some embodiments, the medical device comprises a drug depot that releases the anabolic agent over at least 3 days to enhance wound healing. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271276 | SAFETY ASSEMBLY FOR A SYRINGE - A safety support device for a syringe comprises a support sheath for the body of the syringe and an inner sheath suitable for sliding relative to the support sheath between a waiting, retracted position and the extended position for protecting the needle of the syringe. The device has means for holding the syringe body relative to the support sheath and retaining means suitable for being activated to retain g the inner sheath in the waiting, retracted position inside the support sheath and for being deactivated by the piston of the syringe to allow the inner sheath to extend into its protective, extended position. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271277 | EXPANDABLE CATHETER SYSTEM FOR PERI-OSTIAL INJECTION AND MUSCLE AND NERVE FIBER ABLATION - At the present time, physicians often treat patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) using radiofrequency (RF) catheter systems to ablate conducting tissue in the wall of the Left Atrium of the heart around the ostium of the pulmonary veins. These systems are expensive and take time consuming to use. The present invention circular ablation system CAS includes a multiplicity of expandable needles that can be expanded around a central axis and positioned to inject a fluid like ethanol to ablate conductive tissue in a ring around the ostium of a pulmonary vein quickly and without the need for expensive capital equipment. The expansion of the needles is accomplished by self-expanding or balloon expandable structures. The invention includes centering means so that the needles will be situated in a pattern surrounding the outside of the ostium of a vein. Also included are members that limit the distance of penetration of the needles into the wall of the left atrium, or the aortic wall. The present invention also has an important application to ablate tissue around the ostium of one or both renal arteries, for the ablation of the sympathetic nerve fibers and/or other afferent or efferent nerves going to or from each kidney in order to treat hypertension. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271278 | INTEGRATED SYRINGE DEVICE WITH SELF-CAPPING CONNECTOR - An embodiment in accordance with the present invention provides an integrated syringe-device which can store a volume of fluid for infusion, can connect via an air-tight connector to another device (such as a luer connector), can flush fluid through the connector into the other device, and can deliver a cap that forms an air-tight closure to the device connector. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271279 | DISPOSABLE INJECTOR WITH A MANUALLY ACTUATED PISTON AND WITH A TWIN CHAMBER SYSTEM - A method for preparing a solution from a solvent and an active substance in and on a disposable injector with a housing, with an at least intermittently fillable cylinder/piston unit which is arranged thereon and has a manually movable piston, and with a detachable container adapter mounted upstream of the cylinder/piston unit, wherein the container adapter supports a container which can be filled at least temporarily with active substance and which is closable by an openable stopper. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271280 | CATHETER - A catheter comprising an inner sleeve and an outer sleeve surrounding the inner sleeve, the inner and the outer sleeves being longitudinally displaceable relative to one another to enable the catheter to move from an open state to a closed state, each sleeve having a distal portion and a proximal portion, the catheter further comprising a retainer which is open in the open state, and closed in the closed state, the catheter further comprising a lock mechanism comprising lock formed in a lock portion of the catheter for locking the catheter in the open state, and a releaser for releasing the lock, the releaser being adapted to remove at least a part of the lock portion from the catheter. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271281 | Telescopic Device - A telescopic device comprising a first telescopic member and a second telescopic member, where the second telescopic member is displaceably arranged within the first telescopic member in a first and a second axial direction along the longitudinal axis of the first telescopic member, a coupling arrangement for limiting the displacement of the second telescopic member relative to the first telescopic member where the coupling arrangement has a first and a second coupling configuration. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271283 | ARTICULATED SURGICAL TOOL - An articulated surgical tool and method of use are provided. The articulated surgical tool may hold an instrument and a surgical tool and may provide both macro and micro motions in the instrument and/or surgical tool, including by hydraulic operation. The articulated surgical tool may be coupled to a control system, such that manipulation of the control system results in movement of instrument and/or surgical tool, thereby eliminating the need to manually hold and position the instrument and/or surgical tool. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271284 | Surgical Instrument - A surgical instrument comprising a handle assembly, a body, a tool assembly and an articulation assembly is disclosed. The articulation mechanism includes a receptacle, and a main shaft. A lower clutch is fixedly positioned within the receptacle and has a serrated portion including a plurality of serrations. An upper clutch includes at least one projection positioned to engage the serrations of the lower clutch to releasably retain the main shaft at a rotatably fixed position. An angle between a first pair of adjacent serrations is defined as a first angle, an angle between a second pair of adjacent serrations is defined as a second angle, and an angle between a third pair of adjacent serrations is defined as a third angle. The first angle, the second angle, and the third angle are each different from one another. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271285 | ARTICULATING MEDICAL INSTRUMENT - An articulating medical instrument comprising of:
| 2012-10-25 |
20120271286 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR LASER GENERATED CORNEAL AND CRYSTALLINE LENS INCISIONS USING A VARIABLE F/# OPTICAL SYSTEM WITH ASPHERIC CONTACT INTERFACE TO THE CORNEA OR ROTATING AND ADAPTIVE OPTICS - A laser system including a laser source that generates a laser beam and an optical switch that receives the laser beam and sends the laser beam to either a fast path or a slow path, wherein the F/# of the fast path is lower than the F/# of the slow path. The laser system includes an afocal optical system in the slow path and receives the laser beam from the optical switch and an x-y scanner that receives either a laser beam from the slow path or a laser beam from the fast path. The laser system including a scan lens system that performs a z-scan for the scanning laser beam only in the case wherein the scanning laser beam is generated from the laser beam in the fast path. The laser system including an aspheric patient interface device that receives a laser beam from the scan lens system. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271287 | APPLICATION OF BLEND ZONES, DEPTH REDUCTION, AND TRANSITION ZONES TO ABLATION SHAPES - Methods, devices, and systems for reprofiling a surface of a cornea of an eye ablate a portion of the cornea to create an ablation zone with an optically correct central optical zone disposed in a central portion of the cornea, and a blend zone disposed peripherally to the central optical zone and at least partially within an optical zone of the eye. The blend zone can have an optical power that gradually diminishes with increasing radius from the central optical zone. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271288 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR PROCESSING IMAGES OF THE ANTERIOR CHAMBER ANGLE OF AN EYE - An optical coherence tomography (OCT) image of the anterior chamber of an eye is processed to determine automatically a location in the image corresponding to Schwalbe's line. First, the method finds the location of the corneal endothelium. Then the method fits a model to the detected corneal endothelium. Then the method determines the location of Schwalbe's line based on the relationship between the detected corneal endothelium and the fitted model, such as where the detected corneal endothelium diverges most from the fitted model. The Schwalbe's line is used to obtain a numerical measure of the anterior chamber angle of the eye. The method can be used in a process for screening patients for glaucoma. In the case of patients found to be suffering from glaucoma, treatment can be performed. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271289 | HAIR REMOVAL DEVICES AND METHODS - We describe devices, methods, and systems used for hair removal. In particular, we describe hair removal devices, particularly epilation devices, methods of using those devices, and systems including those hair removal devices. Our hair removal devices include, in combination, a.) at least one primary energy source that applies that energy, e.g., radio-frequency (RF), high intensity focused ultrasonic (HIFU) energy, or high intensity light, e.g., intense-pulsed light (IPL) or light from flash lamps or lasers, to the skin or to hair in a continuous, semi-continuous, or pulsed mode and b.) a hair removal component or components, such as rotary mechanical hair removal structures or epilators, that perform a mechanical hair removal step. Auxiliary treatment or control components such as comparatively lower power heaters, ultrasound devices, coolers, impedance measurement devices, etc. may also be included in the combination or used in conjunction with our combination device. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271290 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR UV TACKING AN IMPLANT - A surgical instrument is provided including a handle portion and a body portion extending distally from the handle portion and defining a longitudinal axis. The surgical instrument also includes a grasper disposed at a distal end of the body portion, the grasper including an ultraviolet (UV) light mechanism for performing UV tacking of an implant. The implant is positioned between the first and second jaw members of the grasper: (i) to be placed at a surgical site and (ii) to be exposed by a UV light emitted from the UV light mechanism such that the UV tacking of the implant to the surgical site is performed. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271291 | FLUID CONTROL SYSTEM FOR A MEDICAL DEVICE - The present invention provides a medical device having an elongate body with both a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the elongate body defines an intake lumen and an exhaust lumen. The medical device also has a first pliable element defining a cooling chamber disposed at a point along the elongate body, with the cooling chamber being in fluid communication with the intake lumen and the exhaust lumen. A second pliable element is provided which at least partially encloses the first pliable element, thereby defining a junction between the first and second pliable element. A check valve is included which is in fluid communication with the junction between the first pliable element and second pliable element, the valve further being in fluid communication with the exhaust lumen. Additionally, the medical device may include sensors or other monitoring means in fluid communication with the junction and the cooling chamber. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271292 | CRYOSURGICAL PROBE WITH ADJUSTABLE SLIDING APPARATUS - A cryosurgical probe that includes a shaft for providing a heat exchange surface for cryogenic ablation, a housing, an insulation element slideably engaged with the shaft, and an adjustable sliding apparatus. The adjustable sliding apparatus includes a slider assembly attached to the insulation element for slideably guiding the insulation element within the shaft, and an actuation assembly operatively connected to the slider assembly for allowing a user to slide the slider assembly to provide a desired adjustment of the insulation element relative to the shaft. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271293 | Method for targeted local heat ablation using nanoparticles - This invention relates to the targeting of specific tissue for destruction or modification using electromagnetic radiation coupled with nanoparticles to locally apply heat to the targeted tissue by concentrating the energy in a temporary or permanently placed medium. In general, this invention addresses the need to ablate, i.e., to reduce, eliminate, or to impede growth in specific tissue; and, to do so in a highly targeted and completely controllable implementation. Specific examples are described, focusing on, but not limited to, the retardation, reduction, and/or elimination of obstructing material and tissue in vascular stents and gastro-esophageal valves. For illustrative purposes, other examples are mentioned. Ablation is induced by the nano-plasmonic effect in metallic-based nanoparticles including, but not limited to, gold and gold coated nanoparticles; a wide variety of alternate materials are equally suitable. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271294 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR TREATING MUSCLE, TENDON, LIGAMENT AND CARTILAGE TISSUE - A method and system for treating subcutaneous tissue with energy such as ultrasound energy is disclosed. In various embodiments, ultrasound energy is applied at a region of interest to affect tissue by cutting, ablating, micro-ablating, coagulating, or otherwise affecting the subcutaneous tissue to conduct numerous procedures that are traditionally done invasively in a non-invasive manner. Certain procedures can include a brow lift, a blepharoplasty, and treatment of cartilage tissue. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271295 | Method of Using Vasoconstrictive Agents During Energy-Based Tissue Therapy - A mammal undergoing an energy-based therapy is treated by administering at least one vasoconstrictive agent to the mammal prior to or during the procedure. The at least one vasoconstrictive agent is added in amounts sufficient to reduce or prevent vasodilation. This treatment method increases or promotes the size of the coagulation zone created after energy-based therapy. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271296 | RADIOFREQUENCY ABLATION DEVICE - A RF ablation device includes a probe assembly that has an elongate cannula having a lumen disposed interiorly of an external wall of the cannula. The elongate cannula includes a plurality of slots formed within the external wall that provide access to the lumen. The probe assembly includes an electrode member that is slidably disposed within the elongate cannula, the electrode member including a plurality of tines configured for passage through the plurality of slots. The slots are disposed in a staggered arrangement or pattern about the external wall of the cannula. The staggered arrangement of slots may be used in a monopolar or bipolar arrangement of the electrodes on the cannula. A bipolar arrangement of electrodes using the staggered configuration produces larger ablation areas in a shorter period of time as compared to prior designs. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271297 | MICROWAVE ANTENNA ASSEMBLY HAVING A DIELECTRIC BODY PORTION WITH RADIAL PARTITIONS OF DIELECTRIC MATERIAL - A microwave antenna assembly includes first and second elongated conductors, and a dielectric body portion. The first elongated conductor is associated with a first radiating portion at least partially along the length thereof. A second elongated conductor is disposed within the first elongated conductor and is associated with a second radiating portion at least partially along the length thereof. The dielectric body portion is disposed along the length of at least one of the first and second elongated conductors and the dielectric body portion includes two or more radial partition of dielectric material having difference dielectric constants. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271298 | Method of Improved Vein Closure - There are disclosed methods of vein closure. In an embodiment, a method includes elevating a leg of a patient during a vein closure procedure so as to effect substantial emptying of the vein. The method also includes applying radio-frequency energy to a vein within the leg of the patient to cause the vein closure. In another embodiment, a method includes elevating a leg of a patient during a vein closure procedure within a range of about 30 degrees to about 45 degrees from a horizontal position. The method also includes applying radio-frequency energy to a vein within the leg of the patient. In one embodiment, a method includes elevating a leg, and emptying of a segment of the vein prior to applying radio-frequency energy. In another embodiment, the method includes elevating a leg of a patient, and applying energy to a vein. Other embodiments are also disclosed. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271299 | METHOD AND DEVICES FOR COAGULATION OF TISSUE - Methods and devices described herein facilitate improved treatment of body organs. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271300 | MEDICAL INSTRUMENT AND METHOD OF USE - An instrument for thermally-mediated therapies in targeted tissue volumes or for volumetric removal of tissue. In one embodiment, the instrument has an interior chamber that includes a diffuser structure for diffusing a biocompatible conductive fluid that is introduced under high pressure. The interior chamber further includes surfaces of opposing polarity electrodes for vaporizing the small cross-section diffused fluid flows created within a diffuser structure. In one embodiment, the diffuser structure includes a negative temperature coefficient of resistance material between the opposing polarity surfaces. The NTCR structure can self-adjust the lengths of current paths between the opposing polarities to insure complete vaporization of the volume of flow of conductive fluid. The non-ionized vapor phase media is ejected from a working surface of the instrument and a controlled vapor-to-liquid phase change in an interface with tissue applies thermal energy substantially equal to the heat of vaporization to ablate tissue. In another embodiment, the instrument provides voltage means for converting the non-ionized vapor phase media into an ionized media or plasma for applying energy to body structure. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271301 | EXPANDABLE CATHETER SYSTEM FOR PERI-OSTIAL INJECTION AND MUSCLE AND NERVE FIBER ABLATION - At the present time, physicians often treat patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) using radiofrequency (RF) catheter systems to ablate conducting tissue in the wall of the Left Atrium of the heart around the ostium of the pulmonary veins. These systems are expensive and take time consuming to use. The present invention circular ablation system CAS includes a multiplicity of expandable needles that can be expanded around a central axis and positioned to inject a fluid like ethanol to ablate conductive tissue in a ring around the ostium of a pulmonary vein quickly and without the need for expensive capital equipment. The expansion of the needles is accomplished by self-expanding or balloon expandable structures. The invention includes centering means so that the needles will be situated in a pattern surrounding the outside of the ostium of a vein. Also included are members that limit the distance of penetration of the needles into the wall of the left atrium. The present invention also has application to ablating tissue around the ostium of a renal artery for the treatment of hypertension. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271302 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR FOCUSED BIPOLAR TISSUE ABLATION - Large tissue regions are treated using pairs of electrode arrays. The electrode arrays may be concave and disposed in tissue so that their concave portions are opposed to each other. Axial conductors may be provided extending from the arrays and toward each other in order to increase the heating of tissues lying along the axis between the deployed electrode arrays. By properly spacing the electrode arrays apart and selecting the diameters of the arrays, desired volumes of tissue may be treated, typically with a bipolar, radiofrequency current. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271303 | THERMAL FEEDBACK SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF USING THE SAME - A system for providing feedback during an electrosurgical procedure on a target tissue is provided. The system includes an electrosurgical energy source; an electrode probe assembly connected to the electrosurgical energy source, wherein the electrode probe assembly includes at least one electrode assembly having a needle configured to deliver electrosurgical energy to the target tissue; at least one thermal feedback assembly connected to the electrosurgical energy source, wherein each thermal feedback assembly includes at least one temperature sensor assembly; and a hub configured to selectively support the electrode probe assembly and each thermal feedback assembly such that the needle of the electrode probe assembly and each temperature sensor assembly of each thermal feedback assembly are proximate one another when disposed proximate the target tissue. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271304 | ELECTROSURGICAL DEVICE WITH IMPROVED INCISION - To achieve a safe transition from the ignition of a plasma in incision mode to the combustion of the plasma during a cutting mode, an electromedical device to supply an instrument with electrical power is equipped with an ignition recognition mechanism formed by a sensor device. This ignition recognition mechanism switches the HF generator provided in the device from an incision operating mode to a cutting operating mode as soon as ignition is recognized. The switching is brought about by the switching of an HF modulation from a low crest factor in the incision operating mode to a high crest factor in the cutting operating mode. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271305 | MULTIFUNCTION MEDICAL DEVICE AND RELATED METHODS OF USE - An embodiment of the invention may include a medical device. The medical device may include a flexible tube, an elongate member configured to cut tissue and extend from the flexible tube, and a cauterizing member configured to cauterize tissue and to move relative to the elongate member and the flexible tube. The cauterizing member may substantially surround at least a portion of the elongate member. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271306 | THERMAL FEEDBACK SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF USING THE SAME - A system for providing feedback during an electro surgical procedure on a target tissue is provided. The system includes an electrosurgical energy source; an electrode probe assembly connected to the electrosurgical energy source, wherein the electrode probe assembly includes at least one electrode assembly having a needle configured to deliver electrosurgical energy to the target tissue; at least one thermal feedback assembly connected to the electrosurgical energy source, wherein each thermal feedback assembly includes at least one temperature sensor assembly; and a hub configured to selectively support the electrode probe assembly and each thermal feedback assembly such that the needle of the electrode probe assembly and each temperature sensor assembly of each thermal feedback assembly are proximate one another when disposed proximate the target tissue. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271307 | Endoscopic Instrument for Tissue Identification - The present disclosure relates to various apparatus, systems and methods of identifying and treating tissue using at least one electrical property of tissue. Provided is a method for identifying and treating tissue, the method including providing a electrosurgical treatment device including an electrode assembly for measuring one or more electrical properties of a target tissue, the electrode assembly being mounted on a distal end thereof, measuring the one or more electrical characteristics of the target tissue, comparing the measured electrical property values of the target tissue against electrical property values of known tissue types, identifying a tissue type of the target tissue, adjusting an energy delivery configuration of the electrosurgical treatment device to the type of target tissue, and activating the electrosurgical treatment device to treat the target tissue. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271308 | SURGICAL CLAMPING DEVICE - A surgical clamping device is provided for receiving distal ends of handles having bone attachment members disposed thereon in a recess disposed in the surgical clamping device. When an adjustment mechanism is in a first state, the distal ends of the handles are able to pivot and, optionally, to move axially within the recess of the surgical clamping device. When the adjustment mechanism is placed into a second state by adjusting the adjusting mechanism, the surgical clamping device applies a clamping force to the distal ends of the handles such that they are fixed within the recess of the surgical clamping device. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271309 | CONTROLLING BONE COMPRESSION - Systems, devices and methods are disclosed for limiting compression of a fracture imposed by a lag screw of a fixation system that includes a fixation device, a lag screw and a compression screw. The disclosed devices, systems and methods prevent over-compression of a fracture by a lag screw caused by over rotation of the compression screw. Specifically, implementations of a lag screw driver and a compression screw driver are provided whereby an engagement between the lag screw driver and compression screw driver prevents any further lateral movement of the lag screw, thereby providing a complete stop to further advancement of the lag screw and any additional compression. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271310 | Volar plate device and operative technique - To establish the correct volar angle between the proximal radius and a distal fragment of the radius a cortical half pin with a self-threading screw is mounted in a collet. The collet is supported on a pair of members that clamp a volar plate under the collet, the volar plate has a hole in alignment with the half pin that enables the plate to pivot in a plane parallel to the members. The volar plate is tilted to contact the distal fragment and to be joined to the fragment. The half pin is screwed into the proximal radius and the members and collet are removed in order to allow the volar plate to be pressed back against the proximal radius and secured to the radius, thus establishing the correct volar tilt for the distal fragment relative to the proximal position of the radius. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271311 | STERNUM FIXATION DEVICE - A sternum fixation device for securing parts of a sternum includes first and second removably associated plates. The first plate has an upper surface and a sternum contacting surface, and at least one hole passing through both of these surfaces for receiving a fastener head. The second plate has at least one attachment member for fixation to the sternum. A release member holds the first and second plates together, and is movably associated with at least one of the first and second plates such that it may be moved to allow separation of the two parts of the sternum. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271312 | SPLINE ORIENTED INDEXING GUIDE - A surgical cutting system can be configured to prepare an intervertebral space for insertion of an intervertebral implant. In an embodiment, the surgical cutting system includes a drill guide and a drill bit. The drill guide can be configured to be coupled to a trial implant and can include a guide portion that is configured to support a first stop member. In addition, the drill guide defines a guide hole that extends through the guide portion along a guide hole axis. The drill bit can be configured to be at least partially received in the guide hole. Moreover, the drill bit defines a second stop member that is configured abut the first stop member so as to limit movement of the drill bit through the guide hole along the guide hole axis to a maximum cut depth. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271313 | LONG SCRAPER TOOL FOR DISCECTOMY - A scraping instrument is disclosed that includes a handle assembly having a trigger. The scraping instrument also includes an elongate shaft having an inner lumen extending therethrough along a longitudinal axis between proximal and distal ends thereof. The proximal end of the elongate shaft is connected with the handle assembly. A control rod extends through the inner lumen of the elongate shaft hand has a first end connected with the trigger and a second end extending outside the distal end of the elongate shaft. The second end of the control rod includes a connection pin. A yoke is connected with the distal end of the elongate shaft. A curette having a scraping member and a connection member is pivotally connected with the yoke. Upon compression of the trigger the control rod is forced to move along the longitudinal axis thereby causing the curette to rotate along a latitudinal axis. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271314 | ORTHOPEDIC SURGICAL GUIDE - A surgical device includes an elongate body extending from a proximal end to a distal end. The distal end of the elongate body defines a notch sized and configured to receive a reamer. A coupling assembly is supported by the elongate body and includes a reamer guide body disposed at the distal end of the elongate body. The reamer guide body configured to move between a first position and a second position in which the reaming guide body extends at least partially across the notch. A locking assembly is supported by the elongate body and is configured to releasably engage the coupling assembly to maintain the reamer guide body in the second position. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271315 | INSERTION TOOL FOR PADDLE-STYLE ELECTRODE - A system for lead implantation includes a lead having a paddle-style electrode extending from a proximal end to a distal end, the paddle-style electrode, having a back surface; an active surface; a plurality of electrode contacts disposed on the active surface; and a longitudinal lumen extending into the paddle-style electrode and defining an opening at the proximal end of the paddle-style electrode. The lead also has at least one lead body extending from the paddle-style electrode. The at least one lead body includes conductors that are electrically coupled to the electrode contracts. The system also includes an insertion tool having a distal portion for insertion into the longitudinal lumen of the paddle-style electrode. At least the distal portion of the insertion tool or the longitudinal lumen (or both) includes a low friction material forming a surface with a coefficient of friction of 0.1 or less. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271316 | INSERTION TOOL FOR PADDLE-STYLE ELECTRODE - The present disclosure describes various embodiments of an insertion tool that affords steerability of the paddle-style electrode during implantation without causing damage to the insulation and/or the contacts of the paddle-style electrode. One embodiment is described as having a “pin fork” configuration; another a “shovel” configuration; and yet another has tabs or a lumen on the paddle-style electrode for facilitating the insertion of a stylet. The various embodiments for the insertion tool allow for adjustments of the paddle-style electrode in both the medial/lateral and inferior/superior directions allowing the surgeon to steer the paddle-style electrode to the desired stimulation site within the epidural space of the spinal column. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271317 | Surgical Tool for Electrode Implantation - The present invention is a surgical tool for implanting an electrode array and its connected cable within an orbital socket. The insertion tool is used to aid the surgeon in pulling the electrode wire and array through the scull, four-rectus muscles of the eye, and the sclera. The insertion tool consists of a medical grade ABS material that is commonly used in various medical products. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271318 | ROBOT FOR MINIMALLY INVASIVE INTERVENTIONS - Rather than trying to immobilize a living, moving organ to place the organ in the fixed frame of reference of a table-mounted robotic device, the present disclosure teaches mounting a robot in the moving frame of reference of the organ. A miniature crawling robotic device can be introduced, in the case of the heart, into the pericardium through a port, attach itself to the epicardial surface, and then, under the direct control of the surgeon, travel to the desired location for treatment. The problem of beating-heart motion is largely avoided by attaching the device directly to the epicardium. The device can be used for other organs and animals. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271319 | CATHETER SYSTEM WITH PERCUTANEOUS DEVICE MOVEMENT ALGORITHM - A workstation configured for operating a robotic catheter system is provided. The workstation includes a user interface configured to receive a user input and a control system operatively coupled to the user interface for remotely and independently controlling movement of at least a first percutaneous device and a second percutaneous device. At least the first percutaneous device is moveable both for advancement and retraction along a longitudinal axis of the first percutaneous device and for rotation about a longitudinal axis of the first percutaneous device. The workstation also includes a device movement algorithm subsystem including at least one set of instructions. The control system controls the first percutaneous device based upon both the user input and the at least one set of instructions of the device movement algorithm subsystem. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271320 | SKIN GRAFT DEVICES AND METHODS - Devices and methods for obtaining a plurality of skin tissue particles for use in skin grafting. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271321 | System And Device For Heating Or Cooling Shape Memory Surgical Devices - A system for heating a heat-transformable shape memory surgical device. The system includes a sealed, sterilizable housing, a thermal probe for heating the shape memory surgical device, the thermal probe being connected with the housing, and a printed circuit board positioned within the housing. The printed circuit board includes a system controller having a power circuit for controlling the receipt and distribution of heating power to the thermal probe, a feedback circuit for measuring a condition of the shape memory surgical device via the thermal probe, and a control circuit for receiving data from the feedback circuit and adjustably controlling an amount of heating power that the power circuit distributes to the thermal probe. The control circuit includes an automatic-cutout circuit for terminating the distribution of heating power to the thermal probe after a specific amount of time or upon the occurrence of a predetermined condition. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271322 | Devices and Methods for Continuous Surgical Suturing - A machine constructed and configured for automatic continuous suturing for reduced or minimized scarring and reduced suturing time, including methods of using the same. A device for continuous suturing. A variety of needles designed and constructed for suturing, and more particularly for use with a machine operable for continuous suturing for reduced or minimized scarring and reducing the suturing time. Suture stitches by the same device. A device, method and suture for subcuticular suturing. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271323 | SUTURE PASSER WITH SUTURE CAPTURING ARTICULATING JAW AT DISTAL END FOR SUTURING IN ARTHROSCOPIC SURGERY - A suture passer including a tubular member having a proximal end and a distal end and a central axis defined therethrough, in which the tubular member includes at least one lumen formed therein, an eyelet configured to receive a suture, a movable jaw formed on the distal end of the tubular member configured to move between an open position and a closed position, in which the movable jaw includes a plurality of portions, and an actuator configured to be received within the at least one lumen of the tubular member, in which the actuator is configured to move along the central axis of the tubular member between a first position and a second position, in which, in the first position, the movable jaw is in the closed position, and in which, in the second position, the movable jaw is in the open position. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271324 | METAL SUBSTRATE HEATER - A heating element with dimensions less than a centimetre according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a metallic substrate ( | 2012-10-25 |
20120271325 | SUTURING INSTRUMENT HAVING A FIXING MEANS - Provided is a suture apparatus having a fixing means. In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a suture apparatus including: a support, a needle driving unit, and a surgical needle, wherein the surgical needle is accommodated in the needle driving unit to move with respect to the support, and a first suture from the surgical needle and a second suture from the support are entangled according to the movement, wherein the suture apparatus further includes a fixing unit for fixing a tissue to be sutured to the support and releasing the fixation of the tissue. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271326 | CRIMPING AND CUTTING DEVICE - A method and apparatus for securing and cutting suture material is disclosed. Suture material is preferably threaded through a ferrule in the crimping and cutting device which includes a hammer head slidable within a tip of the device for crimping the ferrule and trapping the suture material therein. The tip further preferably includes a cutting edge such that the ferrule is crimped and the suture material is cut in one proximal movement of the hammer head. The suture material may be threaded through the ferrule using a suture loading assembly which includes a flexible loop pre-threaded through the ferrule. A handle assembly having a safety button for preventing movement of the trigger until the safety button is depressed is also disclosed. An adjustment screw within the handle assembly allows for a change in length of a rod within the device during manufacture. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271327 | Endoscopic Tissue Grasping Systems and Methods - An endoscopic tissue grasper device includes a flexible tubular member, a flexible shaft extending through the tubular member, a proximal handle for moving the shaft and tubular member relative to each other, and a distal helical coil having a sharpened end for engaging tissue. The tissue grasper is advanced through a working channel of an endoscope, engaged relative to tissue, and retracted to pull tissue into a path of a movable needle coupled at a distal end of the endoscope so that the needle can be passed through the tissue. The needle is preferably provided with a suture so that as the needle is passed through the tissue a stitch is formed. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271328 | APPARATUS FOR PLACING MEDICAL IMPLANTS - An apparatus includes a carrier configured to be movably disposed within a channel defined by an elongate member. The carrier includes a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The proximal end portion is configured to be coupled to an actuator. The distal end portion includes a protrusion and an engagement surface. The protrusion has a tip configured to bodily pierce tissue. The protrusion is configured to be received within a lumen defined by a connecting portion of an implant, such as, for example, a pelvic floor implant, such that the tip extends through the lumen defined by the connecting portion of the implant. The engagement surface is configured to engage a portion of the connecting portion of the implant to limit movement of the connecting portion of the implant relative to the protrusion. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271329 | NEEDLE HOLDER - A needle holder includes a first shaft on which a first gripping body is provided at a front end, and a second shaft on which a second gripping body is provided at a front end and which slides in an axial direction relative to the first shaft. The first gripping body and the second gripping body have continuous curved convex shapes at at least sides opposed to each other and abut against each other as the second shaft slides relative to the first shaft. An abutment keeping mechanism by which abutment between the first gripping body and the second gripping body is kept while the first shaft and the second shaft are separated from each other as the second shaft further slides relative to the first shaft in the same direction from a state where the first gripping body and the second gripping body abut against each other is provided. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271330 | TEMPLATE FOR BIOLOGIC OR SYNTHETIC GRAFT PREPARATION - A device for peroperative preparation of an implantable patch with suturing according to embodiments of the present invention includes a first element having one or more first through-openings configured to receive a suture, a second element movable with respect to the first element, the second element including one or more second through-openings configured to receive the suture, and a mechanism configured to position the first and second elements with respect to each other in a closed configuration in which at least one of the one or more first through-openings is aligned with at least one of the one or more second through-openings and in which the first and second elements are close enough together to hold the implantable patch between the first and second elements. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271331 | DEVICES AND METHODS FOR ANCHORING TISSUE - Anchors, anchoring systems, anchor delivery devices, and method of using anchors are described. An anchor may be a flexible anchor having two curved legs that cross in a single turning direction to form a loop, wherein the legs are adapted to penetrate tissue. The ends of the curved legs may be blunt or sharp. The anchor can assume different configurations such as a deployed configuration and a delivery configuration, and the anchor may switch between these different configurations. In operation, the anchor may be inserted into tissue by releasing the anchor from a delivery configuration so that the anchor self-expands into the deployed configuration, so that the legs of the anchor may penetrate the tissue in a curved pathway. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271332 | SURGICAL INSTRUMENT FOR REMOVING BODY TISSUE OR VESSELS - A surgical instrument and a method for using the instrument are provided. The instrument can include a tubular member. A grasper can extend within the tubular member. The grasper can have grasping members each with a distal body. An opening can be formed in an inner surface of each distal body. The grasping members can pivot between an open and a closed configuration to engage a body vessel or tissue. A cutting device can extend within the tubular member. The cutting device can have a cutting member with a cutting edge. The cutting member can be movable between a free and an engaged configuration to sever a body vessel or tissue. When the grasping members are in the closed configuration, the openings of the distal bodies can form a cavity to receive the cutting member to shield the cutting member during navigation within a body of a patient. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271333 | Safety Scalpel - A scalpel enabling both safe blade engagement or disengagement and safe passing among personnel during surgical procedures. The blade arm assembly of the scalpel is positionable in three positions, including a retracted position, an operational extended position and a fully extended position for engagement and disengagement of the blade. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271334 | Apparatus and Method for Ablating Tissue - A control system alters one or more characteristics of an ablating element to ablate tissue. In one aspect, the control system delivers energy nearer to the surface of the tissue by changing the frequency or power. In another aspect, the ablating element delivers focused ultrasound which is focused in at least one dimension. The ablating device may also have a number of ablating elements with different characteristics such as focal length. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271335 | TATTOOING APPARATUS CAPABLE OF ADJUSTING THE CONCENTRATION OF PIGMENT FLUID FOR TATTOOS OR SEMI-PERMANENT TATTOOS - A tattooing apparatus, which have a tattoo needle traveling back and forth to a skin to allow a staining solution for tattoo contained in the apparatus to penetrate into the skin and thus to get a tattoo and which can adjust a concentration of the staining solution for tattoo, is disclosed. The tattooing apparatus includes a chamber pressure adjusting member to adjust a degree of opening and closing an inlet of a storing chamber in which the staining solution for tattoo is stored, thus to adjust a pressure in the storing chamber. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271336 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MEASURING A VESSEL IN A VASCULAR ENVIRONMENT - An apparatus is provided in one example embodiment including a body section including inner and outer edges with the inner edge surrounding at least a portion of an open area. The body section further includes a lower surface extending between the inner and outer edges, and a handle adjacent to the lower surface. The apparatus also comprises a plurality of arms that include opposing tips and proximal ends received in the body section. The opposing tips define a tip spacing therebetween, and the arms are configured to extend and retract to decrease and increase, respectively, a dimension of the tip spacing. In more specific embodiments, the lower surface of the apparatus includes size markers, and each size marker corresponds to a dimension of the tip spacing when the handle is aligned with the size marker. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271337 | Occluder For Occluding an Atrial Appendage and Production Process Therefor - An occlusion device and a production process for it are described. The occlusion device consists of a mesh or braiding of at least one wire or thread wherein the occlusion device has been given a suitable design using a reshaping and/or heat-treatment process, is self-expandable, and is configured for secure anchoring in an atrial appendage of the left or right atrium of a heart. The occlusion device comprises a proximal retention region on a proximal end of the occlusion device a distal retention region and a central region between the proximal retention region and said distal retention region and wherein the occlusion device has a closed distal end without a holder, and wherein the occlusion device is at least partly of essentially spherical form, and hollow. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271338 | RETRIEVAL MECHANISMS FOR IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICES - Improved devices and components for securing and retrieving an implantable medical device including at least one of a flanged tip disposed at a distal end of the implantable medical device; a halo retrieval tip disposed at a distal end of the implantable medical device; an external leash disposed at least one of a proximal end, a midportion, and a distal end of the implantable medical device; and an internal leash disposed within an inflatable balloon of the implantable medical device. A method of retrieving an implantable medical device, comprising: securing a retrieval device to at least one of the components described herein; and removing the implantable medical device from a patient. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271339 | Balloon Catheter With Integrated Optical Sensor For Determining Balloon Diameter - An apparatus and method for determining an expanded diameter of a catheter balloon. An optical sensor includes an elongated optical fiber with at least one diffraction grating formed in a core of a distal portion thereof. The fiber distal portion is coupled to the inflatable balloon. Broadband light is transmitted to the diffraction grating by an optical interrogator. A portion of the light is reflected from the diffraction grating and is received by a wavelength detector. The wavelength of the reflected portion of light is dependent on the strain applied to the diffraction grating. The wavelength detector determines the strain in the balloon and correlates the strain to the diameter of the balloon. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271340 | Method and Apparatus for Embolic Protection During Heart Procedure - A method and apparatus is provided for embolic protection during a heart procedure to ablate an arrhythmia of the heart of the patient. The method may include placing an embolic protection filter and reshaping the mitral valve annulus. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271341 | Method and Apparatus for Treating a Mitral Valve Prolapse and Providing Embolic Protection - A method and apparatus for treating a mitral valve prolapse and providing embolic protection in a patient is disclosed. An embolic protection filter is delivered to the left atrium and placed in the blood flow exiting the left atrium of the heart. The filter is secured in the heart of a patient. A shaping member is delivered to the mitral valve of the heart and secured in the heart. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271342 | SLIDEABLE VASCULAR FILTER - A collapsible medical device that includes a mandrel having a distal end and a stop spaced proximally of the distal end. A proximal length of the mandrel extends proximally of the stop and a distal length of the mandrel extends distally of the stop. A functional element has a radially expandable body and includes proximal and distal sliders. The proximal and distal sliders are slidable along the mandrel independently of one another such that the distance between the proximal slider and distal slider can be varied to effect different configurations of the functional element. In one method of using such a device, urging the mandrel distally causes the stop to exert a distal biasing force on the distal slider, which acts against a restorative force of the functional element to axially elongate the functional element and reduce friction between the functional element and a wall of the vessel. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271343 | EXPANDABLE IMPLANT DEVICES FOR FILTERING BLOOD FLOW FROM ATRIAL APPENDAGES - Implant devices for filtering blood flowing through the ostium of an atrial appendage have component structures one or more of which are expandable. Devices with component structures in their unexpanded state have a compact size suitable for intra-cutaneous delivery to an atrial appendage situs. The expandable component structures are expanded in situ to deploy the devices. A device may have sufficiently short axial length so that most or almost all of the device length may fit within the ostium region. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271344 | MEDICAL IMPLANT DETACHMENT SYSTEMS AND METHODS - An implant assembly comprises an elongated pusher member, and an implantable device (e.g., a vaso-occlusive device) mounted to the distal end of the pusher member. The implant assembly further comprises an electrolytically severable joint disposed on the pusher member, wherein the implantable device detaches from the pusher member when the severable joint is severed, and a return electrode carried by the distal end of the pusher member (e.g., a coil disposed about the pusher member) in proximity to, but electrically isolated from, the severable joint. The implant assembly further comprises a terminal carried by the proximal end of the pusher member in electrical communication with the severable joint. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271345 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR TREATING MYOFASCIAL TRIGGER POINTS - A device and method for the application of pressure to a location where muscle pain exists, including at a trigger point. The device and method provide gradual, uniform and systematic progression of pressure and release. The device and method enable the application of pressure in a manner that allows a patient to tolerate the pressure without tensing the relevant muscles and/or causing the locus of pain to become hyperirritable and painful. The device and method also enable the gradual selectable increase in that applied pressure while still preventing the tense response from the patient so that the optimal or desired amount of focused pressure is tolerated. The device enables progressive deep tissue massage in systematic and progressive steps that enhances the treatment of myofascial trigger points in skeletal muscles and other forms of muscle pain. The device includes a plurality of terminal configurations that differ in hardness and/or dimensions. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271346 | Surgical Forceps - A forceps includes an end effector assembly having first and second jaw members. One (or both) of the first and second jaw members is moveable relative to the other between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position for grasping tissue therebetween. One (or both) of the jaw members includes a jaw frame a disposable jaw housing and an elastomeric ring member. The disposable jaw housing is releasably engageable with the jaw frame. The elastomeric ring member is removably positionable about a distal end of the jaw housing. The elastomeric ring member is configured to define a gap distance between the first and second jaw members upon movement of the first and second jaw members to the approximated position. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271347 | HANDLING DEVICE FOR A MICRO-INVASIVE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT - A handling device for a micro-invasive surgical instrument includes a gripping device to hold and guide the handling device, a shaft coupling to couple the handling device with a proximal end of a shaft, and a rod coupling that can slide linearly inside the handling device between a distal assembly position and a range of working positions for coupling with a proximal end of a transmission rod that can be slid inside a shaft coupled with the shaft coupling. The slidable rod coupling is configured, in the assembly position, to receive or release a proximal end of a transmission rod and to hold a proximal end of a transmission rod, in the range of working positions. The shaft coupling is configured to block a proximal end of a shaft in a position in which the proximal end of the shaft holds the rod coupling in the range of working positions. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271348 | SELF CLOSING OCCULSION DEVICE WITH A TWIST - An occlusion device and a method for occluding an opening in a body tissue with the occlusion device are provided. The occlusion device comprises a middle portion, a distal portion, and a proximal portion. The middle portion may be formed of non-woven wires and twisted about the longitudinal axis. The distal portion and the proximal portion may be comprised of a shape memory material. The occlusion device may be shape set to establish a preset configuration, and thus may be deformable to fit in and occlude the opening in the body tissue. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271349 | Suture Anchor and Method of Use - A suture anchor | 2012-10-25 |
20120271350 | Range of motion table - A massage table for supporting a person during a massage above a surface includes a leg assembly that engages the floor, and a table top that includes six foldable wings, four staging feet and a handle. The frame is made up of rectangular aluminum sections that are welded together to make up the frame and the wings frame. The frame includes a frame base that supports at least a portion of the person above the surface with two legs, the wings are connected to the base of the frame by piano hinge and can fold down independently while still connected to the frame base, the frame sections are made of aluminum but can be made up of various materials. A T-bar face cradle inserts into the head of the table. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271351 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SPINAL FACET FUSION - A spinal facet fusion implant includes an elongated main body having a distal end, a proximal end and a longitudinal axis extending between the distal end and the proximal end. The main body has a cross-sectional profile characterized by a primary axis and a secondary axis. At least one stabilizer extends radially outwardly from the main body in the secondary axis. The main body has a length along the primary axis that is less than the combined width of the spinal facets making up a facet joint. The stabilizer has a width that is sized to make a press fit into the gap between the spinal facets making up a facet joint. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271352 | FACET JOINT IMPLANT - A facet joint implant includes a joint surface replacement implant and a fastening device for fixing the joint surface replacement implant in the joint gap of a facet joint of a human or animal spinal column. The fastening device includes at least two fastening elements that protrude from the joint surface replacement implant. The at least two fastening elements are each provided in the region of their free ends with at least one fixing element through hole. The facet joint implant includes a fixing element which is fed through at least two fixing element through holes of at least two fastening elements. The free ends of the fixing element are connectable to one another. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271353 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ALIGNING VERTEBRAE IN THE AMELIORATION OF ABERRANT SPINAL COLUMN DEVIATION CONDITIONS IN PATIENTS REQUIRING THE ACCOMODATION OF SPINAL COLUMN GROWTH OR ELONGATION - A system and method for ameliorating spinal column anomalies, such as scoliosis, while accommodating growth of juvenile patients, includes pedicle screws and an extendable telescopic spinal rod of non-circular cross section. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271354 | VERTEBRAL ATTACHMENT DEVICE - A vertebral attachment system and method for retaining a spinal vertebra ( | 2012-10-25 |
20120271355 | ELONGATED CONNECTING ELEMENTS FOR MINIMALLY INVASIVE SURGICAL PROCEDURES - Apparatus and methods include an elongate connecting element including a body extending along a longitudinal axis between a first end and an opposite second end. The connecting element includes a first end portion at its first end and a second end portion at its second end. The connecting element includes a length between the first and second ends sized to extend between and be engaged to first and second anchors engageable to bony portions of the spinal column. The first and second end portions are positioned on opposite sides of the first and second anchors and project outwardly from the body of the connecting element to capture the first and second anchors between the first and second end portions. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271356 | SPINAL IMPLANT WITH A FLEXIBLE EXTENSION ELEMENT - A spinal implant with at least one flexible elongated extension element is provided. The spinal implant has a profile that is lower than standard spinal implants. The spinal implant includes a bone anchor with a head portion and a shaft extending along a longitudinal axis of the bone anchor. A head plate is coupled to the bone anchor. The head plate includes a first elongated extension element and a second elongated extension element. The first elongated extension element and the second elongated extension element may be formed as a single monolithic element that is attached to the head plate by passing through a pair of openings provided on the head plate. At least one of the first elongated extension element and the second elongated extension element is flexible. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271357 | TOOLS AND METHODS FOR THE PREPARATION OF THE FACET JOINT - Methods of fusing a facet joint that include inserting a cannula with a first end of the cannula at the facet joint and a second end positioned away from the facet joint. One or more tools may be inserted through the cannula to contact against and treat one or both vertebral members to enlarge the facet joint. An osteogenic material is then inserted into the enlarged facet joint to facilitate fusion of the first and second vertebral members. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271358 | BONE ALIGNMENT IMPLANT AND METHOD OF USE - A bone alignment implant includes a first bone fastener with a first bone engager that is adapted for fixation into the metaphyseal bone and a second bone fastener with a second bone engager that is adapted for fixation into the diaphyseal bone. A link connecting the two fasteners spans across the physis. Alternatively, the bone alignment implant is adapted for fixation into the diaphyseal sections of two adjoining vertebral bodies. These implants act as a flexible tethers between the metaphyseal and the diaphyseal sections of bone during bone growth. These implants are designed to adjust and deform during the bone realignment process. When placed on the convex side of the deformity, the implant allows the bone on the concave side of the deformity to grow. During the growth process the bone is then realigned. A similar procedure is used to correct torsional deformities. | 2012-10-25 |
20120271359 | BONE PLATE SYSTEM AND RELATED METHODS - A bone plate system for use in an “open door” laminoplasty procedure, including a bone plate, a first fixation element, and at least one second fixation element. The bone plate is elongated and has a generally curved shape such that the plate has an associated radius of curvature. The plate is sized and dimensioned to span a gap between a pair of bony segments, for example a pair of bony segments constituting a divided lamina. The first and second fixation elements are each configured to securely attach the bone plate to the bony segments. The bone plate has a first end including a generally U-shaped slot extending therein such that the open end of the slot comprises a first terminal end of the plate. | 2012-10-25 |