48th week of 2009 patent applcation highlights part 41 |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20090292242 | SENSOR ELEMENT, SENSOR SYSTEM, CATHETER AND MANUFACTURING METHOD OF THE SENSOR ELEMENT - A sensor element, a sensor system, a catheter that can detect the thrombi, plaques and stents in the blood vessels and manufacturing method of the sensor element are provided. A cylinder is formed as a cylinder shaped part that has a long inner space and one open end. The cylinder has a slit being formed along an axis and the width of the slit is less than diameter of the inner space. A plurality of coils is wound outside of the cylinder and the lead portions of the coils are led into the inner space of the cylinder by passing through the slits. Electrically conducting means are connected to each of lead portions and are externally led out from the open end of the cylinder. | 2009-11-26 |
20090292243 | NEEDLE SAFETY DEFLECTION DEVICE - An apparatus to automatically secure an end of a needle after contact with a blood vessel. The apparatus may include a housing and a biasing member, where the housing includes a hollow interior region extending between a proximal end and a distal end thereof. A proximal opening may be integrated into the proximal end, while a distal opening may be integrated into the distal end. The proximal and distal openings may be configured to receive a needle therethrough along a longitudinal axis. The biasing member may be coupled to the housing and configured to apply a force to the needle. The force may be oriented to displace the needle relative to the longitudinal axis upon retracting an end of the needle through the distal opening into the hollow interior region. Embodiments of the present invention may thus secure the end of the needle within the hollow interior region after use to prevent accidental needle sticks and exposure to blood and blood-borne pathogens. | 2009-11-26 |
20090292244 | SELECTIVE LOCKING MECHANISM FOR AN INTRODUCER DEVICE - A selectively lockable introducer assembly is disclosed that comprises an introducer cannula and a needle guide. The introducer cannula is defined by a proximal end and a distal end and includes a lumen extending therebetween. The needle guide is defined by a body portion that includes at least one channel extending therethrough. The introducer cannula is configured to be selectively receivable within the at least one channel and the introducer cannula may be selectively lockable with respect to the needle guide such that the introducer cannula is selectively prevented from moving laterally with respect to the needle guide. | 2009-11-26 |
20090292245 | MICROPUMP-OPERATED DRUG DOSING SYSTEM - The present invention relates to a device for injecting a substance into the human or animal body, where the medicament to be injected is removed from a reservoir by generating a subatmospheric pressure. | 2009-11-26 |
20090292246 | CASSETTE FOR A HIDDEN INJECTION NEEDLE - A system for injecting a fluid medicament into a patient includes a drive mechanism, and a cassette loaded with a pre-filled hypodermic syringe. When the cassette is loaded, the syringe is held firmly inside and the cassette can be selectively engaged with the drive mechanism. The drive mechanism has two motors. A first motor initially moves the hypodermic syringe from a position inside the cassette where its needle is concealed, to a position where the needle extends from the cassette for insertion into a patient for an injection. With the needle inserted, a second motor pushes the syringe stopper to expel a fluid medicament from the syringe. After an injection, the first motor withdraws the syringe back into concealment inside the cassette, to again firmly hold the syringe on the cassette. The cassette and syringe, in combination, can then be removed from the drive mechanism and discarded. | 2009-11-26 |
20090292247 | PERISTALTIC MICROPUMP WITH EXCHANGEABLE PUMP HEAD - The present invention relates to a device for injecting a pharmaceutical into the human or animal body by means of a simply and quickly exchangeable motorized pump head. | 2009-11-26 |
20090292248 | Method for Inserting a Catheter - A method for inserting a multiple catheter assembly into a patient. The assembly ( | 2009-11-26 |
20090292249 | INSERTION DEVICE - An insertion device, generally used with an infusion set, including a needle being adapted for puncturing at one end and including at the opposite end a hub. The hub includes a handle part and a guard part that are capable of securing the needle through the use of locks. Locking structures are used to secure the insertion device in a position where the needle is covered in a locked position, avoiding unintended contact with the needle. | 2009-11-26 |
20090292250 | INSERTION DEVICE - An insertion device, generally used with an infusion set, including a needle being adapted for puncturing at one end and including at the opposite end a hub. The hub includes a handle part and a guard part that are capable of securing the needle through the use of locks. Locking structures are used to secure the insertion device in a position where the needle is covered in a locked position, avoiding unintended contact with the needle. | 2009-11-26 |
20090292251 | INTRODUCER SEAL ASSEMBLY - A unique surgical system and method of use includes a seal assembly which is initially mountable about a surgical instrument. The surgical instrument with mounted seal assembly is thereafter positioned within a cannula assembly. The seal assembly forms a fluid tight seal within the interior of the cannula assembly while also forming a fluid tight seal about the surgical instrument. The seal assembly and the cannula assembly cooperate to permit angulation of the surgical instrument. A magnetic coupling assists in retaining the seal assembly within the cannula assembly. | 2009-11-26 |
20090292252 | Pressure Activated Valve for High Flow Rate and Pressure Venous Access Applications - A valve comprises a first housing including a first lumen extending therethrough and defining a first disk-facing surface and a second housing including a second lumen extending therethrough and defining a second disk-facing surface, the second housing being mated to the first housing so that the second disk-facing surface faces the first disk-facing surface in combination with a flexible disk gripped between gripping portions of the first and second disk-facing surfaces, the disk including a slit extending therethrough which, when acted upon by a fluid pressure of at least a predetermined threshold level opens to permit fluid flow between the first and second lumens and which, when acted upon by a fluid pressure less than the threshold level remains sealed preventing fluid flow between the first and second lumens and a relief well between opposing portions of the first and second housings radially outside the gripping portions, a width of the relief well exceeding a width of a radially outer portion of the flexible disk so that the radially outer portion of the disk is free to move therewithin. | 2009-11-26 |
20090292253 | Vascular Guide Wire Introducer Assembly and Valve Therefor - A vascular guidewire introducer device ( | 2009-11-26 |
20090292254 | Micro-needle and micro-needle patch - Insertion of a micro-needle into a living body is made easy. The micro-needle includes first and second end sections arranged in a longitudinal direction and includes a biocompatible material, wherein the first end section tapers down from it's end on a side of the second end section toward another end thereof and the maximum apical angle of the first end section falls within a range of 9 to 53°. | 2009-11-26 |
20090292255 | MICRO-NEEDLE AND MICRO-NEEDLE PATCH - A micro-needle patch has microneedles extending from a first main surface, which is made of a material including chitin and/or chitosan. The micro-needle patch has a feed substance on at least one of the first main surface and a second main surface. The micro-needle patch makes insertion of the microneedles into a living body easier. The micro-needle patch is manufactured by pressing a plate having a recessed pattern on a surface thereof, the recessed pattern including recesses corresponding to micro-needles of at least one micro-needle patch, against a sheet or film of a raw material to form protrusions corresponding to the recesses on a surface of the sheet or film. | 2009-11-26 |
20090292256 | Nasogastric tube fastener - This invention provides a device for fastening a nasogastric tube in place by attachment to the surface of the patient's nose. The device provides the wearer with a securely positioned tube, not easily moved, but yet comfortable to wear. In addition men with facial hair may be spared the need to shave the upper lip in order to tape the tube in place. The device, being crafted out of a flexible film or fabric provides some degrees of motion for even greater comfort and ease of medical care. | 2009-11-26 |
20090292257 | Safety Shield System for Prefilled Syringe - A medical device is provided which includes a shield system and a syringe which is coupled to the shield system. The shield system includes a syringe holder and a shield which is slidably coupled to the holder. A spring resiliently urges the shield from a retracted position to an extended position. Stop members are provided on the holder and shield for maintaining the shield in the retracted position. The syringe is slidably coupled to the holder, and extends within the shield. Axial movement of the syringe with respect to the holder causes disengagement of the stop members, allowing the spring to move the shield to the extended position. Detents are provided on the holder for maintaining the shield in the extended position. | 2009-11-26 |
20090292258 | Nasal Cannula Cover - The present invention is a protective cover for a nasal cannula. The device completely encloses the two prongs of the nasal cannula when properly installed. This protective cover will keep the nasal cannula from contacting potentially unclean surfaces when the nasal cannula is not in use. | 2009-11-26 |
20090292259 | Stylet Handle Attachment Device - A hub assembly, such as for long needles, is disclosed. The hub assembly includes a needle hub having a proximal end and a distal end, having a cannula extending therethrough and protruding from the distal end, with the needle hub having a first engagement portion. The hub assembly also includes a stylet handle having a stylet extending therefrom. The stylet is adapted to be received within a portion of the cannula, with the stylet handle having a second engagement portion. Engagement of the first engagement portion of the needle hub and the second engagement portion of the stylet handle forms a positive lock in which at least a portion of one of the first and second engagement portions is held within the other of the first and second engagement portions in an unbiased state. | 2009-11-26 |
20090292260 | Needle Guard - The needle guard is attached to the needle hub by a polyester film strip and the needle passes through longitudinally spaced apart apertures in the strip. The film strip is housed in the needle guard in corrugated manner. When the needle guard is pulled over the needle, the needle moves into the housing of the needle guard and into abutment with the housing while the strip is stretched between the hub and the housing to retain the housing connected to the hub under a biasing force. | 2009-11-26 |
20090292261 | SAFETY INTRAVENOUS CATHETER ASSEMBLY - A safety intravenous catheter assembly includes a needle, a catheter hub having an axial bore extending through the catheter hub and a notch extending outwardly in the axial bore, a needle cover, and a notch clip connected to the needle cover. The notch clip is selectively maintained adjacent the needle throughout a range of positions from being in forceful contact with the needle to being generally spaced from the needle and selectively maintained adjacent the catheter hub throughout a range of positions from being in forceful contact with the catheter hub to being generally spaced from the catheter hub to lock the catheter hub to the needle cover while being operable to move the needle relative to the notch clip in a near frictionless relationship. | 2009-11-26 |
20090292262 | VALVE LOADER METHOD, SYSTEM, AND APPARATUS - A valve loading system is provided that uses a valve loader to transfer a valve or other medical device from a storage cartridge into a deployment catheter. The valve or other medical device can be implanted or positioned within a patient using the catheter after the valve or other medical device has been compressed and loaded into the catheter using the valve loader. The process then can be repeated by using the valve loading system to load or introduce another valve or other medical device into the catheter. | 2009-11-26 |
20090292263 | WOUND THERAPY SYSTEM WITH PORTABLE CONTAINER APPARATUS - A portable system for subatmospheric pressure therapy in connection with healing a surgical wound, including a wound dressing dimensioned for positioning relative to a wound bed of a subject and a subatmospheric pressure mechanism dimensioned to be carried or worn by the subject. The subatmospheric pressure mechanism includes a housing having a control unit adapted to draw a vacuum and a canister associated with the housing. The canister has a collection bag disposed therein, which is in fluid communication with the wound dressing to receive exudates from the wound bed. The collection bag is adapted to expand upon receipt of the fluids and has means to release gas from within the collection bag in connection with operation of the control unit. With this arrangement, the canister is attitude independent, i.e., the canister may be positioned on edge, on its side or on its end etc. while still maintaining operation of the control unit. The collection bag may include a hydrophobic vent or material for releasing the gases. In another embodiment, the collection bag comprises a gas permeable material. The collection bag may include one of pleats or bellows. | 2009-11-26 |
20090292264 | WOUND THERAPY SYSTEM WITH HOUSING AND CANISTER SUPPORT - A system for subatmospheric pressure therapy in connection with the healing of a surgical wound is disclosed. The system may be portable or semi-portable, thereby providing the subject with the ability to be partially or completely ambulatory through the course of the treatment. The system includes a wound dressing dimensioned for positioning relative to a wound bed of a subject and a portable subatmospheric pressure mechanism dimensioned to be carried or worn by the subject. The subatmospheric pressure mechanism includes a housing, a vacuum source at least partially disposed within the housing and in fluid communication with the fluid conduit, a filter in fluid communication with the vacuum source, and a collection canister for collecting exudates from the wound bed removed under subatmospheric pressure. An elevation member is mounted with respect to the housing. The elevation member is adapted to position the housing and canister at a predetermined orientation when positioned relative to a support surface to minimize a potential of at least one of spillage of the exudates from the canister, clogging of the filter or an inappropriate canister full indication. | 2009-11-26 |
20090292265 | MOISTURE MONITOR SYSTEM FOR DIAPERS AND ALIKE - The present invention relates to a system suitable for monitoring multiple leakage events such as wetting of a diaper or alike sanitary product. The system includes two or more than two electrodes that are supported in a spaced apart relationship and a liquid permeable substrate between the electrodes that lacks or has a low capacity for holding or storing liquid. In the event of liquid leakage, an electrical bridge connecting the electrodes can be formed by the liquid, and before the product becomes saturated liquid can freely drain from the permeable substrate and disconnect the electrodes. Upon further liquid leakage, electrical connection between the electrodes can be reformed indicating multiple liquid leakage events. In the situation where the sanitary product becomes saturated and liquid is prevented from draining from the permeable substrate, the electrical connection will continue, indicating that the sanitary product requires changing. | 2009-11-26 |
20090292266 | SEAM JOINING TOGETHER AT LEAST TWO WEB MATERIALS - A seam joining together at least two web materials in an overlapped manner, wherein the overlapped portions are bonded together by ultrasonic welding, heat bonding, laser welding or the like, in a bonding pattern extending over at least a part of the overlapped portion to form said seam. The bonding pattern has a main bonding pattern extending in longitudinal direction along at least a part of the overlapped portion, and at least one edge bonding pattern extending in longitudinal direction along at least a part of along and adjacent at least one side edge of the overlapped portion, the bonded area of said edge bonding pattern occupying no more than 30% of the total bonded area of the central bonding pattern plus the bonded area of the edge bonding pattern. The seam may be present in a personal care absorbent article. | 2009-11-26 |
20090292267 | DISPOSABLE ABSORBENT ARTICLE HAVING CAPACITY TO STORE LOW-VISCOSITY FECAL MATERIAL - A disposable absorbent article, such as a disposable diaper. The disposable absorbent article has a topsheet with apertures large enough for low-viscosity fecal material to pass through to a fecal material storage element. The fecal material storage element immobilizes the fecal material in position for dewatering, so that the solid components of the fecal material are separated from the liquid components of the fecal material and the liquid components can be absorbed by an absorbent core. This arrangement provides for easier cleaning of the wearer when the soiled disposable absorbent article is removed. The fecal material storage element may extend beyond one or more edges of the absorbent core. | 2009-11-26 |
20090292268 | ABSORBENT ARTICLE WITH IMPROVED FIT AND LEAKAGE SECURITY - An absorbent article having front, crotch and rear portions and an absorbent core of unitary construction. The core has a first region with two legs extending in the longitudinal direction of the article through at least parts of the crotch portion towards endings in the rear portion. A maximum distance between facing sides of the legs in the transverse direction is, in the crotch portion, located at a position in the longitudinal direction corresponding to a crotch point. Furthermore, the facing sides of the legs converge backwards such that a distance between them is reduced from the maximum distance to a minimum distance in the rear portion. In addition, the core has a second region surrounding the first region and the average density of the core is lower in the second region than in the first region. | 2009-11-26 |
20090292269 | ABSORBENT ARTICLE WITH A CHECKING FUNCTION FOR ELASTIC ELONGATION - An absorbent article ( | 2009-11-26 |
20090292270 | Fastener Tab - A fastener tab includes a tab substrate having a first side and a second side. A first adhesive region is applied to an installation portion of the first side and a second adhesive region is applied to a fastening portion of the first side. The first and second adhesive regions are configured to provide different adhesion characteristics. A disposable absorbent article includes at least one fastener tab and may also include release and attachment substrates that releasably retain the second adhesive region for storage and use, respectively. | 2009-11-26 |
20090292271 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR BUFFERING ANESTHETICS - A device for delivering buffer solution into a buffer cartridge comprises a needle assembly and a pusher. The septa of a buffer cartridge and an anesthetic cartridge are advanced onto a transfer needle, and the pusher advances a plunger into the buffer cartridge to deliver buffer through the transfer needle into the anesthetic cartridge. A separate exhaust needle allows excess anesthetic from the anesthetic cartridge to be exhausted. A compression member is usually provided to maintain a force against the plunger on the buffer cartridge to pressurize and stabilize the contents during sterilization and/or storage. | 2009-11-26 |
20090292272 | CONICAL DIFFUSER TIP - A catheter assembly is provided having a conical diffuser tip for use in rapid infusion procedures. The conical diffuser tip provides a flared opening whereby the velocity of an infusant is decreased as the infusant travels through the catheter tip and exits into the vascular system of a patient. This decrease in velocity proportionately reduces the backpressure and/or recoil force of the catheter assembly thereby permitting the use of higher infusion rates. The catheter tip is introduced into the vasculature of a patient via a splittable introducer needle. | 2009-11-26 |
20090292273 | Catheter connection hub - Fluid communication to an end of a catheter is afforded through a connection hub selectively attachable thereto. The connection hub includes a catheter-receiving element and a fluid-coupling element that are relatively rotatable coaxially between one of two states by way of a determinant assembly feature. The first state is an unlocked state and the second state is a locked state. The unlocked state is for determinately receiving a catheter and the locked state is for determinately securing the catheter. A method of making a connection hub is also provided. | 2009-11-26 |
20090292274 | VALVE CONNECTOR FOR MEDICAL LINES - Valve connector for infusion medical lines including an external tubular body ( | 2009-11-26 |
20090292275 | HIGH-ORDER OPTICAL CORRECTION DURING CORNEAL LASER SURGERY - Systems and methods related to corneal ablation for treatment of one or more high-order optical aberrations are provided. A method includes providing a defect-correcting prescription, determining an ablation profile to impose the prescription on the cornea, and determining a sequence of laser-energy ablations to impose the ablation profile on the cornea. The prescription comprises a high-order optical correction. The ablation profile comprises a first-segment profile and a second-segment profile. The second-segment profile corresponds to at least one high-order optical correction. The ablation sequence comprises applying ablations corresponding to the first-segment profile prior to applying ablations corresponding to the second-segment profile. | 2009-11-26 |
20090292276 | SYSTEM AND METHOD OF USE FOR AGENT DELIVERY AND REVASCULARIZING OF GRAFTS AND VESSELS - A system and method for opening a lumen in an occluded blood vessel, e.g., a coronary bypass graft, of a living being. The system comprises an atherectomy catheter having a working head, e.g., a rotary impacting impeller, and a debris extraction sub-system. The atherectomy catheter is located within a guide catheter. The working head is arranged to operate on, e.g., impact, the occlusive material in the occluded vessel to open a lumen therein, whereupon some debris may be produced. The debris extraction sub-system introduces an infusate liquid at a first flow rate adjacent the working head and withdraws that liquid and some blood at a second and higher flow rate, through the guide catheter to create a differential flow adjacent the working head, whereupon the debris is withdrawn in the infusate liquid and blood for collection outside the being's body. The introduction of the infusate liquid may also be used to establish an unbalanced flow adjacent the working head to enable the atherectomy catheter to be steered hydrodynamically. A guide wire having an inflatable balloon on its distal end may be used with the atherectomy catheter to block the flow of debris distally, while enabling distal tissues to be perfused with an oxygenating liquid. At least one flow control port may be provided in the guide catheter to prevent collapse of the vessel being revascularized. A cradle is provided to fix the guide catheter and guide wire in position within the body of the being while enabling the atherectomy catheter to be advanced along the guide wire and through the guide catheter. | 2009-11-26 |
20090292277 | PICOSECOND LASER APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR ITS OPERATION AND USE - Apparatuses and methods are disclosed for applying laser energy having desired pulse characteristics, including a sufficiently short duration and/or a sufficiently high energy for the photomechanical treatment of skin pigmentations and pigmented lesions, both naturally-occurring (e.g., birthmarks), as well as artificial (e.g., tattoos). The laser energy may be generated with an apparatus having a resonator with the capability of switching between a modelocked pulse operating mode and an amplification operating mode. The operating modes are carried out through the application of a time-dependent bias voltage, having waveforms as described herein, to an electro-optical device (e.g., a Pockels cell) positioned along the optical axis of the resonator. | 2009-11-26 |
20090292278 | Multi-Stage Procedures with a Modifiable Fiber and a Guide Tube Containing an Instrument - Disclosed is an apparatus that includes a modifiable fiber structure adapted to operate in at least two configurations such that in a sideways-firing configuration the fiber structure is adapted to emit radiation in a substantially sideways direction relative to a longitudinal axis of the fiber structure, and in another, axial-firing, configuration the fiber structure is adapted to emit radiation in a substantially axial direction relative to the longitudinal axis of the fiber structure. Also disclosed is another apparatus that includes a guide tube disposed within a scope, the guide tube configured to be advanced to a position near an area to be treated so that the scope can be advanced along the guide tube to the position near the area to be treated. The guide tube is further configured to receive a treatment instrument to perform a treatment procedure on the area to be treated. | 2009-11-26 |
20090292279 | Device and Method for Coordinated Insertion of a Plurality of Cryoprobes - The present invention relates to devices and methods delivering a plurality of thermal ablation probes to an organic target in a body, the probes being delivered in a configuration and orientation enabling efficient and thorough ablation of a large target of complex shape. Preferred embodiments include introducers having individual probe channels shaped to direct inserted probes to diverge upon exiting the introducer, probes designed and constructed to bend in selected manner when exiting the introducer, and apparatus for stabilizing an introducer with respect to a target during insertion of treatment probes from introducer to target. | 2009-11-26 |
20090292280 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR PROTECTING TISSUES DURING CRYOABLATION - An apparatus and method for protecting the neurovascular bundle during cryoablation of tissues of the prostate by heating the vicinity of the neurovascular bundle while cooling pathological tissues of a prostate to cryoablation temperatures, thereby cryoablating pathological tissues while protecting the neurovascular bundle from damage. A cryoprobe operable to cool a distal operating tip while heating a proximal shaft is presented. | 2009-11-26 |
20090292281 | Surgical instrument - A device for morcellating tissue within a body cavity of a patient comprises a stationary tube having a distal end portion, and a bipolar electrosurgical electrode assembly located at the distal end of the tube. The electrosurgical electrode assembly comprises first and second electrodes separated by an insulation member. When an electrosurgical cutting voltage is applied to the electrode assembly, and relative movement is initiated between the tube and the tissue, a core of severed tissue is formed within the tube such that it can be removed from the body cavity of the patient. The tube comprises a twin-walled construction with an inner wall, an outer wall and an air gap therebetween. This twin-walled construction reduces the heat that is able to travel proximally along the tube. | 2009-11-26 |
20090292282 | Movable handle for vessel sealer - Bipolar forceps are provided including a shaft having opposing jaw members at a distal end thereof, the shaft defining a longitudinal axis; a drive assembly for moving the jaw members relative to one another from a first position wherein the jaw members are disposed in spaced relation relative to one another to a second position wherein the jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween; and a handle assembly operatively connected to a proximal end of the shaft. The handle assembly includes a first handle and a second handle, wherein the handle assembly is pivotable between a first position in which handle assembly is angled with respect to the longitudinal axis and a second position in which the handle assembly is substantially axially aligned with the longitudinal axis. | 2009-11-26 |
20090292283 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR TISSUE SEALING - An electrosurgical bipolar forceps for sealing is disclosed. The forceps includes one or more shaft members having an end effector assembly disposed at the distal end. The end effector assembly includes two jaw members movable from a first position to a closed position wherein the jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue at constant pressure. Each of the jaw members includes an electrically conductive sealing plate connected to a first energy source which communicates electrosurgical energy through the tissue held therebetween. The electrosurgical energy is communicated at constant voltage. The electrically conductive sealing plates are operably connected to sensor circuitry which is configured to measure initial tissue impedance and transmit an initial impedance value to a controller. The controller determines the constant pressure and the constant voltage to be applied to the tissue based on the initial impedance value. | 2009-11-26 |
20090292284 | FLEXIBLE SHAFT DRIVING ATTACHMENT FOR TOOLS - A flexible extension shaft comprises a flexible extension member having a length, and one end and an opposite end. A tool base connection member is secured to one end of the flexible extension member. A tool bit connection member is secured to the opposite end of the flexible extension member. A lighting unit is secured to the flexible extension shaft. | 2009-11-26 |
20090292285 | System and Method for Supporting The Weight Of A Body Using Osseopercutaneous Implants - In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, a system for reducing pressure on high-pressure load areas on a body includes a plurality of bone anchors and a support structure. Each of the bone anchors includes an implantation end and a coupling element. The bone anchor implantation end secures the bone anchor to a load-bearing bone, while the bone anchor coupling element engages the support structure to transfer a body weight from the load-bearing bones to the support structure. The support structure may include one or more support coupling elements to engage the bone anchor coupling elements. In accordance with other embodiments of the present invention, a method for reducing pressure on high-pressure load areas on a body includes implanting the plurality of bone anchors into at least one load-bearing bone in the body, and removably attaching the coupling elements of the bone anchors to the support structure to transfer a body weight from the load-bearing bone to the support structure. | 2009-11-26 |
20090292286 | Devices and Methods for Releasing Tension on a Surgical Tether - The present application is directed to devices and methods for releasing tension on a surgical tether. In one embodiment, the release mechanism is constructed to be positioned between a locked position and a release position. In the locked position, the release mechanism is attached to the tether to prevent the tether from moving through the release mechanism. In the release position, the release mechanism allows the tether to move through the body. The release mechanism may be constructed to move between the release and locked positions after being implanted within a patient. In one embodiment, the release mechanism returns to the locked position after the tension on the tether has been reduced below a predetermined amount. | 2009-11-26 |
20090292287 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR TOOLS IN AXIALLY ORIENTED BORES THROUGH SPINAL VERTEBRAE - One or more tools for use in shaped axially oriented bores extending from an accessed posterior or anterior target point are formed in the cephalad direction through vertebral bodies and intervening discs, if present, in general alignment with a visualized, trans-sacral axial instrumentation/fusion (TASIF) line in a minimally invasive, low trauma, manner. An anterior axial instrumentation/fusion line (AAIFL) or a posterior axial instrumentation/fusion line (PAIFL) that extends from the anterior or posterior target point, respectively, in the cephalad direction following the spinal curvature through one or more vertebral body is visualized by radiographic or fluoroscopic equipment. In one embodiment, curved anterior or posterior TASIF axial bores are formed in axial or parallel or diverging alignment with the visualized AAIFL or PAIFL, respectively, employing bore forming tools that can be manipulated from proximal portions thereof that are located outside the patient's body to adjust the curvature of the anterior or posterior TASIF axial bores as they are formed in the cephalad direction. Further bore enlarging tools are employed to enlarge one or more selected section of the anterior or posterior TASIF axial bore(s), e.g., the cephalad bore end or a disc space, so as to provide a recess therein that can be employed for various purposes, e.g., to provide anchoring surfaces for spinal implants inserted into the anterior or posterior TASIF axial bore(s). | 2009-11-26 |
20090292288 | Sinolift ridge expansion osteotome - The present invention provides an osteotome for sinus lifting and dental ridge expansion which includes an osteotome shank, a trepanelevation tip member, and a head. The trepanelevation tip member provides a cavity at a tip end and a prominence protruded from the bottom of the cavity. In this manner, during dental ridge expansion, the sharp edge of the trepanelevation tip member will secure the position and provide initial splitting of bones of sinus floor. Subsequently, the prominence will provide appropriate pressure for bone lifting. By applying the splitting force and compaction force alternatively in the same tip, the edge and prominence of the osteotome can lift the sinus in a much safer and more effective manner. | 2009-11-26 |
20090292289 | Systems and methods for injecting flowable materials into bones - Systems and methods provide greater control over the placement of cement and other flowable liquids into bone. | 2009-11-26 |
20090292290 | BONE TREATMENT SYSTEMS AND METHODS - Systems, bone cements and methods for treating vertebral compression fractures can utilize a bone cement comprising of a mixable liquid monomer component and a non-liquid component including polymer particles, wherein the non-liquid component is configured for controlled exposure to the liquid monomer over a setting interval of the bone cement. In a method of use, liquid and non-liquid components are mixed, and the bone cement is injected into bone wherein a lengthened setting interval is provided in which the mixture is configured for a flowability that prevents unwanted extravasation. | 2009-11-26 |
20090292291 | WIRE TORQUE APPARATUS, WIRE INSERTION DEVICES, IMPROVED ANEURYSM CLIPS AND IMPROVED ANEURYSM CLIP APPLICATORS - Wire torque apparatus and methods for engaging a wire torque apparatus are disclosed. Wire insertion devices and methods for inserting a wire into a catheter are disclosed. An improved aneurysm clip utilizes non-metallic material. An improvement to an aneurysm clip applicator tool includes a power supply to power an electromagnet, an adjustable counter element that is attracted to the electromagnet when the electromagnet is magnetized, and a switch to disengage the electromagnet. When the electromagnet is magnetized and comes within a certain proximity to the counter element, the electromagnet and the counter element attract and cling to one another. They are released by activating a switch. | 2009-11-26 |
20090292292 | GUIDE ASSEMBLY FOR INTRAMEDULLARY FIXATION AND METHOD OF USING THE SAME - An intramedullary fixation assembly usable with different long bone types and a guide assembly for guiding deployment of the intramedullary fixation assembly. The intramedullary fixation assembly includes a fixation member that has ends and a curved body extending between the ends. The curved body of the fixation member has a radius of curvature configured to extend through the medullary canal regardless of the long bone anatomy. Fasteners fix the fixation member to the bone fragments and are guided by a guide assembly. The guide assembly includes a guide body defining openings configured to guide the fasteners through openings defined in the fixation member and into the bone fragments. A fixation end of the guide body includes a pair of opposing, converging surfaces that are configured to engage in a positive fit with an exposed end of the fixation member accessible through the side aperture in the first fragment. | 2009-11-26 |
20090292293 | PLUNGERS FOR INTRAOCULAR LENS INJECTORS - An intraocular lens (IOL) injector for delivering an IOL into an eye of a patient. The injector includes an IOL load chamber and connected delivery tube, and a push rod for urging the IOL through the delivery tube and out of a distal tip thereof. The push rod is guided and biased against one side of the injector load chamber. The injector may include an inflatable pusher for urging the IOL through the delivery tube and out of a distal tip thereof. The inflatable pusher has a proximal end that may be open to an internal cavity of the injector, wherein a plunger movable in the injector cavity forces fluid such as air or saline into the pusher. A distal end of the pusher may be forked to capture a trailing end of the IOL, or may have a bulbous configuration to ensure the pusher does not pass the IOL. | 2009-11-26 |
20090292294 | INTRAOCULAR LENS INSERTION TOOL - An insertion tool of an intraocular lens of novel structure in which the intraocular lens can be deformed into smaller one while rotation of the intraocular lens in an insertion tube is effectively prevented. Upper and lower flat planes ( | 2009-11-26 |
20090292295 | Umbilical cord ligature device - An umbilical cord ligature device comprising a flexible latex ligature that is pre-assembled on a semi-rigid plastic ring. The umbilical cord is slipped through the device to a point close to the baby's abdominal wall, and with a twist of fingers, the latex ligature is then released from the ring over the umbilical cord, where it stays compressing the cord until it dehydrates and falls off. The pressure that the ligature exerts around the umbilical cord during its dehydration period makes hemorrhages virtually impossible. | 2009-11-26 |
20090292296 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR RECANALIZATION OF TOTAL OCCLUSIONS - An apparatus, system and method for re-canalization or opening a passage through an occlusion in a blood vessel is disclosed. The apparatus and method, which are appropriate for both cardiovascular as well as peripheral vessels, use hydraulic pressure to drive a vibratable member, and the system includes a control unit to permit the frequency or amplitude of oscillation of the vibratable member to be adjusted to suit the morphology or hardness of the target occlusion. Also disclosed is a method for adjusting the force of vibration. | 2009-11-26 |
20090292297 | Devices for Restoring Blood Flow and Embolus Removal During Acute Ischemic Stroke - Briefly stated, improved processes and devices restore blood flow to permit auto-lysis of clots, or enable capture emboli in their entirety without fragmenting while arterial access is maintained, preserving the integrity of patients' vasculature. | 2009-11-26 |
20090292298 | RECONFIGURABLE ROBOTIC END-EFFECTORS FOR MATERIAL HANDLING - A tool module associated with an end-effector for a robot arm that includes both linear and rotational locking mechanisms providing movement in five degrees of freedom. The tool module includes an integrated locking assembly that includes a linear locking mechanism and a rotary locking mechanism that are simultaneously locked and unlocked. The linear locking mechanism locks to a rod and the rotary locking mechanism locks and unlocks a shaft that is rigidly coupled to a swing arm. An opposite end of the swing arm includes another linear locking mechanism that locks and unlocks a shaft supporting a vacuum cup at an opposite end. The vacuum cup is mounted to a ball joint on the shaft that allows the vacuum cup to pivot. By locking and unlocking the locking mechanisms of the tool module, the end-effector can be readily configured to grasp and hold various parts of different dimensions and shapes. | 2009-11-26 |
20090292299 | OFFSET REMOTE CENTER MANIPULATOR FOR ROBOTIC SURGERY - Medical, surgical, and/or robotic devices and systems often including offset remote center parallelogram manipulator linkage assemblies which constrains a position of a surgical instrument during minimally invasive robotic surgery are disclosed. The improved remote center manipulator linkage assembly advantageously enhances the range of instrument motion while at the same time reduces the overall complexity, size, and physical weight of the robotic surgical system. | 2009-11-26 |
20090292300 | 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. | 2009-11-26 |
20090292301 | Tissue Fastener, and Tissue Fastener System and method Employing the Same - A fastener ( | 2009-11-26 |
20090292302 | Method And Apparatus For Radical Prostatectomy Anastomosis Including An Anchor For Engaging A Body Vessel And Deployable Sutures - A radical prostatectomy anastomosis device including a cartridge having a plurality of anchors slidably disposed in a plurality of distally angled radial channels formed in the cartridge and a pusher assembly operatively coupled within the cartridge. The pusher assembly being configured and adapted to push each of the plurality of anchors out of the angled radial channels of the radial cartridge. The device further including a fitting removably coupled to a distal end of the cartridge. The fitting including a flange having a plurality of holes formed radially around the flange, wherein each of the plurality of holes includes suture locking means configured and adapted to permit a suture to be drawn distally through each of the plurality of holes and to prevent the sutures from being drawn proximally through each of the plurality of holes. The device further including a plurality of sutures secured to an inner surface of the cartridge. The sutures passing through the fitting, through a respective hole of the plurality of holes formed in the fitting and secured to an outer surface of a respective anchor. | 2009-11-26 |
20090292303 | STRETCH RESISTANT THERAPEUTIC DEVICE - A vasoocclusive coil is reinforced with a stretch resistant member to improve safety during retraction of the coil. The stretch resistant member is fixedly attached at one end to the vasoocclusive coil, and the other end of the stretch resistant member is detachably mounted to an elongated pusher member to allow for placement and release of the vasoocclusive coil within the patient's vasculature. | 2009-11-26 |
20090292304 | POWERED SURGICAL HANDPIECE WITH AN ANTENNA FOR READING DATA FROM A MEMORY INTEGRAL WITH A CUTTING ACCESSORY ATTACHED TO THE HANDPIECE - A powered surgical handpiece that includes a motor for actuating a cutting accessory. The handpiece has a housing with a bore for receiving the cutting accessory and a coupling member internal to the bore that releasably engages and actuates the cutting accessory. A coil is mounted to the housing adjacent the bore. More particularly, the coil is located so that when the cutting accessory is seated in the bore, the coil is able to exchange signals with a complementary coil integral with the cutting accessory. A locking assembly mounted to the housing releasably holds the cutting accessory in the bore. | 2009-11-26 |
20090292305 | Surgical switch mode power supply and surgical DC power tool - In order to improve a surgical DC power tool such that it can be operated, where applicable, under sterile conditions, in particular, using conventional DC voltage supplies, a surgical switch mode power supply for a surgical DC power tool is suggested, comprising a switch mode power supply circuit arrangement, a switch mode power supply housing and a circuit receptacle formed in the housing of the switch mode power supply for accommodating the circuit arrangement of the switch mode power supply, wherein the housing of the switch mode power supply has a switch mode power supply interface which is designed in such a manner that it can be brought into engagement with and/or connected to an interface of the DC power tool provided for a mains-independent energy source. | 2009-11-26 |
20090292306 | Inflatable Gastric Device and Methods Relating to the Same - In accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure, a device for treatment of obesity in a patient is provided. The device comprises an inflatable material and a flexible ring-shaped member. The inflatable material is joined to the flexible ring-shaped member to define a space that is configured to be expanded when the device is inflated to a generally torus shape, the ring-shaped member defining an opening therethrough. | 2009-11-26 |
20090292307 | MECHANICAL EMBOLECTOMY DEVICE AND METHOD - An embolectomy device includes a catheter and an elongated shaft positioned in and moveable within the catheter. The shaft has proximal and distal end portions, and a retrieval portion between the proximal and distal end portions. The retrieval portion has a plurality of legs having proximal and distal end portions. Portions of the legs are movable laterally outward from a long axis of the elongated shaft when the retrieval portion is at least partially moved out of the catheter. A retrieval net can be fixed to portions of the legs for engaging a clot or other occlusion within a body canal. An expander can be provided for moving portions of an occlusion toward canal walls to open a lumen. A method for removing clots and other occlusions from body canals is also disclosed. | 2009-11-26 |
20090292308 | SPINAL FIXATION SYSTEM - A spinal fixation system includes a bone screw assembly, a low profile bone screw assembly, and a spinal rod. The bone screw assembly may include a separate locking structure. A laminar hook may be coupled to the rod. The spinal rod is operatively connected to the bone screw assembly and the low profile bone screw assembly. | 2009-11-26 |
20090292309 | System and workflow for diagnosing and treating septum defects - A system, method and workflow is described that may be used for the treatment of a patient having a cardiac syndrome characterized by an unwanted aperture in a structure of the heart. Images of the patient are obtained with a C-arm X-ray device, and the images are used to determine the size and location of the aperture. A catheter is used to insert an occluder into the patient and emplace the occluder in the aperture so as to close the aperture. The occluder may be guided using one of fluoroscopic images from the C-arm X-ray device, acoustic or magnetic sensors. Diagnosis of the syndrome and the minimally interventional treatment may be performed by the same treatment suite. | 2009-11-26 |
20090292310 | Medical device for occluding a heart defect and a method of manufacturing the same - An implantable device for occluding a septal defect has interleaved frame sections that allow flexibility to conform to a variety of defect geometries and provide reliable occlusion during endothelialization. Left and right frames connect to opposite ends of a floating connection post. The device is resiliently deformable and is biased into a natural state wherein, in situ in a variety of defect geometries, the device applies a sandwiching force to the tissue surrounding the defect that is relatively uniform across its diameter, improving stability and promoting occlusion. | 2009-11-26 |
20090292311 | Biomaterial for Suturing - A biomaterial for suturing comprising a physiologically compatible support material coated with a cellular population with proliferative and/or differentiation capacity, characteristics which facilitate the regeneration of the sutured tissue. This biomaterial for suturing not only brings together the two edges of an open wound, but also contributes actively to the healing process, thereby accelerating the tissue repair process. Also disclosed are methods for making the biomaterial and methods for using the biomaterials in therapy. | 2009-11-26 |
20090292312 | TRIANGULAR SUTURE NEEDLE - A triangular suture needle having a low thrust resistance and a press mold suitable for manufacturing the same are provided. The triangular suture needle includes: an angular triangular prism-shaped part ( | 2009-11-26 |
20090292313 | Knotless suture anchor and receptacle combination - A threaded receptacle for receiving a commercially available knotless suture anchor is designed to secure sutures for tying soft tissue in patience that have bone characteristics where the typical anchor is avulsed because of the weakness of the bone structure, a cavity exists in the bone where an anchor has been rev. The threaded receptacle includes a helical thread that is maximized to provide sustaining surface and includes a central bore and an internal flange that is dimensioned to provide a central opening to allow the knotless suture anchor to pass into a cavity and prevent the knotless suture anchor from being expulsed when deployed. The internal dimension of the cavity is designed to cause the tips of the wings of the anchor to fold to assure sufficient holding structure. In a second embodiment the reduced diameter portion is at the end of the receptacle so that the anchor passes through the end of the receptacle and the locking portion remains within the receptacle having both the receptacle and anchor serving as a means for securing the mechanism to the bone. | 2009-11-26 |
20090292314 | LUMBAR INTERSPINOUS PROSTHESIS AND ITS APPLICATIONS - A lumbar inter-spine prosthesis includes a torsion spring with two branches ( | 2009-11-26 |
20090292315 | Interspinous Spacer - An interspinous spacer implant includes first, second, third, and fourth arms that are divided into pairs that are relatively rotatable. In an insertion configuration, the first and third arms are disposed close together, and the second and fourth arms are disposed close together. Relatively rotating the arm pairs results in a deployed configuration where the first and fourth arms are disposed close together and the second and third arms are disposed close together, with each set of arms forming a respective saddle for receiving a corresponding spinous process. Related methods are also described. | 2009-11-26 |
20090292316 | INTERSPINOUS PROCESS IMPLANTS HAVING DEPLOYABLE ENGAGEMENT ARMS - Spinal implants include an elongated body portion dimensioned and configured for percutaneous introduction into a target interspinous process space, at which interspinous distraction and/or spinal fusion are desired. The body portion can include a threaded outer surface, or alternatively a smooth surface. The body portion can include one or more interior cavities, and can include deployable engagement members adapted and configured to move in tandem between a stowed position retracted within the interior cavity of the body portion and a deployed position extended from the interior cavity of the body for engaging adjacent spinous processes. An internal drive assembly for selectively moving the engagement members from the stowed position to the deployed position can be provided, as can a elements for locking the engagement members in a deployed position. | 2009-11-26 |
20090292317 | SYSTEM FOR STABILIZING AT LEAST TWO VERTEBRAE - This disclosure provides a spinal stabilization system and method for stabilizing at least two vertebrae. The system holds together the vertebrae while allowing a limited amount of relative movement between the vertebrae. The system may include a flexible braid having two free ends, at least one spacer interposed between the spinous processes of the vertebrae, and a securing mechanism for securing the two ends of the braid to hold the at least one spacer between the spinous processes of the vertebrae. In some embodiments, the securing mechanism may comprise parts movable relative to each other. Portions of the braid may be placed between the movable parts. A mechanical member may cause the movable parts to move towards each other to secure the two ends of the braid. | 2009-11-26 |
20090292318 | Bone Plate with Complex, Adjacent Holes Joined by a Relief-Space - A bone plate ( | 2009-11-26 |
20090292319 | IMPLANT FOR FIXING BONE PLATES - An implant is provided for fixing neighboring bone plates of the cranial bone in a simple and reliable manner. The implant comprises an outer bearing element for covering a spacing gap between the bone plates, which sits on outer surfaces of the bone plates. The outer bearing element has a first pair of outer openings and a first pair of inner openings. An inner bearing element is provided for covering the spacing gap between the bone plates, which sits on inner surfaces of the bone plates. The inner bearing element has a second pair of outer openings and a second pair of inner openings. A tensioning element is provided which is threaded through the openings of the outer and inner bearing elements in a displaceable manner, such that, when tensioned, the tensioning element draws the inner bearing element and the outer bearing element together. | 2009-11-26 |
20090292320 | Internal Joint Distraction Device - An internal joint distraction device provides articulation to an articulating bone joint between an upper bone structure and a lower bone structure. The device includes a medial plate shaped to at least partially conform to a medial side of a bone structure of a limb and includes a lateral plate shaped to at least partially conform to a lateral side of a bone structure of a limb. Each of the medial and lateral plates may include a longitudinal length sufficient to extend from the upper bone structure to the lower bone structure thereby spanning at least a portion of the joint. Each plates includes at least one proximal connection feature formed therein for connecting to the upper bone structure and at least one distal connection feature formed therein for connecting to the lower bone structure. An axle extends from one of the connection features on the medial plate to one of the connection features on the lateral plate. The axle extends through one of the upper and lower bone structures in a manner that said one of the upper and lower bone structures pivots about the axle relative to the other of the upper and lower bone structures. | 2009-11-26 |
20090292321 | BONE ANCHORING DEVICE - The invention concerns an anchoring system for fixing a ligament graft in a bone tunnel. The invention concerns a hollow socket ( | 2009-11-26 |
20090292322 | METHOD OF REHABILITATING AN ANULUS FIBROSIS - Systems for minimally invasive disc augmentation include an anulus augmentation component and a nucleus augmentation component. Both are suited for minimally invasive deployment. The nucleus augmentation component restores disc height and/or replaces missing nucleus pulposus. The anulus augmentation component shields weakened regions of the anulus fibrosis and/or resists escape of natural nucleus pulposus and/or the nucleus augmentation component. Methods and deployment devices are also disclosed. Methods of closing a defect in an anulus fibrosus of an intervertebral disc using a barrier are also provided. | 2009-11-26 |
20090292323 | SYSTEMS, DEVICES AND METHODS FOR POSTERIOR LUMBAR INTERBODY FUSION - Described herein are stabilization devices, systems and methods to aid in posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) surgeries. The stabilization devices (“devices”) described herein are typically self-expanding devices that may be implanted into an intervertebral disc and packed with a bone graft or biologic or synthetic material to promote anchoring of the stabilization device and fusion of the vertebrae adjacent to the intervertebral disc. | 2009-11-26 |
20090292324 | Protein activity modification - A method of modifying tissue behavior, including cardiac tissue, comprising:
| 2009-11-26 |
20090292325 | HYBRID BIOELECTRICAL INTERFACE DEVICE - A hybrid bioelectrical interface (HBI) device can be an implantable device comprising an abiotic component operable to transmit charge via electrons or ions; a biological component interfacing with the neural tissue, the biological component being sourced from biologic, biologically-derived, or bio-functionalized material; and a conjugated polymer component that together provide a means to chronically interface living neural tissue with electronic devices for extended durations (e.g. greater than 10 years). In some embodiments, conjugated polymers provide a functional electrical interface for charge transfer and signal transduction between the nervous system and an electronic device (e.g. robotic prosthetic limb, retinal implant, microchip). | 2009-11-26 |
20090292326 | GLASS FEEDTHROUGH ASSEMBLIES FOR IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICES - A feedthrough assembly of an implantable medical device includes a glass insulator containing at least approximately 20 mol % of calcium oxide (CaO), preferably of a CABAL-12 type composition. The assembly is either manufactured so that the glass insulator includes a surface layer including calcium phosphate, preferably of relatively low solubility, or is assembled in the implantable device so that the glass insulator is exposed to phosphate-containing body fluid, when the device is implanted, for the formation of a surface layer including calcium phosphate. | 2009-11-26 |
20090292327 | IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE WITH ANTI-INFECTION AGENT - An implantable medical device comprises an anti-infection agent. The implantable medical device may be configured for placement in the head of a patient and for monitoring or treatment of the brain. The implantable medical device may have a housing or it may have a housing and a member for providing a smooth interface between the device and the adjacent tissue. The anti-infection agent may be provided on or impregnated in the housing or the member. In some embodiments, the device includes a single module while in other embodiments a plurality of modules are coupled to provide a smaller profile. In some embodiments the implantable medical device may include both anti-infection and lubricious materials. | 2009-11-26 |
20090292328 | Medical Device - A disposable medical device includes an electrode pad adapted to be placed in contact with a human or animal body and an electrical signal generator permanently attached to and in close proximity with the electrode pad and operable to generate an electrical signal, the signal generator having two output terminals, at least one of which is electrically operably connected to the electrode pad. | 2009-11-26 |
20090292329 | APPARATUS FOR DELIVERY OF PHARMACEUTICALS TO THE COCHLEA - An implantable tissue-stimulating device, such as a cochlear implant, having a resiliently flexible elongate member ( | 2009-11-26 |
20090292330 | IMPLANTABLE SHOCK ELECTRODE LINE AND IMPLANTABLE DEFIBRILLATION ARRANGEMENT - An implantable shock electrode line having a proximal terminal for connection to an implantable defibrillator, an elongated flexible line body, and a shock electrode and a drug delivery device arranged at or near the distal end of the line body. A drug depot connected to the drug delivery device is provided in the shock electrode line, and the terminal is designed as a purely electric standard terminal. The drug delivery device is designed for control by an electric pulse transmitted over the electric terminal to the shock electrode line. | 2009-11-26 |
20090292331 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR IDENTIFYING OVERSENSING USING FAR-FIELD INTRACARDIAC ELECTROGRAMS AND MARKER CHANNELS - A method for identifying and classifying various types of oversensing in implantable medical devices (IMDs), such as implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs), to assist a physician in choosing corrective action to reduce the likelihood of oversensing and inappropriate therapy delivery. Far-field electrogram (EGM) signals are analyzed to detect the occurrence of R-waves, and the result is compared to the number and pattern of R-waves sensed by the IMD and indicated on the marker channel. A marker channel with more sensed R-waves than indicated by analysis of the far-field EGM indicates the presence of oversensing, including double-counting of R-waves, T-wave oversensing, lead malfunction or failure, poor lead connections, noise associated with electromagnetic interference, non-cardiac myopotentials, etc. Identification of the type of oversensing may be determined by analysis of the number and pattern of marker channel sensed R-waves with respect to the timing of the R-waves detected from the far-field EGM. | 2009-11-26 |
20090292332 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MORPHOLOGY-BASED ARRHYTHMIA CLASSIFICATION USING CARDIAC AND OTHER PHYSIOLOGICAL SIGNALS - A tachyarrhythmia detection and classification system classifies tachyarrhythmias based on an analysis of morphological features of a cardiac signal enhanced by using one or more physiological parameters indicative of hemodynamic stability and/or activity level. The tachyarrhythmia detection and classification system computes a measure of similarity between an arrhythmic waveform of the cardiac signal a template waveform for that cardiac signal, such as a correlation coefficient representative of the correlation between morphological features of the arrhythmic waveform and morphological features of the template waveform. A detected tachyarrhythmia episode is classified by comparing the measure of similarity to a threshold that is dynamically adjusted using the one or more physiological parameters. | 2009-11-26 |
20090292333 | ELECTRICAL STIMULATION TREATMENT OF HYPOTENSION - Methods and devices for treating hypotension, such as in cases of shock, including septic shock and anaphylactic shock, wherein the treatment includes providing an electrical impulse to a selected region of the vagus nerve of a patient suffering from hypotension to block and/or modulate nerve signals that regulate blood pressure. | 2009-11-26 |
20090292334 | OPTIMIZING AND MONITORING ADAPTIVE CARDIAC RESYNCHRONIZATION THERAPY DEVICES - A system for remotely monitoring cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) devices and for optimizing location of implanted leads. The system displays a graph of the right ventricle pacing interval (PRV) vs. left ventricle pacing interval (PLV) diagram at maximal stroke volume and or a graph of a responder curve that demonstrates the stroke volume obtained beat after beat by the implanted hemodynamic sensor with dynamically optimized AV and VV parameters. The system lends itself easily to be used as a remote monitoring means for active and resting patients. | 2009-11-26 |
20090292335 | Thermoelectric Generator for Implants and Embedded Devices - The present invention provides a TEG device comprising a first unit comprising a thermopile unit and a second unit comprising a cold plate and/or a radiator. One of the first and second units is adapted for being embedded or implanted into a body, while the other of the first and second units is adapted for being placed at the outer surface of the body, i.e. in a fluid. The first and second units are adapted for being thermally connected to each other through the surface between the body and the fluid when in use. | 2009-11-26 |
20090292336 | NEURAL INTERFACE SYSTEMS AND METHODS - In one embodiment, a neural interface system includes an implantable neural probe having a flexible substrate, electrodes that extend from the substrate that are adapted to contact neural tissue of the brain, a signal processing circuit configured to process neural signals collected with the electrodes, and a wireless transmission circuit configured to wirelessly transmit the processed neural signals, and a backend computing device configured to wirelessly receive the processed neural signals, to process the received signals to reconstruct the collected neural signals, and to analyze the collected neural signals. | 2009-11-26 |
20090292337 | BRAZE JOIN - A method of forming a braze join between two components is disclosed, in which braze material is introduced into a gap between the two components by capillary action. This assists in reducing flooding. Also disclosed is a component for use with the method, and an assembly produced by the method. In one form, the component comprises a recess or reservoir for storing braze material, in fluid communication with an aperture to allow the braze material to be drawn into the gap by capillary forces. The method may be used in a number of applications including medical devices and more specifically, a cochlear implant. | 2009-11-26 |
20090292338 | WEARABLE ALARM SYSTEM FOR A PROSTHETIC HEARING IMPLANT - A prosthetic hearing implant kit is disclosed. The prosthetic hearing implant kit comprises internal components configured to be implanted in a recipient and comprises an internal coil; external components configured to be worn by the recipient and comprises an external coil adapted to be inductively coupled with said internal coil; and an alert system having a second external coil and adapted to receive an external alarm and to transmit signals to said implanted components via said external coil for providing the recipient with a corresponding alarm indication. | 2009-11-26 |
20090292339 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ENERGY CONSERVATION IN IMPLANTABLE STIMULATION DEVICES - The application relates to a stimulation device with power conservation functionality. In implantable devices, power supplies may be limited. Replenishing these power supplies may require costly surgery or periodic recharging depending on the model. A method may be implemented that skips or drops periodic pulses without apparently changing the frequency of the pulses. In this manner, the dropped pulses may be undetected by the patient. On the other hand, the dropped pulse represents power savings. Dropping one in ten pulses may lead to a 10% energy savings. The stimulation device may implement the method with one or more counters implemented in hardware or software. | 2009-11-26 |
20090292340 | Regulatory Compliant Transmission of Medical Data Employing a Patient Implantable Medical Device and a Generic Network Access Device - Various embodiments concern a method which may include communicating medical information between a PIMD and an interface module via a first channel in compliance with a predetermined medical information regulatory standard, preventing access to the PIMD via the interface module other than through the first channel, detecting a communication protocol used by an available generic network access device, selecting a communication protocol rule set from a plurality of communication protocol rule sets to effect communication between the interface device and an available generic network access device of a plurality of generic network access devices, and transferring at least some of the medical information to the remote network via a second channel established between the interface module and the available generic network access device using the selected communication protocol rule set. | 2009-11-26 |
20090292341 | Method for Controlling Telemetry in an Implantable Medical Device Based on Power Source Capacity - An implantable microstimulator configured for implantation beneath a patient's skin for tissue stimulation to prevent and/or treat various disorders, uses a self-contained power source. Periodic or occasional replenishment of the power source is accomplished, for example, by inductive coupling with an external device. A bidirectional telemetry link allows the microstimulator to provide information regarding the system's status, including the power source's charge level, and stimulation parameter states. Processing circuitry automatically controls the applied stimulation pulses to match a set of programmed stimulation parameters established for a particular patient. The microstimulator preferably has a cylindrical hermetically sealed case having a length no greater than about 27 mm and a diameter no greater than about 3.3 mm. A reference electrode is located on one end of the case and an active electrode is located on the other end. The case is externally coated on selected areas with conductive and non-conductive materials. | 2009-11-26 |