52nd week of 2012 patent applcation highlights part 58 |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20120330326 | SURGICAL CLIP APPLIER INCLUDING ATRAUMATIC JAW FEATURE - An improved jaw blade for a surgical clip applier includes first and second legs and first and second jaws integrally connected to the first and second legs, respectively. Each of the jaws includes an inner surface having a channel oriented substantially along a longitudinal axis of the jaw. The channels each have a depth less than the width of the leg of the clip to be received therein. The jaw legs each define a longitudinal axis substantially parallel to one another and a plane therebetween. The jaw legs are movable in the plane between an open position for receiving a clip in the channels thereof, and a closed position for forming the clip received therein. When the jaw legs are in the closed position, the legs of the clip contact with one another and the inner surfaces of the jaws are spaced-apart from one another defining an atraumatic area therebetween. | 2012-12-27 |
20120330327 | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR TENDON, LIGAMENT OR SOFT TISSUE REPAIR - Disclosed are medical devices and methods for tendon, ligament, and soft tissue repair. A method includes introducing a first segment having a delivery assembly into a first soft tissue, and removing the delivery assembly to expose an opening of a hollow body of the first segment. The method also includes introducing a second segment having a second delivery assembly and a second body into a second soft tissue, guiding the second delivery assembly through the opening, and advancing the second body into the hollow body, thereby joining the first soft tissue and the second soft tissue. | 2012-12-27 |
20120330328 | TISSUE FIXATION DEVICES AND A TRANSORAL ENDOSCOPIC GASTROESOPHAGEAL FLAP VALVE RESTORATION DEVICE AND ASSEMBLY USING SAME - Tissue fasteners carried on a tissue piercing deployment wire fasten tissue layers of a mammalian body together. The fasteners include a first member, a second member, and a connecting member extending between the first and second members. The first and second members are substantially parallel to each other. The fasteners may be deployed in limited spaces and in various applications including the restoration of a gastroesophageal flap valve. | 2012-12-27 |
20120330329 | METHODS OF FORMING A LAPAROSCOPIC GREATER CURVATURE PLICATION USING A SURGICAL STAPLER - A method of plicating a stomach by accessing the exterior of a stomach of a patient and grasping tissue on a first and second location on a first side of the greater curvature of the stomach. Also forming a plication therebetween with a first staple. The method involves grasping tissue on a third and fourth location on a second side of the greater curvature of the stomach and forming a plication with a second staple. The first and second plications are near a location selected from the group consisting of a gastroesophageal junction, a pylorus, and an incisura angularis. The method further includes grasping tissue on a first and second side of a greater curvature of the stomach and forming a fold along a length of the greater curvature by attaching the first and second sides together along a first attachment line with a first plurality of staples. | 2012-12-27 |
20120330330 | Incisionless Gastric Bypass Method And Devices - A system and method for endoscopically forming an anastomosis between two naturally adjacent points in the digestive tract. The system and method utilizes elongate magnetic devices that, when connected across a tissue boundary, necrose tissue until an anastomosis forms and the devices are passed naturally. Despite the elongate shape of the devices, the resulting anastomosis is substantially round. As such, round anastomoses can be formed having increased diameters merely by increasing the lengths of the devices, obviating the need for wider endoscopes. | 2012-12-27 |
20120330331 | METHOD FOR OPEN SURGICAL PLACEMENT - A method for open surgical repair of a damaged portion of an artery or vein. A tubular medical assembly may include one or more shaped members, such as microbarbs, configured to anchor into the tunica intima and the tunica media of the vessel wall, and not to the tunic adventitia and vasa vasorum. The medical assembly is delivered to the damaged vessel portion via a delivery device through an open air pathway, and forms a conduit between transected ends of the damaged vessel. | 2012-12-27 |
20120330332 | Surgical Apparatus and Structure for Applying Sprayable Wound Treatment Material - According to an aspect of the present disclosure, an apparatus for forming an anastomosis between adjacent sections of tissue is provided. The apparatus includes a body portion; an actuation assembly operatively supported at a proximal end of the body portion; an anvil assembly movably mounted at the distal end of the body portion for movement toward and away from the body portion; an approximation assembly extending between the body portion and the anvil assembly for moving the anvil toward and away from the tubular body portion; a dispersion assembly operatively associated with the approximation assembly, the dispersion assembly including at least one angled surface defining at least one channel interposed between the anvil assembly and the body portion and being configured to dispense a fluid therefrom; and at least one conduit for conducting wound treatment material to the dispersion assembly. | 2012-12-27 |
20120330333 | DEVICE FOR REMOVING ACROCHORDONS | 2012-12-27 |
20120330334 | Therapeutic Cutting Devices, Systems, and Methods for Multiple Sclerosis, Deep Vein Thrombosis, and Pulmonary Embolism - Methods and devices are disclosed that, in various embodiments and permutations and combinations of inventions, diagnose and treat Multiple Sclerosis, Deep Vein Thrombosis, and/or Pulmonary Embolism or symptoms associated with these maladies. In one series of embodiments, the invention consists of methods and devices for identifying patients whose Multiple Sclerosis, Deep Vein Thrombosis, and/or Pulmonary Embolism or associated symptoms are caused or exacerbated, at least in part, by blockages of one or more of the patient's veins. In some instances, stenoses or other flow limiting structures or lesions in the patient's affected veins are identified. Further, in some instances the nature of such lesions and whether there is a significant disruption of blood pressure, or both, is ascertained. In some embodiments, methods and devices for applying one or more therapies to the blockages in the patient's veins are provided. | 2012-12-27 |
20120330335 | PERCUSSION TOOL FOR BREACHING INTRAVASCULAR OCCLUSIONS - A tool for use at an intra-body location during a minimally invasive surgical procedure includes a mechanical energy accumulator associated with first and second bodies. Cyclic relative motion of a pair of linking elements accumulates energy in the mechanical energy accumulator and then suddenly releases the energy to propel the second body through a range of free motion. The tool may be an over-the-wire tool or may be integrated as part of a guidewire. Various embodiments employ a helical spring element or an elastomer block as the accumulator. | 2012-12-27 |
20120330336 | DEBULKING CATHETERS AND METHODS - A method of removing material from a blood flow lumen includes providing a device having a cutting element and an opening, the cutting element being movable relative to the opening. The method then includes advancing the device through a patient's vascular system to the blood flow lumen. Finally, the method involves moving the cutting element and the opening relative to the blood flow lumen so that a continuous piece of material is severed by the cutting element and directed into the opening as the cutting element and opening move through the blood flow lumen, the continuous piece of severed material being directed into the device for removal from the patient. The method may include providing a device having a rotatable cutter that, in some embodiments, is not parallel to the longitudinal axis of the device, is movable, has retracted and deployed positions, or any combination thereof. | 2012-12-27 |
20120330337 | Infusion Pressure Monitoring System - An infusion pressure monitoring system for a phacoemulsification or vitrectomy machine to be operated by a health care provider includes an irrigation path configured to carry an irrigation solution to a surgical site and a fluid sensor configured to detect a fluid parameter in the irrigation path. An input device receives a variable fluid flow command from the health care provider commanding an irrigation fluid flow through the irrigation path at a flow rate corresponding to the command. A controller communicates with both the fluid sensor and the input device. The controller determines an expected fluid pressure value and a dynamically variable threshold pressure value based upon the variable fluid flow command. | 2012-12-27 |
20120330338 | BLADES WITH FUNCTIONAL BALANCE ASYMMETRIES FOR USE WITH ULTRASONIC SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS - Disclosed is an ultrasonic surgical instrument that includes a blade end-effector having a curved geometry. The curved geometry creates a curved surface with multiple asymmetries causing multiple imbalances within the blade. Imbalance due to the asymmetries of the blade is corrected by the appropriate selection of the volume and location of material removed from a functional asymmetry. | 2012-12-27 |
20120330339 | TISSUE CUTTING DEVICE, ASSEMBLY AND METHOD - A tissue cutting device, assembly and method of using same, including a generally cylindrical tube having a distal end and a proximal end and defining an open passage extending from the proximal end to the distal end. The distal end defines a cutting edge, and the tube has a substantially smooth exterior along a working length selected for insertion through the epidermis of a patient to access tissue to be cut. The assembly further includes a grasping tool having a distal portion defining a grasping element capable of grasping tissue and of being inserted through the passage of the tube. The tube and the grasping tool are separable and independent from each other, and the tube is advanceable relative to the tool to cut tissue held by the grasping element. | 2012-12-27 |
20120330340 | CONTROLLED TISSUE DISSECTION SYSTEMS AND METHODS - Tissue dissecting device, including an inflatable bladder configured to be inserted into a body via an introducer tube in a compact deflated state, and to be inflated to a substantially planar form in a manner which dissects tissue. Method for dissecting tissue, including inserting an inflatable bladder, in a deflated state, via an introducer tube, into a space in a body, and inflating the bladder to substantially planer form, thereby dissecting tissue. Method for dissecting tissue, including inserting an introducer tube via an incision into a body, inserting an inflatable bladder, in a defined state, via the introducer tube, into a space in the body, pulling the introducer tube back at least a length of the deflated bladder, inflating the bladder, via a filling tube, to substantially planar form, thereby dissecting tissue, disconnecting the filling tube from the bladder, retracting the filling tube and the introducer tube from the body. | 2012-12-27 |
20120330341 | Folded-Flat Aneurysm Embolization Devices - Embolic implants, methods of manufacture and delivery are disclosed. The subject implants are especially suitable for use is stent-caged aneurysm treatment. | 2012-12-27 |
20120330342 | SYSTEMS AND DEVICES FOR INTRALUMENAL IMPLANTATION - Devices, systems and methods are provided for performing intra-lumenal medical procedures in a desired area of the body. Medical devices including filter devices, embolization devices, stents, delivery systems and methods of performing medical procedures to occlude, filter, redirect and or re-establish the intravascular flow of blood are provided for the treatment of hemorrhagic and ischemic disease states. | 2012-12-27 |
20120330343 | DEVICES AND METHODS FOR TREATMENT OF VASCULAR ANEURYSMS - The present invention relates to devices and methods for the treatment of diseases in the vasculature, and more specifically, devices and methods for treatment of aneurysms found in blood vessels. In a first embodiment of the present invention, a two part prostheses, where one part is an expandable sponge structure and the other part is an expandable tubular mesh structure, is provided. In the first embodiment, the expandable sponge structure is intended to fill the aneurysm cavity to prevent further dilatation of the vessel wall by creating a buffer or barrier between the pressurized pulsating blood flow and the thinning vessel wall. In the first embodiment, the expandable tubular mesh structure is placed across the aneurysm, contacting the inner wall of healthy vessel proximal and distal to the aneurysm. | 2012-12-27 |
20120330344 | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING NASAL EXUDATION - An inflatable device for insertion into a user's nose for controlling nasal exudation has an elongated shaft including at least one lumen for accommodating a fluid (15); an inflatable balloon (25) connected to the shaft, the balloon (25) being in fluid connection to the lumen; and an absorber (19, 33) for absorbing nasal exudates, the absorber (19, 33) being disposed at an outer circumference of the shaft and/or at a distal tip portion (9) of the device. Another inflatable device for insertion into a user's nose for controlling nasal exudation has an elongated shaft including at least one lumen for accommodating a fluid (15); and an inflatable balloon (25) connected to the shaft, the balloon (25) being in fluid connection to the lumen; the balloon (25) containing a cooling agent (29), wherein the cooling agent (29) is configured to cool the balloon (25) when coming into contact with the fluid (15). | 2012-12-27 |
20120330345 | NASAL DILATOR - A mechanical dilator ( | 2012-12-27 |
20120330346 | INTEGRATED DISTAL EMBOLIZATION PROTECTION APPARATUS FOR ENDO-LUMINAL DEVICES SUCH AS BALLOON, STENT OR TAVI APPARATUS - An endoluminal catheterization device for providing protection against distal embolization of atherosclerotic debris and thrombi emboli resulting from an endoluminal catheterization procedure. The device is adapted to the new TAVI/PAVI methods to prevent the severe risk of brain embolization and stroke. The embolization protection device may also be an integral part of any other intra-luminal treatment or diagnostic device that may induce embolization, such as a balloon, stent, TAVI or atherectomy. | 2012-12-27 |
20120330347 | Multiple Layer Filamentary Devices for Treatment of Vascular Defects - Embolic implants, delivery systems and methods of manufacture and delivery are disclosed. The devices can be used for aneurysm treatment and/or parent vessel occlusion. Implant designs offer low profile compressibility for delivery to neurovasculature, while maintaining other necessary features such as density for occlusion purposes and desirable radial strength characteristics. | 2012-12-27 |
20120330348 | Embolic Implant and Method of Use - A parent artery occlusion (PAO) device which provides for immediate occlusion of a cerebral artery to isolate a defect. The PAO device includes a self-expanding wire-frame prolate structure which is partially covered with an ePTFE membrane. | 2012-12-27 |
20120330349 | IMPLANT DELIVERY AND ACTIVE RELEASE SYSTEM - A medical implant deployment system for placing an implant at a preselected site within a vessel, duct or body lumen of a mammal. The deployment system includes a heating element at the distal end of a positioning member and a thermal responsive coupling including a thermal responsive element connected to the implant by a frangible member. After positioning the implant, the heating element is activated which causes the thermal responsive element to apply mechanical force sufficient to break the frangible member using traction, thereby releasing the implant at a desired position within the body. | 2012-12-27 |
20120330350 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR PERFORMING THROMBECTOMY PROCEDURES - The present invention relates to methods and systems for performing intralumenal procedures including revascularization and removal of foreign objects from a body lumen. More particularly the present invention relates to systems utilizing thrombectomy devices and methods of performing medical procedures to remove thrombus, emboli, foreign objects and or re-establish the intravascular flow of blood. | 2012-12-27 |
20120330351 | TISSUE CAPTURE AND OCCLUSION SYSTEMS AND METHODS - Systems and methods capture and/or occlusion of selected body tissue using various tissue characteristics and/or techniques are described. In the context of left atrial appendage closure, the systems and methods can be used to capture the left atrial appendage while a closure instrument (suture, clip, ring, etc.) is placed over the appendage and tightened down or a closure method (ablation, cryogenic procedures, stapling, etc.) is performed to close the left atrial appendage. | 2012-12-27 |
20120330352 | TRANSAPICAL CLOSURE DEVICES AND METHODS FOR USE - Apparatus and methods are provided for sealing a puncture through the wall of a patient's heart into a heart chamber, e.g., at the apex of the heart into the left ventricle. A positioning member is advanced into the puncture until a positioning element thereon is disposed within the chamber, the positioning element is expanded within the chamber, and the positioning member is withdrawn until the expanded positioning element contacts the endocardial wall of the chamber. A cartridge carrying a solid sealant is advanced over the positioning member, and the sealant is deployed within the puncture, e.g., offset proximally from the endocardial wall, the sealant expanding upon exposure to fluid within the puncture to seal the puncture. | 2012-12-27 |
20120330353 | METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING A SURGICAL SUTURE - The present disclosure relates to a method of manufacturing a biodegradable surgical suture with a distal end shaped like a loop by using a twist braider. The surgical suture enables a doctor to easily tie the suture with a knot in a bodily region through which a needle passes after the needle passes through a bodily incision to be sutured once without making the knot. | 2012-12-27 |
20120330354 | MULTI DUROMETER REINFORCED SUTURE SLEEVE - Suture anchors for securing therapy delivery elements, such as stimulation leads or catheters, within a living body. The suture anchor includes an inner sleeve constructed with an inner layer of a softer, more pliable material that easily conforms to the therapy delivery element to reduce slippage and an outer layer constructed from a harder, stiffer durometer material that protects the therapy delivery elements from damage due to over-tightening the tie down sutures. A suture material located in the suture groove is tensioned to apply a radial compressive force. The reinforcing structure spreads the radial compressive force along a greater surface area of the therapy delivery element. | 2012-12-27 |
20120330355 | MULTI-DUROMETER REINFORCED SUTURE SLEEVE - A suture anchor for securing a therapy delivery element in a desired location within a living body using a suture material. The suture anchor includes an inner sleeve with a primary lumen sized to receive the therapy delivery element. The inner sleeve includes a compliant material having a first durometer. An anchor body extends around at least a portion of the inner sleeve and includes a portion of the primary lumen. The anchor body includes a compliant material having a second durometer less than the first durometer. At least one exterior suture groove is located on the anchor body to receive the suture material. The exterior suture groove extends substantially to the inner sleeve so the suture material engages directly with the inner sleeve. | 2012-12-27 |
20120330356 | SUTURE CLIP STAPLER FOR SOFT TISSUE CLOSURE - A suture clip is comprised of a length of suture material with a male clip on one side and a female clip on the other side. The male clip may contain ratchets that, when engaged with the female clip, hold it in place and allow the male clip to adjustably lit within the female clip or even through it to “tighten” the suture when the male and female clips are engaged. The suture clips are configured to be used in a suture clip applicator that contains paired and opposing needles configured to hold the male clip on one side and the female clip on the other side and to cause the engagement of male and female clips and form a continuous loop through the suture material to enable the closure of fascia or other body tissues. | 2012-12-27 |
20120330357 | MULTI-LOOP ADJUSTABLE KNOTLESS ANCHOR ASSEMBLY AND METHOD FOR REPAIR - A suture anchor assembly with an adjustable suture loop for securing a bone mass to soft tissue. The suture anchor system achieves secure, tensioned attachment of soft tissue to a bone mass using a suture anchor assembly in conjunction with an adjustable suture loop composed of loop member with a tensioning suture component extending therefrom and coupled thereto through the creation of a pre-tied slip (or sliding) knot. | 2012-12-27 |
20120330358 | PACIFIER HOLDER - A pacifier holder comprising a shaft; a cover moveably connected to the shaft; a base attached to the shaft at a lower aspect of the shaft; so constructed and arranged that the cover can slide downwards along the shaft under action of gravity to cover a pacifier located on the base. | 2012-12-27 |
20120330359 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR POSTERIOR DYNAMIC STABILIZATION OF THE SPINE - Devices, systems and methods for dynamically stabilizing the spine are provided. The devices include an expandable spacer or member having an unexpanded configuration and an expanded configuration, wherein the expandable member in an expanded configuration has a size, volume and/or shape configured for positioning between the spinous processes of adjacent vertebrae in order to distract the vertebrae relative to each other. The systems include one or more expandable members and a mechanical actuation means for expanding the expandable member or an expansion medium for injection within or for filling the interior of the expandable member via the port. The methods involve the implantation of one or more devices or expandable spacers. | 2012-12-27 |
20120330360 | INTER-SPINOUS PROCESS IMPLANT - An inter-spinous implant includes an approximately conical screw portion, further having a screw thread, which can be screwed between spinous processes; a head portion of an approximate inverted frustum shape of the same axis as the screw portion; a spacer portion that is formed between the screw portion and the head portion in the axial direction; and a through hole that passes through the axial center of the screw portion, the spacer portion, and the head portion. At least one slit is formed in the major axial direction of the total shape of the implant, having at least one-third the length of the total length of the major axial direction, the depth whereof reaching the through hole. Disposing the slit in the major axial direction of the implant proper imparts flexibility and elasticity to the implant overall, simplifies the installation and insertion of the implant. | 2012-12-27 |
20120330361 | SPINAL IMPLANTABLE DEVICES MADE OF CARBON COMPOSITE MATERIALS AND USE THEREOF - A spinal implantable device may include composite material comprising matrix including PEEK. The PEEK matrix may be reinforced with carbon fibers that amount to at least 60% of the composite material. The carbon fibers are arranged in a substantially parallel arrangement and compressed in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the carbon fibers. | 2012-12-27 |
20120330362 | BONE ANCHORING DEVICE - A bone anchoring device includes an anchoring element having a shank to be anchored in a bone or a vertebra, a rod for connecting at least two anchoring elements, the rod being made of an elastic material. The bone anchoring device further includes a receiving part being connected to the shank for receiving the rod, a seat for the rod being provided in the receiving part the seat having a rod contacting surface, and a locking device cooperating with the receiving part for fixation of the rod in the seat. The locking device includes a rod contacting surface, wherein the rod contacting surface of the seat and/or the rod contacting surface of the locking device includes an engagement structure for engaging the rod, the engagement structure having an asymmetric cross section. | 2012-12-27 |
20120330363 | FASTENER ASSEMBLY THAT FASTENS TO POLYAXIAL PEDICLE SCREW - A fastener assembly including an existing polyaxial pedicle screw that has been previously installed in a spinal structure, the polyaxial pedicle screw including a polyaxial head to which a prosthetic member is secured, a fastening portion fastened to the polyaxial head over the prosthetic member, and a connector element that extends from the fastening portion, the connector element being connected to another spinal structure. | 2012-12-27 |
20120330364 | MODULAR PEDICLE SCREW SYSTEM - Provided is a modular pedicle screw assembly which includes various components that may be configured in various manners so as to provide different functionalities to the pedicle screw assembly. This advantageously decreases surgery time, reduces repetitive and tedious surgical steps, and allows for streamlining inventory of expensive medical equipment. In one embodiment, a pedicle screw assembly includes a pedicle screw, a rod holding element, an insert, a rod, and a set screw. The insert may have a uniplanar configuration which allows movement of the insert, prior to final attachment, in a plane of motion. The insert may optionally have a monoaxial configuration which prevents movement of the insert. A method is also provided for securing a rod to a pedicle screw assembly. Also provided is an assembly tool for use in assembling a pedicle screw assembly. | 2012-12-27 |
20120330365 | In-Situ Deformable Mini-Bone Plate - A bone plate provided in the present invention has an elongated strip, and a series of repeating units are provided on the elongated strip. Each repeating unit has two crowns, two necks, and four bridges, wherein the two crowns and the two necks are connected by the four bridges to from a symmetrical ring structure, and wherein a width of the bridge (BW) is greater than a width of the crown (CW), a maximum distance between inner sides of the two crowns (ID) is greater than a width of the neck (NW), a maximum distance between outer sides of two opposite bridges of the four bridges (OD) is greater than a unit length between two adjacent repeating units (UL), and the crown width (CW) is | 2012-12-27 |
20120330366 | IMPLANT - The present invention relates to a implant for implantation into a body of an animal, wherein the implant comprises material of inner core of drupes and/or palm tree fruits. | 2012-12-27 |
20120330367 | Orthopedic Check and Balance System - A configurable check and balance system is provided to assess and report orthopedic measurements, including bone cut angles, trial inserts, extension gaps and prosthetic fit. The system can be configured for cut-check, trial-check, alignment and balance, dynamic distraction, and prosthetic trial fit. The measurements can be provided with respect to an anatomical coordinate system defined according to a positioning of a sensorized mechanical plate with respect to one or more referenced anatomical landmarks. In one example, the cut-check provides measurement of varus/valgus angle and anterior/posterior slope for distal femur cuts and proximal tibia cuts. The cut-check permits a surgeon to check bone cuts made by mechanical jigs, guides or patient specific implants (PSI). It also provides distance measurements. Other embodiments are also disclosed. | 2012-12-27 |
20120330368 | ZYGOMATIC ELEVATOR DEVICE AND METHODS - A surgical elevator device that can be used in the reduction of bone fractures, particularly facial bone fractures, and even more particularly zygomatic arch fractures. The elevator device enables accurate measurement of the depth of insertion of the device into tissue space and provides tactile control of fracture location and reduction. In one embodiment, the elevator device comprises a groove on an elevator element for receiving a bone structure. The groove can be formed by a pair of parallel ridges. A projection extending from the elevator provides a pivot point for applying a controlled force to the bone to reduce the fracture. A preferred embodiment further comprises a method of reducing a bone fracture, such as a zygomatic arch fracture. | 2012-12-27 |
20120330369 | CONTINGENT CARDIO-PROTECTION FOR EPILEPSY PATIENTS - Disclosed are methods and systems for treating epilepsy by stimulating a main trunk of a vagus nerve, or a left vagus nerve, when the patient has had no seizure or a seizure that is not characterized by cardiac changes such as an increase in heart rate, and stimulating a cardiac branch of a vagus nerve, or a right vagus nerve, when the patient has had a seizure characterized by cardiac changes such as a heart rate increase. | 2012-12-27 |
20120330370 | Methods and Devices for Identifying Overdetection of Cardiac Signals - Methods, systems, and devices for signal analysis in an implanted cardiac monitoring and treatment device such as an implantable cardioverter defibrillator. In illustrative examples, sensed data including detected events is analyzed to identify likely overdetection of cardiac events. In some illustrative examples, when overdetection is identified, data may be modified to correct for overdetection, to reduce the impact of overdetection, or to ignore overdetected data. | 2012-12-27 |
20120330371 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MONITORING DIASTOLIC FUNCTION USING AN IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE - Diastolic function is monitored within a patient using a pacemaker or other implantable medical device. In one example, the implantable device uses morphological parameters derived from the T-wave evoked response waveform as proxies for ventricular relaxation rate and ventricular compliance. In particular, the magnitude of the peak of the T-wave evoked response is employed as a proxy for ventricular compliance. The maximum slew rate of the T-wave evoked response following its peak is employed as a proxy for ventricular relaxation. A metric is derived from these proxy values to represent diastolic function. The metric is tracked over time to evaluate changes in diastolic function. In other examples, specific values for ventricular compliance and ventricular relaxation are derived for the patient based on the T-wave evoked response parameters. | 2012-12-27 |
20120330372 | Methods and Systems for Selecting Capture Verification Modes - Methods and systems are directed to selecting from a variety of capture verification modes. A plurality of capture verification modes, including a beat by beat capture detection mode and a capture threshold testing mode without intervening beat by beat capture detection is provided. An efficacy of at least one of the capture verification modes is evaluated, and based on the evaluation, a capture verification mode is selected. | 2012-12-27 |
20120330373 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR AVOIDING ASPIRATION DURING AUTONOMIC MODULATION THERAPY - Some embodiments provide a method comprising delivering neural stimulation for a neural stimulation therapy according to a programmed schedule, detecting a swallow event, and responding to the detected swallow event by overriding the programmed schedule. | 2012-12-27 |
20120330374 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETERMINING TARGET STIMULATION VOLUMES - A system and method may include determining a target stimulation volume based on modifying a patient population image for which an efficacious volume had been determined. A system and method for suggesting stimulation devices may include determining which stimulation device is capable of producing an output volume of activation that most closely matches the target volume. A system and method for facilitating selection of stimulation parameters may include graphically identifying a maximum volume in which tissue is stimulatable by an implanted stimulation device. A system and method may pre-compute volumes of activation that result from a predetermined modification of programming settings. A system and method may transmit stimulation programming settings from a stimulation programming module to a stimulation generating device. | 2012-12-27 |
20120330375 | ORTHOSIS FOR GAIT MODULATION - A functional electrical stimulation (FES) orthosis, including: a frame, an inner layer coupled to an inner surface of the frame, an electrode base, and a connector assembly. The frame is configured to substantially envelop a limb, and includes a retention portion configured to retain the frame about the limb, and a mounting portion configured to be coupled to an electrical stimulator. The electrode base is coupled to the inner layer, and is configured to couple a surface electrode to the inner layer. The frame and the inner layer are configured such that the electrode base is disposed at a predetermined position relative to the limb. The connector assembly is configured to electrically couple the stimulator to the electrode base. At least a portion of the connector assembly is disposed within a connector opening defined by the frame. | 2012-12-27 |
20120330376 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MAKING AND USING ELECTRICAL STIMULATION SYSTEMS FOR PROVIDING THERAPY TO LARGE ANIMALS - An electrical stimulation system for providing non-invasive therapeutic stimulation to a large animal includes a surcingle for placement around a girth of the large animal. The surcingle includes a non-stretchable first element and a stretchable second element. Foam wedges are disposed on the first element for flanking a spine of the large animal during stimulation. A control module with a signal generator is coupleable to the first element. A treatment electrode is disposed on a lead that is electrically coupleable to the control module. The treatment electrode has a conductive inner surface for disposing over skin of the large animal at a target stimulation location. The treatment electrode transmits to the target stimulation location electrical signals received from the signal generator. A return electrode disposed on the first element is electrically coupled to the control module and receives electrical signals output from the treatment electrode. | 2012-12-27 |
20120330377 | Visual Prosthesis Fitting - The present invention is a fitting system with a graphical interface with specific interface screens for specific functions. Methods and devices for fitting a visual prosthesis are described. In one of the methods, threshold levels and maximum levels for the electrodes of the prosthesis are determined and a map of brightness to electrode stimulation levels is later formed. A fitting system for a visual prosthesis is also discussed, together with a computer-operated system having a graphical user interface showing visual prosthesis diagnostic screens and visual prosthesis configuration screens. | 2012-12-27 |
20120330378 | Modular Speech Processor Headpiece - A cochlear implant system includes: an electrode array implanted within a cochlea; an internal processor in communication with the electrode array; an implanted antenna which is electrically coupled to the internal processor; and a modular external headpiece which is removably positioned over the implanted antenna, the modular external headpiece including a core containing a sound processor for processing sound and providing a corresponding signal to the implanted antenna; and a modular component configured to releasably engage the core and supply electrical power to the core. A modular speech processor headpiece includes a core comprising a microphone and sound processor for producing a signal representing ambient sound to be transmitted to a cochlear implant, the core further comprising a number of electrical contacts; and a modular component containing a number of electrical contacts corresponding to the electrical contacts of the core; wherein the core is configured to engage with the modular component such that electrical communication is made between the core and the modular component. | 2012-12-27 |
20120330379 | DATA-DRIVEN PATTERN DETECTION OF IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE DATA - Detecting patterns in sensed implantable medical device (IMC) data is described. One implementation involves an IMD that includes a data-driven pattern detection network embodied on the IMD to detect a pattern from sensed patient data. The IMD also includes one or more algorithms embodied on the IMD to utilize the pattern to effect patient therapy. | 2012-12-27 |
20120330380 | SECURE TELEMETRIC LINK - A communications protocol is used to provide data privacy, message integrity, message freshness, and user authentication to telemetric traffic, such as to and from implantable medical devices in a body area network. In certain embodiments, encryption, message integrity, and message freshness are provided through use of token-like nonces and ephemeral session-keys derived from device identification numbers and pseudorandom numbers. | 2012-12-27 |
20120330381 | AUTOMATED DEVICE PROGRAMMING AT CHANGEOUT - This document discusses, among other things, methods and systems for facilitating automated device programming at changeout. A method comprises receiving, from a first device, physiological data at a temporary storage device; and processing the received physiological data, wherein the processing includes determining if a first signal processing function was used by the first device and substantially offsetting the first signal processing function if the first signal processing function was used by the first device; and processing the resultant physiological data to be compatible with a second device. The method further comprising providing the processed resultant physiological data to the second device. | 2012-12-27 |
20120330382 | LEAD FOR IMPLANTABLE CARDIAC PROSTHESIS WITH INTEGRATED PROTECTION AGAINST THE EFFECTS OF MRI FIELDS - A lead for an implantable cardiac prosthesis, having an integrated protection against the effects of magnetic resonance imaging (“MRI”) fields. A protection circuit ( | 2012-12-27 |
20120330383 | Extensible Implantable Medical Lead - An extensible medical lead comprises at least one proximal contact, at least one distal electrode, and having at least one conductive filer electrically coupled between the proximal contacts and the distal stimulation electrode. The lead further comprises an outer jacket made of a longitudinally compressible material. The conductive filer may also be coiled to provide extensibility. | 2012-12-27 |
20120330384 | REMOTE CONTROL OF POWER OR POLARITY SELECTION FOR A NEURAL STIMULATOR - An implantable neural stimulator includes one or more electrodes, at least one antenna, and one or more circuits connected to the at least one antenna. The one or more electrodes are configured to apply one or more electrical pulses to excitable tissue. The antenna is configured to receive one or more input signals containing polarity assignment information and electrical energy, the polarity assignment information designating polarities for the electrodes. The one or more circuits are configured to control an electrode interface such that the electrodes have the polarities designated by the polarity assignment information; create one or more electrical pulses using the electrical energy contained in the input signal; and supply the one or more electrical pulses to the one or more electrodes through the electrode interface so that the one or more electrical pulses are applied according to the polarities designated by the polarity assignment information. | 2012-12-27 |
20120330385 | BIOSTIMULATIVE ILLUMINATION APPARATUS - A biostimulative illumination apparatus for treating patient tissues includes at least one light emitting diode which can generate at least one narrow-pulse focused wave band suitable to be used as low-power and non-parallel focused light beams for biostimulative illumination. The wave length of the focused light beam is from 600 nm to 850 nm, the energy density of the focused light beams is from 2 Joule/cm | 2012-12-27 |
20120330386 | SUBSTRATE PATTERNING - There is herein described light emitting apparatus. More particularly, there is herein described light emitting apparatus capable of adapting and/or conforming to a non-planar surface on a patient's body. | 2012-12-27 |
20120330387 | CONTROL DEVICE, WEARABLE DEVICE AND LIGHTING SYSTEM FOR LIGHT THERAPY PURPOSES - The control device ( | 2012-12-27 |
20120330388 | SYSTEM AND METHOD TO REGULATE TEMPERATURE - A system and method for thermal regulation, the system comprising a bedding element that is configured to enclose at least a part of a living being or other object. The system further comprising a temperature regulation element that is included in the bedding element and that includes a phase change material which changes between a liquid phase and a solid phase within the desired temperature range. | 2012-12-27 |
20120330389 | DEFIBRILLATOR WITH A NORMALIZED ELECTRODE INTERFACE AND DEFIBRILLATING ELECTRODE - A defibrillator includes a defibrillator mainframe and a defibrillating electrode. The defibrillator mainframe includes a main control unit and a master device electrically connected to the main control unit. The defibrillating electrode comprises a slave device supporting a bus protocol, the master device and slave device being interconnected through a bus. | 2012-12-27 |
20120330390 | Medical devices and implants from Ta-Nb-W alloys - The present invention relates to a medical device or implant made at least in part of a high-strength, low-modulus metal alloy comprising niobium, tantalum, and at least one element selected from the group consisting of zirconium, tungsten, and molybdenum. The medical devices according to the present invention provide superior characteristics with regard to biocompatibility, radio-opacity and MRI compatibility. | 2012-12-27 |
20120330391 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SPINAL CORD STIMULATION TO TREAT MOTOR DISORDERS - A method for using spinal cord stimulation to treat symptoms of motor disorders includes implanting a stimulation lead within a ventral portion of the epidural space. The lead is implanted with at least a portion of the electrodes facing the spinal cord. In a method for providing therapy to a patient suffering from a motor disorder, electrical stimulation energy is applied to at least one ventral column nerve fiber through the implanted stimulation lead. A peripheral region of the patient's body exhibits the symptoms of the motor disorder, and the ventral column nerve fiber to which the stimulation is applied innervates that peripheral region. | 2012-12-27 |
20120330392 | Autonomous (Leadless) Intracardiac Implantable Medical Device With Releasable Base and Fastener Element - A leadless autonomous intracardiac implantable medical device having a releasable fastener system. This autonomous intracorporeal active medical device has two distinct elements connectable together and reversibly separable from one another, with a sealed capsule body ( | 2012-12-27 |
20120330393 | IMPLANTABLE ELECTRODE ARRAY ASSEMBLY WITH AN ARRAY SUBTRATE, ELECTRODES AND INTEGRATED CIRCUITS, THE INTEGRATED CIRCUITS BEING ATTACHED TO PACKAGE SUBSTRATES - An electrode array with a flexible array substrate on which plural spaced apart electrodes are disposed. Integrated circuits are disposed in the array substrate. The integrated circuits are mounted to package substrates. The package substrates are more rigid than the array substrate. Internal to each package substrate is at least one electrical conductor. The electrical conductor extends from a bond pad integral with integrated circuit at least partially through the package substrate. The electrical conductor functions as the conductive member that extends between the integrated circuit an electrode with which the integrated circuit is associated. | 2012-12-27 |
20120330394 | ELECTRODE FOR MUSCLE STIMULATION - Devices and methods of treating a targeted body tissue by stimulating the body tissue with an electric current. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes an electrode carrier configured to be removably coupled to an interior surface of an orthosis. The electrode carrier includes a recess configured to matingly receive a portion of an electrode. The electrode carrier is electrically coupled to the electrode when the portion of the electrode is disposed within the recess. A connection member is electrically coupled to the electrode carrier and is configured to be releasably coupled to a surface of the orthosis. The electrode carrier is electrically coupled to the orthosis when the connection member is coupled to the orthosis. In some embodiments, the electrode carrier is configured to be removably coupled to the interior surface of the orthosis. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the electrode is constructed of an absorptive material. | 2012-12-27 |
20120330395 | GAIT MODULATION SYSTEM AND METHOD - Methods related to an electrical stimulation orthosis are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a method includes disposing a connector of a stimulation electrode assembly through an opening defined by a detachable layer. The connector of the stimulation electrode assembly is reversibly coupled to a connector disposed on an inner face of a frame. The detachable layer is coupled to the inner face of the frame. The method further includes disposing the frame about a limb segment of a body such that the detachable layer is in contact with a portion of the limb segment, and an electrical stimulation electrode of the stimulation electrode assembly is in contact with at least one stimulation point on a surface of the body associated with at least one of a nerve or a muscle. | 2012-12-27 |
20120330396 | Control System for a Stent Delivery System - A control system for controlling movement of a medical device delivery system, a stent delivery system and a method for controlling movement of a medical device delivery system are provided. The control system includes a first extendable arm comprising a plurality of first struts interconnected at intermediate points and end points of the first struts. The first arm is movable between a first position and a second position and the first arm is operably connected to one of the first shaft and the second shaft. The control system also includes a first actuator operably connected to the first arm and the first actuator is operable to move the first arm from the first position to the second position. Movement of the first arm moves the first shaft relative to the second shaft to change the position of the second shaft relative to the first shaft. | 2012-12-27 |
20120330397 | Stent Delivery Systems and Methods for Making and Using Stent Delivery Systems - Stent delivery systems and methods for making and using stent delivery systems are disclosed. An example stent delivery system may include a guide catheter. A push catheter may be slidably disposed over the guide catheter. A stent may be slidably disposed over the guide catheter and disposed adjacent to a distal end of the push catheter. An attachment mechanism may be coupled to the push catheter that is configured to engage the stent. The attachment mechanism may include a base and at least one cantilever extending from the base. | 2012-12-27 |
20120330398 | PLAIN WOVEN STENTS - Methods for treating a femoro-popliteal artery of a patient include delivering a self-expanding, woven stent from a delivery system. The methods may include delivering a guidewire to a lesion in the femoro-popliteal artery and advancing the delivery system over the guidewire. | 2012-12-27 |
20120330399 | ENDOVASCULAR FENESTRATED STENT-GRAFTING - A stent-graft ( | 2012-12-27 |
20120330400 | BALLOON CATHETER WITH STENT AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING IT - The invention relates to a balloon catheter comprising a catheter tube, an inflatable balloon, the ends of which are attached to the catheter tube, and a stent attached around the balloon. The stent extends at least partly along the length of the balloon. In an uninflated state, at least the outside surface of the balloon not covered by the stent is provided with a relief structure which is substantially disappeared in an inflated state of the balloon. The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing such a balloon catheter. | 2012-12-27 |
20120330401 | STENT DELIVERY SYSTEM - A stent delivery system includes a body and an operation unit disposed at the proximal end of the body. The body includes a self-expanding stent, an inner tube body, and a stent-accommodating tube body in which the stent is accommodated. The inner tube body has a stent-holding part enabling the stent to be re-accommodated into the stent-accommodating tube body. The operation unit includes a rack member fixed to a proximal end of the stent-accommodating tube body, an operation rotary roller having a working gear wheel that engages the teeth of the rack member, thereby causing the rack member to move forward and backward; and a connector fixed to a proximal end portion of a proximal-side tube that penetrates the stent-accommodating tube body and protrudes from the proximal end of the stent-accommodating tube body. | 2012-12-27 |
20120330402 | HELICAL STENT - A helical stent is provided that is wound in a zig-zag pattern along a pitch angle with respect to a plane transverse to the axis of the stent. A bisecting line extending through a bend and between two adjacent angular struts is also angled with respect to the longitudinal axis of the stent. | 2012-12-27 |
20120330403 | INTRAVASCULAR STENT - The invention is directed to an expandable stent for implanting in a body lumen, such as a coronary artery, peripheral artery, or other body lumen. The invention provides for an intravascular stent having a plurality of cylindrical rings connected by undulating links. The stent has a high degree of flexibility in the longitudinal direction, yet has adequate vessel wall coverage and radial strength sufficient to hold open an artery or other body lumen. The stent can be compressed or crimped onto a catheter to a very low profile since the peaks that are adjacent the curved portion of the undulating link are shorter than other peaks in the same cylindrical ring to prevent overlap yet still achieve a very low profile, tightly crimped stent onto a catheter. | 2012-12-27 |
20120330404 | Elastomeric Copolymer Coatings For Implantable Medical Devices - Implantable medical devices with elastomeric copolymer coatings are disclosed. | 2012-12-27 |
20120330405 | Implantable Medical Devices With A Topcoat Layer Of Phosphoryl Choline For Reduced Thrombosis, And Improved Mechanical Properties - The present invention relates to implantable medical devices coated with phosphoryl choline acrylate polymer topcoat layer and their use in the treatment of vascular diseases. | 2012-12-27 |
20120330406 | DRUG DELIVERY ENDOVASCULAR STENT AND METHOD OF USE - An improvement in drug-eluting stents, and method of their making, are disclosed. The surface of a metal stent is roughened to have a surface roughness of at least about 20 μin (0.5 μm) and a surface roughness range of between about 300-700 μin (7.5-17.5 μm). The roughened stent surface is covered with a polymer-free coating of a limus drug, to a coating thickness greater than the range of surface roughness of the roughened stent surface. | 2012-12-27 |
20120330407 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR HEART VALVE REPAIR - A transcatheter method of gathering tissue of a heart valve leaflet may include inserting an elongated catheter assembly to a position adjacent the heart valve leaflet, the catheter assembly including a capture tool moveable between a retracted position and an extended position, a tissue support, and a clamping member moveable between an open position and a closed position. The capture tool may be partially retracted to gather tissue of the heart valve leaflet between the tissue support and the clamping member. The clamping member may then be moved from the open position toward the closed position so as to clamp a substantial portion of the gathered tissue of the heart valve leaflet between the tissue support and the clamping member. Subsequently, a clip may be applied from the catheter assembly to the clamped tissue so as to hold the clamped tissue substantially in a gathered configuration. | 2012-12-27 |
20120330408 | SYSTEM FOR LOADING A COLLAPSIBLE HEART VALVE - An assembly for collapsing a self-expanding prosthetic heart valve includes a compression member, a support member and a constricting member. The compression member has a tapered wall between its first open end and its second open end, the tapered wall defining an open space adapted to receive the valve. The support member has a base and a recess adapted to receive an end of the valve. The support member and the compression member are movable toward one another to compress the valve and push it through a relatively small aperture in the second open end of the compression member. The second end of the constricting member is sized to receive the compressed valve from the second open end of the compression member for loading into a delivery device. | 2012-12-27 |
20120330409 | Methods and Apparatus for Endovascularly Replacing a Patient's Heart Valve - Methods for endovascularly replacing a patient's heart valve. In some embodiments, the method includes the steps of endovascularly delivering a replacement valve and an anchor to a vicinity of the heart valve, the anchor having a braid, and expanding the braid to a deployed configuration against the patient's tissue. The braid may be fabricated from a single strand of wire and/or may comprise at least one turn feature. | 2012-12-27 |
20120330410 | CLOSURE ELEMENT FOR USE WITH AN ANNULOPLASTY STRUCTURE - Apparatus and methods are described including an implant structure configured to treat a native atrioventricular valve of a patient, the implant structure including a sleeve having a lumen and at least one end, the at least one end being shaped so as to define an opening. A closure element is disposed in a vicinity of the at least one end, the closure element being configured to facilitate closure of the opening. A contracting mechanism is coupled to the implant structure and configured to contract at least a contraction-facilitated portion of the implant structure. Other applications are also described. | 2012-12-27 |
20120330411 | CLOSED BAND FOR PERCUTANEOUS ANNULOPLASTY - An implantable structure includes a flexible sleeve, having first and second sleeve ends, and a contracting assembly, which is configured to longitudinally contract the sleeve, and includes a contracting mechanism, which is disposed longitudinally at a first site of the sleeve, and a longitudinal contracting member, having (a) a first member end, (b) a second member end, which is coupled to the sleeve longitudinally at a second site longitudinally between the first site and the second sleeve end, exclusive, and (c) a first member end portion, which is coupled to the contracting mechanism. The sleeve is arranged in a closed loop, such that first and second portions of the sleeve together define a longitudinally overlapping portion of the sleeve. The implantable structure is configured such that the contracting assembly longitudinally applies a longitudinal contracting force only between the first and the second sites, and not along the overlapping portion. | 2012-12-27 |
20120330412 | PHYSIOLOGICALLY HARMONIZED TRICUSPID ANNULOPLASTY RING - A tricuspid remodeling annuloplasty ring having two free ends that are upturned in the inflow direction to help avoid unnecessary leaflet abrasion. The free ends are separated across a gap that is large enough to reduce the risk of passing sutures through the conductive system of the heart, yet not too large that support of the septal leaflet of the tricuspid annulus is degraded. The ring may have four sequential segments looking from the inflow side and extending in a clockwise direction from a free end located adjacent the antero septal commis sure after implant. The ring may define an inflow bulge in the first segment and/or an inflow bulge in the fourth segment that help the ring conform to the natural bulges created by the adjacent aorta, thereby reducing stress and the potential for ring dehiscence. Desirably, the ring has variable flexibility, either gradual and/or between or within different segments. | 2012-12-27 |
20120330413 | Biomedical Valve Devices, Support Frames for Use in Such Devices, and Related Methods - Biomedical valve devices, support frames for use in such devices, methods of making such devices, and methods of treating animals, including humans, for valve-related conditions are described. The biomedical valve devices can includes a native tissue valve attached to a support frame or a tissue attached to a support frame in a manner to form a valve. The tissue valve or tissue can be autogenous to the animal being treated. | 2012-12-27 |
20120330414 | INTRAOCULAR MULTIFOCAL LENS - A multifocal intraocular lens providing greater or lesser refraction in relation to the position of the head and eyes of a user. The lens body is inserted into an artificial capsule bag or into a fluid-filled enucleated natural lens capsule of an eye, wherein the lens body encompasses the optical axis of the eye and by movement of the lens body within the capsule, provides different greater or lesser refraction depending upon the position of the eye. | 2012-12-27 |
20120330415 | HAPTIC DEVICES FOR INTRAOCULAR LENS - A haptic for fixation to, and manufacture in conjunction with, an intraocular lens to be implanted in the natural lens capsule of the human eye is disclosed. The haptic secures the lens in an appropriate position within the natural capsule so as to provide optimal visual acuity through the aphakic lens. The haptic ends are designed to position the lens neutrally, anteriorly or posteriorly within the lens envelope. The haptic has a of an anterior retention ring and a posterior retention ring. | 2012-12-27 |
20120330416 | Dynamic Ossicular Prosthesis - An ossicular replacement prosthesis includes first and second engagement structures for engaging middle ear structures, a spring that biases the first and second engagement structures longitudinally apart when under compression, and a rod that axially stabilizes longitudinal movement of the first and second engagement structures and conducts sound waves between the first and second engagement structures. Relative axial pressure on the first and second engagement structures causes compression or expansion of the spring which results in movement of the rod to adjust the length of the prosthesis to accommodate changes in anatomical distance as occurs under changes in pressure or abnormal middle ear conditions. | 2012-12-27 |
20120330417 | TAPERED ARCUATE INTERVERTEBRAL IMPLANT - An intervertebral implant can include: a tapered arcuate shape. The implant can include a solid non-elastic portion. The implant can include an implant-suitable material. The implant can be at least partially porous, and optionally, the pores can be filed with a biodegradable material that can include one or more active agents, such as growth factors. The implant can be formed from a hybrid of at least two implant-suitable materials. The implant can include a body having a rounded surface and a substantially flat surface. Optionally, the substantially flat surface can be opposite of the rounded surface. The rounded surface and substantially flat surface can extend from a base to a tip of the tapered arcuate shape. The base may be substantially flat, where the tip can be rounded. The tapered arcuate shape can extend from a substantially flat base and curve to a tip of the arc. | 2012-12-27 |
20120330418 | METHOD AND IMPLANT DEVICE FOR GRAFTING ADJACENT VERTEBRAL BODIES - A methodology for grafting together adjacent bony structures is provided using an implant device having an endplate with an inner disc portion and outer ring portion spaced from the inner disc portion by a connecting wall disposed therebetween. An endplate interior surface includes a retaining structure for securing the endplate to one of the bony structures, and endplate an exterior surface has an integrally formed socket. A ball-joint rod has a longitudinally extending body and an end, and at least a portion of the ball-joint rod end is curvilinear in shape. The curvilinear ball-joint rod end is rotatably disposed in the endplate socket to fixedly interconnect the bony structures. | 2012-12-27 |
20120330419 | BI-DIRECTIONAL FIXATING/LOCKING TRANSVERTEBRAL BODY SCREW/INTERVERTEBRAL CAGE STAND-ALONE CONSTRUCTS - A bi-directional fixating transvertebral (BDFT) screw/cage apparatus is provided. The BDFT apparatus includes an intervertebral cage including a plurality of internal angled screw guides, a plurality of screw members, and a cage indentation adjacent to the screw guides that independently or supplemented by other screw locking mechanisms prevents the screw members from pulling out of the internal angled screw guides. The internal angled screw guides orient a first screw member superiorly and a second screw member inferiorly. The intervertebral cage is adapted for posterior lumbar intervertebral placement, anterior lumbar intervertebral placement, anterio-lateral thoracic intervertebral placement, or anterior cervical intervertebral placement. | 2012-12-27 |
20120330420 | SPINAL FUSION IMPLANTS - An improved implant is provided for human implantation, such as a spinal implant for implantation into the intervertebral space between two adjacent vertebrae. Some embodiments include a substrate of high strength biocompatible material, such as doped silicon nitride ceramic for example. In some embodiments, the substrate may also include one or more regions of a controlled porosity analogous to natural bone. In other embodiments, the substrate may comprise the entire implant. | 2012-12-27 |
20120330421 | Expandable Fusion Device and Method of Installation Thereof - The present invention provides an expandable fusion device capable of being installed inside an intervertebral disc space to maintain normal disc spacing and restore spinal stability, thereby facilitating an intervertebral fusion. In one embodiment, the fusion device includes a central ramp, a first endplate, and a second endplate, the central ramp capable of being moved in a first direction to move the first and second endplates outwardly and into an expanded configuration. The fusion device is capable of being deployed down an endoscopic tube. | 2012-12-27 |
20120330422 | Expandable Fusion Device and Method of Installation Thereof - The present invention provides an expandable fusion device capable of being installed inside an intervertebral disc space to maintain normal disc spacing and restore spinal stability, thereby facilitating an intervertebral fusion. In one embodiment, the fusion device includes a central ramp, a first endplate, and a second endplate, the central ramp capable of being moved in a first direction to move the first and second endplates outwardly and into an expanded configuration. The fusion device is capable of being deployed down an endoscopic tube. | 2012-12-27 |
20120330423 | Engineered Scaffolds for Intervertebral Disc Repair and Regeneration and for Articulating Joint Repair and Regeneration - Methods for the engineering and preparation of intervertebral disc repair scaffolds and articulating joint repair scaffolds are disclosed. The methodology utilizes either magnetic resonance images or combined magnetic resonance and computed tomography images as a template for creating either the intervertebral scaffold or the joint repair scaffold (e.g., osteochondral scaffold) with fixation to the underlying bone. The disc scaffold design may include an outer annulus that may contain desired structures and a central nucleus pulposus region that could either contain a designed microstructure or a contained hydrogel. The osteochondral scaffold may include a bone compartment interface with a cartilage compartment. The bone compartment may interface with a cutout portion of the bone through fixation components. Different microstructure designs may be created for the bone and cartilage compartment to represent desired mechanical and mass transport properties. The microstructure controls elastic and permeability property distribution within the scaffold. | 2012-12-27 |
20120330424 | Intervertebral disc prosthesis - The present invention relates to an intervertebral disc prosthesis comprising at least three pieces including an upper plate ( | 2012-12-27 |
20120330425 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DELIVERING AN IMPLANT BETWEEN ADJACENT VERTEBRAS USING ENDOSCOPY - An optical intervertebral implantation system can be used for a method of implanting an intervertebral implant into an intervertebral space with visualization. The system can include an elongate light guide and an intervertebral implant operably coupled with the elongate light guide. The elongate light guide can be configured as a guide wire and received through an aperture of the implant. The elongate light guide can be configured as a guide wire and the implant is received over and slides along on outside surface of the elongate light guide. The elongate light guide can be configured as a cannula having an internal conduit and the implant is received within the conduit. The elongate light guide can be configured as a cannula with an internal conduit and the implant is slidably coupled with an internal surface of the internal conduit of the cannula. | 2012-12-27 |