52nd week of 2011 patent applcation highlights part 54 |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20110319885 | USER INTERFACE FOR ABLATION THERAPY - The disclosure describes a user interface that may be used to control ablation therapy and monitor ablation therapy progress in systems that utilize wet electrode ablation techniques. The user interface presents a virtual electrode depth icon to a user that indicates the size of a lesion that may be created with the selected virtual electrode depth. The virtual electrode depth may be changed by the user according to the ablation therapy most appropriate for a patient, and the user may interact with the user interface to define the virtual electrode depth. In this manner, the user interface may be a touchscreen or other input device such as a mouse, pointing device, or keyboard. The user interface may also provide a thermometer icon that represents a patient temperature, a timer icon that represents a remaining time for therapy, and other representations of therapy progress. | 2011-12-29 |
20110319886 | Surgical Forceps for Sealing and Dividing Tissue - A forceps includes an end effector assembly including a pair of jaw members disposed in opposing relation relative to one another. At least one jaw member is moveable relative to the other between a spaced apart position, a first approximated position, and a second approximated position. The jaw members are configured to apply a pre-determined pressure to tissue disposed therebetween in each of the first and second approximated positions. A sealing pressure is applied to tissue disposed between the jaw members when the jaw members are in the first approximated position. A cutting pressure is applied to tissue disposed between the jaw members when the jaw members are in the second approximated position. | 2011-12-29 |
20110319887 | Electrosurgical Electrodes and Materials - An electrosurgical instrument is provided where the instrument includes a hand-held applicator having a proximal end and distal end and an end effector having a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end is inserted into the distal end of the hand-held applicator. The end effector includes a high temperature insulation and a tungsten alloy tip. | 2011-12-29 |
20110319888 | Surgical Instrument with a Separable Coaxial Joint - A surgical instrument includes an elongated shaft having a proximal structural member and a proximal drive member that is selectively movable with respect to the proximal structural member. A modular end effector is removably coupled to the elongated shaft, and has a distal structural member and a distal drive member that is operatively coupled to a pair of jaw members. A separable joint is defined between the elongated shaft and the end effector. The separable joint includes laterally prominent and laterally indented portions of each of the proximal and distal structural members and of each of the proximal and distal drive members. The structural members are interlocked to resist longitudinal separation and permit lateral separation. The drive members are movable relative to structural members to move the separable joint to a locked configuration wherein the drive members prohibit lateral separation of the structural members. | 2011-12-29 |
20110319889 | Electrode Sheath For Electrosurgical Device - This invention provides an electrosurgical device comprising a handle, a shaft member distal to the handle, a first electrode tip and a second electrode tip at a distal end of the shaft member with the first electrode tip laterally spaced from the second electrode tip, and an electrode sheath movable to cover and uncover a side of the electrode tips while a distal end of the electrode tips is uncovered to treat tissue. | 2011-12-29 |
20110319890 | ABNORMALITY ERADICATION THROUGH RESONANCE - A medical device to eradicate abnormality is provided. In one embodiment, the medical device includes a needle and an electrode. The medical device further includes a processor to automatically determine a portion of a biological tissue is associated with an abnormality when a sample density of an immediate area surrounding the needle in the biological tissue matches a target density as determined based on one or more of a chemical composition and a pigmentation of the abnormality. The processor calculates a resonant frequency to eradicate a presence of the abnormality based on the chemical composition and/or the pigmentation of the abnormality as determined through one or more of a conductivity, a capacitance, and an inductance of the abnormality. The medical device also includes a signal source to electrically couple the needle with the electrode to form a closed circuit when the needle and electrode contact the biological tissue. | 2011-12-29 |
20110319891 | PROBE FOR TREATING A TUMOR OR THE LIKE - An article of clothing is provided for selectively destroying dividing cells in living tissue formed of dividing cells and non-dividing cells. The dividing cells contain polarizable intracellular members and during late anaphase or telophase, the dividing cells are connected to one another by a cleavage furrow. The article of clothing includes insulated electrodes to be coupled to a generator for subjecting the living tissue to electric field conditions sufficient to cause movement of the polarizable intracellular members toward the cleavage furrow in response to a non-homogeneous electric field being induced in the dividing cells. The non-homogeneous electric field produces an increased density electric field in the region of the cleavage furrow. The movement of the polarizable intracellular intracellular members towards the cleavage furrow causes the breakdown thereof which adversely impacts the multiplication of the dividing cells. | 2011-12-29 |
20110319892 | Electrosurgical pencil switch,circuitry, and method of assembly - Formation of an assemblage of electrically conductive components for a new electrosurgical pencil is disclosed, and assembly of those components in a method for automating the manufacture and combination of current carrying metal circuitry and operable switching components in “electrosurgical pencils” which supply current to an active terminal, for application of high frequency or high power electrical current to a surgical site, and control of such current through coaction of the elements of the switch. In manufacture, the design of the switch components allows start-to-finish automated assembly of the switch, whereby an array of identical multiple metal “frames” may be formed from a reel, then each frame separated and enclosed within molded plastic, and the resulting cabinet joined with a housing to create an inexpensive hand piece, for use with a high quality, reusable cable and plug assembly. | 2011-12-29 |
20110319893 | METHOD, SYSTEM, AND APPARATUS FOR MAMMALIAN BONY SEGMENT STABILIZATION - Embodiments of bony region stabilization are described generally herein. Other embodiments may be described and claimed. | 2011-12-29 |
20110319894 | PLATE SYSTEM FOR MANAGING A BONE FRACTURE - A plate system is used in a surgical procedure to manage a distal radius or similar bone fracture. A plate of the plate system includes two leg segments extending downwardly from a generally horizontal segment, and further includes an elongated slot defined through the center of the horizontal segment of the plate near its top edge. A subchondral support element is inserted through the elongated slot and is advanced into the bone. The plate further defines two holes through the horizontal segment near a respective one of the two leg segments. Locking screws, such as variable angle locking screws, are inserted into and locked into the respective holes, with each locking screw advancing into the bone such that a distal tip of each locking screw engages the subchondral support element, thus providing a three-point support. | 2011-12-29 |
20110319895 | FLUTED BONE AWL AND METHOD OF USE - An awl provides for creating an accurate hole in a bone, such as for implantation of a suture anchor. The awl comprises an elongated shaft having a distal tip which terminates in a sharp point adapted to penetrate bone. At least one cutting flute is provided on the shaft and has a longitudinally extending cutting edge formed on the shaft proximal to and adjacent to the sharp point whereby to allow removal of bone via the cutting flute upon rotation of the shaft about a central longitudinal axis thereof inside of the bone. | 2011-12-29 |
20110319896 | CANNULATED FLEXIBLE DRIVE SHAFT - A flexible cannulated drive shaft ( | 2011-12-29 |
20110319897 | Patient Selectable Joint Arthroplasty Devices and Surgical Tools - Disclosed herein are methods, compositions and tools for repairing articular surfaces repair materials and for repairing an articular surface. The articular surface repairs are customizable or highly selectable by patient and geared toward providing optimal fit and function. The surgical tools are designed to be customizable or highly selectable by patient to increase the speed, accuracy and simplicity of performing total or partial arthroplasty. | 2011-12-29 |
20110319898 | Instruments and Methods for Non-Parallel Disc Space Preparation - Flexible shavers and curved access ports that reduce access and trajectory problems associated with conventional lateral approaches to the lower spine. These devices and methods allow for preparing a disc space in the lower spine at an angle that is parallel to the disc space. Consequently, these devices and methods allow for preparing with less endplate damage. | 2011-12-29 |
20110319899 | Flexible Vertebral Body Shavers - Several devices and methods for preparing the vertebral endplates while minimizing damage to the vertebral endplates. Each design incorporates flexible means to reduce endplate damage while enabling removal of the cartilage adhered to the endplate cortical bone. | 2011-12-29 |
20110319900 | Patient Selectable Joint Arthroplasty Devices and Surgical Tools - Disclosed herein are methods, compositions and tools for repairing articular surfaces repair materials and for repairing an articular surface. The articular surface repairs are customizable or highly selectable by patient and geared toward providing optimal fit and function. The surgical tools are designed to be customizable or highly selectable by patient to increase the speed, accuracy and simplicity of performing total or partial arthroplasty. | 2011-12-29 |
20110319901 | SURGICAL JIG - A surgical jig for determining an axis extending into the end of a bone ( | 2011-12-29 |
20110319902 | CATHETER DELIVERY SYSTEM - A method for delivering catheters, and stents composed of soft, compliant polymers through anatomical passages. These devices have a bulbous anchorage end with a diameter greater than the rest of the catheter. To facilitate implant and delivery a pusher catheter or sheath with an internal lumen larger than the outer diameter of the catheter but smaller than the outer diameter of the bulbous anchorage end. The distal end of pusher catheter or the sheath physically engages the proximal end of the bulbous anchorage end and applies an axial force to coaxially advance the catheter over a guidewire though anatomical passages. This method allows a physician to move the catheter to an anatomical site without the device exhibiting buckling due to axial force applied. Similarly, this delivery method will allow more force to be applied to the distal end of the catheter diminishing the likelihood of buckling. | 2011-12-29 |
20110319903 | CATHETER, CATHETER ASSEMBLY AND RELEVANT METHOD - The present invention relates to a catheter suitable for conducting and positioning a medical device in an organic cavity comprising at least one side branch, such as a blood vessel, which comprises a tubular body, having a central lumen having a cross-section suitable for the passage of the medical device and a mandrel slidable in the central lumen and distally a flexible end portion. On the outer surface of the mandrel there is a longitudinal groove defining, with the inner wall of the tubular body, a passage suitable for receiving a first guide wire in a sliding manner. In addition, in the mandrel there is an inner lumen suitable for housing a second guide wire in a sliding manner. The present invention further relates to a catheter assembly comprising the aforesaid catheter and a method of use the same. | 2011-12-29 |
20110319904 | DELIVERY SYSTEM HAVING STENT RETENTION STRUCTURE - A drainage stent delivery system including an elongate shaft of a medial device, a drainage catheter or stent, and an interference fit member for selectively coupling the drainage stent to the elongate shaft. The drainage stent is selectively coupled to a distal portion of the elongate shaft by an interference fit between the interference fit member and the drainage stent such that axial movement of the elongate shaft relative to the drainage stent moves the interference fit member from a first position in which the interference fit member is engaged with the drainage stent and forms an interference fit with the drainage stent to a second position in which the interference fit member is disengaged from the drainage stent. | 2011-12-29 |
20110319905 | Multiple function vascular device - A multi-purpose vascular device defines a lumen allowing fluid communication there through and has a coil with a side of the coil winds having solid physical connections between the coil winds to prevent the connected coil wind side from expanding following the application of force by an actuating member which causes the connected coil winds to have a predetermined configuration in an unstressed state. The application of longitudinal force causes the unconnected coil winds to expand, resulting in the vascular device assuming a different configuration. | 2011-12-29 |
20110319906 | REDUCING FLOW THROUGH A TUBULAR STRUCTURE - In some embodiments, an apparatus, for reducing or stopping flow through a tubular structure of a patient, includes an elongate member arranged to form a frame having a distal and proximal opening and configured to be positioned within a lumen of the tubular structure. The frame includes a proximal, distal, and middle portion. The distal portion is tapered such that an outer cross sectional dimension (OCSD) of the distal opening is less than an OCSD of the middle portion. The frame is configured to be inverted such that the distal portion moves within and toward the middle portion for removing the frame from within the lumen. The apparatus also comprises a flow reducing member coupled to the frame such that when the frame is positioned within the lumen, the flow reducing member substantially reduces or totally obstructs flow of at least one of emboli and fluid flowing through the lumen. | 2011-12-29 |
20110319907 | Cochlear Implant System with Removable Stylet - A cochlear implant system includes a cochlear electrode array which has a flexible body with a distal end, a plurality of electrodes supported along a length of the flexible body, and a lumen formed in the flexible body. The cochlear implant system also includes a stiffening stylet which is fully inserted into the lumen prior to insertion of the electrode array into the cochlea. The stiffening stylet is configured such the stylet does not extend to the distal end of the flexible body and remains stationary within the lumen to prevent buckling of the electrode array during insertion of the electrode array through a cochleostomy and into the cochlea. The stiffening stylet is configured to be withdrawn from the lumen after the electrode array is positioned within the cochlea. A method for implanting an electrode array into a cochlea is also provided. | 2011-12-29 |
20110319908 | TOOLS, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS FOR INSERTING A PRE-CURVED ELECTRODE ARRAY PORTION OF A LEAD INTO A BODILY ORIFICE - Exemplary insertion tools, systems, and methods for inserting a pre-curved electrode array portion of a lead into a bodily orifice are described herein. An exemplary insertion tool includes a handle assembly, a slider assembly, an insertion assembly coupled to the handle assembly, and a retractor assembly disposed at least partially within the handle assembly and configured to selectively couple to a straightening member inserted into the pre-curved electrode array portion and at least partially retract the straightening member from the pre-curved electrode array portion in response to actuation by a user of the slider assembly. The retractor assembly may comprise a spring-loaded retractor member configured to move from a distal position to a proximal position in response to actuation by the user of the slider assembly to at least partially retract the straightening member from the pre-curved electrode array portion. Corresponding insertion tools, systems, and methods are also described. | 2011-12-29 |
20110319909 | TOOLS, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS FOR INSERTING AN ELECTRODE ARRAY PORTION OF A LEAD INTO A BODILY ORIFICE - Exemplary insertion tools, systems, and methods for inserting an electrode array portion of a lead into a bodily orifice are described herein. An exemplary insertion tool includes a handle assembly, a slider assembly, a retractor assembly disposed at least partially within the handle assembly, and a rocker lever. The retractor assembly may include a stiffening member configured to be inserted into the electrode array portion and a spring-loaded retractor member coupled at a proximal end of the stiffening member. The spring-loaded retractor member may be configured to move from a distal position to a proximal position to at least partially retract the stiffening member from the electrode array portion. The rocker lever may be configured to selectively retain the spring-loaded retractor member in the distal position. Corresponding tools, systems, and methods are also described. | 2011-12-29 |
20110319910 | METHODS AND DEVICES FOR CONTROLLING A SHAPEABLE INSTRUMENT - Systems and methods are described herein that improve control of a shapeable or steerable instrument using shape data. Additional methods include of controlling a shapeable instrument within an anatomical region using a robotic medical system. | 2011-12-29 |
20110319911 | REMOTELY CONTROLLING AN ARTICULATING SURGICAL INSTRUMENT - A surgical device for remotely controlling an articulating surgical instrument comprises an articulating surgical instrument, a control portion, and a slave portion. The control portion is configured for receiving motion inputs in a plurality of degrees of freedom from a human shoulder, arm, and hand and translating the motion inputs into one or more control signals for controlling motion of the articulating surgical instrument. The control signals are generated within the control portion and wherein at least one of the control signals comprises displacement of hydraulic fluid. The slave portion is coupled between the control portion and the articulating surgical instrument. The control portion is configured for moving the articulating surgical instrument in response to the one or more control signals. | 2011-12-29 |
20110319912 | NAVIGATION SYSTEM FOR REMOTE-CONTROLLED ACTUATOR - A remote controlled actuator ( | 2011-12-29 |
20110319913 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR PERCUTANEOUS COCHLEAR IMPLANTATION - A method and apparatus of percutaneous cochlear implantation (PCI). In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of (a) implanting a plurality of anchor members in a skull of a patient surrounding an ear of the patient, (b) attaching a docking frame to the plurality of anchor members, wherein the docking frame has a docking platform and a plurality of fiducial members, (c) acquiring a computed-tomography (CT) image of an area of the patient's head including the ear and the plurality of fiducial members, (d) determining a centroid of each of the plurality of fiducial members and a trajectory for a PCI according to the CT image, (e) configuring a parallel robot by a computer processor according to the CT image such that a top platform of the parallel robot is aligned with the trajectory with respect to the centroids of the plurality of fiducial members, (f) attaching the configured parallel robot to the docking frame, and (g) performing the PCI using one or more surgical tools received by the top platform of the parallel robot. | 2011-12-29 |
20110319914 | SURGICAL STAPLE REMOVER - A surgical staple remover includes a first elongated element having a handle on one end and an upward sloped jaw element on the other end, wherein the jaw element comprises a pair of parallel jaws; a housing running a length of the first elongated element; an interior element within the housing comprising a planar element having a hook element; a second elongated element pivotally connected to the first elongated element and the interior element, such that moving the second elongated element results in moving the hook element and the jaw element while retracting the interior element, resulting in the hook element deforming the surgical staple so as to remove it and moving the surgical staple towards the housing; and a strip element located on top of the jaw element, such that when the hook element moves the removed surgical staple, the removed surgical staple is moved under the strip element. | 2011-12-29 |
20110319915 | Surgical Mesh Maker - A surgical mesh maker applicator for applying an in situ forming material to subdermal tissue is disclosed and includes a handle and an outer tube extending from the handle. The outer tube defines a longitudinal axis and a longitudinal slot along a distal portion of the outer tube. An inner tube containing a pattern extends at least partially through the outer tube. A rotational mechanism rotates the inner tube with respect to the longitudinal axis to dispense the in situ forming material into a patterned structure for strengthening the subdermal tissue. | 2011-12-29 |
20110319916 | SLOT DRIVE TYPE ANASTOMOSIS DEVICE - Provided is an anastomosis device including a first head holding a first anastomosis ring, a second head holding a second anastomosis ring, a first guide bar connected to the first head and switching a release position and a standby position to each other, wherein the first guide bar includes a first rotation groove, a second guide bar connected to the second head and switching the release position and the standby position to each other, wherein the second guide bar includes a second rotation groove, and a rotation driver moving approximately in a parallel direction to the first and second guide bars and including a first guide protrusion and a second guide protrusion, which move along the first and second rotation grooves, respectively. | 2011-12-29 |
20110319917 | METHODS OF MANAGING NEUROVASCULAR OBSTRUCTIONS - Systems, methods, and devices for the treatment of acute ischemic stroke that provide immediate blood flow restoration to a vessel occluded by a clot and, after reestablishing blood flow, address the clot itself. Immediate blood flow restoration advantageously can facilitate natural lysis of the clot and also can reduce or obviate the concern for distal embolization due to fragmentation of the clot. Several embodiments of the invention provide for progressive, or modular, treatment based upon the nature of the clot. For example, the progressive treatment can include immediate restoration of blood flow, in-situ clot management, and/or clot removal depending on the particular circumstances of the treatment. The in-situ clot management can include, for example, lysis, maceration, and/or removal. | 2011-12-29 |
20110319918 | BALANCED ULTRASONIC END EFFECTOR - A balanced ultrasonic surgical instrument according to the present invention includes an ultrasonic transmission rod which is connected to a blade or end effector by a balance portion, which includes first and second balance asymmetries designed to compensate for the imbalances induced by the blade. | 2011-12-29 |
20110319919 | COCKING MECHANISM FOR LANCING DEVICE - A lancing device is disclosed in which cocking of the lancet holder is achieved in response to retraction of a push member. A lancing device is also disclosed in which a lancet storage compartment is provided in the housing of the lancing device and closing movement of a closure member for the storage compartment has the effect of cocking the lancet holder. Methods of cocking lancing devices are also disclosed. | 2011-12-29 |
20110319920 | MICROPORE FORMING APPARATUS AND MICROPORE FORMING METHOD - To provide a micropore forming apparatus capable of increasing the amount of interstitial fluid extracted from micropores formed in the skin of a subject. The micropore forming apparatus includes a skin contact part that has a plurality of microneedles for piercing the skin of the subject, and a force exerting part for exerting a force on the skin contact part toward the skin of the subject. The force exerting part is configured so as to exert a force on the microneedles toward the skin at a position at which the microneedles of the skin contact part are to pierce the skin of the subject. | 2011-12-29 |
20110319921 | Hair transplanting device and method for the use thereof - A direct hair transplanting device enabling sequential harvesting of single hair follicles from a donor region and implantation of the same at a recipient zone of the scalp comprising a tubular housing ( | 2011-12-29 |
20110319922 | BALLOON CATHETER - An aspect of the present invention is a balloon catheter integrated with a guidewire. An object thereof is to provide a balloon catheter allowing smooth connection between a coil portion of the guidewire and a front end portion of the balloon catheter by preventing the stepped portion from being formed therebetween and allowing the tip portion of the guidewire to sufficiently exhibit characteristics thereof without providing any additional element. The balloon catheter includes: a protruding portion formed of an inner coil which is arranged inside a front end coil part and which extends from a rear end of the front end coil part to surround a core shaft; and a front end opening part of a guidewire lumen that is provided at a front end of a catheter body and into which the protruding portion is inserted. | 2011-12-29 |
20110319923 | BALLOON CATHETER - An object of the present invention is to provide a balloon catheter integrated with a guidewire in which a stepped portion is prevented from being formed between a coil portion of the guidewire and a front end portion of the balloon catheter and thus crossability of the balloon catheter is improved. The balloon catheter includes a transition part made of resin that smoothly connects an external shape of an outer coil of a front end coil part and an external shape of a tip portion of a front side inner shaft. | 2011-12-29 |
20110319924 | Gastric Space Occupier Systems And Methods Of Use - Systems for controlling obesity utilize a number of space occupiers positioned in the stomach to reduce the effective volume of the stomach. Such arrangements provides sufficient stomach volume consumption to induce weight loss, but enable use of space occupiers that are proportioned to minimize the threat of obstruction even if they should migrate into the intestine. In general, numerous small volume space occupiers are placed in the stomach such that the total volume equals or exceeds the single volume of prior art single unit space occupiers. However, each individual space occupier is proportioned so that it will pass without obstruction if it moves into the intestine. | 2011-12-29 |
20110319925 | POLYAXIAL FACET FIXATION SCREW SYSTEM WITH CANNULA INSERTER - A screw system includes a screw and a washer assembly captive to the screw. The washer assembly is polyaxially pivotable relative to the screw. The screw may be freely rotated in one direction relative to the washer assembly, but frictionally binds with the washer assembly when rotated in a second direction. A cannula insertion system includes an instrument and a cannula. The instrument may include a dilator. The cannula insertion system may have a locked setting in which the dilator is fixed relative to the cannula, and an unlocked setting in which the dilator is slidable relative to the cannula. A surgical method uses the cannula insertion system to implant the screw system. | 2011-12-29 |
20110319926 | Braid Ball Embolic Device Features - Embolic implants and methods of manufacture are disclosed. The implants may be used for occluding blood flow at endovascular sites. One use is in intracranial aneurysm emolization/occlusion and another in parent vessel occlusion (PVO) or sacrifice. Various features provide for improved use (e.g., regarding delivery, recapture, visualization and/or occlusion) and manufacturability. | 2011-12-29 |
20110319927 | Methods and apparatus for removing blood clots from intracranial aneurysms - Methods and apparatus for removing blood clots from an aneurysm in the intracranial space of the patient's head using ultrasound energy are provided. Pharmacologic agents or microbubbles may be delivered to the treatment area to further facilitate the dissolving and removal of blood clots. | 2011-12-29 |
20110319928 | Sacrificial Anode Stent System - A sacrificial anode stent system comprises a stent having at least one sacrificial anode portion and a vaso-occlusive device. The vaso-occlusive device has at least one portion with a potential different from that of the sacrificial anode portion of the stent. | 2011-12-29 |
20110319929 | MEDICAL PRESSURE APPLICATOR DEVICE - A medical pressure applicator device includes an elongate handle and a shaft. The handle has a first end, a second end, and a first axis. The shaft has an offset portion with a second axis and a work portion with a third axis. The offset portion defines a proximal end of the shaft that is connected to the handle at the second end. The work portion defines a distal end of the shaft with the third axis being substantially perpendicular to the first axis. A distance between the first axis and the distal end along the third axis is in a range of about 8.5 to about 15.5 centimeters. The device is configured to transfer a working force from the elongate handle to the distal end of the work portion of the shaft. In some embodiments, a disposable tip body is received over the distal end of the shaft. | 2011-12-29 |
20110319930 | DEVICE FOR MIXING AND DISPENSING OF TWO-COMPONENT REACTIVE SURGICAL SEALANT - An applicator for mixing and applying multi-component compositions to a work surface, such as two-component surgical sealants, while avoiding clogs, preventing cross-contamination of the components until a point of intended mixing at a location within the apparatus immediately upstream of an application opening in a tip cap, decreasing pressure drop along the applicator to facilitate fluid delivery, and increasing efficiency of mixing of the components. A luer hub sub-assembly having a proximal hub and a distal hub, an elongate, four-lumened cannula, and a spray tip sub-assembly are provided, with interconnections between the sub-assemblies preserving isolation of the fluid components from one another. The tip cap sub-assembly includes registration structure to assure proper alignment between tip cap and tip insert. The end wall of the tip cap includes a spinner region with three feeders leading thereto, the fluid components remaining isolated from one another in two of the feeders, and initiating mixing with one another in a third of the feeders. | 2011-12-29 |
20110319931 | RHENIUM TUNGSTEN WIRE, METHOD OF MANUFACTURING THE WIRE AND MEDICAL NEEDLE USING THE WIRE - The present invention provides a rhenium tungsten wire comprising 10 to 30 mass % of rhenium and balance of tungsten, and having a wire diameter D of 0.10-0.40 mm, wherein a tensile strength T (N/mm | 2011-12-29 |
20110319932 | BIDIRECTIONAL SELF-RETAINING SUTURES WITH LASER-MARKED AND/OR NON-LASER MARKED INDICIA AND METHODS - A marked heterofunctional suture thread has two or more sections having different features. One or more sections of the suture thread are provided with laser-marked and non-laser marked indicia in order that they may be identified and differentiated from other sections. The suture thread may have retainers on the surface of one or more sections such that the suture thread can engage and retain tissue without knots. The markers may be used to indicate fixed features of a section of suture thread such as the presence and/orientation of retainers. In particular embodiments, laser-marked and non-laser marked indicia are used to identify the transition section of a bidirectional self-retaining suture. | 2011-12-29 |
20110319933 | SUTURE BONE ANCHOR - A bone anchor provides stable, durable anchorage of sutures used for repair of soft tissues torn, or cut, away from bones. The anchor includes a plurality of prongs angled in the direction of loading. The prongs are inserted into holes drilled in the bone. The angled nature of the prongs causes them to dig into the bone under functional loading. A suture is attached to the anchor via an integral bead and led through the anchor eyelet. In use, the suture does not glide anywhere at its interface to the anchor, nor does if flex on itself at a knot. Instead, it only flexes around the pillar of the eyelet with a fully circular cross-section. The suture is preferably of multi-filament type and the diameter of the individual filaments is preferably no more than 1% of the diameter of the eyelet's circular pillar. Filaments of the suture are preferably loose; i.e. they are not bonded or braided. This is to prevent strains in the filaments in excess of their fatigue limit when flexing around the pillar of the anchor. | 2011-12-29 |
20110319934 | Simple portable lumbar spine distraction device and method - A simple, lightweight, portable, lumbar spinal distraction device is provided which employs a frame having concave left and right hand upper leg contacting members for asserting forces against substantially vertically oriented left and right upper leg portions of a user assuming a substantially horizontal position. The user pushes the portable frame forward by manually grasping a pair of handles, causing the left and right contacting members to press against the vertically oriented left and right upper leg portions respectively. Increased unilateral traction ability is produced by simply having the user apply extra force to one handle or the other. This will permit users suffering from unilateral pain in the buttocks, hip or leg to obtain a little extra pressure on the symptomatic side. Anyone who has suffered low back pain can relate to the fact that some days the pain feels more right sided and some days more left sided. | 2011-12-29 |
20110319935 | INTERARTICULATING SPINOUS AND TRANSVERSE PROCESS STAPLES FOR SPINAL FUSION - Thoracic/lumbar and cervical spinous process staples which staple/fuse adjacent spinous processes are disclosed. Thoracic/lumbar transverse process staples which staple/fuse adjacent transverse processes are also disclosed. Each embodiment has upper and lower claws connected by a ratchet spring mechanism, along with a multiplicity of bone fastener prongs attached to the upper and lower claws. Two sets of prongs on each staple claw are spaced by a distance approximately equal to the distance separating adjacent spinous or transverse processes so as to facilitate stapling/fusion of two adjacent processes. Also disclosed are staple prongs with multiple perforations which enable incorporation of bone fusion material thereby facilitating stapling/fusion of spinal elements. | 2011-12-29 |
20110319936 | SPINOUS PROCESS FUSION IMPLANTS AND INSERTION, COMPRESSION, AND LOCKING INSTRUMENTATION - A bone plate assembly including at least one bone plate, polyaxially adjustable fixation elements and a polyaxially adjustable locking mechanism. A first plate includes at least one polyaxial element for lockable connection with a fixation pad, and a connection feature which allows the plate to translate and polyaxially rotate relative to the locking mechanism. A second plate includes at least one polyaxial element for connection with a fixation pad and a connection feature for non-rotatable connection with the locking mechanism. The locking mechanism allows translation and polyaxial adjustment of the first plate relative to the second plate and locks the first and second plates via a taper lock. The fixation pad includes a deflectable spacer configured to prevent premature locking of the pad. Methods for implantation of the bone plate assembly between bone structures are disclosed. Instrumentation for implantation, compression and locking of the bone plate assembly is disclosed. | 2011-12-29 |
20110319937 | Side-loading interspinous process spacer an installation tool - A side-loading interbody or intervertebral spacer device for placement in an interspinous space between a pair of adjacent spinous processes includes opposed abutment portions sized and shaped for engaging adjacent spinal processes and an arcuate rim. A through-channel is disposed between the opposed abutment portions. A tool configured and arranged for releasably engaging and installing said intervertebral spacer. | 2011-12-29 |
20110319938 | COPLANAR DEFORMITY CORRECTION SYSTEM - A bone anchor assembly is provided, which may be used in cervical, thoracic, lumbar or sacral areas of the spine or other orthopedic locations. The anchor assembly includes a bone anchor, a receiver mounted to the bone anchor, a saddle within the receiver, a spacer within the receiver, and an engaging member. The receiver extends along a central longitudinal axis proximally away from the bone anchor. A rod or other elongated connecting element is received in a passage of the receiver in contact with the saddle, and the engaging member engages the connecting element against the saddle, which engages the saddle against the spacer, which in turn engages the proximal head of the bone anchor in the receiver. The orientation of the saddle in the receiver is adjustable to correspond to the orientation of the connecting element relative to the central longitudinal axis of the receiver. | 2011-12-29 |
20110319939 | COMPRESSION-DISTRACTION SPINAL FIXATION SYSTEM AND KIT - Compression-distraction spinal fixation systems, and methods of performing compression-distraction spinal fixation, are provided that include screw-rod constructs having a ratcheting mechanism. Bone screws of the screw-rod constructs can have a pawl that engages ratchet teeth on the rod of the screw-rod construct. The bone screw can be unidirectionally ratcheted along the length of the rod to apply compressive or distractive forces. Tools for manipulation of the screw-rod constructs are also provided, which tools include distal tips configured to engage the bone screws. | 2011-12-29 |
20110319940 | NON-FUSION SPINAL CORRECTION SYSTEMS AND METHODS - Methods and devices that utilize segmental fixation between several adjacent vertebrae, thus allowing each vertebrae to be adjusted independently, are provided. In general, the device includes a spinal anchoring element that is adapted to seat at least one spinal fixation element, and a closure mechanism that is adapted to mate to the spinal anchoring element to lock the at least one spinal fixation element in a fixed position relative to the spinal anchoring element. | 2011-12-29 |
20110319941 | Robot Guided Oblique Spinal Stabilization - A robotic system for performing minimally invasive spinal stabilization, using two screws inserted in oblique trajectories from an inferior vertebra pedicle into the adjacent superior vertebra body. The procedure is less traumatic than such procedures performed using open back surgery, by virtue of the robot used to guide the surgeon along a safe trajectory, avoiding damage to nerves surrounding the vertebrae. The robot arm is advantageous since no access is provided in a minimally invasive procedure for direct viewing of the operation site, and the accuracy required for oblique entry can readily be achieved only using robotic control. This robotic system also obviates the need for a large number of fluoroscope images to check drill insertion position relative to the surrounding nerves. Disc cleaning tools with flexible wire heads are also described. The drilling trajectory is determined by comparing fluoroscope images to preoperative images showing the planned path. | 2011-12-29 |
20110319942 | FLEXIBLE PLATE FIXATION OF BONE FRACTURES - Embodiments provide methods, apparatuses, and systems for fixation of a fractured bone. In various embodiments, the systems and plates may provide elastic suspension of the receiving holes relative to the osteosynthesis plate. This elastic suspension may promote load distribution between the screws that connect a bone segment to the plate, thereby reducing stress risers and load shielding effect. In addition, stress at the screw holes, and within the construct as a whole, is reduced by incorporation of these elastic elements in the plate. Additionally, in some embodiments, for instance if fracture healing by callus formation is desired, elastic suspension of the receiving holes relative to the osteosynthesis plate may enable small, controlled amounts of relative motion between bone fragments connected by the plate, which may promote fracture healing by callus formation. | 2011-12-29 |
20110319943 | Surgical Fixation System and Related Methods - A surgical fixation system having an improved mechanism to prevent the back out of screws employed in securing a surgical fixation plate to an intended orthopedic location. | 2011-12-29 |
20110319944 | Submuscular Facial Fixation (Myo-Osseous Fixation) Using Microincision Microscrew Device, Injectable Glues and Adhesives, and Method and Device for Therapy of Migraine and Related Headaches - Procedures for altering the surface of the human face or other body parts by tethering muscle origins, extending muscular attachments and origins, and tethering muscles by causing adhesions of facial muscles which are not naturally present using specific methods materials and devices, and procedures for treating headaches by implanting a device through a micro incision in skin is are described. A microincision microscrew device and methods of using the device in surgical procedures is described. The use of a puncture based injection of bioadhesive into a described functional fibrofatty plane on the undersurface and throughout the muscle proper without use of incisional surgery is also described. Osseous bolting and osseous screws fixating soft tissue elevation via deep muscle tethering to facial bone is shown causing suspension of upper, mid, and lower facial soft tissue structures in a method that is adaptable to other body regions. Additionally, the combined use of screws with bioadhesives and single use of injectable bioadhesives are described. | 2011-12-29 |
20110319945 | LATERAL SUTURE SCREW - A bone screw for lateral suture stabilization includes a post around which the suture winds. An attachment hole is located in the head of the bone screw above the post for connecting an end of the suture. Various suture configurations can be used around multiple bone screws in the lateral suture stabilization process to control the flexion of the suture upon movement of the joint. The suture is formed from a plurality of high strength high modulus polymeric fibers. The fibers are independent and free from intrinsic inter-fiber shear coupling found in braided or bonded fibers. | 2011-12-29 |
20110319946 | BONE IMPLANTATION AND STABILIZATION ASSEMBLY INCLUDING DEPLOYMENT DEVICE - The present disclosure provides for improved bone implantation and stabilization assemblies, and improved systems/methods for deploying and/or undeploying such bone implantation and stabilization assemblies. More particularly, the present disclosure provides for improved devices, systems and methods for stabilizing bones and/or bone segments. In exemplary embodiments, the present disclosure provides for improved devices, systems and methods for deploying bone implantation and stabilization assemblies into bone tissue (e g., spinal structure, vertebrae, cancellous bone, cortical bone, etc.) in order to stabilize bones and/or bone segments. | 2011-12-29 |
20110319947 | Portable Low-Frequency Electrotherapy Apparatus - The present invention relates to a portable low-frequency electrotherapy apparatus comprising a main body which comprises a universal serial bus (USB) port, a charging part to receive a charging voltage from the power pin of the USB port and a low-frequency signal generator electrically connected to a data pin of the USB port to supply a low-frequency signal through the data pin of the USB port; a low-frequency signal cable which comprises a low-frequency electrode connector at one end of the low-frequency signal cable electrically connected to the data pin of the USB port and an electrode pad at the other end to transmit a low-frequency signal to a human body; and a power cable which comprises a power supply connector at one end of the power cable electrically connected to the power pin of the USB port. | 2011-12-29 |
20110319948 | INTRACARDIAC DEFIBRILLATION CATHETER SYSTEM - An intracardiac defibrillation catheter system equipped with a defibrillation catheter, a power source device and an electrocardiograph. The defibrillation catheter is equipped with a first DC electrode group and a second DC electrode group. The power source device is equipped with a DC power source unit, a catheter-connected connector, an electrocardiograph-connected connector, an arithmetic processing unit, which controls the DC power source unit and has an output circuit for outputting a direct current voltage from the DC power source unit, and a changeover unit, in which the catheter-connected connector is connected to a common contact. The electrocardiograph-connected connector is connected to a first contact, and the arithmetic processing unit is connected to a second contact. In the intracardiac defibrillation catheter system, electric energy necessary and sufficient for defibrillation can be surely supplied. The defibrillation catheter can be used as an electrode catheter for cardiac potential measurement when a defibrillation treatment is not performed. | 2011-12-29 |
20110319949 | Apparatus and Method for Identifying Atrial Arrhythmia by Far-Field Sensing - In a subcutaneous implantable cardioverter/defibrillator, cardiac arrhythmias are detected to determine necessary therapeutic action. Cardiac signal information is sensed from far field electrodes implanted in a patient. The sensed cardiac signal information is then amplified and filtered. Parameters such as rate, QRS pulse width, cardiac QRS slew rate, amplitude and stability measures of these parameters from the filtered cardiac signal information are measured, processed and integrated to determine if the cardioverter/defibrillator needs to initiate therapeutic action. | 2011-12-29 |
20110319950 | BALANCED CHARGE WAVEFORM FOR TRANSCUTANEOUS PACING - External pacemaker systems and methods deliver pacing waveforms that minimize hydrolysis of the electrode gel. Compensating pulses are interleaved with the pacing pulses, with a polarity and duration that balance the net charge at the electrode locations. The compensating pulses are preferably rectangular for continuous pacing, and decay individually for on-demand pacing. | 2011-12-29 |
20110319951 | Systems and Methods for Use by an Implantable Medical Device for Controlling Multi-Site CRT Pacing in the Presence of Atrial Tachycardia - Systems and methods are provided for use by implantable medical devices equipped to deliver multi-site left ventricular (MSLV) pacing. MSLV is associated with a relatively long post-ventricular atrial blanking (PVAB) period that might limit the detection of pathologic rapid organized atrial tachycardias (OAT). In one example, MSLV cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) pacing is delivered within a tracking mode. A possible atrial tachycardia is detected based on the atrial rate exceeding an atrial tachycardia assessment rate (ATAR) threshold. The device then switches to single-site LV pacing, thereby effectively shortening the PVAB to detect additional atrial events that might otherwise be obscured, and thereby permitting the device to more reliably distinguish organized atrial tachycardias (such as atrial flutter) from sinus tachycardia. The device may also employ an automatic mode switch (AMS) threshold that is set higher than the ATAR threshold for use in switching from tracking modes to nontracking modes. | 2011-12-29 |
20110319952 | TERMINATING TACHYARRHYTHMIAS - This disclosure is directed to techniques for treating tachyarrhythmias, such as atrial or ventricular fibrillation, in which a number of electrodes are employed to deliver electrical stimulation to a patient's heart in a manner designed to terminate the tachyarrhythmia episode. | 2011-12-29 |
20110319953 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR USE BY AN IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE FOR CONTROLLING MULTI-SITE CRT PACING IN THE PRESENCE OF ATRIAL TACHYCARDIA - Systems and methods are provided for use by implantable medical devices equipped to deliver multi-site left ventricular (MSLV) pacing. Sequential MSLV is associated with a relatively long post-ventricular atrial blanking (PVAB) period that might limit the detection of pathologic rapid organized atrial tachycardias (OAT). In one example, sequential MSLV cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) pacing is delivered within a tracking mode. A possible atrial tachycardia is detected based on the atrial rate exceeding an atrial tachycardia assessment rate (ATAR) threshold. The device then switches to either single-site LV pacing or simultaneous MSLV pacing, thereby effectively shortening the PVAB to detect additional atrial events that might otherwise be obscured, and thereby permitting the device to more reliably distinguish OATs (such as atrial flutter) from sinus tachycardia. The device may also employ an automatic mode switch (AMS) threshold set higher than the ATAR threshold for use in switching from tracking modes to nontracking modes. | 2011-12-29 |
20110319954 | METRICS AND TECHNIQUES FOR OPTIMIZATION OF CARDIAC THERAPIES - An exemplary method includes, based on metrics available as input to a chronic phase optimization algorithm for selecting an optimal electrode configuration for delivery of a cardiac pacing therapy, executing the chronic phase optimization algorithm during an acute phase to select an optimal electrode configuration for delivery of a cardiac pacing therapy; during the acute phase, acquiring position information with respect to time for electrodes implanted in a body; determining one or more acute phase metrics based on the acquired position information; and validating the chronic phase optimization algorithm based at least in part on the one or more acute phase metrics. | 2011-12-29 |
20110319955 | REDUCTION OF AV DELAY FOR TREATMENT OF CARDIAC DISEASE - An implantable pacing device for delivering ventricular pacing may be configured to intermittently reduce the AVD interval for beneficial effect in patients with compromised ventricular function (e.g., HF patients and post-MI patients). The AVD interval may be reduced in an AVD reduction mode, by shortening the AVD in an atrial triggered ventricular pacing mode or by switching to a non-atrial triggered ventricular pacing mode (e.g., VVI) and delivering paces at a rate above the intrinsic rate. The physiological effects of AVD reduction may be either positive or negative on cardiac output, depending upon the individual patient. | 2011-12-29 |
20110319956 | SYSTEMS, DEVICES AND METHODS RELATING TO ENDOCARDIAL PACING FOR RESYNCHRONIZATION - Disclosed are certain methods, apparatus, and processor-readable mediums that may be used to treat a conduction abnormality of the heart. In one example, the apparatus includes an implantable pacing profile generator configured to generate a specified pacing electrostimulation profile for delivery to a heart via electrodes located near a septal region of the right ventricle of the heart near the His bundle, the pacing profile including a first pulse for delivery via a first electrode; and a second pulse for delivery via a second electrode; and wherein the first and second pulses are at least partially concurrent in time and opposite in polarity to each other. | 2011-12-29 |
20110319957 | EARLY DETECTION OF LEAD FAILURE USING AN IMPEDANCE HISTOGRAM - Testing lead conditions in an implantable medical device includes continuously sampling the impedance values of a lead associated with the implantable medical device. The sampling is conducted over a predetermined period of time. An impedance histogram is then generated using the sampled impedance values by separating each measured impedance value into a specific bin assigned to contain a particular range of impedance levels. The lead condition of the tested lead can then be determined based on one or more characteristics of the impedance histogram. | 2011-12-29 |
20110319958 | NON-INVASIVE TREATMENT OF BRONCHIAL CONSTRICTION - Devices, systems and instructing methods are disclosed for treating bronchial constriction related to asthma, anaphylaxis or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The instructing method for treatment comprises transmitting impulses of energy non-invasively to selected nerve fibers that are responsible for smooth muscle dilation. The transmitted energy impulses, comprising magnetic and/or electrical, mechanical and/or acoustic, and optical and/or thermal energy, stimulate the selected nerve fibers. | 2011-12-29 |
20110319959 | SYSTEM FOR NEURAL CONTROL OF RESPIRATION - A system, device and method for neural control of respiration are provided. One aspect of this disclosure relates to an implantable medical device for sensing and controlling respiration during incidence of central respiratory diseases. According to various embodiments, the device includes a sensing circuit to receive sensed signals representative of an incidence of a central respiratory disease. The device also includes a neural stimulator adapted to generate neural stimulation signals, and a controller to communicate with the sensing circuit and to control the neural stimulator to stimulate a desired neural target in response to the detection of the incidence of a central respiratory disease. In an embodiment, the device includes a plurality of sensors which are adapted to monitor physiological parameters to detect the incidence of a central respiratory disease and to send signals to the sensing circuit. Other aspects and embodiments are provided herein. | 2011-12-29 |
20110319960 | LEAD FOR STIMULATING THE BARORECEPTORS IN THE PULMONARY ARTERY - An apparatus includes a flexible lead body extending from a proximal end to a distal end, an expandable electrode coupled proximate the distal end, the expandable electrode having an expanded diameter dimensioned to abut a wall of a pulmonary artery, and an implantable pulse generator electrically coupled to the expandable electrode. The expandable electrode includes a plurality of electrode zones. The implantable pulse generator is adapted to deliver a baroreflex stimulation signal to a baroreceptor in the pulmonary artery via the electrode. | 2011-12-29 |
20110319961 | PERSONALIZED PATIENT CONTROLLED NEUROSTIMULATION SYSTEM - A method for personalized patient controlled neurostimulation is disclosed. The method generally includes steps (A) to (D). Step (A) may obtain (i) physical data of an individual and (ii) one or more manual inputs from the individual. Step (B) may generate compare data in a processor circuit by comparing the physical data with profile data of the individual. Step (C) may generate customized data by processing the one or more manual inputs and the compared data using a set of rules. The rules are generally (i) reprogrammable and (ii) govern generation of a nerve stimulation signal having predetermined control characteristics applicable to the individual. Step (D) may control the neurostimulation of the individual with the nerve stimulation signal based on the customized data. | 2011-12-29 |
20110319962 | MEDICAL METHOD AND DEVICE FOR MONITORING A NEURAL BRAIN NETWORK - Bioelectrical signals may be sensed within the brain by two or more electrodes to determine characteristics of a function of the brain. The signals obtained by the electrodes may be plotted over time to determine whether the brain function exhibits a normal or an abnormal pattern. If the brain function exhibits an abnormal pattern, an implantable medical device may dynamically determine based on the abnormal pattern and a previously-obtained plot associated with normal brain function, an appropriate electrical stimulation therapy. Application of the appropriate electrical stimulation therapy causes the brain function to shift from the abnormal pattern to the normal pattern. | 2011-12-29 |
20110319963 | Package for an Implantable Neural Stimulation Device - The present invention is an improved hermetic package for implantation in the human body. The implantable device comprises
| 2011-12-29 |
20110319964 | Retinal Prosthesis with Side Mounted Inductive Coil - The invention is a retinal prosthesis with an inductive coil mounted to the side of the eye by means of a strap around the eye. This allows for close coupling to an external coil and movement of the entire implanted portion with movement of the eye ball. | 2011-12-29 |
20110319965 | Optimizing Pitch Allocation in a Cochlear Stimulation System - Optimizing pitch allocation in a cochlear stimulation system may include implanting an electrode array having a plurality of electrodes into the cochlea of a patient, where the electrode array has an associated implant fitting characteristic that defines a relationship between the implanted electrode array and audio frequencies, presenting sounds through the electrode array to the patient, receiving from the patient a selection of one of the sounds that most closely conforms to a single note, and determining a slope of the implant fitting characteristic of the electrode array based on the sound selected by the patient. Each sound may include a fundamental frequency and one or more harmonics. The optimization may also include changing a center frequency of a band pass filter associated with each electrode based on the determined slope. | 2011-12-29 |
20110319966 | METHOD FOR REDUCING A PERSON'S WEIGHT THROUGH HUNGER CONTROL - A method for reducing an individual's weight through hunger control is provided, wherein predetermined biologically active hunger control points and/or areas on the skin are stimulated utilizing removably attached point stimulation elements (PSEs) (e.g., spherules, etc.), in accordance with a predefined configurable cyclical treatment schedule. Maintenance procedures are also performed by the individual, after a predetermined amount of treatment cycles, to maintain weight reduction benefits gained during the treatments. Additional optional features of the inventive hunger control method include application of at least one of: a dietary plan, a vitamin and chronologically selected herb plan, behavioral modification, and an physical activity protocol. | 2011-12-29 |
20110319967 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR COMPUTATIONALLY DETERMINING MIGRATION OF NEUROSTIMULATION LEADS - A tissue stimulation system and computer software and method of monitoring a neurostimulation lead having a plurality of electrodes implanted within a patient (e.g., adjacent the spinal cord) is provided. Neurostimulation lead models are provided, each of which includes estimated electrical parameter data (e.g., electrical field potential data) corresponding to a predetermined position of the neurostimulation lead. Electrical energy is transmitted to or from the electrodes, and electrical parameter data (e.g., electrical field potential data) is measured in response to the transmitted electrical energy. The measured electrical parameter data is compared with the estimated electrical parameter data of each of the neurostimulation lead models, and a position of the neurostimulation lead is determined based on the comparison. | 2011-12-29 |
20110319968 | CONTROL OF ARTERIAL SMOOTH MUSCLE TONE - An apparatus for locally controlling smooth muscle tone includes a first electrode for insertion into an artery; a barrier for preventing the first electrode from contacting an arterial wall; a second electrode; a power supply; and a controller for coupling the power supply to the electrodes. The controller is configured to cause the electrode to maintain a waveform for controlling polarization of smooth muscle tone. | 2011-12-29 |
20110319969 | ELECTRIC MODULATION OF SYMPATHETIC NERVOUS SYSTEM - A method is described for the treatment of obesity or other disorders, by electrical activation or inhibition of the sympathetic nervous system. This activation or inhibition can be accomplished by electrically stimulating the greater splanchnic nerve or other portion of the sympathetic nervous system using an implantable pulse generator. This nerve activation can result in reduced food intake and increased energy expenditure. Reduced food intake may occur through a variety of mechanisms that reduce appetite and cause satiety. Increased adrenal gland hormone levels will result in increased energy expenditure. Fat and carbohydrate metabolism, which are also increased by sympathetic nerve activation, will accompany the increased energy expenditure. | 2011-12-29 |
20110319970 | SOLAR TANNING SYSTEM - The invention relates generally to a system for use by individuals to increase their exposure to sunlight during cool or colder weather. More specifically, the invention provides a solar tanning system including a sturdy enclosure that permits sunlight to enter the enclosure, taking advantage of the same to heat the interior of the enclosure while providing a barrier against cold outside temperatures and wind. | 2011-12-29 |
20110319971 | METHOD AND CONTROL SYSTEM FOR A TREATMENT BY SUBCUTANEOUS OR INTRACUTANEOUS IRRADIATION BY MEANS OF ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION - To automatically control a treatment during which subcutaneous or intracutaneous irradiation by means of electromagnetic treatment radiation and possibly targeted electromagnetic radiation is carried out, the following steps are implemented: acquisition of several successive images l(t) of the treated zone by means of an external sensor ( | 2011-12-29 |
20110319972 | VENOUS WARMING DEVICE - An apparatus for increasing venous blood flow to an extremity of a patient is disclosed. The apparatus includes a forced heated air unit, and a detachable transparent housing having an opening through which the extremity of the patient may be introduced in to the detachable transparent housing. | 2011-12-29 |
20110319973 | ASSEMBLY KIT FOR CREATING PADDLE-STYLE LEAD FROM ONE OR SEVERAL PERCUTANEOUS LEADS AND METHOD OF LEAD IMPLANTATION - In one embodiment, an assembly for conducting pulses from an implantable pulse generator, comprises: at least one percutaneous lead comprising terminals and at least two groups of electrodes, each group of electrodes possessing an intra-group electrode spacing; a frame member comprising first and second arms, the frame member comprising an inner lumen for removably housing the at least one percutaneous lead, each arm of the first and second arms comprising a plurality of apertures that are spaced according to the intra-group electrode spacing to allow conduction of electrical pulses from the electrodes of the at least one percutaneous lead to tissue of the patient when the lead is positioned within the frame member; and a spring member that is connected to the frame member for maintaining the first and second arms of the frame member at a predetermined distance in the absence of an external force on the spring member. | 2011-12-29 |
20110319974 | TOOLS, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS FOR INSERTING AN ELECTRODE ARRAY PORTION OF A LEAD INTO A BODILY ORIFICE - Exemplary insertion tools, systems, and methods for inserting an electrode array portion of a lead into a bodily orifice are described herein. An exemplary insertion tool includes a handle assembly, a retractor assembly disposed at least partially within the handle assembly, and a slider assembly disposed at least partially within the handle assembly. The retractor assembly may include a stiffening member configured to be inserted into an electrode array portion and a spring-loaded retractor member coupled to the stiffening member and configured to move from a distal position to a proximal position to at least partially retract the stiffening member from the electrode array portion. The slider assembly may be configured to selectively retain the spring-loaded retractor member and further configured to release the spring-loaded retractor member to move from the distal position to the proximal position in response to actuation by a user of the slider assembly. | 2011-12-29 |
20110319975 | Methods for Reducing Discomfort During Electrostimulation, and Compositions and Apparatus Therefor - An electrode assembly for neuro-cranial stimulation includes an electrode, a conductive gel, and an adapter including an interior compartment for positioning the electrode relative to the adapter and for receiving and retaining the conductive gel. The conductive gel contacts the electrode along an electrode-gel interface. An orifice at one end of the interior compartment and adjacent to a positioning surface of the adapter for positioning the electrode assembly against a skin surface of a user enables the conductive gel is able to contact the skin surface of the user to define a gel-skin interface, such that a minimum distance between the electrode-gel interface and the gel-skin interface is maintained between 0.25 cm and 1.3 cm. An electrode assembly mounting apparatus is provided for adjustably positioning a plurality of electrode assemblies against target positions on the cranium. | 2011-12-29 |
20110319976 | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR PREVENTING STENOSIS AT AN ANASTOMOSIS SITE - The present invention relates to treating or preventing stenosis at an anastomosis site. In one embodiment, the present invention is a stent is curved along the longitudinal axis for placement in and adjacent to the graft orifice. In a further embodiment, the stent is drug coated to allow delivery of antivasculoproliferative drugs directly to the vicinity of the graft orifice. In a further embodiment, the stent is expandable by use of an external wire. In another embodiment, the present invention is a kit comprising the specially configured stent together with a sleeve comprising a biocompatible matrix material and a pharmaceutical agent, wherein the sleeve is applied to the external surface of the vessel or graft, resulting in extravascular delivery of a pharmaceutical agent. Methods for treating or preventing stenosis at an anastomosis site by applying the extravascular sleeve and the intravascular stent are also provided. | 2011-12-29 |
20110319977 | BIOABSORBABLE IMPLANTS - A bioabsorbable implant including an elongated metallic element including more than 50% a metal substantially free of rare earth metals, with the elongated metallic element defining at least a portion of the bioabsorbable implant. | 2011-12-29 |
20110319978 | BIODEGRADABLE COMPOSITE WIRE FOR MEDICAL DEVICES - A bimetal composite wire including, in cross-section, an outer shell or tube formed of a first biodegradable material and an inner core formed of a second biodegradable material. When formed into a stent, for example, the first and second biodegradable materials may be different, and may have differing biodegradation rates. In a first embodiment, the first biodegradable material of the shell may degrade relatively slowly for retention of the mechanical integrity of a stent during vessel remodeling, and the second biodegradable material of the core may degrade relatively quickly. In a second embodiment, the first biodegradable material of the shell may degrade relatively quickly, leaving a thinner structure of a second biodegradable material of the core that may degrade relatively slowly. The biodegradation rates may be inherently controlled, such as by selection of materials, and also may be mechanically controlled, such as by material thicknesses and the geometric configuration of the shell, core, or overall device. In any embodiment, the metallic scaffold may also be coated with a drug-eluting, biodegradable polymer, to further inhibit neointimal proliferation and/or restenosis. | 2011-12-29 |
20110319979 | STENT AND METHOD OF MOUNTING THE SAME - A stent that maintains flexibility in a length direction and prevents fatigue failure by securing predetermined durability is disclosed. | 2011-12-29 |
20110319980 | COVERED STENT - A covered stent having a selected arrangement of uncovered cells is provided. The uncovered cells are configured to provide a desired flexibility profile to the stent structure. In one preferred embodiment, the stent contains one or more circumferential rows of uncovered cells located between two or more circumferential rows of covered cells. In some embodiments, the stent may have a central body portion and one or more flanges where the circumferential rows of uncovered cells may be located within the flange(s). | 2011-12-29 |
20110319981 | Venous Valve, System, and Method - A venous valve with a frame and a cover on the frame for unidirectional flow of a liquid through the valve. | 2011-12-29 |
20110319982 | IMPLANT AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING SAME - The present invention relates to an implant, in particular an intraluminal endoprothesis, comprising a body containing a metallic material, and comprising at least one functional element that is fastened to the body and has a material composition in at least a portion of its volume that differs from the material of the body, the material composition preferably including radio-opaque and/or x-ray opaque material. To effectively prevent accelerated degradation due to the formation of a local cell of the material of the body and the functional element, the at least one functional element includes a first layer at least in the region of its surface where it is bonded to the body, the first layer primarily containing at least one metal oxide. Furthermore, the manufacture of an implant of this type is described. | 2011-12-29 |
20110319983 | BRANCHED STENT GRAFT - A branched stent graft comprises a main body portion and a branch portion. Each of the main body portion and the branch portion includes a stent and a tubular graft. The stent of the main body portion includes a plurality of stent segments, at least one of which is a varying-height stent segment ( | 2011-12-29 |
20110319984 | Rejuvenation or preservation of germ cells - Certain embodiments disclosed herein include, but are not limited to, at least one of compositions, methods, devices, systems, kits, or products regarding rejuvenation or preservation of germ cells or gametes. Certain embodiments disclosed herein include, but are not limited to, methods of modifying germ cells or gametes, or methods of administering modified germ cells or gametes to at least one biological tissue. | 2011-12-29 |