Patent application number | Description | Published |
20110218477 | Methods and apparatus for reducing localized circulatory system pressure - The present invention is thus directed to methods and apparatus for decreasing pressure in a first portion of a vessel of the cardiac structure of a patient by implanting a shunt communicating with an area outside said first portion, whereby a volume of blood sufficient to reduce pressure in said first portion is released. Preferably, the first portion comprises the left ventricle and the pressure reduced is the end diastolic pressure, which is accomplished by having the shunt communicate with the left ventricle so a small volume of blood is released from the left ventricle to reduce the end diastolic pressure. Most preferably, the shunt selectively permits flow when a pressure differential between the left ventricle and another chamber of a heart above a threshold pressure, whereby shunting is prevented during left ventricular systole, or, alternatively, selectively permits flow when a pressure differential between the left ventricle and another chamber of a heart is between a lower threshold and a higher threshold, whereby shunting is again prevented during left ventricular systole. In certain embodiments a semi-passive check-valve is controlled and actuated by an external signal, either using a signal generated by an intra-corporeal electrical battery or an externally coupled energy source. In certain embodiments, the shunt has a pump with an input connected to the left ventricle, or other portion with excessive pressure, and an output connected to a volume of lower pressure. The preferred method of implanting the shunt to effect the present invention is by deploying a tubular element having two ends and a tissue affixation element disposed at each of said ends via a catheter, preferably, the fixation element is a shape retaining metallic material that returns to its original shape as part of the retention aspect of its function. In preferred embodiments of the apparatus, the tubular element is comprised of a biologically inert non-metallic material. | 09-08-2011 |
20110218478 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR REDUCING LOCALIZED CIRCULATORY SYSTEM PRESSURE - The present invention is thus directed to methods and apparatus for decreasing pressure in a first portion of a vessel of the cardiac structure of a patient by implanting a shunt communicating with an area outside said first portion, whereby a volume of blood sufficient to reduce pressure in said first portion is released. Preferably, the first portion comprises the left ventricle and the pressure reduced is the end diastolic pressure, which is accomplished by having the shunt communicate with the left ventricle so a small volume of blood is released from the left ventricle to reduce the end diastolic pressure. Most preferably, the shunt selectively permits flow when a pressure differential between the left ventricle and another chamber of a heart above a threshold pressure, whereby shunting is prevented during left ventricular systole, or, alternatively, selectively permits flow when a pressure differential between the left ventricle and another chamber of a heart is between a lower threshold and a higher threshold, whereby shunting is again prevented during left ventricular systole. In certain embodiments a semi-passive check-valve is controlled and actuated by an external signal, either using a signal generated by an intra-corporeal electrical battery or an externally coupled energy source. In certain embodiments, the shunt has a pump with an input connected to the left ventricle, or other portion with excessive pressure, and an output connected to a volume of lower pressure. The preferred method of implanting the shunt to effect the present invention is by deploying a tubular element having two ends and a tissue affixation element disposed at each of said ends via a catheter, preferably, the fixation element is a shape retaining metallic material that returns to its original shape as part of the retention aspect of its function. In preferred embodiments of the apparatus, the tubular element is comprised of a biologically inert non-metallic material. | 09-08-2011 |
20130197423 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR REDUCING LOCALIZED CIRCULATORY SYSTEM PRESSURE - The present invention is thus directed to methods and apparatus for decreasing pressure in a first portion of a vessel of the cardiac structure of a patient by implanting a shunt communicating with an area outside said first portion, whereby a volume of blood sufficient to reduce pressure in said first portion is released. | 08-01-2013 |
20140128795 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR REDUCING LOCALIZED CIRCULATORY SYSTEM PRESSURE - The present invention is thus directed to methods and apparatus for decreasing pressure in a first portion of a vessel of the cardiac structure of a patient by implanting a shunt communicating with an area outside said first portion, whereby a volume of blood sufficient to reduce pressure in said first portion is released. | 05-08-2014 |
20140128796 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR REDUCING LOCALIZED CIRCULATORY SYSTEM PRESSURE - The present invention is thus directed to methods and apparatus for decreasing pressure in a first portion of a vessel of the cardiac structure of a patient by implanting a shunt communicating with an area outside said first portion, whereby a volume of blood sufficient to reduce pressure in said first portion is released. | 05-08-2014 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20140275785 | Device and Method to Display the Angle of View Endoscopically When Using a Multi-Angle Endoscope - An endoscope comprises an elongate shaft assembly, a window, a viewing angle adjustment assembly, and an indicator feature. The window is located at the distal end of the shaft assembly. The shaft assembly is configured to transmit a view acquired through the window. The viewing angle adjustment assembly is operable to selectively change a viewing angle associated with the window. The indicator feature is positioned to be visible within a view acquired through the window. The indicator feature is configured to indicate the viewing angle associated with the window. | 09-18-2014 |
20140275804 | Uncinate Process Support for Ethmoid Infundibulum Illumination - A dilation apparatus comprises an elongate member and a dilation assembly that is slidable along the elongate member. The dilation assembly comprises a platform and an inflatable dilator. The platform and the elongate member cooperate to absorb inflation forces from the dilator directed toward the longitudinal axis of the elongate member, such that the dilation forces are exerted against tissue asymmetrically relative to the longitudinal axis of the elongate member. The dilation apparatus may be used to dilate the ethmoid infundibulum in a human patient. Various devices may be used to maintain the dilated state of an ethmoid infundibulum, including a wedge, a mesh, and a tether. An illuminator may be configured to reach around an uncinate process, retract the uncinate process, and then illuminate the ethmoid infundibulum to provide improved visualization of the ethmoid infundibulum. | 09-18-2014 |
20140276328 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR TREATMENT OF ETHMOID SINUSITIS - Fluid communication may be improved for an ethmoid sinus by installing a port or wick in the wall of the ethmoid sinus to provide a fluid passageway across the wall of the ethmoid sinus. Fluid communication for an ethmoid sinus may also be improved by inflating a balloon in a retrobullar space, remodeling the posterior wall of the ethmoid bulla to expand the transition area in the retrobullar space. In addition, a wall defining the retrobullar space may be pierced to provide a passageway for fluid communication. | 09-18-2014 |
20140276626 | NASAL FLUID MANAGEMENT DEVICE - An apparatus comprises a body and a conduit. The body comprises an absorbent material. The conduit is in fluid communication with the body. The conduit has a suction opening positioned within the absorbent material. The conduit is operable to draw fluid away from the absorbent material. The apparatus may be positioned within the posterior choana or the nasopharynx of a patient using a deployment instrument. The apparatus may prevent fluids from draining from the nasal cavity into the patient's throat. In some instances, the apparatus is used as a plug during a sinus irrigation procedure to prevent irrigation fluid from traveling down the patient's throat. | 09-18-2014 |
20140276627 | NASAL FLUID MANAGEMENT DEVICE - An apparatus comprises a body and a conduit. The body comprises an absorbent material. The conduit is in fluid communication with the body. The conduit has a suction opening positioned within the absorbent material. The conduit is operable to draw fluid away from the absorbent material. The apparatus may be positioned within the posterior choana or the nasopharynx of a patient using a deployment instrument. The apparatus may prevent fluids from draining from the nasal cavity into the patient's throat. In some instances, the apparatus is used as a plug during a sinus irrigation procedure to prevent irrigation fluid from traveling down the patient's throat. | 09-18-2014 |
20140277039 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR TREATMENT OF ETHMOID SINUSITIS - An apparatus may be used to form an opening in a sinus wall. The apparatus comprises a first cutting member and a second cutting member. The first cutting member comprises a sharp tip and a helical blade. The second cutting member is slidably disposed about the first cutting member. The second cutting member comprises a sharp distal edge. An outer sheath is slidably disposed about the first and second cutting member. The sheath may be retracted to uncover the helical blade. The sharp tip may be used to pierce the sinus wall and the helical blade may be used to drive the first cutting member through the sinus wall. The second cutting member may be advanced over the first cutting member to form a circular opening in the sinus wall. | 09-18-2014 |
20140277043 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR TREATMENT OF ETHMOID SINUSITIS - An apparatus may be used to form an opening in a sinus wall. The apparatus comprises a first cutting member and a second cutting member. The first cutting member comprises a helical blade. The second cutting member is slidably disposed about the first cutting member. The second cutting member comprises a sharp distal edge. An outer sheath is slidably disposed about the first and second cutting member. The sheath may be retracted to uncover the helical blade. The second cutting member may be advanced over the first cutting member to form a circular opening in the sinus wall. The sheath may include an obliquely angled distal edge. A cleaning instrument may be used to clean debris from the first cutting member. | 09-18-2014 |
20150094642 | SINUS WALL IMPLANT - An apparatus comprises an absorbent body, a non-permeable feature, and a port feature. The absorbent body comprises a wicking feature. The non-permeable feature is coupled with the absorbent body. The non-permeable feature and at least a portion of the absorbent body are configured to fit in an opening in a paranasal sinus wall. The port feature extends through the absorbent body. The port feature defines a lumen. The wicking feature extends outwardly relative to the port lumen. During installation of the apparatus, the non-permeable feature is positioned in an opening in the paranasal sinus wall. The absorbent body is oriented such that the wicking feature is in contact with mucosal tissue in a sinus cavity defined by the paranasal sinus wall. A proximal portion of the absorbent body is positioned outside the paranasal sinus wall. | 04-02-2015 |
20150119923 | Enhanced Gripping Features for Nasal and Paranasal Sinus Systems - A gripping system for use in treating the sinus cavity is described. The system includes a handle for single handed operation that includes access to the sinus cavity and treatment by dilation of an anatomical passageway within the ear, nose or throat. The handle contains a guide catheter or seeker for proper placement of the system and further includes a balloon catheter cartridge for treatment of the cavity. The handle may further contain a guidewire cartridge to ensure proper access of the cavity or a stabilizing feature for incorporation of an endoscope. | 04-30-2015 |
20150327919 | Apparatus and Method for Treating Disorders of the Ear, Nose and Throat - Apparatus for use in surgeries to treat disorders of the ear, nose, and throat including a hand-held device and rotating blade assembly. The apparatus may be connected to a vacuum source. A method of use is also disclosed. | 11-19-2015 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090198328 | BREAST IMPLANT WITH ADJUSTABLE COMPRESSION RESPONSE - An implantable prosthesis is provided having a membrane which holds a flowable substance. The membrane is separated into a first chamber and a second chamber with the first and second chambers being fluidly coupled via an orifice. The orifice has a size which may be adjusted by the user after implanting the prosthesis into the patient. | 08-06-2009 |
20090198329 | BREAST IMPLANT WITH INTERNAL FLOW DAMPENING - An implantable prosthesis is provided having a membrane which holds a flowable substance. The membrane is separated into a first chamber and a second chamber with the first and second chambers being fluidly coupled via an orifice. The orifice has a size which may be adjusted by the user after implanting the prosthesis into the patient. | 08-06-2009 |
20090198330 | COMPRESSIBLE COSMETIC PROSTHESIS WITH IMPROVED SHAPE RETENTION - An implantable prosthesis is provided having a membrane which holds a flowable substance. The membrane is separated into a first chamber and a second chamber with the first and second chambers being fluidly coupled via an orifice. The orifice has a size which may be adjusted by the user after implanting the prosthesis into the patient. | 08-06-2009 |
20090198331 | IMPLANTABLE PROSTHESIS WITH OPEN CELL FLOW REGULATION - An implantable prosthesis is provided having a membrane which holds a flowable substance. The membrane is separated into a first chamber and a second chamber with the first and second chambers being fluidly coupled via an orifice. The orifice has a size which may be adjusted by the user after implanting the prosthesis into the patient. | 08-06-2009 |
20100249946 | TRANSCUTANEOUSLY ADJUSTABLE FLUID-FILLED IMPLANTS - Disclosed are implantable tissue augmentation devices, methods, and associated tools. The devices include an inflatable body, having a self-sealing membrane operably attached to a wall of the implant. The self-sealing membrane provides access for filling the device, and includes a first layer comprising a fabric. The fabric has a first plurality of yarn strands positioned in a first direction, and a second plurality of yarn strands positioned in a second direction. The first and second plurality of yarn strands intersect to form a matrix pattern with cells defined by free spaces between yarn strands. The membrane also includes a first elastomeric material configured to fill the cells as well as form a coating over the first and second plurality of yarn strand, and a second layer comprising a second elastomeric material. The second elastomeric material has a lower durometer than the first elastomeric material. Kits and systems are also disclosed. | 09-30-2010 |
20100249947 | POROUS IMPLANT WITH EFFECTIVE EXTENSIBILITY AND METHODS OF FORMING AN IMPLANT - The implant includes an outer layer of ePTFE which exhibits extensibility normally not associated with ePTFE. The ePTFE is reduced in length by deforming the fibrils between the nodes while maintaining the nodes in a substantially flat configuration. Various implant configurations that can include the outer layer described are also disclosed. | 09-30-2010 |
20140135923 | BREAST IMPLANT WITH INTERNAL FLOW DAMPENING - An implantable prosthesis is provided having a membrane which holds a flowable substance. The membrane is separated into a first chamber and a second chamber with the first and second chambers being fluidly coupled via an orifice. The orifice has a size which may be adjusted by the user after implanting the prosthesis into the patient. | 05-15-2014 |
20140163696 | POROUS IMPLANT WITH EFFECTIVE EXTENSIBILITY AND METHODS OF FORMING AN IMPLANT - The implant includes an outer layer of ePTFE which exhibits extensibility normally not associated with ePTFE. The ePTFE is reduced in length by deforming the fibrils between the nodes while maintaining the nodes in a substantially flat configuration. Various implant configurations that can include the outer layer described are also disclosed. | 06-12-2014 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20140040243 | Sharing Search Queries on Online Social Network - In one embodiment, a method includes accessing a social graph that includes a plurality of nodes and edges, receiving from a user a selection of a structured query the user wants to share, where the structured query comprises references to nodes and edges of the social graph, and sending the structured query for display on a page associated with one or more other users. | 02-06-2014 |
20140040244 | Search Queries with Previews of Search Results on Online Social Networks - In one embodiment, a method includes accessing a social graph that includes a plurality of nodes and edges, generating a plurality of structured queries, where each structured query comprises references to nodes and edges of the social graph, generating search results corresponding to at least one of the structured queries, and sending one or more of the structured queries to a user for display, where at least one of the structured queries is displayed with a preview of one or more of the search results corresponding to the structured query. | 02-06-2014 |
20140040245 | Dynamic Suggested Search Queries on Online Social Networks - In one embodiment, a method includes accessing a social graph that includes a plurality of nodes and edges, generating a plurality of structured queries, where each structured query comprises references to nodes and edges of the social graph, and where at least one of the structured queries is a dynamic query comprising a reference to one or more to the social graph, and sending one or more of the structured queries to a user for display, where at least one of the sent structured queries is a dynamic query. | 02-06-2014 |
20140040246 | Sponsored Search Queries on Online Social Networks - In one embodiment, a method includes accessing a social graph that includes a plurality of nodes and edges, identifying a node corresponding to an advertiser, generating a plurality of structured queries, where each structured query comprises reference to nodes and edges of the social graph, and where at least one structured query is a sponsored query comprising a reference to the identified node and one or more edges that are connected to the identified node, and sending one or more of the structured queries to a user for display, where at least one of the sent structured queries is a sponsored query. | 02-06-2014 |
20140040285 | Generating Default Search Queries on Online Social Networks - In one embodiment, a method includes accessing a social graph that includes a plurality of nodes and edges, generating a plurality of structured queries, where each structured query comprises references to nodes and edges of the social graph, calculating a score for each structured query based on user-engagement factors, and sending each structured query having a score greater than a threshold score to a first user for display. | 02-06-2014 |
20150286643 | Blending Search Results on Online Social Networks - In one embodiment, a method includes receiving from a first user of an online social network a search query input including one or more n-grams; generating a number of query commands based on the search query input; and searching one or more verticals to identify one or more objects stored by the vertical that match the query commands. Each vertical stores one or more objects associated with the online social network. The method also includes generating a number of search-result modules. Each search-result module corresponds to a query command of the number of query commands. Each search-result module includes references to one or more of the identified objects matching the query command corresponding to the search-result module. The method also includes scoring the search-result modules; and sending each search-result module having a score greater than a threshold score to the first user for display. | 10-08-2015 |
20150324420 | DYNAMIC SUGGESTED SEARCH QUERIES ON ONLINE SOCIAL NETWORKS - In one embodiment, a method includes accessing a prior structured query previously selected by a first user of an online social network, where the prior structured query corresponds to a first set of search results and comprises references to one or more objects associated with the online social network, identifying changes to the first set of search results corresponding to the prior structured query, and sending, to a client system of the first user, one or more suggested structured queries for display to the first user, where at least one of the suggested structured queries is a dynamic query comprising at least a portion of the prior structured query and a reference to the identified changes to the first set of search results corresponding to the prior structured query. | 11-12-2015 |
20150324473 | SHARING SEARCH QUERIES ON ONLINE SOCIAL NETWORKS - In one embodiment, a method includes accessing a social graph that includes a plurality of nodes and edges, receiving from a user a selection of a structured query the user wants to share, where the structured query comprises references to nodes and edges of the social graph, and sending the structured query for display on a page associated with one or more other users. | 11-12-2015 |