| Medtronic Xomed, Inc. Patent applications |
| Patent application number | Title | Published |
|---|
| 20120101513 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR REMOVING MATERIAL FROM AN INTERVERTEBRAL DISC SPACE AND PREPARING END PLATES - Instrument and method for removing material from an intervertebral disc. The instrument includes outer and inner tubular members. The outer tubular member defines a passage and a cutting window. The inner tubular member is coaxially disposed within the passage, and defines a central lumen and a cutting tip. The cutting tip forms an open mouth having a plurality of teeth. Upon assembly, the cutting tip is exposed within the cutting window combining to define a shaving head. A manual decorticating implement is coupled to the outer tubular member and defining a scraping surface. A powered handpiece is coupled to the inner tubular member, and the shaving head is inserted into an intervertebral disc and positioned such that the cutting tip contacts targeted material (e.g., nucleus, annulus and/or end plate). The handpiece is activated to rotate the cutting tip relative to the cutting window. Contacted material is sheared between an edge of the cutting window and the teeth of the cutting tip. The manual decorticating implement is used to remove intervertebral disc material from an end plate. | 04-26-2012 |
| 20120078277 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR SURGICAL REMOVAL OF BRAIN TUMORS - A method for treating a brain tumor includes providing a surgical instrument having an inner member and an outer member. The outer member has a distal region forming a cutting window. The inner member is rotatably received within the outer member, and has a cutting tip that is exposed at the window. The cutting tip and the distal region of the outer member combine to define a cutting implement. An opening is created through the patient's skull to provide access to a brain tumor target site. The cutting implement is delivered through the opening to the target site. The cutting tip is placed into contact with the tumor and operated to cut the tumor. The target site is selectively aspirated to remove cut tumor tissue. | 03-29-2012 |
| 20120031412 | STIFFENING PHARYNGEAL WALL TREATMENT - A pharyngeal airway having a pharyngeal wall of a patient at least partially surrounding and defining the airway is treated by selecting an implant dimensioned so as to be implanted at or beneath a mucosal layer of the pharyngeal wall and extending transverse to said wall. The implant has mechanical characteristics for the implant, at least in combination with a fibrotic tissue response induced by the implant, to stiffen said pharyngeal wall to resist radial collapse. The implant is implanted into the pharyngeal wall transverse to a longitudinal axis of the airway. | 02-09-2012 |
| 20120004680 | MICRO-RESECTING AND EVOKED POTENTIAL MONITORING SYSTEM AND METHOD - Surgical micro-resecting and evoked potential monitoring system and method. The system includes a micro-resecting instrument, handpiece, and evoked potential monitor. The instrument includes an outer tube forming a cutting window at which a cutting tip of an inner member is located. A hub assembly rotatably maintains the inner and outer members. An electrically non-conductive material covers a region of the outer tube, and wiring is connected to an exposed surface of the outer tube. The instrument defines a probe surface proximate the cutting window as part of an electrical pathway with the wiring. The hub assembly is powered by the handpiece, and the wiring is connected to the evoked potential monitor. Evoked potential monitoring is performed at the probe surface via stimulation energy delivered along the electrical pathway, and tissue/bone resection occurs with rotation of the cutting tip. | 01-05-2012 |
| 20110270294 | ROTARY CUTTING TOOL WITH IMPROVED CUTTING AND REDUCED CLOGGING ON SOFT TISSUE AND THIN BONE - A surgical cutting instrument including two coaxially arranged tubular members. The first tubular member has a cutting tip and is co-axially disposed within the second tubular member, which in turn has a cutting window to expose the cutting tip to tissue and bone through the cutting window. Movement of the tubular members with respect to each other debrides soft tissue and thin bone presented to the cutting window. The second (outer) tubular member has one or more features which contribute to reduced clogging of the cutting tip as a whole. | 11-03-2011 |
| 20110270293 | POWERED SURGICAL TISSUE CUTTING INSTRUMENT HAVING AN IRRIGATION SYSTEM - A surgical tissue cutting instrument having an irrigation system comprises an elongate tubular outer member having a proximal end, a distal end and an opening at the distal end, an elongate inner member rotatably disposed within the outer member and having a proximal end, a distal end and a cutting element at the distal end exposed from the opening, a handpiece mounted to the proximal ends of the outer and inner members, and an irrigation system comprising an irrigation channel composed of a first irrigation passage within the handpiece and a second irrigation passage within the thickness of the annular wall of the outer member, and a sleeve having a rearward end disposed over a front end of the handpiece and a forward end disposed over the outer member adjacent an outlet opening of the second irrigation passage near the distal end of the outer member. The sleeve is disposed over the outer member with a snug fit while allowing communication through the outlet opening of the second irrigation passage, whereby the irrigation channel is enclosed and sealed between an inlet port of the first irrigation passage and the outlet opening of the second passage. The inlet port is connectible with a source of irrigation fluid for flow through the irrigation channel to be discharged from the outlet opening near the distal end of the outer member. | 11-03-2011 |
| 20110270120 | INTERFACE MODULE FOR USE WITH NERVE MONITORING AND ELECTROSURGERY - Concepts presented herein relate to an interface module that can be electrically coupled to an electrical stimulation generator, a radio frequency generator and an instrument. A selection module is coupled to the interface module and operates in a first mode to deliver electrical stimulation signals from the electrical stimulation generator to the instrument and in a second mode to deliver radio frequency signals from the radio frequency generator to the instrument. | 11-03-2011 |
| 20110270081 | Navigated Malleable Surgical Instrument - A surgical instrument can include a body, a tracking device, and a handle. The body can include proximal and distal ends, and a flow passage extending therebetween. The body can be formed from a malleable material such that it can be bent between the proximal and distal ends from a first configuration to a second bent configuration and maintain the bent configuration. The tracking device can be positioned adjacent the distal end for tracking a distal tip of the instrument. The handle can be coupled to the proximal end of the body and can include an internal flow passage in fluid communication with the body flow passage. The tracking device can include a pair of lead wires wound around the body to the handle, where the wound wires can conform to the bent configuration of the body such that they do not strain or break during bending of the body. | 11-03-2011 |
| 20110257631 | ACCELEROMETER BASED LASER LEVELING DEVICE - A laser leveling device is disclosed for use with an external medical drainage system. The laser leveling device includes a housing enclosing an accelerometer and a laser module. At least one level indicator is electrically coupled to the accelerometer to provide an indication of whether the housing is level with respect to gravity. | 10-20-2011 |
| 20110245647 | ENDOTRACHEAL TUBE APPARATUS - An apparatus for monitoring EMG signals of a patient's laryngeal muscles includes an endotracheal tube having an exterior surface and a first location configured to be positioned at the patient's vocal folds. A first electrode is formed on the exterior surface of the endotracheal tube substantially below the first location. A second electrode is formed on the exterior surface of the endotracheal tube substantially above the first location. The first and second electrodes are configured to receive the EMG signals from the laryngeal muscles when the endotracheal tube is placed in a trachea of the patient. | 10-06-2011 |
| 20110237687 | ADJUSTING DRUG LOADING IN POLYMERIC MATERIALS - Drug loading of polymeric materials can be adjusted by selection of materials and/or adjusting processing steps in formation of an implantable drug-loaded device. | 09-29-2011 |
| 20110190884 | NASAL VALVE TREATMENT METHOD & APPARATUS - A method and apparatus for treating a nasal valve condition including surgically forming an access path to create a pocket on a side of the patient's nose. The pocket is positioned between a soft tissue layer and opposing surfaces of upper and lower cartilages of the nose. The pocket spans a junction between the upper and lower cartilages. An implant is placed through the access path into the pocket with a length oriented to span the junction. A delivery system for placement of the implant includes a surgical tool for forming the access path and for delivering the implant into the access path. | 08-04-2011 |
| 20110190883 | NASAL VALVE TREATMENT METHOD & APPARATUS - A method and apparatus for treating a nasal valve condition including surgically forming an access path to create a pocket on a side of the patient's nose. The pocket is positioned between a soft tissue layer and opposing surfaces of upper and lower cartilages of the nose. The pocket spans a junction between the upper and lower cartilages. An implant is placed through the access path into the pocket with a length oriented to span the junction. A delivery system for placement of the implant includes a surgical tool for forming the access path and for delivering the implant into the access path. | 08-04-2011 |
| 20110190596 | ENDOTRACHEAL TUBE APPARATUS - An apparatus for monitoring EMG signals of a patient's laryngeal muscles includes an endotracheal tube having an exterior surface. Conductive ink electrodes are formed on the exterior surface of the endotracheal tube. The conductive ink electrodes are configured to receive the EMG signals from the laryngeal muscles when the endotracheal tube is placed in a trachea of the patient. At least one conductor is coupled to the conductive ink electrodes and is configured to carry the EMG signals received by the conductive ink electrodes to a processing apparatus. | 08-04-2011 |
| 20110186058 | NASAL VALVE TREATMENT METHOD & APPARATUS - A method and apparatus for treating a nasal valve condition including surgically forming an access path to create a pocket on a side of the patient's nose. The pocket is positioned between a soft tissue layer and opposing surfaces of upper and lower cartilages of the nose. The pocket spans a junction between the upper and lower cartilages. An implant is placed through the access path into the pocket with a length oriented to span the junction. A delivery system for placement of the implant includes a surgical tool for forming the access path and for delivering the implant into the access path. | 08-04-2011 |
| 20110166576 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR REMOVING MATERIAL FROM AN INTERVERTEBRAL DISC SPACE, SUCH AS IN PERFORMING A NUCLEOTOMY - Instrument and method for removing material from an intervertebral disc. The instrument includes outer and inner tubular members. The outer tubular member defines a passage and a cutting window. The inner tubular member is coaxially disposed within the passage, and defines a central lumen and a cutting tip. The cutting tip forms an open mouth having a plurality of teeth. Upon assembly, the cutting tip is exposed within the cutting window combining to define a shaving head. A powered handpiece is coupled to the inner tubular member, and the shaving head is inserted into an intervertebral disc and positioned such that the cutting tip contacts targeted material (e.g., nucleus, annulus and/or end plate). The handpiece is activated to rotate the cutting tip relative to the cutting window. Contacted material is sheared between an edge of the cutting window and the teeth of the cutting tip. | 07-07-2011 |
| 20110166503 | SYSTEM AND METHOD OF BONE PROCESSING - A system and method of processing bone is disclosed. A tissue separator is utilized to separate tissue comprising at least one of muscle, periosteum and connective tissue from bone in a safe, sterile and efficient manner. In one aspect, the particle reducer can include an impeller positioned with respect to a cutting surface on a drum. At least one of the impeller and the drum is rotated by a power source such that harvested tissue frictionally engages the cutting surface. In another aspect, a source of pressurized fluid can be directed at tissue to separate bone from non-bone tissue. | 07-07-2011 |
| 20110112460 | ADJUSTABLE VALVE SETTING WITH MOTOR CONTROL - An implantable medical device is disclosed that includes a valve body and a valve rotor adjustable with respect to the valve body. A tool can be utilized to determine and control a position of the valve rotor with respect to the valve body. The tool can include a valve body position reader, a valve rotor position reader and a valve rotor position controller to determine a valve setting for the device and adjust the valve setting as desired. | 05-12-2011 |
| 20110106089 | HIGH SPEED SURGICAL CUTTING INSTRUMENT - A surgical cutting instrument including an outer tube having a bearing sleeve disposed within a lumen thereof, along with an inner wire assembly extending through the outer tube and the bearing sleeve. A cutting tip is connected to the inner wire assembly distal the outer tube. Conversely, a coupling chuck is connected to a proximal section of the inner wire assembly, with a housing maintaining the outer tube and the coupling chuck. When mounted to a motor, the inner wire assembly is rotated to effectuate a surgical cutting procedure at the cutting tip, with the bearing sleeve supporting the inner wire assembly relative to the outer tube during rotation. | 05-05-2011 |
| 20110070285 | METHOD OF MAKING FLEXIBLE BIORESORBABLE HEMOSTATIC PACKING AND STENT HAVING A PRESELECTABLE IN-VIVO RESIDENCE TIME - The invention provides a method of making flexible bioresorbable foam having hemostatic properties and a preselectable in-vivo residence time. A blend of crosslinked collagen blended and a hyaluronic acid component is prepared. The blend is mixed with water to form a suspension. The blend is freezed and lyophilized at less than about 0° C. Next, the blend is crosslinked. The product is then sterilized and chain scission is performed by bombardment with gamma rays or a beam of electrons. | 03-24-2011 |
| 20110009699 | METHODS FOR BIOFILM REMOVAL - A method of removing bacterial biofilm from a target site of a human patient. A bacterial biofilm removal system is provided that includes an endoscope, an irrigation duct and an aspiration duct. The endoscope includes a working end. The irrigation duct includes an outlet. The aspiration duct includes an inlet. The endoscope working end, the irrigation duct outlet and the aspiration duct inlet are disposed proximate a target site that includes a layer of bacterial biofilm. The target site is imaged with the endoscope working end. The fluid is dispensed through the irrigation duct outlet toward the target site to mechanically remove at least a portion of the layer of bacterial biofilm. The removed bacterial biofilm and the dispensed fluid are collected with the aspiration duct inlet. | 01-13-2011 |
| 20100314200 | LUBRICATION AND EXHAUST SYSTEM FOR A POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENT - A lubrication cartridge includes a cartridge body. A cartridge coupling is located on the cartridge body and defines a first passage and a second passage. A lubricant reservoir is housed in the cartridge body and comprises a pressurized fluid inlet coupled to the first passage and a lubricant outlet coupled to the second passage. A metering insert is located between the lubricant outlet and the second passage and comprises a density that controls lubricant flow between the lubricant reservoir and the second passage. | 12-16-2010 |
| 20100298763 | SURGICAL MICRO-BURRING INSTRUMENT AND METHOD OF PERFORMING SINUS SURGERY - A surgical micro-burring instrument including an outer tubular member coaxially maintaining an inner tubular member. The outer tubular member defines a proximal section, a distal section, and a central lumen extending from the proximal section to the distal section. The distal section forms a pocket and an elevator tip. The pocket has a bottom wall and an opposed upper opening. The elevator tip extends distal the pocket. The inner tubular member forms a bur received within the pocket. Upon final assembly, at least a portion of the bur is exposed relative to the outer tubular member via the upper opening of the pocket. The elevator tip is configured to facilitate lifting of soft tissue, such as mucosa, while positioning the bur, via the pocket, in an appropriate location for cutting contacted harder tissue, such as turbinate bone or septal bone/cartilage. | 11-25-2010 |
| 20100241191 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ASSISTING DEGLUTITION - Methods and systems for artificially stimulating user deglutition without substantial aspiration are provided. Methods and systems include artificially stimulating user deglutition according to various specialized programs, including passive user secretion maintenance programs, active feeding programs, proprioceptive feedback programs, and others. | 09-23-2010 |
| 20100234724 | Navigating A Surgical Instrument - An instrument tracking device for cooperating with an instrument during a surgical procedure where the instrument has an elongated body extending along a first longitudinal axis and including a working member at a distal tip includes a body having a distal end and a proximal end. An opening can be formed through the body along a second longitudinal axis. The opening can define a passthrough in the body from the distal end to the proximal end. A first tracking coil can be disposed in the body and can define a first tracking coil axis that is substantially coaxial with the second longitudinal axis of the body. A connection mechanism cooperates between the elongated housing and the body that secures the body to the elongated housing of the instrument upon passing at least a portion of the elongated housing through the passthrough of the body in an assembled position. | 09-16-2010 |
| 20100229876 | Pharyngeal wall treatment - A patient's pharyngeal wall is treated by inserting an expander member into the airway and positioning an active portion of the expander member in opposition to portions of the pharyngeal wall to be treated. The expander member is activated to urge the wall portions outwardly to an outwardly displaced position. The expander member is then deactivated while leaving the wall portions in the outwardly placed position and the expander member is removed from said airway. A further aspect of the treatment includes stabilization of at least a portion of the pharyngeal wall after compression of portions of the wall. | 09-16-2010 |
| 20100198219 | INSTRUMENT AND SYSTEM FOR SURGICAL CUTTING AND EVOKED POTENTIAL MONITORING - A surgical cutting instrument for use with a drive motor, and related system and method, is described. The surgical cutting instrument includes an elongated drive member, a cutting tip secured to the drive member, a non-conductive coupling body adapted for connection to a motor assembly, a housing maintaining the coupling body, a fluid coupling assembly and an electrical connector for connection to a stimulating energy source. The electrical connector is in electrical communication with the cutting tip via an electrical pathway. | 08-05-2010 |
| 20100198099 | NERVE MONITORING DURING ELECTROSURGERY - A signal processing module includes an input module electronically coupled to a sensing probe of a nerve integrity monitoring system. The probe senses electrical signals from a patient during operation of an electrosurgical unit. The input module receives an input signal from the probe. An EMG detection module is coupled to the input module and is adapted to detect conditions in the input signal. The conditions are classified as a function of a level of electromyographic activity. An output module, coupled to the EMG detection module, provides an indication of electromyographic activity in the input signal based on the detected conditions. | 08-05-2010 |
| 20100191266 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR SURGICAL REMOVAL OF BRAIN TUMORS - A method for treating a brain tumor includes providing a surgical instrument having an inner member and an outer member. The outer member has a distal region forming a cutting window. The inner member is rotatably received within the outer member, and has a cutting tip that is exposed at the window. The cutting tip and the distal region of the outer member combine to define a cutting implement. An opening is created through the patient's skull to provide access to a brain tumor target site. The cutting implement is delivered through the opening to the target site. The cutting tip is placed into contact with the tumor and operated to cut the tumor. The target site is selectively aspirated to remove cut tumor tissue. | 07-29-2010 |
| 20100137794 | Pharyngeal wall treatment - A patient's pharyngeal wall is treated by inserting an expander member into the airway and positioning an active portion of the expander member in opposition to portions of the pharyngeal wall to be treated. The expander member is activated to urge the wall portions outwardly to an outwardly displaced position. The expander member is then deactivated while leaving the wall portions in the outwardly placed position and the expander member is removed from said airway. A further aspect of the treatment includes stabilization of at least a portion of the pharyngeal wall after compression of portions of the wall. | 06-03-2010 |
| 20090326540 | Chuck for Reciprocating Surgical Instrument - Devices are described relating to the retaining of surgical tools within the chuck of a reciprocating surgical instrument, such as a reciprocating saw. A securing chuck is disclosed for securing a surgical tool to a reciprocating surgical instrument that comprises a shaft and a securing member. The shaft defines an axis and has a cylindrical bore extending along the axis. The bore is shaped to receive a substantially rounded tool shank. A pair of transverse slots extends into the shaft along a plane passing through the axis for receiving a substantially flattened tool shank. The transverse slots intersect with the cylindrical bore. The securing member is carried by the shaft and is radially movable relative to the bore both inwardly and outwardly to secure the surgical tool in the chuck. | 12-31-2009 |
| 20090240272 | Control For A Powered Surgical Instrument - A surgical instrument is provided for cutting bone and other tissue. The instrument includes a housing. A plurality of sensors are located in the housing in a spaced apart orientation from each other. A collar is moveably mounted to the housing into a plurality of different collar orientations on the housing. A lever comprising an actuator is moveably coupled to the collar and, with the collar located in any one of the plurality of different collar orientations, the lever is operable to move the actuator relative to one of the plurality of sensors in order to vary a signal produced by that sensor. | 09-24-2009 |
