01st week of 2012 patent applcation highlights part 47 |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20120004606 | REINFORCED RAPID EXCHANGE CATHETER - A medical balloon catheter including a shaft comprised of a cross-wound coil tube and a sleeve surrounding the cross-wound coil tube. The cross-wound coil tube includes a monofilament inner coil disposed within a monofilament outer coil. The inner and outer coils are wound in opposite pitch directions. In at least one embodiment, at least one of the inner and outer coils includes a tapered distal section having a tapered diameter. In at least another embodiment, the inner coil extends distally beyond the distal end of the outer coil, providing increased flexibility in a distal portion of the shaft. An inflation balloon is attached to the distal end of the shaft. The shaft includes an inflation lumen formed through the inner coil and a wire guide lumen formed through the distal portion of the shaft and extending through the chamber of the balloon. | 2012-01-05 |
20120004607 | SAFETY SYRINGE - A retractable needle safety syringe ( | 2012-01-05 |
20120004608 | PREFILLED SYRINGE JET INJECTOR - A jet injector that includes a prefilled syringe. The syringe includes a fluid chamber that contains a medicament. The syringe also has an injection-assisting needle, and a plunger is movable within the fluid chamber. A housing is configured for allowing insertion of the needle to a penetration depth. An energy source is configured for biasing the plunger to produce an injecting pressure in the medicament in the fluid chamber of between about 80 and 1000 p.s.i. to jet inject the medicament from the fluid chamber through the needle to an injection site. | 2012-01-05 |
20120004609 | PUMP ASSEMBLY WITH A REMOVABLE COVER ASSEMBLY - An infusion pump assembly includes an enclosure assembly. A reservoir assembly is positioned at least partially within the enclosure assembly and is configured to contain an infusible fluid. A pump assembly is positioned at least partially within the enclosure assembly and is configured to effectuate the dispensing of the infusible fluid contained within the reservoir assembly. Processing logic is positioned at least partially within the enclosure assembly and is configured to control the pump assembly. A removable cover assembly is configured to releasably engage the enclosure assembly. A combination of the removable cover assembly and at least a portion of the enclosure assembly defines a power supply cavity configured to prevent a removable power supply assembly from being reverse-polarity electrically coupled to the processing logic. | 2012-01-05 |
20120004610 | Vascular Introducer And Method Of Using Same - A vascular introducer for accessing a circulatory system of a patient includes a sheath and a dilator. The sheath includes a fitting attached at a proximal end, and includes a liner that is longer than a core tube. A proximal segment of the liner is attached to an inner surface of the core tube, but a distal segment of the liner is everted to cover an outer surface of a distal segment of the core tube. The dilator is positioned in the sheath and includes a tapered distal segment that extends beyond a distal end of the sheath. A handle is attached to the proximal end of the dilator and extends proximally from the fitting. During a procedure, a blood vessel may constrict and grip the sheath. During withdrawal of the sheath, the core tube is slid within a first portion of the everted distal segment of the liner while another portion of the liner is de-everting. | 2012-01-05 |
20120004611 | SOFT DUAL-LAYER RECTAL SPECULUM - A soft dual-layer rectal speculum includes a main tube member having a distal end for insertion into a patient's rectum and a proximal end for connection to a waste removal hose where at least a portion of the main tube member includes an inner hard layer and an outer soft layer, and an inlet tube member for directing fluids into the main tube member. The inlet tube member may include a swivel mechanism and the portion of the main tube member having an inner hard layer and an outer soft layer may include a measurement gauge that is visible through the outer soft layer but can't be felt through the outer soft layer. A rectal speculum assembly includes the soft dual-layer rectal speculum described above and an obturator which includes an elongated member having a tapered distal end capable of extending through the distal end of the main tube member. The tapered distal end of the obturator may be made of a soft, pliable material or an inner hard layer (or member) and an outer soft layer. | 2012-01-05 |
20120004612 | Device for Administering a Cannula - A device for administering a cannula ( | 2012-01-05 |
20120004613 | PLEATED TROCAR SEAL - A trocar seal comprising an elastomeric membrane having an opening adapted to receive a surgical instrument. The membrane is configured with a plurality of pleats circumscribing the opening and extending laterally from opening. The pleats comprise a plurality of pleat walls increasing in height as the pleats extend laterally from the opening. In one embodiment, the pleats are conically arranged. | 2012-01-05 |
20120004614 | Production Process for a Microneedle Arrangement and Corresponding Microneedle Arrangement and Use - A production process for a microneedle arrangement and a corresponding microneedle arrangement as well as a use for it is disclosed. The process has the following steps: forming an etching mask in grid form, with grid bars with corresponding grid crossing regions and grid openings in between on a substrate; carrying out an etching process to form the microneedle arrangement on the substrate using the etching mask and removing the etching mask. The etching mask in grid form has at least some of the grid crossing regions flat reinforcing regions, which extend beyond the grid bars. | 2012-01-05 |
20120004615 | Bandage - A bandage for covering a body opening from which a conduit, not belonging to the body, projects, has a first support with a first slit beginning at an edge of the support and extending toward a center of the first support, wherein the first slit defines a first support half and a second support half on opposed sides of the first slit. A first flat absorbent core is disposed on the first support half; a second flat absorbent core is disposed on the second support half. The first and second absorbent cores are positioned in parallel orientation relative to the first slit, respectively. The first slit has an end remote from the edge of the first support; the end of the first slit is provided with a widened portion. | 2012-01-05 |
20120004616 | GASTRIC PORT SYSTEM - A gastric port system for transport of materials to the interior of a body cavity that may include a tube configured to be disposed between a first body cavity and an area adjacent to the first body cavity. The gastric port system may further include a first bolster that includes a curved component having an open channel defined on a side of the curved component. | 2012-01-05 |
20120004617 | Anchor Systems and Methods - Some embodiments of a medical device anchor system include an anchor device that receives a medical instrument (such as a catheter or the like) and secures the instrument in place relative to a skin penetration point. In some circumstances, the anchor device may allow the anchor device to be used after medical instrument is already in place without the need for a second penetration point for the anchor device. | 2012-01-05 |
20120004618 | Anchoring a Medical Instrument - Some embodiments of a medical anchor device include an elongate body coupled with deployable subcutaneous anchors to secure a catheter instrument (or other medical instrument) in place relative to a skin penetration point. In some circumstances, the elongate body may be in the form of catheter hub body, and the subcutaneous anchors can be deployed from the hub body by adjustment of a movable actuator. A locking member can interact with the actuator so as to retain the actuator in the deployed orientation during the medical procedure. | 2012-01-05 |
20120004619 | NEEDLE PROTECTIVE DEVICE - A needle protective device is provided for reducing inadvertent needle sticks. The needle protective device includes a tubular member that is attached to a base cap. A spring and a shield are positioned in the base cap to selectively cover an access hole of the chamber so that after use of the needle, a needle tip and blood-borne pathogens on the needle are encased within the base cap. The device is selectively pre-activated and is configured such that when activated, the needle tip is contained in the base cap and the device becomes un-usable. | 2012-01-05 |
20120004620 | LEVER AND GEAR FORCE MULTIPLIER MEDICATION DELIVERY SYSTEM FOR HIGH PRESSURE INJECTION SYSTEM - A drug delivery device includes a cartridge ( | 2012-01-05 |
20120004621 | Medical Device with Retractable Needle and Moveable Plunger Seal - A medical device having a barrel, a retractable needle, a needle retraction assembly and a plunger, the needle retraction assembly including and being held inside the barrel prior to retraction at least in part by a retainer member contacting the barrel, the plunger comprising a plunger seal with an body having at least a portion that is rearwardly moveable relative to the plunger and an elastomeric web that seals a retraction cavity inside the plunger prior to retraction of the needle, the retainer member and the plunger seal each cooperating with an inside wall of the barrel to provide a sealed liquid containment chamber inside the device. | 2012-01-05 |
20120004622 | SERIAL VALVES AND HUBS FOR TUBULAR DEVICES AND METHODS FOR MAKING AND USING THEM - A hub for a sheath, catheter, or other tubular device includes a first hub portion including a first hub lumen sized for receiving a medical device therethrough, and a second hub portion including a second hub lumen, the second hub portion coupled to the first hub portion such that the first and second hub lumens are aligned with one another and the first and second hub portions are spaced apart from one another to define a gap. A valve is secured within the gap between the first and second hub portions that includes a valve passage therethrough, e.g., for accommodating receiving a medical device through the first and second hub lumens into the tubular device, while providing a substantially fluid tight seal. For example, the valve passage may include a bore extending partially from a first end of the valve towards a second end of the valve, and a slit that extends from the end of the bore to the second end of the valve. | 2012-01-05 |
20120004623 | ONE-WAY CHECK VALVE - A one-way check valve in an IV system set is provided with structural features to capture contaminant particles and inhibit the particles from adversely impacting the performance of the check valve. A screen can be provided upstream of the valve seat and the valve may be provided with flow channels for accumulating the particles. Modifications of the valve seat provide open volumes for accumulating contaminants. | 2012-01-05 |
20120004624 | ENHANCED ANTI-FLOW PROTECTION FOR AN INTRAVENOUS SET - A device for holding an IV tube in a pumping apparatus and for selectively occluding the tube when the door of the pumping apparatus is opened, to prevent free flow of fluid in the tube. A flange provided on a sliding clamp is designed to prevent inadvertent finger slippage causing pushing of a tab positioned in the sliding direction from the flange, resulting in undesirable fluid leakage. The flange is made slip-resistant using a textured surface, having a concave shape, or having an angled top portion to prevent finger slippage or having a concave setback to guide a finger when pushing the sliding clamp. | 2012-01-05 |
20120004625 | SPINAL NEEDLE INCLUDING A CHAMBER FOR IDENTIFYING CEREBROSPINAL FLUID - Disclosed herein is a spinal needle for epidural and spinal anesthesia and analgesia. The needle is formed by three main elements: the first one is a fastening member which allows the user to grab the needle with the fingers; the second element is a chamber that receives an amount of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF); and the third element of the spinal needle is a cannula in fluid communication with the chamber and further attached to the fastening member. The chamber is preferably transparent in order to readily detect the presence of CSF inside the needle. In a preferred embodiment, the chamber has a bottom wall that supports the needle in its entirety. The fastening member and the chamber comprise tactile markings with the same orientation as that of the tip of the cannula, to become aware of the direction in which the anesthetic will be supplied. | 2012-01-05 |
20120004626 | MICRONEEDLE DEVICE - The present invention aims to allow high molecular weight active ingredients to be contained in a coating agent substantially uniformly. For this purpose, a microneedle device | 2012-01-05 |
20120004627 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR ENZYMATIC DEBRIDEMENT OF SKIN LESIONS - An apparatus for debridement of devitalized tissue in skin lesions, that includes a plurality of height- and angle-adjustable inlet tubes and at least one outlet tube and a member that forms an occlusive seal around a skin lesion. The plurality of inlet tubes is adapted for directing a continuous stream of enzymatic solution to the surface and into the entire volume of the wound bed of the lesion and the at least one outlet is adapted for removing the enzymatic solution, fluids draining from the lesion and tissue debris from the occluded skin lesion. | 2012-01-05 |
20120004628 | WOUND DRESSING APPARATUS AND METHOD OF USE - A dressing ( | 2012-01-05 |
20120004629 | SUBDURAL EVACUATION PORT ASPIRATION DEVICE - A subdural evacuation port aspiration device including a subdural evacuation portion and a port aspiration portion. The subdural evacuation portion includes a rigid tubular portion having a central axis, a threaded exterior surface, and a pair of wings extending outwardly in substantially opposite directions from the tubular portion. The port aspiration portion includes a first segment and a second segment extending in separate directions from the subdural evacuation portion, the first segment configured to receive an aspiration device and the second segment configured to connect to a negative pressure source. The subdural evacuation portion and the port aspiration portion are uniformly formed as a single rigid unit. | 2012-01-05 |
20120004630 | Absorbent Article With Low Cold Flow Construction Adhesive - Absorbent articles comprising a low cold flow construction adhesive suitable for joining at least two absorbent article components together, wherein the adhesive comprises an ethylene-based polyolefin resin and certain crystallization enhancers, and wherein the absorbent articles have an in-bag compression opening force of less than about 0.75N. Also, a method for assembling such articles. | 2012-01-05 |
20120004631 | WOUND PACKING MEMBERS - A method of making a three-dimensional wound packing member is described, the method comprising the steps of: taking material selected from at least one of the following forms comprising perforated sheet, net, woven, non-woven and knitted material; subjecting the at least one material to at least one forming process selected from the processes comprising rolling into tubes, braiding, knotting and knitting to form a three-dimensional and resilient structural unit member for packing into a wound. | 2012-01-05 |
20120004632 | Ultrathin Fluid-Absorbent Cores - The present invention relates to ultrathin fluid-absorbent cores comprising a substrate layer, water-absorbent polymer particles and an adhesive, wherein the water-absorbent polymer particles comprise a basic salt of a polyvalent metal cation and a monovalent carboxylic acid anion on the surface and the wet SAP shake out of water-absorbent polymer particles out of the fluid-absorbent core is less than 10% by weight. | 2012-01-05 |
20120004633 | ABSORBENT ARTICLE INCLUDING A PLURALITY OF LONGITUDINALLY EXTENDING CHANNELS - An absorbent article including a first end region, a second end region and a central region, a plurality of channels arranged in each of the first and second end regions, at least one channel arranged in the central region and extending in a longitudinal direction of the article, the at least one channel being connected at each end thereof to the plurality of channels in the first end region and the plurality of channels in the second end region. | 2012-01-05 |
20120004634 | ABSORBENT PRODUCT - In a pants-type absorbent product, a first middle elastic member is located along a horizontal direction in a middle front part between a pair of leg openings in an outer covering sheet. The first middle elastic member contracts a first sheet and a second sheet, and middle gathers are formed. Thus, it is possible to improve fitting of a middle part to a wearer. In the middle front part, both ends of the first middle elastic member are apart from edges of the pair of leg openings, and a pair of non-contracted parts are provided between the both ends of the first middle elastic member and the edges of the pair of leg openings, to thereby improve flexibility of portions in the vicinities of the leg openings in the outer covering sheet. | 2012-01-05 |
20120004635 | METHOD AND MEANS FOR COLLECTING CORD BLOOD - The invention is a cord blood open circuit collection system and a method of using a cord blood open circuit collection system to harvest cord blood. | 2012-01-05 |
20120004636 | HEMOSTATIC FIBROUS MATERIAL - This disclosure relates to devices for promoting the clotting of blood in human beings or animals, or hemostatic devices. These devices may comprise a fibrous material or materials comprising one or more fibers such as a gauze or a cloth. Some of the fibers in these materials or devices may comprise a macromolecular material and a hemostatic hemostatic additive material such as kaolin or another clay. | 2012-01-05 |
20120004637 | DRUG DELIVERY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS AND METHODS - Various embodiments of a “smart” drug delivery system are provided which includes an add-on module and a reusable or disposable drug pen in conjunction with a data management unit(s) DMU. Upon attachment to the pen, the add-on module may: determine dosage selected, injection of selected dosage, duration of injection, time of injection, whether the pen has been primed or shaken to thoroughly mix up insulin mixtures, transmit information relating to insulin dosage and injection to a data management unit, provide reminders, error warning or messages on improper usage or reuse of needles, track amount of drug remaining on board the pen or duration of usage of pen with respect to expiry of the drug on board, or provide an audible alarm for locating misplaced pen and module. Methods of using the drug delivery system are also described. | 2012-01-05 |
20120004638 | DRUG DELIVERY DEVICE WITH NEEDLES AND ROLLER - A delivery device including a roller rotatably mounted on an axle, a reservoir, and at least one hollow needle positioned in the roller are in fluid communication with the reservoir, wherein as the roller rotates about the axle, contents of the reservoir pass through the at least one hollow needle. | 2012-01-05 |
20120004639 | MULTI-STROKE DELIVERY PUMPING MECHANISM FOR A DRUG DELIVERY DEVICE FOR HIGH PRESSURE INJECTIONS - A dual-chambered drug delivery device ( | 2012-01-05 |
20120004640 | OPEN AND CLOSED VALVE MEDICATION DELIVERY SYSTEM FOR HIGH PRESSURE INJECTIONS - A dual-chambered drug delivery device ( | 2012-01-05 |
20120004641 | DUAL-CHAMBERED DRUG DELIVERY DEVICE FOR HIGH PRESSURE INJECTIONS - A dual-chambered drug delivery device ( | 2012-01-05 |
20120004642 | IN VITRO MICRO-ORGANS, AND USES RELATED THERETO - Micro-organ cultures which include isolated populations of cells having specific characteristics are described. Salient features of the subject micro-organ cultures include the ability to be maintained in culture for relatively long periods of time, as well as the preservation of an organ microarchitecture which facilitates, for example, cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions analogous to those occurring in the source organ. The micro-organ cultures of the invention can be used in methods for delivering gene products to recipient subjects, for identifying cell proliferative and cell differentiating agents, and identification and isolation of progenitor and stem cells. In addition, the micro-organ cultures of the present invention can be used in methods for identifying inhibitors of cell proliferation, cell differentiation and viral infectivity. In other embodiments, the micro-organ cultures can be used for transplantation. | 2012-01-05 |
20120004643 | Vaccines Based on Targeting Antigen to DCIR Expressed on Antigen-Presenting Cells - The present invention includes compositions and methods for increasing the effectiveness of antigen presentation using a DCIR-specific antibody or fragment thereof to which an antigen is attached that forms an antibody-antigen complex, wherein the antigen is processed and presented by a dendritic cell that has been contacted with the antibody-antigen complex. | 2012-01-05 |
20120004644 | PLEURAL DRAINAGE SYSTEM LOCKING DILATOR - In one embodiment, a locking connector for a pleural access valve comprises an elongated access tip operable for engaging a lumen in a pleural access valve, the elongated access tip defining an internal lumen and the elongated access tip having a radial ridge. The locking connector also comprises a handle section connected with the elongated access tip and substantially concentric to the elongated access tip, the handle section having a first end and a second end, the first end defining an opening in fluid communication with the internal lumen of the elongated access tip, the handle section further comprising at least one support arm extending between the first end and the second end of the handle section. The locking connector also comprises a latch arm connected with the second end of the handle section, the latch arm being substantially concentric and spaced from the elongated access tip, the latch arm defining a notch for engaging a detent on a pleural access valve, wherein the at least one support arm defines an opening and the radial ridge is viewable through the opening. | 2012-01-05 |
20120004646 | IMPLANTABLE DEVICE SYSTEM - An implantable device system is disclosed. The implantable device system comprises, a first energy transceiver system, a second energy transceiver system at least partially implanted within an organic tissue and capable of being interrogated by the first energy transceiver system, and a sensing system, wherein a state of the sensing system is available at the second energy transceiver system. | 2012-01-05 |
20120004647 | STEERABLE SURGICAL SNARE AND METHOD OF USE - Apparatus, assemblies, systems, and methods for inserting a snare into a body and capturing objects. A surgical snare device includes a steerable deflection portion with a steerable distal tip. An interface is linked to the steerable deflection portion to selectively manipulate the distal tip. A snare loop disposed at the distal tip can have a length that remains substantially constant as the distal tip is deflected and the snare loop moves in concert with the distal tip. A snare loop having a width larger than an internal width of the body lumen may be collapsed using a loop collapsing mechanism that reduces the width of the snare loop prior to, or during, insertion of the snare loop into the body lumen. | 2012-01-05 |
20120004648 | SURGICAL INSTRUMENT - A surgical instrument is disclosed that includes: a handle; a shaft coupled to the handle and extending in one direction; a bending part formed on a portion of the shaft; a driving part mounted on the handle and configured to generate a particular driving power; and a power transmission mechanism configured to transmit the driving power generated by the driving part to the bending part such that the bending part is bent. By mounting a driving part onto the surgical instrument and enabling the shaft to bend by a simple manipulation on a controller, it is possible to readily change the direction of the effector even when holding the instrument in one hand. Also, since the shaft is bent while the instrument is held, the reaction force applied on the effector when changing the direction of the effect can be felt by the user, providing a “haptic feedback”. | 2012-01-05 |
20120004649 | SWITCHING CONTROL DEVICE AND MANIPULATING PART FOR A MEDICAL INSTRUMENT - A switching control device for a medical instrument such as an electrode used in HF surgery. The switching control device comprises a connection line, designed as a switching control module for controlling various electrical operating modes of the instrument with a three-dimensionally and pressure-tightly sealed housing that is resistant to sterilization temperatures, an actuating element and fixing means to be releasably mounted within or on a manipulating part of the instrument, and module contacting means for interacting with device- or instrument-contacting means that are connected to the connection line to perform a switching control function. | 2012-01-05 |
20120004650 | Adjustable Tuning of a Dielectrically Loaded Loop Antenna - A microwave antenna assembly is disclosed. The antenna assembly includes an elongated member defining a longitudinal axis and having proximal and distal ends. The antenna assembly also includes an outer conductor and an inner conductor each disposed within the elongated member and extending along the longitudinal axis. A portion of the inner conductor is deployable relative to the outer conductor such that the antenna assembly may transition from a first configuration to a second configuration. The antenna assembly also includes an expandable sheath at least partially disposed about a distal portion of the inner conductor and defining at one or more lumens configured to couple to a supply of dielectric material used to regulate the expansion of the expandable sheath. | 2012-01-05 |
20120004651 | Microwave Antenna Having a Reactively-Loaded Loop Configuration - A microwave ablation system is provided. The microwave ablation system includes a power source. A microwave antenna is adapted to connect to the power source via a coaxial cable feed including an inner conductor defining a portion of a radiating section of the microwave antenna, an outer conductor and dielectric shielding. The inner conductor loops back around and toward the outer conductor of the coaxial cable feed such that a distal end of the inner conductor is operably disposed adjacent the dielectric shielding. The inner conductor includes one or more reactive components disposed thereon forming a reactively-loaded loop configuration configured to maximize delivery of microwave energy from the power source to tissue such that a desired effect to tissue is achieved. | 2012-01-05 |
20120004652 | Inductive Powered Surgical Device with Wireless Control - A system and method for wirelessly powering an electrosurgical device using a generator to generate a radio frequency (RF) energy field. A switch on the electrosurgical device sends a wireless signal to the generator, where the generator allows a current to pass through an inductive coil to generate the RF energy field, The RF energy field induces a current to flow across an inductive coil within the electrosurgical device. The current flow is then processed though a RF conditioning circuit and outputted to the end effector assembly of the device. | 2012-01-05 |
20120004653 | BIPOLAR FORCEPS - The limbs of a bipolar forceps for RF coagulation are produced from a bimetal material, wherein an outer layer ( | 2012-01-05 |
20120004654 | Methods and Systems for Determining Physiologic Characteristics for Treatment of the Esophagus - A method and apparatus for treating abnormal mucosa in the esophagus is disclosed, such that the depth of the treated tissue is controlled. The depth of ablation is controlled by monitoring the tissue impedance and/or the tissue temperature. A desired ablation depth is also achieved by controlling the energy density or power density, and the amount of time required for energy delivery. A method and apparatus is disclosed for measuring an inner diameter of a body lumen, where a balloon is inflated inside the body lumen at a fixed pressure. | 2012-01-05 |
20120004655 | Bipolar Connector System - An electrical connector assembly comprises a first elongated connector in parallel alignment with a second elongated connector and an adjustment mechanism operable to control movement of the first elongated connector relative to the second elongated connector while maintaining parallel alignment between the elongated connectors. | 2012-01-05 |
20120004656 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR TREATMENT OF TISSUE IN A BODY LUMEN - A system for measuring physiologic characteristics or treating tissue in a body lumen. The system may be used for treating abnormal mucosa in the esophagus. The system comprises an energy delivery device, such as an ablation device including an electrode support and an electrode pattern on the support. The ablation device may expand in size from a pre-deployed state to a deployed state. The system may include a sizing device having an inflatable balloon on a distal end of a catheter that is inflated with an expansion medium to expand the balloon to engage the wall of the esophagus so that the internal cross-section can be calculated or measured. The sizing device may also a controller for delivering an expansion medium and measuring the amount and pressure of the expansion medium inside the catheter. Methods of treating or diagnosing tissue are also disclosed. | 2012-01-05 |
20120004657 | Electrosurgical Devices with Wire Electrode And Methods of Use Thereof - The invention provides an electrosurgical device and methods of use thereof. In one embodiment, the device may comprise a handle, a shaft distal to the handle, a first electrode tip and a second electrode tip adjacent a distal end of the shaft, with the first electrode tip spaced from the second electrode tip and wherein the first electrode tip comprises a first U-shaped electrode and the second electrode tip comprises a second U-shaped electrode, and at least one fluid outlet. In another embodiment, the device may comprise a handle, a shaft distal to the handle, and a first electrode and a second electrode adjacent a distal end of the shaft with the first electrode coplanar with the second electrode and comprising a wire electrode having a U-shape which surrounds a perimeter of the second electrode and is spaced from the second electrode by an aperture. | 2012-01-05 |
20120004658 | Apparatus, System, and Method for Performing an Electrosurgical Procedure - A bipolar forceps includes a housing having a shaft extending therefrom including an end effector assembly at a distal end thereof. The end effector assembly has a wheel assembly opposing a jaw member and having a pair of opposing wheels configured to facilitate movement of the wheel assembly relative to the jaw member. A drive rod is operably coupled at a proximal end to a movable handle and at a distal end to the wheel assembly. The movable handle is movable relative to a stationary handle to move the wheel assembly relative to the jaw member. At least one electrically conductive tissue sealing plate is disposed on each of the wheel assembly and the jaw member and is adapted to connect to an electrosurgical energy source configured to deliver electrosurgical energy to tissue held between the wheel assembly and the jaw member to effect a tissue seal. | 2012-01-05 |
20120004659 | Multi-Locking External Fixation Clamp - A clamping device for attaching to an external fixation element of an external fixation system includes a first jaw having an inner surface and an outer surface and includes a second jaw having an inner surface and an outer surface, with the inner surface of the first jaw and the inner surface of the second jaw together forming a passage configured to receive the external fixation element of the external fixation system. A locking system is engageable with the first and the second jaws. A portion of the locking system is moveable relative to the first and the second jaws between a first position where the locking arrangement is configured to prevent release of the external fixation element having a first size from between the first jaw and the second jaw and a second position where the locking arrangement is configured to prevent release of the external fixation element having a second size from between the first jaw and the second jaw. | 2012-01-05 |
20120004660 | Multi-component cortical bone assembled implant - An implant composed substantially of cortical bone is provided for use in cervical Smith-Robinson vertebral fusion procedures. The implant is derived from allograft or autograft cortical bone sources, is machined to form a symmetrically or asymmetrically shaped (e.g. a substantially “D”-shaped) implant having a canal running therethrough according to methods of this invention, and inserted into the space between adjacent cervical vertebrae to provide support and induce fusion of the adjacent vertebrae. Osteogenic, osteoinductive or osteoconductive materials may be packed into the canal of the implant to expedite vertebral fusion and to allow autologous bony ingrowth. | 2012-01-05 |
20120004661 | ORTHOPEDIC BONE DRILL - A drill bit includes a body extending along an axis and including a point end and a shank end. The drill bit also includes a first helical portion, having a first helix angle relative to the axis. The drill bit also includes a second helical portion, having a second helix angle relative to the axis which is different from the first helix angle. | 2012-01-05 |
20120004662 | Resection Instrument - The present invention concerns a surgical instrument. There is described a surgical instrument including a shaft having a handle towards a proximal end, a template towards a distal end, and resecting means for removing tissue. The template is shaped to complement the contours of a joint surface. | 2012-01-05 |
20120004663 | System and Method for Joint Resurface Repair - A generic bone implant, or set of standardized implants, is created based on using a guide device to develop an axis normal to an articular surface of bone and collecting only one or two data points. A generic cutting tool is used to cut the bone to a point where a generic implant can be used. Several improved tools relating to the procedure for using such an implant, as well as methods for using implants consistent with the invention are further described, including: single-axis and biaxial drill guide tools and methods, generic single-axis implant methods and devices, generic biaxial implant methods and devices, tools and methods for holding or delivering an implant, removal or revision tools and methods, digital measuring systems and methods, and set of measuring gauges for determining the appropriate implant dimensions. | 2012-01-05 |
20120004664 | MEDICAL IMPLANT EXTRACTION DEVICE - Extraction instruments and systems for use in revision arthroplasty are provided. The extraction instruments are shaped and configured to fit within the typically tight confines in which revision arthroplasty is performed, and to enhance the surgeon's control over the axis, quantum and speed of the force that is required be applied to disrupt a bone-to-prosthesis bond. This enables completion of a revision arthroplasty to proceed more quickly, and with reduced risk that unwanted movements might cause accidental injury to nearby vital structures. | 2012-01-05 |
20120004665 | GUIDEWIRE INSERTION METHODS AND DEVICES - Various methods and devices for inserting a guidewire into the body are provided. In one embodiment, a guidewire insertion device is provided and includes and outer sheath having an outer surface and an inner lumen extending therethrough, and a dilator having an inner lumen extending therethrough and having a length greater than a length of the outer sheath. A guidewire can be configured to extend through the inner lumen of the dilator such that the guidewire is removably and replaceably disposable within the dilator and coupled thereto. A locking mechanism can be effective to selectively configure the guidewire between a locked position in which the guidewire is stationary relative to the dilator and an unlocked position in which the guidewire is movable relative to the dilator. | 2012-01-05 |
20120004666 | STEERABLE SURGICAL SNARE - Apparatus, assemblies, and methods for capturing objects within a body are disclosed. A surgical snare device includes a steerable deflection portion with a steerable distal tip. An interface is linked to the steerable deflection portion to selectively manipulate the distal tip. A snare loop disposed at the distal tip can have a length that remains substantially constant as the distal tip is deflected and the snare loop moves in concert with the distal tip. The distal tip may deflect up to at least one-hundred eighty degrees, while the snare loop moves a corresponding amount. A method includes extending a snare through a body lumen and to a location near an object. The snare may have a loop that changes positions while maintaining the same length. The loop may be placed around an object and then used to retrieve the object from the body lumen. | 2012-01-05 |
20120004667 | HELIX RETRACTION ASSIST MECHANISM - An active fixation implantable medical lead may include an electrode base that is configured to accommodate an extraction stylet that may be used if the fixation helix is not otherwise easily retracted. An extraction tool may be used in combination with the extraction stylet in extraction techniques designed for retraction of a fixation helix. | 2012-01-05 |
20120004668 | ROBOTIC CATHETER SYSTEM - A robotic catheter system includes a controller with a master input device. An instrument driver is in communication with the controller and has a guide instrument interface including a plurality of guide instrument drive elements responsive to control signals generated, at least in part, by the master input device. An elongate guide instrument has a base, distal end, and a working lumen, wherein the guide instrument base is operatively coupled to the guide instrument interface. The guide instrument includes a plurality of guide instrument control elements operatively coupled to respective guide drive elements and secured to the distal end of the guide instrument. The guide instrument control elements are axially moveable relative to the guide instrument such that movement of the guide instrument distal end may be controlled by the master input device. | 2012-01-05 |
20120004669 | INSERTION INSTRUMENT FOR ANCHOR ASSEMBLY - An insertion instrument is configured to eject a pair of anchor bodies across an anatomical gap so as to approximate the gap. The insertion instrument can include a single cannula that retains the pair of anchor bodies in a stacked relationship, or a pair of adjacent cannulas that each retain respective anchor bodies. The insertion instrument can be actuated so as to eject the anchor bodies into respective target anatomical locations. | 2012-01-05 |
20120004670 | Suturing Device for Anastomisis of Lumens - A surgical device that includes an outer hollow body and an inner hollow body. The inner hollow body is slidably disposed within said outer hollow body and the inner hollow body includes at least two hollow arms located at the distal end of the inner hollow body. An inflatable member is rotatably attached to each hollow arm of the inner hollow body. At least a pair of suture rings are rotatably coupled to the outer hollow body wherein the suture rings are in parallel to each other and are coupled to each other by a plurality of suture clips. | 2012-01-05 |
20120004671 | SUTURE LOOP CLOSURE DEVICE - The present invention describes apparatus and methods for tying a filament across subcutaneous punctures. According to some embodiments, the apparatus and methods provide pre-tied knots that are inserted into a bodily lumen. Needles flanking the subcutaneous puncture are inserted into the lumen and grab the pre-tied knots. The pre-tied knots are pulled through tiny holes flanking the subcutaneous puncture by the needles, leaving an internal length of the filament across the subcutaneous puncture. The filament is then externally tied, closing the subcutaneous puncture. | 2012-01-05 |
20120004672 | Suture Straightening Device and Method - A device for straightening sutures or pre-packaged suture-needle combinations. The device has a body formed of substantially resilient material flexible enough to be penetrated by a pointed end of a needle along with a suture inserted into it or to obtain a substantial gap when a slit is cut or molded into it. The device may be held securely in a position for subsequent grasping by a user for drawing a suture through it or attached to an OEM suture packaging. A means of engagement such as adhesive provides means for temporary or permanent attachment to the suture packaging. | 2012-01-05 |
20120004673 | MEDICAL MATERIAL FOR IN VIVO IMPLANTATION CONTAINING SOFTENING AGENT AND/OR MOISTURIZING AGENT, METHOD FOR CONTROLLING CONTENT OF SOFTENING AGENT AND/OR MOISTURIZING AGENT IN THE MEDICAL MATERIAL, AND METHOD FOR PRODUCING THE MEDICAL MATERIAL FOR IN VIVO IMPLANTATION - Provided are a medical material for in vivo implantation which causes no retention of an exudates in the surroundings and yet shows a flexibility; a method for controlling the content of a softening agent and/or a moisturizing agent in the medical material; and a method for producing the medical material for in vivo implantation. When a hybrid medical material for in vivo implantation, which comprises a bioabsorbable material containing a softening agent and/or a moisturizing agent and a non-bioabsorbable porous base material, contains large amount of the softening agent and/or a moisturizing agent, retention of an exudates occurs in the surroundings of the medical material. It is found out that this phenomenon is a side effect of the softening agent and/or a moisturizing agent. To prevent this side effect, a medical material for in vivo implantation in which the content of a softening agent and/or a moisturizing agent is controlled less than 20 wt %; a method for controlling said content; and a method for producing a medical material for in vivo implantation are provided. | 2012-01-05 |
20120004674 | ABSORBABLE FASTENER AND APPLYING APPARATUS - A surgical fastener apparatus, for securing a surgical mesh material to body tissue including a pair of anchors each having retaining means formed on an outer surface thereof; and a suture tether interconnecting the pair of anchors to one another. The pair of anchors having a substantially cylindrical body having a conically tapered distal end and a planar proximal end. The retaining means includes a series of semi-circular angled projections having a planar proximal surface and a tapered distal end, wherein a center of each of the angled projections is spaced a distance from a longitudinal central axis of the body portion. The surgical fastener is made from a bioabsorbable material which reabsorbs into said body tissue at an appropriate rate, such as for example, polyglycolic acid and polylactic acid. | 2012-01-05 |
20120004675 | DEVICE FOR FIXING SOFT TISSUE - A device for fixing soft tissue. A sleeve is detachably connected to a self-drilling tapping screw, moving and rotating the self-drilling tapping screw. A guide bar is detachably connected to the self-drilling tapping screw and fit in the sleeve. A fixing pin is fit in a washer and connected to the self-drilling tapping screw. The guide bar is detachably fit in the fixing pin. The fixing pin abuts the washer and the self-drilling tapping screw. | 2012-01-05 |
20120004676 | Intragastric Implant Devices - An intragastric anchor implant device is provided with a substantially rigid member having proximal and distal ends and atraumatic tips or features disposed near the proximal and distal ends. The atraumatic features prevent damage to the tissues of the stomach and the gastrointestinal track and may help to anchor the device in the stomach, while the substantially rigid member resists bending so as to engage a tissue of the stomach or the gastrointestinal tract to prevent passage through the stomach. The anchor implant device is coupled with a therapeutic device, typically a sleeve, such as an intestinal bypass sleeve. Ideally, the device includes a sliding seal to direct a flow of food particles from the stomach through the sleeve, so as to be useful in treating a disorder, including obesity and diabetes. Methods of deploying the anchor implant devices are also disclosed. | 2012-01-05 |
20120004677 | TISSUE-ACQUISITION AND FASTENING DEVICES AND METHODS - Devices and methods for acquiring and fastening tissues folds within an internal organ, such as the stomach, and for applying the methods and devices to producing reductions in organ volume or repair of bariatric procedures, are disclosed. An exemplary method for forming a continuous laterally extending tissue fold involves forming a succession of laterally extending folds having adjacent overlapping fold portions. One exemplary tissue-acquisition device has an open-end roller-and-arm structure that allows individual tissue folds to be formed and fastened, then advanced to an adjacent region within the stomach, for capture of a new fold that will form an extension of the existing fold(s). | 2012-01-05 |
20120004678 | ANASTOMOSIS INSTRUMENT AND METHOD FOR PERFORMING SAME - A surgical instrument for creating an anastomosis includes a housing, a handle extending from the housing and a fastener support member extending distally from the housing. The fastener support member is configured and dimensioned to releasably support a plurality of surgical fasteners. The instrument further includes a tissue retaining mechanism which is selectively movable from a first position relative to the fastener support member to a second position in closer proximity with the fastener support member such that tissue disposed adjacent to the fastener support member is retained thereagainst. Upon actuation of the handle, a fastener firing mechanism simultaneously deforms the plurality of surgical fasteners to complete the anastomosis. | 2012-01-05 |
20120004679 | WEASAND-LIGATING CLIP - A weasand-ligating clip ( | 2012-01-05 |
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. | 2012-01-05 |
20120004681 | METHOD, RETENTION DEVICE AND MEDICAL TREATMENT DEVICE FOR STABLE SUPPORT OF A NEEDLE TO BE INSERTED INTO A PATIENT - A method for stable support of a needle to be introduced into a patient, a body to be penetrated by the needle is arranged on the patient. The body is made of a substance corresponding in terms of its mechanical properties to body tissue (in particular corresponding to body tissue in terms of visco-elastic coefficients and density) and/or is made of a gel-like substance. | 2012-01-05 |
20120004682 | Occluding member expansion and the stent expansion for aneurysm treatment - This invention is a device and method to occlude an aneurysm comprising: a laterally-expanding occluding member (such as a relatively-flat balloon, mesh, net, or patch) that is positioned within the parent vessel of the aneurysm and then expanded laterally; and a radially-expanding structural member (such as a stent) that is positioned within the parent vessel of the aneurysm and then expanded radially after, or concurrently with, expansion of the laterally-expanding occluding member. Expansion of the radially-expanding member presses and holds the laterally-expanding occluding member into contact with the aneurysm neck, so that the laterally-expanding occlusive member at least partially covers the aneurysm neck and reduces blood flow to the aneurysm. This invention has several potential advantages over devices and methods in the prior art, especially for treatment of wide-neck and fusiform aneurysms. | 2012-01-05 |
20120004683 | METHOD AND STRUCTURE FOR NASAL DILATOR - A nasal dilator and method of making nasal dilators are provided. The dilator may have
| 2012-01-05 |
20120004684 | MEDICAL INSTRUMENT - A medical instrument with a shaft having a tool on a distal end including a movable jaw member and a handle on a proximal end with a movable gripping member, wherein the jaw and gripping members are in operational connection by a traction/compression element, and wherein a force-limiting device is positioned between the gripping and jaw members for limiting force transmitted from the gripping member onto components in operational connection with the gripping member. Upon exceeding a maximum load, the device reversibly severs the components that are coupled with one another. The force-limiting device includes a housing including two components that can slide with respect to one another with one component mounted rigidly in the housing and the other component positioned to slide axially in the housing against the force of a spring element, such that the two components are coupled by a force transmission element acting on both components. | 2012-01-05 |
20120004685 | Surgical Instrument - In a surgical instrument with two legs movable relative to each other, a tip inserted in a receiving space at the distal end of the leg being exchangeably held at the free end of the legs, with a fixing device for releasable fixation to the leg, the fixing device comprising on one of the two parts two locking arms which are arranged next to each other and are elastically bendable apart, and comprising on the other one of the two parts a locking projection extending into the leg transversely to the direction of insertion of the tip, the locking projection, when inserting the tip into the receiving space of the leg, engaging between the two locking arms, bending these elastically apart, and at the end of the inserting movement, entering a recess on the inner side of the locking arms, so that the locking arms approach each other again after they have been elastically bent apart, in order to simplify the structure and, in particular, to reduce soiling and risk of injury, it is proposed that the receiving space widen in the proximal direction from its insertion end. | 2012-01-05 |
20120004686 | System and Method of Making Tapered Looped Suture - A system for forming a looped suture having a tapered cut is provided. The system includes a base for selectively retaining a portion of thread, a clamping device for receiving a first end of the thread, a tensioning device for receiving a second end of the thread, a welding assembly configured to join a first and second section of the thread to form a loop, and a cutting assembly configured to form a tapered end on the first section of the thread. | 2012-01-05 |
20120004687 | CORKSCREW SUTURE ANCHOR - A suture anchor has a continuous thread spiraling around a tapering central core. At the distal end, the suture anchor terminates in a rounded point. At the proximal end of the suture anchor is an eye for receiving suture. The suture anchor has a large thread surface per turn of thread. Anti-backout ridges can be formed on the front and/or back faces of the threads. A driver for the suture anchor is provided, the driver including a shaft having a central axis, a length, a distal end, and a proximal end. The shaft is provided at its distal end with an opening aligned with the central axis of the shaft, for receiving the hexagonal proximal end of the suture anchor. One or more sutures threaded through the suture eye are threaded through the hollow tubular shaft. The suture is pulled into and captured by V-shaped notches on the proximal end of the handle to hold the suture anchor in place on the distal end of the driver under the tension of the captured sutures. | 2012-01-05 |
20120004688 | SPINAL TRANSVERSE CONNECTOR - Disclosed is a spinal transconnector device for coupling longitudinal spinal rods on either side of the mid-sagittal plane. The device includes two interconnected rod engagement elements, a first rod engagement elements having a vaulted surface adapted to secure to a first longitudinal spinal rod via an interference fit comprising compression of the first longitudinal spinal rod against the generally vaulted surface; and an interference pin that advances into a bore of the first rod engagement element forming an interference fit between the interference pin and the rod engagement element. The interference fit can be associated with elastic deformation of the first rod engagement element occurring as a consequence of the interference pin being advanced through the bore in the engagement element and contacting a surface of the first longitudinal spinal rod. | 2012-01-05 |
20120004689 | LOCKING ASSEMBLY FOR SECURING A ROD MEMBER IN A RECEIVER PART FOR USE IN SPINAL OR TRAUMA SURGERY, BONE ANCHORING DEVICE WITH SUCH A LOCKING ASSEMBLY AND TOOL THEREFOR - A locking assembly for securing a rod in a receiving part of a bone anchoring device includes a first locking element having a first end and a second end and a longitudinal axis of rotation and an outer surface provided with an external thread, a coaxial bore passing entirely through said first locking element and an internal thread provided at said bore, a second locking element having a longitudinal axis of rotation and an outer surface with an external thread cooperating with the internal thread of said first locking element. The first locking element has a recess between the first end and the second end, that defines a circumferentially closed wall portion. The interior of the wall portion has a longitudinally extending structure for engagement with a tool. Furthermore, a tool is provided which has sections which can be independently engaged with the first and second locking element, respectively. | 2012-01-05 |
20120004690 | SCREW FIXATION SYSTEM - A screw fixation system serves to facilitate attachment of an orthopedic implant to a fractured bone to facilitate healing thereof. The screw fixation system includes the orthopedic implant, a bone screw, and a screw fixing element. The orthopedic implant includes an opening formed thereby. The screw fixing element has a body including an aperture extending between upper and lower surfaces thereof, and a channel adapted to receive a portion of the orthopedic implant adjacent the opening. When the portion of the orthopedic implant is received in the channel and the bone screw is inserted into the aperture, engagement of at least a portion of threads formed on a head of the bone screw and threads formed in the aperture expands the screw fixing element against the orthopedic implant to fix the bone screw and the orthopedic implant relative to one another. | 2012-01-05 |
20120004691 | Bone And Tissue Marker - The present invention concerns a marker for bones, particularly for marking irregularities in the femoral head. There is described a surgical instrument having a shaft including a handle towards a proximal end and an arm towards a distal end. The arm includes a template, and the arm and/or template further includes tissue marking means for marking differences in the curvature of a tissue surface. | 2012-01-05 |
20120004692 | Remotely Adjustable Tissue Displacement Device - The invention relates to an apparatus for displacing tissue within the body, wherein the apparatus includes two or more attachment members selectively displaceable with respect to each other via a driving member. The driving member preferably is rotatable and is caused to rotate by a magnetic actuator that can be activated by a magnetic field from outside the body. | 2012-01-05 |
20120004693 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PREDICTING SUCCESSFUL DEFIBRILLATION FOR VENTRICULAR FIBRILLATION CARDIAC ARREST - A computer-assisted method for quantitative characterization and treatment of ventricular fibrillation includes acquiring a time series of a ventricular fibrillation (VF) signal using a probe from a patient experiencing VF, subtracting the mean from the time series of the VF signal, calculating a cumulative VF signal after the mean is subtracted from the time series of the VF signal, segmenting the cumulative VF signal by a plurality of sampling boxes, calculating the root-mean-square of the cumulative VF signal as a function of the sampling box size , extracting an exponent of the root-mean-square of the cumulative VF signal as a function of the sampling box size, applying electrical defibrillation to the patient if the exponent is below a predetermined value, and applying cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to the patient if the exponent is above a predetermined value. | 2012-01-05 |
20120004694 | THERAPY CIRCUIT PROTECTION FOR IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE - A medical device can include a therapy circuit configured to provide a specified electrostimulation therapy to a tissue site, the specified electrostimulation therapy including a scheduled completion, the therapy circuit including a protection circuit configured to adjust specification of the electrostimulation therapy being provided so as to provide an adjusted electrostimulation therapy before the scheduled completion. The medical device can include a monitoring circuit comprising a comparator. The monitoring circuit can be configured to trigger the protection circuit to inhibit the therapy circuit when the therapy circuit output parameter exceeds the specified threshold as indicated by the comparator. | 2012-01-05 |
20120004695 | REVERSE PACING-MODE SWITCH - A device comprises a cardiac contraction sensing circuit, a timer circuit, an electrical stimulation circuit, and a controller. The timer circuit provides a time duration of an atrial-atrial interval between successive atrial contractions, a ventricular-ventricular interval between successive ventricular contractions, and an atrial-ventricular (A-V) interval between an atrial contraction and a same cardiac cycle ventricular contraction. The controller includes an event detection module and a pacing module. The event detection module is configured for determining whether A-V block events are sustained over multiple cardiac cycles. The pacing module is configured for providing pacing therapy according to a primary pacing mode that includes AAI(R) mode with non-tracking VVI backup mode, and for switching the pacing therapy to a secondary tracking pacing mode if A-V block events are sustained over multiple cardiac cycles. | 2012-01-05 |
20120004696 | SELF-CALIBRATING RATE-ADAPTIVE PACEMAKER - A system and method for automatically adjusting the operating parameters of a rate-adaptive cardiac pacemaker. In accordance with the method, maximum exertion levels attained by the patient are measured at periodic intervals and stored. The stored maximum exertion levels may then be used to update a long-term maximal exertion level, and the slope of the rate-response curve is adjusted to map the updated long-term maximal exertion level to a maximum allowable pacing rate. The stored maximum exertion levels may also be used to update a sensor target rate which is used to adjust the slope of the rate response curve. | 2012-01-05 |
20120004697 | NON-LINEAR DYNAMIC AV DELAY - A non-linear dynamic specified AV delay can be used, such as to help maintain cardiac resynchronization therapy, such as in patients with one or more symptoms of congestive heart failure. | 2012-01-05 |
20120004698 | PHYSIOLOGIC DEMAND DRIVEN PACING - Physiologic demand driven pacing can be used to maintain cardiac synchrony and improve hemodynamic function in patients with heart failure. | 2012-01-05 |
20120004699 | IDENTIFYING A LEAD RELATED CONDITION BASED ON MOTION-BASED LEAD IMPEDANCE FLUCTUATIONS - Techniques for determining whether a lead related condition exists based on a correlation between a parameter indicative of impedance of a lead and a parameter indicative of motion of the lead. In some examples, the techniques include generating an electrical signal that is indicative of impedance of the lead, generating an electrical signal that is indicative of motion of the lead, and monitoring the frequency, amplitude, and phase of the electrical signals in order to identify a correlation. In some examples, if a lead related condition is identified, an alert is provided or a sensing or therapy modification is suggested. | 2012-01-05 |
20120004700 | IDENTIFICATION OF PACING SITE - An implantable medical device applies an electric signal over two electrodes and measures the resulting electric signal over a candidate pair of neighboring electrodes on a lead for a first heart ventricle or over a candidate electrode of the lead and a case electrode. An impedance signal is determined for each candidate pair or electrode based on the applied signal and the measured resulting signal. A time difference between start of contraction in a second ventricle and the timing of local myocardial contraction as identified from the impedance signal at the site of the candidate pair or electrode is determined for each candidate pair or electrode. An optimal pacing electrode is selected to correspond to one of the electrodes of the candidate pair having the largest time difference or the candidate electrode having largest time difference. | 2012-01-05 |
20120004701 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR TREATING ANAPHYLAXIS USING ELECTRICAL MODULATION - Methods and devices for treating anaphylaxis, anaphylactic shock, bronchial constriction, and/or asthma include providing an electrical impulse to a selected region of the vagus nerve of a patient suffering from anaphylaxis to block and/or modulate nerve signals that would regulate the function of, for example, myocardial tissue, vasodilation/constriction and/or pulmonary tissue. | 2012-01-05 |
20120004702 | ELECTRONIC PACEMAKER AND PACEMAKER LEAD - A pacemaker lead includes a body and an insulation layer. The body includes at least one carbon nanotube yarn. The at least one carbon nanotube yarn includes a plurality of carbon nanotubes. The carbon nanotubes are interconnected along an axis of the body by van der Waals force. The insulation layer covers an outer surface of the body. | 2012-01-05 |
20120004703 | Electrosurgical Generator to Ablation Device Adaptor - An electrosurgical system is provided that includes an electrosurgical generator configured to output a first electrosurgical waveform and a probe configured to deliver a second electrosurgical waveform to tissue. The system also includes an adapter coupled between the electrosurgical generator and the probe and operable to convert the first electrosurgical waveform to the second electrosurgical waveform. The adapter includes a step down transformer configured to convert the first electrosurgical waveform to the second electrosurgical waveform. | 2012-01-05 |
20120004704 | Retinal Prosthesis with Separate Electrode Array and Return Electrodes - The artificial percept of light may be created by electrically stimulating the neurons of the retina. While a photolithographed array internal to the retina provides superior resolution, an array external to the retina provides easier implantation and improved manufacturability. Therefore it is advantageous to supply a high-resolution electrode array internal to the sclera, near the fovea and a lower-resolution electrode array eternal to the sclera near the periphery of the retina. | 2012-01-05 |
20120004705 | STIMULATION CHANNEL SELECTION FOR A STIMULATING MEDICAL DEVICE - Methods and systems are disclosed for determining the stimulation channels for application of stimulation by a medical device, such as a cochlear implant or an auditory brain stimulator. In embodiments, the medical device filters a received signal to obtain a plurality of band-pass filtered signals, each corresponding to one or more stimulation channels. The medical device then selects a stimulation channel for application of stimulation based on the amplitudes of the band-pass filtered signals. The medical device determines whether to apply stimulation on the adjacent stimulation channels by determining if the amplitude of the corresponding adjacent stimulation channel exceeds an information limit. If the amplitudes for either adjacent channel fall below the information limit, the corresponding adjacent stimulation channel is eliminated from consideration. The medical device further may determine the amplitudes for application of stimulation on the adjacent stimulation channels, if selected, using a pitch steering function. This pitch steering function may specify a current level difference between the selected stimulation channel and the adjacent stimulation channel to use in applying the stimulation. | 2012-01-05 |
20120004706 | Envelope Specific Stimulus Timing - An implantable stimulation arrangement is described for generating electrode stimulation signals for an implanted electrode array having stimulation electrodes. A filter bank pre-processor processes an input acoustic audio signal to generate band pass signals each corresponding to an associated band of audio frequencies. A signal envelope module computes a corresponding signal envelope for each band pass signal. A stimulation pulse generator extracts stimulation signal information from the rate of change of the signal envelopes such as a time-based derivative to generate stimulation event signals defining electrode stimulation timings and amplitudes for some or all of the stimulation electrodes. | 2012-01-05 |