02nd week of 2012 patent applcation highlights part 49 |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20120010600 | METHOD OF OVERNIGHT CLOSED-LOOP INSULIN DELIVERY WITH MODEL PREDICTIVE CONTROL AND GLUCOSE MEASUREMENT ERROR MODEL - A closed-loop method for insulin infusion overnight uses a model predictive control algorithm (“MPC”). Used with the MPC is a glucose measurement error model which was derived from actual glucose sensor error data. That sensor error data included both a sensor artifacts component, including dropouts, and a persistent error component, including calibration error, all of which was obtained experimentally from living subjects. The MPC algorithm advised on insulin infusion every fifteen minutes. Sensor glucose input to the MPC was obtained by combining model-calculated, noise-free interstitial glucose with experimentally-derived transient and persistent sensor artifacts associated with the FreeStyle Navigator® Continuous Glucose Monitor System (“FSN”). The incidence of severe and significant hypoglycemia reduced 2300- and 200-fold, respectively, during simulated overnight closed-loop control with the MPC algorithm using the glucose measurement error model suggesting that the continuous glucose monitoring technologies facilitate safe closed-loop insulin delivery. | 2012-01-12 |
20120010601 | ORTHOPEDIC CEMENT AND USE OF SAME IN RADIATION THERAPY - A method of treating diseased tissue in a patient, the diseased tissue being proximate a hardened previously implanted bone cement including relatively high atomic number elements in a patient. The method includes generating a photon beam and directing the generated photon beam into the patient in a direction such that at least a portion of the photon beam impinges on the hardened bone cement and generates Compton interaction knock-out electrons from the high atomic number elements included in the hardened bone cement as a result of interaction of the at least a portion of the photon beam with the bone cement, wherein the direction of the photon beam is such that the at least a portion of the photon beam impinges on the hardened bone cement so that at least some of the Compton interaction knock-out electrons impinge upon the diseased tissue. | 2012-01-12 |
20120010602 | SMALL GAUGE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH SUPPORT DEVICE - A small gauge surgical instrument assembly is shown with advantages such as diminished “play” at the tip. A surgical instrument assembly is also shown with support along a length of the instrument that can be selected by the surgeon. In particular, very small and flexible instruments for vitreous surgery are shown with selectable stiffness, thus providing control as well as access to all parts of the vitreous cavity. Embodiments as shown are safer, and increase the variety of cases for which these instruments can be used. | 2012-01-12 |
20120010603 | TISSUE OPTICAL CLEARING DEVICES FOR SUBSURFACE LIGHT-INDUCED PHASE-CHANGE AND METHOD OF USE - Tissue optical clearing devices for subsurface photodisruption and methods of use generally comprise an energy source in conjunction with mechanical optical clearing for the creation of high precision surface and subsurface photodisruption and/or photoablation. | 2012-01-12 |
20120010604 | Methods for Ultrasonic Tissue Sensing and Feedback - An ultrasonic surgical instrument is presented including an ultrasonic transmission member having a proximal end and a distal end, and a handle member located at the proximal end of the transmission member. The ultrasonic surgical instrument also includes an end effector assembly located at the distal end of the transmission member. The end effector assembly includes a sensing mechanism for sensing load variations on tissue based on mechanical vibrations detected on one or more portions of the surgical instrument, the mechanical vibrations sensed by a laser interferometer. | 2012-01-12 |
20120010605 | CRYOSURGICAL CATHETER - A cryogenic catheter includes an outer flexible member having at least one cryogenic fluid path through the flexible member. The at least one fluid path is defined by a plurality of flexible members disposed within the outer flexible member. | 2012-01-12 |
20120010606 | Home Use Device and Method for Treating Skin Conditions - Skin tissue is subjected to thermal energy that creates heating of the area being treated causing pores and follicle ducts to open so that excess oil, sebum, fatty deposits, or other unwanted deposits can be removed. A vacuum device is used to direct suction to the treated skin area helping to remove the unwanted deposits. Patterned thermal modification of tissue is used to expedite healing and minimize pain. The heating is controlled so that no skin tissue is damaged while still providing enough heat to the skin to alter the flow of sebum and destroy bacteria in the treated area. | 2012-01-12 |
20120010607 | ENERGY BASED DEVICES AND METHODS FOR TREATMENT OF PATENT FORAMEN OVALE - Methods, devices and systems for treating patent foramen ovale (PFO) involve advancing a catheter device to a position in a heart for treating a PFO, bringing tissues adjacent the PFO at least partially together, and applying energy to the tissues to substantially close the PFO acutely. Catheter devices generally include an elongate catheter body, at least one tissue apposition member at or near the distal end for bringing the tissues together, and at least one energy transmission member at or near the distal end for applying energy to the tissues. In some embodiments, the tissue apposition member(s) also act as the energy transmission member(s). Applied energy may be monopolar or bipolar radiofrequency energy or any other suitable energy, such as laser, microwave, ultrasound, resistive heating or the like. | 2012-01-12 |
20120010608 | ENERGY BASED DEVICES AND METHODS FOR TREATMENT OF PATENT FORAMEN OVALE - Methods and apparatus for treatment of patent foramen ovale (PFO) provide for applying energy to tissues adjacent the PFO with a catheter device to substantially close the PFO acutely. Apparatus generally includes a catheter device having at least one energy transmission member at or near its distal end configured to apply energy to PFO tissues to acutely, substantially close the PFO. Applied energy may be monopolar or bipolar radiofrequency energy or any other suitable energy, such as laser, microwave, ultrasound, resistive heating or the like. Some embodiments of a catheter device fuirther include one or more tissue apposition members near the distal end for helping bring PFO tissues together, such as a PFO covering member, a vacuum applying member and/or the like. PFO closure via energy-based approaches of the invention may help prevent stroke, treat migraine headache, and possibly treat or prevent other medical conditions. | 2012-01-12 |
20120010609 | Systems and Methods for Creating an Effect Using Microwave Energy to Specified Tissue - Systems, methods and devices for creating an effect using microwave energy to specified tissue are disclosed. A system for the application of microwave energy to a tissue includes a signal generator adapted to generate a microwave signal having predetermined characteristics, an applicator connected to the generator and adapted to apply microwave energy to tissue. The applicator includes one or more microwave antennas and a tissue interface, a vacuum source connected to the tissue interface, a cooling source connected to the tissue interface, and a controller adapted to control the signal generator, the vacuum source, and the coolant source. The tissue includes a first layer and a second layer, the second layer below the first layer. The controller is configured so that the system delivers energy such that a peak power loss density profile is created in the second layer. | 2012-01-12 |
20120010610 | Polarity Control of Electrosurgical Generator - A method for controlling an electrosurgical generator is contemplated by the present disclosure. The method includes applying an electrosurgical waveform to tissue through an electrode. The electrosurgical waveform includes one or more positive half-cycles one or more negative half-cycles. The method also includes measuring voltage and current of the electrosurgical waveform to detect a peak voltage of each of the positive half-cycles and the negative half-cycles and comparing the peak voltage of the half-cycles and the peak voltage of the negative half-cycles to determine generation of electrical discharges. The method further includes adjusting the current of the electrosurgical waveform to regulate the generation of the electrical discharges based on a comparison of the peak voltage of the positive half-cycles and the peak voltage of the negative half-cycles. | 2012-01-12 |
20120010611 | ELECTROSURGICAL TOOL COVER - A cover for an electrosurgical instrument having a wrist structure and an end effector is provided. The cover includes a hollow elongated structure, which includes a tip cover portion and a base cover portion integrally connected to the tip cover portion. The tip cover portion has a distal end with an opening therethrough sized to receive the end effector of the electrosurgical instrument and is composed of a first, electrically insulative material having a flexibility sufficient to allow the end effector to be manipulated while the end effector is received in the opening. The base cover portion is composed of a second material having a higher tear strength than the first material. The tip cover portion and the base cover portion overlap at an overlap region configured to receive the wrist structure of the electrosurgical instrument when the end effector is received in the opening. | 2012-01-12 |
20120010612 | CIRCUMFERENTIAL ABLATION DEVICE ASSEMBLY - This invention is a circumferential ablation device assembly which is adapted to forming a circumferential conduction block in a pulmonary vein. The assembly includes a circumferential ablation element which is adapted to ablate a circumferential region of tissue along a pulmonary vein wall which circumscribes the pulmonary vein lumen, thereby transecting the electrical conductivity of the pulmonary vein against conduction along its longitudinal axis and into the left atrium. The circumferential ablation element includes an expandable member with a working length that is adjustable from a radially collapsed position to a radially expanded position. An equatorial band circumscribes the outer surface of the working length and is adapted to ablate tissue adjacent thereto when actuated by an ablation actuator. The equatorial band has a length relative to the longitudinal axis of the expandable member that is narrow relative to the working length, and is also substantially shorter than its circumference when the working length is in the radially expanded position. A pattern of insulators may be included over an ablation element which otherwise spans the working length in order to form the equatorial band described. The expandable member is also adapted to conform to the pulmonary vein in the region of its ostium, such as by providing a great deal of radial compliance or by providing a taper along the working length which has a distally reducing outer diameter. A linear ablation element is provided adjacent to the circumferential ablation element in a combination assembly which is adapted for use in a less-invasive “maze”-type procedure in the region of the pulmonary vein ostia in the left ventricle. | 2012-01-12 |
20120010613 | ELECTROSURGICAL POWER CONTROL - A method and apparatus include determining a value of a parameter associated with operation of an electrosurgical probe having a particular probe design, and determining whether the value of the parameter is within a range of values that has been predetermined for the particular probe design to indicate that the probe is treating tissue in a desired manner. Power is delivered to the probe according to an algorithm based upon a determination that the value of the parameter is outside the range of values The algorithm delivers power in a pulsed profile including portions of low power and portions of high power. In one embodiment, the tissue treatment is ablation, the parameter is impedance, and the method limits tissue necrosis to less than 200 microns. In another embodiment, the tissue treatment is shrinkage, the parameter is temperature, and the method limits power delivery when the probe is not shrinking tissue. | 2012-01-12 |
20120010614 | Optimal Geometries for Creating Current Densities in a Bipolar Electrode Configuration - An end effector assembly for use with an electrosurgical instrument is provided. The end effector assembly has a first jaw member having a first pair of tissue contacting surfaces and an insulator disposed therebetween. The end effector assembly also has a second jaw member that includes a second pair of tissue contacting surfaces, a pair of insulators disposed between the second pair of tissue contacting surfaces, and a cutting element disposed between the pair of insulators. The relative movement of the first jaw member toward the second jaw member causes the insulator of the first jaw member and the pair of insulators of the second jaw member to pinch tissue disposed between the first jaw member and the second jaw member. | 2012-01-12 |
20120010615 | SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING AN ARTICULATABLE END EFFECTOR - A surgical instrument can comprise a handle and an end effector, wherein the end effector can comprise first and second jaws which can be opened and closed in order to capture tissue therebetween. The surgical instrument can further comprise a shaft extending between the handle and the effector and means for articulating the end effector relative to the shaft. The articulating means can comprise a portion of the shaft which is rotatable about a first axis in order to articulate the end effector about a second axis. In at least one embodiment, the shaft can comprise a first portion including a cam and a second portion including a cam follower, wherein the rotation of the second portion and the interaction of the cam and cam follower can cause the second portion to pivot relative to the first portion. | 2012-01-12 |
20120010616 | SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING AN ARTICULATABLE END EFFECTOR - An electrosurgical instrument can comprise a handle, a shaft, and an end effector, wherein the end effector can be rotatably coupled to the shaft by an articulation joint. The instrument can further comprise a drive member and the articulation joint can comprise flexible support members which can be configured to support the drive member. The instrument can further comprise supply wires electrically coupled to electrodes in the end effector and a wire tensioning device configured to prevent the supply wires from accumulating slack within the articulation joint. The drive member can comprise a plurality of flexible layers wherein some of the layers can be comprised of an electrically insulative material and other layers can be comprised of an electrically conductive material which is in electrical communication with a cutting member in the end effector and/or electrodes positioned within the end effector. | 2012-01-12 |
20120010617 | DEVICES, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS FOR ACETABULUM REPAIR - Systems for repairing acetabulum fractures can include a bone plate that has openings therein and one or more bolts sized to fit through the openings. The bone plate can cooperate with the head portions of the bolts to prevent them from spinning within the holes as screws are attached to the bolts. Such arrangements can assist in reverse implantation methods in which the bone plate is introduced into the true pelvis of a patient. | 2012-01-12 |
20120010618 | Anterior Cervical Plate with Independent Spring-Loaded Locking Slides for Each Screw - An anterior cervical plate and method includes a plurality of retaining slots comprising a first and second hole each adapted to permit bone retaining members to pass partially therethrough; and a platform separating the first hole from the second hole. The plate further comprises a pair of locking slides matingly adjacent to one another and adapted to rest on the platform and retain the bone retaining members in the plurality of retaining slots, wherein each the locking slide comprises a deflectable flange; and a lip positioned on an opposite side of the deflectable flange, wherein a first locking slide of the pair of locking slides is positioned in an opposite orientation relative to a second locking slide of the pair of locking slides. The deflectable flange of the first locking slide is aligned adjacent to the deflectable flange of the second locking slide. | 2012-01-12 |
20120010619 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING A RELATIVE LOCATION INDICATION DURING A SURGICAL PROCEDURE - An orthopedic guidewire includes an elongate guidewire body having longitudinally spaced proximal and distal guidewire ends. An engaging feature is located at the distal guidewire end and is configured to selectively engage a bone surface. At least one of a variable diameter and a variable stiffness are along a portion of the guidewire body spaced apart from the engaging feature. A method of providing a relative location indication during a surgical procedure utilizing the orthopedic guidewire is also included. | 2012-01-12 |
20120010620 | METHODS AND SURGICAL KITS FOR MINIMALLY-INVASIVE FACET JOINT FUSION - Disclosed herein are methods and surgical kits that can be used to fuse facet joints via a minimally invasive procedure (including an arthroscopic or percutaneous procedure). An exemplary method includes creating an incision; locating a facet joint with a distal end of a pin; sliding a substantially hollow drill guide over said pin wherein said drill guide comprises a proximal end, a distal end; removing said pin from within said drill guide; inserting a drill bit into said drill guide; drilling a hole into a bone of said facet joint; removing said drill bit; inserting a facet joint bone plug into said hole using a bone plug inserter having a raised portion at or near is proximal end, wherein said raised portion prevents over-insertion of said bone plug; and removing said drill guide. | 2012-01-12 |
20120010621 | REAMING DEVICE - A bone reamer has an ablation device for forming cavities in body tissue, the ablation device is movable with respect to a head of the reamer, and is capable of protruding at least partially beyond a surface of the head. The amount of protrusion the ablation device protrudes beyond the surface of the head has a variable geometry and the geometry is remotely modifiable. More particularly, the amount the ablation device extends beyond the outer surface of a reamer head body can be varied by an actuator located on the reamer outside the body. | 2012-01-12 |
20120010622 | SURGICAL INSTRUMENT - A surgical instrument, in particular a laminectomy rongeur or a conchotome, with a shaft and with a one-piece sliding part, longitudinally displaceable relative to the shaft, with which for longitudinal displacement a grip part is associated which is pivotable about a pivot axis, wherein the sliding part is able to be transferred from a working position, in which the sliding part is guided longitudinally displaceably on the shaft in a guide, into a cleaning position, in which the sliding part is freed from the guide and is pivotable relative the shaft about a rotation axis oriented perpendicularly to the longitudinal extent of the shaft. The rotation axis is aligned perpendicularly to the pivot axis of the pivotable grip part. | 2012-01-12 |
20120010623 | CANNULATED SYSTEMS - Access to the interior of the knee portion of the leg may be obtained through a cannula. The cannula may be inserted into a incision. The cannula may stretch the viscoelastic material of tissues forming the knee portion of the leg. Insertion of the cannula into the incision may expand the incision. The cannula may be expanded to facilitate movement of implants through the cannula. The implant may be formed of two or more portions, which may facilitate movement of the implant through the cannula. After the plurality of portions of the implant have been moved through the incision, portions of the implant may be interconnected to form a unitary implant. | 2012-01-12 |
20120010624 | Methods and Apparatus For Treating Vertebral Fractures - Methods and apparatus for treating bones, including, in one or more embodiments, methods and apparatus for treatment of vertebral fractures that include a containment assembly for cement containment and/or a balloon assembly for maintaining vertebral height. A containment assembly comprising a containment jacket adapted to be deployed inside bone; and a dividing wall that separates the interior of the containment jacket into a proximal region and a distal region, the dividing wall having an opening for providing access to the distal region from the proximal region. | 2012-01-12 |
20120010625 | REMOTE-CONTROLLED INJECTION APPARATUS FOR INJECTING BONE MATERIAL INTO VERTEBRAL BODY - The present invention relates to two technical programs of a remote-controlled injection device for injecting born materials into centrum, which include a injector with a piston and a precession handspike or slip handspike, a rotational handle or driving handle is fixed at one end of the precession handspike or slip handspike, there is a base in the two programs, and a injector holder is fixed at one end of the base, the said injector is fastened in the injector holder with injector fixed knob by bolt, the said rotational handle or driving handle connects to the handle joint, and there is a fast disassembled connection between handle joint and dynamic joint, the dynamic joint connects with the stepper motor or linear stepper motor, and the projecting shaft of stepper motor or linear stepper motor is coaxial with precession handspike or slip handspike. | 2012-01-12 |
20120010626 | BURR HOLE CAPS AND METHODS OF USE - In one embodiment, a kit, for securing a lead or cannula within a burr hole, comprises: a base structure to be positioned immediately adjacent to or partially within the burr hole; a lead securing member for securing the lead within the burr hole, the lead securing member comprising a first arm structure and a second arm structure, at least one spring loaded structure adapted to exert a force to bring the first arm structure and the second arm structure together; and a positioning tool having a distal end adapted to be inserted within the lead securing member; wherein when the distal end of the positioning tool is positioned within the lead securing member, the distal end holds the first and second arm structures a sufficient distance apart to receive a lead or a cannula between the first and second arm structures. | 2012-01-12 |
20120010627 | ELECTRODE IMPLANTATION TOOL - Embodiments of the invention are directed to an electrode implantation tool that is designed to assist in the accurate implantation of one or more electrodes in tissue of a patient. One embodiment of the electrode implantation tool comprises a catheter guide and introducer support, and catheter guide and an introducer. The catheter guide and introducer support comprises a first alignment member, a second alignment member, and a body member that is attached to the first and second alignment members. The body member fixes the relative orientations of the first and second alignment members. The catheter guide is supported by the first alignment member and comprises an elongate body having a distal end and a channel that is aligned with a longitudinal axis. The introducer comprises a sheath (166) that is supported by the second alignment member. The sheath defines a longitudinal axis. The first and second alignment members orient the longitudinal axis of the sheath at a predetermined angle to the longitudinal axis of the catheter guide. | 2012-01-12 |
20120010628 | Sheaths for Jointed Instruments - Sheaths for medical instruments cover wrist mechanisms to provide a barrier to infiltration of biological material into the instrument, electrical isolation of energized portions of the instrument, seal the instrument to help maintain cavity pressure within a patient, or reduce the chance that two jointed instruments will tangle during a medical procedure. | 2012-01-12 |
20120010629 | SURGICAL ASSEMBLY WITH FLEXIBLE ARM - A surgical assembly includes a tensioner having a first end and a second end. A tension member extends from the first end of the tensioner. A mounting member is connected to the second end of the tensioner. An arm extends from the first end of the tensioner and includes a series of relatively moveable links that define an axial bore configured for disposal of the tension member. Each link defines a first mating surface and a second mating surface disposed in a configuration such that tensioning of the tension member interlocks the first mating surface with the second mating surface of an adjacent link in the series to selectively fix the links in a selected orientation. | 2012-01-12 |
20120010630 | System and Method for Hair Removal - A method in one example embodiment includes providing first and second devices, each of which includes an actuating body coupled to a pair of bifurcated arms with distal tips. The method also includes moving at least one of the devices to create tension in a filament secured to each of the distal tips and then forming a twist in the filament between the distal tips of the first device and the distal tips of the second device. The method further includes placing a first portion of the filament around hairs to be removed from a body. An opening force is applied to the actuating body of the second device to move the bifurcated arms from a first position to a second position having a widened distance between the distal tips, such that the twist travels along the filament toward the first device catching and removing hairs from the body. | 2012-01-12 |
20120010631 | Device and Method for Harvesting and Implanting Follicular Units - Device and method for harvesting and implanting hair follicular units is provided. A combined harvesting and implanting tool or tool assembly provides a harvesting cannula portion detachably coupled to an implanting cannula portion. The harvesting and implanting cannula portions may be coupled by a connector that could be designed to allow for multiple uses of the tool assembly, or alternatively may be designed for single use and rendered non-functional when the implanting cannula portion of the tool is separated from the harvesting cannula portion of the tool. | 2012-01-12 |
20120010632 | METHODS FOR ACCURATELY DEPLOYING PARTICULAR MEDICAL APPLIANCES AT A TARGET SITE - The present invention regards an apparatus for selectively and accurately deploying one or more sequentially positioned medical appliances from a portable medical device. The apparatus includes a body having a channel, a string passing through the channel, and a mechanism for moving the string predetermined distances to deploy medical appliances. The medical appliances may be, but are not limited to, ligation bands. | 2012-01-12 |
20120010633 | DEVICES AND METHODS FOR SECURING TISSUE - A compression ring to grip and compress body structure such as diverticulum, hemorrhoids, and tissue adjacent a hole. A resilient ring-shaped body defines a compression channel, and one or more axially rigid elongated spikes extend from the body into the channel. The body defines a first axial segment surrounding the compression channel and a second axial segment surrounding the compression channel, with the spike being engaged only with the second axial segment. The first axial segment more tightly compresses the body structure than the second axial segment. | 2012-01-12 |
20120010634 | COMPACTIONLESS TISSUE PUNCTURE CLOSURE DEVICE AND METHODS - A tissue puncture closure device includes a carrier tube, a suture, an anchor, and a sealing pad. The sealing pad maintains a constant or substantially constant shape from when positioned in the carrier tube to when removed from the carrier tube and positioned adjacent to the tissue wall puncture in a post-deployment position. The suture may retain the anchor and sealing pad in contact with the tissue wall without altering a shape of the sealing pad. | 2012-01-12 |
20120010635 | AUTO-GRAFT BIO-SYNTHETIC MESH FOR VENTRAL AND PARASTOMAL HERNIA REPAIR AND METHOD OF ATTACHMENT - An auto-graft bio-synthetic mesh and a method of application for wound closure is described. The mesh is utilized for wound closure wherein an abdominal incision is effected through the peritoneum and the rectus abdominal sheath of the rectus muscle such as when repairing ventral or paracoslostomy hernias. The mesh comprises a flexible patch of woven fibers and wherein the patch is one of a substantially circular patch or a patch having a substantially circular delineation thereon whereby to provide guidance for the formation of stitches in at least one circle to secure the patch to the peritoneal peritoneum and the rectus abdominal sheath of the rectus muscle. The patch is secured by applying stitches all about an outer circular edge of the patch and an inner circle thereof. | 2012-01-12 |
20120010636 | MULTI-LAYERED SURGICAL PROSTHESIS - The invention relates to prostheses having a multi-layered sheet structure comprising at least two continuous polymer film layers. Also disclosed are methods of manufacturing the prostheses, as well as methods of treating a patient by implanting them into a patient. The prostheses are used in hernia repair, the repair of anatomical defects of the abdominal wall, diaphragm and chest wall, correction of defects in- the genitourinary system, and repair of traumatically damaged organs such as the spleen, liver or kidney. | 2012-01-12 |
20120010637 | Self-Detachable Medical Devices - The present disclosure relates to self-detachable medical devices containing a detachable film layer and polymeric film layer. | 2012-01-12 |
20120010638 | CLIP FOR FASTENING A STRIP OR RIB - In a clip for fastening to a strip or rib, in particular on a motor vehicle, having a single-piece body made of plastic that has a retaining region, the retaining region has a receiving slot with an insertion opening and a locking finger. The locking finger is attached to a first guide section and extends from its fastening end in the insertion direction and in the direction of a second guide section. The locking finger has an insert that forms a tongue projecting from the free end of the locking finger. | 2012-01-12 |
20120010639 | Apparatus and method for manipulating tissue - Apparatus for reconfiguring tissue, the apparatus comprising a shaft having a distal end and a proximal end; at least one effector mechanism movably mounted to the distal end of the shaft, each effector mechanism comprising at least one gripping element for gripping tissue to that effector mechanism, the at least one effector mechanism being configured to capture the gripped tissue against said shaft, at least one actuating mechanism mounted to the proximal end of the shaft, and at least one connection mechanism connecting the at least one actuating mechanism to the at least one effector mechanism, whereby a user may utilize the at least one actuating mechanism to actuate the at least one effector mechanism so as to reconfigure tissue. | 2012-01-12 |
20120010640 | GUIDEWIRE FOR CROSSING OCCLUSIONS OR STENOSES - Systems and methods for crossing stenosis, partial occlusions, or complete occlusions within a body lumen. The systems generally include an elongate member such as a hollow guidewire that houses a rotatable and translatable drive shaft. The drive shaft typically has a distal portion that is advanced to create a path in the occlusive material that is large enough to allow the hollow guidewire to cross the occlusive material. | 2012-01-12 |
20120010641 | LANCING DEVICES - A lancing device includes a main housing | 2012-01-12 |
20120010642 | MEDICAL DEVICE INSERTERS AND PROCESSES OF INSERTING AND USING MEDICAL DEVICES - An apparatus for insertion of a medical device in the skin of a subject is provided, as well as methods of inserting medical devices. | 2012-01-12 |
20120010643 | PUNCTURE NEEDLE FOR ORTHOPEDIC OPERATION - The present invention offers a program of a medical surgery device, especially a puncture needle for bone surgery. The program includes a needle tube and a needle tube seat for fastening the needle tube, and a needle core with cutting edge inserting into the needle tube and a needle core seat for fastening the needle core, and a hollow bolt through needle core is set on the needle tube seat, and in the program, a nut matching with the hollow bolt is fastened on the said needle core seat, the nut and the needle core are coaxial. The said hollow bolt has a Luer conical fitting. The said bolt and the needle core and the needle core seat are one structure. | 2012-01-12 |
20120010644 | Method and apparatus for occluding a physiological opening - A method and apparatus for suture-less placement of an occluding patch in which release of the device can be accelerated. In one embodiment, an inactive form of an adhesive is applied on the area of the patch that will come into contact with cardiac tissue; this allows for the introduction and necessary manipulation of the catheter system until activation of the adhesive occurs. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the adhesive properties of certain polymeric materials are relied upon rather than their ability to cure or harden into a specific shape. In another embodiment, the patch is immediately released utilizing a detaching mechanism on the balloon or the balloon catheter which supports the patch; the patch along with the inflated balloon remain on the cardiac structure occluding the opening. | 2012-01-12 |
20120010645 | METHODS AND DEVICES FOR URETHRAL TREATMENT - A dilation device for an intrabody lumen, for example, a urethra partially occluded by an enlarged prostate in the form of a curved element configured to be implanted around the lumen and add resilience to the lumen, and a method for dilating such a lumen by implanting a dilation device around the outside of the lumen with at least part of the dilation device embedded in surrounding, thereby preventing clinically significant compression of the lumen. Also, an implantation device for such a dilation device in the form of a mounting device configured to carry the dilation device; and a releasably attached movable holder, with the mounting device and holder configured to deliver the dilation device though a working channel to a desired position in a lumen, and to implant the dilation device through a wall of the lumen to a position surrounding the lumen. | 2012-01-12 |
20120010646 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR TREATMENT OF SINUSITIS - A method of treating a constricted sinus passageway of a patient includes traversing the canine fossa region of the patient so as to form a passageway in the sinus cavity. A cannula is positioned in the passageway. A visualization tool such as an endoscope is passed through a lumen or channel in the cannula to aid in visualization of the anatomical site of interest. A balloon dilation catheter is then deployed through or along the cannula so as to place the balloon within or across the constricted anatomical space (e.g., ostium). The balloon is then expanded so as to expand at least a portion of the constricted anatomical space. Alternative embodiments include the use of an optional guide wire and incorporating a endoscope lumen through the balloon dilation catheter. | 2012-01-12 |
20120010647 | Septal splint - Provided is a septal splint to promote healing and alignment of a user's septum, and a method thereof. The septal splint includes an alignment member including a plurality of bilateral support pads to contact left and right sides of the user's septum, and a plurality of medializing support floor pads to rest on a bottom portion of each of the user's nasal passages. The septal splint also includes a pressing member, including a plurality of pressure applicators to transfer a predetermined amount of pressure to the bilateral support pads such that an alignment of the user's septum, maxillary crest, and fibrous tissue therebetween, is maintained, and a fulcrum end to supply the predetermined pressure to the plurality of pressure applicators. The septal splint promotes healing and alignment of a user's septum by providing moderate pressure at a junction point of the patient's maxillary crest, septum base, and fibrous tissue therebetween. | 2012-01-12 |
20120010648 | DEVICE FOR THE IMPLANTATION OF OCCLUSION SPIRALS - A device for the implantation of electrolytically severable occluding spirals in body cavities or blood vessels comprising a source of electrical power, a cathode, a catheter and an occluding spiral adapted to serve as an anode and able to slide in the catheter in the longitudinal direction, wherein the occluding spiral ( | 2012-01-12 |
20120010649 | IN VIVO FILTER ASSEMBLY - Disclosed is an assembly for filtering debris flowing in an in vivo fluid stream, the assembly comprising at least one balloon configured to volumetrically expand and, during at least a portion of the expansion, operatively connect with a filter, and to contract following the expansion. The assembly further comprising a filter configured to operatively connect with the at least one balloon during at least a portion of the volumetric expansion of the at least one balloon, such that the filter expands during the operative connection in order to filter debris from a fluid flowing in a fluid stream within which the expanded filter is disposed. | 2012-01-12 |
20120010650 | Universal Capture Assembly - The present invention relates to a universal capture assembly for use with an implantable device such as a filter and method of use. The universal capture assembly includes a body with a neck having a reduced cross-sectional diameter with respect to the body and a larger diameter neck extending therefrom. The reduced diameter neck and larger diameter neck are separated by a disk shaped collar positioned there between. The body further includes a plurality of grooves formed in an outer surface (longitudinal relative to the longitudinal axis of filter) thereof wherein the plurality of grooves form a plurality of projections that engage and retain the loop of a snare, or other similar retrieval device, with ease and accuracy. The body is designed to include at least two or more, longitudinal grooves and projections. The universal capture is attached to the implantable device by the larger diameter neck portion. The universal capture assembly can include a dual capture assembly wherein the assembly is positioned at opposing ends of the implanted device such that access can be obtained either by femoral, jugular, venous, arterial or other routes. | 2012-01-12 |
20120010651 | GARMENT TO FACILITATE NEEDLE ELECTRODE PLACEMENT FOR INTRAOPERATIVE MONITORING - A garment is provided with a tube that may be used to facilitate placement of needle electrodes into a patient to facilitate intraoperative monitoring during surgical procedures. | 2012-01-12 |
20120010652 | Medical Instrument - A hydraulically actuated medical instrument includes an elongated shaft having proximal and distal ends, a hydraulically actuated end effector at the distal end of the shaft and a fluid flow path extending through the shaft to the end effector. The shaft may be capable of an angled configuration where at least a portion of the shaft is manually movable to a direction in which it extends at an angle to another portion of the shaft. The end effector is not limited to a linear configuration and at least a portion of an elongated end effector extends at an angle relative to another portion of the end effector as is needed or desirable for the particular procedure to be performed. | 2012-01-12 |
20120010653 | Soft Tissue Repair System - A soft tissue repair system is provided for covering or filling openings in the annulus of an intervertebral disc. The soft tissue repair system uses a single plug or a combination of a first plug and a second plug. The second plug is a flowable plug such as an adhesive material or a material that hardens to a flexible plug material. Each plug is configured to close the opening in the annulus and can be positioned within the opening, over the opening at the exterior surface or over the opening at the interior surface. The plug can also be combined with a clamping mechanism that engages the annulus to secure the plug in the opening. | 2012-01-12 |
20120010654 | MEDICAL CLAMP - A medical clamp includes a lower arm assembly, an upper arm assembly, and a belt. The upper arm assembly is pivotally connected to the lower arm assembly. The lower arm assembly and the upper arm assembly are configured for clamping relative to one another. The belt is connected to the lower arm assembly and the upper arm assembly and is configured for forming a loop therebetween. | 2012-01-12 |
20120010655 | SUTURE DEVICE WITH ADJUSTABLE CURVED NEEDLE - The suture device in accordance with the present invention has a curved needle and a suture thread. The curved needle has a tailing section and a leading section. The tailing section is made from a low-rigid material. The leading section is connected to the tailing section, made from a high-rigid material and has a point portion formed at an end of the leading section opposite to the tailing section. The suture thread is connected to an end of the tailing section opposite to the leading section. | 2012-01-12 |
20120010656 | Suture Device with Suture Thread of Varying Diameters - The suture device in accordance with the present invention has a needle and a suture thread. The needle has a point formed at a first end of the needle. The suture thread is connected to the needle and has a first section and a second section. The first section has an end connected to a second end of the needle. The second section has a diameter different from a diameter of the first section and an end connected to an opposite end of the first section. | 2012-01-12 |
20120010657 | SUTURE ANCHORING ASSEMBLIES AND METHODS OF USE - A suture anchor assembly and methods of use will now are disclosed for the repair of human or animal tissue defects. The suture anchor assembly is capable of being inserted into a tissue or bone while also being able to create an expanded profile when subjected to a retrograde force. This expanded profile anchors the assembly into the tissue or bone by a changing of position of elements of the assembly relative to other assembly elements. Embodiments of the suture anchor assembly and methods are capable of precisely positioning assembly elements in the tissue or bone to effectively repair the defects. | 2012-01-12 |
20120010658 | SPINAL STABILIZATION SYSTEM UTILIZING SCREW AND EXTERNAL FACET AND/OR LAMINA FIXATION - A surgical implant for support of spinal vertebrae comprising a screw element having a threaded shank for screwing into a pedicle of a first vertebra and a fixation component that is moveably secured to the screw element. The fixation component has a first end for receiving the screw element and a fixation surface adapted to engage or attach to at least one of an external facet or laminar surface of a second vertebra. Various embodiments are provided for polyaxial movement of the fixation component relative to a polyaxial screw. Also, various apparatus and means for locking the screw element to the fixation component are provided. | 2012-01-12 |
20120010659 | FACET FUSION IMPLANT - Facet fusion implants with various body geometries are provided. The bodies of the facet fusion implants can be configured to minimize migration of the implants when the implants are inserted into facet joints. Surgical methods and accompanying surgical instrumentation for inserting the facet fusion implants into facet joints are provided. | 2012-01-12 |
20120010660 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SEGMENTALLY MODULAR SPINAL PLATING - A modular implant for stabilizing the relative motion of spinal vertebrae comprises at least two pairs of plates which connect to two adjacent spinous processes, a spacer configured to be positioned between the spinous processes, and a fastener which pivotably connects to the plates and the spacer. The spacer is interchangeable and may comprise a variety of materials, each providing a different level of elasticity to the spinous processes. Relative motion between vertebrae can also be controlled by varying the surface configuration of the plates and by varying threading of the fastener. Several implants may be linked to provide stabilization across multiple vertebral levels, and the relative motion provided at each vertebral level may differ. A method for revising the implant is provided which comprises accessing the implant and replacing the spacer. | 2012-01-12 |
20120010661 | MULTI-AXIAL ORTHOPEDIC DEVICE AND SYSTEM - Embodiments of an orthopedic implant device and system, and methods for implanting them, are disclosed. The implant may include a receiver member having a channel for accommodating an elongated rod or other longitudinal member, a bone anchoring member such as a screw or hook, and a base member rotatable with respect to the receiver member for retaining the bone anchoring member in the receiver member. The base member is configured to allow at least two different degrees of maximum angulation of the bone anchoring member with respect to the receiver member. The number and relative direction of such angulations are independent of the orientation of the channel or other part of the receiving member. | 2012-01-12 |
20120010662 | PEDICULAR FACET FUSION SCREW WITH PLATE - Spinal implants and methods for spinal stabilization and/or fusion are provided. Exemplary implants described herein can be configured for delivery to a facet joint to stabilize and/or fuse the facet joint, and can optionally be anchored within the pedicle for added fixation. The implant can optionally include a fusion-promoting bioactive material thereby providing a single device capable of spinal stabilization and/or fusion. Furthermore, a method of placing such an implant within a facet joint is provided. | 2012-01-12 |
20120010663 | Interspinous Ligament Transverse Connector - The present invention includes the steps for creating an access path to the posterior portion of the spine, positioning a first and second elongate rod longitudinally on opposing portions of the spine, piercing a portion of the interspinous ligament with a third elongate rod, and positioning the third elongate rod connecting the first and second elongated rods in a cross connection assembly. The cross connection assembly includes a one-piece connecting body comprising a receptacle facing outwards towards the first rod and away from the second rod and a clamp, and a set screw selectively positioned to securely hold the connecting body to the first rod. The connecting body is disposed substantially between the first and second elongate rods. The clamp allows the connecting body to slidingly engage with the third rod. | 2012-01-12 |
20120010664 | Rod Extension for Extending Fusion Construct - In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, a rod extension for extending a fusion construct is provided. The rod extension allows a surgeon to connect a stabilization rod implant to at least a portion of a patient's spine, and also to connect the stabilization rod implant to an existing implant that has been previously installed in the patient. The existing fusion implant typically includes at least one existing pedicle screw, at least one existing rod, and at least one existing connector interconnecting the existing pedicle screw to the existing rod. The extension implant comprises a rod, an offset beam connected to the rod, and a clamp interconnected to the offset beam, wherein the clamp can be secured to the existing rod, thereby extending the fusion construct. A method of use is also provided. | 2012-01-12 |
20120010665 | Method and apparatus for minimally invasive subcutaneous treatment of humerus fractures - The instant invention is a novel method and construct for temporary or definitive minimally invasive treatment of a broken humerus. The method includes the steps of tunneling an elongated plate subcutaneously in the subcutaneous fat layer substantially parallel to the fractured humerus; and attaching the ends of the elongated plate to the fractured humerus. The elongated plate remains disposed in the subcutaneous fat layer and away from, but parallel to the humerus once attached to the humerus. | 2012-01-12 |
20120010666 | VARIABLE ANGLE LOCKING PLATE SYSTEM - A plate system for controlling relative positions of adjacent bone portions. The plate system has a plate with first and second spaced through bores, an insert consisting of first and second insert pieces in the first bore, and a first fastener. The first plate bore, first and second insert pieces, and first fastener are configured so that advancing of the first fastener into the first bore and one of the adjacent bone portions causes the first fastener to be fixed in a selected one of a plurality of different potential angular orientations for the first fastener. The system further has a second fastener for direction through the second bore and into the other of the adjacent bone portions. | 2012-01-12 |
20120010667 | FRACTURE-SPECIFIC DISTAL RADIUS PLATES - The invention provides an improved distal radius locking plate having a body comprising a shaft portion and a head portion. The shaft portion is adapted for receiving bone screws to fix the bone plate to a shaft of the radius. The head portion includes a first head section and a second head section. The first and second head sections extend laterally away from a longitudinal axis of the shaft portion in generally opposite directions, generally forming a T-shape. The first and second head sections are configured and arranged to secure a plurality of bone screws in the radius. Further, the plate may be configured with one or more prongs that can attach to small bone fragments. The plate of the present invention can be used as a guide in reducing the fracture prior to fixation since the plate has a precontoured shape matching the shape of an unfractured distal radius. The plate of the present invention may be sized and configured to match the contour of the palmar lip of the lunate facet. Alternatively, the plate of the present invention may be sized and configured to match the contour of the floor of the fourth extensor compartment. | 2012-01-12 |
20120010668 | EXPANDABLE SURGICAL IMPLANT - An implant includes an elongate body having at least two radially expandable portions in the vicinity of the distal end thereof. An expander is disposed at least partially within the axial bore of the body, the expander including a longitudinal shaft and a tip at the distal end of the shaft. The expander is longitudinally movable between a distal position wherein the tip is positioned distal to the distal end of the body and a proximal position wherein the expandable portions of the body are moved to a radially outward expanded configuration by a camming action of the tip. | 2012-01-12 |
20120010669 | PEDICULAR FACET FUSION SCREW WITH PLATE - Spinal implants and methods for spinal stabilization and/or fusion are provided. Exemplary implants described herein can be configured for delivery to a facet joint to stabilize and/or fuse the facet joint, and can optionally be anchored within the pedicle for added fixation. The implant can optionally include a fusion-promoting bioactive material thereby providing a single device capable of spinal stabilization and/or fusion. Furthermore, a method of placing such an implant within a facet joint is provided. | 2012-01-12 |
20120010670 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ACCESSING THE INTERIOR OF A HIP JOINT, INCLUDING THE PROVISION AND USE OF A NOVEL INFLOW ACCESS CANNULA - An inflow access cannula system for allowing an instrument to access a remote surgical site, wherein the instrument comprises a distal portion having a smaller diameter and a proximal portion having a larger diameter, the system comprising:
| 2012-01-12 |
20120010671 | NOTCHED ELECTRODE FOR ELECTROSTIMULATION LEAD - According to one embodiment, an electrode for use in electrostimulation is provided, where the electrode comprises a notch that operates to substantially eliminate gaseous material from being trapped about the electrode during a molding process of an electrostimulation lead. | 2012-01-12 |
20120010672 | BATTERY LONGEVITY ESTIMATOR THAT ACCOUNTS FOR EPISODES OF HIGH CURRENT DRAIN - System and method for estimating a remaining capacity of a battery of an implantable medical device. The implantable medical device has a battery producing a current and having a remaining battery capacity, the implantable medical device being configured to utilize a relatively low amount of the current and, in specific instances, a relatively large pulse of the current. The processor is coupled to the battery and configured to calculate an estimate of the remaining battery capacity based, at least in part, on a measured battery parameter and occurrences of the specific instances of delivery of the relatively large pulse of the current. | 2012-01-12 |
20120010673 | Method and apparatus for determining battery capacity in a defibrillator - A defibrillator system and associated methodology for determining capacity of a battery and/or a number of battery cells contained in a pack. The system measures and stores the battery or battery pack voltage signal data and uses an algorithm to determine the remaining capacity. The algorithm takes into account the operating mode of the device, historical information of the device including, but not limited to, how long it has been since the device has been used, how the device has been used (e.g. shocking mode or idle mode), how many times the device has been used with its installed battery or battery pack, how many charging cycles and/or shocks have been delivered etc. The output from the system is fed back to the user to inform the user when the battery is low, needs to be replaced and/or how many remaining shocks are left the battery. | 2012-01-12 |
20120010674 | CONTROLLED DELIVERY OF INTERMITTENT STRESS AUGMENTATION PACING FOR CARDIOPROTECTIVE EFFECT - A device and method for delivering electrical stimulation to the heart in a manner which provides a protective effect against subsequent ischemia is disclosed. The protective effect is produced by configuring a cardiac pacing device to intermittently switch from a normal operating mode to a stress augmentation mode in which the spatial pattern of depolarization is varied to thereby subject a particular region or regions of the ventricular myocardium to increased mechanical stress. | 2012-01-12 |
20120010675 | ELECTRICAL ENERGY DELIVERY TISSUE SITE VALIDATION - Electrical energy delivery tissue site validation systems and methods can determine an indication of a tissue type at a tissue site. This information can be used to enable or inhibit electrical energy delivery to the tissue site. The tissue type at the tissue site can be determined such as by delivering a test electrical energy and sensing a responsive electrical energy. An electrical connectivity to the tissue site can also be determined, such as by using a sensed intrinsic electrical signal at the tissue site. Tissue type information may be communicated externally, such as to allow user confirmation or override of the determined indication of tissue type at the tissue site, such as by a physician, user, or other operator. | 2012-01-12 |
20120010676 | MEDICAL DEVICE SENSING AND DETECTION DURING MRI - A medical device includes a sensor for sensing for an MRI gradient magnetic field and a microprocessor configured to operate in a signal processing mode in which electrical signals induced by the gradient magnetic field are not counted as cardiac events. | 2012-01-12 |
20120010677 | ACQUIRING NERVE ACTIVITY FROM CAROTID BODY AND/OR SINUS - An exemplary includes acquiring an electroneurogram of the right carotid sinus nerve or the left carotid sinus nerve, analyzing the electroneurogram for at least one of chemosensory information and barosensory information and calling for one or more therapeutic actions based at least in part on the analyzing. Therapeutic actions may aim to treat conditions such as sleep apnea, an increase in metabolic demand, hypoglycemia, hypertension, renal failure, and congestive heart failure. Other exemplary methods, devices, systems, etc., are also disclosed. | 2012-01-12 |
20120010678 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR TREATMENT OF NEUROCARDIOGENIC SYNCOPE - A method and apparatus for treating or preventing neurocardiogenic syncope is disclosed. Upon detection of bradycardia or a drop in blood pressure indicating the onset of syncope, electrostimulation pulses are delivered during the heart's refractory period. The pulses are non-excitatory but increase myocardial contractility and thereby increase cardiac output. | 2012-01-12 |
20120010679 | IMPLANTED HEART-STIMULATION DEVICE ENABLING CHARGE BALANCE AFTER STIMULATION SEQUENCE - In an implantable medical device, in particular an implantable heart-stimulation device, and a method for operating an implantable heart-stimulation device and a heart-stimulation system, stimulation pulses are delivered via a number of stimulation channels to selected sites on or about a patient's heart via electrodes, and wherein coupling capacitors included in the stimulation channels are subsequently discharged through a sequence of temporally non-overlapping partial discharges of the respective coupling capacitors. By this configuration, the risk of charge neutrality of a stimulation channel not being maintained at the end of a stimulation sequence, comprising the delivery of stimulation pulses via stimulation channels, is reduced or eliminated. | 2012-01-12 |
20120010680 | CONDITIONAL ELECTRICAL STIMULATION - In general, the disclosure describes techniques for providing conditional electrical stimulation to a patient for pelvic health. An implantable medical device (IMD) may adjust the delivery cycle of the electrical stimulation applied to a patient in response to receiving a delivery cycle parameter associated with one or more of the following: a time in a time schedule, a control device output from a control device, and physiological information from a physiological information sensing device. As an example, the IMD may monitor a status of one or more inputs of the IMD and adjust the delivery cycle of the electrical stimulation applied to the patient based on the status of the input(s). | 2012-01-12 |
20120010681 | Obstructive Sleep Apnea Treatment Devices, Systems and Methods - Devices, systems and methods for nerve stimulation for OSA therapy. | 2012-01-12 |
20120010682 | MEDICAL TELEMETRY SYSTEM AND OPERATING METHOD THEREFOR - A method in a telemetry system for establishing a connection between a base station and an implantable medical device includes the steps of: starting, in the base station, a first timer B-T | 2012-01-12 |
20120010683 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING A PROCESS OF INJURY THERAPY - The invention provides a method and apparatus for controlling a process of injury therapy. The method comprises the steps of: monitoring ( | 2012-01-12 |
20120010684 | POWER SUPPLY FOR LIGHT-BASED DERMATOLOGIC TREATMENT DEVICE - Switching power supplies made in accordance with the disclosed technology drive flash lamps of dermatologic treatment devices to emit a sequence of relatively small light pulses that are aligned with particular locations within the waveform of the AC line source. Such power supplies not only enable sufficient light energy in aggregate to therapeutically heat target chromophores in a skin region without causing undesired damage to surrounding tissue, but also provide the added benefit that the corresponding electrical energy need not be substantially drawn from any charged capacitor. The disclosed power supply further compensates for performance degradation of the flash lamps during their usable life, by modifying its operation based on predetermined values that are indicative of flash lamp aging/efficiency characteristics. The flash lamps and their associated stored values are preferably incorporated into a replaceable cartridge that facilitates user maintenance of the dermatologic treatment device. | 2012-01-12 |
20120010685 | LOW LEVEL LIGHT THERAPY FOR ENHANCEMENT OF NEUROLOGIC FUNCTION - A method for treating a subject with low level light therapy for enhancement of neurologic function (e.g., cognitive function) is provided. The method includes noninvasively delivering light energy having a wavelength of about 630 nanometers to about 904 nanometers to the brain of the subject. Delivering the light energy can include (i) irradiating the scalp with light energy having an incident power density less than 1000 mW/cm | 2012-01-12 |
20120010686 | Method of Using a Multi-Probe Laser Device - A hand-held laser device that can simultaneously provide multiple types of low level laser therapy treatments to multiple areas of a patient's body simultaneously. The device enables laser light of different pulse repetition rate, different beam shapes and spot sizes to be applied to a patient's body. The device includes multiple laser sources. In the preferred embodiment, two semiconductor diode laser sources simultaneously provide two separate laser beams from separate probes, one laser beam producing laser light at a first pulse repetition rate and the other producing laser light at a second pulse repetition rate. | 2012-01-12 |
20120010687 | FIBER OPTIC PHOTOTHERAPY DEVICES INCLUDING LED LIGHT SOURCES - Fiber optic phototherapy device comprises a light emitter comprising one or more layers of optical fibers. The optical fibers have end portions extending from opposite ends of the light emitter that are mixed together and lighted using the same light source or light sources. | 2012-01-12 |
20120010688 | IMPLANTABLE CONDUCTIVE ELEMENT AND METHOD OF USE INHYPERTHERMIC TREATMENT - A system to induce hyperthermia in a selected portion of the body utilizes a variety of conductive conductive buttons positioned at a location proximate the target tissue to be heated, such as a tumor. The conductive button is exposed to a rotating permanent magnetic field that induces an eddy current on the surface of the conductive button. The conductive buttons can be implemented in a variety of different shapes and sizes. The conductive buttons can also be implemented from a variety of different metallic materials such as gold, silver, aluminum, copper or alloys. In one embodiment, the conductive buttons are partially coated with an insulating layer to direct the heat in a desired direction. | 2012-01-12 |
20120010689 | LEAD ELECTRODE FOR USE IN AN MRI-SAFE IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE - A medical lead is configured to be implanted into a patients body and comprises a lead body, and an electrode coupled to the lead body. The electrode comprises a first section configured to contact the patient's body, and a second section electrically coupled to the first section and configured to be capacitively coupled to the patient's body. | 2012-01-12 |
20120010690 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR STENTING - A method and apparatus to create a more favorable flow regime in a lumen. An artificial shape in the lumen is created to at least one of eliminate flow disturbances and enchance aspects of fluid flow through a treatment site. | 2012-01-12 |
20120010691 | Particle Embedded Polymer Stent and Method of Manufacture - A particle embedded polymer stent and method of manufacture, which includes a stent delivery system having a catheter; a balloon operably attached to the catheter; and a polymer stent disposed on the balloon, the stent comprising struts interconnected to form a tubular body. Each of the struts includes in cross section a drug-free core region; and a drug region surrounding and immediately adjacent to the core region, the drug region including drug particles. The drug-free core region and the drug region are made of a single polymer, the single polymer having a drug-safe softening temperature. | 2012-01-12 |
20120010692 | GRAFT DEPLOYMENT ASSIST TOOL - A delivery system for a medical device may include a sheath, a catheter slideably disposed within the sheath, and a hemostatic device comprising a housing disposed around and sealingly engaged with the sheath by a first seal. A sleeve is slideably coupled to the catheter and comprises a second seal sealingly engaging the catheter. The sleeve is movable between a first position, in which the sleeve is disposed outside of the housing and the first seal is sealingly engaged with an outer surface of the catheter, and a second position in which at least a portion of the sleeve is disposed within the housing between an inner surface of the housing and the outer surface of the catheter, wherein, in the second position, the first seal is sealingly engaged with an outer surface of the sleeve and the second seal is sealingly engaged with the outer surface of the catheter. | 2012-01-12 |
20120010693 | Mounting Stents On Stent Delivery Systems - A system for mounting a stent on a balloon catheter includes two positioning and alignment stations, which are used to prepare a stent and catheter for crimping using the same crimping head. The system is configured for automated assembly of the stent and catheter prior to crimping. A catheter and stent are placed on a computer-controlled carriage that delivers the stent and catheter to the crimper head. Before placing the stent and catheter into the crimper head, an automated alignment system locates the stent between balloon markers. | 2012-01-12 |
20120010694 | CATHETER - The invention relates to a catheter ( | 2012-01-12 |
20120010695 | BALLOON FOR USE IN PLACING STENTS IN BIFURCATED VESSELS - A balloon is used for placing stents in bifurcated vessels. The balloon is for expanding a first balloon-expandable stent, where the balloon includes a tubular balloon having a proximal end and a distal end, the balloon being capable of receiving within its tubular structure a guidewire for deployment of the first stent, the balloon further comprising a side opening closer to the distal end than the proximal end though which a second guidewire and a second stent may pass. | 2012-01-12 |
20120010696 | THORACIC DEPLOYMENT DEVICE AND STENT GRAFT - A stent graft introducer for intraluminal deployment of a stent graft ( | 2012-01-12 |
20120010697 | HEART VALVE PROSTHESIS USING DIFFERENT TYPES OF LIVING TISSUE AND METHOD OF FABRICATING THE SAME - A heart valve prosthesis and a method of fabricating the same. The heart valve prosthesis uses a leaflet of pig pericardium or a leaflet of cattle pericardium, which has a suitable thickness according to the size of the valve, and a stent. The heart valve prosthesis is fabricated by placing a valve body over a Dacron body, binding the valve body to the Dacron body using stitching fiber, rolling the Dacron body into a cylindrical form such that the valve body is located inside, binding opposite edges of the Dacron body to each other using stitching fiber, and inserting the resultant structure into a stent, which is knitted using a shape memory alloy wire. The heart valve prosthesis is friendly to and is not rejected by human tissue, is free from deformation, and can be implanted using a non-invasive manner without incising the chest wall of a patient. | 2012-01-12 |
20120010698 | Implantable Pressure-Actuated Drug Delivery Systems and Methods of Manufacture and Use - Implantable pressure-actuated systems to deliver a drug and/or other substance in response to a pressure difference between a system cavity and an exterior environment, and methods of fabrication and use. A pressure-rupturable membrane diaphragm may be tuned to rupture at a desired rupture threshold, rupture site, with a desired rupture pattern, and/or within a desired rupture time. Tuning may include material selection, thickness control, surface patterning, substrate support patterning. The cavity may be pressurized above or evacuated below the rupture threshold, and a diaphragm-protective layer may be provided to prevent premature rupture in an ambient environment and to dissipate within an implant environment. A drug delivery system may be implemented within a stent to release a substance upon a decrease in blood pressure. The cavity may include a thrombolytic drug to or other substance to treat a blood clot. | 2012-01-12 |
20120010699 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROSTHETIC VALVE REMOVAL - A method and apparatus for facilitating transapical removal of a prosthetic heart valve, i.e., percutaneously implantable valve (PIV), with-out open-heart surgery. The apparatus includes a holding tool for holding the PIV, a cutting tool for separating the PrV from fibrotic tissue accumulating around the PIV, and a removal tool for extracting the PIV from the heart. | 2012-01-12 |