| 22nd week of 2009 patent applcation highlights (05-28-09/05-28-09_49) part 49 |
| Patent application number | Title | Published |
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| 20090137981 | METHODS OF TREATING A BLOOD VESSEL - Described herein are methods for treating a blood vessel. In an embodiment, the method of treating a blood vessel comprises providing at least one manipulable tool in a blood vessel, depositing a non-solid polymerizable material into a deposition area of the vessel, wherein the polymerizable liquid hardens over time upon contact with blood in the blood vessel, and altering the shape of the polymerizable material while it hardens by manipulating the tool. | 05-28-2009 |
| 20090137982 | Guiding Catheter with Resiliently Compressible Occluder - A guiding catheter for providing proximal occlusion while intubating a branch vessel lumen in a patient. The catheter comprises an elongate hollow shaft having open proximal and distal ends and a resiliently compressible occluder fixed about the shaft adjacent the distal end, the occluder having a relaxed shape that tapers distally from a major diameter greater than a diameter of the vessel lumen. The occluder may comprise elastic foam material or an impermeable flexible cover clingingly enclosing a resilient support member. | 05-28-2009 |
| 20090137983 | IMPLANT DELIVERY DEVICE AND METHODS THEREOF FOR TREATMENT OF OCULAR DISORDERS - Implants and methods for treating ocular disorders are described. One method involves providing an elongated delivery device and an implant mounted at a distal end of the delivery device. An incision is formed in eye tissue and the implant is inserted the through the incision using the delivery device. The implant is implanted at a location communicating with a physiologic outflow pathway of an eye such that a distal end portion of the implant and a proximal end portion of the delivery device are relatively disposed in a non-linear orientation during implantation. In one method, the implant is non-linear after insertion. | 05-28-2009 |
| 20090137984 | TISSUE RETRACTORS - Methods and devices are provided for performing surgical procedures using tissue retractors. In general, the methods and devices allow a surgeon to use a retractor to capture a large or small amount of tissue in the retractor and to move the retractor to relocate tissue to one or more convenient locations during a surgical procedure. The retractor can be configured from a pliable state to a substantially rigid state to hold the retractor and the tissue in a substantially fixed position during the procedure. | 05-28-2009 |
| 20090137985 | Male telescope catheter - The present invention relates to a catheter, especially an expandable catheter with a transition between the individual sections allowing insertion of the transition into urethra. In particular the present invention relates to a catheter which is operable between a collapsed configuration for storage and transportation and an expanded configuration for draining fluid from a body via a conduit which extends axially in a longitudinal direction from a proximal end to an opposite distal end, the catheter comprising: a proximal section, adapted to be fully inserted into a urinary channel of the body and forming a proximal part of the conduit which part extends axially between the proximal end and a first transition end of the proximal section, and a distal section, adapted to be at least partially inserted into the urinary channel and forming a distal part of the conduit which part extends axially between a second transition end of the distal section and the distal end, an insertable part of the first transition end being dimensioned to enable its positioning inside a receiving portion of the distal part of the conduit to enable axial movement of the sections relative to each other to operate the catheter between the collapsed configuration and the expanded configuration of the catheter, wherein the sections comprise cooperating coupling structures to support the catheter in the expanded configuration. | 05-28-2009 |
| 20090137986 | CATHETER MOVEMENT CONTROL DEVICE - The present invention relates to a device for controlling movement of a catheter that is at least partially disposed therein a urinary catheter pouch. More particularly, the device relates to a catheter movement control device for use with a urinary catheter pouch which allows a user to selectively remove at least a portion of the catheter from the pouch, and prevents the catheter from moving back into the pouch once the catheter has been deployed unless and until the user desires to move the catheter back into the catheter pouch. | 05-28-2009 |
| 20090137987 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MULTI-INPUT STEPWISE INFUSION PRESCRIPTION - A drug infusion device includes a drug delivery module which delivers a drug in each of a series of sequential time slots over a period of time. The drug delivery module is controlled by a controller which is configured to cause the drug delivery module to deliver said drug in the series of sequential time slots in a manner defined by a formula in which a quantitative characteristic of drug delivery in each time slot is a function of a past drug delivery profile and at least one of: a) a medical professional-provided profile, b) a patient-chosen parameter, and c) a non-variable parameter. The formula may be a function of a medical professional-provided profile and a non-variable parameter may be a parameter chosen by a medical professional. The past drug delivery profile may include a drug delivery parameter in a previous time slot. The patient-chosen parameter may include an input from the patient characterizing the patient's condition. | 05-28-2009 |
| 20090137988 | Methods And Apparatus For Improved Post-Operative Ocular Optical Performance - Techniques, systems are described for performing laser eye surgery. In one aspect, a method for improving an optical function of an eye includes preparing the eye for surgery by determining an optical characteristic of the eye. Laser marking pulses are applied to generate a laser mark in a region of the eye in relation to the determined optical characteristic. Also, a surgical procedure is performed in a surgical region selected in relation to the generated laser mark. | 05-28-2009 |
| 20090137989 | Ophthalmic laser treatment device - A light-permeable member (lens | 05-28-2009 |
| 20090137990 | OPTICAL SYSTEM FOR CORRECTION OF TISSUE INDUCED ABERRATION - A multi-photon fluoroscopy microscope employs an electronically controlled diffraction mask to affect correcting phase adjustments in an incident waveform to allow a precise focus of the stimulating beam of light to a focal point within tissue having a varying and inhomogeneous index of refraction. | 05-28-2009 |
| 20090137991 | Methods and Apparatus for Laser Treatment of the Crystalline Lens - Methods and apparatus for laser treatment of the crystalline lens. Implementations of the described methods and apparatus include a laser treatment of a lens of an eye includes defining a target boundary of a target region in the lens, applying surgical laser pulses to the target boundary effectively resulting in a separation of the target region from the rest of the lens, and removing the separated target region from the lens. The target boundary can be defined by applying marker laser pulses to outline the target boundary. The marker laser pulses can be applied by a laser source using marker pulse settings and the surgical laser pulses can be applied by the same laser source using surgical pulse settings. | 05-28-2009 |
| 20090137992 | Apparatus and Method for Treating Glaucoma - An irrigating probe for providing a flow of liquid to the trabecular meshwork of the eye has a first, guide prong that contacts the cornea to position a second, irrigator prong proximate the trabecular meshwork. The irrigator prong has at least one outlet port communicating with an internal flow channel which, in turn, communicates with a liquid supply providing a steady or a pulsed flow. | 05-28-2009 |
| 20090137993 | Methods and Apparatus for Integrated Cataract Surgery - Techniques, apparatus and systems for cataract surgery. Implementation of the described techniques, apparatus and systems includes a method for cataract eye surgery is presented, including: determining a surgical target region in a lens of the eye and applying laser pulses to photodisrupt a portion of the determined target region before making an incision on a capsule of the lens within an integrated surgical procedure. The laser pulses can be applied before making an incision on a cornea of the eye. In some cases, the target region includes the nucleus of the lens. The integrated surgical procedure involves using the same pulsed laser source for three functions: for photodisrupting the target region, for making an incision on the capsule of the lens and for making an incision on the cornea of the eye. | 05-28-2009 |
| 20090137994 | Adaptive control of optical pulses for laser medicine - Tissue is treated by irradiating it with a sequence of optical pulses that are directed in sequence to various sites on the tissue. During the irradiation sequence, one or more tissue properties are measured at a site(s) that has already been irradiated. These measurements are used to adjust the parameters of subsequent optical pulses in the sequence. | 05-28-2009 |
| 20090137995 | System For Electromagnetic Radiation Dermatology And Head For Use Therewith - A system for treating a selected dermatological problem and a head for use with such system are provided. The head may include an optical waveguide having a first end to which EM radiation appropriate for treating the condition is applied. The waveguide also has a skin-contacting second end opposite the first end, a temperature sensor being located within a few millimeters, and preferably within 1 to 2 millimeters, of the second end of the waveguide. A temperature sensor may be similarly located in other skin contacting portions of the head. A mechanism is preferably also provided for removing heat from the waveguide and, for preferred embodiments, the second end of the head which is in contact with the skin has a reflection aperture which is substantially as great as the radiation back-scatter aperture from the patient's skin. Such aperture may be the aperture at the second end of the waveguide or a reflection plate or surface of appropriate size may surround the waveguide or other light path at its second end. The portion of the back-scattered radiation entering the waveguide is substantially internally reflected therein, with a reflector being provided, preferably at the first end of the waveguide, for returning back-scattered light to the patient's skin. The reflector may be angle dependent so as to more strongly reflect back scattered light more perpendicular to the skin surface than back scattered radiation more parallel to the skin surface. Controls are also provided responsive to the temperature sensing for determining temperature at a predetermined depth in the patient's skin, for example at the DE junction, and for utilizing this information to detect good thermal contact between the head and the patient's skin and to otherwise control treatment. The head may also have a mechanism for forming a reflecting chamber under the waveguide and drawing a fold of skin therein, and for providing a second enlarged waveguide to expand the optical aperture of radiation. | 05-28-2009 |
| 20090137996 | NONABLATIVE AND ABLATIVE TISSUE TREATMENT METHOD AND DEVICE - Methods and devices for treatment of tissue which first apply a nonablative form of electromagnetic energy to a region of tissue to create a plurality of treatment zones containing coagulated tissue and subsequently apply an ablative form of electromagnetic energy to the coagulated tissue in the treatment zones in order to ablate the coagulated tissue are disclosed. These methods and devices can be used to shrink and/or tighten tissue for medical and cosmetic purposes. | 05-28-2009 |
| 20090137997 | Interventional system providing tissue ablation cooling - An interventional system integrates a laser optical cooling unit into a medical catheter device for treating coronary artery disease (CAD) to safely steer and control cardiac tissue temperature and thermal patterns to prevent cardiac disease, tissue damage and myocardial ischemia or infarction, for example. An interventional system provides tissue ablation and cooling using a catheterization device. The catheterization device for internal anatomical insertion includes, a laser light emitting node for optical cooling of anatomical tissue, an ablation node for use in surgical removal of anatomical tissue and a temperature sensor. The temperature sensor senses temperature of anatomical tissue for use in regulating heating and cooling of tissue resulting from use of the ablation node and the laser light emitting node. | 05-28-2009 |
| 20090137998 | EXPANDABLE VEIN LIGATOR CATHETER HAVING MULTIPLE ELECTRODE LEADS, AND METHOD - A catheter includes a plurality of primary leads to deliver energy for ligating a hollow anatomical structure. Each of the primary leads includes an electrode located at the working end of the catheter. Separation is maintained between the primary leads such that each primary lead can individually receive power of selected polarity. The primary leads are constructed to expand outwardly to place the electrodes into apposition with an anatomical structure. High frequency energy can be applied from the leads to create a heating effect in the surrounding tissue of the anatomical structure. The diameter of the hollow anatomical structure is reduced by the heating effect, and the electrodes of the primary leads are moved closer to one another. Where the hollow anatomical structure is a vein, energy is applied until the diameter of the vein is reduced to the point where the vein is occluded. In one embodiment, a secondary lead is surrounded by the primary leads, and extends beyond the primary leads. The secondary lead includes an electrode at the working end of the catheter. The secondary lead can have a polarity opposite to the polarity of the primary leads in a bipolar configuration. The polarity of the leads can be switched and the catheter can be moved during treatment to ligate an extended length of the vein. The catheter can include a lumen to accommodate a guide wire or to allow fluid delivery. | 05-28-2009 |
| 20090137999 | METHOD OF AND SYSTEM FOR SELECTIVE CELL DESTRUCTION - Method and apparatus for the ionization of living cells where an optical device ( | 05-28-2009 |
| 20090138000 | Cryosurgical devices and methods for endometrial ablation - A cryoablation system including a cannula having a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis, an expandable balloon extending from the distal end of the cannula and fluidly connected to a source of heat transfer fluid by at least one fluid path, a pump for circulating the heat transfer fluid into and out of the balloon, a probe handle coupled to the proximal end of the cannula and in fluidic communication with the balloon through the cannula, and a heat exchanger for varying the temperature of the heat transfer fluid, wherein the heat exchanger is fluidly connected to a secondary refrigerant source. The heat exchanger may be positioned within the probe handle, within the cannula, or at least partially within the balloon. The heat transfer fluid of this cryoablation system preferably has a freezing point lower than about −110° C. and a boiling point greater than about 50° C. | 05-28-2009 |
| 20090138001 | Determining Patient-Specific Vapor Treatment and Delivery Parameters - Methods and systems for determining patient specific treatment parameters for delivering vapor to the lung to treat lung tissue. In some embodiments vapor is delivered to the lung to cause coagulative necrosis, inducing fibrosis and thereby reducing the volume of at least one segment of the lung. The delivery parameters can be adjusted depending on the desired degree of injury to be induced in the lung tissue. | 05-28-2009 |
| 20090138002 | DOUBLE ROW FIXATION SYSTEM, MEDIAL ROW ANCHOR PLACEMENT SYSTEM - An instrument is disclosed including: a top jaw member extending between a proximal end and a distal end and including a first top anchor target slot and a second top anchor target slot; a bottom jaw member extending between a proximal end and a distal end and including a first bottom anchor target slot and a second bottom anchor target slot; and a joint member connected to the proximal ends of the top jaw member and the bottom jaw member. | 05-28-2009 |
| 20090138003 | Cordless Medical Cauterization and Cutting Device - A cordless cautery and cutting surgical device includes a modular battery and a surgical handle. The battery has a cordless radio-frequency-signal-generation assembly generating an output radio-frequency signal and a first selectively removable connector part. The surgical handle has a first handle body portion with a bipolar cautery and cutting end effector. The end effector has jaws with bipolar contacts and a cutting blade disposed between the jaws. The handle has a second body portion connected to the first body portion, defines therein an aseptically sealable battery-holding compartment selectively exposed to the environment and removably holding therein the battery, and a second selectively removable connector part operable to removably hold the first connector part thereto. The second connector part has conductors electrically connecting the RF assembly to the bipolar contacts for supplying the radio-frequency signal to the bipolar contacts when the first and second connector parts are removably secured together. | 05-28-2009 |
| 20090138004 | System and Method for Field Ablation Prediction - A system for determining field of ablation is disclosed. The system includes a power source configured to generate electromagnetic energy and an energy applicator coupled to the power source. The energy applicator is configured to be inserted into tissue and to provide electromagnetic energy to a target volume. The system also includes an imaging apparatus configured to generate a uniform magnetic field and at least one variable magnetic field around the tissue. The imaging apparatus obtains an image of a field of ablation within the target volume in response to a trace RF pulse supplied by the power source through the energy applicator to the target volume simultaneously with an excitation RF pulse generated by the imaging apparatus and the at least one variable magnetic field. | 05-28-2009 |
| 20090138005 | Targeted Cooling of Deployable Microwave Antenna - The present disclosure relates to devices and methods for the treatment of tissue with microwave energy. The devices and methods disclosed herein utilize an antenna assembly which includes an elongate member, an outer conductor, an inner conductor, at least a portion of which is deployable, and a cooling system. The cooling system disclosed herein may significantly curtail any theoretical, or potential negative effects upon the target tissue experienced during the transmission of microwave energy to the antenna assembly due to ohmic heating. | 05-28-2009 |
| 20090138006 | CORDLESS POWER-ASSISTED MEDICAL CAUTERIZATION AND CUTTING DEVICE - A cordless cautery and cutting surgical device includes a modular battery and a surgical handle operable to removably hold the battery thereto. The handle has a cordless radio-frequency-signal-generation assembly and a surgical bipolar end effector having jaws and a cutting blade therebetween. The signal-generation assembly selectively supplies radio-frequency signal to the end effector when powered for electrocautery of tissue between the jaws. The handle defines therein an aseptically sealable battery-holding compartment selectively exposed to the environment and removably holding therein the battery. A motor assembly is disposed in the handle and is electrically connected to the battery and/or the signal-generation assembly and is powered and controlled thereby. The motor assembly physically couples to the blade and/or at least one jaw for moving the blade/jaw(s). The second connector part electrically connects the battery to the signal-generation assembly and/or the motor assembly when the battery is removably disposed in the compartment. | 05-28-2009 |
| 20090138007 | HIGH-SENSITIVITY PRESSURE-SENSING PROBE - A medical probe includes an insertion tube, having a longitudinal axis and having a distal end. A distal tip is disposed at the distal end of the insertion tube and is configured to be brought into contact with a body tissue. A joint couples the distal tip to the distal end of the insertion tube. A joint sensor, contained within the probe, senses a position of the distal tip relative to the distal end of the insertion tube. The joint sensor includes first and second subassemblies, which are disposed within the probe on opposite, respective sides of the joint and each include one or more magnetic transducers. | 05-28-2009 |
| 20090138008 | Endocardial Dispersive Electrode for Use with a Monopolar RF Ablation Pen - Methods and devices for forming a lesion in a target tissue having a cavity within a first RF electrode and a second RF electrode can be coupled to opposite poles of an RF current source. The second electrode can be inserted into the tissue cavity and expanded to contact the target tissue from within. The first electrode can be externally disposed against the target tissue while applying RF current between the first and second electrodes to ablate the target tissue. Some methods are directed to ablating tribiculated atrial wall tissue to treat atrial fibrillation. The second electrode can contact the tribiculated tissue directly from within to provide a direct path between the two electrodes. In some methods, the second electrode is inserted through an incision made to remove an atrial appendage. The methods can provide deeper, narrower lesions relative to those made using remote, indifferent electrodes. Atrial fibrillation ablation procedures can be performed using the invention, requiring fewer incisions than conventional methods. | 05-28-2009 |
| 20090138009 | MAGNETICALLY GUIDED ENERGY DELIVERY APPARATUS - This invention describes an energy delivery apparatus for delivering electrical energy at a target location, said energy delivery apparatus being usable in combination with a magnetic field and comprising an electrical conductor having a substantially elongated configuration; an electrode for delivering electrical energy at the target location, with the electrode being electrically coupled to the electrical conductor and having an exposed surface with at least a portion of the exposed surface having one of its principal radii of curvature smaller than 0.35 mm; an insulating dielectric coating along a substantial portion of the length of the electrical conductor, with the dielectric coating having a dielectric constant smaller than about 3; at least one guiding element mounted to the electrical conductor, with at least one of the guiding elements including a magnetically responsive material. The magnetic field is used to move the guiding element in order to position the electrode substantially adjacent to the target location. | 05-28-2009 |
| 20090138010 | Wedge Coupling - A wedge coupling for coupling a tubing to a housing is disclosed. The wedge coupling includes a base having an opening defined therein and configured to receive a portion of the tubing therethrough and a plurality of prongs disposed on the base and around an inner periphery of the opening. The plurality of prongs are configured to slidably engage the housing and to deflect inwardly to secure the tubing to a nozzle adapter disposed within the housing. | 05-28-2009 |
| 20090138011 | INTERMITTENT ABLATION RF DRIVING FOR MODERATING RETURN ELECTRODE TEMPERATURE - An ablation system comprising a source of electrical ablation energy having first second and third power outputs it is disclosed. A first conductor is coupled to the first power output on the source of electrical energy. A second conductor is coupled to the second power output on the source of electrical energy, the source of electrical energy creates a first output ablation voltage between the first and second power outputs. The first output ablation voltage varies between a first higher average value during a first period of time and a first lower average value for a second period of time. The first lower average value is greater than or equal to zero. A third conductor is coupled to a third power output on the source of electrical energy. The source of electrical energy creates a second output ablation voltage between the first and third power outputs. The second output ablation voltage varies between a second higher average value during a third period of time and a lower average value for a fourth period of time. The lower average value is greater than or equal to zero. An ablation probe is coupled to the first conductor. | 05-28-2009 |
| 20090138012 | Electrode with Rotatably Deployable Sheath - A sheath system for selectively covering a distal end of an electrocautery blade is provided. The sheath system includes a hub having a body portion defining a lumen therethrough and a sheath having a body portion defining a lumen therethrough. The lumen of the sheath is configured and dimensioned to operatively receive an electrocautery blade therein. The sheath is translatably associated with the hub such that rotation of the hub in a first direction results in axial movement of the sheath in a first direction to expose a distal end of the electrocautery blade and rotation of the hub in a second direction, opposite to the first direction, results in axial movement of the sheath in a second direction to cover the distal end of the electrocautery blade. The hub and the sheath may be concentric with one another. | 05-28-2009 |
| 20090138013 | ELECTROSURGICAL TOOL WITH MOVEABLE ELECTRODE THAT CAN BE OPERATED IN A CUTTING MODE OR A COAGULATION MODE - An electrosurgical instrument is provided. The electrosurgical instrument includes an active electrode in close proximity to a return electrode. The active electrode has a first thermal diffusivity. The second electrode has a second thermal diffusivity greater than the first thermal diffusivity. The volume, shape, and thermal diffusivity of the second electrode facilitate the transport of heat. | 05-28-2009 |
| 20090138014 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR SECURING BONE - An anchor connected with a suture is moved through a passage between opposite sides of a bone. The anchor is then pivoted to change its orientation. A second anchor is connected with the suture. While tension is maintained in the suture, the suture is secured against movement relative to the anchors. This may be done by tying the suture or by using a suture retainer to hold the suture. A suture retainer may be used in place of the second anchor. The passage may extend across a fracture in the bone. The passage may have either a nonlinear or linear configuration. The passage may be formed by first moving a thin elongated member through the bone. The thin elongated member is then used as a guide for a drill. The thin elongated member is withdrawn from the drill and the suture anchor is moved through a passage in the drill. | 05-28-2009 |
| 20090138015 | SPINAL IMPLANTS AND METHODS - Spinal implants are disclosed that can be used for annular repair, facet unloading, disc height preservation, disc decompression, or for sealing a portal through which an intervertebral implant was placed. In some embodiments, an implant is placed within the intervertebral disc space, primarily within the region of the annulus fibrosus. In some embodiments, the implant is expandable. In some embodiments, the implant has a sealing tail structure comprising a tail flange and a linkage. In some embodiments, the sealing tail structure limits the extrusion or expulsion of disc material, either annulus fibrosus or nucleus, into the posterior region of the spine where it could impinge on nerves. In some embodiments, the tail structure is retained in place within the annulus fibrosus by means of an anchor. In some embodiments, the anchor is constructed from multiple components. | 05-28-2009 |
| 20090138016 | VARIABLE ANGLE ORTHOPAEDIC REAMER DRIVER - An orthopaedic reamer driver includes a tubular housing having at least one first positioning feature. A driveshaft within the housing has a drive end. A variable angle cap is pivotally coupled with the housing adjacent the drive end. The variable angle cap includes at least one leg extending along a side of the housing. Each leg has a second positioning feature selectively engaging and disengaging with a corresponding first positioning feature at a selected one of a plurality of angular positions. Each second positioning feature maintains the variable angle cap at the selected angular position when engaged with the corresponding first positioning feature. A variable angle joint is coupled to the drive end, and a reamer drive head is coupled to the variable angle joint. | 05-28-2009 |
| 20090138017 | SURGICAL SAGITTAL SAW BLADE INCLUDING A GUIDE BAR, A BLADE HEAD AND DRIVE RODS FOR PIVOTING THE BLADE HEAD - A surgical sagittal saw blade that including a guide bar shaped to be releasably secured in a static position to a complementary surgical sagittal saw. A blade is mounted to the guide bar to pivot around a pivot point. The blade has teeth located outside of the guide bar. Drive rods extend from the blade. The drive rods connect to a complementary driver integral with the saw. When the saw driver is actuated, the drive rods undergo reverse reciprocation. The reciprocation of the driver rods cause the blade to oscillate around a pivot point. | 05-28-2009 |
| 20090138018 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR PIVOTABLE GUIDE SURFACES FOR ARTHROPLASTY - Cutting guides, cutting tools, and soft tissue management techniques permit the use of pivoting guide surfaces to facilitate in controlling the sweep or arc of a cutting tool used in connection with resection and arthroplasty procedures. In accordance with one embodiment, a guide structure is provided with one or more guide pivot aperture(s) and one or more guide pivot reference surface(s) that mate with a bushing assembly controlling a cutting tool. The bushing assembly possesses a bushing reference plan which mates with the pivot reference surface(s) of the guide structure and a bushing pivot pin which mates with the guide pivot aperture(s) of the guide structure. In one embodiment, a bushing guide lumen is operably coupled to the guide structure for articulated and/or axial guidance of the cutting tool. | 05-28-2009 |
| 20090138019 | USE OF MICRO AND MINIATURE POSITION SENSING DEVICES FOR USE IN TKA AND THA - A system for assisting in a surgical process, comprising: (a) a surgical device taken from a group consisting of a surgical tool and a surgical implant; (b) a positional sensor carried by the surgical device, the positional sensor including a wireless transmitter and associated circuitry for transmitting sensor data from the transmitter; and (c) a computer system including a wireless receiver and signal conditioning circuitry and hardware for converting sensor data received by the wireless receiver into at least one of (i) audio feedback of positional information for the surgical device and (ii) visual feedback of positional information for the surgical device. | 05-28-2009 |
| 20090138020 | GENERATING MRI IMAGES USABLE FOR THE CREATION OF 3D BONE MODELS EMPLOYED TO MAKE CUSTOMIZED ARTHROPLASTY JIGS - Disclosed herein is a method of creating a customized arthroplasty jig. The method may include: generating two-dimensional MRI images of a patient's joint area to undergo arthroplasty; electronically orienting the two dimensional MRI image slices to account for the patient's joint area being randomly physically oriented in a scanning area of a MRI machine; generating a three-dimensional bone image of at least a portion of a bone of the patient's joint area from the generated two-dimensional MRI images; using the three-dimensional bone image to generate data pertaining to the customized arthroplasty jig, wherein the data includes bone surface information; providing the data to at least one manufacturing device; and employing the bone surface information to cause the at least one manufacturing device to create a surface on the arthroplasty jig configured to matingly receive a surface of the bone. | 05-28-2009 |
| 20090138021 | INSTRUMENT ASSEMBLY FOR USE IN KNEE JOINT REPLACEMENT SURGERY - An instrument assembly for use in knee joint replacement surgery is provided including a base instrument having a tibial plate, a femoral plate, a tibial arm having a plate end and a control end, a femoral arm having a plate end and a control end, wherein the femoral plate is rotatably fastened to the plate end of the femoral arm. The assembly also includes a distractor mechanism configured to act between the tibial arm and the femoral arm at a point between their respective plate ends and control ends by which the distance between the plate ends of the arms can be adjusted and an ancillary instrument mountable on the base instrument and configured such that the position of the ancillary instrument relative to the tibial plate is fixed during subsequent steps in the knee replacement procedure, while the knee joint is distracted as a result of forces applied across the joint between the tibial plate and the femoral plate. | 05-28-2009 |
| 20090138022 | OCULAR IMPLANT DELIVERY SYSTEM AND METHOD THEREOF - Systems and methods for treating ocular disorders are disclosed. One system has a delivery instrument, with a non-linear axis, configured to be inserted into an anterior chamber of an eye and moved to a location proximate a physiologic outflow pathway of the eye. The delivery instrument carries an implant that has a distal end sized for insertion into tissue such that aqueous humor drains from the anterior chamber to the physiologic outflow pathway. One method involves inserting a non-linear portion of a delivery device into the anterior chamber to position an implant within the eye. Another method involves using a delivery device with a curved distal portion to implant an implant at a location communicating with the physiologic outflow pathway. The delivery can be through a corneal incision and the implant can comprise a drug. | 05-28-2009 |
| 20090138023 | Actuator Handle for Use With Medical Device Deployment Systems - An actuator handle for use with an implantable medical device deployment system. The actuator handle includes a first actuator and a second actuator for manipulating and controlling first and second retaining members of the deployment system to effectuate release of a medical device from the deployment system. | 05-28-2009 |
| 20090138024 | Surgical Auxiliary Tool for Covering of Exo-Serous Membrane Exposed Tumor and Method of Preventing Dissipation of Tumor Cell Attributed to Intra-Body Cavity Surgical Manipulation Therewith - A convenient surgical auxiliary tool for covering of exo-serous membrane exposed tumor, capable of preventing any man-caused dissipation of tumor cells attributed to surgical manipulation in the digestive organs, etc. There is provided a surgical auxiliary tool comprising a pair of frame members having the respective free end portions rotatably coupled with each other; an accommodation bag having its rim of opening portion fixed to the coupled pair of frame members; and a locking part disposed at substantially the center of the frame members and capable of maintaining the closed state of the pair of frame members. By virtue of this construction, the intestine on the periphery of an area of infiltration of the serous membrane can be pinched by means of the pair of frame members having the respective free end portions rotatably coupled with each other. Simultaneously, the intestine on the periphery of an area of infiltration of the serous membrane can be covered by the accommodation bag having its rim of opening portion fixed to the frame members. Further, the surgical auxiliary tool can be taken out from the body cavity inside to the body cavity outside while surely maintaining the state of covering the intestine on the periphery of an area of infiltration of the serous membrane by means of the locking part capable of maintaining the closed state of the coupled pair of frame members. | 05-28-2009 |
| 20090138025 | APPARATUS SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR FORMING A WORKING PLATFORM OF A ROBOTIC INSTRUMENT SYSTEM BY MANIPULATION OF COMPONENTS HAVING CONTROLLABLY RIGIDITY - Robotic instrument systems, apparatus, and methods for controllably manipulating the rigidity of a distal portion of one or more sheath catheters advanced through an elongate sheath to controllably form a temporary, substantially rigid platform from which other robotically controlled instruments may be manipulated. The platform is formed by one or more multi-segment sheath catheters that can be controlled to be flexible during advancement and substantially rigid at the target site, thereby reducing the length of the operational lever arm of the instrument. For this purpose, a sheath catheter includes a plurality segments that interlock and do not rotate when drawn together, and are connected by a control element, the tension of which may be manipulated by a robotic instrument system to transform the sheath catheter between a flexible state during advancement through the elongate sheath and a substantially rigid state when the sheath catheter is to serve as a platform or component thereof. | 05-28-2009 |
| 20090138026 | Water dermabrasion and skincare device and method thereof - A water dermabrasion and skincare device includes a water jet, a positive-pressure air compressor, a negative-pressure air compressor, a three-way flow control valve, a skincare container, a cuticle softening container and a waste water tank. The water jet is formed with a water outlet joint and a water inlet joint, which is connected to a water outputting end of the three-way flow control valve, while the water outlet joint is connected to the negative-pressure air compressor. Two water inputting ends of the three-way flow control valve are connected to a pure water bottle. When the three-way flow control valve is switched to a dermabrasion position or a skincare position, the negative-pressure air compressor can be started to generate a vacuum suction, which will suck pure water from the pure water bottle to flow into the water jet for executing a dermabrasion operation or a skincare operation. | 05-28-2009 |
| 20090138027 | DERMATOME WITH ULTRASONIC CUTTING BLADE - A dermatome assembly is operable to harvest a skin graft and includes an ultrasonic dermatome and a power supply. The ultrasonic dermatome includes a body and an ultrasonic blade assembly mounted in the body. The blade assembly includes a frequency generator and a cutting horn powered by the frequency generator. The cutting horn is spaced apart from the body so that the body is restricted from damping vibrational movement of the cutting horn. The dermatome assembly is operable to precisely control the thickness of the cut skin graft and also restrict the cutting horn from overheating. | 05-28-2009 |
| 20090138028 | Through the Scope Tension Member Release Clip - An apparatus for deployment of a hemostatic clip comprises a handle assembly, a shaft connected to a distal portion thereof and a clip assembly releasably coupled to a distal portion of the shaft. The clip assembly includes clip arms and a capsule cooperating with the clip arms to provide a first user feedback indicating a decision configuration of the clip assembly. In addition, the apparatus includes a control wire including a ball connector, the control wire extending from the handle assembly and coupled to the clip assembly by the ball connector to maintain the clip assembly coupled to the shaft, wherein the ball connector is detachable from the clip assembly to provide a second user feedback indicating separation of the clip assembly from the shaft. | 05-28-2009 |
| 20090138029 | Suture passing instrument and method - In one embodiment, a continuous suture passer device may include a first jaw, a second jaw, a tissue penetrator which may penetrate through tissue positioned between the first and second jaws, and a suture shuttle which may be releasably secured to the tissue penetrator and adapted to carry a suture. Further, the device may include an actuator which may manipulate at least one of the first or second jaws and the tissue penetrator, and the second jaw may have a suture shuttle retainer seat on which the suture shuttle may be releasably secured. The tissue penetrator may be movable towards the second jaw such that the suture shuttle carried by the tissue penetrator may be transferred to the shuttle retainer seat on the second jaw. Additionally, the first and second jaws may be substantially parallel to one another at any position to which the at least one jaw is manipulated. Additionally, the tissue penetrator may travel along an arcuate path from a first position, recessed within the first jaw, to a second position where the tissue penetrator extends through the tissue to be positioned in communication with the second jaw. Further, the at least one jaw may be manipulated such that it travels along a path that is substantially the same arcuate path traveled by the tissue penetrator. A method for passing a suture through tissue includes manipulation to transfer a suture shuttle adapted to carry a suture between a tissue penetrator and a second jaw. | 05-28-2009 |
| 20090138030 | DEVICE AND A METHOD FOR ANASTOMOSIS | 05-28-2009 |
| 20090138031 | Thrombectomy catheter with a helical cutter - A thrombectomy catheter including two major members: a cutter of the helically wounded structure and also a cutter of the tubular shape which is located coaxially with the first one. The outside diameter of the helical cutter fits inside diameter of tubular one with a small gap. Thus they cold move independently. Each of them is equipped with the cutting edges on their distal area. Due to this feature the catheter is able to cut off the major portion of the obstacle from a vessel without its fragmentation and safe removing it off the vessel. The catheter is also providing blood perfusion during the surgery as well as provides opportunity for the monitoring of the operation by means of ultrasound, visual etc. devices during the operation. The original flexible design of the helical cutter also prevents the damage of the vessel. | 05-28-2009 |
| 20090138032 | Tissue penetration device - A tissue penetration device and method of using same. The tissue penetration device may optionally include sampling and analyzing functions, which may be integrated. An embodiment provides control of a lancet used for sampling blood. Electric field coils or solenoids may drive the lancet using electromagnetic force. Advancement and retraction of a lancet may be controlled by a feedback loop monitoring the position and velocity of the lancet embodiments of the lancet driver can be configured to follow a predetermined tissue lancing profile. Embodiments of the invention include a lancet and method for using a lancet to maintain the patency of the wound tract once the lancet has cut into the skin. | 05-28-2009 |
| 20090138033 | Aortic punch - An aortic punch including a handle mechanism and punch cartridge for interchangeability of a variety of cartridges with a common handle. | 05-28-2009 |
| 20090138034 | Surgical obturator - In a surgical obturator for piercing a body wall, comprising a tubular housing that at one end forms an introduction tip with a continuously decreasing diameter, and comprising a blade projecting from the introduction tip for making an incision in the body wall, in order to reduce the risk of injury during piercing of the body wall it is proposed that the introduction tip comprises a central protective cap, which is displaceable in longitudinal direction relative to the introduction tip between an advanced inoperative position and a retracted working position, that the blade in the housing is displaceable in longitudinal direction between an advanced cutting position and a retracted protected position, that disposed in the housing is a retraction device that displaces the blade from the cutting position into the protected position, and that the retraction device may be activated by a displacement of the protective cap from the working position into the inoperative position. | 05-28-2009 |
| 20090138035 | Filter for Thrombus Capture Catheter - It is an object to provide a filter for thrombus capture catheters with a thin wall and a sufficient strength and a method of producing the same. A filter for thrombus capture catheters is produced by a method comprising the steps of: arranging a plurality of wires so as to run helically and cross each other, thereby forming a cross wire assembly | 05-28-2009 |
| 20090138036 | BIOABSORBABLE DETACHABLE COIL AND METHODS OF USE AND MANUFACTURE - Described herein are various implant delivery methods and systems that include an implantable medical device secured to a pusher wire with biomaterial. The biomaterial is selected to controllably decouple the implantable medical device from the pusher wire after exposure to a flushing agent. | 05-28-2009 |
| 20090138037 | STRAIN LIMITING TETHER FOR A CATHETER - A catheter tip and a catheter system are provided. The catheter tip includes a shaft which comprises at least two segments at a distal end portion thereof, wherein the at least two segments define a reception space for receiving a filter element; an expandable tip body; and at least two tethers connecting the segments. The catheter system includes a guide catheter; and a retrieval catheter for insertion into the guide catheter, the retrieval catheter having a catheter tip including a shaft which comprises at least two segments at a distal end portion thereof, wherein the at least two segments define a reception space for receiving a filter element; an expandable tip body; and at least two tethers connecting the segments. | 05-28-2009 |
| 20090138038 | EMBOLIC FILTER DEVICE AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING THE SAME - An embolic filter device and method of manufacturing the same are provided. The method includes reducing a wall thickness of a tube in a central region between a proximal end portion and a distal end portion of the tube; cutting the proximal end portion of the tube to form an annular ring at a proximal end of the proximal end portion; cutting a plurality of slits in the central region; and expanding a portion of the tube between the annular ring and the distal end portion. The device includes a distal annular ring; a mesh connected to the distal annular ring; and a proximal annular ring connected to the mesh by at least two connecting portions. | 05-28-2009 |
| 20090138039 | HEMOSTATIC DEVICE - A hemostatic device includes a flexible band adapted to be wrapped around a patient's limb at a site on the limb where bleeding is to be stopped, a portion for securing the band in a wrapped state to the limb, a curved plate which is made of a material more rigid than the band and at least a portion of which is curved toward the inner peripheral side thereof, a main balloon which is provided on the inner peripheral side of the curved plate and which inflates when a fluid is introduced therein, and a pressing member which is provided between the curved plate and the main balloon so that at least a portion thereof overlaps with the balloon and which is adapted for pressing against the balloon. The device provides an excellent hemostatic effect and prevents numbness and poor circulation in areas peripheral to the site of attachment. | 05-28-2009 |
| 20090138040 | CRANIUM APPARATUS - A cranial apparatus for applying pressure and/or decompression to a patient's skull, the cranial apparatus includes: a means for providing left and right reversible inflation against the left and right sides of a patient's skull; a means for providing opposing left and right counter forces in the x-axis; a means for providing downward pressure in the y-plane against the top of a patient's skull; a means for providing a counter-force in an upwards direction in the y-axis; and a means for providing working fluid to the means for providing left and right reversible inflation against the left and right sides of a patient's skull. | 05-28-2009 |
| 20090138041 | Halogenated Cyclic Lactones and Polymers Made Therefrom - Halogenated cyclic lactones, polymers made from halogenated cyclic lactones and compositions containing such polymers provide antimicrobial properties and are suitable for use in making textiles, medical devices, delivery agents, packaging materials, coatings for such items, and the like. | 05-28-2009 |
| 20090138042 | Adjustable loop knotless anchor - An adjustable loop knotless anchor assembly having an adjustable loop suture element that utilizes an adjustable or sliding knot for length adjustment during a tissue repair. The slidable knot is located on a sleeve that is placed into a bone mass for capturing an anchor element. The anchor element captures the adjustable loop and then is inserted into the sleeve. The anchor element is adjusted for securing it in a locked position within the sleeve for secure attachment of the anchor element therein. | 05-28-2009 |
| 20090138043 | THREADED ACCESS CANNULA AND METHODS OF USING THE SAME - Medical devices and methods for accessing a biological body are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a method includes inserting a cannula at least partially into a vertebra such that a threaded portion of the cannula secures the cannula to a portion of a cortical bone of the vertebra and forms a channel within the cortical bone. A medical device is inserted at least partially through the cannula such that a distal end portion of the medical device is disposed within a portion of a cancellous bone of the vertebra. A medical procedure is performed within the cancellous bone using the medical device and then the cannula and the medical device are removed from the vertebra, leaving a channel in the vertebra having at least partially threaded interior walls. A bone screw that has threads configured to matingly engage the threaded channel is then inserted into the threaded channel. | 05-28-2009 |
| 20090138044 | STABILIZATION SYSTEM AND METHOD - The disclosure relates to systems and methods of spinal stabilization. Embodiments include methods of delivering a rod having a non-circular cross-sectional profile using a wire having an accommodating non-circular cross-sectional profile to inhibit movement of a rod relative to the wire. A surgical system can comprise a first sleeve advanced via a first incision to a vertebra, a second sleeve advanced via a second incision to another vertebra, a wire having a non-circular cross-sectional profile advanced via a third incision to the vertebrae and passed through the collars of bone fastener assemblies to extend from a fourth incision. A rod or a segment of a rod having a corresponding non-circular cross-sectional profile may be aligned with the wire and advanced and coupled with the vertebrae to stabilize the spine. After the rod is securely seated in the collars, the wire may be withdrawn from the body. | 05-28-2009 |
| 20090138045 | Distance-Keeping Inter-Process Implant - The invention concerns a distance-keeping inter-process implant with a body ( | 05-28-2009 |
| 20090138046 | Interspinous spacer - An implantable spacer for placement between adjacent spinous processes in a spinal motion segment is provided. The spacer includes a body defining a longitudinal passageway. A first arm and a second arm are connected to the body. Each arm has a pair of extensions and a saddle defining a receiving portion configured for seating a spinous process of a scoliotic spine or a spine with misaligned spinous processes. Each arm has a proximal caming surface and is capable of rotation with respect to the body. An actuator assembly is disposed inside the longitudinal passageway and connected to the body. When advanced, a threaded shaft of the actuator assembly contacts the caming surfaces of arms to rotate them from an undeployed configuration to a deployed configuration. In the deployed configuration, the distracted adjacent spinous processes are seated in the superior and inferior arms of the spacer. Variations adapted for scoliotic curves are provided. | 05-28-2009 |
| 20090138047 | TRANSVERSE CONNECTOR WITH CAM ACTIVATED ENGAGERS - An adjustable transverse connector connects orthopedic stabilization rods that may be parallel or skewed in orientation relative to each other The connector may include two sections that are joined together by a fastener. The connector may be adjustable in many ways. The overall length of the connector may be adjustable. The rod openings of the connector may be partially rotatable about a longitudinal axis of the connector. The two sections of the connector may be angulated. The connector may include cam locks that securely attach the connector to the rods. Rotating a cam lock may extend a rod engager into a rod opening. The rod engager may be a portion of the cam lock. The extension of the rod engager into a rod opening may push a rod against a body of the transverse connector to form a frictional engagement between the connector, the rod, and the rod engager. | 05-28-2009 |
| 20090138048 | INSTRUMENT FOR TENSIONING A FLEXIBLE TIE - A surgical system for stabilizing at least a portion of a spine is provided. In at least one embodiment, the system comprises a spinal rod, an implant, and an instrument. The instrument comprises a shaft, a moving part, and a holder. The implant comprises a flexible tie and may further comprise a bearing for bearing against the rod. The tie has at least one end that projects out from the implant. The shaft comprises a distal end configured to bear against the implant. The moving part is configured to move in translation with respect to the shaft and comprises an anti-return system. The holder is configured to hold an end of the tie and is connected to the moving part. The anti-return system engages the shaft for temporarily preventing the moving part from moving in translation relative to the shaft. | 05-28-2009 |
| 20090138049 | Vertebral Rod Assemblies and Methods - A vertebral rod assembly with first and second members that may rotate about a first axis. Each of the first and second members includes a base and a vertebral support rod extending from the base. An extension extends from the base on the first member into an opening formed in the base of the second member. A ring is sized to extend around the extension. A fastener engages with the ring to lock the first and second members, and to prevent relative rotation between the first member and second member. | 05-28-2009 |
| 20090138050 | NEUROPHYSIOLOGICAL APPARATUS AND PROCEDURES - Neurophysiological instruments and techniques are improved through various enhancements. Stimulation of an instrument is possible while it is advancing into the spine or elsewhere, alerting the surgeon to the first sign the instrument or device (screw) may be too near a nerve. A directional probe helps surgeons determine the location of the hole in the pedicle. Electrically insulating sleeves prevent shunting into the soft tissues. According to a different improvement, the same probe to be used to stimulate different devices, such as screws and wires. Electrical impulses may be recorded from non-muscle regions of the body, including the spine and other portions of the central nervous system as opposed to just the extremities. | 05-28-2009 |
| 20090138051 | Device for creating a bone implant - An osteonsynthesis implant has a plate-shaped base component having at least one hole, at least one axially extending rod-shaped tie rod having a first and a second end and at least one threaded component. The first end of the rod-shaped tie rod can be placed in the hole of the base component. The hole and the first end of the tie rod are formed such that the first end of the tie rod can be locked axially in the hole and is pivoted about an axis of the hole while locked to the plate. The second end of the tie rod is provided with a thread and the threaded component can be screwed onto the thread of the first tie rod. The tie rod can perform a pivoting movement of up to about 20 ° around the hole axis while locked in the plate hole. | 05-28-2009 |
| 20090138052 | BONE ANCHORING DEVICE - A bone anchoring device includes an anchoring element having a shank to be anchored in a bone or a vertebra, a rod for connecting at least two anchoring elements, the rod being made of an elastic material. The bone anchoring device further includes a receiving part being connected to the shank for receiving the rod, a seat for the rod being provided in the receiving part the seat having a rod contacting surface, and a locking device cooperating with the receiving part for fixation of the rod in the seat. The locking device includes a rod contacting surface, wherein the rod contacting surface of the seat and/or the rod contacting surface of the locking device includes an engagement structure for engaging the rod, the engagement structure having an asymmetric cross section. | 05-28-2009 |
| 20090138053 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR FACET JOINT STABILIZATION - A device for treating a facet joint of a patient, the facet joint including opposing, superior and inferior faces. The device includes a superior component and an inferior component each defining an anchoring surface configured to engage bone at a face of the facet joint and an articulating surface. The device is configured for percutaneous insertion into the facet joint, with the articulating surfaces abutting one another in a sliding interface. One or more instruments are included with the device as part of a percutaneous implantation kit, such as a dilator, a guide wire, and a sheath. | 05-28-2009 |
| 20090138054 | Bi-dicrectionally expandable sternal clamp device - A sizable sternal closure clamp device for securing and retaining longitudinally or transversely divided halves of a sternum, the device having four body members and four engagement members that are positioned in inter-rib spaces on both sides of the sternum. The body members are interconnected in a sliding or telescoping manner that allows the device to be expanded or contracted in two orthogonal directions. | 05-28-2009 |
| 20090138055 | Spacer insertion instrument - A percutaneous and minimally invasive instrument for inserting an interspinous process spacer into a patient is disclosed. The insertion instrument includes a first assembly connected to a handle assembly. The first assembly includes an inner shaft located inside an outer shaft and configured for relative translational motion with respect to the outer shaft. The relative translational motion causes one of the outer or inner shafts to move with respect to the other and thereby deflect at least one prong formed on one of the inner or outer shafts wherein such deflection causes engagement with a juxtapositioned interspinous spacer. The instrument further includes a driving tool configured for removable insertion into a proximal end of a passageway of the instrument. The driving tool has a distal spacer engaging portion configured to engage that part of the spacer requiring activation for deployment of the spacer from at least one undeployed configuration to at least one deployed configuration and vice versa. | 05-28-2009 |
| 20090138056 | METHODS AND DEVICES FOR MINIMALLY INVASIVE SPINAL FIXATION ELEMENT PLACEMENT - Minimally invasive methods and devices for introducing a spinal fixation element into a surgical site in a patient's spinal column are provided. In general, the method involves advancing a spinal fixation element in a first, lengthwise orientation along a pathway extending from a minimally invasive percutaneous incision to a spinal anchor site. As the spinal fixation element approaches the spinal anchor site, the fixation element can be manipulated to extend in a second orientation, which is preferably substantially transverse to the first orientation, to position the fixation element in relation to one or more spinal anchors. | 05-28-2009 |
| 20090138057 | ELECTROCARDIOGRAM MONITORING AND CARDIAC THERAPY PULSE DELIVERY SYSTEM AND METHOD - A cardiac therapy pulse delivery system includes a plurality of electrodes, an ECG signal processor circuit, and a pulse generator circuit. Each of the electrodes has at least one therapy element and at least one monitor element that are electrically insulated from one another. The ECG signal processor circuit is electrically coupled to each monitor element on each electrode and is operable to convert ECG signals detected by the monitor elements into ECG data. The cardiac pulse generator circuit is electrically coupled to each therapy element on each electrode and is operable to supply one or more cardiac therapy pulses thereto. | 05-28-2009 |
| 20090138058 | MRI OPERATION MODES FOR IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICES - One embodiment of the present invention relates to an implantable medical device (“IMD”) that can be programmed from one operational mode to another operational mode when in the presence of electro-magnetic interference (“EMI”). In accordance with this particular embodiment, the IMD includes a communication interface for receiving communication signals from an external device, such as a command to switch the IMD from a first operation mode to a second operation mode. The IMD further includes a processor in electrical communication with the communication interface, which is operable to switch or reprogram the IMD from the first operation mode to the second operation mode upon receiving a command to do so. In addition, the IMD includes a timer operable to measure a time period from when the processor switches the IMD to the second operation mode. In accordance with this aspect of the invention, the processor is in electrical communication with the timer, and is further operable to switch the IMD from the second operation mode back to the first operation mode when the measured time period reaches a predetermined time period. | 05-28-2009 |
| 20090138059 | Heart Defibrillator With Contactless ECG Sensor For Diagnostics/Effectivity Feedback - Heart defibrillator comprising a high-voltage power supply, a storage capacitor, and at least two electrodes, and at least one contactless biometric sensor. Since the biometric sensor does not need to be in contact with the skin of the patient, it maintains its sensing capabilities even through any regular clothing between the sensor and the body of which one or several biometric signal are to be measured. Therefore, an initial assessment of the health state of a patient can be quickly obtained. The high-voltage power supply, the storage capacitor and the at least two electrodes are used for producing an electrical pulse and applying said pulse to a patient. | 05-28-2009 |
| 20090138060 | INTRACARDIAL ELECTRODE LINE AND CARDIAC STIMULATOR - The invention relates to an intracardial implantable electrode line for connection to an implantable medical device, in particular a cardiac pacemaker or cardioverter/defibrillator or the like, which has an acceleration sensor in the area of its distal end, which is implemented to record and differentiate acceleration values in at least two different directions. The invention additionally relates to a cardiac stimulation configuration which also has a cardiac stimulator in addition to such an electrode line. | 05-28-2009 |
| 20090138061 | Stimulator For The Control of a Bodily Function - The present invention provides a device for the stimulation of smooth muscle tissue. The device includes a stimulator arranged to provide a signal to the smooth muscle tissue to control response of the smooth muscle tissue, and an interface arranged to allow programming of a controller of the stimulator. The interface may interact with an external controller. The device finds use in controlling smooth muscle tissue, such as a neosphincter, for the control of urinary or faecal incontinence in a patient. | 05-28-2009 |
| 20090138062 | Method for fitting a bone anchored hearing aid to a user and bone anchored bone conduction hearing aid system - The invention regards a method for programming a hearing aid wherein the hearing aid user is initially tested by subjecting the user to air borne sound and/or to bone transmitted vibrations, and based on the test results a bone conducting hearing threshold of a bone integrated bone conducting hearing aid is calculated, and further a bone conducting hearing aid is chosen and applied to a skin penetrating abutment which is firmly attached to a bone integrated fixture in the skull bone of the hearing aid user. According to the invention the vibrator in the chosen hearing aid is caused to vibrate at different frequencies and vibration levels and feed-back from the hearing aid user is obtained in order to obtain knowledge of the hearing aid users experienced hearing threshold with the attached hearing aid and finally the experienced hearing threshold is used to fine tune this same hearing aid for future wearing by the user. | 05-28-2009 |
| 20090138063 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR COOLING A REGION WITHIN THE BODY - Apparatus and methods for cooling selected regions within a body are described herein. An implantable cooling system is used to cool regions of the brain, spinal cord, fibrous nerve bodies, e.g., vagus nerve, etc. down to about 30° C. to diminish nerve impulses which control seizures or chronic pain. The system includes an implantable unit containing a pumping mechanism and/or various control electronics. It also has a heat exchanger attachable to a tubular body organ, such as the superior vena cava or the inferior vena cava, through which the heat is effectively dissipated. Also included is a heat pump such as a Peltier junction configured to be placed into contact with the region of tissue to be cooled. The heated portion of the Peltier junction is cooled by a liquid heat transfer medium which absorbs the heat from the junction and dissipates it into the tubular body organ. | 05-28-2009 |
| 20090138064 | Garment for Providing Back Support and Thermal Therapy - A garment combines features of posture braces, compression garments and thermal therapy devices in a single garment constructed in one piece and folded and reversibly affixed to form an undershirt-like structure fitting around the torso under the arms, thereby covering the back and extending between the cervical spine and the lumbo-sacral spinal region. On the back and front of the garment are a plurality of pouches which can contain a thermal unit which can heat or cool the back. In this manner, the garment can apply variable compression to the back and/or torso and/or abdomen horizontally and/or vertically, and can, independently of the compression, also, apply heat or cold to the back and/or torso. | 05-28-2009 |
| 20090138065 | DOUBLE LOADED STENT DELIVERY SYSTEM - A delivery system that is preloaded with a sleeve member and a metallic stent and method of delivery of the sleeve member and stent at a target stricture site are described. The method of delivery occurs in two stages. The first stage involves deployment of the sleeve member and the second stage involves deployment of the metallic stent within the interior region of the sleeve member. The sleeve member may be formed from a shape memory plastic which may also be biodegradable. The delivery system provides a method of deploying a covered stent that would not otherwise be possible because of limited introducer space. | 05-28-2009 |
| 20090138066 | Implant Deployment Apparatus - A delivery system including a restraining member maintains a collapsed implant in its collapsed state for delivery through a small passageway to a desired site in a mammalian body. Once the implant is positioned at the desired site, the restraining member is released so that the stent may expand or be expanded to its expanded state. In a preferred embodiment, the restraining member comprises a sheet of material that surrounds at least a portion of the collapsed stent. Portions of the restraining member are releasably coupled to one another with a low profile thread-like member or suture. | 05-28-2009 |
| 20090138067 | Expandable supportive branched endoluminal grafts - An endoluminal graft which is both expandable and supportive is provided in a form suitable for use in a branched body vessel location. The graft expands between a first diameter and a second, larger diameter. The support component is an expandable stent endoprosthesis. A liner is applied to the endoprosthesis in the form of a compliant wall material that is porous and biocompatible in order to allow normal cellular invasion upon implantation, without stenosis, when the expandable and supportive graft is at its second diameter. The supportive endoluminal graft is preferably provided as a plurality of components that are deployed separately at the branching body vessel location, one of which has a longitudinal seam defining leg portions within which the other components fit in a telescoping manner. | 05-28-2009 |
| 20090138068 | SECURING RODS AND MODULAR GRAFT SYSTEMS - Modular graft systems with conjoinable grafts comprising graft material with the system comprising a first and second graft prosthesis with mating ends, securing rods attached to one of the mating ends comprising at least one spike that juts from the securing rod. The other of the mating ends is double layered with graft material for receiving at least one spike in the first layer of graft material when the mating ends are conjoined. | 05-28-2009 |
| 20090138069 | Implantable Frame and Valve Design - Implantable prosthetic valves comprising support frames are provided. The support frames may include a plurality of symmetrically arrayed interconnected U-shaped member structures. Preferred support frames are tubular structures enclosing a longitudinal axis and including a plurality of U-shaped member structures facing a distal or a proximal end of the support frame. Each U-shaped member structure may be connected to a single longitudinally adjacent U-shaped member facing in an opposite longitudinal direction, as well as two laterally adjacent U-shaped members. | 05-28-2009 |
| 20090138070 | Stent Apparatuses for Treatment Via Body Lumens and Methods of Use - An enhanced stent apparatus, comprising: a support element, wherein the support element is constructed to be positioned in a body lumen; and, a porous structure, the porous structure located on a surface of the support element, and wherein the porous structure is comprised of at least one fiber under 30 microns in diameter, has a coverage area of less than 30% and is provided with apertures. | 05-28-2009 |
| 20090138071 | Cardia Stent - The present invention relates to a medical stent, and in particular to a cardia stent for treatment on the narrow carida of the oesophagus. The cardia stent according to the present invention is woven by wires of shape memory NiTi alloy. There is a drum-shaped locating port at its upper end, and a trumpet-shaped locating port at its lower end. The upper drum-shaped locating port is connected with the lower trumpet-shaped locating port by a supporting net tube. The remaining portions other than the drum-shaped locating port are coated with a membrane of medical flexible material that can be implanted into a human body. The cardia stent comprises at least an anti-reflux valve. The anti-reflux valve is of a triple-petal structure protruding downward that is made from a membrane of medical flexible material that can be implanted into a human body. The cardia stent has the advantages of: difficult to shift, matching with carida anatomy, high anti-reflux ability, easy operation, resisting the corrosion of gastric juice, and it can be used in expansion treatment on the narrow carida caused by variable reasons. | 05-28-2009 |
| 20090138072 | Devices, systems, and methods for endovascular staple and/or prosthesis delivery and implantation - Devices, systems, and methods for implanting expandable prostheses in the body lumens rely on stapling or anchoring the prostheses with separately introduced fasteners. The prostheses may be self-expanding or balloon expandable, and may include a single lumen or more than one lumen. After initial placement, a stapling system is introduced within the expanded prosthesis to deploy a plurality of fasteners to at least one prosthesis end. The stapling system may apply a force to the prosthesis to modify the shape of the prosthesis to conform to the shape of the vessel wall. The stapling system can be deflected in one or more distinct steerable segments. A lumen extension or lumens may be coupled to the prosthesis to extend the reach of the prosthesis within the implantation site. Fasteners may also be applied to the lumen extensions. | 05-28-2009 |
| 20090138073 | Bifurcation Stent Assembly - A stent assembly comprises a stent and a side branch flap. The stent has a substantially tubular body which defines a primary lumen and is comprised of a plurality of interconnected stent members. Adjacent stent members define a plurality of stent openings that extend through the body and which are in fluid communication with the primary lumen. At least one stent opening is a side branch opening. The side branch flap is a non-tubular body having a planar structure. A first region of the planar structure is overlappingly positioned across a portion of the side branch opening prior to deployment. A second region of the planar structure is engaged to a portion of the body of the stent immediately adjacent to the perimeter of the side branch opening. When the assembly is deployed the first region of the flap is displaced radially outward from the side branch opening. | 05-28-2009 |
| 20090138074 | DECELLULARIZED EXTRACELLULAR MATRIX OF CONDITIONED BODY TISSUES AND USES THEREOF - The invention is directed to an apparatus, such as a medical device, having a surface coated or covered with a decellularized extracellular matrix or having a component comprising the decellularized extracellular matrix for implantation into a subject, preferably a human. In one embodiment of the invention, a decellularized extracellular matrix is used to form a bodily implant such as a vein, an artery, an esophagus, or a ventricular restraining device. In some embodiments of the invention, the decellularized extracellular matrix is configured to be a time released therapeutic. In another embodiment of the invention, a decellularized extracellular matrix forms an aneurysm treatment device, such as an aneurysm coil, a seal, a pouch, or a filler. In a further embodiment of the invention, decellularized extracellular matrix is used to embolize lesions, tumors, or vessels. Methods for making the tissue regeneration scaffold and methods for manufacturing a coated or covered medical device having a component comprising decellularized extracellular matrix of body tissues are also provided. | 05-28-2009 |
| 20090138075 | Bifurcated Stent with Drug Wells for Specific Ostial, Carina, and Side Branch Treatment - The invention is directed to a stent that delivers multiple therapeutic regimens from different regions of the stent. | 05-28-2009 |
| 20090138076 | MEDICAL DEVICES FOR DELIVERY OF THERAPEUTIC AGENTS - The present invention is generally directed to medical devices, and more specifically to medical devices that are at least partially insertable or implantable into the body of a patient. The medical devices generally comprise (a) a therapeutic agent, more typically, a high-molecular-weight therapeutic agent, and (b) at least one polymeric layer, which typically acts to control the release of the therapeutic agent from the medical device. Also disclosed herein are methods of making such medical devices. | 05-28-2009 |
| 20090138077 | Articles having ceramic coated surfaces - According to an aspect of the invention, articles are provided which comprise a substrate and a ceramic coating which covers at least a portion of the substrate surface. The ceramic coating includes raised ceramic shells connected by a ceramic layer that is conformal with the substrate. According to another aspect of the present invention, carbon nanotubes are provided, which comprise a ceramic coating covering at least a portion of the carbon nanotubes. | 05-28-2009 |
| 20090138078 | Remodelable Prosthetic Valve - Prosthetic medical devices with delayed valve function and in situ remodeling of a portion thereof are provided, as well as methods of manufacturing the medical devices and methods of treatment using the medical devices. The medical devices may be adapted to initially maintain a remodelable material within a body vessel in a first configuration suitable to contact the remodelable material with a body fluid contacting the remodelable material for a first time period or a second configuration adapted to regulate the flow of body fluid contacting the remodelable material. The medical devices may include a releasable holding member configured to retain the remodelable material in the first configuration. | 05-28-2009 |
| 20090138079 | PROSTHETIC HEART VALVE FOR TRANSFEMORAL DELIVERY - Apparatus is provided that includes a valve prosthesis for attachment to a native valve complex of a subject. The prosthesis includes a support frame, which is shaped so as to define a plurality of axial support arches, which extend in a radially outward direction, and are configured to apply, regardless of a rotational orientation of the support frame with respect to the native valve complex, an upstream axial force to a downstream side of one or more native structures selected from the group consisting of: native leaflet tips of the native valve complex, and native valve commissures. The support frame is also shaped so as to define an upstream skirt, which is configured to apply a downstream axial force on an upstream side of the native valve complex. The prosthesis further includes a prosthetic heart valve, coupled to a portion of the support frame. Other embodiments are also described. | 05-28-2009 |
| 20090138080 | Method for Controlling a Blood Pump - A blood pump is temporarily operated at a low rotational speed lying below a design rotational speed. This involves a risk of thrombogenesis since flow detachments may occur at blades of an impeller of the rotary blood pump. For eliminating deposits at said impeller, the rotational speed of said pump is temporarily increased to the design rotational speed. Alternatively, said pump alternately operates at said design rotational speed and a low rotational speed, and this pulsed operation is synchronized with the heart rate. | 05-28-2009 |
