24th week of 2009 patent applcation highlights part 50 |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20090149782 | Non-Invasive Neural Stimulation - The present invention is a system for the non-contact stimulation of excitable tissue. A primary purpose is reducing the perception of pain in those people who suffer from persistent pain. Apparatus is described for adjusting the position of the stimulation region. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149783 | System And Method For A Cooperative Arm Therapy And Corresponding Rotation Module - A system for arm therapy of a user comprises a device for determining the position of the user, a first drive, an upper arm rotation module, an upper arm cuff, at least one hinge movably connecting the upper arm cuff and the first drive, a second drive, and a rotation drive provided on the upper arm rotation module itself. The upper arm cuff is connected to the arm of the user and has a substantially hollow-cylindrical shape when it is closed. The first drive and the second drive are adapted to place the upper arm rotation module in a defined spatial position, and the rotation drive is adapted to turn the upper arm cuff about its main axis relative to the outer part of the upper arm rotation module. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149784 | MASSAGE UNIT AND MASSAGE MACHINE OF CHAIR TYPE HAVING THE UNIT - A pivotal lever has a first therapeutic member and a second therapeutic member positioned below the first member, for the members to grip and knead the shoulder of the person to be massaged as by the fingers of the acupressurist. A massage unit | 2009-06-11 |
20090149785 | Massage device - The invention relates to a massage device which is intended for a massage chair, consisting of a support for an eccentric rotating shaft ( | 2009-06-11 |
20090149786 | Cast cover - A protective cover for a cast. Exemplary embodiments include a cover for a lower arm cast including an optional thumb cover. Exemplary embodiments may be constructed from resilient foam located within a protective shell, and the protective shell may include fasteners arranged to retain the cast cover around the cast. An exemplary thumb cover includes a plurality of pockets, each of which holds a thumb pad. The exemplary thumb cover may be installed on the cast prior to installing the cast cover, and the thumb cover may extend through an opening in the cast cover. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149787 | SHOULDER STABILIZER SYSTEM - An orthopedic stabilization device for use on a shoulder of a wearer for shoulder stabilization includes a torso portion having a closed end side and an open end side, the torso portion adapted to be secured around an upper torso of the wearer, a sleeve disposed on the torso closed end side, the sleeve adapted to be secured around a shoulder and an upper arm of the wearer, and a first plurality of straps, connected at their proximal end to the sleeve, the first plurality of straps having a first plurality of fasteners disposed at their distal end. The orthopedic stabilization device further includes a second plurality of straps having a second plurality of fasteners disposed at each end, whereby customizable restriction of shoulder movement may be attained by securing the first and second plurality of straps to the torso portion at various positions. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149788 | Forward head posture correction collar - A forward head position correction collar is provided which in combination includes a shoulder collar assembly, a chin mastoid piece for engaging and positioning the head of a wearer of the collar; and interconnecting means for interconnecting the chin piece to the collar assembly as to enable the chin piece to be manually and preferably incrementally adjustable with respect to the shoulder collar assembly in a Z-direction to thereby adjust the supported head of the wearer from the forward head position to an increasingly corrected position. The interconnecting means is further adapted for displacing the chin-mastoid piece in a vertical direction with respect to the shoulder collar assembly simultaneously with and proportional to the incremental adjustment of the chin-mastoid piece along the Z-axis. The proportional vertical displacement with respect to the z axis displacement for the chin-mastoid support piece is that yielded by a point moving at about a 5 to 25 degree slope with respect to the horizontal Z-axis. The correction collar may further include a lordosis correction assembly secured to the rear of the collar and engageable with the rear of the wearer for applying corrective forces to at least one or more of the cervical vertebrae of the wearer. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149789 | Device to treat and/or prevent shoulder subluyation - A device intended to provide stabilization of a subluxed joint through a pneumatic air chamber combined with a plurality of straps designed to provide ease of use to the patient with a subluxed shoulder joint. This pneumatic sling will allow the user to operate this device with one upper extremity and improves independence to this population. The combination of the air chamber to the sling will provide added comfort by conforming to the discrepancies of an individual's body contours. The design of this invention with the manual pump and release valve will allow the ease of donning and doffing the device. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149790 | ORTHOTIC DEVICE SPANNING ELBOW - An orthotic for mounting on a user's arm comprises an upper cuff that is removeably attachable to the user's arm at a point above the elbow joint. A lower cuff is removeably attachable to the user's arm at a point below the elbow joint, and is rotationally fixed to the forearm. At least one flexible elongated member having a first end that is releasably coupled to the upper cuff and an opposite second end that is releasably coupled to the lower cuff. The upper cuff and the lower cuff are configured to move in more than one plane with respect to one another. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149791 | STABILIZATION WEDGE FOR ULCER PREVENTION AND THERAPEUTIC/TREATMENT BOOT - A device for stabilizing a limb, typically when the limb is in a prevention and therapeutic/treatment boot. A wedge-shaped stabilization block includes an outwardly-extending tether. In one form of the invention, a fastener in the form of spaced fastener elements is located on the tether for securing the stabilization block in place. In a second form of the invention, the stabilization block is permanently affixed to the boot and may include fastener elements for engaging complementary fastener elements on the boot. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149792 | COMPOSITION FOR WOUND MANAGEMENT - A wound dressing composition and a method of using that composition to enhance the protection and isolation of a minor wound. The composition contains at least one ingredient selected from mature Bamboo stalk pulp or derivatives thereof, an adhesive that adheres to skin selected from the families of synthetic and natural elastomers and a hydrophilic compound. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149793 | HOOF BANDAGES - A bandage for a hoof, including a sheet material having a central body portion and a plurality of palmate lobes radiating outwardly from a central body portion. Straps extend from opposed sides of a lobe adjacent the back side of the hoof and are secured to an exterior portion of the bandage adjacent the toe of the hoof when the bandage is installed on the hoof. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149794 | Adhesive Preparation - An adhesive preparation comprising a stretchable support and an adhesive layer laminated on at least one side of the support, wherein
| 2009-06-11 |
20090149795 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR BLOOD WITHDRAWAL AND INFUSION USING A PRESSURE CONTROLLER - A method and apparatus for controlling blood withdrawal and infusion flow rate with the use of a pressure controller. The pressure controller uses pressure targets based upon occlusion limits that are calculated as a function of flow. The controller has the ability to switch from controlling withdrawal pressure to controlling infusion pressure based upon the detection of an occlusion. The controller distinguishes between partial and total occlusions of the withdrawal vein providing blood access. Depending on the nature of occlusion, the controller limits or temporarily reverses blood flow and, thus, prevents withdrawal vessel collapse or reverses blood flow to quickly infuse blood into the vessel without participation from operator. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149796 | Use of Iontophoresis and Ultrasound to Deliver Melanin or Other Chromophores for Laser Hair Removal - The method disclosed includes combining iontophoresis and ultrasound to deliver the appropriate chromophores to blonde, grey, white, vellus, and other non-pigmented or laser resistant hair follicles to facilitate photothermolysis hair removal using a laser, Intense Pulsed Light (IPL), a combination of laser and RF energy, or a combination of IPL and RF. This technique preferentially ultra-exposes the hair follicles to light energy which is absorbed preferentially by naturally and synthetic elements in and around the hair follicle. The result is focused photothermolysis damage resulting in death of the hair producing tissue. The combined use of iontophoresis and ultrasound with the appropriate chromophore and laser light allows for immediate and permanent removal of unwanted hair in selected locations on the body of mammals. This combination is so effective that the patient can be treated with single, or at least minimal, office visitations, thereby eliminating the need to continuously prepare and re-prepare the skin with melanin or other chromophores prior to multiple—in office—laser or IPL treatments for completing desired hair removal results. Additionally, this method discloses the use of iontophoresis together with High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) and also Radio Frequency (RF) energy combined with High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) to specifically provide necrotizing energy doses to target the regenerative zones of the hair and accomplish hair removal. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149797 | System for reversible chemical modulation of neural activity - Methods and related systems for modulating neural activity by repetitively blocking conduction in peripheral neural structures with chemical blocking agents are disclosed. Methods and systems for reversing effects of chemical blocking agents and/or for producing substantially permanent conduction block are also disclosed. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149798 | Implant system for chemical modulation of neural activity - Methods and related systems for modulating neural activity by repetitively blocking conduction in peripheral neural structures with chemical blocking agents are disclosed. Implantable systems for delivery of chemical blocking agents are disclosed. Methods and systems for reversing effects of chemical blocking agents and/or for producing substantially permanent conduction block are also disclosed. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149799 | Method for chemical modulation of neural activity - Methods and related systems for modulating neural activity by repetitively blocking conduction in peripheral neural structures with chemical blocking agents are disclosed. Methods and systems for reversing effects of chemical blocking agents and/or for producing substantially permanent conduction block are also disclosed. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149800 | IONTOPHORETIC DRUG DELIVERY DEVICE AND SOFTWARE APPLICATION - The iontophoretic drug delivery system includes electrodes controlled by a microprocessor controller to drive charged molecules contained in a drug reservoir through the skin into the issues of a patient. The iontophoretic drug delivery system further includes an antenna connected to the programmable microprocessor. The antenna allows for the programming of the microprocessor and for the exchange of patient, drug, and treatment related information between the microprocessor and an external device. The iontophoretic drug delivery system is also provided with buttons to allow a patient to manually activate the drug delivery system. The iontophoretic drug delivery system is housed within a thin polyester film membrane. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149801 | METHOD OF INDUCING TRANSVERSE MOTION IN LANGEVIN TYPE TRANSDUCERS USING SPLIT ELECTRODING OF CERAMIC ELEMENTS - A Langevin transducer horn uses split electroding or selective electroding of transducer elements and phase relationships of the voltages applied thereto to determine the relative longitudinal and flexural/transverse motion induced in the tip of the horn. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149802 | Surgical System Including a Trap for Noise-Inducing Materials - The present invention provides a surgical system | 2009-06-11 |
20090149803 | System for Providing Blood Glucose Measurements to an Infusion Device - An infusion system includes a characteristic determining device and an infusion device. The characteristic determining device includes a receptacle for receiving and testing an analyte from the user to determine a concentration of the analyte in the user. The characteristic determining device also includes a communication system for transmitting a communication including data indicative of the determined concentration of the analyte in the user, and the infusion device includes a communication system for receiving the communication from the characteristic determining device. The infusion device further includes a bolus estimator for calculating an estimated amount of fluid to be infused into the body of the user based upon the received data indicative of the determined concentration of the analyte in the user and a target concentration of the analyte in the user, and an indicator to indicate when the estimated amount of fluid to be infused has been calculated. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149804 | Mother's Milk Container Closure and Attachment Assembly - An integral container closure securely seals the contents, such as breastmilk, within a container as well as provides for the rotary attachment of the container to other structures such as a breastpump. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149805 | DUAL-FUNCTION CATHETER HANDLE - A dual function catheter handle is provided for simultaneous movement of two control wires. The catheter handle has a handle housing having proximal and distal ends and a generally hollow interior. A core is mounted in the interior of the handle housing, the core having a longitudinal slot therethrough. A first moveable member is provided with a proximal end mounted in the interior of the handle housing and a distal end extending outside the handle housing. The first moveable member is longitudinally moveable relative to the handle housing. A second moveable member is mounted in the longitudinal slot of the core and is longitudinally moveable relative to the core and handle housing. The second moveable member has a threaded surface. A rotatable member is mounted on the handle housing. The rotatable member has a threaded inner surface that mates with the threaded surface of the second moveable member so that rotation of the rotatable member causes longitudinal movement of the second moveable member. The first moveable member and second moveable member are capable of simultaneously moving proximally relative to the handle housing. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149806 | Embolism Filter with Self-Deployable Guidewire Stop - An embolism filter adapted to selectively stop an embolism filter along a length of guidewire, including a filter adapted to encircle a guidewire and at least one self-deploying stop attached to the filter and which selectively stops movement of said filter. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149807 | Exhaust-pressure-operated balloon catheter system - An exhaust-pressure-operated balloon catheter system which is a cross stream thrombectomy catheter, such as, but not limited to, an Angiojet® catheter with a flexible and expandable balloon, wherein the balloon is formed from and is continuous with the catheter tube which, in part, forms the cross stream thrombectomy catheter, wherein the balloon is deployable and expandable about the distal region of the cross stream thrombectomy catheter to act as an occluder device, and wherein the balloon is located proximal to the fluid jet emanator and inflow and outflow orifices upstream of ablative cross stream flows. The balloon is expandably deployed by the exhaust or back pressure created by the operation of the cross stream flows as generated by the fluid jets of the operating exhaust-pressure-operated balloon catheter system. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149808 | Rapid Exchange Balloon Catheter and Method for Making Same - A rapid exchange balloon catheter having a proximal end and a distal end, said catheter comprising: a tubular metal shaft body extending from the proximal end along a majority of the total length and having an inflation lumen arranged therein, a plastics distal end portion bonded to the metal body in extension thereof, said distal end portion being provided with an inflation lumen in communication with a balloon, and a guide wire lumen, said guide wire lumen extending from a proximal side port to a distal end opening. To reduce the resistance to kinking, the metal body comprises a transitional region having reduced stiffness at the position of bonding to the plastics distal end portion compared to a more proximal position along the metal body. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149809 | OVERLAPPING DISPLAY - A device for administering an injectable product including a housing, a viewing element formed on or in the housing to create a view area, an emptying display movable inside and/or relative to the housing at least partially in or through the view area, and a view release member movable relative to the housing, wherein the visiability of the emptying display can be changed, reduced or eliminated by moving the view release member. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149810 | Implantable Infusion Devices Including Apparatus For Confirming Fluid Flow And Systems, Apparatus And Methods Associated With Same - Implantable infusion apparatus, systems and methods that involve the use of a sensor that is associated with the catheter outlet. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149811 | FLUID VOLUME MEASUREMENT DEVICE FOR MEDICAL USE - Medical device for the delivery and/or the extraction of fluid to and/or from a patient, said medical device comprising a pumping unit ( | 2009-06-11 |
20090149812 | NEEDLE GUIDANCE APPARATUS - The present invention relates to a needle guidance apparatus. The needle guidance apparatus comprises a needle guide configured for location in relation to a site on the human or animal body. The needle guidance apparatus is also configured to cooperate with a needle such that the needle is moveable at a predetermined angle in relation to the needle guide. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149813 | TROCAR SEAL WITH REDUCED CONTACT AREA - Seal assemblies or valves, generally for use in trocar assemblies, are provided for reducing the amount of contact between an instrument being passed into and out of a trocar assembly and an inner surface of a sealing wall of such seal assemblies or valves. In one exemplary embodiment a valve includes an activation extension that is formed on the inner surface of the sealing wall of the valve and is configured such that a distal end of the sealing wall is moved to the open position by an instrument contacting the activation extension. In one embodiment the instrument does not come into contact with the inner surface of the sealing wall during the procedure. In another embodiment a distal-most end of the activation extension can be closer to a longitudinal axis extending through the flange than the inner surface of the sealing wall. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149814 | CATHETER STRESS RELIEVER AND STABILIZER - A stabilization and support for a catheter provides stress distribution for the loads otherwise imposed by the catheter interface hardware such as the base and hub components that may otherwise cause stresses in the skin and associated damage and sores. A mount is sized to support a catheter installation extending substantially tangentially to the surface of the skin of a subject, thus permitting stabilization of the catheter without exposing the skin to the sharp, highly stressful edges of catheter equipment. A transparent securement renders the catheter available for visual inspection of the condition of the catheter and the surrounding skin. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149815 | Medication dosing system based upon patient classification codes - Medication dosing system for one or more medications based on patient classification codes and standardized dosage units, where the patient classification codes are correlated with one or more characteristics of the patient, such as weight or age, and each medication is formulated so that the dosage unit for the classification code contains the recommended amount of medication for patients within that classification code. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149816 | LOW EXTRACTABLE, THERMOPLASTIC SYRINGE AND TIP CAP - A prefilled syringe and syringe assembly having a syringe and a tip cap are produced from materials that do not interfere with the substance contained in the syringe and enable long term storage. The tip cap is made from a blend of a cyclic olefin polymer or copolymer and a thermoplastic elastomer. The thermoplastic elastomer is blended with the cyclic olefin copolymer in an amount so that the normally stiff and hard cyclic olefin copolymer is flexible and resilient to effectively seal and couple to the tip of a prefilled syringe. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149817 | Pre-Filled Hypodermic Syringe Fitted With a Stoppering Device - A pre-filled hypodermic syringe includes a tubular body having two open ends and containing a fluid to be administered to a patient; a plunger which, having at one of its ends a piston mounted to slide in the tubular body, passes through the opening of the first end of the tubular body; a tip for connection in the form of a cone of the Luer or Luer-Lock type, for example for connecting to a needle or to a drip, intended to pass the fluid that is to be administered and comprising a tubular part communicating with the opening of the second end; the tip comprising an obturator connected by a frangible region to the free end of its tubular part, the syringe being made of a synthetic material and obtained by molding, the obturator being molded as one piece with the tip and the tubular body. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149818 | Apparatus and Method for Application of a Pharmaceutical to The Tympanic Membrane for Photodynamic Laser Myringotomy - A packaged kit for performing a photodynamic laser myringotomy includes a plurality of ear needles having different shaped absorbent applicators on distal ends of the needles, a vial of a single dose of an otologic formulation of mitomycin-C, a diluent carrier containing sterilized water, and a syringe. The component parts of the kit are used together to reconstitute the contents of the vial with the water in the diluent carrier, and then draw the reconstituted drug into the syringe. A selected one of the plurality of ear needles is then communicated with the syringe. The syringe and needle are then used to inject the reconstituted drug into the absorbent pad at the end of the needle, and the absorbent pad containing the drug is used to apply the drug to the tympanic membrane. The application of the drug to the tympanic membrane prepares the membrane for a myringotomy procedure, and in particular, a photodynamic laser myringotomy. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149819 | Device for Reducing Microbial Contamination - A medical device for use in connection with a connector of an indwelling line for cleansing a surface of a septum of the connector is provided. The medical device includes a housing including a proximal portion defining a cavity containing a quantity of microbial reducing agent, a distal portion defining a cavity for selective coupling with the connector of the indwelling line, and a partition separating the proximal and distal cavities, wherein the proximal and distal cavities are in fluid communication with one another; and a deformable member overlying an end of the proximal portion for maintaining the microbial reducing agent within the proximal cavity thereof. The microbial reducing agent being dispensable into the distal cavity, at least when the medical device is connected to the connector of the indwelling line, to awash a surface of the connector of the indwelling line and reduce microbes present thereon. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149820 | CARDIOVASCULAR ACCESS CATHETER WITH SLIT VALVE - Two-way, three-position and one-way, two-position slit valves in cardiovascular access catheters with closed distal ends have slit geometries configured to overcome adhesion between opposed abutting slit faces, when pressure differentials are applied between the interior and the exterior of the catheter. Portions of the slit are oriented at a non-zero angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the catheter causing shear forces to be generated in abutting slit faces. Shear forces arise from tangential, radial, or longitudinal stresses generated in the catheter body. Slit geometries are planar or curved or include multiple end-to-end connected slit subsections. If a slit partially circumscribes a portion of the adjacent outer wall of the catheter body, restraint to outward and inward movement on that portion is reduced. Slit valves are configured to open inwardly to aspirate fluids, to open outwardly to infuse fluids, or both. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149821 | NOVEL PORTABLE ELECTROCHEMICAL DEVICES FOR DUAL ACTION WOUND HEALING - A portable, self-contained device is described for the topical application of oxygen and the removal of wound exudates to promote the healing of skin wounds. The device includes a wound dressing that incorporates at least one electrochemical cell for generating oxygen. The device can regulate the supply of oxygen to the wound at various concentrations, pressures and dosages and is used to produce a high concentration of oxygen at the wound site. By reversing the polarity of the power source a reduced pressure can be created in a reservoir attached to our device. The reduced pressure in the reservoir draws naturally flowing exudates away from the wound. Alternately, two reverse polarity cells are used to alternately supply oxygen and draw away exudates. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149822 | APPARATUS HAVING A FIBROUS SKIN-CONTACTABLE ELEMENT CONTAINING AN AGENT - The invention features an apparatus for delivering mechanical energy to an expanse of skin, wherein the apparatus includes: (a) a skin-contactable element having a skin-contactable surface, wherein the skin-contactable element includes an agent selected from the group consisting of a benefit agent, an apparatus-enhancing agent, and combinations thereof; (b) a motor; and (c) a transfer member for transferring mechanical energy from the motor to the skin-contactable element in order to provide periodic motion to the skin-contactable surface; wherein the agent is configured to release from the skin contactable element to the expanse of skin upon contacting the skin-contactable surface with the expanse of skin. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149823 | Application of Polymeric Materials to Screens To Facilitate Hemostasis And Wound Healing - This invention relates in general to a method and device for facilitating hemostasis and wound healing. In particular, the invention relates to the device comprising a polymeric material disposed on a scaffold that facilitates hemostasis and wound healing. Specifically, the invention contemplates the use of such scaffolds in conjunction with a negative pressure device | 2009-06-11 |
20090149824 | BOWEL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM - A bowel management system includes a waste collection catheter having at least two distinct sections. The first section is patient proximal when disposed in the patient's rectum and has durometer hardness in the range of about 50A to about 90A. The second catheter section is connected to the first section and has durometer hardness in the range of about 5A to about 49A. A selectively collapsible, substantially spherical retention balloon is attached coaxially and exterior of the first catheter section such that the proximal-most end of the retention balloon is coincident to the proximal-most end of the first section of the waste collection catheter, the substantially spherical retention balloon having an inflated size so as to be sufficiently large enough to retain the patient proximal end of the catheter in the patient's rectum without being so large as to trigger a defecatory response in the patient. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149825 | SYSTEM FOR DETECTION OF UNFASTENING OR REMOVAL OF ABSORBENT ARTICLE FROM THE BODY - A method for detecting and conveying an alarm signal, when an absorbent article is unfastened or, completely removed from the body of the wearer. The method is intended to be used in parallel with a method for detecting wetness in the absorbent article and further relates to an integrated detection-and-alarm method for detecting unfastening and/or wetness in an absorbent article. A system for detecting and conveying an alarm signal when an absorbent article is unfastened or removed from the body of the wearer and/or when the article is wet. The system includes (a) and absorbent article having at least one absorbent layer, the object to be displaced, such as a fastening system, one or more sensoring devices, one or more transmitting devices, and (b) a remote receiver. Furthermore, the system relates to the use of the system in the care of children and adults suffering from incontinence and/or psychological illnesses. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149826 | ABSORBENT ARTICLE HAVING A SENSOR - A method for detecting and conveying an alarm signal, when an absorbent article is unfastened or, completely removed from the body of the wearer. The method is intended to be used in parallel with a method for detecting wetness in the absorbent article and further relates to an integrated detection-and-alarm method for detecting unfastening and/or wetness in an absorbent article. A system for detecting and conveying an alarm signal when an absorbent article is unfastened or removed from the body of the wearer and/or when the article is wet. The system includes (a) and absorbent article having at least one absorbent layer, the object to be displaced, such as a fastening system, one or more sensoring devices, one or more transmitting devices, and (b) a remote receiver. Furthermore, the system relates to the use of the system in the care of children and adults suffering from incontinence and/or psychological illnesses. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149827 | Disposable Undergarment with Stretch Areas for Optimal Fit - A disposable incontinent underwear product can comprise areas having different stretch characteristics and thereby fit persons of varying body shape in a more comfortable and/or visually appealing manner. Additionally, in some embodiments, the different areas of stretch can aid in positioning absorbent components, such as an absorbent insert or core that is included in the undergarment to absorb body exudates. For example, a garment may feature at vertical stretch in an area above the crotch and below the waist while featuring horizontal stretch at the hip areas at its front and back sides. As another example, a garment may feature horizontal stretch across the front of the garment and vertical stretch across the back of the garment in areas above the crotch and below the waist. In some embodiments, the crotch also features horizontal, vertical, or biaxial stretch. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149828 | Stretched, Necked, Unitary Garment and a Method of Manufacturing Same - An absorbent article can utilize a chassis design comprising a unitary inner layer and an expandable absorbent assembly attached to the inner layer, with the inner layer including elasticized portions so that the absorbent article conforms to the body of a person wearing the article. The expandable absorbent assembly can be minimally attached to the garment side of the inner layer and, in some embodiments at an aperture or opening in the inner layer that allows exudates to pass into the absorbent assembly. The article can further comprise an extensible outer layer attached to the garment side of the inner layer so that the outer layer covers the absorbent assembly and elastics, with the outer layer attached at the perimeter of at least portions of the article. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149829 | Ophthalmic fluid delivery system - A method of safely delivering an ophthalmic fluid to an eye, the method including targeting the eye with an ophthalmic fluid misting device and activating an ultrasonic generator to deliver the ophthalmic fluid from the ophthalmic fluid misting device across a space between the misting device and the eye. The method further including maintaining a momentum of the ophthalmic fluid that is insufficient to trigger at least one of the ocular blink reflex and the lacrimation reflex of the eye. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149830 | Intelligent needle technology for acupuncture and injection of cosmetic preparations subcutaneously - Intelligent needles comprise a needle for insertion into the skin to deposit a substance that causes plumping of the skin. The penetration depth of the needle may be adjusted automatically in conjunction with a sensor mechanism that determines a depth the needle can penetrate without contacting blood vessels. Methods of making and using the same for acupuncture and subcutaneous injection are also provided. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149831 | Polymeric Microspheres for Treatment of Obesity - A system for treating obesity, comprises an injectable compound for intramuscular administration in a pyloric sphincter, the injectable compound including a plurality of microspheres and a fluid carrier in which the microspheres are suspended. The system further comprises an injection device having flexibility sufficient to pass through a working channel of an endoscope into the stomach to an injection location adjacent to the pyloric sphincter, the injection device including a tissue piercing tip and a lumen through which the injectable compound may be delivered. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149832 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR FLUID TRANSFER VIA SUBCUTANEOUS PORT - A device for providing access to an implantable fluid transfer port, comprises a needle extending to a distal end insertable into body to enter a reservoir of a port implanted therein and an actuation member extending through a lumen of the needle from an actuator which remains external to a living body accessible to a user thereof in combination with an obturator coupled to a distal end of the actuation member, an outer diameter of the obturator substantially matching an inner diameter of the lumen of the needle so that, when retracted into the lumen, the obturator seals a distal opening thereof and an anchoring mechanism coupled to the actuation member proximally of the obturator, the anchoring mechanism being moved to an expanded state in which an outer diameter of the anchoring mechanism exceeds an outer diameter of the needle when moved out of the lumen of the needle. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149833 | Implantable Drug Delivery Device and Methods for Treatment of the Bladder and Other Body Vesicles or Lumens - An implantable medical device is provided for controlled drug delivery within the bladder, or other body vesicle. The device may include at least one drug reservoir component comprising a drug; and a vesicle retention frame which comprises an elastic wire having a first end, an opposing second end, and an intermediate region therebetween, wherein the drug reservoir component is attached to the intermediate region of the vesicle retention frame. The retention frame prevents accidental voiding of the device from the bladder, and it preferably has a spring constant selected for the device to effectively stay in the bladder during urination while minimizing the irritation of the bladder. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149834 | REINFORCED ENTERAL FEEDING CATHETER - An enteral feeding catheter includes inner and outer layers of tubes and a spring positioned between them. The inner and outer tubes are coupled together so that the spring is held between them. The spring includes a helical wire and the distance between each adjacent coil is driven to equal the thickness of the wire. The combined thickness of the first and second tubes is less than or equal to the thickness of the wire. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149835 | MEDICAL DEVICE INCLUDING A METALLIC SUBSTRATE COMPONENT ATTACHED TO A POLYMERIC COMPONENT AND ASSOCIATED METHODS - A medical device including a medical device metallic substrate component, with perforations therethrough, attached to a medical device polymeric component abutting the thin metallic film component. The medical device also includes a polymeric sleeve covering the perforations and at least a portion of the polymeric component abutting the metallic substrate component. Moreover, the polymeric sleeve intrudes into the perforations and joins the metallic substrate component to the polymeric component. A method for attaching a medical device metallic substrate component to a medical device polymeric component includes forming a plurality of perforations in the medical device metallic substrate component and abutting the medical device polymeric component against the medical device metallic substrate component. Subsequently, a polymeric sleeve is applied over the perforations and at least a portion of the abutted medical device polymeric component. Heat and/or pressure is then applied to the polymer sleeve in a manner that results in the polymer sleeve being joined to the medical device metallic substrate and the portion of the abutted medical device polymeric component and the polymer sleeve flowing into the perforations, thereby attaching the medical device metallic substrate component to the medical device polymeric component. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149836 | Vent-rite - This invention provides an apparatus and method for administration of animal venting therapy in which relieves excess bodily gases (Barotraumas) from the body cavity. The apparatus includes a spring loaded device for making the puncture; this in turn acts as a safety sheath when not in use. A non slip surface is on the front of the device. A main locking device is incorporated for additional safety when the unit is not in use. A soft touch cover for users comfort and with the use of a waist lanyard is additional items added for safety. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149837 | Catheter Assembly - The present invention is a catheter assembly with a catheter and a package for a catheter. The package and catheter is provided with a seal restricting passage of fluid between the package and the catheter. The assembly allows the catheter to be used without complete removal from the package. During urination, the assembly prevents urine to flow from the outlet of the catheter and back through the package in a direction towards the user of the catheter. The seal allows the catheter to be dispensed from the package while the sealing is maintained and the assembly thus allows non-contaminated insertion and use of the catheter while the catheter is partly maintained in the package. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149838 | Subcutaneous Implant System - Implantable subcutaneous drug delivery devices for treating chronic nerve pain, and methods of use thereof, are disclosed. The device includes a reservoir having a septum, and a flexible tube in fluid flow communication with the reservoir, with at least a portion of the tube having a plurality of sidewall apertures. The device is implanted such that the apertures are disposed proximal to the desired tissue for contacting the desired tissue with medicine, and the reservoir is disposed in an unobtrusive location distal from the desired tissue. Medicine is periodically and repeatedly percutaneously charged to the device via a cannula introduced from outside the body. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149839 | Treatment techniques using ingestible device - An apparatus, device, methods, computer program product, and systems are described that determine a control command at a patient internal device within a patient, and provide the control command to an ingestible device within the patient, the control command including instructions to the ingestible device to control an operation thereof. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149840 | Photodisruptive Treatment of Crystalline Lens - Techniques, apparatus and systems for providing photodisruptive treatment of the crystalline lens of the eye are described. For example, a method of treating a lens region of an eye with a laser includes identifying a boundary of the hard lens region, selecting a laser-parameter to enable a photodisruptive procedure in the hard lens region and to control a spreading of bubbles in the hard lens region, modifying a mechanical property of a posterior portion of the hard lens region in a proximity of the identified boundary by the photodisruptive procedure, and modifying a mechanical property of a portion anterior to the modified posterior portion of the hard lens region by the photodisruptive procedure. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149841 | Effective Laser Photodisruptive Surgery in a Gravity Field - Techniques, apparatus and laser surgical systems are provided for laser surgery applications, including implementations that reduce the laser-induced bubbles in the optical path of the surgical laser beam. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149842 | Eye therapy system - Heat is generated in corneal fibrils in a cornea of an eye according to a selected pattern. The heat causes the corneal fibrils corresponding to the selected pattern to transition from a first structure to a second structure. The second structure provides a desired reshaping of the cornea. A cross-linking agent is then activated in the region of corneal fibrils according to the selected pattern. The cross-linking agent prevents the corneal fibrils from changing from the second structure. Thus, embodiments stabilize corneal tissue and improve its biomechanical strength after desired structural changes have been achieved in the corneal tissue. Accordingly, the embodiments help to preserve the desired reshaping of the cornea. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149843 | Tattoo Removal and Other Dermatological Treatments using Multi-Photon Processing - A system and method for providing multi-photon processing treatment to a patient. A localized, multi-photon processing event is initiated within a vicinity of an unwanted pigment in order to remove the pigment. The multi-photon processing event requires a relatively low energy, but very intense, pulse of light. The low amount of energy per pulse allows ablation of the material to be highly localized, with negligible thermal damage to surrounding material. The multi-photon event may be initiated by focusing a suitable electromagnetic pulse, such as a 2 mJ laser pulse having a 100 to 300 femtoseconds pulse duration, into a focal volume small enough that the intensity exceeds 10 | 2009-06-11 |
20090149844 | Method And Apparatus For Improved Vascular Related Treatment - Methods and apparatus are provided for selectively heating blood vessels in a patients skin to effect a desired dermatological (medical or cosmetic) treatment. For shallow vessels, particularly plexus vessels and superficial vessels/veins, radiation is applied to the vessels involved in the treatment which includes substantial radiation in a blue band of approximately 380-450 nm. The invention also involves maximizing the radiation used for which the safety radio for the area being treated is greater then one and minimizing the radiation used for which the safety ratio is less then one. This generally involves, depending on the blood vessel involved in the treatment and the patient's skin type, using radiation in one or more of a blue, green-yellow and near infrared wavelength band and filtering out radiation at other wavelengths, including radiation between the wavelength bands used. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149845 | Methods and apparatus for preventing damage to optical fibers caused by thermal runaway - A temperature of a laser treatment area is monitored and an output of a laser is controlled or modulated to prevent damage resulting from thermal runaway or burn back. The detector may be positioned proximate or at a distal end of the fiber, and may be in the form of a detector arranged to detect leakage of higher order propagation modes from a bend in the fiber. Manual or automatic cleaning of the fiber may be initiated upon detection of overheating, either by dipping the fiber in a cleaning solution or supplying cleaning fluid to the fiber or treatment area. A fiber position detector may also be included to prevent damage when the fiber is withdrawn into an introducer or catheter. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149846 | MEDICAL SYSTEM AND METHOD OF USE - An instrument and method for applying thermal energy to targeted tissue. An instrument and method for tissue thermotherapy. In one embodiment, a method includes providing a vapor source comprising a pump configured for providing a flow of liquid media from a liquid media source into a vaporization chamber having a heating mechanism, actuating the pump to provide the liquid into the vaporization chamber, applying energy from the heating mechanism to convert a substantially water liquid media into a minimum water vapor level for causing an intended effect in tissue. For examples such levels can comprise at least 60% water vapor, at least 70% water vapor, at least 80% water vapor or at least 90% water vapor for causing an intended effect in tissue. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149847 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PUNCTURE CLOSURE - Systems, apparatus and methods are provided for closing a puncture in a vessel wall may have various combinations of an anchoring device, a gripping device and a heating element for sealing a puncture within a vessel wall. An anchoring device may be a balloon, floating anchor, an expansible cage and/or a wire operated T-anchor. A gripping device may hold and/or twist the vessel wall to secure the vessel wall in place during heating. A heating element may provide heat to target tissue held by the gripping device. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149848 | RF Energy Delivery System and Method - Devices, systems and methods are disclosed for the ablation of tissue. A steerable ablation catheter can include one or more ablation elements at its distal end and one or more ablation elements fixedly attached to its shaft. The distal end of the ablation catheter can be deflected to assume a number of different deflection geometries in at least one direction along the shaft. One feature of the ablation catheter is that its shaft can comprise materials of differing durometers or stiffnesses attached together at a joint. Methods associated with use of the ablation catheter are also covered. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149849 | Device and method to treat tissue with electtric current - A method of modifying properties of intrinsic tissue of an organ is provided. The method includes providing an organ, where a first electrode is disposed proximal to the organ first end. The first electrode has a surface area and insulator. A second electrode is disposed opposite the first electrode, where the organ is disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode. The second electrode has surface area and surface insulator. An organ-shaping device is provided that is disposed on the organ between the electrodes, where the organ-shaping device deforms the organ middle section along at least one lateral direction between the electrodes. An electric current is provided between the first second electrodes, where a current density gradient is provided by the electrode surface areas and the deformed organ middle section, and the properties of the intrinsic muscle tissue are modified according to the current density gradient. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149850 | Localization Element with Energized Tip - This invention is an improved tissue-localizing device with an electrically energized locator element for fixedly yet removably marking a volume of tissue containing a suspect region for excision. The electrical energizing of the locator element facilitates the penetration of the locator element in to subjects tissue and minimizes resistance due to dense or calcified tissues. At least one locator element is deployed into tissue and assumes a predetermined curvilinear shape to define a tissue border containing a suspect tissue region along a path. Multiple locator elements may be deployed to further define the tissue volume along additional paths defining the tissue volume border that do not penetrate the volume. Delivery of electric cut-rent may be achieved through monopolar or bipolar electronic configuration depending on design needs. Various energy sources, e.g., radio frequency, microwave or ultrasound, may be implemented in this energized tissue-localizing device. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149851 | Thermal Penetration and Arc Length Controllable Electrosurgical Pencil - An electrosurgical pencil is provided, which includes an elongated housing, an electrocautery electrode supported within the housing and extending distally from the housing. The electrocautery electrode is connected to a source of electrosurgical energy. The pencil also includes at least one voltage divider network supported on the housing and electrically connected to the source of electrosurgical energy for controlling intensity, frequency, and/or mode of electrosurgical energy being delivered to the electrocautery electrode. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149852 | Accurate Cutting About and Into Tissue Volumes with Electrosurgically Deployed Electrodes - Method, system and apparatus for carrying out accurate electrosurgical cutting. A thin resilient electrode is utilized at the forward end region of an instrument that is deployable from a longitudinally disposed slot positioned rearwardly of the tip of the instrument. Lateral sides of the slot extend between a forward location adjacent the tip and a rearward location. The electrode is deployed by urging it forwardly in compression to form an arch profile supported by the abutting slot sides adjacent the forward and rearward locations. Electrosurgically excitable with a cutting output, the electrode may carry out a cutting action both during its deployment and retraction into the noted slot. This permits a pivoting maneuver effective for circumscribing a volume of targeted tissue. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149853 | Tissue Sealer with Non-Conductive Variable Stop Members and Method of Sealing Tissue - A bipolar forceps for sealing tissue includes an elongated shaft having opposing jaw members at a distal end thereof, each of the jaw members including an electrically conductive sealing surface. The jaw members are movable relative to one another from a first position wherein the jaw members are disposed in spaced relation relative to one another to a second position wherein the jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween. The bipolar forceps is connected to a source of electrical energy such that the Jaw members are capable of conducting bipolar energy through tissue grasped therebetween to effect a seal. The distance between the electrically conductive sealing surfaces when tissue is held therebetween is adjusted based upon a sensed pre-surgical condition during activation. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149854 | Spring Loaded Reciprocating Tissue Cutting Mechanism in a Forceps-Style Electrosurgical Instrument - Open electrosurgical forceps for sealing tissue which include a pair of first and second shaft portions each having a jaw member disposed at a distal end thereof. Each of the jaw members includes an electrically conductive sealing surface which communicates electrosurgical energy through tissue held therebetween with at least one of the jaw members including a knife slot defined along a length thereof. The knife slot is dimensioned to reciprocate a knife blade therefrom. The forceps also have a cutting mechanism which selectively actuates the knife blade from a first position wherein the knife blade is disposed at least substantially entirely within the knife slot of the jaw member to at least one subsequent position wherein the knife blade is at least partially deployed from the knife slot of the jaw member. The knife blade is displaceable in a direction transverse to a longitudinal axis of the forceps. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149855 | POWER ASSIST CONTROL METHOD, POWER ASSIST CONTROL APPARATUS, AND REDUCTION APPARATUS - Power assist control capable of responding to feeling and sensibility when a man applies force to an object is performed. The power assist control outputs an assist force F or a speed F on the basis of an assist target force X detected by a force sensor | 2009-06-11 |
20090149856 | MEDICAL DEVICE AND ITS MANUFACTURE - A biodegradable medical device including at least one biodegradable material and having an initial shape and at least one evolved shape. The evolved shape is different from the initial shape. The initial shape is adapted to change towards the evolved shape due to an external stimulus. The medical device has a tension loaded to a predetermined tension level. The medical device is adapted to restore the tension to the predetermined tension level for at least 2 weeks in physiological conditions, or conditions simulating the physiological conditions. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149857 | Telescopic Percutaneous Tissue Dilation Systems and Related Methods - Tissue dilation systems are disclosed. The present systems provide percutaneous access to one or more target structures located in a patient's body. The tissue dilation systems include two or more tissue dilation tubes telescopically arranged and moveable relative to each other. The tissue dilation tubes can be preassembled prior to use by utilizing a dilation tube retention assembly which can maintain the dilation tubes in a substantially fixed position and release the tubes therefrom in order to dilate a patient's tissue. Methods of producing the present systems and using the present systems in surgical procedures are also disclosed. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149858 | Method And Apparatus For Forming A Bone Tunnel - A tool and method for drilling a bone for receipt of a first and second bundle includes drilling a first tunnel in the bone. A locating instrument may be positioned into the first bone tunnel thereby defining a reference axis. A tool may be inserted through a portal defined in surrounding tissue. The tool may engage the locating instrument thereby identifying a relative orientation between the reference axis and the drill axis for preparation of a second bone tunnel. The second bone tunnel may be drilled along the drill axis. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149859 | Femoral Guide For Implanting A Femoral Knee Prosthesis - Disclosed is a modular femoral sizing guide which facilitates the selection and rotational orientation of a femoral prosthetic for a resected femur. The femoral sizing guide has a base which is coupled to the resected femur. An extension portion which is configured to have a pair of feet which are coupled to the posterior surface of the resected femur is rotatably coupled to the base portion. A superstructure having a pair of drilling guides and a stylus is slidably coupled to the base. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149860 | DEVICE FOR DELIVERY OF BONE VOID FILLING MATERIALS - Delivery devices and methods to be used in the delivery of filling/stabilizing and/or therapeutic materials to a bone or other targeted anatomical site. The disclosed devices desirably control the flow of material, measure the volume of material delivered to the site of interest, and prevent the placement of materials in unintended locations. These disclosed devices desirably combine multiple uses of mechanical control of the filler/stabilizing material delivery, rotational advancement of syringe mechanisms in combination with the advantages of manual displacement of filling/stabilizing material from a cannula/stylet pair. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149861 | JOINT FUSION APPARATUS FOR THE ANKLE-TYPE JOINT AND ARTHRODETIC PIN FOR USE IN SAID APPARATUS - Arthrodesis apparatus for first and second bones ( | 2009-06-11 |
20090149862 | Guide pin for pedicle screw placement and method for use of such guide pin in spinal fusion surgeries - A radiopaque guide pin that is insertable into a pedicle of a vertebra to be used as a guide to determine the proper and safe entry point and angular trajectory for a pedicle screw placed in a pedicle, has a distal part and terminal tip for initial entry of the guide pin, an opposite proximal part that serves as a handle, and a central part that includes a first radiopaque marker spaced proximally from the tip and a stop element spaced proximally from the first marker, the stop element having greater diameter than the distal and central parts of the guide pin and adapted to be stopped by the lamina surface from further advancement into the pedicle. The invention further includes a method for pedicle screw placement using the new pedicle screw guide pin. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149863 | FIXED STENT DELIVERY DEVICES AND METHODS - Stent delivery devices and methods include multiple stents or stent segments mounted at fixed positions on an expandable member of the stent delivery catheter. One or more of the fixed-position stents may be selectively deployed in a body lumen such as a blood vessel by positioning one or more sheaths to constrain some stents while exposing others for deployment. Some embodiments include two axially movable sheaths for serially deploying stents while containing a portion of the expandable balloon from which stents have been deployed. Other embodiments include inner and outer balloon shafts to allow the balloon to be retracted into the delivery catheter as stents are deployed. Devices and methods of the invention provide enhanced serial deployment of multiple stents or stent segments while reducing the risk of damage to an expandable deployment member. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149864 | COMPLEX VASO-OCCLUSIVE COILS - A vaso-occlusive device includes a member that forms a series of at least four successive loops, each loop of the series having a different axis than, and lying in a separate plane from, any other loop of the series. Each plane in which a loop lies forms an angle greater than 30 degrees with any immediately proceeding, and any immediately succeeding, plane. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149865 | TISSUE MODIFICATION DEVICES - Described herein are elongate device for modifying tissue having a plurality of flexibly connected rungs or links, and methods of using them, including methods of using them to decompress stenotic spinal tissue. These devices may be included as part of a system for modifying tissue. In general, these devices include a plurality of blades positioned on (or formed from) rungs that are flexibly connected. The rungs are typically rigid, somewhat flat and wider than they are long (e.g., rectangular). The rungs may be arranged, ladder like, and may be connected by a flexible connector substrate or between two or more cables. Different sized rungs may be used. The blades (on the rungs) may be arranged in a staggered arrangement. A tissue-collection or tissue capture element (e.g., chamber, bag, or the like) may be used to collect the cut or modified tissue. In some variations the tissue modification devices may have a non-linear axial shape, or may be converted from a first axial shape to a second axial shape. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149866 | IMPLANTABLE ELECTRODES AND INSERTION METHODS AND TOOLS - An insertion kit for implanting an electrode in a patient can include a handle; an insertion member coupled to the handle at a proximal end of the insertion member and configured and arranged to be inserted into a patient; an alignment member coupled to the handle and disposed over the distal end of the insertion member; and an electrode configured and arranged to be inserted into the patient using the insertion member. In some instances, the insertion kit may also include one or more of a marker that cooperates with the alignment member to mark a position of the electrode on the skin of the patient; a pointer that cooperates with the alignment member to find the marked position on the skin of the patient; and a second electrode and a second insertion member configured and arranged for detachably coupling to the handle in place of the insertion member. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149867 | CONTROLLED STEERING OF A FLEXIBLE NEEDLE - A robotic system for steering a flexible needle during insertion into soft-tissue using imaging to determine the needle position. The control system calculates a needle tip trajectory that hits the desired target while avoiding potentially dangerous obstacles en route. Using an inverse kinematics algorithm, the maneuvers required of the needle base to cause the tip to follow this trajectory are calculated, such that the robot can perform controlled needle insertion. The insertion of a flexible needle into a deformable tissue is modeled as a linear beam supported by virtual springs, where the stiffness coefficients of the springs varies along the needle. The forward and inverse kinematics of the needle are solved analytically, enabling both path planning and correction in real-time. The needle shape is detected by image processing performed on fluoroscopic images. The stiffness properties of the tissue are calculated from the measured shape of the needle. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149868 | SUTURE REMOVAL DEVICE - A hand-held suture removal device exhibiting a generally elongated body. First and second biasing portions extend from one end of the body and establish a gap therebetween. A blade extends from the body, typically from one of the biasing portions and in proximity to the gap defined between the biasing portions. The blade is manipulated to section a suture projecting from first and second locations of a patient's skin. A trailing edge of the suture is gripped between opposing and abutting surfaces established by the biasing portions and, upon deflecting of the device in a direction away from the patient, forcibly withdraws each of a plurality of sutures in rapid and successive fashion. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149869 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING SUTURES USING SELF ADHESIVE PADS WITH ANCHORS - The present invention relates to a new and improved system and method for providing sutures using self adhesive pads with anchors. Each self adhesive pad has at least one anchor or hook fixed on top of the pad to hold a suture thread in place or could contain a Micro Velcro System. By applying the pads around an open wound and connecting them with a suture thread, the wound could be closed by tightening the suture thread. The wound could be kept closed by securing the position of both ends of the suture thread. In one embodiment, the end of a suture thread may be anchored on the anchor or hook on the self adhesive pad. The system and method provides improvements over the suture techniques using stitches by securing atraumatic closure of the wound in a non-invasive way. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149870 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR COMPRESSING BODY TISSUE - A system and method for delivering a surgical clip to a surgical site within a patient's body to compress body tissue is disclosed. In one embodiment for the system of the present invention, the system includes an endoscopic device that has an endoscope cap disposed on a distal end of the endoscopic device. A surgical clip is removably disposed on an outside surface of the endoscope cap. A deployment device is associated with the surgical clip for deploying the surgical clip from the endoscope cap to the body tissue that is to be compressed. The surgical clip can be a deformable clip that is deployed in a non deformed configuration, and is then deformed so as to apply compression on selected tissue. The surgical clip can be a multi-legged clip, having a plurality of legs that can be locked in a closed position to apply compression to body tissue. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149871 | Devices and methods for treating morbid obesity - The present invention provides devices and methods for attachment of an implanted device, such as an artificial stoma device, a gastrointestinal sleeve device or an attachment cuff, within a patient's digestive tract for treatment of obesity. Special surgical fasteners provide a lasting and durable attachment to the gastrointestinal tissue without causing excessive pressure that could result in tissue erosion and detachment of the implanted device. Fastener delivery devices that facilitate peroral placement and deployment of fasteners and secondary devices are also provided. Also described are implantable devices and attachment means that avoid causing excessive pressure within the tissue by having compliance that is compatible with the gastrointestinal tissues where it is attached. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149872 | MITRAL VALVE TREATMENT TECHNIQUES - Apparatus ( | 2009-06-11 |
20090149873 | USE OF COUPLING AGENTS TO IMPROVE THE INTERFACE IN ABSORBABLE POLYMER COMPOSITES - A composite having a poly(ethylene-co-acrylic acid) coupling agent, a filler, and a biocompatible, biodegradable polymer matrix is disclosed. The composites described herein are useful for biomedical applications such as, tissue engineering, drug delivery, and implantable medical devices. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149874 | METHODS FOR IMPLANTING A GASTRIC RESTRICTION DEVICE - Various exemplary methods are disclosed for implanting a restriction device for forming a restriction in a patient. The methods can be used with a variety of restriction devices, but in an exemplary embodiment the methods are used for implanting a gastric restriction device. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149875 | FLAT IMPLANT, PARTICULARLY A HERNIA MESH - A flat implant, particularly a hernia mesh, has the form of a textile net having an opening and made from non-resorbable monofilament yarns. The net includes yarns of different thicknesses which run parallel to each other. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149876 | SURGICAL CLAMP AND METHOD OF CLAMPING AN ORGAN - A surgical clamp is provided that is applied through a laparoscopic port and is used for clamping off a portion of an organ. The surgical clamp comprises an elongated flexible bioabsorbable polymer band. The band has a proximal end and a distal end. A bioabsorbable polymer tie secures in place the proximal end of the band to the distal end of the band. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149877 | ROTATIONAL ATHERECTOMY DEVICE WITH PRE-CURVED DRIVE SHAFT - The invention provides a rotational atherectomy system, device and method comprising a flexible, elongated, rotatable drive shaft with an abrasive section within a pre-curved section of the drive shaft. The device may further comprise a concentric or eccentric enlarged diameter section that is at least partially covered with abrasive material to comprise the abrasive section. The abrasive section may further comprise an abrasive crown or burr mounted to the drive shaft. The pre-curved drive shaft allows smaller diameter and/or massive abrasive regions to be used while sweeping larger diameters during high-speed rotation. The pre-curved region is substantially straightened for insertion into vasculature and placement adjacent stenosis by insertion of the guide wire. Removal of guide wire proximally from the pre-curved region allows the drive shaft to return to its pre-curved form for ablation. Reinsertion of the guide wire beyond the pre-curved region straightens the drive shaft for ease of removal. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149878 | BONE TREATMENT SYSTEMS AND METHODS - The present invention relates in certain embodiments to systems for treating vertebral compression fractures. In one embodiment, a trocar with a flexible tip is provided to create a curved path in cancellous bone. An injector can be introduced into the vertebra in communication with the curved path for delivery of bone fill material into the curved path. Optionally, thermal energy can be applied to the bone fill material prior to injection into the curved path in cancellous bone to alter a property (e.g., viscosity) of the bone fill material. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149879 | Dynamic volume displacement weight loss device - An intragastric device and method of use thereof are provided. The device is actuated to change its volume based on one or parameters detected in the gastric lumen. The device comprises an expandable reservoir that is adapted to distend one or more walls of the gastric lumen for a predetermined time. The device may also be actuated based on a pressure control system in which the reservoir maintains a constant pressure against the walls of the gastric lumen. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149880 | Occlusion System for Management of Rectal or Anal Incontinence - An occlusion system for management of rectal or anal incontinence, including a shaft element with a distal end and a proximal end and with a lumen extending all the way from the distal end to the proximal end of the shaft element. A balloon is mounted adhesively and sealingly on the shaft element and can be filled with a filing medium via a filing line, wherein the balloon is formed from a tube section and is shaped so that when filled with the filing medium it forms a first balloon configuration as an intrarectal balloon and a second balloon configuration as an abutment balloon, which are delimited from each other by a constriction. The distal end of the shaft element is designed with an end cap with a tip and, at a distance from the tip, at least one gas inlet opening provides communication with the lumen of the shaft element. The proximal end of the shaft element is connected to an outlet tube which extends transverse to the longitudinal axis of the shaft element, and has outlet openings at its ends and communicates with the lumen. | 2009-06-11 |
20090149881 | FILTER ELEMENT FOR EMBOLIC PROTECTION DEVICE - A collapsible filter element for a transcatheter embolic protection device comprises a collapsible filter body which is movable between a collapsed stored position for movement through a vascular system and an expanded position for extension across a blood vessel such that blood passing through the blood vessel is delivered through the filter element. A proximal inlet portion of the filter body has one or more inlet openings sized to allow blood and embolic material enter the filter body and a distal outlet portion of the filter body has a plurality of outlet openings sized to allow through-passage of blood, but to retain embolic material within the filter body. The filter body is at least partially of laminate construction comprising a membrane coated with a coating which is biocompatible, the thickness of the coating being from 4% to 40% of the thickness of the membrane. The coating may be of hydrophilic material. To facilitate retrieval of captured embolic material the distal portion and/or an intermediate portion of the filter membrane may be stretchable. The filter body may have regions of varying hardness or stiffness. | 2009-06-11 |