26th week of 2012 patent applcation highlights part 62 |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20120165795 | THERAPEUTIC AGENT RESERVOIR DELIVERY SYSTEM - A therapeutic agent reservoir comprises a reservoir body comprising a polymer and a therapeutic agent mixed within the polymer, and an outer coating enclosing the reservoir body, wherein at least a portion of the outer coating comprises a rate-controlling membrane configured to provide a predetermined release rate of the therapeutic agent through the rate-controlling membrane. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165796 | Pill Catchers - Devices and related methods are provided for the controlled delivery of a therapeutic to a targeted location within a body. More particularly, methods and devices are provided for controlling the rate of passage of an orally administered pill through a body, as well as for controlling the delivery of a therapeutic within the pill at a specific location within the body. Various types of devices, generally referred to herein as “catchers,” are provided that can actively catch a pill as it passes through a body. The catcher can hold the pill at a specific location within the body until a predetermined event occurs, such as partial or complete administration of a therapeutic within the pill. The catcher can then release the pill upon command and/or upon the occurrence of the predetermined event to allow the pill to pass out of the body. In other embodiments, various types of pills are provided that can actively engage a catcher and remain engaged with the catcher until a predetermined event occurs. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165797 | Method of Transferring Rotational Motion in an Articulating Surgical Instrument - An endoscopic surgical instrument includes an elongated shaft, which may be articulated to facilitate positioning of an end effector. The instrument accommodates reactionary forces associated with closing the end effector without substantial disruption to the position of the end effector. The instrument includes an elongated shaft housing generally defining distal and proximal shaft axes, and a torsion member extending through the shaft housing. The torsion member transmits rotational displacement from a handle portion of the instrument to the end effector to selectively move the end effector between open and closed configurations. The torsion member comprises a flexible shaft exhibiting a plurality of generally radial slots spaced longitudinally along a length of the flexible shaft. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165798 | DEVICE FOR TREATING EYE TISSUE - An ophthalmological device for treating eye tissue, with a femtosecond laser oscillator for generating femtosecond laser pulses and with a light projector for projecting the laser pulses onto or into the eye tissue in a focused fashion is moreover provided with a picosecond laser module for generating picosecond laser pulses. In the process, femtosecond laser pulses and/or picosecond laser pulses can selectively be fed to the light projector for treating the eye tissue. Hence, the ophthalmological device can selectively be used for performing precise cuts in the eye tissue by means of the femtosecond laser pulses and for fragmenting eye tissue by tissue fragmentation by means of the picosecond laser pulses. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165799 | OPHTHALMIC LASER TREATMENT APPARATUS - An ophthalmic laser treatment apparatus includes an irradiation position obtaining unit arranged to obtain analysis result data based on a tomographic image of a patient's eye captured by an optical coherence tomography device before a treatment laser beam is irradiated, and obtain information of an irradiation position of the treatment laser beam with respect to the eye set by use of the obtained analysis result data, and a laser control unit arranged to irradiate the laser beam to the eye based on the irradiation position information obtained by the irradiation position obtaining unit. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165800 | SINGLE-EMITTER DIODE BASED LIGHT HOMOGENIZING APPARATUS AND A HAIR REMOVAL DEVICE EMPLOYING THE SAME - A hair removal device and single-emitter diode based light homogenizing apparatus for use therewith, the homogenizing apparatus including a light guide having oppositely tapered walls, and a plurality of single-emitter laser diodes mounted to a carrier plate and optically coupled to an input end of the light guide. The housing of the device has an arcuate and ergonomic shape so as to be capable of being gripped by a user. A diffuser is applied to an output window of the device in order to produce a safe divergence of light exiting the device. Beams emitted from the diodes and coupled into the light guide are totally internally reflected to enhance the uniformity of the output beam exiting the light guide. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165801 | MONOLITHIC, SIDE PUMPED SOLID-STATE LASER AND APPLICATIONS THEREOF - A monolithic, side pumped solid-state laser ( | 2012-06-28 |
20120165802 | METHOD AND SYSTEM TO PREVENT COMPLETE OBSTRUCTION IN CATHETER IN CASE OF A KINK - A medical device comprising a shaft having a kink radius; a tube disposed within the shaft; a fluid source in fluid communication with the tube; an elongate member disposed within the tube, and the elongate member imparting a kink radius on the tube, the imparted kink radius of the tube being larger than the kink radius of the shaft. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165803 | ELECTRICAL MAPPING AND CRYO ABLATING WITH A BALLOON CATHETER - In some implementations, a method of ablating body tissue includes (a) locating an inflatable balloon portion of a cryotherapy balloon catheter at a treatment site internal to a patient's body, and inflating the inflatable balloon portion; (b) employing electrodes that are disposed on an expandable surface of the inflatable balloon portion to electrically characterize body tissue at the treatment site; (c) ablating the body tissue by supplying a cryotherapy agent to the inflatable balloon portion to cool the body tissue to a therapeutic temperature; (d) employing the electrodes to determine whether the ablating caused desired electrical changes in the body tissue; and (e) repeating (c) and (d) when it is determined that the ablating did not cause the desired electrical changes. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165804 | FLUID SEALANT COMPOSITIONS AND VARIOUS MEDICAL APPLICATIONS PERTAINING TO THE SAME - The present description relates to fluid sealant compositions that increase in viscosity upon administration to a subject, to medical procedures employing such compositions, to methods for administering such compositions, and to products containing such compositions including medical devices, medical device components and kits, among other aspects. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165805 | Indirect Fluid Flow Measurement - A method for ablating tissue comprising controlling a heating element using a variable phase angle control to heat an ablation fluid to a desired temperature and determining a heating percentage corresponding to a percentage of a maximum available heating power represented by a current level of power supplied to the heating element and, when the heating percentage remains below a threshold level for a predetermined period of time, indicating a flow obstruction condition of the fluid. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165806 | Microwave Field-Detecting Needle Assemblies, Methods of Manufacturing Same, Methods of Adjusting an Ablation Field Radiating into Tissue using Same, and Systems Including Same - A method of adjusting an ablation field radiating into tissue includes the initial steps of providing an energy applicator and providing one or more microwave field-detecting needle assemblies. Each microwave field-detecting needle assembly includes one or more rectifier elements capable of detecting microwave field intensity via rectification. The method includes the steps of positioning the energy applicator and the one or more microwave field-detecting needle assemblies in tissue, transmitting energy from an energy source through the energy applicator to generate an ablation field radiating about at least a portion of the energy applicator into tissue, and adjusting the ablation field radiating about at least the portion of the energy applicator into tissue based on at least one electrical signal transmitted by the one or more microwave field-detecting needle assemblies. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165807 | ELECTROSURGICAL MEDICAL SYSTEM AND METHOD - A method for controlling an electrosurgical electrode of a medical device includes providing an electrosurgical tissue cutting electrode having an arcuate electrode portion; delivering energy from an RF generator to the electrosurgical electrode, said RF generator including an RF amplifier; monitoring an electrical characteristic associated with said electrosurgical electrode; and establishing a desired RF power output and a desired RF duty cycle at said RF generator by adjusting DC input voltage applied to an output stage of said RF amplifier based on said monitoring to effect tissue cutting by the arcuate electrode portion. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165808 | Pulsed power laser actuated catheter system for interventional oncology - Apparatus for delivering fast rising, brief pulsed electric fields of pre-determined duration into a catheter. Electrical current pulses of pre-determined duration and associated with cancer treatment using fiber coupled laser, switch, pre-charged transmission line and integrated catheter delivery system. The apparatus comprises a first stage pre-charged transmission line, fiber coupled to a short-pulse laser triggering a high voltage semiconductor switch with approximately 500 Amperes of photocurrent. The output of this first stage drives a second stage transmission line delivering up to approximately 2 Megawatts pulsed power into the catheter. The output of the second stage drives the final stage or catheter tip containing an electric field shaping functioning to treat cancerous tumors. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165809 | ABLATION ELECTRODE ASSEMBLIES AND METHODS FOR USING SAME - Ablation electrode assemblies include an inner core member and an outer shell surrounding the inner core member. The inner core member and the outer shell define a space or separation region therebetween. The inner core member is constructed from a thermally insulative material having a reduced thermal conductivity. In an embodiment, the space is a sealed or evacuated region. In other embodiments, irrigation fluid flows within the space. The ablation electrode assembly further includes at least one thermal sensor in some embodiments. Methods for providing irrigation fluid during cardiac ablation of targeted tissue are disclosed that include calculating the energy delivered to irrigation fluid as it flows within the ablation electrode assembly through temperature measurement of the irrigation fluid. Pulsatile flow of irrigation fluid can be utilized in some embodiments of the disclosure. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165810 | IMPLANTED DEVICE DATA TO GUIDE ABLATION THERAPY - A medical device system and associated method for guiding ablation therapy sense cardiac signals using implantable electrodes and detect spontaneous cardiac events from the sensed cardiac signals. Pacing pulses are delivered in response to detecting a spontaneous cardiac event and a return cycle length is measured. The spontaneous cardiac event is clustered with a previously detected cardiac event in response to the measured return cycle length. Data corresponding to the clustered cardiac events is displayed to guide an ablation therapy. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165811 | IMPLANTED DEVICE DATA TO GUIDE ABLATION THERAPY - A medical device system and associated method for guiding ablation therapy sense cardiac signals using implantable electrodes and detect spontaneous cardiac events from the sensed cardiac signals. Pacing pulses are delivered and a return cycle length is measured in response to the plurality of pacing pulses. The spontaneous cardiac event is clustered with a previously detected cardiac event in response to the measured return cycle length, and a targeted ablation site is estimated in response to the measured return cycle length. A transit time interval, corresponding to a distance traversed by a depolarization associated with a last one of the plurality of pacing pulses when a reset condition occurs, is computed using the return cycle length, and the ablation site is estimated in response to the computed transit time interval. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165812 | MULTI-RATE FLUID FLOW AND VARIABLE POWER DELIVERTY FOR ABLATION ELECTRODE ASSEMBLIES USED IN CATHETER ABLATION PROCEDURES - A system for providing irrigation fluid during ablation of tissue includes a catheter, an electrode assembly, at least one thermal sensor adapted to be connected to the catheter, and a control system. The electrode assembly is adapted to be connected to an ablation generator. The thermal sensor is adapted to be operatively connected to an electronic control unit (ECU). The ECU receives as an input temperature measurement data from the thermal sensor; determines a power delivery rate value for the ablation generator responsive to the temperature measurement data; and outputs the power delivery rate value. The control system also delivers irrigation fluid to the irrigated catheter at a first flow rate in a first time period and at a second flow rate in a second time period that is temporally after the first time period. The second flow rate is at least half of the first flow rate. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165813 | RADIO FREQUENCY ABLATION DEVICE FOR THE DESTRUCTION OF TISSUE MASSES - The inventive ablation element comprises an elongated cannula having a proximal end and a distal end. The cannula defines an internal lumen within the cannula and a cannula axis. A plurality of conductors contained within the lumen, each of the conductors has a proximal end proximate the proximal end of the cannula, and a distal end proximate the distal end of the cannula. A plurality of ablation stylets each has a proximal end and a distal end, and each coupled at the respective proximal end of the stylet to the distal end of a respective conductor, the stylets comprise a deflectable material, the conductors together with their respective stylets being mounted for axial movement. A trocar point defined proximate the distal end of the cannula. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165814 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR NON-THERMAL ELECTRICALLY-INDUCED CLOSURE OF BLOOD VESSELS BY OCCLUSION - Methods and devices for the non-thermal, electrically-induced temporary or permanent closure of blood vessels. Methods and devices employ pulsed electrical energy according to a defined regime to effect controlled occlusion of targeted blood vessels without heating the vessel and with minimal damage to adjacent tissue. The extent of vessel closure, i.e., temporary (vasoconstriction) or permanent (thrombosis), is controlled based on the manipulation of various parameters of the electrical stimulation regime as well as the configuration of the electrodes used to apply the regime. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165815 | METHODS OF USING A CATHETER HAVING A BRAIDED CONDUCTIVE MEMBER - Embodiments described herein relate to methods of using a catheter having a braided conductive member. One embodiment relates to a method for treating a condition of a patient that involves contacting an exterior wall of a blood vessel with the braided conductive member. Another embodiment relates to a method that involves contacting a wall of a blood vessel with the braided conductive member and controlling energy delivery to the braided conductive member based on at least one sensed temperature. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165816 | COMBINED ULTRASOUND AND HF SURGICAL SYSTEM - The invention relates to a combined ultrasound and HF surgical system, including at least one ultrasound generator which operatively provides an excitation signal through which an ultrasound converter can generate an ultrasound vibration, at least one HF generator which operatively generates HF energy, and at least one ultrasound and HF instrument electrically connected with the HF generator and the ultrasound generator, wherein the ultrasound vibrations and the HF energy are introducible into biological tissue through the HF instrument which includes at least one ultrasound converter and at least one HF electrode. In order to be able to use HF energy and ultrasound energy simultaneously without damaging the instrument or wearing the it out, the system includes a protective device which prevents sparks operatively generated through HF energy or reduces the probability of occurrence of the sparks. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165817 | HF SURGICAL DEVICE - An HF surgical device with an autostart function for cutting and/or coagulating biological tissue with HF current. The device comprises an HF generator for generating HF current, a selected output for connecting a monopolar/bipolar electrode to the HF surgical device, a first measurement device assigned to the output for measuring a first measured value for an impedance of the electrode connected to the output, a first comparator for comparing the first measured value with a first setpoint, for switching-off the first measurement devices and for switching-on a second measurement device if the first measured value is lower than the first setpoint, for measuring a second measured value for the impedance of the connected electrode and a second comparator for comparing the second measured value with a second setpoint and for switching-on the HF current for the output if the second measured value is lower than the second setpoint. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165818 | System and Method for Controlling Electrode Gap During Tissue Sealing - A forceps includes a housing, a shaft, an end effector assembly coupled to the distal end of the shaft and including opposing jaw members, and a drive rod slidingly disposed within the shaft. Each of the jaw members includes a sealing plate attached thereto. Longitudinal reciprocation of the drive rod moves at least one of the jaw members from a first position in spaced relation relative to the other jaw member to at least one subsequent position wherein the sealing plates cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween. The forceps also includes at least one sensor configured to sense a gap distance between the opposing jaw members, and a linear actuator operably coupled to the drive rod. The linear actuator is configured to reciprocate the drive rod in a longitudinal direction as a function of the sensed gap distance in response to signals provided by the at least one sensor. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165819 | ELONGATION NAIL FOR LONG BONE OR SIMILAR - The present invention relates to elongation nails for long bones or similar. The elongation nail according to the invention is principally characterized in that it comprises a tube ( | 2012-06-28 |
20120165820 | SURGICAL GUIDING TOOL, METHODS FOR MANUFACTURE AND USES THEREOF - The present invention provides surgical guiding tools for surgery on a bone head comprising a cutting component, a guiding component and a collar comprising a patient-specific component, which are interconnected and which ensure secure and accurate placement of the guiding tool and thus guarantee accurate implementation of the pre-operative planning of the surgical intervention. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165821 | MARKING TEMPLATE FOR INSTALLING A CUSTOM REPLACEMENT DEVICE FOR RESURFACING A FEMUR AND ASSOCIATED INSTALLATION METHOD - A replacement device for resurfacing a joint surface of a femur and a method of making and installing such a device is provided. The custom replacement device is designed to substantially fit the trochlear groove surface, of an individual femur, thereby creating a “customized” replacement device for that individual femur and maintaining the original kinematics of the joint. The top surface is designed so as to maintain centrally directed tracking of the patella perpendicular to the plane established by the distal end of the femoral condyles and aligned with the center of the femoral head. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165822 | Use of Vibration in Composite Fixation - Methods of employing bone defect filling, e.g., orthopedic cements, in conjunction with hard tissue securing devices, e.g., screws, plates or rods, are provided. A feature of the subject methods is that the cement is introduced to a target bone site through a passageway of the securing device while a vibratory force is applied to the securing device. Also provided are systems and kits that find use in practicing the subject methods. The subject methods, devices and systems find use in a variety of different applications. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165823 | Insertion System for Corneal Implants - Provided therein are apparatuses, systems and methods for storing and retrieving a corneal implant and for delivering the corneal implant in or on the cornea. In an embodiment, a insertion system comprises an inserter for delivering a corneal implant to a desired location in or on the cornea. The inserter has a holding space at its distal end for holding a corneal implant therein. A solution may substantially fill the holding space with the corneal implant to keep the implant hydrated and to hold the implant in the holding space by the surface tension of the solution. The corneal implant may be preloaded in the holding space of the inserter and stored in a storage container filled with storage fluid, e.g., saline, until use. To deliver the corneal implant, the inserter is positioned at the desired location, and the corneal implant released from the holding space of the inserter. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165824 | INJECTOR FOR INTRAOCULAR LENS SYSTEM - Disclosed is an injector which comprises an injector housing having a longitudinal axis and an injection probe disposed along the longitudinal axis. The injector further comprises an intraocular lens disposed in the housing. The intraocular lens comprises first and second interconnected viewing elements, and the optical axes of the first and second viewing elements are substantially aligned. The optical axes are substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the housing. The injector further comprises a lens carrier which engages one of the viewing elements. The viewing elements are moveable in response to longitudinal movement of the lens carrier relative to the injector housing. The longitudinal movement causes both (i) the optical axes to be displaced relative to each other and (ii) the viewing elements to be disposed substantially on the longitudinal axis of the injector housing. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165826 | Uterine Manipulator and Cutting Unit - A uterine manipulator comprising a mobilization rod comprising a central tubular body connected in an articulated manner at one end to a first control grip and at the other end to a screw and means for transmitting commands from said first control grip to said screw and a complementary unit comprising a sleeve suitable for being associated coaxially and slidingly with said central tubular body of said mobilization rod, for guiding its movement, wherein the complementary unit has a sectioning device positioned at a distal end of the sleeve, which sectioning device is selected from the group comprising a knife-blade and an ultrasonic cutter. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165827 | Pacemaker Retrieval Systems and Methods - A catheter system for retrieving a leadless cardiac pacemaker from a patient is provided. The cardiac pacemaker can include a docking or retrieval feature configured to be grasped by the catheter system. In some embodiments, the retrieval catheter can include a snare configured to engage the retrieval feature of the pacemaker. The retrieval catheter can include a torque shaft selectively connectable to a docking cap and be configured to apply rotational torque to a pacemaker to be retrieved. Methods of delivering the leadless cardiac pacemaker with the delivery system are also provided. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165828 | ALTERNATE INSTRUMENT REMOVAL - Minimally invasive robotic surgical instruments and related methods are disclosed. A surgical instrument includes an interface fitting that couples a proximal chassis of the instrument with a holding fixture of a robotic manipulator. A securing feature releasably prevents relative axial sliding between the interface fitting and the chassis. In response to binding of the surgical instrument within a minimally invasive surgical site so as to inhibit removal of the surgical instrument from the surgical site and inhibit disengagement of the interface fitting from the holding fixture, the securing feature can be released to allow relative axial sliding between the interface fitting and the chassis, thereby allowing the holding fixture and the interface fitting to be separated from the rest of the surgical instrument and repositioning of the robotic manipulator out of the way. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165829 | MEDICAL DEVICE CONTROL SYSTEM - A control system for allowing a user to control the orientation of a medical device or a medical instrument in a variety of directions. An actuator selectively tensions one or more control cables having ends secured at or adjacent a distal tip of the medical device in order to bend the distal tip in a desired direction. In one embodiment, a physician can adjust the movement of the distal tip in a desired direction without affecting the orientation of the medical device in other directions. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165830 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CUTTING KNEE JOINT USING ROBOT - A method and a system for cutting the knee joint using a robot. A cantilevered cutter is introduced into the knee joint from inside and outside of upper and lower bones of the knee joint to realize a tunnel cutting technique in which cutting is conducted such that tunnels are defined in bone and remnant bone is cleared. The cutter includes a shaft in which a substantial axial portion is fitted into a sleeve and a remaining axial portion serves as a cantilever extending out of the sleeve, and a head which is formed at a distal end of the shaft. A length of the cantilever and a diameter of the head are determined to have minimum sizes as long as the head can be introduced into bone in such a way as to define a tunnel and can be moved in the bone while cutting the bone. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165831 | EXFOLIATING PILLOW - A method for treating an affected skin area includes providing a pillow including an exfoliating micro-fiber material coupled to the pillow. The affected skin area is positioned in contact with the exfoliating micro-fiber material. The affected skin area is then abraded by moving the affected skin area relative to the exfoliating micro-fiber material. By providing the exfoliating micro-fiber material coupled to the pillow, the abrading of the affected skin area may be performed during the sleep of a person having the affected skin area. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165832 | Biological Unit Removal Tools with Concentric Tubes - Tools and methods are provided for removing biological units from a body surface utilizing a removal tool. The tools may incorporate retention members and mechanisms configured to impede movement of the biological unit in the direction of a distal end of the tool and to improve retention of the biological unit in the tool. Some of the retention members are stationary and some are movable within the lumen of the biological unit removal tools. The distal tips of the tools are desirably configured to reduce the chance of transection of a biological unit, such as by including both cutting segments and blunt relief segments. A number of dual concentric tube embodiments permit a division of removal functions. Distal fluid or gas delivery may be used to help separating biological units from surrounding tissue. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165833 | NOVEL TWEEZER HEAD FOR EPILATION - The invention relates to an epilation head for an epilation device, in particular for plucking hair from human skin having a rotating cylinder rotating around a rotational axis having a number of plucking units for grasping and plucking out hair, wherein each plucking unit comprises a movable clamping unit, a stationary clamping unit, wherein the movable clamping unit and the stationary clamping unit form a closable plucking gap, characterized in that the movable clamping unit has a hair guiding device which is associated with the movable clamping unit. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165834 | NOVEL TWEEZER ARRANGEMENT FOR AN EPILATION HEAD - The invention relates to a motor-driven epilation head for an epilation device for plucking hairs of the human skin. Specifically, the invention relates to an epilation head having a rotation cylinder that can be rotated about a rotation axis and comprises a plurality of plucking units for capturing and plucking the hairs. Each plucking unit comprises a first clamping element, a second clamping element and a third clamping element, wherein the first clamping element together with the second clamping element forms a first closeable plucking gap and the second clamping element together with the third clamping element forms a second closeable plucking gap. The first and the second clamping element are movably mounted and can be jointly actuated by means of an actuation element in order to close the first and the second plucking gap. The first and the second clamping element move in the same direction. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165835 | TWEEZER HEAD FOR EPILATION - The invention relates to an epilation head for an epilation device, in particular for plucking hair from human skin having a rotating cylinder and rotating around a rotational axis, the rotating cylinder having a number of plucking units for grasping and plucking out hair and having a skin oriented surface, wherein each plucking unit comprises a movable clamping unit, a stationary clamping unit, wherein the movable clamping unit and the stationary clamping unit form a closable plucking gap and characterized in that the movable clamping units have a skin contacting surface and the total area of the skin contacting surfaces of the movable clamping units is greater than 5% of the area of the skin oriented surface. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165836 | SAFETY SUTURE CUTTING DEVICE AND METHOD - A sheath for use with a scalpel cutting device including a sheath body configured to cover a scalpel blade at a distal end of a scalpel cutting device. The sheath advantageously includes a slot formed therein that extends from a first end at an edge of the sheath body to a second end adjacent the scalpel blade so that the slot intersects the blade and the blade is exposed only within the second end of the slot. The slot is configured such that an angle between a guiding side wall of the slot and the scalpel blade at the point of intersection is greater than 105° and less than 180°. In another embodiment, the ratio of the length of the shortest side wall to slot width is at least 2. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165837 | Endoscopic Suturing Device, System and Method - Improved medical suturing devices, systems, and methods may hold a suture needle at a fixed location relative to a handle of the device, allowing a surgeon to grasp and manipulate the handle of the suturing device to insert the needle through tissues. The exemplary device includes two needle grasping clamps extending from an elongate distal portion for endoscopic surgeries, including ear, nose and throat procedures. The two clamps alternate holding the suture needle, as the surgeon sutures the tissues, each clamp having a proximal and distal gripping jaw for grasping the needle. Preferably, the gripping surfaces of the proximal and distal gripping jaws are substantially parallel to the needle's plane of curvature and exert a holding force on the needle substantially along an axis of the device. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165838 | Skin Suturing Device Using Rotating Needles - A medical device for installing sutures to close an incision in tissue or human skin is disclosed. The suturing device may provide first and second arcuate needles. Once properly positioned, the first and second arcuate needles are driven through the sub-dermal layer, or alternatively through a superficial surface, of two sections of skin to be joined. This is done in arcuate fashion and at identical and symmetrical rates of angular displacement. During the driving or retraction process of the first and second arcuate needles, a suture is positioned within both the first and second sections of skin and transformed from a planar or a multi-planar serpentine orientation to a helical orientation. The resulting suturing process is thus much faster than conventional or manual suturing and results in superior wound approximation/alignment that will lead to decreased scarring compared to prior art devices. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165839 | Medical Needle Holder - A medical needle holder with a shaft, a tool that is mounted on the distal end of the shaft and two jaw members, such that one jaw member of the tool is configured to pivot with respect to the other jaw member of the tool, as well as with a handle that is mounted on the proximal end of the shaft and at least two gripping members, such that the pivotable jaw member of the tool can be actuated by a movably configured gripping member of the handle, such that at least one portion of at least one jaw member of the tool is configured to slide with respect to the other jaw member of the tool in the longitudinal direction of the shaft. The slidable jaw member or the slidable portion of the jaw member is pre-tensed in a starting position by a spring element. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165840 | Medical needle holder - A medical needle holder having a shaft, a tool mounted on the distal end of the shaft, two jaw members, such that one jaw member of the tool is configured to pivot with respect to the other jaw member, a handle positioned on the proximal end of the shaft and at least two gripping members, such that the pivotable jaw member of the tool can be actuated by a movably configured gripping member of the handle. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165841 | METHOD OF SECURING TISSUE - A retainer member formed of bone secures tissue relative to a bone. The retainer member forms an opening in a compact outer layer of the bone. The retainer member is enclosed in a tubular member or sleeve to prevent breaking of the retainer member during formation of the opening in the bone. The extent of movement of the retainer member into the hone in the patient's body is determined as the retainer member is moved into the bone. A suture may be connected with the retainer member and used to connect tissue with the bone. The retainer member may be positioned across a fracture in a bone to hold portions of the hone relative to each other. The retainer member may be used at a joint between end portions of bones to immobilize the joint and be released by breaking the retainer member. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165842 | ENDOLUMINAL FOLD CREATION - Devices and methods are provided for forming one or more plications in the walls of a body cavity. In particular, endoscopic devices and methods are provided for forming and/or securing endoluminal tissue folds to reduce the volume of the gastric cavity. An end effector that includes a tissue receiving cavity can be delivered to a desired surgical site to allow a tissue fold to be formed within the tissue receiving cavity. A fastener can be used to secure the adjacent layers of tissue that form the tissue fold. The tissue folds can be effective to limit the stomach's capacity and create a feeling of satiety. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165843 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR USE IN ENDOSCOPIC ORGAN PROCEDURES - Methods and devices for use in tissue approximation and fixation are described herein. The present invention provides, in part, methods and devices for acquiring tissue folds in a circumferential configuration within a hollow body organ, e.g., a stomach, positioning the tissue folds for affixing within a fixation zone of the stomach, preferably to create a pouch or partition below the esophagus, and fastening the tissue folds such that a tissue ring, or stomas, forms excluding the pouch from the greater stomach cavity. The present invention further provides for a liner or bypass conduit which is affixed at a proximal end either to the tissue ring or through some other fastening mechanism. The distal end of the conduit is left either unanchored or anchored within the intestinal tract. This bypass conduit also includes a fluid bypass conduit which allows the stomach and a portion of the intestinal tract to communicate. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165844 | SINGLE FOLD DEVICE FOR TISSUE FIXATION - A system for tissue approximation and fixation is described herein. A device is advanced in a minimally invasive manner within a patient's body to create one or several divisions or plications within a hollow body organ. The system comprises a stapler assembly having a tissue acquisition member and a tissue fixation member. The stapler assembly approximates tissue from within the hollow body organ with the acquisition member and then affixes the approximated tissue with the fixation member. In one method, the system can be used as a secondary procedure to reduce the size of a stoma within the hollow body organ. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165845 | METHODS AND DEVICES FOR REDUCING GASTRIC VOLUME - The present invention involves new interventional methods for reducing gastric volume, and thereby treating obesity. The procedures are generally performed laparoscopically and may generally be described as laparoscopic plication gastroplasty (LPG) in which, after obtaining abdominal access, spaced apart sites on a gastric wall are engaged, approximated and fastened to create one or more tissue folds forming one or more plications projecting into the gastrointestinal space. The serosal tissue may optionally be treated during the procedure to promote the formation of a strong serosa-to-serosa bond that ensures the long-term stability of the tissue plication. These procedures are preferably carried out entirely extragastrically (i.e. without penetrating through the gastrointestinal wall), thereby minimizing the risks of serious complications. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165846 | Rotational Device with Inflatable Support Elements and Torque Transmitting Membrane - A rotational atherectomy device for removing a stenotic tissue from a vessel of a patient is disclosed. The device comprises a rotatable, flexible, hollow drive shaft having a fluid impermeable wall defining a lumen of the drive shaft and, an abrasive element mounted to a distal end portion of the drive shaft proximal to and spaced away from a distal support element formed at a distal end of the drive shaft. The distal support element is inflatable by pressurized fluid which flows in an antegrade direction through said lumen of the drive shaft and is least partially re-directed into the distal fluid inflatable support element. The distal fluid inflatable support element has an outer wall comprising an outflow opening. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165847 | Rotational Atherectomy Device with Fluid Inflatable Support Elements Supported by Fluid Bearings - A rotational atherectomy device for removing a stenotic tissue from a vessel of a patient is disclosed. The device comprises a rotatable, flexible, hollow drive shaft having an open distal end. The drive shaft comprising a fluid impermeable wall, an abrasive element mounted to the drive shaft proximal to and spaced away from its distal end, the fluid impermeable wall being formed from a torque transmitting coil and at least one fluid impermeable membrane which define a lumen for the antegrade flow of pressurized fluid through the drive shaft and into a distal fluid inflatable support element to inflate said fluid inflatable support element. The distal fluid inflatable support element is located at the distal end of the drive shaft and has an outer wall comprising an outflow opening. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165848 | System and method for treating cartilage - Various embodiments provide systems and methods of treating damaged cartilage. In some embodiments, a method can include targeting the damaged cartilage in region of interest, directing therapeutic ultrasound energy to the damaged cartilage, ablating at least a portion of the damaged cartilage and improving the damaged cartilage. The method can include focusing therapeutic ultrasound energy to create at least one lesion in a portion of the damaged cartilage. The method can also include imaging the damaged cartilage. The method can include increasing blood perfusion to the region of interest. The method can include welding together the damaged cartilage with therapeutic ultrasound energy. The method can include cutting the damaged cartilage and removing it from the joint with therapeutic ultrasound energy. The method can include smoothing the cartilage with therapeutic ultrasound energy. The method can include regenerating cartilage. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165849 | System and Method for Treating Connective Tissue - A method and system of treating connective tissue to increase flexibility of the connective tissue or decrease tension in the connective tissue includes forming perforations in the connective tissue to at least 90% of the depth or thickness of the connective tissue and maintaining the perforations in the connective tissue. The method alters the tissue to enhance the fundamental mechanisms involved the immunology, biochemistry, and molecular genetics of the metabolism of the connective tissue. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165850 | Spring Action Medical Device - A spring action medical device includes a spring that may propel a hammer component in a distal direction when the spring is released from a loaded state. When propelled forward by the spring, the hammer component makes contact with a distal tip of the medical device. The distal tip may then transfer a force to an external object, such as an occlusion in a body lumen. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165851 | CANNULA AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING THE CANNULA - Disclosed is a cannula that can decrease the rate of increase in resistance that is generated when penetrating an incision formed in tissue. The cylindrical cannula ( | 2012-06-28 |
20120165852 | BLUNT TIP OBTURATOR - A surgical obturator comprising an elongate shaft extending along an axis between a proximal end and a distal end includes a bladeless tip disposed at the distal end of the shaft. The tip has a blunt point and a pair of shorter side surfaces separated by a relatively longer pair of opposing surfaces to form in radial cross-section a geometric shape that has a longer length and relatively narrower width. The side surfaces and opposing surfaces terminate in end surfaces located proximally from the blunt point. The end surfaces extend radially outwardly from opposite locations of the outer surface. A conical surface facilitates initial insertion of the obturator and the geometric shape facilitates separation of consecutive layers of muscle tissue having fibers oriented in different directions and provides proper alignment of the tip between the layers of muscle. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165853 | Femoral Vein Catheter for Improving Cardiac Output, Drug Delivery and Automated CPR Optimization - A blood flow control device, comprising a flow influencing element arranged to be placed in the vena cava of a human during cardiopulmonary resuscitation and controllable between a non-to-low-flow state in which the flow influencing element substantially reduces a blood flow within the vena cava, and a flow state, in which the flow influencing element allows substantially unreduced blood flow, responsive to an existing or a predicted pressure difference between an upstream area and a downstream area of the flow influencing element. The blood flow control device is capable of reducing retrograde blood flow during the compression phase of CPR and thus improves the efficiency of CPR and blood perfusion. The blood flow control device can also be used for the administration of drugs almost directly to the heart, as well as for measuring physiological and chemical properties, such as blood gases. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165854 | MONORAIL SYSTEM FOR VASCULAR CLOSURE DEVICE AND METHODS - A tissue puncture closure assembly including a wire assembly and first and second devices. The wire assembly includes a first wire member and a second wire member that each include a distal end portion and a proximal end portion. At least portions of the second wire member are arranged side-by-side with the first wire member. The distal end portion of the first wire member is connected to the distal end portion of the second wire member, and a proximal end portion of the first wire member is disconnected from the proximal end portion of the second wire member. The first device is operable to advance over the first wire member. The second device is operable to advance over the second wire member. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165855 | DEVICES AND METHODS FOR ALTERING EATING BEHAVIOR - A device for modifying an eating behavior of a subject is provided. The device includes a device body which is attachable to GI tract tissue of a subject and functions in altering an eating behavior thereof. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165856 | REMOVABLE ANCHORED LUNG VOLUME REDUCTION DEVICES AND METHODS - An intra-bronchial device may be placed and anchored in an air passageway of a patient to collapse a lung portion associated with the air passageway. The device includes an obstructing member that prevents air from being inhaled into the lung portion, and an anchor that anchors the obstruction device within the air passageway. The anchor may piercingly engage the air passageway wall. The anchor may be releasable from the air passageway for removal of the obstructing member. The anchor may be releasable by collapsing a portion of the obstructing member, or by drawing the obstructing member toward the larynx. The obstructing member may be a one-way valve. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165857 | ENDOSCOPIC TISSUE STABILIZATION DEVICE AND RELATED METHODS OF USE - Embodiments of the invention include a sleeve for use in a body lumen defined by body tissue. The sleeve includes a collapsible wall defining a lumen and including an inflatable member configured to increase a volume of the lumen when the inflatable member is in an inflated state, a conduit configured to inflate the inflatable member, and a port defined by the collapsible wall and in flow communication with the lumen. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165858 | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR CLOT CAPTURE - A clot removal device and method for removing a clot from a blood vessel may employ a tubular clot capture element. The clot capture element may be configured for deployment in a blood vessel for surrounding a clot. The clot capture element may have an opening therein configured to receive and guide a clot engaging element and may be configured to radially contract upon retraction, such that when the clot capture element surrounds a clot and is retracted in a longitudinal direction of the blood vessel, the clot capture element is configured to exert a radially inward compression force on the clot. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165859 | DEVICE AND METHOD INVOLVING STABILIZATION DURING CLOT REMOVAL - A clot removal device and method may employ a shaft and a clot engagement element on an end of the shaft. The clot engagement element and the shaft may be configured for deployment in a blood vessel. The clot removal device may also include a stabilizer configured to at least partially surround the shaft and to maintain a portion of the shaft in a non-contacting relationship with the blood vessel wall. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165860 | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR VASCULAR FILTER - A device implantable into a blood vessel having a filter to prevent particles from passing into a blood vessel, and having bows extending from a horizontal plain of the device, such bows to hold such device in place in a blood vessel. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165861 | SNARE - An intravascular snare device for use in capturing debris found in blood vessels. The snare device is fabricated from a tube and includes longitudinally and circumferentially extending members. The snare device specifically embodies structure that provides enhanced radial opening and angular resistance to collapse. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165862 | INTRAORAL ACUPRESSURE APPARATUS - An intraoral acupressure apparatus and method of treating a user are disclosed. The apparatus may include a base shaped to conform to a palate of a user, the base configured to be removably held adjacent to the palate in a predetermined position relative to acupressure points located on the user's palate. The apparatus may additionally include one or more projections extending out from the base and configured to contact one or more acupressure points of the user's palate when the apparatus is removably held in the predetermined position. The base may be configured to be removably held in the predetermined position without wire hooks or clasps. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165863 | MEDICAL DEVICES WITH DETACHABLE PIVOTABLE JAWS - Medical systems, devices and methods are provided for engaging tissue, e.g. for clipping tissue, closing a perforation or performing hemostasis. Generally, the medical system including a housing, first and second jaws rotatable relative to the housing, first and second links attached to both the jaws and the housing, and a driver. The housing, first and second jaws, and first and second links form a linkage mechanism that allows the jaws to engage tissue and be left in vivo. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165864 | ADJUSTABLE ANCHOR SYSTEMS AND METHODS - An adjustable anchor system for securing tissue to bone, including an anchor having at least one passage extending from a proximal end toward a distal end. The passage defines a restriction such as a restricted opening. The anchor has at least one bone-engaging feature disposed between the proximal and distal ends. The system further includes a first material formed as a closed loop and capable of being placed through a portion of the tissue, and a second filament having a terminal end, a post limb and a sliding knot tied between the terminal end and the post limb to establish an elongated, adjustable-length loop which extends beyond the proximal end of the anchor and captures the closed loop of the first material. The knot of the second filament is restrained by the restricted opening when tension is applied as desired to the post limb to shorten the elongated loop to draw the tissue toward the anchor. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165865 | TISSUE LIGATING DEVICE - A tissue ligating device to which a suture is attached and which ligates a tissue includes a suture fix member which is attached to the suture, and which includes a housing part which one part of the suture can be hooked; and a hooked suture locking part configured to prevent the suture hooked in the housing part from disengaging from the housing part. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165866 | Method and Apparatus for Coupling Soft Tissue to Bone - A method and apparatus for coupling a soft tissue implant into a locking cavity formed within a bone. The method includes the following: implanting in bone a first anchor including a first suture construct connected to the first anchor; passing a first adjustable loop of the first suture construct at least one of over or through the soft tissue; coupling the first adjustable loop to one of a first locking feature of the first anchor or a second locking feature of a second anchor; adjusting the first adjustable loop by pulling a first end of the first suture construct; and securing the soft tissue against bone by pulling the first end of the first suture construct. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165867 | Method and Apparatus for Coupling Anatomical Features - An assembly for coupling a first portion of an anatomy to a second portion of the anatomy includes an anchor having an anchor body and a first and second bores through the anchor body. A first adjustable suture construct having a body portion passes through the first bore of the anchor and includes first and second adjustable loops slidable relative to a passage portion defined in the body portion of the first adjustable suture construct. A similar second adjustable suture construct passes through the second bore of the anchor. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165868 | FENESTRATED SUTURE ANCHOR AND METHOD FOR KNOTLESS FIXATION OF TISSUE - A fenestrated suture anchor for fixation of tissue to bone. In a preferred embodiment, the suture includes an implant, such a swivel implant with a forked tip for capturing suture. The implant is secured in a hole in bone by advancing a fixation device, such as a cannulated interference screw, to engage and fully seat the implant. The cannulated fixation device is provided with a plurality of openings or fenestrations of various dimensions and geometries to provide multiple pathways through the anchor (i.e., though the interior of the body and through the fenestrations) to allow blood to flow to increase the healing zone, for example, for rotator cuff repair, while also promoting bone in-growth. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165869 | SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS - A surgical instrument having an anchor and a plug is capable of anchoring a suture. The suture anchor has an anchor body having a top surface, a bottom surface distal to the top surface, a transverse bore and a well, the well having an outer surface, an inner surface, and an inner bottom surface. The plug has a post, a head, and a bottom face. The anchor body and the anchor plus form a suture anchor. The suture anchor may be used during surgical procedures and can be used in the re-tensioning of a suture. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165870 | PLATE-AND-SCREW IMPLANT ASSEMBLY FOR BONE FIXATION - The invention relates to an implant assembly for bone fixation, and particularly for stabilizing the vertebral column, including a plate (P) provided with at least two openings and at least two anchoring means (V) that can be positioned in said openings and be attached to the bone portions to be stabilized, and blocking means for preventing said anchoring means (V) from being accidentally released from said openings. Said blocking means include a shoulder ( | 2012-06-28 |
20120165871 | DEVICES AND METHODS FOR FACILITATING CONTROLLED BONE GROWTH OR REPAIR - Bone implantable devices and methodologies permit careful application of biologically active substances and management of bone growth processes. The device includes a body defining a carrier receiving area for locating adjacent bone. Carrier material is located in the carrier receiving area. Substance is delivered onto carrier material through a port. A pathway delivers substance from the carrier receiving area to the bone surface. The body may be in the form of a spinal fusion cage, facet fusion screw, artificial joint, bone fixation plate, interbody graft, IM nail, hip stem, or other bone-to-bone appliances or bone-to-device appliances. In use, carrier is installed in the carrier receiving area of the device. The device is then implanted adjacent a bone. The substance is applied to the carrier for subsequent delivery to the bone. By doping carrier material after device implantation, inadvertent contact of the substance with non-target bone is more easily eliminated. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165872 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR CONSTRAINT OF MULTIPLE SPINE SEGMENTS - Methods, apparatus and systems for constraining spinous processes to elastically limit flexion of two or more adjacent spinal segments rely on placing a tether structure over at least three adjacent vertebral bodies or two adjacent vertebral bodies and the sacrum. The tether structures may be continuous, for example in the form of a continuous loop, or may be discontinuous, for example in the form of a loop or elongate element having at least two anchor structures for securing in bone. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165873 | MINIMALLY INVASIVE PERCUTANEOUS PEDICLE SCREW AND SLOTTED ROD ASSEMBLY - A pedicle screw and rod assembly that has particular application for minimally invasive percutaneous pedicle screw instrumentation. The assembly includes pedicle screws having ball-shaped heads that are threaded through pedicles of adjacent vertebra into the vertebral body. The assembly also includes two cannulated posts that extend above a cannulated pedicle screw to allow placement over a K-wire. A head portion accepts the head of the pedicle screw in a secure and multi-axial engagement. The assembly further includes a tube portion that is coupled to the head portion and extends above the patient's skin. The assembly also includes a lordotic slotted rod that is slid down the tube portions to be positioned on top of the head portions of the posts so that the portions are locked within the slot. Bolts are then slid down the tube portions and are threaded to a threaded portion on the portion. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165874 | STABILIZATION DEVICE FOR STABILIZING VERTEBRAE OR BONE PARTS - A stabilization assembly for stabilizing a vertebra or other bone includes: at least two rods having different diameters; an anchoring element having a shaft and a head; a receiving part for interchangeably receiving any one of the rods to connect the rod to the anchoring element, the receiving part including a rod receiving portion with a channel for receiving the rod, and a head receiving portion having an open end and being flexible to allow introduction and clamping of the head; and a locking ring configured to be arranged around the head receiving portion and to clamp the head in the head receiving portion; wherein the locking ring includes a contact surface configured to contact any one of the at least two rods at at least two distinct contact areas that are spaced apart from one another in a circumferential direction of the rod. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165875 | FLEXIBLE SPINAL STABILIZATION SYSTEM AND METHOD - Devices, methods and systems for stabilizing at least a portion of the spinal column are provided. Devices include anchors and coupling members for engaging an elongate member. Systems include an elongate member sized to span a distance between at least two vertebral bodies and being at least partially formed of a flexible material. A number of anchors and coupling members are used to secure the elongate member to each of the vertebral bodies. The anchors can be compressed towards one another and the elongate member secured thereto and/or the elongate member can be tensioned to provide corrective forces to the spine. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165876 | APPARATUS FOR SECURING A SPINAL ROD SYSTEM - The present invention includes a method of securing a spinal rod to an anchoring device, including releasably securing a locking cap to a distal end of an insertion instrument, the instrument having an outer tubular body, a rod persuader, and a locking shaft, each of the tubular body, rod persuader and locking shaft having proximal and distal ends and positioned coaxial with one another; positioning the distal end of the insertion instrument, and locking cap, into operative engagement with the spinal rod; engaging the anchoring device with the distal end of the tubular body; rotating the proximal end of the rod persuader to longitudinally advance the locking cap and spinal rod distally towards the anchoring device, the proximal end and the distal end of the rod persuader being rotatable relative to one another; and after the locking cap is advanced, rotating the locking shaft to rotate the locking cap thereby. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165877 | Method For Stabilizing A Spine - Spine stabilization devices, systems and methods are provided in which a single resilient member or spring is disposed on an elongate element that spans two attachment members attached to different spinal vertebrae. The elongate element passes through at least one of the two attachment members, permitting relative motion therebetween, and terminates in a stop or abutment. A second resilient member is disposed on the elongate element on an opposite side of the sliding attachment member, e.g., in an overhanging orientation. The two resilient members are capable of applying mutually opposing urging forces, and a compressive preload can be applied to one or both of the resilient members. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165878 | Bone Plate Structure - The present invention discloses an approximately π-shaped improved bone plate structure, fixed on a bone of an animal for maintaining the relative positions of different portions of the bone. One of the other features of the present invention is that bone plate structure comprises at least one contouring portion for allowing the surgeons to intra-operatively adjusting the shape in accordance with the shape of the bone. Furthermore, the present invention may fit the bone with multi-axis, decreasing stress concentration, preventing the opening portion from being unsuitably covered and preventing the wound deformation from being pressed. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165879 | Telescopic cranial bone screw - The invention provides a method and apparatus for cranial fixation following a craniotomy and treatment for increased intracranial pressure. The cranial fixation device comprises of plates attached to the skull with a telescopic screw. The telescopic screw provides constrained movement of the bone flap relative to the skull to accommodate an increase in the intracranial pressure. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165880 | BONE FRACTURE TREATMENT DEVICES AND METHODS OF THEIR USE - The present disclosure provides for improved devices, systems and methods for stabilizing bones and/or bone segments that have become displaced and/or unstable due to fractures. In exemplary embodiments, the present disclosure provides for improved devices, systems and methods for deploying bone anchoring elements into bone tissue in order to stabilize bones and/or bone segments that have become displaced and/or unstable due to fractures or the like. In one embodiment, a bone treatment assembly includes a shaft configured to extend at least partially into bone tissue. The shaft includes at least one bone anchoring element with a tissue-piercing portion that is selectively displaced or deployed to engage bone tissue. The at least one bone anchoring element may be displaced by one or both of an inner member sized to extend into a lumen in the shaft and/or an outer member that is translatable over the shaft. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165881 | BONE ANCHORING DEVICE - A bone anchoring device includes an anchoring element having a shaft and a head, a receiving part having a coaxial bore and a seat for receiving the head, a pressure element configured to be movable within the bore, and a preload element being positionable between the head and the pressure element. When the head is inserted in the receiving part, the head is pivotable with respect to the receiving part, and can be locked at an angle relative to the receiving part by the pressure element. The pressure element can assume a position relative to the receiving part where the pressure element and the preload element are in direct contact, and where the pressure element exerts a force onto the head via the preload element to maintain one of a plurality of releasable angular positions between the head and the receiving part by friction before locking the head. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165882 | POLYAXIAL BONE ANCHORING DEVICE - A polyaxial bone anchoring device includes an anchoring element having a shaft and a head having a curved outer surface portion; a receiving part having a top end and a bottom end, a coaxial bore extending from the top end in the direction of the bottom end, and a seat portion for receiving the head at the bottom end; and a pressure element having a head contacting surface portion that contacts the curved outer surface portion of the head; wherein the head is pivotable with respect to the receiving part and can be fixed at an angle by exerting pressure via the pressure element, and wherein the head has an oversize in the curved outer surface portion with respect to the head contacting surface portion, such that an interference fit is achieved that clamps the head by the friction between the outer surface portion and the head contacting surface portion. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165883 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CORRELATION OF PATIENT HEALTH INFORMATION AND IMPLANT DEVICE DATA - A system and method for correlating health related data for display. The system includes a medical device recording data and a display producing device which correlates the data and simultaneously displays different types of data or displays two sets of the same type of data along with the circumstances at which the two sets of data were recorded. Such displays aid a physician in prescribing and ascertaining the efficacy of cardiac therapies. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165884 | FLUID ACCUMULATION MONITORING DEVICES, SYSTEMS AND METHODS - Provided herein are implantable systems, and methods for use therewith, for monitoring a patient's fluid accumulation level. A thoracic impedance signal for the patient is obtained. Based on the thoracic impedance signal, a duration metric indicative of a duration of drop of the thoracic impedance signal, a magnitude metric indicative of a magnitude of drop of the thoracic impedance signal, and a rate metric indicative of a rate of drop of the thoracic impedance signal is determined. The patient's fluid accumulation level is monitored based on the duration metric, the magnitude metric and the rate metric. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165885 | CAPACITOR-INTEGRATED FEEDTHROUGH ASSEMBLY WITH IMPROVED GROUNDING FOR AN IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE - A feedthrough assembly for use with implantable medical devices having a shield structure, the feedthrough assembly engaging with the remainder of the associated implantable medical device to form a seal with the medical device to inhibit unwanted gas, liquid, or solid exchange into or from the device. One or more feedthrough wires extend through the feedthrough assembly to facilitate transceiving of the electrical signals with one or more implantable patient leads. The feedthrough assembly is connected to a mechanical support which houses one or more filtering capacitors that are configured to filter and remove undesired frequencies from the electrical signals received via the feedthrough wires before the signals reach the electrical circuitry inside the implantable medical device. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165886 | ELECTRICAL STIMULATION DEVICE FOR TREATING CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE AND METHOD FOR TREATING CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE - The object of the invention is to provide a new treatment method and treatment device that together with being able to improve a drop in cardiac contractility when treating cardiovascular disease such as acute myocardial infarction and suppress the occurrence of arrhythmia, is able to reduce the infarct size. Provided is an electrical stimulation device for treating cardiovascular disease having at least one electrode that is placed on a nerve site in the body of an animal, and an electrical stimulation application unit that applies electrical stimulation by the electrode to the vagus nerve in the neck region of the animal; and a method for treating cardiovascular disease in an animal having a step of placing an electrode in contact with the vagus nerve in the neck region of an animal, and a step of applying electrical stimulation to the animal. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165887 | IMPLANTABLE CLOSE-LOOP MICROSTIMULATION DEVICE - An implantable closed-loop micro-stimulation device, comprising: a wireless receiver, a wireless energy conversion and storage interface, a demodulator circuit, a modulator, a main controller, a front end sensor, and a stimulation generator. The wireless energy conversion and storage interface receives AC signal through the wireless receiver, and converts it into DC voltage to charge the battery and provide a stable operation voltage. The demodulator circuit receives a wireless control signal through the wireless receiver, and demodulates it into control data and a control clock, and outputs them to the main controller. When the main controller determines that the control data is correct, the main controller outputs the stimulation parameters to the front end sensor and the stimulation generator based on the control data and the control clock, so that the stimulation generator generates a stimulation pulse signal for applying it onto the stimulation object. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165888 | BAROREFLEX STIMULATION SYNCHRONIZED TO CIRCADIAN RHYTHM - An embodiment of a baroreflex stimulator comprises a pulse generator to provide a baroreflex stimulation signal through an electrode, and a modulator to modulate the baroreflex stimulation signal based on a circadian rhythm template. According to an embodiment of a method for operating an implantable medical device, comprising a baroreflex stimulation therapy is applied at a stimulation intensity using a baroreflex stimulator in the implantable medical device, and the baroreflex stimulation therapy is modulated based on a circadian rhythm template stored within the implantable medical device. Modulating the baroreflex stimulation therapy includes using the circadian rhythm template to change the stimulation intensity to mimic natural blood pressure fluctuations during the day. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165889 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR INSPIRATORY MUSCLE STIMULATION USING IMPLANTABLE DEVICE - An inspiratory muscle stimulation system uses an implantable medical device to deliver stimulation to control diaphragmatic contractions for slower and deeper breathing, thereby conditioning and strengthening inspiratory muscles. In various embodiments, respiratory and/or cardiac performance are monitored for controlling parameters of the stimulation. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165890 | Systems and Methods for Determining Optimal Interventricular Pacing Delays Based on Electromechanical Delays - Techniques are provided for use with implantable medical devices such as pacemakers for optimizing interventricular (VV) pacing delays for use with cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). In one example, ventricular electrical depolarization events are detected within a patient in which the device is implanted. The onset of isovolumic ventricular mechanical contraction is also detected based on cardiomechanical signals detected by the device, such as cardiogenic impedance (Z) signals, S1 heart sounds or left atrial pressure (LAP) signals. Then, an electromechanical time delay (T_QtoVC) between ventricular electrical depolarization and the onset of isovolumic ventricular mechanical contraction is determined. VV pacing delays are set to minimize the time delay to the onset of isovolumic ventricular mechanical contraction. Various techniques for identifying the onset of isovolumic ventricular contraction based on Z, S1 or LAP or other cardiomechanical signals are described. In some examples, CRT nonresponders are specifically identified and/or heart failure progression is tracked. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165891 | CLOSED-LOOP CONTROL OF INTERMITTENT EXCITATORY CARDIAC STIMULATION FOR THERAPEUTIC EFFECT - A device and method for delivering electrical stimulation to the heart in order to improve cardiac function in heart failure patients. The stimulation is delivered as high-output pacing in which the stimulation is excitatory and also of sufficient energy to augment myocardial contractility. In order to provide a consistent hemodynamic response, the high-output pacing is optimized by delivering it using different parameter sets, evaluating the hemodynamic response thereto as reflected by one or more measured physiological variables, and selecting the parameter set with the best hemodynamic response. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165892 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR OPTIMIZING AV/VV PACING DELAYS USING COMBINED IEGM/IMPEDANCE-BASED TECHNIQUES FOR USE WITH IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICES - Systems and methods are provided wherein intracardiac electrogram (IEGM) signals are used to determine a set of preliminary optimized atrioventricular (AV/PV) and interventricular (VV) pacing delays. In one example, the preliminary optimized AV/VV pacing delays are used as a starting point for further optimization based on impedance signals such as impedance signals detected between a superior vena cava (SVC) coil electrode and a device housing electrode, which are influenced by changes in stroke volume within the patient. Ventricular pacing is thereafter delivered using the AV/VV pacing delays optimized via impedance. In another example, parameters derived from IEGM signals are used to limit the scope of an impedance-based optimization search to reduce the number of pacing tests needed during impedance-based optimization. Biventricular and multi-site left ventricular (MSLV) examples are described. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165893 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DELIVERING CARDIAC RESYNCHRONIZATION THERAPY WITH VARIABLE ATRIO-VENTRICULAR DELAY - A pacing system computes optimal cardiac resynchronization pacing parameters using intrinsic conduction intervals. In various embodiments, values for atrio-ventricular delay intervals are each computed as a function of an intrinsic atrio-ventricular interval and a parameter reflective of an interventricular conduction delay. Examples of the parameter reflective of the interventricular conduction delay include QRS width and interval between right and left ventricular senses. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165894 | CLOSED LOOP IMPEDANCE-BASED CARDIAC RESYNCHRONIZATION THERAPY SYSTEMS, DEVICES, AND METHODS - This document discusses, among other things, systems, devices, and methods measure an impedance and, in response, adjust an atrioventricular (AV) delay or other cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) parameter that synchronizes left and right ventricular contractions. A first example uses parameterizes a first ventricular volume against a second ventricular volume during a cardiac cycle, using a loop area to create a synchronization fraction (SF). The CRT parameter is adjusted in closed-loop fashion to increase the SF. A second example measures a septal-freewall phase difference (PD), and adjusts a CRT parameter to decrease the PD. A third example measures a peak-to-peak volume or maximum rate of change in ventricular volume, and adjusts a CRT parameter to increase the peak-to-peak volume or maximum rate of change in the ventricular volume. | 2012-06-28 |
20120165895 | Non-Captured Intrinsic Discrimination in Cardiac Pacing Response Classification - Cardiac devices and methods discriminate non-captured intrinsic beats during evoked response detection and classification by comparing the features of a post-pace cardiac signal with expected features associated with a non-captured response with intrinsic activation. Detection of a non-captured response with intrinsic activation may be based on the peak amplitude and timing of the cardiac signal. The methods may be used to discriminate between a fusion or capture beat and a non-captured intrinsic beat. Discriminating between possible cardiac responses to the pacing pulse may be useful, for example, during automatic capture verification and/or a capture threshold test. | 2012-06-28 |