28th week of 2013 patent applcation highlights part 46 |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20130178820 | TREATING BACTERIA WITH ELECTRIC FIELDS - Cells that are in the process division are vulnerable to damage by AC electric fields that have specific frequency and field strength characteristics. The selective destruction of rapidly dividing cells can therefore be accomplished by imposing an AC electric field in a target region for extended periods of time at particular frequencies with particular filed strengths. Some of the cells that divide while the field is applied will be damaged, but the cells that do not divide will not be harmed. This selectively damages rapidly dividing cells like bacteria, but does not harm normal cells that are not dividing. Since the vulnerability of the dividing cells is strongly related to the alignment between the long axis of the dividing cells and the lines of force of the electric field, improved results can be obtained when the field is sequentially imposed in different directions. | 2013-07-11 |
20130178821 | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR CORNEAL DELIVERY OF RIBOFLAVIN BY IONTOPHORESIS FOR THE TREATMENT OF KERATOCONUS - Ocular iontophoresis device and method for delivering any ionized drug solution to the cornea includes: a reservoir containing a solution suitable to be positioned on the eye; an active electrode disposed in or on the reservoir; and a passive electrode suitable to be placed on the skin of the subject, elsewhere on the body; elements for irradiating the cornea surface with suitable light for obtaining corneal cross-linking after the drug delivery; wherein the reservoir and the active electrode are transparent to UV light and/or visible light and/or IR light. The method includes: positioning the iontophoretic device on the eye to be treated; driving the solution by a cathodic current applied for 0.5 to 5 min, at an intensity not higher than 2 mA; and thereafter irradiating, with UV light for 5 to 30 min at a power of 3 to 30 mW/cm | 2013-07-11 |
20130178822 | DELIVERY AND EXTRACTION DEVICES - This invention provides a device for delivering substances such as medical implants and tissues. The device comprises a mandrel and a mandrel guide whereby substances are delivered by retracting the mandrel guide relative to the mandrel. Included among the various embodiments are devices specialized for delivering retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells or nanoplates containing RPE cells to the retina, devices with precise control of delivery, devices with specialized mandrels and/or nozzles, and multifunctional devices adapted to provide additional functions such as infusion and/or suction, illumination, and diathermy. | 2013-07-11 |
20130178823 | AUTOMATIC MIXING DEVICE AND DELIVERY SYSTEM - A wet/dry auto-mixing injector having a mixing device containing at least one microfluidic channel for mixing or dissolving a dry component with a wet component stored in the injector device. | 2013-07-11 |
20130178824 | RENAL NERVE DENERVATION VIA THE RENAL PELVIS - Apparatus, systems, and methods provide access to the renal pelvis of a kidney to treat renal nerves embedded in tissue surrounding the renal pelvis. Access to the renal pelvis may be via the urinary tract or via minimally invasive incisions through the abdomen and kidney tissue. Treatment is effected by exchanging energy, typically delivering heat or extracting heat through a wall of the renal pelvis, or by delivering active substances. | 2013-07-11 |
20130178825 | CATHETER-DRESSING SYSTEMS WITH INTEGRATED FLUSHING MECHANISMS - Methods and devices are disclosed herein that generally involve a sterile catheter-dressing system that allows for integrated injection of fluids, e.g., a saline flush, during the process of catheter insertion and sterile dressing placement. Such methods and devices can be used as a fully integrated catheter insertion system, or to convert existing catheter insertion devices and methods into integrated flush and sterile sealing catheter-dressing systems. Such methods and devices can greatly simplify the catheter insertion process, and can allow the reproducible placement of a fully sterile and flushed vascular catheter, as well as the placement of a durably sterile circumferentially sealing and securing dressing. | 2013-07-11 |
20130178826 | ACCURATE FLOW CONTROL IN DRUG PUMP DEVICES - The accuracy of drug delivery with drug pump devices may be improved by a combination of pump operation at high flow resistances and pump pressures, pressure-relief mechanisms, and sensor-based feedback for pump control. | 2013-07-11 |
20130178827 | COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR TREATING JOINTS - Compositions and methods are provided for treating joint conditions, such as osteoarthritis and/or the pain associated therewith. The compositions and methods utilize a first component, namely hyaluraonic acid (“HA”), in combination with a lyophilized second component that is effective to at least temporarily reduce the viscosity of the HA. In an exemplary embodiment, the second component is one or more glycosaminoglycans (“GAG”), such as chondroitin sulfate (“CS”), including CS4 and/or CS6, dermatan sulfate, heparin, heparan sulfate, and keratan sulfate. The composition can optionally include other joint supplements, such as glucosamine (“GlcN”) | 2013-07-11 |
20130178828 | DEVICE FOR MEDICAL TREATMENT - A medical treatment device enables an injection needle to accurately puncture brain tissue at a prescribed position and a drug solution to be injected into brain tissue, while avoiding damage to the brain tissue as the injection needle is handled. The use of the medical treatment device involves inflating a first balloon located on the outside of a catheter, directing a distal portion of a puncture needle, which is located inside the catheter, to outside the catheter through an opening in the catheter, after which the first balloon is deflated and a second balloon is inflated, and moving the catheter towards the brain tissue located on the opening side so that the injection needle projecting from the opening punctures the brain region. | 2013-07-11 |
20130178829 | METHODS OF TREATING MEDICAL CONDITIONS BY TRANSVASCULAR NEUROMODULATION OF THE AUTONOMIC NERVOUS SYSTEM - The present invention is directed to a method of treating a respiratory or pulmonary condition in a patient by transvascular neuromodulation of an adrenal gland or neural structures that innervate the adrenal gland or components thereof. Methods also include implanting a controller in the patient to control delivery of a therapy signal to the patient's adrenal gland. The therapy signal can be an electrical and/or chemical signal. | 2013-07-11 |
20130178830 | DEVICES FOR TRANSDERMAL DRUG DELIVERY - A transdermal drug delivery device comprises needles or other means for piercing the skin of a patient to form pores in a predefined pattern; and carriers in the same pattern that may be loaded with a drug for delivery. Means are provided for applying the carriers to the pores to deliver the drug through the pores to a location beneath the surface of the skin. The carriers may remain outside the pores, be introduced into the pores after the needles have been removed, or be inserted alongside the needles while they are still in place. | 2013-07-11 |
20130178831 | System and Method for Drug Preparation and Delivery - A disposable cassette for mixing a drug in a vial includes a liquid inlet for connection to a liquid supply, a first vial spike, a second vial spike, a chamber and a valve mechanism. The chamber, the first and second vial spikes, and the liquid inlet are in fluid communication with each other. The valve mechanism may be actuated to control flow between the chamber, the vial receptacles and the liquid inlet. | 2013-07-11 |
20130178832 | DRUG ELUTING IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE WITH HEMOCOMPATIBLE AND/OR PROHEALING TOPCOAT - The present invention relates to implantable medical devices coated with polymer having hemocompatible and/or prohealing moieties appended thereto and to their use in the treatment of vascular diseases. | 2013-07-11 |
20130178833 | ENTERAL FEEDING PUMP SYSTEM - An enteral pump system for delivering medical fluids unidirectionally includes a disposable fluid delivery set having a repeatable compression portion and an enteral feeding pump. The repeatable compression portion is helically coiled around a central axis to define a cylindrical shape. The compression portion is configured to pump a large volume of medical fluids per stroke. The compressing portion includes at least two adjacent tubing walls joined around the central axis for repeatable compression. The enteral feeding pump is configured to repeatedly and reliably compress the compression portion of the fluid delivery set along the central axis. In operation, the compression portion is repeatably compressed without distortion along the central axis by the enteral feeding pump to flow unidirectionally through the fluid delivery set. | 2013-07-11 |
20130178834 | Modular Extracorporeal Systems and Methods for Treating Blood-Borne Diseases - Extracorporeal systems and methods for treating blood-borne diseases in a subject or for developing drugs to treat blood-borne diseases include various environmental and treatment modules that can be tailored to a specific disease or infection. In certain embodiments of the systems and methods, a blood sample is treated with cold plasma and optionally with hydrostatic pressure, a pulsed electrical field, a pharmaceutical agent, microwave, centrifugation, sonification, radiation, or a combination thereof, under environmental conditions that are effective for the treatment. | 2013-07-11 |
20130178835 | IDENTIFYING SYNTHETIC LIGANDS THAT BIND T-CELLS FROM PATIENTS HAVING AN AUTOIMMUNE DISEASE - The present invention provides for the identification of autoreactive T cell populations from individuals having autoimmune diseases, such as multiple sclerosis and EAE. Peptoids recognized by autoreactive T cells can be used to identify various types of autoimmune disease, and can also be used to target therapies against such populations. | 2013-07-11 |
20130178836 | Device for adjusting the length of infusion tubing - A device for storing and dispensing infusion tubing is presented. The device comprises a casing, a spool rotatably mounted on the casing for storing the infusion tubing, and a locking structure for positively locking a central portion of infusion tubing on the spool. A locking mechanism locks a rotation of the spool in regard to the casing in at least one direction. | 2013-07-11 |
20130178837 | Surgical Instrument with Articulating Assembly - A surgical instrument includes a housing having an elongated member assembly extending from the housing. The elongated member has a first portion and a second portion. The second portion is movably coupled to the first portion by a cable that facilitates the relative movement of the first portion and the second portion. | 2013-07-11 |
20130178838 | Surgical Articulation Assembly - A surgical articulation assembly is disclosed, including a control assembly and an articulable portion. The articulable portion includes at least two segments capable of independent movement. The control assembly defines an axis and three user controls configured to be engaged by an operator. Disposed within the control assembly are three pairs of diametrically opposed driving members that effects translation of a connecting member upon engagement of the user controls. An end of the connecting member is attached to one of the first and second segments of the articulable portion. As the connecting member translates with the driving members, the three user controls allow an operator to exert forces at points along the articulable portion. Also disclosed is a method of effecting articulation of a surgical articulation assembly. | 2013-07-11 |
20130178839 | CONTROL DATA GENERATION FOR THE EYE-SURGICAL TREATMENT OF DEFECTIVE VISION - A method for generating control data to control a laser device for correcting defective vision. A cut surface is specified which is curved, has a vertex and an edge, and is to be created in the eye. One or more paths, along which a focus of the laser radiation is to be adjusted, are defined for the control data and are selected such that they lie on or near the cut surface. To select the paths, a reference plane, preferably perpendicular, with respect to a direction of incidence of the laser radiation is determined, and different displacement positions are determined for said reference plane from the vertex to the edge of the cut surface. Multiple axes or semi-axes are determined for each displacement position. Intersections of the axes are connected into closed curves which are concentric or form a spiral. | 2013-07-11 |
20130178840 | Apparatus for Administering Therapy at a Remote Location in the Body - Devices suitable for insertion into a hollow anatomical structure within a patient for the purpose of ablating tissue within or surrounding the hollow structure so as to induce occlusion of the hollow structure are provided. The devices are in the form of guidewires with functional tips, that comprise at least one heating module, at their distal ends. The devices of the invention are suitable for occluding hollow anatomical structures selected from vasculature or from non-vascular ducts and tubes, via percutaneous, laparoscopic or endoscopic routes of access. Methods of using the devices in the treatment of patients are also described. | 2013-07-11 |
20130178841 | Ablation Systems, Probes, and Methods for Reducing Radiation from an Ablation Probe into the Environment - The ablation systems, ablation probes, and corresponding methods according to the present disclosure reduce or eliminate energy radiating from an ablation probe into the environment. Some ablation probes include a retractable sheath that shields at least the radiating portion of the ablation probe. The retractable sheath and/or the ablation probe may include conduits through which a fluid may flow to shield the radiating portion and to drive the retractable sheath to an extended state. Other ablation probes include apertures defined in the probe walls through which the fluid can flow to expand a balloon surrounding the radiating portion. Yet other ablation probes include a thermal indicator to indicate the temperature of the ablation probe to a user. The ablation systems include fluid circuits and associated mechanical controls for varying the contents and/or flow rate of the fluid provided to the radiating portion of the ablation probe. | 2013-07-11 |
20130178842 | Ablation Systems, Probes, and Methods for Reducing Radiation from an Ablation Probe into the Environment - The ablation systems, ablation probes, and corresponding methods according to the present disclosure reduce or eliminate energy radiating from an ablation probe into the environment. Some ablation probes include a retractable sheath that shields at least the radiating portion of the ablation probe. The retractable sheath and/or the ablation probe may include conduits through which a fluid may flow to shield the radiating portion and to drive the retractable sheath to an extended state. Other ablation probes include apertures defined in the probe walls through which the fluid can flow to expand a balloon surrounding the radiating portion. Yet other ablation probes include a thermal indicator to indicate the temperature of the ablation probe to a user. The ablation systems include fluid circuits and associated mechanical controls for varying the contents and/or flow rate of the fluid provided to the radiating portion of the ablation probe. | 2013-07-11 |
20130178843 | System and Method For Treating Tissue Using An Expandable Antenna - A method of repairing an inner vessel wall includes the step of inserting at least a portion of a microwave ablation device into a vessel. The microwave ablation device includes an inner conductor disposed within an outer conductor and defines a longitudinal axis. The method also includes the steps of inserting a repairing sealant into the vessel such that the repairing sealant is disposed between an inner vessel wall and the outer conductor and expanding at least a portion of the outer conductor relative to the longitudinal axis to force at least a portion of the repairing sealant into the inner vessel wall. The method also includes the step of delivering energy to at least one of the inner conductor and the outer conductor to activate the repairing sealant to repair the inner vessel wall. | 2013-07-11 |
20130178844 | System and Method For Treating Tissue Using An Expandable Antenna - An ablation device includes an antenna assembly having a radiating portion configured to deliver energy from a power source to tissue of a patient. The radiating portion has an outer conductor and an inner conductor extending therethrough. The inner conductor is disposed within the outer conductor and defines a longitudinal axis. One of the inner conductor and the outer conductor is movable relative to the other to cause at least a portion of the outer conductor to expand radially relative to the longitudinal axis. | 2013-07-11 |
20130178845 | DEVICES AND METHODS FOR BIPOLAR AND MONOPOLAR PROCEDURES - An integrated catheter assembly comprises a bipolar electrode tool and a monopolar electrode tool. The catheter assembly enables an operator to perform both bipolar and monopolar procedures on tissue without having to withdraw the catheter assembly, without having to remove or replace any part of the catheter assembly, and/or without having to insert any additional tools or parts. The catheter assembly may comprise a switching mechanism such that when one of the bipolar electrode tool and monopolar electrode tool is electrically activated, the other of the bipolar electrode tool and monopolar electrode tool cannot be electrically activated. In one embodiment of a method, the operator uses a single catheter assembly for applying bipolar current for tissue electro-therapy and monopolar current for tissue cutting. | 2013-07-11 |
20130178846 | MICROWAVE ANTENNA HAVING A CURVED CONFIGURATION - A microwave antenna having a curved configuration is described herein. The antenna portion is formed into various shapes whereby the antenna substantially encloses, by a partial or complete loop or enclosure, at least a majority of the tissue to be irradiated. When microwave energy is delivered through the antenna, the curved configuration forms an ablation field or region defined by the curved antenna and any tissue enclosed within the ablation region becomes irradiated by the microwave energy. The microwave antenna is deployed through one of several methods, and multiple curved antennas can be used in conjunction with one another. Moreover, RF energy can also be used at the distal tip of the antenna to provide a cutting tip for the antenna during deployment in tissue. | 2013-07-11 |
20130178847 | Target-Close Electromagnetic Energy Emitting Device - An apparatus having an excitation source that includes at least one laser diode and also having a handpiece with a disposable, bendable tip cannula is disclosed. | 2013-07-11 |
20130178848 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR POWER SUPPLY NOISE REDUCTION - An electrosurgical system includes an electrosurgical generator, a power source configured to deliver power to at least one load connected to the generator, a master configured to generate an initial pulse, the initial pulse cooperating with a first floating power supply configured to create an electrical connection between at least one first load and the power source, and a plurality of slaves connected in series to the master, wherein a first slave is configured to generate a subsequent pulse based on the initial pulse, the subsequent pulse cooperating with a second floating power supply configured to create an electrical connection between at least one second load and the power source, the subsequent pulse configured to cause an ensuing slave to generate an additional pulse, the additional pulse cooperating with a corresponding floating power supply configured to create an electrical connection between at least one additional load and the power source. | 2013-07-11 |
20130178849 | DEVICES AND METHODS FOR MINIMALLY-INVASIVE SURGICAL PROCEDURES - Devices, instruments and tools for minimally invasive surgical procedures. Port devices and methods for hemostatically sealing and providing a port through a tissue wall that interfaces with a fluid containing chamber, by minimally invasive techniques. Assemblies, instruments and methods for minimally invasive access to and through a tissue wall that interfaces with a fluid containing chamber, and for visualizing same. Instruments, assemblies and methods for minimally invasive surgical procedures, including ablation. | 2013-07-11 |
20130178850 | ENHANCED MEDICAL DEVICE FOR USE IN BODILY CAVITIES, FOR EXAMPLE AN ATRIUM - Systems, methods, and devices allow intravascular or percutaneous mapping, orientation or ablation, or combinations thereof in bodily cavities or lumens. A device includes a plurality of elongate members which are moveable between an unexpanded configuration, a bent or coiled stack configuration and an expanded or fanned configuration. The elongate members form a stack arrangement in the unexpanded configuration to fit through a catheter sheath, The elongate members follow respective arcuate or curvilinear paths as advanced from the sheath into the bent or coiled stack configuration, adopting volute, scroll or rho shapes, and may be nested. The elongated members are fanned or radially spaced circumferentially with respect to one another into the expanded or fanned configuration. Transducers carried by elongate members may sense various physiological characteristics of or proximate tissue, for instance temperature, and/or may apply energy to or proximate tissue, for example to perform ablation. The device is retractable. | 2013-07-11 |
20130178851 | ENHANCED MEDICAL DEVICE FOR USE IN BODILY CAVITIES, FOR EXAMPLE AN ATRIUM - Systems, methods, and devices allow intravascular or percutaneous mapping, orientation and/or ablation, in bodily cavities or lumens. A device includes elongate members, moveable between an unexpanded configuration and an expanded or fanned configuration. The elongate members form a stack in the unexpanded configuration to fit through a catheter sheath. The elongate members follow respective arcuate or curvilinear paths as advanced from the sheath into the bent or coiled stack configuration, adopting volute, scroll or rho shapes, and may be nested. The elongated members are fanned or radially spaced circumferentially with respect to one another into the expanded or fanned configuration. Transducer elements carried by elongate members sense various physiological characteristics of or proximate tissue, and/or may apply energy to or proximate tissue. The elongate members are rotatable in groups or as a group in the expanded configuration. The device is retractable. | 2013-07-11 |
20130178852 | Monopolar Pencil With Integrated Bipolar/Ligasure Tweezers - The present disclosure is directed to an electrosurgical pencil with integrated ligasure tweezers. In accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure the electrosurgical pencil includes an elongated housing having an open distal end and including an actuator operatively associated therewith. First and second jaw members extend distally through the open distal end of the elongated housing and are transitionable between a closed position and an open position upon actuation of an actuator. At least one of the jaw members is configured to treat tissue with monopolar energy and both jaw members are configured to treat tissue with bipolar energy. At least one switch is operably coupled to a controller disposed in the housing and configured to activate the first and second jaw members to treat tissue with monopolar and bipolar energy. | 2013-07-11 |
20130178853 | SURGICAL TOOL MANAGEMENT - The different illustrative embodiments provide a method, computer program product, and apparatus for managing a number of surgical tools. A determination is made whether a number of surgical tools is to be used in performing a procedure based on information. Responsive to a determination that the number of surgical tools is to be used in performing the procedure, a determination is made whether a signal received by the number of surgical tools indicates that the number of surgical tools is present within a predetermined distance of a location on the patient where the procedure is to be performed. Responsive to a determination that the signal received by the number of surgical tools indicates that the number of surgical tools is within the predetermined distance of the location on the patient where the procedure is to be performed, the number of surgical tools is enabled for use in performing the procedure. | 2013-07-11 |
20130178854 | CIRCULAR BONE TUNNELING DEVICE - An adjustable suture passer for use in arthroscopic surgery is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, the adjustable suture passer comprises a head that describes a semicircular arc, an elongate body, a support element, and driving and control mechanisms. The head is adapted to accommodate a surgical needle and a guide wire. When the adjustable suture passer is activated, the needle is driven with sufficient force to penetrate bone. Use of the adjustable suture passer thus enables surgical attachment of soft tissue to bone without any necessity for a separate anchor. | 2013-07-11 |
20130178855 | IMPLANTABLE HEARING AID AND SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR IMPLANTING THE SAME - An at least partially implantable hearing aid, having: a microphone arrangement ( | 2013-07-11 |
20130178856 | CRANIOTOMY DRILL - A craniotomy drill includes a main machine, a retarder and a locking seat. A drill transmission rod connected to the output shaft of the retarder is inserted in the locking seat. The main machine comprises a handle at the lower portion and an accommodating part at the upper portion, with a stator and a rotor of a DC electric motor being provided inside the accommodating part and a wall of the accommodating part being the stator housing of the DC electric motor. This craniotomy drill has a simple structure with the wall of the accommodating part as the stator housing of the electric motor, such that the volume and the weight are reduced. It is safe in use without the risk of the electric motor sliding out. By utilizing materials and processes of water resistant technology and an integrative design, a relatively good water resistant performance is achieved. | 2013-07-11 |
20130178857 | DRILL HEAD LOCKING APPARATUS AND DRILL HEAD - A drill head locking apparatus and a drill head are provided. The locking apparatus includes a protruding platform having a through hole, a bearing on the inner wall of a small cylinder on the protruding platform, a locking sleeve fitted on the protruding platform, and a protrusion arranged on the upper part of the inner wall of the locking sleeve. The lower part of the inner wall of the locking sleeve is a conical face. A spring is arranged between the bottom face of the conical face and an upper bottom face of the protruding platform. A press plate is connected with a screw thread on the outer wall of the top part of the small cylinder on the protruding platform and presses down on the protrusion. A conical hole is arranged on the wall of the small cylinder and communicates with the through hole of the protruding platform. | 2013-07-11 |
20130178858 | DRILL BIT LOCKING DEVICE AND DRILL BIT - A drill bit locking device and a drill bit are provided. The locking device includes a boss with a through hole, a bearing and a support member are arranged an inner wall of a small cylinder above the boss; a locking sleeve is sleeved over the boss, a first bulge is on an inner wall of an upper part of the locking sleeve, and a second bulge is on an inner wall of a lower part; a spring is between the second bulge and an upper bottom surface of the boss; a press plate is threadedly connected with an outer wall of a top part of the small cylinder and presses against the first bulge; holes of different sizes are on the inner wall of the small cylinder and the support member to form a stepped hole, and a steel ball is arranged in the stepped hole. | 2013-07-11 |
20130178859 | Distal Femoral Cutting Guide - A method of positioning a femoral cutting guide on a distal end of a femur establishes at least a first reference plane to perform a distal femoral planar cut. The method includes inserting a mounting member into an intramedullary canal of the femur and coupling a bridge member to the mounting member. The method also includes placing a cutting guide member over a medial anterior portion of the distal femur. The cutting guide member has a first channel that establishes the first reference plane. The bridge member has a bridge channel. A wall of the bridge channel is inserted into the first channel of the cutting guide member. A mounting mechanism generates resistance between the bridge member and the cutting guide member. The resistance is overcome by positioning the cutting guide member relative to the femur. | 2013-07-11 |
20130178860 | SOFT TISSUE PROTECTOR AND DRILL GUIDE FOR AN IMPLANTATION KIT - A drill guide for guiding elements, especially drill bits and implants of an implantation kit during a surgical intervention, has a main body having a gripping portion. The drill guide has an upper and a lower central opening along its longitudinal axis with a through going cavity for receiving the element to be guided. A lower contact surface is positioned on an object, such as a bone, on or into which the element is to be guided. The diameter of the through going cavity can be varied by a.) radial positioning of three or four jaws inside the cavity through a groove-slide block system and/or b.) against the force of a spring at the lower free end of guiding extensions. The spring is provided on the back side of the extensions which bear against the inner wall of the drill guide sleeve. | 2013-07-11 |
20130178861 | SURGICAL MILLING CUTTER BRACKET - A surgical milling cutter bracket includes a retaining base having a through hole. The upper part of the retaining base is provided with a finger guide having an L-shaped support frame on the top of the finger guide. A downward protrusion is provided at the end of the short side of the L-shaped support frame. The lowest point of the protrusion is lower than the lowest point of the cylindrical head of the milling cutter during normal operation of the milling cutter. A bolt having a through hole at the center is fixed within the cavity of the finger guide. A depressor is provided on the upper part of the retaining base. The bolt passes through a hole of the depressor and is connected to a nut. The protrusion is able to prevent an object from contacting the cylindrical head, thus avoiding cutting the object unevenly. | 2013-07-11 |
20130178862 | Intervertebral Implant Insertion Device and Method - An implant insertion device and its method of use, the device having a pair of opposing elongated blades retained by a housing. The distal ends of the blades are adapted to be inserted into the vertebral interspace. The housing comprises an internally threaded bore. An insertion rod having an elongated threaded rod passes through the housing and between the blades, whereby rotation of the insertion rod relative to the housing causes it to advance within the housing. An implant is temporarily mounted to the end of the insertion rod. As the insertion rod is advanced, the implant forces the distal ends of the blades apart such that proper placement of the implant in the intervertebral space is readily achieved. Once the implant is properly positioned free of the blades, the device is removed. | 2013-07-11 |
20130178863 | Alignment Plate Apparatus and Method of Use - A dimensioned grid apparatus for determining: 1) leg length, offset, and cup position during arthroplasty replacement surgery; 2) fracture reduction/correction position during trauma procedures and 3) an apparatus to be used for defomity correction planning is provided. | 2013-07-11 |
20130178864 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR POSITIONING AND PLACEMENT OF A SURGICAL DEVICE - A method and device are provided that support a surgeon's work in siting and fixating a surgical screw into bone tissue. A first device is provided that removably couples with a previously fixated first surgical screw while the first surgical screw is fixated within a bone. The device may include a handle and an adjustable guide element. The handle presents a coupling element that detachably couples with the first surgical screw. The guide element helps a surgeon site an additional screw for placement into bone tissue. The guide element is adjustably positionable relative to the handle along a linear axis and optionally rotationally about the same axis. The handle may optionally be adjustable to enable positioning of the guide element along a second axis extending from the bone, whereby the guide element may alternately be positioned closer to or further away from the first surgical screw. | 2013-07-11 |
20130178865 | INSERT AND INSERT SYSTEM FOR A LAPAROSCOPIC INSTRUMENT | 2013-07-11 |
20130178866 | Non-Lithotripsic Kidney-Stone Therapy - One aspect of the present invention relates to a method of using peristalsis to force a polymer plug through a mammalian lumen, thereby removing any calculi and/or calculi fragments present in the lumen. In one embodiment, the method is used as an alternative to conventional lithotripsy. In another embodiment, the method is used in conjunction with lithotripsy, thereby removing the small calculi fragments that result from such procedures. | 2013-07-11 |
20130178867 | Robotic Surgical Devices, Systems, and Related Methods - The embodiments disclosed herein relate to various medical device components, including components that can be incorporated into robotic and/or in vivo medical devices. Certain embodiments include various modular medical devices for in vivo medical procedures. | 2013-07-11 |
20130178868 | SURGICAL ROBOT AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING THE SAME - A surgical robot includes a console and a manipulator assembly. The manipulator assembly includes at least one arm having a plurality of links and a motor provided between links adjacent to each other among the plurality of links, and a control unit configured to determine whether a mode is changed between a tele-operation mode and a manual mode. The control unit sets output data of the motor provided before the mode is changed as input data of the motor provided after the mode is changed, if it is determined that the mode is changed between the tele-operation mode and the manual mode, thereby preventing the vibration and the rapid change of the posture from occurring at the arm of the surgical robot during the change of the mode between the manual mode and the tele-operation mode, thereby increasing stability of the surgical robot. | 2013-07-11 |
20130178869 | Pneumatic System for Deployment of Articulating Arms for an Access Port - A surgical apparatus for positioning within a tissue tract accessing an underlying body cavity is adapted to articulate instruments inserted therein. The surgical apparatus includes an anchor member configured to form a sealing relation with a tissue, a balloon member and a plurality of articulating arms extending distally from the anchor member. Inflating and/or deflating the balloon member effectuate articulation of the articulating arms. | 2013-07-11 |
20130178870 | ROBOTIC SURGICAL SYSTEM WITH PATIENT SUPPORT - A robotic surgery system for supporting a patient and a robotic surgical manipulator. The robotic surgery system includes a base, a pillar coupled to the base at a first end and extending vertically upwardly to an opposing second end, and an attachment structure coupled to the second end of the pillar. A patient table is coupled to the attachment structure. A robot support arm has a first end coupled to the attachment structure. The robot support arm extends vertically upwardly from the first end to a second end. The robot support arm may further extend horizontally over the patient table to support a robotic surgical manipulator that will extend generally downward from the robot support arm toward a patient supported by the patient table to place an end effector of the robotic surgical manipulator adjacent a desired surgical site on the patient. | 2013-07-11 |
20130178871 | DRIVE SYSTEM FOR TISSUE REPAIR - A suture drive system configured to assist in attaching a suture to tissue within a patient, and in at least one application, repairing meniscal tears and shoulder tissue tears is disclosed. The suture drive system may be interchangeable in that the system can be adapted to insert different suture systems into tissue of a patient using the same device. In particular, in one embodiment configured to employ an inside-out suture delivery method, the suture drive system may advance two combinations of push rods and two swaged needles having one or more sutures attached thereto. In another embodiment configured to employ an outside-in suture delivery method, the suture drive system may advance two combinations of push rods and drive shafts to deliver two anchors releasably affixed to the distal ends of the drive shafts into tissue to close an opening in the tissue. | 2013-07-11 |
20130178872 | Intravascular suturing device for simultaneously placing 3-7 sutures with ideal spacing to close large openings in vessels including calfified - Centerboard entering vessel opening spreads it to a slit. Needle pairs in slots across centerboard width are at about 2 mm intervals inside vessel. Pushing a wedge or bridge wire between pairs spreads needle noses about 1 mm on either side of free edge of slit. Suture loop ends are attached to each pair. An outboard has legs on either side of centerboard with a foot on each leg that stands on either side of slit outside vessel. Needle nose housings in each foot are directly opposite needle noses. Operator turning a screw pushes needle noses through vessel wall overcoming resistance in calcified vessels and housings hold needle noses by detents. Removing device from body brings suture ends outside with suture loops across slit in ideal 2×2 pattern. Alternative configurations provide means of joining and cutting suture ends, with preformed knots slid to opening or clamping ends together with a clip. | 2013-07-11 |
20130178873 | Umbilical splint and method of use - A use of an umbilical splint for shaping an umbilicus after an abdominal operation is described. The umbilical splint may comprise an insertion portion extending in a longitudinal direction and terminating at an insertion end for insertion into the umbilicus. Furthermore, the insertion portion may comprise a bulbous section near the insertion end. The bulbous section may be operable to apply pressure to a tissue of the umbilicus after the abdominal operation. The insertion portion may have different cross-sectional shapes including circular and oval. Finally, the insertion portion may be configured to engage the umbilicus such that the umbilical splint is retained within the umbilicus. | 2013-07-11 |
20130178874 | COMPOSITE IMPLANT - A composite implant includes a mesh scaffold having a biologically-active material configured to contact biological tissue and blood vessels; a resin disposed on the mesh scaffold; and a channel in the mesh which is configured to receive growth of the biological tissue and blood vessels, wherein the resin is biocompatible and non-absorbable. A process for preparing the composite implant includes disposing a plurality of layers of biologically-active material as an array; contacting the plurality of layers with a resin; and hardening the resin to form the composite implant. A process of using the composite implant includes implanting the composite implant into a subject, wherein the implant comprises: a mesh comprising a biologically-active material configured to contact biological tissue and blood vessels; a resin disposed on the mesh; and a channel in the mesh which is configured to receive growth of the biological tissue and blood vessels. | 2013-07-11 |
20130178875 | IMPLANTABLE PROSTHESIS - An implantable prosthesis can have a three-dimensional shape that is invertible, so as to assume either a right configuration or a left configuration, which can be substantially mirror images of each other, so as to eliminate the need for separately manufacturing a left prosthesis and a right prosthesis. An implantable prosthesis can be preformed to independently assume a contoured three-dimensional shape that more adequately fits the extraperitoneal laparoscopic inguinal space, while simultaneously maintaining a relatively large area for fixation of the prostheses (e.g., through suturing or integration with the surrounding tissue). An implantable prosthesis can have a three-dimensional contoured shape that is formed from a single piece of continuous material, such as a mesh, and can possess substantially uniform rigidity. An implantable prosthesis may be trimmed, cut, or altered at an outer perimeter with no detrimental effect on its ability to independently maintain a predetermined three-dimensional contoured shape. | 2013-07-11 |
20130178876 | HERNIA PATCH - A hernia patch supporting tissue in-growth conforms to a tissue wall upon surgical installation and fixation within a patient. The hernia patch can include a base and positioning straps. The base is formed of two layers that are affixed to each other around the perimeter of the patch, for example by stitching. A stabilizing washer is provided between the two layers, and the stitch is provided peripherally around the stabilizing washer, keeping the washer free-floating between the layers. The base, positioning straps, and stabilizing washer are formed of a structure that does not separate the layers of the implant or form a space in the form of a pocket, and promotes more uniform and confluent tissue incorporation or in-growth after implantation. The hernia patch may further include a hydrolysable bioabsorbable cross-linked coating of a fatty acid based material, such as an omega-3 fatty acid based material. | 2013-07-11 |
20130178877 | Methods, Instruments and Devices for Extragastric Reduction of Stomach Volume - Methods, instruments and systems are provided for separating opposite walls of the stomach by extragastric application of suction. Plication of the stomach can be performed between the separated walls after which the separate walls are brought back toward one another. In another aspect, methods, instruments, devices and systems are provided for reducing the effective volume of a stomach by performing one or more extragastric plications of the stomach. | 2013-07-11 |
20130178878 | SURGICAL STAPLE FOR ANASTOMOSIS - A surgical staple for connecting two tubular tissue structures may include a substantially rectangular base having a first edge and a second edge substantially parallel to one another, and a third edge substantially perpendicular to the first and said second edges; and may also include at least three deformable tines extending from the first and second edges of said base; where no tine that extends from the first edge may be positioned at substantially the same distance from the third edge as any said tine that extends from the second edge; and where deformation of the tines secures the tubular tissue structures together. | 2013-07-11 |
20130178879 | GASTROINTESTINAL IMPLANT AND METHODS FOR USE - Methods and devices for modifying the location at which bodily fluids interact with nutrients in a gastrointestinal tract. The methods and devices utilize a conduit configured to divert bodily fluids from an entrance within a gastrointestinal tract to a location downstream from the entrance. | 2013-07-11 |
20130178880 | SURGICAL CLIP DEVICE - In order to provide a surgical clip device with which the closure of vessels is successfully achieved even more safely, particularly in neurosurgery, it is proposed that the surgical clip device be provided with at least two electrically conductive clip parts that are electrically isolated from each other (by an element) and are arranged at a predetermined distance opposite each other. | 2013-07-11 |
20130178881 | Rotational Atherectomy Device with Distal Protection Capability and Method of Use - A rotational device for removing a stenotic lesion from within a vessel of a patient is disclosed. The device comprises a flexible hollow drive shaft having a distal end insertable into the vessel and an abrasive element located on the drive shaft proximal to the distal end of the drive shaft to abrade a stenotic lesion when the drive shaft rotates. The hollow drive shaft defines a lumen for fluid supplied into the drive shaft to flow in an antegrade direction along the lumen and into the vessel from the drive shaft distal to the abrasive element so that the fluid entering the vessel flows in a retrograde direction over the abrasive element and the drive shaft to entrain debris abraded by the abrasive element for removal of said debris from the patient. | 2013-07-11 |
20130178882 | ULTRASONIC SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS - In one general aspect, various embodiments are directed to an ultrasonic surgical instrument that comprises a transducer configured to produce vibrations along a longitudinal axis at a predetermined frequency. In various embodiments, an ultrasonic blade extends along the longitudinal axis and is coupled to the transducer. In various embodiments, the ultrasonic blade includes a body having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the distal end is movable relative to the longitudinal axis by the vibrations produced by the transducer. | 2013-07-11 |
20130178883 | LOW ENERGY OR MINIMUM DISTURBANCE METHOD FOR MEASURING FREQUENCY RESPONSE FUNCTIONS OF ULTRASONIC SURGICAL DEVICES IN DETERMINING OPTIMUM OPERATING POINT - A method for measuring frequency response is provided that includes supplying ultrasonic energy to an ultrasonic device configured to impart energy to tissue, providing a drive signal and a noise signal, combining the drive signal and the noise signal to create a combined signal, amplifying the combined signal and providing the amplified signal to the ultrasonic device, receiving an output signal from the ultrasonic device and the noise signal, calculating a transfer function estimate based on the output signal and the noise signal, adjusting the drive signal generator based on the calculated transfer function estimate, and determining a phase difference by time aligning the noise signal in the output signal with the noise signal provided. | 2013-07-11 |
20130178884 | ABLATION DEVICES WITH SENSORS STRUCTURES - A cardiac ablation device, including a steerable catheter ( | 2013-07-11 |
20130178885 | TROCAR SYSTEM FOR USE IN LAPAROSCOPIC SURGERY - A trocar system for use in laparoscopic surgery is disclosed. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the trocar system includes: an upper housing having a circular or oval shape with a lower opening; a plurality of protrusion membranes provided to the upper housing to install a trocar; one or more tubes for sustaining air passage installed on the upper housing; and a lower guide formed at the lower edge of the upper housing, installed on the upper portion of a laparoscopic retractor, and conveniently removed therefrom. The trocar is fixedly installed on the protrusion membrane, and includes: a trocar body having a cylindrical shape; a valve cover disposed over the trocar body to close the upper space thereof; a recess for an installation ring disposed on the lower outer circumference of the trocar body; and an elastic press which is moved in conjunction with the side portion of an upper valve to open the upper valve; the trocar system further includes a seal part. When the trocar body is inserted into the protrusion membrane, the seal part is disposed at the recess for an installation ring to fix the outer circumference of the protrusion membrane. | 2013-07-11 |
20130178886 | Occlusion Device and Method for its Manufacture - An occlusion device comprises a distal end, a proximal end and an elastic braided body which is provided between the proximal end and the distal end and made of wires. The elastic braided body is composed of a multi-stage braided net, which comprises at least a first-stage braided net that is closest to the distal end and made of a plurality of first-stage wires, and a second-stage braided net which is braided by a plurality of first-stage wires and second-stage wires all together. The minimum cross-section area of the first-stage braided net after being compressed toward the direction perpendicular to an axis of the elastic braided body is less than the minimum cross-section area of any other-stage braided net after being compressed toward the axis. A method for manufacturing the occlusion device is also provided. | 2013-07-11 |
20130178887 | Retrieval Catheters and Methods of Retrieving Deployed Medical Devices - A retrieval catheter for retrieving deployed medical devices includes a first guidewire lumen and a second guidewire lumen spaced radially from the first guidewire lumen. The first guidewire lumen has a distal end portion configured to recapture a medical device, such as a collapsed embolic protection device, deployed in a body lumen and secured to a guidewire extending through the first guidewire lumen. The second guidewire lumen receives a second guidewire which may be advanced past a first interventional site to perform a second procedure. The retrieval catheter may be provided with a soft tip to reduce trauma to the body tissue. | 2013-07-11 |
20130178888 | ENDOLUMINAL DEVICE RETRIEVAL DEVICES AND RELATED SYSTEMS AND METHODS - Retrieval devices and related systems and methods are provided. A retrieval device comprises an elongate element having a collapsible retriever at its distal end, wherein the collapsible retriever can be axially delivered over or through an introducer to the site of an object to be retrieved, e.g., a failed endoluminal device. When the retrieval device reaches the failed endoluminal device, the endoluminal device and the retrieval device are withdrawn together through the introducer. The introducer is configured to force the retrieval device down over the endoluminal device reducing the french size of the spent endoluminal device upon extraction. The collapsible retriever can be configured to side-mount a delivery element, or it can be integrated into a delivery system. | 2013-07-11 |
20130178889 | MEDICAL DEVICE FOR MODIFICATION OF LEFT ATRIAL APPENDAGE AND RELATED SYSTEMS AND METHODS - Devices, methods and systems are provided for occluding an opening within the tissue of a body, such as a left atrial appendage. In one embodiment, a medical device includes an occluder portion and an anchor portion, the anchor portion hingably coupled to the occluder portion. With this arrangement, the anchor portion actuates and pivots relative to the occluder portion between an anchor deployed position and an anchor non-deployed position while the occluder portion is in an occluder deployed position. | 2013-07-11 |
20130178890 | VEIN FILTER - A vessel filter comprising a first region and a second region wherein the filter is movable between a collapsed position for delivery to the vessel and an expanded position for placement within the vessel. A first region has a filter portion having a converging region to direct particles toward the center of the filter and the second region is flared in the expanded position to have a transverse dimension increasing toward a second end portion opposite the first end portion. The second region includes a vessel engaging portion at the second end portion. The first region includes a plurality of spaced apart elongated struts with adjacent struts being joined. | 2013-07-11 |
20130178891 | INTEGRATED EMBOLIC PROTECTION DEVICES - Embolic protection elements are integrated with a catheter or access sheath for any catheter. A catheter with an integrated embolic protection element comprises a catheter shaft, an embolic filter slidably mounted on a distal portion of the shaft, a proximal stop for limiting the proximal movement of the embolic filter, and a distal stop for limiting the distal movement of the embolic filter. The filter comprises a porous mesh material defining a collection chamber for captured emboli and has a collapsed and a deployed configuration. The filter may be collapsed by an access sheath used with the catheter. An access sheath may comprise a tubular main body and an embolic filter mounted on the distal portion of the tubular main body. The embolic filter may evert into the central lumen of the sheath or may be constrained on the exterior of the sheath with a larger diameter outer tube. | 2013-07-11 |
20130178892 | STATIN-LOADED COILS FOR ACCELERATION OF ORGANIZATION AFTER ENDOVASCULAR COILING OF ANEURYSMS - The present invention provides a vascular treatment material which has high safety, and also can exert high organization acceleration effect. The present invention also provides a commercially available vascular treatment material, which is easy to produce and can be easily sterilized, and also can be stored for a long period. Disclosed is a vascular treatment material including a coil on which statin is loaded. It is preferred that a wire forming the coil is made of at least one kind of metal selected from platinum, tungsten, gold, cobalt, chromium, titanium, niobium, aluminum, tantalum, iron, nickel and the like. The vascular treatment material of the present invention is particularly useful, which is placed in a blood vessel for embolization treatment, or which accelerates organization for prevention of recanalization of aneurysm or for prevention of rupture of aneurysm. | 2013-07-11 |
20130178893 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR TENSILE COLONOSCOPY COMPRESSION - A method and apparatus for applying pressure to the abdomen of a patient to facilitate the insertion of a colonoscope is characterized by the use of a tensile compression device in the form of an elastic band which is wrapped around the patient's abdomen and secured in place. The tension of the band is adjusted to apply a desired degree of pressure to the patient's abdomen to reduce loops in the patient's colon so that the colonoscope can be fully inserted into the colon with minimal discomfort to the patient. The ends of the device are connected together when the desired degree of tension is obtained so that constant pressure and support are provided to the patient's colon. Addition pressure can be manually applied simultaneously with the pressure from the tensile device to reduce or eliminate more distal loops in the colon. | 2013-07-11 |
20130178894 | HEMOSTATIC DEVICE - A hemostatic device includes a flexible band adapted to be wrapped around a patient's limb at a site on the limb where bleeding is to be stopped, a portion for securing the band in a wrapped state to the limb, a curved plate which is made of a material more rigid than the band and at least a portion of which is curved toward the inner peripheral side thereof, a main balloon which is provided on the inner peripheral side of the curved plate and which inflates when a fluid is introduced therein, and a pressing member which is provided between the curved plate and the main balloon so that at least a portion thereof overlaps with the balloon and which is adapted for pressing against the balloon. The device provides an excellent hemostatic effect and prevents numbness and poor circulation in areas peripheral to the site of attachment. | 2013-07-11 |
20130178895 | SURGICALLY CLOSING PERCUTANEOUSLY PUNCTURES - A closure device for sealing a percutaneous puncture in a wall of a body passageway, the closure device including at least one of a toggle configured to engage an interior surface of the body passageway or a plug configured to engage an exterior surface of the body passageway and a guide wire configured to extend from an outside of the body to inside the body passageway, wherein at least one of the toggle and the plug is associated with the guide wire. | 2013-07-11 |
20130178896 | LIQUID APPLICATOR - The present invention provides a liquid applicator comprising: a hollow body portion incorporating a reservoir portion for containing a liquid to be applied by the applicator; an outlet portion having first and second ends, the first end being connected to an outlet mouth of the reservoir; an applicator tip assembly provided on the second end of the outlet portion for discharge of liquid from the reservoir portion via said outlet portion; a plug located in the mouth of the reservoir portion; and actuator means for applying an actuating force to the mouth wall to effect movement of the plug towards the outlet portion and for squeezing the walls of the reservoir portion to effect discharge of liquid from the reservoir portion via the outlet portion and the applicator device. The liquid to be dispensed is retained in a reservoir that is sealed by a plug until usage. | 2013-07-11 |
20130178897 | Methods and Devices for Applying Closed Incision Negative Pressure Wound Therapy - Disclosed herein are devices, systems and methods for using such devices and systems for treating incisions and wounds. In an aspect, disclosed is a device having a generally planar tension relief module and a flexible sealant structure sized to cover the tension relief module, the flexible sealant structure comprising a lower adhesive surface. The tension relief module includes a conduit structure having a plurality of support structures on an upper surface of the conduit structure and at least one opening extending through the conduit structure from a lower surface to the upper surface. At least a portion of the conduit structure is adapted to be aligned with a longitudinal axis of the incision. The tension relief module also includes opposing adhesive structures coupled to the conduit structure. The lower adhesive surface of the flexible sealant structure and the upper surface of the conduit structure form a flow pathway. | 2013-07-11 |
20130178898 | TISSUE APPROXIMATION - Systems and methods for approximating tissue using suture are described. The systems include at least one suture with a locking portion that is integral to the suture. The locking portion may be an expanded portion of the suture body. The locking portion may receive a plurality of snares that work to carry the at least one end of the suture through the locking portion. The systems may also include suture anchors and external locking mechanisms such as a tubular sheath. The systems may be used to approximate two soft tissue portions together, or a soft tissue and a bone portion together. | 2013-07-11 |
20130178899 | Attachment Device for Tissue Approximation and Retraction - An attachment system for tissue apposition or manipulation and a method of attaching a suture to a tissue for apposition or manipulation of the tissue are provided. The system includes an attachment device including a body having a proximal portion and a distal portion. The attachment device further includes a tissue attachment portion operably connected to the distal portion wherein the tissue attachment portion has a shape that is maintained throughout a tissue apposition procedure. The attachment device also includes a suture operably connected to the body and having an unconnected proximal end and a retaining structure at the proximal portion of the body. The retaining structure configured to releasably mate with a complementary retaining structure on a stylet. | 2013-07-11 |
20130178900 | Porous Implants - A porous PEEK implant system which may provide tissue ingrowth throughout the body of the implant. The implant may comprise a solid or porous PEEK core. The porous PEEK implants may be of general shape and size but provide the structure necessary to carry out the function of the implant. The porous PEEK implant pores may be seeded with agents to encourage tissue ingrowth as well as other agents such as antibiotics, anesthetics, analgesics and the like. | 2013-07-11 |
20130178901 | COMPOSITE INTERFERENCE SCREWS AND DRIVERS - The present disclosure relates to an anchor. The anchor includes a suture bridge having a proximal end and distal end. The distal end of the suture bridge has a thickness greater than a thickness of the proximal end of the suture bridge. At least two ribs extend from the proximal end of the suture bridge to a proximal end of the anchor. At least one open helical coil wraps around the at least two ribs and extends, substantially, from the proximal end of the suture bridge to the proximal end of the anchor. The at least one open helical coil defines an internal volume communicating with a region exterior to the anchor through apertures between turns of the at least one open helical coil. The at least two ribs are engagable with a grooved shaft of a driver. | 2013-07-11 |
20130178902 | BONE PLATE - A composite bone plate comprising: (a) a rigid ring that defines an internal opening and the outline of a bone plate; and, (b) a deformable material mounted to the rigid ring and at least partially spanning the internal opening, the deformable material including at least one through opening that is concurrently circumscribed by the rigid ring. | 2013-07-11 |
20130178903 | DEVICES AND METHODS TO PREVENT OR LIMIT SPONDLYLOLISTHESIS AND OTHER ABERRANT MOVEMENTS OF THE VERTEBRAL BONES - Apparatus and methods for using implanted devices to adjust and maintain the spatial relationship of adjacent bones. In one embodiment, the implant attaches to a vertebral bone of a two vertebral bone functional spinal unit. The implant resists spondylolisthesis formation and progression in the anterior, posterior and lateral directions based on an attachment configuration thereof. To resist anterior spondylolisthesis, the exemplary implementation of the implant anchors to the superior vertebral bone via attachment to the pars inter-aticularis, the lamina, the spinous process, or the pedicle of the superior vertebral bone. The implant abuts a surface of the inferior vertebral bone but does not attach. An additional abutment surface may be utilized to separate the superior aspect of the SAP of the lower vertebral bone and the IAP of the superior vertebral bone, thus limiting vertebral flexion. The implant may further comprise a cavity containing bone forming material. | 2013-07-11 |
20130178904 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PERFORMING SPINAL FUSION - Described herein are methods, devices and systems for performing an interspinous fusion, in particular for performing an interspinous fusion unilaterally. In general an interspinous fusion system may include a first fixation plate configured to couple to a first lateral side of a spinous process, a rod extending from the first fixation plate at a joint such that the rod is pivotable with respect to the first fixation plate, and a second fixation plate configured to couple to a second lateral side of a spinous process opposite from the first fixation plate. In general, a method of performing an interspinous fusion unilaterally may include the steps of placing a first fixation plate, having a rod extending from the fixation plate, between two adjacent spinous processes from a first lateral side of the spinous processes, pivoting the rod with respect to the first fixation plate such that the plate abuts the second, opposite, lateral side of at least one of the spinous processes, and placing a second fixation plate such that it abuts the first lateral side of at least one of the spinous processes. | 2013-07-11 |
20130178905 | MODULAR BONE FIXATION SYSTEM - Systems for modular bone fixation may include first, second, and at least one third portion to aid in fracture reduction, simplify the surgical procedure, increase fracture fixation strength, and reduce irritation to the patient caused by the implant. In some examples, the at least one third portion may be separable from the first and second portions to further simplify the surgical procedure and reduce irritation to the patient. | 2013-07-11 |
20130178906 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR LONGITUDINAL CLOSURE OF DISSECTED STERNUMS - Systems, devices, and methods for longitudinal closure of a dissected sternum are provided. The system includes first and second reinforcing members, fasteners, and closure members. Each reinforcing member is configured to be placed on an outer surface of a respective sternum portion, such that each reinforcing member is longitudinally disposed on an opposite side of a sternum opening with respect to the other reinforcing member. Fasteners may be placed in holes defined in the reinforcing members to secure a respective reinforcing member to a corresponding sternum portion. The closure members, which may be sternal closing wires, may then be wrapped around the sternum portions and the reinforcing members transversely to close the sternum opening. The system provides for a low installed profile, enhancing patient comfort and facilitating healing, and also provides for quick and easy access to the thoracic cavity for re-do sternotomies, if needed. | 2013-07-11 |
20130178907 | Package for a Neural Stimulation Device - An implantable device, including a first electrically non-conductive substrate; a plurality of electrically conductive vias through the first electrically non-conductive substrate; a flip-chip multiplexer circuit attached to the electrically non-conductive substrate using conductive bumps and electrically connected to at least a subset of the plurality of electrically conductive vias; a flip-chip driver circuit attached to the flip-chip multiplexer circuit using conductive bumps; a second electrically non-conductive substrate attached to the flip-chip driver circuit using conductive bumps; discrete passives attached to the second electrically non-conductive substrate; and a cover bonded to the first electrically non-conductive substrate, the cover, the first electrically non-conductive substrate and the electrically conductive vias forming a hermetic package. | 2013-07-11 |
20130178908 | ELECTROPHYSIOLOGICAL ENDOCARDIOLOGY TOOL - Apparatus and methods for pacing the heart. The apparatus may include, and the methods may involve, an elongated member having: a delivery lumen that is configured to traverse the heart wall, the lumen having a proximal opening for receiving the instrument and a distal opening for deploying the instrument; and an electrically conductive member that is configured to deliver to the heart wall a current that modifies a contraction frequency. The apparatus may include an access opening closure device that has: a distal end that is configured to be disposed interior the heart and contact endocardial tissue adjacent the access opening; and a proximal end that is configured to be disposed exterior the heart and contact heart tissue adjacent the access opening; and an electrode that is configured to discharge electrical energy into the heart wall to change the frequency. The apparatus may include an injectable needle pacing electrode. | 2013-07-11 |
20130178909 | PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT AND ADAPTATION OF AN ACOUSTIC COMMUNICATION LINK - Systems and methods for adapting the performance of a wireless communication link with an implantable medical device (IMD) are disclosed. An illustrative method includes initiating a wireless link with the IMD, measuring an initial performance of the wireless link, determining whether the initial performance of the wireless link is adequate, adjusting an operating parameter related to the wireless link in the event the initial performance of the wireless link is inadequate, measuring a performance of the wireless link in response to the adjusted operating parameter, and setting the operating parameter to a prior setting if the measured performance of the wireless link does not improve in response to the adjusted operating parameter. | 2013-07-11 |
20130178910 | METHODS FOR THERMALLY-INDUCED HEPATIC NEUROMODULATION - According to some embodiments, a method of treating a subject having diabetes or symptoms associated with diabetes is provided. The method includes delivering a neuromodulation catheter within a vessel (e.g., hepatic artery) having surrounding nerves that innervate the liver (e.g., sympathetic nerves of the hepatic plexus). The method may also include modulating (e.g., disrupting, ablating, stimulating) the nerves by mechanical compression, energy delivery, or fluid delivery. | 2013-07-11 |
20130178911 | IMPLANTABLE DEVICE HEADER AND METHOD - Systems and methods for implantable medical devices and headers are described. In an example, an implantable medical device header is provided with an epoxy material having properties that produce a high strength resistance to side load failure. Examples are shown that include a surface texturing at an interface between the header and a metallic container portion. | 2013-07-11 |
20130178912 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR TREATING THE GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT - The specification discloses methods and devices for electrically stimulating one or more structures in the gastrointestinal tract. The one or more structures are preferably selected from the upper esophageal sphincter, the esophagus and gastric fundus. The method may involve the step of arranging a plurality of stimulating electrodes adjacent one or more structures which may further include the lower esophageal sphincter, the stomach, the pyloric sphincter, the small intestine, the colon and the vagus. The method and device may further include sensing electrodes to detect change in one or more physiological parameters in the gastrointestinal tract and modulate the stimulating electrodes in response to the change. The device comprises a pulse generator, a power source, a plurality of stimulating electrode set, one or more sensing electrodes and means for varying activity of the stimulating electrodes in response to change detected in the gastrointestinal tract. The method and device may be used to treat obesity and/or GERD. | 2013-07-11 |
20130178913 | METHODS FOR TARGETING DEEP BRAIN SITES TO TREAT MOOD AND/OR ANXIETY DISORDERS - The present invention relates to a method of identifying a target such as within the subgenual area by measuring neuronal activity in response to a stimulus. Once the target is identified, it can be stimulated to treat a neurological disorder, such as a mood disorder or an anxiety disorder. | 2013-07-11 |
20130178914 | NEUROSTIMULATOR INVOLVING STIMULATION STRATEGIES AND PROCESS FOR USING IT - This is a neurostimulator that is configured to treat epilepsy and other neurological disorders using certain stimulation strategies, particularly changing various pulse parameters, during the imposition of a burst of those pulses. The invention includes the processes embodying those stimulation strategies. | 2013-07-11 |
20130178915 | HIGH POWER ULTRASOUND WIRELESS TRANSCUTANEOUS ENERGY TRANSFER (US-TET) SOURCE - A bio-implantable energy capture and storage assembly is provided. The assembly includes an acoustic energy transmitter and an acoustic energy receiver. The acoustic energy receiver also functions as an energy converter for converting acoustic energy to electrical energy. An electrical energy storage device is connected to the energy converter, and is contained within a bio-compatible implant for implantation into tissue. The acoustic energy transmitter is separate from the implant, and comprises a substantially 2-dimensional array of transmitters. | 2013-07-11 |
20130178916 | SYSTEM, DEVICES, AND METHODS FOR OPTICALLY CLEARING TISSUE - Embodiments of the present disclosure provides systems, devices, and methods for non-invasively modifying, maintaining, or controlling local tissue optical properties. Methods and devices of the disclosure may be used for optically clearing tissue, for example, for diagnostic and/or therapeutic purposes. A method of optically clearing a tissue may comprise contacting the tissue with an optical clearing device having a base, an array of pins fixed to one side of the base, a brim fixed to the base, an inlet port in the base, an exit port in the base, and a handpiece interface tab fixed to the side of the base opposite the array of pins, applying a mechanical force to the tissue, and illuminating said tissue with at least one wavelength of light through the optical clearing device. A method may further comprise controlling the temperature of the tissue illuminated. | 2013-07-11 |
20130178917 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR LASER TREATMENT USING NON-UNIFORM OUTPUT BEAM - Disclosed herein are methods and systems for treatment, such as skin rejuvenation treatment, use non-uniform laser radiation. A high-intensity portion of the laser radiation causes collagen destruction and shrinkage within select portions of the treatment area, while a lower-intensity portion of the radiation causes fibroblast stimulation leading to collagen production across other portions of the treatment area. An output beam from a laser source, such as an Nd:NAG laser, is coupled into an optical system that modifies the beam to provide a large-diameter beam having a nonuniform energy profile, comprised of a plurality of high-intensity zones surrounded by lower-intensity zones within the treatment beam. The higher-intensity zones heat select portions of the tar et tissue to temperatures sufficient for a first treatment (e.g. collagen shrinkage), while the lower-intensity zones provide sufficient energy for a second treatment (e.g. stimulated collagen production). | 2013-07-11 |
20130178918 | TREATMENT OF VITILIGO - Disclosed herein is a novel method of treating vitiligo by using an excimer laser that emits light in the UVB range. The invention includes a method of incrementally increasing exposure of affected vitiligo areas with UVB laser light from an excimer laser to restore pigmentation to skin areas afflicted with vitiligo. | 2013-07-11 |
20130178919 | DISPOSABLE SKIN CARE DEVICE - There is herein described a disposable skin care device. More particularly, there is described a disposable skin care device capable of forming part of a light emitting medical apparatus. | 2013-07-11 |