| 42nd week of 2011 patent applcation highlights part 52 |
| Patent application number | Title | Published |
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| 20110257634 | ELECTRO-MECHANICAL SURGICAL DEVICE - A flexible shaft includes a flexible, elongated outer sheath, at least one drive shaft disposed within the outer sheath and a moisture sensor disposed within the outer sheath configured to detect moisture within the outer sheath. Another flexible shaft includes a flexible, elongated outer sheath, at least one flexible drive shaft disposed within the outer sheath and a coupling connected to a distal end of the outer sheath configured to couple to a surgical attachment. | 2011-10-20 |
| 20110257635 | MOISTURE-DETECTING SHAFT FOR USE WITH AN ELECTRO-MECHANICAL SURGICAL DEVICE - A flexible shaft includes a flexible, elongated outer sheath, at least one drive shaft disposed within the outer sheath and a moisture sensor disposed within the outer sheath configured to detect moisture within the outer sheath. Another flexible shaft includes a flexible, elongated outer sheath, at least one flexible drive shaft disposed within the outer sheath and a coupling connected to a distal end of the outer sheath configured to couple to a surgical attachment. | 2011-10-20 |
| 20110257636 | ELECTRO-MECHANICAL SURGICAL DEVICE - A flexible shaft includes a flexible, elongated outer sheath, at least one drive shaft disposed within the outer sheath and a moisture sensor disposed within the outer sheath configured to detect moisture within the outer sheath. Another flexible shaft includes a flexible, elongated outer sheath, at least one flexible drive shaft disposed within the outer sheath and a coupling connected to a distal end of the outer sheath configured to couple to a surgical attachment. | 2011-10-20 |
| 20110257637 | INSTRUMENT FOR LAPAROSCOPIC SURGERY - In an instrument for laparoscopic surgery, with an operating handle, a rectilinear first shaft section connected to the operating handle, a flexible second shaft section arranged at the distal end of the first shaft section and having an end part located at the distal tip of the second shaft section, wherein the second shaft section can be moved from a rectilinear extension position to a curved position in a predetermined plane of curvature with the aid of a tensioning means engaging on the end part, provision is made for a flexible connecting means to extend between the first shaft section and the end part, and the flexible connecting means has a restoring function with which the flexible second shaft section can be restored automatically to a rectilinear or predetermined extension position. | 2011-10-20 |
| 20110257638 | DISPLAY FOR OPHTHALMIC SURGICAL CONSOLE WITH USER-SELECTABLE SECTORS - An ophthalmic surgical system includes a display device and a user interface. The display device generates a display on an image of a patient's eye comprising a plurality of non-overlapping display sectors. Each display sector displays one of a plurality of user-selectable surgical parameters. A user interface receives a user selection of one or more of the user-selectable surgical parameters to be displayed. | 2011-10-20 |
| 20110257639 | METHODS FOR TREATING EYE CONDITIONS - Architectures and techniques for treating conditions of the eye, such as presbyopia, utilize sources of treatment energy, such as electromagnetic energy emitting devices, to implement non-corneal manipulations. According to these devices and methods, the sources of treatment energy are activated to direct energy onto parts of the eye, such as the conjunctiva and sclera, to treat presbyopia. The treatments can affect at least one property of the eye and enhance an accommodation of the eye. | 2011-10-20 |
| 20110257640 | System and method for microablation of tissue - The present invention generally relates to the field of laser treatment of tissue, and particularly, to a system and method for creating microablated channels in skin. The present invention is more particularly directed to treating subsurface tissue through the created channels. | 2011-10-20 |
| 20110257641 | PHOTOTHERAPY FOR RENAL DENERVATION - Apparatuses and methods facilitate delivery of optical or photoacoustic energy to innervated vascular that contributes to renal sympathetic nerve activity. The optical energy delivered may be of sufficient power to scan or image innervated renal or aortal tissue. The optical energy delivered may be of sufficient power to ablate innervated renal or aortal tissue, such as by thermal laser ablation or photoacoustic laser ablation. A catheter for intravascular or extravascular deployment supports an optical fiber arrangement comprising a coupling for receiving light from a laser light source. An optics arrangement is supported by the catheter and coupled to the optical fiber arrangement. The optics arrangement includes one or more optical elements arranged to receive the laser light and direct optical energy to target innervated tissue or a water source from which a cavitation bubble may be created and launched for acoustically shocking the target innervated tissue. | 2011-10-20 |
| 20110257642 | Method for producing a permanent or nearly permanent skin image, design or tattoo by freezing the skin - This invention provides a relatively fast and safe method of producing a permanent or nearly permanent skin image, design, or tattoo similar in appearance to that of a solar tattoo. A protective design template is placed on the skin and a cryogenic agent applied to freeze exposed portions of the skin, producing hypopigmentation. An image is defined by the contrast between the treated (hypopigmented) skin and the adjacent untreated skin. | 2011-10-20 |
| 20110257643 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR REGULATING TISSUE WELDER JAWS - A surgical apparatus and methods for severing and welding tissue, in particular blood vessels. The apparatus includes an elongated shaft having a pair of relatively movable jaws at a distal end thereof. A first heating element on one of the jaws is adapted to heat up to a first temperature and form a welded region within the tissue, while a second heating element on one of the jaws is adapted to heat up to a second temperature and sever the tissue within the welded region. The first and second heating elements may be provided on the same or opposite jaws. A control handle provided on the proximal end of the elongated shaft includes controls for opening and closing the jaws, and may include an actuator for sending current through the first and second heating elements. The first and second heating elements may be electrically connected in series, and the first heating element may be bifurcated such that it conducts about one half of the current as the second heating element. A force-limiting mechanism provided either within the control handle, in the elongated shaft, or at the jaws limits the pressure applied to the tissue by the jaws to ensure that the tissue is severed and the ends effectively welded within a short amount of time. | 2011-10-20 |
| 20110257644 | High Pressure and High Temperature Vapor Catheters and Systems - Devices and systems are described for treating intraluminal locations such as in a patient's lung. The device has an elongated shaft with an inner lumen, preferably defined by an inner tubular member, formed of heat resistant polymeric materials such as polyimide. The device also has an outer surface formed of heat resistant material. High temperature vapor is directed through the inner lumen into the intraluminal location to treat tissue at and distal to the location. An enlarged or enlargeable member, such as a balloon, is provided on a distal portion of the shaft to prevent proximal flow of the high temperature vapor upon discharge from the device. | 2011-10-20 |
| 20110257645 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR TREATING A HOLLOW ANATOMICAL STRUCTURE - A catheter includes multiple primary leads to deliver energy for ligating a hollow anatomical structure. Each of the primary leads includes a resistive element located at the working end of the catheter. Separation is maintained between the leads such that each lead can individually receive power. The catheter can include a lumen to accommodate a guide wire or to allow fluid delivery. Energy is applied until the diameter of the hollow anatomical structure is reduced to the point where occlusion is achieved. In one embodiment, a balloon is inflated to place the resistive elements into apposition with a hollow anatomical structure and to occlude the structure before the application of energy. The inflated balloon impairs blood flow and facilitates the infusion of saline, or medication, to the hollow anatomical structure in order to reduce the occurrence of coagulation and to improve the heating of the structure by the catheter. | 2011-10-20 |
| 20110257646 | Method for treating fecal incontinence - A sphincter tissue region is treated using a support structure sized for advancement into the anal canal. At least one electrode is carried by the structure. A mechanism is coupled to the electrode to move the electrode between a first position retracted in the support structure and a second position extended from the support structure through surface tissue to penetrate a subsurface tissue region at or near a sphincter in the anal canal. A cable is coupled to the electrode to conduct energy for application by the electrode to form a lesion in the subsurface tissue region. | 2011-10-20 |
| 20110257647 | SYSTEMS, ASSEMBLIES, AND METHODS FOR TREATING A BRONCHIAL TREE - Systems, assemblies, and methods to treat pulmonary diseases are used to decrease nervous system input to distal regions of the bronchial tree within the lungs. Treatment systems damage nerve tissue to temporarily or permanently decrease nervous system input. The treatment systems are capable of heating nerve tissue, cooling the nerve tissue, delivering a flowable substance that cause trauma to the nerve tissue, puncturing the nerve tissue, tearing the nerve tissue, cutting the nerve tissue, applying pressure to the nerve tissue, applying ultrasound to the nerve tissue, applying ionizing radiation to the nerve tissue, disrupting cell membranes of nerve tissue with electrical energy, or delivering long acting nerve blocking chemicals to the nerve tissue. | 2011-10-20 |
| 20110257648 | ABLATION CATHETERS - The present invention relates generally to multifunctional catheters for performing ablation procedures, and more particularly to ablation catheters utilized in the treatment of atrial fibrillation and other cardiac disorders. The present invention eliminates many of the problems associated with previous ablation catheters by providing an ablation treatment not dependent upon continuous lesions. | 2011-10-20 |
| 20110257649 | Electrode For An Electrophysiological Ablation Catheter - An electrode for an electrophysiological ablation catheter including an electrode body extending along a longitudinal axis, the electrode body including an electrode outer surface for emitting high-frequency signals and/or for measuring physiological signals, a first attachment point on a first end, at which the electrode is attached to a first catheter shaft, an irrigation lumen extending parallel to the longitudinal axis and through which cooling agent may be directed out of the first catheter shaft and into the electrode, and which forms an opening at the first end of the electrode body, the opening connected to a lumen of the first catheter shaft, and at least one cooling-agent passage connected to the irrigation lumen, the cooling-agent passage situated at an angle to the longitudinal axis and forming first and second openings in the electrode outer surface, through which the cooling agent may be released into the surroundings, as cooling-agent flow. | 2011-10-20 |
| 20110257650 | Battery Assembly for Battery-Powered Surgical Instruments - A battery assembly is used in battery-powered surgical instruments with handles having a battery chamber and different handle types. The battery assembly includes a housing having an exterior shape formed to removably connect with the battery chamber of the handles and a voltage-control circuit. The housing has at least one energy storage cell operable to power a signal generation assembly of the surgical instruments and a battery/handle interface having a plurality of connectors shaped to mate with a plurality of corresponding connectors within the battery chamber of the handles. The voltage-control circuit is operable to communicatively couple with and provide power to the signal generation assembly, detect which one of the handle types is connected to the housing, provide a first output in response to a detection of a first handle type, and provide at least a second output in response to a detection of a second handle type. | 2011-10-20 |
| 20110257651 | SURGICAL INSTRUMENT - A device for morcellating tissue within a body cavity of a patient comprises a stationary tube ( | 2011-10-20 |
| 20110257652 | INTRAMEDULLARY FIXATION DEVICE AND METHODS FOR BONE FIXATION AND STABILIZATION - An internal intramedullary fixation device for the stabilization of bone in arthrodesis and fractures of the foot and hand is disclosed. During implantation in the medullary canal of each bone, the device grasps the edges of the canal, stabilizing the bone (internally) during the natural healing process. | 2011-10-20 |
| 20110257653 | Systems and Methods for Patient-Based Computer Assisted Surgical Procedures - Surgical systems and methods are disclosed for creating a 3D model of a patient's affected area using an imaging device, using the model to determine an implant orientation and position, creating patient-matched instrumentation, placing the patient-matched instrumentation on the patient's anatomy, registering a computer-assisted surgical tool, and acquiring registration information. The methods and systems also include associating the surgical tool with a computer to perform a computer assisted surgery. Also disclosed are embodiments of patient-matched instrumentation to acquire registration information. | 2011-10-20 |
| 20110257654 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR FEMORAL RESECTION ALIGNMENT - The apparatus of the present invention includes a number of components including a guide body component, an extension block component, a rotating arm component, an extension rod component, and a tibial referencing component. The guide body component contacts the distal-most surface of the femur. Its location is based off of the posterior femoral condyles and the surface of the distal-most femoral resection or the unresected distal-most femoral surface. The rotating arm component is interconnected with the guide body and may rotate with respect thereto, thus allowing for the direct or indirect adjustment of the rotating alignment of cutting guides for resecting the distal femur. The rotating arm component carries arms with drill screw apertures which direct placement of drill holes in the femur which are used to attach a cutting guide to the femur. The rotating arm component is attached to the extension rod component which extends to the tibial referencing component which references the location and orientation of the proximal resected surface of the tibia. Thus the rotating alignment of the distal femoral prosthesis is established with respect to the orientation of the resected proximal tibial surface. | 2011-10-20 |
| 20110257655 | INSTRUMENT FOR MEASURING THE DISTRACTION PRESSURE BETWEEN VERTEBRAL BODIES - An instrument for measuring the distraction pressure between vertebral bodies comprises a control device ( | 2011-10-20 |
| 20110257656 | TAPER SLEEVE EXTRACTOR - A kit for use in orthopaedic surgery. The kit includes a plurality of heads, at least two of the plurality of heads having a different diameter. Each of the plurality of heads includes a female taper. The kit further includes a plurality of sleeves, at least two of the plurality of sleeves having a different size. Each of the plurality of sleeves has a male taper. An extractor tool is also included and has a handle and a plurality of tips, each of the plurality of tips including a flexible portion. | 2011-10-20 |
| 20110257657 | MEDICAL ALIGNING DEVICE | 2011-10-20 |
| 20110257658 | Modular Intraocular Lens Injector Device - An intraocular lens (IOL) injection device is modularized to enable cleaning of internal components after surgery. The device includes first and second housing modules. These modules collectively define a passageway along which an injector rod moves between a retracted position and an extended position. The first module is further configured to accommodate a lens cartridge module. The cartridge module has disposed therein an IOL, in alignment with the passageway. Thus as the rod moves from the retracted position to the extended position, a front portion of the rod that is substantially surrounded by the first module in the retracted position moves into the cartridge module and displaces the IOL. This causes the front portion of the rod to accumulate on it viscoelastic substances. The first module, though, is configured to detach from the second module, to thereby expose the front portion of the rod in the retracted position for cleaning. | 2011-10-20 |
| 20110257659 | STRAIN RELIEF APPARATUS FOR USE WITH IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL LEAD - An extensible implantable medical device includes a body defining a lumen extending through the body. The lumen is configured to receive at least a portion of an implantable medical lead. The body includes a non-rectilinearly shaped portion. The non-rectilinearly shaped portion has a first shape spanning a first distance in a relaxed state. The non-rectilinearly shaped portion has a second, more rectilinear, shape spanning a second distance when subjected to a stretching force. The second distance is greater than the first distance. The non-rectilinearly shaped portion returns to the relaxed first shape upon release of the stretching force and is configured to assume the first shape when the lead is inserted into the lumen and no load is placed on the lead or the shaped body portion. | 2011-10-20 |
| 20110257660 | APPARATUS FOR IMPLANTING AN ELECTRICAL STIMULATION LEAD - In one embodiment, an introducer is provided for implanting an electrical stimulation lead to enable electrical stimulation of nerve tissue. The introducer includes an outer sheath and an inner penetrator. The outer sheath may accommodate insertion of the electrical stimulation lead and may be inserted into a human body near the nerve tissue. The inner penetrator is removably housed within the outer sheath and includes an inner channel configured to accommodate a guide wire, a tip end having a shape and size substantially conforming to that of the guide wire, a body region having a shape and size substantially conforming to that of the outer sheath, and one or more transition regions substantially connecting the tip end with the body region. At least a portion of the transition regions of the inner penetrator may flex to substantially follow flexures in the guide wire during advancement of the inner penetrator. | 2011-10-20 |
| 20110257661 | SURGICAL ROBOT FOR LIPOSUCTION - A liposuction surgical robot is disclosed. The liposuction surgical robot, which includes: a control unit, a robot arm driven by a particular control signal received from the control unit, a cannula mounted on the robot arm and extending in one direction, and a suction unit, which is formed on an end portion of the cannula and which is inserted into a surgical site to suction fat, allows the surgeon to perform liposuction surgery conveniently without exerting too much strength. Also, the liposuction operation can be performed with greater convenience, accuracy, and safety, by automatically controlling the surgical robot using a haptic sensor, angle sensor, etc., analyzing visual information obtained from a vision unit to automatically set surgery range, and by mounting an image-taking camera on a front end of the cannula and automatically controlling the operation of the suction unit by analyzing the obtained visual information. | 2011-10-20 |
| 20110257662 | System, Method and Apparatus for Hair Removal - Implementations of the present invention include systems, method and apparatus for hair removal. The hair removal system utilizing a reusable non-strip based member for applying, spreading and/or removing a hair removal compound. According to one aspect, a practitioner applies a sugar based natural wax to a target hair removal area, such that the sugar based natural wax can be warmed on contact with the users skin to bond with the hair to be removed and then quickly removed from the skin to remove not only the hair removal compound, but also hair which has bonded thereto. Implementations of the invention also include a reusable flexible member adapted to scoop, apply and/or remove the volume of hair removal compound with respect to a target hair removal area. | 2011-10-20 |
| 20110257663 | SUTURE SYSTEM FOR MANUAL AND ROBOTIC SURGERY WITH SUTURE THREAD GATHERER AND FUSER AND DOUBLE POINTED SUTURE NEEDLE FOR ONE HAND APPLICATION (3) - The invention is a suture system including a device and a method for manual and robotic surgery with suture thread gatherer and fuser and double pointed suture needle for one hand suture application. | 2011-10-20 |
| 20110257664 | TISSUE ANCHORING SYSTEM AND METHOD - A method for securing an implant to tissue of a patient using a fixation apparatus and a delivery apparatus releasably carrying the fixation apparatus. The fixation apparatus includes first and second anchors and an adjustable band connecting the anchors. The band includes a cinch line and a tether connected to one of the anchors. The delivery apparatus includes a body, a tubular shaft, a displacement rod within the tubular shaft, and an actuator. The method comprises positioning the implant in proximity to the tissue, deploying the anchors into or through the tissue, and applying tension to the cinch line to foreshorten the adjustable band and secure the implant to the tissue with at least a portion of the implant positioned between the band and the tissue. | 2011-10-20 |
| 20110257665 | PROSTHETIC DEVICE AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING THE SAME - A biocompatible surgical silk mesh prosthetic device employs a knit pattern that substantially prevents unraveling and preserves the stability of the mesh device, especially when the mesh device is cut. An example prosthetic device employs a knitted mesh including at least two yarns laid in a knit direction and engaging each other to define a plurality of nodes. The at least two yarns include a first yarn and a second yarn extending between and forming loops about two nodes. The second yarn has a higher tension at the two nodes than the first yarn. the second yarn substantially prevents the first yarn from moving at the two nodes and substantially prevents the knitted mesh from unraveling at the nodes. | 2011-10-20 |
| 20110257666 | SURGICAL PATCH - Multi-layer structures are useful as surgical patches. | 2011-10-20 |
| 20110257667 | ANASTOMOTIC INSTRUMENT, ENDOSCOPE SYSTEM, AND CONTROL METHOD OF ANASTOMOTIC INSTRUMENT - An anastomotic instrument includes first and second units. The first unit is attached to a distal end portion of an insert section of an endoscope, and has a self-propellable apparatus and an anvil. The second unit is attached behind the first unit, and has a cartridge and a balloon. The insert section with the anastomotic instrument is inserted into the alimentary canal. In the alimentary canal, fluid is sucked out from space enclosed by the first and second unit through a suction port provided in the cartridge, to bring the space into negative pressure. While the alimentary canal is shrunk in the space, the second unit is shifted relative to the first unit. In a state where the shrunk alimentary canal is caught between the first and second units, a cutter resects living body tissue, and staples are struck to join edges of an incision of the alimentary canal. | 2011-10-20 |
| 20110257668 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CREATING ANASTOMOSES - Medical system and methods are provided for forming an Anastomosis, such as an intestinal bypass anastomosis for treatment of obesity or diabetes. The medical devices and methods are minimally invasive and reduce complications. One embodiment of the method includes forming a first opening in the first section and forming a second opening in the first section. A proximal portion of the second section is moved to a position adjacent the first opening, and a distal portion of the second section is moved to a position adjacent the second opening. In this manner, an intermediate portion of the second section extends along the first section and an anastomosis can then be formed between the first section and the second section. | 2011-10-20 |
| 20110257669 | DISPOSABLE LANCET - The present invention relates to a disposable lancet. The present invention relates to a technical field of medical appliance. A disposable lancet comprises a needle tube and a needle body disposed in the needle tube. An inner wall of the needle tube is provided with a sliding groove adapted for the sliding of the needle body. A front end of the sliding groove is provided with a locating arris, one end of the needle body is connected with a spring while the other end is detachably provided with a telescopic sleeve. The front end of the needle body is provided with a wedge surface, the telescopic sleeve is provided with a slope surface corresponding to the wedge surface of the needle body, and, the telescopic sleeve is located at a side of the locating arris after the telescopic sleeve has equipped with the needle body. When in use, the needle body is rotated to the other side of the locating arris as the telescopic sleeve is pressed to push the needle body to move to the end of the locating arris, so as to expose the needle tip out of the front end of the needle tube by means of the spring. The present invention has the advantages of compact in structure, easy in use, and simple in manufacture technology. Also, the present invention has less requirements on the equipments, greater reduction on the cost, large-scale manufacture and production and applications. | 2011-10-20 |
| 20110257670 | SURGICAL DEVICE FOR TISSUE PERFORATION - A surgical device for tissue perforation ( | 2011-10-20 |
| 20110257671 | CONTACT DETECTION TUBES, METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR MEDICAL PROCEDURES - A contact detection method ( | 2011-10-20 |
| 20110257672 | INTRODUCER DEVICE - An introducer and method provides a surgical tool with a pathway through tissue to a surgical site, wherein the surgical tool includes at least one surgical instrument. The introducer comprises a flexible sheath having a distal portion including a distal end and is arranged for receiving the surgical tool. A tissue separation tip at the distal portion of the sheath advances the sheath into the tissue towards the surgical site. The tissue separation tip is arranged to form a tissue gap and provide the at least one surgical instrument access to the tissue gap for performing a medical procedure consonant with the formation of the tissue gap or the performance of work at the surgical site. | 2011-10-20 |
| 20110257673 | MEDICAL DEVICE - A medical device includes an expandable element for location in a blood vessel. The expandable element is movable between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration. In the expanded configuration, at least a part of a longitudinal axis of the expandable element is curved in three-dimensional space. The medical device can be stent deployment device which includes an elongate catheter shaft and an inflatable balloon. | 2011-10-20 |
| 20110257674 | VASCULAR OCCLUSION DEVICE - A vascular occlusion device for occluding a body vessel is disclosed. The device comprises a hub having proximal and distal ends and a plurality of anchoring struts. Each anchoring strut has a first end and a second end. The first ends are connected together at the hub. Each of the second ends extends freely from the first end to engage the body vessel for anchoring the device therein. The device further comprises a central strut attached to the proximal end of the hub. The device further comprises a proximal and distal members and an extracellular matrix material. The proximal and distal members are slidibly disposed about the central strut. The extracellular matrix material is disposed about the central strut between the proximal and distal members. | 2011-10-20 |
| 20110257675 | VENA CAVA FLITER HAVING HOURGLASS SHAPE - The present invention is a luminal filter including: a plurality of filter elements interconnected so as to form a filter body shaped in a free recovery form and having a plurality of apertures disposed between and defined by the interconnected filter elements. The apertures are dimensioned so as to inhibit a thrombus of a selected size from passing through the apertures and being dimensioned so as to allow blood components smaller than the selected size to pass through the apertures. The filter body includes a first funnel and second funnel coupled at least indirectly coupled together at their small ends. | 2011-10-20 |
| 20110257676 | EMBOLIC FILTERS WITH CONTROLLED PORE SIZE - A device for filtering emboli from blood flowing through a lumen defined by the walls of a vessel in a patient's body. The device has a filter element being expandable from a collapsed configuration to an expanded configuration. The filter element includes a material having pores, and the material having pores includes cylindrical wires having at least three different diameters arranged in a pattern of graduated diameters. | 2011-10-20 |
| 20110257677 | REMOVABLE EMBOLUS BLOOD CLOT FILTER - A removable blood clot filter includes a number of locator members and anchor members disposed radially and extending angularly downward from a hub. The locator members include a number of linear portions having distinct axes configured to place a tip portion approximately parallel to the walls of a blood vessel when implanted and to apply sufficient force to the vessel walls to position the filter near the vessel centerline. The anchor members each include a hook configured to penetrate the vessel wall to prevent longitudinal movement due to blood flow. The hooks may have a cross section sized to allow for a larger radius of curvature under strain so that the filter can be removed without damaging the vessel wall. | 2011-10-20 |
| 20110257678 | VASCULAR EMBOLIC FILTER EXCHANGE DEVICES AND METHODS OF USE THEREOF - Vascular embolic filtering systems, as well as methods for using the same, are provided. In general, the subject invention includes a system comprised of a delivery and retrieval sheath adapted for delivering and retrieving multiple embolic filters, wherein the embolic filters are each operatively coupled to a distal region of a filter wire segment and are deployable within a target vessel. | 2011-10-20 |
| 20110257679 | Clamp Member, Clamp and Anastomotic Apparatus - The anastomotic apparatus is equipped, in a fork which extends in the stapling direction, with an organ gripping mechanism which has a first gripping teeth plate member, a second gripping teeth plate member, a housing, and a clamping teeth drive section connected to at least the aforementioned first gripping teeth plate member or the second gripping teeth plate member to move the first gripping teeth plate member and the second gripping teeth plate member relative to each other by one unit space in the longitudinal direction, and is configured to clamp near a section of an organ to be stapled; an extroverting mechanism configured to move the aforementioned organ gripping mechanism within a turn-out movement range; and a grip controlling mechanism. With the anastomotic apparatus, the burden on the organ tissue can be reduced. | 2011-10-20 |
| 20110257680 | Surgical Forceps Including Pulley Blade Reverser Mechanism - A forceps includes first and second shafts each having a jaw disposed at an end thereof. At least one jaw is moveable from an open to a closed position for grasping tissue therebetween. At least one jaw includes a blade slot defined therein and extending therealong for reciprocation of a blade therethrough. An actuation assembly is disposed within one of the shafts and is configured for translating the blade between a retracted and an extended position. The blade extends at least partially through the blade slot in the extended position. The actuation assembly includes an actuator extending from the shaft. A compliance member couples the actuator to a cable disposed within the shaft. A blade holder engages the cable and has the blade disposed at an end thereof. At least one pulley is coupled to the cable such that translating the actuator proximally translates the blade distally. | 2011-10-20 |
| 20110257681 | Surgical Forceps Including Geared Blade Reverser Mechanism - A forceps includes first and second shafts each having a jaw. At least one jaw is moveable from an open to a closed position. At least one jaw includes a blade slot for reciprocation of a blade therethrough. An actuation assembly disposed within one shaft is configured for translating the blade between a retracted and at least one extended position. The blade extends into the blade slot in the extended position(s). The actuation assembly includes an actuator extending from the shaft and engaging an actuator rack. A gear is coupled to the actuator rack and is rotatably disposed on a pin. A blade rack is coupled to the gear and has the blade disposed at an end thereof. A gear box is configured to house the gear and at least a portion of the actuator and blade racks. The actuator and blade racks are translatable through the gear box. | 2011-10-20 |
| 20110257682 | MEDICAL DEVICES INCORPORATING FUNCTIONAL ADHESIVES - Methods for treating a wound at a surgical target site are provided which includes utilizing a surgical access device having a plurality of reactive members of a specific binding pair releasably contained on a surface of the access device, the reactive members having affinity for binding a cellular component of tissue cells located at the target site; contacting the surface of the access device with the tissue cells, wherein upon contact of the reactive members on the surface of the access device with the tissue cells, the reactive members are released from the surface of the access device and bind to the tissue. A surgical access device for use in the minimally invasive surgery is also provided. | 2011-10-20 |
| 20110257683 | PACIFIER DEVICE AND SYSTEM - A pacifier system to help a child break a habit of using standard pacifiers includes a first pacifier, having a first nipple with a nipple shape and a first nipple size; and a second pacifier, having a second nipple with substantially the same nipple shape and a second nipple size. The second nipple size is smaller than the first nipple size. The pacifiers may have different size codes for nipples with different diameters. | 2011-10-20 |
| 20110257684 | ALA RODS FOR LUMBAR-SACRAL INTERSPINOUS PROCESS DEVICE - Medical devices for the treatment of spinal conditions are described herein. The medical device includes a main body portion and a mounting portion that is adapted to be fixed with respect to the sacral ala and the main body portion is adapted to support an implant such as an interspinous process spacer. This arrangement maintains distraction between the adjacent spinous processes of the L5 vertebra and the S1 vertebra when the spine moves to extension. | 2011-10-20 |
| 20110257685 | PRE-STRESSED SPINAL STABILIZATION SYSTEM - A spinal stabilization system, including a spinal implant having an elongate polymer body; a wire embedded in the body, the wire straining the polymer body; and a mounting element coupled to the elongate polymer body to facilitate engagement of the body to a spinal segment; and an orthopedic anchor having a threaded shaft; a head coupled to the threaded shaft, the head defining a cavity therein; a prosthesis coupling element at least partially disposed in the cavity and movable with respect to the head; and at least one asymmetrical ring circumscribing a portion of the prosthesis coupling element. | 2011-10-20 |
| 20110257686 | FLEXIBLE BONE FASTENER AND METHODS OF USE - A bone fastener includes an elongated first section having a distal end. A flexible member has an outer surface and defines an inner cavity configured for disposal of the distal end of the first section. An elongated second section defines a longitudinal axis and includes a wall that defines an interior cavity configured for disposal of the flexible member such that the distal end of the first section is disposed within the interior cavity of the second section. The outer surface of the flexible member engages the wall in a configuration such that the first section is pivotable to a plurality of axial orientations relative to the longitudinal axis of the second section. | 2011-10-20 |
| 20110257687 | LOAD SHARING BONE FASTENER AND METHODS OF USE - A bone fastener includes a first section configured to support a bone construct. A second section is configured for fixation with bone and defines a longitudinal axis. An intermediate flexible section is disposed between the first section and the second section such that the first section is longitudinally aligned with the second section. The intermediate flexible section includes an inner surface that defines a cavity and an open end. | 2011-10-20 |
| 20110257688 | EXPANDABLE MEDICAL DEVICE AND METHOD - Embodiments of the invention include expandable, implantable devices and methods. Devices may be inserted with a longitudinal biasing force between anatomical structures to be stabilized and then expanded laterally or otherwise filled to provide secure fixation between or among the anatomical structures. In some embodiments, an implant replaces one or more vertebral bodies, or portions of vertebral bodies, of the spine. | 2011-10-20 |
| 20110257689 | BONE SCREW - The invention relates to a bone screw having a screw shaft ( | 2011-10-20 |
| 20110257690 | Transverse and Sagittal Adjusting Screw - A bone anchor assembly is provided, which may be used in cervical, thoracic, lumbar or sacral areas of the spine or other orthopedic locations. The anchor assembly includes a bone anchor, a receiver mounted to the bone anchor, a saddle within the receiver, a spacer within the receiver, and an engaging member. The receiver extends along a central longitudinal axis proximally away from the bone anchor. A rod or other elongated connecting element is received in a passage of the receiver in contact with the saddle, and the engaging member engages the connecting element against the saddle, which engages the saddle against the spacer, which in turn engages the proximal head of the bone anchor in the receiver. The orientation of the saddle in the receiver is adjustable to correspond to the orientation of the connecting element relative to the central longitudinal axis of the receiver. | 2011-10-20 |
| 20110257691 | LOCKING CANNULATED BONE SCREW SYSTEM - A cannulated bone screw having a cannula or lumen defined herein is disclosed. The screw may be fully or partially threaded and may have a cancellous thread form. Alternatively, the head of the screw may be generally flat on its undersurface. The screw head may further include an anti-backout feature to ensure good contact with the mating bone surface. The screw may further include an anti-rotation feature on the underside of the screw head. It is further disclosed that insertion and seating of the screw may be accomplished via locking engagement between jaws on the screw driver and a short raised feature on the head of the screw. The screws may be fully or partially threaded. A rescue screw is additionally disclosed. | 2011-10-20 |
| 20110257692 | Low Friction Rod Persuader - Instruments are provided for shifting elongate members, such as spinal rods, with respect to coupling members of spinal fixation systems. The instruments include a low friction drive mechanism having one or more rolling elements that ride along a helical groove or track in order to transform rotational movement of a drive member into linear shifting of a reducer member that shifts the elongate member. A one-way locking mechanism may be provided to selectively prevent unwanted counter-rotation of the low friction drive mechanism. The one-way locking mechanism may include annular ratchet teeth arranged on the exterior of the drive member and a ratchet pawl located adjacent to the teeth and selectively engageable therewith. | 2011-10-20 |
| 20110257693 | HARD TISSUE ANCHORS AND DELIVERY DEVICES - The present invention provides devices, systems and methods for anchoring medical devices to hard tissues, such as bones or bony structures, particularly vertebrae. By anchoring these medical devices directly to the surrounding hard tissue, the devices are anchored closer to the source of treatment. This provides additional stability and reduces migration of the device at the treatment site. Also, by attaching to hard tissue rather than soft tissue, a stronger attachment is often able to be made. | 2011-10-20 |
| 20110257694 | AUGMENTATION - A method of anchoring an implant in hard tissue, and/or hard tissue replacement material, includes the steps of providing an initial opening in the hard tissue, providing a thermoplastic augmentation element, a tool and a counter element, compressing the augmentation element between the tool and the counter element while energy is coupled into the tool and while a periphery of a liquefaction interface of the tool and the augmentation element and/or of a liquefaction interface of the augmentation element and the counter element is in the opening, thereby liquefying material of the augmentation element at the liquefaction interface(s) to yield liquefied material, causing portions of the liquefied material to penetrate into structures of the hard tissue, allowing the liquefied material to harden and to thereby become augmentation material, removing the tool and the counter element, and anchoring the implant in the opening including at least some of the augmentation material. | 2011-10-20 |
| 20110257695 | PINCH CASE FOR DEFIBRILLATOR ELECTRODE PADS AND RELEASE LINER - A defibrillator electrode assembly with a slot-like storage case is described which protects the pads prior to use and retains them in either an electrically connected or electrically disconnected configuration. When the electrode assembly is slidably inserted into the case, an optional pinch clip within the case presses electrodes on opposite sides of a thick release liner into electrical contact with each other. | 2011-10-20 |
| 20110257696 | IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE AND METHOD FOR MONITORING SYNCHRONICITY OF THE VENTRICLES OF A HEART - In an implantable medical device and a method for monitoring ventricular synchronicity of a heart, impedance signals are measured that reflect septal wall movements and impedance amplitude peaks in the impedance signal are detected. A synchronicity index indicating a degree of synchronicity is determined based on detected impedance peaks, with at least two impedance peaks detected within a predetermined time window including a cardiac cycle or a part of a cardiac cycle indicating an increased dyssynchronicity in the ventricular contractions. | 2011-10-20 |
| 20110257697 | IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE AND METHOD FOR MONITORING SYNCHRONICITY OF THE VENTRICLES OF A HEART - In an implantable medical device and a method for monitoring ventricular synchronicity of a heart. In particular, impedance signals are measured and an occurrence of a notch is detected in the impedance signal coincident with a period including a change from rapid to slow filling of a ventricle. The notch is indicated by a first positive slope change in a negative slope in a predetermined time window during a diastolic phase of a cardiac cycle. A degree of synchronicity is determined based on the notch feature, wherein a decreasing notch feature indicates an increased degree of synchronicity in the filling phase of the ventricles. | 2011-10-20 |
| 20110257698 | METHOD FOR EXCLUSION OF ECTOPIC EVENTS FROM HEART RATE VARIABILITY METRICS - Heart rate variability metrics are derived from the intervals between successive heart beats, referred to as BB intervals. A method implementable by an implantable cardiac device for excluding BB intervals due to ectopic beats based on a function of preceding BB intervals is presented. It is desirable to remove such BB intervals from a BB interval time series used to calculate a heart rate variability metric. | 2011-10-20 |
| 20110257699 | IMPLANTABLE PULSE GENERATOR AND METHOD HAVING ADJUSTABLE SIGNAL BLANKING - An implantable pulse generator senses a cardiac signal, identifies cardiac events in the cardiac signal, and starts a blanking interval including a repeatable noise window blanking interval in response to each cardiac event. When noise is detected during the repeatable noise window blanking interval, the noise window blanking interval is repeated. In one embodiment, the duration of repeated repeatable noise window blanking intervals is summed and compared to a pacing escape interval. When the sum is greater than the pacing escape interval, asynchronous pacing pulses are delivered until the noise ceases. Alternatively, when the sum is greater than the pacing escape interval, the pace escape interval is repeated. | 2011-10-20 |
| 20110257700 | REMOTE FOLLOW-UP AUTOMATICITY WITH INTELLIGENT DATA DOWNLOAD RESTRICTIONS - An implanted device is equipped with a flag that indicates to a remote monitoring unit that an event such as a patient medical emergency or device failure has occurred. The remote monitoring unit is configured in some embodiments to maintain a low power communication link with the implanted device when they are within range. When the flag indicates an event has occurred, the remote monitoring unit quickly downloads sensed data collected by the implanted device and transfers it over a network so that it can be utilized by a medical practitioner. The remote monitoring unit is further configured in some embodiments to query the implanted device at regular intervals. The remote monitoring unit may read a subset of the data stored by the implanted device and, based on that data, determine whether to complete a full or partial download. | 2011-10-20 |
| 20110257701 | PORTABLE ASSEMBLIES, SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING FUNCTIONAL OR THERAPEUTIC NEUROSTIMULATION - Neurostimulation assemblies, systems, kits, and methods make possible the providing of short-term therapy or diagnostic testing by providing electrical connections between muscles or nerves inside the body and stimulus generators or recording instruments mounted on the surface of the skin or carried outside the body. Neurostimulation assemblies, systems, and methods may include a carrier and a removable electronics pod, the electronics pod including stimulation generation circuitry, a power input bay to hold a disposable power source, and user interface components. The assemblies, systems, and methods are adapted to provide coordinated neurostimulation to multiple regions of the body. | 2011-10-20 |
| 20110257702 | SELF-ASSEMBLED MONOLAYER COATING ON ELECTRICALLY CONDUCTIVE REGIONS OF A MEDICAL IMPLANT - A medical implant having an electrically conductive region for stimulating tissue of a user or patient. The electrically conductive region is coated with a self assembled monolayer (SAM) which at least inhibits the attachment of impedance-inducing material such as protein, cells or fibrous tissue, to the electrically conductive region. | 2011-10-20 |
| 20110257703 | Inductive Link with Ferrite Sheets - An arrangement is described for a partially implantable medical system. A communications coil is adapted for placement parallel to a corresponding partner coil for communication of an implant communications signal having an associated magnetic field component. An implant electronics module is adjacent to the communications coil and electrically connected with it for coupling of the communications signal. And a planar coil shield lens is between the communications coil and the electronics module to promote coupling of the communications signal between the coils and to shield the electronics module from interaction with the magnetic field component. | 2011-10-20 |
| 20110257704 | Equal Loudness Contour with Channel Specific Map Laws - A method is described for generating electrode stimulation signals for an implanted electrode array. An acoustic audio signal is processed to generate band pass signals each representing an associated band of audio frequencies. Stimulation information is extracted from the band pass signals to generate stimulation event signals defining electrode stimulation signals. The stimulation event signals are weighted according to independent channel-specific loudness functions to produce a set of electrode stimulation signals within channel-specific minimum and maximum threshold levels. The electrode stimulation signals are developed into a set of output electrode pulses to the electrodes in the implanted electrode array. | 2011-10-20 |
| 20110257705 | CONTROL UNIT HAVING A DEPLOYABLE ANTENNA - A control unit for an implantable medical device includes a housing and electronics within the housing. The electronics control an RF emission from the control unit. An antenna is pivotably connected to the housing. The antenna is movable between a stowed position where RF emission from the antenna is prevented and a deployed position where RF emission from the antenna is permitted. To use the external control unit to effect communication between an external control unit and an implanted medical device, the user places the external control unit within electronic communication range of the implanted medical device. The control unit antenna is moved from the stowed position to a deployed position where RF emission from the antenna is permitted. RF waves are emitted from the antenna to establish communication between the external control unit and the implanted medical device. | 2011-10-20 |
| 20110257706 | LOW ENERGY COMMUNICATIONS FOR IMPLANTED MEDICAL DEVICES - Techniques are generally described for low average power communications that can be used for communications between one or more bionic implants and/or one or more control units. Bionic implants and/or control units can be adapted to provide stimulus control and/or sensory or other feedback back from the bionic implants. An example system may include implant devices configured to exchange brief messages between other devices. Some examples may rely on coarse message timing that can be derived from a quartz tuning fork type of resonator. Carrier frequency control can be derived from an on-chip MEMS resonator adapted for high frequency use. An electrical stimulation power supply in each implant can be configured for use in nerve/muscle excitation and/or as a polarizing voltage source for the MEMS resonator. Various compensation mechanisms are described that can be used to compensate for the imprecise and/or temperature dependent frequency in the MEMS resonator. | 2011-10-20 |
| 20110257707 | NEUROSTIMULATION SYSTEM AND METHOD WITH ADJUSTABLE PROGRAMMING RATE - Neurostimulation systems, control systems, and methods for providing therapy to a patient are provided. Electrical stimulation energy is delivered to a tissue region in accordance with different stimulation parameter sets. The delivered electrical stimulation energy is incrementally transitioned through a first series of the different stimulation parameter sets at a user-defined rate in response to a single user actuation of a control mechanism. The user-defined rate is adjusted, and the delivered electrical stimulation energy is incrementally transitioned through a second series of the different stimulation parameter sets at the adjusted rate in response to a single user actuation of the control mechanism. | 2011-10-20 |
| 20110257708 | AUTONOMIC MODULATION USING TRANSIENT RESPONSE WITH INTERMITTENT NEURAL STIMULATION - In various method embodiments for operating an implantable neural stimulator to deliver a neural stimulation therapy to an autonomic neural target, the method comprises using the implantable neural stimulator to deliver the neural stimulation therapy to the autonomic neural target, and evaluating an evoked response to the neural stimulation bursts. The neural stimulation therapy includes a plurality of neural stimulation bursts where each neural stimulation burst includes a plurality of neural stimulation pulses and successive neural stimulation bursts are separated by a time without neural stimulation pulses. Evaluating the evoked response includes sensing the evoked response to the neural stimulation bursts where sensing the evoked response includes sensing at least one physiological parameter affected by the neural stimulation bursts, comparing the sensed evoked response against a baseline, and determining if the evoked response substantially returns to the baseline between neural stimulation bursts. | 2011-10-20 |
| 20110257709 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MODIFYING NEUROSTIMULATION LINEAR LEAD SHAPE TO CORRECT LEAD MIGRATION - A neurostimulation system comprises an implantable neurostimulation lead, an implantable neurostimulator configured for delivering stimulation energy to the implantable neurostimulation lead, an actuating device configured for modifying a linear shape of the lead after it has migrated from a baseline position, memory configured for storing a threshold value, and a processor configured for determining a magnitude at which the lead has migrated from the baseline position, comparing the determined magnitude to the threshold value, and prompting the actuating device to modify the linear shape of the lead based on the comparison. A method of correcting the migration of a neurostimulation lead implanted within the patient comprises determining a magnitude at which the implanted lead has migrated from a baseline position, comparing the determined magnitude to a threshold value, and modifying the linear shape of the lead based on the comparison. | 2011-10-20 |
| 20110257710 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ALERTING A USER OF NEUROSTIMULATION LEAD MIGRATION - A neurostimulation system comprises an implantable neurostimulation lead, an implantable neurostimulator configured for delivering stimulation energy to the lead, an indicator configured for outputting a user-discernible alert signal indicating that the lead has migrated from a baseline position, memory configured for storing a threshold value, and a processor configured for determining a magnitude at which the lead has migrated from the baseline position, comparing the determined magnitude to the threshold value, and prompting the indicator to output the alert signal based on the comparison. A method of alerting a user to the migration of a neurostimulation lead implanted within the user comprises determining a magnitude at which an implanted neurostimulation lead has migrated from a baseline position, comparing the determined magnitude to a threshold value, and outputting a user-discernible alert signal indicating that the implanted lead has migrated based on the comparison. | 2011-10-20 |
| 20110257711 | Medical Devices Including Flexible Circuit Bodies with Exposed Portions of Circuit Traces Attached to Electrical Contacts of Components - Medical devices include stimulation and/or sensing circuitry that is interconnected to electrical components by a flexible circuit body having exposed portions of circuit traces that are attached to electrical contacts of the electrical components. Each circuit trace may span a separate window formed in an insulative body of the flexible circuit body, or a plurality of circuit traces may span a single window or may be freely extending from the insulative body. The exposed portion of the circuit trace may be plated with a conductive metal and then attached to the electrical contact of the electrical component. The flexible circuit body may be an extension from a flexible electrical circuit board containing the circuit. The circuit may be present on a circuit board that includes electrical contacts and where the flexible circuit body has exposed portions of circuit traces attached to the electrical contacts of the circuit board. | 2011-10-20 |
| 20110257712 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ADMINISTERING LIGHT THERAPY - A sleep mask is configured to provide light therapy to a subject. The sleep mask may provide a comfortable delivery mechanism for the light therapy, and may deliver the light therapy to the subject while the subject is asleep, in the process of going to sleep, and/or waking from sleep. In one embodiment, the sleep mask includes one or more of a shield, a strap, a first lighting module, and/or a second lighting module. | 2011-10-20 |
| 20110257713 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING LIGHT THERAPY TO A SUBJECT - A sleep mask is configured to provide light therapy to a subject. The sleep mask provides a comfortable delivery mechanism for the light therapy, and may deliver the light therapy to the subject while the subject is asleep, in the process of going to sleep, and/or waking from sleep. In one embodiment, the sleep mask includes one or more of a shield, a strap, a first lighting module, and/or a second lighting module. | 2011-10-20 |
| 20110257714 | SELF-FOLDING PADDLE LEAD AND METHOD OF FABRICATING A PADDLE LEAD - In one embodiment, a medical lead comprises a lead body for conducting electrical pulses and a paddle. The paddle includes an intermediate metal layer, at least an insulative polymer backing layer, and an insulative polymer covering layer. The intermediate metal layer comprises a plurality of features defined by gaps in the metal material in the metal layer such that each feature is electrically isolated from each other feature, wherein each feature includes a respective connector element that is electrically coupled to at least one conductor within the lead body, wherein a portion of the insulative polymer covering layer is exposed above each feature to define a respective electrode for the corresponding feature. Also, the paddle possesses shape memory to cause the paddle to assume a substantially planar orientation when the shape memory is in a relaxed state. | 2011-10-20 |
| 20110257715 | FLEXIBLE NEURAL PROBE FOR MAGNETIC INSERTION - A neural probe deployment system comprising a magnetic probe, a magnetic field generator acting on the magnetic probe, a first guiding tube disposed on a first side of the magnetic field generator, wherein the magnetic probe is loaded inside the first guiding tube, and a second guiding tube disposed on a second side of the magnetic field generator, wherein activation of the magnetic field generator propels the magnetic probe from the first guiding tube through the second guiding tube, thereby deploying the magnetic probe. | 2011-10-20 |
| 20110257716 | ELECTRODE ARRAY AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING SAME - The present invention provides an electrode array for a medical implant device, comprising a substrate supporting a plurality of electrodes, the substrate comprising at least two layers of material including a first layer and a second layer, wherein the first layer of material and the second layer of material have different coefficients of thermal expansion. The plurality of electrodes may be supported on the first layer of material, and are preferably incorporated in and/or project from the second layer of material. The second layer of material may itself have a layered structure comprising multiple material layers, with the plurality of electrodes incorporated within the said multiple material layers. The first layer of material preferably has a higher coefficient of thermal expansion than the second layer of material. The invention furthermore provides a medical implant device including an electrode array according to the invention, and a method of manufacturing such an electrode array. | 2011-10-20 |
| 20110257717 | IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL LEAD - An implantable medical lead includes a lead body, a first electrode, a second electrode, a third electrode, and a fourth electrode. The electrodes are located at fixed positions along the length of the lead body, and the second and third electrodes are positioned between the first and fourth electrodes. The first electrode has a proximal end, the fourth electrode has a distal end, and the distance from the proximal end of the first electrode to the distal end of the fourth electrode is between 5 centimeters and 7 centimeters. The combined length of the second and third electrodes is between 2.5 and 5 times greater than the combined length of the first and fourth electrodes. The lead may be used for applying electrical signals to an occipital nerve of a patient. | 2011-10-20 |
| 20110257718 | Retraction Mechanism and Method for Graft Cover Retraction - A stent or stent-graft delivery system includes a handle having a graft cover retractor having a screw gear and a drive and quick release assembly. The drive and quick release assembly includes a proximal portion and a distal portion that are separable. The proximal portion of the drive and quick release assembly rotates in a first rotational direction about the screw gear to retract the graft cover using the screw gear. The drive and quick release assembly transitions from retraction using the engagement with the screw gear to retraction by sliding by the user grasping the distal portion instead of the proximal portion, and sliding the proximal portion only along the screw gear. In transitioning from using the screw gear to sliding along screw gear, it unnecessary to push any button and unnecessary for the user to remove her/his hand from the assembly. | 2011-10-20 |
| 20110257719 | Retraction Mechanism and Method for Graft Cover Retraction - A stent or stent-graft delivery system includes a handle having a graft cover retractor having a screw gear and a drive and quick release assembly. The drive and quick release assembly allows a user to retract a graft cover by rotating the assembly in a first rotational direction about the screw gear. When the assembly is being rotated in a particular rotational direction, a partial revolution in the opposite rotational direction disengages the assembly from the screw gear, which is sensed by a change in the force required to rotate the assembly. With the assembly disengaged from the screw gear, the assembly can be slid along the screw so that the graft cover can be positioned more quickly. In transitioning from using the screw gear to sliding along screw gear, it unnecessary to push any button and unnecessary for the user to remove her/his hand from the assembly. | 2011-10-20 |
| 20110257720 | Controlled Tip Release Stent Graft Delivery System and Method - An apparatus and method of deploying a stent graft having a proximal anchor stent ring includes restraining proximal apexes of the proximal anchor stent ring between a spindle body of a spindle and a control release sleeve of a tapered tip. The control release sleeve is advanced relative to the spindle to release a first proximal apex through an opening in the control release sleeve while the remaining proximal apexes remain restrained by the control release sleeve. The control release sleeve is further advanced relative to the spindle to release the remaining proximal apexes from the control release sleeve. In another example, a stent capture fitting has variable length stent capture fitting arms. As the stent capture fitting is retracted, the proximal apexes of the proximal anchor stent ring are sequentially exposed from and released by the variable length stent capture fitting arms. By using the control release sleeve or the stent capture fitting, controlled sequential release of the proximal apexes is achieved. | 2011-10-20 |
| 20110257721 | Prosthetic Heart Valves and Delivery Methods - A method of remodeling a stented device and an adjacent a valve region of a patient, including the steps of implanting a stented device into a native valve region of a patient, providing a first remodeling ring on a portion of a delivery system, advancing the remodeling ring into an interior area of the implanted stented device with the delivery system, radially expanding the remodeling ring until it modifies at least one of an aspect of a shape of the interior area of the implanted stented device and an aspect of a shape of the valve region in which it is positioned, and removing the delivery system from the patient. | 2011-10-20 |
| 20110257722 | STENT AND CATHETER ASSEMBLY AND METHOD FOR TREATING BIFURCATIONS - An apparatus and method is provided for stenting bifurcated vessels. A proximal angled stent is configured for implanting in a side-branch vessel wherein the proximal angled stent has an angulated portion that corresponds to the angle formed by the intersection of the side-branch vessel and the main vessel so that all portions of the side-branch vessel at the bifurcation are covered by the proximal angled stent. A main-vessel stent is provided for implanting in the main vessel, wherein the main-vessel stent has an aperture or stent cell that aligns with the opening to the side-branch vessel to permit unobstructed blood flow between the main vessel and the side-branch vessel. Side-branch and main-vessel catheter assemblies are advanced over a pair of guide wires for delivering, appropriately orienting, and implanting the proximal angled stent and the apertured stent. | 2011-10-20 |
| 20110257723 | DEVICES AND METHODS FOR CORONARY SINUS PRESSURE RELIEF - A method and devices for relieving pressure in the left atrium of a patient's heart is disclosed. The method includes using an ablative catheter in a minimally invasive procedure to prepare an opening from the coronary sinus into a left atrium of the patient's heart. Once the opening is prepared, the opening may be enlarged by a technique such as expanding a balloon within the opening. A stent is then placed within the coronary sinus of the patient, with a transverse portion expanding within the opening, allowing blood to flow from the left atrium to the coronary sinus and then to the right atrium. Pressure within the left atrium is thus relieved. | 2011-10-20 |
| 20110257724 | Flexible Stent Device with Magnetic Connections - A stent includes a plurality of bands aligned generally along a common longitudinal axis. The plurality of bands includes at least a first band having a plurality of first crowns and a second band adjacent to the first band and having a plurality of second crowns. A magnetic connection joins at least one of the first crowns and at least one of the second crowns. | 2011-10-20 |
| 20110257725 | Blood Inflating Prosthesis - A prosthesis comprises a tubular member that defines an inner lumen and has an inner surface and an outer surface, an outer member secured to the tubular member and covering at least a portion of the tubular member outer surface and forming an outer chamber therewith, and at least one valve in the tubular member to regulate or control fluid flow between the tubular member lumen and the chamber. | 2011-10-20 |
| 20110257726 | SCAFFOLDS FOR ORGAN RECONSTRUCTION AND AUGMENTATION - Biocompatible synthetic or natural scaffolds are provided for the reconstruction, repair, augmentation or replacement of organs or tissue structures in a patient in need of such treatment. The scaffolds are shaped to conform to at least a part of the organ or tissue structure and may be seeded with one or more cell populations. Inserts, receptacles and ports are also provided for the attachment of tubular vessels to the neo-organ scaffolds. The seeded scaffolds are implanted into the patient at the site in need of treatment to form an organized organ or tissue structure. The scaffolds may be used to form organs or tissues, such as bladders, urethras, valves, and blood vessels. | 2011-10-20 |
| 20110257727 | Expanding Vascular Stent - An expanding vascular stent is disclosed that is inserted into a blood vessel in the human body and expands the blood vessel. The stent is configured in such a way that adjacent rows, each of which is comprised of a plurality of identical cells, are symmetrically arranged, in an out of phase manner. When the stent is expanded in the radial direction, the adjacent rows are expanded in opposite directions, maintaining their linearly symmetrical state. Therefore, the reduction in the length of the stent can be minimized. Since the stent has also a great degree of flexibility, when it is inserted into the blood vessel, it can minimize the damage to the blood vessel wall. | 2011-10-20 |
| 20110257728 | Catheter-Based Annuloplasty System and Method - A catheter-based annuloplasty system for use in repairing a heart valve having leaflets and a valve annulus, includes a delivery catheter having a proximal end and a distal end, and an expandable stent disposed on the distal end of the catheter. An adjustable annuloplasty ring is disposed on the expandable stent and is configured to expand and contract in response to expansion and contraction of the stent. | 2011-10-20 |
| 20110257729 | Implantable Prosthetic Valve - A valve prosthesis device is disclosed suitable for implantation in body ducts. The device comprises a support stent, comprised of a deployable construction adapted to be initially crimped in a narrow configuration suitable for catheterization through the body duct to a target location and adapted to be deployed by exerting substantially radial forces from within by means of a deployment device to a deployed state in the target location, and a valve assembly comprising a flexible conduit having an inlet end and an outlet, made of pliant material attached to the support beams providing collapsible slack portions of the conduit at the outlet. The support stent is provided with a plurality of longitudinally rigid support beams of fixed length. When flow is allowed to pass through the valve prosthesis device from the inlet to the outlet, the valve assembly is kept in an open position, whereas a reverse flow is prevented as the collapsible slack portions of the valve assembly collapse inwardly providing blockage to the reverse flow. | 2011-10-20 |
| 20110257730 | MEDICAL DEVICES AND METHODS OF MAKING THE SAME - An endoprosthesis, such as a stent, having a layer that can enhance the biocompatibility of the endoprosthesis, and methods of making the endoprosthesis are disclosed. | 2011-10-20 |
| 20110257731 | THORACIC AORTA STENT GRAFT WITH ACCESS REGION - A stent graft ( | 2011-10-20 |
| 20110257732 | STENTS HAVING CONTROLLED ELUTION - Provided herein is a device comprising: a. stent; b. a plurality of layers on said stent framework to form said device; wherein at least one of said layers comprises a bioabsorbable polymer and at least one of said layers comprises one or more active agents; wherein at least part of the active agent is in crystalline form. | 2011-10-20 |
| 20110257733 | Transcatheter Prosthetic Heart Valve Delivery System and Method with Expandable Stability Tube - A device for percutaneously delivering a stented prosthetic heart valve. The device includes an inner shaft assembly, a delivery sheath assembly, an outer stability tube, and a handle. The sheath assembly is slidably disposed over the inner shaft, and includes a capsule and a shaft. The capsule compressively contains the prosthesis over the inner shaft. The stability tube is slidably disposed over the delivery sheath, and includes a distal region configured to be radially expandable from a first shape having a first diameter to a second shape having a larger, second diameter. In a first delivery state, the distal region assumes the first shape, providing a low profile appropriate for traversing a patient's vasculature. In a second delivery state, the distal region has the expanded diameter second shape, sized to receive the capsule, such as when retracting the capsule to implant the prosthesis. | 2011-10-20 |
