46th week of 2008 patent applcation highlights part 50 |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20080281248 | REMOVAL OF CONTRAST AGENTS FROM BLOOD - The invention provides a system and a method for removal of contrast from blood. In one aspect, the invention provides a catheter for removal of contrast from the veins that drain the cerebral circulation. In a second aspect, the invention provides a method for removing contrast from blood by contacting the blood with a sorbent. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281249 | Valves and Conduits for Vascular Access - A dialysis fistula graft comprising a valve mechanism with a valve member which is substantially flush with blood flowing in a blood vessel in the closed configuration and allows for blood flow into the fistula graft when the valve member is in the open position. In one embodiment, a subcutaneous access to the valve is provided in which the valve can be opened or closed by applying force through the skin of a patient. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281250 | Self-Clearing Catheter for Clinical Implantation - The invention disclosed herein provides methods and apparati that utilize micro-electro-mechanical systems that can be used for example to prevent and/or clear obstructions in the fluid conduits of medical devices such as catheters. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281251 | Medical Devices - A medical device may be constructed using one or more components. At least some of the medical device's components may be treated with a softening agent and/or a texturizing agent. For example, the medical device may include an expandable member that may be sized and configured to be expanded within a blood vessel, and the expandable member may be treated with a softening agent and/or a texturizing agent. Also, for example, the medical device may include a catheter, and the catheter may be treated with a softening agent and/or a texturizing agent. One exemplary softening and/or texturizing agent is a sulfuric acid solution, but other softening and/or texturizing agents may be used. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281252 | Apparatus for Body Cavity Delivery with Medium, Body Cavity Leading-in and Ultrasound Block - The present invention generally relates to a medical apparatus. More particularly, the present invention relates to an apparatus for delivering a medium to body cavity of mammals including a human, especially to an apparatus for expanding rectum. Specifically, the present invention relates to the field of focused ultrasound treatment with a main purpose to provide an auxiliary device for ultrasound therapy applied to uterine myoma so as to avoid damage by ultrasound after focused within body. Therefore, the present invention provides an apparatus for blocking ultrasound, comprising (1) lead-in means for entering into said body cavity; and (2) accommodation means for containing ultrasound blocking medium, which enwraps the lead-in means outside. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281253 | Method of Operating an Ultrasound Handpiece - A method employing a handpiece having at least one set of piezoelectric elements polarized to produce longitudinal motion when excited at the relevant resonant frequency. The piezoelectric crystals are connected to an ultrasonic horn to which a cutting tip is attached. The horn and/or the cutting tip contains a plurality of diagonal slits or grooves. The slits or grooves produce optimized torsional movement in the cutting tip when the piezoelectric crystals are excited at a second resonant frequency. When in torsional mode, material may clog the cutting tip. The present method includes the step of providing a pulse of longitudinal movement of the tip when clogging is detected. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281254 | Independent Surgical Center - A biological tissue cutting and fluid aspiration system provides a plurality of surgical instruments operable independent of an external control console. In some embodiments, each surgical instrument may include all sensors and controls directly applicable to the surgical instrument, and may be used independently. In some embodiments, instruments communicate status information to each other, and adjust operating parameters based on the communications. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281255 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR MODULATING MEDICANTS USING ACOUSTIC ENERGY - This invention provides methods and systems uniquely capable of enhancing medicant delivery and/or effectiveness through the use of energy to predictably disrupt membranes and mechanically and thermally modulate cells and tissues. In exemplary embodiments, the methods and systems disclosed herein are capable of modulating multiple layers of tissue. In an exemplary embodiment, the energy is acoustic energy (e.g., ultrasound). In other exemplary embodiments, the energy is photon based energy (e.g., IPL, LED, laser, white light, etc.), or other energy forms, such radio frequency electric currents, or various combinations of acoustic energy, electromagnetic energy and other energy forms or energy absorbers such as cooling. Medicants can be first introduced to the region of interest by diffusion, circulation, and/or injection. An exemplary system for enhancing medicant delivery and/or effectiveness comprises a control system, a probe, and a display or indicator system. Imaging and/or monitoring may alternatively be coupled and/or co-housed with an ultrasound system contemplated by the present invention. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281256 | Centrifuge Functioning as Liposuction and Lipoinjection and Method Using the Same - Disclosed herein is a centrifuge having liposuction and lipoinjection functions. The centrifuge comprises an air pump for vacuum and compression, valves, and a controller, thereby sequentially performing liposuction, centrifugation, and lipoinjection processes for autologous fat grafting using a single instrument. More specifically, the centrifuge comprises a pump device consisting of the air pump mounted in a case of the centrifuge for vacuum and compression and the valves connected to the air pump and adapted to be automatically opened or closed to selectively perform vacuum or compression, the controller to control operation of the pump device, and a connector formed at a side of the case to connect the pump device with an external unit for performing vacuum and compression. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281257 | Intragastric bag apparatus and method of delivery for treating obesity - A delivery system and method of use thereof for introducing an intragastric bag and filler strip into a gastric lumen are described. The delivery system includes a multi-lumen overtube, one or retractable hooks, an endoscopic looping device, and a pusher rod. The intragastric bag is attached and loaded into the overtube. The overtube is then deployed within the gastric lumen. A pusher rod pushes the distal end of the intragastric bag out of the overtube and into the gastric lumen. With the intragastric bag open, the filler strip is advanced into the intragastric bag using the pusher rod. The endoscopic loop is then tightened around the proximal end of the intragastric bag so that the filler strip remains entrapped within the intragastric bag. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281258 | COUPLING DEVICE AND MEDICAL LINE SET INCLUDING SAME - The present invention refers to a medical line set ( | 2008-11-13 |
20080281259 | Automatron Blood Pressure Manager for Nitroglycerine - A means of tightly controlling blood pressure in the acute care setting is elusive. Presently, the bedside nurse manages the rate of the intravenous blood pressure medication being infused. The invention seeks to allow continuous polling of the blood pressure, through telemetry monitoring, and adjust the rate of the intravenous antihypertensive nitroglycerin. The method algorithm allows for a set point of either mean arterial pressure (MAP) or systolic blood pressure (SBP) to be input. The nitroglycerin drip rate is then adjusted to maintain the set parameter range. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281260 | NEEDLELESS INJECTOR DRUG CAPSULE AND A METHOD FOR FILLING THEREOF - A method for filling needleless injector capsules with liquid drug, whereby dissolved gas within the drug is replaced by a less soluble gas in order to reduce the inclusion of gas bubbles, or to prevent the growth of bubbles during storage and thereby prevent breakage of the capsules. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281261 | Needle-less injector - A needle-less injector device that includes an outer housing and an inner housing that is slideably supported from the outer housing is disclosed. The inner housing supporting a vial that includes a nozzle for delivering a fluid held within the vial. A spring powered ram that is adapted for pushing a seal and plunger is mounted within inner housing. A skin tensioning spring mounted between the inner housing and the outer housing is used for pushing the leading end of the inner housing away from the outer housing. A trigger that cooperates with the spring-powered ram is used to release the ram from the cocked position only when the inner housing is in a firing position. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281262 | Milk pump - A milk pump for pumping milk from a woman's breast comprises a breast hood for receiving tightly a woman's breast. Furthermore, there is a milk collecting arrangement for receiving milk pumped from said woman's breast. This milk collecting arrangement includes a support and a downwards directed opening in the support for providing a suction communication to the breast hood. Moreover, the milk collecting arrangement comprises a manual pumping unit above the said opening. The manual pumping unit includes a wall forming and surrounding a displacement space which comprise a front wall and a peripheral wall extending in longitudinal direction. A suction device is displaceable inside the displacement space to provide suction through the opening, wherein the displacement is provoked by an actuation device. Furthermore, there is a latching arrangement for releasably connecting at least part of the wall of the displacement space to the support for an easy exchange. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281263 | DISTAL PROTECTION DEVICE WITH LOCAL DRUG DELIVERY TO MAINTAIN PATENCY - The present invention provides for a drug delivery mechanism for use with a protection device. The protection device has an expandable filter. The drug delivery mechanism automatically delivers a drug to the filter without requiring the intervention of the operator of the protection device. The drug delivered to the filter facilitates continued filter patency during the medical procedure. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281264 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR SYRINGE ADAPTER - Methods and apparatus for a syringe adapter. In one embodiment, an adapter/cap assembly is threadably engaged to a syringe for enteral feeding applications. The adapter cannot be removed from the syringe to prevent the syringe from being used for IV applications. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281265 | Handpiece For Fluid Administration Apparatus - A handpiece assembly is provided that is adapted for use with a medication infusion system that applies pressure to the handpiece assembly for delivering medication to a body. The handpiece assembly includes a cartridge holder that is configured for disposal of a medication cartridge. A tubing is provided having a first end, which is sealed with the cartridge holder such that the cartridge holder facilitates communication between the tubing and the medication cartridge. A handpiece is sealed with a needle and the second end of the tubing so that the tubing and the needle are in communication. One of the cartridge holder, the tubing, the needle or the handpiece is configured for a selective structural failure at a predetermined pressure threshold applied to the handpiece assembly from the medication infusion system. The cartridge holder may be designed to facilitate aspiration. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281266 | Safety Syringe With Plunger Locking Means - A safety syringe is disclosed. The safety syringe has a retractable needle facility incorporated therein, the syringe comprising a barrel and plunger and needle assembly. The needle is caused to retract into the barrel of the syringe upon completion of injection once it has been used, by means of engagement between the needle assembly and the end of the plunger. Locking means preferably in the form of a locking bush is provided in the body of the syringe to engage the plunger once it is retracted after use, so that the syringe is rendered incapable of being used further. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281267 | APPARATUS FOR INJECTING STEAM INTO A HUMAN OR ANIMAL BLOOD VESSEL - Apparatus intended for the injection of pulsed steam into a human or animal vessel comprising
| 2008-11-13 |
20080281268 | Portable Device for Heating Up Intravenous Fluids - A system is disclosed for heating a flow of intravenous fluid comprising an intravenous tube ( | 2008-11-13 |
20080281269 | Needle Delivery System for Electrodes - A needle delivery system for electrodes includes a needle and a handle. The needle is configured to be inserted into the human body and to deliver and place an electrode therewithin. The needle is inserted along a direction substantially parallel to the surface of the skin. The handle draws a line of skin upward in a direction substantially normal to the direction of insertion of the needle. The handle includes a guide hole to guide the placement of the needle into the line of the skin. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281270 | Infusion assembly - An infusion assembly comprises a cannula subassembly and a source subassembly. The cannula subassembly includes a substantially planar base, a cannula projecting from the base so as to be beneath the patient's skin when the subassembly is deployed, and a generally cylindrical docking structure having a center axis substantially perpendicular to the base. A liquid medicament is dispensed from the cannula. The source subassembly is arranged to dock with the docking structure and includes a supply of liquid medicament that couples to the cannula upon the source subassembly docking with the cannula subassembly. The source subassembly also includes a primer that automatically primes the insulin fluid path to the cannula tip when the subassemblies are joined. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281271 | DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEM WITH A SMALL AMOUNT OF A THERAPEUTIC AGENT - A drug delivery system includes an automatic injector that can deliver a small, precise amount of a therapeutic agent. The automatic injector includes a chamber for containing a liquid component and a thin porous member that carries thereon and/or therein the small, precise amount of therapeutic agent. Upon activation of the automatic injector, a flow path opens from the chamber through the porous member, enabling the liquid component to rapidly mix with the therapeutic agent before being injected. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281272 | Syringe Drivers - A syringe driver ( | 2008-11-13 |
20080281273 | Microneedle transdermal transport device - A transdermal transport device includes a reservoir for holding a formulation of an active principle, and a needle with a bore extending along the length of the needle from a first end of the needle to a second end of the needle. The second end is substantially aligned to a plane parallel to a body surface of a biological body when the device is placed on the body surface. The device also includes an actuator which pumps the formulation through the bore of the needle between a target area of the body and the reservoir. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281274 | Syringe for Administering Multiple Doses Comprising an Injection Needle with Sterility Protection - The invention relates to a syringe for administering multiple doses of a medicinal substance contained therein, consisting of: a cylindrical tube ( | 2008-11-13 |
20080281275 | Injection Device - A medication dispensing device with a housing and a member wherein the member is moveable in a distal direction is useful in delivering medication to a patient. A fluid container can be used with the device and often has a moveable piston at one end and an outlet at the other. The member receives a force from a user and drives the piston in the distal direction to expel medication. A intermediate system is disposed between the member and the piston including a gear set that has a pinion in meshed engagement with a rack. The system allows the member to move a greater distance than the piston moves thereby increasing the force on the piston. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281276 | INFUSION SET SELF-OCCLUSION MECHANISM - A device, system and method for occluding fluid flow through an infusion set detached from a patient's body. The device includes a means for detecting loss of contact to a patient's body and activating an occlusion mechanism accordingly. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281277 | Device for Sealing an Opening in a Human or Animal Eye - The apparatus for sealing an opening ( | 2008-11-13 |
20080281278 | INJECTOR DEVICE, METHOD, AND COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCT FOR DETECTING A VACUUM WITHIN A SYRINGE - An injector system, method and computer program product for detecting a vacuum within a syringe are provided. Various embodiments include an actuator device configured to be engaged with a piston member of a syringe for extending and retracting the piston member within the syringe. A controller device is also provided for detecting an output generated by the actuator device when retracting the piston member. The detected output may be associated with a pressure within the reservoir. The controller device determines, via the detected output, when the pressure comprises a selected negative pressure and provides an indicia of the negative pressure to a user and/or a signal to the actuator device. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281279 | SEPTUM PORT LOCATOR SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR AN IMPLANTABLE THERAPEUTIC SUBSTANCE DELIVERY DEVICE - An implantable medical device system includes an implantable device and an external locator device for percutaneously locating detecting port opening of the implantable device. The implantable device includes a port chamber forming the port opening, a septum sealing the port chamber relative to an exterior of the device, and a coil positioned at a known location relative to the port opening. The locator device includes a controller, at least one X-loop electrically coupled to the controller and oriented along a first major axis, and at least one Y-loop electrically coupled to the controller and oriented along a second major axis differing from the first major axis. The system is configured such that when the locator is spatially proximate the coil, an induced voltage in at least the Y-loop(s) is read by the controller to indicate a location of the coil relative to the locator device. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281280 | EYEWASH SYSTEM - An eyewash system configured to dispense an eyewash fluid is disclosed. The eyewash system comprises a container configured to contain the eyewash fluid; a cover removably coupled to the container; and one or more projections located at least partially between the container and the cover in a stowed position when the cover is coupled to the container. The one or more projections move to a deployed position when the cover is removed from the container. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281281 | Vacuum Therapy Device - The invention relates to a therapeutic device to promote the healing of a wound, comprising a porous paid which is permeable for fluids to place on the wound, a bandage to cover the wound and to provide an essentially airtight seal around the wound, a drainage line connecting the pad with a suction pump so that suction can be applied to the wound to draw the fluids away from it, whereby the line is connected to the suction pump via a canister to collect fluid sucked from the wound, a connector to connect the pad to the drainage line, means to determine a prevailing wound pressure basically comprising the wound and this surrounding skin area, as well as a control unit to control the wound pressure. In order to generally improve metrology with the goal of making possible a more reliable and more secure dressing of the wound, and also to design metrology in an especially simple and error-free way, it is proposed that the pad interconnect the suction pump solely via the drainage line. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281282 | Urine collection and disposal system - A urine collection and disposal system and method applies subatmospheric pressure to a receptacle open to atmospheric pressure which has a urine outlet in fluid communication with a source of subatmospheric pressure. The receptacle receives urine in the receptacle from a urine donor and removes the urine from the receptacle, transporting the removed urine to a reservoir under the force of a pressure differential between atmospheric pressure at the receptacle and subatmospheric pressure at the reservoir. The reservoir urine is discharged at atmospheric pressure, for disposal, from the reservoir while maintaining the reservoir at subatmospheric pressure. A plurality of the receptacles allows simultaneously providing urine to the reservoir from more than one of the receptacles. Sanitizing fluid may be supplied intermediate the receptacle and the reservoir for transport to the reservoir under the force of the pressure differential between atmospheric and subatmospheric. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281283 | SYSTEM FOR DISPOSAL OF FLUIDS - A system for disposing of body fluids collected during surgery comprises a canister and an apparatus for emptying and cleaning the canister. The canister has a lid having an inlet port to receive body fluids during surgery and for insertion of a cleaning fluid sprayer during servicing, an outlet port with a suction tube extending into the canister for removal of fluids therefrom, and a vacuum port for the application of vacuum to the canister. The servicing unit is an appliance having a receiving compartment in which the canister is placed. A connector head in the servicing unit connects the canister to a source of cleaning fluid and to a conduit for evacuating the fluids in the canister through the suction tube and to a decontamination chamber, where they are brought into contact with a disinfecting fluid, and subsequently to a drain. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281284 | FLUID COLLECTION SYSTEM - A system is provided for collecting bodily fluids, and particularly urine from the bladder of a patient, comprising a catheter inserted into the bladder, a low pressure, cyclic magnetic valve coupled to the catheter, a collection bag, and, a quick-release coupler interposed between the magnetic valve and the collection bag. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281285 | Process for Bonding a Material to a Substrate with an Adhesive Precursor Forming an Adhesive as a Product of Ester Condensation and Products Bonded with Such Adhesive Precursor - A process is provided for bonding a substrate to a material using an adhesive precursor comprising a reactive mixture which is reacted to form an adhesive as a product of ester condensation. The reactive mixture includes a monomer mixture comprising at least one polyhydric alcohol and a reactant selected from the group consisting of at least one organic polyacid; at least one organic anhydride; and combinations thereof. Alternatively, the reactive mixture comprises a prepolymer formed from the monomer mixture; a combination of the prepolymer and the monomer mixture; or a combination of the prepolymer and reactants such as polyhydric alcohol, organic polyacid, organic anhydride, and combinations thereof. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281286 | Composite Web, Disposable Diaper and Process for Manufacturing Thereof - The present invention relates to a process for manufacturing a composite web for use in a disposable product, the process comprising the steps of: a) providing a continuous web of material; b) creating in the web a longitudinally repeating pattern of windows; and c) attaching at least one strip to the web, said strip at least partially covering the windows and having different functional characteristics than the web. The present invention also relates to a composite web formed in accordance with this process and to panels obtainable by cutting said web in cross direction. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281287 | SANITARY NAPKIN INCLUDING BODY-FACING PROTRUSIONS FOR PREVENTING SIDE LEAKAGE AND OBLIQUELY ARRANGED EMBOSSED CHANNELS - A sanitary napkin adapted to provide enhanced fluid handling characteristics and minimize side leakage, the sanitary napkin including a first embossing pattern including first and second spaced portions and a second embossing pattern including first and second spaced portions. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281288 | NURSING PAD - A disposable nursing pad has a layered structure of a liquid-permeable sheet, an absorbent body, and a liquid-impermeable sheet. The liquid-permeable sheet and the liquid-impermeable sheet are adhered to each other. This prevents the liquid-permeable sheet from becoming detached from the absorbent body, and provides a nursing pad having an improved capacity to maintain its three-dimensional shape. A pair of pad pieces, each of which has a layered structure of a liquid permeable sheet piece, an absorber, and a liquid-impermeable sheet piece, is joined so as to form a nursing pad having an approximately conical shape. With the nursing pad, a connection portion where pad pieces are joined forms a ridge which serves as the center line of the nursing pad. The nursing pad can be folded along the ridge. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281289 | Unit dose dry powder ejection carpule - A simple, disposable device for a wounded individual to dispense a antibiotic or other medicine directly into their own open wound or treatment of a wound by a second party. The device dispenses a preloaded quantity of dry medication from an opening that is covered by a removable cap. Removal of the cap followed by pressing of a plunger dispenses the medication. The design of the carpule, barrel, of the device, the preloaded powder medicament, the flexible rod and rod head that pushes the dry powder into the wound and material selection appropriate to use in unfavorable environments are other features of the device. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281290 | Reciprocating Delivery Of Fluids To The Body With Analyte Concentration Monitoring - A volume of an analyte-enriched fluid can be withdrawn out of a user's subcutaneous compartment using a patch unit that includes a reversible pumping mechanism. The volume can be withdrawn out of the body and into the patch unit through a cannula inserted into the subcutaneous compartment so that an analyte concentration in the volume can be measured using a sensing element within the patch unit. After analyte concentration analysis, at least the volume can be delivered back into the subcutaneous compartment by operating the pumping mechanism in a forward direction. biologically compatible fluid can optionally be pumped into the subcutaneous compartment from a reservoir in the patch unit and then allowed to partially or completely equilibrate with the analyte concentration in the interstitial fluid of the subcutaneous compartment via a permeable or semi-permeable cannula surface before being drawn back into the patch unit for analysis. Related systems, apparatus, methods, and/or articles are also described. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281291 | Drainage/irrigation urethral catheter - A urethral catheter comprises an elongate tubular shaft having an open proximal end, a sealed distal end a single lumen therein that extends between the proximal and distal ends. A proximal portion of the shaft has a first outer diameter and a distal portion of the shaft has a second outer diameter smaller than the first outer diameter. A plurality of openings are provided in the distal shaft portion. The plurality of openings communicate between an outer surface of the shaft and the single lumen and extend longitudinally from a point near the distal end toward the proximal end. The plurality of openings are located along one side of the shaft and are oriented in a common plane that bisects a longitudinal axis of the shaft. The openings most distant from the distal end of the shaft have a diameter that is smaller than that of the openings closest to the distal end of the shaft. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281292 | Retractable Injection Port - A cannula, for delivering a bolus of a pharmaceutically active agent to the posterior chamber of the eye, having an orifice disposed at the distal tip. The cannula is slidably disposed within a hypodermic needle. The sliding action of the cannula within the needle provides a means for trimming a formed bolus of a pharmaceutically active agent from the orifice of the cannula. In addition, the double wall formed by the cannula within the needle provides insulation from the cooler temperatures within the eye to allow for the delivery of phase transition substances. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281293 | COMPLEX SHAPE STEERABLE TISSUE VISUALIZATION AND MANIPULATION CATHETER - Complex steerable catheter visualization and tissue manipulation systems and their methods of use are disclosed herein. The deployment catheter is articulated using various steering mechanisms. Tissue visualization is accomplished from the visualization hood at the distal end of the deployment catheter, the hood having an ability to expand and other features to facilitate visualization and articulation at the tissue surface. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281294 | METHOD FOR ATTACHING A CATHETER TIP TO A CATHETER SHAFT - The present invention is a method of bonding a shaft tip to a distal end of a catheter or sheath shaft. The method includes extruding a shaft to have an initial outside diameter that is greater than an outside diameter the shaft will have when finished. A lap joint area is then ground into the distal end of the shaft. The tip is then insert molded over the lap joint area. The tip includes a collar at a proximal end of the tip that provides additional thermal mass to facilitate the bonding of the tip to the shaft. The shaft is then ground from its initial outside diameter to its finished outside diameter. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281295 | VISCERAL PLEURA RING CONNECTOR - A visceral pleura ring connector that may be utilized to anchor and seal the visceral pleura to a conduit or other device entering the lung from a non-native airway. The visceral pleura ring connector may be positioned around the visceral pleura and an insertion device and seal them together without having to make any holes in the pleura. The visceral pleura ring connector may be utilized with a pulmonary pleural stabilizer to hold the visceral pleura of the lung during surgical procedures involving accessing the lung or lungs of a patient directly through the lung and not the native airways. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281297 | Method and device for drug delivery - A method and a device for a delivery of a chemical substance to the body of the patient are provided. The device includes an infusion catheter configured to be inserted into a tissue, a catheter securing element configured to be adhered to the skin of the patient and further configured to secure the infusion catheter to the skin, a drug delivery pump configured to infuse a drug into the infusion catheter for delivery to a drug infused region on the body of the patient, and a treatment element configured to apply a treatment to the drug infused region to improve pharmacodynamics of the drug during a period of delivery of the drug to the patient. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281298 | Electronic support system for biological data sensor - An electronic support system for controlling a biological data sensor and related methods of use are disclosed herein. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281299 | ENDOSCOPIC TOOL ASSEMBLY - A surgical tool assembly is provided having a surgical tool, a scope; and a detachable clip which couples the tool and scope. The clip includes a first grip which engages a peripheral surface of the tool and a second grip which engages a peripheral surface of the scope. Additionally, the first and second grips may be formed continuously with one another. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281300 | Methods and devices for ostium measurement - Devices and methods are provided which shield at least one turbinate from trauma or damage during sinus surgery that could be caused by direct contact with diagnostic and therapeutic devices. The devices and methods provided are particularly useful for protecting nasal turbinates during FESS and FTIS procedures. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281301 | Personal Surgical Center - A personal surgical center embodied as a general purpose computer (e.g. laptop) with wireless technology for monitoring the operation of an independent surgical center and/or handheld instruments. The computer tracks procedures in the operating room and instruments used during those procedures, and accounts for billing, supply management, and payment options. The monitoring of the instruments used during the surgery is conducted by the personal surgical center while actual control of the settings of those instruments is via the independent surgical center or via controls included in the instruments themselves. The monitored information is stored in a log file which is then transmitted to a hospital server for generating reports, inventory control, billing, and the like. Other information generated during the procedure (e.g. doctor notes) is also stored in the log file. The personal surgical center may also access the hospital server or local data storage device for retrieving a surgeon's specific surgery parameters, obtaining patient files, and the like. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281302 | DETACHABLE ANEURYSM NECK BRIDGE - In one embodiment, a neck bridge for bridging the neck of an aneurysm includes a junction region, a number of radially extending array elements attached to the junction region, and a cover attached to one or both of the junction region and an array element. The array elements are configured to be positioned within the aneurysm after the neck bridge is deployed from a delivery device. In a second embodiment, the neck bridge includes a junction region and a braided or mesh-like structure secured to the junction region. The braided or mesh-like structure is made from an elastic material. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281303 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CREATING OCULAR SURGICAL AND RELAXING INCISIONS - A system and method of treating target tissue in a patient's eye, which includes generating a light beam, deflecting the light beam using a scanner to form first and second treatment patterns, delivering the first treatment pattern to the target tissue to form an incision that provides access to an eye chamber of the patient's eye, and delivering the second treatment pattern to the target tissue to form a relaxation incision along or near limbus tissue or along corneal tissue anterior to the limbus tissue of the patient's eye to reduce astigmatism thereof. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281304 | COMBINED WAVEFRONT AND TOPOGRAPHY SYSTEMS AND METHODS - Methods, software, and systems are provided for determining an ablation target shape for a treatment for an eye of a patient. Techniques include determining wavefront information from the eye of the patient with a wavefront eye refractometer, determining anterior corneal shape information from the eye with a corneal topography device, and combining the wavefront information and the anterior corneal shape information to determine the ablation target shape. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281305 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR RELIEVING ANGINA SYMPTOMS USING LIGHT - An implantable medical device includes a light emitting circuit incorporated into an intravascular stent. The light emitting circuit emits a light to an ischemic region. The light has characteristics suitable for reliving the angina symptoms associated with ischemia. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281306 | SELECTIVE PHOTOCOAGULATION - A method of scanning a laser beam across a set of cells includes during a first interval, causing a galvanometric scanner to scan a laser beam across a set of cells; and during a second interval, causing the galvanometric scanner to deflect the laser beam away from the set of cells. The first interval is selected to cause microcavitation in at least a portion of the cells from the set of cells. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281307 | THERAPEUTIC DEVICE INCORPORATING LIGHT AND COLD THERAPY MODALITIES - A therapeutic device for human and animal use comprises light emitters for applying light energy to a chosen target area of a patient in combination with target area cooling. Control over the intensity, duration and/or sequencing of the light energy is provided, and the light energy therapy may be combined with other modalities. The device may be in the form of a pad, capable of being affixed against the portion of the body, such as a wrist, ankle or neck by a strap. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281308 | Device and method for improved vascular laser treatment - An improved treatment set and an improved method for endovascular laser treatments are described. The treatment set comprises an introducer sheath or tip and an optical waveguide for allowing the treatment set to be guided within a blood vessel. The s introducer sheath itself acts as the guide wire in one embodiment of the procedure. The introducer includes a means for protecting the tip of the optical fiber while the set is being positioned within the vessel and protecting the introducer tip from damaging the vessel. The method includes the steps of inserting the introducer/optical waveguide combination into a blood vessel to be treated, positioning the distal end of the introducer at a proper position in the blood vessel; advancing the optical fiber through a protective cap and/or means, and irradiating the blood vessel, preferably while withdrawing the treatment set toward the point of insertion. In another embodiment, the introducer/optical fiber combination includes a monorail groove within which a guidewire resides, wherein the optical fiber resides within the introducer and is advanced along the guidewire prior to treatment. The invention is advantageous in that it is quicker, as it requires fewer parts and fewer steps for effective treatment than do prior art devices and methods. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281309 | Capacitive electrosurgical return pad with contact quality monitoring - A return pad includes a backing, at least one return electrode, and at least one ring sensor. The backing has a top side, a bottom side, and a periphery. The return electrode is disposed on the bottom side of the backing layer and is adapted to connect to a current generator. The ring sensor(s) is disposed in substantial concentric registration with the periphery of the backing and is configured to connect to a measuring component. The measuring component is operable to approximate contact quality of the return electrode during electrosurgical application and is configured to communicate with the generator. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281310 | Temperature monitoring return electrode - An electrosurgical return electrode is disclosed. The return electrode includes a first and second flexible conductive material layers and a material layer disposed between the first and second conductive material layers. The material layer is transitionable between a solid state and a non-solid state, the material layer is also configured to melt upon an increase in temperature beyond a predetermined threshold, thereby increasing conductivity between the first and second conductive material layer. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281311 | Temperature monitoring return electrode - An electrosurgical return electrode includes a conductive pad including a patient-contacting surface configured to conduct electrosurgical energy, and a temperature sensing circuit coupled to the conductive pad. The temperature sensing circuit includes a plurality of switching elements connected in series, wherein each of the plurality of switching elements is configured to vary in impedance in response to temperature changes, such that an interrogation signal transmitted therethrough is indicative of the temperature change. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281312 | Ablation Therapy System and Method for Treating Continuous Atrial Fibrillation - An ablation therapy system and systematic method is provided for treating continuous atrial fibrillation. The therapy system includes a Multi-Channel RF Ablation Generator, an ECG interface, an assembly of at least three ablation catheters, and an ECG interface operably coupling and interfacing the catheters to both an ECG unit and the RF Ablation Generator. The systematic method includes transseptally accessing the Left Atrium (LA) through the septum of the patient's heart, and performing an endocardial pulmonary vein ablation procedure on the pulmonary vein ostial tissue surrounding one or more pulmonary veins in a manner treating aberrant conductive pathways therethrough. After performing the pulmonary vein ablation, the method further includes performing an endocardial atrial septum ablation procedure on the septal tissue in a manner treating aberrant conductive pathways therethrough. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281313 | System and Method for Laparoscopic Nerve Detection - A surgical system aids identification of nerves in a body to help prevent damage to the nerves during surgery to the body proximate the nerves. An electrode introduced to within a body cavity through a catheter is placed proximate a nerve within the body cavity by a laparoscopic or robotic device. An exploratory probe placed in the body cavity is selectively placed along a presumed pathway of the nerve to provide an electrical signal through the nerve to the electrode. An analyzer interfaced with the electrode analyzes the electrical signal received at the electrode to determine the proximity of the exploratory probe to the nerve, allowing mapping of the nerve pathway through the body cavity. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281314 | METHODS AND APPARATUSES FOR TISSUE TREATMENT - Disclosed in the present application are devices for localized delivery of energy and methods of using such devices, particularly for therapeutic treatment of biological tissues. The disclosed devices may contain one or more energy delivery members. The disclosed methods may involve positioning and deploying the energy delivery members in a target site, and delivering energy through the energy delivery members. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281315 | Electrosurgical Generator With Adaptive Power Control - An electrosurgical generator has an output power control system that causes the impedance of tissue to rise and fall in a cyclic pattern until the tissue is desiccated. The advantage of the power control system is that thermal spread and charring are reduced. In addition, the power control system offers improved performance for electrosurgical vessel sealing and tissue welding. The output power is applied cyclically by a control system with tissue impedance feedback. The impedance of the tissue follows the cyclic pattern of the output power several times, depending on the state of the tissue, until the tissue becomes fully desiccated. High power is applied to cause the tissue to reach a high impedance, and then the power is reduced to allow the impedance to fall. Thermal energy is allowed to dissipate during the low power cycle. The control system is adaptive to tissue in the sense that output power is modulated in response to the impedance of the tissue. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281316 | Adjustable impedance electrosurgical electrodes - An electrosurgical system is disclosed. The electrosurgical system includes at least one electrosurgical electrode having a resistive element and a capacitive element configured in series. The electrosurgical system also including an electrosurgical generator configured to generate electrosurgical energy having a first frequency which generates a first impedance in the at least one electrode due to capacitive reactance of the capacitive element in series. The generator is further configured to adjust the first frequency to at least one other frequency to generate a different impedance in the at least one electrode due to capacitive reactance of the capacitive element in series, thereby adjusting the temperature of at least one electrosurgical electrode. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281317 | Endometrial Ablation catheter - An apparatus for ablating tissue with the uterine cavity is provided. The apparatus includes an ablation catheter and an expansible member. The expansible member is attached to the ablation catheter and it has a residual volume greater than the volume of the uterine cavity and exhibits residual dimensions greater than the anatomical dimensions of the uterine cavity. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281318 | Systems and methods for inductive heat treatment of body tissue - Apparatus and methods for treating body tissue by heat energy. The apparatus includes: a coil for transmitting an alternating electrical current therethrough to generate an alternating electromagnetic field that is capable of exciting material positioned in the body, the material being operative to inductively generate the heat energy in response to the electromagnetic field; means for measuring an amplitude of the current; and means for mapping the amplitude into a temperature of the magnetic material. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281319 | Assessment of Electrode Coupling For Tissue Ablation - An electrode catheter and a method for assessing electrode-tissue contact and coupling are disclosed. An exemplary electrode catheter comprises an electrode adapted to apply electrical energy. A measurement circuit is adapted to measure impedance between the electrode and ground as the electrode approaches a target tissue. A processor determines a contact and coupling condition for the target tissue based at least in part on reactance of the impedance measured by the measurement circuit. In another exemplary embodiment, the electrode catheter determines the contact and coupling condition based at least in part on a phase angle of the impedance. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281320 | CATHETER HAVING CIRCULAR ABLATION ASSEMBLY - A catheter particularly useful for ablation lesions within a tubular region of or near the heart is provided. The catheter comprises an elongated flexible tubular catheter body having an axis and proximal and distal ends. An ablation assembly is mounted at the distal end of the tubular body. The ablation assembly has a preformed generally circular curve having an outer surface and being generally transverse to the axis of the catheter body. The ablation assembly comprises a flexible tubing having proximal and distal ends that carries a tip electrode at its distal end. An electrode lead wire extends through the catheter body and into the ablation assembly and has a distal end connected to the tip electrode. In use the distal end of the catheter is interested into the heart of a patient. At least a portion of the outer circumference of the generally circular curve is contacted with the inner circumference of the tubular region so that the tip electrode is in a first position in contact with tissue along the inner circumference. The tip electrode is used to ablate tissue at the first position. The ablation assembly can then be rotated so that the tip electrode is in a second position in contact with tissue along the inner circumference different from the first position, and the tip electrode is used to ablate tissue at the second position. This procedure can be repeated to form a lesion of the desired length along the inner circumference. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281321 | Treatment and diagnostic catheters with hydrogel electrodes - Straight and curved catheters for treatment or diagnoses of tissue, including cardiac tissue, using hydrogel virtual electrodes and hydrogel sensing electrodes are disclosed. Each catheter comprises at least one conductive hydrogel electrode, whether a virtual electrode or a sensing electrode. Hydrogel virtual electrodes may be used to deliver ablative energy or chemotherapeutic agents to tissue. Hydrogel sensing electrodes may be used to map various electrical activity of tissue. The ablation catheters include a variety of hydrogel delivery features to deliver the conductive hydrogel electrodes against or adjacent to tissue to be treated. Each hydrogel delivery feature comprises at least one opening in the distal portion of the catheter and may also include a permeable or semi-permeable membrane. The mapping catheters include conductive hydrogel disks (i.e., conductive hydrogel sensing electrodes) and nonconductive hydrogel disks. Methods of treating and diagnosing tissue using hydrogel virtual electrodes and hydrogel sensing electrodes are also disclosed. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281322 | RF Energy Delivery System and Method - A radio frequency tissue ablation system with a radio frequency generator, the generator comprising a radio frequency source, at least four independently controllable radio frequency outputs, a user interface and a controller configured to delivery radio frequency energy from the radio frequency source to the radio frequency outputs in one of at least two different output configurations in response to a configuration selection made through the user. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281323 | Tissue specimen isolating and damaging device and method - A device and method for treatment of a tissue specimen disposed in surrounding tissue has a tissue specimen isolating toot and a tissue specimen damager. The tissue specimen isolating tool isolates the tissue specimen from the surrounding tissue. The tissue specimen damager damages the tissue, with a possible end result being necrosis. The severing tool may have a cutting member that is extendable to an outwardly radially bowed position about device. The tissue specimen is isolated by rotating the cutting member about the tissue specimen. The cutting member may be functionally connected to a cutting member radio frequency generation source. The tissue specimen damager may damage the tissue specimen using ionizing radiation, cutting devices, thermal treatment devices, chemical treatment devices, or sealing an outer boundary of the tissue specimen. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281324 | EXTERNAL FIXATION ASSEMBLY AND METHOD OF USE - An external fixation assembly includes a plurality of hollow pins that are inserted into a patient's bone. Each pin has an interior bore and a plurality of apertures extending through the pin wall from the bore. The pin may be coupled to a source of vacuum pressure operable to create reduced pressure in the tissue surrounding the pin. A cover is placed around the pin and sealed to provide a fluid-tight enclosure that maintains reduced pressure around the pin. A method for applying external fixation using the fixator pins described above includes the steps of inserting each pin through a skin opening, positioning the pin apertures near selected tissue, covering the skin opening with a sealed enclosure, connecting the pins to a source of vacuum pressure, and activating the source of vacuum pressure to create reduced pressure in the patient's tissue at or near the bone. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281325 | Fixation Device for Delivery of Biological Material Between Soft Tissue and Bone - A method for attaching soft tissue to bone. The method includes forming a bore in a bone, placing the soft tissue adjacent to the bone and above the bore, at least partially inserting a fixation device into the bore, and delivering biologic material through the soft tissue at an interface area between the soft tissue and the bone. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281326 | Orthopaedic plate and screw assembly - Systems, devices and methods are disclosed for treating fractures and other bone maladies. The systems, devices and methods may include one or both of a stabilizing structure, such as an implant, bone plate, or other device and a fastening assembly, such as an engaging member and a compression member. The stabilizing structure in some embodiments has a proximal section with a transverse aperture and a cross-section that may be shaped to more accurately conform to the anatomical shape of cortical bone and to provide additional strength and robustness in its lateral portions, preferably without requiring significant additional material. The fastening assembly may be received to slide, in a controlled way, in the transverse aperture of the stabilizing structure. In some embodiments, the engaging member and the compression member are configured so that the compression member interacts at least indirectly with the stabilizing structure and a portion of the engaging member to enable controlled movement between the first and second bone fragments. This configuration is useful for, among other things, compressing a fracture. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281327 | Sliding plate with reinforced slot - A bone plate that may be used to maintain relative position of two pieces of fractured bone, for example, a fractured jaw bone. The bone plate has a slot and holes. The holes are surrounded by walls and the slot is also surrounded by walls. The thickness of walls surrounding the slot at their maximum is greater than the thickness of walls surrounding the holes. Often the nature of the fracture may require bending of the plate for implanting it as desired by the surgeon. Because walls of the slot are designed to be strong, the slot is not deformed when the plate is bent. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281328 | Surgical Tools for Arthroplasty - Disclosed herein are methods, compositions and tools for repairing articular surfaces repair materials and for repairing an articular surface. The articular surface repairs are customizable or highly selectable by patient and geared toward providing optimal fit and function. The surgical tools are designed to be customizable or highly selectable by patient to increase the speed, accuracy and simplicity of performing total or partial arthroplasty. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281329 | Patient Selectable Joint Arthroplasty Devices and Surgical Tools - A patellar 3-D guidance tool includes a template. The template includes at least one contact surface for engaging a surface of the patella. The at least one contact surface substantially conforms with the surface associated with the patellar. At least one guide aperture directs movement of a surgical instrument, wherein the shape and/or position of the guide aperture is based, at least in part, on three or more anatomic reference points associated with the patellar. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281330 | Medical Securing Member Placement System - PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a perforating pin and equipment for perforation with which an accurate piercing region and piercing direction of a guiding pin can be easily specified at the neck of the femur or its surroundings and an advancing situation of the perforating pin can be confirmed when the perforating pin is pierced. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281331 | TARGETING DEVICE - A targeting device used in the insertion of an intramedullary nail into a bone. The targeting device includes a guide barrel having a frame portion formed of a non-radiolucent material. The guide barrel also includes a radiolucent material molded over the frame. In addition, the frame includes openings configured to allow a surgeon to view a relatively greater area around the guide barrel in an image of the assembly during surgery. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281332 | SURGICAL SCREWDRIVER - A surgical screwdriver is disclosed and can include a motor, a microprocessor coupled to the motor, and a key sensor coupled to the microprocessor. The key sensor can be configured to sense a key tag. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281333 | Ophthalmic Implant Injector and Folding Cartridge - A cartridge ( | 2008-11-13 |
20080281334 | Method and Device for Computer Assisted Distal Locking of Intramedullary Nails - A method for computer assisted localization of the distal locking holes ( | 2008-11-13 |
20080281335 | System and Method For Shaping an Anatomical Component - A system and method for shaping an anatomical component having an existing shape and a desired reconstructed shape include an applicator for depositing material on the anatomical component and a controller in communication with the applicator, the controller controlling the deposition of material by the applicator based on a relationship between the applicator and the existing shape of the anatomical component to create the desired reconstructed shape. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281336 | Multiple member interconnect for surgical instrument and absorbable screw fastener - An absorbable surgical screw fastener is provided which includes a head and a tapered shaft extending distally of the head. Buttress threads are provided about the tapered shaft to secure the fastener in tissue. The fastener includes slots formed in the head and buttress threads. A gap is provided between the buttress threads in the head to secure a prosthetic. There is also provided a surgical instrument having novel lockout structure to prevent inadvertent actuation. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281337 | Transoral endoscopic gastroesophageal flap valve restoration device, assembly, system and method - The invention provides a device, assembly, and method for transoral endoscopic restoration of a gastroesophageal flap valve. The invention also provides a self-steering and self-closing tissue fixation device for tissue fixation, and an invaginator device for gripping and maneuvering tissue. The restoration device includes a longitudinal member arranged for transoral placement into a stomach, a tissue shaper carried on the longitudinal member that causes stomach tissue to assume a shape related to a gastroesophageal flap, and a tissue fixation device that maintains the shaped stomach tissue in a shape approximating a gastroesophageal flap. The tissue shaper may include a mold. The device may include the invaginator device for gripping and maneuvering esophageal tissue to aid restoration of the gastroesophageal flap, and may include the tissue fixation device. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281338 | Surgical Suture System - A surgical suture system ( | 2008-11-13 |
20080281339 | FLEXIBLE CRANIAL CLAMP AND METHOD OF ANCHORING TO CRANIUM - A flexible clamp for plugging an aperture in a bone, including a plurality of flexible anchoring members, where each flexible anchoring member has a first end and a second end opposite the first end; a locking tab connected to the second end of each flexible anchoring member; and, a stabilization member slidingly engagable with the flexible anchoring members, wherein the stabilization member may be translocated from a position adjacent the first ends of the flexible anchoring members to a clamping position adjacent the second ends of the flexible anchoring members. The locking tabs engage an inner surface of the bone and the stabilization member engages an outer surface of the bone when in the clamping position. The flexible clamp further includes a ratcheting mechanism associated with each flexible anchoring member, and a plurality of pawl mechanisms formed within the stabilization member which lockingly engage with each of the ratcheting mechanisms. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281340 | Surgical cutting device - A surgical cutting device that clamps and cuts a graft creating optimal geometry for end-to-end anastomosis is disclosed. Methods of making and using the surgical cutting device are also disclosed. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281341 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR ENDOTHELIAL KERATOPLASTY DONOR TISSUE TRANSPORT AND DELIVERY - A method for endothelial keratoplasty donor tissue transport and delivery to a recipient's eye, such as in DLEK, DSEK and DSAEK procedures, comprises the steps of: attaching endothelial keratoplasty donor tissue to a tissue holder, wherein the attachment between the tissue holder and the donor tissue is not on the endothelial layer of the endothelial keratoplasty donor tissue; placing the tissue holder and the attached donor tissue within a surrounding insertion tip; transporting the insertion tip to a position adjacent an access opening in the recipient's eye; inserting the tissue holder with the attached donor tissue through the opening and extending the tissue holder from within the insertion tip to position the donor tissue within the recipient's eye; and separating the attached donor tissue from the tissue holder with the tissue holder within the recipient's eye. An associated apparatus is disclosed. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281342 | Surgical Tool For Removing A Block Of Tissue From An Organ - A surgical tool for removing a block of tissue or other material from an organ or other body has an elongated support element which carries a first blade assembly including a pair of arms pivotally mounted about a first transverse axis, and a first blade element pivotally mounted to the arms. A second blade element is also pivotally mounted to the support element. A mechanical actuation arrangement is configured to resiliently bias the first blade assembly and the second blade element from in-plane positions towards deflected positions for initiating a predefined cutting sequence for removal of the block of tissue. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281343 | Surgical tool - A surgical tool ( | 2008-11-13 |
20080281344 | Safety Trocar With Lancet Feature - A trocar assembly includes a trocar housing having a blunt distal end and a proximal end; a blade assembly having a sharp tip and being slideable within the trocar housing between and armed position wherein the sharp tip extends distally beyond the blunt distal end and a relaxed position wherein the sharp tip is withdrawn proximally relative to the armed position; and a trigger member positioned relative to the housing to contact tissue when tissue is cut with the blade assembly in the armed position, and slideable by contact with the tissue to a proximal position which exposes the sharp tip and actuates a lock release member, the trigger member having member having a spring member biasing the trigger member distally so that removal of contact with the tissue allows the spring to move the trigger member distally, and further wherein distal movement of the trigger member with the lock release member activated releases the blade assembly from the armed position and allows the blade assembly to move to the relaxed position. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281345 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR TREATING PELVIC PAIN - A method and apparatus for treating self treating internal muscle and trigger point related to pelvic pain in women and men. The apparatus includes a rod having a handle attached to a straight portion at a first end of the rod and a pressure applicator attached to a second end of the rod, where a first curved portion is disposed between the straight portion of the rod and the second end of the rod. In the method of the present invention, a trigger point is located in the patient's pelvic floor, the patient inserts the apparatus either vaginally or rectally to allow contact of the pressure applicator of the apparatus with the pelvic floor, and pressure is applied to the trigger point using the apparatus | 2008-11-13 |
20080281346 | EXPANDABLE SUPPORT DEVICE - A device for providing support for biological tissue is disclosed. The device can expand and be implanted in lieu of removed or otherwise missing bone, such as a vertebra, and/or soft tissue, such as a intervertebral disc. The device can be configured to radially expand in a single plane when the device is longitudinally contracted. Methods for using the device are also disclosed. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281347 | Transoral Placement of Extragastric Devices - Methods and devices to externally create a restriction on the stomach are described. In some embodiments, the devices are contoured to fit the stomach and can be further anchored to the stomach. In further embodiments, the degree of deployment of the extragastric restriction device is controllable after implantation. In other embodiments, specialized wires, catheters, ports, and trocars specific for placement of extragastric restriction devices are presented. In still further embodiments, systems are described in which adjustability of the devices is provided along with sensing and actuating ability. | 2008-11-13 |
20080281348 | MEDICAL DEVICES - At least a portion of the medical device may be guided to a desired position within a patient. For example, the medical device may include an expandable member, such as a balloon, which may be guided to a desired position within a patient. When in the desired position, the expandable member may be expanded. Afterwards, the expandable member may be collapsed, and the medical device may be removed from the patient. The expandable member may include one or more cavities, which may facilitate more consistent, predictable and/or compact collapsing of the expandable member. | 2008-11-13 |