48th week of 2008 patent applcation highlights part 51 |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20080294081 | Retaining Fabric Having Pockets - A support fabric with pockets for accommodating stiffener comprises two woven layers which are joined by stitch bonding and, during production, are separated from one another in areas so that they are not joined in these areas, thereby directly defining one or more profiled pockets to accommodate stiffener inserted in the pockets after production. The pockets are incorporated inside the body of the support fabric. Each pocket has an opening for inserting one of the stiffener. | 2008-11-27 |
20080294082 | Orthopedic device - An orthopedic device as in a dorsal splint for treating plantar fasciitis includes a substantially rigid splint member having an overmolded flexible edge and living hinges, or substantially rigid component pieces received in a flexible member, to provide improved and more comfortable fitting to a user and reduced storage requirements. The substantially rigid splint member is shaped and configured to engage the dorsal aspects of a user's lower leg, ankle, and foot. Straps are provided to maintain the dorsal splint in position. | 2008-11-27 |
20080294083 | Orthopedic device - An orthopedic device as in a dorsal splint for treating plantar fasciitis includes a substantially rigid splint member having an overmolded flexible edge and living hinges, or substantially rigid component pieces received in a flexible member, to provide improved and more comfortable fitting to a user and reduced storage requirements. The splint member is shaped and configured to engage the dorsal aspects of a user's lower leg, ankle, and foot. A soft-good strap system is provided to maintain the dorsal splint in position and has suitable padding to treat various foot conditions. | 2008-11-27 |
20080294084 | Method and device for temporary emergency vessel anastomoses - A device and method for achieving hemostasis and leakage control in vascular structures and other body ducts or vessels in an emergency room or trauma situation. The device has at least one shunt that contains an obturator on an end of the shunt. The shunt is inserted into a damaged vessel or lumen for sealing the leak or hemorrhage. Two shunts that both contain obturators on one of their ends can be inserted into two different vessels or lumens when the vessel or lumen has been severed. The obturators allow for the improved ease of insertion into the vessel or lumen. The two shunts are then releasably attached to restore fluid communication through the vessel or lumen. The shunt is placed temporarily within the patient and then removed when definitive repair can be achieved by a qualified physician. | 2008-11-27 |
20080294085 | PERCUTANEOUS DELIVERY SYSTEM FOR TREATMENT OF OSTEONECROSIS OF THE HIP AND METHODS OF USE THEREOF - Systems, methods, and carriers for percutaneous delivery of growth factors to treat osteonecrosis in the hip and other locations are disclosed. A rolled carrier comprising a biphasic ceramic rolled by a collagen sponge, and carrying a growth factor, are inserted via a delivery tube or cannula into a pre-formed hole in bone without overstuffing of the carrier or growth factor. | 2008-11-27 |
20080294086 | Method and apparatus for delivering oxygen and/or other gases to tissue - A system comprising: a hollow tube having a distal end, a proximal end, and a lumen extending between the distal end and the proximal end; at least a portion of the tube comprising a porous membrane; and a gas-rich perfluorocarbon solution incorporated in the porous membrane; wherein the porous membrane has a porosity in the range of 0.001-200 microns, in order that: (i) the gas-rich perfluorocarbon solution is effectively incorporated into the porous membrane; and (ii) when the porous membrane is positioned in blood, the gas-rich perfluorocarbon solution elutes out of the porous membrane, in aggregations small enough to prevent the creation of embolisms in the blood, with the elution of the gas-rich perfluorocarbon solution into the blood varying between minutes and several hours, depending on the temperature and the hemodynamics of the blood. | 2008-11-27 |
20080294087 | Systems and Methods for Transverse Phacoemulisification - The invention is generally directed to phacoemulsification systems and methods, and more particularly to systems and methods for providing transverse phacoemulsification. In accordance with one embodiment, a phacoemulsification system is provided having a handpiece with a needle, wherein the phacoemulsification system is configured to vibrate the distal end of the needle in both an effective transverse direction and an effective longitudinal direction when power, having a single effective operating frequency is applied to the handpiece. | 2008-11-27 |
20080294088 | Biodegradable Tissue Cutting Device, A Kit And A Method For Treatment Of Disorders In The Heart Rhythm Regulation System - A tissue cutting device is disclosed, which is structured and arranged to be inserted through the vascular system into a body vessel adjacent to the heart and/or into the heart, and to be subsequently subjected to a change of shape in order to penetrate into the heart tissue. The tissue cutting device may thus be used for treating disorders to the heart rhythm regulation system. A kit of tissue cutting devices provides a plurality of devices for creating a lesion pattern for treating such disorders. The tissue cutting device is of a biodegradable material, such as hydrolytically degradable material or an enzymatically degradable material. | 2008-11-27 |
20080294089 | Dendritic Polymers for Use in Acoustically Mediated Intracellular Drug Delivery in vivo - Targeted therapeutic delivery systems comprising specially-designed nanocarriers for intracellular therapeutic delivery, mediated by acoustic energy, for use either in vivo or in vitro are detailed. Nanocarriers comprised substantially of dendritic biopolymers and other species and compounds; are used to treat a variety of diseases in humans and other species, such as cancer, opthalmological, pulmonary, urinary or other pathologies. Methods for preparing the targeted therapeutic delivery systems are also embodied, which comprise processing a solution comprising biopolymers or other species and components, with or without targeting moieties, adding said biopolymers and other compounds to a solution containing one or more therapeutic agents, stabilizing or not stabilizing said nanocarriers, adding one or more contrast agents, resulting in a targeted therapeutic delivery system. Preferred therapeutics for use with the present invention include nucleic acids, proteins, peptides, and other therapeutic macromolecules. | 2008-11-27 |
20080294090 | Hose set - The invention relates to a hose set for a device ( | 2008-11-27 |
20080294091 | Small Diameter Dual Lumen Catheter - A multiple lumen catheter ( | 2008-11-27 |
20080294092 | SECUREMENT FOR A SURGICAL SITE MARKER AND DEPLOYMENT DEVICE FOR SAME - A method of securing a biopsy marker within a biopsy site includes depositing a marker element within a biopsy site and fixing the marker element within the biopsy site by injecting a securing agent within the biopsy site. Delivery devices for delivering the securing agent to the biopsy site are also disclosed. | 2008-11-27 |
20080294093 | THERAPEUTIC-SUBSTANCE CARRYING/ADMINISTERING APPLIANCE - A therapeutic-substance carrying/administering appliance includes a cylindrical outer sheath; a slide member installed in the cylindrical outer sheath to be slidable therein; and a sheet supporting member, connected to a distal end of the slide member and made of a resilient material, for supporting a sheet-shaped therapeutic substance. The sheet supporting member is held in a flat unrolled shape in a free state in which the sheet supporting member projects outwardly from a distal end of the cylindrical outer sheath. When the sheet supporting member is in the free state, sliding the slide member in a retracting direction causes the sheet supporting member to contact the distal end of the cylindrical outer sheath, and subsequently further moving the slide member in the retracting direction causes the sheet supporting member to be retracted into the cylindrical outer sheath while being deformed into a tubular shape. | 2008-11-27 |
20080294094 | Occlusion Sensing for an Infusion Pump - Some embodiments of an infusion pump system may include an occlusion sensor that can be used to detect when an occlusion exists in the fluid path between the medicine reservoir and the infusion site on the user's skin. Such an occlusion may occur, for example, when the fluid flow line (e.g., a cannula, infusion set tubing, or the like) is kinked. If the medicine dispensation path to the user is occluded, the user may receive no dosage or a lower dosage of the medicine. As such, the occlusion sensor can be used to indicate when the fluid is flowing or not flowing, thereby permitting the infusion pump system to communicate an alarm to the user if an occlusion exists. | 2008-11-27 |
20080294095 | OUTFLOW RATE REGULATOR - An outflow rate regulator system for use in a phacoemulsification system to prevent the anterior chamber collapses that occur after occlusion breaks caused by fluid surges in the aspiration line. The outflow rate regulator system consisting in a flow limiting device installed in the aspiration line capable of varying the section or the extension of a fluid passage as a function of the pressure difference across the outflow rate regulator access and exit sides. The device is designed to reduce the outflow fluid passage area as a function of an increasing pressure difference across the outflow rate regulator. Alternatively, the effective extension of a narrow fluid passage is designed to increase as the pressure difference across the outflow rate regulator increases. Resistance to flow is increased with increasing pressure differences across the device in reversible manner. Clogging of the narrow fluid passages is avoided by upstream removal of solid particles above a determined size by a retaining filter. | 2008-11-27 |
20080294096 | Delivery of Agents Such as Cells to Tissue - A system for delivering a fluid comprising cells to tissue of a patient, includes: a least a first container for holding an injection fluid in which the agent is carried; a first powered drive in operative connection with the container, the first powered drive being operable to pressurize contents of the container; a control system in operative connection with the first powered drive and operative to control the first powered drive; a fluid path in fluid connection with the container, the fluid path including a patient interface adapted to deposit the cells within tissue of the patient; a sensor system; and a communication system in connection with at least the control system and the sensor system. The communication system is adapted to provide information to the control system. The control system in adapted to transmit a control signal to at least the first powered drive based at least in part on information provided to the control system. The cells can for example be pregenitor cells or stem cells. | 2008-11-27 |
20080294097 | Portable Infusion Set - Disclosed is a portable infusion set which comprises a supply pump for artificially supplying infusion solution to a tube passage connecting a solution storing vessel and an injection syringe, an elastic tube which is installed at the rear end of the supply pump and which is made of elastic material so that the infusion solution supplied from the supply pump is introduced or discharged through the expansion or contraction of the elastic tube, a supply sensor which detects the expansion or contraction limit of the elastic tube, and a micro-computer which controls power supply to the supply pump according to the signal of the supply sensor. The infusion solution is temporarily stored in elastic tube by the supply pump which is set to on/off by the micro-computer, and then injected to a human body with constant pressure through the contractile force of the elastic tube. By using the portable infusion set of the present invention, infusion solution can be supplied when the storing vessel is below human body and power consumption is lowered by intermittent use of the supply pump making the infusion set light and portable, and overpressure between the supply pump and the injection syringe that occurs when the syringe is clogged is prevented making the use of the infusion set more safe | 2008-11-27 |
20080294098 | End of stroke detection for electromagnetic pump - Detection of end of stroke for an electromagnetic pump is performed using, for example, a calculated first flux derivative. | 2008-11-27 |
20080294099 | SPRAYER - A sprayer includes a nozzle through which gas is to be ejected with positiveness and uniformity. The sprayer is provided with a nozzle having inner tubes through the interior of which liquid is to pass and an outer tube receiving the inner tubes therein and allowing gas to pass through a space defined with the inserted inner tubes. The inner tubes have respective liquid orifices through which liquids are to be ejected. The outer tube is arranged therein with the liquid orifices and a gas orifice for ejecting gas. When the nozzle is viewed from front, the outer peripheries of the liquid orifices each assume a circular form while the inner peripheries of the gas orifices are differently shaped to provide plural point contact between the outer periphery of the liquid orifice and the inner periphery of the gas orifice. | 2008-11-27 |
20080294100 | Pharmaceutical Device For the Administration of Substrates to Patients - Biological materials such as vaccines can be stabilised in certain glassy materials soluble in water. It has been proposed to form these glassy materials as a powder suspended in a non-aqueous liquid for injection into a patient. This method is complicated by the need to find suitable compatible liquids and to stop the glassy particles from congregating in liquid. These problems have been obviated by supporting the glassy material on a porous membrane remote from the eluant. When the biological material requires administration, the eluant can be passed across the membrane dissolving the glass and causing the substance to be carried by the liquid into the patient. | 2008-11-27 |
20080294101 | Body-Insertable Apparatus and Manufacturing Method Thereof - A body-insertable apparatus which can make the volume smaller by simplifying a mechanism taking in or throwing out predetermined fluid is realized. The body-insertable apparatus has a configuration having, in a housing, a balloon member, a communication adjusting mechanism, a control circuit, and a power source part and forms a storage chamber by the balloon member and an outer circumferential member (sheet holding substrate and part of the housing) covering the outer surface of the balloon member. In the body-insertable apparatus, a first communication pipe communicated with the inner space of the balloon member and a second communication pipe communicated with the outer space are formed. The communication adjusting mechanism communicates the first communication pipe with the second communication pipe based on an electric current output from the control circuit. The inner space of the balloon member is communicated with the outside of the body-insertable apparatus. The outside fluid is flowed into the storage chamber via an inlet with the contracting operation of the balloon member. | 2008-11-27 |
20080294102 | Balloon Cannulae - A vascular catheter with a circular external diameter, a circular lumen contained within, and an inflatable balloon that overlies a trough in the catheter body such that when the balloon is deflated, the balloon does not protrude beyond the outer circumference of the catheter shaft. The wall of the catheter shaft is thicker along one side than along the remainder of the circumference of the catheter shaft to permit an inflation lumen to be disposed within the thick wall section without increasing the outer diameter of the remaining portion of the circumference. The inflatable balloon is further disposed to maintain the circular lumen of the catheter in the center of flow of the blood vessel in which it is used, maintaining optimal flow. The combination of the circular lumen, circular outer diameter, and recessed balloon trough produces improved hemodynamic flow characteristics within the cannula over existing balloon cannula designs, minimizing flow-related injuries that might cause embolization or vascular dissection. | 2008-11-27 |
20080294103 | Constructive disposition applied to balloon catheters - Balloon catheter consisting of a multilumen shaft ( | 2008-11-27 |
20080294104 | Microcatheter Including Swellable Tip - A catheter for providing an embolic material at a desired location comprises a flexible tubular member having a proximal end and a distal end, the tubular member including at least one ring of expansible material affixed to its outer surface less than 25 mm from the distal end. The ring preferably comprises a material that expands in volume when in contact with a liquid, such as a hydrogel or hydrogel foam, or in response to an application of heat. The ring is fully expanded after between 10 and 30 minutes of contact with a liquid. The catheter may also include further including a plurality of radioopaque markers spaced along the tubular member at predetermined intervals. | 2008-11-27 |
20080294105 | ENDOSCOPE DEVICE - An endoscope device obtains tissue information of a desired depth near the tissue surface. A xenon lamp ( | 2008-11-27 |
20080294106 | MULTIPLE ROBOTIC INJECTIONS OF ANESTHESIA BASED ON SCANNED IMAGE - A system for relieving pain caused by a tumor within a body may include an injection system having an injector configured to inject an anesthetic within the body to relieve the pain caused by the tumor, and a robotic system configured to position the injector at a plurality of specified, spaced-apart injection locations within the body. A method of relieving pain caused by a tumor within a body may include: generating an image of the tumor within the body; identifying, based on the image, a plurality of locations within the body at which an injection of an anesthetic that relieves the pain caused by the tumor should be made; and making injections of the anesthetic at the locations, under the control of a robotic system that is programmed to make the injections at the identified locations without human intervention between the injections. | 2008-11-27 |
20080294107 | MULTIPLE ROBOTIC INJECTIONS OF PRENATAL MEDICATIONS BASED ON SCANNED IMAGE - A system for delivering a prenatal medication to an unborn fetus within a body may include an injection system having an injector configured to inject the prenatal medication into or in the vicinity of the fetus, and a robotic system configured to position the injector at one or more injection locations within the body. A method of delivering a prenatal medication to an unborn fetus within a body may include generating an image of the fetus within the body; identifying, based on the image, one or more locations within the body at which an injection of the prenatal medication should be made; and making injections into the fetus of the prenatal medication at the locations, under the control of a robotic system that is programmed to make the injections at the identified locations without human intervention between the injections. | 2008-11-27 |
20080294108 | Infusion Pump System with Contamination-Resistant Features - Some embodiments of an infusion pump system may include a construction that is resistant to external contaminants, such as precipitation, water splashes, sweat and the like. In particular embodiments, the infusion pump system can include a pump device that is removably attached to a controller device to provide an electrical connection therebetween. In such circumstances, the infusion pump system can be assembled as a sealed construction that protects the electrical connection between the pump device and the removable controller device. | 2008-11-27 |
20080294109 | Illumination Instrument for an Infusion Pump - Some embodiments of an infusion pump system may include an illumination instrument that provides the user with an opportunity to illuminate and inspect a targeted location. The illumination instrument can be useful in situations where the ambient lighting is insufficient for the user's inspection needs (e.g., during the night, during presentation or movie in which the lighting is low, or the like). In some embodiments, illumination instrument can be employed to visually inspect one or more components of the pump system, the infusion set, or a combination thereof. | 2008-11-27 |
20080294110 | SYRINGE PUMP - A syringe pump including a syringe including a plunger that slides in a body which has a discharge port, a driving mechanism coupled to the syringe, including a cylinder in which a piston slides, and a plurality of biasing devices arranged about the piston operative to apply urging forces on the piston to drive the piston distally in the cylinder and thereby cause the plunger to slide in the body and discharge a substance found in the body through the discharge port, wherein if one of the biasing devices fails another of the biasing devices continues to apply a force on the piston to drive the piston distally in the cylinder, and a safety catch that initially prevents the biasing device from moving the piston, the safety catch being removable to permit the biasing device to move the piston. | 2008-11-27 |
20080294111 | ACCESS DEVICE - An access device places a medical article within a body space of a patient. The device has a needle section that includes an elongated body and a needle hub. The device further includes a dilator portion that has a dilator and a dilator hub. The dilator is coaxially disposed and slideable over the elongated body of the needle section. The device further includes a sheath section that has a sheath and a sheath hub. The sheath is coaxially disposed and slideable over the dilator. The device further includes a first locking mechanism operably disposed between the needle hub and the dilator hub to inhibit at least unintentional axial movement between the needle section and the dilator portion and a second locking mechanism operably disposed between the dilator hub and the sheath hub to inhibit at least unintentional axial movement between the dilator portion and the sheath section. | 2008-11-27 |
20080294112 | Surgical Access Apparatus With Centering Mechanism - A surgical access apparatus includes a housing member and a portal member extending from the housing member and defining a longitudinal axis. The housing member and the portal member define a longitudinal passage therethrough dimensioned to permit passage of an elongated object. A centering mechanism is mounted relative to the housing member. The centering mechanism includes an annular element mounted for rotational movement within the housing member and about the longitudinal axis and first and second arm elements mounted to the annular element and extending radially inwardly relative to the longitudinal axis. The first and second arm elements are each positioned to intersect the longitudinal passage and are adapted to pivot relative to the housing member. The first and second arm elements are operatively connected whereby pivotal movement of the first arm element upon engagement with the elongated object causes the annular element to rotate in response thereto and effect corresponding pivotal movement of the second arm element. | 2008-11-27 |
20080294113 | Access Assembly With Ribbed Seal - A ribbed seal for use in endoscopic surgery is intended to be incorporated into a cannula assembly to limit the escape of insufflation gasses from a body cavity by forming a fluid-tight seal around an instrument inserted through the cannula assembly. The ribbed seal includes a relatively flat, disk shaped elastomeric overmold portion having a central aperture sized slightly smaller than the instrument such that the aperture must expand to accommodate the instrument. Molded together with the elastomeric overmold is an array of slender ribs disposed about the aperture. The ribs are designed to be relatively flexible under lateral loads. This allows the seal to bend easily as the surgical instrument is inserted through the aperture thereby maintaining a low insertion and glide force. On the other hand, the ribs are designed to be relatively rigid when loaded axially. This rigidity provides robust radial support for the instrument inserted through the center of the array of ribs. The seal performs a centering function for the instrument due to its combined elasticity and stiffness. Finally, the seal also allows for an instrument to be removed easily while maintaining the required atmospheric integrity. | 2008-11-27 |
20080294114 | Surgical Portal Apparatus With Variable Adjustment - A surgical portal apparatus includes a portal member defining a longitudinal axis and having a longitudinal opening therethrough for receiving a surgical object, an adjustable seal disposed within the longitudinal opening and having inner seal portions adapted to permit passage of the surgical object in substantial sealed relation therewith and an adjustment member mounted within the portal member and operatively connected to the adjustable seal. The adjustment member is positioned to intersect the longitudinal passageway to engage the surgical object and move relative to the portal member to thereby cause corresponding relative displacement of the inner seal portions of the adjustable seal and facilitate passage of the surgical object through the adjustable seal. The inner seal portions of the adjustable seal are adapted for relative movement between a first generally approximated position and a second generally displaced position upon movement of the adjustment member. The inner seal portions of the adjustable seal may be dimensioned to substantially prevent passage of fluids when in the first generally approximated position. In one arrangement, the adjustable seal includes first and second seal elements which define the inner seal portions. | 2008-11-27 |
20080294115 | Microscopic Tumor Injection Treatment - A tumor treatment system for treating a tumor within a body may include an injection system having an injector configured to inject an injection within the body that treats the tumor, and a robotic system configured to position the injector at a plurality of specified, spaced-apart treatment locations within the body. A tumor treatment process for treating a tumor within a body may include generating an image of the tumor within the body, identifying a plurality of locations within the body at which an injection that treats the tumor should be made based on the image, and making the injections at the locations under the control of a robotic system that is programmed to make the injections at the identified locations without human intervention. | 2008-11-27 |
20080294116 | Coatable Compositions, Coatings Derived Therefrom and Microarrays Having Such Coatings - Coatable compositions and coatings derived from the coatable compositions, and microarrays comprising such coatings are described. In one aspect, the invention provides a microarray comprising: a plurality of microneedles extending from a support substrate; a coating deposited on at least one of the plurality of microneedles, the coating comprising an active agent and a biological salt. In another aspect, the invention provides a coatable composition, comprising: active agent; a biological salt; and solvent. In still another aspect, the invention provides a dried coating coated on a microneedle, the coating comprising: an active agent; and a biological salt. | 2008-11-27 |
20080294117 | Flexible tube coupler - The present invention is a tube coupler for securing flexible tubing in patient care, tubes used on patients for various purposes mostly medical, which are periodically removed, re-inserted or repositioned. A device formed from a base element with adjustable clamping elements and a mechanism for anchoring tube clamping elements for a friction fit around tubes is introduced. | 2008-11-27 |
20080294118 | Catheter With Variable Attachment Means - The invention relates to a design for securing tubes, catheters, drains, or other tubular medical devices within the body of a mammal, for example a human, and methods of securing same. The invention includes a first tubular body and at least one second tubular body. The first tubular body includes an outer surface, an inner surface defining a lumen extending longitudinally at least partially through a length of the tubular body, a wall at least partially defined by the outer surface and the inner surface, and a longitudinal axis. The at least one second tubular body includes an outer surface, an inner surface defining a lumen extending longitudinally through the second tubular body, and a wall at least partially defined by the outer surface and the inner surface. The second tubular body is disposed through the wall of the first tubular body transversely to the longitudinal axis. | 2008-11-27 |
20080294119 | CATHETER POSITIONING APPARATUS - Positioning apparatus is provided for positioning a catheter or similar medical or veterinary article relative to a patient's body. A tubular connector piece attaches an indwelling catheter to medical tubing or an injection port. The connector piece securely anchors the interconnected components to one another via leuer lock devices, and to a patient's skin through the use of a pre-attached adhesive-coated pad. | 2008-11-27 |
20080294120 | Needle sheathing device with flexible end-piece for syringe - The invention relates to a safe support device for a syringe, said support comprising a support sheath for the body of a syringe, and safety means which comprise an inner sheath suitable for sliding relative to said support sheath between a waiting retracted position, in which said inner sheath is substantially retracted inside said support sheath, and an active protection position, in which said inner sheath projects from said support sheath. The inner sheath has a free end portion formed by a flexible end-piece. The invention also relates to an assembly comprising such a safe support device and a syringe having a body, a piston and a needle disposed at one end of said body. | 2008-11-27 |
20080294121 | Needle | 2008-11-27 |
20080294122 | Guard for Flexible Tubing Clamp and Method of Using Same - A clamp guard ( | 2008-11-27 |
20080294123 | Seal Assembly For A Cannula - The present disclosure relates to a seal assembly for a cannula. The cannula includes a housing having a proximal portion and a distal portion. The seal assembly is located in the proximal portion of the housing and includes a first seal including a first tri-slit, a second seal disposed co-axially and proximal to the first seal and including a second tri-slit, and a third seal disposed co-axially to the first seal and the second seal and including a central opening. A cap is coupled to the proximal portion of the housing and adjacent the third seal and includes a plurality of suture retaining features, such as tabs, for management of sutures during surgery. Fluid leakage out of the cannula, during surgery, is substantially reduced due to the leakage being limited to a channel defined by the first tri-slit, the second tri-slit, and the central opening. | 2008-11-27 |
20080294124 | LAVAGE DEVICE - A device for holding fluid has a spout for pouring the fluid. The device includes a lid with an aperture. The aperture can be covered by a user's fingers or uncovered to control the flow of fluid out of the spout. | 2008-11-27 |
20080294125 | SURGICAL ACCESS ASSEMBLY WITH WINEPRESS SEAL - A surgical access apparatus includes a housing, an access member extending from the housing and having a longitudinal passageway for passage of an object and defining trailing and leading ends and an elongated seal mechanism mounted relative to the housing. The elongated seal mechanism includes a trailing hub and a leading hub longitudinally spaced from the trailing hub, and being adapted for relative rotational movement about the longitudinal axis, a plurality of spokes extending between and connected to the trailing hub and the leading hub, and an elongated seal member disposed within the spokes and adapted to establish a sealing relation about the object. The spokes define a first minimum internal dimension in a first condition thereof in the absence of an object and defining a second minimum internal dimension in a second condition thereof upon insertion of the object and relative rotation of the trailing hub and the leading hub. The second minimum internal dimension is greater than the first minimum internal dimension. The at least two of the spokes are generally obliquely arranged at a first angle relative to the longitudinal axis when in the first condition thereof and are adapted to be generally arranged at a second angle relative to the longitudinal axis when in the second condition thereof, the second angle being less than the first angle. | 2008-11-27 |
20080294126 | Method For Activating an Electronic Self Adhesive Bandage - A method of activating an electronic self adhesive bandage whereby the electronic circuitry in the bandage is activated when the bandage is peeled away from its backing. | 2008-11-27 |
20080294127 | Wound Cleansing Apparatus With Stress - An apparatus for cleansing wounds with means for stressing the wound bed and optionally tissue surrounding the wound, in which irrigant fluid from a reservoir connected to a conformable wound dressing and wound exudate from the dressing are recirculated by a device for moving fluid through a flow path which passes through the dressing and a means for fluid cleansing and back to the dressing. The cleansing means (which may be a single-phase, e.g. micro-filtration, system or a two-phase, e.g. dialytic system) removes materials deleterious to wound healing, and the cleansed fluid, still containing materials that are beneficial in promoting wound healing, is returned to the wound bed. The means for stressing the wound bed and optionally tissue surrounding the wound promotes wound healing. The dressing and a method of treatment using the apparatus. | 2008-11-27 |
20080294128 | SURGICAL DRAIN SUPPORT HARNESS - Embodiments presented herein provide for a surgical drain support harness worn especially while showering that holds and secures post-surgical drain receptacles used for draining fluids from patients following surgery. In embodiments, the drain support harness includes a strap of webbing material which begins at the waist, ascends up and around the neck, and descends to the waist, and a belt, which encircles the waist of the wearer. The two straps can attach together to form a vest-like harness. In embodiments, multiple hook tape attachments are designed to receive pouches that hold the drain receptacles in place. The mesh pouches can have loop tape affixed that attach to the hook tape on the harness. The harness, in design and material, can be lightweight and can dry quickly after each use, reducing daily maintenance. | 2008-11-27 |
20080294129 | Flushable Body Waste Collection Pouches, Pouch-in Pouch Appliances Using the Same, and Methods Pertaining Thereto - A flushable biodegradable pouch having water-dispersible fibers along at least a portion of the outer surface of the pouch's cover layer provided with a water-soluble hydrophilic coating. The pouch's cover layer is water-disintegratable, and the water-soluble hydrophilic coating is a lubricating agent capable of becoming slippery when exposed to water and, upon subsequent drying, again becoming water-soluble upon re-exposure to water. As such, the hydrophilic coating serves as a rewettable, redesolving lubricating agent. | 2008-11-27 |
20080294131 | Disposable absorbent article and polymer film having odor control and/or skin health agents - A disposable absorbent article with an associated polymer film that is positioned to be activated by contact with bodily fluids, wherein the polymer film can release odor control and/or skin wellness agents upon contact with such bodily fluids. The polymer film can release the odor control and/or skin wellness agents immediately, gradually over a period of time after contact with such bodily fluids, or a combination of both. The polymer film can also be used for household cleaning applications, in which the polymer film can similarly contain and subsequently release household cleaning agents upon contact with water. | 2008-11-27 |
20080294132 | Cellulosic fiber compositions having odor control and methods of making and using the same - The present invention relates to compositions containing stabilized and/or activated urease inhibitors, as well as methods of making and using the same. | 2008-11-27 |
20080294133 | Absorbent Article - An absorbent article such as a sanitary napkin, panty liner, tampon, diaper, pant diaper, adult incontinence guard, containing a bacterial composition ( | 2008-11-27 |
20080294134 | Absorbent article having a wetness indicator - An absorbent article having an outer cover with an interior surface and an opposite exterior surface, an absorbent core positioned adjacent the interior surface of the outer cover, and a wetness indicator graphic located on the outer cover. The wetness indicator graphic has a permanent graphic defining at least one non-printed area and a changing graphic located within the at least one non-printed area of the permanent graphic such that the permanent graphic and the changing graphic together give the appearance of a uniform graphic. | 2008-11-27 |
20080294135 | Absorptive Article - An absorbent article using a surface sheet in which a side of the surface coming into contact with a skin is made of a non-woven fabric and a plastic film layer is stacked in a side of the back of the foregoing non-woven fabric, wherein the residence of a body fluid due to a capillary phenomenon or surface tension in an aperture wall part of the foregoing surface sheet is reduced and the body fluid is rapidly moved into a side of a hydrophilic second sheet or absorber as a lower layer, thereby not only keeping dryness and smoothness on the surface but also preventing turning back with a lapse of time. A surface sheet has a structure in which a side of the surface coming into contact with a skin is made of a non-woven fabric, a plastic film layer is stacked in a side of the back of the foregoing non-woven fabric, and a number of projecting parts and recessing parts are formed by embosses and a number of apertures are formed in the side of the surface coming into contact with a skin; and the foregoing apertures are formed in a proportion so as to have an aperture area of from 0.35 to 0.60 mm | 2008-11-27 |
20080294136 | BREAST MILK ABSORBENT PAD - A breast milk absorbent pad according to the present invention comprises first and second sections adapted to cover respective breasts and a third section extending between these first and second sections wherein at least one of upper and lower edges of the third section is concavely curved toward a transverse axis of the breast milk absorbent pad. | 2008-11-27 |
20080294137 | Side Panel for an Absorbent Article, Such as a Diaper, an Incontinence Guard or Similar Item - An absorbent article, such as a diaper, an incontinence guard or similar, has a front region a rear region and a crotch region located between the front and rear regions. The article includes a central portion with two longitudinal edges and two transverse edges and side panels located in the rear region of the article, placed along the longitudinal edges of the central portion. Each side panel includes a rear portion and a front portion which extend in the transverse direction from the central portion, and the front portion is located at the longitudinal edge of the central portion at a first distance from the transverse edge in the rear region. The rear portion is elastic and the front portion is substantially non-elastic. | 2008-11-27 |
20080294138 | Absorbent Product - Absorbent product including a liquid permeable perforated top sheet facing the wearer during use, a liquid impermeable back sheet facing away from the wearer during use, whereby longitudinally extending textile-like edges are positioned on both longitudinal sides of the top sheet, so that a central part of the top sheet is not covered by the textile-like edges, whereby the longitudinal diameter of the apertures of the top sheet is in the interval from 0.1 to 3.2 mm, preferably from 0.5 to 3.2 mm, more preferably from 0.9 to 2.4 and most preferably from 1.6 to 2.4 mm, wherein at least 70% of the area of the central part of the top sheet is apertured, and wherein the top sheet further includes perforations, that are positioned between the apertures of the top sheet. | 2008-11-27 |
20080294139 | ABSORBENT ARTICLE WITH PRINTED LAYER - A feminine hygiene article with a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core placed between the topsheet and the backsheet. The article may include a printed pattern which is printed on the garment-facing side of the backsheet. The printed pattern is visible through at least a portion of topsheet outside the core area. | 2008-11-27 |
20080294140 | FEMININE HYGIENE ARTICLE WITH PRINTED PATTERN AND EMBOSSED PATTERN - A feminine hygiene article such as pantiliner having a topsheet and a backsheet. The article further includes a printed pattern and an embossed pattern. The embossed pattern has at least one embossed decorative element and the printed pattern has a printed decorative element which is substantially similar to the embossed decorative element. | 2008-11-27 |
20080294141 | MULTIPLE ROBOTIC INJECTIONS OF IMMUNOSUPPRESSIVE DRUGS BASED ON SCANNED IMAGE - A system for delivering an immunosuppressive drug to a transplanted organ within a body may include an injection system having an injector configured to inject an immunosuppressive drug into the transplanted organ, and a robotic system configured to position the injector at one or more injection locations within the body. A method of delivering an immunosuppressive drug to a transplanted organ within a body may include injecting the immunosuppressive drug into one or more locations within the transplanted organ so as to suppress white cell infiltration into the transplanted organ without affecting white cell activity at locations outside of the transplanted organ. | 2008-11-27 |
20080294142 | Removable Controller for an Infusion Pump - Some embodiments of an infusion pump system includes a controller device that is configured to removably attach to a pump device in a manner that provides a secure fitting, an overall compact size, and a reliable electrical connection. In particular embodiments, the controller device can be secured to the pump device in a generally side-by-side arrangement. The compact size can enhance the discreteness and portability of the infusion pump system. | 2008-11-27 |
20080294143 | BODY-INSERTABLE DEVICE AND LIQUID MEDICINE INJECTION METHOD - A body-insertable device is introduced into a desired part in a body for injecting a liquid medicine stored in a casing into the desired part. The body-insertable device includes a projecting portion which projects an injection needle injecting the liquid medicine toward the desired part; a detecting unit which detects a position relation between a biological tissue surface in the desired part and the injection needle; and a control unit. The control unit controls an amount of projection of the injection needle according to the position relation detected by the detecting unit, and controls a puncture depth of the injection needle from the biological tissue surface. | 2008-11-27 |
20080294144 | Touch Sensing Catheter - A touch sensing catheter having a strain sensor assembly that may resolve the magnitude and direction of a force exerted on a distal extremity of the catheter, the strain sensor assembly being substantially insensitive to bulk temperature changes. A deformable structure having a plurality of optical fibers associated therewith that are strained by the imposition of a contact force transferred thereto. The optical fibers cooperate with the deformable structure to effect variable gap interferometers, such as Fabry-Perot resonators, that vary in operative length when a force is exerted on the deformable structure. The strain sensor assembly is rendered insensitive to bulk temperature changes by matching the coefficient of thermal expansion of the deformable body with that of the optical fibers. The strain sensor assembly may also be configured to mitigate the effects of thermal gradients using various thermal isolation techniques. | 2008-11-27 |
20080294145 | CATHETER HUB WITH FLUSHABLE LUMEN AND GUIDEWIRE - A connector for a catheter assembly, the connector comprising a hub having a body comprising a first section and a second section, a first opening in the first section sized to receive a male connector, a collar associated with the second section, a passage extending through the first section and having a second opening suitable for conducting fluid therethrough; a tube section disposed within the second section, the tube section having a first lumen for accommodating a guidewire and a second lumen for conducting a flushing fluid therethrough, the second lumen being in fluid communication with the passage; and, a guidewire. | 2008-11-27 |
20080294146 | Connection Device for Medical Use - A connection device for medical use, suitable to connect together biological and/or artificial liquid conveying structures, e.g. a blood vessel and a syringe, where one of the structures is provided with a first end and a lumen. The device is provided with a tubular portion with an insertion end which end is intended to be inserted in said lumen, and a sleeve, which is slideable along the tubular portion, and arranged to keep the vessel at the connection device. | 2008-11-27 |
20080294147 | DEVICE FOR TREATING A WOUND - A medical device that seals a wound and facilitates wound drainage with suction is provided. In one exemplary embodiment, the device comprises a suction portion, having both an inlet valve and an outlet valve, for suctioning fluids from the wound, and a sealing portion for sealing the wound by engaging the skin adjacent the wound, the suction portion and sealing portion being integral with one another. A method for draining a wound comprises the steps of under-packing the wound with a packing material; sealing the wound; and applying suction to the wound to promote wound drainage and to promote intimate contact between the wound and the packing material. | 2008-11-27 |
20080294148 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR REFILLING AN IMPLANTED DELIVERY DEVICE - An apparatus for refilling an implanted delivery device has a needle connected to an output port of a three-way valve. One input port is sealed and the other is connected to a fluid source. When the valve is in a fluid delivery position, fluid from the fluid source flows through the needle, and when the valve is in a stylet insertion position, fluid from the fluid source is prevented from flowing through the needle. When the valve is in the stylet insertion position, a stylet can be inserted through the second input port and into the lumen of the needle, thereby occluding the needle's lumen. In this configuration, a practitioner inserts the needle with stylet therein into the body of the patient to engage the devices's refill port. The stylet is removed, the fluid delivery path is opened, and medication is delivered to the device's reservoir without being contaminated with tissue. | 2008-11-27 |
20080294149 | Corneal Viewing Chamber - Viewing chamber for preserving a corneal tissue. The cornea viewing chamber has a container and a lid. The container includes a corneal basket formed by a plurality of prongs for supporting the corneal tissue. The prongs are dimensioned such, that they accommodate corneas ranging in size from large to small. The lid has raised protrusions on its underside, which prevent the corneal tissue from being suctioned onto the lid. The protrusions also serve as a dimension gauge that indicates the size of the tissue stored in the container. Lid and container are threaded. A tapered plug in the lid, as well as the use of an O-ring, enhances the seal when lid is screwed onto the container, ensuring a leak-tight seal. The threaded connection has a thread-stop, to prevent over-torquing of the threaded connection. | 2008-11-27 |
20080294150 | Photoselective Islets In Skin And Other Tissues - Methods of treatment of tissue with electromagnetic radiation (“EMR”) to produce lattices of photoselective islets and other energy selective islets in tissue are disclosed. Also disclosed are devices and systems for producing lattices of EMR-treated islets in tissue, and cosmetic and medical applications of such devices and systems. | 2008-11-27 |
20080294151 | Pivoting Roller Tip for Dermatological Treatment Apparatus - A mechanical element allows the tip of the handpiece of a dermatological treatment system to rotate to adjust for deviations in handpiece angle with respect to the surface of the treatment area. The tip may glide over the surface of the skin, the tip may include wheels or rotating cylinders on which the tip rolls across the skin, or the tip may be removed from the skin ad placed in a new location in a stamping motion. The tip of the handpiece rotates around a single axis, or around two perpendicular axes, so that pressure on the tip moves the flat surface of the tip into proper orientation for planar contact with the skin. An element can be included in the handpiece to apply a restoring force on the tip so that the tip rests in its optimal position in the absence of external forces. | 2008-11-27 |
20080294152 | Cooling System For A Photocosmetic Device - Photocosmetic device for use in medical or non-medical environments (e.g., a home, barbershop, or spa), which can be used for a variety of tissue treatments. Radiation is delivered to the tissue via optical systems designed to pattern the radiation and project the radiation to a particular depth. The device has a variety of cooling systems including phase change cooling solids and liquids to cool treated skin and the radiation sources. Contact sensors and motion sensor may be used to enhance treatment. The device may be modular to facilitate manufacture and replacement of parts. | 2008-11-27 |
20080294153 | Cooling System For A Photocosmetic Device - Photocosmetic device for use in medical or non-medical environments (e.g., a home, barbershop, or spa), which can be used for a variety of tissue treatments. Radiation is delivered to the tissue via optical systems designed to pattern the radiation and project the radiation to a particular depth. The device has a variety of cooling systems including phase change cooling solids and liquids to cool treated skin and the radiation sources. Contact sensors and motion sensor may be used to enhance treatment. The device may be modular to facilitate manufacture and replacement of parts. | 2008-11-27 |
20080294154 | CARDIAC ABLATION SYSTEMS AND METHODS - Cardiac ablation systems and methods of their use and manufacture involve an ablation mechanism, a stabilizer mechanism, and a cinching mechanism that urges the ablation mechanism toward a patient tissue. Embodiments encompass methods for administering epicardial and endocardial lesions, including box lesions and connecting lesions, to patient tissue. | 2008-11-27 |
20080294155 | Radiation Applicator and Method of Radiating Tissue - A dipole microwave applicator emits microwave radiation into tissue to be treated. The applicator is formed from a thin coax cable having an inner conductor surrounded by an insulator, which is surrounded by an outer conductor. A portion of the inner conductor extends beyond the insulator and the outer conductor. A ferrule at the end of the outer conductor has a step and a sleeve that surrounds a portion of the extended inner conductor. A tuning washer is attached to the end of the extended inner conductor. A dielectric tip encloses the tuning washer, the extended inner conductor, and the sleeve of the ferrule. The sleeve of the ferrule and the extended inner conductor operate as the two arms of the dipole microwave antenna. The tuning washer faces the step in the ferrule, and is sized and shaped to cooperate with the step in balancing and tuning the applicator. | 2008-11-27 |
20080294156 | Electrosurgical generator - An electrosurgical generator includes one or more radio frequency (RF) power sources and an output stage including at least two output lines for connection to an electrosurgical instrument. The generator includes means for measuring a parameter associated with the electrosurgical procedure, such as the impedance measured across two of the output lines. A controller controls the generator such that it delivers a first RF waveform (such as a cutting signal) or a second RF waveform (such as a coagulating signal) to the output lines, and, in a combined mode, both first and second waveforms. The controller automatically adjusts at least one aspect of one or both waveforms in the combined mode, in response to the measured parameter associated with the surgical procedure. | 2008-11-27 |
20080294157 | Electrosurgical system and an electrode assembly for an electrosurgical system - In an electrosurgical system having a generator for generating radio frequency (RF) power and an electrosurgical instrument, the instrument includes a passive electrical identification component having a parameter of finite non-zero value identifying the instrument. The generator has a sensing circuit with a second electrical component, a signal source providing a voltage step-change, and a signal detector for detecting a transient response of the combination of the identification component and the second electrical component, the detector output signal being representative of the parameter value thereby allowing automatic identification of the instrument when it is connected to the generator. Also disclosed is an electrode assembly in which the identification component is associated with a digital device including a memory, the instrument having a pair of contacts interconnected by the identification component and serving to supply power from the generator to the digital device and/or convey data from a data output of the digital device. | 2008-11-27 |
20080294158 | ABLATION CATHETER WITH FLEXIBLE TIP AND METHODS OF MAKING THE SAME - A flexible tip electrode for an ablation catheter and methods for making the same are disclosed. The electrode has a surface configuration that improves flexibility of the electrode. Also, the surface configuration may allow electrode lengthwise freedom of movement, such that the electrode may be shortened when pressed against the target tissue. A coil may be located in the electrode to bias the electrode toward a predetermined configuration. | 2008-11-27 |
20080294159 | High frequency surgical instrument - A high frequency surgical instrument having a forceps assembly at a fore distal end of an elongated insertion member, the forceps assembly being constituted by a pair of opening and closing grasper members which are shaped with a series of saw teeth on an inner meeting side in such a way that saw tooth portions on the two grasper members are at least partly brought into abutting engagement with each other when the grasper member are closed. For manipulating opening and closing actions of the grasper members, a manipulative transmission means is threaded through the insertion member, connecting the paired grasper members of the forceps to a manipulation handle which is attached to a proximal end of the insertion member. Each one of the grasper members is formed of a conducting material and arranged to have a width narrower than outside diameter of the insertion member on the saw-toothed inner side. The grasper members are electrically connectible to a high frequency power source, and are entirely covered with an insulating coat except saw tooth portions. | 2008-11-27 |
20080294160 | RF endoscopic electrosurgical instrument - A unipolar electrosurgical electrode or probe that is configured for use in MIS electrosurgical procedures. The electrosurgical electrode comprises an elongated tubular member configured to cooperate with the small cannula of a mini-endoscope to reach interior tissue. The active end comprises a pair of jaws that can be normally closed and operative by the surgeon to open and close down on and grasp tissue to excise same. When energized, a unipolar discharge is generated at the working end of the electrode. | 2008-11-27 |
20080294161 | Electrical cautery device - An electrical surgical cautery device for delivering thermal energy to cauterize and provide hemostasis to a bleeding tissue comprises an electrically powered flexible thermal delivery element having a substantially planar resistive coil embedded in a thermally conductive material. The thermally conductive material comprises a tissue contact surface and a non-tissue contact surface. A power source is connected to the resistive coil of the thermal delivery element and provides an electrical current to heat the thermal delivery element being pressed against the tissue. A method for providing hemostasis to a bleeding tissue surface comprises providing and pressing an electrical cautery device having a thermal delivery element, against the hemorrhaging tissue at a predetermined temperature for an interval sufficient to cauterize the tissue and provide hemostasis. | 2008-11-27 |
20080294162 | Energy delivery conduits for use with electrosugical devices - A conduit assembly for transmitting energy between an electrosurgical energy generator and an energy delivering device comprises a first cable sub-assembly including a cable having a flexibility and an energy attenuation; a second cable sub-assembly including a cable having a flexibility and an energy attenuation; wherein the flexibility of the cable of the first cable sub-assembly is less than the flexibility of the cable of the second cable sub-assembly; and wherein the energy attenuation of the cable of the first cable sub-assembly is less than the energy attenuation of the cable of the second cable sub-assembly. | 2008-11-27 |
20080294163 | Intramedullary Fixation Device for Fractures - An intramedullary fixation device for fractures having a core guide wire, and distal and proximal petal segments mountable on the core guide wire and being able to be moved towards each other. Each petal segment has multiple petals able to be expanded for gripping an internal wall of a medullary canal; expansion segments are also mountable on the core guide wire, each expansion segment having a tapered engagement surface for engaging with and expanding the petals of the distal and proximal petal segments. A corresponding method is also disclosed. | 2008-11-27 |
20080294164 | LOCKABLE INTRAMEDULLARY FIXATION DEVICE - An orthopedic device can include an intramedullary nail with a longitudinal bore, first and second bone fasteners with sleeves and a cannulated movable member received within the longitudinal bore. The movable member defines first and second guiding bores for receiving respectively the first and second fasteners. Each of the first and second guiding bores includes a pair of opposing deformable elongated strips. Each pair of strips can engage the sleeve of a corresponding bone fastener. | 2008-11-27 |
20080294165 | COMBINATION BONE FIXATION DEVICE AND BENDING TOOL - A combination of bone fixation device and bending tool. The bone fixation device comprising a plurality of screw receiving members. Each screw receiving member having an aperture extending there through for receiving a screw. The screw receiving members being connected together in a line by plastically deformable connecting arms extending therebetween. The bending tool comprising first and second bending arms. Each bending arm comprising a first face, a second face and a side wall extending therebetween. The side wall comprising a recess extending between the first and second faces. The intersection of the recess with the first and second faces defining first and second connecting arm receiving apertures respectively. The recess being adapted to receive a screw receiving member. | 2008-11-27 |
20080294166 | EXTENDABLE CUTTING MEMBER - Provided is a minimally invasive cavity formation instrument for forming tissue cavities. The instrument includes an end effector having an aperture through which a cutting element is laterally extended and retracted. The cutting element may be retracted for minimally invasive insertion into a tissue region and extended to form a tissue cavity. The end effector of the instrument may be articulated or rotated to facilitate cavity formation. | 2008-11-27 |
20080294167 | ARTICULATING CAVITATION DEVICE - Provided is an articulating cavitation device configured to cut cancellous bone wholly within a vertebra. The articulating cavitation device includes an end effector, having an extendable cutting element, configured to articulate relative to an insertion tube. The end effector of the cavitation device may be articulated and rotated with the cutting element extended to form a tissue cavity about multiple axes. | 2008-11-27 |
20080294168 | Reaming device - A bone reamer has an ablation device for forming cavities in body tissue, the ablation device is movable with respect to a head of the reamer, and is capable of protruding at least partially beyond a surface of the head. The amount of protrusion the ablation device protrudes beyond the surface of the head has a variable geometry and the geometry is remotely modifiable. More particularly, the amount the ablation device extends beyond the outer surface of a reamer head body can be varied by an actuator located on the reamer outside the body. | 2008-11-27 |
20080294169 | Bone-reaming system - A bone-reaming system for use in bone cavities which allows for a less invasive and more precise surgical procedure is disclosed. An apparatus according to such a system may include a housing, a motor disposed within the housing, and a cutter attached to the motor and extendable through the aperture, wherein the housing is capable of articulating with respect to a bone cavity so as to allow the cutter to cut at least a portion of the bone cavity. A routing guide is used in conjunction with the apparatus to provide a template through which to cut preselected portions of a bone cavity. Also disclosed is a method for using such a bone-reaming system. | 2008-11-27 |
20080294170 | SELF-SUPPORTING OSTEOTOMY GUIDE AND RETRACTION DEVICE AND METHOD OF USE - An improved osteotomy guide and retraction device for use during the performance of bunionectomies, whereby the improved device provides a self-supporting instrument that does not require independent fastening means to secure the device in the desired position at the surgical site, and a method of use of the device. | 2008-11-27 |
20080294171 | Device and method for lumbar interbody fusion - A method for performing percutaneous interbody fusion is disclosed. The method includes the steps of inserting a guide needle posteriorly to the disc space, inserting a dilator having an inner diameter slightly larger than the outer diameter of the guide needle over the guide needle to the disc space to enlarge the disc space, and successively passing a series of dilators, each having an inner diameter slightly larger than the outer diameter of the previous dilator, over the previous dilator to the disc space the gradually and incrementally increase the height of the disc space. Once the desired disc height is achieved, the guide needle and all the dilators, with the exception of the outermost dilator, are removed. An expandable intervertebral disc spacer is then passed through the remaining dilator and positioned in the disc space. The disc spacer is expanded to the required disc height, and then a bone matrix is passed through the dilator to fill the disc space. The dilator is then removed. An expandable intervertebral disc spacer is also disclosed, having a tapered bore that causes greater expansion of one end of the spacer with respect to the other. A kit for performing the percutaneous interbody fusion procedure is also disclosed. | 2008-11-27 |
20080294172 | INSTRUMENT SET FOR MINIMALLY INVASIVE PREPARATION FOR BONE NAILING - An instrument set for minimally invasive preparation for a bone nailing comprises at least one base sleeve ( | 2008-11-27 |
20080294173 | RADIOLUCENT SCREWDRIVER FOR ORTHOPEDIC SURGERY - A surgical tool for inserting a surgical implant in a body and a method of performing a surgical procedure, wherein the tool is composed of materials consisting essentially of radiolucent materials. In one embodiment the radiolucent materials comprise plastic. In another embodiment the radiolucent materials comprise carbon fibers. In still another embodiment the radiolucent materials comprise thin aluminum. The tool has a torque capacity of at least 6 Nm. | 2008-11-27 |
20080294174 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR PERICARDIAL ACCESS - An access tube has a central passage and at least one lumen extending axially between the central passage and an outside wall of the access tube. The lumen carries therein a piercing member for accessing an anatomic space, such as a pericardial space between the parietal pericardia and the visceral pericardia. While the access tube is positioned against the parietal pericardium, a distal end of the piercing member engages and penetrates the parietal pericardium. The distal end of the piercing member entering the anatomic space can then allow the piercing member to advance and form into a supporting structure to create a working space. After the working space is created, an access device can be introduced through the access tube into the pericardial space to perform a variety of procedures inside a patient. | 2008-11-27 |
20080294175 | LEFT ATRIAL APPENDAGE CLOSURE - A medical device is disclosed for tissue, body lumen and/or cavity closure inside a body of a patient. In one particular application, the medical device can be used for minimally invasive access and closure of a left atrial appendage of the heart. The medical device generally includes a tool used for grasping the appendage, a closure member, and at least one tool to deploy, control, and position the closure member for closing the appendage. The device can also include an expander tool for expanding the working area around the left atrial appendage to improve visibility during the procedure. In other embodiments, the medical device may include other tools, for example an imaging tool for viewing the target area and/or other tools that are considered useful in a left atrial appendage closure procedure. | 2008-11-27 |
20080294176 | HAIR REMOVAL APPARATUS - A hair removal apparatus includes three plucking rollers configured to rotate on respective roller shafts which extend generally parallel to a skin surface during epilation, each plucking roller having tweezing mechanisms for grasping hairs, and a driver for turning each plucking roller on a rotary axis which is kept generally perpendicular to the skin surface. The tweezing mechanisms pull the grasped hairs out of the skin as the plucking rollers are slid therealong. The three plucking rollers can protrude and retract in a direction generally perpendicular to the skin surface independently of one another and swing in directions along the skin surface independently of one another. | 2008-11-27 |
20080294177 | METHODS AND DEVICES FOR TERMINATION - Devices and methods used in termination of a tissue tightening procedure are described. Termination includes the cinching of a tether to tighten the tissue, locking the tether to maintain tension, and cutting excess tether. In procedures involving anchors secured to the tissue, the tether is coupled to the anchors and the tissue is tightened via tension applied to the anchors by cinching the tether. In general, the devices and methods can be used in minimally invasive surgical procedures, and can be applied through small incisions or intravascularly. A method for tightening tissue by fixedly coupling a first anchor to a tether and slidably coupling a second anchor to the tether, securing both anchors to the tissue, applying tension to the tether intravascularly, fixedly coupling the tether to the second anchor, and cutting the tether is described. The tissue to be tightened can comprise heart tissue, in particular heart valve annulus tissue. Various devices and methods for locking the tether in place and cutting excess tether are described. | 2008-11-27 |
20080294178 | Surgical clip application assembly - An apparatus for the transoral invagination and fundoplication of the stomach to the esophagus includes a clip applier having sharp toothed jaws for grasping and damaging the fundus prior to applying the clip. The clip applier has an overall diameter of less than 7 mm. The clip applier jaws are coupled to a pull wire via a linkage which increases the mechanical advantage and thus permits greater grasping force. A plurality of clip designs are also provided. | 2008-11-27 |
20080294179 | DEVICES AND METHODS FOR STOMACH PARTITIONING - A device and method for remodeling or partitioning a body cavity, hollow organ or tissue tract includes graspers operable to engage two or more sections of tissue within a body cavity and to draw the engaged tissue between a first and second members of a tissue remodeling tool. The two or more pinches of tissue are held in complete or partial alignment with one another as staples or other fasteners are driven through the pinches, thus forming a four-layer tissue plication. Over time, adhesions formed between the opposed serosal layers create strong bonds that can facilitate retention of the plication over extended durations, despite the forces imparted on them by stomach movement. A cut or cut-out may be formed in the plication during or separate from the stapling step to promote edge-to-edge healing effects that will enhance tissue knitting/adhesion. | 2008-11-27 |
20080294180 | Gastric Belt - The inventive gastric belt is characterised in that the wall of a chamber ( | 2008-11-27 |
20080294181 | Clot capture coil - A clot and foreign body removal device is described which comprises a catheter with at least one lumen. Located within the catheter is a clot capture coil that is connected to an insertion mandrel. In one embodiment, the clot capture coil is made out of a solid elastic or superelastic material which has shape memory, preferably nitinol. The elasticity or superelasticity of the coil allows it to be deformed within the catheter and to then reform its original coil configuration when the coil is moved outside of the catheter lumen. In another embodiment the coil is a biphasic coil which changes shape upon heating or passing an electric current. Once the coil configuration has been established, the coil can be used to ensnare and corkscrew a clot in a vessel. A clot is extracted from the vessel by moving the clot capture coil and catheter proximally until the clot can be removed or released into a different vessel that does not perfuse a critical organ. Foreign bodies are similarly captured by deploying the coil distal to the foreign body and moving the clot capture coil proximally until the foreign body is trapped within the coil. By removing the device from the body, the foreign material is also removed. | 2008-11-27 |