48th week of 2010 patent applcation highlights part 59 |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20100305606 | APPARATUS FOR DEPLOYMENT OF MICRO-COIL USING A CATHETER - The apparatus for deployment of a therapeutic device such as a micro-coil detachably mounts the therapeutic device to a distal portion of a pusher member. In one embodiment, the therapeutic device is detachably mounted to the distal portion of the pusher member by a tubular collar that can be heated by a heater such as an electrical resistance coil to expand the collar and release and deploy the therapeutic device. The apparatus for deployment of a therapeutic device such as a micro-coil may also provide for a pusher member and a connector fiber for securing the therapeutic device to the pusher member. The connector fiber passes through a heater within the distal portion of the pusher member, for heating and breaking the connector fiber to release the therapeutic device when a desired placement of the therapeutic device within the vasculature is achieved. | 2010-12-02 |
20100305607 | SYSTEM FOR PERFORMING REMOTE ISCHEMIC PRECONDITIONING - A system for remote ischemic preconditioning that includes a cuff, and actuator, and a controller that operates the actuator according to a treatment protocol. The treatment protocol includes a plurality of treatment cycles that each comprise cuff actuation, an ischemic duration, cuff release, and a reperfusion duration. | 2010-12-02 |
20100305608 | AUTOLOGOUS WOUND SEALING APPARATUS - The apparatus is provided for sealing a vascular puncture tract by forming the autologous plug within the puncture tract, and extruding that plug into the puncture tract. The apparatus of the present invention forms an autologous blood plug by drawing blood into the apparatus from a vessel, mixing a blood congealing agent with the drawn blood, and ejecting a plug formed from the clotted blood within the puncture tract. Also provided are various closure elements to isolate the drawn blood from the vessel during mixture with the blood congealing agent, and to facilitate placement of the apparatus relative to the vessel. | 2010-12-02 |
20100305609 | IMPLANTABLE PURSE STRING SUTURE TENSIONING DEVICE - An implantable purse string suture tensioning device is provided, such that a hemostatic seal can be maintained without further manual adjustment over a range of purse string circumferences, including that surrounding a minimally invasive device, or a control or guidewire, and after complete removal of objects within the purse string suture, wherein the device is sized and shaped for in-dwelling implantation in a patient. | 2010-12-02 |
20100305610 | SUTURE ANCHOR - Devices and methods for locking a suture to an anchor are disclosed. In certain embodiments, a suture anchor includes a first body configured to be driven into a bone, and a second body also configured to engage the bone and coupled to the first body. At a selected embedded depth of the anchor, the second body moves towards the trailing end of the first body to facilitate a suture-lock configuration as the anchor is driven in deeper. A suture retainer such as a ring, and a flared portion at or near the trailing end of the first body, facilitate locking of a suture between the ring and either or both of the second body and the flared portion as the second body pushes on the ring that in turn pushes against the flared end. In certain embodiments, such suture-lock can be achieved substantially simultaneously as the suture anchor is driven into its final embedded depth. | 2010-12-02 |
20100305611 | INTERSPINOUS PROCESS APPARATUS AND METHOD WITH A SELECTABLY EXPANDABLE SPACER - The present invention is an interspinous process implant with a selectably expandable spacer that can be placed between adjacent spinous processes. | 2010-12-02 |
20100305612 | Polyaxial Cross Connector and Methods of Use Thereof - A connector device for a spinal stabilization apparatus comprises a first elongated member having first and second ends, and is adapted to engage a first spinal stabilizer rod proximal to the first end of the elongated member and is further adapted to engage a spinal cross connector rod proximal to a second end of the first elongated member. The first end of the first elongated member comprises a hook shape and a ferrule and may engage the first spinal stabilizer rod within about 20 degrees of perpendicular to the spinal stabilizer rod in any direction. The ferrule is adapted to be seated within the hook shape and is further adapted to engage the first spinal stabilizer rod. A second elongated member substantially similar to the first may additionally be used in a spinal stabilization apparatus. The connector device may be used in a method of treating a patient. | 2010-12-02 |
20100305613 | Headless Polyaxial Screw System - A headless polyaxial screw system comprises a longitudinal member comprising an outwardly protruding and expandable round bulbous body, a fixation component directly connected to the bulbous body, where the fixation component receives the bulbous body, and a pin engaged within the longitudinal member via a first channel bored through the longitudinal member and contacting the bulbous body causing the bulbous body to outwardly expand. | 2010-12-02 |
20100305614 | Polyaxial Screw Connection Assembly - A polyaxial screw connection assembly includes a first longitudinal member comprising a bored fastener channel and a first bulbous body; a second longitudinal member comprising a cylindrical body to fit within the fastener channel, and a second bulbous body; a fastener with a bored cylindrical channel, connected to the first longitudinal member and the cylindrical body and securely couples the first longitudinal member to the second longitudinal member; a first fixation component directly connected to the first bulbous body; a second fixation component directly connected to the second bulbous body; a first pin engaged within the first longitudinal member via a bored first channel and contacting the first bulbous body causing the first bulbous body to outwardly expand; and a second pin engaged within the second longitudinal member via a bored second channel and contacting the second bulbous body causing the second bulbous body to outwardly expand. | 2010-12-02 |
20100305615 | Multi-level Polyaxial Screw Connection Mechanism - A multi-level polyaxial screw connection mechanism includes a bone fixation component and a head component directly connected to the bone fixation component. The head component includes a lower portion comprising at least one lower portion concave socket configured and an upper portion elevated compared with the lower portion. The upper portion comprises at least one upper portion concave socket configured and the lower portion(s) concave socket comprises a volume substantially equal to a volume of the upper portion(s) concave socket. | 2010-12-02 |
20100305616 | SPINAL FIXATION DEVICE AND METHOD - A spinal fixation device includes a fastener affixable to a vertebral body and an attachment member. The attachment member is adapted for receiving the fastener and engaging a portion of the vertebral body. The fastener includes a shank and a collet. The collet includes a channel for receiving a spinal rod and a locking member. | 2010-12-02 |
20100305617 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR PERFORMING THERAPEUTIC PROCEDURES IN THE SPINE - Methods and apparatus for forming one or more trans-sacral axial instrumentation/fusion (TASIF) axial bore through vertebral bodies in general alignment with a visualized, anterior or posterior axial instrumentation/fusion line (AAIFL or PAIFL) in a minimally invasive, low trauma, manner and providing a therapy to the spine employing the axial bore. Anterior or posterior starting positions aligned with the AAIFL or PAIFL are accessed through respective anterior and posterior tracts. Curved or relatively straight anterior and curved posterior TASIF axial bores are formed from the anterior and posterior starting positions. The therapies performed through the TASIF axial bores include discoscopy, full and partial discectomy, vertebroplasty, balloon-assisted vertebroplasty, drug delivery, electrical stimulation and various forms of spinal disc cavity augmentation, spinal disc replacement, fusion of spinal motion segments and implantation of radioactive seeds. Axial spinal implants and bone growth materials can be placed into single or multiple parallel or diverging TASIF axial bores to fuse two or more vertebrae, or distract or shock absorb two or more vertebrae. | 2010-12-02 |
20100305618 | Orthopedic plate - The present invention relates to an orthopedic plate and screw system and instruments for surgical fixation of a small bone or bones including specifically the small bones of the spine. The plate facilitates three dimensional contouring to provide for a variety of applications and to accommodate individual variation in bone shape. The plate has a modified x shape including a central trunk portion including one or more screw holes along a longitudinal axis and a set of divergent upper and an oppositely extending set of divergent lower arms, each arm including screw holes which are placed at a radially equal distance but which diverging asymmetrically from the longitudinal axis relative to its paired upper or lower mate. The screws of the system are self-starting, self-tapping screws including the option of partial or full cannulation. In a further embodiment, the plate is intended for use through the length of the spine. | 2010-12-02 |
20100305619 | IMPLANT FOR USE FOR ADJACENTLY ARRANGED BONE PLATES - An implant for use for adjacently arranged bone plates is described, having a first bearing part, a second bearing part and a coupling element for tension-proof coupling of the first bearing part to the second bearing part. The bearing parts are curved concavely and comprise a plurality of ribs, which extend radially outwards from a central portion of the respective bearing part. The upper bearing part comprises a main body and an insert connected thereto by means of at least one connecting element. The connecting element is supported against the coupling element with regard to movement into a release position. The upper bearing part additionally has a deflectable fixing element, which is supported against the upper bearing part in the event of movement of the upper bearing part away from the lower bearing part. | 2010-12-02 |
20100305620 | MULTIDIRECTIONAL BONE FIXATION ASSEMBLY - Apparatus is provided, including at least one double-jointed bone fixation element. A rod is coupled to the bone fixation element. A rod retaining portion retains the rod in place with respect to the bone fixation element. Other embodiments are also described. | 2010-12-02 |
20100305621 | BONE SCREW ASSEMBLY FOR LIMITED ANGULATION - A limited angulation bone screw assembly adapted to couple a spinal rod with a vertebra including a bone screw, a bushing and a housing. The pedicle screw having a shaft and an upper head portion, the upper head portion comprising a spherical surface with flats disposed on opposite sides of the upper head portion. The bushing comprising a lower rounded surface for mating with the spherical surface and flats of the upper head portion to restrict the angular movement of the bone screw. The coupled bone screw and bushing are inserted into the housing in a first orientation and then rotated to a second orientation to secure the coupled bone screw and bushing to complete the housing. | 2010-12-02 |
20100305622 | Tapered thread root transition on cortical bone fastener - An orthopedic fastener is disclosed, with a cylindrical shank having pre-selected diameter, the shank also providing adjacent unthreaded and threaded portions. The threaded portion is configured to secure the orthopedic fastener into cortical bone. The shank further has a thread root transition zone providing a tapered thread root profile between the unthreaded and threaded portions. The thread root transition zone is positioned on the shank such that, when the orthopedic fastener is operably secured into a specimen of cortical bone, the thread root transition zone is located outside said specimen of cortical bone. | 2010-12-02 |
20100305623 | Bone nail for the heel - The bone nail is intended for the heel. It comprises a front part ( | 2010-12-02 |
20100305624 | BONE FIXATION TOOL - A tool and a method are provided for driving a bone pin into a fractured bone to stabilize the fractured bone by maintaining the fractured bone in a reduced state. The tool may be a handheld device including a cartridge having at least one passageway that receives the bone pin. The tool may also include a pneumatically-powered piston having a needle that is sized for receipt within the passageway of the cartridge, the needle applying sufficient force to the bone pin to drive the bone pin out of the cartridge and into the fractured bone. | 2010-12-02 |
20100305625 | SURGICAL INSTRUMENT FOR FIXING A CLAMP TO A BONE FIXATION DEVICE - A surgical instrument for moving a clamp relative to a bone anchor to properly position and secure the clamp to the bone anchor. The surgical instrument including a housing, a socket assembly, a manipulating assembly, a gripping assembly and a reduction assembly. | 2010-12-02 |
20100305626 | ADHESIVE COMPLEX COACERVATES AND METHODS OF MAKING AND USING THEREOF - Described herein is the synthesis of adhesive complex coacervates. The adhesive complex coacervates are composed of a mixture of one or more polycations, one or more poly anions, and one of more multivalent cations. The polycations and polyanions in the adhesive complex coacervate are crosslinked with one another by covalent bonds upon curing. The adhesive complex coacervates have several desirable features when compared to conventional bioadhesives, which are effective in water-based applications. The adhesive complex coacervates described herein exhibit good interfacial tension in water when applied to a substrate (i.e., they spread over the interface rather than being beaded up). Additionally, the ability of the complex coacervate to crosslink intermolecularly increases the cohesive strength of the adhesive complex coacervate. The adhesive complex coacervates have numerous biological applications as bioadhesives and drug delivery devices. In particular, the adhesive complex coacervates described herein are particularly useful in underwater applications and situations where water is present such as, for example, physiological conditions. | 2010-12-02 |
20100305627 | BATTERY WITH SUTURE HOLE - A medical device that is implantable within a patient includes a generator. The generator has an internal component and a housing assembly that encloses the internal component. Furthermore, the device includes an aperture defined in the housing assembly. The aperture is operable for coupling the generator to the patient. | 2010-12-02 |
20100305628 | ELONGATE BATTERY FOR IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE - A battery assembly for a medical device includes an elongate cathode, an elongate anode, an electrolyte, and an elongate housing assembly encapsulating the cathode, the anode, and the electrolyte. The battery assembly also includes a first electrode that is exposed from and electrically insulated from the housing assembly. One of the anode and the cathode is electrically coupled to the first electrode and the other of the anode and the cathode is electrically coupled to the housing assembly. Also, one of the cathode and the anode is enclosed by the other of the cathode and the anode. | 2010-12-02 |
20100305629 | ELONGATE BATTERY FOR IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE - A battery assembly for a medical device includes an elongate cathode, an elongate anode, an electrolyte, and an elongate housing assembly encapsulating the cathode, the anode, and the electrolyte. The battery assembly also includes a first electrode exposed from and electrically insulated from the housing assembly. One of the anode and the cathode is electrically coupled to the first electrode, and the other of the anode and the cathode is electrically coupled to the housing assembly. Respective axes of the cathode and the anode are substantially parallel to an axis of the housing assembly, and the cathode and anode each include a flat portion that face each other. | 2010-12-02 |
20100305630 | HOUSING - A first housing | 2010-12-02 |
20100305631 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR DETERMINING THE RELATIVE POSITION AND ORIENTATION OF NEUROSTIMULATION LEADS - A method for determining whether the relative position of electrodes used by a neurostimulation system has changed within a patient comprises determining the amplitude of a field potential at each of at least one of the electrodes, determining if a change in each of the determined electric field amplitudes has occurred, and analyzing the change in each of the determined electric field amplitudes to determine whether a change in the relative position of the electrodes has occurred. Another method comprises measuring a first monopolar impedance between a first electrode and a reference electrode, measuring a second monopolar impedance between second electrode and the reference electrode, measuring a bipolar impedance between the first and second electrodes, and estimating an amplitude of a field potential at the second electrode based on the first and second monopolar impedances and the bipolar impedance. | 2010-12-02 |
20100305632 | TEMPERATURE ASSISTED STIMULATION - Various embodiments of an implantable system for delivering therapy comprise at least one of a heat sink or source to either reduce or increase temperature of excitable tissue, a pulse generator and at least one stimulation electrode to deliver electrical stimulation to excitable tissue, a memory and a controller. The memory has instructions for performing at least one stimulation routine and at least one thermal routine, and further has integration instructions for integrating the thermal routine(s) with the stimulation routine(s). The controller is configured to operate on the instructions to perform the stimulation routine(s) using the pulse generator and the at least one stimulation electrode, to perform the thermal routine(s) using the heat sink or the heat source, and to operate on the integration instructions to integrate thermal routine(s) with the stimulation routine(s). | 2010-12-02 |
20100305633 | Diagnostic And Therapeutic Chest Casing - A system and method is provided for detection, forewarning, and rapid therapeutic treatment of a patient's ischemic and arrhythmic heart condition, congestive heart failure, respiratory failure, etc. The system comprises a chest casing of a form fitting material. The inner surface of the chest casing comprises electrocardiogram sensor electrodes, auscultation sensors, impedance sensor electrodes, etc. The electrocardiogram sensor electrodes detect abnormal electrocardiogram signals. The auscultation sensors record internal sounds at predefined cardiac and respiratory auscultation sensor points. The impedance sensor electrodes measure thoracic impedance across two or more points on the chest wall. A control unit is connected to the sensors for collecting and processing patient information. The control unit transmits the processed patient information to an external monitoring station. The chest casing comprises therapeutic delivery points for delivering therapeutic electrical dosages and different therapies, for example, cooling therapy, to the patient via therapeutic devices connected on the chest casing. | 2010-12-02 |
20100305634 | NEURAL STIMULATION SYSTEM FOR CARDIAC FAT PADS - Various aspects relate to a device which, in various embodiments, comprises a header, a neural stimulator, a detector and a controller. The header includes at least one port to connect to at least one lead, and includes first and second channels for use to provide neural stimulation to first and second neural stimulation sites for a heart. The controller is connected to the detector and the neural stimulator to selectively deliver a therapy based on the feedback signal. A first therapy signal is delivered to the first neural stimulation site to selectively control contractility and a second therapy signal is delivered to the second neural stimulation site to selectively control one of a sinus rate and an AV conduction. Other aspects and embodiments are provided herein. | 2010-12-02 |
20100305635 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR RHYTHM IDENTIFICATION AND THERAPY DISCRIMINATION USING HEMODYNAMIC STATUS INFORMATION - A system and method for controlling cardiac ventricular tachyarrhythmias by acquiring a pressure signal representative of coronary venous pressure (CVP) from a pressure sensor implanted within a coronary vein of the patient. A CVP index is derived based on the pressure signal. The onset of a ventricular tachyarrhythmia episode is detected based on a cardiac rates signal. The CVP index and the rate signal are monitored and, responsive to the rate signal indicating a sustained tachycardia episode during the episode monitoring period, anti-tachycardia therapy selectively withheld and the episode monitoring period is extended based on the CVP index. | 2010-12-02 |
20100305636 | ELONGATE BATTERY FOR IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE - A battery assembly for a medical device includes an elongate cathode, an elongate anode, an electrolyte, and an elongate housing assembly encapsulating the cathode, the anode, and the electrolyte. The battery assembly also includes a first electrode that is exposed from and electrically insulated from the housing assembly. One of the anode and the cathode is electrically coupled to the first electrode, and the other of the anode and the cathode is electrically coupled to the housing assembly. One of the cathode and the anode includes a first portion and a second portion disposed in spaced relationship from the first portion. The other of the cathode and the anode is disposed between the first and second portions. | 2010-12-02 |
20100305637 | Respiration Sensor Processing for Phrenic Nerve Activation Detection - An implantable cardiac device includes a sensor for sensing patient respiration and detecting phrenic nerve activation. A first filter channel attenuates first frequencies of the sensor signal to produce a first filtered output. A second filter channel attenuates second frequencies of the respiration signal to produce a second filtered output. Patient activity is evaluated using the first filtered output and phrenic nerve activation caused by cardiac pacing is detected using the second filtered output. | 2010-12-02 |
20100305638 | Method and Apparatus for Phrenic Nerve Activation Detection with Respiration Cross-Checking - The present invention concerns phrenic nerve activation detection algorithms for characterization of phrenic nerve activation and phrenic nerve activation avoidance in cardiac pacing therapy. | 2010-12-02 |
20100305639 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR USING ATRIAL DISCRIMINATION ALGORITHMS TO DETERMINE OPTIMAL PACING THERAPY AND THERAPY TIMING - A system and method which employs atrial discrimination algorithms to distinguish between different atrial arrhythmias occurring in a patient for selecting an optimal pacing therapy corresponding to the type of arrhythmia identified. In response to the detection of an atrial rate above the atrial tracking rate, discrimination criteria are applied to a detected atrial activity signal to distinguish between different types of supraventricular tachycardia, such as fast atrial flutter and other atrial flutter at a relatively slower rate, which may be occurring in the patient. The pacer is controlled to provide pacing therapy to a heart in a manner corresponding to the type of supraventricular tachycardia identified. The output of an atrial discrimination algorithm may be tracked and the trend thereof used to improve therapy timing. Various embodiments are disclosed herein. | 2010-12-02 |
20100305640 | METHOD, DEVICE, IMPLANTABLE STIMULATOR AND DUAL CHAMBER CARDIAC THERAPY SYSTEM - In a device and method in a dual chamber pacing system operating in an atrial synchronized mode, the cardiac stimulator is connectable to a lead arrangement arranged for sensing atrial electrical and mechanical activity. Upon detection of an atrial arrhythmia based on either of sensed atrial mechanical activity, atrial electrical activity, or a combination thereof, a mode switch from an atrial synchronized ventricle stimulating mode to a non-atrial synchronized mode is triggered. | 2010-12-02 |
20100305641 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETECTING PULMONARY EDEMA BASED ON IMPEDANCE MEASURED USING AN IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE DURING A LEAD MATURATION INTERVAL - Techniques are provided for use by implantable medical devices such as cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) devices for detecting pulmonary edema based on transthoracic impedance sensed using cardiac pacing/sensing leads, wherein detection can be performed while lead maturation occurs. Briefly, the implantable device determines whether the leads are within an initial post-implant interval following implant during which lead maturation generally occurs. The device then detects pulmonary edema or related medical conditions within the patient based on transthoracic impedance using a set of detection parameters adjusted for use during the post-implant interval. Thus, rather than “blanking” impedance data during lead maturation, the device instead detects and processes impedance during this period to identify possible episodes of pulmonary edema so that appropriate measures can be undertaken, such as delivery of warnings or titration of appropriate medications. | 2010-12-02 |
20100305642 | ADAPTIVE EVENT STORAGE IN IMPLANTABLE DEVICE - Monitoring physiological parameter using an implantable physiological monitor in order to detect a condition predictive of a possible future pathological episode and collecting additional physiological data associated with the condition predictive of a possible future pathological episode. Monitoring another physiological parameter in order to detect a condition indicative of the beginning of a present pathological episode and collecting additional pathological data in response to the condition. Determining that the condition predictive of a future episode and the condition indicative of a present episode are associated and, in response thereto, storing all the collected physiological data. | 2010-12-02 |
20100305643 | VENTILATION SENSOR RATE RESPONSE NORMALIZATION AND CALCULATION - A cardiac rhythm management (CRM) device can extract ventilation information from thoracic impedance or other information, and adjust a delivery rate of the CRM therapy. A tidal volume of a patient is measured and used to adjust a ventilation rate response factor. The measured tidal volume can optionally be adjusted using a ventilation rate dependent adjustment factor. The ventilation rate response factor can also be adjusted using a maximum voluntary ventilation (MVV), an age predicted maximum heart rate, a resting heart rate, and a resting ventilation determined for the patient. In various examples, a global ventilation sensor rate response factor (for a population) can be programmed into the CRM device, and automatically tailored to be appropriate for a particular patient. | 2010-12-02 |
20100305644 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR TESTING AND ADJUSTING A BIPOLAR STIMULATION CONFIGURATION - A system and method for measuring the capture threshold of a bipolar lead in order to determine an appropriate value for the stimulus pulse energy to be used with the lead by a cardiac rhythm management device. An appropriate bipolar stimulating configuration can also be determined. The method is particularly useful in testing bipolar leads used to excite the left ventricle such as when delivering cardiac resynchronization therapy. | 2010-12-02 |
20100305645 | TACHYARRHYTHMIA DETECTION AND DISCRIMINATION BASED ON CURVATURE PARAMETERS - Estimating a frequency of a sampled cardiac rhythm signal and classifying the rhythm. The received signal is sampled and transformed into a curvature series. A lobe in the curvature series corresponds to a characteristic point in the sampled series. Characteristic points are selected based on a time of a lobe in the curvature series and, in one embodiment, an amplitude of the signal at the time of the lobe. A frequency of the sampled series is estimated by autocorrelating a function of the series of the characteristic points. In one embodiment, the function is a time difference function. The rhythm is classified by plotting the timewise proximity of characteristic points derived from an atrial signal with characteristic points derived from a ventricular signal. Regions of the plot are associated with a particular rhythm and the grouping of the data corresponds to the classification. | 2010-12-02 |
20100305646 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR THE GENERATION AND DISPLAY OF FUSION STATISTICS - In an example, a cardiac rhythm management system includes an implantable physiological data monitor, a processor, a memory, and a display. The implantable physiological data monitor can be configured to monitor a plurality of cardiac responses. The processor can be configured to classify the cardiac response into one of at least three classes including pace-dominant, fusion, and pseudo-fusion. The processor can also be configured to calculate statistical information regarding the classified cardiac responses. In this example, the pace-dominant, fusion, and pseudo-fusion classes correspond to a cardiac response resulting from a corresponding electrostimulation. The memory is configured to store the classified cardiac responses and calculated statistical information for future use by the processor or for display. The display is configured to display the statistical information stored in the memory for diagnostic and device programming purposes. | 2010-12-02 |
20100305647 | Activity Sensor Processing for Phrenic Nerve Activation Detection - An implantable cardiac device includes a sensor for sensing patient activity and detecting phrenic nerve activation. A first filter channel attenuates first frequencies of the sensor signal to produce a first filtered output. A second filter channel attenuates second frequencies of the accelerometer signal to produce a second filtered output. Patient activity is evaluated using the first filtered output and phrenic nerve activation caused by cardiac pacing is detected using the second filtered output. | 2010-12-02 |
20100305648 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SAFE AND EFFICIENT DELIVERY OF CARDIAC STRESS AUGMENTATION PACING - A cardiac pacing system controls the progression of a cardiac disorder such as heart failure by delivering cardiac stress augmentation pacing to create or augment regional stress in the heart according to a delivery schedule programmed for a patient. Various events associated with the patient's conditions, activities, and other treatments may render the cardiac stress augmentation pacing risky or ineffective. The system detects such events before and during each cardiac stress augmentation pacing session and modifies the delivery schedule in response to the detection of each event to ensure patient safety and therapy efficiency. | 2010-12-02 |
20100305649 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DECOMPENSATION DETECTION AND TREATMENT BASED ON PATIENT HEMODYNAMICS - A system and method for detecting and treating symptoms of early decompensation utilizing a cardiac rhythm management. The system applies an electrical stimulus to the patient's heart at a first set of pacing parameters including a lower rate limit (LRL) setting, and acquires a coronary venous pressure (CVP) signal from a pressure sensor implanted in a coronary vein of the patient. An average coronary venous end diastolic pressure (CV-EDP) value is calculated from the CVP signal. The system monitors the average CV-EDP value over a predetermined interval, and dynamically adjusts the LRL setting responsive to the detection of a first or a second predetermined event based on the average CV-EDP value. | 2010-12-02 |
20100305650 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PACING RATE CONTROL UTILIZING PATIENT HEMODYNAMIC STATUS INFORMATION - A system and method for pacing rate control in a cardiac rhythm management (CRM) system. The method includes acquiring a pressure signal representative of coronary venous pressure (CVP) from a pressure sensor implanted within a coronary vein of the patient and generating a CVP waveform from the pressure signal. A pacing stimulus is applied to the patient's heart, and the pacing rate is increased in response to increases in patient's metabolic demand. The CVP index is monitored during the pacing rate increase, and the CRM system detects a reduction in the patient's hemodynamic performance based on the CVP index and establishes a maximum rate setting based on the pacing rate corresponding to the reduction in the patient's hemodynamic performance. | 2010-12-02 |
20100305651 | MEASURING AUTONOMIC TONE USING ATRIOVENTRICULAR DELAY - An autonomic status indicator representative of a sympathetic/parasympathetic balance of a subject can use atrioventricular (AV) delays measured during recovery from (or in response to) elevated atrial pacing while the subject is at rest. | 2010-12-02 |
20100305652 | System for Provisional Radio Frequency Cardiac Stimulation for Replacement of the Pacemaker - The present invention relates to a device for provisional cardiac stimulation during replacement of pacemakers (PMs). Said device enables fitting on an electrode catheter separated from the pocket of the PM of a radio-frequency coil ( | 2010-12-02 |
20100305653 | IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE WITH EXPOSED GENERATOR - An implantable medical device includes an energy storage device with an internal component and an outer case that encloses the internal component. The outer case is electrically connected to the internal component. The energy storage device includes a first electrode that is electrically connected to the internal component. Furthermore, the device includes a control assembly with a control component and a control case that encloses the control component. The control case is coupled to and electrically connected to the outer case. The control component is electrically coupled to the first electrode and the outer case to be powered by the internal component of the energy storage device. The control component controls transmission of an electrical signal between the implantable medical device and biological tissue. Also, an outer surface of the outer case and the outer surface of the control case are exposed to the biological material. | 2010-12-02 |
20100305654 | Electromagnetic Interference Shielding in an Implantable Medical Device - EMI shields for use in implantable medical devices that include inner and outer metal layers separated by a dielectric layer. When assembled as medical devices, the outer metal layer of an illustrative EMI shield is placed into electrical contact with a conductive inner surface of an associated canister for an implantable medical device. | 2010-12-02 |
20100305655 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR TREATING GASTROINTESTINAL DISORDERS USING ELECTRICAL SIGNALS - A method of treating motility conditions, such as an arrest of intestinal peristalsis, includes introducing an electrode through the esophagus and into the digestive tract of the patient and applying an electrical impulse to the electrode to modulate one or more nerves within the digestive tract such that intestinal peristalsis function is at least partially improved. | 2010-12-02 |
20100305656 | Gastric Simulation Anchor and Method - A device, system and method for electrically stimulating the stomach is provided. A device system and method for attaching a stimulating device to the stomach wall is also provided. | 2010-12-02 |
20100305657 | NERVOUS DEVICE USING AT LEAST ONE NANO-WIRE - The present invention relates to a neural device comprising wires transmitting and receiving electric signals. More specifically, the present invention relates to a structure of the neural device comprising wires which effectively obtain electric signals developed in nerve fibers and transmit electric stimuli to the nerve fibers. The neural device according to the present invention is connected to a processing module processing electric signals detected from nerve fibers, and the neural device is inserted in nerve fibers via nanowires to obtain electric signals from the nerve fibers, or inserted in the nerve fibers to transmit electric stimuli. The neural device may further provide with at least one through-hole and support. The neural device according to the present invention has an advantage that may obtain electric signals without killing nerve fibers or provide them with electric stimuli. | 2010-12-02 |
20100305658 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR MODULATING NEUROCHEMICAL LEVELS IN THE BRAIN - The present invention provides a method for modulating or regulating levels of a neurochemical in an individual using deep brain stimulation. More particularly, the invention relates to a method of treating neurological and psychiatric diseases by providing a feedback loop capable of maintaining central and/or peripheral nervous system neurochemical levels in an individual. | 2010-12-02 |
20100305659 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SELECTIVE RETINAL STIMULATION - A method for electrically stimulating a retina of an eye to induce visual perception includes placing an electrode adjacent a retinal ganglion cell (RGC) layer and selectively applying a biphasic asymmetrical waveform (BAW) to a portion of the axon. The BAW includes a pre-pulse phase and a stimulation-pulse phase. The pre-pulse phase has a first polarity, a first amplitude, and a first duration. The first amplitude and the first duration together define a pre-pulse charge having a first magnitude. The stimulation-pulse phase has a second polarity opposite the first polarity, a second amplitude, and a second duration less than the first duration. The second amplitude and the second duration together define a stimulation charge having a second magnitude. Application of the pre-pulse phase and the stimulation-pulse phase effects a change in excitability of the at least one ganglion cell and induces visual perception, respectively. | 2010-12-02 |
20100305660 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROGRAMMING AN IMPLANTABLE SPINAL CORD STIMULATION SYSTEM - In one embodiment, a method for facilitating programming of an implantable pulse generator (IPG) by an external programming device, the method comprises: receiving input from a user by the external programming device to calibrate electrode combinations at a plurality of locations along one or more stimulation leads implanted within the epidural space of a patient; controlling the IPG by the external programmer to apply stimulation to the patient via the electrode combinations; receiving input from a user by the external programming device that indicates values of a respective perception stimulation threshold at each location of the plurality of locations; receiving input from a user by the external programming device that indicates values of a respective bilateral stimulation threshold at each location of the plurality of locations; calculating positions by the external programming device of each of the plurality of locations using the perception stimulation thresholds and the bilateral stimulation thresholds; and displaying calculated positions of the plurality of locations relative to a physiological midline of the patient by the external programming device. | 2010-12-02 |
20100305661 | MEDICAL DEVICE ANTENNA SYSTEMS HAVING EXTERNAL ANTENNA CONFIGURATIONS - A medical device includes an antenna external to a case, package, or encapsulant for the electronic systems of the medical device. In one embodiment, a diabetes infusion pump is enclosed within a metal case, the pump including a processor and a communication module for wireless communications. An antenna is disposed in the delivery tubing of the pump outside the case with an antenna feed interconnecting the external antenna with the internal communication module. In another aspect, a thin film antenna is formed on the outer surface of the case in which a physiological parameter sensor, such as a glucose sensor, is enclosed. Multiple antennas may be used for communications on different frequencies. | 2010-12-02 |
20100305662 | Techniques for Controlling Charging of Batteries in an External Charger and an Implantable Medical Device - Disclosed are charging algorithms implementable in an external charger for controlling the charging of both an external battery in the external charger and an implant battery in an implantable medical device. Because full-powered simultaneous charging of both batteries can generate excessive heat in the external charger, the various charging algorithms are designed to ensure that both batteries are ultimately charged, but in a manner considerate of heat generation. In some embodiments, the charging algorithms prevent simultaneous charging of both batteries by arbitrating which battery is given charging precedence at a given point in time. In other embodiments, the charging algorithms allow for simultaneous charging of both batteries, but with at least one of the batteries being only weakly charged at low power levels. In other embodiments, the temperature generated in the external charger is monitored and used to control the charging algorithm. In these embodiments, if a safe temperature is exceeded, then the charging algorithms change to new temperature-reducing schemes which still allow for both batteries to be ultimately charged. | 2010-12-02 |
20100305663 | IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE SYSTEM HAVING SHORT RANGE COMMUNICATION LINK BETWEEN AN EXTERNAL CONTROLLER AND AN EXTERNAL CHARGER - Disclosed is an improved system for providing charging information during the powering of a medical implantable device by an external changer. In the disclosed system, relevant charging information originates in the external charger, or is transmitted to the external charger from the implant during charging. The charging information is transferred from the external charger to an external controller using a short range communication link that is not orientation dependent (i.e., omni-directional), such as one employing a Bluetooth™ or Zibgee™ protocol for example. Once received, the external controller can convey the charging information to the patient or clinician, such as by displaying the charging information on the graphical user interface of the external controller. Additionally, the short range communication link between the external controller and the external charger allows the external charger to be controlled by the external controller, which adds system flexibility and convenience. | 2010-12-02 |
20100305664 | Methods and Devices for Adrenal Stimulation - An implantable medical device is provided for the treatment of a variety of disorders. The implantable medical device can be a neurostimulator having a stimulation lead and electrode(s) configured to be implanted on or near neural tissue in communication with the adrenal gland. Application of an electrical waveform to the neural tissue can cause the adrenal gland to release catecholamines to treat hypoglycemia. In other embodiments, chemical, magnetic, optical, or mechanical neuromodulation can be used. | 2010-12-02 |
20100305665 | COLLECTING POSTURE INFORMATION TO EVALUATE THERAPY - A medical device delivers a therapy to a patient. Posture events are identified, e.g., a posture of the patient is periodically determined and/or posture transitions by the patient are identified, and each determined posture event is associated with a current therapy parameter set. A value of at least one posture metric is determined for each of a plurality of therapy parameter sets based on the posture events associated with that therapy parameter set. A list of the therapy parameter sets is presented to a user, such as a clinician, for evaluation of the relative efficacy of the therapy parameter sets. The list may be ordered according to the one or more posture metric values to aid in evaluation of the therapy parameter sets. Where values are determined for a plurality of posture metrics, the list may be ordered according to the one of the posture metrics selected by the user. | 2010-12-02 |
20100305666 | INDUCTION DEVICE FOR PHOTODYNAMIC THERAPY AND DIAGNOSIS - An induction device for photodynamic therapy and diagnosis is used in a living body, and for activating a photochemical reaction of a photosensitive agent in the living body. The induction device comprises a transmitter, and a light irradiator implanted in the living body. The transmitter is used for emitting a radio signal to penetrate a superficial layer of the living body. When the light irradiator receives the radio signal, the light irradiator emits light by the driving signal, such that the photosensitive agent undergoes a photochemical reaction. | 2010-12-02 |
20100305667 | Hypertension therapy instrument and method for treating hypertension - A hypertension therapy instrument comprises an infrared ray generator that can radiate infrared ray onto a human body; a heart rhythm signal generator sensing heart rhythm of the human body and outputs a heart rhythm signal containing heart rhythm information; a controlling device receiving the signal outputted by the heart rhythm signal generator and controlling a radiation intensity of the infrared ray generator based on the heart rhythm of the human body, so that the radiation intensity of the infrared ray generator changes with the heart rhythm of the human body, so as to treat hypertension; and a power supply supplying power to the infrared ray generator, the heart rhythm generator, and the controlling device. | 2010-12-02 |
20100305668 | Methods for treatment of bone disorders and biostimulation of bone and soft tissue - The present invention provides an extra-oral light therapy device including an extra-oral bridge, an intra-oral tray removably connected to the extra-oral bridge, at least one extra-oral light emitting diode (“LED”) array removably connected to the extra-oral bridge, and a programmable controller for controlling the extra-oral light therapy device. The present invention alternatively provides an extra-oral light therapy device including a head-set, at least one extra-oral LED array removably attached to the head-set, a connector for removably attaching the head-set to the at least one extra-oral LED array, and a programmable controller for controlling the extra-oral light therapy device. The present invention also provides an external light therapy device including a thin, molded substrate, at least one LED array mounted onto the thin, molded substrate, an attaching means for removably attaching the at least one LED array mounted onto the thin, molded substrate to the area of treatment, and a programmable controller for controlling the external light therapy device. The present invention further provides a method for treating jaw bone disorders and jaw osteonecrosis and biostimulating bone and soft tissue utilizing an extra-oral light therapy device and a method for treating and stimulating soft and hard tissue and biostimulating bone utilizing an external light therapy device, | 2010-12-02 |
20100305669 | Neck Pad - [Problems] A neck pad capable of enhancing fitting feeling to the neck and effectively warming or cooling the neck and its vicinity. | 2010-12-02 |
20100305670 | Method and Devices for Coupling a Lead Conductor Member to a Functional Component - The embodiments herein relate to a connection body for welding a conductor member to a functional lead component such as a fixation base or terminal pin. The various connection body embodiments each have at least one slot defined in a wall of the connection body at which the conductor member is laser welded to the connection body. | 2010-12-02 |
20100305671 | STIMULATION ELECTRODE - One aspect relates to a stimulation electrode including an electrically conducting base body. The base body encompasses tantalum and is at least partially covered with a porous tantalum oxide layer, which is anodically applied by means of high voltage pulses. Provision is made according to an embodiment for a metallic protective layer to cover the porous tantalum oxide layer so as to prevent a hydrogen embrittlement. | 2010-12-02 |
20100305672 | TIP ASSEMBLY FOR MEDICAL ELECTRICAL LEAD - An implantable lead may include a coupler, a fixation helix secured to the coupler and a guide element that includes an engaging surface and a proximal bearing surface. The engaging surface may be configured to engage the fixation helix such that the engaging surface of the guide element interacts with the fixation helix to cause the fixation helix to translate longitudinally when the fixation helix is rotated against the engaging surface. Longitudinal translation of the coupler and fixation helix may be limited by the distal end of the coupler contacting the proximal bearing surface of the guide element. | 2010-12-02 |
20100305673 | Ink Jet Printing of Implantable Electrodes - An implantable electrode device and a corresponding method of fabricating such a device are described. An electrode network of wires and contacts is developed by inkjet deposition of conductive metal material over portions of the electrode substrate for electrically connecting an implant processor device to targeted tissue in a patient. An electrode substrate beneath the electrode network provides structural support to the electrode network. A biocompatible encapsulation layer selectively covers a portion of the electrode network and provides electrical insulation for the covered portion of the electrode network while leaving exposed portions of the electrode network which allow electrical contact with adjacent tissue. | 2010-12-02 |
20100305674 | HELICALLY FORMED COIL FOR A NEURAL CUFF ELECTRODE - A lead assembly for an implantable medical device includes a lead body having a proximal end and a distal end. One or more connectors at the proximal end of the lead body are each adapted for connection to a pulse generator. One or more conductive elements are coupled to the one or more connectors at the proximal end and extend through the lead body to the distal end. Each of the one or more conductive elements includes an electrode coil that extends from the distal end of the lead body that is formed into a helix having a diameter greater than a diameter of the electrode coil. | 2010-12-02 |
20100305675 | LEADS FOR SELECTIVE SENSING AND VIRTUAL ELECTRODES - Selective sensing implantable medical leads include pulsing and sensing portions and pulsing and not sensing portion. Leads and electrodes may be used in defibrillation and as integrated bipolar defibrillation electrodes. An entire electrode can pass charge while a valve metal or valve metal oxide portion of the electrode prevents the entire electrode from sensing, effectively rejecting unwanted signals. Differential conduction pathways, due to the valve metal and/or oxides thereof, cause the portions of the electrodes to conduct differently when used anodically and cathodically. Complex intracardiac electrical gradient can be formed along with a number of virtual electrodes within the tissue. Reentrant loops can thereby be pinned following defibrillation shock. | 2010-12-02 |
20100305676 | COCHLEAR IMPLANT ELECTRODE ASSEMBLY - Disclosed is a lead for a cochlear implant modified so as to provide increased robustness to the lead. In one aspect, the lead has a helix region having an increased length such that it extends into a mastoid cavity of a patient when in situ. Also disclosed is a cochlear implant having a lead as described herein. In another aspect, the lead has an increased lead angle between the helix region and the transition region. | 2010-12-02 |
20100305677 | Middle Ear Fixation Structure - An implantable fixation structure includes a c-shape bone fixation clip adapted to fit over and attach to a bony bridge element in the middle ear of a patient. A c-shape electrode fixation clip is adapted to fit over and attach to an electrode array element in the middle ear of the patient. A connecting bar has a first end connected to the bone fixation clip and a second end connected to the electrode fixation clip. A coupling clip is connected to the connecting bar between the first end and the second end and adapted to fit over and attach to a cochlear implant element and hold the cochlear implant element in a desired position relative to the middle ear of the patient. | 2010-12-02 |
20100305678 | Thrombectomy and Balloon Angioplasty/Stenting Device - A thrombectomy and balloon angioplasty catheter for the removal of blood clots and debris from a blood vessel and/or for the dilation of a narrowed or completely closed segment in the blood vessel is disclosed. The catheter includes a shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, an angioplasty balloon mounted to the shaft adjacent the distal end of the shaft, and an occlusion balloon mounted to the shaft at a location proximally spaced from the angioplasty balloon. A guide wire lumen is arranged on the shaft. The guide wire lumen extends from a first position adjacent the distal end of the shaft to a second position proximal the angioplasty balloon and distal the proximal end of the shaft. The shaft includes an angioplasty balloon inflation lumen in fluid communication with the proximal end of the shaft and an interior space of the angioplasty balloon, an occlusion balloon inflation lumen in fluid communication with the proximal end of the shaft and an interior space of the occlusion balloon, and a thrombectomy lumen in fluid communication with the proximal end of the shaft and a thrombectomy suction port located between the angioplasty balloon and the occlusion balloon. | 2010-12-02 |
20100305679 | Stent Replacement System - A system for delivering and placement of a medical prosthesis into an ostium of a tract system of an organism is described. The system comprises a stent delivery device that includes a delivery catheter having one or more lumens extending between proximal and distal ends. The stent delivery device also includes an inflatable balloon mounted on the distal end of the delivery catheter for expanding and deploying the medical prosthesis placed on the balloon, and a stent deployment site locator configured for locating an exact place for positioning the medical prosthesis. The deployment site locator comprises an expandable flexible structure including a plurality of filament elements interconnected between a locator proximal end and a locator distal end; thereby forming a unitary structure. The filaments can extend from a locator proximal end towards a locator distal end and then return after winding to the proximal end to form a plurality of filament loops. | 2010-12-02 |
20100305680 | DEVICE FOR PERCUTANEOUS VASCULAR INTERVENTION - A device for percutaneous vascular intervention, particularly for performing a stent implantation, having a guide catheter | 2010-12-02 |
20100305681 | Conical Balloon for Deployment Into Side Branch - A bifurcated catheter assembly has an undeployed state and a deployed state. The assembly comprises a bifurcated inflation shaft defining a shaft inner lumen, a first balloon defining a first balloon lumen, and a second balloon defining a second balloon lumen. The inflation shaft has a first inflation shaft defining a first lumen and a second inflation shaft defining a second lumen. The first balloon defines a first balloon lumen which is in fluid communication with the first lumen. The second balloon defines a second balloon lumen which is in fluid communication with the second lumen. The second balloon has a conical shape. | 2010-12-02 |
20100305682 | SPECIALLY CONFIGURED AND SURFACE MODIFIED MEDICAL DEVICE WITH CERTAIN DESIGN FEATURES THAT UTILIZE THE INTRINSIC PROPERTIES OF TUNGSTEN, ZIRCONIUM, TANTALUM AND/OR NIOBIUM - Medical devices having special geometrical design features and possible surface modifications and can be comprised of niobium, tantalum, zirconium and/or tungsten alloy which is useful in treating a body passageway. | 2010-12-02 |
20100305683 | MEDICAL DEVICES COMPRISING A CO-POLYMER OF A MODIFIED POLYAMIDE AND A POLYCARBONATE - The present invention refers to medical devices comprising a modified Co-Polymer or to the modified Co-Polymer itself having high flexibility and high stress resistance, especially tensile strength or tear resistance, in addition to the good physical characteristics of a Block-Co-Polymers of a polyamide and a polycarbonate, either polycarbonate diol or polycarbonate diamine. | 2010-12-02 |
20100305684 | BIODEGRADABLE STENT AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING THE SAME - A stent includes a magnesium layer, a ceramic layer formed over the magnesium layer, and a magnesium compound layer interposed between the magnesium layer and the ceramic layer. The initial corrosion of the stent can be delayed, and the stent has excellent biocompatibility and thus can reduce side effects during cell proliferation and differentiation. | 2010-12-02 |
20100305685 | STENTED PROSTHETIC HEART VALVES - A surgical sutureless valve that is attached to a stent frame for delivery to a location in a patient using percutaneous implantation devices and methods. | 2010-12-02 |
20100305686 | LOW-PROFILE MODULAR ABDOMINAL AORTIC ANEURYSM GRAFT - Systems methods and devices address and ameliorate intralumenal aneurysms by excluding the same through endograft by pass techniques. Percutaneuous emplacement, use of improved aortic-stent assemblies and shotgun neck framing facilitates placement of modular graft sections, for example, to treat abdominal aortic aneurysms. | 2010-12-02 |
20100305687 | NON-WOVEN MAT AND METHO OF PRODUCING SAME - A mat having a highly uniform porosity distribution is produced by consolidating 15 or more layers of melt blown webs (or the like) having different orientations. Control over the porosity is provided by using webs that exhibit a narrow, unimodal distribution of fiber diameters over the bulk of its distribution, such as in the top 80%. A compliance of the mats can be chosen by selecting a number and orientation of the webs. It is thus possible to produce mats that are good candidates for vascular grafts, for example. The uniformity of the porosity within the range of 6 μm to 30 μm permits seeding of the vascular graft with endothelial and smooth muscle cells. The mats have the demonstrated ability to retain, and support growth of, smooth muscle cells and endothelial cells. | 2010-12-02 |
20100305688 | Medical Devices for Localized Drug Delivery - In certain embodiments, the invention relates to an implantable medical device that includes a body having an internal cavity. Receptor sites in the internal cavity may be adapted to repeatedly bind to, temporarily hold, and release an active agent. An opening may extend through the body and into the internal cavity to allow the active agent into and out of the internal cavity. This opening may be sized and shaped to prevent blood cells from entering the internal cavity through the opening while allowing the active agent to enter and/or exit the cavity via the opening. A polymeric structure may be located in the internal cavity. This polymeric structure may include artificial receptor site mimics for the active agent. | 2010-12-02 |
20100305689 | Non-Biodegradable Stent Comprising a Biodegradable Coating and Method of Coating The Same - The present invention relates to the field of non-biodegradable stents, and therein to non-biodegradable stents coated with at least one layer of a biodegradable polymer which maintains mechanical integrity of the coating both in storage and upon balloon expansion and which can optionally release drugs. The at least one polymer layer comprises a biodegradable polymer and a plasticizer. The present invention also relates to a manufacturing method of such a non-biodegradable stent. | 2010-12-02 |
20100305690 | FIXATION BAND FOR AFFIXING A PROSTHETIC HEART VALVE TO TISSUE - A fixation band has a tubular frame and a tube, wherein the tubular frame comprises longitudinally-extending members having a hook on its distal end and fixation means on its proximal end. The tubular frame preferably comprises a laterally-extending member for stabilization. The tube is positioned inside longitudinally-extending members and a sewing cuff is formed in the tube distal to the distalmost end of the longitudinally-extending members. A standard prosthetic valve can be secured to the fixation band by suturing the prosthetic valve's sewing cuff to the fixation band's sewing cuff and the prosthetic valve can be advanced to a valve seat. By pulling the tubular frame proximally, the hooks pass into surrounding tissue so that the fixation band and prosthetic valve are fixed against proximal movement. The fixation means then secure the fixation band to the surrounding tissue so that the prosthetic valve is fixed against distal movement. | 2010-12-02 |
20100305691 | Prosthetic Heart Valves, Scaffolding Structures, and Systems and Methods for Implantation of Same - Prosthetic valves and their component parts are described, as are prosthetic valve delivery devices and methods for their use. The prosthetic valves are particularly adapted for use in percutaneous aortic valve replacement procedures. The delivery devices are particularly adapted for use in minimally invasive surgical procedures. | 2010-12-02 |
20100305692 | MONITORING OF REDUNDANT CONDUCTORS - This document relates to continuity monitoring of electrical conductors. For example, materials and methods for continuity monitoring of conductors for use providing power to a blood pump (e.g., an assist device) are provided. | 2010-12-02 |
20100305693 | Devices, Systems and Methods for Treating an Eye - Devices, systems, and methods useful in treating an eye are provided herein. Certain embodiments of the devices, systems, and methods may be particularly suitable in maintaining separation of an anterior capsule and a posterior capsule of an evacuated lens capsule of an eye. Certain embodiments of the devices, systems, and methods may be particularly suitable for reducing scarring in the visual field of an eye having a capsulorhexis, among other things. | 2010-12-02 |
20100305694 | SCLERAL BUCKLES FOR SUTURELESS RETINAL DETACHMENT SURGERY - A set formed of a scleral buckle and an encircling band is provided for use in connection with retinal detachment surgery to enable the implantation of both the scleral buckle and encircling band free of any suture. A self-assembling scleral buckle-encircling band combination is secured in place by surface scleral tunnels operative as belt loops to enable the securing of a scleral buckle and encircling band on the eyeball to exert an intended indentation effect for treatment of retinal detachment. | 2010-12-02 |
20100305695 | DEVICE FOR THE MODELLING OR THE LIFTING OF NORMAL OR DISTENDED TISSUE IN HUMAN BEING - The invention concerns a device for the modelling or the lifting of normal or distended tissue (a target tissue) in human being which comprises at least one thread, said thread having: at its distal end an expandable radially outwardly anchoring means conceived to anchor a stable anchoring tissue, and at its proximal end a sustaining means conceived to lift a mobile target tissue, so that the target tissue is linked with the anchoring tissue thanks to said device. The invention concerns an assembly which comprises at least one device. | 2010-12-02 |
20100305696 | HYBRID SOFT TISSUE IMPLANTS FROM PROGENITOR CELLS AND BIOMATERIALS - Provided are hybrid soft tissue constructs comprising a core material, a biomaterial matrix and mammalian cells. Also provided are methods of augmenting or reconstructing a soft tissue of a mammal. Additionally, methods of forming a hybrid soft tissue construct are provided. The use of the above constructs for augmenting or reconstructing a soft tissue of a mammal are further provided. Additionally provided is the use of the above constructs for the manufacture of a medicament for augmenting or reconstructing a soft tissue of a mammal. | 2010-12-02 |
20100305697 | System and Method For Treatment of Non-Ventilating Middle Ear by Providing a Gas Pathway Through the Nasopharynx - Methods and devices for providing a gas pathway between the nasopharynx and the Eustachian tube are provided. One device may include a lumen with a valve. A portion of the valve may be tethered to adjacent muscle. Another portion of the valve may be tethered to adjacent cartilage. When the muscle contracts the valve may open through movement of the tethers, and provide a gas pathway between the nasopharynx and the Eustachian tube. | 2010-12-02 |
20100305698 | Knee Prosthesis Assembly With Ligament Link - A prosthetic knee joint assembly includes a femoral component that engages a femur and at least one bearing that supports articulation of the femoral component thereon. Also, the assembly includes a tibial tray that engages a tibia and that supports the bearing. A ligament link coupling component is included on the femoral component or the tibial tray. The ligament link coupling component is operable to couple to a ligament link to couple the ligament link to the femoral component or the tibial tray. Moreover, the assembly includes an opening included on the other of the femoral component or the tibial tray. The ligament link is received in the opening to bypass the other of the femoral component or the tibial tray to operably couple to the respective one of the femur or the tibia. | 2010-12-02 |
20100305699 | STRUCTURE OF NATURAL OR ARTIFICIAL HAIR FOR TRANSPLANTATION AND HAIR TRANSPLANTATION METHOD USING THE SAME - The present invention relates to a structure of a natural or artificial hair for a hair transplant and, more particularly, to a processed structure of a natural or artificial hair for transplantation, comprising: a number of fixing cut parts formed lengthwise on the outer circumferential surface line of a lower end part of a natural or artificial hair to be transplanted to a scalp of a person, that is, on the outer circumferential surface line of an insertion part to be inserted inside the scalp, the fixing cut part cut perpendicular to the outer circumferential surface line of the insertion part and formed along the outer circumference surface of the insertion part while having a predetermined angle toward the center of the hair. | 2010-12-02 |
20100305700 | BONE ANCHORING SYSTEM - Methods and apparatus for connecting to a bone, which avoid the use of bone screws. A triangular shaped modular implant is used, with two sides of the structure and their respective vertex secured generally within the bone, with the base of the triangle outside the bone. These two arms, whether straight or arcuate, are cannulated, and are held together at their distal ends by a tightened cable that runs through both of the arms. The proximal ends of these arms are connected to a base side that completes the triangular structure. The device may be inserted into a vertebra and the base used for vertebral fusion. Alternatively, the arms themselves may be used to stabilize and fixate adjacent vertebrae, by insertion through adjacent vertebrae trans-segmentally. In the latter case, the vertex may be within the intervertebral space or within the vertebral body close to the intervertebral space. | 2010-12-02 |
20100305701 | Spinal implant - The present invention is a spinal implant that can be inserted into a surgically created cavity of one or more regions of the mammalian spine. Universal corner posts and one or more lateral universal posts are connected with a series of trapezoidal wedge-like braces. The series of braces includes a centralized brace, a first set of braces extending in a first direction away from the centralized brace and a second set of braces extending in a second direction away from the centralized brace. Embodiments of the current cage also include first and second lateral brakes and an end cap. | 2010-12-02 |
20100305702 | Spinal implant having deployable bone engaging projections and method for installation thereof - Instrumentation is disclosed for inserting an interbody spinal fusion implant for implantation at least in part within and across the generally restored height of a disc space between two adjacent vertebral bodies of a human spine. The implant has an external housing and a substantially hollow internal rotatable member having bone engaging projections that are deployable through the housing to penetrably engage the adjacent vertebral bodies. | 2010-12-02 |
20100305703 | MEDICAL IMPLANT - A medical implant includes a flexible container having two layers of flexible surrounding walls, each surrounding wall being provided with a plurality of through holes; a tubular fitting being connected to an open end of the flexible container for inserting or infusing a medical filling material into the flexible container through the tubular fitting; and a thrust part connected to the flexible surrounding walls of the flexible container and at a distal end of the flexible container. The thrust part has a receiving seat and a ring, the receiving seat having a central bore and an annular groove surrounding the central bore and opposite to the central bore, wherein a tubular surrounding wall is inserted into the ring and is folded so that the two layers of flexible surrounding walls are formed with the ring imbedded between the two layers of flexible surrounding walls, and the ring with the two layers of flexible surrounding walls are received in the annular groove and detained therein due to friction. | 2010-12-02 |
20100305704 | INTERVERTEBRAL IMPLANT WITH FIXATION GEOMETRY - An intervertebral spacer implant ( | 2010-12-02 |
20100305705 | EXPANDABLE SPINAL INTERBODY AND INTRAVERTEBRAL BODY DEVICES - A device for insertion into a spinal (intervertebral or intravertebral) space is expandable from a first circumference to a second circumference through axial compression of segments of the device, particularly once the device has been properly situated within a vertebral space. The interbody/intravertebral body device is characterized by a plurality of axially stacked, individual segments that are provided on a central insertion and deployment rod. Each segment includes a central plate or body to which are pivotally attached plate or leaf structures. Pivoting of the structures provides a collapsed or unexpanded position of the first circumference and an open or expanded position of the second circumference. | 2010-12-02 |