| 51st week of 2011 patent applcation highlights part 55 |
| Patent application number | Title | Published |
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| 20110313390 | METHOD AND/OR SYSTEM FOR CLOSED-LOOP CONTROL OF GLUCOSE TO A TREATMENT RANGE - Subject matter disclosed herein relates to monitoring and/or controlling blood glucose levels in patients. In particular, one or more substances may be delivered to a patient at a particular infusion rate while the patient's estimated glucose level is within a predetermined range. A different insulin infusion rate may then be applied if the patient's estimated blood glucose level deviates outside of the predetermined range. | 2011-12-22 |
| 20110313391 | Infusion set with anesthetic compound - An exemplary insulin infusion set that further provides one or more set elements including the hub, hub adhesive, fluid line tubeset, connectors, catheters and insertion needles which can be impregnated with, coated with, or otherwise configured to contain and administer an anesthetic at the insertion and set placement locations to minimize user discomfort and the risk of complications associated with the use of infusion sets. To do so, the system and method provides steps for mixing at a step ( | 2011-12-22 |
| 20110313392 | STEERABLE EPIDURAL CATHETER - A steerable catheter device which can be steered to locations within the epidural space, as well as methods of use and manufacture are disclosed. The steerable catheter provides a site-specific drug delivery system for accessing the epidural space. The catheter devices includes a steerable wire or a liner extending from a proximal end of the catheter to the catheter's distal end. Forces applied to the wire or the liner cause the distal end to deflect and/or rotate to reach a targeted epidural site. | 2011-12-22 |
| 20110313393 | Implantable Device and Method for Delivering Drug Depots to a Site Beneath the Skin - An implantable device and method is provided for anchoring a drug depot to a site beneath the skin of a patient, the device and method comprising a head, a shaft and a tip, the head having a recess and/or at least one projection arranged to be engaged by an implantation tool, the shaft having an outer surface that engages the site in a manner that holds the device at the site beneath the skin, the head or shaft having means for attaching the drug depot thereto, and the tip disposed on the shaft opposite the head and capable of insertion into the site beneath the skin of the patient. | 2011-12-22 |
| 20110313394 | Sensor Controlled Flow Path For Providing Fluids To Patients - An outflow line is connected to an infusion pump that is programmed to run at a fixed rate. The outflow line has a bypass line that leads from the pump outlet back to the pump inlet. A line downstream of the entrance to the bypass line leads to the patient. The system has two valves. The fluid en route to the patient passes through the first valve. The bypass line passes through the second valve. When one valve is open, the other is closed. The valves' flow states are controlled by a signal from a control instrument. The system allows the pump output to be directed to the patient or to a bypass circuit that returns fluid leaving the pump back to the pump inlet. The system makes it possible to vary the amount of fluid delivered to a patient by an infusion pump set at a constant pumping rate by varying the open and closed state of valves in response to a signal from a patient monitoring instrument. | 2011-12-22 |
| 20110313395 | DRUG DELIVERY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS AND METHODS - Various embodiments of a “smart” drug delivery pen are provided which include a drug delivery pen having an inertial sensor or accelerometer. A system is also provided that includes the smart drug pen in conjunction with a data management unit(s) DMU. Various exemplary methods for use of the pens and systems are also described and illustrated. | 2011-12-22 |
| 20110313396 | Adjustable dose setting plunger for syringe - A syringe includes a body for receiving a medicament and a plunger movably connected to the syringe body. The plunger is moved with respect to the syringe body to draw in and dispense the medicament. A plurality of dose setting indicators are disposed on the plunger. The plunger is rotated outwardly from the syringe body to draw medicament into the syringe body. The plunger can be pushed or rotated into the syringe body to dispense the medicament. | 2011-12-22 |
| 20110313397 | Adjustable plunger dose stop - A syringe includes a body for receiving a liquid medicament and a collar rotatably disposed in or on the body. The collar is rotatable to set a desired dose. A plunger is movably disposed in the collar. The plunger is movable to draw in and dispense the liquid medicament. An end of the collar limits movement of the plunger such that an accurate dose is drawn. | 2011-12-22 |
| 20110313398 | AUTOMATIC INJECTION DEVICES - An injection device comprises a syringe extendible against a spring bias from a retracted position in a housing to a projecting injecting position. A spring biased plunger has collapsible elbows which, when the plunger is released, initially engage the end of the syringe to drive it to the projecting position, whereupon arresting of the syringe movement causes the elbows to collapse inside the syringe to allow the plunger to engage and drive the bung. | 2011-12-22 |
| 20110313399 | INTRAVENOUS CANNULA - An intravenous (IV) cannula comprising an elongated body including a distal section for insertion into a blood vessel; at least one channel extending along at least a portion of a longitudinal axis of said cannula section, the at least one channel configured to maintain an amount of at least 10% of a blood flow in the blood vessel; and a central lumen configured to allow an IV fluid flow into the blood vessel. | 2011-12-22 |
| 20110313400 | WEEPING BALLOON CATHETER - Balloon catheters, and methods of treatment therewith, are provided including an inflatable first balloon at least partially enclosed by an expandable second balloon that has holes. The annular space between the first balloon and the second balloon is configured to promote delivery of the fluid evenly through holes in the second balloon to avoid problems of underloading and/or overloading. Preferably, the annular space is in communication with the holes, and the annular space is configured to receive and then to release and distribute the fluid via the holes in a substantially uniform manner such that even amounts of fluid are released in the distal and proximal holes. The first balloon may have various configurations including being tapered relative to the second balloon. The second balloon may also be tapered accordingly. The device may also include raised portions disposed in the annular space and configured to define channels having various configurations. | 2011-12-22 |
| 20110313401 | INDWELLING CATHETER WITH ANTI-CLOTTING FEATURES - A catheter for providing blood flow includes first and second lumen parts having a distal portion with at least one port for delivering and receiving flow from a patient and a non-linear profile along the distal portion. | 2011-12-22 |
| 20110313402 | CATHETER GUIDE - This invention concerns a guide catheter comprising a hollow tubular body extending along a main longitudinal axis, said tubular body defining at ] least one internal lumen suitable for receiving at least one medical device, the tubular body further defining at least one proximal opening and one distal opening. The tubular body includes a distal portion preformed in such a way as to take on a curved configuration with regard to the main axis. At least the distal portion of the tubular body has a flattened shape that extends prevalently along a main transversal axis, the curvature of said distal portion being created around said main transversal axis. | 2011-12-22 |
| 20110313403 | LOCKING MECHANISM FOR A CATHETER - A locking mechanism ( | 2011-12-22 |
| 20110313404 | STENT DELIVERY SYSTEM HAVING RETENTION STRUCTURE - A stent delivery system including an elongate shaft of a medical device, a stent selectively coupled to a distal portion of the elongate shaft, and a coupling mechanism for selectively coupling the stent to the elongate shaft by inserting a tab on one of the stent or the elongate shaft into an opening in the other of the stent or the elongate shaft. The tab may be deflected from a first position to a second position to disengage the tab from the opening. | 2011-12-22 |
| 20110313405 | SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR - A surgical instrument shaft roll drive mechanism includes an electrical conductor that electrically couples the surgical instrument shaft to an electrical connector. The electrical conductor is routed adjacent to a roll drive tendon between a roll drive input capstan and a roll drive output capstan on the shaft. The electrical conductor allows an electrically conductive instrument shaft to be electrically coupled to surgical equipment for use, e.g., as a shield for electrocautery equipment. | 2011-12-22 |
| 20110313406 | HEMOSTATIC PATCH - The present disclosure relates to a surgical patch and methods of using the same. The surgical patch includes a body having a substrate, a longitudinal slit bisecting at least a portion of the body, and at least one additional slit extending from the longitudinal slit defining a retractable section. The surgical patch of the disclosure may be used, for example, to provide hemostasis at a site of anastomosis. The present disclosure also provides kits including such surgical patches, as well as templates that permit one to cut the patch to a desired size and/or shape. | 2011-12-22 |
| 20110313407 | QUANTUM-DOT LASER DIODE - Aspects of the present disclosure relate to the field of laser technology, specifically semiconductor lasers, and to novel biomedical applications of such lasers, including novel methods of photodynamic therapy. Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure include a semiconductor laser diode having an active region having a gain medium with one or more InGaAs/InAs quantum dot layers; and wherein the laser diode can be arranged in operation to emit laser light having a central wavelength within spectral range of wave lengths. The present embodiments further include a method of directly forming a reactive oxygen species (ROS), the method including exposing a medium having a potential source of ROS to a semiconductor laser diode, the semiconductor laser diode configured to emit laser light having a central wavelength within the spectral range. | 2011-12-22 |
| 20110313408 | Skin treatement system with time modulated laser pulses - A laser skin treatment process and system. The system includes features for producing a first laser beam of long pulse duration and a second laser beam of short pulse duration and a skin cooler for cooling the surface of a region of skin. The system is designed to utilize the first laser beam for heating a volume of skin tissue below the cooled surface region to a temperature to produce skin tissue modification but below skin tissue damage threshold. This volume of skin tissue is called a “thermal cavity”. The second laser beam is divided into a plurality of separate laser beams that are directed through separate optical fibers and via separate paths through skin tissue to a single tiny volume of skin tissue within the thermal cavity to produce in that tiny volume mechanical damage. This tiny volume is called an energy droplet. Thus tiny regions of tissue are damaged while minimizing or preventing any significant damage to adjacent tissue. | 2011-12-22 |
| 20110313409 | FOURTH TOE PROCESSING SYSTEMS AND METHODS - Fourth toe processing apparatus and methods for the processing the fourth toes of a bird are disclosed. | 2011-12-22 |
| 20110313410 | CRYOGENIC MEDICAL DEVICE WITH THERMAL GUARD AND METHOD - A medical device, system and method are provided for thermal medical treatment. A medical device for cryogenic treatment may include a tip and a thermal guard or shield. The tip may be at a distal end of a catheter shaft, having a distal surface and lateral surfaces. The thermal guard may be coupled to the catheter proximal of the distal tip, surrounding the longitudinal axis and exposing the distal surface, to resist heat transfer from body fluids to the lateral surfaces of the tip. An efficiency of heat transfer from selected tissue to be treated to the distal surface of the cryogenic tip is thereby increased. | 2011-12-22 |
| 20110313411 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DERMATOLOGICAL HYPOPIGMENTATION - Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure provide method and apparatus for effecting (e.g., lightening) an appearance of skin by cooling or freezing small separated surface regions of the skin to produce regions of local hypopigmentation. The width of the regions can be, for example, smaller than about 1 mm or 0.5 mm, and a distance between these frozen regions can be greater than about 3 times the width of the regions. An exemplary apparatus can be provided that includes a plurality of spatially-separated thermally conductive arrangements that can be affixed or otherwise coupled to a base. For example, the conductive arrangements can be regions of conductive material provided in or proximal to a thermal insulator, or thermally conductive protrusions affixed to the base. The conductive arrangements can be cooled and then contacted with the skin surface to produce the small regions of hypopigmentation. | 2011-12-22 |
| 20110313412 | TISSUE INTERFACE SYSTEM AND METHOD - An applicator-tissue interface is disclosed for use in connection with medical device treatment applicators. The interface provides a cover to protect applicator components against contamination and may be disposable or reusable. Also included are tissue acquisition features including a tissue receiving chamber defined by a bio-barrier with vacuum ports or channels for tissue acquisition. Vacuum balancing is provided to prevent contamination on the applicator side of the bio-barrier. Locking mechanisms are disclosed for ensuring secure attachment between the interface and applicator. Methods of using the applicator-tissue interface in connection with an applicator are also disclosed. | 2011-12-22 |
| 20110313413 | ABLATION DEVICE WITH SENSOR - An electrosurgical device having a distal tip for creating a lesion on tissue includes a first electrode and a second electrode that are parallel for the delivery of RF energy to tissue. A sensor electrode is provided parallel to and spaced away from the first electrode a different distance than the second electrode. When the sensor electrode and at least one of the first and second electrodes are in contact with tissue, The electrosurgical device can perform at least one of the following: ablating tissue, and sensing at least one selected from the group of voltage, tissue impedance, electrical conduction, conduction time, conduction velocity, and signal phase angle. | 2011-12-22 |
| 20110313414 | METHOD FOR SIMULATING BEND SHAPE OF CATHETER AND MAGNETIC INDUCTION CATHETER - A method for simulating the bend shape of a catheter ( | 2011-12-22 |
| 20110313415 | Medical Devices, Apparatuses, Systems, and Methods - Apparatuses and systems for enabling electrical communication with a device positionable within a body cavity of a patient. Apparatuses and systems for magnetically positioning a device within a body cavity of a patient. Medical devices. Methods of use. | 2011-12-22 |
| 20110313416 | ELECTROHYDAULIC PROSTATE TISSUE TREATMENT PROBE - An electrohydraulic prostate tissue treatment probe comprises a probe pipe body ( | 2011-12-22 |
| 20110313417 | ABLATION CATHETER HAVING FLEXIBLE TIP WITH MULTIPLE FLEXIBLE ELECTRODE SEGMENTS - A catheter apparatus comprises an elongated catheter body having a distal end, a proximal end, and at least one fluid lumen extending longitudinally therein; and a plurality of flexible electrode segments on a distal portion of the catheter body adjacent the distal end, each pair of neighboring flexible electrode segments being spaced from each other longitudinally by a corresponding electrically nonconductive segment. Each flexible electrode segment comprises a sidewall provided with one or more elongated stiffness reductions extending through the sidewall, the one or more elongated stiffness reductions providing flexibility in the sidewall for bending movement relative to a longitudinal axis of the catheter body. The electrically nonconductive segment is substantially smaller in length than each of the corresponding pair of neighboring flexible electrode segments. | 2011-12-22 |
| 20110313418 | ORTHOPEDIC FIXATION WITH IMAGERY ANALYSIS - Methods of orthopedic fixation and imagery analysis are provided. Images of first and second bone segments attached to a fixation apparatus are captured. Fixator elements identified in the images can be used to obtain imaging scene parameters. Bone elements identified in the images can be used with the imaging scene parameters to reconstruct a three dimensional representation of positions and/or orientations of the first and second bone segments with respect to the fixation apparatus. | 2011-12-22 |
| 20110313419 | Hexapod External Fixation System with Collapsing Connectors - An external fixation system includes a first base member configured to attach to a first bone segment and a second base member configured to attach to a second bone segment. A plurality of single DOF controlling elements extend between the first and second base members. The single DOF controlling elements include a crank arm having a strut interface and a base member interface, the crank arm having a first longitudinal axis and being pivotably disposed relative to one of the first and second base members. The single DOF controlling elements also include a strut extending from the strut interface toward one of the first and second base members. The strut has a second longitudinal axis, and the crank arm and strut are structurally configured so that the first and second longitudinal axes form a non-zero angle. | 2011-12-22 |
| 20110313420 | EASILY IMPLANTABLE AND STABLE NAIL-FASTENER FOR SKELETAL FIXATION AND METHOD - An intramedullary nail ( | 2011-12-22 |
| 20110313421 | LOW PROFILE MEDICAL LOCKING PLATE AND BONE SCREW DESIGN FOR BONE FRACTURES - Disclosed embodiments of a low profile bone plate can allow for a locking relationship between the bone plate and one or more bone screws, without requiring specialized bone screws. According to the disclosure, a locking element and/or a flange can be provided in one or more through-holes in the bone plate to engage with the threads of the bone screw, to lock the screw in place. Locking elements, such as a straight wire or spring coil positioned near the bone-contacting surface of the bone plate can have a cross sectional diameter less than the pitch of the bone screw threads, so as not to interfere with insertion and tightening of the bone screw. Thus, standard bone screws without threaded heads or tapered shafts can be locked with a bone plate having a minimal thickness, which can advantageously improve chances of wound healing. | 2011-12-22 |
| 20110313422 | IMPLANT FOR BONE FIXATION - An implant for use in orthopedic surgery for fixation of bone has a shaft region and a head region, both including a plurality of holes for receiving bone fasteners. The head region of the implant has a central screw hole and threaded surrounding screw holes surrounding the central screw hole in a defined configuration. | 2011-12-22 |
| 20110313423 | Patient Selectable Joint Arthroplasty Devices and Surgical Tools - Disclosed herein are methods, compositions and tools for repairing articular surfaces repair materials and for repairing an articular surface. The articular surface repairs are customizable or highly selectable by patient and geared toward providing optimal fit and function. The surgical tools are designed to be customizable or highly selectable by patient to increase the speed, accuracy and simplicity of performing total or partial arthroplasty. | 2011-12-22 |
| 20110313424 | PATIENT-SPECIFIC TOTAL HIP ARTHROPLASTY - Disclosed herein are systems and methods for performing total hip arthroplasty with patient-specific guides Pre-operative images of a pelvic region of a patient are taken in order to predefine the structure of the guides and corresponding implants. From the obtained image data an insertional vector for implanting an acetabular implant or component into an acetabulum of the patient is determined, wherein the insertional vector is coaxial with a polar axis of the acetabular component. Also from the obtained image data, a superior surface of the guides and implants can be shaped to match the acetabulum of the patient. A nub portion extending outwardly from the superior surface of the guides and implants is shaped to substantially match the shape of a fovea of the acetabulum. A guide portion of the guides forming a slot has a longitudinal axis coaxial with the determined insertional vector of a corresponding acetabular component. | 2011-12-22 |
| 20110313425 | INTRAOCULAR LENS INJECTOR - Disclosed herein is an intraocular lens injector for inserting an intraocular lens into an eye, the intraocular lens injector including: a cylindrical cylinder, into which a plunger for passing the intraocular lens to be guided into the eye is inserted; a connection block having a C-shaped longitudinal cross-section and integrally formed at the front end of the cylinder; a cartridge, which is connected to the connection block and includes first and second wing portions, which are folded with respect to each other, first and second receiving grooves formed at the connection portion of the first and second wing portions and having a semicircular longitudinal cross-section, and a truncated conical guide portion, which extends from the second receiving groove in the lateral direction and includes a guide passage having a circular cross-section corresponding to the shape of the assembled first and second receiving grooves; and a cover member inserted into the connection block together with the second wing portion | 2011-12-22 |
| 20110313426 | TRANS-SEPTAL SHEATH WITH SPLITTING DILATING NEEDLE AND METHOD FOR ITS USE - A device useful for accessing the left atrium is provided. The device comprises an elongated tubular body and a dilating tip. The tubular body has an axis, a proximal end, a distal end and a lumen longitudinally extending therethrough. The dilating tip is slidably mounted on the distal end of the tubular body. The dilating tip comprises a segmented surface that is generally transverse to the axis of the tubular body, and a generally rigid tube extending distally from the segmented surface and having a sharp distal end. Distal movement of the tubular body relative to the dilating tip exerts a force on the segmented surface to thereby open the segmented surface. | 2011-12-22 |
| 20110313427 | DEPLOYABLE ELECTRODE LEAD ANCHOR - One embodiment of an electrode lead comprises a lead body, at least one electrode at a distal end of the lead body, an actuatable member and at least one anchor wire. The actuatable member is positioned within a lumen of the lead body. The at least one anchor wire has a proximal end that is attached to the actuatable member. Movement of the actuatable member relative to the lead body moves the at least one anchor wire through at least one opening in the lead body. | 2011-12-22 |
| 20110313428 | Bracing of Bundled Medical Devices for Single Port Entry, Robotically Assisted Medical Procedures - Medical devices robotically manipulated by a medical robotic system for performing a medical procedure on a patient are bundled together as a bundled unit and inserted into the patient through a single entry port. Bracing of the bundled unit at the surgical site so as to be constrained in one or more degrees of freedom of movement may be performed using an anchor secured to an anatomic structure at the surgical site and physically coupled to the bundled unit, or using a tool extending out of a distal end of the bundled unit that extends out to an anatomic structure at the surgical site. | 2011-12-22 |
| 20110313429 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR TISSUE GRAFTING AND COPYING - Exemplary embodiments of apparatus and method for obtaining one or more portions of biological tissue (“micrografts”) to form grafts are provided. For example, a hollow tube can be inserted into tissue at a donor site, and a pin provided within the tube can facilitate controlled removal of the micrograft from the tube. Micrografts can be harvested and directly implanted into an overlying biocompatible matrix through coordinated motion of the tube and pin. A needle can be provided around the tube to facilitate a direct implantation of a micrograft into a remote recipient site or matrix. The exemplary apparatus can include a plurality of such tubes and pins for simultaneous harvesting and/or implanting of a plurality of micrografts. The harvested micrografts can have a small dimension, e.g., less than about 1 mm, which can promote healing of the donor site and/or viability of the harvested tissue. | 2011-12-22 |
| 20110313430 | DISPOSABLE SUTURE CUTTER - A suture cutting device is provided, the device suitable for cutting high strength suture materials used in arthroscopic surgeries. The device includes a distal blade portion movable within a distal suture guide, the distal suture guide including a lateral suture guide slot. The distal blade portion includes a dorsal recess that, in combination with an upper wall of an enclosed blade guide slot, controls an amount of dorsal movement of a cutting edge during a longitudinal movement of the cutting edge. The combined dorsal movement and longitudinal movement of the cutting edge creating a sliding/slicing movement of the cutting edge against a suture in the suture guide slot. At least a proximal blade portion and an extension blade portion are made of a single blade, those portions defining a spring, contacting a trigger, and effectuating a movement from a first position to a second position. | 2011-12-22 |
| 20110313431 | SUTURE AND ANCHOR FOR PERIODONTAL PROCEDURES AND METHOD OF USING THE SAME - A suture system that includes at least one suture having an end portion, a loop portion configured to be disposed about a fixed point and an anchor configured to be connected to the end portion for anchoring the suture to tissue adjacent to the fixed point, wherein the loop portion of the suture is disposed about the fixed point so as to reduce a gap between the tissue and the fixed point. A kit including at least one suture system, a surgical tool for manipulating the suture and written instructions of use are disclosed. A method for using the suture system is also described. | 2011-12-22 |
| 20110313432 | APPLICATOR FOR SURGICAL CLIPS - A hand-operable surgical clip applicator ( | 2011-12-22 |
| 20110313433 | LAPAROSCOPIC SUTURE DEVICE WITH ASYNCHRONOUS IN-LINE NEEDLE MOVEMENT - An apparatus comprises a shaft, a needle throwing arm, and a needle receiving arm. The arms are movable asynchronously along planes that are substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis defined by the shaft. The arms selectively engage a surgical needle, such that the throwing arm may pass the surgical needle through tissue for receipt by the receiving arm, and the receiving arm may then pass the surgical needle back to the throwing arm for additional stitching. The arms may pivot about a common pivot. Such versions may include a single actuator for both arms or separate actuators for the arms. The arms may also pivot about their own respective axles, which may facilitate a forward reset motion for a needle, allowing the needle to continue travelling along a circular path in a single direction to create several stitches. The apparatus may also convert reciprocating movement of actuators into rotational motion. | 2011-12-22 |
| 20110313434 | TENSIONING DEVICE AND METHODS FOR USE - A tensioning device is provided comprising a locking device. The locking device comprises a locking enclosure comprising a groove and a locking pin comprising teeth. The tensioning device further comprises a suture comprising first and second portions. The first and second portions of the suture and the locking pin are positioned within the groove of the locking enclosure and the locking pin is movable within the groove between a first, outer position in which the teeth are disengaged from the suture so that the locking device is movable along the first and second portions of the suture and a second, inner position in which the teeth are engaged with the suture so that the locking device is not movable along the suture. Methods for treating mitral valve regurgitation are also provided. | 2011-12-22 |
| 20110313435 | SUTURE BUCKLE WITH SELECTIVE FRICTION - A tensioning device for holding separated members/tissues in contact with one another. The device comprises a frame having opposing first and second sides and a lower surface and an upper surface, and a band for extending around the separated tissues to be held together in conjunction with the frame. The band has two ends releasably attached to the sides of the frame. When the ends are secured to the sides of the frame, the band establishes a path of tension along its length that extends linearly between the two ends of the band. | 2011-12-22 |
| 20110313436 | IN VIVO DEVICE FOR IMPROVING DIASTOLIC VENTRICULAR FUNCTION - The present invention provides an in vivo device for improving diastolic function of the heart, comprising: at least one elastic component that may be operatively connected to the external surface of the left or right ventricle of the heart by means of connecting elements, wherein said elastic component comprises essentially longitudinal members arranged such that the lateral separation therebetween may be increased or decreased in response to elastic deformation of said elastic component, and wherein said essentially longitudinal members are arranged such that said elastic component is curved in both the vertical and horizontal planes, such that its inner surface may be adapted to the curvature of the external ventricular surface of the heart, such that said elastic component is capable of exerting both radially outward expansive and tangentially-directed forces on the external surface of the cardiac ventricle. | 2011-12-22 |
| 20110313437 | VASCULAR CLAMP STRUCTURE - An improved vascular clamp structure is comprised of a clip body and two clipping pieces, all of which constitute a vascular clamp used cooperatively for medical clamping pliers. The clip body is arranged with a bridge part, and from two ends of which a clipping part extends respectively and making one side of the clip body forming an opening; the clipping piece is arranged with a clipping body with a fitting slot. The fitting slot and the clipping part can be assembled together. Both adjacent faces of the clipping bodies are respectively arranged with a groove and at least one male or female fastener inter-buckled together. Wherein, the clip body is set as a memory metal. By arranging clipping pieces, the vascular clamp of the present invention enhances the frictional areas of inter-contact. Arranging male and female fasteners at the adjacent faces of clipping pieces also enhances the clipping force, and effectively improves the slipping drawback of traditional vascular clamp. In addition, the vascular clamp is made of memory metal; by the separation of male and female fasteners, the vascular clamp further possesses the function of dismantlement. | 2011-12-22 |
| 20110313438 | LANCING DEVICE WITH TETHERED DEPTH-CONTROL MECHANISM - A lancing device having a housing with a proximal end, a distal end and a longitudinal axis. The lancing device also has a lancet carrier translatably supported with respect to the housing. The lancet carrier has a proximal end and a distal end. The lancing device additionally has a depth-control mechanism with a positioning tab adapted to engage the housing, and a tether secured with respect to the positioning tab and the lancet carrier. | 2011-12-22 |
| 20110313439 | DISPOSABLE LANCING DEVICE - A disposable lancing device including: a lancet housed in a housing and urged by a spring member such that a puncture member provided at a distal end of the lancet is adapted to extend out from the housing so as to carry out a puncturing operation; a locking ring disposed within the housing such that the lancet is allowed to displace in an extension direction through the locking ring; a locking protrusion provided to the lancet and adapted to be engaged by the locking ring so as to hold the lancet in a puncture-ready position located deep in the housing with the spring member being compressed; and an operating member adapted to carry out the puncturing operation by rotating the locking ring so as to disengage the locking protrusion from the locking ring and displace the lancet in the extension direction by means of the spring member. | 2011-12-22 |
| 20110313440 | SKIN PRICKING DEVICE - According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a skin pricking device. The device comprises a housing ( | 2011-12-22 |
| 20110313441 | METHOD OF PERFORMING SOOJICHIM ACUPUNCTURE USING BODYCOPY - The present invention disclosed a method of performing Soojichim acupuncture on oneself using a copy of the person's body. The method includes: making an instantaneous molding of any one of hand and foot of the person requiring Soojichim acupuncture; forming a copy of the body on the basis of the instantaneous molding; | 2011-12-22 |
| 20110313442 | EXTRALUMINAL BALLOON DISSECTION - The present invention provides balloon dissection apparatus and methods of use in which an elongate balloon is utilized to dissect along a region that follows a naturally existing path alongside a vessel or structure, such as an artery, a vein, a lymphatic vessel, the trachea, the esophagus, or even a nerve bundle. | 2011-12-22 |
| 20110313443 | OCCLUSIVE DEVICE WITH STRETCH RESISTANT MEMBER AND ANCHOR FILAMENT - A stretch-resistant occlusive device, and method of manufacturing such a device, having a helically wound coil defining a coil lumen extending along the entire axial length of the coil from a proximal end portion to a distal end portion. The device further includes a headpiece having a proximal end, a distal end attached to the proximal end portion of the coil, and a headpiece lumen extending between the proximal and distal ends of the headpiece. An anchor filament extends through the headpiece lumen, has at least one proximal end secured to the proximal end of the headpiece, and has a distal portion defining an eye positioned distal to the distal end of the headpiece. A stretch resistant member is positioned within the coil lumen, has a proximal portion extending through the eye, and has at least one distal end secured to the distal end of the coil. | 2011-12-22 |
| 20110313444 | Method Of Removing A Vein Filter - A method of removing an implanted vessel filter by a femoral approach comprising the steps of providing a catheter, inserting a curved device into the catheter to a position proximal of the tip, advancing the catheter tip through the femoral vein and past a cranial end of the filter, inserting the curved device into the catheter tip to move the catheter tip to a more curved position, and inserting a filter grasping device though the curved device and catheter tip to exit a distal portion to grasp the filter. | 2011-12-22 |
| 20110313445 | EMBOLIC PROTECTION DURING PERCUTANEOUS HEART VALVE REPLACEMENT AND SIMILAR PROCEDURES - Various devices are described to provide filtering of flow from the aorta to the left carotid artery and the right carotid artery. The filters can be brought into a desired position through one or more peripheral arteries. A single filter device can provide the desired filtering or a plurality of devices can be used. In particular a single filter device can span between the brachiocephalic artery and the left carotid artery. These filter devices can be used effectively to capture emboli generated during procedures on the heart so that emboli do not travel to the patient's brain where the emboli can cause a stroke or other adverse event. In particular, these filters can be used during percutaneous procedures on the heart, such as endovascular heart valve replacement. | 2011-12-22 |
| 20110313446 | Cardiac Valve Procedure Methods and Devices - A method of performing an endovascular procedure within a patient can include inserting a filter into the patient's vascular system to restrict the passage of emboli through the filter while allowing blood to flow through the filter. The method can also include inserting a prosthetic valve into the patient's vascular system in a compressed state, and advancing the prosthetic valve to a site of implantation upstream of the filter. Additionally, the method includes implanting the prosthetic valve at the site of implantation by expanding at least a portion of the prosthetic valve, and removing the filter from the patient's vascular system. | 2011-12-22 |
| 20110313447 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MECHANICALLY POSITIONING INTRAVASCULAR IMPLANTS - An intravascular implant delivery system carries an implant by retaining an engagement member engaging the implant in a position proximal of an aperture at a distal end of the delivery system. The engagement member is retained proximal to the aperture by a cord that obstructs the movement of the engagement member through the aperture. The engagement member is free to rotate and move within an area defined by the delivery system, allowing the implant to react to forces imparted to the implant by the movement of the delivery system and implant through a delivery catheter. Once the implant is in a desired implant position, the cord is moved away from an aperture and the engagement member is allowed to move away from the delivery system. | 2011-12-22 |
| 20110313448 | Wall mounted back massage "RINO" - RINO's is a wall mounted back massaging apparatus. Its designed with two-protruding digits that extend from a flat base. Spaced at an angle of sixty degrees to safely apply relief to pressure points on both sides of the spinal cord at once. Attachable to a wall with the use of Velcro. Unibody construction for durability. The idea is to be able to self erase tension in the muscles in your back. The amount of pressure depends on the user's body weight and the angle in which placement of their feet are from the wall. (The greater the distance of the user's feet from the wall, the deeper the muscle tissue massage) | 2011-12-22 |
| 20110313449 | Scissor Bias for Direct Pull Surgical Instrument - A surgical end effector includes a clevis having a first end to be supported by an elongated tube-like member and two jaws, each having a pivot portion and a working portion. The pivot portions are rotatably coupled to the clevis by two spaced apart pivots. The working portions may include a cutting edge that provide a shearing action as the first and second jaws rotate about their respective pivots. The pivot portion and the working portion of each jaw may be on opposite sides of a bisecting plane. A flexible cable or wire may be coupled to each jaw and extend through a guide way in the other jaw, between the first and second pivots, and through the first end of the clevis. One or more springs may urge the working portions together. A rocking pin pivotally supported by the clevis may constrain the jaws to have opposite motions. | 2011-12-22 |
| 20110313450 | HEMOSTATIC PATCH - The present disclosure relates to a surgical patch and methods of using the same. The surgical patch includes a body having a substrate, a longitudinal slit bisecting at least a portion of the body, and at least one additional slit extending from the longitudinal slit defining a retractable section. The surgical patch of the disclosure may be used, for example, to provide hemostasis at a site of anastomosis. | 2011-12-22 |
| 20110313451 | CLOSURE DEVICE WITH STRING RETRACTABLE UMBRELLA AND METHOD FOR CLOSING A BODY OPENING WITH THE SAME - A method for closing a body opening in a patient is disclosed. The method comprises positioning a delivery catheter within the body opening. The delivery catheter includes a closure device comprising a distal occluding body and a proximal occluding body. The closure device is collapsibly disposed within a distal end of the delivery catheter. The method further includes deploying the closure device from the delivery catheter about the body opening such that a distal frame of the distal occluding body expands to its expanded configuration at a distal end of the body opening and a proximal frame of the proximal occluding body expands to its expanded configuration at an opposing proximal end of the body opening. | 2011-12-22 |
| 20110313452 | CLOSURE DEVICE AND METHODS FOR MAKING AND USING THEM - A clip for engaging tissue includes a generally annular-shaped body defining a plane and disposed about a central axis extending normal to the plane. The body includes alternating inner and outer curved regions, defining a zigzag pattern about a periphery of the clip. The body is biased towards a planar configuration lying in the plane and deflectable towards a transverse configuration extending out of the plane. Tines extend from the inner curved regions, the tines being oriented towards the central axis in the planar configuration, and parallel to the central axis in the transverse configuration. The tines may include primary tines and secondary tines that are shorter than the primary tines. The primary tines may be disposed on opposing inner curved regions and oriented towards one another such that they overlap in the planar configuration. | 2011-12-22 |
| 20110313453 | BONE ANCHOR COMPRISING A SHAPE MEMORY ELEMENT AND UTILIZING TEMPERATURE TRANSITION TO SECURE THE BONE ANCHOR IN BONE - A bone anchor that uses temperature transition of a shape memory material to expand the anchor within a bone. Thermal transformation of the metallic crystal state (and hence the stress/strain properties) of shape memory alloy (e.g., Nitinol, NiTi) expands engagement elements within the bone to fix the bone anchor in place. Various self-locking assemblies for attached suture material to the bone anchor are also disclosed. | 2011-12-22 |
| 20110313454 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR ACHILLES TENDON REPAIR - Apparatus and methods for Achilles tendon repair are described where an elongate tendon repair assembly may be introduced into a single incision to access the damaged tissue. The assembly may define a channel for receiving a portion of the tendon and which may provide support to the tissue during repair. One or more retractable needles each carrying a length of suture may be deployed within the channel for piercing through the tendon and a cinching member may secure each of the suture lengths for tensioning the suture against the damaged tendon. Once the suture lengths have been deployed, the needles may be retracted and the device removed from the incision. | 2011-12-22 |
| 20110313455 | METHOD FOR DOUBLE ROW FIXATION OF TENDON TO BONE - A system and method for soft tissue to bone repair employing at least one suture anchor combined with at least one knotless fixation device. The method for soft tissue to bone fixation includes: (i) providing a first medial row constructed with a first plurality of fixation devices, at least one of the first plurality of fixation devices is an anchor; and (ii) providing a second lateral row constructed with a second plurality of fixation devices, at least one of the second plurality of fixation devices is a knotless fixation device, and suture or tape or allograft/biological component extending over the soft tissue and secured in place by the anchors in the first and second medial rows. | 2011-12-22 |
| 20110313456 | VERTEBRAL FACET JOINT PROSTHESIS AND METHOD OF FIXATION - Devices and methods for altering the spacing and motion at the facet joints of the vertebral column are provided. One embodiment of the invention comprises a prosthesis with surfaces configured to articulate with the facets of the facet joint. A retaining member for anchoring the prosthesis within the facet joint is optionally included. Methods for surgically and less invasively implanting the prosthesis and securing the prosthesis to the articular processes or surrounding soft tissue are also provided. | 2011-12-22 |
| 20110313457 | SPINAL SPACER FOR CERVICAL AND OTHER VERTEBRA, AND ASSOCIATED SYSTEMS AND METHODS - Spinal spacers for cervical and other vertebra, and associated systems and methods are disclosed. A device in accordance with a particular embodiment includes a hook member having a hook positioned to extend in a first direction, a post carried by the hook member and extending axially in a second direction transverse to the first direction, and a cam surface carried by the hook member. An actuator device is movably engaged with the post, and a spinal spacer is pivotably coupled to one of the actuator device and the post. The spinal spacer is axially movable relative to the hook member and has a spacing element in contact with the cam surface to pivot outwardly away from the post as the actuator device moves. | 2011-12-22 |
| 20110313458 | Spinal Clips For Interspinous Decompression - A spinal clip for creating a potential space within the spinal canal and thus stabilizing the spine without the need for additional spinal components is embodied in different forms. The spinal clips are configured to provide a clamping or holding force against and/or to the spinous processes, transverse processes and/or the lamina of adjacent vertebrae. In one form, the spinous process clips utilize pivoting to effect clamping or holding. In another form, the spinous process clips utilize rotation to effect clamping or holding. Such rotation may be between clamping or holding members or via a screw system. In yet another form, the spinous process clips utilize ratcheting to effect clamping or holding. In a still further form, the spinous process clips utilize expansion to effect clamping or holding. Depending on the form of clamping or holding, the spinous process clips can provide infinite adjustment of the clamping or holding force within an adjustment range, or provide discrete steps or levels of the clamping or holding force. | 2011-12-22 |
| 20110313459 | Dynamic Spine Stabilizer - A dynamic spine stabilizer moves under the control of spinal motion providing increased mechanical support within a central zone corresponding substantially to the neutral zone of the injured spine. The dynamic spine stabilizer includes a support assembly and a resistance assembly associated with the support assembly. The resistance assembly generates greater increase in mechanical force during movement within the central zone and lesser increase in mechanical force during movement beyond the central zone. A method for using the stabilizer is also disclosed. | 2011-12-22 |
| 20110313460 | System for Percutaneously Fixing a Connecting Rod to a Spine - A system for percutaneously fixing a connecting rod to vertebrae comprises first and second bone screws, each with a corresponding hollow bone screw extension mounted thereto, and a connecting rod of length sized for simultaneous receipt in the yokes of the bone screws. A rod introducer is provided for inserting the connecting rod into slots of the screw extensions and into the yokes of the bone screws. A rod persuader may also be provided that is attachable to at least one of the screw extensions, the rod persuader being operable to engage the connecting rod and urge the rod into the slot of the yoke of the corresponding bone screws. A rod detector may also be provided for insertion one of the screw extensions, the rod detector having an indicator sensing the presence of a rod in the slot of the yoke of at least one of the bone screws. | 2011-12-22 |
| 20110313461 | FLEXIBLE SPINAL STABILIZATION ELEMENT AND SYSTEM - Systems and devices for providing dynamic stabilization of one or more spinal motion segments are provided. The systems include a connecting element between two or more bone anchor assemblies that can be attached to two or more vertebral bodies of at least one spinal motion segment. The connecting element includes a first end, a second end, an intermediate resilient element and a sheathed tether extending from the first end to the second end and through the resilient intermediate element. | 2011-12-22 |
| 20110313462 | CONTROL OF INNATE SYSTEMS TO REMODEL SPINAL CANAL CROSS-SECTIONAL AREA - Retracting a resected dorsal portion of a vertabra from a disk bearing ventral portion whereby the spinal canal cross section area of the vertabra is increased and then fixing the separated vertabra portions together while maintaing a gap thereby maintaining the larger cross sectional area. | 2011-12-22 |
| 20110313463 | Method of Percutaneously Fixing a Connecting Rod to a Spine - A method of attaching an extension to a bone anchor for use in percutaneous spinal surgery is provided that comprises the steps of: providing a bone anchor including a first portion for attachment to a vertebra and a second portion for attachment to a connecting element, the bone anchor including an extension coupling surface; providing an elongate hollow extension having a distal end and a proximal end, the extension having a rotationally movable anchor engaging member projecting radially from the distal end thereof; placing the distal end of the extension adjacent the bone anchor; and rotating the anchor engaging member to engage the extension coupling surface on the anchor and couple the extension and the bone anchor. | 2011-12-22 |
| 20110313464 | METHOD FOR FIXING A CONNECTING ROD TO A THORACIC SPINE - A method of attaching a curved rod to a plurality of pedicle screws in the thoracic region of the spine is disclosed. Preferably, the method is practiced in a procedure for percutaneously fixing the rod to the pedicle screws through slots formed through a plurality of screw extensions releasably attached respectively to the pedicle screws. The method includes the steps of releasably and pivotally attaching the curved rod to a rod introducer having a handle and holding the rod initially in a fixed position. The rod is introduced in the fixed position through the slots in the extensions with the rod curvature defining a lordotic angle relative to the spine. The rod is released from the fixed position without separating the rod from the introducer. While the rod is in the released position the handle is rotated 180° thereby rotating the rod to a kyphotic angle relative to the thoracic region of the spine. | 2011-12-22 |
| 20110313465 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SPINAL STABILIZATION - A method and apparatus of limiting at least one degree of movement between a superior vertebrae and an inferior vertebrae of a patient includes advancing a distal end of a stabilization device made of a bio-absorbable material, such as cortical bone, into a pedicle of the inferior vertebrae. A proximal portion of the stabilization device is positioned such that the proximal portion limits at least one degree of movement between a superior vertebrae and an inferior vertebrae by contacting a surface of the superior vertebrae. | 2011-12-22 |
| 20110313466 | Spinal Facet Bone Screw System - A spinal facet bone screw system provides tactile feedback to the user during installation to aid in determining when one or more components of the spinal facet bone screw system have been installed or implanted. The spinal facet bone screw system has a spinal facet screw and a washer. Tactile installation feedback is provided at an interface between a friction surface of the head of the spinal facet screw and a friction surface of the pocket of the washer to determine when the spinal facet screw has reached its full insertion depth. The bottom or undersurface of the washer that abuts a spinal facet bone or other spinal component during installation may be configured and/or textured to further provide tactile installation feedback as between the washer and the bone or other spinal component. | 2011-12-22 |
| 20110313467 | Interspinous Dynamic Stabilization Implant and Method of Implanting - Devices and methods for treating spinal disorders and associated discomfort therefrom. In one embodiment, an interspinous implant device is configured for distracting an adjacent pair of spinous processes while permitting relative flexion, lateral bending and side rotation motions between the vertebrae joined to the adjacent pair of spinous processes. A method of treating spinal disorders and associated discomfort therefrom, includes inserting an interspinous device between a pair of adjacent spinous processes such that a superior portion of the device contacts an inferior surface of the relatively superior spinous process of the pair, and an inferior portion of the of the device contacts a superior surface of the relatively inferior spinous process of the pair; and distracting the superior and inferior portions, relative to one another, thereby distracting the spinous processes, whereby vertebrae integral with the spinous processes retain capability of flexion, lateral bending and side rotation motions, relative to one another, after the distraction has been performed. | 2011-12-22 |
| 20110313468 | BONE SCREW RETAINING AND REMOVAL SYSTEM - A bone screw retention system is provided for a plate which defines a plurality of transversely extending bores that are configured to receive a bone screw for engaging the plate to the cervical spine. One or more retention members, having an elliptical, arcuate, straight, or other shape, can be positioned therein a cavity of the plate such that portions of the retention member(s) extend into a portion of an upper region of each bore to retain a bone screw therein. A bone screw removal device is provided, having at least one tongue member configured to selectively displace the one or more retention members to allow the bone screw to be removed from the respective bore. | 2011-12-22 |
| 20110313469 | BONE SCREW SYSTEM - A set of screws sized and configured for fixing a Jones fracture in a fifth metatarsal bone of a patient by preserving a bone thread path. Each screw has a low profile head on a trailing end, a thread portion on a leading portion, and a smooth shank portion between the head portion and the thread portion. A first screw has a thread major diameter of between about 4.4-4.6 mm, a second screw a thread major diameter of between about 5.4-5.6 mm, and a third screw a thread major diameter of between about 6.4-6.6 mm. The thread portion of all the screws in the set has a set of identical thread profile characteristics comprising a pitch, a leading edge angle, a trailing edge angle, a leading edge radius, a trailing edge radius, and a land. Each screw size is provided in various preferred lengths. | 2011-12-22 |
| 20110313470 | Pedicle Screw Extension for Use in Percutaneous Spinal Fixation - A bone screw extension assembly for use in placing a connecting rod percutaneously into tissue of a patient comprises a multi-axial bone screw and a screw extension releasably coupled to yoke of the bone screw. The screw extension includes coaxially disposed outer sleeve and inner sleeves that are rotatable relative to each other. A screw engaging member projects radially from the distal end the inner sleeve and is configured to engage an extension coupling surface on the outer sleeve upon relative. A securement member including cooperative surfaces is defined adjacent the distal end of the inner and outer sleeves that is operable upon relative radially secure the sleeves together to thereby maintain the engagement of the screw engaging member and the bone screw. | 2011-12-22 |
| 20110313471 | SCREW DRIVER FOR A MULTIAXIAL BONE SCREW - A screwdriver for driving a multi-axial bone screw into a vertebra of the spine in one configuration includes an elongate shaft defining a driving tip at its distal end for engaging the head of the bone screw for joint rotational movement. The screw driver also includes an outer sleeve within which the inner shaft rotates freely. The outer retention sleeve releasably attaches to the yoke of the bone screw. Rotation of the inner shaft enables rotation of the bone screw threaded shank while the outer sleeve and yoke remain fixed. In another configuration, instead of the outer retention sleeve the screwdriver comprises a screw engagement member affixed to the shaft for joint rotational movement therewith, the screw engagement member comprising a stop sized to seat within a slot of the bone screw yoke, the stop being configured to rotate the yoke upon rotation shaft. A releasable retention member is provided on the screw engagement member for releasably attaching the screwdriver to the bone screw. Rotation of the shaft with the affixed screw engagement member causes common rotation of the entire bone screw including the threaded shank and the yoke. | 2011-12-22 |
| 20110313472 | POLYAXIAL FACET FIXATION SCREW SYSTEM WITH FIXATION AUGMENTATION - A screw system includes a screw and a washer assembly captive to the screw. The washer assembly is polyaxially pivotable relative to the screw. The screw may be freely rotated in one direction relative to the washer assembly, but frictionally binds with the washer assembly when rotated in a second direction. Various auxiliary fixation features are disclosed. | 2011-12-22 |
| 20110313473 | SCREW FOR OSTEOSYNTHESIS AND ARTHRODESIS - The invention relates to a self-tapping and self-boring osteosynthesis screw for compressive orthopaedic surgery, characterised in that, in the bone engagement regions, at both the distal portion (A | 2011-12-22 |
| 20110313474 | Lock and release mechanism for a sternal clamp - An engagement mechanism for a sternal clamp, the mechanism allowing for an open status where the clamp may be lengthened or shortened, a closing status where the clamp may only be shortened, and a locked status where the clamp cannot be lengthened or shortened, and wherein the device can be disposed in the locked status in differing overall lengths. The sternal clamp having a pair of rib plate members for affixation to the ribs. | 2011-12-22 |
| 20110313475 | Introducer for Inserting a Connecting Rod into a Spine - An introducer is provided for inserting a connecting rod into tissue of a spine that comprises an outer sleeve with an actuatable rod attachment portion at a distal end thereof to releasably pivotally attach to a connecting rod, and an elongate inner shaft movable translationally within the outer sleeve. The proximal end of the shaft is coupled to an actuation mechanism for selectively translating the inner shaft. The distal end of the shaft includes a rod engagement surface that is movable y the actuation mechanism to a first position to engage a cooperative engagement surface on the rod to hold the rod in a selected locked orientation, to a second position to space the rod engagement surface from the cooperative engagement surface of the rod to allow pivoting of the rod, and to a third position to release the rod from the outer sleeve. | 2011-12-22 |
| 20110313476 | Apparatus and Method for Detecting a Connecting Rod During Percutaneous Surgery - An apparatus for detecting the presence of a connecting rod during percutaneous spinal surgery comprises a tubular member and an elongate strip extending therethrough. The strip has a flag at the proximal end and an elastically flexible rod detection tip projecting outwardly from the distal end for contacting a connecting rod. The strip is supported in the tubular member for pivoting movement relative to the longitudinal axis of the member. A biasing member biases the strip to a first position in which the flag is adjacent a first side of the tubular member and the detection tip at the distal end is adjacent an opposite second side. Upon application of a force to elastically flex the detection tip, in which the force is sufficient to overcome the bias, the flag is shifted to a second position adjacent the second side of the tubular member. | 2011-12-22 |
| 20110313477 | Surgical Instrument and Method for the Distraction or Compression of Bones - A surgical instrument for the distraction or compression of bones or bone portions comprises a pair of elongate cross members pivotally coupled for relative movement having at one end a respective pair of handles and at the other end a respective pair of jaws. The jaws are generally parallel to each other and define a first plane within which the jaws are relatively movable, the space on both sides of the plane defining a work space between the jaws. The instrument further comprises a fulcrum supported by at least one of the cross members projecting into the work space and having an axis spaced from the jaws. | 2011-12-22 |
| 20110313478 | SURGICAL GUIDING DEVICE FOR RECONSTRUCTION OF ANTERIOR CRUCIATE LIGAMENT - A surgical guiding device is provided for reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament, including a guide arm and a guide hook extending away from the arm. The guide arm is constructed in the form of an arc, supports a mounting that is slidable on the guide arm and has a fixing device for an alignment wire that is separate from the mounting. | 2011-12-22 |
| 20110313479 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR HUMAN ANATOMIC MAPPING AND POSITIONING AND THERAPY TARGETING - A method of image processing, comprising obtaining a three-dimensional standard animal body image having three intersecting two-dimensional planes and comprising an anatomical landmark; obtaining a three-dimensional radiographic image of a patient animal having a corresponding anatomical landmark; and comparing the standard animal body image with the radiographic image by: identifying the location of the anatomical landmark on one two-dimensional plane in the standard animal body image; automatically propagating the identified location of the anatomical landmark to the other two two-dimensional planes in the standard animal body image; identifying the location of the anatomical landmark in the radiographic image of the patient animal; and morphing the radiographic image of the patient animal to the standard animal body image by deforming the radiographic image of the patient animal to cause the locations of the landmark on the radiographic image and the standard animal body image to overlap. | 2011-12-22 |
| 20110313480 | CARDIOVERTOR/DEFIBRILLATOR - Cardiovertor/defibrillator with electronics ( | 2011-12-22 |
| 20110313481 | NOSE STIMULATOR FOR PRODUCING A STIMULATION SIGNAL TO A NOSE - An electronic stimulation system has ?a casing ( | 2011-12-22 |
| 20110313482 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ENHANCED VENOUS RETURN FLOW DURING CARDIAC EVENT - Systems and methods of enhancing cardiopulmonary circulation in a subject during resuscitation are provided. A signal is received responsive to an induced heart compression that is applied to the subject, for example during ventricular fibrillation, an asystolic condition, or cardiac arrest. Responsive to receipt of the signal, a muscle distal subject's heart is electrically stimulated to contract and expel blood into the venous blood flow toward a heart of the subject. | 2011-12-22 |
| 20110313483 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING NEUROSTIMULATION USING EVOKED RESPONSES - A neurostimulation system provides for capture verification and stimulation intensity adjustment to ensure effectiveness of vagus nerve stimulation in modulating one or more target functions in a patient. In various embodiments, stimulation is applied to the vagus nerve, and evoked responses are detected to verify that the stimulation captures the vagus nerve and to adjust one or more stimulation parameters that control the stimulation intensity. | 2011-12-22 |
| 20110313484 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING NEUROSTIMULATION USING EVOKED PHYSIOLOGIC EVENTS - A neurostimulation system provides for capture verification and stimulation intensity adjustment to ensure effectiveness of vagus nerve stimulation in modulating one or more target functions in a patient. In various embodiments, stimulation is applied to the vagus nerve, and evoked responses are detected to verify that the stimulation captures the vagus nerve and to adjust one or more stimulation parameters that control the stimulation intensity. | 2011-12-22 |
| 20110313485 | GUIDED PROGRAMMING WITH FEEDBACK - Techniques that involve generating test stimulation programs based upon specific patient feedback to guide the programming process for stimulation therapy are described. The patient describes positive effects and adverse effects of the test stimulation by listing and/or rating specific types of effects, both positive and adverse, and the location of each effect. In this manner, a programming device, i.e. a programmer, uses the feedback to generate subsequent test stimulation programs. Initially, programs with unipolar electrode configurations are tested, but the programmer may generate bipolar electrode configurations to test if the patient rates the unipolar electrode combinations poorly. After the stimulation programs are tested and rated, the programmer sorts the tested programs based upon the feedback and presents the tested programs to the user. The user selects the best tested program to use for chronic stimulation therapy. Additionally, the patient may utilize the guided programming technique for continued therapy optimization. | 2011-12-22 |
| 20110313486 | Wireless Visual Prosthesis with Remote Driver and Coil - The present invention is wireless visual prosthesis with a remote driver for the external coils this, among other things, provides for a magnetic resonance image (MRI) safe visual prosthesis. fMRI is an effective tool for analyzing cortical responses to neural stimulation, such as from a visual prosthesis. However, the external electronics of a visual prosthesis cannot operate in a MRI field. The present invention provides a radio frequency shielded link between a video processing unit, driver circuitry and the coils used for communicating with the implantable portion of the visual prosthesis. | 2011-12-22 |
| 20110313487 | Clinician programmer system and method for steering volumes of activation - A system and method for selection of stimulation parameters for Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) may include a processor that displays in a display device and in relation to a displayed model of a leadwire including model electrodes, a current field corresponding to a first stimulation parameter set, provides a user interface for receipt of user input representing a shift of the current field, in response to the user input, moves, in the display device, the current field with respect to the displayed model, determines a second stimulation parameter set that results in the moved current field, and outputs the second stimulation parameter set and/or sets a stimulation device with the second stimulation parameter set, where the stimulation device is configured for performing a stimulation using the leadwire in accordance with the second stimulation parameter set. | 2011-12-22 |
| 20110313488 | AUTOMATIC NEURAL STIMULATION TITRATION SWEEP - Various neural stimulator embodiments comprise controller circuitry, neural stimulation output circuitry, sensor circuitry and a memory. The neural stimulation output circuitry is configured to deliver the neural stimulation. The controller circuitry is configured to control stimulation parameters of the neural stimulation delivered by the neural stimulation output circuitry. The sensor circuitry, including at least one sensor, is configured to sense a response to the neural stimulation. The controller is configured to communicate with the sensor circuitry. The memory has instructions stored therein, operable on by the controller circuitry. The instructions include instructions for delivering neural stimulation using the neural stimulation output circuitry, instructions for controlling a titration sweep wherein the titration sweep varies stimulation parameter values, and instructions for monitoring a response to the titration sweep and automatically selecting stimulation parameters that provide an efficacious neural stimulation and provide a desirable safety margin to prevent injury to neural tissue. | 2011-12-22 |
| 20110313489 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING COMPLEX TISSUE STIMULATION PATTERNS - The invention relates to a stimulation device for creating complex or multi-purpose tissue stimulation. Many typical stimulation devices suffer from deficiencies in providing complex stimulation patterns. Using a circuitry operable or programmable to repeat and skip stimulation settings, a complex stimulation set may be created. The repeating and skipping functionality may be implemented in hardware or software. In this manner, complex stimulations may be derived from simple circuitries. Furthermore, these stimulations may be used to treat pain, stimulate bone growth, and control motor disorders, among others. | 2011-12-22 |
