| 53rd week of 2009 patent applcation highlights part 64 |
| Patent application number | Title | Published |
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| 20090326470 | Anchor Device and Method - Some embodiments of an anchor device may include bendable anchor mechanism that is deployable in a subcutaneous layer to releasably secure the anchor device to a patient's body. Certain embodiments of the anchor mechanism may include one or more barbs that flexibly bend in response to an insertion or removal force. As such, the anchor mechanism may be inserted into a subcutaneous layer, and removed from the subcutaneous layer, without the need for a separate actuation device to extend or retract the barbs. | 2009-12-31 |
| 20090326471 | ANCHORING SCREW DEVICE - The present invention, the ASD, is a mechanical device for anchoring hollow tube-like structures in the human body, such as blood vessels and ureters. It facilates positioning needles or catheters in blood vessels and it prevents those from dropping out of the vessel or from “wandering off” in the vessel. The ASD can be used in every interventional medical situation for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. The ASD is very easy to fix onto the vessel wall. Screwing is a fast technique saving operating time and requiring only basic microsurgical skills. The manufacturing is easy. It should be understood that the foregoing is illustrative and nor limiting, and that modifications may be made by those skilled in the art, without departing from the scope of the invention. | 2009-12-31 |
| 20090326472 | DISPOSABLE INFUSION DEVICE WITH AUTOMATICALLY RELEASABLE CANNULA DRIVER - An infusion system comprises a disposable wearable infusion device having a body arranged to be adhered to a patient's skin and a reservoir for holding a liquid medicament to be infused into the patient through a cannula extending from the device body to beneath the patient's skin. The system further includes a cannula driver arranged to be detachably joined with the infusion device and including a cannula. The cannula driver is arranged to drive the cannula into a deployed position extending from the device body to beneath the patient's skin. The cannula driver includes a release mechanism that separates the cannula driver from the infusion device after the cannula is in the deployed position. | 2009-12-31 |
| 20090326473 | SYSTEM FOR ANCHORING MEDICAL DEVICES - Some embodiments of a medical device anchor system include an anchor device that receives a catheter (or other medical instrument) and secures the catheter in place relative to a skin penetration point. In some embodiments, the anchor device can secure the catheter in an operative position relative to the skin without the use of sutures or skin tapes. | 2009-12-31 |
| 20090326474 | UNIVERSAL STRAP DEVICE - An anchoring system secures a medical article to the body of a patient and arrests movement of the catheter. The anchoring system includes an anchor pad that adheres to the patient's skin, a retainer supported by the anchor pad, and a strap attached to the retainer. The anchoring system can move between an open and a closed position. When in the open position, the retainer can receive a portion of the medical article and can be subsequently moved to the closed position. Advantageously, the anchoring system can receive medical articles of various sizes. | 2009-12-31 |
| 20090326475 | Syringe Assembly with Plunger Having a Secondary Dispensing Reservoir - A syringe assembly is disclosed which includes a syringe body defining a first fluid reservoir and a fluid outlet. A plunger assembly includes a plunger rod and a plunger. The plunger is supported on a distal end of the plunger rod and defines a second fluid reservoir. The plunger is movable within the syringe body from a retracted position to an advanced position to eject fluid from the first fluid reservoir. A piercing member is supported on a distal end of the plunger rod within the second fluid reservoir. The piercing member is movable to pierce the plunger to eject fluid from the second fluid reservoir when a predetermined force is applied to the plunger in the advanced position. | 2009-12-31 |
| 20090326476 | Safety Device Actuation System - The present disclosure relates to a safety needle assembly that includes a syringe and a safety mechanism. The safety mechanism includes a housing defining an internal cavity, a shield member at least partially disposed within the internal cavity, and first and second locking members that are configured to selectively engage and maintain the shield member in one or more predetermined positions. The locking members are movable between a locked position, in which the locking members are in engagement with the shield member to substantially prevent axial movement thereof, and a release position, in which the locking members are disengaged from the shield member to permit axial movement thereof. The first and second locking members each include biasing members. The biasing member of the each locking member is positioned to cooperate with the other locking member to normally bias the locking members towards the locked position. | 2009-12-31 |
| 20090326477 | Medical Needle Safety Devices - A safety device for shielding the sharp tip of a medical needle has a needle mount which either directly supports a medical needle, or indirectly supports the needle for instance where the needle is provided as a part of a syringe. A sleeve is carried directly or indirectly on the needle mount and is slidably movable to a needle shielding position where the sleeve surrounds the needle sharp tip. A spring including forwardly projecting spring blades when sufficiently loaded acts on an internal conical surface of the sleeve to drive the sleeve to its shielding position and a locking mechanism then locks the sleeve in that position. A camming mechanism serves to load the spring blades in the course of the use of the safety device such that thereafter the interaction of the blades with the conical surface urges the sleeve to its shielding position, the camming mechanism being activated by movement of the sleeve to expose the needle for use. | 2009-12-31 |
| 20090326478 | Syringe-attached topical anesthetic dispenser - A topical anesthetic dispenser is releasably attachable to a pre-filled disposable syringe. A clip receives the barrel of the syringe. The clip includes a receptacle portion receiving a pre-filled cannister of a topical numbing agent and includes a generally cylindrical chamber portion receivable within the receptacle portion of the clip and a distal neck portion having an outlet allowing the contents of the cannister to be dispensed. A dispenser attached to the distal neck portion of the cannister includes an elongated flexible tube surrounded by a rigid tube for at least a portion of its length. A pivotable lever carries a tube compressor including a pinching member extending through an opening in the rigid tube and spring biased to a position at which it pinches closed the elongated passageway through the flexible tube. The elongated actuating lever is spring biased to a position at which the flexible tube is pinched closed and is pivoted against the spring bias to open the tube and dispense the anesthetic. | 2009-12-31 |
| 20090326479 | Syringe With Adjustable Two Piece Plunger Rod - Medical devices comprising a syringe barrel and a two-piece plunger rod are provided. According to one or more embodiments, the two-piece plunger rod includes a distal portion and proximal portion slidably mounted to the distal portion. The distal and proximal portions include a tab and plurality of grooves which engage to adjust the overall length of the plunger rod to a plurality of locked lengths. The locked lengths of the plunger rod permit varying amount of fluid to be expelled from the barrel. | 2009-12-31 |
| 20090326480 | CONTROLLED FLOW ADMINISTRATION SET - A flow control device ( | 2009-12-31 |
| 20090326481 | DISCRIMINATING ORAL-TIP ADAPTOR - An adaptor for discriminating connection of an oral tip of a source of liquid enteral product to a feeding line. In one embodiment, the adaptor includes an internal stop in the body having a contact surface that is angled with respect to a transverse plane extending generally transverse to the longitudinal axis of the connection port so that if the standard luer tip is inserted into the connection port, the luer tip does not make flush contact with the contact surface. In another embodiment, the adaptor includes an external stop surrounding the connection port generally adjacent to the first open end of the body. The adaptor may include an umbrella valve. In other embodiments, the adaptor includes a fluid release opening in fluid communication with the connection port extending generally radially through the adaptor body at a location spaced from the longitudinal ends of the body. | 2009-12-31 |
| 20090326482 | Computer Controlled Drug Delivery System with Dynamic Pressure Sensing - Apparatus administers dental anesthetic to intraligamentary tissue with a drive unit and handpiece with injection needle connected by flexible tube to the unit. The drug is passes to the tissue at an instantaneous pressure at the needle tip that varies due to placement. A minimum threshold pressure is desired for administering the drug to the tissue. A practitioner moves the handpiece to insert the needle tip near the intraligamentary tissue and the instantaneous pressure is sensing or calculating. An auditory ascending signal indicates when the instantaneous pressure is rising, and when the instantaneous pressure reaches the threshold pressure a perceptible auditory specific signal indicates the practitioner has moved the tip into intraligamentary tissue. The tip is then maintained for supplying a selected dosage of the drug. Another auditory signal notifies the practitioner that the instantaneous pressure is declining or fluctuating before reaching the minimum threshold pressure. | 2009-12-31 |
| 20090326483 | Valve Assembly Including a Dissolvable Valve Member - A valve assembly is provided which includes a housing having an inlet end and an outlet end and defining a fluid channel and a central chamber. A dissolvable valve member is positioned to obstruct flow through the channel within the chamber. The dissolvable valve member is formed of a material which is dissolvable at a predetermined rate upon contact with a preselected fluid. The preselected fluid is selected from the group consisting of blood, urine, saline and antimicrobial solutions. The dissolvable valve member can be formed from a fluid soluble glass or a starch based material. | 2009-12-31 |
| 20090326484 | LONG NOSE MANIPULATABLE CATHETER - A long nose manipulatable catheter is described herein. The catheter generally comprises a flexible joint region defining a main lumen and an adjacent wire lumen. The wire lumen has an opening near or at a distal end of the flexible joint region and a push/pull wire can be pushed or pulled through the wire lumen. The catheter assembly may also comprise at least one radio-opaque marker band for securing the push/pull wire. The joint region has a predetermined length sized to affect a flexure of the joint and is generally located at the distal end of the catheter. The joint region itself may be varied to extend distally from where the braid terminates, or it may extend to encompass a portion of the braid. By varying a length of the joint region, the amount of curvature and flexure of the joint region can be controlled. | 2009-12-31 |
| 20090326485 | BLUNT TIP VIAL ACCESS CANNULA AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURE - A method of manufacturing a metal cannula is disclosed. The method includes the step of providing a metal cannula having a longitudinal axis and defining a fluid channel. Next, the metal cannula is pressed to substantially close the fluid channel and define a first segment and a second segment. In a next step, the metal cannula is cut to separate the first segment from the second segment of the metal cannula. Each of the first and second segments have a pressed edge. The pressed edge substantially seals the fluid channel and has two pressed corners. Afterwards, each of the pressed corners are cut from the pressed edge of the first segment to define a pair of side openings and a distal blunt edge on the first segment. The side openings are in fluid communication with the fluid channel. | 2009-12-31 |
| 20090326486 | APPARATUS TO INJECT FLUIDS INTO BONE MARROW AND OTHER TARGET SITES - Apparatus for delivering a quantity of fluid to bone marrow of a bone or providing access to remove fluids from a target site is provided. The apparatus may include a driver, a plunger operating and cartridge assembly mechanism, a cartridge assembly having a fluid reservoir and a bone penetrating needle. | 2009-12-31 |
| 20090326487 | Apparatus for Enhancing Wound Healing - A wound therapy apparatus for enhancing healing of a wound includes a wound dressing configured for placement over the wound to define a reservoir over the wound in which a wound contact fluid may be maintained by forming a substantially fluid-tight seal around the wound. An elastic bladder member defined by or within the wound dressing is expandable to exert a pressure on the wound contact fluid within the reservoir. A fluid system is in fluid communication with the reservoir for selectively delivering the wound contact fluid to the reservoir, and a pressure system is in fluid communication with the bladder member for delivering a compressed liquid or gas to the bladder member to effect expansion in the bladder member. | 2009-12-31 |
| 20090326488 | Canister, Suction Device and System For Vacuum Treatment Securing a Fixed Treatment Pressure - A canister, suction device and system for collection of effluents, in particular exudates, from a wound during vacuum treatment comprises a pump head ( | 2009-12-31 |
| 20090326489 | Applicator for a water jet separating apparatus - In order to provide a work area that is as large as possible, and to shield off the environment, and in order to simultaneously provide for a mobile application, the discharge nozzle ( | 2009-12-31 |
| 20090326490 | FECAL INCONTINENCE COLLECTION DEVICE AND METHOD OF USE - A fecal collection device has a base with a substantially closed proximal end and a substantially open distal end. The base includes a first balloon positioned about an outer surface of the proximal end and a second balloon positioned next to the first balloon. The device also has a catheter having a lumen which is in fluid communication with the base. The first and second balloons are inflated and deflated in a sequence so that pressure against the colon wall is alternated such that the device via the balloons does not cause continuous pressure to the same area of the colon wall. In some instances, fecal material accumulated between an outer surface of the proximal end and the colon wall is moved upward by at least one balloon such that it flows into the proximal end of the base and is eliminated via the catheter. | 2009-12-31 |
| 20090326491 | Methods For Assisting Caregivers in Facilitating Toilet Training - A method for assisting a caregiver in determining when to select a next generation product for facilitating toilet training. The method includes the steps of providing information to a caregiver about a second absorbent product, such as a next generation product, while the caregiver is using a first absorbent product in conjunction with a child. The child, for instance, may not have started toilet training or may be in the process of toilet training. Based upon a behavioral or wetness characteristic of the child, recommendations are made to the caregiver when it is time to switch to the next generation product to facilitate toilet training. For instance, in one embodiment, the method may include comparing a wetness characteristic of the child with a readiness target. Once the readiness target is met, a recommendation may be made to the caregiver to switch to a product that includes a toilet training feature not present in the product currently being worn by the child. | 2009-12-31 |
| 20090326492 | Absorbent article featuring leakage warning - An absorbent article for preventing leakage is presented and includes an absorbent assembly having an absorbent assembly perimeter and a leakage warning element disposed adjacent a portion of the perimeter, wherein the leakage warning element is adapted to provide a physical sensation indicating a fullness level of the absorbent assembly, and wherein the physical sensation includes an electrical impulse. Also presented is an absorbent article for providing a wearer with a warning of potential leakage, the article including an absorbent assembly and a leakage warning element disposed adjacent the absorbent assembly, wherein the leakage warning element is adapted to impart a physical sensation to the wearer, and wherein the physical sensation includes an electrical impulse. | 2009-12-31 |
| 20090326493 | Excrement Detection Sensor - An excrement detection sensor in which two pairs of conductors | 2009-12-31 |
| 20090326494 | ABSORBENT ARTICLE - A wetness indicator composition contains (a) 0.1% to 5% by weight of a pH indicator that is substantially colorless at pH 7 and develops a color in an acidic environment, (b) 20% to 90% by weight of a surfactant, (c) 5% to 55% by weight of a polyalkylene glycol, (d) 0% to 70% by weight of a polymer having a carboxyl group, and (e) 0.1% to 5% by weight of an acidic substance other than components (b) and (d). In an absorbent article including a topsheet | 2009-12-31 |
| 20090326495 | Collection Pouches in Absorbent Articles - Absorbent articles having a pouch for the collection of bodily waste are generally disclosed. The pouch can generally be located on or within the wearer contacting surface of an absorbent article. The pouch can have an opening ready to receive the bodily waste or can include a pouch opening mechanism. Additionally, a pouch closing mechanism can be included within the absorbent article to close the opening of the pouch upon collection of the bodily waste. | 2009-12-31 |
| 20090326496 | TRANSPARENT HYDROGEL WOUND DRESSING - A wound dressing comprising a hydrogel polymer in sheet form reinforced with a fabric comprising gel-forming fibres which fabric is capable of absorbing exudate to allow the wound to be viewed through the dressing. | 2009-12-31 |
| 20090326497 | Dehydratable Hygiene Articles - A dehydratable hygiene article contains a lower layer which is impermeable to aqueous liquids, an upper layer which is permeable to aqueous liquids, a core disposed between the lower and upper layer and absorbs aqueous liquids, and a trigger system containing a superabsorbent material which is capable of absorbing aqueous liquids with the formation of a hydrogel. After the trigger system has been activated, at least some of the aqueous liquid absorbed can be released from the superabsorbent material when it is present as a hydrogel. The hygiene article contains at most 50 wt. % of a further superabsorbent material. Based on the total weight of superabsorbent material and further superabsorbent material, which would be capable, after the trigger system has been activated, of at least partly absorbing, with the formation of hydrogel, the aqueous liquid which is at least partly released. | 2009-12-31 |
| 20090326498 | HYDROPHILIC GEL FROM REACTIVE HYDROPHILIC OLIGOMERS - Hydrophilic compositions are described, which are prepared from a first oligomer containing pendent polymerizable groups and pendent hydrophilic groups, crosslinked with a co-reactive second component oligomer possessing photoinitiator groups. The compositions may be used as in preparation of hydrophilic gel coatings or layers for medical devices. | 2009-12-31 |
| 20090326499 | Disposable Absorbent Article with Overlapping Absorbent Assembly Secured to Front and Back Panels - A disposable absorbent article has front and back panels, each having an elastic film layer and each having first and second zones. The first zone of each panel is extensible and retractable and the second zone of each panel is non-extensible and non-retractable. Each of the front and back panels has first and second side edges. An absorbent assembly is secured to the front and back panels. The absorbent assembly has a first end secured to the second zone of the front panel and a second end secured to the second zone of the back panel. A pair of seams join the front and back panels together at the first and second side edges to form a disposable absorbent article having a waist opening and a pair of leg openings. | 2009-12-31 |
| 20090326500 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR THE DELIVERY OF A DIAPER RASH PRODUCT - A system for delivering a diaper rash product is provided, said system comprising a pocket containing a measured amount of diaper rash product, with a means to facilitate the dispensing of said product by a caregiver when changing an infant's diaper. | 2009-12-31 |
| 20090326501 | SOPHISTICATED DISPOSABLE DIAPER - A disposable diaper is provided with a pouch which contains a moisture-laden flexible sheet for use in cleaning an infant or toddler after the disposable diaper has received bodily waste. A plastic bag that initially contains the disposable diaper is also used to receive the disposable diaper following use. Alternatively, a plastic bag for receiving the used disposable diaper is initially contained in a second pouch mounted on the disposable diaper. | 2009-12-31 |
| 20090326502 | Absorptive article - The present invention relates to a standing gather structure having skin-contact planar portions formed into a planer shape, which brings the entire skin-contact planar portions into tight contact with the user's skin, and provides the cushioning properties to soften a contact to the user's skin. The standing gathers BS each include a first wall portion standing upright from the proximal end, a second inner wall portion branching from the upper end portion of the first wall portion, a second outer wall portion branching outward from the upper end portion of the first wall portion and being positioned relatively outside the second inner wall portion, a skin-contact planar portion supported by the distal end portion of the second inner wall portion and the distal end portion of the second outer wall portion, a plurality of elastic members disposed on the skin-contact planar portion longitudinally along the napkin and a hollow portion defined by the skin-contact planar portion, the second inner wall portion and the second outer wall portion and positioned on the back surface side of the skin-contact planar portion. | 2009-12-31 |
| 20090326503 | PANT-TYPE ABSORBENT ARTICLE AND A METHOD FOR PRODUCING PANT-TYPE ABSORBENT ARTICLES - A method for producing pant-type absorbent articles, each article including a chassis structure having at least one elastic panel and an integrated absorbent core component, the method including a continuous pant-forming process including forming the chassis structure and incorporating the absorbent core component into the chassis structure. The at least one elastic panel is formed by a) separately producing a two-layer laminate having a first non-elastic fibrous nonwoven web and an elastic film, b) activating the two-layer laminate by incremental stretching in at least one activation direction to render the two-layer laminate (elastically stretchable, c) stretching the activated two-layer laminate by 35-200% in the activation direction, d) introducing the two-layer laminate in the pant-forming process, and e) laminating the elastic film of the stretched two-layer laminate to an elastic or nonwoven chassis component. An absorbent pant-type article produced in accordance with the method. | 2009-12-31 |
| 20090326504 | DISPOSABLE DIAPER - [Problems] To improve the air permeability of a waist portion of a disposable diaper | 2009-12-31 |
| 20090326505 | DISPOSABLE DIAPER - A disposable diaper is provided, including an absorber, a top sheet disposed to cover an upper surface of the absorber and at least partially formed of a liquid permeable material, and a back sheet disposed to cover a lower surface of the absorber and formed of a liquid impermeable material. The disposable diaper further includes a skin contact sheet disposed above the top sheet and formed with a stool passing opening, which is an opening capable of passing a stool therethrough, and to the both sides of the skin contact sheet, at least a pair of standing gathers are formed, which are leakage prevention walls capable of standing three-dimensionally. | 2009-12-31 |
| 20090326506 | DRUG SOLUTION PREPARING KIT - To provide a drug solution preparing kit which can be handled with ease in a substantially aseptic manner, and has no risk that a leakage of a drug solution such as a splash and a dispersion of an aerosol to an ambient environment occurs upon preparation of the drug solution There is provided a drug solution preparing kit including a pre-filled syringe and a transfusing tool, wherein the pre-filled syringe includes a sealing member which seals the tip end and can not be removed from the tip end, and that the transfusing tool includes a one-way valve which can discharge only gas from the system in an irreversible manner, and a filter which is provided so as to adjoin to the second communication channel with respect to the one-way valve. | 2009-12-31 |
| 20090326507 | Small container - A small slender container that may be used to store and dispense small quantity of fluid, such as eye medications, in a sealed environment. The slender container is a small diameter squeezable slender container with channels or raised ribs on the inside surface of the slender container extending from one end of the slender container to the other end. An opening means is provided near one end of the slender container to release the enclosed fluid. Virtually all of the enclosed fluid will be extracted from the container with no fluid remaining in the container. | 2009-12-31 |
| 20090326508 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DELIVERING OXYGEN AND/OR OTHER GASES AND/OR PHARMACOLOGICAL AGENTS TO TISSUE - A system comprising:
| 2009-12-31 |
| 20090326509 | CONTEXT AWARE MEDICAL MONITORING AND DOSAGE DELIVERY DEVICE - A device and method for medical monitoring and therapeutic dosage control and delivery is disclosed. | 2009-12-31 |
| 20090326510 | Drug Delivery Methods and Systems - Drug delivery methods and systems that include a determination of whether a cardiac condition is normal or abnormal, so that a drug may be administered in accordance with that determination. In one implementation, a drug delivery device may be controlled to reduce or stop the drug administration when a normal cardiac condition is detected. In another implementation, a patient monitoring device determines the duration that a cardiac condition is normal and provides an output indicative of the determination so that the patient may alter a therapy accordingly. | 2009-12-31 |
| 20090326511 | METHOD TO PROTECT THE ESOPHAGUS AND OTHER MEDIASTINAL STRUCTURES DURING CARDIAC AND THORACIC INTERVENTIONS - Devices and methods are disclosed for preventing injury to a target tissue in proximity to the heart. The methods may include the use a device to externally manipulate the heart to move a portion of the heart away from the target tissue. The methods may also include applying therapy to the heart with the device. | 2009-12-31 |
| 20090326512 | ENDOVASCULAR TUMESCENT INFUSION APPARATUS AND METHOD - A tumescent fluid infusion apparatus for use in treatment of a vascular disease includes a needle attached to a valve device. The valve device is designed to receive tumescent fluid from a fluid source. When the valve device is in an open position, it administers the tumescent fluid from the fluid source through the needle channel to allow a single hand of a user to control the needle insertion and the infusion of the tumescent fluid to free the other hand for operating a probe such as an ultrasound probe to eliminate the requirement of a second operator. The infusion apparatus also allows a user to control the amount of infused fluid without requiring syringe changes. | 2009-12-31 |
| 20090326513 | DEVICE FOR PLACING AN OCCLUSION REMOVING STRUCTURE IN AN OPEN-ENDED TUBULAR STRUCTURE - A device and method for placing an occlusion removing structure into a tubular structure with an open distal end, where placing results in the distal end of the occlusion removing structure being positioned at or near the distal end of the tubular structure as disclosed in this disclosure. | 2009-12-31 |
| 20090326514 | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR RETRIEVING MEDICAL CAPSULE - A medical capsule is taken into the human body to collect biomedical information about the human body. When the medical capsule is discharged from within the human body, a medical capsule retrieval device detects the medical capsule using a magnet or a sensor, and catches the medical capsule with a net. | 2009-12-31 |
| 20090326515 | ABSORBABLE, REDUCED-PRESSURE MANIFOLDS AND SYSTEMS - A reduced-pressure treatment system includes an isolation device for isolating a tissue site from surrounding tissue for reduced-pressure treatment that is formed from a first material having a first bio-absorption term and at least a second material having a second and different bio-absorption term. The different materials allow the isolation device initially to function well for reduced-pressure treatment and then to experience degradation at a quicker pace which facilitates healing. In addition, a reduced-pressure manifold for treating a tissue site is presented that includes a flexible barrier member formed from a first material, which has a first bio-absorption term and formed with a first plurality of apertures; a second material, which has a second bio-absorption term, disposed within the plurality of apertures; wherein the first bio-absorption term is greater than the second bio-absorption term; and a reduced-pressure delivery member coupled to the barrier member for delivering reduced pressure to the second surface of the barrier member during reduced-pressure treatment. | 2009-12-31 |
| 20090326516 | Preparatory dispensation systems and methods - Methods and systems are described for receiving wireless control signal content into a module containing one or more active ingredients and causing one or more dispensations from the module according to a programmatic dispensation profile partly dependent on the wireless control signal content and partly dependent on an attribute of the module; or for obtaining data indicating a future event time intended by an individual, and causing a bioactive material administration to the individual in response to the data to occur about or before the future event time. | 2009-12-31 |
| 20090326517 | FLUIDIC CAPILLARY CHIP FOR REGULATING DRUG FLOW RATES OF INFUSION PUMPS - An erosion-resistant capillary chip for use with in an infusion pump that is made from a silicon substrate having a first surface that includes a micro groove etched therein and a glass plate laminated to the first surface. The glass plate covers the micro groove so that a micro fluid conduit is created. The glass plate includes an inlet bore that connects with the micro fluid conduit and the silicon substrate includes an outlet bore that connects with the micro fluid conduit so that a drug solution entering the inlet bore from the infusion pump may pass through the micro fluid conduit at a restricted flow rate to the outlet bore and thereafter to a target site of a patient. The micro groove includes a passivation layer made from silicon nitride or silicon carbide that protects the micro groove against erosion from passing fluids having high basic or high acidic pH levels. A method for making the capillary chip is disclosed, as well as an infusion pump incorporating the improved capillary chip. | 2009-12-31 |
| 20090326518 | DEVICES AND METHODS FOR MANIPULATING TISSUE - The present invention provides new minimally invasive interventional devices and methods for conveniently moving, lifting, positioning, retracting or otherwise manipulating body tissues or organs, while avoiding damage or trauma to these tissues or organs. A manifold is inserted into the patient's body that is deployed and positioned in surface contact with both the target tissue/organ to be manipulated and another moveable structure. The manifold is has at least one evacuation space in communication with at least a portion of the surfaces of each of the target tissue/organ and the moveable structure. A vacuum source external to the patient's body is activated and temporarily and releasably adheres, attaches or otherwise joins the target tissue/organ and moveable structure together. By subsequently manipulating the moveable structure, the target tissue/organ is thereby simultaneously manipulated in the desired manner. | 2009-12-31 |
| 20090326519 | MULTIPLE LUMEN SENSOR ATTACHMENT - A cranial bolt secured to a skull of a patient includes a threaded portion and a lumen portion. Threaded portion has an inner surface forming a central passageway which extends throughout the threaded portion. The inner surface includes a connector mating with the lumen portion. The threaded portion has an outer surface having a plurality of threads for engaging a hole formed in the patient's skull. The lumen portion includes a stem portion that enters the central passageway and engages the mating connector. A fluid tight seal is formed between the inner surface of the threaded portion and the stem portion. At least two lumens are disposed through the stem portion and the base portion. The lumens have a proximal end opening outside the skull and a distal end opening inside the skull. One embodiment includes sensor lumens diverging from the centerline and another allows lumen portion to rotate independent of threaded portion. | 2009-12-31 |
| 20090326520 | METHOD FOR TREATING CANCER USING POROUS SILICON NANOBOMB BASED ON NEAR-INFRARED LIGHT IRRADIATION - Provided is a method for treating cancer using a porous silicon nanobomb. The porous silicon nanobomb can be exploded by NIR light irradiation at a low intensity to selectively destroy cancer cells. Also, porous silicon itself shows good biocompatibility and biodegradability. Thus, the present invention can be used as an efficient method for treating cancer without the accumulation of toxic side effects. | 2009-12-31 |
| 20090326521 | Apparatus and method for treating corneal neovascularization or blood vessel accumulation on the conjunctiva - An apparatus for treating corneal neovascularization or blood vessel accumulation on the conjunctiva, which includes a therapeutic light source for emitting a therapeutic light beam at a wavelength between 1.2 μm and 1.3 μm. The light source is preferably a laser for emitting a pulsed beam. | 2009-12-31 |
| 20090326522 | OBJECT FIGURING DEVICE - A device for shaping objects by removal of material from the surface thereof with a pulsed laser beam and a deflecting device through which the laser bean is guided over the surface of the object. An optical device is provided for changing the distribution of the radiation intensity inside the laser beam cross section. After the passage of the laser beam through this optical device, the radiation intensity has a bell-shaped or Gaussian distribution, or a distribution similar to a bell-shaped or Gaussian distribution, in at least one cross-sectional direction through the laser beam. | 2009-12-31 |
| 20090326523 | Scanning Laser System for the Treatment of Tissue - The disclosed technology can be embodied within optical heads or other optical systems adapted for providing a selected dermatologic treatment (e.g., temporary hair growth management). This technology uses a scanner to mechanically change an orientation of an optical element, such as a light pipe, to facilitate the conveyance of light energy to multiple target/treatment locations on a patient's skin. | 2009-12-31 |
| 20090326524 | METHOD OF CUTTING TISSUE USING A LASER - A method of cutting tissue for use as an implantable medical device employs a laser cutting system. The laser cutting system is computer controlled and includes a laser combined with a motion system. The laser precisely cuts segments out of source tissue according to predetermined pattern as designated by the computer. The cutting energy of the laser is selected so that the cut edges of the tissue segments are fused, melted or welded to discourage delamination or fraying, but communication of thermal energy into the segment beyond the edge is minimized to avoid damaging the tissue adjacent the edge. | 2009-12-31 |
| 20090326525 | LASER FIBER CAPILLARY APPARATUS AND METHOD - A method and an apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention includes a capillary for use in side-firing optical fibers. An outer surface of the capillary defines a recessed transmissive portion of the capillary. The area of the recessed transmissive portion can be a four-sided area or an area with a rounded boundary, for example. An optical-fiber-core end portion disposed within the capillary can include an end surface configured to redirect laser energy in a lateral direction and through the recessed transmissive portion of the capillary. The lateral direction can be substantially normal to the recessed transmissive portion of the capillary and offset from a longitudinal axis of the distal end portion of the core. The end surface of the core can be non-perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. In some embodiments, a multilayer dielectric coating can be disposed on the end surface of the core. | 2009-12-31 |
| 20090326526 | Methods and devices for monitoring tissue ablation - A method, system, and device for detecting whether an expandable member completely occludes an anatomic passageway allows a user, such as a physician, clinician, or surgeon, to perform a medical procedure more efficiently and increases the procedure's chances of success. An incomplete occlusion can be immediately detected by monitoring the pressure difference across the expandable member. Through this method, a user can quickly diagnose the problem and reposition the expandable member in the anatomic passageway. In particular, in a cryoablation procedure, devices incorporating this method can help ensure a uniform and complete lesion in the pulmonary vein to electrically isolate the pulmonary vein from the atrium, thus preventing atrial fibrillation. | 2009-12-31 |
| 20090326527 | Cardiac Mapping Instrument with Shapeable Electrode - An instrument including an elongated shaft and a non-conductive handle is disclosed. The shaft defines a proximal section and a distal section. The distal section forms an electrically conductive tip. Further, the shaft is adapted to be transitionable from a straight state to a first bent state. The shaft is capable of independently maintaining the distinct shapes associated with the straight state and the first bent state. The handle is rigidly coupled to the proximal section of the shaft. The instrument is useful for epicardial pacing and/or mapping of the heart for temporary pacing on a beating heart, for optimizing the placement of ventricular leads for the treatment of patients with congestive heart failure and ventricular dysynchrony and/or for use in surgical ablation procedures. | 2009-12-31 |
| 20090326528 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR HEATING BIOLOGICAL TISSUE VIA RF ENERGY | 2009-12-31 |
| 20090326529 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR REDUCING IMAGE ARTIFACTS IN ELECTRONIC ABLATION IMAGES - At least one electrode lead outside the body and leading between an RF ablation power source and the unshielded probes in the patient is shielded to substantially eliminate artifacts during concurrent electronic imaging and RF ablation. | 2009-12-31 |
| 20090326530 | VESSEL SEALING INSTRUMENT WITH STEPPED JAW - A vessel sealer has a stepped jaw that allows the jaw to have an overall shape and a width that provides desired strength, shape, and functionality while permitting a smaller raised portion to apply the sealing pressure. The smaller area applying the sealing pressure allows an actuating mechanism to apply a clinically desired sealing pressure without exceeding the force or torque limitations of the actuating mechanism and can limit thermal spread during a sealing procedure. | 2009-12-31 |
| 20090326531 | MEDICAL INSTRUMENT - A medical tubular shaft instrument for gripping and cutting tissue which provides a safe mode of operation. The instrument includes electrodes by which a mechanical contact between a blade and an associated cutting surface can be electrically determined. This determination allows the operating physician to be provided with sufficient information to determine whether the tissue that is to be severed has been successfully severed. | 2009-12-31 |
| 20090326532 | EXTERNAL FIXATOR - An external fixator system includes a fixation bar, a fixation pin, and a clamp assembly. The clamp assembly includes a first jaw pair, a second jaw pair, and a first spring insert. The first jaw pair has a first upper jaw component and a first lower jaw component that collectively define a first passage configured to receive the fixation bar. The second jaw pair has a second upper jaw component and a second lower jaw component that collectively define a second passage configured to receive the fixation pin. The first spring insert is positioned within the first passage and interposed between the first upper jaw component and the first lower jaw component. Advancement of the fixation bar into the first passage causes deflection of the first spring insert | 2009-12-31 |
| 20090326533 | Intramedullary Nail Including Stable Locking Bolts - A device for securing an intramedullary implant within a bone, comprises a bolt having a first portion extending proximally from a distal end of the bolt and a second portion extending proximally from a proximal end of the first portion to a proximal end of the bolt. A length of the bolt is selected to substantially match a thickness of a portion of bone through which it is to be inserted and a length of the second portion being selected to substantially equal a distance from a point on an outer surface of the bone through which the bolt is to be inserted into the bone to an outer surface of the implant so that, when the bolt is fully inserted into the bone, the distal end of the second portion abuts an outer surface of the implant. | 2009-12-31 |
| 20090326534 | Fracture Fixation Apparatus - An apparatus for treating a bone fracture comprises an intramedullary rod extending through a first bone segment of a fractured bone. A lag screw assembly extends through a first transverse aperture in the rod, while a control member extends through a second transverse aperture longitudinally offset from the first aperture. The lag screw assembly includes a lag screw engaged to the second bone segment and a locking sleeve mounted over a proximal portion of the lag screw. The locking sleeve defines a groove aligned with the second aperture. The control member includes a distal portion penetrating the bone segments, an intermediate portion configured to engage the second aperture and an enlarged head configured to slidably engage the groove. The groove includes a terminus that contacts the head of the control member after a predetermined amount of lateral migration of the lag screw as the fracture collapses. | 2009-12-31 |
| 20090326535 | CUTTING INSTRUMENTS FOR ULTRASONIC BONE SURGERY - A surgical instrument ( | 2009-12-31 |
| 20090326536 | MEDICAL DEVICE - A cutting tool ( | 2009-12-31 |
| 20090326537 | DEPTH CONTROLLABLE AND MEASURABLE MEDICAL DRIVER DEVICES AND METHODS OF USE - Disclosed are devices and methods for creating a bore in bone. The devices and methods described involve driving a rotating bit in an axial direction such that both rotation and linear movement are controlled and measurable. The instrument is useful for a surgeon to control and simultaneously measure the travel of the tool into the bone and prevent injury to surrounding structures. | 2009-12-31 |
| 20090326538 | DEVICES AND METHODS FOR FRACTURE REDUCTION - The invention relates to a method of creating a curvilinear cavity within a vertebral body or other bony structure. The invention also relates to devices that may be used to perform the steps to create the curvilinear cavity. In one embodiment, a method of forming a curvilinear void in bony structure may include the steps of accessing a bony structure with a cannula, inserting a distal end of a drill device through the cannula and into the bony structure, manipulating the distal end of the drill device to create a curvilinear void in the bony structure, enlarging the void by expansion of a balloon element mounted to the drill device, and deflating the balloon element and removing the drill device from the cannula. | 2009-12-31 |
| 20090326539 | TREPAN DRILL - A trepan drill that comprises a shaft that includes a clamping portion, and a head that comprises a substantially cylinder barrel shaped core bit and a distal end. The distal end includes a first tooth, a second tooth, and a third tooth that each respectively has a cutting edge. The teeth each have different axial teeth heights and are arranged alternatingly in a circumferential direction. | 2009-12-31 |
| 20090326540 | Chuck for Reciprocating Surgical Instrument - Devices are described relating to the retaining of surgical tools within the chuck of a reciprocating surgical instrument, such as a reciprocating saw. A securing chuck is disclosed for securing a surgical tool to a reciprocating surgical instrument that comprises a shaft and a securing member. The shaft defines an axis and has a cylindrical bore extending along the axis. The bore is shaped to receive a substantially rounded tool shank. A pair of transverse slots extends into the shaft along a plane passing through the axis for receiving a substantially flattened tool shank. The transverse slots intersect with the cylindrical bore. The securing member is carried by the shaft and is radially movable relative to the bore both inwardly and outwardly to secure the surgical tool in the chuck. | 2009-12-31 |
| 20090326541 | Targeting Apparatus for Use in a Medical Procedure - A universal targeting apparatus includes a generally U-shaped body having one end configured to be coupled to the proximal end of the intramedullary implant and a mounting portion at an opposite end of said body. An arm is rotatably mounted to the mounting portion of the U-shaped body and includes bores defined at its opposite ends. Each bore is arranged at a different angle to correspond to the angle of a transverse aperture in the intramedullary implant. The arm can be rotated so an appropriate one of the angled bores is aligned with the transverse aperture to serve as a guide for creating targeting holes in the bone. | 2009-12-31 |
| 20090326542 | Instrumentation for properly seating an artificial intervertebral disc in an intervertebral space - Instrumentation for implanting an artificial intervertebral disc includes a leveler for setting the proper position of the artificial intervertebral disc, the leveler including at least two tines extending parallel to one another from the leveler shaft distal end, wherein the tines are spaced and sized to be insertable and fittable between baseplates of the disc and to substantially fill at least a height of a separation space volume between the baseplates, and to straddle a central coupling of the baseplates during the insertion and when so fitted, such that when the baseplates are substantially non-parallel to one another in the intervertebral space, insertion of the tines into the intervertebral space between the baseplates and straddling the central coupling forces the baseplates into a substantially parallel orientation relative to one another. | 2009-12-31 |
| 20090326543 | SPINE SURGERY METHOD AND EXTRACTOR - A surgical extractor for use in extracting an implant from a vertebral space may include: (1) a handle, having an opening, for use by a surgeon in maneuvering the surgical extractor; and (2) an implant gripping mechanism having: (a) a first grip member with one end attached to the handle and a second end with a first contact surface; and, (b) a second grip member with one end threaded in engagement to the opening in the handle and a second end with a second contact surface. The handle can be rotated with respect to the second grip member to cause the first and second contact surfaces to move relatively toward each other to grip the implant so that the implant can be extracted from the vertebral space. | 2009-12-31 |
| 20090326544 | KNEE LIGAMENT BALANCER - An orthopaedic surgical device comprises a first sensor component and a second sensor component. Each sensor component includes a paddle set to contact a proximal tibia and a distal femur of a patient. The first sensor component and the second sensor component being movable with respect to one another to extend one paddle set beyond the other paddle set, and each paddle set includes cutouts for the clearance of the patellar tendon to avoid the need to avert the patella during use. | 2009-12-31 |
| 20090326545 | Systems and methods for inserting a bone anchor without a pilot hole - Bone anchor insertion assemblies and methods are provided for inserting a bone anchor (e.g., bone screw) into bone without having to create a pilot hole. In some embodiments, the assembly includes a bone anchor, a housing member, and a rod. The housing member, which is coupled to the rod, is movable between proximally and distally advanced positions relative to the rod. In the proximal position, the bone anchor can be coupled to the rod. In the distal position, a tip of the bone anchor is generally aligned with a distal end of the housing member. The bone anchor is advanced into the bone under guidance of the housing member, where the tip of the bone anchor serves as a bone awl. Once the bone anchor is seated within the bone, the housing member can be returned to the proximal position to improve visibility of the surgical procedure. | 2009-12-31 |
| 20090326546 | MEDICAL DEVICE AND METHOD FOR HUMAN TISSUE AND FOREIGN BODY EXTRACTION - A coaxial tube assembly, a bag, a bag-translating assembly, a de-bulking tool, and a drive assembly. The bag is delivered into a cavity in a patient's body either manually for open surgery or through the coaxial tube assembly by operation of the drive assembly for minimally invasive surgery. After a mass of tissue is placed in the bag, which is now secured to the bag-translating assembly, the drive assembly is operated to activate the bag-translation assembly to retract the bag into the annular space of the coaxial tube assembly. As the bag is being retracted, the mass in the bag is pulled into engagement with the de-bulking tool, which extends through the lumen of the coaxial tube assembly. The drive assembly activates the de-bulking tool to morcellate the mass in the bag and convey the morcellated bits of the mass through the lumen of the coaxial tube assembly. | 2009-12-31 |
| 20090326547 | COMPRESSED AIR DISSECTOR (AIR JET SCRAPER) - Compressed air dissector is a surgical dissector which is used in tumor dissection and excision phases in surgical branches and especially in neurosurgery and microsurgery. The problem at this point is removal of the tumoral tissue without damaging the adjacent normal tissue and the blood vessels feeding the normal tissue. Moreover, serious difficulties may be encounter in the dissection phase of the arachnoid matter in brain surgery. The occurring adhesions can easily be opened with the aid of the air dissector. This provides great convenience in aneurism surgery. The operation principle of the compressed air dissector is direction of the controlled, sterile compressed air (gas) to the brain parenchyma and removal of the dissected particles from the location with an aspirator system. In said system, the particles in the air are cleaned with a filter system. When the compressed air is directed to the tumor tissue it easily dissects and removes the tumor. In the meanwhile, as no liquids are present in the lacuna the operation site can be seen clearly. Furthermore, event the smallest vessels are protected. Thus, peroperative bleeding occurs less and the postoperative wound curing becomes more physiologic. Moreover, tissue damage due to thermal effect is out of the question during the use of compressed air dissector. | 2009-12-31 |
| 20090326548 | SYSTEM FOR MARKING A NON-HUMAN BIOLOGICAL OBJECT AND FOR TAKING A SAMPLE OF THE BIOLOGICAL OBJECT - A system for marking a non-human biological object and removing a sample of the biological object, which object is in particular an animal, comprising: a first tag part ( | 2009-12-31 |
| 20090326549 | MEDICAL RETRIEVAL DEVICES - A medical retrieval device may include an elongated member having first and second end portions and a middle portion, The elongated member may be configured such that the first and second end portions are proximal one another and extend substantially parallel to one another along a longitudinal axis The middle portion may have an unconstrained basket configuration A first sheath may be configured to receive at least a portion of the first end portion, and a second sheath may be configured to receive at least a portion of the second end portion At least one of the first and second sheaths may be movable relative to the middle portion so as to constrain the middle portion in an elongated configuration. | 2009-12-31 |
| 20090326550 | LEAD DELIVERY DEVICE AND METHOD - A medical apparatus includes a guidewire and a fixator catheter. The fixator catheter comprises a tubular body with a distal portion and a proximal portion, and further includes a distal opening, a fixator secured to the distal portion, and a body opening arranged between the fixator and the proximal portion. The guidewire passes through the body opening and the distal opening of the fixator catheter. The fixator is movable between a compact configuration and an expanded configuration and, in the expanded condition, is capable of anchoring the guidewire and fixator catheter in a lumen of a blood vessel. | 2009-12-31 |
| 20090326551 | LEAD DELIVERY DEVICE AND METHOD - A medical apparatus includes a guidewire and a fixator catheter. The fixator catheter comprises a tubular body with a distal portion and a proximal portion, and further includes a distal opening, a fixator secured to the distal portion, and a body opening arranged between the fixator and the proximal portion. The guidewire passes through the body opening and the distal opening of the fixator catheter. The fixator is movable between a compact configuration and an expanded configuration and, in the expanded condition, is capable of anchoring the guidewire and fixator catheter in a lumen of a blood vessel. | 2009-12-31 |
| 20090326552 | MEDICAL ROBOTIC SYSTEM HAVING ENTRY GUIDE CONTROLLER WITH INSTRUMENT TIP VELOCITY LIMITING - A medical robotic system includes an entry guide with articulatable instruments extending out of its distal end, an entry guide manipulator providing controllable four degrees-of-freedom movement of the entry guide, and a controller configured to limit joint velocities in the entry guide manipulator so as to prevent movement of tips of the articulatable instruments from exceeding a maximum allowable linear velocity when the entry guide manipulator is being used to move the entry guide. | 2009-12-31 |
| 20090326553 | MEDICAL ROBOTIC SYSTEM PROVIDING AN AUXILIARY VIEW OF ARTICULATABLE INSTRUMENTS EXTENDING OUT OF A DISTAL END OF AN ENTRY GUIDE - A medical robotic system includes an entry guide with surgical tools and a camera extending out of its distal end. To supplement the view provided by an image captured by the camera, an auxiliary view including articulatable arms of the surgical tools and/or camera is generated from sensed or otherwise determined information about their positions and orientations and displayed on a display screen from the perspective of a specified viewing point. | 2009-12-31 |
| 20090326554 | SUPPORT ASSEMBLY FOR A TRACKING ASSEMBLY AND MOUNTED TRANSRECTAL ULTRASOUND PROBE - Provided herein are devices and methods for supporting and positioning a tracking assembly for mounting variously configured medical devices for prostate imaging, biopsy, and other therapeutic applications. In one aspect, a support assembly provides multiple degrees of freedom for positioning a tracking assembly and mounted probe relative to a patient on a patient support structure such as an examination table or a gurney bed and/or maintaining a tracking assembly and mounted probe in a desired location throughout the rendering of imaging, biopsy, or other therapeutic procedures. | 2009-12-31 |
| 20090326555 | SUPPORT ASSEMBLY FOR A TRACKING ASSEMBLY AND MOUNTED TRANSRECTAL ULTRASOUND PROBE - Provided herein are devices and methods for supporting and positioning a tracking assembly for mounting variously configured medical devices for prostate imaging, biopsy, and other therapeutic applications. In one aspect, a support assembly provides multiple degrees of freedom for positioning a tracking assembly and mounted probe relative to a patient on a patient support structure such as an examination table or a gurney bed and/or maintaining a tracking assembly and mounted probe in a desired location throughout the rendering of imaging, biopsy, or other therapeutic procedures. | 2009-12-31 |
| 20090326556 | MEDICAL ROBOTIC SYSTEM PROVIDING COMPUTER GENERATED AUXILIARY VIEWS OF A CAMERA INSTRUMENT FOR CONTROLLING THE POSITIONING AND ORIENTING OF ITS TIP - A medical robotic system includes an entry guide with surgical tools and a camera extending out of its distal end. To supplement the view provided by an image captured by the camera, an auxiliary view including articulatable arms of the surgical tools and/or camera is generated from sensed or otherwise determined information about their positions and orientations and displayed on a display screen from the perspective of a specified viewing point. Intuitive control is provided to an operator with respect to the auxiliary view while the operator controls the positioning and orienting of the camera. | 2009-12-31 |
| 20090326557 | FRICTION COMPENSATION IN A MINIMALLY INVASIVE SURGICAL APPARATUS - Devices, systems, and methods for compensate for friction within powered automatic systems, particularly for telesurgery and other telepresence applications. Dynamic friction compensation may comprise applying a continuous load in the direction of movement of a joint, and static friction compensation may comprise applying alternating loads in positive and negative joint actuation directions whenever the joint velocity reading falls within a low velocity range. | 2009-12-31 |
| 20090326558 | CLIPPING DEVICE - A clipping device comprises: a clip having a pair of arm portions diverging elastically; and a tubular clamping member fitted onto the pair of arm portions of the clip, each of the pair of arm portions including a projection portion which is formed in a vicinity of a forward end portion thereof to have a width inhibiting passage of the clamping member, and an engagement portion which is formed in a region adjacent to a proximal end side of the projection portion to be engaged with the clamping member, the clamping member being engaged with the engagement portion of each of the pair of arm portions to maintain clamping of the clip so that the pair of arm portions holds an object to be treated. | 2009-12-31 |
| 20090326559 | Rotational Driver - A rotational driver that comprises a interactive portion, wherein each interactive portion comprises a first extended member and a second extended member, a rotational system and a linear motion system, wherein the rotational driver permits a left or right handed surgeons to perform the surgical suturing procedure in a less complicated and more secure way by allowing more control over the suturing needle and the area to be stitched, even when the suturing area is small, deep, and/or restricted. | 2009-12-31 |
| 20090326560 | CATHETER WITH RADIOPAQUE MARKER - A catheter having a radiopaque marker. The radiopaque marker is disposed on a distal end of the catheter tube and is configured to allow for simple and efficient identification of the location of a predetermined drainage bore on an X-ray or other radiographic technique. In one implementation, the radiopaque marker is associated with the catheter tube such that inclusion of the radiopaque marker does not increase the outer diameter or decrease the inner diameter of the tube. | 2009-12-31 |
| 20090326561 | SURGICAL SUTURE ARRANGEMENT - A surgical instrument may comprise a shaft having proximal and distal ends defining an axis therebetween. The shaft may be flexible and sized for insertion into the working channel of a flexible endoscope. The shaft may be configured to be used in conjunction with various suture anchor applicators. One suture anchor applicator may have a first tube with a first channel and a tissue penetrating tip. The first channel may be adapted to retain a second tube. The second tube may have a second channel and a blunt tip. The second channel may be adapted to retain at least one suture anchor and may include an exit port adapted for ejecting suture anchors. An alternative suture anchor applicator may comprise a first tube and a second tube with a tissue penetrating tip. The second channel is adapted to retain at least one suture anchor. | 2009-12-31 |
| 20090326562 | INDEPENDENT SUTURE TENSIONING AND SNARING APPARATUS - In repairing soft tissue with a bone anchoring instrument (such as reattaching a tendon of a torn rotator cuff), the bone anchoring instrument may be used to anchor the soft tissue to a region of bone. The anchors inserted into the underlying bone may have one or more lengths of suture or wire attached thereto which may be tensioned independently of one another to affix the soft tissue to the bone by having a selector mechanism selectively engage and disengage ratcheted tensioning wheels from one another. Suture loading mechanisms may be employed for passing suture lengths into and/or through the anchors prior to deployment into the bone where such mechanisms may employ suture snares which are configured to reconfigure from an expanded shape through which suture lengths may be easily passed to a low-profile shape which secures the suture lengths within the snare. | 2009-12-31 |
| 20090326563 | INDEPENDENT SUTURE TENSIONING AND SNARING APPARATUS - In repairing soft tissue with a bone anchoring instrument (such as reattaching a tendon of a torn rotator cuff), the bone anchoring instrument may be used to anchor the soft tissue to a region of bone. The anchors inserted into the underlying bone may have one or more lengths of suture or wire attached thereto which may be tensioned independently of one another to affix the soft tissue to the bone by having a selector mechanism selectively engage and disengage ratcheted tensioning wheels from one another. Suture loading mechanisms may be employed for passing suture lengths into and/or through the anchors prior to deployment into the bone where such mechanisms may employ suture snares which are configured to reconfigure from an expanded shape through which suture lengths may be easily passed to a low-profile shape which secures the suture lengths within the snare. | 2009-12-31 |
| 20090326564 | INDEPENDENT SUTURE TENSIONING AND SNARING APPARATUS - In repairing soft tissue with a bone anchoring instrument (such as reattaching a tendon of a torn rotator cuff), the bone anchoring instrument may be used to anchor the soft tissue to a region of bone. The anchors inserted into the underlying bone may have one or more lengths of suture or wire attached thereto which may be tensioned independently of one another to affix the soft tissue to the bone by having a selector mechanism selectively engage and disengage ratcheted tensioning wheels from one another. Suture loading mechanisms may be employed for passing suture lengths into and/or through the anchors prior to deployment into the bone where such mechanisms may employ suture snares which are configured to reconfigure from an expanded shape through which suture lengths may be easily passed to a low-profile shape which secures the suture lengths within the snare. | 2009-12-31 |
| 20090326565 | Lightweight surgical mesh - A lightweight knitted surgical mesh which includes a first axis, a second axis perpendicular to the first axis, a third axis offset approximately 30° to 60° from the first axis, and a fourth axis perpendicular to the third axis. Further the mesh has a first weave running parallel to the first axis, a second weave running parallel to the second axis, a third weave running parallel to the third axis, and a fourth weave running parallel to the fourth axis. In an embodiment, the third axis is offset 45° from the first axis to form an isotropic mesh. | 2009-12-31 |
| 20090326566 | TRANSABDOMINAL NEEDLE INTRODUCER - A transabdominal needle introducer for the repair of large ventral incisional hernias comprises a handle connected to a long tubular shaft and a disposable needle cartridge at its distal end. The handle has a round knob or head, and a needle pusher to extrude the needles out. The long tubular shaft contains two metal rods disposed inside thereof, one to change the angle of the cartridge, and the other one to extrude the needles. At the proximal end of the tubular shaft there is a rotatable cylindrical control provided with a spiral groove that moves a metal rod destined to pivot the needle cartridge. The second metal rod inside the shaft is assigned to extrude the needles and is connected to a flexible resilient wire that protrudes at the distal end of the tubular shaft and is provided at its distal end with an oval tip that engages a piston-type pusher inside the needle cartridge. There are two straight needles inside the cartridge that are attached to a single strand of suture at each end, and they can be extruded by action of the needle pusher. | 2009-12-31 |
| 20090326567 | LOCKING MECHANISMS FOR FIXATION DEVICES AND METHODS OF ENGAGING TISSUE - Devices and methods are provided for tissue approximation and repair. Fixation devices comprise a pair of elements each having a first end, a free end opposite the first end, and an engagement surface therebetween for engaging the tissue, the first ends being moveable between an open position wherein the free ends are spaced apart and a closed position wherein the free ends are closer together with the engagement surfaces generally facing each other. The fixation devices also include a locking mechanism coupled to the elements for locking the elements in place. The devices and methods find use in a variety of therapeutic procedures, including endovascular, minimally-invasive, and open surgical procedures, and can be used in various anatomical regions. The invention is particularly useful in procedures requiring minimally-invasive or endovascular access to remote tissue locations, where the instruments utilized must negotiate long, narrow, and tortuous pathways to the treatment site. | 2009-12-31 |
| 20090326568 | ROTATIONAL ATHERECTOMY DEVICE WITH FLUID INFLATABLE SUPPORT ELEMENTS SUPPORTED BY FLUID BEARINGS - A rotational atherectomy device for removing a stenotic tissue from a vessel of a patient is disclosed. The device comprises a rotatable, flexible, hollow drive shaft having an open distal end. The drive shaft comprising a fluid impermeable wall, an abrasive element mounted to the drive shaft proximal to and spaced away from its distal end, the fluid impermeable wall being formed from a torque transmitting coil and at least one fluid impermeable membrane which define a lumen for the antegrade flow of pressurized fluid through the drive shaft and into a distal fluid inflatable support element to inflate said fluid inflatable support element. The distal fluid inflatable support element is located at the distal end of the drive shaft and has an outer wall comprising an outflow opening located such that said outflow opening faces an inner surface of a treated vessel during rotation of the drive shaft so that a flow of fluid out of said opening forms a layer of fluid between the outer wall of the fluid inflatable distal support element and a wall of the treated vessel. The layer of fluid forming a fluid bearing between the outer wall of the rotating fluid inflated distal support element and the wall of the treated vessel. | 2009-12-31 |
| 20090326569 | SURGICAL SYSTEM AND SURGICAL OPERATION METHOD - A surgical system includes a surgical instrument including a conducting section transmitting ultrasound vibration generated by an ultrasound transducer to a distal end portion and transmitting a high-frequency output signal to the distal end portion, an ultrasound drive section outputting an ultrasound drive signal to the ultrasound transducer, a high-frequency output section outputting a high-frequency output signal to the conducting section, a detection section detecting an ultrasound impedance of a surgical site to which ultrasound energy and high-frequency energy are provided from the distal end portion by outputting both signals simultaneously to the surgical instrument, a determination section determining whether the detected ultrasound impedance is in a predetermined range, and a control section performing control to increase a high-frequency output value by a first predetermined amount or decrease the high-frequency output value by a second predetermined amount when the detected ultrasound impedance is out of the predetermined range. | 2009-12-31 |
