| Patent application number | Description | Published |
|---|
| 20080249806 | Data Analysis for an Implantable Restriction Device and a Data Logger - An implantable restriction device can be configured to provide a restriction in a patient, for example as a function of the pressure of fluid. The implantable restriction device can include one or more sensors configured to sense a variety of parameters, such as pressure of the fluid within the implantable restriction device, pulse width, pulse amplitude, pulse count, pulse duration, or frequency, electrical characteristics, or other parameters. Data obtained by the one or more sensors (for example, the data representing pressure, pulse characteristics, and so on) may be communicated to a device located external to the patient, such as a data logger, using telemetry coils or other communicators. The data logger may store the data, and may communicate the data to a remote location via a network such as the Internet. A docking station may be provided to couple the data logger to a network and/or to recharge a cell in the data logger. The logged data may be analyzed and/or displayed using a variety of techniques to assess and/or track the condition of the restriction device or of the patient, to monitor patient physiology, or for other purposes. | 10-09-2008 |
| 20080250340 | GUI for an Implantable Restriction Device and a Data Logger - An implantable restriction device can be configured to provide a restriction in a patient, for example as a function of the pressure of fluid. The implantable restriction device can include one or more sensors configured to sense a variety of parameters, such as pressure of the fluid within the implantable restriction device, pulse width, pulse amplitude, pulse count, pulse duration, or frequency, electrical characteristics, or other parameters. Data obtained by the one or more sensors (for example, the data representing pressure, pulse characteristics, and so on) may be communicated to a device located external to the patient, such as a data logger, using telemetry coils or other communicators. The data logger may store the data, and may communicate the data to a remote location via a network such as the Internet. A docking station may be provided to couple the data logger to a network and/or to recharge a cell in the data logger. The logged data may be analyzed and/or displayed using a variety of techniques to assess and/or track the condition of the restriction device or of the patient, to monitor patient physiology, or for other purposes. | 10-09-2008 |
| 20080250341 | Gui With Trend Analysis for an Implantable Restriction Device and a Data Logger - An implantable restriction device can be configured to provide a restriction in a patient, for example as a function of the pressure of fluid. The implantable restriction device can include one or more sensors configured to sense a variety of parameters, such as pressure of the fluid within the implantable restriction device, pulse width, pulse amplitude, pulse count, pulse duration, or frequency, electrical characteristics, or other parameters. Data obtained by the one or more sensors (for example, the data representing pressure, pulse characteristics, and so on) may be communicated to a device located external to the patient, such as a data logger, using telemetry coils or other communicators. The data logger may store the data, and may communicate the data to a remote location via a network such as the Internet. A docking station may be provided to couple the data logger to a network and/or to recharge a cell in the data logger. The logged data may be analyzed and/or displayed using a variety of techniques to assess and/or track the condition of the restriction device or of the patient, to monitor patient physiology, or for other purposes. | 10-09-2008 |
| 20090062788 | Electrical ablation surgical instruments - A surgical instrument includes an ablation device. The ablation device includes an elongated flexible member having a proximal end and a distal end. The flexible member includes first and second lumens. A first needle electrode is configured to slideably move within the first lumen. A second needle electrode is located within the second lumen. The first and second needle electrodes are adapted to couple to an electrical waveform generator and to receive an electrical waveform sufficient to electrically ablate tissue located between the first and second needle electrodes. | 03-05-2009 |
| 20090120994 | Surgical Fastening Device With Initiator Impregnation of a Matrix or Buttress to Improve Adhesive Application - A material comprising a matrix or a buttress is impregnated with an adhesive initiator and is used with a surgical stapling device and an adhesive. The tissue and material are stapled together, and a knife in the surgical stapling device cuts the tissue and the material. The adhesive is applied across the cut and sets up or polymerizes to seals the cut when the adhesive contacts the adhesive initiator. The surgical stapling device can place the staples in a linear, arcuate, or circular array, and can anastomose luminal tissue. The methods of use can include stapling luminal tissue end to end, stapling two portions of material onto ether side of tissue, and stapling two portions of tissue onto a portion of material. Additionally, a portion of adhesive filed material can be stapled onto one side of portion of tissue and the adhesive initiator impregnated material can be stapled onto the other. Cutting the material and tissue provides a path for the adhesive across the cut, and catalyzes the adhesive from contact with the adhesive initiator. | 05-14-2009 |
| 20090192404 | METHODS AND DEVICES FOR MEASURING IMPEDANCE IN A GASTRIC RESTRICTION SYSTEM - Methods and devices are provided for gathering impedance data related to implantable restriction devices. In general, the methods and devices can enable patients, health care providers, and others to use gathered data as a feedback mechanism to non-invasively monitor efficacy of an implantable restriction device in a patient and to identify, modify, and/or prescribe a treatment plan for the patient considering the gathered data. Impedance data can be gathered and analyzed for tissue proximate to the restriction device, e.g., a fat pad between a gastric band and the patient's stomach. Electrodes in contact with the tissue can measure an impedance of the tissue, with the impedance between the electrodes changing as the tissue reduces in size (e.g., as fat cells shrink) and/or changes configuration. | 07-30-2009 |
| 20090192415 | GASTRIC RESTRICTION DEVICE DATA HANDLING DEVICES AND METHODS - Methods and devices are provided for handling data in an implantable restriction system. In general, the methods and devices allow collection, analysis, storage, and transmission of pressure measurements. Pressure measurement data can be compressed before storing it. Additionally, not all pressure data need be recorded or retained, such as data substantially equaling a resting or nominal pressure of an implantable restriction device indicative of little to no pressure variation and data indicative of isolated, non-recurring events. Any pressure measurement data that is recorded can be transmitted to an external device using power telemetrically provided by the external device. | 07-30-2009 |
| 20090192533 | METHODS AND DEVICES FOR DIAGNOSING PERFORMANCE OF A GASTRIC RESTRICTION SYSTEM - Methods and devices are provided for diagnosing performance of a gastric restriction system. In general, the methods and devices can enable patients, health care providers, and others to use pressure data as a feedback mechanism to monitor efficacy of an implantable restriction device and to identify, train, and/or prescribe treatment plan options. Pressure data monitoring can be used locally and/or remotely to monitor a restriction in a patient and compare gathered pressure data with a typical pressure of the restriction. Based on the results of the comparison, possible problems related to the patient and the restriction can be identified and diagnosed with possible cause(s) and solution(s). Notice of any detected possible problems, causes, and/or solutions can be provided to a user. | 07-30-2009 |
| 20090192534 | SENSOR TRIGGER - Methods and devices for effecting a gastric restriction system are disclosed. In one exemplary embodiment, a restriction system for forming a restriction in a patient is provided and can include an implantable restriction device and at least one implantable sensor that is in communication with the restriction device. In general, the implantable restriction device can be adjustable and can be configured to form a restriction in a patient. The implantable sensor(s) can be defaulted to a dormant power usage mode and can have a triggering mechanism that is configured to place the sensor(s) in a use configuration upon the occurrence of a triggering event. | 07-30-2009 |
| 20090192541 | METHODS AND DEVICES FOR PREDICTING PERFORMANCE OF A GASTRIC RESTRICTION SYSTEM - Methods and devices are provided for predicting performance of a restriction system for a patient. In general, the methods and devices can allow detection and prediction of a trajectory of a particular patient attribute, such as weight loss. Using previously gathered data values, data values defining a future outcome can be predicted and compared with a desired future outcome. If the future outcome deviates from the desired future outcome, one or more corrective actions can be suggested to a patient and/or a health care provider to help align the patient's treatment plan with the desired future outcome rather than the currently predicted future outcome. | 07-30-2009 |
| 20090202387 | SYSTEM AND METHOD OF STERILIZING AN IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE - An implantable system having internal circuitry configured to withstand a pre-determined amount of sterilization radiation is provided. In general, the system includes an internal control module in electrical communication with an implantable medical device. The internal control module can include a circuit board configured to withstand radiation and/or any number of integrated circuits (e.g., application specific integrated circuits) wherein the circuits or at least some portion thereof are fabricated so as to withstand some amount of radiation. For example, some portion of the circuitry can be fabricated utilizing radiation compliant material(s), silicon-on-insulator technology, and/or gallium arsenide technology. Additionally, the circuitry can include various components which are inherently resistant to such radiation (e.g., components fabricated utilizing magnetic field based technology, surface acoustical wave devices, etc.). A method of sterilizing an implantable medical device via radiation is also provided. | 08-13-2009 |
| 20090204131 | AUTOMATICALLY ADJUSTING BAND SYSTEM WITH MEMS PUMP - Devices and methods for forming a restriction in a patient are disclosed. In one exemplary embodiment, a restriction system is provided including an implantable restriction device, an implantable port in fluid communication with the implantable restriction device, and an implantable pump in fluid communication with the restriction device. In general, the implantable restriction device is adjustable and configured to form a restriction in a patient, and the implantable port is configured to receive fluid from a fluid source external to the patient. The implantable pump is a micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) device effective to create pumping action to move fluid through the pump. | 08-13-2009 |
| 20090204132 | AUTOMATICALLY ADJUSTING BAND SYSTEM - Devices and methods for forming a restriction in a patient are disclosed. In one exemplary embodiment, a restriction system is provided including an implantable restriction device, an implantable port in fluid communication with the implantable restriction device, and an implantable pump in fluid communication with the restriction device. In general, the implantable restriction device is adjustable and configured to form a restriction in a patient, and the implantable port is configured to receive fluid from a fluid source external to the patient. The implantable pump has a plurality of actuators configured to change shape upon the application of energy thereto such that sequential activation of the plurality of actuators is effective to create pumping action to move fluid through the pump. | 08-13-2009 |
| 20090204141 | POWERING IMPLANTABLE RESTRICTION SYSTEMS USING KINETIC MOTION - Various powering devices are provided for transferring and/or generating energy from numerous sources to a communicating member implanted in a patient. The energy transferred to or generated by the communicating member can be used to provide power to an implantable restriction system configured to form a restriction in a pathway. | 08-13-2009 |
| 20090204178 | POWERING IMPLANTABLE RESTRICTION SYSTEMS USING LIGHT - Various powering devices are provided for transferring and/or generating energy from numerous sources to a communicating member implanted in a patient. The energy transferred to or generated by the communicating member can be used to provide power to an implantable restriction system configured to form a restriction in a pathway. | 08-13-2009 |
| 20090204179 | POWERING IMPLANTABLE RESTRICTION SYSTEMS USING TEMPERATURE - Various powering devices are provided for transferring and/or generating energy from numerous sources to a communicating member implanted in a patient. The energy transferred to or generated by the communicating member can be used to provide power to an implantable restriction system configured to form a restriction in a pathway. | 08-13-2009 |
| 20090222028 | METHODS AND DEVICES FOR FIXING ANTENNA ORIENTATION IN A RESTRICTION SYSTEM - Various methods and devices are provided for constraining movement between two housings implanted under the skin. In one embodiment, a restriction system is provided and includes a first housing having a reservoir formed therein and configured to receive fluid, and a second housing spaced apart from and in fluid communication with the first housing. The second housing can have a sensor, for example, for measuring fluid pressure. A restriction device can be in fluid communication with the first and second housings and can be adapted to form a restriction in a pathway. A constraining element can be coupled to the first and second housings and can be configured to limit movement of the first and second housings relative to one another in at least one plane of motion. | 09-03-2009 |
| 20090222065 | Physiological Parameter Analysis for an Implantable Restriction Device and a Data Logger - An implantable restriction device can be configured to provide a restriction in a patient, for example as a function of the pressure of fluid. The implantable restriction device can include one or more sensors configured to sense a variety of parameters, such as pressure of the fluid within the implantable restriction device, pulse width, pulse amplitude, pulse count, pulse duration, or frequency, electrical characteristics, or other parameters. Data obtained by the one or more sensors (for example, the data representing pressure, pulse characteristics, and so on) may be communicated to a device located external to the patient, such as a data logger, using telemetry coils or other communicators. The data logger may store the data, and may communicate the data to a remote location via a network such as the Internet. A docking station may be provided to couple the data logger to a network and/or to recharge a cell in the data logger. The logged data may be analyzed and/or displayed using a variety of techniques to assess and/or track the condition of the restriction device or of the patient, to monitor patient physiology, or for other purposes. | 09-03-2009 |
| 20100049190 | ELECTRICAL ABLATION DEVICES - A connector configured to receive electrical energy from an energy source. A fastener is coupled to the connector. The fastener is configured for attachment through a tissue wall. A first electrode includes at least one electrically conductive portion and is coupled to the connector by a first electrically conductive wire. | 02-25-2010 |
| 20100152539 | POSITIONABLE IMAGING MEDICAL DEVICES - A positionable imaging device includes a body defining a first end and a second end. The body is configured to be received within an internal body cavity. An imaging device is located at the first end of the body. A releasable fastener is coupled to the body to removably attach the imaging device to tissue within the internal body cavity. A release mechanism is coupled to the releasable fastener to detach the imaging device from the tissue. | 06-17-2010 |
| 20100179530 | ELECTRICAL ABLATION DEVICES - An electrical ablation apparatus comprises first and second electrodes. Each electrode comprises a first end configured to couple an energy source and a second end configured to couple to a tissue treatment region. An energy source is coupled to the first and second electrodes. The energy source is configured to deliver a first series of electrical pulses sufficient to induce cell necrosis by irreversible electroporation and a second series of electrical pulses sufficient to induce cell necrosis by thermal heating, through at least one of the first and second electrodes. The first series of electrical pulses is characterized by a first amplitude, a first pulse length, and a first frequency. The second series of electrical pulses is characterized by a second amplitude, a second pulse length, and a second frequency. | 07-15-2010 |
| 20110071557 | SYMMETRICAL DRIVE SYSTEM FOR AN IMPLANTABLE RESTRICTION DEVICE - An apparatus for regulating the functioning of a patient's organ or duct includes an elongated member having a first end and a second end. A fastener is disposed on the first end of the elongated member. The fastener is configured to engage the second end of the elongated member so that the elongated member forms a loop around the organ or duct. A tension element is disposed for movement within the elongated member. A symmetrical drive system including a drive element associated with and engaging the tension element for causing the tension element to control the tension applied by the elongated member against a patient's body organ or duct is further provided. In accordance with an alternate embodiment an apparatus for regulating the functioning of a patient's organ or duct including an elongated member having a first end and a second end. A fastener is disposed on the first end of the elongated member. The fastener is configured to engage the second end of the elongated member so that the elongated member forms a loop around the organ or duct. A tension element is disposed for movement within the elongated member. The tension element is composed of a flexible first member and a flexible second member, wherein the flexible first member is movable relative to the flexible second member. A drive element is associated with and engages the tension element for causing the tension element to control the tension applied by the elongated member against a patient's body organ or duct. | 03-24-2011 |
| 20110098704 | ELECTRICAL ABLATION DEVICES - An electrical ablation apparatus comprises first and second electrodes. Each electrode comprises a first end configured to couple an energy source and a second end configured to couple to a tissue treatment region. An energy source is coupled to the first and second electrodes. At least one electrode is movable between a first position and a second position. A first necrotic zone having a first shape is created when the electrodes are energized in the first position and a second necrotic zone having a second shape is created when the electrodes are energized in the second position. At least one electrode may be pre-formed with a radius. | 04-28-2011 |
| 20110152858 | SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING AN ELECTRODE - A surgical instrument can comprise two positive electrodes positioned along a first line, and two negative electrodes positioned along a second line, wherein the first line can be perpendicular to the second line. The positive electrodes can be positioned further away from a central axis than the negative electrodes in order to expand the voltage field created by the electrodes. In various embodiments, a surgical instrument can comprise a first array of electrodes positioned along a first line and a second array of electrodes positioned along a second line. In at least one embodiment, the first array of electrodes can comprise both positive and negative electrodes, and, in addition, the second array of electrodes can comprise both positive and negative electrodes. | 06-23-2011 |
| 20110152859 | SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING AN ELECTRODE - A surgical instrument can comprise a first electrode, a second electrode, and a retractable sheath. At least one of the electrodes can comprise an insulative jacket extending along the length thereof which can comprise a tissue stop for limiting the progression of the electrode into tissue. In various embodiments, a surgical instrument can comprise a first electrode, a second electrode, and a displaceable arc guard positioned between the electrodes. In certain embodiments, a surgical instrument can comprise an electrode including a flexible mesh configured to conform to the tissue against which it is positioned. | 06-23-2011 |
| 20110160514 | ELECTRICAL ABLATION DEVICES - A variety of electrical ablation apparatuses and methods are disclosed. In one embodiment, an ablation apparatus includes an injector catheter electrode having a proximal end configured to couple to an energy source and a fluid source. A distal end of the injector catheter defines an injection needle and defines an electrically conductive hollow channel for communicating a fluid from the fluid source to a treatment site. A balloon electrode is in fluid communication with a balloon catheter. The balloon catheter has a proximal end configured to couple to the energy source and the fluid source and a distal end configured to inflate the balloon electrode. | 06-30-2011 |
