| Patent application number | Description | Published |
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| 20080215362 | METHOD AND APPARATUS OF ASSESSING NEED FOR HEALTH CARE AND FACILITATING THE PROVISION OF HEALTH CARE - A health care assessment system and associated methods are provided for providing increased access to individuals for assessing whether a need exists for health care and then also facilitating an individual's access to health care as needed. Embodiments of the system include a health care assessment system for receiving input from a patient and generating an output reflecting an indivdual's risk of one or more disease states. The health care assessment system is further capable of providing resources for health care and visual tools for collecting patient history. | 09-04-2008 |
| 20080221434 | Displaying an internal image of a body lumen of a patient - A medical system includes a display monitor, a catheter, a sensor, non-light-obtained image data of a patient, and a computer. The catheter has a distal end insertable into a body lumen of the patient. The sensor is attached to the catheter and is adapted to provide position data. The computer is adapted to calculate a position of the sensor using at least the position data indexed to a reference coordinate system, to create an internal image representation of the body lumen using at least the image data indexed to the reference coordinate system, and to display on the monitor a display image of the internal image representation of the body lumen. A storage medium contains a program readable by a computer which instructs the computer to perform the previously described steps. A method for visualizing a position of a catheter within a patient performs the above-described steps. | 09-11-2008 |
| 20080232656 | Recognizing a real world fiducial in image data of a patient - A storage medium contains a program which instructs a computer to recognize a predetermined shape of each of at least one portion of a medical assembly as a real-world fiducial in image data of a patient when the image data includes the predetermined shape and is received by the digital computer. The at-least-one portion has another function apart from functioning as a real-world fiducial. A medical apparatus includes a medical assembly and a storage medium. The medical assembly includes a component having at-least-one portion each with a predetermined shape. The storage medium contains a program which instructs a computer to recognize the predetermined shape of each of the at-least-one portion as a real-world fiducial in image data of a patient when the image data includes the predetermined shape and is received by the digital computer. The component has another function apart from functioning as a real-world fiducial. | 09-25-2008 |
| 20080234566 | Recognizing a real world fiducial in a patient image data - Medical apparatus is described including a fiducial component and a position sensor. The component is recognizable as at least a part of a fiducial when appearing in image data of a patient. The component is attachable to the patient. The sensor is attachable to the component at a predetermined location and orientation on the component or is capable of being positioned adjacent the fiducial component without attachment thereto at a predetermined location and orientation. A storage medium is described containing a program which instructs the computer to recognize a predetermined shape of each of at least one portion of a position sensor as at least a part of a real-world fiducial in image data of a patient. The position sensor is adapted to provide position data. Medical apparatus which includes the position sensor and the storage medium is also described. | 09-25-2008 |
| 20080243106 | DETACHABLE END EFFECTORS - Methods and devices are provided for performing various procedures using interchangeable end effectors. In general, the methods and devices allow a surgeon to remotely and selectively attach various interchangeable surgical end effectors to a shaft located within a patient's body, thus allowing the surgeon to perform various procedures without the need to remove the shaft from the patient's body. In an exemplary embodiment, multiple end effectors can be introduced into a body cavity. The end effectors can be disassociated or separate from one another such that they float within the body cavity. A distal end of a shaft can be positioned within the body cavity and it can be used to selectively engage one of the end effectors. In particular, the device can be configured to allow each end effector to be remotely attached and detached from the distal end of the shaft. For example, a surgeon can actuate an actuation mechanism on the proximal end of the shaft to mate one of the end effectors to the distal end of the shaft without assistance from other tools and devices. After use of the end effector, the end effector can be released and another end effector can be remotely attached to the distal end of the shaft. | 10-02-2008 |
| 20080255403 | MAGNETIC NANOPARTICLE THERAPIES - Various compositions, methods, and devices are provided that use fluorescent nanoparticles, which can function as markers, indicators, and light sources. The fluorescent nanoparticles can be formed from a fluorophore core surrounded by a biocompatible shell, such as a silica shell. In one embodiment, the fluorescent nanoparticles can be delivered to tissue to mark the tissue, enable identification and location of the tissue, and/or illuminate an area surrounding the tissue. In another embodiment, the fluorescent nanoparticles can be used on a device or implant to locate the device or implant in the body, indicate an orientation of the device or implant, and/or illuminate an area surrounding the device or implant. The fluorescent nanoparticles can also be used to provide a therapeutic effect. | 10-16-2008 |
| 20080255414 | FLUORESCENT NANOPARTICLE SCOPE - Various compositions, methods, and devices are provided that use fluorescent nanoparticles to function as markers, indicators, and light sources. In one embodiment, an endoscopic adaptor is provided for viewing fluorescent nanoparticles. The adaptor can be configured to removably mate to a portion of an endoscope, such as an eyepiece, and it can be adapted to contain a filter for filtering light received through the viewing lumen of the eyepiece. In an exemplary embodiment, the filter is configured to transmit fluorescent light while blocking visible light, to thereby enable a structure containing one or more fluorescent nanoparticles to be viewed through the endoscope. | 10-16-2008 |
| 20080255425 | NANOPARTICLE TREATED MEDICAL DEVICES - Various compositions, methods, and devices are provided that use fluorescent nanoparticles, which can function as markers, indicators, and light sources. The fluorescent nanoparticles can be formed from a fluorophore core surrounded by a biocompatible shell, such as a silica shell. In one embodiment, the fluorescent nanoparticles can be delivered to tissue to mark the tissue, enable identification and location of the tissue, and/or illuminate an area surrounding the tissue. In another embodiment, the fluorescent nanoparticles can be used on a device or implant to locate the device or implant in the body, indicate an orientation of the device or implant, and/or illuminate an area surrounding the device or implant. The fluorescent nanoparticles can also be used to provide a therapeutic effect. | 10-16-2008 |
| 20080255459 | SENTINEL NODE IDENTIFICATION USING FLUORESCENT NANOPARTICLES - Various compositions, methods, and devices are provided that use fluorescent nanoparticles, which can function as markers, indicators, and light sources. The fluorescent nanoparticles can be formed from a fluorophore core surrounded by a biocompatible shell, such as a silica shell. In one embodiment, the fluorescent nanoparticles can be delivered to tissue to mark the tissue, enable identification and location of the tissue, and/or illuminate an area surrounding the tissue. In another embodiment, the fluorescent nanoparticles can be used on a device or implant to locate the device or implant in the body, indicate an orientation of the device or implant, and/or illuminate an area surrounding the device or implant. The fluorescent nanoparticles can also be used to provide a therapeutic effect. | 10-16-2008 |
| 20080255460 | NANOPARTICLE TISSUE BASED IDENTIFICATION AND ILLUMINATION - Various compositions, methods, and devices are provided that use fluorescent nanoparticles to function as markers, indicators, and/or light sources. In an exemplary embodiment, the fluorescent nanoparticles are biocompatible, and more preferably they can be formed from a fluorophore core surrounded by a biocompatible shell, such as a silica shell. In one aspect, the fluorescent nanoparticles can be delivered to tissue to mark the tissue, enable identification and location of the tissue, and/or illuminate an area surrounding the tissue. | 10-16-2008 |
| 20080255537 | BIOCOMPATIBLE NANOPARTICLE COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS - Various compositions, methods, and devices are provided that use fluorescent nanoparticles, which can function as markers, indicators, and light sources. The fluorescent nanoparticles can be formed from a fluorophore core surrounded by a biocompatible shell, such as a silica shell. In one embodiment, the fluorescent nanoparticles can be delivered to tissue to mark the tissue, enable identification and location of the tissue, and/or illuminate an area surrounding the tissue. In another embodiment, the fluorescent nanoparticles can be used on a device or implant to locate the device or implant in the body, indicate an orientation of the device or implant, and/or illuminate an area surrounding the device or implant. The fluorescent nanoparticles can also be used to provide a therapeutic effect. | 10-16-2008 |
| 20080275297 | ENDOSCOPIC GUIDE DEVICE - Various exemplary methods and devices are provided for manipulating and/or anchoring devices and body parts during surgical procedures. In one embodiment, an anchor member is provided for anchoring a device or body part to tissue, such as an internal wall of a body cavity. The device can be, for example, an endoscopic device, an accessory channel coupled to an endoscopic device, or a support member adapted to support or manipulate an organ. The anchor member can include or form an opening through which the device can be inserted. The anchor member or device can thus be manipulated relative to the tissue to control movement of and/or provide support to the device, tools inserted through the device, and/or organs grasped by the device or tools. | 11-06-2008 |
| 20080319307 | Method for medical imaging using fluorescent nanoparticles - A first method for medically imaging a patient includes obtaining a carrier medium containing fluorescent nanoparticles. The carrier medium containing the fluorescent nanoparticles is disposed inside the patient at a site where the carrier medium will migrate to specific tissue of known shape. The nanoparticles are activated to fluoresce. Image data of the patient is obtained including the specific tissue after the specific tissue has picked-up the fluorescing fluorescent nanoparticles. The known shape of the specific tissue is identified in the image data. An image representation of the image data is created using the identified known shape as a fiducial. An image of the image representation of the image data is displayed. In a second method, the carrier medium is injected inside tissue of the patient at a site where the carrier medium will be localized in the injected tissue, and the injecting deposits the medium in a predetermined shape in the tissue. | 12-25-2008 |
| 20090001121 | Surgical staple having an expandable portion - A surgical staple including features which can reduce bleeding from soft tissue. In various embodiments, the surgical staple can include at least one deformable member which can puncture a hole in soft tissue as it is inserted therethrough. The deformable member can include a material thereon, or can be comprised of a material, which can expand and substantially fill the puncture hole in the soft tissue. In various embodiments, at least a portion of the deformable member can be coated with a hydrophilic material which can expand when exposed to water, or other bodily fluids, and apply a compression force to the perimeter of the puncture hole. Such a compression force can reduce bleeding from the puncture hole and thereby reduce any potential complications resulting therefrom. | 01-01-2009 |
| 20090054761 | Medical system, method, and storage medium concerning a natural orifice transluminal medical procedure - A medical system includes a catheter, a sensor, 3-D image data representative of a patient, and a computer. The catheter has a catheter distal end insertable into a natural orifice of a body lumen of the patient. The sensor is disposable proximate the catheter distal end and is adapted to provide position data. The computer is adapted: to receive an indication from a user of a medical target selected for a medical procedure which uses at least the catheter and which is to be performed within the patient; and to indicate to the user position information of the catheter distal end relative to the medical target using at least the 3-D image data and the position data. A storage medium contains a program readable by a computer which instructs the computer to perform the previously described steps. A method for assisting a medical procedure performs the above-described steps. | 02-26-2009 |
| 20090082632 | Rotational control for a hand assisted laparoscopic seal assembly - A seal assembly for permitting hand assisted laparoscopic procedures includes a seal cap having a seal positioned within a housing. The housing includes a lower seal ring having a track which supports an upper seal ring for relative rotational motion, wherein the seal is supported between the upper seal ring and the lower seal ring for rotation between an open orientation and a closed orientation. The upper seal ring includes a first ring member and a second ring member oriented for movement relative thereto, wherein a latching mechanism is positioned between the first ring member and the second ring member for selectively controlling movement of the first ring member relative to the second ring member. The seal assembly also includes a rotational control mechanism controlling motion of the upper seal ring relative to the lower seal ring. | 03-26-2009 |
| 20090118587 | Manifold for laparoscopic seal assembly - A laparoscopic seal assembly includes a seal cap having a seal with an access opening. The seal cap also includes a manifold connection for attachment of a functional apparatus. The seal assembly further includes a retractor. | 05-07-2009 |
| 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 |
| 20090192344 | SURGICAL DEVICES FOR MANIPULATING TISSUE - A surgical kit can be used to manipulate tissue within the body of a patient to create a working space within the body to allow a surgeon to easily access and work within the body using various surgical instruments. A surgical kit can include an implant comprised of a magnetic material which can be engaged with tissue within the body. The kit can further include a surgical instrument having a magnet which can be used to manipulate the implant and tissue engaged therewith. A surgical kit can include an anchor and a hanger configured to engage tissue at different locations within the body and a connection member engaged with the anchor and the hanger such that the connection member can be pulled to move the anchor toward the hanger. A surgical instrument which utilizes a vacuum provided to one or more movable members can also be used to manipulate tissue. | 07-30-2009 |
| 20090217932 | INTRALUMINAL TISSUE MARKERS - Methods and devices are provided for marking tissue to be subsequently located for removal from a body or for other examination. In general, a marker is provided that can be delivered to a target tissue. In one embodiment, the marker can include a solution having a visual marking component and a palpably identifiable tactile marking component. The marker can remain in the body and be subsequently visually and/or palpably identified to locate the target tissue. | 09-03-2009 |
| 20090221913 | INTRALUMINAL TISSUE MARKERS - Methods and devices are provided for marking tissue to be subsequently located for removal from a body or for other examination. In general, a marker is provided that can be delivered adjacent to tissue desirable for marking. The marker can coil adjacent to the desired tissue. The marker can remain disposed in the body in its coiled position and be subsequently palpably identified and/or visually identified to locate the desired tissue. | 09-03-2009 |
| 20090221915 | TRANSLUMINAL TISSUE MARKERS - Methods and devices are provided for marking tissue to be subsequently located for removal from a body or for other examination. In general, a marker is provided that can be delivered through a tissue wall proximate to tissue desirable for marking. The marker can be movable between a non-deployed or unexpanded position, in which the marker is configured to be delivered through a relatively small diameter passageway, to an expanded, balloon-like position in which the marker is configured to engage opposed sides of a tissue wall proximate to the desired tissue. The marker can remain disposed in the body in its expanded position and be subsequently palpably identified and/or visually identified to locate the desired tissue. | 09-03-2009 |
| 20100030032 | ACCESS DEVICE - A surgical access device includes a base having two or more ports or apertures that provide for the insertion of surgical instruments. The multi-port insert may be used with a laparoscopic access device. The multi-port insert may also include one or more instrument supports that are attached to the base to fix the position of one or more surgical instruments inserted through the multi-port insert. | 02-04-2010 |
| 20100081882 | Multiple Port Surgical Access Device - Various devices are provided for allowing multiple surgical instruments to be inserted through a single surgical access device at variable angles of insertion, allowing for ease of manipulation within a patient's body while maintaining insufflation. Safety shields and release mechanisms are also provided for use with various surgical access devices. | 04-01-2010 |
| 20100081995 | Variable Surgical Access Device - Various devices are provided for allowing multiple surgical instruments to be inserted through a single surgical access device at variable angles of insertion, allowing for ease of manipulation within a patient's body while maintaining insufflation. Safety shields and release mechanisms are also provided for use with various surgical access devices. | 04-01-2010 |
| 20100121652 | Method and Apparatus of Assessing Need for Health Care and Facilitating The Provision of Health Care - A health care assessment system and associated methods are provided for providing increased access to individuals for assessing whether a need exists for health care and then also facilitating an individual's access to health care as needed. Embodiments of the system include a health care assessement system for receiving input from a patient and generating an output reflecting an indivdual's risk of one or more disease states. The health care assessment system is further capable of providing resources for health care and visual tools for collecting patient history. | 05-13-2010 |
| 20100198066 | Method and Device for Obtaining Tissue Samples - A method for obtaining one or more tissue samples, such as from the prostate, is provided. The method can include use of a handheld, vacuum assisted, single insertion multiple sample biopsy device to remove two spaced apart volumes of prostate tissue, one on either side of the urethra. A sleeve with multiple electrodes can be received on the biopsy device or otherwise associated with the biopsy device, to provide RF energy to the biopsy site and to cauterize tissue surfaces from which the tissue samples have been taken. | 08-05-2010 |
| 20100228093 | TISSUE RETRACTION DEVICE - A visceral barrier has a barrier element that is changeable between an opened and a closed configuration. The barrier element may be positioned while in the opened configuration to temporarily reposition the viscera within the body cavity. A method of repositioning the viscera in a body cavity of a patient during a surgical procedure includes providing a visceral barrier, introducing the visceral barrier into the body cavity when the barrier element is in the closed configuration, opening the barrier element to the opened configuration, and positioning the barrier element within the body cavity to reposition the viscera and provide a space for performing a surgical procedure. | 09-09-2010 |
| 20100292540 | SURGICAL RETRACTOR AND METHOD - A retractor instrument for use in surgery having a body section and attachment tabs for securing the retractor to tissue. The retractor may have multiple body sections joined by hinges or ribs and may be rigid or flexible or some combination thereof. The retractor may comprise bioabsorbable material as well as hemostatic material. The retractor is suitable for use with clips, staples, sutures and tacks. | 11-18-2010 |
| 20110060363 | SURGICAL STAPLES HAVING COMPRESSIBLE OR CRUSHABLE MEMBERS FOR SECURING TISSUE THEREIN AND STAPLING INSTRUMENTS FOR DEPLOYING THE SAME - A staple having a crown, a deformable leg extending from the crown, and a spring extending from the crown configured to compress tissue between the spring and the deformable member. Owing to the flexibility of the spring, the staple can accommodate a wide range of tissue thicknesses while still compressing the tissue captured therein. As a result, a single staple design can be used in a wide variety of surgical procedures thereby reducing the amount of staple designs that must be provided to the surgeon. In at least one embodiment, the staple includes a crushable member. This crushable member can include a plastically deformable first portion and an elastically deformable second portion. The present invention can also include, in various embodiments, a crown, a first deformable member extending from the crown, and means for compressing the tissue against the first deformable member. | 03-10-2011 |
| 20110105850 | VAGINAL ENTRY SURGICAL DEVICES, KIT, SYSTEM, AND METHOD - A surgical method, system, kit, and various devices are provided for use in, among other things, vaginal entry during a natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgical procedure. A system and/or method provide for the rapid creation of a conduit and/or multiple ports in a natural orifice, such as a patient's vagina, while accommodating anatomical variation to reduce the need to excise additional tissue from the patient. | 05-05-2011 |
