| Patent application number | Description | Published |
|---|
| 20080202252 | Joint simulator testing machine - A testing apparatus for a joint includes a support structure for engaging a first part a joint, an adapter for engaging a second part of the joint, a load assembly coupled with the adapter for applying a load onto the adapter and a drive assembly coupled with the adapter. Operation of the drive assembly causes angulation and rotation of the adapter relative to the support structure, which in turn causes angulation and rotation of the first and second parts of the joint relative to one another. | 08-28-2008 |
| 20080306594 | Artificial intervertebral disc having a bored semispherical bearing with a compression locking post and retaining caps - An artificial intervertebral disc having a pair of opposing baseplates, for seating against opposing vertebral bone surfaces, uses a semispherical, bored bearing that is secured to the baseplates with compression locking posts and one or more retaining caps. The compression locking posts extend through the bearing bore and baseplate apertures such that the bearing is between the baseplates' inwardly facing surfaces. Retaining caps are attached to the compression locking posts, securing the baseplates to the bearing. Bearing surfaces on the inwardly facing side of each baseplate allow each baseplate to rotate relative to the bearing, however, rotation of each baseplate is limited by the interference of each baseplate and its respective retaining cap. Rotation of the baseplates about the longitudinal axis of the spine can be limited via a notch in the retaining caps and a groove in the baseplates, or vice versa. | 12-11-2008 |
| 20090048674 | Artificial intervertebral disc having an articulating joint - An intervertebral device includes a first plate having an outer face and an inner face, and a second plate juxtaposed with the first plate, the second plate having an outer face, an inner face that opposes the first plate and a concavity that opposes the first plate. The device includes an elongated member extending from the first plate toward the second plate, the elongated member having a distal end with a spherical surface that is engageable with the concavity of the second plate for providing an articulating joint between the first and second plates. The device also includes a resilient member in contact with the elongated member for counteracting compressive loads on the plates, the resilient member being surrounded by the concavity of the second plate. | 02-19-2009 |
| 20090143861 | Intervertebral spacer device having recessed notch pairs for manipulation using a surgical tool - Instrumentation for implanting an artificial intervertebral disc includes static trials and a dynamic trial for determining the appropriate size of disc to be implanted, static trial holders for manipulating the static trials, inserter/impactors for inserting and removing the static trials and for inserting the artificial intervertebral discs, repositioners/extractors for repositioning and extracting the static trials or the artificial intervertebral discs, and a leveler for setting the proper position of the artificial intervertebral disc. Methods for using the same are also disclosed. Features for artificial intervertebral discs and intervertebral spacer devices useful for manipulation by the instrumentation are also disclosed. | 06-04-2009 |
| 20090157138 | Methods And Apparatus For Treating Ileus Condition Using Electrical Signals - A method of treating a temporary arrest of intestinal peristalsis includes inducing at least one of an electric current, an electric field and an electromagnetic field in a sympathetic nerve chain of a mammal to block and/or modulate inhibitory nerve signals thereof such that intestinal peristalsis function is at least partially improved. | 06-18-2009 |
| 20090187231 | Electrical Treatment Of Bronchial Constriction - Devices, systems and methods for treating bronchial constriction related to asthma, anaphylaxis or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease wherein the treatment includes stimulating selected nerve fibers responsible for smooth muscle dilation at a selected region within a patient's neck, thereby reducing the magnitude of constriction of bronchial smooth muscle. | 07-23-2009 |
| 20090281593 | Electrical Treatment Of Bronchial Constriction - Devices, systems and methods for treating bronchial constriction related to asthma, anaphylaxis or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease wherein the treatment includes stimulating selected nerve fibers responsible for smooth muscle dilation at a selected region within a patient's neck, thereby reducing the magnitude of constriction of bronchial smooth muscle. | 11-12-2009 |
| 20090292333 | ELECTRICAL STIMULATION TREATMENT OF HYPOTENSION - Methods and devices for treating hypotension, such as in cases of shock, including septic shock and anaphylactic shock, wherein the treatment includes providing an electrical impulse to a selected region of the vagus nerve of a patient suffering from hypotension to block and/or modulate nerve signals that regulate blood pressure. | 11-26-2009 |
| 20100036494 | INTERVERTEBRAL SPACER DEVICE HAVING AN ENGAGEMENT HOLE FOR A TOOL WITH AN EXTENDABLE POST - Instrumentation for implanting an artificial intervertebral disc includes static trials and a dynamic trial for determining the appropriate size of disc to be implanted, static trial holders for manipulating the static trials, inserter/impactors for inserting and removing the static trials and for inserting the artificial intervertebral discs, repositioners/extractors for repositioning and extracting the static trials or the artificial intervertebral discs, and a leveler for setting the proper position of the artificial intervertebral disc. Methods for using the same are also disclosed. Features for artificial intervertebral discs and intervertebral spacer devices useful for manipulation by the instrumentation are also disclosed. | 02-11-2010 |
| 20100042178 | Electrical stimulation treatment of bronchial constriction - Methods and devices for treating bronchial constriction related to asthma and anaphylaxis wherein the treatment includes providing an electrical impulse to a selected region of the vagus nerve and/or the lungs of a patient suffering from bronchial constriction. | 02-18-2010 |
| 20100070040 | Intervertebral Disc Replacement - Instrumentation for implanting a cervical disc replacement device includes cervical disc replacement trials for determining the appropriate size of replacement device to be implanted, an insertion plate for maintaining the elements of the replacement device in fixed relation to one another for simultaneous manipulation, an insertion handle for attachment to the insertion plate for manipulation of the elements, an insertion pusher for releasing the insertion handle from the insertion plate, a drill guide that cooperates with the insertion plate to guide the drilling of tap holes for bone screws to be placed through bone screw holes in the flanges of the replacement device, clips that are applied to the flanges after placement of the bone screws to resist screw backout, and a clip applicator for applying the clips to the flanges. | 03-18-2010 |
| 20100076506 | INSTRUMENTATION AND METHODS FOR USE IN IMPLANTING A CERVICAL DISC REPLACEMENT DEVICE - Instrumentation for implanting a cervical disc replacement device includes cervical disc replacement trials for determining the appropriate size of replacement device to be implanted, an insertion plate for maintaining the elements of the replacement device in fixed relation to one another for simultaneous manipulation, an insertion handle for attachment to the insertion plate for manipulation of the elements, an insertion pusher for releasing the insertion handle from the insertion plate, a drill guide that cooperates with the insertion plate to guide the drilling of tap holes for bone screws to be placed through bone screw holes in the flanges of the replacement device, clips that are applied to the flanges after placement of the bone screws to resist screw backout, and a clip applicator for applying the clips to the flanges. | 03-25-2010 |
| 20100087870 | INSTRUMENTATION AND METHODS FOR USE IN IMPLANTING A CERVICAL DISC REPLACEMENT DEVICE - Instrumentation for implanting a cervical disc replacement device includes cervical disc replacement trials for determining the appropriate size of replacement device to be implanted, an insertion plate for maintaining the elements of the replacement device in fixed relation to one another for simultaneous manipulation, an insertion handle for attachment to the insertion plate for manipulation of the elements, an insertion pusher for releasing the insertion handle from the insertion plate, a drill guide that cooperates with the insertion plate to guide the drilling of tap holes for bone screws to be placed through bone screw holes in the flanges of the replacement device, clips that are applied to the flanges after placement of the bone screws to resist screw backout, and a clip applicator for applying the clips to the flanges. | 04-08-2010 |
| 20100100186 | INSTRUMENTATION AND METHODS FOR USE IN IMPLANTING A CERVICAL DISC REPLACEMENT DEVICE - Instrumentation for implanting an intervertebral disc replacement device includes a retaining device comprising a threaded attachment member for threaded engagement with the at least one mounting screw hole in the flange of the intervertebral disc replacement device, and a head flange extending from the threaded attachment member, wherein a portion of the head flange is in part abuttingly received against a side of the flange of the intervertebral disc replacement device and another portion of the head flange is partially received over a portion of the bone screw to prevent the bone screw from backing out of the at least one bone screw hole when the retaining device is fully engaged with the intervertebral disc replacement device. The invention also comprises a method of preventing a bone screw from backing out of a bone screw hole in an intervertebral disc replacement device, comprising the steps of inserting a retaining device into a mounting hole in the intervertebral disc replacement device and tightening the retaining device in the mounting hole such that a portion of a head flange of the retaining device becomes flatter against a portion of the intervertebral disc replacement device and another portion of the head flange of the retaining device abuts against a portion of the bone screw. | 04-22-2010 |
| 20100152745 | Adjustable pin drill guide and methods therefor - An adjustable pin drill guide and method for using an adjustable pin drill guide to prepare a vertebral body space to receive an implant are disclosed. The method includes providing an adjustable pin drill guide, producing a gap by removing tissue between a first vertebral body and a second vertebral body, inserting into the gap first and second extensions of the guide in a first position, moving the first extension and the second extension to a second position, drilling a first hole in the first vertebral body through a first opening in the guide, drilling a second hole in the second vertebral body through a second opening in the guide, placing a first pin into the first hole, and placing a second pin into the second hole. The first and second extensions are preferably in parallel planes when in the first and second positions. | 06-17-2010 |
| 20100174371 | Artificial intervertebral disc trials having a cylindrical engagement surface - Instrumentation for implanting an artificial intervertebral disc includes static trials, the static trials including first and second trial baseplates immovably coupled to one another via a trunk extending therebetween, each trial baseplate having an outwardly facing surface approximating a contour of a corresponding outwardly facing surface of an articifial intervertebral disc baseplate, at least one of the trial baseplates having a plurality of engagement holes extending into the at least one of the trial baseplates in a direction substantially perpendicular to each of a plurality of a surgical approach directions used to insert the trial into the intervertebral space, each of the plurality of engagement holes being disposed on the at least one of the trial baseplates to correspond to a respective one of the surgical approach directions such that selection for use of one of the plurality of engagement holes corresponds to selection of the respective surgical approach. | 07-08-2010 |
| 20100191300 | Electrical Stimulation Treatment of Hypotension - Methods and devices for treating hypotension, such as in cases of shock, including septic shock and anaphylactic shock, wherein the treatment includes providing an electrical impulse to a selected region of the vagus nerve of a patient suffering from hypotension to block and/or modulate nerve signals that regulate blood pressure. | 07-29-2010 |
| 20100228316 | Methods and Apparatus for Treating Anaphylaxis Using Electrical Modulation - Methods and devices for treating anaphylaxis, anaphylactic shock, bronchial constriction, and/or asthma include providing an electrical impulse to a selected region of the vagus nerve of a patient suffering from anaphylaxis to block and/or modulate nerve signals that would regulate the function of, for example, myocardial tissue, vasodilation/constriction and/or pulmonary tissue. | 09-09-2010 |
| 20100228318 | Electrical Stimulation Treatment of Bronchial Constriction - Methods and devices for treating bronchial constriction related to asthma and anaphylaxis wherein the treatment includes providing an electrical impulse to a selected region of the vagus nerve and/or the lungs of a patient suffering from bronchial constriction. | 09-09-2010 |
| 20100241188 | Percutaneous Electrical Treatment Of Tissue - Devices, systems and methods for applying electrical impulse(s) to one or more selected nerves in or around the carotid sheath are described. An electrode assembly is introduced through a percutaneous penetration in a patient to a target location adjacent to, or in close proximity with, the carotid sheath. Once in position, one or more electrical impulses are applied through the electrode assembly to one or more selected nerves to stimulate, block or otherwise modulate the nerve(s) and acutely treat the patient's condition. | 09-23-2010 |
| 20100249873 | Direct and Indirect Control of Muscle for the Treatment of Pathologies - Methods are disclosed for applying an electrical stimulation signal to nerves and/or muscles to modulate (i.e., relax, relieve spasms or tighten) the smooth muscle of the sphincter of Oddi, which stimulation may be applied directly to the smooth muscle of the sphincter or by modulation of the signals applied to the sphincter through the heptactic plexus. | 09-30-2010 |
| 20100268342 | INTERVERTEBRAL SPACER DEVICE HAVING A SLOTTED PARTIAL CIRCULAR DOMED ARCH STRIP SPRING - An intervertebral spacer device having a pair of opposing plates for seating against opposing vertebral bone surfaces. Each of the opposing plates has an external surface with a deflectable wire mesh thereon, into which the bone can readily grow. | 10-21-2010 |
| 20100305655 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR TREATING GASTROINTESTINAL DISORDERS USING ELECTRICAL SIGNALS - A method of treating motility conditions, such as an arrest of intestinal peristalsis, includes introducing an electrode through the esophagus and into the digestive tract of the patient and applying an electrical impulse to the electrode to modulate one or more nerves within the digestive tract such that intestinal peristalsis function is at least partially improved. | 12-02-2010 |
| 20110000496 | Systems and Mehtods for Treating Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes - The present invention provides systems and methods for treating wounds in patients who lack the innate ability to regulate glucose (e.g., diabetic patients). In one aspect of the invention, a method includes positioning an internal bypass device within the duodenum to inhibit contact between chyme passing therethrough and an internal wall of the duodenum and maintaining the internal bypass device within the duodenum for a sufficient period of time to decrease insulin resistance and reduce a blood glucose level in the patient. The internal bypass device increases peripheral blood flow and elevates an immune system response to accelerate healing of the wound. | 01-06-2011 |
| 20110000543 | SOLAR ENERGY COLLECTION AND CONVERSION SYSTEM - A solar energy collection and conversion system includes at least one mirror array, with each array including a multiplicity of mirrors, and each array of mirrors reflecting incident sunlight onto a common target. The common target serves as a collection point where the reflected sunlight energy converges and is thereby concentrated. The target comprises an energy to electricity conversion device, for example, a photovoltaic device, and/or a reservoir of material which can be heated by the incident light energy such that the energy may be subsequently extracted to generate electricity. | 01-06-2011 |
| 20110004146 | Systems and Methods for Treating of Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes - The present invention provides systems and methods for treating and controlling obesity and/or type II diabetes. In one aspect of the invention, a device comprises a hollow sleeve sized and shaped for positioning within a duodenum of the patient, an anchor coupled to the proximal end of the sleeve and being sized and shaped to inhibit distal migration of the sleeve and a plurality of elastomeric objects coupled to the distal end of the sleeve and being sized and shaped to inhibit proximal migration of the sleeve through a pylorus of the patient. The bypass device can be placed and removed endoscopically through the patient's esophagus in a minimally invasive outpatient procedure and it is “self-anchoring” and does not require invasive tissue fixation within the patient's GI tract, thereby reducing collateral tissue damage and minimizing its impact on the digestive process. | 01-06-2011 |
| 20110004228 | Systems and Methods for Treating Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes - The present invention provides systems and methods for treating and/or controlling obesity and type II diabetes. In one aspect of the invention, a device for treating obesity includes a flow restrictor and an anchor coupled to the flow restrictor. The flow restrictor is movable between a first or collapsed configuration sized and shaped for endoscopic advancement through the patient's esophagus and into a distal region of the stomach and a second or operative configuration sized and shaped for inhibiting a flow of chyme from the stomach to the pyloric sphincter. It is believed that this will cause the prolongation of satiety, and result in fewer meals being eaten and/or smaller meals being ingested. The anchor is movable between a first or collapsed configuration sized and shaped for advancement through the esophagus, stomach and pyloric sphincter and into the proximal region of the duodenum and a second or operative configuration sized and shaped to inhibit proximal movement of the anchor through the pyloric sphincter. | 01-06-2011 |
| 20110004229 | Systems and Methods for Treating Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes - The present invention provides systems and methods for treating and controlling obesity and/or type II diabetes. In one aspect of the invention, a bypass device includes gastric and duodenal anchors coupled to each other and positioned on either side of the pylorus and a hollow sleeve designed to extend from the pylorus through at least a proximal portion of a patient's small intestine. The gastric and duodenal anchors are movable between collapsed configurations for advancement through the esophagus and an expanded configuration for inhibiting movement of the anchors through the pyloric sphincter. Thus, the bypass device can be placed and removed endoscopically through the patient's esophagus in a minimally invasive outpatient procedure and it is “self-anchoring” and does not require invasive tissue fixation within the patient's GI tract, thereby reducing collateral tissue damage and minimizing its impact on the digestive process. | 01-06-2011 |
| 20110004234 | Systems and Methods for Treatment of Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes - The present invention provides systems and methods for treating and controlling obesity and/or type II diabetes. In one aspect of the invention, an internal bypass device includes gastric and duodenal anchors coupled to each other and positioned on either side of the pylorus and a hollow sleeve designed to extend from the pylorus through at least a proximal portion of a patient's small intestine. The gastric and duodenal anchors are movable between collapsed configurations for advancement through the esophagus and an expanded configuration for inhibiting movement of the anchors through the pyloric sphincter. Thus, the bypass device can be placed and removed endoscopically through the patient's esophagus in a minimally invasive outpatient procedure and it is “self-anchoring” and does not require invasive tissue fixation within the patient's GI tract, thereby reducing collateral tissue damage and minimizing its impact on the digestive process. | 01-06-2011 |
| 20110004236 | Systems and Methods for Treating Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes - The present invention provides systems and methods for treating and controlling obesity and/or type II diabetes. In one aspect of the invention, a delivery system for deploying an implant to a target region in the GI tract of a patient comprises an enclosure and an introducer. The enclosure houses at least a portion of the implant and comprises a material designed to dissolve within the patient. The introducer is coupled to the enclosure and configured for advancing the enclosure (and the implant housed therein) through an esophagus and into a stomach of the patient. In a preferred embodiment, the enclosure comprises a biocompatible material that will dissolve in less than one hour, preferably less than 30 minutes, such as gelatin or the like. | 01-06-2011 |
| 20110004320 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR TREATMENT OF OBESITY AND TYPE 2 DIABETES - The present invention provides systems and methods for treating and controlling obesity and/or type II diabetes. In one aspect of the invention, an internal bypass device includes gastric and duodenal anchors coupled to each other and positioned on either side of the pylorus and a hollow sleeve designed to extend from the pylorus through at least a proximal portion of a patient's small intestine. The gastric and duodenal anchors are movable between collapsed configurations for advancement through the esophagus and an expanded configuration for inhibiting movement of the anchors through the pyloric sphincter. Thus, the bypass device can be placed and removed endoscopically through the patient's esophagus in a minimally invasive outpatient procedure and it is “self-anchoring” and does not require invasive tissue fixation within the patient's GI tract, thereby reducing collateral tissue damage and minimizing its impact on the digestive process. | 01-06-2011 |
| 20110046432 | NON-INVASIVE TREATMENT OF BRONCHIAL CONSTRICTION - Devices, systems and methods are disclosed for treating bronchial constriction related to asthma, anaphylaxis or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The treatment comprises transmitting impulses of energy non-invasively to selected nerve fibers that are responsible for smooth muscle dilation. The transmitted energy impulses, comprising magnetic and/or electrical, mechanical and/or acoustic, and optical and/or thermal energy, stimulate the selected nerve fibers. | 02-24-2011 |
| 20110046537 | Systems and Methods for Treatment of Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes - The present invention provides systems and methods for treating and controlling obesity and/or type II diabetes. In one aspect of the invention, a device comprises a hollow sleeve sized and shaped for positioning within a duodenum of the patient, an anchor coupled to the proximal end of the sleeve and being sized and shaped to inhibit distal migration of the sleeve and a plurality of elastomeric objects coupled to the distal end of the sleeve and being sized and shaped to inhibit proximal migration of the sleeve through a pylorus of the patient. The bypass device can be placed and removed endoscopically through the patient's esophagus in a minimally invasive outpatient procedure and it is “self-anchoring” and does not require invasive tissue fixation within the patient's GI tract, thereby reducing collateral tissue damage and minimizing its impact on the digestive process. | 02-24-2011 |
| 20110046744 | INTERVERTEBRAL SPACER DEVICE HAVING RECESSED NOTCH PAIRS FOR MANIPULATION USING A SURGICAL TOOL - Instrumentation for implanting an artificial intervertebral disc includes static trials and a dynamic trial for determining the appropriate size of disc to be implanted, static trial holders for manipulating the static trials, inserter/impactors for inserting and removing the static trials and for inserting the artificial intervertebral discs, repositioners/extractors for repositioning and extracting the static trials or the artificial intervertebral discs, and a leveler for setting the proper position of the artificial intervertebral disc. Methods for using the same are also disclosed. Features for artificial intervertebral discs and intervertebral spacer devices useful for manipulation by the instrumentation are also disclosed. | 02-24-2011 |
