Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080221695 | Spinal interbody spacer device - There is described an instrument set for use in spinal surgery that includes as elements a spinal body spacer, a placement tool, and an extraction tool. The spacer may be constructed with a body having a first wall and a second wall connected by a top face, a bottom face, and a lateral support. Further, the spinal body spacer has a threaded opening and keyways connected to the threaded opening positioned in a face. The spinal body spacer may also include a superior surface and an inferior surface with a plurality of antimigration furrows positioned on each of the superior surface and the inferior surface. The spacer may have an outer face positioned around the opening and the placement tool may also have a contact face such that the contact face comes into contact with the outer face when the placement tool is fully connected with the spacer. The placement tool has a threaded tip for connecting with the threaded opening of the spacer. The extraction tool has a tip configured to pass through the opening of the spacer, and the tool has tabs positioned on the tip such that the tabs pass through the keyways of the spacer. The extraction tool is configured such that it passes through the aperture, rotates, and then can be used to exert a pulling force on the spacer. The tip of the extraction tool may be a substantially blunt tip, a substantially pointed tip, or even a tip with a hollow area. The spacer may have at least one block disposed on an interior surface such that the block contacts the tabs of the extraction tool thereby restricting rotation of the extraction tool relative to the spacer. The spacer may have a backing plate, and the backing plate may itself include projections disposed in the matrix of the spacer. | 09-11-2008 |
20080234757 | Modular pedicle screw system - There is provided a modular pedicle screw assembly that includes various components which may be configured in various manners so as to provide different functionalities to the pedicle screw assembly. This advantageously decreases surgery time, reduces repetitive and tedious surgical steps, and allows for streamlining inventory of expensive medical equipment. In one embodiment, a pedicle screw assembly includes a pedicle screw, a rod holding element, an insert, a rod, and a set screw. The pedicle screw includes a threaded shaft and a cap. The rod holding element includes a screw hole, an insert bearing area, a chamber, chamber walls, a saddle area, and a threading area. The insert is disposed within the chamber, and the insert defines a bearing surface, an upper surface, side walls and a receiving area. The insert is positioned within the chamber such that the insert bearing surface contacts the rod holding element insert bearing area; additionally the side walls of the insert can bear against the chamber walls. The pedicle screw is positioned so that the screw shaft passes through the screw hold of the rod holding element and the screw cap rests within the receiving area of the insert. The rod is disposed so as to rest on the upper surface of the insert; and the set screw, joined to the threading area of the rod holding element, secures the rod to the upper surface of the insert. The insert may have a uniplanar configuration which allows movement of the insert, prior to final attachment, in a plane of motion. The insert may optionally have a monoaxial configuration which prevents movement of the insert. | 09-25-2008 |
20080262556 | Modular polyaxial pedicle screw system - There is provided a modular polyaxial pedicle screw assembly that includes various components which may be configured in various manners so as to provide different functionalities to the pedicle screw assembly. This advantageously decreases surgery time, reduces repetitive and tedious surgical steps, and allows for streamlining inventory of expensive medical equipment. In one embodiment, a pedicle screw assembly includes a pedicle screw, a rod holding element, a polyaxial insert, a rod, and a set screw. The pedicle screw includes a threaded shaft and a cap. The rod holding element includes a screw hole, an insert bearing area, a chamber, chamber walls, a saddle area, and a threading area. The insert is disposed within the chamber, and the insert defines a bearing surface, an upper surface, side walls and a receiving area. The insert is positioned within the chamber such that the insert bearing surface contacts the rod holding element insert bearing area; additionally the side walls of the insert can bear against the chamber walls. The pedicle screw is positioned so that the screw shaft passes through the screw hole of the rod holding element and the screw cap rests within the receiving area of the insert. The rod is disposed so as to rest on the upper surface of the insert; and the set screw, joined to the threading area of the rod holding element, secures the rod to the upper surface of the insert. | 10-23-2008 |
20090248089 | Spinal facet fixation device - An assembly for the fixation of a spinal facet joint, including an outer shank, an inner shank and a tip, such that rotation of the inner shank with respect to the outer shank causes the tip to move into the outer shank. Movement of the tip causes deformation of the distal end of the outer shank such that the distal end of the outer shank is larger in diameter than the hole through which it was inserted, said deformation causing increased compression and reduced chance of device loosening. | 10-01-2009 |
20120010525 | Compartment Syndrome Monitoring Systems and Methods - Embodiments of a compartment monitor that can be implanted and left in situ to continuously (or semi-continuously) measure compartment pressures are presented. An exemplary monitor includes a pressure sensor adapted to be implanted in a compartment, a transmitter external to the compartment and coupled to the pressure sensor, and a receiver in communication with the transmitter to receive and process pressure data received from the transmitter. The monitor may also be configured to transmit measured pressure data to a networkable device. The networkable device can then communicate the patient's status and condition to a healthcare provider through a local area network (LAN) or wide area network (WAN). This communication allows the healthcare provider to remotely monitor a patient. The networkable device, or associated computing system, can record and display trends in the pressure data over time, and log the data to the patient's electronic health records. | 01-12-2012 |
20120330364 | MODULAR PEDICLE SCREW SYSTEM - Provided is a modular pedicle screw assembly which includes various components that may be configured in various manners so as to provide different functionalities to the pedicle screw assembly. This advantageously decreases surgery time, reduces repetitive and tedious surgical steps, and allows for streamlining inventory of expensive medical equipment. In one embodiment, a pedicle screw assembly includes a pedicle screw, a rod holding element, an insert, a rod, and a set screw. The insert may have a uniplanar configuration which allows movement of the insert, prior to final attachment, in a plane of motion. The insert may optionally have a monoaxial configuration which prevents movement of the insert. A method is also provided for securing a rod to a pedicle screw assembly. Also provided is an assembly tool for use in assembling a pedicle screw assembly. | 12-27-2012 |
20130019408 | Systems and Methods for Monitoring and Providing Therapeutic Support for a User - A method for monitoring pressure at one or more points on an individual and automatically adjusting one or more sections of a support structure. The method includes periodically receiving pressure data from one or more radio frequency addressable sensors placed on an individual; determining, based on the received pressure data, whether an adjustment in the support structure is required; systematically adjusting cells located within the plurality of zones, one zone at a time, until an improvement in pressure data is indicated. If an improvement in pressure data is indicated for a zone, systematically adjusting cells within the plurality of subzones for that zone, one subzone at a time, until an improvement in pressure data is indicated. If an improvement in pressure data is indicated for a subzone, systematically adjusting cells in that subzone, one cell at a time, until an improvement in pressure data is indicated. | 01-24-2013 |
20130068226 | Cold Plasma Treatment Devices and Associated Methods - An inhalable cold plasma mask device for generation of a breathable cold plasma for delivery to a patient. A biocompatible gas is received in a dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) device that is energized by an electrode that receives energy from a pulsed source. The DBD device can be grounded by a grounding structure. A grounding screen can be used prior to inhalation of the cold plasma. The inhalable cold plasma mask device includes the use of a single-layer or a two-layer approach to its construction. The inhalable cold plasma mask device can have one or two DBD devices. Such a device and associated method can be used to treat upper respiratory tract infections, as well as reducing inflammation, sinus and esophageal polyps in both size and frequency of occurrence. | 03-21-2013 |
20130068732 | Harmonic Cold Plasma Devices and Associated Methods - A nozzle for attachment to a cold plasma device configured to maintain delivery of a stable cold plasma. The nozzle can have many different shaped apertures to support different applications requiring different shaped cold plasma plumes. Use of a disc of foam material within a nozzle can expand the size of aperture of a nozzle while maintaining delivery of a stable cold plasma. The nozzle can be an elongated cannula tube for internal delivery of a cold plasma treatment. The cannula tube can provide an aperture at its distal end or one or more apertures along its length. A shroud can partially enclose the distal aperture of the nozzle. A sterile sleeve can be used in conjunction with a nozzle to provide a sterile means of attachment and operation of the nozzle with a cold plasma device. | 03-21-2013 |
20130069530 | Harmonic Cold Plasma Devices and Associated Methods - A gas cartridge is described that is configured to provide sufficient gas to support cold plasma generation for a specific medical process. The gas cartridge has a seal that is pierced upon connection of the gas cartridge to the cold plasma delivery system. Different embodiments are described that use different connection locations between the gas cartridge and the cold plasma delivery system. A shroud is also described that shields the user if the cold plasma delivery system is dropped and the gas cartridge ruptures. Use of an ID system assists in ensuring that the correct gas mixture, correct gas cartridge and correct power supply settings are used for the particular medical treatment process. | 03-21-2013 |
20130071286 | Cold Plasma Sterilization Devices and Associated Methods - A cold plasma sterilization device for sterilization of objects such as medical instruments. Gas is fed to a plasma chamber where it is energized by one or more electrodes coupled to a pulse source to thereby generate a cold plasma inside the plasma chamber. A dielectric barrier is sandwiched between the gas compartment and the electrodes to form a dielectric barrier discharge device. Inside the plasma chamber, one or more conductive stands that are coupled to ground hold the object to-be-sterilized. The cold plasma exits the plasma chamber, where it is recirculated for further use as a plasma source in subsequent cycles. Gases that can be used include noble gases such as helium, or combinations of noble gases. | 03-21-2013 |
20130072858 | Cold Plasma Treatment Devices and Associated Methods - A cold plasma mask application device for delivery of a cold plasma to the face of a patient. An appropriate gas is introduced into a gas containment area that is energized by one or more electrodes that receive energy from a pulsed source. The plasma can be prevented from contact with the patient's face, or can be allowed to make contact with the patient's face at the appropriate treatment area. A three-layer approach to the manufacture of the cold plasma mask application device is also described. Such a device and method can be used to treat acne as well as complex facial wounds such as those resulting from trauma, melanoma, and other cancers of the face, rosacea, and psoriasis. | 03-21-2013 |
20130072860 | Cold Plasma Treatment Devices and Associated Methods - A compact cold plasma device for generating cold plasma having temperatures in the range 65 to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. The compact cold plasma device has a magnet-free configuration and an induction-grid-free configuration. An additional configuration uses an induction grid in place of the input electrode to generate the cold plasma. A high voltage power supply is provided that includes a controllable switch to release energy from a capacitor bank to a dual resonance RF transformer. A controller adjusts the energy input to the capacitor bank, as well as the trigger to the controllable switch. | 03-21-2013 |
20130072861 | Cold Plasma Treatment Devices and Associated Methods - A cold plasma treatment device for delivery of a cold plasma to patient treatment area. Gas is fed to a gas compartment where it is energized by an electrode coupled to a pulse source to thereby generate a cold plasma. A dielectric barrier is sandwiched between the gas compartment and the electrode to form a dielectric barrier discharge device. The cold plasma exits the gas compartment via a bottom member having a plurality of holes. Gases that can be used include noble gases such as helium or combinations of noble gases. | 03-21-2013 |
20140081404 | SPINAL INTERBODY SPACER DEVICE AND METHODS OF USING SAME - A method is provided for manipulating a spinal body spacer for use in spinal surgery on a patient. The method includes attaching a placement tool to the spinal body spacer and manipulating the placement tool so as to locate the spinal body spacer in a desired location. The placement tool can by removed by unscrewing the placement tool from a threaded receiving aperture of the spinal body spacer. The method also includes passing a tip of an extraction tool through the threaded receiving aperture of the spinal body spacer, the tip of the extraction tool having at least one tab. The tip of the extraction tool is rotated such that the at least one tab of the tip of the extraction tool passes through keyways of the spacer and extends into the interior space of the spinal body spacer. | 03-20-2014 |
20140161947 | Method and Apparatus for Cold Plasma Food Contact Surface Sanitation - A cold plasma device for killing or reducing a microbiological pathogen, or denaturing a protein in food, in a food processing system using a cold plasma device. The cold plasma device directs a cold plasma at food or a food surface over an effective area for an effective amount of time. The cold plasma device can be a DBD electrode device, or an army of DBD electrode devices. A grounding rod assembly is also described. | 06-12-2014 |
20140171854 | Therapeutic Applications of Cold Plasma - The present disclosure relates to methods of treating diseases and disorders comprising applying a therapeutically effective dose of cold plasma. In particular examples, the diseases and disorders include, but are not limited to, diseases and disorders of the skin, musculoskeletal, and immune systems. | 06-19-2014 |
20140184072 | Cold Plasma Annular Array Methods and Apparatus - Methods and apparatus are described that use an array of two or more cold plasma jet ports oriented to converge at a treatment area. The use of an array permits greater tissue penetration by cold plasma treatments. This approach enables treatment of deeper infections of soft and hard tissues without surgical intervention. For example, this approach can treat sub-integumental infections, such as those common to joint replacements, without surgically opening the issues overlying the deeper infection. | 07-03-2014 |
20140188037 | Method and Apparatus for Cold Plasma Bromhidrosis Treatment - A cold plasma device for bromhidrosis treatment is described. A dielectric barrier discharge device is formed by an electrode disposed adjacent to a dielectric barrier, with the dielectric barrier being configured to apply a cold plasma to a bromhidrosis treatment surface. The electrode is coupled to a pulsed high voltage cold plasma power supply, which may be external or internal to the body containing the DBD device. The cold plasma bromhidrosis treatment device can be powered by batteries or by an AC/DC adaptor. | 07-03-2014 |
20140188071 | Cold Plasma Electroporation of Medication and Associated Methods - A method and device to apply a cold plasma to a substance at a treatment surface of a patient to cause electroporation of the substance into cells of the patient. The substance can be previously applied to the treatment surface. Alternatively, the substance can be placed in a foam-like material within a tip that passes the cold plasma from the cold plasma device to the treatment area. The tip can be a cannula device with an aperture at the distal end. The cannula device can also have apertures along a portion of the length of the cannula device. | 07-03-2014 |
20140188097 | Method and Apparatus for Dielectric Barrier Discharge Wand Cold Plasma Device - A cold plasma device having a broad surface of plasma generation allowing for the efficient treatment of larger areas with the benefit of being durable, portable and able to treat almost any anatomical structure. The cold plasma device has a constant radius surface, which creates a tangential surface with an infinite number of distances between the surface edge of the substrate under treatment and the device. | 07-03-2014 |
20140188195 | Method and Apparatus for Proximity Control in Cold Plasma Medical Devices - Methods and apparatus are described that use an array of light sources that project converging light beams to control treatment distance. This approach controls treatment distance without contacting the patient or increasing the risk of pathogenic contamination. The approach can be used to control an optimal distance, and is compatible with various medical treatment devices including cold plasma treatment devices. | 07-03-2014 |