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Prosthesis (i.e., artificial body members), parts thereof, or aids and accessories therefor March list of patents 03/08

20080077225 - Accuracy lumen sizing and stent expansion: The invention relates to a system, method and device for optically determining the shape and size of a lumen of a vessel or body cavity, and of, for example, a balloon stent as it is inflated. The size and shape determination of the lumen of the vessel or body cavity... Agent: Pepper Hamilton LLP

20080077224 - Balloon with wings for rotational stent: The present invention provides a catheter system which includes a catheter, an expandable balloon, at least one securement member, and a stent. The stent is disposed about the catheter and comprises at least one undulating band that extends circumferentially around the longitudinal axis of the catheter system. The undulating band... Agent: Vidas, Arrett & Steinkraus, P.A.

20080077223 - Stent delivery system with improved deliverabilty features: A stent delivery system for placing a stent within a vessel of a human body. The stent delivery system includes an elongated tube that extends for most of the length of the stent delivery system and is attached to a distal end of a proximal section of an inflatable balloon.... Agent: Rosenberg, Klein & Lee

20080077230 - Stent with support element: An implantable stent comprising a first strut having an abluminal surface, and subluminal surface, and at least one side surface; a first depression formed in the abluminal surface; and a first support element at least partially disposed in the first depression; wherein at least a portion of the first support... Agent: Jones Day

20080077232 - Stent for placement in body: Disclosed is an easy-to-manufacture stent for placement in a body having a coating layer composed of a polymer wherein separation or cracking of the coating layer due to expansion of the stent can be efficiently prevented. Specifically disclosed is a stent for placement in a body which comprises a coating... Agent: Hogan & Hartson L.L.P.

20080077237 - System and method for storing, shipping and injecting ocular devices: A shipping system for a medical device, such as implantable lens for an eye, is provided that may be reconfigured from a shipping mode into an injection mode without manually handling the contained lens or other device. Upon manufacture, a lens may be placed within the system assembly in the... Agent: Burleson Cooke L.L.P.

20080077238 - Intraocular lenses for managing glare, adhesion, and cell migration: An intraocular lens for providing vision to a subject contains an optic, a support structure coupled to the optic. The intraocular lens also includes a textured surface and/or subsurface layer. The optic is disposed about an optical axis and comprises an anterior surface and an opposing posterior surface, the surfaces... Agent: Advanced Medical Optics, Inc.

20080077239 - Intraocular lenses for managing glare, adhesion, and cell migration: An intraocular lens for providing vision to a subject contains an optic, a support structure coupled to the optic. The intraocular lens also includes a textured surface and/or subsurface layer. The optic is disposed about an optical axis and comprises an anterior surface and an opposing posterior surface, the surfaces... Agent: Advanced Medical Optics, Inc.

20080077240 - Nasal implant introduced through a non-surgical injection technique: A method for non-surgically treating an internal nasal valve of a patient comprising, injecting a working device into the internal nasal valve of the patient, wherein the injected working device in the nasal tissue causes an alteration of an internal or external nasal valve. A device introduced by injection into... Agent: Bio Intellectual Property Services (bio Ips) LLC

20080077242 - Prosthetic intervertebral discs having compressible core elements bounded by fiber-containing membranes: This description deals with a medical device, specifically a prosthetic intervertebral disc having a compressible core bounded by a fiber-containing or fiber-reinforced membrane.... Agent: Wheelock Chan LLP

20080077244 - Prosthetic intervertebral discs having cast end plates and methods for making and using them: This description deals with a medical device, specifically a prosthetic intervertebral disc having a compressible core and at least one cast, polymeric end plate.... Agent: Wheelock Chan LLP

20080077247 - Spinal spacer: A spinal spacer assembly is provided. The spinal spacer assembly includes a spinal spacer having a wall configured to enclose a hollow interior, wherein the wall is further configured to have a top portion and a bottom portion. The top and bottom portions are configured to include a plurality of... Agent: Mintz Levin Cohn Ferris Glovsky & Popeo

20080077248 - Vertebral body replacement: A spacer for use in spine fusion surgical procedures is disclosed. The spacer includes an enclosure having a wall that is configured to enclose a hollow interior. The wall is further configured to include a plurality of openings spaced throughout the wall. The openings are configured to connect an exterior... Agent: Brian P. Hopkins Mintz Levin Cohn Ferris Glovsky And Popeo PC

20080077246 - Vertebral disc prosthesis: The implantable inter-vertebral prosthesis is comprised of a cranial endplate (10) and a caudal endplate (12), between which spring structure are provided. The spring structure are comprised of a memory metal alloy, which at body temperature exhibits super elastic characteristics. The spring structure are planar structures (14) parallel to the... Agent: Akerman Senterfitt

20080077249 - Instruments for setting acetabular cup: A cup and a temporary insert are respectively configured to be tightly press fitted into each other along their periphery. The temporary insert includes a through hole communicating outside with a free space between the outer surface of the temporary insert and the inner surface of the cup. In the... Agent: William H. Eilberg

20080077250 - Stent with soluble bladder retention member: Ureteral stents having at least a portion of a proximal end of the ureteral stent constructed with a material that dissolves after being exposed to a bodily fluid for a period of time are disclosed herein. At least a portion of the proximal end portion of the elongate member includes... Agent: Cooley Godward Kronish LLP Attn: Patent Group

20080077229 - Custom-length self-expanding stent delivery systems with stent bumpers: Custom-length self-expanding stent delivery systems and methods enable precise control of prosthesis position during deployment. The stent delivery systems carry multiple stent segments and include a stent bumper for helping control the axial position of the stent segments during deployment. This enables the deployment of multiple prostheses at a target... Agent: Townsend And Townsend And Crew, LLP (client No 021629-000000)

20080077227 - Method for operating a stent graft delivery system handle: A method for delivering a stent graft includes the steps of moving lumens retaining a stent graft within a multi-lumen stent-graft-delivery catheter towards an implantation site to place the stent graft at a first position prior to reaching the implantation site. The delivery catheter has at least one interior lumen... Agent: Mayback & Hoffman, P.A.

20080077228 - Stent and stent delivery device: A stent has a plurality of wavy annular members arranged adjacently to each other in an axial direction of the stent with the adjacent wavy annular members connected with each other. Each of the wavy annular members has a plurality of one-end side bent portions each having an apex at... Agent: Buchanan, Ingersoll & Rooney PC

20080077226 - Stent graft delivery system handle: A system for implanting a prosthesis includes a prosthesis delivery device having a handle with a longitudinal axis and a lumen control assembly an intermediate lumen connected to the lumen control assembly and having a distal end, a prosthesis sheath at the distal end of the intermediate lumen for holding... Agent: Mayback & Hoffman, P.A.

20080077231 - Expandable vascular endoluminal prostheses: The invention provides expandable tubular endoluminal prostheses for the treatment of atherosclerotic lesions of blood vessels, including vulnerable plaque lesions, and methods of treatment using the prostheses. Various prostheses of the invention are characterized by hoop strength suitable for treating vulnerable plaque lesions, good conformability and good apposition to vessel... Agent: Patton Boggs LLP

20080077222 - Componsite stent: A bioremovable composite stent includes bioremovable polymer and bioremovable ceramic flakes generally coupled with adjacent layers of bioremovable polymer so as to make a resilient composite stent configured to move between a contracted configuration to an expanded configuration. In one embodiment, the composite stent may have a helical shape.... Agent: Holland & Hart LLP

20080077233 - Method and apparatus for loading a beneficial agent into an expandable medical device: The present invention relates to method and apparatus for dispensing a beneficial agent into an expandable medical device. The method includes the step of placing an expandable medical device on a mandrel, the medical device forming a cylindrical device having a plurality of openings and dispensing a beneficial agent into... Agent: Intellectual Property Department Conor Medsystems, Inc.

20080077235 - Annuloplasty with enhanced anchoring to the annulus based on tissue healing: Methods, delivery systems and engaging apparatuses for the placement and treatment of an insufficient or stenotic cardiac valve, such as the mitral valve are disclosed. One such method is based on a two step procedure, where during the first step the engaging apparatus is brought to the valve annulus using... Agent: Proskauer Rose LLP Patent Department

20080077234 - Valve prosthesis: The inventive valve prosthesis (10) comprises a flexible plug (54) and an annular bearing reinforcement (12) which is embodied such that it is radially rigid and surgically implantable in the area of a heart valve. Said valve prosthesis is provided with an interchangeable prosthetic valve (50), is independent of the... Agent: Wenderoth, Lind & Ponack, L.L.P.

20080077236 - Valve prosthesis for implantation in body channels: A valve prosthesis which is especially useful in the case of aortic stenosis and capable of resisting the powerful recoil force and to stand the forceful balloon inflation performed to deploy the valve and to embed it in the aortic annulus, comprises a collapsible valvular structure and an expandable frame... Agent: Edwards Lifesciences Corporation

20080077241 - Removable rasp/trial member insert, kit and method of use: A method of traumatizing a pair of adjacent vertebral endplates may provide a surgical instrument having a pivoting distal removable insert, a proximal handle portion, a body portion, and a linkage member positioned between the insert and the proximal handle portion, the insert having a first angular position relative to... Agent: Carr LLP (ist)

20080077243 - Intervertebral prosthesis endplate having double dome and surgical tools for implanting same: An endplate for an intervertebral prosthesis prosthesis endplate of the invention includes: a generally planar base plate, a first elevated region, or dome, within the base plate periphery, and a second elevated region, or dome, within the boundary of the first elevated region. The antero-posterior and side-to-side (medial-lateral) dimensions of... Agent: Miles & Stockbridge PC

20080077245 - Intervertebral disc and facet joint prosthesis: An intervertebral disc and facet joints prosthesis includes (i) an intervertebral disc prosthesis element having an upper rigid prosthesis endplate, a lower rigid prosthesis endplate, and a core interposed between and attached to the rigid endplates, and (ii) at least one facet joint prosthesis element, each facet joint prosthesis element... Agent: Miles & Stockbridge PC

20080077251 - Cleaning and devitalization of cartilage: The invention is further directed to producing a cleaned, disinfected, and devitalized cartilage graft by optionally cleaning and disinfecting the cartilage graft; treating the cartilage graft in a pretreatment solution; treating the cartilage graft in an extracting solution; washing the extracted cartilage graft with a rinsing solution; and subsequently soaking... Agent: Morgan Lewis & Bockius LLP

20080077252 - Muscle-based grafts/implants: The present invention is directed to a composition comprising a matrix suitable for implantation in humans, comprising defatted, shredded, allogeneic human muscle tissue that has been combined with an aqueous carrier and dried in a predetermined shape. Also disclosed is a tissue graft or implant comprising a matrix suitable for... Agent: Mcandrews Held & Malloy, Ltd

20080071344 - Medical device with porous surface: Medical devices, such as endoprostheses, and methods of making the devices are described. In some implementations, the endoprostheses is a stent having a tubular body with an outer wall surface, and an inner wall surface defining a stent central lumen. One or more regions of the outer wall surface and... Agent: Fish & Richardson PC

20080071343 - Multi-segmented graft deployment system: A deployment catheter for deploying endoluminal vascular prosthesis that has at least a main graft portion and a first branch graft portion includes an elongate, flexible catheter body having a proximal end and a distal end and comprising an outer sheath and an inner core that is axially moveable with... Agent: Knobbe Martens Olson & Bear LLP

20080071350 - Endoprostheses: Endoprostheses such as stents are disclosed that are, or that include portions that are, bioerodible.... Agent: Fish & Richardson PC

20080071351 - Endoprosthesis with adjustable surface features: Endoprostheses (e.g., stents) containing adjustable surfaces are disclosed.... Agent: Fish & Richardson PC

20080071348 - Medical devices: Medical devices, such as endoprostheses, and methods of making the devices are disclosed.... Agent: Fish & Richardson PC

20080071349 - Medical devices: Medical devices are described that include a device body that carries a first bioerodible member and a second bioerodible member. One of the first or second members includes a bioerodible metallic material or ceramic, and the other includes a bioerodible polymeric material. The first and/or second member can include a... Agent: Fish & Richardson PC

20080071347 - Medical devices having alloy compositions: A medical device includes an alloy having a microstructure that provides desirable properties. The alloy can be a eutectoid composition of e.g. titanium as a major constituent and any combination of iridium, platinum, chromium, gold, silver, bismuth, manganese, palladium, cobalt, copper, iron, and/or nickel as a minor constituent, wherein the... Agent: Fish & Richardson PC

20080071346 - Multilayer sheet stent: A rolled sheet multilayer stent having an unrolled state, an outer surface layer, and an inner surface layer and comprising a first sheet and a second sheet. The first and second sheets each have a first edge and at least one cell design comprising a plurality of struts which form... Agent: Vidas, Arrett & Steinkraus, P.A.

20080071357 - Controlling biodegradation of a medical instrument: An endoprothesis comprising a bioerodible body having local erosion rates of the body that vary as a continuous function of radial distance from the longitudinal axis.... Agent: Fish & Richardson PC

20080071355 - Medical devices with drug-eluting coating: Medical devices, such as endoprostheses, and methods of making the devices are described. In one embodiment, a medical device having a body of interconnected bands and connectors forming an elongated tubular structure having an inner luminal wall surface, an outer abluminal wall surface and a side wall surface, and defining... Agent: Fish & Richardson PC

20080071358 - Endoprostheses: Endoprostheses such as stents are disclosed that are, or that include portions that are, bioerodible.... Agent: Fish & Richardson PC

20080071361 - Leaflet-sensitive valve fixation member: A prosthesis is provided for implantation at a native semilunar valve of a native valve complex. The prosthesis includes a distal fixation member, configured to be positioned in a downstream artery, and to apply a first axial force directed toward a ventricle. The prosthesis further includes a proximal fixation member... Agent: Welsh & Katz, Ltd. Gerald T. Shekleton

20080071363 - Valve prosthesis fixation techniques using sandwiching: A prosthesis is provided for implantation at a native semilunar valve of a native valve complex. The prosthesis includes a distal fixation member, configured to be positioned in a downstream artery, and shaped so as to define exactly three proximal engagement arms that are configured to be positioned at least... Agent: Gerald T. Shekleton Welsh & Katz, Ltd.

20080071362 - Valve prosthesis implantation techniques: A method is provided, including providing a semilunar valve prosthesis, and implanting the prosthesis without using any imaging techniques. Another method is provided, including providing a semilunar valve prosthesis, placing the prosthesis in a body of a subject, and determining a correct rotational disposition of the prosthesis with respect to... Agent: Welsh & Katz, Ltd. Gerald T. Shekleton

20080071366 - Axial-force fixation member for valve: A prosthesis is provided for implantation at a native semilunar valve of a native valve complex. The prosthesis includes a distal fixation member, configured to be positioned in a downstream artery, and to apply a first axial force directed toward a ventricle. The prosthesis further includes a proximal fixation member... Agent: Welsh & Katz, Ltd. Gerald T. Shekleton

20080071365 - Transpericardial mitral annuloplasty system for the treatment of ischemic mitral regurgitation: A transpericardial mitral annuloplasty system for the treatment of ischemic mitral regurgitation comprising an annuloplasty device comprising a body to be placed against the pericardium adjacent the mitral valve annulus opposite the anterolateral commissure of the annulus, and an attachment member being operable to tautly connect the body to the... Agent: Alston & Bird LLP

20080071364 - Treating valve failure: A device (1) for treating valve failure in a patient is provided. The device has one or more engaging zones (3) for engaging the device with the annulus of the valve being treated. The device also has pre-disposition means for changing the geometry of the device to a predetermined configuration... Agent: Merchant & Gould PC

20080071368 - Sinus-engaging valve fixation member: A prosthesis is provided for implantation at a native semilunar valve of a native valve complex, the native valve complex having three semilunar sinuses and three native commissures. The prosthesis includes a valve prosthesis support, which comprises a support structure comprising exactly three engagement arms that meet one another at... Agent: Welsh & Katz, Ltd. Gerald T. Shekleton

20080071369 - Valve fixation member having engagement arms: Apparatus is provided including a prosthesis for implantation at a native semilunar valve of a native valve complex of a subject, the native valve complex having semilunar sinuses, the prosthesis including a valve prosthesis support, which includes a support structure including at least two engagement arms. Upon implantation of the... Agent: Welsh & Katz, Ltd. Gerald T. Shekleton

20080071370 - Reusable breast cover and nipple prosthesis: The present invention is a covering for the nipple/areola area of the human breast. In one embodiment, the invention is a cover for the nipple and areola. In a second embodiment, the covering is a nipple prosthesis including an artificial nipple and areola. The covering is preferably fabricated from silicone... Agent: Simpson & Simpson, PLLC

20080071371 - Texturizing surfaces: Methods for applying surface texture to the exterior of bodily implants, as well as implants made by the methods described.... Agent: Fish & Richardson P.C.

20080071372 - Cervical and lumbar spinal interbody devices: Lumbar and cervical interbody or intervertebral devices for implantation between adjacent vertebrae of a spine and/or within intermediary canals of long bones are characterized by a body defining a superior end and an inferior end whose surfaces have serrations or teeth thereon forming anti-backout structures that allow implantation of the... Agent: Bowman & Associates

20080071380 - Systems and methods for percutaneous placement of interspinous process spacers: An interspinous spacer configured to be implanted using minimally invasive techniques wherein the interspinous spacer is configured to deploy a first wing member on the distal side of an interspinous process and a second wing member on the proximal side of the interspinous process.... Agent: Rader, Fishman & Grauer PLLC

20080071382 - Bioactive coating of biomedical implants: A method of forming a bioactive coating on a biomedical implant, the method including the step of contacting at least part of the surface of the implant prior to implantation with a plasma gas containing a reactive hydroxylating oxidant species. The step of contacting the surface of the implant prior... Agent: Birch Stewart Kolasch & Birch

20080071384 - Ureteral stent having variable hardness: A ureteral stent includes a first material and a second material. The second material is formulated to have a hardness that is greater than a hardness of the first material. The second material is formulated to be soluble in a bodily fluid. The second material is combined with the first... Agent: Cooley Godward Kronish LLP Attn: Patent Group

20080071386 - Powered orthotic device and method of using same: A powered orthotic device includes a brace having a first section and a second section, the first section and the second section operationally coupled at a pivot, the first and the second sections moving about the pivot to define flexion and extension directions, such directions defining inside and outside regions... Agent: Bromberg & Sunstein LLP

20080071387 - Momentum free bearing for use in prosthetic and orthotic devices: A momentum free bearing assembly for use in orthotic and prosthetic devices and a prosthetic knee incorporating the same are disclosed. The bearing assembly includes an engaging ring having a swivel portion received within the engaging ring. The engaging ring is received within a bore in a mount. Retainer rings... Agent: Bacon & Thomas, PLLC

20080071388 - Prosthetic knee joint: A prosthetic knee joint includes a knee seat having a slant screw hole, a movable member disposed pivotally in a bottom portion of the knee seat and having a lower mounting portion and an upper pushing portion, two shafts disposed respectively within shaft holes in the lower mounting portion, two... Agent: Ladas & Parry LLP

20080071345 - Apparatus and methods for deployment of multiple custom-length prostheses (iii): Apparatus for delivering stents to body lumens include one or more tubular prostheses carried at the distal end of a catheter shaft, a sheath slidably disposed over the prostheses, and a guidewire tube extending from within the sheath to the exterior of the sheath through an exit port in a... Agent: Xtent, Inc. C/o Levine Bagade Han LLP

20080071352 - Bioerodible endoprosthesis with biostable inorganic layers: Medical devices such as endoprostheses (e.g., stents) containing one or more biostable layers (e.g., biostable inorganic layers) and a biodegradable underlying structure are disclosed.... Agent: Fish & Richardson PC

20080071353 - Endoprosthesis containing magnetic induction particles: Endoprostheses (e.g., stents) containing one or more magnetic induction particles (e.g., nanoparticles) are disclosed.... Agent: Fish & Richardson PC

20080071354 - Expandable stent having a plurality of interconnected expansion modules: Expandable stents are disclosed. The stents have a plurality of rings or modules interconnected in series, with selectable links between the rings to provide for articulation. The preferred stent includes a plurality of modules, each of the modules being radially interconnected to form a ring configured to be expandably interconnected... Agent: Cyr & Associates, P.A.

20080071356 - Expandable support device and methods of use: An expandable support device and methods of using the same are disclosed herein. The expandable support device can expand radially when compressed longitudinally. The expandable support device can be deployed in a bone, such as a vertebra, for example to repair a compression fraction. The expandable support device can be... Agent: Levine Bagade Han LLP

20080071360 - Extrusion process for coating stents: The present invention provides a method of coating a stent. A stent framework is provided. A polymeric mixture is injected through at least one inlet port in an extrusion die, and the polymeric mixture is extruded through a shaped orifice onto at least a portion of the stent framework to... Agent: Medtronic Vascular, Inc.IPLegal Department

20080071359 - Laminated drug-polymer coated stent having dipped layers: The present invention provides a method of applying a drug-polymer coating on a stent. A stent framework is dipped into a first polymeric solution including a first polymer, a first therapeutic agent, and a first solvent. The polymeric solution is dried to form a thin drug-polymer layer on the stent... Agent: Medtronic Vascular, Inc.IPLegal Department

20080071367 - Heart valve holder for use in valve implantation procedures: A valve holder for a prosthetic valve having a stent comprising a stent base and multiple commissure posts projecting from the stent base, the valve holder including a connector hub, a plurality of legs connected to the connector hub, each leg having an elongate portion and a commissure post engaging... Agent: Kagan Binder, PLLC

20080071373 - Orthopedic distraction implants and techniques: An implant for stabilizing a bony segment includes a flexible body sized and shaped to extend intravertebrally between at least first and second bony portions. In use the body is attachable intravertebrally to each of the first and second bony portions to distract each of the first and second bony... Agent: Krieg Devault LLP

20080071374 - Method and apparatus for computerized surgery: An implant for use in spinal surgery comprises a resilient element having an inflatable cavity. It is formed of a biologically compatible material and is arranged for placement between end plates of adjacent vertebra. The implant may also include a wound disc replacement element. A method of performing spinal surgery... Agent: Kelley Drye & Warren LLP

20080071375 - Artificial spinal disc replacement system and method: An artificial spinal disc implant system for intervertebral disc replacement (0810) is disclosed which is formed from an upper (0801) and lower (0802) bracket which mate to upper and lower spinal vertebrae via upper (0831) and lower (0832) vertebral contact surfaces on the upper (0801) and lower (0802) brackets. The... Agent: Kevin Mark Klughart

20080071379 - Intervertebral disc replacement: The present invention is an intervertebral disc replacement for replacing a disc between a first vertebra and a second vertebra including an upper containment structure adapted to contact a lower surface of a first vertebra, a lower containment structure adapted to contact an upper surface of a second vertebra, where... Agent: Patterson, Thuente, Skaar & Christensen, P.A.

20080071376 - Percutaneous spinal implants and methods: An apparatus includes a first elongate member, a second elongate member and a connector. The second elongate member is movably disposed within a distal end portion of the first elongate member. The second elongate member is configured to engage an inner member of an implant disposed within an outer member... Agent: Cooley Godward Kronish LLP Attn: Patent Group

20080071377 - Spinal implants and methods of providing dynamic stability to the spine: Spinal implants and methods to repair annular defects in intervertebral discs and provide dynamic stability to the spine in the vicinity of a repaired disc are described. Some implants include head and tail portions. In some embodiments, the head portion of an implant is enlarged relative to the tail portion.... Agent: Mcdermott Will & Emery LLP

20080071378 - Spine distraction implant and method: A spine distraction implant alleviates pain associated with spinal stenosis and facet arthropathy by expanding the volume in the spine canal and/or neural foramen. The implant provides a spinal extension stop while allowing freedom of spinal flexion.... Agent: Cooley Godward Kronish LLP Attn: Patent Group

20080071381 - Implant: An implant and method for producing an implant are disclosed. The implant forms a joint with a micro-rough bearing surface formed by a sintered portion. Thus, better wear and friction properties can be achieved.... Agent: Woodard, Emhardt, Moriarty, Mcnett & Henry LLP

20080071383 - Resistive anti-obesity devices: A patient is provided with an increased sense of satiety by increasing resistance to the outflow of food from the stomach and through the intestines. Stomach emptying may be slowed with devices implantable within the gastrointestinal tract below the stomach. Implants are preferably removable and can include artificial strictures or... Agent: Hamilton, Brook, Smith & Reynolds, P.C.

20080071385 - Conformable tissue repair implant capable of injection delivery: A conformable tissue implant is provided for use in repairing or augmenting a tissue defect or injury site. The tissue implant contains a tissue carrier matrix comprising a plurality of biocompatible, bioresorbable granules and at least one tissue fragment in association with the granules. The tissue fragment contains one or... Agent: Nutter Mcclennen & Fish LLP

20080065188 - Multilayer balloon for bifurcated stent delivery and methods of making and using the same: An expandable medical balloon useful for treatment at a vessel bifurcation, the balloon having at least one expanded state, the balloon having at least one inner layer and at least one outer layer, the outer layer having at least one cavity therein through which the inner layer protrudes when the... Agent: Vidas, Arrett & Steinkraus, P.A.

20080065192 - Compliance graded stent: In one embodiment, an intraluminal stent includes a stent framework with a first end portion, a second end portion, and a center portion includes a plurality of struts positioned between the first end portion and the second end portion. The first end portion includes a plurality of struts and the... Agent: Medtronic Vascular, Inc.IPLegal Department

20080065194 - Hybrid symmetrical stent designs: A stent has adjacent circumferential rings of struts. Adjacent rings being connected by a plurality of connectors. The stent having a hybrid of peak to valley and peak to peak connectors.... Agent: Vidas, Arrett & Steinkraus, P.A.

20080065196 - Intra-columnar cell features to improve drug distribution and scaffolding of a stent: The present invention is directed toward a stent having a plurality of axially spaced serpentine bands, each serpentine band having an axis circumferentially oriented around the longitudinal axis of the stent. The serpentine bands have a plurality of struts spaced along the axis of the serpentine band forming alternating peaks... Agent: Vidas, Arrett & Steinkraus, P.A.

20080065195 - Longitudinally flexible expandable stent: In at least one embodiment, a stent comprises a plurality of serpentine bands and a plurality of connector columns. Each serpentine band comprises a plurality of alternating straight band struts and turns. Adjacent serpentine bands are connected across a connector column by a plurality of connector struts. Each connector strut... Agent: Vidas, Arrett & Steinkraus, P.A.

20080065193 - Stent: A stent having a transitional section positioned between a middle section with different struts lengths and circumferentially non-aligned peaks, and a symmetrical section that has equal strut lengths and circumferentially aligned peaks.... Agent: Vidas, Arrett & Steinkraus, P.A.

20080065202 - Liquid masking for selective coating of a stent: The present invention relates to a method for masking the inner surface of a tubular medical device with a fluid in order to selectively coat the outer surface of the tubular medical device. The inner lumen of the tubular medical device is filled with the fluid prior to deposition of... Agent: Vidas, Arrett & Steinkraus, P.A.

20080065205 - Retrievable implant and method for treatment of mitral regurgitation: The invention is a device, and method for deploying same, configured for placement in a body lumen such as a coronary sinus, as may be desired to repair a mitral valve. The device includes a first anchor, a second anchor, and a bridge. The anchors are configured to delivered to... Agent: Edwards Lifesciences Corporation

20080065209 - Stent for maintaining patency of a body region: An apparatus and method for maintaining patency of a vessel or other body region is provided. The apparatus includes an appliance having a non-circumferential form and being effective in maintaining patency or openness, or causing to become patent or open, a body region in which the appliance is located. The... Agent: VistaIPLaw Group LLP

20080065210 - Multi-phase osteochondral implantable device: An osteochondral implantable device is provided, comprising an upper cap and at least one insert comprising a non-polymeric material in physical contact with the upper cap, said lower insert comprising at least one non-polymeric material, wherein the porosity of the upper cap is greater than the porosity of the insert... Agent: Fox Rothschild, LLP

20080065211 - Intervertebral disc replacement device: An intervertebral stabilizer includes: a first member operable to engage an endplate of a vertebral bone of a spine, the first member having top and bottom surfaces defining a thickness therebetween; a second member spaced apart from the first member and operable to engage an endplate of an adjacent vertebral... Agent: Kaplan Gilman Gibson & Dernier L.L.P.

20080065218 - Annulus fibrosus repair devices and techniques: This invention relates to the repair and regeneration of the intervertebral annulus fibrosus damaged, for example, through surgical intervention including, discectomy and/or implantation of devices in the intervertebral disc space and a method for stabilizing a defective intervertebral nucleus implant in an intervertebral disc with a defective or damaged annulus... Agent: Philip S. Johnson Johnson & Johnson

20080065219 - Offset radius lordosis: A vertebral body replacement or spacer that re-creates a lordosis angle (or other angle) of a human spine. An embodiment of the spacer may comprise contoured superior and inferior bearing surfaces. More particularly, the contoured surfaces may be defined by compound curves such as two radii substantially orthogonal to each... Agent: Carr LLP (ist)

20080065229 - Inflatable hernia patch: A patch for repairing an intra-abdominal defect is disclosed in one embodiment of the present invention as including a mesh layer providing a grid of material perforated by apertures through the mesh. This mesh is used to reinforce an area around an intra-abdominal defect. A containment layer is secured proximate... Agent: Pate Pierce & Baird

20080065189 - Endovascular aneurysm repair systems and methods: Systems and methods introduce a tissue fastener applier to apply tissue-piercing fasteners to a prosthesis sequentially along a path established by the directing device that, between fastener applications, is manipulated into orientation with different desired fastening sites, until a plurality of tissue-piercing fasteners are placed, one-at-a-time, in the prosthesis.... Agent: Daniel D. Ryan Ryan Kromholz & Manion, S.c.

20080065190 - Methods for treating a fractured and/or diseased and/or weakened bone: A posterior percutaneous path is established into a bone having an interior volume occupied, at least in part, by a cancellous bone. An expandable structure is introduced into the cancellous bone by deployment of a tool through the posterior percutaneous path into the cancellous bone. The expandable structure is expanded... Agent: Daniel D. Ryan Ryan Kromholz & Manion, S.c.

20080065191 - Prosthesis systems and methods: Systems and methods for deploying a prosthesis in a tissue region in a hollow body organ or blood vessel provide a first prosthesis and a second prosthesis, each having a prosthetic material and a scaffold that supports the prosthetic material. The first prosthesis has a proximal neck region, and the... Agent: Daniel D. Ryan Ryan Kromholz & Manion, S.c.

20080065197 - Bifurcated stent: In some embodiment, a stent comprises a plurality of interconnected framework members defining a plurality of cells. A portion of the interconnected framework members comprise plurality of serpentine bands which comprise connected turns and unconnected turns, wherein at least one of the serpentine bands comprises a repeating pattern of three... Agent: Vidas, Arrett & Steinkraus, P.A.

20080065198 - Bicuspid vascular valve and methods for making and implanting same: A vascular valve constructed from a biocompatible material that is designed to be surgically implanted in a patient's blood vessel, such as the right ventricular outflow tract. At the first end of the valve there is an orifice defined by at least two opposing free edges, and which can occupy... Agent: Squire, Sanders & Dempsey L.L.P.

20080065199 - Longitudinally flexible textile vascular prosthesis: The invention relates to a textile vascular prosthesis (1) with a circulatory pleating formed by folds (4), and with an arch-shaped longitudinal flexion (2) extending over at least a partial section and formed by asymmetric shortening gathering of the prosthesis wall by means of at least one longitudinal seam (7)... Agent: Nath & Associates

20080065200 - Bifurcated prostheses having differential drug coatings: Bifurcated stent includes a main stent body and a crown adapted to deploy it laterally into a branch vessel from the main stent body. A therapeutic agent or other material is coated on at least a portion of the crown of the stent, usually over the base of the crown... Agent: Townsend And Townsend And Crew, LLP

20080065201 - Drug-loaded medical device: A medical device is designed to be placed in a patient's body and release one or more therapeutic agents therefrom. The medical device includes an elongated member defining a passage for passing bodily fluids therethrough and at least one enclosed internal space for containing one or more therapeutic agents therein.... Agent: Mayer & Williams PC

20080065203 - Annuloplasty system and surgical method: An annuloplasty system for repairing incompetent heart valves is provided. This system includes a substantially circular valve reinforcing device adapted to be surgically implanted into around a heart valve annulus; anchoring means for attaching the substantially circular valve reinforcing device to the heart valve, wherein attaching the substantially circular valve... Agent: Mcnees Wallace & Nurick LLC

20080065204 - Devices, systems, and methods for supplementing, repairing, or replacing a native heart valve leaflet: An implant for supplementing, repairing, or replacing a native heart valve leaflet or leaflets provides a scaffold, which defines a pseudo-annulus. The implant further has at least two struts in generally oppositely spaced apart positions on the scaffold. The scaffold can be placed in an elastically loaded condition in a... Agent: Daniel D. Ryan Ryan Kromholz & Manion, S.c.

20080065206 - Fixation band for affixing a prosthetic heart valve to tissue: A fixation band has a tubular frame and a tube, wherein the tubular frame comprises longitudinally-extending members having a hook on its distal end and fixation means on its proximal end. The tubular frame preferably comprises a laterally-extending member for stabilization. The tube is positioned inside longitudinally-extending members and a... Agent: Kagan Binder, PLLC

20080065207 - Self-assembling, collagen-based material for corneal replacement: The present invention discloses a material derived from sea cucumber collagen fibrils for use in corneal replacements or as an implantable contact lens. The present invention also discloses a method for producing the material. The collagen fibrils are centrifuged into orthogonal stacks of lamellae comprised of aligned fibrils. The resulting... Agent: Saliwanchik Lloyd & Saliwanchik A Professional Association

20080065208 - Retinal prosthesis and method of manufacturing a retinal prosthesis: The present invention is an improved package and configuration for an implantable retinal prosthesis. The retinal prosthesis of the present invention includes an electrode array suitable to be mounted in close proximity to a retina, an electronics package and inductive receiving coil mounted next to each other on a strap... Agent: Second Sight Medical Products, Inc.

20080065212 - Interspinous process implants and methods of use: Systems and method in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention can includes an implant comprising a first wing, a spacer extending from the first wing, and a distraction guide. The distraction guide is arranged in a first configuration to pierce and/or distract tissue associated with adjacent spinous processes... Agent: Cooley Godward Kronish LLP Attn: Patent Group

20080065213 - Interspinous process implants and methods of use: Systems and method in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention can includes an implant comprising a first wing, a spacer extending from the first wing, and a distraction guide. The distraction guide is arranged in a first configuration to pierce and/or distract tissue associated with adjacent spinous processes... Agent: Cooley Godward Kronish LLP Attn: Patent Group

20080065214 - Interspinous process implants and methods of use: Systems and method in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention can includes an implant comprising a first wing, a spacer extending from the first wing, and a distraction guide. The distraction guide is arranged in a first configuration to pierce and/or distract tissue associated with adjacent spinous processes... Agent: Cooley Godward Kronish LLP Attn: Patent Group

20080065215 - Systems and methods for the fixation or fusion of bone: Various bone fixation/fusion devices are sized and configured to be placed across fracture fragments or between bones that are to be fused.... Agent: Daniel D. Ryan Ryan Kromholz & Manion, S.c.

20080065216 - Artificial intervertebral disc: An artificial intervertebral disc for implantation between two adjacent vertebrae includes an outer casing, an inner casing contained within the outer casing, and a resilient nucleus contained within the inner casing. The inner and outer casings are formed, respectively, by two interlocking members. The resilient nucleus is biased against the... Agent: Howard M. Ellis Simpson & Simpson, PLLC

20080065217 - Artificial vertebral body: An artificial vertebral body includes superior and inferior portions wherein said portions are positively engageable. The relative positions of the superior and inferior portions are variable about the sagittal plane. The artificial vertebral body also includes one or more means for engaging adjacent spinal structures to establish placement of the... Agent: Howard M. Ellis Simpson & Simpson, PLLC

20080065220 - Artificial spinal disk: An artificial spinal disk comprises a central capsule that is configured to slide laterally within the disk space with one or more of flexion, extension, and lateral bending of the spine so as to shift an instantaneous center of rotation of the artificial disk. In one embodiment, the invention comprises... Agent: Knobbe Martens Olson & Bear LLP

20080065221 - Artificial spinal disk: An artificial spinal disk comprises a central capsule that is configured to slide laterally within the disk space with one or more of flexion, extension, and lateral bending of the spine so as to shift an instantaneous center of rotation of the artificial disk. In one embodiment, the invention comprises... Agent: Knobbe Martens Olson & Bear LLP

20080065222 - Spinal fusion instrumentation, implant and method: A system and method includes surgical instrumentation, implants, bone graft material, and measurement equipment to enable a spine fusion procedure to proceed more accurately, efficiently and safely by allowing precision measurement of the characteristics of the intervertebral space, selection of and provision of new implants, placement of an intervertebral implant,... Agent: Harrington & Harrington Curtis L. Harrington

20080065223 - Stackable spinal support system: A method for distracting two tissue surfaces away from one another within a spine. In one embodiment, the method involves the steps of: (a) providing a plurality of biocompatible and generally rectangular spinal inserts having a generally planar top surface having a leading edge and a trailing edge, a generally... Agent: Jonathan Spangler Nu Vasive, Inc.

20080065224 - Joint prosthesis and use of screw tool for positioning members thereof: The present invention relates to a joint prosthesis, comprising two prosthesis members (2, 3) which are adapted to be positioned at different bones (39, 41, 42) at a joint (38), wherein each prosthesis member (2, 3) includes a first and a second screw-like member (4, 5) respectively, which are adapted... Agent: Tarolli, Sundheim, Covell & Tummino L.L.P.

20080065225 - Smart joint implant sensors: A prosthesis for implantation into a mammalian body, the device comprising: (a) a prosthesis for implantation into a mammalian body that includes a sensor array comprising a plurality of sensors mounted to the prosthesis; and (b) an electronics structure for receiving signals from the sensor array and wirelessly transmitting representative... Agent: Taft, Stettinius & Hollister LLP

20080065226 - Prosthetic implant, trial and associated method: A kit (100) for use in performing joint arthroplasty on a head of a long bone (4) is provided. The kit (100) includes a first trial (102) including a first trial articulating surface (106) and an opposed first trial mounting surface (108) having a first trial location feature (110). The... Agent: Maginot, Moore & Beck, LLP Chase Tower

20080065227 - Ankle replacement prostheses: A prosthesis is installed in a cavity that traverses a joint between a talus and a calcaneus. The cavity is established by intramedullary guidance with respect to the major axis of the tibia by access through the calcaneus.... Agent: Ryan Kromholz & Manion, S.c.

20080065228 - Plga/hydroxyapatite composite biomaterial and method of making the same: Tissue engineering is a growing field where new materials are being developed for implantation into the body. One important area involves bone graft materials to replace areas of bone lost to trauma or disease. Traditionally, graft material may be harvested from the bone of the individual receiving the graft material.... Agent: Lott & Friedland, P.A.

20080065230 - Flexible support with joint-spanning double hinge: A potentiating support for an area of a body includes: a framework having a surface for abutment with an area of a body including a hinge joint, said framework defining a plurality of permanent openings in said surface; and two strut members each attached to said framework such that each... Agent: Tillman Wright, PLLC

20080058917 - Catheter for removing tissue from a hollow organ: The invention relates to a catheter for removing tissue from a hollow organ, comprising a lumen provided in the catheter shell for supplying to the nozzle-type opening a fluid used for removal of the tissue, via which the fluid is emitted into the area of tissue adjacent to the catheter... Agent: Siemens Corporation Intellectual Property Department

20080058916 - Method of fabricating polymeric self-expandable stent: A method of manufacturing a radially expandable an implantable medical device, the method comprising: providing a plurality of fibers, the fibers comprising a polymer; disposing the plurality of fibers on a cylindrical support element to form a tubular structure, the tubular structure having an initial diameter; heat setting the tubular... Agent: Squire, Sanders & Dempsey LLP

20080058920 - Dual chamber cuff structure: The endovascular graft includes a dual chamber cuff structure. The endovascular graft includes a tubular structure having a first end and a second end. The tubular structure has a wall defining a lumen between the first and second ends. The endovascular graft includes a cuff circumferentially secured to the tubular... Agent: Hoffmann & Baron, LLP

20080058921 - Improved adhesion of a polymeric coating of a drug eluting stent: An apparatus and method related to a drug eluting stent with improved adhesion between a drug excipient coating and a stent substrate is described. In one embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus comprises a stent substrate formed of a metal and/or a polymer and having a surface modified by... Agent: Cooley Godward Kronish LLP Attn: Patent Group

20080058922 - Methods and devices employing vap-1 inhibitors: An implantable device which employs inhibitors of VAP-1, e.g., inhibitors that reversibly or irreversibly bind to VAP-1, and methods of using the devices is provided.... Agent: Schwegman, Lundberg & Woessner, P.A.

20080058923 - Biocorrodible metallic implant having a coating or cavity filling made of gelatin: An implant made of a biocorrodible metallic material and having a coating or cavity filling comprising gelatin.... Agent: Powell Goldstein LLP

20080058924 - Saddle-shaped annuloplasty ring: A mitral annuloplasty ring that has a saddle shape with an upward bow in both an anterior segment and a posterior portion, with the upward bow being more pronounced in the anterior segment. The ring defines a closed ring body with a rounded isosceles triangular shape and the anterior segment... Agent: Edwards Lifesciences Corporation

20080058927 - Ossicular prostheses fabricated from shape memory polymers: Ossicular replacement prostheses are manufactured from a non-biodegradable shape memory polymer. Such prostheses can include TORPs, PORPs, and incudo-stapedial joints (ISJs). The prostheses are reshaped upon application of a stimulus to capture a portion of one or more ossicles. The force of capture of a reshaped polymeric prosthesis is less... Agent: Gordon & Jacobson, P.C.

20080058931 - Expandable vertebral implant and methods of use: An implant for insertion between vertebral body endplates includes first and second end members, each with a respective endplate contact surface and an extension portion. An intermediate section may be contained between the first and second end members and includes a port into which a substance may be inserted. The... Agent: Coats & Bennett, PLLC

20080058930 - Implant with nested members and methods of use: The application is directed to implants that are adjustable between collapsed and expanded orientations. The collapsed orientation includes a smaller height to facilitate insertion into the patient. The expanded orientation includes a larger height for spacing and/or supporting the vertebral members. The implants generally include three or more separate sections... Agent: Coats & Bennett, PLLC

20080058932 - Rigidization-on-command orthopedic devices and methods: Orthopedic devices include a body having an internal chamber housing a curable material. At least a portion of the body provides a barrier member structured to transmit an energy source therethrough to contact the curable material disposed in the internal chamber. The curable material is provided in a first form... Agent: Krieg Devault LLP

20080058933 - Spinal fusion implant: The present invention provides a device and methodology for use in spinal fusion surgeries. An implant is proved for forming a rigid structure between adjoining vertebrae in a patient. The implant is a cage defined by at least a first end, second end, first side, and second side surface, wherein... Agent: Lahive & Cockfield, LLP

20080058940 - Artificial intervertebral disc: An intervertebral disc according to this invention comprises an upper lid, a lower lid, and a joint piece, and the upper lid is formed with a first sphere and a first shaft and the lower lid is formed with a first camber and a second shaft, in which the top... Agent: Rosenberg, Klein & Lee

20080058939 - Revision spacer: An intervertebral fusion device for promoting fusion of first and second vertebrae comprises first and second endplate modules. Each endplate module includes an outer surface adapted to interface with vertebral bone and an opposite inner surface. The endplate modules further include an attachment feature. A central module is adapted to... Agent: Haynes And Boone, LLP

20080058949 - Implants with transition surfaces and related processes: Implants, and processes for installing them, which replace the medial condyle and portions of the patellofemoral channel but preferably not portions of the lateral condyle that articulate relative to the tibia. Processes are provided which allow proper location and orientation of an anterior resection and a distal resection on the... Agent: Chief Patent Counsel Smith & Nephew, Inc.

20080058948 - Tricompartment prosthesis with reinforcement: Femoral component of a knee prosthesis, comprising at least one, preferably two, condyles, on the posterior side; a trochlea part on the anterior side, in the upper surface of which a trochlea trajectory is defined; and a set of planar inner faces, intended to come into contact with corresponding resected... Agent: Edward G. Greive Renner, Kenner, Greive, Bobak, Taylor & Weber

20080058953 - Demineralized cancellous strip dbm graft: An osteoimplant includes at least partially demineralized cancellous bone as a substrate, which is impregnated with demineralized cortical bone matrix (DBM). The implant may include a binding agent to adhere the DBM to the cancellous bone substrate, and may also include a soft tissue barrier that covers a portion of... Agent: Fox Rothschild, LLP

20080058954 - Methods of treating spinal injuries using injectable flowable compositions comprising organic materials: The instant invention discloses novel methods of treating vertebrae, intervertebral discs, and facet joints by administering to these areas or to the implants in these areas a flowable composition comprising an organic material capable of being cured or polymerized in vivo.... Agent: Fox Rothschild, LLP

20080058955 - Prosthetic testicle: A prosthetic testicle is provided that is able to mimic the movement and feel of a natural testicle while at the same time being able to remodel itself into native tissue. Additionally, the prosthetic testicle is able to provide long-term delivery of drugs into the patient.... Agent: Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione/chicago/cook

20080058957 - Prosthetic limb attachment: The present invention provides an apparatus (1) for attaching a prosthetic limb to the bone of a patient, the apparatus comprising a proximal component (2) to mount to a bone implant, a distal component (3) to mount to a prosthetic limb, and a coupling body (4, 5) coupling together the... Agent: Bradley N. Ruben, PC

20080058958 - Knee joint with retention and cushion structures: The present invention provides a knee joint including a joint top, a connection device, a cushion device, a resilient device, and a pneumatics joint body. The joint top and joint body are respectively joined to a thigh and a shank. With the cushion components including a connector and a connector,... Agent: Leong C Lei

20080058918 - Branch vessel graft design and deployment method: A branch graft stent system includes a tubular primary graft having a branch graft opening which when deployed is located in alignment with a side branch vessel emanating from the primary vessel in which a branch graft is deployed. A connector (flange) member forms a perimeter of the branch graft... Agent: Medtronic Vascular, Inc.IPLegal Department

20080058919 - Composite polymeric and metallic stent with radiopacity: Various embodiments of stents with a polymeric body with radiopaque metallic particles incorporated in the stent body.... Agent: Squire, Sanders & Dempsey LLP

20080058925 - Bifurcated flow device for cardio-pulmonary assist or support and associated methods: Aspects of the present invention are directed generally toward a graft for use with a blood flow device that allows the use of a single blood flow device to simultaneously provide blood flow to the systemic and pulmonary circulations. One aspect of the invention is directed toward a graft comprising... Agent: Perkins Coie LLP Patent-sea

20080058926 - Percutaneous breast and buttock modification: An apparatus for breast and buttock modification is provided which includes first and second tubes that extend alongside each other, and each of which has a lumen. The apparatus also includes an inflatable balloon having a valve that is detachably coupled to a distal end of the second tube such... Agent: Frishauf, Holtz, Goodman & Chick, PC

20080058928 - Lip implant and method for insertion: A lip implant having first and second regions is described. The lip implant includes a first region formed of a liquid, solid, or a gas and a second region formed of a solid material. Also described is a lip implant having an elongated cross-section. A method for insertion of the... Agent: Haynes And Boone, LLP

20080058929 - Method of loading tendons into the knee: A surgical method for loading ligament grafts into a joint. A longitudinal socket formed in a bone is intersected by a transverse pin. A flexible strand is drawn with the pin through the bone. A looped portion of the strand is diverted so as to protrude out of the entrance... Agent: Dickstein Shapiro LLP

20080058934 - Percutaneous spinal implants and methods: A method includes positioning a medical device within a body between adjacent spinous processes, moving the medical device from a collapsed configuration to an expanded configuration within the body using an actuator removably coupled to the medical device, and removing the actuator from the body while the medical device remains... Agent: Cooley Godward Kronish LLP Attn: Patent Group

20080058935 - Percutaneous spinal implants and methods: A method includes moving a spinal implant such that a central portion of the spinal implant is disposed between adjacent spinous processes, radially extending a proximal portion of the spinal implant on a first side of the adjacent spinous processes such that movement of the proximal portion between the adjacent... Agent: Cooley Godward Kronish LLP Attn: Patent Group

20080058936 - Percutaneous spinal implants and methods: An apparatus includes a support member and a retention member. The support member has at least a portion configured to be disposed between a first spinous process and a second spinous process. The retention member is movably coupled to an end portion of the support member. The retention member is... Agent: Cooley Godward Kronish LLP Attn: Patent Group

20080058937 - Percutaneous spinal implants and methods: An apparatus includes a support member and a retention member. The support member has at least a portion configured to be disposed between a first spinous process and a second spinous process. The retention member is movably coupled to an end portion of the support member. The retention member is... Agent: Cooley Godward Kronish LLP Attn: Patent Group

20080058938 - Expandable helical cage: An expandable implant having a helical body and first and second securing pieces. Ends of the helical body are connected to the first and second end pieces. The first and second end pieces can be rotated relative to one another to expand the implant from a first dimension to a... Agent: Wood, Herron & Evans (zimmer Spine)

20080058942 - In situ bioprosthetic filler and method, particularly for the in situ formation of vertebral disc bioprosthetics: Bioprosthetic devices include an exterior biological tissue member which at least partly defines a cavity, and a proteinaceous biopolymer which fills the cavity, and intercalates and is chemically bound (fixed) to the tissue of the surrounding biological tissue member. In preferred forms, the bioprosthetic device is a bioprosthetic vertebral disc... Agent: Merchant & Gould PC

20080058944 - Intervertebral disc prosthesis: An intervertebral disc prosthesis comprises first and second articulated elements wherein one the elements includes an articulated tongue and the other of the elements includes a groove adapted to receive the tongue. The first and second elements are adapted to be moveable with respect to each other in various planes.... Agent: Howard M. Ellis Simpson & Simpson, PLLC

20080058943 - Structure prepared from a vertebral body: A structure is prepared from a vertebral body having a cortical wall enclosing a cancellous bone volume. The structure comprises a cavity formed within the cancellous bone volume by expansion of an expandable device, and a volume of bone filling material occupying the cavity.... Agent: John L. Mcgannon Townsendand Townsend Khourie And Crew

20080058941 - Supplemental spine fixation device and method: A supplemental spine fixation device and method is used in association with a primary spine fixation device. The supplemental spine fixation device includes a guide and spacer for distracting apart adjacent spinous processes and the device has hook members which hook about the first and second spinous processes. With the... Agent: Cooley Godward Kronish LLP Attn: Patent Group

20080058945 - Prosthetic device and system and method for implanting prosthetic device: A method of implanting a prosthetic device configured to form at least a portion of a joint is provided. The method includes selecting a first component of the prosthetic device configured to be implanted in a body, determining a placement at which the first component will be fixed relative to... Agent: Foley And Lardner LLP Suite 500

20080058946 - Adjustable knee tibial trial insert: An adjustable tibial trial insert includes an upper plate having an upper articular surface and a lower plate. A height-adjustment mechanism of the insert is coupled to and positioned generally between the upper plate and the lower plate and is configured to move between a closed position where the upper... Agent: Barnes & Thornburg LLP

20080058947 - Distal femoral knee prostheses: A set of distal femoral knee prostheses which are designed to be more narrow in medial/lateral dimensions with increasing anterior/posterior size than existing prostheses to more closely correspond to the physical anatomy of female patients. The prostheses are designed to have a substantially trapezoidal shape or profile when viewed distally... Agent: Zimmer Technology - Baker & Daniels

20080058950 - Temporary implant incorporating two active ingredients: A ready-for-use polymer cement spacer device for the replacement of a permanent joint prosthesis during a two-stage replacement, includes a shank includes for attachment for placing to the supporting bone and a head in the joint region. The spacer device includes two complementary members incorporating rigid members for assembly between... Agent:

20080058951 - Femoral head assembly with variable offset: A proximal femoral ball assembly having a variable offset that is selectively adjustable to conform to various anatomical conditions encountered during a femoral surgical procedure. The femoral ball assembly generally includes a head, a neck, and an adjustment mechanism. The head has a smooth spherical outer surface that is adapted... Agent: Zimmer Technology - Baker & Daniels

20080058952 - Allogenic/xenogenic implants and methods for augmenting or repairing intervertebral discs: Allogenic or xenogenic materials are used to provide intervertebral disc nucleus implants and/or annular plugs. The allogenic or xenogenic materials comprise natural disc annulus material, which may have a portion of the anterior longitudinal ligament attached. The tissue may be used “as is” without an additional core or covering, or... Agent: Woodard, Emhardt, Moriarty, Mcnett & Henry LLP

20080058956 - Decellularized liver for repair of tissue and treatment of organ deficiency: The present invention provides a liver-derived devitalized mammalian parenchymatous tissue composition which includes an interstitial structure of connective tissue which can serve as a scaffold for tissue repair or regeneration. The devitalized mammalian parenchymatous tissue composition can further include the basement membrane of the tissue.... Agent: Kirkpatrick & Lockhart Preston Gates Ellis LLP (formerly Kirkpatrick & Lockhart Nicholson Graham)

20080058959 - Instrumented prosthetic foot: The present invention discloses an instrumented prosthetic foot for use with an actuated leg prosthesis controlled by a controller, the instrumented prosthetic foot comprising a connector to connect the instrumented prosthetic foot to the leg prosthesis, an ankle structure connected to the connector, a ground engaging member connected to the... Agent: Seyfarth Shaw LLP