Prosthesis (i.e., artificial body members), parts thereof, or aids and accessories therefor inventions 07/08

20080183271 - Compliant crimping sheath: The present invention provides an apparatus and methods for use in crimping a stent. In one embodiment, an arrangement is described that includes a stent delivery device. A stent having a plurality of struts is crimped onto the stent delivery device. The arrangement also includes a crimp sheath that covers... Agent: Beyer Weaver LLP/abbott Vascular Devices

20080183274 - Delivery devices for implanting devices at intersecting lumens: The present invention provides devices and methods for fabricating and deploying an implantable device within the body. The invention is particularly suitable for delivering and deploying a stent, graft or stent graft device within a vessel or tubular structure within the body, particularly here the implant site involves two or... Agent: Levine Bagade Han LLP

20080183272 - Endoscope with preloaded or preloadable stent: The present invention is directed to an endoscopic stent delivery device. The device includes an endoscope having an elongate shaft including a proximal end, a distal end, an outer wall and a longitudinal working channel through the elongate shaft defining an inner wall of the elongate shaft; a stent juxtaposingly... Agent: Hoffmann & Baron, LLP

20080183270 - Stent with longitudinal groove: A method of treating a vascular condition includes delivering a stent including at least one elongated axial slot to a target region of a vessel and receiving endothelial cell growth in the slots. A system for treating a vascular condition includes a catheter and a stent disposed on the catheter.... Agent: Medtronic Vascular, Inc.IPLegal Department

20080183273 - Stented heart valve devices and methods for atrioventricular valve replacement: A compressible and expandable stent assembly for implantation in a body lumen such as a mitral valve, the stent assembly including at least one stent barrel that is shaped and sized so that it allows for normal operation of adjacent heart structures. One or more stent barrels can be included... Agent: Kagan Binder, PLLC

20080183277 - Bioerodible endoprostheses and methods of making the same: Bioerodible endoprostheses and methods of making the endoprostheses are disclosed. In some embodiments, an endoprosthesis includes a member including a bioerodible material, and an antioxidant carried by the member. Examples of antioxidants include phenols.... Agent: Fish & Richardson PC

20080183275 - Circumferentially nested expandable device: Expandable medical implants for maintaining support of a body lumen are disclosed. These implants comprise a circumferentially nested, diametrically expandable, moveable vascular device for enlarging an occluded portion of a vessel. The device can be configured to allow for motion such as rotating, translating, and/or slide and lock. One advantage... Agent: Knobbe Martens Olson & Bear LLP

20080183276 - Textured medical devices: Disclosed are medical devices having textured surfaces and biocompatible coatings disposed thereon. The textured surfaces allow for durable coatings to be applied to the medical device without a previous pre-coating having been applied. The biocompatible coating can further comprise a bioactive agent.... Agent: Medtronic Vascular, Inc.IPLegal Department

20080183278 - Implantable medical endoprostheses: Implantable medical endoprostheses, as well as related systems and methods are disclosed.... Agent: Fish & Richardson PC

20080183268 - Coated implantable medical device: A coated implantable medical device 10 includes a structure 12 adapted for introduction into the vascular system, esophagus, trachea, colon, biliary tract, or urinary tract; at least one coating layer 16 posited on one surface of the structure; and at least one layer 18 of a bioactive material posited on... Agent: Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione/chicago/cook

20080183280 - Artificial venous valve with discrete shaping members: The invention relates to a prosthetic valve for regulating flow through a body lumen. The medical device comprises discrete shaping members, a flexible covering, and a valve member. The discrete shaping members are operatively attached to the flexible covering, such that the medical device may exhibit low radial force and... Agent: Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione/chicago/cook

20080183279 - Prosthetic valve with slanted leaflet design: The invention relates to a prosthetic valve for regulating fluid flow through a body lumen. The valve includes a frame and a valve member comprising at least one semi-rigid leaflet and at least one flexible leaflet.... Agent: Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione/chicago/cook

20080183281 - Implantable device with reservoirs for increased drug loading: A method of manufacturing a drug loaded stent includes applying a photo resistant coating to at least a portion of a stent framework and removing at least a portion of the photo resistant coating from the stent framework. The method further includes applying an etchant to at least a portion... Agent: Medtronic Vascular, Inc.IPLegal Department

20080183282 - Use of lipid conjugates for the coating of stents and catheters: This invention provides inter alia, coated device on at least a portion of a surface of the device. The device coating comprises a lipid or phospholipid moiety bound to a polypyranose. Methods of preventing, inhibiting or treating vessel damage or vessel occlusion, for example in a disease of the vasculature... Agent: Pearl Cohen Zedek Latzer, LLP

20080183283 - Apparatuses and methods for performing minimally invasive diagnostic and surgical procedures inside of a beating heart: The present invention provides apparatuses and methods for performing minimally invasive diagnostic and surgical procedures inside of a beating heart. An assembly for use in performing such a medical procedure includes a port and a fluid transport device. The port has a housing configured for insertion through a chamber wall... Agent: Bozicevic, Field & Francis LLP

20080183284 - Annuloplasty band and method: An annuloplasty band comprising a sheath, and a generally arcuate stiffening element disposed within the sheath. The stiffening element extends from a first end to a second end, and preferably includes eyelets at its first and second ends adapted to receive sutures to secure the annuloplasty band to a valve... Agent: Medtronic, Inc.

20080183285 - Adjustable cardiac valve implant with selective dimensional adjustment: Methods and devices are provided for support of a body structure. The devices can be adjusted within the body of a patient in a minimally invasive or non-invasive manner such as by applying energy percutaneously or external to the patient's body. The energy may include, for example, acoustic energy, radio... Agent: Mcdermott Will & Emery LLP

20080183286 - Devices and methods for absorbing, transferring and delivering heart energy: A device for altering cardiac performance includes an energy absorbing element which absorbs cardiac pumping energy from at least a portion of the heart. The energy may be delivered to another part of the body, such as another portion of the heart, to perform useful work such as providing blood... Agent: Hoekendijk & Lynch, LLP

20080183288 - Device and method for incremental correction of sight disorders and ocular diseases: A device and method of use thereof for incrementally adjusting the size and/or shape of a particular body part is provided. The device comprises first and second layers each formed of a synthetic resin. The first layer is formed of a heat-shrinkable material having a low melting point while the... Agent: Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe, LLPIPProsecution Department

20080183289 - Intraocular lens system: The present invention discloses a multi-component intraocular lens implanted in an optical system of a human eye, including one or more foldable removable components, each component being foldable. One component acts as a base lens, including a flange with an aperture. Another component acts as a mid lens, including a... Agent: Arent Fox LLP

20080183290 - Methods and systems for material fixation: A soft tissue fixation system, most typically applicable to orthopedic joint repairs, such as anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) knee repair procedures, comprises an implant which is placeable in a tunnel disposed in a portion of bone, wherein the tunnel is defined by walls comprised of bone. A first member is... Agent: Stout, Uxa, Buyan & Mullins LLP

20080183291 - Resurfacing the tibial plateau: A meniscus implant having a compressible bearing element with an articulation surface. The implant also includes a bone-securing element extending downwardly from the bearing element and configured to be engaged within a channel created within a tibial plateau.... Agent: Lerner, David, Littenberg, Krumholz & Mentlik

20080183292 - Compliant intervertebral prosthetic devices employing composite elastic and textile structures: An intervertebral prosthetic device is provided for implanting within an intervertebral disc space between first and second vertebral bodies. The device includes a body component and a core component, one of which is an elastic-material structure and the other of which is a composite structure, including a textile structure embedded... Agent: Heslin Rothenberg Farley & Mesiti P.C.

20080183293 - Orthopaedic implants and protheses: The present invention provides cervical implant (30) comprising an upper surface (38), a lower surface (40), a posterior portion (34) and an anterior portion (36) and including a perimeter (42) and one or more apertures (44,46) within said anterior portion for receiving securing means, said apertures having respective longitudinal axes... Agent: Beusse Wolter Sanks Mora & Maire

20080183294 - Hinged artificial spinal disk drive: An artificial spinal disk prosthesis comprised of an artificial disk (101), mounting bracket (105) assembly that secures the disk to at least one vertebrae and a sliding rod (104) that connects the two whereby the shape of the components determines the range of motion of the disk, thus allowing desirable... Agent: Hayes Soloway P.C.

20080183295 - Implantable spinal disk: There is provided an intervertebral spinal disk implantable between spinal vertebrae and a method for assembling the intervertebral spinal disk. The implantable spinal disk comprises an external shell that including a pair of sidewalls, a back wall, a front wall, a top surface and a bottom surface forming a compartment... Agent: Toler Law Group

20080183296 - Mobile bearing artificial disc replacement: Artificial disc replacements (ADRs) use mobile spacers between vertebral endplates. In the preferred embodiment, spherical spacers are used between metal or ceramic plates placed over or in the endplates of the vertebrae. The spherical spacers may be made of metal, ceramics or polymers such as polyethylene. One or more of... Agent: Gifford, Krass, Sprinkle,anderson & Citkowski, P.c

20080183297 - Method and apparatus for fitting a shoulder prosthesis: Method and set of surgical instruments for fitting a shoulder prosthesis, and the shoulder prosthesis. The proposed method seeks to interpose a bone graft between the previously prepared glenoid surface (G) of a scapula (S) of a patient's shoulder and the face of a glenoid prosthetic component opposite the articular... Agent: Faegre & Benson LLP Patent Docketing

20080183298 - Differential porosity prosthetic hip system: A prosthetic femoral implant for use in a hip joint, as a ball and socket type joint, is disclosed. The implant includes a modular neck having a variety of adjustable positions to adjust the lateral offset and version angle of the femoral implant in relation to the femur. The implant... Agent: Karl R Cannon

20080183299 - Ureteral stent with axial and radial variability: A device is provided that includes an implantable conduit with first and second ends and a first retainer coupled to the first end by a first joint. A second retainer is coupled to the second end by a second joint, wherein the first and second joints are each configured to... Agent: Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione/chicago/cook

20080183300 - Fixation technology: The invention relates to a method for the repair of damaged tissue present at or on the surface of bone in an animal, the method comprising forming a narrow groove around at least part of said damaged tissue, which groove extends into the bone below the damaged tissue, replacing the... Agent: Kirton And Mcconkie

20080183301 - Prosthetic foot with energy transfer: A prosthetic foot device with variable stiffness response includes a variable energy transfer mechanism disposed between first and second foot members to transfer a variable amount of energy between the members during use. A chamber is associated with one of the first and second foot members, and a piston is... Agent: Thorpe North & Western, LLP.

20080183302 - Prosthetic foot with tunable performance: A prosthetic foot incorporate a foot keel and a calf shank connected to the foot keel to form an ankle joint area of the prosthetic foot. The foot keel has forefoot and hindfoot portions and a relatively long midfoot portion extending between and upwardly arched from the forefoot and midfoot... Agent: Antonelli, Terry, Stout & Kraus, LLP

20080183269 - Prosthesis for treating vascular bifurcations: A stepped balloon catheter prosthesis deployment system is disclosed for placement of a prosthesis across an Os opening from a main body lumen to a branch body lumen. The prosthesis comprises a radially expansible support at one end, a circumferentially extending link at the other end and at least one... Agent: Knobbe Martens Olson & Bear LLP

20080183287 - Physiological demand responsive control system: A demand responsive physiological control system for use with a rotary blood pump; said system including a pump controller which is capable of controlling pump speed of said pump; said system further including a physiological controller, and wherein said physiological controller is adapted to analyse input data relating to physiological... Agent: Kaplan Gilman Gibson & Dernier L.L.P.

20080177368 - Stent supply instrument: A stent supply instrument includes: a plurality of loops formed by spirally winding a wire or a strand wire made of a resin; joint portions that joint the loops to each other along a common center line; and a deformation holding section that holds a deformed shape of a stent... Agent: Scully Scott Murphy & Presser, Pc

20080177367 - Treatment device for treating a side branch of a vessel and method for positioning a stent in a side branch: A treatment device (16C) for treating a treatment site (14) of a vessel (12) includes a tubular shaft (430), a first passageway (434), and a second passageway (436). The shaft (430) includes a distal shaft region (430A) that is sized and shaped to fit within the vessel (12) and a... Agent: Roeder & Broder LLP

20080177369 - Apparatus and methods for deployment of vascular prostheses: 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: Townsend And Townsend And Crew, LLP (client No 021629-000000)

20080177374 - Biodegradable endoprostheses and methods for their fabrication: Biodegradable endoprostheses are formed from amorphous polymers having desirable biodegradation characteristics. The strength of such amorphous polymers is enhanced by annealing to increase crystallinity without substantially increasing the biodegradation time.... Agent: Townsend And Townsend And Crew, LLP

20080177370 - Device and method for supporting a side branch of a vessel: A stent (18) for treating a treatment site (14) of an internal vessel (12) of a mammal, includes a tubular stent frame (222) that is moveable between a retracted configuration (218B) in which the stent frame (222) can be moved within the vessel (12), and an expanded configuration (18A) in... Agent: Roeder & Broder LLP

20080177373 - Endoprosthesis structures having supporting features: An endoprosthesis includes a plurality of serpentine rings having supporting features which increase hoop strength, inhibit recoil, and provide an increased surface area. The supporting features may be formed between adjacent axial struts of the serpentine rings or may be positioned between axial lengths joining the serpentine rings together.... Agent: Townsend And Townsend And Crew, LLP

20080177371 - Implantable devices and methods of forming the same: An implantable device and method of forming the same comprises a substrate, an adhesion layer, and a capping layer. The adhesion layer comprises a portion with a predominant proportion of palladium, the portion of the predominant proportion of palladium directly on the substrate. The capping layer comprises a capping layer... Agent: Mills & Onello LLP

20080177375 - Severable support for a stent: A stent with at least one severable supporting device and methods of coating using the same are disclosed. The severable supporting device can be an end tube or a tab attached to some portion of the stent by at least one “gate” or attachment. The end tube or tab may... Agent: Squire, Sanders & Dempsey L.l.p.

20080177372 - Stent with cover connectors: A stent suitable for maintaining the patency of a bodily lumen, generally comprising a tubular body configured to facilitate connection of a cover thereto. A stent assembly of the invention generally comprises a stent having cover connectors in contact with a cover to secure the cover to a surface of... Agent: Heslin Rothenberg Farley & Mesiti Pc

20080177376 - Stent with improved flexibility and method for making same: A stent and a method for manufacturing a stent are provided. The stent includes a first ring having a plurality of peaks and a plurality of valleys, a second ring having a plurality of peaks and a plurality of valleys, and a connector that connects one of the peaks of... Agent: Medtronic Vascular, Inc. Ip Legal Department

20080177377 - Bifurcation stent design with over expansion capability: A bifurcation having a main branch portion and a side branch portion which interface about a frame. The frame is expandable from a first configuration enclosing a first area to a second configuration enclosing a second area wherein the second area is larger than the first area.... Agent: Vidas, Arrett & Steinkraus, P.a.

20080177378 - Partially bioabsorbable implant: An exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides an at least partially biodegradable medical implant having a plurality of in-vivo biodegradable organic polymer particles embedded in a matrix of a plurality of compressed metal-based particles. Methods for the manufacture thereof are also provided. The implant may preferably be further functionalized... Agent: Dorsey & Whitney LLP Intellectual Property Department

20080177379 - Single continuous piece prosthetic tubular aortic conduit and method for manufacturing the same: A prosthetic aortic conduit for replacing a root portion of an aorta is provided. The conduit comprises a continuous tubular conduit along a substantially common axis. A portion of the tubular conduit does not substantially deform in a longitudinal direction and has resilient means which allow said another portion of... Agent: J. Gary Mohr (datascope)

20080177381 - Method for implanting a cardiovascular valve: A method is provided for implanting a valve having at least one valve leaflet within the cardiovascular system of a subject. One step of the method includes preparing a substantially dehydrated bioprosthetic valve and then providing an expandable support member having oppositely disposed first and second ends and a main... Agent: Tarolli, Sundheim, Covell & Tummino L.l.p.

20080177380 - Methods and devices for heart tissue repair: Methods for securing implants to heart tissue are described, where the implants include one or more anchor portions extending from a support. Some variations of the methods may comprise securing an implant to a first region of a tissue in the vicinity of a subannular groove of a heart, where... Agent: Morrison & Foerster LLP

20080177382 - Apparatus and methods for heart valve repair: Embodiments of a medical device and methods for percutaneously treating a heart valve. In one embodiment, the medical device has a first cardiac tissue fastener having a first lock, a second cardiac tissue fastener having a second lock, and a chord coupled to the first and second fasteners. Pulling the... Agent: Guidant Corporation, Inc./blakely

20080177383 - System and device for correcting hyperopia and presbyopia: The present invention includes an ophthalmic device and system of mounting for correcting hyperopia and presbyopia. The present invention includes a limbus ring mountable in an encircling relation to a central optic zone of a cornea on a limbus annulus surrounding the cornea. In the limbus ring defines a substantially... Agent: V. Gerald Grafe, Esq.

20080177384 - Intraocular lens and process for producing the same: e

20080177385 - Testicular prosthesis: A testicular prosthesis includes a flexible bladder, a fill port, and a plug. The flexible bladder incorporates an interior chamber. The fill port is coupled to the flexible bladder and generally includes a cylindrical tube that extends through the bladder. The cylindrical tube is defined by an interior wall and... Agent: Ams Research Corporation

20080177386 - Method and apparatus for surgical repair: A method and apparatus for performing a surgical repair may involve fixation of a repair material, such as a ligament or tendon in knee ligament repair procedure, to an internal cortical contact area in a bone. The cortical bone contact area may be located immediately adjacent an opening in the... Agent: Wolf Greenfield & Sacks, P.c.

20080177392 - Closed system artificial intervertebral disc: An artificial intervertebral disc and disc nucleus are described herein having chambers and dampening members. The dampening members may be within or outside of the main body of the device. The chambers may be filled with a suitable liquid, gas, or both, and separated by valves to regulate flow of... Agent: Deanna J. Shirley

20080177390 - Disk replacement endoprosthesis: A disk replacement endoprosthesis and a procedure for implantation of the endoprosthesis to treat pain, nerve root compression, and neural injury caused by degeneration or injury to vertebral disks. The endoprosthesis may include an intervertebral wedge or other body having a lead-in distractor. A fastening plate may be attached to... Agent: Townsend And Townsend And Crew, LLP

20080177387 - Implants and related devices for monitoring bony fusion: A medical implant for supporting skeletal structures is disclosed. The implant includes an expandable central portion formed of a first material that at least partially inhibits the monitoring of bone in-growth using a medical diagnostic technique. The implant further includes end caps for mating with the central portion and the... Agent: Haynes And Boone, LLP

20080177389 - Intervertebral disc spacer: Methods and devices are provided for improving the stability, flexibility, and/or proper anatomical motion of a spinal column and more particularly, spinal implant devices are provided for use between adjacent vertebral bones. Intervertebral disc spacer devices may comprise two joined surfaces formed of compressible materials. The surfaces may be convex... Agent: Jackson Walker, L.l.p.

20080177391 - Systems and methods for in situ assembly of an interspinous process distraction implant: An implant system for implantation between adjacent spinous processes for the relief of pain associated with the spine. The implant has a series of spacers which may be inserted over a shaft located between adjacent spinous processes thus allowing the implant to be assembled in situ. The spacers may rotate... Agent: Coats & Bennett/medtronics

20080177388 - Variable stiffness support members: Spinal support members having varying stiffnesses are disclosed. In one embodiment, an elongated spinal prosthetic includes a pair of curved elongated portions. The portions are formed of materials having different stiffness characteristics such that the stiffness of the prosthetic varies along its length. In another embodiment, an elongated spinal implant... Agent: Haynes And Boone, LLP

20080177393 - Orthopaedic stem with protrusion and associated surgical procedure: A first articulating member for use with a second articulating member to form a prosthesis for use in joint arthroplasty for a joint formed between adjacent first and second bones in which a bone fragment having an exterior surface has separated from the first bone is provided. The first articulating... Agent: Maginot, Moore & Beck, LLP Chase Tower

20080177394 - Mis patellar preparation: Instruments and a method for preparing the articular surface of the patella to receive a patellar implant are utilized without everting the patella. A medial or lateral parapatellar incision and an anterior midline incision are made adjacent the patella. The patella is clamped with a patella clamp, a hole is... Agent: Lerner, David, Littenberg, Krumholz & Mentlik

20080177395 - Socket and prosthesis for joint replacement: A joint replacement prosthesis and procedure reduce the number of steps to complete a joint replacement. The joint replacement prosthesis comprises a ball and socket unit that fixes the ball in the socket prior to surgery. The unit is coupled to a bone structure in the patient and is coupled... Agent: Christopher Paradies, Ph.d.

20080172119 - Prosthesis deployment apparatus and methods: The position of a prosthesis (e.g., a stent-graft) is monitored using non-ionizing energy during deployment and/or sheath pull-back after the prosthesis has been positioned at a desired location in a vessel.... Agent: Medtronic Vascular, Inc.IPLegal Department

20080172120 - Endoprosthesis delivery systems and related methods: This disclosure relates to endoprosthesis delivery systems and related methods.... Agent: Fish & Richardson PC

20080172121 - Medical device for fluid flow and method of forming such device: A medical device which defines a lumen for flowing a bodily fluid from an upstream end of the device to a downstream end thereof is disclosed. The device has a luminal wall (14) that extends between the upstream and downstream ends and defines the lumen within which the fluid flows.... Agent: Morrison & Foerster, LLP

20080172122 - Dual concentric guidewire and methods of bifurcated graft deployment: A guidewire assembly for use in deploying a bifurcated endoluminal vascular prosthesis that has a main graft portion and at least a first branch graft portion The guidewire assembly include a hollow guidewire sheath having a restraint mechanism, such as a tubular sheath, for constraining a branch graft portion of... Agent: Knobbe Martens Olson & Bear LLP

20080172123 - Bifurcated stent: In at least one embodiment, a stent comprises a plurality of interconnected framework members defining a plurality of cells. A portion of the interconnected framework members comprise a side branch structure defining an inner side branch cell that is shaped differently than other cells of the stent. The side branch... Agent: Vidas, Arrett & Steinkraus, P.A.

20080172124 - Multiple drug-eluting coronary artery stent for percutaneous coronary artery intervention: The present invention relates to a combination of agents, including an anti-proliferative agent, an anti-inflammatory agent, an anti-growth factor, and an extracellular matrix (ECM) molecule coated on a stent to prevent acute and subacute thrombosis, enhance endothelial in-growth, and prevent neointimal hyperplasia, and/or suppress neovascularization, and thereby reduce restenosis rates... Agent: Dla Piper US LLP

20080172125 - System and method for joint resurface repair: An implant comprising a first, second, and third segment wherein the second and third segments partially overlap the first segment and define a load bearing surface comprising an anterior-posterior (AP) curvature including at least two tangential curves of the portion of the articular surface of the femoral condyle, the tangential... Agent: Grossman, Tucker, Perreault & Pfleger, PLLC

20080172129 - Method for implanting prosthetic intervertebral discs in a spine: Prosthetic intervertebral discs and methods for using the same are described. The subject prosthetic discs include upper and lower endplates separated by a compressible core member. The prosthetic discs described herein include one-piece, two-piece, three-piece, and four-piece structures. The subject prosthetic discs exhibit stiffness in the vertical direction, torsional stiffness,... Agent: Wheelock Chan LLP

20080172127 - Minimally invasive interbody device: An interbody device that restores the disc space height between two vertebrae during spinal fusion surgery. The device includes a center plate surrounded by a perimeter portion that combine to have a relatively flat configuration in one dimension and relatively wide configuration in a perpendicular dimension. After the disc space... Agent: MillerIPGroup, PLC Mi4 Spine, LLC

20080172128 - Minimally invasive interbody device assembly: A minimally invasive interbody device assembly that includes an interbody device that restores the disc space height between two vertebrae and an instrument detachably coupled to the interbody device for positioning the device in the disc space and delivering bone material to the disc space that is distributed on both... Agent: MillerIPGroup, PLC Mi4 Spine, LLC

20080172126 - Nucleus pulposus injection devices and methods: A pre-molded fully-cured filling injection port (septum/annular plug) made of the same or substantially the same material as the in-situ curing nuclear filling material is disclosed as a device and method of improved intervertebral disc arthroplasty or augmentation.... Agent: Philip S. Johnson Johnson & Johnson

20080172130 - Modular acetabular cup and anchoring screw for fixing a prosthetic implant: A modular prosthetic acetabulum apparatus for use in reconstruction of a hip joint by placement in an acetabulum cavity has a supporting plate with a shape suitable for placement in the acetabulum cavity, an anchor cooperative with the supporting plate for adjustably positioning the supporting plate in the acetabulum cavity,... Agent: Egbert Law Offices

20080172131 - System and method for forming bone filling materials with microparticles: A method for treating a vertebral bone comprises providing a plurality of hollow microparticles and providing a flowable and settable bone filling material. The method further comprises mixing the plurality of hollow microparticles with the bone filling material to form a bone augmentation material. The method further comprises inserting an... Agent: Haynes And Boone, LLP

20080172132 - Safety stilt: A safety stilt for users requiring extended access to overhead or elevated surfaces has two slidably mated shells able to be adjusted to a variety of heights. Foot attachment means are attached to a top surface on the upper shell and a base defines a greater surface area than the... Agent: Richard C. Emery Suite G

20080167703 - Stent prosthesis for vascular surgery in particular in the area of the aortic arch: A stent prosthesis for vascular surgery for inserting into an artery, particularly for bridging a vascular enlargement in the area of the aortic arch, comprising a tubular flexible and radially expandable stent body, on which at least one tear-proof long thread is attached in a fixed manner at a point... Agent: Law Office Of James Trosino

20080167704 - Branch vessel graft method and delivery system: A primary and branch graft deployment delivery system (70) comprises a primary graft (72) having a branch port opening or member (75), a retractable primary sheath containing the primary graft, an outer tube (60) within the retractable primary sheath and within the primary graft, an inner tube (61) within the... Agent: Medtronic Vascular, Inc.IPLegal Department

20080167705 - Short wire stent delivery system with splittable outer sheath: A delivery system and method for introducing a self-expanding prosthesis into a work site of a patient. The delivery system is introduced to the work site over an elongate guiding member. The delivery system is subsequently uncoupled from the guiding member upon deployment of the prosthesis while remaining within the... Agent: Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione/chicago/cook

20080167706 - stent configurations: Improved stent configurations exhibiting limited recoil, resistance to compression and improved longitudinal flexibility.... Agent: Vidas, Arrett & Steinkraus, P.A.

20080167707 - Intraluminal medical device having variable axial flexibility about the circumference of the device: This invention concerns expandable intraluminal medical devices for use within a body passageway or duct, wherein the devices exhibit differing degrees of flexibility around the circumference of the device.... Agent: Philip S. Johnson Johnson & Johnson

20080167708 - Stent having reduced passage of emboli and stent delivery system: A stent for reducing the passage of emboli into body lumen once deployed includes a structural portion and a barrier portion. The structural portion, when expanded in a conduit, provides sufficient strength to maintain an open lumen in the conduit. The barrier portion reduces migration of emboli from the wall... Agent: Rissman Jobse Hendricks & Oliverio, LLP

20080167709 - Stent and method for manufacturing the same: A method of manufacturing a stent includes forming a first cylindrical mesh structure by bending a first member in a zigzag-shape having peaks and valleys and a plurality of turns wound around an outer circumference of a manufacturing frame and forming a second cylindrical mesh structure by bending a second... Agent: Summa, Allan & Additon, P.A.

20080167710 - Medical device having regions with various agents dispersed therein and a method for making the same: A device is constructed with additives incorporated into its structure, such as a material that increases visibility of the device, while still maintaining desired mechanical characteristics such as high radial stiffness, minimized recoil values, and improved flexibility. The device can assume a wide range of geometries that are adaptable to... Agent: Philip S. Johnson Johnson & Johnson

20080167711 - Device and active component for inhibiting formation of thrombus-inflammatory cell matrix: A combination drug treatment for inhibiting stenosis or restenosis is disclosed. The combination treatment is an active component containing both an anti-inflammatory substance and an anti-thrombotic substance which, together, contribute to an inhibiting effect on the initial stages of stenosis or restenosis. The active component can be delivered to a... Agent: Squire, Sanders & Dempsey LLP

20080167712 - Poly(ester amide) filler blends for modulation of coating properties: Provided herein is a PEA polymer blend and coatings or implantable devices formed therefrom.... Agent: Squire, Sanders & Dempsey LLP

20080167714 - Methods and apparatus for cardiac valve repair: The methods, devices, and systems are provided for performing endovascular repair of atrioventricular and other cardiac valves in the heart. Regurgitation of an atrioventricular valve, particularly a mitral valve, can be repaired by modifying a tissue structure selected from the valve leaflets, the valve annulus, the valve chordae, and the... Agent: Townsend And Townsend And Crew LLP/evalve Inc. (020489)

20080167713 - Reconfiguring heart features: In general, in an aspect, an annulus of a heart valve is caused to dilate to a predetermined configuration. While the annulus is dilated, a valve support is attached to tissue at locations along the annulus. After attachment, the support is caused to contract.... Agent: Fish & Richardson PC

20080167715 - Primary and supplemental intraocular lens system: An intraocular lens system includes a primary intraocular lens configured to correct vision in a patient, and a supplemental intraocular lens configured to modify the correction provided by the primary intraocular lens. The supplemental intraocular lens, which is substantially completely diffractive, is preferably ultrathin. The two lenses may be connected... Agent: Advanced Medical Optics, Inc.

20080167716 - Cartilage repair apparatus and method: An orthopaedic device for repairing and regenerating cartilage includes a plug configured to be positioned in a hole formed in the cartilage and an anchor configured to support the plug. One or both of the plug and the anchor may be formed from naturally occurring extracellular matrix such as small... Agent: Barnes & Thornburg LLP

20080167718 - Active vertebral prosthetic device: An active vertebral prosthetic device system may include an actuatable displacement element having an upper side and a lower side. The actuatable displacement element may be configured for placement between an upper vertebral body and a lower vertebral body and may be configured to alter the overall distance between the... Agent: Haynes And Boone, LLP

20080167720 - Expandable vertebral body replacement device: An expandable vertebral replacement device and method of using the same is disclosed that allows surgeons to support two adjacent vertebrae after an intermediate vertebra or a portion of an intermediate vertebra has been removed for the spine. The expandable vertebral replacement device includes a first replacement body, a second... Agent: Krieg Devault LLP

20080167721 - Implant retention device and method: An implant retention device is provided to assist in restraining movement of a nuclear implant and to assist in preventing expulsion of the nuclear implant through an incision portal or defect in the annular wall. In one form, the implant retention device may include an elongated tensioning member having a... Agent: Fitch Even Tabin And Flannery

20080167719 - Ratcheting nucleus replacement: An intervertebral disc augmentation implant for implantation between a pair of vertebral bodies comprises a core member having a first height dimension along an axis defined by the pair of vertebral bodies and a cavity running perpendicular to the axis, a first post and a second post each having a... Agent: Haynes And Boone, LLP

20080167722 - Knee joint prosthesis system and method for implantation: A modular knee prosthesis can include a femoral component having a superiorly extending portion, a first femoral bearing surface and a second femoral bearing surface. The superiorly extending portion can define a first tapered augment receiving surface. A tibial component can have an inferiorly extending portion and a tibial bearing... Agent: Harness, Dickey & Pierce, P.L.C

20080167723 - Prosthetic hip implants: Prosthetic hip stems for use in prosthetic hip joints and, in particular, provides prosthetic hip stems that are designed to achieve more optimized outcomes with certain types of patient anatomy, such as the anatomy of female patients and/or patients having osteoporosis. Each hip stem in a family or set of... Agent: Zimmer Technology - Baker & Daniels

20080167726 - Expandable containment devices and methods: An expandable containment device is provided for use in containing a flowable material. The containment device includes an expandable housing extending along a longitudinal axis and defining an interior region, and including a first housing portion movably engaged with a second housing portion to allow expansion of the housing generally... Agent: Krieg Devault LLP

20080167725 - 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

20080167724 - Stent graft with releasable therapeutic agent and soluable coating: Medical devices for implantation within a body vessel comprising a graft material and a releasable therapeutic agent are provided. The graft material preferably comprises a biocompatible polyurethane and a therapeutic agent. Preferably, the medical device is a stent graft formed by attaching a polyurethane graft material comprising an elutable taxane... Agent: Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione/indy/cook

20080167727 - Graft prosthesis, materials and methods: A graft prostheses (11), materials and method for implanting, transplanting, replacing, or repairing a part of a patient. The graft prosthesis includes a purified, collagen-based matrix structure removed from a submucosa tissue source. The submucosa tissue source is purified by disinfection and removal steps to deactivate and remove contaminants, thereby... Agent: Woodard, Emhardt, Moriarty, Mcnett & Henry LLP

20080167728 - Graft prosthesis, materials and methods: A graft prostheses (11), materials and method for implanting, transplanting, replacing, or repairing a part of a patient. The graft prosthesis includes a purified, collagen-based matrix structure removed from a submucosa tissue source. The submucosa tissue source is purified by disinfection and removal steps to deactivate and remove contaminants, thereby... Agent: Woodard, Emhardt, Moriarty, Mcnett & Henry LLP

20080167729 - Implantable devices useful for reinforcing a surgically created stoma: An implantable tissue reinforcement device useful for treating or preventing the formation of parastomal hernias forming about a surgically created stoma. The tissue reinforcement device can comprise a synthetic or mammalian-derived sheet-like graft member, such as a resorbable material that promotes tissue ingrowth, wherein a sizing pattern is included that... Agent: Woodard, Emhardt, Moriarty, Mcnett & Henry LLP

20080167730 - Adustable orthopedic aid for an extremity: An orthopaedic aid for an extremity includes at least one adjustable element for positioning the orthopaedic aid relative to the extremity. The detector arrangement includes a plurality of indicators for indicating torques generated by the detector arrangement. The detector arrangement is positionable such that a section of the detector arrangement... Agent: Faegre & Benson LLP Patent Docketing

20080167731 - Prosthetic foot with longer upper forefoot and shorter lower forefoot: The invention provides a prosthetic foot device including an elongated upper forefoot portion extending through an upper attachment section, forwardly through an arch section, and to a toe section positioned at a toe location of a natural foot. The foot device also includes an elongated lower forefoot portion extending through... Agent: Thorpe North & Western, LLP.

20080167717 - Non-metallic implant devices and intra-operative methods for assembly and fixation: This invention relates to orthopedic implants and to methods of treating bone defects. More specifically, but not exclusively, the present invention is directed to non-metallic implants and to methods for intra-operative assembly and fixation of orthopedic implants to facilitate medical treatment. The non-metallic implant assembly can be secured to underlying... Agent: Woodard, Emhardt, Moriarty, Mcnett & Henry LLP

20080161901 - Catheter system with stent apparatus for connecting adjacent blood vessels: A trifurcated stent apparatus for use by a physician includes a main stent for inserting into a trifurcated blood vessel and two side stents. The main stent includes two openings on the side which are the same diameter as the corresponding side stents. The main stent may be configured to... Agent: Kolisch Hartwell, P.c.

20080161902 - Delivery system and sheath for endoluminal prosthesis: A stent delivery sheath has a distal portion extending circumferentially around a stent, the delivery sheath tapering distally of the stent to a reduced diameter at the distal end of the sheath so providing an atraumatic or dilating surface distally of the stent. The distal portion of the delivery sheath... Agent: Cook Group Patent Office

20080161900 - Medical devices including composites: Medical devices, such as endoprostheses, and methods of making the devices are described. In some embodiments, a medical device includes an elongated hollow body formed of a polymeric matrix containing one or more regions of a pre-determined weight percent of carbon nanotubes in general alignment in a pre-determined orientation. The... Agent: Fish & Richardson Pc

20080161903 - Noncylindrical drug eluting stent for treating vascular bifurcations: A device and method for treating pathological narrowing of fluid-carrying conduits of the human body (such as blood vessels) in an area of a bifurcation is disclosed. In particular, a stent delivery system configured to carry one or more of a pair of dissimilar stents. At least one of the... Agent: Knobbe Martens Olson & Bear LLP

20080161904 - Connection of adjacent blood vessels: A catheter apparatus, tissue-engineered vessel and a method of using the tissue-engineered vessel are provided for the connection of two adjacent blood vessels. In some embodiments, the tissue engineered vessel may be affixed to a stent, or a stent may be inserted into an area to be treated first, and... Agent: Kolisch Hartwell, P.c.

20080161905 - Asymmetric bifurcated crown: An expandable stent for percutaneous procedures comprises a tubular structure disposed about a longitudinal axis and a plurality of fingers. The plurality of fingers, upon expansion of the stent, extends from the tubular structure about a second longitudinal axis which is angularly offset from the first longitudinal axis. At least... Agent: Vidas, Arrett & Steinkraus, P.a.

20080161906 - Bioerodible endoprostheses and methods of making the same: A bioerodible endoprosthesis erodes by galvanic erosion that can provide, e.g., improved endothelialization and therapeutic effects.... Agent: Fish & Richardson P.c.

20080161908 - Apparatus and method for delivery of mitomycin through an eluting biocompatible implantable medical device: The present invention is an apparatus and a method for delivery of mitomycin through an eluting biocompatible implantable medical device. A biocompatible drug release matrix comprises a biocompatible drug release matrix and a drug incorporated into the biocompatible drug release matrix. The drug has antibiotic and anti-proliferative properties and is... Agent: Greenberg Traurig, LLP

20080161907 - Stent coated with a sustained-release drug delivery and method for use thereof: An intraluminal medical device comprises a stent having a coating applied to at least part of an interior surface, an exterior surface, or both. The coating comprises a sustained release formulation of a combination of pharmaceutical compounds dispersed within a biologically tolerated polymer composition. The choice of the combination of... Agent: Ropes & Gray LLP

20080161909 - Monolithic in situ forming valve system: Described is a monolithic in situ forming valve system. The valve system is delivered in an unformed, collapsed configuration that lacks any functional characteristics commonly associated with a valve before. However, once expanded, the system is transformed into a competent valve for use in a wide variety of applications. The... Agent: Tope-mckay & Associates

20080161910 - Replacement prosthetic heart valve, system and method of implant: A method of functionally replacing a previously implanted prosthetic heart valve. The method includes positioning a replacement prosthetic heart valve within an internal region defined by the previously implanted prosthetic heart valve. The replacement prosthetic heart valve is then physically docked to the previously implanted prosthetic heart valve. With this... Agent: Dicke, Billig & Czaja

20080161911 - Replacement prosthetic heart valve, system and method of implant: A method of functionally replacing a previously implanted prosthetic heart valve. The method includes positioning a replacement prosthetic heart valve within an internal region defined by the previously implanted prosthetic heart valve. The replacement prosthetic heart valve is then physically docked to the previously implanted prosthetic heart valve. With this... Agent: Dicke, Billig & Czaja

20080161912 - Intraocular lens: An IOL having an optic and a peripheral stabilizing ring. The optic and the ring are connected by a flexible bridge. An area on the ring coinciding with a feature on the optic helps to locate the optic within the ring in an unstressed state until the capsular bag collapses... Agent: Alcon

20080161913 - Haptic for accommodating intraocular lens: An intraocular lens is disclosed, with an optic that changes shape in response to a deforming force exerted by the zonules of the eye. A haptic supports the optic around its equator and couples the optic to the capsular bag of the eye. The region of contact between the optic... Agent: Advanced Medical Optics, Inc.

20080161914 - Pre-stressed haptic for accommodating intraocular lens: An intraocular lens is disclosed, with an optic that changes shape in response to a deforming force exerted by the zonules of the eye. A haptic supports the optic around its equator and couples the optic to the capsular bag of the eye. The haptic may be pre-stressed before the... Agent: Advanced Medical Optics, Inc.

20080161915 - System for creating visual images: A system for generating visual images includes an artificial eye that is surgically implanted within a patient's orbit. Also, the system includes a micro-camera that is mounted to the artificial eye for capturing visual input. A digital signal processor receives the visual input from the micro-camera and generates electrical stimuli... Agent: Neil K. Nydegger Nydegger & Associates

20080161916 - Breast prosthesis/enhancement cover: Abreast prosthesis/enhancement cover (1) having a perimeter (6), a first rear section (7) secured to a portion of the front section perimeter (6) and a second rear section (8) secured to a portion of the front section perimeter (6) in such a manner so as the second rear section (8)... Agent: Edward M. Livingston, Pa

20080161917 - Methods of making high-strength ndga polymerized collagen fibers and related collagen-prep methods, medical devices and constructs: The disclosure describes methods of making high-strength NDGA collagen and associated methods of preparing collagen preparatory material and medical bioprostheses.... Agent: Myers Bigel Sibley & Sajovec

20080161918 - Joint prosthesis with intermediate element having differently formed sliding surfaces: A knee joint endoprosthesis (1) for forming an articulation between a femur and a tibia comprises a femur component (2), which is connected to the femur, a tibia component (4), which is connected to the tibia, and an intermediate element (3) which is mounted between the tibia component (4) and... Agent: Scully Scott Murphy & Presser, Pc

20080161919 - Dynamic devices and methods for stabilizing vertebral members: The present application is directed to implants and methods for dynamic stabilization and/or fusion of vertebral members. The implant includes relief cuts that provide flexibility to accommodate relative movements of the vertebral members. The number, size, and shape of the relief cuts may vary depending upon the desired flexibility. Shims... Agent: Coats & Bennett, Pllc

20080161920 - Dynamizing interbody implant and methods for stabilizing vertebral members: The application is directed to implants and methods of spacing vertebral members. The implants include a body sized to fit within the desired space. One or more relief cuts are formed within the body and may include a variety of sizes, and shapes. Resorbable material is positioned within the relief... Agent: Coats & Bennett, Pllc

20080161922 - Intervertebral implant: A vertebral implant for fusing adjacent vertebrae or for replacing vertebral bodies is disclosed. The implant is a biocompatble metal resorbabler or radiolucent implant conforming substantially in size and shape with an end plate of a vertebra. The implant preferably has a wedge-shaped profile to restore disc height and the... Agent: Stroock & Stroock & Lavan, LLP

20080161921 - Spinal prosthesis systems: Spinal prosthetic devices having selectable and/or changeable centers of rotation are disclosed. In one aspect, a spinal prosthesis kit includes a first component, a second component, and a plurality of inserts. The first component has a first articulating surface that includes a first articulating structure. The second component has a... Agent: Haynes And Boone, LLP

20080161923 - Intervertebral motion disc having a resorbable keel: An intervertebral motion disc having an at least partially resorbable keel.... Agent: Philip S. Johnson Johnson & Johnson

20080161924 - Universal joint total disc replacement: A vertebral disc replacement includes superior and inferior end plates separated by a leaf spring. The leaf spring includes two opposed legs that extend from a floating intermediate portion of the leaf spring to the superior end plate and two opposed legs that extend from the floating intermediate portion to... Agent: Crompton, Seager & Tufte, Llc

20080161925 - Articulating spinal implant: A spinal implant and method of implanting a spinal implant that has a spacer and a plate configured to be fastened to a plurality of vertebral bodies. The plate is coupled to the spacer, with the spacer and the plate being angularly adjustable with respect to each other.... Agent: Mcdermott, Will & Emery

20080161932 - Artificial disc: An artificial disc implant is described that comprises of two plates that have articulating surfaces interfacing with each other. In between the plates and surrounding the articulating surface is a flexible and elastic insert puck. The insert puck will have a hole that allows the two articulating surfaces to interact... Agent: Von Simson & Chin

20080161929 - Cervical distraction device: A device and method for a minimally invasive surgical implantation to reduce radicular symptoms by inserting an expandable cervical distraction implant in the facet joint and distracting the adjacent cervical vertebrae to increase the foraminal dimension. The implant, when positioned in the cervical facet joint, expands to via delivery of... Agent: John P. O'banion O'banion & Ritchey LLP

20080161928 - Compliant intervertebral prosthetic devices with motion constraining tethers: An intervertebral prosthetic device is provided for implanting within an intervertebral disc space between first and second vertebral bodies. The device includes first and second components respectively adapted to engage the first and second vertebral bodies. A non-articular, elongate flexible core component is interposed between the first and second components,... Agent: Heslin Rothenberg Farley & Mesiti P.c.

20080161926 - Implants with helical supports and methods of use for spacing vertebral members: The present application is directed to implants with inner and outer members positioned in a telescoping arrangement. The members may include helical supports to selectively adjust the height of the implant. The helical supports offer a large contact surface to prevent inadvertent reduction of the length due to application of... Agent: Coats & Bennett/medtronics

20080161927 - Intervertebral implant with porous portions: A device for promoting fusion of first and second vertebrae, comprises a first solid region formed of non-porous polyetheretherketone (PEEK) and a first porous region including a porous PEEK architecture. The first porous region is bonded to the first solid region.... Agent: Haynes And Boone, LLP

20080161933 - Selectively expanding spine cage, hydraulically controllable in three dimensions for vertebral body replacement: A selectively expanding spine cage has a minimized diameter in its unexpanded state that is smaller that the diameter of the neuroforamen through which it passes in the distracted spine. The cage conformably engages between the endplates of vertebrae to effectively distract the anterior disc space, stabilize the motion segments,... Agent: Edward J. Lynch, Patent Attorney

20080161930 - Spinal prosthesis systems: Spinal prosthetic devices having various engagement structures are disclosed. In one aspect a spinal prosthesis system comprises a first component with a first engagement structure extending from a surface of the first component at an oblique angle and a second component with a second engagement structure extending from a surface... Agent: Haynes And Boone, LLP

20080161931 - Vertebral disc annular fibrosis tensioning and lengthening device: A vertebral disc annular fibrosis tensioning and lengthening device that restores the loss of disc height as a result of disc degeneration and other factors. The vertebral disc annular fibrosis tensioning and lengthening device includes pedicle screws having heads with cup-shaped cavities. The pedicle screws are threaded into the vertebral... Agent: Miller Ip Group, Plc Mi4 Spine, Llc

20080161934 - Internal sinus manipulation (ism) procedure for facilitating sinus floor augmentation in dental procedures: An internal sinus manipulation procedure for augmenting bone of a dental patient between the floor of the patient's sinus and a raised portion of the patient's sinus membrane comprising exposing a portion of the patient's sinus membrane immediately adjacent the floor of the patient's sinus followed by (i) a simultaneous... Agent: Robert R. Meads

20080161935 - Method for inducting weight loss using a coil for insertion into a hollow body organ: A method for inducing weight loss in a patient by providing an implant for placement within the stomach. The implant having a member with an undeployed shape for delivery to the stomach and a deployed shape for implantation therein. The member has a plurality of links pivotably connected to each... Agent: Philip S. Johnson Johnson & Johnson

20080161936 - Remodeling device for aneurysms: A method of occluding a defect in the wall of a body vessel is provided. An outlet portion of a microcatheter is delivered to the defect, then at least a body portion of a thin film occlusion device is radially expanded from a collapsed orientation to a deployed orientation for... Agent: Philip S. Johnson Johnson & Johnson

20080161937 - Wearing-type motion assistance device and program for control: A motion assistance device has a biological signal detection means for detecting a biological signal from the wearer of the device; a motion assistance device installation member having a drive source for applying torque acting to the wearer by use of each joint of the wearer as a rotating shaft;... Agent: Ladas & Parry LLP

20080161938 - Osseonitegrated limb prosthesis: A limb prosthesis which via coupling means is adapted to be connected to an implant in the form of an osseointegrated shaft projecting from an amputated stump. The coupling means comprises a flexible joint and the prosthesis further comprises at least one force transmitting device secured to and extending from... Agent: Gauthier & Connors, LLP

20080161939 - Transtibial socket for external prosthesis: A prosthetic hard socket has a modified curvature and/or shape, which eliminates or de-emphasizes the patellar bar to eliminate or reduce pressure on the wearer's patellar tendon, and, instead, enhances support of the anterior tibial condyle and/or tibial tubercle. Thus, the preferred socket is designed with the patellar tendon preferably... Agent: Pedersen & Company, Pllc