Surgery inventions 12/05

20050288653 - Apparatus and method for soft tissue ablation employing high power diode-pumped laser: The present invention discloses a high power diode-pumped laser for laser ablation of soft tissue. The present invention contemplates to operate the high power diode-pumped solid-state laser at a continuous Q-switching mode and at a big number of transverse modes. The present invention also contemplates to reduce beam divergence and...

20050288654 - Methods and devices for delivering ablative energy: Ablation instruments and methods are disclosed for ablating diseased tissue such as cardiac tissue. The ablation device can remotely apply ablative energy to biological tissue and comprises a flexible elongate member having a proximal end, a distal end and a longitudinal lumen extending therebetween. An energy emitting element is disposed...

20050288655 - Laser fiber for endovenous therapy having a shielded distal tip: An endovenous laser fiber optic member for endovenous laser therapy of peripheral veins of the body including a flexible heat resistant tip shield covering the distal end of the laser fiber optic. The tip shield has an irregular surface to increase ultrasound reflectivity. The tip shield also improves deflectability of...

20050288658 - Method and system for cryoablating tumors: A cryosurgical system adapted for treatment of fibroadenomas within the breast of a patient. The system includes cryoprobes and a control system which operates the cryoprobes to accomplish freezing in two stages, including a high power freeze and a low power freeze....

20050288657 - Pressure monitor for cryoablation catheter: A cryoablation device having a pressure monitoring system includes an elongated catheter tube that has a central lumen and is formed with a closed distal end. The distal end of a refrigerant supply line is positioned in the central lumen and distanced from the catheter tube's distal end to establish...

20050288656 - System for bi-directionally controlling the cryo-tip of a cryoablation catheter: A bi-directional system for actively deflecting the distal tip of a catheter includes a reconfigurable tube that is positioned proximal to the catheter's distal tip. The tube is formed with slits that are arranged to allow the tube to be transformed from a relaxed, cylindrical configuration to a plurality of...

20050288659 - Ultrasonic surgical apparatus with treatment modes selectable: An ultrasonic surgical apparatus comprises a treatment device with an ultrasonic transducer driven to generate ultrasonic vibration, an operation device outputting a signal commanding the transducer to start driving in response to an operator's operation, and a driver driving the transducer by supplying current thereto. The apparatus further comprises a...

20050288660 - Method and apparatus for vaginal protection from hot fluids during endometrial ablation treatment: A fluid collection device for collecting fluid leaking from the uterus of a patient during endometrial ablation includes a collar which is mounted on a catheter of an endometrial ablation device. The collar defines with the catheter of the ablation device an interior fluid collection area. The collar has a...

20050288661 - Percutaneous pringle occlusion method and device: Methods and devices for occluding a vessel during a percutaneous ablation procedure. An elongated access device having a lumen and a tissue piercing, open distal end in communication with the lumen is used to percutaneously access a vessel that supplied blood to the tissue to be treated. An elongated balloon...

20050288662 - Electrosurgical generator: A method includes recognizing an electrosurgical probe coupled to an electrosurgical generator, selecting a mode of the electrosurgical generator based upon the recognized probe, setting a therapy profile based upon the selected mode, and displaying the therapy profile. The generator can include user inputs for modifying the therapy profile. A...

20050288667 - Ablation systems including insulated energy transmitting elements: Ablation systems comprise a support body, an energy transmitting element supported by the support body and an insulating member covering a portion of the support body and energy transmitting member. Ablation energy is transmitted from an uncovered, exposed portion of the energy transmitting element. The insulating member may be a...

20050288666 - Cardiac ablation devices and methods: Devices and methods provide for ablation of cardiac tissue for treating cardiac arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation. Although the devices and methods are often be used to ablate epicardial tissue in the vicinity of at least one pulmonary vein, various embodiments may be used to ablate other cardiac tissues in...

20050288665 - Electrosurgical device having planar vertical electrode and related methods: Electrosurgical methods and apparatus for the controlled ablation of tissue from a target site of a patient. The instrument includes a shaft having proximal and distal end portion and a planar active electrode on the distal end portion; a return electrode arranged on the shaft spaced from the active electrode;...

20050288663 - Method and apparatus for substantial uniform ablation about a bipolar array of electrodes: The described invention relates to a medical device for a substantially uniform ablation of animal or human tissue comprising of a bipolar generator for generating radio frequency at an electrode, a probe having a handle, and an elongated member. The elongated member has a proximal and distal end with an...

20050288664 - Systems and methods for treating tissue regions of the body: Systems and methods deploy an electrode from a catheter assembly. The systems and methods provide a catheter handle having a trigger lever adapted to carry an actuator rod. The actuator rod is adapted to cause movement of the electrode between a retracted position and an extended position. A pinion is...

20050288672 - Devices to prevent spinal extension: This invention resides in an apparatus for inhibiting full extension between upper and lower vertebral bodies, thereby preventing pain and other complications associated with spinal movement. In the preferred embodiment, the invention provides a generally transverse member extending between the spinous processes and lamina of the upper and lower vertebral...

20050288670 - Dynamic stabilization device including overhanging stabilizing member: Spine stabilization devices, systems and methods are provided in which a single resilient member or spring is disposed on an elongate element that spans two attachment members attached to different spinal vertebrae. The elongate element passes through at least one of the two attachment members, permitting relative motion therebetween, and...

20050288671 - Methods for securing spinal rods: A device for securing a spinal rod to a spine includes a head adapted to secure the spinal rod, and a locking cap adapted to engage the head and the spinal rod, the locking cap having an unlocked position, an intermediate position, and a locked position. A method of securing...

20050288669 - Occipito fixation system and method of use: Disclosed is a multi-axial occipito-cervical connection system that enables an occipital rod to be coupled to a cervical rod in a manner that permits multi-axial, relative movement between the two rods about a predetermined location, such as the heads of the rods. The system includes a locking mechanism that can...

20050288668 - Spinal column support system: A spinal column support system, including a bone screw with an axially displaceable embodiment arranged above the bone screw shaft, a plate or rod arrangement with at least one opening into which the bone screw is screwed and an upper and lower disc which are mounted in the plate or...

20050288673 - Low profile anterior thoracic and thoracolumbar plate: A spinal implant assembly is provided for stabilizing the spine. The assembly includes an elongated plate, bolts, and nuts. The plate is fixed to vertebrae spanning an injury or deformity to a disc or vertebra using the bolts and nuts. Screws can provide additional stability. The nuts are configured to...

20050288674 - Bio-absorbable bone tie with convex head: The bio-absorbable bone tie with convex head is an elongated band having a convex head portion and is used for securing fragments of a fractured bone together. The elongated band portion includes a plurality of notches defined therein. The convex head portion has a convex shape with smooth, rounded edges...

20050288675 - Disk incision repair method: The present invention provides methods of implementing inter-vertebral disk surgery, including methods of sealing an inter-vertebral disk incision, preventing or inhibiting herniation, and/or stimulating or facilitating healing of an inter-vertebral disk. Also provided are annulus closure tools....

20050288676 - Minimally invasive bone broach: A broaching system is disclosed for creating a cavity in a bone. The cavity has a cross section which has a generally triangular profile having a first side generally parallel with an axis of the bone and a second side forming an acute angle with the first side. The cavity...

20050288677 - Spinal surgery distractor with an integrated retractor: A spinal surgery retractor with a slotted keyway for integrating a keyed spinal distractor. This retractor and distractor combination slide together to displace a portion of the intervertebral disk space to restore or maintain intervertebral spacing and facilitate retraction of surrounding soft tissues while disk space surgery is performed. The...

20050288678 - Vertebral body having an altered native cancellous bone volume and related treatment methods: The native cancellous bone volume of a vertebral body is altered to comprise a region of cancellous bone that has been compressed to form a compressed bone region that peripherally defines a cavity and another region of substantially uncompressed cancellous bone occupying at least a portion of the remaining native...

20050288679 - Apparatus and method for improving the accuracy of navigated surgical instrument: A computer assisted surgery system is described for assisting a surgeon in aligning a drill with the interlocking holes of an implanted intramedullary (IM) rod used for fixation of long bone fractures. With the IM rod inserted, a localizing device measures the pose of a tracked adapter attached to the...

20050288680 - Noninvasive devices, methods and systems for shrinking of tissues: The invention provides improved devices, methods, and systems for shrinking of collagenated tissues, particularly for treating urinary incontinence in a noninvasive manner by directing energy to a patient's own support tissues. This energy heats fascia and other collagenated support tissues, causing them to contract. The energy can be applied intermittently,...

20050288681 - Instrumentation for recording and replicating orthopaedic implant orientation: An instrument for recording and replicating the spatial orientation of a dialable component of an implant relative to a bone engaging component of the implant includes a base assembly for supporting the bone engaging component and a fixture supported on the base assembly for supporting an alignment tool. The alignment...

20050288682 - Suture anchor inserter: An inserter for inserting a suture anchor into bone. The inserter has external markings that uniquely identify the orientations and the relative longitudinal positions of at least two suture passages through a suture anchor releasably engaged with the inserter. The markings assist a surgeon in determining a preferred placement and...

20050288683 - Intraocular lens for implantation in an eye and instrument and methods for insertion of such a lens: An intraocular lens includes an optical portion (7; 607; 907; 1107) of a transparent, deformable material, at least one haptic (5, 6; 205, 206; 405, 406, 706; 806; 905; 1005; 1105; 1205) radially projecting from the optical portion for supporting the optical portion in a position parallel to and against...

20050288685 - Left ventricular conduits and methods for delivery: Conduits are provided to direct blood flow from the left ventricle to a coronary artery at a location distal to a blockage in the coronary artery. Threaded and nonthreaded conduits are delivered using a guidewire delivered through the posterior and anterior walls of a coronary artery and into the heart...

20050288684 - Method of reducing collateral flow in a portion of a lung: This invention provides methods of treating a patient's lung. One aspect of the invention provides a method of treating a lung including the following steps: inserting a collateral flow blocking agent delivery device into an air passageway of the lung; and delivering a collateral flow blocking agent to reduce airflow...

20050288686 - Systems, methods and devices for removing obstructions from a blood vessel: Devices and methods for removing an obstruction from a blood vessel are described. The devices are deployed in a collapsed condition and are then expanded within the body. The devices are then manipulated to engage and remove the obstruction....

20050288687 - Attachment for an epilator: A device for use on an epilator having a drivable epilation head with a plurality of clamping elements. The device can be adapted to cover at least one clamping to prevent the clamping element from trapping hairs....

20050288688 - Ligature and suture device for medical application, and ligaturing and suturing method for medical application: A ligature and suture device for medical application includes a distal end insertion portion, a needle body, a ligature tool, and an operation section. The operation section includes a housing that is provided in a base end portion of the distal end insertion portion, a puncture handle that is provided...

20050288689 - Applicator and method for deploying a surgical fastener: An applicator for deploying a fastener having two legs into tissue. The applicator has two elongated hollow needle members, slotted portions at the distal ends of the hollow needle members for releasably retaining the legs of the fastener, two push rods adapted to move lengthwise in the two needle members,...

20050288690 - Suture passing: A surgical device includes a first member, deformable to move a pair of opposing projections toward one another. The projections are received in a pair of opposing openings in a second member, so the first member can pivot relative to the second member about an axis defined by the projections....

20050288691 - Hernia patch: A surgical prosthesis including a sheet formed of one or more layers of a thin flexible material suitable to promote or prevent biological tissue adherence thereto and a grid formed of intersecting lines provided on at least one main surface of the sheet. The grid helps the surgeon trim the...

20050288692 - Parietal hook: and at least one orifice (15) formed in the elongated body (2) to attach the suspension arm and that is associated with non-return means (18) adapted to enable adjustment of the useful length of the arm and to prevent the arm from sliding in the direction opposite its direction of...

20050288693 - Connector, applicator and method for mechanically connecting hollow structures, in particular small blood vessels: The invention relates to a connector, applicator and method for mechanically connecting hollow structures, in particular small blood vessels, in order to make an anastomosis. The connector incorporates various features to create a reliable engagement with the vessel walls to make a good connection thereof. The connector comprises knife members...

20050288694 - Adjustable percutaneous stomach lumen restriction device: A device is provided for percutaneously restricting a stomach lumen in which an outer casing surrounds a needle to define a space between the outer casing and the needle. A suture is provided in the space between the outer casing and the needle, and a plurality of disks are provided...

20050288695 - Apparatus and method for treating occluded vasculature: Occluded vasculature such as occluded arterial vasculature can be recanalized using a device that is configured to penetrate an occlusion, while limiting a distance that said penetration structure can extend in order to limit inadvertent vascular damage. The device can include an elongate sheath and a stylet disposed within the...

20050288696 - Device for separating the epithelial layer from the surface of the cornea of an eye: A separator that includes a body and a leading edge portion. The leading edge portion includes an upper planar surface oriented at an angle ranging from approximately 40° to 90° relative to a horizontal plane and a lower planar surface oriented at an angle ranging from approximately 0° to 30°...

20050288697 - Ring for vitreous surgery for supporting contact lens for the vitreous surgery, cannula used in combination with the ring, and plug used in combination with the ring: A ring for vitreous surgery, adapted to support a contact lens for the vitreous surgery on a patient's eye, the ring comprises: a ring body; a flange having a contact surface of a curved shape to be fitted with a curved shape of a sclera of the eye, the flange...

20050288699 - Adjustable disposable/single-use lancet device and method: Adjustable Single-use lancet device that includes a body. A trigger is mounted to the body. A skin engaging end includes a lancet opening through which a lancet needle extends. A holding member is movably mounted within the body and includes a front end a rear end. The front end receives...

20050288698 - Piercing unit, piercing member removal device, and piercing device: A lancing unit (U) includes a support member (1) provided with engagement means (19A) which is inserted into a housing (4) of a lancing apparatus (A) for engagement with an engagement surface (24a) of a lancing member (2) when the lancing member (2) is mounted to a movable member (5)...

20050288700 - Catheter drive: A catheter for use in a blood vessel, comprising an elongate body having an axis, a lumen along said axis, a proximal opening at one end, connected to the lumen and a front tip at a distal end of the body; and an elongate hydraulic fluid column in said lumen...

20050288702 - Intra-bronchial lung volume reduction system: The invention provides devices and systems for treating lungs. One aspect of the invention provides a lung device with an expandable member having an open lumen formed therethrough, the expandable (e.g., inflatable and compliant) member having an expanded diameter adapted to contact a circumferential wall portion of a lung air...

20050288701 - Multi-exchange catheter guide member with improved seal: A catheter and a guidewire exchange system includes a catheter and a guide member. The catheter includes a lumen extending through the shaft and sized to receive the guidewire, and a longitudinal guideway enabling transverse access from the shaft exterior surface to the lumen. The guide member includes a housing,...

20050288703 - Blood clot filter: A compact blood clot filter having an alignment section that overlaps with a filter section in an axial direction is formed from a single tube without any welding points to provide high structural integrity, low profile and low manufacturing cost. The filter section has filter struts that extend radially and...

20050288704 - Retrievable blood clot filter: A compact retrievable blood clot filter and a method of retrieving the filter. The retrievable filter has a primary hub, a set of filter struts having a conical configuration and extending from the primary hub, and a set of alignment struts connected to the filter struts to provide centering of...

20050288705 - Support frame for an embolic protection device: An embolic protection device 100 comprises a collapsible filter element 105 for delivery through a vascular system of a patient. The filter element 105 comprising a collapsible filter body 110 and a filter support frame 111 contacting the filter body 110. The collapsible filter body 110 has an inlet end...

20050288706 - Inflatable occluder: An implant for occluding a septal defect, such as a patent foramen ovale (PFO), and methods of delivering the implant are described. The implant includes a scaffold, at least one channel, and an injection port in fluid communication with the channels for inflating the scaffold....

20050288707 - Fluidtight puncturing and occlusion device for anatomical structure: A combined device for plugging and fluidthight puncturing of a wall of a hollow organ, comprising a head bearing a surgical staple for the wall of the hollow organ, a fluidthight puncturing system comprising a puncturing device and a hollow channel, a keeping means for bringing the said staple from...

20050288708 - Soft tissue fastener having integral biasing section: A fastener for surgical repair of tissue is provided along with methods for its use. The fastener includes first and second anchors and a connector including a first central biasing section coupled to the first anchor and a second central biasing section having coupled to the second anchor, and a...

20050288709 - Adjustable line locks and methods: A line lock includes a body at least partially bounding a primary passageway, a secondary passageway, and a working passageway. The passageways may be sized to receive two locking portions of a suture such that each of the locking portions can only be moved through the line lock along one...

20050288711 - Line lock suture attachment systems and methods: A line lock includes a body at least partially bounding a plurality of passageways such that a suture can only be drawn through the passageways along one direction. The suture is attached to the line lock prior to use in surgery, either by securing one end of the suture to...

20050288710 - Line lock threading systems and methods: A line lock includes a body at least partially bounding a plurality of passageways such that a suture can only be drawn through the passageways along one direction. The suture may be inserted through the passageways through the use of a cartridge designed to contain the line lock. Threaders may...

20050288712 - Pacifier and baby bottle nipple systems: A multistage baglet system for a pacifier and a multistage nipple system. Baglets and nipples with bumps thereon are initially provided to accustom a baby to the use of such baglets and nipples. Subsequently, baglets and nipples with bumps are provided to assist the baby with teething....

20050283138 - Operating room control system: An operating room control system including a medical device control system for controlling one or more medical devices for conducting a surgical procedure and a medical support device control system for controlling one or more medical support devices, which support the surgical procedure, wherein the medical support devices can be...

20050283139 - Surgical therapeutic instrument, operation system, and anastomosing procedure method using the surgical therapeutic instrument: According to the present invention, a surgical therapeutic instrument includes an insertion unit, a treating unit that is arranged at one end of the insertion unit to be extended in the extending direction at a predetermined angle to the axial direction of the insertion unit, and an operation unit that...

20050283137 - Surgical tool kit: A tool kit for interchanging tools within an at least partially closed area is provided. The tool kit includes at least one tool, each tool being preferably provided within a tubular housing, and adapted to pivot out from the tool kit so that they can be attached to a receiving...

20050283140 - System and method for releasably holding a surgical instrument: The invention is directed to a system and method for releasably holding a surgical instrument (14), such as an endoscopic instrument configured for delivery through a small percutaneous penetration in a patient. The instrument comprises an elongate shaft (100) with a pair of mounting pins (116) laterally extending from the...

20050283141 - Method and apparatus for skin reduction: A method for reducing skin is disclosed, in which a plurality of incisions or removals are made to collectively form a patch of skin to be reduced, instead of making a single large treatment of the patch. Thus, scarring after healing is less noticeable. Preferably, the treated regions of skin...

20050283142 - Eye-protection apparatus, in particular retina-protection apparatus, and optical element having a free-form surface for an illumination beam path, and use of an optical element having a free-form surface: An eye-protection apparatus, in particular retina-protection apparatus, for a surgical microscope, having an illumination beam that defines an illuminated field for an object plane (14) and having an optical element (4) in the illumination beam path, wherein the optical element is embodied in such a way that it deflects light...

20050283143 - Tissue remover and method: An electromagnetically induced cutting mechanism provides accurate cutting operations on hard or soft tissues. The electromagnetically induced cutter is adapted to interact with atomized fluid particles. A tissue remover comprises an aspiration cannula housing a fluid and energy guide for conducting electromagnetically induced cutting forces to the site within a...

20050283144 - Energy irradiating medical equipment, energy irradiating medical apparatus and irradiation method: The present invention provides an energy irradiating medical equipment having an insert portion to be inserted into a living body, a temperature sensor disposed on the insert portion, and an energy irradiation window disposed on the insert portion for applying an energy to a living tissue. The temperature sensor includes...

20050283145 - Rapid cryo-heating devices and their applications: This invention discloses cryo-heating phototreatment devices and methods for cooling and heating objects in a very rapid timescale, from femtosecond to subsecond. The cryo-heating phototreatment device is a multiplex energy source comprising of an electromagnetic source and at least one of the members of the group of radiation sources: sonic,...

20050283146 - Thermally extended spiral cryotip for a cryoablation catheter: A system and method for cryoablating tissue at a target site in a patient includes a cryotip attached to the distal end of a catheter tube. The cryotip is made of a shape memory material that assumes a straight configuration at a first temperature and a coiled configuration at a...

20050283147 - Surgical treatment device and surgical treatment system: A surgical treatment device includes a shaft, a treatment portion which is provided at the tip of the shaft to effect heat treatment to living tissues, heater elements which are disposed in the treatment portion, a cable member which is inserted through the shaft to supply power to the heater...

20050283148 - Ablation apparatus and system to limit nerve conduction: A surgical system and the associated methods for use in Minimally Invasive Surgical procedures for use in the short- and long-term termination of signals through nerves. Such a procedure is an improvement over the current state-of-the-art because of the use of a tightly coupled single-needle bi-polar probe. The proximity of...

20050283149 - Electrosurgical cutting instrument: An electrosurgical instrument is provided. The electrosurgical instrument includes an active electrode in close proximity to a return electrode. The active electrode has a first thermal diffusivity. The second electrode has a second thermal diffusivity greater than the first thermal diffusivity. The volume, shape, and thermal diffusivity of the second...

20050283150 - Surgical instruments with integrated electrocautery: The present invention provides a series of devices for performing surgical procedures utilizing electrodes for performing electrocautery on a tissue of the body of a patient. The invention includes, in one aspect, a series of devices comprising surgical instruments providing at least one electrode for performing electrocautery, and, in another...

20050283151 - Surgical instrument: A bipolar coagulating instrument includes a blade-like electrode assembly comprising an upper planar face and a lower planar face separated by an intermediate portion of insulating material therebetween. The upper face includes first and second electrodes separated by a first insulating member, and the lower face includes third and fourth...

20050283152 - Method and apparatus for retaining screws in a plate: A retention system for maintaining a screw to a vertebral plate. One or more screws extend through apertures within the vertebral plate. A cavity is positioned adjacent to and overlaps into the aperture. A ring is positioned within the cavity and held in position by a cap. The cap attaches...

20050283153 - Orthopedic fixation system and method of use: A orthopedic fixation system comprising a plate with an outwardly-extending member. A saddle may be mounted on the member and includes spaced-apart arms that form a channel to receive a rod. An engagement member may be mounted within the saddle to prevent escape of the rod. In one embodiment, the...

20050283154 - Intramedullary fixation device for metaphyseal long bone fractures: A fracture fixation system includes a device with a plate portion intended to be positioned against an exterior surface of bone and an intramedullary portion. The plate portion includes a plurality of fixed angle holes defining a respective number of axes which are divergent. Fasteners coupled within the fixed angle...

20050283155 - Instruments and methods for holding a bone plate: An instrument for insertion and placement of dynamic spinal fixation plates is provided. In general, the instrument is a clip that holds the plate at its maximum extension for implantation....

20050283156 - Knotless anchor for surgical repair: Knotless fixation of soft tissue to bone is accomplished using a bone anchor configured to provide interference fixation of a soft-tissue connector. The soft-tissue connector is provided in the form of a flat narrow piece of material. Additional fixation strength can be provided by configuring the bone anchor to penetrate...

20050283158 - Bone anchors for use in attaching soft tissue to a bone: Improved bone anchors are disclosed for anchoring one or more sutures attached to soft tissue to a bone. The bone anchor has an anchor body that extends between a distal and a proximal end. A bore is formed axially in the anchor body and opens at the proximal end. One...

20050283157 - Multi-axial bone attachment assembly: A posterior fixation system includes a saddle member and an anchoring member. The anchoring member anchors the saddle member to bone. The saddle member includes a pair of upright portions that define a channel. The saddle member further has a hole therethrough bounded by an inner wall, and the hole...

20050283159 - Intramedullary osteosynthesis implant: Intramedullary osteosynthesis implant, permitting in particular arthrodesis (1) of a joint, for example an interphalangeal joint, or diaphyseal osteosynthesis of the upper limb or of the lower limb, comprising two sets of at least two rods (2, 3, 4, 5) each extending on either side of a central zone (6),...

20050283160 - Bidirectional reaming cutter: A surgical rotary reamer including a shaft and a cutting head connected to the shaft. The cutting head has a plurality of cutting teeth. At least one cutting tooth has a forward portion, a rearward portion and a mid-portion therebetween. The forward portion has a first cutting edge that cuts...

20050283161 - Constant lift cam spreader: A cam spreader having a substantially rigid body with a proximal end defining a handle and a distal end defining a cam. The cam has at least a first lobe, the first lobe having an outer surface in a first quadrant of the cam as viewed in cross section along...

20050283164 - Apparatus and method for implanting intraocular lens through a small incision: Apparatus and method for implantation of intraocular lenses (IOLs) with various designs, particularly a full-size IOL, into the eye through small incisions are disclosed. A full-size intraocular lens mimics the natural human crystalline lens in size and volume. The SMART™ IOL, a full-size design, utilizes the thermodynamic properties of a...

20050283163 - Intraocular lens implanting instrument: An instrument for implanting an elastically deformable intraocular lens has a forceps jaw, a stationary member and operations structure. The operations structure includes members capable of enabling the sequential (i) placing the lens in the undeformed state on the stationary member, (ii) closing the forceps jaws to fold the lens...

20050283162 - Intraocular lens inserter: An intraocular lens is laterally compressed prior to insertion through an eye incision using an inserter adapted to minimize damage to the intraocular lens. The inserter includes a handpiece with a longitudinal bore, a cartridge holder at the distal end of the handpiece bore, and a discharge nozzle with a...

20050283165 - Hemostasis valve and method for assembling same: The invention is directed to a sealing apparatus for sealing around a medical instrument, the sealing apparatus comprising a housing body; a two-piece cam body disposed inside the housing body; a sealing member disposed inside the cam body and having a channel extending axially of the cam body, the sealing...

20050283166 - Expandible snare: A snare for capturing and removing emboli from vascular vessels is disclosed. The snare is formed from a flexible, resilient sheet attached to an elongated flexible tube and rod assembly. The rod fits within a bore of the tube and the tube and rod are movable relatively to one another....

20050283167 - Medical device with an electrically conductive anti-antenna member: A lead includes a conductor having a distal end and a proximal end and a resonant circuit connected to the conductor. The resonant circuit has a resonance frequency approximately equal to an excitation signal's frequency of a magnetic resonance imaging scanner or a resonance frequency not tuned to an excitation...

20050283168 - Medical device with an electrically conductive anti-antenna member: A lead includes a conductor having a distal end and a proximal end and a resonant circuit connected to the conductor. The resonant circuit has a resonance frequency approximately equal to an excitation signal's frequency of a magnetic resonance imaging scanner or a resonance frequency not tuned to an excitation...

20050283169 - Depilating apparatus with a depilating tape: In a depilating apparatus (1), a housing (2) of the depilating apparatus (1) contains a supply (10) of a depilating tape (11), and a heating device (25) for heating the depilating tape (11) and an application roller (40) for applying the heated depilating tape (11) to the skin of a...

20050283171 - Hollow suture needle with handle: A suture needle instrument having improved connection means enabling a hollow suture needled to be attached to a handle in a variety of orientations. The suture needle is provided with user accessible suture channels and suture advancing wheels to facilitate cleaning and repair....

20050283170 - Minimally invasive stitching device: A stitching device useful for implanting suture in tissue, for example, cartilaginous tissue. The device has a frame and an elongated tubular member mounted thereto. A suture capture needle having a suture capture opening extends from a distal end of the tube. A needle cannula having a lumen is slidably...

20050283173 - Angled anastomosis device, tools and method of using: Anastomosis devices, tools and methods of performing angled sutureless anastomosis. Devices provided are adapted to be oriented at an acute angle to a host vessel or organ, thereby orienting a graft to be anastomosed to the host by the same angle. The device maintains the angular orientation as it is...

20050283172 - Method of assembling an adjustable band: A method of assembling a surgically implantable fluid adjustable device. The device has an elongated substantially air impermeable flexible inflatable portion, an elongated flexible and substantially inextensible band portion attached to the inflatable portion, and a catheter tube in fluid communication with the inflatable portion. The catheter tube has a...

20050283174 - Vein stripping tool and method of use: A vein stripping device and method of use are disclosed. One embodiment of the vein stripping device comprises an endovascular component having a first endovascular end and a second endovascular end, a handle that attaches to one of the endovascular ends and a vein stripper that attaches to the endovascular...

20050283175 - Device for converting a rotary motion into an oscillating motion: A device for converting a rotational movement into a rotatively oscillating movement is described comprising a drive shaft, a second, rotatively oscillating shaft, a driving mechanism, a housing, and a gearing mechanism comprising a movable lever. A sawing device is also described....

20050283176 - Advanced disposable microdermabrasion system/method of treating the skin surface: This invention provides a skin treatment device and disposable tissue collection/nutrition system, for removing of dead cells and outer layers of skin to provide a shining and fresh skin surface. Especially, the disposable scrap collection tip helps to minimize the probability of cross-infection among patients, and the nutrition system provides...

20050283177 - Disposable safety lancet: A safety lancet includes a housing, a needle hub with a needle received inside the housing and be movable relative to the housing, a latching device for retaining position of the needle hub relative to the housing, an agitation device movable relative to the housing to release position retaining of...

20050283178 - Delivery system that facilitates visual inspection of an intraluminal medical device: Delivery systems, methods of making delivery systems, and methods of treatment are provided. A delivery system according to the invention facilitates a visual inspection of an intraluminal medical device included in the delivery system....

20050283180 - Fluid adjustable band: A surgically implantable fluid adjustable device having an elongated flexible inflatable portion which is substantially evacuated of fluids. The device also has an elongated flexible and substantially inextensible band portion attached to the inflatable portion. The device further includes a catheter tube in fluid communication with the inflatable portion, the...

20050283179 - Introducer sheath: An introducer sheath includes an elongated hollow hypotube that is formed with a spiral cut that extends between the ends of the hypotube and extends through the hypotube from its outer surface to its inner surface. During manufacture, the spiral cut is made with a pitch angle (α) that can...

20050283181 - Catheter device and method for selective occlusion of arteries of the descending aorta: An improved catheter device includes an elongate shaft having a distal portion adapted to be disposed with the abdominal aorta and a plurality of expandable members disposed thereon. One expandable member is dimensioned and configured so that it rests within the iliac bifurcation when expanded. At least two expandable members...

20050283184 - Embolic protection device: An embolic protection device has a collapsible filter element (105) mounted on a carrier such as a guidewire (101). The filter element (105) collapses into the outer end of a catheter (118) for deployment and retrieval through a vascular system of a patient. The filter element (105) has a collapsible...

20050283186 - Everted filter device: Everting filter devices and methods for using the devices, including using the devices as intra-vascular filters to filter thrombus, emboli, and plaque fragments from blood vessels. The filter devices include a filter body nominally tubular in shape and having a large proximal opening. The filter body can extend from a...

20050283183 - Expanding vaso-occlusive device: This is a device for occluding a space within the body. In particular, the device comprises an expandable member, an inner member and one or more stop elements. The devices may be placed in a desired site within a mammal to facilitate the formation of an occlusion....

20050283185 - Methods, systems, and devices for providing embolic protection: A filter device is adapted to function as a guidewire, an exchange guidewire, and provide embolic protection during a procedure. The filter device includes a filter assembly that is either integral with or coupled to a guide member. The filter assembly includes a plurality of struts that expand outwardly to...

20050283182 - Systems and methods for intraluminal delivery of occlusive elements: The present invention advantageously provides improved systems and methods for intraluminal delivery of implantable occlusive elements, particularly hydratable polymeric filaments. In particular, the systems and methods of the present invention minimize or avoid clumping or clogging a delivery catheter. This is accomplished by utilization of a reinforcing member or sheath...

20050283188 - Vascular closure device: A method of accessing a blood vessel, comprising: forming a hole in the blood vessel; mounting a hole closure device onto the blood vessel; accessing the blood vessel through the hole, while the hole closure device is mounted on the blood vessel; and closing the hole by the hole closure...

20050283187 - Vascular occlusion device: The present invention relates to sealing an access site within a subcutaneous tissue structure with an occlusion device comprising submucosal tissue. The occlusion device a stem and a flexible head, where the head is a concave dome, and has one or more ribs which strengthen the head and reduce flexure...

20050283189 - Systems and methods for soft tissue reconstruction: Systems and methods for soft tissue reconstruction using one or more soft tissue fixation devices are disclosed. In certain embodiments, these systems and methods are used to reconstruct defects or abnormalities in the female pelvic floor by using one or more fixation devices to correct the defect or abnormality....

20050283190 - Surgical fastener: A medical fastener having first undeployed shape for loading into an applier, and a second deployed shape for connecting tissue together. The fastener includes a crown having two ends and first and second legs one attached to each end of the crown. The legs are separated from one another when...

20050283191 - Surgical stapling system: A system is provided for joining two tubular structures by a surgical stapling procedure. The system includes a series of sizers, a specifically designed graft, a loading unit, a wand, a tourniquet, and a stapling instrument. The sizers are for determining the diameter of a target aorta and the availability...

20050283192 - Closure device and method for tissue repair: A method of closing a tissue wound includes providing a wound closure device having a first anchor, a second anchor, and a flexible member movably attached to the second anchor, positioning the first anchor against tissue, passing the flexible member across the wound, positioning the second anchor against tissue, and...

20050283193 - Introducer guide: The invention provides a medical introducer (21; 31; 41; 51; 61; 71; 81; 91; 101) having a tubular distal portion (22; 32; 42; 52; 62; 72; 82; 92; 102) with a wall (23; 33; 43; 53; 63; 73; 83; 93; 103) and a distal end opening (24; 34; 44; 54;...

20050277913 - Heads-up display for displaying surgical parameters in a surgical microscope: An ophthalmic surgical system 70 includes a surgery-viewing device 10 for observing a surgical site 72. A surgical console 74 controls at least one surgical instrument 64. The surgical console 74 detects certain surgical parameters during surgery. A heads-up display 12 is connected to each of the surgery-viewing device 10...

20050277914 - Miniature refrigeration system for cryothermal ablation catheter: A cryocatheter for treating cardiac arrhythmias comprises a miniature refrigeration system powered by electromagnetic radiation. The miniature refrigeration system is disposed at the tip of the catheter and electromagnetic radiation is delivered to the refrigeration system by a waveguide. The miniature refrigeration system includes an engine that converts the electromagnetic...

20050277917 - Disposable electrosurgical handpiece for treating tissue: A disposable or reusable bipolar or unipolar electrosurgical handpiece having an extendable and retractable active electrode end and housed in a relatively inexpensive body comprising an actuating handle for use in various electrosurgical procedures. The housing comprises slidable body sections with one of the sections having an internal structure configured...

20050277915 - Electrosurgical ablator with integrated aspirator lumen and method of making same: Electrosurgical devices for ablating tissue and methods of making the same are disclosed. The electrosurgical devices include an electrode with a lumen for aspirating gasses and debris produced during surgery. The electrode also includes a plurality of upper active edges for ablating tissue in an electrosurgical procedure. The upper active...

20050277918 - Electrosurgical cannula: This invention discloses a cannula comprising an elongate shaft comprising a distal region and a proximal region and defining a lumen therebetween, and further comprising a wall defining at least one lateral aperture therethrough and a distal end defining at least one distal aperture. The distal region comprises an electrically...

20050277916 - Electrosurgical device with adhesive-free insulating piece and method of making same: An electrosurgical device having an electrode and an insulating piece such as a ceramic insulator is disclosed. The electrode includes an active surface for ablating and/or coagulating tissue in an electrosurgical procedure. The insulating piece surrounds the active surface and provides a barrier for the intense heat created during ablation....

20050277919 - Anchoring systems and methods for correcting spinal deformities: Spinal anchoring methods and devices are provided that are effective to correct spinal deformities while allowing some flexibility to the spinal. In particular, the methods and devices allow a spinal fixation element to mate to several adjacent vertebrae to maintain the vertebrae at a fixed distance relative to one another,...

20050277927 - Fastening system for spinal stabilization system: Bone fixation systems for stabilizing bones such as vertebral bodies are disclosed. The fixation systems include fixation connectors that preferably are equipped with bone anchors (e.g., screws, hooks, pins or like structures) for securing the fixation connectors to bones desired to be stabilized. The fixation systems also include linking elements...

20050277929 - Medical systems for the spine and related methods: Systems, methods, and kits for treating vertebras of a spine are disclosed. In some embodiments, an implantable medical system for treating vertebras of a spine includes a bone anchor configured to be secured to a vertebra, a wire, and a first elongated member configured to be attached to the bone...

20050277920 - Non-fusion spinal correction systems and methods: Methods and devices that utilize segmental fixation between several adjacent vertebrae, thus allowing each vertebrae to be adjusted independently, are provided. In general, the device includes a spinal anchoring element that is adapted to seat at least one spinal fixation element, and a closure mechanism that is adapted to mate...

20050277924 - Orthopedic fixation connector: An orthopedic fixation connector and system is provided. The orthopedic fixation system includes bone anchors and linking elements that are coupled together to form a stabilization construct. The linking elements are fixed relative to the bone anchors by clamping arrangements. The clamping arrangements include first linear interlock components coupled to...

20050277921 - Prosthetic joint and nucleus supplement: The present disclosure provides improved prosthetic joints and a nucleus supplement device for a spinal disc without violating its annulus fibrosus. In one example, a prosthetic joint includes: a tip adapted for mating against a superior articular process of an inferior vertebra, and the tip acts as at least a...

20050277934 - Rod delivery device and method: A minimally invasive spinal fixation system used for spinal arthrodesis or motion preservation spinal repair, comprising a plurality of pedicle screws, including a first screw placed into a first vertebral body, and a second screw placed into a second vertebral body; an attachment assembly for connecting said pedicle screws, said...

20050277933 - Spinal correction system: A spinal correction system for the correction or arrest of scoliosis or spinal deformity in immature spines includes a bridge member, a pair of spaced apart legs extending substantially perpendicularly therefrom, and a fastener retaining portion extending substantially longitudinally from each end of the bridge member....

20050277925 - Spinal fixation device with internal drive structure: A bone screw arrangement including a retainer and an anchor. The retainer includes a first receiving region configured for receipt of a connecting rod, and a second receiving region configured for receipt of the anchor. The second receiving region includes an upper socket and a lower socket. The arrangement includes...

20050277923 - Spinal fixation system: A spinal fixation system includes a pedicle screw having a passage extending along a longitudinal axis of the screw. The passage has a proximal opening at a proximal end of the screw and a distal opening at a distal end of the screw. A drill extends through the passage, a...

20050277931 - Spinal fixation system: A spinal fixation system includes a pedicle screw having a longitudinal axis. A fixation element is configured to connect the pedicle screw to at least one additional pedicle screw. A coupling mechanism includes a pedicle screw securing device adapted to secure the coupling mechanism to the pedicle screw and a...

20050277928 - Spinal implant fixation assembly: An orthopedic fixation device for securing a rod to a bone is provided. The fixation device includes a receiver with two legs, a pocket defined between the legs, an anchor including a head, and a seat structure that mounts within the receiver. The seat structure includes a top seat for...

20050277926 - Spinal rod system: A spinal rod system includes a first rod and a second rod engaged to one another in end-to-end fashion. The first and second rods include rod portions with differing characteristics, and a coupling mechanism allows the spinal rod system to be assembled with rod portions having the desired characteristics while...

20050277932 - Spinal rod system: A spinal rod system includes a first rod and a second rod engaged to one another in end-to-end fashion. A coupling mechanism allows the spinal rod system to be assembled with rod portions having the desired characteristics while minimizing the footprint of the coupling arrangement between the first and second...

20050277922 - Systems and methods for flexible spinal stabilization: Devices, methods and systems for stabilizing at least a portion of the spinal column are provided. Anchors are engageable to vertebra and a stabilization member is engageable between the anchors. The stabilization member includes an elongate tension member and a compression member in a passage of the tension member....

20050277930 - Tri-joint implant: Methods and devices are provided for replacing damaged, injured, diseased, or otherwise unhealthy elements of the spinal three-joint complex, such as the facet joints and discs. In one exemplary embodiment, a joint replacement system includes a facet replacement component that is adapted to replace and/or augment the facet joints, and...

20050277935 - Variable angle adaptive plate: A device for supporting and/or assisting in bone fusion, particularly in the spine, is described. A plate member is provided, along with two or more attachment members that are anchorable to bones. In one embodiment, the plate member has a slot near one end and an aperture at another end....

20050277936 - Intramedullary rod with spiraling flutes: This invention relates generally to devices, systems and methods for the internal fixation of bone fractures, and particularly, to intramedullary fracture fixation devices such as those used in, for example, the treatment of long bone fractures. An IM rod preferably is provided with multiple curved sections in different planes preferably...

20050277937 - Bone plating system: A plating system for bone includes a plate member. The plate member has a top surface and a bottom surface. A plurality of holes are defined by the plate member. Each of the holes extend between the top surface and the bottom surface along an axis. At least a first...

20050277938 - Tri-joint implant methods: Methods and devices are provided for replacing damaged, injured, diseased, or otherwise unhealthy elements of the spinal three-joint complex, such as the facet joints and discs. In one exemplary embodiment, a joint replacement system includes a facet replacement component that is adapted to replace and/or augment the facet joints, and...

20050277939 - Surgical device for capturing, positioning and aligning portions of a horizontally severed human sternum: A surgical device for capturing, positioning and aligning portions of a horizontally severed human sternum via positioning around each of a paired set of ribs located on opposite sides of the severed sternum while simultaneously contacting and substantially surrounding the anterior and posterior portions of the sternum comprising impermanently joined...

20050277940 - Dynamic compression device and driving tool: A bone screw has a spring section to allow the screw to elongate while it is being installed. The screw has a cavity with a proximal drive surface and a distal drive surface. The drive surfaces are located on opposite sides of the spring section. A drive tool that has...

20050277941 - Method and device for use in osteotomy: Method and device to be used in osteotomy in securing two separated parts of a bone in relation to each other before and after removing an excessive part thereof. After removing and/or holding/keeping apart tissue like muscles, tendons, skin and so on, a longitudinally shaped fixation device is applied atop...

20050277942 - Method and apparatus for delivering a prosthetic fabric into a patient: An introducer and method for delivering a prosthetic fabric into a patient. The introducer includes a delivery tube having a distal end adapted to be inserted into the patient and a lumen that receives the prosthetic fabric. A loader may be provided to reconfigure the prosthetic fabric from a first...

20050277943 - Hip replacement incision locator: Methods and devices for performing hip replacement surgery are described. According to one embodiment, a method comprising providing an incision locator, the incision locator comprising at least one location indicator and at least one incision indicator, the location indicator configured to align with a central axis of the femur, and...

20050277944 - Method and device for manipulation of an intraocular lens: A method for charging a deformable intraocular lens into a receptacle through a slit or opening in the receptacle periphery, the lens in un-deformed state comprising a) a roughly disc shaped optic part configured to act as a lens when inserted into an eye and b) at least two elongated...

20050277946 - Access port for laparoscopic surgery: An access port for use in laparoscopic surgery is disclosed. The port includes a duct having a one-way valve and a tubular seal. The one-way valve has opposed surfaces that co-apt in response to internal pressure within the duct. The tubular seal has an inner layer with a low friction...

20050277945 - Apparatus and methods for performing transluminal gastrointestinal procedures: Methods and apparatus are provided for diagnosing and treating digestive or other organs (as well as other parts of the body) endoluminally and transluminally, via instruments passed into the GI tract per-orally and/or per-anally. The instruments may, for example, pass transluminally out of the stomach and/or the colon through a...

20050277947 - Medical retrieval devices: A medical retrieval device includes a retrieval assembly comprising a plurality of filaments knotted together at a distal end of the retrieval assembly. The knotted distal end provides the device with an atraurnatic distal tip. Various knotting arrangements can be used at the knotted distal end. The retrieval assembly can...

20050277948 - Apparatus and methods for the administration of a cerclage: An embodiment of the present invention provides a device comprising a primary tube having an interior member slideably mounted within the primary tube. The interior member has a length that is longer than a length of the primary tube so that the interior member protrudes from at least one end...

20050277949 - Variable composite sheath with interrupted sections: A medical device includes a handle, a sheath, and an object-engaging unit. The distal end portion of the sheath is strong enough to resist being deformed by the object-engaging unit, yet another portion of the sheath is flexible enough to bend sufficiently....

20050277950 - Apparatus and method for acoustic/mechanical treatment of early stage acne: The apparatus includes at least two skin-contacting elements, the elements having narrow end faces and a mounting assembly for holding the elements closely adjacent to each other. A driving assembly reciprocally moves one element relative to the adjacent element(s) at a frequency that produces an action on the pores of...

20050277956 - Clip storage for endoscopic clip applier: A flexible endoscopic clip applier includes a flexible coil with a manual actuator coupled to one end and a jaw assembly coupled to the other end. A store of clips is arranged adjacent to the jaw assembly and a clip pusher is arranged adjacent to the store of clips. The...

20050277954 - Endoscopic clip applier actuator: A flexible endoscopic clip applier includes a flexible coil with a manual actuator coupled to one end and a jaw assembly coupled to the other end. A store of clips is arranged adjacent to the jaw assembly and a clip pusher is arranged adjacent to the store of clips. The...

20050277953 - Endoscopic clip applier with hermaphroditic jaws mounted on non-collinear axes: A flexible endoscopic clip applier includes a flexible coil with a manual actuator coupled to one end and a jaw assembly coupled to the other end. A store of clips is arranged adjacent to the jaw assembly and a clip pusher is arranged adjacent to the store of clips. The...

20050277952 - Endoscopic clip applier with threaded clip: A flexible endoscopic clip applier includes a flexible coil with a manual actuator coupled to one end and a jaw assembly coupled to the other end. A store of clips is arranged adjacent to the jaw assembly and a clip pusher is arranged adjacent to the store of clips. The...

20050277955 - Endoscopic surgical instrument having a rotational actuator with an energy storage element: A flexible endoscopic clip applier includes a flexible coil with a manual actuator coupled to one end and a jaw assembly coupled to the other end. A store of clips is arranged adjacent to the jaw assembly and a clip pusher is arranged adjacent to the store of clips. The...

20050277951 - Rotational, translational and torqueing control members for an endoscopic instrument: A flexible endoscopic dip applier includes a flexible coil with a manual actuator coupled to one end and a jaw assembly coupled to the other end. A store of clips is arranged adjacent to the jaw assembly and a clip pusher is arranged adjacent to the store of clips. The...

20050277957 - Devices and methods of locking and cutting a suture in a medical procedure: Devices and methods are provided which may be used for suturing, including performing a totally transoral surgical procedure, such as a posterior gastropexy procedure. A suture lock and cut assembly is provided to lock and cut one or more sutures in one motion, which motion can be a non-curved, non...

20050277959 - Apparatus and methods for occluding a hollow anatomical structure: A device for occluding a hollow anatomical structure includes a clamp having at least first and second clamping portions adapted to be placed on opposite sides of the anatomical structure. At least one of the first and second clamping portions is movable toward the other from an open position to...

20050277960 - Bi-directional infuser pump with volume braking for hydraulically controlling an adjustable gastric band: An implantable artificial sphincter system provides long-term adjustment via transcutaneous energy transfer (TET), minimizing invasive adjustment through adding or removing fluid via a syringe. An infuser device provides bi-directional fluid transfer via a flexible conduit to a sphincter band, such as a gastric band, by a combination of thermodynamic actuation...

20050277961 - Method and apparatus for soft tissue fixation: A positioning member may be released to move an anchor member to a holding position. The positioning member being operable to be held in a selected orientation until the anchor member is in a selected position....

20050277958 - Surgical clip, clip applicator and method therefor: The surgical clip includes a U or a V shaped body having clip legs extending from its apex and terminal ends having a lateral span extending outboard from the clip. The terminal ends are shaped as triangles, ovals, a T, oblong or a wide end hexagonal shape. Sometimes, the terminal...

20050277966 - Compressible tissue anchor assemblies: Apparatus & methods for optimizing anchoring force are described herein. In securing tissue folds, over-compression of the tissue directly underlying the anchors is avoided by utilizing tissue anchors having expandable arms configured to minimize contact area between the anchor and tissue. When the anchor is in its expanded configuration, a...

20050277965 - Devices for arterio-venous fistula creation: Devices are disclosed for the formation of arterio-venous fistula creation. Embodiments include a femoral access approach to the creation of an Aorta-caval fistula at the bifurcation of the Aorta and the Inferior Vena Cava; an apparatus for the creation, modification and maintenance of a fistula; and a method of supplying...

20050277963 - Gastric bypass band and surgical method: An inventive method for performing gastric bypass surgery and a gastric bypass band that is used in conjunction with the surgical method is disclosed. The inventive method involves separating a top portion of the stomach along with the esophagus from the remainder of the stomach, and re-connecting the separated portion...

20050277962 - Introducer device and method for delivering a medical instrument to a target in vivo site: An introducer and a medical instrument that is delivered to a target in vivo site, the combination including a medical instrument having an open end exposing a hollow interior, and an introducer including a tail portion releasably joined to the open end of the medical instrument, a blunt tapered lead...

20050277964 - Methods for arterio-venous fistula creation: Methods are disclosed for the formation of arterio-venous fistula creation. Embodiments include a femoral access approach to the creation of an Aorta-caval fistula at the bifurcation of the Aorta and the Inferior Vena Cava; an apparatus for the creation, modification and maintenance of a fistula; and a method of supplying...

20050277967 - Methods for providing oxygenated blood to venous circulation: Methods are disclosed for the providing oxygenated blood to venous circulation. Embodiments include a femoral access approach to the creation of an Aorta-caval fistula at the bifurcation of the Aorta and the Inferior Vena Cava; an apparatus for the creation, modification and maintenance of a fistula; and a method of...

20050277968 - Percutaneous surgical device: A percutaneous surgical device comprises a tip with a side opening, a protective sheath coupled to the tip, with the sheath and tip house at least one surgical instrument, and a handle coupled to the sheath with at least one control means for controlling a moving element for further controlling...

20050277969 - Cutting device: A cutting device for cutting fixation devices used in surgical operations and made of polymer material or polymer composite. The cutting device comprises a blade arrangement, which comprises one or more blades, one or more guides, which comprise a fixation device space, in which the fixation device to be cut...

20050277971 - Minimally invasive instruments and methods for preparing vertebral endplates: Instruments and methods for cutting tissue are disclosed. The instruments include one or more cutting members movable from a reduced profile undeployed position for insertion to the operative site to a deployed position where the cutting members can be manipulated to cut tissue material at the operative site....

20050277970 - Surgical cutting instrument: A surgical cutting instrument including a first elongated member, a second tubular member, a handpiece, a first hub, a second hub, and an actuator assembly. The first tubular member has cutting tip and is co-axially disposed within the second tubular member such that the cutting tip is exposed at a...

20050277972 - Expression pad: An integrated body fluid sampling device is used to sample a body fluid from an incision in the skin of a body part. The device includes a lancet for forming the incision in the skin. A housing is coupled to the lancet. The housing defines at least in part a...

20050277973 - Ultrasonic pigment application device: An ultrasonic skin pigment application device where the device moves the needle applying the pigment at an ultrasonic rate. The device can be a self contained, self-powered, or externally powered. The invention may also include replaceable needles, and or a pigment reservoir. The device may also have adjustments for stroke...

20050277975 - Methods and apparatus for creating a working space within a body lumen or cavity: Methods and apparatus for creating a working space within a patient's stomach are described. The working space is created by internally spreading or pushing the walls of the stomach apart. Advantageously, such spreading is achieved without pressurizing the patient's stomach, i.e. without injecting a pressurized gas or other fluid directly...

20050277974 - Thermodynamically driven reversible infuser pump for use as a remotely controlled gastric band: An implantable artificial sphincter system provides long-term adjustment via transcutaneous energy transfer (TET), minimizing invasive adjustment through adding or removing fluid via a syringe. An infuser device provides bi-directional fluid transfer via a flexible conduit to a sphincter band, such as a gastric band, by a combination of thermodynamic actuation...

20050277979 - Apparatus and methods for treating stroke and controlling cerebral flow characteristics: Apparatus and methods for treatment of stroke are provided. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention disposes at least one catheter having a distal occlusive member in the common carotid artery of the hemisphere of the cerebral occlusion. Retrograde flow may be provided through the catheter to effectively control cerebral...

20050277976 - Emboli filter export system: Methods for the removal of an embolism protection device use aspiration during the drawing of the embolism protection device into the catheter. Generally, the embolism protection device comprises a three dimensional filtering matrix that provides improved filtering without blocking the flow through the patient's vessel. In some embodiments, the embolism...

20050277977 - Invertible intravascular filter: An intravascular filter for use in a body vessel lumen having a longitudinal axis, which may include a plurality of elongate filter members, each of the plurality having a first portion and having a first end and a second end, a plurality of anchoring members, each of the plurality of...

20050277978 - Three-dimensional coils for treatment of vascular aneurysms: A coil for the treatment of vascular aneurysms is disclosed. The coil is formed from filamentary members interlaced to form a three-dimensional substrate. The substrate is deformable between a collapsed state wherein it fits within a catheter, and an expanded state, which it assumes once deployed from the catheter into...

20050277981 - Apparatus and methods for optimizing anchoring force: Apparatus and methods for optimizing anchoring force are described herein. In securing tissue folds, over-compression of the tissue directly underlying the anchors is avoided by utilizing tissue anchors having expandable arms configured to minimize contact area between the anchor and tissue. When the anchor is in its expanded configuration, a...

20050277982 - Articulated center post: This invention relates to an occlusion device for the heart, having an articulated center post which allows the device to better conform to the contours of the heart to increase sealing abilities and reduce breakage resulting from conformation pressure....

20050277980 - Self-tensioning vascular occlusion device and method for its use: The present invention advantageously provides self-tensioning occlusion devices, systems, and methods for percutaneous access and closure of vascular puncture sites. One device comprises a catheter body having a proximal end and a distal end, an occlusion member, and a tensioning member. The occlusion member, such an expansible member, is disposed...

20050277983 - System for optimizing anchoring force: Systems for optimizing anchoring force are described herein. In securing tissue folds, over-compression of the tissue directly underlying the anchors is avoided by utilizing tissue anchors having expandable arms configured to minimize contact area between the anchor and tissue. When the anchor is in its expanded configuration, a load is...

20050277984 - Fusible suture and method for suturing therewith: The present invention relates to a fusible suture for joining portions of tissue. The suture includes an elongate electrical conductor. The conductor extends between opposite ends of the suture and has sufficient flexibility to permit segments of the conductor to overlap, thereby forming a loop sized for joining portions of...

20050277985 - High-strength suture: A surgical suture is made of an elongate, hollow braid of high strength fibers. The braid defines an elongate, longitudinally-extending, central chamber that is open and without any core material extending therein so that, when a surgeon's knot is tied with the suture, the cross-sectional shape of the braid collapses...

20050277986 - Knotless suture lock apparatus and method for securing tissue: A suture-locking apparatus comprising a body member having a proximal end, a distal end, and an axial lumen in between the proximal and distal ends, wherein the proximal end adapted for passing a portion of a suture into the lumen; and a plug member movable from a first position to...

20050277987 - Nipple: A nipple simulating the shape, surface geometry and function of a woman's breast is provided. The nipple has a stem and a base. The base has an areola region and a bulbous region. The areola region is positioned between the stem and the bulbous region, and can simulate the areola...

20050273085 - Articulating mechanism with flex-hinged links: The invention provides articulating mechanisms, and flexible members and flexible segments that can form such articulating mechanisms. The mechanisms are useful, for example, for remote steering, guidance and/or manipulation of various instruments and tools at a targeted location. The mechanisms, members or segments include links connected by flexible hinges. The...

20050273087 - Catheter guide wire insertion tool: A device for introducing a guide wire into a catheter comprising a housing having at least one lumen for permitting the passage of a guide wire therethrough. The lumen has an axial single seam positioned longitudinally along the lumen that is defined by opposite lateral ends of the housing. The...

20050273084 - Link systems and articulation mechanisms for remote manipulation of surgical or diagnostic tools: Articulating mechanisms, link systems, and components thereof, useful for a variety of purposes including, but not limited to, the remote manipulation of instruments such as surgical or diagnostic instruments or tools are provided. The link systems include links wherein at least two adjacent links are pivotable relative to one another...

20050273086 - Surgical manipulator for a telerobotic system: The invention is directed to mainpulator assembly (2) for holding and manipulating a surgical instrument (14) in a telerobotic system. The assembly comprises a base (6) fixable by passive or power driven positioning devices to a surface, such as an operating table, and an instrument holder (4) movably mounted on...

20050273088 - Myopia correction enhancing biodynamic ablation: This invention is directed to a method for providing a LASIK or a LASEK myopia vision correction, and to a medium that has stored therein an instruction for directing a laser vision correcting laser platform to deliver a controlled biodynamic ablation according to the invention. A known biodynamic response of...

20050273089 - Method and system for skin treatment using light energy and skin deformation: A system and method for the treatment of a skin comprising. The system comprises an applicator having a cavity and one or more light sources configured to irradiate the cavity with optical energy simultaneously from at least two directions. The applicator is applied to the skin and a region of...

20050273090 - Methods and devices for directionally ablating tissue: Ablation instruments and methods are disclosed for ablating diseased tissue such as cardiac tissue. The method includes introducing a flexible elongate member into a predetermined tissue site with a flexible elongate member having a proximal end, a distal end and a longitudinal lumen extending therebetween. A slidable conductor is positioned...

20050273095 - Ablation catheters having anchoring capability and methods of using same: A catheter includes a shaft having a distal end, an expandable member secured to the distal end, and an anchoring device positioned distal to the expandable member. The anchoring device having a delivery configuration and a deployed configuration. By way of one example, the anchoring device may comprise a shaped...

20050273096 - Anchoring introducer sheath with distal slots for catheter delivery and translation: An introducer sheath has multiple distal slots allowing for translation of a catheter within a cardiac cavity. A pair of longitudinal slots are provided on opposite sides of the sheath near the distal end. A portion of the catheter may deploy from one of the slots while the ablation tip...

20050273092 - Method and apparatus for shrinking tissue: An apparatus and method for treating superficial skin conditions with radio frequency energy. The apparatus includes a probe that is coupled to a radio frequency console. The probe has at least one tip that can be inserted into skin tissue. Radio frequency energy can be delivered to the skin tissue...

20050273093 - Method of treating herniated intervertebral discs using cooled ablation: A method of treating an intervertebral disc is provided. The method comprises introducing a probe with an electrode into contact with the nucleus pulposus of the disc, and conveying radio frequency ablation energy from the electrode into the nucleus pulposus of the disc. For example, if the disc has a...

20050273091 - System for, and method of, heating a biological site in a patient's body: A system (10) for heating a biological site in a patient's body includes a transformer (14) having a primary winding and a secondary winding. The secondary winding has a tap (24) to provide a ground reference and two sources of radio frequency (RF) energy. An active electrode (16) is connected...

20050273094 - Tubal sterilization device having sesquipolar electrodes and method for performing sterilization using the same: A tubal sterilization device having sesquipolar electrodes includes a hollow catheter defining an interior passageway, the catheter including a first end for insertion transcervically into a patient, and a second end opposite the first end for grasping and manipulation by a physician. The device further includes an electrode tip situated...

20050273098 - Electrosurgical electrode shroud: An electrosurgical electrode shroud including a hollow substantially cylindrical member having a first end portion and a second end portion; the first end portion defining an opening which is configured and dimensioned to receive an electrosurgical electrode assembly therein; the second end portion defining an opening which is configured and...

20050273097 - Surgical cutting and tissue vaporizing instrument: A surgical cutting and tissue vaporizing instrument, also referred to as an electrosurgical instrument, is in the form of a scalpel or scissors. The scalpel has a handle portion and a blade portion mounted on the handle portion. The blade portion has a smaller front section which acts as an...

20050273101 - Bone screw and osteosynthesis device: In order, even in the case of bone screws with a particularly small head, to ensure a secure hold of the bone screw in a bone, a bone screw is proposed, having a screw body, which defines a longitudinal axis and is provided with a screw body external thread and...

20050273099 - Plate fixing system: Disclosed is a system for immobilizing two vertebrae, which system includes two screws, and elongated connecting member and two fastening systems. Each fastening system includes a clamping member and a fastening member consisting of a single ring-shaped piece having a lateral wall around an axial passage. The wall includes a...

20050273100 - Variable laminoplasty implant: A vertebral implant comprising a first base configured for securing to a first cut portion of a vertebra, and second base configured for securing to a second cut portion of the vertebra. A connecting member is configured to associate the first and second bases at a preselected spacing from each...

20050273102 - Implant assembly device: This invention relates generally to systems for the internal fixation of bone fractures, and particularly, to equipment associated with the insertion of intramedullary fracture fixation devices such as those used in the treatment of long bone fractures, such as for example fractures of the femur, tibia, humerus, etc. An implant...

20050273103 - Modular intramedullary nail: An intramedullary nail, comprises a proximal portion, a middle portion and a distal portion. The proximal portion has a longitudinal slot and the distal portion has at least one transversal bore. The proximal portion has a longitudinal axis and a longitudinal bore extending over the longitudinal extension of the slot...

20050273105 - Bone plate and screw system allowing bi-directional assembly: Bone screws and bone plates are provided that offer the surgeon the ability to either assemble the screws to the plate, or the plate to the screws, depending on the surgeon's preference and the patient's circumstances. The bone screws and bone plates of the present invention include a combination of...

20050273104 - Polymeric plate bendable without thermal energy and methods of manufacture: An implantable plate for providing support to a bone of a subject when affixed thereto includes a polymeric body comprised of a biocompatible polymer having a desired amount of polymer molecule orientation in a first direction so that the plate can be bent to conform with a contour of the...

20050273107 - Cannulated drill-pin implant with related systems and methods: A drill-pin implant includes a cannulated body having an interior surface and an exterior surface each extend between a first end and an opposing second end. The interior surface bounds a guide aperature through the body. The first end of the body is configured to penetrate into bone by cutting...

20050273106 - Self foreshortnening fastener: Disclosed is a fastener that can be mounted to a bone of a patient and can foreshorten and swell of a desired period of time. The fastener can include a head portion and a body portion extending from the head portion. At least one of the head portion and the...

20050273108 - Osteosynthesis clip and insertion tool for inserting an osteosynthesis clip into bone tissue fragments: An improved osteosynthesis clip for the cicatrization of bone fragments, an improved insertion tool and method for inserting the improved clip and a surgical system implementing the improved clip and insertion tool are provided. The clip includes at least two engagement legs extending approximately parallel to one another and including...

20050273109 - Computer controlled reaming device: An apparatus reams a cavity into a bone. The apparatus includes a cutting tool that is operably attached to a drive. A controller is in communication with the drive wherein the controller manipulates movement of the drive and the cutting tool in three dimensions such that the cutting tool reams...

20050273110 - Devices for performing fusion surgery using a split thickness technique to provide vascularized autograft: A technique for providing vascularized autograft to a fusion site in the posteriolateral aspect of a lumbar fusion mass by using a split-thickness laminoplasty technique, is disclosed in co-pending U.S. Provisional Application 60/379,371 filed on May 10, 2002 and U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______ filed concurrently with the present...

20050273111 - Methods and apparatus for intervertebral disc removal and endplate preparation: Improved techniques are disclosed for preparing a disc space to accept an intradiscal device. Methods and apparatus are described to quickly remove disc tissue and improve the surface contact between intradiscal devices and the vertebral end plates (VEP)s. The invention also anticipates the use of navigational devices and CNC controlled...

20050273112 - Three-dimensional osteotomy device and method for treating bone deformities: An osteotomy device for correcting angulation, rotation, and length deformities in bones is disclosed along with a method for use of the device. A deformity of a bone can occur when there is a mal-union of first and second section of the bone or as the result of congenital mal-alignment....

20050273115 - Minimally invasive total-knee arthroplasty method and instrumentation: A method and apparatus for performing total knee arthroplasty which is minimally invasive includes components with guide surfaces and slots for controlling the path of a cutting saw. The instrumentation permits resection of the proximal end of the tibia and distal end of the femur to be performed either medially...

20050273114 - Open wedge osteotomy system and surgical method: A system and method for performing an opening wedge osteotomy in a tibia, the system and method comprising (i) a positioning guide configured for aligning a portion of the positioning guide with a joint line of the tibia and for fixing the positioning guide to the tibia; (ii) a cutting...

20050273113 - Ribbed femoral cutting guide: A cutting block includes a body having at least three sections spaced in the anterior-posterior direction. Each section has a proximally facing surface for being placed adjacent to the distally facing surface of the femur. The block includes a distally facing surface with a rib connecting the at least three...

20050273116 - System and method for rapid placement of chest tubes: A method and system are disclosed for rapid placement of tubes within a body cavity that includes placing a compliant cannula over a probe tip of a cutting device until the probe tip extends beyond the cannula, incising the tissue covering body cavity to create an opening therein, inserting the...

20050273117 - Ring with blood sampling for dna analysis: The invention concerns a ring for marking and identifying animals comprising a male tag with a punch passing through the animal's ear and penetrating into a hollow head (2) of a female tag (1) under the action of a clamp. The invention is characterised in that one of the male...

20050273118 - Epilator: In an epilating device including a rotary cylinder (1) capable of being set in rotation about its axis (2), clamping means (7) for gripping and removing hairs are arranged about the circumference of the same in a manner offset in the circumferential direction, and the actuating means for the clamping...

20050273120 - Devices and methods for the preservation of spinal prosthesis function: A barrier is placed across a portion of or across the totality of a spinal implant. The barrier can serve a variety of purposed, including, for example: (1) to keep tissue away from the implant and minimize or eliminate the likelihood of tissue adhesion with the spine or implant; (2)...

20050273119 - Double spiral patent foramen ovale closure clamp: The present invention provides a device which is adapted to press together the septum primum and the septum secundum between the atrial chambers to close any tunnel in the septum. The device in its preferred form has two clamping members, one on each side of the septum and a central...

20050273121 - Anastomosis member for anastomosis of blood vessels and anastomosis method using the anastomosis member: An anastomosis member has a generally cylindrical body comprising a plate member to be brought into contact with first and second blood vessels. The plate member is arranged in contact with the first and the second blood vessels at an anastomosed site where the first and the second blood vessels...

20050273122 - Clip with enhanced gripping arrangement: A surgical clip includes a connecting member having a two ends and a pair of legs. Each leg extends from one end of the connecting member. A generally diamond-shaped pattern is formed on a portion of the inner surface of at least one of the connecting member and the pair...

20050273123 - Catheter and method for use of such a catheter for removing a stenosis from a vessel: A catheter provided with a shaft having a proximal and distal end, and provided with a stenosis-removing part located near the distal end of the shaft, wherein the stenosis-removing part can be brought into a first position and a second position, wherein, in a first position, the stenosis-removing part extends...

20050273124 - Delivery systems and methods for pfo closure device with two anchors: A device closes septal openings, such as a patent foramen ovale (PFO). The device includes two anchors and a flexible connector. Tension applied to one or more strings attached to the device causes the device to collapse into a reduced profile form for withdrawal into a delivery catheter, thereby facilitating...

20050273125 - Percutaneous vein harvester with shielded blade: A percutaneous harvesting device for the harvesting of tubular body members from a body is disclosed. The percutaneous harvesting device includes an endovascular guide for sufficiently straightening the tubular vessel to be removed and a perivascular cutting tool that is inserted over the endovascular guide. The cutting tool is advanced...

20050273126 - Color treated condition-indicating ultrasonic surgical device and method: Disclosed is a condition-indicating ultrasonic surgical device and method of making the same in which an ultrasonic surgical instrument (10) has at least a portion of which has an outer surface which includes a color layer formed by anodizing or chemical processing. The color layer has a predetermined thickness wherein...

20050273127 - Method for ultrasonic tissue excision with tissue selectivity: A surgical method utilizes a cutting blade having a thickness along a cutting edge of between about 0.0005 inch and about 0.020 inch and preferably between about 0.001 inch and 0.010 inch. The blade is moved in contact with relatively hardly tissues which are disposed adjacent to softer tissues at...

20050273129 - Anatomical space access tools and methods: Medical devices and methods for accessing an anatomical space of the body and particularly for penetrating the epicardium to access pericardial space and the epicardial surface of the heart in a minimally invasive manner employing suction are disclosed. The distal end of a tubular access sleeve having a sleeve wall...

20050273128 - Body piercing instrument: Apparatuses and methods for a ornamental piercing of body parts are disclosed. An exemplary a piercing instrument includes a post carrier disposed to translate in a first channel within the body piercing instrument, a nut carrier disposed to translate in second channel within the body piercing instrument in opposition to...

20050273130 - Magnetically navigable balloon catheters: A balloon catheter comprising an elongate tube having a proximal end and a distal end, and a lumen therebetween, and a balloon at the distal end of the tube, in fluid communication with the lumen. A magnetically responsive element at the distal end of the device sized and shaped to...

20050273131 - Access systems and methods for minimally invasive surgery: A device for retracting tissue provides access to a spinal location within a patient. The device includes an elongate body and a passage. The elongate body has a proximal portion and a distal portion. The elongate body defines a length between the proximal and distal portions along a longitudinal axis...

20050273132 - Access systems and methods for minimally invasive surgery: A device for provides access to a surgical location within a patient. The device has an elongate body that has a proximal portion, a distal portion, a first slot segment, and a second slot segment that is angled relative to said first slot segment. The elongate body defines a passage...

20050273133 - Access systems and methods for minimally invasive surgery: A retractor has an elongate body and an expandable shroud. The elongate body has an outer surface and an inner surface partially defining a passage. The elongate body also has a first longitudinal edge and a second longitudinal edge. The elongate body is capable of having an enlarged configuration when...

20050273134 - Tourniquet and method of use: A tourniquet for restricting a flow of blood in a body part is presented. In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, the tourniquet comprises a first elongated member, and a second elongated member in slidable engagement with the first elongated member. In addition, the tourniquet includes a tensioning mechanism...

20050273136 - Apparatus and methods for delivering a closure device: An apparatus for delivering a clip to close an opening through tissue includes a sheath and a carrier assembly including a clip therein that is slidable on the sheath. An actuator assembly is connectable to the sheath, and telescoping actuator members extend from the handle that are connectable to the...

20050273137 - Apparatus and methods for sealing vascular punctures: An apparatus for sealing a passage through tissue communicating with a blood vessel includes a bioabsorbable plug member coupled to the distal end of a carrier member. The plug member includes a lumen extending therethrough that communicates with a lumen extending through the carrier member. A sealing member is disposed...

20050273135 - Catching mechanisms for tubular septal occluder: A septal occluder, such as one made from a polymer tube, can have portions on either side of a patent foramen ovale (PFO) or other septal defect. The portions on either side can be held in place with a catching mechanism that can take one of many forms. The tube...

20050273138 - Devices and methods for anchoring tissue: Anchors, anchoring systems, anchor delivery devices, and method of using anchors are described. An anchor may be a flexible anchor having two curved legs that cross in a single turning direction to form a loop, wherein the legs are adapted to penetrate tissue. The ends of the curved legs may...

20050273139 - Device for clamping tissue: Tissue can be clamped via an endorobot in a simple manner, and at the same time with a high degree of safety, by using a device which is received by the endorobot and which includes a clip, a drive unit and a control unit, as part of the endorobot for...

20050273140 - Lumbar traction device: A lumbar traction device comprises a first frame member having a first handle portion and a second frame member attached to the first frame member by a hinged member. The second frame member has a second handle portion. The first frame member and the second frame member are moveable between...

20050267448 - Endoscopic instrument: An endoscopic instrument, having a shank (2) envisaged for introduction into a body opening (8), has on its outer surface raised parts (10) lying at the corner points of a polygon, so that an essentially linear contact is formed between the shank (2) and the body....

20050267449 - Surgical instrument positioning system: An assembly for supporting a surgical platform, the assembly comprising an attachment mechanism for securement to a surgical table, a post extending from the attachment mechanism at its first end, a platform mating device engaged with the post's second end at a base portion, the platform mating device comprising at...

20050267450 - Ophthalmic treatment apparatus: An ophthalmic treatment apparatus has a main body and a light source unit. The main body has illumination means for illuminating illumination light to an eye to be examined, and observation means for observing reflected light from the eye to be examined. The light source unit has a light source...

20050267451 - Device for application of multiple hygienic effects: A device for the application of two or more hygienic effects is provided. The device could have one element on a support (e.g. a pick or a toothpick) or multiple elements distributed on a support (a brush, a comb, a toothbrush, a glove or a facemask). In case of multiple...

20050267452 - Phototherapeutic wave guide apparatus: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for forming annular lesions in tissue. The methods include introduction of an optical apparatus proximate to a tissue site, via, for example, a catheter. The optical apparatus includes a pattern-forming optical wave guide in communication with a light transmitting optical fiber. Energy is transmitted through...

20050267453 - High intensity focused ultrasound for imaging and treatment of arrhythmias: A dual-mode, capable of imaging and ablation, ultrasound array integrated in a catheter is provided for minimally invasive treatment of arrhythmias. The catheter array is small enough for insertion through a peripheral vein and is longitudinally integrated with the catheter to have a side-view for tissue imaging and ablation. A...

20050267454 - Methods of using high intensity focused ultrasound to form an ablated tissue area containing a plurality of lesions: A method of thermal ablation using high intensity focused ultrasound energy includes the steps of positioning an ultrasound emitting member, emitting ultrasound energy from the ultrasound emitting member, focusing the ultrasound energy, ablating with the focused ultrasound energy to form an ablated tissue area and removing the ultrasound emitting member....

20050267455 - Electrosurgery with infiltration anesthesia: Method for carrying out the recovery of an intact volume of tissue wherein a delivery cannula tip is positioned in confronting adjacency with the volume of tissue to be recovered. The electrosurgical generator employed to form an arc at a capture component extending from the tip is configured having a...

20050267456 - Neutral electrode for use in hf surgery: In previously known neutral electrodes which are used in HF surgery, at least some portions comprise electrically conductive, stretchable, and flexible areas made of textile material, these areas being brought into contact with a body section of a patient. According to the invention, such an area is embodied as a...

20050267457 - Tissue ablation device using a lens to three dimensionally focus electromagnetic energy: This invention provides a device that uses a lens to focus electromagnetic energy to a singular three dimensionally focused point. The invention has three-dimensional target positioning capability. This invention can be used in tissue ablation, tissue thermography, tissue heating, and tissue hyperthermia. Possible specific treatment applications include, but are not...

20050267460 - Ablation catheter with suspension system incorporating rigid and flexible components: A curved ablation catheter imparts ablative energy to target tissue, for example, along a trabecular slope, e.g., in the right atrium along the isthmus between the ostium of the inferior vena cava and the tricuspid valve. The catheter is formed with a preset curvature that, when deployed, both translates linearly...

20050267462 - Anchoring introducer sheath with distal slots for catheter delivery and translation: An introducer sheath has multiple distal slots allowing for translation of a catheter within a cardiac cavity. A pair of longitudinal slots are provided on opposite sides of the sheath near the distal end. A portion of the catheter may deploy from one of the slots while the ablation tip...

20050267467 - Bipolar conforming electrode catheter and methods for ablation: A bipolar conforming electrode catheter has a plurality of flexible filaments or bristles forming a brush electrode for applying therapeutic energy (e.g., RF energy) to target tissue to form spot or continuous linear lesions. Interstitial spaces are defined among the filaments of the brush electrode. The interstitial spaces are adapted...

20050267461 - Catheter electrode and rail system for cardiac ablation: The instant invention is directed toward an ablation catheter and sheath incorporating wire rail system. The catheter may have a combination of rigid and flexible components to orient an ablation electrode at the distal tip toward the target tissue. The wire rail acts to guide an ablation tip along the...

20050267463 - Catheter with bifurcated, collapsible tip for sensing and ablating: A sensing and ablation electrode includes bifurcated sensing limbs separated by an ablation web. The electrode is disposed on the distal end of a catheter. The sensing limbs each support an array of sensors that are individually wired for mapping and post ablation efficacy testing. The web includes a pair...

20050267459 - Curved ablation catheter: A curved ablation catheter imparts ablative energy to target tissue, for example, along a trabecular slope, e.g., in the right atrium along the isthmus between the ostium of the inferior vena cava and the tricuspid valve. The catheter is formed with a preset curvature that, when deployed, both translates linearly...

20050267464 - Electrosurgical instrument and method of use: An embodiment of a method of the invention provides a method for welding tissue comprising providing a tissue welding device having first and second tissue engaging surfaces with at least one surface including an electrode surface that defines a plurality of surface portions having different resistances to electrical current flow...

20050267468 - Moisture transport system for contact electrocoagulation: An apparatus and method for use in performing ablation or coagulation of organs and other tissue includes a metallized fabric electrode array which is substantially absorbent and/or permeable to moisture and gases such as steam and conformable to the body cavity. The array includes conductive regions separated by insulated regions...

20050267465 - Multifunctional electrosurgical apparatus: An electrosurgical apparatus having improved placement accuracy is provided. The electrosurgical apparatus comprises an elongate shaft having a proximal end, a distal end and at least one lumen therethrough, a stylet positioned within a lumen, a conductive tip at the distal end for delivery of energy to the tissue, an...

20050267458 - Side-port sheath for catheter placement and translation: Side-port sheaths for catheter placement and translation are disclosed. The sheaths include a side-port opening through which a gliding catheter may be deployed during diagnosis or treatment of tissue. The side-port sheath may include a suspension ribbon used to deploy, or that aids in the deployment of, the embedded gliding...

20050267466 - Thermocouple electrode: The invention provides an electrode assembly for a system for performing an electrosurgical procedure using electrical energy. The electrode assembly includes an electrode defining a blind aperture for receiving a thermocouple and formed from nitinol. The nitinol electrode is super-elastic, resistant to corrosion, and bio-compatible. In the exemplary embodiment of...

20050267469 - Bipolar medical instrument and electrosurgical system comprising such an instrument: A bipolar medical instrument for cutting tissue under the action of high-frequency current comprises an elongate electrode carrier, an active electrode arranged at the distal end of the electrode carrier, and a neutral electrode adjacent to the active electrode, said neutral electrode being arranged entirely to the distal side of...

20050267472 - Bone anchoring device for stabilising bone segments and seat part of a bone anchoring device: A bone anchoring device for stabilizing bone segments is provided, with a bone anchoring element which has a shank part and a head, a receiver part for articulated connection of the bone anchoring element to a rod, wherein the receiver part has a first end and a second end opposite...

20050267474 - Bone fixation assembly and method of securement: A bone plate is provided for fixation of spaced vertebra. The bone plate has at least one through passage for securing the plate to bone with a bone fixation screw. The threaded shaft of a bone fixation screw is inserted through a bushing located in the through passage of the...

20050267471 - Flexible space holder: A flexible space holder made of at least one biocompatible, rigid material having a tube-like body, with one or more flexible areas is described. The flexible space, holder can be temporarily or permanently inserted into a human or animal. Furthermore, the flexible space holder can be surrounded by an elastomeric...

20050267470 - Spinal stabilization system to flexibly connect vertebrae: A surgically implanted spinal stabilization system uses posterior anchor hooks attached to vertebrae to retain elastic bands to retain flexibility and mobility while maintaining alignment and preventing excessive motion and deformity. The elastic bands may parallel the longitudinal axis of the spine, or, for enhanced promotion of alignment, they may...

20050267473 - Vertebral stabilization assembly and method with rigid and semi-rigid members: A vertebral stabilization assembly for stabilizing vertebrae is provided. The vertebral stabilization assembly includes a first and a second vertebral screw, a first and second connecting screw, and a connecting member. The first and second vertebral screws each have a shaft provided with a threaded portion operable for threading engagement...

20050267475 - Surgical device for capturing, positioning and aligning portions of a severed human sternum: A surgical device for capturing, positioning and aligning portions of a severed human sternum via positioning around the costal cartilage portion of each of a paired set of ribs located on opposite sides of the severed sternum while simultaneously contacting and substantially surrounding the anterior and posterior portions of the...

20050267476 - Apparatus and method for orthopedic fixation: A filament retaining washer for mounting about the shank of a bone screw deployed in a bone whereby to retain the filament to the bone, the filament retaining washer comprising a structure having a screw hole extending therethrough for receiving therein the shank of the bone screw deployed in the...

20050267477 - Removable medical implant closure: A closure for use in conjunction with an open receiver of a medical implant for capturing and locking a rod member in the implant includes a radially outward threaded cylindrical body sized and shaped to be threadably received between two arms of a head of the implant. The closure also...

20050267479 - Apparatus and method for securing suture to bone: A suture anchor for securing soft tissue to bone, including a body and a continuous suture loop. The body extends along a longitudinal axis between opposing first and second ends, and has an external threaded portion extending coaxial with the axis, and a bore extending from the second end towards...

20050267478 - Surgical fastener with predetermined resorption rate: A resorbable screw fastener and a method of firing with an applicator capable of applying a surgical fastener to tissue in order to form tissue connection to secure objects to tissue, the fastener including a body portion having a helical thread, a head portion disposed at the proximal end of...

20050267480 - Spinal facet fixation device: A spinal facet fixation device includes a pair of jaws hinged on a common base. A threaded actuator bears against a cam surface on the jaws to draw the points of the jaws together. A surgeon applies the opposed points to respective facets of vertebral elements, and then tightens the...

20050267482 - Bone treatment method with implants and instrumentation: A method, instrumentation and implants for a minimally invasive bone and joint treatments allow cuts in bones to be made simultaneously. This method produces a simple precise alignment of cuts on opposite sides of a joint or bone part. It eliminates many steps need to align the numerous cuts used...

20050267483 - Instruments and methods for reducing and stabilizing bone fractures: Instruments and methods for reducing and stabilizing bone fractures are presented. One method provides for cutting a portion of a bone having a fracture to create a cavity, wherein the cavity is substantially axisymmetric, and expanding the volume of the cavity thereby reducing the fracture. The fracture may be further...

20050267481 - Systems, devices and apparatuses for bony fixation and disk repair and replacement and methods related thereto: The present invention features new methods, apparatuses and devices for fixing adjacent bone segments, segments of a bony structure and adjacent vertebrate of a spine. The methods, apparatuses and devices utilize a new apparatus for forming a channel in a surface of the bone or bony structure segments or adjacent...

20050267484 - Extended trochanteric osteotomy guide: A surgical guide for guiding and steady a saw during surgery, especially adapted to perform at least one, and preferably both, an extended trochanteric osteotomy and a trochanteric slide. The guide includes a linear slot and two slots at opposing oblique angles to the linear slot; the slots are adapted...

20050267485 - Dynamic knee balancer with opposing adjustment mechanism: A device for performing a surgical procedure on a knee comprises a femoral assembly comprising a stationary femoral member attachable to the distal femur, an adjustable femoral member movably coupled with the stationary member to adjust tension in at least one ligament of or adjacent the knee and an adjustment...

20050267486 - Methods and compositions usable in cataract surgery: The invention relates to a method of performing ocular surgery, after an anterior capsulotomy has been made, by forming a sealed expanded capsular bag. The method includes sealing the capsular bag with a viscoelastic material to provide a gas tight seal to prevent leakage into the anterior chamber of the...

20050267487 - Valved sheath introducer for venous cannulation: A valved sheath introducer for venous cannulation, including a valve, sheath, handle and cap. The valve is configured to permit safe introduction and removal of medical instruments through the sheath introducer. The valve may have one or more anchoring members and a thickened central portion through which a slit is...

20050267488 - Apparatus and method for using an ultrasonic medical device to treat urolithiasis: An apparatus and a method for an ultrasonic medical device to treat urolithiasis and ablate a stone. The ultrasonic medical device comprises an ultrasonic probe having a wire body with a proximal end, a distal end and a longitudinal axis therebetween and a plurality of tines extending from the distal...

20050267491 - Embolectomy devices: Devices and methods for removing a foreign object from a body lumen are disclosed. An embolectomy device can include a filter basket having a plurality of filter struts forming a cage-like structure that can be expanded to circumferentially surround the incoming foreign object. A support frame including a proximal hoop...

20050267489 - Retrieval device: An endoscopic surgical device for retrieving objects, such as for example, severed human tissue, foreign objects or impacted food bolus, from within a subject is disclosed. The device includes a body and handle movable relative to the body, a tubular member fixed to the body, a link having a first...

20050267490 - Snare injection device: A snare injection device for performing endoscopic transection procedures is disclosed. The device includes a snare system and a needle system, each containing actuator components separately routed in one of two channels of an elongated dual lumen. Deployment of the snare and needle are independently operated by two separate handle...

20050267492 - Surgical instrument for specimen retrieval: Disclosed herein is a collection device for manipulating matter in an inaccessible space, comprising a clamp in mechanical communication with an actuator means, wherein the clamp has an inflexion point; a barrier membrane in mechanical communication with the clamp, wherein the expansion of the barrier membrane is controlled by the...

20050267493 - Method and system for tissue repair using dual catheters: The present system is directed to a method and system to stabilize and repair tissue. At least two opposing devices may be used to stabilize and repair the tissue, with the two devices cooperatively engaging the tissue interposed therebetween. Stabilization may be accomplished by opposing force, vacuum force, or mechanical...

20050267494 - Embolization device for vessel cavity in vivo: An embolization device which is placed at a definite position in a vessel cavity in vivo to embolize the vessel cavity. More specifically speaking, an embolization device to be used for plugging a blood vessel or a aneurysm formed in a blood vessel. After being placed in a vessel cavity...

20050267495 - Systems and methods for closing internal tissue defects: A delivery system having a steerable delivery device and an elastic clip for treating an internal tissue defect, such as septal defects and the like, is provided. The clip can be deformable between a relaxed state and a stressed state and biased towards the relaxed state. The delivery device can...

20050267497 - Leak-resistant anastomosis: A graft for a surgical procedure includes a graft body; and a double-layered section attached to the graft body, wherein the double-layered section is configured to sandwich a target to be joined with the graft. A method for implanting a graft includes providing the graft having a double-layered section attached...

20050267499 - Method and apparatus for modifying the exit orifice of a satiation pouch: A prosthetic device is described that is positionable within the gastro-esophageal junction region of a patient. The prosthetic device includes a proximal opening and a distal orifice that is adjustable in size prior to and/or following implantation. During use, the prosthetic device is attached to tissue of the gastro-esophageal junction...

20050267496 - Pressure powered anastomotic system: A fluid-based anastomosis system, including a body, a fluid power source, an actuator powered by said source and at least two elements coupled to said actuator and adapted to perform at least two different relative motions, responsive to serial powering of said actuator....

20050267498 - Tissue everting device and method: A device for everting an end of a hollow tissue structure may include a mandrel and a collar proximal to the mandrel. The mandrel may be elastomeric and deformable. At least one of the collar and the mandrel may be movable relative to the other. Deformation of the mandrel everts...

20050267500 - Metal bellows position feedback for hydraulic control of an adjustable gastric band: A remotely controlled gastric band system that is practically immune to external magnetic fields, such as from a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machine, incorporates a bi-directional pump and fluid reservoir to adjust fluid volume for hydraulic control of a gastric band. A piezoelectric driver (e.g., rotary actuator, linear actuator) selectively...

20050267502 - Disposable safety cutting tool: A safety scalpel is provided that includes a tubular housing, a coupling reciprocating within the housing and holding a cutting head or blade and a control member used to selectively extend said cutting head outwardly of the housing and retracted into the housing. A biasing spring is used to hold...

20050267501 - Powered surgical apparatus, method of manufacturing powered surgical apapratus, and method of using powered surgical apparatus: A powered surgical apparatus can be used with a source of irrigation fluid and a source of suction. The powered surgical apparatus can include a cutting blade assembly and a handle. The handle can include an upper portion defining a distal section connectable to the cutting blade assembly...

20050267503 - Tissue removal device: The present invention involves a tissue removal device. The tissue removal device comprises a base, a barrel slideably connected to the base, an aspirator system for receiving bone and tissue matter from the barrel, and an actuating lever to move the barrel relative to the base. The base has a...

20050267504 - Method of controlling a surgical system based on irrigation flow: A surgical system that is able to sense the onset of an occlusion or other surgical event as well as the instant an occlusion breaks. To help avoid overheating of the tip, the system determines a temperature of an eye using irrigation flow rate and reduces the power to the...

20050267505 - Adjustable lancet device and method: Lancet device that includes a body. A trigger is mounted to the body. A front cover has a skin engaging end that includes a lancet opening through which a lancet needle extends. A holding member is movably mounted within the body and includes a front end a rear end. The...

20050267506 - Follicular extraction method and device: A method and device for the extraction of follicular units from a donor area on a patient. The method includes scoring the outer skin layers with a sharp punch, and then inserting a blunt punch into the incision to separate the hair follicle from the surrounding tissue and fatty layer....

20050267507 - Apparatus for acupuncture needle set: The present invention generally relates to an apparatus for an improved acupuncture needle set. The improved acupuncture needle set at least comprises an acupuncture needle and a needle case. In accordance with the design of this present invention, the acupuncture needle can be fixed in the needle case by the...

20050267508 - Balloon catheter: In a balloon catheter 1 in which a dilatable balloon portion 3 is secured to a distal end of a flexible and elongated shaft portion 2, at least two radiopaque ribbon markers M1, M2 are mutually spaced and provided on an outer surface of the elongated shaft portion 2 within...

20050267509 - Body canal dilation system: An apparatus and method for dilating a body canal such as a cervix is provided. The apparatus comprises a threaded cylindrical rod with an inflatable member at one end. The apparatus also comprises a tubular member with a threaded bore that is capable of threaded engagement with the threaded rod....

20050267510 - Device for the endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms: A method and device for intravascular treatment of various vascular and intravascular issues, such as aneurysms, is disclosed. The device generally includes a multiple member, bead strand or device that includes a plurality of members interconnected with one another in a substantially flexible manner. The device may be positioned through...

20050267517 - Disc shaped filter: Distal protection filter and method of using the same. A distal protection filter may be coupled to an elongate shaft. The filter includes a filter material coupled to a filter frame. The shape of the filter may be generally cylindrical or disc shaped. The filter material may capture embolic debris...

20050267516 - Embolic protection device for the prevention of stroke: The present invention relates to a device that can be used to prevent embolisms from accessing the brain and causing a stroke. The device can also prevent pulmonary embolism and to treat an aneurysm. The device provides a significant improvement to any similar devices currently in use....

20050267515 - Embolus blood clot filter: A blood clot filter (10) comprises a number of diverging legs (26) extending from a common central hub (16) to define a blood clot reservoir. Adjacent legs (26) share a common root (18) from which branches off at least two main branches (24). Each main branch (24) connects at a...

20050267511 - Intracorporeal occlusive device and method: An intracorporeal space filling device and a delivery system and method for using the device is disclosed. The space filling device is preferably configured for percutaneous delivery from a peripheral conduit of a patient. The space filling device has an elongated tubular or interconnected bead structure which may have a...

20050267514 - Removable vena cava filter: The present invention provides a removable vena cava filter for capturing thrombi in a blood vessel. The filter comprises a plurality of primary struts having first ends attached together along a longitudinal axis. Each primary strut includes an arcuate segment having a first tensile strength. The arcuate segment extends from...

20050267512 - Removable vena cava filter for reduced trauma in collapsed configuration: The present invention provides a removable vena cava filter for capturing thrombi in a blood vessel. The filter comprises a plurality of primary struts having first ends attached together along a longitudinal axis. Each primary strut has an arcuate segment extending from the first end to an anchoring hook. The...

20050267513 - Removable vena cava filter having primary struts for enhanced retrieval and delivery: A removable filter having a collapsed state and an expanded state for capturing thrombi in a blood vessel is disclosed. The filter comprises a plurality of primary struts and a plurality of secondary struts. Each primary strut in the expanded state extends from a primary strut first end to an...

20050267518 - Tourniquet and method of using same: A tourniquet includes a tensioning mechanism configured to provide a continuous range of adjustment of tension applied by the tourniquet. The tensioning mechanism includes a housing, an arbor coupled to the housing, the arbor being connected to the strap, and a crank assembly coupled to the arbor. The crank assembly...

20050267519 - Handle for forceps/tweezers and method and apparatus for designing the like: The present invention provides a design method and apparatus for a handle providing a shape and structure that fills various regions of the hand except a region in an area over the underlying carpal tunnel. Such design method and apparatus provides for various handles for use by a hand. In...

20050267520 - Access and closure device and method: Devices and methods for accessing and closing vascular sites are disclosed. Self-sealing closure devices and methods are disclosed. A device that can make a steep and controlled access path into a vascular lumen is disclosed. Methods for using the device are also disclosed....

20050267526 - Closure devices, related delivery methods and tools, and related methods of use: A device for sealing a patent foramen ovale (PFO) in the heart is provided. The device includes a left atrial anchor adapted to be placed in a left atrium of the heart, a right atrial anchor adapted to be placed in a right atrium of the heart, and an elongate...

20050267521 - Collagen sponge for arterial sealing: The present invention provides collagen sponge useful in arterial sealing. The collagen sponge is shaped to more closely mimic vascular incisions....

20050267523 - Delivery/recovery system for septal occluder: A delivery/recovery system to allow an operator to deploy and recover a medical implant, such as an occluder for closing a patent foramen ovale (PFO). In one embodiment, the system includes a delivery mandrel for preventing the occluder from moving in the proximal direction, a delivery wire for securing the...

20050267525 - Heart-shaped pfo closure device: Patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure clip include two closure members, which may be heart shaped, joined by at least two spaced central connecting members. Each of the at least two spaced central connecting members is attached to each closure member at a location on the periphery of the closure member....

20050267527 - Method and barrier for limiting fluid movement through a tissue rent: A method and device provides for limiting fluid movement through a rent in a membranous tissue by forming a biocompatible and biodegradable barrier at the site of the rent. The barrier is formed by inserting into the rent a plug that includes connected water-swellable parts, so that within a short...

20050267522 - Self-tensioning vascular occlusion device and method for its use: The present invention advantageously provides self-tensioning occlusion devices, systems, and methods for percutaneous access and closure of vascular puncture sites. One device comprises a catheter body, an occlusion member, and a tensioning member. The occlusion member, such an expansible member, is disposed on a distal end of the body. The...

20050267524 - Split ends closure device: A device closes a patent foramen ovale (PFO), thus reducing or eliminating blood flow through the defect. The device is formed from a tubular structure having split ends, such that, after insertion, struts defined by the split ends pivot in a radial direction away from the tube, thereby securing the...

20050267528 - Vascular plug having composite construction: This invention relates to apparatus and methods for use in sealing a vascular puncture site, particularly sites of punctures that are the result of catheterization or other interventional procedures. In several of the preferred embodiments, the sealing device includes a sealing member and a tether. The sealing member generally performs...

20050267529 - Devices, systems and methods for tissue repair: Devices, systems and methods are disclosed for repairing soft tissue. The surgical system allows for the creation of tissue repair by grasping, aligning and sewing or fixing tissue. For example, this system may be used for clipping together excessive capsular tissue and reducing the overall capsular volume. The deployment device...

20050267530 - Surgical staple: In certain exemplary embodiments, a generally U-shaped surgical staple is provided having a base and a pair of legs extending substantially perpendicularly from opposite ends of the base respectively. The legs in use of the staple are bent through approximately 90° relative to the base. To effect a greater compression...

20050267532 - Surgical thread: A surgical thread for plastic surgery operations includes a clear section and multiple sharp projections on either side of the clear section. The clear section is devoid of projections while the projections on both sides of the clear section are inclined toward the clear section. There is also a method...

20050267531 - Suture methods and devices: A barbed suture including a body with barbs on the periphery, a pointed end, and an anchor at one end to resist movement of the suture in the direction of the pointed end is provided. One or more limbs on the anchor may be provided, which may be arcuate, of...

20050267533 - Methods and devices for the surgical creation of satiety and biofeedback pathways: Disclosed are devices and systems which to sense parameters related to the mechanical forces imposed on devices implanted in the stomach. The parameters of the system are further translated into patient feedback systems to create satiety inducing pathways in the stomach....

20050267534 - Surgical fastener: The present invention relates to a surgical fastener including a first body member having a cavity therein and having first and second ends. The first end has an opening which provides access to the cavity. The first end also has a projection extending into the cavity. The fastener further includes...