Surgery inventions 04/06

20060089621 - Bone mill and template: Bone mills and templates for use in during bone resectioning is provided. The templates have a flat upper surface or an interior track, and the mill has an edge that rides on top of the upper surface or within the groove. The template thus guides the mill during bone resectioning,...

20060089628 - Flexible shaft extender and method of using same: An extender for use in an electro-mechanical surgical system that includes a surgical attachment that may be detachably coupled to an electro-mechanical driver device via a flexible shaft. The extender is a substantially rigid extender that includes a proximal end that may be detachably coupled to a distal end of...

20060089622 - Inserted molded switch cover for surgical instrument: A surgical instrument includes an outer casing having a first portion for surrounding a motor, a second portion having for housing a plurality of buttons, and a third portion for providing a small body by which a user can control and manipulate the surgical instrument. A plurality of buttons are...

20060089627 - Medical device delivery catheter: Apparatus for delivering a medical device to a location in a patient's body includes an elongate catheter body having a proximal end and a distal end, a pod coupled with the distal end of the catheter body and adapted to house the medical device during delivery to the location and...

20060089626 - Surgical device guide for use with an imaging system: A device and method useful for guiding insertion of a surgical device with image guided surgery. The device includes a base that may be connected to a fixation device to hold the device in place, and a guide for the surgical device. The guide is connected to the base by...

20060089623 - Surgical instrument with wear-resistant housing and method of operating same: A surgical instrument and a method according to which a vane is disposed in a rotor housing and is rotated by the impingement of air on the vane to drive a shaft to which a surgical tool is attached. The housing is fabricated of a relatively hard material to reduce...

20060089624 - System and method for planning treatment of tissue: A method and system for treating tissue with a surgical device includes the steps of displaying an image created by collecting imaging data from an imaging device, selecting at least one tissue target from the image, determining the effective treatment volume of the surgical device and determining a treatment modality...

20060089625 - System and method for treatment of tissue using the tissue as a fiducial: A method and system for treating tissue with a surgical device includes the steps of displaying an image created by collecting imaging data from an imaging device, selecting at least one tissue target from the image, collecting image data and tracking the tissue target during at least one respiration cycle,...

20060089629 - Laser system: A laser system (10) is disclosed comprising a laser device (1) for emitting laser radiation and an optical fiber (2) adapted to connect, in use, to the laser device (1) for delivering the laser radiation. The optical fibre contains a label (3), such as an RF identification tag, a barcode...

20060089630 - Therapeutic apparatus having insulated region at the insertion area: Apparatus and methods for insulating tissue during therapeutic procedures....

20060089631 - Therapeutic apparatus having insulated region at the insertion area: Apparatus and methods for insulating tissue during therapeutic procedures....

20060089632 - Method and system for treating acne and sebaceous glands: A method and system for ultrasound treatment of acne and sebaceous glands are provided. An exemplary method and system are configured for targeted treatment of sebaceous glands in various manners, such as through use of therapy only, therapy and monitoring, imaging and therapy, or therapy, imaging, and monitoring, and/or through...

20060089633 - Devices and methods for tissue access: Methods and apparatus are provided for selective surgical removal of tissue, e.g., for enlargement of diseased spinal structures, such as impinged lateral recesses and pathologically narrowed neural foramen. In one variation, tissue may be ablated, resected, removed, or otherwise remodeled by standard small endoscopic tools delivered into the epidural space...

20060089634 - Ablation catheter: An ablation catheter (10) includes an elongate carrier (12). A first loop (14.1) is arranged at or adjacent a distal end of the carrier (12). At least one sensing electrode (40) is carried on the first loop (14.1) for sensing irregular activity in a patient's body. At least one further...

20060089637 - Ablation catheter: Devices, systems and methods are disclosed for the ablation of tissue. Embodiments include an ablation catheter which has an array of ablation elements attached to a deployable carrier assembly. The carrier assembly can be constrained within the lumen of a catheter, and deployed to take on an expanded condition....

20060089635 - Methods and apparatus for focused bipolar tissue ablation using an insulated shaft: A tissue ablation probe is provided. The probe comprises a proximal electrode element, which includes a proximal electrode stem and a deployable proximal electrode array, and a distal electrode element, which includes a distal electrode stem and a deployable distal electrode array. The probe is configured, such that a majority...

20060089638 - Radio-frequency device for passivation of vascular plaque and method of using same: Disclosed herein is a minimally invasive, radio-frequency device and a method for local and regional vascular therapy, more particularly for passivation of atherosclerotic, inflammatory, and/or vulnerable plaque in blood vessels. Radio-frequency devices of the type described herein constitute an important, inexpensive, disposable, minimally invasive approach for passivation or removal of...

20060089636 - Ultrasound visualization for transurethral needle ablation: A device and method for transurethral needle ablation (TUNA) of prostate tissue to alleviate BPH provides ultrasound visualization and/or measurement of the urethra, the prostrate, the ablation lesions and/or other pertinent structures. An ultrasound transducer is positioned at the distal tip of the transurethral needle ablation catheter. The ultrasound transducer...

20060089640 - Devices and methods for tissue modification: Methods and apparatus are provided for selective surgical removal of tissue. In one variation, tissue may be ablated, resected, removed, or otherwise remodeled by standard small endoscopic tools delivered into the epidural space through an epidural needle. The sharp tip of the needle in the epidural space, can be converted...

20060089639 - Shaped scalpel: An electrosurgical tool includes a cutting loop, which can be an RF cutting loop, which is secured to a shaft which rotates about an axis which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the tool....

20060089641 - Universal coupler: A universal coupler for coupling multiple orthopedic instruments is disclosed. The universal coupler includes a body having a boss and an internal bore, a locking shaft having a first portion and a second portion, a trigger including a trigger bore, and a connection portion. The trigger is operable between a...

20060089642 - Prefracture spinal implant for osteoporotic unfractured bone: An implant for vertebrae or other bones, either fractured or at risk of fracture, includes a load bearing support member carrying a bone growth material to increase bone density and long term treatment....

20060089646 - Devices and methods for stabilizing tissue and implants: The present invention provides a method for intervertebral disc surgery. The method includes creating a passage in a vertebral body adjacent to the intervertebral disc. The passage extends from a side surface of the vertebral body to a nucleus pulposus of the intervertebral disc. Annulus fibrosis tissue of the intervertebral...

20060089645 - Internal fixation system for spine surgery: An internal fixation rod for spine surgery includes an elongate body, a first rod end, a second rod end, a first mounting member and a second mounting member. The first mounting member is disposed proximate the first rod end, and the second mounting member is disposed proximate the second rod...

20060089643 - Spinal fixation device: A bone fixation device including a retainer and an anchor. The retainer includes first and second receiving regions. The first receiving region is configured for receipt of a connecting rod. The second receiving region is configured for receipt of an anchor. The first receiving region is constructed so that a...

20060089644 - Spinal stabilizing system: A spinal stabilizing system includes a collar having a tubular sidewall with an interior surface and an exterior surface, the interior surface at least partially bounding a longitudinal passage extending therethrough. A shoulder radially inwardly projects from a second end of the sidewall so as to at last partially encircle...

20060089647 - Method and apparatus for delivering an agent: A fracture fixation device is configured for reducing and compressing fractures in a bone and delivering bone treatment agents. The fixation device includes an elongate body comprising a first portion and a second portion that are detachably coupled to each other. The first portion defines a helical cancellous bone anchor...

20060089648 - Versatile bone plate systems particularly suited to minimally invasive surgical procedures: A bone plate adapted for distal radius fixation and other indications includes a first plate portion including one or more fastener-receiving apertures, a second plate portion also including one or more fastener-receiving apertures, and a mechanism coupling the first and second plate portions. The mechanism facilitates a first state, wherein...

20060089650 - Rasp attachment for a motor-driven surgical hand-held device: A rasp attachment for a motor-driven surgical hand-piece includes a mounting means for mounting the rasp attachment to the motor-driven surgical hand-piece and a rasp area which is implemented to take off material from a surface in a reciprocating movement of the rasp attachment caused by the motor-driven surgical hand-piece....

20060089649 - Surgical instruments and method of using same: Certain preferred embodiments of the present invention relate to surgical instruments particularly suitable for preparing vertebral endplates during spinal interbody surgical procedures. Methods of using such instruments are also disclosed. In one embodiment, the surgical instrument includes a first portion which serves as a rasp, and a second portion serving...

20060089651 - Apparatus and method for anchoring a surgical rod: An apparatus for advancing surgical devices such as spinal rods is disclosed. The spinal rod may be advanced, for instance, into a seated engagement with a surgical fixture, such as a fixture having a screw mounted in a bone portion, and the fixture may have an open end forming a...

20060089652 - Working channel for minimally invasive spine surgery: A working channel for spinal surgery includes a body having a distal end, a proximal end and an interior lumen traversing through the elongate body. The elongate body generally has a parallelogram-shaped cross-section. Another working channel for spinal surgery includes a flared upper section having a distal end, a proximal...

20060089653 - Kit, guide and method for locating distal femoral resection plane: A combination cutting and spacer guide has a cutting block portion and a guide arm portion. The cutting block portion has a cutting guide slot and holes to receive pins or drills for mounting the combination cutting and spacer guide to the femur. The cutting guide portion also has a...

20060089654 - Interspinous distraction devices and associated methods of insertion: In various exemplary embodiments, the present invention provides a plurality of novel interspinous distraction devices and associated methods of insertion. The interspinous distraction devices of the present invention are designed and configured to effectively treat such conditions as lumbar spinal stenosis and degenerative disc disease. Advantageously, the interspinous distraction devices...

20060089655 - Instrument for preparing a bone cement material: An instrument (1) for deploying a bone cement material in a bone cavity, the material being formed from two reactive components which, when mixed, react to form a useable cement comprises a chamber (2) in which the components of the material can be mixed, and a mixing tool which extends...

20060089656 - Revision instruments: A system for removing an implant from between a pair of vertebral bodies comprises a removal shaft. The removal shaft includes a threaded shaft portion and is coupled to a spreader block. A connector body is threadedly coupled to the threaded shaft portion. The system further includes a first removal...

20060089657 - Method and apparatus for finding the position of a mechanical axis of a limb: A method of finding the position of a mechanical axis running in the longitudinal direction through a limb that is rotatably supported by its first end in a center of rotation that is not fixed and is not accessible for the mechanical determination of coordinates, by means of an optical...

20060089658 - Method and apparatus for treating abnormal uterine bleeding: A method and device for creating amenorrhea in women. A porous biomaterial implant is positioned into the ablated uterine cavity of a female patient. Once positioned in the uterine cavity, the porous biomaterial implant expands into its preformed shape or is inflated within the uterine cavity. The ablated uterine tissue...

20060089659 - Umbilical cord clamp and methods of using same: An umbilical cord clamp, which is optionally releasably lockable, including one or more of: a gender-identifying color, a grasping portion to facilitate closing and locking the clamp on the remaining umbilical cord, a fluid removal channel, a separable measurement portion to facilitate positioning of the clamp at a suitable location...

20060089660 - System and method for endoscopic treatment of tissue: A system and method for endoscopic treatment of tissue is disclosed. An endoscope has an operating channel. A mounting component has a first threading channel that fits into the operating channel of the endoscope. A ligating barrel fits onto a distal end of the endoscope. A medical instrument is inserted...

20060089661 - Omni-actuable hand-held surgical instruments: Hand-held instruments which may be employed to actuate a distally mounted tool by application of radial compressive force about the instrument circumference (i.e., omni-actuatable). In preferred forms, hand-held instruments have a handle and a slide ring assembly attached to the handle which defines a generally V-shaped circumferential channel. The slide...

20060089662 - Method and apparatus for securing vertebrae: A method of fixing vertebrae of a patient together at a surgical site includes the following steps: inserting a first cannula (10) into the body (130) of the patient; moving a first fastener (624) through the cannula (10) and securing the first fastener (624) through the cannula (10) and securing...

20060089665 - Cartridge embolic protection filter and methods of use: An embolic protection filter having a reduced profile for placement within a body lumen is disclosed. An embolic protection filter in accordance with the present invention includes a filter frame slidably and rotationally disposed along a guidewire, a plurality of retaining collars coupled to a proximal end of the filter...

20060089664 - Distal protection mechanically attached filter cartridge: Distal protection filter assembly and methods for coupling a filter to an elongate shaft. A filter assembly may include a tubular adaptor having a distal holding receptacle. The filter may include struts adapted and configured for being coupled to the holding receptacle....

20060089663 - 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...

20060089666 - Methods, systems, and devices for deploying an embolic protection filter: 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...

20060089667 - Apparatus for sealing a puncture in a blood vessel: An apparatus for sealing a puncture in a blood vessel is disclosed having a tissue-confining device for compressing tissue in the vicinity of the puncture, which longitudinally extends between a proximal end and a distal end and is connected to an adjustable artery clamp for controllably applying pressure, such as...

20060089668 - Disposable digital tourniquets and related methods of providing occlusion pressures to a single digit during surgical procedures: A single-use disposable digital tourniquet includes a generally rigid support body comprising first and second spaced apart cuff channels sized and configured to receive a cuff therethrough....

20060089669 - Implantation tool for adjustable implantable genitourinary device: The present application includes a system for the preparation of a patient for the implantation of post-operatively adjustable coaptation device. For example, the present subject matter includes a tool having a proximal portion and a distal portion, and an elongate section disposed between the proximal portion and the distal portion....

20060089670 - Magnetic closure mechanism for hemostat: A hemostat includes a housing which has a shaft extending distally therefrom. The shaft has an end effector assembly distally attached thereto. The hemostat also includes a pair of first and second handles which are connected to the housing. The first and second handles are operatively connected to the end...

20060089671 - Fixation devices for variation in engagement of tissue: Devices, systems and methods are provided for tissue approximation and repair at treatment sites, particularly in those procedures requiring minimally-invasive or endovascular access to remote tissue locations. Fixation devices are provided to fix tissue in approximation with the use of distal elements. In some embodiments, the fixation devices have at...

20060089672 - Yarns containing filaments made from shape memory alloys: Braids and surgical devices are made from yarns that include at least one filament made from a shape memory material....

20060084944 - Device and method for positioning and attaching a member such as an implant or jig: A surgical device for positioning a member and attaching the member within the patient. A first element comprises a shaft having a driver at distal end. A second element includes an internal bore extending through the length, and a coupler at a second end to attach to the member. The...

20060084945 - Instrument driver for robotic catheter system: A robotic medical system comprises an operator control station having a master input device, a catheter instrument, and an instrument driver in communication with the operator control station. The catheter instrument includes an elongate flexible catheter member, a flexible control element, such as, e.g., a cable, extending within the catheter...

20060084946 - Universal attachment mechanism for attaching a surgical tracking device to an instrument: An attachment mechanism for attaching a component to an instrument. The attachment mechanism includes a first hoop assembly having a first hoop receiving a first portion of the instrument and a second hoop assembly having a second hoop receiving a second portion of the instrument. Either one of the first...

20060084950 - Controlled ocular lens regeneration: The present invention addresses the treatment of ocular conditions by the enhancement of lens regeneration. This is accomplished by the administration of a high viscosity composition including a hyaluronic acid compound and laser photoablation. Excess high viscosity composition may be removed by focal laser photophacoablation. Additionally, a collagen product may...

20060084951 - Low energy of excitation pdt compounds for treatment of ocular disease: A photodynamic therapy includes a particular combination of a photosensitizer and light source for a photodynamic therapy used to treat ocular diseases. The photosensitizer has a peak excitation level when exposed to light of a given wavelength where the wavelength of light is absorbed at a particular location of the...

20060084947 - Malleable ophthalmic surgery tubing: A length of malleable tubing has opposite proximal and distal ends, with the proximal end being adapted for connection to a surgical light source or a surgical fluid source, and the distal end being adapted for attachment to an ophthalmic surgery instrument. The tubing has an interior bore that extends...

20060084949 - Method and apparatus for accommodating intraocular lens: A method of replacing a natural lens in an eye is presented. The method includes removing the natural lens while leaving the capsular bag substantially intact, removing a portion of the capsular bag along the main optical axis, and placing biodendrimer within the capsular bag. Placing biodendrimer within the capsular...

20060084948 - Monitoring of retinal temperature during laser therapy: In a laser eye treatment apparatus, a probe light source generates a secondary emitted light emanating from a treatment area of retinal tissue that is irradiated by a treatment light source. An optical detector detects the secondary emitted light. A processor statistically analyzes the secondary emitted light to determine a...

20060084952 - Device for the irradiation of the ciliary body of the eye: A device is disclosed for the localized irradiation of the whole or a large part of the ciliary body of an eye. The device includes one or more optical sources and a system for the delivery of a complete or partially annular distribution of radiation to the eye....

20060084953 - Multibeam laser for skin treatment: A skin treatment laser device suitable for home use. The device includes an array of at least two types of laser units. A first type of laser units operates at a wavelength chosen to heat the skin generally and a second type of laser units operates at a wavelength chosen...

20060084954 - Apparatus and method for correction of abberations in laser system optics: The present invention provides a method for minimizing fluence distribution of a laser over a predetermined pattern. In particular, the method is useful for minimizing fluence variance over a predetermined pattern for lasers used in ophthalmic surgery....

20060084956 - Corneal surgery apparatus: A corneal surgery apparatus capable of accurately measuring a three-dimensional corneal shape in a state of being subjected to corneal ablation. The apparatus has a unit including a laser source emitting a laser beam to bring about corneal ablation and a first optical system irradiating a cornea with the beam,...

20060084957 - Laser ablation method and apparatus having a feedback loop and control unit: A laser ablation method and apparatus uses a laser device to generate a pulsed laser using a laser device and to project the pulsed laser onto an ablation target to be ablated. A probe is then used to measure an indicative property of the ablation target or of the pulsed...

20060084955 - Laser pulse position monitor for scanned laser eye surgery systems: Devices, systems, and methods for measuring and determining positions of light energy having wavelengths of less than (as well as equal to or greater than) 200 nm, and are particularly well suited for measuring pulsed light at ultraviolet and other wavelengths using position sensing diode (PSD) technology. An integrator may...

20060084961 - Cataract extraction apparatus and method with rapid pulse phaco power: Apparatus for the removal of lens tissue includes a first handpiece having a laser emitting probe sized for insertion into a lens capsule and radiating a lens therein. The laser emitting probe includes a lumen for introducing irrigation fluid into the lens capsule. A second handpiece includes a pulsed controlled...

20060084960 - Guided ablation with end-fire fiber: A method and apparatus for treating a body tissue in situ (e.g., an atrial tissue of a heart to treat atrial fibrillation) include a lesion formation tool is positioned against the heart surface. The apparatus includes a guide member having a tissue-opposing surface for placement against a heart surface. The...

20060084959 - Method and system for photoselective vaporization of the prostate, and other tissue: A method for photoselective vaporization of prostate tissue includes delivering laser radiation to the treatment area on the tissue, via an optical fiber for example, wherein the laser radiation has a wavelength and irradiance in the treatment area on the surface of the tissue sufficient because vaporization of a substantially...

20060084958 - System and method for salivary stones removal and joint arthroscopy: A method and probe device are presented, suitable for use in joint arthroscopy. A beam of pulsed laser radiation of a wavelength range of about 2700-3000 nm and a predetermined frequency of pulses is produced, directed to a joint region inside a fluid medium and maintained substantially focused on a...

20060084962 - Controllable pressure cryogenic balloon treatment system and method: Devices, systems, and methods controllably cool blood vessels and other body lumens. The blood vessel will often be treated for atherosclerotic or other diseases by inflating a balloon so as to engage the surrounding luminal wall. Controlled cooling of the balloon effected by a change in phase of a cryogenic...

20060084963 - Blades with functional balance asymmetries for use with ultrasonic surgical instruments: Disclosed is an ultrasonic surgical instrument that combines end-effector geometry to best affect the multiple functions of a shears-type configuration. The shape of the blade is characterized by a radiused cut offset by some distance to form a curved geometry. The cut creates a curved surface with multiple asymmetries causing...

20060084965 - Ablation probe with distal inverted electrode array: An ablation device includes a cannula having a distal end and a lumen, an array of electrodes deployable from within the lumen, each of the electrodes having a first configuration when inside the lumen, and a second configuration when unconfined outside the lumen, the electrodes having respective distal ends that...

20060084972 - Delivering ablation therapy in a heart chamber: A method of delivering ablation therapy in a heart chamber includes inserting a catheter in the heart chamber. Electrophysiological data in the heart chamber is acquired with the catheter. The position of the catheter is determined using an electromagnetic field source external to the heart chamber, and the location of...

20060084968 - Electrosurgical instrument and method: An electrosurgical instrument and method for treating varicose veins. In one embodiment, an elongate catheter has a distal working end that carries an electrosurgical energy delivery surface comprising at least one electrode with a positive temperature coefficient of resistance (PTCR) surface and/or an electrode with a pressure sensitive variable resistance...

20060084969 - Endovascular catheter and method of use: An electrosurgical medical device and method for treating cardiac arrhythmias. In one embodiment, an elongate catheter has a distal shaft end or balloon that carries an electrosurgical energy delivery surface comprising at least one electrode with a positive temperature coefficient of resistance (PTCR) surface and/or an electrode with a pressure...

20060084967 - Instrument for interrupting conduction paths within the heart: A probe for making transmural lesions in one or more walls of the atria of the heart in open-heart surgery. The lesion blocks electrical impulses in a direction crosswise to the lesion. The probe has a handle (1), a closed electrode (2) at an end of the probe, a relatively...

20060084970 - Mapping physiological data in a heart chamber: A method of acquiring and mapping physiological data in a heart chamber includes inserting a catheter having an electrode into the heart chamber. Physiological data in the heart chamber is acquired with the electrode. The position of the electrode is determined, and the location of the acquired physiological data is...

20060084971 - Mapping physiological data in a heart chamber: A method of acquiring and mapping physiological data in a heart chamber includes inserting a catheter into the heart chamber. Physiological data in the heart chamber is acquired with the catheter. The position of the catheter is determined, and the location of the acquired physiological data is determined using the...

20060084964 - Steerable catheter with hydraulic or pneumatic actuator: A hydraulically assisted actuator in a handle connects with a catheter having a deflectable distal ablation tip. The hydraulic actuator translates small mechanical movement by a clinician into large travel movements of connected steering cables and increased tension in the ablation tip for greater deflection. The hydraulic system further dampens...

20060084966 - Tissue ablation device assembly and method for electrically isolating a pulmonary vein ostium from an atrial wall: This invention is related to a tissue ablation system and method that treats atrial arrhythmia by ablating a circumferential region of tissue at a location where a pulmonary vein extends from an atrium. The system includes a circumferential ablation member with an ablation element and also includes a delivery assembly...

20060084973 - Momentary rocker switch for use with vessel sealing instruments: A momentary rocker switch for use with a surgical device is provided. The momentary rocker switch includes a switch assembly and a connection assembly. The switch assembly includes a lever, a bipolar detent, a monopolar detent and a pivot collar. The lever has a bipolar activation portion and a monopolar...

20060084974 - Surgical clamp: A novel surgical clamp having a pair of jaws, which may be used to ablate or create leisons in tissue. In embodiment, the jaws have an articulated position wherein the jaws are separated and not parallel to one another, an opened position wherein the jaws are separated and substantially parallel...

20060084975 - Expansion apparatus for adjustable spinal implant: An expansion assembly expands a vertebral implant. The vertebral implant has an inner cylindrical assembly adapted for insertion into an outer cylindrical assembly having an outer wall. The vertebral implant is expandable along an implant axis defined by the outer and inner cylindrical assemblies. The expansion assembly comprises an axle...

20060084976 - Posterior stabilization systems and methods: Various methods and devices for repairing and/or restoring function to a damaged, injured, diseased, or otherwise unhealthy facet joint, lamina, posterior ligament, and/or other features of a patient's spinal column are provided. In an exemplary embodiment, the methods and devices are effective to mimic the natural function of the posterior...

20060084977 - Minimally invasive method and apparatus for fusing adjacent vertebrae: The present invention is a minimally invasive surgical method for fusing adjacent vertebrae. A first K-wire is inserted into the spinous process of an upper vertebrae. A second K-wire is inserted into a transverse process of a lower vertebrae. A first fixation block is secured to the first K-wire and...

20060084996 - Apparatus for bracing vertebrae: An apparatus for bracing a plurality of vertebrae of the human spine has at least two pedicle screws, each having an annular head with an opening therewithin and including a slot therewithin. Each slot extends into the corresponding opening and includes internal threaded portions. A securing screw to be screwed...

20060084981 - Apparatus for connecting a longitudinal member to a bone portion: 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...

20060084995 - Bone screw: A bone screw having a screw member possessing a threaded section and a head and a receiving part at the head end for receiving a rod to be connected to the bone screw is provided. The receiving part has on open first bore and a substantially U-shaped cross-section having two...

20060084994 - Devices and methods for the treatment of spinal disorders: Devices and methods for treating a damaged intervertebral disc to reduce or eliminate associated back pain. Dynamic bias devices and reinforcement devices are disclosed, which may be used individually or in combination, to eliminate nerve impingement associated with the damaged disc, and/or to reinforce the damaged disc, while permitting relative...

20060084990 - Dual anchor spinal implant apparatus: Embodiments of devices for connecting a spinal rod to a vertebra or to two vertebrae are disclosed. In one embodiment, there is provided a first hook having a threaded protrusion for fitting a connector in which the spinal rod is inserted, a second hook, a rod for connecting the two...

20060084986 - Instrument and method for the insertion and alignment of an intervertebral implant: The present invention includes pin guides and methods for placing pins in adjacent vertebrae. The present invention also includes methods for placing pins in adjacent vertebrae using the pin guides described herein. The present invention also includes an intervertebral implant insertion and alignment instrument, a distraction instrument, an intervertebral implant...

20060084989 - Multi-axial anchor assemblies for spinal implants and methods: Systems and methods are provided that include a plate member engageable to the spinal column with an anchor assembly. The anchor assembly includes a coupling member having a post extending through at least one opening of the plate member and an anchor member pivotally captured in a receiver member of...

20060084979 - Polyaxial bone screw with uploaded threaded shank and method of assembly and use: A polyaxial bone screw assembly includes a threaded shank body integral with an upper capture structure and a head having an inner cavity for receiving the capture structure. The capture structure is threaded and the head includes a threaded opening for rotatable assembly with the capture structure and eventual locking...

20060084991 - Posterior dynamic stabilizer devices: A posterior stabilization device is provided for controlling movement between adjacent vertebrae. In one exemplary embodiment, the stabilization device can include one or more joints that rely on rotational or sliding movement to allow flexion of adjacent vertebrae, and that control extension, lateral bending, axial rotation, and anterior-posterior shear, preferably...

20060084978 - Spinal fixation system and method: A pedicle screw includes a cradle carrying a stabilization rod and a side entry channel for placing the rod into the cradle. A protuberance extends into the channel for providing an initial stop for the stabilization rod when being directed into the channel and is dimensioned for providing an audible...

20060084980 - Spinal implants and methods with extended multi-axial anchor assemblies: Systems and methods are provided that include a plate member engageable to the spinal column with an anchor assembly. The anchor assembly includes a coupling member having a post extending through at least one opening of the plate member and an anchor member pivotally captured in a receiver member of...

20060084993 - Spinal stabilization systems and methods: A spinal stabilization system may be formed in a patient. In some embodiments, a minimally invasive procedure may be used to form a spinal stabilization system in a patient. Bone fastener assemblies may be coupled to vertebrae. Each bone fastener assembly may include a bone fastener and a collar. The...

20060084982 - Systems and methods for posterior dynamic stabilization of the spine: Systems and devices for dynamically stabilizing the spine are provided. The systems include a superior component for attachment to a superior vertebra of a spinal motion segment and an inferior component for attachment to an inferior vertebral of a spinal motion segment. The interconnection between the two components enables the...

20060084983 - Systems and methods for posterior dynamic stabilization of the spine: Devices, systems and methods for dynamically stabilizing the spine are provided. The devices include an expandable spacer or member having an unexpanded configuration and an expanded configuration, wherein the expandable member in an expanded configuration has a size, volume and/or shape configured for positioning between the spinous processes of adjacent...

20060084984 - Systems and methods for posterior dynamic stabilization of the spine: Systems and devices for dynamically stabilizing the spine are provided. The systems include a superior component for attachment to a superior vertebra of a spinal motion segment and an inferior component for attachment to an inferior vertebral of a spinal motion segment. The interconnection between the two components enables the...

20060084985 - Systems and methods for posterior dynamic stabilization of the spine: Devices, systems and methods for dynamically stabilizing the spine are provided. The devices include an expandable spacer or member having an unexpanded configuration and an expanded configuration, wherein the expandable member in an expanded configuration has a size, volume and/or shape configured for positioning between the spinous processes of adjacent...

20060084987 - Systems and methods for posterior dynamic stabilization of the spine: Systems and devices for dynamically stabilizing the spine are provided. The systems include a superior component for attachment to a superior vertebra of a spinal motion segment and an inferior component for attachment to an inferior vertebral of a spinal motion segment. The interconnection between the two components enables the...

20060084988 - Systems and methods for posterior dynamic stabilization of the spine: Devices, systems and methods for dynamically stabilizing the spine are provided. The devices include a radially expandable spacer having an undeployed configuration and a deployed configuration, wherein the spacer has axial and radial dimensions for positioning between the spinous processes of adjacent vertebrae. The systems include one or more spacers...

20060084992 - Tubular member having a passage and opposed bone contacting extensions: An apparatus for use in human surgery has a tubular member with a passage for providing protected access to a surgical site. The passage has a minimum width transverse to the mid-longitudinal axis of the tubular member. Two opposed extensions extend from the distal end of the tubular member. The...

20060084997 - Devices and methods for interlocking surgical screws and nails: The present invention demonstrates and improved interlocking nail and screw combination to repair fracture bones. The preferred combination uses an hourglass shaped intramedullary nail wherein the larger ends of the nail have holes capable of receiving screws. The holes may, or may not be conical. Further, the holes may or...

20060084998 - Expandable orthopedic device: A device for stabilizing bone includes a tubular body having first and second end regions defining a longitudinal axis therebetween. A plurality of splines extend from the first end region, the splines including first ends coupled to the first end region, and second ends disposed away from the first end...

20060084999 - Intramedullary nail for femur fracture fixation: The invention concerns an intramedullary nail for the fixation of fractures of the proximal femur, with a femur neck screw (10a), installable with a proximal femur nail (1a), into the intramedullary area, by a diagonal bore (7a), running to the longitudinal axis of the femur nail (1a), from the side...

20060085001 - Plate system having bone portion engaging anchors and connecting plate: A plating system includes bone portion engaging anchors coupled to a connecting plate in moveable relationship to vary the spacing between the anchoring points of the plating system to the bone portions. The plating system includes instrumentation and method for installation thereof. The plating system is capable of both passive...

20060085000 - System for rib fixation: System, including methods, apparatus, and kits, for fixing ribs with bone plates....

20060085002 - Implant system, method, and instrument for augmentation or reconstruction of intervertebral disc: An augmentation instrument for attaching a retaining device to a vertebral endplate comprises a drive housing having a distal end portion, a drive mechanism extending through the drive housing and including a flexible shaft portion, and an attachment mechanism at the distal end portion of the drive housing. The attachment...

20060085003 - Use of autogenous growth factors in bone tunnels during ligament reconstruction: A method for introducing autogenous growth factors produced from a patient's own blood into a target bone tunnel created by the surgeon during ligament reconstruction. The autogenous growth factors, preferably contained in platelet-rich plasma, are provided optionally with hyaluronic acid and with a coagulating agent such as thrombin to form...

20060085005 - Bone drill system with highly visible depth markings: A bone drill system, and method for using the same, with a highly visible depth marking for a clinician to more easily visualize the depth marking on a drill bit or similar tool. The drill system comprises a drill body, a drill bit coupled to the drill body, the drill...

20060085004 - Injection drill assembly: An injection drill assembly for an intra-osseous injection apparatus includes a needle, a needle hub, and a clamp. The needle hub includes a first section, a second section located behind the first section, and a tunnel longitudinally running therethrough. The first section has two annular ridges formed respectively at two...

20060085006 - System and method for retrograde procedure: A system and method may be used for accessing an articular surface and for preparing an implant site on the articular surface. The method may include locating a portion of the articular. An access passage may be drilled towards the articular surface though bone behind the articular surface. An implant...

20060085007 - Distractable body augmenter capable of being planted through a pedicle for vertebral body reconstruction: A distractable body augmenter is provided for reconstruction of a vertebra subjected to loss of bone mass or fracture, and is planted in the vertebra from a pedicle of the vertebra for helping maintain or restore normal position and size of the vertebra; through the pedicle, the augmenter, fitting the...

20060085008 - Device for injecting bone cement: In a device for injecting bone cement, the discharge direction of the bone cement after insertion of the cannula should be controllable in a certain region. This is made possible through a radial exit aperture (5) which is provided on the front end of the cannula (3). Since the cannula...

20060085009 - Implants and methods for treating bone: This invention relates to biomedical implants for filling, supporting or treating bone. In one embodiment, the implant comprises an electrospun polymer scaffold that is thereafter plated with a metal to provide a selected high modulus. Such an implant can be fabricated with a selected porosity for tissue ingrowth. The implant...

20060085011 - Instrument system for the insertion of intervertebral disk implants: The invention relates to an instrument system for the insertion of intervertebral disk implants including two implant plates and one implant core comprising at least one trial unit including two trial elements of preferably plate shape for the determination of an implant suitable for the respective patient, at least one...

20060085010 - Minimally invasive method and apparatus for placing facet screws and fusing adjacent vertebrae: The present invention provides a minimally invasive apparatus for placing screws across a facet joint between adjacent first and second vertebrae. The apparatus includes a first K-wire for inserting into the spinous process of the first vertebrae and a first fixation block removably connected to the first K-wire. The apparatus...

20060085012 - Torquing device delivered over a guidewire to rotate a medical fastener: The invention provides an endovascular torquing device for a rotational fastener and a system and method for endovascular delivery of a rotational fastener to a treatment site within a patient. The torquing device comprises a flexible body portion having a guidewire lumen extending longitudinally there through. A coupling portion formed...

20060085013 - Intraocular lens inserter: An intraocular lens (IOL) inserter and method of use ensure that an artificial intraocular lens is controllably ejected from a cartridge and into a patient's eye by using successive, predefined detent positions. One embodiment has a distal pivotal portion that can be pivoted to a desired angle as a mover...

20060085014 - Endovascular prosthetic devices having hook and loop structures: Endovascular prostheses and methods for their use are disclosed. The prostheses include an endovascular member in need of repair and a patch therefore, as well as prostheses comprising two or more endovascular members, such as stent-grafts, which may be assembled in situ. Components of the prostheses are held together in...

20060085015 - Endoscopic surgical clip applier: A surgical clip applying apparatus is disclosed which has a handle portion, a body extending distally from the handle portion defining a longitudinal axis and a number of surgical clips disposed within the body. The apparatus has a movable member biased in the housing adjacent the wedge plate. An actuator...

20060085016 - Suture instrument and method of suturing in cosmetic surgery: A method of treating a patient in cosmetic surgery, using first and second hollow tubular surgical members and a suture to be surgically inserted under the patient's facial skin, including the following steps: cutting a single incision in the patient's facial skin adjacent to the area of the ear; threading...

20060085017 - Vascular graft: A vascular graft for anastomosis of blood vessels or ducts comprises piercing means (3) for engaging an end portion (8/8′) of a blood vessel or prosthesis and means (6, 6′) for precisely guiding one or more piercing elements (3) to pierce the wall of the vessel or prosthesis to a...

20060085018 - Ear comb: A disposable ear cleaning appliance for insertion into an ear canal. The appliance comprises of an a long stem, which acts as a handle, that entails a cube like handling mechanism for rotating the stem, two heads that extend from each end of the stem, that act as cleaners, with...

20060085019 - Surgical knife safety handle having user operable lock: A surgical knife safety device having a handle, a blade connected to the handle, and a guard carried by the handle for sliding movement between a retracted position in which the blade is exposed for use, and an extended position for covering the sharp cutting edge of the blade. In...

20060085020 - Tissue penetration device: A tissue penetration device and method of using same. The tissue penetration device may optionally include sampling and analyzing functions, which may be integrated. An embodiment provides control of a lancet used for sampling blood. Electric field coils or solenoids may drive the lancet using electromagnetic force. Advancement and retraction...

20060085021 - Surgical punching instrument: A surgical punching instrument with a fixed handle (21) is attached to a tubular guide part (20). An actuating lever (23) is mounted on the fixed handle (21) in a pivotingly movable manner and is in connection with a plunger (27) via a short lever arm (24). This plunger is...

20060085023 - Medical balloon having strengthening rods: A non-compliant medical balloon includes a balloon layer having an outer surface and a strengthening rod connected to the outer surface of the balloon layer. The strengthening rod may be connected longitudinally on the outer surface fo the balloon layer. Typically, the balloon is formed of a polymer like polyethylene...

20060085024 - Non-compliant medical balloon having an integral non-woven fabric layer: A non-compliant medical balloon may be changed from a deflated state to an inflated state by increasing pressure within the balloon. The non-compliant medical balloon is composed of a matted fabric layer composed of at least two matted fabric fibers forming an angle. The angle remains substantially unchanged when the...

20060085022 - Non-compliant medical balloon having an integral woven fabric layer: A non-compliant medical balloon may be changed from a deflated state to an inflated state by increasing pressure within the balloon. The non-compliant medical balloon is composed of a woven fabric layer composed of at least two woven fabric fibers forming an angle. The angle remains substantially unchanged when the...

20060085025 - Balloon catheter with non-deployable stent: An angioplasty balloon including a non-deployable stent to prevent or reduce the potential for slippage of the inflated balloon with respect to the vessel wall being treated. The balloon includes a non-deployable stent that is adapted to be secured to the balloon or angioplasty balloon catheter. The stent has a...

20060085026 - Device and method for converting a balloon catheter into a cutting balloon catheter: A lesion treating device for converting a standard balloon catheter into a cutting balloon catheter is provided. The device includes a longitudinal housing such as a tube which is sized to be inserted into a lumen of the balloon catheter and cutting wires disposed within the longitudinal housing in an...

20060085027 - Nasal congestion, obstruction relief, and drug delivery: A nasal insert may include a wall in the shape of a tube, the wall including a first end defining a first orifice and a second end defining a second orifice. The first end may have a diameter, diagonal measurement, or cross-sectional area larger than that of the second end....

20060085028 - Vessel occlusion system: The present invention relates to a device for occluding vessels or ducts in a living being. The device includes a frame for anchoring the device in a vessel and a expandable core connected to the frame for occluding the vessel....

20060085029 - Vascular sealant delivery device and sheath introducer and method: A sheath introducer is inserted through the skin and into a body lumen, e.g., the femoral artery, for a medical procedure. Upon completion of the medical procedure, the sheath introducer is partially withdrawn from the body lumen so that at least one through-wall hole in a body region of the...

20060085030 - Seal element for anastomosis: A seal element for sealing between tissue lumens includes a first material for allowing tissue ingrowth and a second sealant material....

20060085031 - Extraluminal sealant applicator and method: An apparatus for applying sealant to a target tissue of a surgical site is provided. The apparatus includes a handle, conduit and an end effector. The handle has means configured and adapted for operating the end effector and dispensing biological sealant to the surgical site via the end effector. The...

20060085035 - Compression anastomosis device and method: An anastomotic device for use in the joining of a first tubular structure and a second tubular structure is provided. The anastomotic device includes a cylindrical sleeve configured and dimensioned for placement at least partially within the first tubular structure, the cylindrical sleeve defining a bore therethrough; an inverting member...

20060085032 - Structure containing wound treatment material: According to an aspect of the present disclosure, an anvil assembly for a circular stapling apparatus, is disclosed. The anvil assembly includes an anvil head configured to support an anvil plate thereon; a shaft extending from the anvil head and configured to selectively engage a connection member of the circular...

20060085034 - Support structures and methods of using the same: According to an aspect of the present disclosure, an apparatus for forming an anastomosis between adjacent intestinal sections of tissue is provided. The apparatus includes an anastomosis device having an anvil and a tubular body portion, wherein the anvil is selectively attachable to the tubular body portion by a shaft;...

20060085033 - Surgical apparatus and structure for applying sprayable wound treatment material: According to an aspect of the present disclosure, an apparatus for forming an anastomosis between adjacent sections of tissue is provided. The apparatus includes a body portion; an actuation assembly operatively supported at a proximal end of the body portion; an anvil assembly movably mounted at the distal end of...

20060085036 - Adhesive suture structure and methods of using the same: According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a surgical suture needle assembly is provided including an elongate tube defining a lumen through at least a portion of a length thereof; and a wound treatment material contained within the lumen of the suture structure. The present disclosure further provides for...

20060079864 - Instrument support apparatus: An instrument support apparatus is disclosed. In some embodiments, the instrument support apparatus may be for supporting an instrument having a shaft extending along a shaft axis relative to a patient positioned adjacent to an external frame. In some embodiments, the instrument support apparatus may include a base fixedly mountable...

20060079863 - Medical devices coated with diamond-like carbon: A medical device that has a sliding or peeling surface coated with diamond-like carbon (DLC) coating. The coating reduces sliding or peeling resistance. The coated substrates may be polymeric. The coating may be applied from a cold plasma of a hydrocarbon gas such as acetylene. Plasmas may be generated to...

20060079865 - Medical manipulator: A medical manipulator comprises a working unit (10) that performs operations, an operating unit (20) that generates instructions, a drive unit (50) that drives the working unit on the basis of instructions given thereto by the operating unit, a power transmission mechanism (60) for transmitting driving force of the drive...

20060079866 - Medical manipulator: A medical manipulator comprises a working unit (10) that performs operations, an operating unit (20) that generates instructions, a drive unit (50) that drives the working unit on the basis of instructions given thereto by the operating unit, a power transmission mechanism (60) for transmitting driving force of the drive...

20060079867 - Apparatus and method for accurately delimited cryoablation: The present invention is of a system and method for accurate cryoablation, useable to enhance a surgeon's ability to accurately cryoablate a selected cryoablation target and to limit cryoablation to that selected target. Presented are apparatus and method for accurately delimiting a cryoablation volume, for minimizing damage to tissues surrounding...

20060079868 - Method and system for treatment of blood vessel disorders: A non-invasive method and system for using ultrasound energy for the treatment of conditions resulting from vascular disorders is provided. In one embodiment, an image-treatment approach can be used to locate the blood vessel to be treated and then to ablate it non-invasively, while also monitoring the progress of the...

20060079869 - Thermal surgical procedures and compositions: Methods, compositions, and systems useful to enhance a thermal surgical procedure are described. Compositions include at least one compound effective to induce an inflammatory response in biological material identified to undergo a thermal surgical procedure. Methods and systems include providing compositions of the invention to biological materials and treating biological...

20060079870 - Systems and methods for shrinking and/or securing cardiovascular tissue: Systems and methods for treating cardiac tissue are disclosed. A method in accordance with one embodiment of the invention is directed to treating cardiac tissue that includes a primum, a secundum adjacent to the primum, and a patent foramen ovale (PFO). The method can include shrinking the primum at a...

20060079871 - Universal foot switch contact port: A universal contact port for receiving contacts of various cross-sectional dimensions and cross-sectional profiles of an electrosurgical component is provided. The universal contact port includes a plurality of rollers each defining a corporal axis, the corporal axes being at least substantially parallel to one another; and a plurality of shafts...

20060079872 - Devices for detecting heating under a patient return electrode: The present disclosure is an apparatus for predicting the temperature at a return electrode in a monopolar electrosurgical system. The apparatus includes a detecting apparatus adapted to connect to a power source having an analog circuit configured to sense a change in an element wherein the element is selected from...

20060079873 - Endoscopic devices and related methods of use: Embodiments of the invention include a medical device including a handle portion, an end effector assembly, an elongate member connecting the handle portion and the end effector assembly, and one or more treatment devices extendable through the elongate member and end effector assembly. The end effector assembly includes an electrode...

20060079879 - Actuation mechanism for use with an ultrasonic surgical instrument: An ultrasonic clamp coagulator assembly that is configured to permit selective cutting, coagulation and clamping of tissue during surgical procedures. An elongated portion of the instrument can be configured for endoscopic applications and has an outside diameter of less than 6 mm. The construction includes a clamping mechanism, including a...

20060079875 - Clamp mechanism for use with an ultrasonic surgical instrument: An ultrasonic clamp coagulator assembly that is configured to permit selective cutting, coagulation and clamping of tissue during surgical procedures. An elongated portion of the instrument can be configured for endoscopic applications and has an outside diameter of less than 6 mm. The construction includes a clamping mechanism, including a...

20060079878 - Combination tissue pad for use with an ultrasonic surgical instrument: An ultrasonic clamp coagulator assembly that is configured to permit selective cutting, coagulation and clamping of tissue during surgical procedures. An elongated portion of the instrument can be configured for endoscopic applications and has an outside diameter of less than 6 mm. The construction includes a clamping mechanism, including a...

20060079877 - Feedback mechanism for use with an ultrasonic surgical instrument: An ultrasonic clamp coagulator assembly that is configured to permit selective cutting, coagulation and clamping of tissue during surgical procedures. An elongated portion of the instrument can be configured for endoscopic applications and has an outside diameter of less than 6 mm. The construction includes a clamping mechanism, including a...

20060079876 - Handle assembly having hand activation for use with an ultrasonic surgical instrument: An ultrasonic clamp coagulator assembly that is configured to permit selective cutting, coagulation and clamping of tissue during surgical procedures. An elongated portion of the instrument can be configured for endoscopic applications and has an outside diameter of less than 6 mm. The construction includes a clamping mechanism, including a...

20060079874 - Tissue pad for use with an ultrasonic surgical instrument: An ultrasonic clamp coagulator assembly that is configured to permit selective cutting, coagulation and clamping of tissue during surgical procedures. An elongated portion of the instrument can be configured for endoscopic applications and has an outside diameter of less than 6 mm. The construction includes a clamping mechanism, including a...

20060079885 - Cool-tip combined electrode introducer: The present disclosure relates to systems, devices and methods for positioning and placing multiple electrodes in a target surgical site. An introducer is provided for facilitating the insertion of a cluster of electrodes into the body of a patient for tissue for performing tissue ablation. The introducer includes a body...

20060079888 - Device and method for ablating tissue: An electrosurgery medical device is enhanced with unique solution-assistance, and comprises, in combination, co-operating device jaws including jaw portions for manipulating tissue, and a plurality of solution infusion openings defined and spaced along each of the jaw portions, for receiving electrolytic solution and infusing the solution onto and into tissue...

20060079886 - Electrosurgical system employing multiple electrodes and method thereof: A system for heat ablation of tissue in a patient comprises a plurality of electrodes operatively connected to a source of radiofrequency energy and configured to apply RF energy to tissue at a patient site, a plurality of RF current restricting circuits, each circuit coupled between one of the plurality...

20060079887 - Electrosurgical system employing multiple electrodes and method thereof: A system and method for heat ablation of tissue in which energy is sequentially applied to at least two electrodes inserted into tissue. The system is comprised of a radiofrequency (RF) source for supplying RF energy, at least two electrodes configured to apply RF energy to tissue, at least one...

20060079884 - Robotic tool with wristed monopolar electrosurgical end effectors: A surgical instrument for use with a robotic surgical system is described. The instrument includes an elongate shaft having a proximal end and a distal end. An electrically live wrist member is disposed at the distal end of the shaft. An electrocautery end effector is mounted to the wrist member....

20060079881 - Single-use transurethral needle ablation: A one-piece, single-use disposable device for transurethral needle ablation (TUNA) of prostate tissue to alleviate BPH is disclosed. The device may include a flexible catheter tip including a rigid core and a flexible tip. The device may also include a single use lockout to help ensure that the device is...

20060079883 - Transurethral needle ablation system: A one-piece, single-use disposable device for transurethral needle ablation (TUNA) of prostate tissue to alleviate BPH is disclosed. The device may include a flexible catheter tip including a rigid core and a flexible tip. The device may also include a single use lockout to help ensure that the device is...

20060079882 - Transurethral needle ablation system with automatic needle retraction: A one-piece, single-use disposable device for transurethral needle ablation (TUNA) of prostate tissue to alleviate BPH is disclosed. The device may include a flexible catheter tip including a rigid core and a flexible tip. The device may also include a single use lockout to help ensure that the device is...

20060079880 - Transurethral needle ablation system with flexible catheter tip: A one-piece, single-use disposable device for transurethral needle ablation (TUNA) of prostate tissue to alleviate BPH is disclosed. The device may include a flexible catheter tip including a rigid core and a flexible tip. The device may also include a single use lockout to help ensure that the device is...

20060079889 - Wristed robotic tool with replaceable end-effector cartridges: In one embodiment of the invention, a replaceable electrosurgical end effector cartridge is provided to couple to a mechanical wrist of a surgical instrument for a robotic surgical system. The replaceable electrosurgical end effector cartridge includes two end effectors, a fastener to rotatably couple the two end effectors together, and...

20060079890 - Bilateral foot jaws: The present disclosure relates to a surgical instrument which includes a drive rod assembly having a hollow shaft portion. A central shaft is slidably disposed in and axially aligned with the hollow shaft portion. The instrument may further include a handle assembly coupled to hollow shaft portion and the central...

20060079891 - Mechanism for dividing tissue in a hemostat-style instrument: Open electrosurgical forceps for sealing tissue are provided which include first and second shaft portions pivotably associated with one another. Each shaft portion has a jaw member disposed at a distal end thereof. Each of the jaw members includes an electrically conductive sealing surface adapted to communicate electrosurgical energy through...

20060079892 - Adjustable tandem connectors for corrective devices for the spinal column and other bones and joints: Connectors for interconnecting rods, fixed to vertebrae and other bones of a subject include a body portion and two recesses or pockets for receiving the rods. These connectors are generally able to be secured to the rods by a tightening a fastener or retaining member from above the spine, which...

20060079897 - Apparatus and methods for magnetic alteration of anatomical features: Methods and apparatus for incrementally manipulating a body member of a patient are disclosed. The apparatus has a magnetic implant adapted to be received on a location of the body member, a form external to the patient, and a magnetic member coupled to the form, wherein the magnetic member generates...

20060079899 - Connection rod for screw or hook polyaxial system and method of use: A low-profile surgical implant assembly is provided that includes a connector device that is an integral part of a rod, the connector device allowing the rod to be attached directly to a bone screw, such as a pedicle screw. Another aspect of the invention is a clamp device that allows...

20060079894 - Connector transfer tool for internal structure stabilization systems: A tool is described for use in a stabilization system for bony structures such as vertebrae, where the system involves connected a connector from one bone anchor in a vertebra to a second bone anchor in another vertebra. The tool includes a handle attached to an arm. The arm is...

20060079895 - Methods and devices for improved bonding of devices to bone: The present invention is directed to improving bonding between orthopedic devices, particularly vertebral devices, and bone. The present invention provides various methods and devices employing mechanical and bio-fixation modalities for such attachment. As provided herein, the initial mechanical attachment of a device to bone is sufficiently stable to ensure that...

20060079896 - Methods and devices for posterior stabilization: Various methods and devices for replacing damaged, injured, diseased, or otherwise unhealthy posterior elements, such as the facet joints, the lamina, the posterior ligaments, and/or other features of a patient's spinal column, are provided. In certain exemplary embodiments, a four bar linkage mechanism can be used to construct spinal stabilization...

20060079898 - Spinal motion preservation assemblies: Spinal motion preservation assemblies adapted for use in a spinal motion segment are disclosed including the process for delivering and assembling the spinal motion preservation assemblies in the spinal motion segment via an axial channel created with a trans-sacral approach. The spinal motion preservation assemblies make use of a dual...

20060079893 - Threadform for medical implant closure: A thread is located on a cylindrical closure for an open headed medical implant. The thread has a leading surface and a trailing surface that both slope rearwardly from an interior edge to an exterior edge thereof....

20060079900 - Implant for fixing bones: An implant for use in bone fixation, includes combination of the two materials: metal and plastic. The implant defines several passages with axles (3) running through the implant, which are suitable for receiving a bone fixation device, such as a bone screw. The passages are provided with a peripheral perimeter,...

20060079901 - Translatable carriage fixation system: Translational bone fixation assemblies, kits containing such assemblies, and methods of use are described herein. The described assemblies may be used in spinal fusion procedures in which a damaged or diseased disc (or part of a disc) is removed from between a pair of vertebrae and a spinal fusion spacer...

20060079902 - Bone distractor apparatus: An improved distractor apparatus of the type having at least a pair of opposing bone plates secured distally and proximally to a pair of bone segments created by cutting an osteotomy gap, wherein the mounting brackets for securing the bone plates to the distractor means comprise abutment members that extend...

20060079903 - Minimally invasive pedicle screw and guide support: A minimally invasive orthopedic bone attachment system comprising a pedicle screw and guide support sleeve for insertion of the screw. The pedicle screw is a self-boring, self-tapping integral screw having a distal sharply pointed end for guiding the insertion of the screw as well as forming a borehole for the...

20060079904 - Multirow knotless suture anchor assembly: A tissue repair has at least two attachment points for a suture to create a broad area of contact between tissue in bone. When two anchor points are used, the suture extends between and is attached to the two attachment points to create a suture band. When two on more...

20060079905 - Methods, materials and apparatus for treating bone and other tissue: A method of treating a vertebra, comprising: (a) accessing an interior of a vertebra; and (b) introducing a sufficient amount of artificial biocompatible material which does not set to a hardened condition in storage, into said bone, with sufficient force to move apart fractured portions of said bone....

20060079906 - Acetabular rim cutter: An acetabular rim cutter has an annular cutting face provided on a rotatable carrier. A coupler is provided for attaching the carrier to a rotational power source. A guide element is axially aligned with the cutting face to locate and align the cutting face on the acetabulum with which it...

20060079907 - Guide device for a surgical machining tool: In a guiding device for a surgical machining tool, which, in particular, is securable to a bone to be worked on and comprises a guiding element which guides the machining tool and is mounted on the guiding device so as to be displaceable in one plane, in order to improve...

20060079909 - Instruments and methods for bone anchor engagement and spinal rod reduction: An instrument for engaging a bone anchor may include a first implant engaging member having a proximal end and a distal end and a second implant engaging member having a proximal end and a distal end. The second implant engaging member may be integrally connected to the first implant engaging...

20060079908 - Minimally invasive method and apparatus for placing facet screws and fusing adjacent vertebrae: An example apparatus places translaminar screws across a facet joint between adjacent first and second vertebrae in a minimally invasive surgical procedure. The apparatus includes a first K-wire, a second K-wire, a first fixation block, a second fixation block, a support block, a first rod member, a second rod member,...

20060079910 - Surgical marker: A marking pen for indicating the proper location of incisions to be made on a patient undergoing surgery is provided. The marking pen includes a handle having a first end and a second end; a wheel comprising a gelatinous ink-soaked polymer rotably attached to the first end of the handle;...

20060079911 - Apparatus for ligating living tissues: A apparatus for ligating living tissues comprises an introducing tube capable of being inserted into a living body cavity, at least two or more manipulating wires movably inserted into the introducing tube, and at least two or more clips having a proximal end portion, a pinch section being formed at...

20060079912 - Endoscopic surgical clip applier: An apparatus for application of surgical clips to body tissue has a handle portion with a body extending distally from the handle portion defining a longitudinal axis and a plurality of surgical clips disposed within the body. The apparatus also has a jaw assembly mounted adjacent a distal end portion...

20060079913 - Endoscopic surgical clip applier: An apparatus for application of surgical clips to body tissue has a handle portion and a body extending distally from the handle portion and defining a longitudinal axis. The apparatus also has a plurality of surgical clips disposed within the body, and a jaw assembly mounted adjacent a distal end...

20060079914 - Articulating suturing device and method: Devices, systems, and methods for suturing of body lumens allow the suturing of vascular puncture sites located at the distal end of a percutaneous tissue tract. An elongated articulated foot near a distal end of a shaft is inserted through the penetration and actuated so that the foot extends along...

20060079916 - Body fluid cartridge exchange platform device: An apparatus for establishing a re-usable, recurring, mechanical connection to an organ within a patient is provided. A body fluid cartridge exchange platform device includes a hollow cartridge platform housing with a first end having an opening. The platform housing can additionally have a second end with a second opening....

20060079917 - Non-circular compression anastomotic devices: A compression anastomotic device for reconstruction of a tubular body lumen includes a pair of interconnectable open center compression rings or discs adapted to form a closed loop anastomotic ring in the reconstructed hollow lumen. The anastomotic ring defines an anastomotic plane, wherein the anastomotic ring is non-circular in plan...

20060079915 - Temporary anastomotic seal and method: Forming a proximal anastomosis on an aortic wall includes method and instrumentation and apparatus for forming an aortic puncture and inserting into the vessel through the puncture a fluid-impervious sealing element with a protruding retainer. An anastomosis of a graft vessel over the puncture is partially completed with the retainer...

20060079918 - Balloon anchored surgical apparatus, its use and manufacture: A surgical instrument is provided including a housing having an orifice; a cannula defining a lumen which is in communication with the orifice; an obturator receivable through the orifice and the lumen; and a balloon having a distal side, a proximal side and an aperture extending through the distal side...

20060079919 - Drive apparatus: The invention relates to shielded reciprocating surgical file system for precisely removing bone and/or other tissue material. The system allows a user to maneuver the system and navigate into hard to access sites under a direct vision mechanism included in the system. A transmission mechanism converts rotary motion from a...

20060079920 - Single use lancet assembly: A single use lancet assembly having a housing, with an open interior and a piercing aperture defined therein, a lancet, with a body and a piercing tip positioned in the open interior of the housing and movable between a cocked orientation and a piercing orientation, a driving assembly structured to...

20060079921 - Method of establishing pneumoperitoneum: A tissue perforation device and method. The device preferably includes a housing having a housing pass-through, a penetrator device securely and sealably positioned so that the penetrator device passes through the housing pass-through, and a vacuum system comprising a vacuum source securely and sealably attached through the housing for advancing...

20060079923 - Aneurysm treatment using semi-compliant balloon: A device for occluding an aneurysm comprising: a detachable, semi-compliant, radially-expanding balloon mounted on a catheter, wherein the balloon is in fluid communication with the catheter, wherein the balloon comprises a plurality of micropores, and wherein the micropores in the balloon allow expression of a bio-adhesive fluid at a defined...

20060079924 - Apparatus for accessing a body cavity and methods of making same: Apparatus is provided for accessing a body cavity comprising kit containing an annular member having a deflated insertion configuration and an inflated expanded configuration and an expandable support assembly including an upper lever coupled to a handle, wherein the expandable support assembly may be deployed within the inflatable body to...

20060079922 - Balloon anchored surgical apparatus, its use and manufacture: A surgical instrument is provided including a housing having an orifice; a cannula defining a lumen which is in communication with the orifice; an obturator receivable through the orifice and the lumen; and a balloon having a distal side, a proximal side and an aperture extending through the distal side...

20060079925 - Direct vision port site dissector: A direct vision dissecting port for providing safe entry into a body cavity, as well as being operative to serve as a standard port for use in laparoscopic, endoscopic or thoracic surgery. The device includes an elongated housing within which a endoscope may be positioned. The distal-most end of the...

20060079927 - Detachable joint catheter and method: A tip delivery system includes a tip, a tip support structure and a dissolvable joint connecting the tip to the tip support structure. To separate the tip from the tip support structure, a dissolving liquid is delivered to the dissolvable joint. The dissolving liquid reacts, e.g., enzymatically, with the dissolvable...

20060079929 - Intracorporeal occlusive device and method: An intracorporeal space filling device and a delivery system and method of 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...

20060079928 - Permanent blood clot filter with capability of being retrieved: A permanent blood clot filter which may be retrieved is provided. The blood clot filter includes a filter section and an alignment section. The filter section includes a filter hub and a set of filter legs whose downstream ends are connected to the filter hub. The filter legs extend axially...

20060079926 - Vasoocclusive coil with biplex windings to improve mechanical properties: The vasoocclusive device for use in interventional therapy and vascular surgery adapted to be inserted into a portion of a vasculature, includes a vasoocclusive coil disposed about an inner reinforcement coil wherein said vasoocclusive coil is helically wound and the inner reinforcement coil forms a reverse helical winding opposite the...

20060079930 - Vein filter: A vessel filter having a first region and a second region, each having a mounting portion and a filter portion having a converging region at an end portion to direct particles toward the center of the filter. Each mounting portion is flared in the expanded position to have a transverse...

20060079934 - Forceps cover sheath, surgical forceps and surgical forceps system: A forceps cover sheath includes, detachably from a forceps, a cover sheath main body covering at least a link mechanism out of the forceps which has the link mechanism at a distal end portion of an elongated shaft and which has, at a distal end portion of the link mechanism,...

20060079933 - Latching mechanism for forceps: The present disclosure relates to a surgical instrument which includes a shaft having a proximal end and a distal end and a housing connected to the proximal end of the shaft. The instrument may further include an actuation assembly having a first lever and a second lever, each pivotally connected...

20060079931 - Surgical deep needle driver: The disclosure is directed to an improved deep needle driver for use when working on patients having significant tissue thicknesses, where conventional instruments are too short or do not provide suitable maneuverability within deep tissue. The driver includes a pair arms bent at two positions, where the arms are pivotally...

20060079932 - Surgical retraction device for removal of small organs: A surgical device and tool for use in stabilizing tissue, such as an organ relative to a clamp, the surgical device having an elongate rigid member with a proximal end of the device having a stabilizing structure that rests against the skin of the subject and includes a vessel guide...

20060079935 - Suture for wound closure, tissue approximation, tissue support, suspension and/or fixation: A suture assembly includes an elongated flexible body supporting a plurality of frusto-conically shaped tissue-engaging elements in a generally spaced arrangement thereon. A curved body having a sharp point is joined to one end of the flexible body while a straight pointed body is joined to the remaining end of...

20060074405 - Integrated system for controlling plural surgical tools: A surgical tool system including plural powered surgical handpieces. The handpieces are removably connected to a single control console. The control console has a power supply. A controller internal to the control console simultaneously supplies power to the plural handpieces. In the event the handpieces collectively draw more power than...

20060074407 - Medical device with articulating shaft: A medical device includes an articulating shaft with a pair of slat assemblies. By moving an articulator, the slat assemblies are configured to concurrently push while the other pulls in order to bend the articulating shaft. The articulating shaft includes a series of alternating pins and pivot members. Each pin...

20060074408 - Medical manipulator: A medical manipulator comprises a working unit (10) that performs operations, an operating unit (20) that generates instructions, a drive unit (50) that drives the working unit on the basis of instructions given thereto by the operating unit, a power transmission mechanism (60) for transmitting driving force of the drive...

20060074406 - Offset remote center manipulator for robotic surgery: Medical, surgical, and/or robotic devices and systems often including offset remote center parallelogram manipulator linkage assemblies which constrains a position of a surgical instrument during minimally invasive robotic surgery are disclosed. The improved remote center manipulator linkage assembly advantageously enhances the range of instrument motion while at the same time...

20060074409 - Detachable shaft medical retrieval device and related methods of use: Embodiments of the invention are directed to a medical device and methods for immobilizing and retrieving material from a patient's body. The device may include a proximal portion extending substantially longitudinally and a detachably engaged to a distal portion capable of transforming between an expanded configuration and a substantially straight...

20060074411 - Biomedical dispersive electrode: Herein is disclosed a biomedical dispersive electrode which can redistribute the current in the subject body, increase subject safety, reduce the chance for burns and other tissue damage as well as discomfort experienced by subject during or after usage. Electrodes based on the principles of this invention can be made...

20060074410 - Energy based devices and methods for treatment of anatomic tissue defects: Methods for treating anatomic tissue defects such as patent foramen ovale (PFO) generally involve positioning a distal end of an elongate catheter device at the site of the anatomic defect, exposing an expandable housing and energy transmission member out of the distal end of the catheter device, engaging the housing...

20060074413 - Method and apparatus for substantial and uniform ablation about a linear bipolar array of electrodes: The described invention relates to a medical device for substantially sized uniform ablation of animal or human tissue comprising of a bipolar generator for generating radio frequency at an electrode, a polarity alternator, a probe having a handle, and an elongated member, and a tip at the far end of...

20060074412 - Rf ablation probe with unibody electrode element: An ablation probe and method of manufacturing the ablation probe are provided. The probe comprises a probe shaft and a unibody electrode element. The unibody electrode element comprises a common electrode base located at the distal end of the shaft, and a plurality of electrode tines distally extending from the...

20060074414 - Pen-type electrosurgical instrument: An electrocautery device is disclosed. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the electrocautery electrode/tip is provided with a hollow, conductive tube terminating at its distal end in a ball point type tip. Fluid, preferably conductive fluid, is applied to the proximal end of the hollow electrode/tip, and expelled...

20060074415 - Wristed robotic surgical tool for pluggable end-effectors: In one embodiment of the invention, a replaceable electrosurgical end effector cartridge is provided to couple to a mechanical wrist of a surgical instrument for a robotic surgical system. The replaceable electrosurgical end effector cartridge includes two pluggable end effectors and a pair of spring latches. The two end effectors...

20060074416 - Slide-activated cutting assembly: An endoscopic bipolar forceps is provided. The forceps includes a housing, a shaft, a drive assembly, a handle assembly and a slide activated cutting assembly. The shaft is affixed to the housing and comprises an end effector assembly comprising two jaw members at its distal end. The drive assembly is...

20060074417 - Spring loaded reciprocating tissue cutting mechanism in a forceps-style electrosurgical instrument: Open electrosurgical forceps for sealing tissue which include a pair of first and second shaft portions each having a jaw member disposed at a distal end thereof. Each of the jaw members includes an electrically conductive sealing surface which communicates electrosurgical energy through tissue held therebetween with at least one...

20060074418 - Spinal fixation tool set and method for rod reduction and fastener insertion: A tool for implantation of a rod into a bone screw implanted in a human spine includes a guide member having a laterally opening channel disposed along an entire length thereof for side loading and receiving an implant fastener. A rod pushing member and a handle with a laterally opening...

20060074419 - Spinal implants with multi-axial anchor assembly and methods: System and methods are provided that include a plate member engageable to the spinal column with an anchor assembly. The anchor assembly includes a coupling member having a post extending through at least one opening of the plate member and an anchor member pivotally captured in a receiver member of...

20060074420 - Plating system for stabilizing a bony segment: A plating system for stabilization of a bony segment includes a plate engageable to at least first and second bony elements. For spinal stabilization, the plate is attached at least to first and second vertebrae with at least one bone fastener in each vertebra. Retaining members are attachable to the...

20060074421 - Fixation augmentation device and related techniques: A Fixation Augmentation Device (FAD) is presented. The FAD includes a tubular body or sleeve (902) having a collar (904) disposed on a first end thereof. The sleeve is provided having an outside diameter selected such that the sleeve fits into a hole drilled in a bone. The collar at...

20060074422 - Suture anchor and void filler combination: A novel combination of a suture anchor and a bone void filler composition. Also, a method of using the combination to affix soft tissue to mount a suture anchor in a bone....

20060074424 - Method of treating spinal internal disk derangement: A method of treating a spinal disk according to the present invention can include inserting an alloplastic bulking agent into the spinal disk to treat the defect. The alloplastic bulking agent has a plurality of microparticles. The bulking agent results in at least one of sealing the defect, increasing a...

20060074423 - Method of using an implant for treament of ligaments and tendons: A method of treating a ligament or tendon according to the present invention can include inserting a tissue-generating implant into the ligament or tendon to thereby treat the defect. The tissue-generating implant has a plurality of microparticles. The microparticles subsequently form a biological scaffold which operates at least as partial...

20060074426 - Apparatus for cutting bone: An apparatus (10) for cutting bone includes a shaft member (12) having a central axis (14) and extending between a proximal end portion (16) and a distal end portion (18). The proximal end portion (16) has a first surface (32) adapted to receive repetitive impacts. The distal end portion (18)...

20060074425 - Systems and methods for removing body tissue: Devices and methods for removing body tissue involving the use of a brush member (12) having a plurality of bristle members defining a capacity for carrying body tissue. The brush member (12) is capable of being manipulated within said body to thereby receive body tissue within said brush member (12)...

20060074429 - Adjustable angle handle for surgical instruments: An adjustable angle handle for a surgical instrument, capable of easy adjustment to a number of angles, permitting the handle of the instrument to be grasped with one hand, and the other hand to guide the operating end of the instrument, said handle permanently affixed to an instrument, or capable...

20060074428 - Adjustable angle pawl handle for surgical instruments: A two piece, adjustable angle handle for a surgical instrument, capable of easy adjustment to a number of angles, permitting the handle of the instrument to be grasped with one hand, and the other hand to guide the operating end of the instrument, said handle permanently affixed to an instrument,...

20060074427 - Articulatable apparatus for cutting bone: An apparatus for cutting bone includes an elongate member (11) having a central axis. The elongate member includes a tubular portion (12) that extends between a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The distal end portion includes an articulatable head section with a stop surface and a cutting...

20060074430 - Instrument for preparing an implant support surface and associated method: An instrument for preparing a surface of a joint is provided. The glenoid surface is adapted for receiving a prosthetic component having a feature closely conforming to the surface. The prosthetic component provides a bearing surface for a head portion of a long bone. The instrument includes a guide having...

20060074431 - Disc distraction instrument and measuring device: A distraction instrument distracts two adjacent vertebra segments to receive an artificial disc, the instrument including a measurement indication related to a distracted disc space. The measurement indication can be the force required to distract the disc space, the distance between the adjacent vertebra, the lordotic angle of a pair...

20060074432 - Modular medical tool and connector: Modular medical instruments and kits are provided, having, a tool body portion with a first mating element at one end. A removable and replaceable modular end effector having a second mating element is matable with the first mating element. The instrument further includes a selectively engageable locking mechanism having a...

20060074433 - Apparatus and methods for delivering compounds into vertebrae for vertebroplasty: An apparatus for delivering bone cement into a vertebra, includes a cannula, a delivery device in communication with the cannula and a pressure delivery device in communication with the delivery device. The pressure delivery device provides an actuating force that acts either directly or through a medium to cause a...

20060074434 - Triangular handle surgical drill guide: A cannulated drill guide for use in orthopedic surgical procedures. The drill guide includes a distal tip having distally extending tangs for positioning at a drilling site on bone. The drill guide also includes a triangular cross- section handle that provides tactile feedback to a surgeon for determining the rotational...

20060074435 - Individual surgical instruments, surgical instrument set and method for inserting an intraocular lens into an eye: An instrument and method for inserting a dual optic IOL into an eye includes in one aspect a three prong forceps and in another aspect a folder for folding the IOL. The three prong forceps and folder are cooperatively configured to allow a user to first fold the IOL with...

20060074436 - Methods and apparatus for hollow body structure resection: A body structure is manipulated by first introducing a bulking material, such as a length of material, into an interior of the body structure in either open or laparoscopic surgical procedures. After the bulking material is introduced, an exterior region of the body structure may be manipulated while the material...

20060074437 - Medical retrieval device: A medical retrieval device, and related method, for removing material, such as calculi, from a patient's body. In one embodiment, the device includes a handle, a sheath, and a retrieval assembly located at the distal end of the retrieval device. The retrieval assembly includes a plurality of legs, each of...

20060074438 - Surgical repair kit and its method of use: A suture passer comprises a longitudinally extending hollow cannula having a central passage slidingly receivable of a surgical suture; a manually graspable handle connected to the hollow cannula for manipulation thereof, the handle having an upper surface; first guide means, connected to the upper surface of the handle, proximate a...

20060074439 - Fluid adjustable band: A surgically implantable fluid adjustable device, such as an adjustable gastric band, having an elongated substantially flexible inflatable portion, and an elongated flexible and substantially inextensible band portion attached to the inflatable portion. The device further includes a member for changing the shape of the device from a straight configuration...

20060074440 - Method for implanting a fluid adjustable band: A method for surgically implanting a fluid adjustable device within a body. The method uses the step of providing a fluid adjustable device having an elongated substantially flexible inflatable portion and an elongated flexible and substantially inextensible band portion attached to the inflatable portion. The method further involves changing the...

20060074442 - Guidewire for crossing occlusions or stenoses: A deflectable and torqueable hollow guidewire device is disclosed for removing occlusive material and passing through occlusions, stenosis, thrombus, plaque, calcified material, and other materials in a body lumen, such as a coronary artery. The hollow guidewire generally comprises an elongate, tubular guidewire body that has an axial lumen. A...

20060074441 - Rotational thrombectomy device: A thrombectomy apparatus for breaking up thrombus or other obstructive material in a lumen of a vascular graft or vessel includes a flexible sheath and a wire positioned within the flexible sheath, wherein the wire and flexible sheath are relatively movable. The wire is substantially sinuous in configuration and assumes...

20060074443 - Devices and methods for marking a biopsy site: A biopsy localization device made according to the invention includes an intracorporeal delivery cannula and at least one marker disposed within an inner lumen of the delivery cannula. The marker includes an expandable fibrous body with at least one radiographically detectable marker element. The expandable fibrous body may also be...

20060074444 - Modular vessel harvesting system and method: A vessel harvesting system that is suitable for harvesting target vessels such as the saphenous vein or radial artery for cardiac artery bypass graft surgery. The system includes a vessel harvesting tool with an elongated cannula and a plurality of surgical instruments therein for separating the target vessels from the...

20060074445 - Less invasive surgical system and methods: A system for performing a less invasive surgical procedure and, in particular, devices and methods for spinal fixation. The system comprises dilation tool(s), at least one working/insertion cannula, a plurality of screws, at least one fixation rod for connecting the screws, and a rod inserter. The dilation tool(s) may be...

20060074446 - Embolic protection system: An embolic protection system 1 comprises a guidewire 99 for advancing through a vasculature, the guidewire 99 having a distal end and a proximal end; an embolic protection filter 1 having a filter body 41 with a distal end and a proximal end, the filter body 41 providing for a...

20060074447 - Implantable graft to close a fistula: An implantable graft, which may be inserted into a fistula tract to occlude the primary opening of the fistula, is provided. The graft may have a curved, generally conical shape with a trumpet-like head end that continuously tapers to a smaller tail end. The graft may be an...

20060074448 - Apparatus and methods for magnetic alteration of deformities: Methods and apparatus for incrementally manipulating an internal body member of a patient are disclosed. The apparatus has a magnetic implant adapted to be received on a location of the body member, a platform external to the patient, and a magnetic member coupled to the platform, wherein the magnetic member...