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Surgery May archived by USPTO category 05/06

20060111695 - Medical device for generating a jet composed of a gas and a liquid: A medical cleaning device for cavities of bones is provided in the form of a handheld device and includes a gas reservoir. From this reservoir a first gas stream is taken that is used to propel a cleaning liquid towards an outlet of the device. A second gas stream is...

20060111696 - 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...

20060111697 - Method for operation of laser: This invention relates to a method for operation of an irradiation laser whereby laser pulse sequences or pulses of varying length are modified during application such that the comparability of recorded transients is retained....

20060111698 - Apparatus and method for performing laser-assisted vascular anastomoses: Methods and devices for creating vascular anastomoses are disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, a vein is tissue welded to an artery at a desired anastomosis site. A laser is then used to vaporize tissue within the anastomosis site to form an access pathway between the vein and artery....

20060111699 - Medical device recognition system with write-back feature: A medical radiation treatment system is disclosed for identifying and monitoring the use of disposable or reusable optical fibers or other optical accessories. The treatment system comprises a radiation source unit connected to a recognition/control unit, and a medical radiation delivery system connected to an identification/recordation unit. This forms a...

20060111708 - Ablation catheter assembly having a virtual electrode comprising portholes: An ablation catheter having a catheter shaft and a virtual electrode, the virtual electrode comprising portholes through an outer peripheral wall of the catheter shaft and a metal electrode, the catheter being used for treatment of cardiac arrhythmia, for example, atrial fibrillation, by electrically isolating a vessel, such as a...

20060111701 - Atrial ablation catheter adapted for treatment of septal wall arrhythmogenic foci and method of use: An atrial ablation catheter with an electrode array particularly adapted to locate and ablate foci of arrhythmia which are required for sustained atrial fibrillation is provided. The array is easily deployed and retracted from the catheter, and presents a proximally oriented electrode array that can be pulled against the septal...

20060111702 - Atrial ablation catheter adapted for treatment of septal wall arrhythmogenic foci and method of use: An atrial ablation catheter with an electrode array particularly adapted to locate and ablate foci of arrhythmia which are required for sustained atrial fibrillation is provided. The array is easily deployed and retracted from the catheter, and presents a proximally oriented electrode array that can be pulled against the septal...

20060111700 - Atrial ablation catheter and method of use: An atrial ablation catheter and methods for its use. The endocardial catheter includes an electrode array particularly adapted to locate and ablate foci of arrhythmia which are required for sustained atrial fibrillation is provided. The array is easily deployed and retracted from the catheter, and presents a distally oriented electrode...

20060111703 - Atrial ablation catheter and method of use: An atrial ablation catheter and methods for its use. The endocardial catheter includes an electrode array particularly adapted to locate and ablate foci of arrhythmia which are required for sustained atrial fibrillation is provided. The array is easily deployed and retracted from the catheter, and presents a distally oriented electrode...

20060111705 - Device for destruction of tumor tissue: An instrument for electrochemical treatment of the human body or of an animal body is disclosed. The instrument is useful for the destruction of tumor tissues. One or several electrodes are furnished for insertion into the body to be treated. A direct current generator (1) generates a DC voltage. Connection...

20060111704 - Devices, systems, and methods for energy assisted arterio-venous fistula creation: Devices, systems and methods are disclosed for the formation of an arteriovenous fistula. Embodiments include catheter apparatus including an ablation element for creating and/or modifying the fistula. The devices, systems and methods can be used to treat patients with one or more numerous ailments including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, congestive...

20060111706 - Electrosurgical working end for controlled energy delivery: An electrosurgical working end for automatic modulation of active Rf density in a targeted tissue volume. The working end of the probe of the present invention defines a tissue-engagement surface of an elastomeric material with conductive elements that extend therethrough. In one embodiment, the expansion of the elastomeric material can...

20060111707 - Enhanced ablation and mapping catheter and method for treating atrial fibrillation: A catheter for ablating tissue is provided. The catheter comprises an elongated generally-tubular catheter body having proximal and distal ends. An electrode assembly is provided at the distal end of the catheter body. The electrode assembly including a porous electrode arrangement that is generally transverse to the catheter body. The...

20060111709 - Electrosurgical instrument: An electrode assembly for an electrosurgical instrument, comprises a bipolar cutting blade, and fluid supply lines for directing a cooling fluid to the cutting blade, the cutting blade comprising first, second and third electrodes, and electrical insulators spacing apart the electrodes, the fluid supply lines being such that cooling fluid...

20060111710 - Electrosurgical instrument: An electrosurgical instrument includes a handpiece, an electrode assembly comprising one or more electrodes attached to the handpiece, and connection means for connecting the handpiece to an electrosurgical generator. The handpiece comprises a housing, fluid supply lines for directing a cooling fluid to and from the electrode assembly, and a...

20060111711 - Surgical instrument: An electrosurgical instrument for use in cutting and/or coagulating tissue includes a dielectric material, the dielectric material being positioned in the current pathway between the tissue-treatment regions of first and second electrodes. This can be achieved by providing one or more electrode surfaces coated with a dielectric material having a...

20060111715 - Dynamic stabilization assemblies, tool set and method: A hinged bone screw and tool set is used for implanting such bone screws in a human spine, followed by the implantation of a longitudinal connecting member into the bone screws. The hinged bone screw includes a shank with an upper portion and a receiver with integral arms forming a...

20060111714 - Instruments and methods for stabilization of bony structures: Systems and methods include positioning a device in a spinal disc space from a first approach and engaging a connecting element between anchors engaged to vertebrae from a second approach. The systems and methods minimize tissue dissection and retraction needed for stabilization of a vertebral level....

20060111712 - Spinal fixation tool set and method: A tool set for implanting a rod in a human spine in conjunction with bone screws includes a pair of end guide tools that receive opposite ends of the rod in channels and under manipulation by a surgeon facilitate transport of the rod toward the bone screws attached to the...

20060111713 - Spinal fixation tool set and method: A tool set for implanting bone screws in a human spine, followed by the implantation of a rod into the bone screws includes end guide tools having flexible back wall flaps that receive opposite ends of the rod and intermediate guide tools that hold the rod in intermediate locations between...

20060111717 - Implant with a threaded bore for a bone screw: In order to secure the screw-in position of a bone screw in an optimum manner in the case of an implant with a threaded bore for receiving the bone screw screwed into it, it is suggested that a fixing member be held on the implant in the direction of the...

20060111716 - Intramedullary nail: The intramedullary nail has a distal end suitable for insertion in the medullary space, wherein the segment of the intramedullary nail facing the distal end has a diameter D, a proximal end, a central longitudinal axis; and several cross holes with a hole axis, each of which defines a virtual...

20060111718 - Bone anchoring device with spherical articulation: The invention concerns a bone anchoring device comprising a bone anchoring element provided with a head for receiving a threaded shaft whereon a clamping means is designed to be screwed, a spherical articulation being provided between the bone anchoring element and the threaded shaft to provide the threaded shaft with...

20060111719 - Oval pin for fixing an implant subjected to tensile load: A pin for fixing an implant subjected to tensile load, in particular a tendon implant, has a rod-shaped body, the force exerted by the implant being able to be input onto the cross section of the body, on one side, and being able to be output on the opposite side...

20060111720 - Surgical screw with spontaneous loosening preventive blocking system: A surgical screw featuring a spontaneous loosening preventive blocking system comprises a threaded stem provided with a head; at least one inclined hole going through said head coming out on one side of said threaded stem, and a stainless metal thread or nail for surgical use inserted in said inclined...

20060111721 - Staple for the suture of the sternum: A staple for the suture of the sternum having a central body with right and left threaded ends in which two teeth are screwed able to be introduced into suitable holes made astride a median sternotomy performed on a patient. Rotating the central body draws the teeth together or apart,...

20060111722 - Surgical cutting tool: The present invention pertains generally to a surgical tool for cutting and shaping bone, cartilage and other anatomical structures. In particular, described herein are surgical tools having at least two cutting surfaces....

20060111724 - Bone harvesting drill bit for oral surgery: A bone harvesting drill bit has a longitudinal axis and includes a proximal end portion adapted to be mounted for rotation in a chuck of a surgical handpiece. The drill bit has a distal end portion having a boring tip for boring into a bone harvesting site and an intermediate...

20060111723 - Orthopedic medical device with unitary components: A cordless medical apparatus suitable for use in orthopedic medical applications is disclosed. The medical device includes a disposable sterile housing having a sleeve, said sleeve being configured to receive an unsterilized motor assembly. The invention further includes a sterile packaging system for enclosing the sterile housing and inserting a...

20060111725 - Accessories for removing bone material and method for making same: The invention concerns an accessory for removing material, in particular a file (3) or a cutting block, for prosthesis implantation surgery, in particular for hip or knee prostheses. The invention is characterised in that it comprises at least partly one plastic part and at least one insert (4, 10, 5)...

20060111727 - Device for delivering a surgical implant: A device (10) for delivering a surgical implant (14) comprises a guide track (11) for guiding the movement of a spinal implant (14) to an implantation site. An implant carrier (12) engages the implant in the guide track and can move along the guide track in order to deliver the...

20060111728 - Devices and methods for inter-vertebral orthopedic device placement: Disclosed are methods and devices for implanting an orthopedic device between skeletal segments, such as vertebrae, using limited surgical dissection. The implanted devices are used to adjust and maintain the spatial relationships of adjacent bones. The implanted device can be, for example, an artificial disc, a fusion cage or any...

20060111729 - Method and apparatus for manipulating bone during a surgical procedure: A method and apparatus for performing a procedure by manipulating a bone are disclosed. The apparatus can include a bone engaging portion and a digital manipulation portion. The bone engaging portion can engage the bone and then the digital manipulation portion can be used to manipulate the bone. The method...

20060111726 - Method and kit for interpositional arthroplasty: A method and system for the creation or modification of the wear surface of orthopedic joints, involving the preparation and use of one or more partially or fully preformed components adapted for insertion and placement into the body and at the joint site. The system includes a method and related...

20060111730 - Deformity reduction instrument and method: The present invention provides a medical device for reducing a rod towards a bone fastener, the medical device having a shaft defining a proximal end and a distal end, where the shaft further defines a first threaded portion. A gripper assembly may be coupled to the distal end of the...

20060111731 - Anastomosis instrument and method for performing same: A surgical instrument for creating an anastomosis includes a housing, a handle extending from the housing and a fastener support member extending distally from the housing. The fastener support member is configured and dimensioned to releasably support a plurality of surgical fasteners. The instrument further includes a tissue retaining mechanism...

20060111732 - Cycling suturing and knot-tying device: A cycling suturing and knot-tying device is characterized by an arcuate fixed, grooved or recessed way provided in a correspondingly-shaped support frame for accommodating a curved needle fitted with thread, and frictional needle-engaging devices provided in the way for selectively engaging the needle and driving the needle in one or...

20060111733 - Graft core for seal and suture anastomoses with devices and methods for percutaneous intraluminal excisional surgery (pies): Devices and methods are described for emplacing bypass grafts in any tubular tract in a mammalian body by natural or percutaneous entry and suturing intraluminally. A coronary bypass is used as the preferred embodiment. Prior art devices and methods for accomplishing this object are disclosed in patents but are not...

20060111734 - Suture method: A method for joining and holding closed a wound in bodily tissue, fastening junctions of wounds, tying off wounds, joining a foreign element to tissue, and altering the position of tissue using a barbed suture including sharp pointed ends. Each end of the suture includes barbs on that permit movement...

20060111735 - Closing assemblies for clamping device: A closing assembly for a clamping device having first and second jaw members includes a closing mechanism connected between the first and second jaw members, the jaws extending distally from the closing mechanism; and a member for applying a separating force to the first and second jaw members proximally of...

20060111736 - Serpentine cutting blade for cutting balloon: A system for treatment of a vessel lesion comprises an expandable balloon and at least one cutting blade engaged to an exterior surface of the balloon. At least a portion of the cutting blade has a substantially serpentine configuration defined by a plurality of interconnected peaks and troughs wherein each...

20060111737 - Surgical punching instrument: A surgical punching instrument is provided with a fixed handle (14) attached to a punching bar (2) and with an actuating lever (16), which is mounted thereon in a pivotingly movable manner and which is connected via a short lever arm (17) to a punching slide (1), which is in...

20060111738 - Apparatus for applying wound treatment material using tissue-penetrating needles: A surgical apparatus is provided including a disposable loading unit selectively operatively engagable within a distal end of a first half-section; and a wound treatment material applicator assembly for delivering wound treatment material to the target surgical site. The disposable loading unit includes a cartridge; a plurality of deployable needles...

20060111739 - Device for stabilising and/or positioning a medical tool in a body cavity: The present invention provides a device 20 for stabilising and/or positioning a medical tool inside a body cavity. Said device comprises an elongated tubular structure 1, at least one inflatable balloon 3,4 connected to at least one capillary tube 5 and inflatable by pressing a fluid and/or as into said...

20060111740 - Method and apparatus for facilitating the healing of bone fractures: A method and apparatus are disclosed for treating bone fractures by the application of intermittent compression. In certain embodiments an energy source is applied to the limb to facilitate intermittent compression treatment. In certain embodiments, intermittent compression is applied to a limb for pre-determined periods....

20060111741 - Wound closure device: Disclosed is a wound closure device and method for using the same. The wound closure device includes a handle, a body portion extending distally from the handle, a stapling mechanism extending distally from the body portion and a mechanism for supplying electrical energy from an RF power supply to a...

20060111742 - Suture method: A method for joining and holding closed a wound in bodily tissue, fastening junctions of wounds, tying off wounds, joining a foreign element to tissue, and altering the position of tissue using a barbed suture including sharp pointed ends. Each end of the suture includes barbs on that permit movement...

20060106369 - Haptic interface for force reflection in manipulation tasks: A haptic interface was designed and developed for use in manipulation tasks. The mechanism consists of a closed kinematic chain. The force feedback mechanism consists of three degrees of spatial force feedback (X, Y and Z directions) and 1 degree of grasping/parting (increasing the distance between two or more points)...

20060106368 - Smart surgical device operating system with radio frequency identification: A smart surgical device (10) for use during an operating procedure includes a surgical apparatus (12) that aids in the facilitation of an operating procedure. A body internal readable control circuit (14) is coupled and stores identification information related to the surgical apparatus (12)....

20060106370 - Minimally invasive glaucoma surgical instrument and method: Apparatuses and methods for the treatment of glaucoma are provided. The instrument uses either cauterization, a laser to ablate, sonic or ultrasonic energy to emulsify, or mechanical cutting of a portion of the trabecular meshwork. The instrument may also be provided with irrigation, aspiration, and a footplate. The footplate is...

20060106371 - Device and method for meansuring an optical penetration in a tissue: The invention relates to a device for measuring an optical penetration that is triggered in a tissue underneath the tissue surface by means of therapeutic laser radiation which a laser-surgical device concentrates in a treatment focus located in said tissue. The inventive device is provided with a detection beam path...

20060106372 - Systems and methods for intrastromal scanning patterns: A method for photodisrupting a preselected subsurface volume of corneal tissue to alter a cornea's refractive properties is disclosed. Specifically, at least one stromal volume having a substantially conical shaped surface is photodisrupted. For this purpose, a laser device having a laser source, laser scanner and one or more optical...

20060106373 - Diagnostic device: The invention relates to a diagnostic device 10 for collecting and analysing a biological sample comprising, an energy source providing means for perforating, ablating and/or altering the stratum corneum of an area of skin from which the biological sample is to be collected; a housing 21 for receiving at least...

20060106374 - Expendable optical waveguide with use-tracking feature: An expendable optical fiber suitable for use in endoscopic medical treatments with a variety of light sources is described. The inventive fiber has means for determining the fiber's cumulative use history and means for enhancing visualization at the treatment site. The means for determining the fiber's cumulative use history and...

20060106375 - Ablation system with feedback: Devices, systems and methods are disclosed for the ablation of tissue and treatment of cardiac arrhythmia. An ablation system includes an ablation catheter that has an array of ablation elements and a location element, an esophageal probe also including a location element, and an interface unit that provides energy to...

20060106376 - Methods of treating the sacroilac region of a patient's body: Methods of treating the sacroiliac region of a patient's body by delivering energy are described. In some embodiments, the method comprises the steps of: inserting at least one probe into the sacroiliac region, the probe comprising at least one energy delivery device; positioning the at least one energy delivery device...

20060106377 - Catheter with ablation needle and mapping assembly: The invention is directed to a catheter that creates enhanced lesions using a needle electrode and can simultaneously map electrical activity at a plurality of points using an enhanced mapping assembly. The catheter comprises an elongated catheter body having at least one lumen extending longitudinally therethrough. A needle control handle...

20060106379 - Fluid-assisted medical devices, systems and methods: Surgical devices for treating tissue are provided. Also provided are systems for treating tissue and methods of treating tissue. An exemplary surgical device has a handle, a fluid passage connectable to a fluid source, a tip portion and a distal end. The tip portion can simultaneously provide RF power and...

20060106378 - Tissue cutting device, tissue cut assisting device and accommodation housing: A tissue cutting device is described, a representative one of which includes: a handle part; a head unit including comprising a plurality of blades arranged so as to extend substantially parallel with a longitudinal direction of the handle part at intervals and a blade holding portion for holding the plurality...

20060106383 - 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...

20060106380 - Extension for use with stabilization systems for internal structures: An extension for use in a procedure to implant a stabilization system for bony structures such as vertebrae is described. The extension is formed by a tubular body with an engagement mechanism at one end to removably engage with a poly-axial head of a bone anchor assembly. A locking ring...

20060106381 - Methods and apparatus for treating spinal stenosis: Surgical implants are configured for placement posteriorly to a spinal canal between vertebral bodies to distract the spine and enlarge the spinal canal. In the preferred embodiments the device permits spinal flexion while limiting spinal extension, thereby providing an effective treatment for treating spinal stenosis without the need for laminectomy....

20060106382 - Spinal implant apparatus: Orthopedic implants are disclosed that may be used in spinal applications. In one embodiment, a plate portion is provided with a threaded protrusion on which a connector for attachment to an orthopedic rod can be fitted. The protrusion may be multi-axially orientable with respect to said plate portion. The plate...

20060106384 - Intramedullary nail assembly: An intramedullary nail assembly for use in a medullary canal of a long bone is provided. The assembly includes a nail for positioning at least partially in the medullary canal. The nail includes an aperture therethrough. The assembly also includes a screw fittably positioned in the aperture of said nail....

20060106385 - Surgical nail and screw fixation system: The present invention relates to a nail and screw system (1) for improving the fixation of proximal fractures of the humerus, including at least a Numeral nail (10) to be inserted in a Numeral shaft (9) and comprising at least a proximal transversal hole (5) for the passage of a...

20060106386 - Orthopaedic screw and method: An orthopaedic screw is provided. An orthopaedic screw for positioning in an aperture of an intramedullary nail is provided. The screw includes a shank defining a end and a periphery of the shank. A portion of the periphery defines a thread form. The thread form including a first flank, a...

20060106387 - Spinal plate system and method of use: A bone plate system is provided in which the system comprises an elongate bone plate having a first surface, a second bone-contacting surface opposed to the first surface, a maximum plate width, a minimum plate width, and a plurality of apertures extending from the first surface through to the second...

20060106389 - Anti-migration threaded fastener: An orthopaedic screw is provided. The orthopaedic screw includes a shank defining an end and a periphery of the shank. A portion of the periphery defines a thread form The thread form includes a first flank, a crest adjacent the first flank and a second flank spaced from the first...

20060106388 - Bone implant and device for forming a socket for same: A bone implant having a core section to which a prosthesis is eventually secured, and rib-like projections or anchoring prongs enhancing the hold of the implant in the bone. The invention is particularly, but not exclusively, intended as a dental implant. The socket for the implant is drilled in a...

20060106390 - Composite bone fasteners: Systems, including apparatus, methods, and kits, with composite bone fasteners for fixing bones. The composite bone fasteners include an inner member or core for engagement with a driver and a bioresorbable outer member or sheath for threaded engagement with bone....

20060106391 - Wire systems for fixing bones: Systems, including methods, apparatus, and kits, for fixing bones with wires having longitudinally arrayed segments of different flexibility....

20060106392 - Hydrogel bone void filler: A bone void filler material, including a hydrogel component provided by microparticulates of pre-set hydrogel material dispersed within a carrier component to maintain the microparticulates substantially proximate to one another so that the resulting fill material is rendered as a substantially flowable mass....

20060106393 - Bone reamer: Systems, including apparatus, methods, and kits, for reaming bones with bone reamers....

20060106394 - Off-axis anchor guidance system: Disclosed is a guided bone anchoring device comprising a head, a shank and a passage for receiving a guide wire, the passage having a longitudinal center axis which is not concentric to the longitudinal center axis of the shank. Also disclosed is a system for guiding bone anchors, the system...

20060106395 - Instrument set and method for working a cervical vertebral body: The instrument set and the method for preparing a cervical vertebral body (2) to receive an abutment surface (13) of an intervertebral joint prosthesis (11) in the intervertebral space (1) are characterized in that a guide element (3), which is to be inserted into the intervertebral space (1), and a...

20060106396 - Methods for cutting bone: A method of cutting bone with a bone die cutter includes positioning complementary cutting dies on at least substantially opposing sides of a bone. At least one of the cutting dies is pressed toward the other so that the cutting dies cut a bone portion from the bone. The cut...

20060106397 - Interspinous distraction devices and associated methods of insertion: In various 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 of...

20060106398 - Cervical bone preparation tool and implant guide systems: Disclosed herein are various tools and devices for use in spinal surgery. In one embodiment, a spinal guide device is provided having a guide member with a positioning element that is adapted to engage a portion of a vertebra to position the guide member relative to the vertebra. The guide...

20060106399 - Drill guide tissue protector: A system includes a drill guide and a gauge wire. The drill guide has two arms rotatable relative to each other about a hinge, with each arm including a split portion of a guide. When the arms are in a closed configuration, the split portions come together to form a...

20060106400 - Coplanar x-ray guided aiming arm for locking of intramedullary nails: A novel coplanar X-ray guided method and device for insertion of distal locking screws in intramedullary bone nails. The device has coplanar holes, which allow insertion of protective sleeves. A drill and bone screws can be inserted through the protective sleeves. Radiopaque target markers in the aiming arm enable the...

20060106401 - Method of inserting a flexible lens into a lens injection device and a lens injection insert for flexible or foldable lenses: The invention concerns a method and a lens injection insert for inserting a flexible lens into a lens injection device which has a body with a receiving means and a lens injection insert which can be inserted into the receiving means, with a storage space for lens storage, wherein the...

20060106402 - Endovascular surgical method: An endovascular surgical method comprises the steps of (1) incising a patient to gain access to the interior of a selected blood vessel, (2) inserting a cannula through an aperture formed in a sealing member comprising an elastomeric membrane having an aperture for receiving the cannula, an elongated wall portion...

20060106403 - Catheter-based tissue remodeling devices and methods: Devices and methods utilizing a catheter to remodel soft tissue of a patient and, in a preferred embodiment, to reduce the volume of the left ventricle of a heart. In one embodiment, one or more sutures are passed through a wall of the ventricle. The ends of the one suture...

20060106404 - Apparatus for providing c-clips to pins: An apparatus includes a cartridge for storing C-clips. The cartridge includes two lateral members and a lower member extending between the lateral members. The lateral members extend beyond the lower member by at least the thickness of the C-clips so that first one of the C-clips can be moved past...

20060106405 - Systems and methods for delivering fastener to opposed tissue structures: Flexible clips which are transported over a solid needle or through a hollow needle and methods of use thereof are described for tissue approximation and attachment and for joining a graft vessel to a target vessel. The tissue approximation or anastomosis clip includes a highly flexible or elastic material wrapped...

20060106406 - Methods and devices for extravascular intervention: The present invention relates to methods for treating an aneurysm or other vascular condition in a patient by implanting an extravascular intervention device to partially encircle a blood vessel, or portion thereof, having the vascular condition. The present invention also provides extravascular devices for use in treating patients with aneurysms...

20060106407 - Rotational thrombectomy wire: A rotatable thrombectomy wire for breaking up thrombus or other obstructive material comprising an inner core composed of a flexible material and an outer wire surrounding at least a portion of the inner core. The outer wire has a sinuous shaped portion at a distal region. The inner core limits...

20060106408 - Surgical blade for use with a surgical tool for making incisions for scleral eye implants: A surgical blade is disclosed for use with a surgical tool for making incisions in the sclera of an eye to form a scleral pocket to receive a scleral prosthesis. The surgical blade comprises a rotatable support arm capable of being rotated by the surgical tool and a detachable curved...

20060106409 - System and method for making incisions for scleral eye implants: A system and method is disclosed for making incisions in the sclera of an eye to form a scleral pocket to receive a scleral prosthesis. The system and method comprises a surgical tool comprising a surgical blade for making incisions in the sclera of an eye. When a surgeon places...

20060106410 - Annular nucleus pulposus replacement: A method of removing a nucleus pulposus from an intervertebral disc, involving rotating a distal end head of an instrument so that flexible protrusions thereon will cut nucleus pulposus native material....

20060106411 - Adjustable disposable/single-use blade lancet device and method: Single-use blade lancet device includes a body having a rear end and a front end that includes a blade tip opening. A trigger is mounted to the body. A blade member is movably mounted within the body and includes a front end and a rear end. The blade member is...

20060106412 - Cutting balloon catheter having a segmented blade: A cutting balloon catheter and method of making and using the same. The cutting balloon catheter may include a catheter shaft having a balloon coupled thereto. One or more cutting members or blades may be coupled to the balloon. The cutting members may include two or more sections that are...

20060106413 - Cutting balloon catheter having flexible atherotomes: A cutting balloon catheter and method of making and using the same. The cutting balloon catheter may include a catheter shaft having a balloon coupled thereto. One or more cutting members or blades may be coupled to the balloon. The cutting members may configured to be more flexible....

20060106414 - Extraluminal balloon dissection: The present invention provides balloon dissection apparatus and methods of use in which an elongate balloon is utilized to dissect along a region that follows a naturally existing path alongside a vessel or structure, such as an entry, a vein, a lymphatic vessel, the traches, the esophagus, or even a...

20060106415 - Apparatus to facilitate implantation: One introducer apparatus may include a flange and a sleeve having a sidewall that extends longitudinally from the flange and terminates in a distal end portion. At least one adjustable opening is operatively associated with the distal end portion. The adjustable opening is moveable from a substantially closed condition to...

20060106416 - Expandable ports and methods for minimally invasive surgery: An expandable port for minimally invasive surgery includes a first section, a second section, and at least one intermediate section. The port is expandable from a closed configuration in which the first section is proximate the second section along at least a portion of a length of the first section...

20060106417 - Filter delivery system: A filter delivery device for implanting a vessel filter within a blood vessel of a patient's body. The filter delivery device includes a mechanism for preventing hooks and/or legs on a vessel filter from entangling with each other while the vessel filter is loaded within the delivery device. In one...

20060106418 - Apparatus for sealing surgical punctures: Apparatus is provided for sealing a puncture within a vessel or tissue to provide hemostasis, comprising a first disk coupled to either a second disk or a spring, and sealingly engaged to the vessel or tissue surrounding the puncture. At least the first disk is preferably configured to substantially conform...

20060106421 - Expansible neck bridge: This is a medical device for bridging, and at least partially obstructing, the neck of a vascular aneurysm. In general, it is a device used to stabilize the presence of vaso-occlusive devices (such as helically wound coils) in the aneurysm. The device forms a support framework, including a base and...

20060106420 - Patch for treating a septal defect: A system for treating a septal defect comprises a treatment device slidably received within a catheter. The device includes a patch attached to a support. The support has a body segment and a plurality of leg segments that self-expand radially outward as the device is released from the catheter. A...

20060106419 - Three dimensional implant: Implants (20, 22) and methods of making the implants for treating bodily defects or remodeling tissue. The implants have a low density and open pores (49) which may permit tissue ingrowth....

20060106422 - Anchor/suture used for medical procedures: For suture tying in a medical procedure including the use of an anchor that includes a suture locking device that includes a sliding pin guided by axial side slots formed in the locking device that forces the suture where the two ends thereof are inserted into the interior of the...

20060106423 - Suture anchor: A suture anchor (e.g. 100) for knotlessly securing nearby tissue to bone is formed from an anchor body (e.g. 101/102) that includes a mechanism for being securely anchored to the bone, an elongated suture puller (e.g. 122) extending through the anchor body with a proximal end for being pulled in...

20060100610 - Methods using a robotic catheter system: A method using a robotic system to perform a procedure on a patient, includes moving a control interface provided on a master input device, generating control signals corresponding, at least in part, to movement of the interface, moving one or more drive elements of an instrument driver in response to...

20060100613 - Apparatus and processes for preventing or delaying one or more symptoms of presbyopia: The present invention generally relates to an apparatus and processes for preventing or delaying presbyopia. More particularly, the present invention relates to processes and apparatus for ablating epithelial cells in the germinative zone or the pregerminative zone of the crystalline lens of the eye so that onset or progression of...

20060100611 - Controlled laser treatment for non-invasive tissue alteration, treatment and diagnostics with minimal collateral damage: A highly controlled and precise system, device and method for tissue and cellular alteration and treatment below or at surfaces with a laser. The present invention is characterized by ultra low levels of collateral damage as defined by physiologically relevant tests that measure tissue viability. The operation of the present...

20060100612 - Laser-based device for non-mechanical, three-dimensional trepanation during cornea transplants: h

20060100615 - Devices and methods for the treatment of endometriosis: A tissue treatment device comprises an insertion sized and shaped for insertion into the body via a trocar and a diagnostic element coupled to the insertion section, the diagnostic element illuminating tissue with the light of a wavelength selected to facilitate identification of target tissue in combination with an ultrasound...

20060100614 - Tissue resection device: A medical device for performing a therapeutic procedure on a patient. The medical device includes an elongate probe extending to an applicator end sized and shaped to be slidably received in an endoscope working channel. The device also includes an injection needle positioned adjacent the applicator end of the probe....

20060100616 - Ultrasonic device: The present invention relates, generally, to ultrasonic medical devices and, more particularly, to ultrasonic surgical devices having improved cutting and cauterizing capabilities. In one embodiment, an ultrasonic waveguide (400) includes an amplifier that is convex and tapered in shape....

20060100617 - Capsularhexis device: A flexible ring having a diameter suitable for an anterior chamber rhexis. Imbedded in the ring is a heating element or filament. Alternatively, the ring may contain a pair of adjacent, circular electrodes. The electrodes or heating filament are placed against the anterior capsule and electrical current is applied, causes...

20060100618 - System and method for performing ablation and other medical procedures using an electrode array with flex circuit: An ablation catheter having distal and proximal ends for performing ablation on a human tissue region comprises at least one electrode. These elements are formed on a conductive sheet situated at the distal end of the catheter. A flex circuit assembly couples the at least one electrode to a measurement...

20060100619 - Fluid-assisted medical device: The invention provides a medical device that includes a housing, a tubular member extending from the distal end of the housing, a first arm extending from the distal end of the tubular member, the first arm including a first electrode, a second arm extending from the distal end of the...

20060100620 - Thermal hemostasis and/or coagulation of tissue: Energy delivery systems and methods are provided for use in biological tissue. The energy delivery system includes a handle, a radiofrequency (RF) generator, and an electrode array. The electrode array includes two or more pair of bipolar electrodes slideably coupled in channels of the handle. The bipolar electrodes electrically couple...

20060100621 - Polyaxial bone screw with discontinuous helically wound capture connection: A polyaxial bone screw assembly includes a threaded shank body having an upper capture structure, a head and an open, compressible retainer collar. The capture structure and retainer collar are both threaded for rotatable attachment within a cavity of the head. The head has a U-shaped cradle defining a channel...

20060100622 - Polyaxial bone screw with helically wound capture connection: A polyaxial bone screw assembly includes a threaded shank body having an upper capture structure, a head and a closed retainer ring. The external capture structure surface and retainer ring internal bore surface are both threaded for rotatable attachment within a cavity of the head. The head has a U-shaped...

20060100623 - System for fixation of bone fractures: The present invention relates to a system (1) for improving the fixation of proximal fractures of the humerus, including at least a humeral nail (10) to be inserted in a humeral shaft (9) and comprising at least proximal transversal holes (5, 6, 7) for the passage of corresponding locking screws...

20060100625 - Adjustable bone plate: A longitudinally curved adjustable bone plate comprising name to play how will the first plate having an end defined by at least two spaced prongs, and an end having means to fasten the plate to a body structure, e.g., the bone; and a second plate having an end defined by...

20060100626 - Bone plate with captive clips: A fixation system includes a plate comprising a top surface, a bottom surface, a central longitudinal axis, at least one fixation hole extending between the top and bottom surfaces and comprising an undercut therein, and at least one passage intersecting one of the undercuts. At least one resilient clip is...

20060100624 - Intramedullary fixation device for metaphyseal long bone fractures: A fixation system (10) includes a device having a nail portion (12) and a plate portion (14), preferably horizontally and vertically offset relative to the nail portion by a neck portion (16). The nail portion (12) includes preferably threaded screw holes (24, 26), and the plate portion (14) includes longitudinally...

20060100628 - Knotless tissue anchor: There is disclosed a radially expandable knotless tissue anchor including an expandable outer member defining a bore and an inner member slidably positioned within the bore. Relative longitudinal movement of the inner member relative to the expandable member causes a portion of the expandable member to expand radially outwardly. The...

20060100627 - Tissue fixation device: A fixation device for securing tissue to a bone. The fixation device includes an anchor having a hollow body defining a longitudinal passage, and a plug configured to be received in at least a portion of the passage. The body comprises a cylindrical portion and a tapered tip portion. The...

20060100630 - Bone anchors for use in attaching soft tissue to bone: Bone anchors are provided having three suture attachment sites disposed within a bore. The bone anchors are suitable for use in rotator cuff repair procedures. The bone anchors comprise an anchor body having a bore that opens at a proximal end of the anchor body. At least three attachment sites...

20060100629 - Method and apparatus for repair of torn rotator cuff tendons: A minimally invasive orthopedic fastener for the repair of torn rotator cuff tendons. The rotator cuff is thereby repaired transarthroscopically to bring the tendons tight to the bone. This is accomplished by the use of a bone screw having a plurality of vanes pivotally mounted thereon. The vanes are pivotal...

20060100631 - Hybrid flexible drive shaft: An orthopaedic reamer assembly, which includes a reamer and a flexible shaft connected to the reamer. The flexible shaft has both a longitudinal axis and a longitudinal length. The flexible shaft is comprised of a rigid material. The flexible shaft has a low ratio of an area moment of inertia...

20060100632 - Apparatus and method for shaping a mammalian joint surface: An apparatus and method are provided for shaping a mammalian joint surface, such as within the knee joint. The apparatus includes a shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, and a head pivotally connected to the shaft distal end. The head includes a textured portion arranged to contact...

20060100633 - Method for preparing a space in bone to receive an insert: A method is disclosed for preparing a space in bone of a human body to receive an insert at least in part therein. The method is performed with a device having a mid-longitudinal axis and a rotatable abrading element having an abrading surface. The method includes the steps of: activating...

20060100635 - Inflatable device for use in surgical protocol relating to fixation of bone: Systems for treating a bone, e.g. a vertebral body, having an interior volume occupied, at least in part, by cancellous bone provide a first tool, a second tool, and a third tool. The first tool establishes a percutaneous access path to bone. The second tool is sized and configured to...

20060100634 - Technique and instrumentation for measuring and preparing a vertebral body for device implantation using datum block: A vertebral endplate preparation assembly is disclosed for preparing an endplate of a single vertebral body in a vertebral column to receive an implant. The assembly comprises a datum block for connecting to the single vertebral body, measuring instruments, and a cutting guide attached to the datum block. A cutting...

20060100636 - Use of vibration in composite fixation: Methods of employing bone defect filling, e.g., orthopedic cements, in conjunction with hard tissue securing devices, e.g., screws, plates or rods, are provided. A feature of the subject methods is that the cement is introduced to a target bone site through a passageway of the securing device while a vibratory...

20060100637 - Drill-tap-screw drill guide: A surgical drill guide for use with a bone plate having fastener holes oriented at predetermined angles with respect to the plate, the surgical drill guide having at least one alignment drill guiding barrel that is aligned with the respective fastener holes in the bone plate for drilling the holes...

20060100638 - Tracking tools and method for computer-assisted shoulder replacement surgery: The invention includes a method for tracking the human scapula during shoulder surgery, by a trackable device fixed to the coracoid process of the scapula. A device of the invention allows a trackable target to be fixed to the coracoid process by bone screws and an anchor. In one embodiment,...

20060100639 - System and method for the treatment of reperfusion injury: A method and apparatus for the prevention and treatment of reperfusion injury following the reperfusion of acute MI which includes modulation of coronary blood flow or oxygen delivery following the reperfusion of the infarct with a catheter placed in the coronary artery or vein....

20060100640 - Devices, system, and methods for guiding an operative tool into an interior body region: A guide device establishes a guide passage through a guide tube, through which an operative tool can be deployed into an interior body region for use. A steering assembly, in use, deflects or bends the distal end region of the guide tube, so that the operative tool can be placed...

20060100641 - Releasable medical basket and related methods of use: A device and related methods of use are provided for the capture and removal of various unwanted objects present within the body's anatomical lumens. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the device includes a sheath, an elongate member, and a retrieval assembly connected to the elongate member and retractable...

20060100642 - Control of robotic manipulation: In a remote controlled robotic manipulator 20 a motion sensor 26 senses motion of a region of an object to be manipulated. A controller 50 locks motion of the robotic manipulator 26 relative to the region of the object and also selects the region of the object to be sensed....

20060100643 - Surgical fastening system: Devices and systems related to surgical fasteners and more specifically to surgical fasteners suitable for use in both open procedures, and minimally or less invasive procedures where the operative site is remote from the surgeon....

20060100645 - Apparatus for ligating living tissues: The present invention has an introducing tube capable of being inserted into a living body cavity, a manipulating wire movably inserted into this introducing tube, at least two or more clips, and a ligating wire causing the clip and the manipulating wire to be engaged with each other wherein, when...

20060100644 - Tool assembly for surgical stapling device: A tool assembly having a pair of jaws is disclosed. Each of the jaws has a proximal end and a distal end and the first jaw is movable in relation to the second jaw between a spaced position and an approximated position. First and second cam followers are supported on...

20060100646 - Surgical clip and method for making same: An improved clip or clamp is provided having a one-piece wire-form construction that is suited for rapid and repeatable manufacture. The clamp, which may be disposable or reusable, includes a first jaw portion, a second jaw portion, a first handle portion, a second handle portion and a central coil or...

20060100647 - Nerve regeneration-inducing tube comprising: The present invention provides a nerve regeneration-inducing tube in which nerve is inserted into a tubular structure and can be easily sutured and fixed without resort to any special instruments or operations, thereby allowing nerve cells to efficiently proliferate and grow in the correct direction. The nerve regeneration-inducing tube of...

20060100648 - Method and device for interconnection of two tubular organs: A method for interconnection of two tubular organs via an opening at one end of an end portion of a first organ and an aperture in a side wall of a second organ. The end portion is initially passed through a first passage of a first element until the end...

20060100649 - Surgical staple-clip and applier: A surgical staple-clip including a clip component and a securing member is used in a wide range of surgical procedures. The staple-clip may be introduced to a surgical site in an un-assembled condition through a small port or trocar. An applier for the staple-clip comprising a pair of opposed jaw-like...

20060100651 - 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...

20060100650 - Surgical scalpel with retractable guard: A safety scalpel blade assembly adapted for attachment to a handle (12), the assembly comprising a scalpel blade (10) and guard (11) which extends at least about the cutting edge of the blade (10), the guard (11) having attachment means to lock the blade to the guard as the assembly...

20060100653 - Infusion sleeve: An infusion sleeve for use with a phacoemulsification handpiece has a hollow body with an open end by which the sleeve is attachable to the handpiece and an open tip through which a phacoemulsification needle is passed. Irrigating liquid is directed from the handpiece through the sleeve. At least three...

20060100652 - Ultrasonic shear with asymmetrical motion: Devices providing ultrasonic clamped cutting using asymmetrical motion include a housing and ultrasonic waveguide. A longitudinal axis extends through the center of mass of the ultrasonic waveguide. An actuating assembly provides opposable movement of a clamp arm with respect to the cutting blade, the movement defining a vertical plane having...

20060100655 - Combined lancing and auxiliary device: A combined lancing and auxiliary device includes a lancing device with a lancing auxiliary device attached thereto. The lancing auxiliary device can be, for example, a compartment for securely and removably containing items associated or unassociated with lancing, a timer or personal digital assistant device for assisting in documentation, or...

20060100656 - Compact lancing device: A compact lancing includes a housing, a moveable lancet holder disposed within the housing and configured to hold a lancet, a launching mechanism disposed within the housing, and arming and trigger mechanisms disposed at least partially within the housing. In addition, the launching mechanism includes a launch spring and a...

20060100654 - Medical needle and medical device: One of aspects of the present invention is to provide a medical needle extending along a predetermined direction and having a vertical cross-section taken along a plane perpendicular to the predetermined direction of which cross-sectional area varies based upon a distance from a needle tip. The medical needle includes a...

20060100657 - Percutaneous dilational device: A dilator (10) for creating tracheostomies in one pass. Dilator (10) includes a generally linear shaft (12) extending from a proximal end (14) and beginning at a distance therefrom, gradually and continuously through a curved distal portion (16) of continuously decreasing diameter (from about 38 french) to a distal tip...

20060100660 - Blood clot filter configured for a wire guide: A filter to capture blood clots includes a hub with a passageway through which a wire guide is received. The filter also includes a plurality of primary struts and a plurality of secondary struts that extend from the hub. Each primary strut terminates with a hook to anchor the filter...

20060100662 - Distal protection device and method: An emboli capturing system captures emboli in a body lumen. A first elongate member has a proximal end and a distal end. An expandable emboli capturing device is mounted proximate the distal end of the first elongate member, and is movable between a radially expanded position and a radially contracted...

20060100663 - Embolic basket: An intravascular basket device for use in capturing either naturally occurring or foreign debris found in blood vessels or other regions of the body. The basket device is fabricated from a tube and includes a mid-section having at least one ring configured in an alternating V-pattern. The basket device specifically...

20060100658 - Interventional guiding sheath system and method of use: An interventional guiding sheath system can include an inner sheath, an outer sheath, and a filter located between the inner sheath and outer sheath. The filter can be expandable such that it opens to secure the guiding sheath system within a vessel of a patient during an interventional procedure. The...

20060100659 - Shape memory thin film embolic protection device with frame: A removable vascular filter system for capture and retrieval of emboli while allowing continuous perfusion of blood. This system is useful for any percutaneous angioplasty, stenting, thrombolysis or tissue ablation procedure. The system may minimize the incidence of stroke, myocardial infarction or other clinical complications that may be associated with...

20060100661 - Vaso-occlusive devices comprising complex-shape proximal portion and smaller diameter distal portion: This is a device for occluding a space within the body. In particular, the device comprises a proximal portion having a complex, three-dimensional shape and a distal portion, where the diameter of the shape defined by the distal portion is smaller than the diameter of the shape defined by the...

20060100664 - Apparatus and methods for sealing a vascular puncture: Apparatus for sealing a puncture through tissue to a blood vessel includes a cartridge including a proximal end, a distal end sized for insertion into a puncture, and a lumen extending therebetween. A bioabsorbable plug is disposed within the lumen adjacent the distal end, and an anchoring element is disposed...

20060100665 - Apparatus for sealing punctures in blood vessels: Apparatus is provided for sealing a puncture in a blood vessel using at least one device that applies an internal compressive force upon a distal surface of the vessel. The devices preferably are deployable distal of the distal surface of the vessel, then retracted proximally to provide the internal compressive...

20060095022 - Methods using a robotic catheter system: A methods using a robotic catheter system to perform a procedure on a patient includes generating a control signal corresponding to movement of a master input device, and moving a plurality of drive elements of an instrument driver in response to the control signal, the drive elements operatively coupled to...

20060095024 - Photoablative laser with controllable pulse release frequency, and relative control method: A photoablative laser includes an ablation profile memory device, in which are stored sets of coordinates defining a target volume for removal in the form of a number of layers of predetermined thickness and respective areas; and a laser pulse emission apparatus for sending laser pulses with a mean release...

20060095023 - Time-resolved scanning patterns for intrastromal surgery: A system and method for performing laser induced optical breakdown (LIOB) in corneal tissue of an eye requires calculating a pattern of focal spots. LIOB is then induced at a first focal spot, and is continued at a plurality of interim focal spots within a time period τ. Each focal...

20060095025 - Cardiac devices and methods for minimally invasive repair of ischemic mitral regurgitation: Novel apparatus and minimally invasive methods to treat atrioventricular valve regurgitation that is a result of tethering of chordae attaching atrioventricular valve leaflets to muscles of the heart, such as papillary muscles and muscles in the heart wall, thereby restricting the closure of the leaflets. Catheter embodiments for delivering and...

20060095027 - Electrosurgical accessing of tissue with controlled collateral thermal phenomena: Method, system and apparatus for carrying out electrosurgical procedures interstitially. Elevated temperature fluid such as steam generated by an instrument born electrosurgical cutting arc is evacuated through an intake port located adjacent the cutting electrode. Instrument cannula surface heating caused by transport of the heated fluid is isolated. Such thermal...

20060095026 - Methods for electrosurgical treatment of spinal tissue: Systems, apparatus, and methods for treating spinal tissue and other body structures in open and endoscopic spine surgery to relieve symptoms, such as neck or back pain. In particular, the present invention provides methods for the controlled heating of various tissues in or around the vertebral column, including various interspinous...

20060095028 - Devices and methods for tissue access: 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...

20060095029 - Ablation probe with flared electrodes: An ablation device includes a cannula having a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen extending between the proximal and the distal ends, and a first array of electrodes at least partially disposed within the lumen, the first array of electrodes slidable relative to the cannula, each of the...

20060095033 - Manually advanceable radio frequency array with tactile feel: A system for ablating lesions in the interior regions of the human body including a RF catheter and a control system adapted to facilitate the automatic step deployment of an array-type energy delivery system positioned within the catheter. The RF catheter and control system further include an auto array deployment...

20060095032 - Methods and systems for determining physiologic characteristics for treatment of the esophagus: A method and apparatus for treating abnormal mucosa in the esophagus is disclosed, such that the depth of the treated tissue is controlled. The depth of ablation is controlled by monitoring the tissue impedance and/or the tissue temperature. A desired ablation depth is also achieved by controlling the energy density...

20060095030 - Preshaped ablation catheter for ablating pulmonary vein ostia within the heart: Catheters and methods are provided for performing medical procedures, such as tissue ablation, adjacent the ostia of anatomical vessels, such as pulmonary veins. The catheter comprises an elongated flexible integrated catheter body having proximal and distal shaft portions and at least one operative element carried by the distal shaft portion....

20060095031 - Selectively controlled active electrodes for electrosurgical probe: Electrosurgical systems, apparatus and methods for selectively applying electrical energy to body tissue in order to ablate, contract, coagulate, or otherwise modify a target tissue of a patient. An aspect of the invention includes an active electrode assembly having two active electrodes which may be controllably selected to vary the...

20060095034 - Rf intervertebral electrosurgical probe: An electrosurgical instrument for spinal procedures comprises a generally scoop-shaped cup whose periphery is electrically active and is capable of applying RF electrosurgical currents to spinal tissue. The active electrode may comprise an exposed bare wire at the leading edge of the cup. A conduit in a handle section can...

20060095035 - Instruments and methods for reduction of vertebral bodies: 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...

20060095036 - Method of spinal fixation using adhesive media: Disclosed are methods of spinal fixation involving application of a liquid medium which cures, hardens, polymerizes or otherwise serves to bind adjacent vertebrae together. The fixation which results from this binding may be temporary or essentially permanent in duration, and may be used to treat conditions or disease of the...

20060095037 - Connector assemblies for connecting a bone anchor to a fixation element: A connector assembly for connecting a bone anchor to a fixation element includes an anchor receiving member, a housing, an intermediate member, a first closure member, and a second closure member. The anchor receiving member has a first portion having an opening for receiving a bone anchor. The housing has...

20060095038 - Polyaxial bone screw: A polyaxial bone screw assembly includes a threaded shank body having an upper capture structure, a head, a retaining ring and a nut. The external capture structure surface includes a threaded portion and a smooth portion; the smooth portion for slidably mating with the retaining ring and the threaded portion...

20060095039 - Intramedullary nail and associated method: An intramedullary nail for use with a first fastener and a second fastener for use in orthopaedic surgery is provided. The nail includes a body defining a longitudinal axis of the body. The body defines an aperture through the body. The aperture has a first portion for cooperation with the...

20060095040 - Bone screw: The invention concerns a bone screw having a distal end and a proximal end, which has the distinguishing features a shaft with a core diameter “k” and having an external thread with an external diameter “d”. The external diameter “d” of the thread or the core diameter “k” of the...

20060095041 - Contoured reamer teeth and method of manufacture: An acetabular reamer (10′) for cutting a required cut shape. The reamer has a cutting shell (12′) having a series of doubly curved cutting teeth (16′) thereon of a quantity to substantially reduce a cutting pressure on each tooth as well as to reduce a size of a typical chip...

20060095042 - Ligament protection instruments: A ligament protector for use in protecting a ligament during an orthopedic procedure is disclosed. The ligament protector includes at least two wings and bone mounting elements. A handle may be removably coupled to the ligament protector....

20060095043 - Adjustable instrumentation for spinal implant insertion: A plurality of differently configured bone spinal implants for insertion in a spine have a cylindrical bore for receiving an insertion head stud. A plurality of instruments are disclosed each of which have a first connection element which is either a male or female member such as e.g., a ball...

20060095044 - Aiming arm for bone plates: An aiming guide aligns a surgical tool with a hole in a bone plate. The aiming guide includes an arm portion having a longitudinal axis, top and bottom surfaces, and first and second ends. The aiming guide further includes a handle portion having upper and lower ends. The handle portion...

20060095046 - Devices and methods for explantation of intervertebral disc implants: Methods and devices are provided for the explantation of spinal implants. A cutting tool may be extended into the spinal implant. The spinal implant may be cut into pieces and the pieces removed....

20060095045 - Methods for explantation of intervertebral disc implants: Methods and devices are provided for the explantation of spinal implants. A cutting tool may be extended into the spinal implant. The spinal implant may be disintegrated into pieces and the pieces removed....

20060095049 - Implant system with sizing templates: Surgical instruments for use in sizing tissue defects and selecting an appropriate implant for the defect include sizing templates. The sizing templates are sized and shaped to correspond to the size and shape of the implants. The sizing templates may be retractable into a tube for use in arthroscopic surgery....

20060095048 - Method of repairing soft tissue using sizing templates: Surgical instruments for use in sizing tissue defects and selecting an appropriate implant for the defect include sizing templates. The sizing templates are sized and shaped to correspond to the size and shape of the implants. The sizing templates may be retractable into a tube for use in arthroscopic surgery....

20060095047 - System and method for performing arthroplasty of a joint and tracking a plumb line plane: A method of performing an arthroplasty of a ball and socket joint with a surgical navigation system includes the step of digitizing landmarks to provide geometrical parameters of the joint and a limb depending there from, including digitizing aspects of a socket region of the ball and socket joint. A...

20060095050 - Large diameter sheath: A large diameter, flexible, kink-resistant and rotatable introducer sheath (10) for percutaneous delivery of a contained and implantable medical device in the vasculature of a patient. The introducer sheath includes a reinforcement such as a flat wire coil (23) fitted about an inner, lubricous material such as polytetrafluoroethylene tube (22)....

20060095051 - Embolic coil retrieval system: An embolic coil retrieval system for retrieving or repositioning an embolic coil within the vasculature of the human body which is comprised of a very small embolic coil retriever having a jaw member with major and minor teeth which form pockets for grasping an embolic coil when the jaw member...

20060095052 - System and method for catheter-based septal defect repair: The contents include occlusion and/or repair of congenital heart defects including methods, apparatuses, and systems utilizing catheter delivery in order to repair congenital heart defects. In particular, a method of repair includes suturing a septal tissue proximate defect in order to repair the defect with a device introduced through a...

20060095054 - Instruments, kit and method for suture management: A cannula has a flange and a body with slots extending through the entire flange and into the body. The cannula may also have a longitudinal slot extending its entire length. An obturator used with the cannula may also have a longitudinal slot extending along its length. A surgical method...

20060095053 - Method of delivering therapeutic implant: A cannula has a flange and a body with slots extending through the entire flange and into the body. The cannula may also have a longitudinal slot extending its entire length. An obturator used with the cannula may also have a longitudinal slot extending along its length. A surgical method...

20060095055 - Device for incising a blood vessel: A device for incising a hollow tissue structure includes at least one gripping portion, a stationary blade attached to the gripping portion, the stationary blade having a neck and a foot connected to the neck. The foot has a cutting edge along an upper surface. The device also includes a...

20060095056 - Device for incising a blood vessel: A device for incising a blood vessel includes a handle having a longitudinal axis, a stationary blade having an upper surface and extending from the distal end of the handle at an angle out of line with respect to the longitudinal axis, and a moving blade having a distal portion...

20060095057 - Safety scalpel: A safety scalpel that incorporates a reusable metal scalpel handle similar in shape and feel to the conventional metal handle preferred by most surgeons, and a disposable blade cartridge that covers the blade before, during and after use, and is easily mounted and released from the scalpel handle. The blade...

20060095059 - Devices and methods for tissue modification: 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...

20060095058 - Prostate treatment stent: A method of dissecting urethra obstructing tissue. The method includes capturing urethra obstructing tissue between portions of an implant and applying pressure on the tissue caught between the portions of the implant, for longer than 1 hour, until the tissue dies or falls off....

20060095060 - Surgical scissors and method for the manufacture of surgical scissors: In order to improve surgical scissors with two scissor blades mounted for pivotal movement relative to each other about a pivot axis and having one cutting edge each, the scissor blades having proximally of the pivot axis one sliding surface area each, the sliding surface areas sliding along each other...

20060095061 - Microblade array impact applicator: An applicator device (10) is provided for applying a patch (44) having an array of microprotrusions (90) to the stratum corneum. The applicator device (10) includes a device body (12) and a piston moveable within the device body (12). A cap (16) is provided on the device body (12) for...

20060095062 - Universal catheter tunneler: A tunneler assembly (100) for use with a catheter assembly (50), for securing the catheter assembly to a patient. The tunneler assembly includes a tunneler (102) and a connector assembly (110), the connector assembly being removably securable to the tunneler's proximal end (104) and also extending through the or one...

20060095063 - Balloon controller for endoscopic apparatus: The present invention provides a balloon controller for an endoscope apparatus having a fluid supply and drawing device which communicates with at least one of a balloon attached to an insertion portion of an endoscope and a balloon attached to an insertion assist implement for guiding the insertion portion when...

20060095064 - Expandable preformed structures for deployment in interior body regions: An expandable structure made from an elastomer material is preformed to a desired geometry by exposure to heat and pressure. The structure undergoes controlled expansion and further distention in cancellous bone, with controlled deformation and without stress failure....

20060095065 - Fluid occluding devices and methods: In one aspect, the invention relates to a method of occluding blood in a blood vessel during the imaging of a portion of the blood vessel. The method includes the steps of selecting an inflatable element such that diameter of the inflated inflatable element is greater than the diameter of...

20060095066 - Devices, systems and methods for treating disorders of the ear, nose and throat: Sinusitis, mucocysts, tumors, infections, hearing disorders, choanal atresia, fractures and other disorders of the paranasal sinuses, Eustachian tubes, Lachrymal ducts and other ear, nose, throat and mouth structures are diagnosed and/or treated using minimally invasive approaches and, in many cases, flexible catheters as opposed to instruments having rigid shafts. Various...

20060095071 - Ebolic apparatus and methods for tumor vasculture system obstruction: The present invention includes a method and apparatus for tumor blood vessel obstruction and tumor therapy. The embolic device is made of biocompatible materials. The embolic device may utilize thrombus-enhancing filamentary material and/or coagulate components that enhance the effectiveness to cause tumor vasculature thrombosis. The specific design of the device...

20060095070 - Embolic portection 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 aid retrieval through a vascular system of a patient. The filter element (105) has a collapsible...

20060095069 - Embolic protection guide wire: A sheath attached to a guide wire, a tubular shaft member slidable on the guide wire and a filtering assembly constricted within the sheath are movable in a vessel to a position distal to a lesion in the direction of fluid flow. The filtering assembly may be formed from a...

20060095067 - Lubricious filter: Intravascular filters can include a filter membrane having a hydrophilic polymer coating on the filter membrane. The hydrophilic polymer coating can be on an inner surface, an outer surface or both an inner surface and an outer surface of the filter membrane. Intravascular filters including a hydrophilic polymer coating may...

20060095068 - Retrievable vena cava filter: A filter device positionable within a blood vessel for trapping emboli in the vessel, the filter device having a head and a plurality of divergent legs each secured at a first end to the head; each leg having one or more hooks at a second end. The hooks can include...

20060095073 - Arterial compression device and method: The present invention includes a device for inducing hemostasis in an artery, such as the femoral artery, and a method of doing the same. The device includes a base, vertical and horizontal members, an angular selector, and a compression arm adapted for providing constant mechanical pressure to a wound site....

20060095072 - Field circulatory constriction device: A field circulatory constriction device suitable for self-application by an injured person in order to stop arterial blood loss in an injured limb includes a strap and a latch for coupling the strap around the limb. A buckle is provided for cinching the coupled strap to the limb and a...

20060095074 - Surgical instrument: The surgical instrument includes a distal tool, a rigid or flexible elongated shaft that supports the distal tool, and a proximal handle or control member, where the tool and the handle are coupled to the respective distal and proximal ends of the elongated shaft via distal and proximal bendable motion...

20060095075 - Injection of fibrin sealant using reconstituted components in spinal applications: A method of treating a disc that is leaking nucleus pulposus through at least one defect in the annulus fibrosus. The method includes injecting a fibrin sealant into the disc to reduce at least a portion of the at least one defect, wherein the fibrin sealant injected into the disc...

20060095076 - Wound closure product: A wound closure system and a method of closing a wound are disclosed. The disclosure is directed to a wound closure system comprising a skin anchor mechanically attached to external skin tissue on a first side of a generally linear wound, an anchorable tensioning apparatus mechanically attached to external skin...