Surgery inventions 06/06

20060142740 - Method and apparatus for performing a voice-assisted orthopaedic surgical procedure: A system for assisting a surgeon in performing an orthopaedic surgical procedure includes a microphone and controller. The microphone is configured to transmit voice commands to the controller. The controller is configured to perform one or more surgical related functions in response to the voice command....

20060142738 - Positioning unit, and positioning arm using the same: Provided is a unit used in a surgical operation using an endoscope, for example, to position the distal end of a surgical instrument to the region of a human body where medical treatment is required, without spreading a hole formed in the human body for insertion of the surgical instrument....

20060142739 - System and method for ensuring proper medical instrument use in an operating room: A system for managing medical instrument use during a surgical procedure may comprise a number of medical instruments, a display device configured to display any of the number of medical instruments, a microphone for transmitting voice commands identifying different ones of the number of medical instruments, and a controller. The...

20060142741 - Hair treatment method: A hand held device generates a predetermined number of pulses of light having a predetermined electromagnetic spectrum, a predetermined duration, a predetermined inter-pulse interval, and a predetermined total energy. The pulse sequence is delivered to a skin surface to temporarily remove hair through the absorption of light energy only by...

20060142742 - Device for ophthalmologically treating the eye using a fixation light beam: A device for ophthalmologically treating the eye has a treatment laser beam (UV) for ablating parts of the cornea (12) and a fixation light beam (24). A fixation light spot in the vicinity of the fovea (30) and the fovea are imaged by means of a camera (40). This makes...

20060142745 - Dual pulse-width medical laser with presets: A medical laser device is described that generates a laser beam controllable with presets as to pulse duration, pulse repetition rate, power and energy per pulse. The device also provides presets with respect to water and air outputs. Parametric values for power, pulse duration, pulse repetition rate, and energy per...

20060142744 - Identification connector for a medical laser handpiece: An identification connector is disclosed that provides a link between a laser housing and a laser handpiece. The connector integrates a laser delivery guide with ancillary connections and provides information for verifying proper connection and protection against use of unauthorized delivery systems....

20060142743 - Medical laser having controlled-temperature and sterilized fluid output: A method and apparatus are described for controlling temperature of a fluid used with electromagnetic energy in medical and dental laser procedures. Received fluid is passed through a heat exchanger, and heat is added to or removed from the fluid depending upon a desired effect, which may be influenced by...

20060142746 - Device and method for inducing vascular injury and/or blockage in an animal model: Ultrashort laser pulses are used to induce photodisruptive breakdown in vasculature in an animal to controllably produce hemorrhage, thrombosis or breach of the blood-brain barrier in individual, specifically-targeted blood vessels. Damage is limited to the targeted vessels such that neighboring vessels exhibit no signs of vascular damage, including vessels directly...

20060142747 - Method of thermally treating blood vessels: An endovascular laser treatment device preferably includes a catheter having a hub at its proximal end, an optical fiber for insertion into the catheter, a fiber connector attached to the optical fiber at a selected distance from the distal end of the optical fiber, and a temporary stop removably mounted...

20060142750 - Devices and methods for treatment of skin conditions: Devices and methods for the treatment of skin conditions and lesions are disclosed herein. One aspect of the invention is a compact hand held device that can be safely used by those suffering from skin conditions, such as acne, warts, cold blisters, blemished skin, or fine wrinkles. The devices described...

20060142748 - Devices for targeted delivery of thermotherapy, and methods related thereto: Disclosed are devices for targeted delivery of thermotherapy. These devices are useful in the treatment of diseased tissue in conjunction with magnetic compositions. Further disclosed are methods for treating diseased tissue, which involve the administration of a thermotherapeutic magnetic composition to a patient or a portion of a patient, and...

20060142749 - Magnetic nanoscale particle compositions, and therapeutic methods related thereto: Disclosed are thermotherapeutic compositions for treating disease material, and methods of targeted therapy utilizing such compositions. These compositions comprise a) stable single domain magnetic particles; b) magnetic nanoparticles comprising aggregates of superparamagnetic grains; or c) magnetic nanoparticles comprising aggregates of stable single magnetic domain crystals and superparamagnetic grains. These compositions...

20060142751 - Electrothermal instrument for sealing and joining or cutting tissue: An instrument and method are provided for sealing and joining or hemostatically dividing tissue, which is particularly suitable for laparoscopic and endoscopic surgery. The instrument makes use of the controlled application of a combination of heat and pressure to seal adjacent tissues, to join adjacent tissues, or to anastomose tissues,...

20060142752 - Radio-frequency-based catheter system with improved deflection and steering mechanisms: A RF catheter system includes a catheter with a proximal portion, a distal portion having a distal end and a lumen extending from the proximal portion to the distal portion. Inner and outer coaxially aligned conductors extend within the catheter and are coaxial with the lumen. A deflectable catheter guide...

20060142753 - Ablation system and method of use: A system and method for creating lesions and assessing their completeness or transmurality. Assessment of transmurality of a lesion is accomplished by monitoring the depolarization signal in a local electrogram taken using electrodes located adjacent the tissue to be ablated. Following onset of application of ablation energy to heart tissue,...

20060142754 - Device for fragmenting substances: A device for fragmenting substances comprises a probe having an elongate probe shaft on the distal end of which a probe head is arranged, said probe head comprising an electro-hydraulic converter with which electrical energy, delivered via the probe shaft from the proximal direction, is converted in shock-like manner into...

20060142755 - Systems and methods for ablation of tissue: A system for treating tissue includes a probe assembly having a cannula, a shaft, and one or more needle electrodes. The shaft has a distal end, a proximal end, and a lumen extending between the distal and proximal ends of the shaft, and is slidable within the lumen of the...

20060142756 - Method of surgical perforation via the delivery of energy: A method of surgical perforation via the delivery of electrical, radiant or thermal energy comprising the steps of: introducing an apparatus comprising an energy delivery device into a patient's heart via the patient's superior vena cava; positioning the energy delivery device at a first location adjacent material to be perforated;...

20060142757 - Apparatus and method for tissue resection: A tissue ablation system is described that generates a uniform avascular plane of coagulated tissue to aid in the bloodless or near-bloodless resection of various biological tissues from a variety of organs. The tissue ablation system includes an energy director guide and two or more sets of bipolar energy directors....

20060142759 - Adjustable spinal prosthesis: Apparatus including a first spinal prosthetic member attachable to a first spinal structure, and a second spinal prosthetic member attachable to a second spinal structure, the first and second spinal prosthetic members being movably attached to one another with a fastening device, the fastening device having a non-tightened position which...

20060142762 - Apparatus and method for sequential distraction: Apparatus and a method of inserting spinal implants is disclosed in which an intervertebral space is first distracted, a hollow sleeve having teeth at one end is then driven into the vertebrae adjacent that disc space. A drill is then passed through the hollow sleeve removing disc and bone in...

20060142758 - Linking element for dynamically stabilizing a spinal fixing system and spinal fixing system comprising same: A linking element for a spinal fixing system is designed to link at least two implantable connecting assemblies. The linking element consists at least partly of a support made of polymeric material and a rod, bent or not, substantially coaxial with the support. The invention also concerns a spinal fixing...

20060142760 - Methods and apparatus for modular and variable spinal fixation: A system and method for the stabilization of the human spine using rods or plates having variable shapes and mechanical properties over their length. The rods or plates may be made up of various segments, each having different properties such as different flexibilities....

20060142761 - 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...

20060142763 - Device for bone fixation: The invention relates to a device for bone fixation, comprising A) an intramedullary pin (1) having a longitudinal axis (17), a distal tip (2) for introduction into the marrow cavity, and a proximal rear end (3) and B) a bone plate (10), for location on the greater trochanter, arranged at...

20060142764 - Intramedullary nail: An intramedullary nail is provided for a closed reduction of a fracture of a tubular bone by insertion into a bore in the medullary cavity thereof. The intramedullary nail has a simple configuration, is practice-oriented, and can be used simply, quickly, safely and with only minimal use of intraoperative X-ray...

20060142768 - Bone treatment plate assembly: Bone treatment plate assemblies, methods of fabrication, and methods of use. Such assemblies comprise spring structures assembled to bone treatment plates. The spring structure comprises elongate bands, and springs between the bands, urging the bands against structure of the plate. Spring width is less than spring height and/or one or...

20060142766 - Cervical vertebra plate: The invention relates to a cervical vertebra plate (10) for osteosynthesis, having two receiving openings for the screw heads (18) of bone screws (16) in order to secure the cervical vertebra plate to two cervical vertebrae. The receiving openings have grooves (22) in the distal region on the periphery thereof...

20060142767 - Orthopedic device and method for correcting angular bone deformity: An orthopedic device and method for correcting angular deformation of a bone structure having a growth plate. The device includes first and second hinge members connected together at a hinge joint. The device is adapted for mounting the orthopedic device to the bone structure with the pivot joint positioned over...

20060142765 - Vertebral implant for bone fixation or interbody use: The present invention provides a biodegradable implant which can be used as fixation and/or interbody implants. The implant is formed of a biodegradable material and may be used as a cervical stabilizing system. The stabilizing system comprises a body constructed of a biodegradable, polymeric material, which when implanted within the...

20060142769 - Anchoring screw for a relay strip or suture: The invention concerns an anchoring screw (1) in a bone tunnel (6) for a relay strip (8) made of synthetic material or a suture, comprising: a cylindrical proximal portion (3) of length ranging between 0 and 10 mm and a conical intermediate portion (4), whereon are provided a blunted thread...

20060142770 - Compression bone screw: A compression bone screw is described, with a shank having two opposite shank sections along its axial extent, a first thread being connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the shank in the region of the first shank section. The shank has at least one latching element for rotatably coupling...

20060142771 - Bone clamp: A bone clamp moving bone segments relative to each other. The clamp comprises a first and second branch and a bridge connecting the first and second branch. Each branch may have a free end and a rear end. The bone clamp may have a first, undeformed state, where the branches...

20060142772 - Surgical fasteners and related implant devices having bioabsorbable components: Surgical implants including fasteners and related devices which are partially bioabsorbable. The implants are constructed of a non-bioabsorbable base comprising metals and or high strength plastic materials. The base is partially or completely coated with a bioabsorbable material which can have its own mechanical features, such as the threads on...

20060142773 - Abrasive cutting system and method: A high pressure fluid jet system is provided, which is useful for cutting hard material during a surgical procedure. The cutting of hard material is more efficient as the system delivers abrasive solid particles with the high pressure fluid. In an exemplary embodiment, abrasive solid particles can be mixed with...

20060142774 - Instrumentation for knee resection: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for performing a procedure relative to a selected portion of the anatomy, for example, preparing a portion of a joint, such as a knee, for implantation of a prosthesis. The manner of preparing the selected portion of the anatomy can be assisted with the...

20060142775 - Surgical tool with cannulated rotary tip: Various methods and devices are provided for cutting and sculpting body tissue, such as cartilage and the like, during a surgical procedure. In an exemplary embodiment, a surgical cutting device is provided which includes an elongate shaft and a rotatable tissue-affecting tip disposed at the distal end thereof. A lumen...

20060142776 - Orthopedic instrument: The orthopedic apparatus has: a shank (11); a fan-shaped member (12) which is provided at the front end of the shank (11); and a coupling (13) which is provided at the rear end of the shank and to be connected to a driving source. The fan-shaped member (12) is inclined...

20060142777 - Patella resection clamp: A patella resection clamp for use in resecting a patella has a first elongated handle portion and a second elongated handle portion. Each of the portions having first and second ends. The two handle portions are pivotally connected at a pivot point intermediate the first and second ends for rotation...

20060142778 - Rotational alignment femoral sizing guide: Embodiments of the present invention allow unlimited rotational alignment between two boundaries for alignment with anatomic landmarks while still referencing both posterior condyles for A/P sizing of the distal femur. In particular embodiments, the system provides at least one movable paddle that provides a reference point from the condyles so...

20060142779 - Cannula having asymmetrically-shaped threads: Methods and apparatus for performing a medical procedure which involves penetrating a bone structure are disclosed. According to one aspect of the present invention, a method for performing a surgical procedure includes introducing an assembly that includes a threaded cannula and a stylet into a bone structure. The threads have...

20060142780 - Preloaded iol injector and method: Apparatus and method for preloading an intraocular lens in a component of an injector device. The intraocular lens is positioned in a shuttle which is positioned inside a distal section of the device. The shuttle, IOL and distal section are positioned and sealed in a vial of storage solution. At...

20060142781 - Preloaded iol injector and method: Apparatus and method for preloading an intraocular lens in a component of an injector device. The intraocular lens is positioned in a shuttle which is positioned inside a distal section of the device. The shuttle, IOL and distal section are positioned and sealed in a vial of storage solution. At...

20060142782 - Assembly for guiding insertion of a medical device into the brain's surrounding subdural space and method therefor: The assembly and method of the present invention guides the insertion of a medical device, such as a guide wire, into the subdural space surrounding the brain of a vertebrate. Preferably, the assembly is dimensioned to guide insertion of the medical device in a direction substantially tangent to the curvature...

20060142783 - Methods and systems for treating ischemia: Methods for treating total and partial occlusions employ a perfusion conduit which is penetrated through the occlusive material. Oxygenated blood or other medium is then perfused through the conduit in a controlled manner, preferably at a controlled pressure below the arterial pressure, to maintain oxygenation and relieve ischemia in tissue...

20060142784 - Device and method for suturing internal structures puncture wounds: A device for remotely suturing an internal structure of a body and a method of performing said suturing procedure. The device includes one or more anchors and means, operable from outside the body, for forcing said anchors out of said device. The anchors are located in or on said device...

20060142785 - 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...

20060142786 - Mesh implant for use in reconstruction of soft tissue defects: The present invention relates to a resorbable polymeric mesh implant, that is intended to be used in the reconstruction of soft tissue defects. The mesh implant comprises at least a first and a second material, wherein the second material is substantially degraded at a later point in time than the...

20060142787 - Overtube apparatus for insertion into a body: An overtube apparatus for insertion into a body is described herein. The assembly includes an overtube having a lumen defined throughout. The distal end of the overtube member has two or more windows in apposition configured to draw in tissue via a vacuum. A drive tube, which also defines a...

20060142791 - Anastomosis device and method: An anastomosis device for use in coupling an end of a graft vessel to a side of a target vessel. The target vessel has an opening formed in a side wall thereof for insertion of the device. The device comprises a tubular member, at least a portion thereof being radially...

20060142788 - Blood vessel transecting and anastomosis: Method and device for cutting a blood vessel using a cutting tool from within the blood vessel. A first cut portion of the blood vessel is fused to a second blood vessel to provide a flow channel therebetween....

20060142789 - Method and apparatus for augmentation of a sphincter: A system and method for delivering one or more implantable members, such as metal coils, via an introducer member, such as an endoscopic needle, into a space created within the submucosal layers of the LES to augment and bulk the sphincter to improve compliance in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease....

20060142790 - Methods and devices to facilitate connections between body lumens: Methods and devices to urge two gastrointestinal organs toward one another by penetrating through a first wall of a first gastrointestinal organ with an elongate structure comprising at least two expandable elements slideable along the elongate structure, penetrating through a second gastrointestinal organ with the elongate structure, expanding a first...

20060142792 - Artery holder: An artery holder for use in connection with heart surgery, which has a gripping and fixing member (1) having two co-operating first and second clamp elements (9, 10) which are arranged to grip muscle tissue (4) around an artery (5) in connection with its cut end (7) and clamp muscle...

20060142793 - Orbital atherectomy device guide wire design: A guide wire for assisting in implantation and balancing of an orbital atherectomy device is disclosed. The guide wire is generally configured to be received within a driveshaft and cutting region of the orbital atherectomy device. The guide wire is sufficiently flexible to minimize trauma to the vessel walls is...

20060142795 - Expandable percutaneous sheath: Disclosed is an expandable percutaneous sheath, for introduction into the body while in a first, low cross-sectional area configuration, and subsequent expansion to a second, enlarged cross-sectional configuration. The sheath is maintained in the first, low cross-sectional configuration by a removable tubular restraint. In one application, the sheath is utilized...

20060142794 - Self-expanding device for the gastrointestinal or urogenital area: Devices for treatments of diseases and disorders associated with the gastrointestinal tract, especially the stomach, or urinogenital tract are described herein. Initially, the device is in a temporary form which is suitable for oral or rectal administration. After exposure to a stimulus, such as a temperature or pH change, the...

20060142796 - Methods and apparatus for emboli removal: Improved methods and apparatus for capturing emboli and subsequently removing or immobilizing the captured emboli are described. Emboli can be captured within a blood vessel and can be withdrawn to a position exterior to the blood vessel. Some filters can remain within a blood vessel yet direct emboli to a...

20060142797 - Medical sealing device: A medical sealing device (1) for the sealing of a puncture hole in a vessel wall, comprises an inner member (2), which is adapted to be positioned at an interior surface of the vessel wall, and an outer member (3), which is adapted to be positioned outside the vessel wall,...

20060142798 - Device and method for closing an opening in a body cavity or lumen: A closure device or system seals or closes an opening in a body cavity. The closure device is deployed proximate to an entry site to the body cavity. A needle or instrument is inserted through the closure to form an incision through the body wall to insert a treatment device...

20060142799 - Apparatus and method for use in positioning an anchor: An apparatus for use in positioning an anchor includes a tubular outer member and an inner or pusher member. During use of the apparatus, a slot facilitates visualization of the position of the anchor relative to body tissue. An anchor retainer may be provided at one end of the tubular...

20060142800 - Infant teething and feeding apparatus: An infant teething and feeding apparatus having a child-proof locking mechanism, reducing the likelihood of the assembled apparatus becoming inadvertently or prematurely disassembled by a young child and, in turn, preventing an associated food containing member from becoming separated from the overall device, absent intervention by an adult, and thus...

20060135952 - Corrective intraocular lens and associated methods: A system for providing improved vision to a patient having undergone an intraocular lens implantation includes a device for measuring an aberration in an eye of a patient having an intraocular lens implanted therein. Computer software is resident on a processor and is adapted to calculate a refraction profile prescription...

20060135953 - Tissue ablation system including guidewire with sensing element: A tissue ablation system for ablating human tissue wherein sensing and ablation procedures are performed and controlled independently. A sensing wire is positioned distally to the ablation region and is adapted to pass thorough the ablation device such that it may move with or independently of the ablation device without...

20060135955 - Medical instrument and method of use: This invention relates to surgical instruments for applying energy to tissue. In one embodiment, an elongated introducer has a handle portion that includes an interior chamber that is supplied with a biocompatible liquid under pressure. An energy source causes a liquid-to-vapor phase change within the interior chamber and ejects a...

20060135954 - Methods and devices for ablation: An ablating device has a cover which holds an interface material such as a gel. The cover contains the interface material during initial placement of the device. The ablating device may also have a removable tip or a membrane filled with fluid. In still another aspect, the ablating device may...

20060135957 - Method and apparatus to align a probe with a cornea: A system and method for denaturing corneal tissue of a cornea. The system may include an optical recognition system that-can recognize a feature of the corneal. The recognized feature is used to register a desired probe location relative to the cornea. The desired probe location is displayed by a monitor....

20060135956 - Method and system for transcervical tubal occlusion: A medical device and procedure is described for occluding a fallopian tube. A tubal occlusion device is inserted into a uterine cavity. The device includes an RF applicator head including an electrode carrier with one or more bipolar electrodes thereon. During insertion, the RF applicator head can be in a...

20060135958 - Bone fixing device: Bone fixing device comprising (I) a surgical cable having a first and a second end and (II) at least a first and a second fixing plate having a first resp. second central hole and a first resp. second ring surrounding said first resp. second hole, the circumference of each fixing...

20060135959 - Nuclectomy method and apparatus: A nuclectomy method for creating a nuclear cavity in an annulus located in an intervertebral disc space and for preparing the nuclear cavity to receive an intervertebral prosthesis. An annulotomy is formed in the annulus along an annular axis to provide access to a nucleus. A portion of the nucleus...

20060135960 - Bone screw comprising a tangential cutting edge: The invention relates to a bone screw having a longitudinal axis and a threaded shaft which has an external thread of an external diameter DA, a front thread end and a thread profile. The thread profile has a front thread flank that is oriented towards the front thread end. The...

20060135964 - Bioprosthetic cardiovascular valve system: A cardiovascular valve system including a permanent base unit that is affixed to the patient using conventional sutures or staples, and a collapsible valve having a collapsible frame that mates with the permanent base unit, and supports valve leaflets. An installed collapsible frame may be re-collapsed and disengaged from the...

20060135963 - Expandable gastrointestinal sheath: Disclosed is an expandable transluminal sheath, for introduction into the body while in a first, low cross-sectional area configuration, and subsequent expansion of at least a part of the distal end of the sheath to a second, enlarged cross-sectional configuration. The sheath is configured for use in the gastrointestinal system...

20060135962 - Expandable trans-septal sheath: Disclosed is an expandable transluminal sheath, for introduction into the body while in a first, low cross-sectional area configuration, and subsequent expansion of at least a part of the distal end of the sheath to a second, enlarged cross-sectional configuration. The sheath is configured for use in the vascular system....

20060135961 - Steerable guide catheters and methods for their use: Methods for easy, atraumatic access to areas of the vasculature that are otherwise difficult to access, using steerable guide catheters constructed with components that are selected to provide optimal navigability, torque transfer, and push ability for a variety of typical percutaneous access routes. The catheter wall thickness in the deflecting...

20060135965 - Epilating apparatus: An epilating apparatus has a cylindrical rotating cylinder, a plate and driving portions. The cylindrical rotating cylinder has a plurality of claw portions for epilation. The plate has a plurality of openings, in which the plurality of claw portions are exposed, and covers the outside exposed surface of the rotating...

20060135966 - 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...

20060135967 - Method and apparatus for attaching a valve prosthesis: A valve delivery device and method of use is provided. In one embodiment, the device to deliver a valve prosthesis to a target tissue may include at least one anchor and at least one guide wire coupled to the anchor. The device has a fastener housing. The device may also...

20060135968 - 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...

20060135969 - Intraocular clip: An intraocular clip including first and second hook members extending generally coplanarly in opposite directions from a spine, the spine being formed with an attachment member attachable to ocular structure....

20060135970 - 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...

20060135971 - System for treating gastroesophageal reflux disease: A system for treating gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is disclosed herein. A variety of tools, such as a shape-lockable endoscopic device, can be advanced trans-esophageally and into the stomach or through the stomach wall to access regions of the tissue in and around the gastroesophageal junction. Utilizing expandable tissue anchors,...

20060135973 - Introducer apparatus: An apparatus for providing percutaneous access to a vessel of a patient over a wire guide. An outer sleeve of the apparatus has proximal and distal open ends, and has a lumen extending longitudinally therethrough. An inner sleeve has proximal and distal open ends, and has a lumen extending longitudinally...

20060135972 - Trocar seal assembly: A seal assembly adapted for use in conjunction with a trocar assembly includes a plurality of seal segments, each seal segment including a peripheral edge and a seam edge. Each seal segment further includes a first section and a second section with a vertical wall connecting the first section and...

20060135975 - Non-circular ported phacoemulsification irrigation sleeve: An ophthalmic phacoemulsification irrigation sleeve 26 includes an elongated resilient tubular body portion 28 having a distal end 30 and a proximal end 32 for surrounding a portion of a shaft of a pharcoemulsification needle. An enlarged section 34 is formed on the proximal end 32 for surrounding a hub...

20060135974 - Surge dampening irrigation-aspiration tubing: A length of tubing 20 includes an irrigation lumen 26 for carrying irrigation fluid from a source 12 to an ophthalmic surgical site at eye 18. An aspiration lumen 28 is also formed in tubing 20 for carrying aspirant from the surgical site at eye 18 to a collection reservoir....

20060135976 - No port phacoemulsification needle sleeve: A phacoemulsification needle sleeve 10 includes an elongated, resilient tubular body portion 18 having a distal end 20. An enlarged section 22 is formed on a proximal end of the body portion 18 for surrounding a hub of a needle 12. The distal end 20 is formed to abut a...

20060135977 - Circumferential trocar seal assembly: A seal assembly adapted for use in conjunction with a trocar assembly includes a plurality of seal segments. Each seal segment includes a peripheral edge and a seam edge. At least a first seal segment and a second seal segment are connected along their respective peripheral edges to form a...

20060135978 - Duckbill seal protector: A seal for use in conjunction with a trocar assembly includes a seal body adapted for selectively opening and closing the seal, and a protector adjacent the seal body for protecting the seal body from instruments passing through the seal body. The protector includes at least one flap mounted for...

20060135980 - Balloon with stepped sections and implements: A catheter balloon may include a proximal waist portion, a proximal cone portion, a first body portion, a second body portion, a third body portion, a distal cone portion and a distal waist portion. The second body portion may comprise a stepped-down section. An inflated diameter of the second body...

20060135979 - Catheter tip to reduce wire lock: An elongate medical device and methods for making and using the same. The elongate medical device may be a catheter that includes an elongate tubular shaft having a lumen defined therein. A scraping member is coupled to an inner wall surface of the shaft and extends into the lumen. The...

20060135981 - Expandable transluminal sheath: Disclosed is an expandable transluminal sheath, for introduction into the body while in a first, low cross-sectional area configuration, and subsequent expansion of at least a part of the distal end of the sheath to a second, enlarged cross-sectional configuration. The distal end of the sheath is maintained in the...

20060135982 - Balloon catheter having improved balloon seal: The end cap is preferably formed of a relatively high durometer material with an inner surface on an outer surface of the shaft and on an outer surface of the balloon skirt section, and contacts a compression member on the balloon outer surface. The configuration prevents or inhibits failure at...

20060135983 - Catheter with tapered end balloon: A delivery system, including a balloon catheter having a balloon with distal and proximal ends and a guide catheter for delivering the balloon catheter to a treatment site, is disclosed. The balloon tapers from at least one of the distal and proximal ends of the balloon to an active region...

20060135984 - Devices for maintaining patency of surgically created channels in tissue: Devices and methods for altering gaseous flow within a lung to improve the expiration cycle of an individual, particularly individuals having chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The methods and devices create channels in lung tissue and maintain the patency of these surgically created channels in tissue. Maintaining the patency of the...

20060135985 - Vulnerable plaque modification methods and apparatuses: A method including introducing an expandable body into a blood vessel at a point coextensive with a vulnerable plaque lesion, and expanding the expandable body from a first diameter to a different second diameter sufficient to modify the shape of an inner diameter of the blood vessel at the point...

20060135987 - 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...

20060135986 - Vaso-occlusive device having pivotable coupling: An assembly for occluding a vascular site (e.g., an aneurysm) of a human or veterinary patient includes a vaso-occlusive member, a pusher member having a distal end and a severable junction located proximal to the distal end, and a pivotable coupling that couples the pusher member to the occlusive member....

20060135988 - Sequential tissue forceps for use in tissue fastening: A sequential surgical forceps is adapted to sequentially grasp tissue on opposed sides of a tissue interface and then present the tissue for capture and closure by a surgical fastening apparatus. The sequential tissue forceps comprises a first arm, a second arm and central arm wherein both the first arm...

20060135989 - Closure device: A clip for engaging tissue includes a generally annular-shaped body defining a plane and disposed about a central axis extending normal to the plane. The body includes alternating inner and outer curved regions, defining a zigzag pattern about a periphery of the clip. The body is biased towards a planar...

20060135990 - Delivery system: Novel delivery systems suitable for delivering, for example, implantable devices. Delivery system comprises a three-catheter system in conjunction with at least one floating connector. Delivery system may be particularly suitable for delivering septal occlusion devices to a patient's heart....

20060135991 - Tissue closure and tissue closing device: A tissue closure includes a body, and a thread includes a knot which is slidable on the thread. The body is composed of a plate-like anchor portion, and a deformation portion having a frame-like shape which can be deformed between a first form in which the deformation portion is elongated...

20060135992 - Annular adhesive structure: An apparatus for forming an anastomosis between adjacent intestinal sections of tissue is provided. The apparatus includes a circular surgical stapler having an anvil assembly with an anvil shaft and an anvil, the circular surgical stapler further having a tubular body portion with an annular knife and a body portion...

20060135993 - Surgical device for connecting soft tissue: The invention comprises a surgical instrument including an external tube (2) and two elongated members (4) positioned in said tube (2), each of which includes a distal end (10a) for capturing one of the two tissue zones (M1, M2) to be attached. The instrument (1) may further comprise a catching...

20060135994 - Barbed suture in combination with surgical needle: A barbed suture for connecting tissue, and a combination surgical needle with a barbed suture. The suture includes an elongated body and a plurality of barbs projecting from the body. Each barb causes the suture to resist movement in an opposite direction from which the barb faces. The disposition of...

20060135995 - Barbed suture in combination with surgical needle: A barbed suture for connecting tissue, and a combination surgical needle with a barbed suture. The suture includes an elongated body and a plurality of barbs projecting from the body. Each barb causes the suture to resist movement in an opposite direction from which the barb faces. The disposition of...

20060135996 - Suture locking device: A device for locking a suture in place without the need for tying knots once the suture is placed within tissue is provided. The device comprises an anchor having a cannula and a locking mechanism for securing the suture within the cannula....

20060135997 - Peek a boo pacifier: An improved pacifier having a thin housing frame (10) made of a durable material. A nipple (12) made of a flexible, rubbery material, with a breathing hole at its top, a stem, and a hallow bulb ending. And a pair of thin cover guards (14) with teeth at its ends...

20060129140 - System and method for identifying and controlling ophthalmic surgical devices and components: System and method for identifying a component, such as an optical probe or pneumatic scissors, of an ophthalmic surgical device. A component of a surgical device includes an identifier, such as a RFID tag. Data from the RFID tag is transmitted to a RFID reader in the device. A controller...

20060129141 - Treatment of eye disorders using articulated-arm coupled ultraviolet lasers: Surgical method and apparatus for presbyopia correction and glaucoma by laser removal a portion of the sclera and/or ciliary tissue are disclosed. The disclosed preferred embodiments of the system consists of a beam spot controller, an articulated arm and an attached end-piece. The basic laser beam includes UV laser having...

20060129142 - Efficient controlled cryogenic fluid delivery into a balloon catheter and other treatment devices: Devices, systems, and methods efficiently dilate and/or cool blood vessels and other body tissues. Controlled cooling with balloon catheters and other probes may be effected by a change in phase of a cryogenic fluid, often after measuring a minimum pulse width for actuating an individual solenoid valve along the cooling...

20060129143 - Metal electrode: The invention relates to a spreader structure (10) for introducing into a hollow organ, comprising spreader rods (12), which radiate from a first connection section (14) essentially in the longitudinal direction (36) of the spreader structure (10) up to a second connection section (16), are distributed around the periphery of...

20060129145 - Bipolar electrosurgical clamp for removing and modifying tissue: The present invention provides systems, apparatus and methods for selectively applying electrical energy to body tissue in order to ablate, contract, coagulate, or otherwise modify a target tissue or organ. The closed configuration is adapted for clamping and coagulating a target tissue while the apparatus is operating in the sub-ablation...

20060129144 - Electrode device for high frequency thermotherapy: The object of the present invention is to provide an electrode device for high frequency thermotherapy, including a main casing, an electrode needle, a first engaging part, and a guide unit coupled to the engaging part to be longitudinally moved relative to the electrode needle. The guide unit has a...

20060129146 - Vessel sealer and divider having a variable jaw clamping mechanism: An endoscopic bipolar forceps includes a housing and a shaft, the shaft having an end effector assembly at its distal end, which includes two jaw members for grasping tissue therebetween. Each jaw member is adapted to connect to an electrosurgical energy source, enabling them to affect a tissue seal to...

20060129147 - Elastic element for the use in a stabilization device for bones and vertebrae and method for the manufacture of such elastic element: A stabilization device for bones or vertebrae comprises a substantially cylindrical elastic element. The elastic element has a first end and a second end opposite to the first end. An elastic section extends between the first end and the second end. The elastic section includes at least first and second...

20060129149 - Polyaxial screw: The present invention generally is directed toward a spinal fixation system whereby a coupling element allows the physician to selectively lock or unlock either the connection between the coupling element and a fastener, such as to allow for repositioning of the coupling element, or the connection between the coupling element...

20060129150 - Rod connector: A rod connector is provided with a rod supporting portion in a part of a connector main body supported to a leading end of a shank portion. A rod pressing portion is provided in a side opposing to the rod supporting portion, and a rod is clamped and fixed by...

20060129148 - Screw sleeve made of polyetheretherketone (peek) for augmentation of bone screw insertion in osteoporotic or revision lumbar spine instrumentation: An orthopaedic device comprising an orthopaedic bone screw and a sleeve of polyetheretherketone material in which the orthopaedic bone screw is received for increasing interference between the screw and bone tissue to increase strength of fixation when the device is installed in bone....

20060129151 - Systems and methods for securing fractures using plates and cable clamps: Systems, devices, and methods of using bone plates with cable clamps to help secure bone plates in the desired positions for securing and treating bone fractures. The bone plates are adapted to be used interchangeably with bone screws, compression screws, or cable clamps....

20060129152 - Absorbable anchor for hernia mesh fixation: A method of forming and deploying an absorbable anchor for hernia mesh fixation is disclosed. The diameter of the anchor is reduced upon insertion to minimize entry hole size and insertion force and is increased when urged proximal. The anchor is formed from co-polymers of lactide and glycolide....

20060129153 - Device for temporarily splinting toes: A device for temporarily splinting toes, especially for the treatment of hammertoes and other defective positions of toes, consisting of a tube composed of a bio-absorbable material and a guide wire. The tube has an inner diameter of d, whereas the guide wire has an external diameter D, such that...

20060129154 - Absorbable anchor for hernia mesh fixation: A method of forming and deploying an improved absorbable anchor for hernia mesh fixation is disclosed. The absorbable anchor of the present invention functions to securely fasten tough, non macro-porous, and relative inelastic mesh to soft tissue. The anchor is formed from co-polymers of lactide and glycolide....

20060129156 - Methods and devices for spinal disc annulus reconstruction and repair: The present invention provides methods and devices for annulus disc repair with and without the use of a patch or stent. The methods and devices are particularly suited to the repair and/or reconstruction of the spinal disc wall (annulus) after surgical invasion or pathologic rupture, with reduced failure rate as...

20060129155 - Pin for fixing an implant subjected to tensile load: A pin for fixing an implant is subjected to tensile load, in particular of a tendon implant. The pin has a rod-shaped body. A 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...

20060129158 - Apparatus for and method of providing a hip replacement: A short main incision and portal incisions at portal positions strategically displaced from the main incision are provided in a patient's hip. One portal incision (acetabular portal) provides for a disposition of reamers in the patient's acetabulum to shape the acetabulum. A cannula is inserted through the portal incision to...

20060129157 - Inset acetabular reamer coupling: An acetabular reamer for surgical use includes (a) a substantially hemispherical dome defining an equatorial plane, and (b) a reamer spindle interface structure fixedly attached to the inside of the dome so as to substantially inset the interface structure within the dome. This insetting of the interface structure helps minimize...

20060129159 - Facial bone contouring device using hollowed rasp provided with non-plugging holes formed through cutting plane: Disclosed is a facial bone contouring device for use in facial bone contouring surgery and bone tumor and/or osteophyte removal. The facial bone contouring device comprises: a rasp (10), having a double tube structure, including a rod (11), and a cutter (13) provided with plural grooves (13c) for exhausting cut...

20060129161 - Textured surface having undercut micro recesses in a surface: Textured surface having micro recesses such that the outer surface overhangs the micro recesses. Embodiments of the textured surface include sharp edges for promoting bone deposition and growth within the micro recesses, protrusions of varying depth from the surface that include overhangs, and micro recesses that are at least partially...

20060129160 - Vertebral endplate preparation tool kit: A disc preparation system includes an oscillating rasp for preparation of vertebral endplates and a central reamer for reaming a pair of kidney-shaped grooves into the vertebral endplate. The oscillating rasp is powered by a rotary power source. A linkage assembly is coupled to the rotary power source to convert...

20060129162 - Method and apparatus for fixing a graft in a bone tunnel: A method for fixing a portion of a piece of tissue in a bone tunnel comprising the steps of placing the portion of a piece of tissue in the bone tunnel, advancing spaced-apart first and second metal wires though the bone, transversely of the bone tunnel, so as to intersect...

20060129163 - Systems and methods for producing osteotomies: Systems and methods for producing minimally invasive osteotomies to correct angular deformities of bones in and about the knee are disclosed. A method includes locating a plane in which the angle exhibited by the deformity is situated. An oblique cut is then made along a surface of the bone, such...

20060129164 - Medical instrument for manipulating objects that have a hollow channel: A medical instrument is used for manipulating objects that have a hollow channel. The medical instrument has a handle at the proximal end and a distal tip that can be inserted into the hollow channel of the object to be manipulated. An expander mechanism is provided for the radial expansion...

20060129165 - Gel based laparoscopic trocar: A gel based laparoscopic trocar having a shaft with upper and lower portions, the shaft having an interior dimension, a rigid gel casing surrounding the upper portion of the shaft, at least two resilient gel filled membranes filling the interior dimension of the upper portion of the shaft, a plurality...

20060129166 - Radiopaque manipulation devices: A radiopaque component is included in manipulation and retrieval devices useful for kidney and bile stones. These devices may include a retriever or manipulator, to remove a stone or other object from a body. Metallic three component alloys of Ni—Ti and at least a third metal are useful for their...

20060129167 - Ligating band dispenser with transverse ridge profile: An improved distal end for a ligating band dispenser having a transverse groove or ridge profile that promotes rolling of the bands. In one embodiment, the ligating bands and the transverse grooves or ridges are dimensioned such that the width of the bands when stretched on the support surface is...

20060129168 - Surgical ligation clip: A surgical ligation clip for double ligating a vessel, duct or other fluid carrying structure and a method for double ligating such structure....

20060129169 - Intravascular implants and methods of using the same: An intravascular implant and methods of using the implant within the vasculature of the body, for example near a vascular aneurysm, are disclosed. The method of attaching a second implant, such as a vascular graft, to the intravascular implant is also disclosed. The implant can be made from an anchor,...

20060129170 - Surgical clamps: An arterial clamp has opposed clamping posts arranged to lie at opposite sides of an artery to clamp the artery between opposed clamping faces of the posts. The posts are carried by a pair of arms pivotally movable one relative to the other to move the posts into clamping relationship...

20060129171 - Oral care implement: An oral care implement with a soft tissue cleanser is provided to effectively cleanse the soft tissue of the mouth with comfort and a reduced risk of injury to the user. In one construction, a projection is formed of a combination of a hard material and a soft material. The...

20060129172 - Blood sampling devices: A housing retains a lancet body which encloses a needle whose tip is covered by a cap. The cap has a head provided with flanges. These flanges locate within notches at the end of the housing on only two sides of the housing. The location of the flanges within the...

20060129173 - Lancet device: A lancet device generally includes a housing having opposing lateral sides extending between a forward end and a rearward end, and a shield coaxially and movably associated with the housing. The housing includes a plurality of longitudinal ribs extending along a portion of at least one of the opposing lateral...

20060129174 - Microstructures for delivering a composition cutaneously to skin: An improved method and apparatus is provided as a system to deliver a composition, preferably a medical or pharmaceutical composition or active, through the stratum corneum of skin, without introducing bleeding or damage to tissue, and absent pain or other trauma. The dimensions and shapes of the microelements are controlled...

20060129178 - Adjustably stiffenable convertible catheter assembly: A stiffenable balloon catheter assembly capable of being converted from an “over-the-wire” mode with respect to a quidewire extending therethrough to a “rapid-exchange” mode with respect to a guidewire extending therethrough, and vice versa. The catheter has a plurality of lumens, one lumen however, having a side opening with an...

20060129176 - Catheter having an ultra soft tip and methods for making the same: An intravascular balloon catheter having an ultra soft tip. The catheter includes a braided reinforcement member extending substantially the length of the elongate shaft. A balloon is disposed at the distal end of the elongate shaft. An ultra soft tip is formed from a distal portion of balloon material extending...

20060129175 - Catheter including a compliant balloon: A catheter having an elongate shaft including a plurality of apertures disposed along at least a length of the shaft to facilitate bending. The catheter includes an inflatable balloon, wherein a subset of the plurality of apertures provides fluid communication from an inflation lumen to the inflatable balloon....

20060129177 - Reduced slippage balloon catheter and method of using same: A balloon catheter having a balloon with a reduced slippage lubricious coating, and a method of performing a medical procedure such as a balloon dilatation procedure in a patient's blood vessel. The second coating (i.e., the balloon coating) is lubricious to facilitate movement of the catheter in the patient's body...

20060129179 - Medical devices formed with a sacrificial structure and processes of forming the same: Medical devices formed using a sacrificial structure, and processes of forming the devices therefrom....

20060129182 - 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...

20060129180 - Methods of protecting a patient from embolization during surgery: An apparatus suitable for filtering emboli in an open surgical procedure. The apparatus comprises an elongated member having a distal region and a support hoop attached to the distal region. A blood permeable sac is affixed to the support hoop so that the support hoop forms a distally-facing mouth of...

20060129181 - Retrieval device with retractable dilator tip: Devices and methods for retrieving an intravascular device disposed within a blood vessel are disclosed. A retrieval device in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention includes an elongated member, a retractable dilator tip, and a retraction wire operatively coupled to the retractable dilator tip. The retraction wire...

20060129183 - Sheathless embolic protection system: A system for enabling the insertion and removal of an embolic protection device, for capturing and retaining embolic debris which may be created during the performance of a therapeutic interventional procedure in a stenosed or occluded region of a blood vessel. The system, in an embodiment thereof, enables the device...

20060129184 - Vein stabilizer: The vein stabilizer is a small device that: 1) isolates the vein, so it cannot roll from side to side when penetrated; and 2) causes the vein to bulge toward the surface of the skin making it more apparent. The vein stabilizer includes a sterile, two-piece disposable plastic device that...

20060129185 - Forceps for medical use: Forceps having two-half shells are disclosed. Each half-shell includes a front rim and a base wall and is mounted on a support element in a manner such that the half-shells can adopt a first opened-out configuration and a second closed configuration. The forceps include at least one container element having...

20060129186 - Surgical instrument with removable shaft apparatus and method: A surgical instrument includes a shaft having a proximal end and a distal end with an operating device disposed at the distal end. A cable assembly is carried by the shaft and extends proximally to a terminus. A handle assembly coupled to the cable assembly concludes a first handle and...

20060129187 - Double headed tweezers: A double headed tweezers, comprising: a body having a pair of elongated movable pincers on one end and another pair of elongated movable pincers on an opposite end, the body formed from two flat elongated units of identical length fused or joined stationarily at a location between the opposing movable...

20060129188 - Remodeling a cardiac annulus: Described herein are methods of remodeling the base of a ventricle. In particular, methods of remodeling a valve annulus by forming a new fibrous annulus are described. These methods may result in a remodeled annulus that corrects valve leaflet function without substantially inhibiting the mobility of the leaflet. The methods...

20060116667 - Apparatus and method for synchronizing a wireless remote control to a central control unit so as to allow remote control of a medical device over a secure wireless connection: A system for controlling one or more medical devices by a remote console. The remote console communicates wirelessly with a central control unit that connects to one or more of the medical devices. To minimize the possibility that a medical device will be activated by a stray or unauthorized wireless...

20060116666 - Two-stage scar generation for treating atrial fibrillation: The present invention seeks to provide an implant configured to utilize at least two different scar-generating mechanisms that are generated in sequential or overlapping stages. For example, in one embodiment the present invention provides an expandable device that can be positioned at a desired target location within a patient to...

20060116668 - Eye registration system for refractive surgery and associated methods: An orientation method for corrective eye surgery that registers pairs of eye images taken at different times and with the patient in different positions includes retrieving reference digital image data on an eye of the patient, including image data on an extracorneal eye feature. Real-time image data are collected that...

20060116669 - Handpiece for tissue treatment: A handpiece for tissue treatment is provided. The handpiece has receiving means for receiving a first light beam, at least two components and selector device being movable between at least two positions, each position corresponding to a component. The selector device may be moved between the two positions, thereby positioning...

20060116670 - Cryosurgical device and method for cooling surfaces: A cryosurgery device for dispensing a liquid refrigerant from a container having a valve stem extending outwardly therefrom. The device includes an actuator adapted to seat on the valve stem of the container in order to depress the valve stem to release the refrigerant from the container. The actuator includes...

20060116671 - Method and system for controlled thermal injury of human superficial tissue: A method and system for controlled thermal injury of human superficial tissue based on the ability to controllably create thermal lesions of variable shape, size, and depth via precise spatial and temporal control of acoustic energy deposition. The apparatus includes a control system and probes that facilitate treatment planning, control...

20060116673 - Ablation instrument and method: A flexible microwave antenna assembly for a surgical ablation instrument is capable of conforming to a tissue surface for ablation thereof. The ablation instrument includes a transmission line having a proximal portion suitable for connection to an electromagnetic energy source, and includes a flexible antenna coupled to the transmission line...

20060116672 - Microwave ablation instrument with insertion probe: A microwave ablation assembly and method including a relatively thin, elongated probe (21) having a proximal access end (22) and an opposite distal penetration end (23) adapted to penetrate into bio-tissue (25). The probe (21) defines an insert passage (26) extending therethrough from the access end (22) to the penetration...

20060116674 - Method of regenerating the recticular architecture of the dermis: A cosmetic method of regenerating the reticular architecture of tissue is disclosed. The method uses a source of thermal energy with a low thermal time constant, and comprises the step of operating the thermal energy source to form first and second adjacent regions of thermally-modified tissue in the region of...

20060116675 - Fluid-assisted medical devices, systems and methods: Surgical devices, systems and methods for treating tissue are provided. An exemplary surgical device comprises a tip portion including first and second jaws each having a tissue grasping surface, at least one of the jaws being movable toward the other jaw. The tissue grasping surface of each jaw has includes...

20060116676 - Device comprising anterior plate for vertebral column support: In a device including an anterior plate for vertebral column support, there is at least one connecting sliding piece which is used to connect an anchoring screw to a securing rod. The securing rod is inserted into a cylindrical bearing and is fixed using a tightening device including a small...

20060116677 - Side-loading bone anchor: A side-loading bone anchor is provided, which may be used in cervical, thoracic, lumbar or sacral areas of the spine or other orthopedic locations. In one embodiment, the anchor includes an anchoring portion and a receiving portion. The anchoring portion is attached to a bone, and is connected to the...

20060116679 - Bone plating implants, instruments and methods: Bone plating implants, instruments, systems and methods for fracture fixation are provided. The systems includes the instruments and implants comprising a trial component, handle, aiming block, bone plate, tissue spreader, drill guide, K-wire guide, monoaxial screw-locking inserts, polyaxial screw-locking inserts, cable plugs, K-wires, monoaxial screws and polyaxial screws. The methods...

20060116680 - Extractor for a bone connection element: An extractor device is provided to extract an insert to be used with a bone connection element such as a bone plate having at least one opening for a bone screw used with said insert. The extractor device has an outer hollow sleeve having proximal abutment surface being able to...

20060116678 - Self-locking osteosynthesis device: The self-locking osteosynthesis device includes a plate equipped with holes for the passage of fixation screws. The invention is characterised in that, at least in the areas defining the screw holes, the aforementioned plate is made from a material having mechanical properties such that the periphery of the holes can...

20060116682 - Surgical implant and methods of making and using the same: A biocompatible and pliable surgical implant for use in repair and rigid fixation of bone fractures and to compensate for a volume loss is disclosed. The implant includes a biocompatible base member and a volume member having a predetermined volume affixed to the metallic base member. The base is adapted...

20060116681 - Surgical plate with transition zone capability: A surgical plate system including a surgical plate affixable to bone or other rigid tissue and a method for use of such a system. A connector body protruding from a secondary plate is matable in a receiver defined in a primary plate....

20060116683 - Unidirectional translation system for bone fixation: A fixation assembly is described comprising at least two plates, one of which may be a contoured plate and one of which may be a securing plate. The contoured plate may have a plurality of teeth, and the securing plate may have a resilient securing element. The teeth may be...

20060116685 - Device and method for attaching soft tissue to bone: A device, system, and method for attaching soft tissue to bone is provided. The system includes an anchoring device and delivery device which allow a surgeon to achieve two different objectives during reattachment of tissue to bone. The system allows grasping and manipulation of the tissue to achieve proper location...

20060116684 - Method of loading tendons into the knee: A surgical method for loading ligament grafts into a joint. A longitudinal socket formed in a bone is intersected by a transverse pin. A flexible strand is drawn with the pin through the bone. A looped portion of the strand is diverted so as to protrude out of the entrance...

20060116686 - Self-guiding threaded fastener: A screw fastener for attachment to an orthopedic component such as an orthopedic plate for use in connection with fracture fixation, joint reconstruction or spinal stabilization or fusion is disclosed as having a shank with at least two different shank diameters, one in a plate engaging portion of the shank...

20060116687 - Side-loading adjustable bone anchor: A side-loading bone anchor is provided, which may be used in cervical, thoracic, lumbar or sacral areas of the spine or other orthopedic locations. In one embodiment, the anchor includes an anchoring portion, a receiving portion, and an internal piece that is rotatable with respect to the receiving portion at...

20060116688 - Method and instrumentation for vertebral interbody fusion: A method and instrumentation particularly adapted for disc space preparation from an anterior approach to the spine. In one aspect, an expandable template is provided having guides to guide a cutting device for bilateral formation of openings in the disc space. In another aspect, an improved guide member is provided...

20060116689 - Surgical instrumentation and method for treatment of a spinal structure: Embodiments of the invention include instrumentation and methods for treatment of a spinal structure or other orthopedic structures. An elongate member including a deformable distal portion having an initial configuration for placement within a spinal structure or other orthopedic structures, and a deformed configuration wherein the distal portion is outwardly...

20060116690 - Surgical instrumentation and method for treatment of a spinal structure: Instrumentation and method for treatment of a spinal structure, comprising an elongate member including a deformable distal portion having an initial configuration for placement within the spinal structure and a deformed configuration wherein the distal portion is outwardly deformed to form a cavity in the spinal structure. The elongate member...

20060116691 - Guide insertion device: The guide insertion device (8) for introduction of a guide into a check valve is made from a surgical material, comprising a body (10), defining a guide duct (12), said duct being open at the two ends thereof. The duct has a fine cannula (14) extending from a first duct...

20060116692 - Single operator medical device handles and related methods of use: The invention is directed to improved handles for medical devices. Embodiments of the invention include handles that allow for the device's introduction, positioning, and actuation with a single hand of an operator, handles that allow an operator to simultaneously position and manipulate two devices relative to each other as well...

20060116693 - Apparatus and method for stone capture and removal: A system and method to be used in ultrasonic or other types of lithotripsy of a stone in a ureter, the system including a catheter having a stone probe tip capable of transmitting stone reducing energy. The catheter can include an expandable funnel section adjacent to the probe tip, such...

20060116694 - Skin exfoliating tool and kit: A skin exfoliating tool and kit is provided wherein the tool includes an applicator wand and a drying tray. The wand features a gripping handle, a platform projecting circumferentially outward from the handle and a pliable pad attached to the platform. The wand nests in the drying tray, the latter...

20060116695 - Implant anchor and methods of use: An implant anchor that holds an implant in place by fibrotic encapsulation or inclusion of surrounding tissue into the anchor. The apparatus of the invention comprises an anchor configured to couple to an implant and which has at least one fibrous surface or portion capable of becoming fibrously encapsulated or...

20060116696 - Planar implant and surgical use thereof: The invention relates to a planar implant comprising a planar support with two faces, at least one face of the support being provided with an absorbable adhesive layer which is able to adhere to human or animal tissue....

20060116699 - Adhesive-based anastomosis method and system: A method and system for performing anastomosis may use an anvil to control and support a tissue site during an anastomosis procedure involving tissue bonding techniques such as adhesive tissue bonding. Adhesive may be applied to mating surfaces of the graft and/or target vessels either before or after the vessels...

20060116697 - Flexible transoral endoscopic gastroesophageal flap valve restoration device and method: A transoral gastroesophageal flap valve restoration device has sufficient flexibility and dimension to be passed through the mouth, throat, and esophagus of a patient into the patient's stomach. The device includes a first member and a second member hingedly coupled to the first member. The first and second members are...

20060116698 - Single sided transoral endoscopic gastroesophageal flap valve restoration device: A transoral gastroesophageal flap valve restoration device includes a single hinge coupling an arm to a body between which stomach tissue is folded to form a restored gastroesophageal flap valve. The device includes a drive mechanism that imparts reciprocal movement to the arm relative to the body. The drive mechanism...

20060116700 - Aortic stenosis cutting balloon blade: A cutting device having a blade for incising internal tissue (e.g. a stenosis) of a patient includes an elongated balloon catheter, with at least one straight blade mounted on the balloon. The blade includes a blunt tip member at the blade's distal end to prevent tissue incision by the blade's...

20060116701 - Balloon catheter with controlled depth incising blade: A device for incising tissue to a pre-selected incision depth within a body conduit of a patient includes an elongated balloon catheter and at least one elongated straight blade that is mounted on the balloon. To control the incision depth, each blade has a blunt section formed with a non-incising...

20060116702 - Intravascular obstruction removing wire and medical instrument: An intravascular obstruction removing wire includes an elongate wire body, at least two non-branched wire portions having distal ends and proximal ends which are connected to a distal end of the wire main body, and a plurality of filament portions extending across the wire portions. The non-branched wire portions and...

20060116703 - Internal limiting membrane rake: A medical device for removing a thin membrane from the inner surface of an eye. The device comprises a rake that includes a handle having a hollow body from which a slide member telescopes. A plurality of tines are provided on a free end of the slide member, wherein each...

20060116704 - Tissue tract lancet: The present disclosure is a method and apparatus to prepare a tissue tract having a handle member with a centerline, and a scalpel member fixedly attached to the handle member having a blunt tip, wherein the handle member has a first side positioned at a first positive angel relative to...

20060116705 - Disposable or single-use lancet device and method: Single-use lancet device includes a body. A movable skin engaging member is at least partially disposed inside the body and includes a lancet opening through which a lancet needle extends. A holding member can move at least between a retracted position and an extended position. The skin engaging member is...

20060116706 - Surgical instrument: Surgical instrument which has a main part (10) with a shaft (12) and a fixed handle part (14), on which a moveable handle part (20) is supported pivotably. The pivotable handle part (20) engages through a slit (18) of the main part (10) and is linked to a slider (16)....

20060116707 - Blood vessel cutter: A cutter (300) adapted for making an aperture in a blood vessel (810) suitable for receiving an anastomotic connector, the cutter comprising a handle a curved element extending from the handle, a sharp tip (306) at the end of the element, the tip (306) adapted for making at least one...

20060116709 - Aneurysm treatment devices and methods: An aneurysm treatment device for in situ treatment of aneurysms comprises a collapsible member having a first shape wherein the first shape is an expanded geometric configuration, and a second shape, wherein the second shape is a collapsed configuration that is loadable into a catheter. The aneurysm treatment device is...

20060116712 - Aneurysm treatment devices and methods: An aneurysm treatment device for in situ treatment of aneurysms comprises a collapsible member having a first shape wherein the first shape is an expanded geometric configuration, and a second shape, wherein the second shape is a collapsed configuration that is loadable into a catheter. The aneurysm treatment device is...

20060116713 - Aneurysm treatment devices and methods: An aneurysm treatment device for in situ treatment of aneurysms comprises an occlusion device having a flexible, longitudinally extending elastomeric matrix member that assumes a non-linear shape to conformally fill a targeted vascular site. The occlusion device has one or more longitudinally extending filaments that can be varied to impart...

20060116714 - Coupling and release devices and methods for their assembly and use: Devices and methods for coupling, delivery, detaching and controllably releasing a medical implant, and methods for the assembly and use of the devices, provide for mechanically simple and rapidly operated release of the implant without disturbing its precisely selected position. Embodiments of various aspects of the present invention employ, among...

20060116711 - Embolic coils: Embolic coils, as well as related methods, devices, and compositions, are disclosed....

20060116716 - Foldable vaso-occlusive member: Vaso-occlusive devices for occlusion of a body cavity are provided. The vaso-occlusive devices include an elongate vaso-occlusive member having one or more fold lines. Methods of using the vaso-occlusive devices are also described....

20060116708 - Indwelling implant for embolization: The present invention provides an indwelling implant for embolization that can be reliably indwelled in a prescribed site, allows the re-indwelling operation to be executed reliably, and hence has high safety and high operability. In the indwelling implant for embolization of the present invention, an axial extension controlling member having...

20060116710 - Self-centering occlusion device: This invention relates to an occlusion device for the closure of physical defects. The occlusion device is capable of self-centering itself in the defect. This allows the center of the occluder to remain properly positioned in the defect, while maintaining a low profile against the tissue....

20060116715 - Vascular filter having articulation region and methods of use in the ascending aorta: Apparatus and methods are provided for use in filtering emboli from a vessel such as the ascending aorta, wherein a vascular device comprises a support hoop having an articulation region connected near a distal end of an elongated member, a blood permeable sac affixed to the support hoop so that...

20060116717 - Articulated center post: This invention relates to an occlusion device for the heart, having an articulated center post which prevents rotation of the individual occluder elements around the center post, while allowing the device to better conform to the contours of the heart to increase sealing abilities and reduce breakage resulting from conformation...

20060116718 - Device and method for tacking a prosthetic screen: Prosthetic screen tacking device including a filament with at least one barb and one or more of a perpendicular foot at one end, a loop at the other end and a needle at the other end. When a needle and loop are present, the loop is situated between the barbs...

20060116719 - 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...