Surgery inventions 07/06

20060167441 - Method and apparatus for performing minimally invasive cardiac procedures: A minimally invasive surgical system includes a pair of surgical instruments having end effectors to hold and suture tissue, a pair of robotic arms coupled to the surgical instruments, a controller, and a pair of master handles coupled through the controller to the robotic arms, so that surgeon manipulation of...

20060167440 - Modular manipulator support for robotic surgery: A robotic surgery system comprises a mounting base, a plurality of surgical instruments, and an articulate support assembly. Each instrument is insertable into a patient through an associated minimally invasive aperture to a desired internal surgical site. The articulate support assembly movably supports the instruments relative to the base. The...

20060167442 - Apparatus and methods for directional delivery of laser energy: In some embodiments, without limitation, the invention comprises a catheter having an elongated housing with a channel disposed therein. A laser delivery member is movable and at least partially disposed within the channel. A ramp is disposed within the housing at an angle to its central axis and proximate to...

20060167444 - Clamp based low temperature lesion formation apparatus, systems and methods: Clamp based low temperature lesion formation apparatus, systems and methods....

20060167443 - Low temperature lesion formation apparatus, systems and methods: Low temperature lesion formation apparatus, systems and methods. The apparatus includes a base member and an inflatable element carried by the base member....

20060167445 - Selective conductive interstitial thermal therapy device: An apparatus and method for thermally destroying tumors. A tip has a plurality of deployable thermal conductive elements whose temperatures are individually controllable. This allows the shape of the thermal field to be controlled and for specific areas to be protected from excessive heat by cooling those specific areas while...

20060167446 - Electronic coagulation scalpel: The invention relates to a method of regulating the power available at the manipulator of an electronic scalpel so as to make said manipulator adapted to be used to obtain blood clotting, said electronic scalpel being of the kind comprising: at least a mains voltage rectifying circuit supplying rectified and...

20060167447 - Electronic scalpel to cut organic tissues: The invention relates a method of regulating the power available at the manipulator of an electronic scalpel to make said manipulator adapted to carry out the cutting operation of an organic tissue, said electronic scalpel being of the kind comprising: at least a rectifying circuit of the mains voltage supplying...

20060167448 - Electrophysiology catheter with ablation electrode: In one embodiment, a shaft-mounted electrode for ablating tissue comprises an end portion and a middle portion. The end portion is configured differently than the middle portion such that, when the electrode is energized, the ratio of a first density of ablation energy that is emitted in a vicinity of...

20060167449 - Electrosurgical instrument: A method and apparatus for creating a virtual electrode to ablate bodily tissue. The apparatus includes an outer tube, a first electrode, an inner tube and a second electrode. The outer tube is fluidly connected to a source of conductive fluid and defines a proximal end and a distal end....

20060167450 - Vessel sealer and divider with rotating sealer and cutter: An electrosurgical instrument includes a housing having a shaft attached thereto which defines a longitudinal axis therethrough. The instrument also includes first and second opposing jaw members coupled to the shaft, the first jaw member having a conductive surface and being movable relative to the second jaw member and the...

20060167451 - Medical instrument including an end effector having a medical-treatment electrode: A medical instrument includes a flexible sheath and an end effector. The sheath has a distal end. The end effector is attached to the sheath proximate the distal end and is insertable into a patient. The end effector includes opposing and retroflexed first and second jaws and includes at least...

20060167452 - Open vessel sealing instrument: A disposable open electrosurgical forceps for sealing tissue is disclosed in the present disclosure. The disposable open electrosurgical forceps comprise a pair of first and second shaft members containing a fiber reinforced thermoplastic blend material having fiber strands of at least 2 millimeters in length. Each shaft member includes a...

20060167453 - Multipin clamp and rod attachment: A simplified external bone fixator assembly is provided which allows the surgeon to snap a bone fixation rod into the assembly at any location along the length of the rod. The invention does not require “threading” of the assembly onto the rod starting at the end and sliding it down...

20060167454 - Minimally invasive spinal fixation guide systems and methods: Methods and devices for implanting spinal fixation implants and devices are provided. In one embodiment, a method for implanting a spinal fixation system is provided and it includes the steps of positioning a spinal fixation element to extend along a patient's spinal column adjacent to one or more vertebrae, determining...

20060167455 - Vertebral osteosynthesis equipment: said clamping means (4, 5) may be engaged coaxially on the proximal threaded stud (6) of said anchoring member (1), a first clamping means (4) enabling the assembly of the connecting part (3) on this proximal threaded stud (6) and the second clamping means (5) enabling to clamp both branches...

20060167456 - Cervical plate system: A device, system and method for securing a plate to a bone. An anchor device has a screw (with a head portion) and a locking disc. The head portion includes a slotted wall defining a plurality of petals disposed around a central opening. The screw further includes an internal bore....

20060167457 - Orthopedic fusion plate having both active and passive subsidence controlling features: An orthopedic fusion plate device has a rigid perimetral frame which embraces a pair of plates retained within the frame by a tongue and groove mechanism so that the plates can move in only a single dimension, toward and away from another. The device is intended to mitigate the effects...

20060167459 - Bone staple and methods for correcting spine disorders: A method and staple for correcting an abnormally curved bone, such as a spinal column having a concave side and a convex side, the method comprising providing a staple having a central portion and a pair of legs with a first memorized shape and a second deformed shape and implanting...

20060167458 - Lock and release mechanism for a sternal clamp: An engagement mechanism for a sternal clamp, the mechanism allowing for an open status where the clamp may be lengthened or shortened, a closing status where the clamp may only be shortened, and a locked status where the clamp cannot be lengthened or shortened....

20060167460 - Method of arthroplastly on a knee joint and apparatus for use in same: A method of, and apparatus for, arthroplasty of a knee joint comprising obtaining a desired spacing of the femur from the tibia by inserting a spacer into the knee joint between the femur and the tibia. The spacer is used as a reference for securing a guide jig in position...

20060167461 - Method and apparatus for artificial disc insertion: An anterior method for implanting an artificial disc in an intervertebral space of a human body includes inserting a midline marker in a face of a vertebral body for instrument alignment and artificial disc placement. A kit for implanting an artificial disc in an intervertebral space of a human body...

20060167462 - Inserter for a flexible acetabular cup: A prosthesis implantation inserter is used with a flexible acetabular cup which has an opening or openings in its peripheral rim. The inserter has engagement elements which in an operational position frictionally engage the opening or openings in the flexible cup rim. A release is provided which can be operated...

20060167463 - Implant assembly device: This invention relates generally to systems for the internal fixation of bone fractures, and particularly, to equipment associated with the insertion of intramedullary fracture fixation devices such as those used in the treatment of long bone fractures, such as for example fractures of the femur, tibia, humerus, etc. An implant...

20060167464 - Systems, methods, and apparatuses for tensioning an orthopedic surgical cable: Systems, methods, and apparatuses for tensioning an orthopedic surgical cable used in conjunction with an orthopedic implant device, a bone, and/or bone implant or structure. At least one device in accordance with various embodiments of the invention includes a handheld body handheld body capable of receiving a portion of the...

20060167465 - System for facilitating attachment of a delivery instrument with a bone screw: A system for facilitating attachment of a bone anchor with an instrument includes an alignment device having an anchor opening sized and shaped to receive a bone anchor in a predefined orientation and a guide tube connectable to the alignment device. The guide tube may have a lumen for receiving...

20060167466 - Intraocular lens inserter system components: Disclosed are an intraocular lens (IOL) push rod, an IOL cartridge, multiple embodiments of an IOL cartridge housing, and a method for folding an IOL for insertion into an eye during ocular surgery. The distal end of the push rod is contoured to apply force to a substantial portion of...

20060167468 - Implantation system and method for loading an implanter with a prosthesis: An implanter that includes that includes a loading portion having an opening at a first end that is spaced axially apart from a second end by a sidewall portion. The sidewall portion has a radially inner sidewall that tapers from a first diameter at the opening to a second diameter...

20060167467 - Stent delivery device: A unidirectional handle device for an endoluminal device includes an outer tubular member and an elongate inner member slidably received in the outer tubular member. The unidirectional handle includes a handle member, a needle bearing clutch disposed in the handle member, a control member guide, and shaft rotatable in a...

20060167469 - Suction controlled extraction device: A suction controlled extraction device (10) for removing foreign bodies from the auditory canal or endonasal cavity of human includes a suction tube (12) having forward and rearward ends, the suction tube including first and second tube sections (14, 16), the rearward end of the second tube being connectible to...

20060167470 - Breast surgery method and apparatus: A surgical apparatus for cutting a tissue mass comprising an elongated housing having a distal portion, a rotatable shaft positioned in the elongated housing, and a plurality of flexible electrocautery cutting blades extending from the housing, wherein the plurality of cutting blades are radially expandable from a first position defining...

20060167471 - Surgical marker: A surgical instrument for use with a trocar that provides access to an interior portion of a patient. The instrument includes an elongated rod portion sized to fit within the trocar and a leg portion attached to the elongated rod portion and movable with respect to the leg portion to...

20060167472 - Guiding apparatus and method for cochlear implant: A guiding apparatus and a method for cochlear implant are disclosed. In one embodiment, the guiding apparatus for cochlear implant comprises i) an optical tube for transmitting an optical signal, ii) an optical signal emitting module for converting an electrical signal into the optical signal and emitting the optical signal...

20060167473 - Instrument for use in the treatment of prolapsed hemorrhoids: An instrument for use in the treatment of prolapsed hemorrhoids by applying a purse-string suture, comprises a tube (1), which has a distal end (2), with which it can be inserted forward into the rectum of a patient, an open proximal end (3) and a shell wall (5) encompassing an...

20060167474 - Apparatus and method for elongation of a papillary muscle: A system and method for treating a dilated heart valve by elongating a papillary muscle. The system comprises a delivery catheter 110 and a holding catheter 130. The system further comprises a muscle elongation device 200 including at least two clamping rings 210, 215 slidably connected by at least one...

20060167477 - Device and method for performing end-to-side anastomosis: Devices, methods, and kits are provided for suturing an end of a first body duct to a hole in the side of a second body duct. The present devices and methods are used to simplify the suturing procedure and thus reduce operating time. In one embodiment, the present device includes...

20060167475 - Instrument for the surgical closure of a trocar puncture: wherein each of the inner channels (17) of the hollow needles (10) forms a section of a guide channel for guiding through a suture thread (36), and this guide channel further includes at least one curved connecting section (18), which connects the front ends of the inner channels (17) of...

20060167476 - Systems, devices and methods for suturing patient tissue: A method of suturing patient tissue together is provided. The method comprises positioning a suture placement device adjacent patient tissue, the suture placement device having a body and a suture holder releasably attached on the body the method further comprises actuating the suture placement device, causing the suture placement device...

20060167478 - Instrument guide and method for use: An instrument guide and method for use. An elongate flexible body has a proximal end and a distal end. The elongate body has a two portions, one more resilient than the other. A distal pocket is positioned adjacent the distal end of the elongate flexible body. An anchor is provided...

20060167479 - Method and device for suture isolation: A method and device provides features for the temporary “parking” of sutures with respect to a cannula. In the preferred embodiments the features are slots that maintain tension on, and orientation of, sutures placed therein. The slots or features may be integral with the cannula or part of a separate...

20060167480 - Anastomotic connectors: Various anastomotic connectors (400) for attaching two blood vessels are described, including connectors, which comprise a plurality of clip like elements. In some embodiments, each clip like element comprises a flat medallion section (404) and a tearable hook section (402)....

20060167484 - Closure device and methods for making and using them: 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...

20060167482 - Device for transfixing and joining tissue: A device is provided for use in joining together first and second tissue layers. The device comprises a catheter with an inflatable balloon mounted on the catheter adjacent one and thereof. An inflation channel is provided which is an fluid communication with the interior of the balloon and with a...

20060167483 - Method, instruments, and kit for autologous transplantation: An implantable article for cartilage repair by implantation in an animal. The implantable article includes a support matrix, and chondrocyte cells and a bio-compatible adhesive adhered to an edge of the support matrix, wherein the support matrix is absorbable by the animal. The support matrix is a biocompatible material such...

20060167481 - Slitted tissue fixation devices and assemblies for deploying the same: Tissue fasteners carried on a tissue piercing deployment wire fasten tissue layers of a mammalian body together include a first member, a second member, and a connecting member extending between the first and second members. One of the first and second members has a configuration alterable by a deployment wire...

20060167485 - Staple and anvil anastomosis system: The present invention relates to new and useful apparatus, systems and methods for providing an effective tool for intraluminally directed vascular anastomosis of a graft vessel to a receiving blood vessel that is performed according to a minimally invasive procedure. The intraluminally directed vascular anastomosis does not require the interruption...

20060167486 - Catheter having auxiliary lumen: The present invention relates to a surgical catheter, and more particularly, a balloon catheter having an auxiliary lumen configured to permit the advancement of a functional measurement wire to a treatment site. The auxiliary lumen communicates with a working lumen that is configured to permit the advancement of a guidewire...

20060167487 - Minimal access lumbar diskectomy instrumentation and method: A minimal incision maximal access system allows for maximum desirable exposure along with maximum access to the operative field utilizing a minimum incision as small as the METRx and Endius systems. Instead of multiple insertions of dilating tubes the design is a streamlined single entry device to avoid repetitive skin...

20060167490 - Embolic filters with a distal loop or no loop: The invention provides a device for filtering emboli from blood flowing through a lumen defined by the walls of a vessel in a patient's body, comprising a filter element and a self-expanding radial element associated with the filter element. The filter element is expandable from a collapsed configuration when the...

20060167488 - Resheathing tool: The resheathing tool includes a flexible tubular body with a wall, an inner bore, and an aperture formed in the wall. The tool can be used to facilitate the unsheathing of the vasoocclusive device from the reloadable slotted introducer sheath by threading a proximal portion of the sheath out the...

20060167491 - Vascular catheter with expanded distal tip for receiving a thromboembolic protection device and method of use: A vascular catheter including a radially expandable segment, such as an inflatable balloon, and an expanded distal tip having an increased storage volume is disclosed. The inflatable balloon segment of the catheter may be used to provide traditional balloon angioplasty to a portion of a blood vessel narrowed by stenosis,...

20060167489 - Vasoocclusive article: Poly(L-lactic acid) (200,000 in weight average molecular weight and 175° C. in melting point) is melt-spun at 200° C. and drawn to obtain a single filament having a diameter of 0.05 mm. Two lengths of the filament are twisted to prepare a filamentous substance, which is cut to a length...

20060167492 - Tourniquet for magnetic resonance angiography, and method of using same: There are many inventions described herein as well as many aspects and embodiments of those inventions. A thigh compression device and technique to control, time, delay and/or prevent excessive early venous enhancement relative to arterial enhancement and thereby improve and/or enhance MRA images, including peripheral MRA images. In one embodiment,...

20060167493 - Therapeutic ring: A therapeutic ring adapted to be worn on an outer finger, the therapeutic ring comprising a ring band, and a pair of projection means, the pair spaced on the ring band to apply continuous pressure to opposed sides only of an arterial or meridian channel in the outer finger extending...

20060167494 - Aneurysm repair method and apparatus: Sheaths of fabric material are compressed on either side of a separator by manipulating internal and external catheters to form disks which sandwich the neck of an aneurysm to obliterate the aneurysm....

20060167495 - Method of using ultrasonic vibration to secure body tissue: A suture and a suture retainer are positioned relative to body tissue. Ultrasonic vibratory energy is utilized to heat the suture retainer and effect a bonding of portions of the suture retainer to each other and/or to the suture. Portions of the body tissue may be pressed into linear apposition...

20060161139 - Resistive anti-obesity devices: A patient is provided with an increased sense of satiety by increasing resistance to the outflow of food from the stomach and through the intestines. Stomach emptying may be slowed with devices implantable within the gastrointestinal tract below the stomach. Implants are preferably removable and can include artificial strictures that...

20060161138 - Sterile surgical adaptor: A sterile drape with integrated sterile adaptor, a telerobotic surgical system, and method of use are provided for draping portions of a telerobotic surgical system to maintain a sterile barrier between the sterile surgical field and the non-sterile robotic system while also providing an interface for transferring mechanical and electrical...

20060161137 - Sterile surgical drape: An improved sterile drape, system, and method for draping portions of a telerobotic surgical system are provided. In one embodiment, a sterile drape includes an exterior surface adjacent to a sterile field for performing a surgical procedure, and an interior surface forming a cavity for receiving the non-sterile portion of...

20060161136 - Surgical accessory clamp and system method: A surgical accessory clamp, method of use, and a robotic surgical system including the clamp are disclosed. A surgical accessory may be attached and removed from a manipulator arm during a surgical procedure without requiring the use of an intermediate sterile accessory clamp, thus removing the need for a detachable...

20060161140 - Medical laser apparatus: A medical laser apparatus for irradiating an affected tissue with a laser beam to treat the affected tissue, comprises: a laser source unit which emits an infrared beam as a fundamental wave having a spectral bandwidth; a wavelength demultiplexing optical system which spatially demultiplexes the emitted infrared beam by wavelengths;...

20060161141 - Methods and systems for tracking a torsional orientation and position of an eye: Methods and systems for tracking a position and torsional orientation of a patient's eye. In one embodiment, the present invention provides methods and software for registering a first image of an eye with a second image of an eye. In another embodiment, the present invention provides methods and software for...

20060161143 - Light energy delivery head: A light energy delivery head is provided which, in one aspect, mounts laser diode bars or other light energy emitters in a heat sink block which is adapted to cool both the emitters and a surface of a medium with which the head is in contact and to which it...

20060161142 - Multiple wavelength laser workstation: Lasers capable of lasing at at least two wavelengths are provided having a lasing medium which is capable of lasing at a first wavelength and at a second wavelength. An output coupler is positioned along a longitudinal axis at a first end of the lasing medium and a first mirror,...

20060161144 - Optical tracking system and associated methods: An eye-tracking method includes the step of removably affixing a ring member to an eye in surrounding relation to a cornea of the eye. A plurality of first light spots are transmitted onto the ring member, a second light spot is transmitted onto a reflective sector of the ring member,...

20060161145 - Optical devices and methods for selective and conventional photocoagulation of the retinal pigment epithelium: The present invention provides devices and methods for applying radiation to the retina of a patient. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a radiation source for generating a radiation beam suitable for absorption by retinal pigment epithelial cells. One or more optical components are included to direct the beam onto...

20060161146 - Ablation tools and positioning devices therefor: The present invention provides positioning mechanisms for devices that cause conduction blocks or ablation in desired areas of tissue. The positioning mechanisms allow for variable geometry of the target sites and enable more accurate therapy at the tissue site....

20060161148 - Circuit and method for controlling an electrosurgical generator using a full bridge topology: A system for controlling an electrosurgical generator using a full bridge topology is disclosed. The system includes a high voltage direct current power source which supplies power and a radio frequency output stage which receives power from the high voltage direct current power source and outputs radio frequency energy at...

20060161147 - Method and apparatus for controlling a surgical ablation device: A method and apparatus for controlling a surgical ablation device. Two electrodes of an ablation device against the surface of tissue. The tissue impedance is measured between the electrodes. The electrodes are energized based on the measured tissue impedance. If the measured tissue impedance is between a first threshold impedance...

20060161150 - Electrosurgical electrode having a non-conductive porous ceramic coating: An electrosurgical electrode assembly and method utilizing the same are disclosed capable of controlling or limiting the current per arc in real-time during an electrosurgical procedure. The conductive electrosurgical electrode is configured for being connected to an electrosurgical generator system and has a non-conductive, porous ceramic coating that “pinches” or...

20060161151 - Surgical ablation and pacing device: A surgical device has an integral first tip having pair of electrodes configured to ablate tissue using electric energy. A second tip has a pair of electrodes configured to provide pacing signals to a heart and/or to sense electrical signals passing through heart tissue. The second tip is configured to...

20060161149 - Surgical ablation device: A surgical ablation device. A pair of electrodes, each electrode having a surface area for contacting tissue. A pair of heat sinks each in thermal communication with an electrode, the heat sinks having a volume such that the ratio of surface area of the electrode to volume of the heat...

20060161152 - Bone fixation systems and methods of assembling and/or installing the same: A pedicle screw system includes a pedicle screw and a tulip assembly. A rod is inserted and fixed in the pedicle screw system to surgically connect vertebral bodies. The pedicle screw includes a head portion and a threaded shaft. In one embodiment, the tulip assembly includes a tulip body, a...

20060161153 - Pedicle screw systems and methods of assembling/installing the same: The pedicle screw system may be used for fixation of spinal segments and may be advantageous when minimally invasive surgery (MIS) techniques are employed. The pedicle screw system includes a tulip assembly comprising a tulip body, a inner member, an expansion member, and a cap assembly. Installation of the pedicle...

20060161154 - Prosthetic spinous process and method: A prosthetic spinous process includes a member and a plurality of crosslinking rods connected to the member at an angle relative to each other, wherein the member includes at least one opening therethrough....

20060161156 - Fracture fixation device: A fracture fixation device includes a plate portion and an intramedullary nail portion which is offset relative to the plate portion by a neck portion. The plate portion overhangs the neck portion and includes longitudinally displaced holes which orient pegs along an imaginary surface parallel to subchondral bone of an...

20060161155 - Surgical nail: The invention relates to a surgical nail in the form of an intramedullary nail with a central axis, consisting of a material M with the tensile strength Fz, the compression strength Fd, the density ρ2 and the modulus of elasticity E. The nail has at least at least one transverse...

20060161158 - Bone fracture fixation plate shaping system: Removable guide tips are pre-assembled into threaded holes of a fracture fixation plate. The guide tips may be used with or without drill guides to guide a drill along the axes of threaded holes defined in the plate. In addition, the tips may be used with bending tools to contour...

20060161157 - Bone plate system and methods: Bone plate systems and retainers are provided for surgical implants and bone repair. The bone plate is multi-tiered for receiving bone anchors or screws for securing multiple bones or bone fragments in a desired relationship. The plate includes bores for receiving the screws, and the bores may permit and define...

20060161159 - Peek ribbed suture anchor: A ribbed suture anchor formed of poly-ether ether ketone (PEEK). The suture anchor is radiolucent and revisable. A tapered end disposed on the proximal end of the body can be received into a recess in the distal end of a hand driver. Anchoring ribs are formed along the remaining length...

20060161160 - Tissue repair device and apparatus and method for fabricating same: A method for fabricating a device for repairing torn tissue or muscle such as the meniscus of the knee. The device includes a pair of anchoring members having a plurality of barb-like projections extending outwardly therefrom. The anchoring members are joined by a flexible linking member which connects the ends...

20060161161 - Sternal closure system, method and apparatus therefor: The present invention relates generally to surgical devices, and more particularly to devices and methods for reapproximating the sternal halves (3,5) or sides of a patient's severed or separated sternum following a partial or medial sternotomy. There is proposed a system of devices and apparatus for fast connection of sternum...

20060161162 - Method of deploying spinal implants: Devices for implantation into an intervertebral disc can include a membrane support member to augment a disc having a defect. A defect in the anulus of a disc can be repaired using a prosthesis such as a barrier. The barrier can include a sealant and an enlarger. The barrier can...

20060161164 - Auxiliary bone reinforcement structure: An auxiliary bone reinforcement structure includes a deformable hollow body having multiple bosses formed on an outer periphery of the hollow body and a connection portion, a connector detachably connected to the connection portion and having an annular groove defined in an outer periphery of the connector and an injector...

20060161163 - Instrument for reconstructing ligament and method of reconstructing ligament: A dilator (1) for reconstructing an anterior cruciate ligament, comprising a tip part (4) having two through-holes (2) and (3) arranged in juxtaposition and parallel with each other, a body part (5), and a rear end part (8) having two through-holes (6) and (7) arranged in juxtaposition and coaxially with...

20060161165 - Patellar cutting guide: A patellar cutting guide is particularly useful in a method of minimally invasive knee arthroplasty in which an incision is made along the medial or lateral aspect of a patient's knee, exposing the knee joint. The patellar cutting guide includes a clamp configured to be located exterior to the knee...

20060161166 - Tissue distraction device: An apparatus and method for distracting, in a given direction, and supporting two tissue surfaces. A plurality of wafers are consecutively inserted between the two tissue surfaces to create a column of wafers. The column of wafers is oriented between the tissue surfaces so as to expand in the given...

20060161167 - Acetabular instrument alignment guide: An acetabular instrument alignment guide for aligning at least one orthopaedic instrument relative to an acetabulum in a pelvis. The acetabular instrument alignment guide includes an interchangeable head configured for positioning within the acetabulum where the interchangeable head has a primary axis. A drill guide is releasably connected to the...

20060161168 - Targeting device: The invention relates to an aiming, or targeting, device which is used to guide and place longitudinal bone fixing means in a predetermined direction with respect to a bone fixing device. The aiming device includes securing means, which can be detachably secured to a bone fixing device, a first centering...

20060161169 - Device and method for modifying the shape of a body organ: The invention is a tissue shaping device. In some embodiments, the device includes an a reshaping element and an anchor adapted to anchor the device in a lumen, the anchor having a wire adapted to contact a wall of the lumen with an anchoring force when the device is deployed...

20060161170 - Device for removing a lodged mass: A vacuum device for removing a lodged mass or bolus from the throat of a choking victim. The device includes a pump for creating a vacuum chamber communicating with a mouthpiece having a frangible membrane. A resilient striker fractures the membrane to generate a substantially instantaneous vacuum to the mouthpiece...

20060161173 - Endoscopic bypass grafting method utilizing an inguinal approach: A method for implanting an end portion of a graft within the body of a patient during a bypass grafting procedure is disclosed. The body has a circulatory system which includes a femoral artery and an aorta. The method includes the steps of (i) making an incision in the body...

20060161171 - Method for anchoring a medical device between tissue: A method for implanting a medical device between tissue comprises the steps of providing a catheter having a body and a distal end thereof wherein the catheter includes an implantable device comprising a housing having a proximal end and a distal end and a longitudinal axis. The implantable device further...

20060161172 - Methods of treatment using a bariatric sleeve: Methods of treatment using a gastrointestinal implant device removably anchored within an animal's gastrointestinal tract. For example, the implant device includes a collapsible anchor for anchoring the device coupled to a proximal end of a flexible sleeve. The implant device can be anchored within the stomach, within the pyloric orifice,...

20060161174 - Atraumatic medical retrieval device: Baskets with atraumatic distal tips allow the capture of material from difficult-to-reach areas of the body, while reducing the risk of tissue damage....

20060161175 - Obstetrical vacuum extractor: An obstetrical vacuum extractor has a bell-shaped cup with an open edge in communication with a hollow stem. A plurality of apertures in the cup prevent a vacuum from being drawn within the cup when the open end is brought into contact with a fetal scalp, in the absence of...

20060161176 - Medical device for perforating a biological membrane: A medical device, comprising (i) a longitudinally elongated shaft with a contact face disposed at one end of the shaft effective for perforating a biological membrane when the contact face is pressed against the biological membrane and rotated about the longitudinal axis....

20060161177 - Cardiac instrument for coronary sinus access through the right subclavian veins and method of using the same: An introducer used for access to the coronary sinus from the right subclavian vein has a body and a distal tip, a hemostatic valve, a side arm and a side arm valve coupled to the hemostatic valve. The body is coupled to valve. The introducer comprises at least one straight...

20060161178 - Removable cartridge for a microdermabrasion unit: A removable cartridge is provided for use with a microdermabrasion unit. According to some embodiments, the cartridge includes a crystal source portion and a crystal waste portion. Moreover, the removable cartridge is adapted to receive a transfer apparatus from a microdermabrasion unit, the transfer apparatus being adapted to transfer crystals...

20060161179 - Follicular transplantation device and method: A hair transplantation device can include a generally tubular guide configured to locate a hair follicle bulb by sliding over a hair shaft down to an upper surface of a hair follicle. The guide can have a blunt distal end configured not to transect the hair follicle bulb. The hair...

20060161180 - Method, apparatus, and kit for thermal suture cutting: A novel suture removal instrument, kit and technique are described herein. The invention utilizes a newly designed thermal filament to allow the tip of the suture removal instrument to be slipped under the stitch in order to heat and cut the stitch. Current suture removal techniques utilize scissors, forceps, and/or...

20060161181 - Apparatus for accurately deploying particular medical appliances at a target site: The present invention regards an apparatus for selectively and accurately deploying one or more sequentially positioned medical appliances from a portable medical device. The apparatus includes a body having a channel, a string passing through the channel, and a mechanism for moving the string predetermined distances to deploy medical appliances....

20060161182 - Single fire vascular clip applier with disposable jaw: A single-fire clip applier with disposable jaws and re-usable handles is provided. The first jaw member is coupled to a second jaw member by a connector spring. The connector spring biases the jaws to an open at rest position. The jaws are releasably mountable to a post on the handles....

20060161183 - Instrument for assisting in the remote placement of tied surgical knots and trimming of suture away from the knot and method of use: An instrument (10) is provided having a shaft (12) extending to a distal end (16). The distal end (16) has a distal tip member (40) having a cavity (42, 83), and a passageway (44, 80) extending to the cavity through which a first suture end (48A) of a loop of...

20060161184 - Auricular hematoma clamp: An auricular hematoma clamp for treatment of a hematoma in a pendant ear of an animal, comprising first and second plates shaped like the pendant ear and formed as mirror images, each first and second plate having a raised rib on an inward surface thereof along edges of the plate;...

20060161186 - Actuator for an implantable band: An actuator having a variable internal volume is mechanically coupled to an adjustable implantable band so as to effect changes in the effective internal perimeter of the band. The actuator may be directly connected to the band, or be connected through a cable. Configurations of the actuator include a series...

20060161187 - Eversion resistant sleeves: The invention relates to improved means for preventing eversion and subsequent obstruction of thin-walled, floppy gastrointestinal liners implanted in the digestive tract of an animal. The implantable devices include an anchor adapted for attachment within a natural body lumen and a thin-walled, floppy sleeve open at both ends and defining...

20060161185 - Methods and apparatus for transmitting force to an end effector over an elongate member: Apparatus and methods for conveying or transmitting force or energy to a medical end effector coupled to a flexible or rigid shaft are described herein. One variation of such apparatus may be used to manipulate tissue and create a tissue fold and may generally comprise an elongate tubular member having...

20060161188 - Sphincterotome improvement: A sphincterotome comprising a tensioning mechanism to adjust relative tension between a filament and shaft thereof. In one embodiment, the tensioning mechanism adjusts relative tension and or length at a connection of the sphincterotome handle assembly to one or both of the shaft and filament. In another embodiment, the tensioning...

20060161189 - Surgical file system with a visualization instrument: A reciprocating surgical file system for precisely removing bone and/or other tissue is described. The system allows a user to maneuver the system and navigate into hard-to-access sites under a direct vision mechanism. A transmission mechanism converts rotary motion from a motor into reciprocating motion and provides it to the...

20060161190 - Disposable laparoscopic instrument: The invention is directed to a surgical instrument including a handle assembly and a shaft assembly. The handle assembly further includes a fixed handle and a pivoting handle. The shaft assembly extends from the handle assembly and further includes an outer tube and an inner actuation rod that slides coaxially...

20060161191 - Internal tip seal for attachment/motor for surgical instruments: A seal for an attachment to a surgical motor is provided by cutting threads into the inner surface of the nose cone of the attachment whereby the helical wound threads are in a direction opposite to the direction of the rotating shaft of the instrument being supported by the attachment....

20060161193 - Apparatus and method for connecting a conduit to a hollow vessel: The present invention provides a system and method for forming a side branch on a hollow vessel, such as the aorta. The side branch is preferably adapted to be connected to a connector conduit, but any other suitable use is also acceptable. The system comprises a graft including a side...

20060161194 - Low pain penetrating member: Reducing the volume or drag on skin or sharpness of the penetrating member entering the wound during the cutting process will reduce the pain associated with lancing, and result in less power desired for retraction of the penetrating member from the skin. A variety of other penetrating member configuration as...

20060161195 - Medical grafting methods and apparatus: Methods and apparatus for delivering and installing a new length of tubing between two sections of a patient's existing body organ tubing and at least partly outside of that existing structure. For example, the new length of tubing may be for the purpose of providing the patient with a coronary...

20060161192 - Wound needle with composite cutting edge: A wound needle comprising an elongated shank having a proximate end and a distal end; a piercing member disposed at the distal end of the elongated shank, wherein the piercing member comprises an elongated channel into which the distal end is disposed; wherein a cutting section is formed by both...

20060161196 - Methods of and apparatus for use in medical treatment: Equipment and methods for preparing a person for placement of a subcutaneous prosthesis, e.g., are disclosed. An inflatable expander, such as an expandable bladder, is introduced under an area of skin to be stretched. A tube extends through the skin to a preferably valved fluid flow connector. The person whose...

20060161197 - Inflatable occlusion devices, methods, and systems: Described are devices, methods and systems useful for achieving occlusion of vascular vessels. Percutaneous procedures can be used to occlude and obliterate the greater saphenous vein, for example in the treatment of varicose vein condition caused by venous reflux. Certain embodiments encompass the deployment and filling of an inflatable occlusion...

20060161198 - Medical wire device: Disclosed herein is a novel medical wire device which is equipped with a filter unit, capable of surely capturing free embolismic debris upon angioplasty of a constriction lesion in a lumen, capable of easily confirming a developed state of a filter under radiography by a surgeon, and thus improved in...

20060161199 - Systems and methods for filling spaces within the body using asymmetrically strained filaments: The application of asymmetric strain to a filament transforms the filament into curled or complex three-dimensional shape suited for packing an aneurysm....

20060161200 - Apparatus and method for improving circulation of cerebral-spinal fluid: An apparatus and method for improving cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) flow in a mammal having a skull made up of cranial sections. In one embodiment, the selective pressure is applied to a mammal's skull to induce movements in the cranial sections, wherein such movements cause improved CSF flow in the...

20060161201 - Minimally invasive clamp: A clamp including first and second clamp members, at least one of which can be pivoted between an open orientation and a closed orientation....

20060161202 - Electric tweezers: Electric tweezers 1 includes: a case 60 for housing a motor 52; a finger 13, one end portion thereof being connected and fixed to the case 60, and the other end portion 13g thereof being connected to the shifting element, for magnifying the amount by which the tips open/close based...

20060161203 - Passive motion body articulating apparatus and method: A physical therapy chair having a first support element defining a seating surface, a second support element defining a backrest, wherein the second support element is pivotable with respect to the first support element and rotatable with respect to the first support element. The chair further including an arm support...

20060155263 - Augmented surgical interface: The present invention is a system comprising surgical units and operator interface units configured to provide multiple capabilities within a surgical environment, or within a surgical training environment. The system may provide such capabilities in a modular fashion, such that various functions may be accomplished through the addition or deletion...

20060155262 - Surgical operation apparatus and manipulator for use therein: A top end portion of a medical manipulator has a surgical device accessible to a diseased area of a patient. In the manipulator, a pair of rolling members opposing to each other is provided. One of the pair of the rolling members is rolled by a flexible wire relative to...

20060155261 - Systems and methods for treating tissue regions of the body: Systems and methods deploy a therapeutic or diagnostic element into contact with a body tissue region. The systems and methods can sense position of the therapeutic or diagnostic element relative to a targeted tissue region without direct or indirect visualization, by sensing fluid pressure in a fluid path having an...

20060155265 - Method of corneal surgery by laser incising a contoured corneal flap: A method of corneal laser surgery is disclosed. A first periphery is defined at an anterior surface of the cornea. This first periphery bounds a first planar area. A second periphery is defined within stromal tissue of the cornea. This second periphery bounds a second planar area. The second planar...

20060155264 - Methods and apparatus for vision correction: Methods and apparatus/articles of manufacture for improving or correcting vision in an eye of a human or animal subject. A quantity of corneal tissue is removed from the subject's eye. Thereafter, a corneal cap is affixed to the anterior surface of the subject's eye in place of the previously removed...

20060155266 - Method and apparatus for dermatological treatment and fractional skin resurfacing: A system and method for performing fractional resurfacing of a target area of skin using electromagnetic radiation are provided. An electromagnetic radiation is generated by an electromagnetic radiation source. The electromagnetic radiation is caused to be applied to a particular portion of a target area of skin. The electromagnetic radiation...

20060155267 - Thermal mapping of a cryoablation volume, for image-guided cryosurgery: The present invention relates to systems and methods for rendering visible to a cryosurgeon an estimated border of a cryoablation volume, thereby facilitating accurately delimited cryoablation of pathological tissues. More particularly, the present invention relates to systems and methods for reading temperature and location information from images provided by imaging...

20060155268 - Systems for mri-guided cryosurgery: The present invention is of systems and methods for MI-guided cryosurgery. The systems enable a surgeon positioned next to a patient and within an MRI, magnetic environment both to monitor progress of a cryosurgical intervention by observing MRI images of the intervention in real time, and to fully control aspects...

20060155269 - Epicardial ablation using focused ultrasound: Apparatus for treating cardiac arrhythmias includes an ultrasonic ablation device incorporating an ultrasonic emitter (22, 400), means (10, 14, 402, 404) for positioning the ablation device outside of the heart but adjacent the epicardial surface of the heart, and means (26, 28, 30) for focusing the ultrasonic energy emitted by...

20060155270 - Tissue ablation apparatus and method of ablating tissue: An apparatus and method for ablating tissue is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a source of microwave radiation (1), a probe (5) for directing the microwave radiation into tissue, one or more detectors for detecting the power and phase of the microwave radiation and an impedance adjuster (50) for adjusting impedance...

20060155271 - High frequency treatment tool for endoscope: A high frequency treatment tool for an endoscope includes a flexible insulating tube to be inserted into and pulled out of an accessory channel of the endoscope, the flexible insulating tube including a wire insertion channel and a water channel through which water is conveyed, a conductive wire configured to...

20060155272 - Apparatus and methods for forming lesions in tissue and applying stimulation energy to tissue in which lesions are formed: An apparatus including a tissue coagulation device that creates a current path and a stimulation electrode carried within the current path....

20060155274 - Clamp based lesion formation apparatus with variable spacing structures: Apparatus including includes first and second energy transmission surfaces with a predetermined spacing and a device that allows the spacing to increase when the energy transmission surfaces are brought into contact with a tissue structure that is thicker than the predetermined spacing....

20060155273 - Wettable structures including conductive fibers and apparatus including the same: An apparatus including a wettable structure and a plurality of conductive fibers carried by the wettable structure....

20060155276 - Bone fixation assembly and related method: A fixation assembly for securing a first bone portion in fixed relationship relative to a second bone portion. The fixation assembly includes a plurality of modular components articulatably coupled therebetween, at least one fastener interconnecting two of the plurality of components, and a clamp connector adapted for selective unilateral or...

20060155275 - Device for immobilishing an osteosynthesis pin in a bone part: A device used to immobilise a threaded support pin (21) in relation to a fixed element (1, 34), the pin being screwed into a bone part (3, 3a, 3b) along an axis (yy′). The device includes a locking sleeve (13) which can be solidly screwed to the fixed element (1,...

20060155277 - Anchoring element for securing a rod of a device for adjusting a human or animal vertrebal column on a vertreba: The invention relates to an anchoring element for securing a rod of a device for adjusting a human or animal vertebral column on a vertebra, comprising a retaining means (10) for receiving the rod, a safety element (26) placed on the retaining means and working against the rod, a securing...

20060155279 - Apparatus and method for concave scoliosis expansion: A device and method for treating scoliosis or other bone conditions. The device may be attached to vertebrae to provide a distraction force on a concave side of a spinal curve to assist in straightening the spine. The device may include receivers for receiving fasteners for attaching the device to...

20060155280 - Insulated water-tight connector assembly including a set screw driver and plug: A set screw electrical connector assembly includes an electrical connector and a set screw drive plug. The connector includes at least one set screw portal sized to accommodate a set screw therein. The set screw drive plug is formed of electrically insulative material and is configured to engage and drive...

20060155278 - Pedicle screw systems and methods of assembling/installing the same: The pedicle screw system may be used for fixation of spinal segments and may be advantageous when minimally invasive surgery (MIS) techniques are employed. The pedicle screw system includes a tulip assembly comprising of a tulip body, a inner member, and an expansion member. Installation of the pedicle screw system...

20060155281 - Device for fixing bones: The invention relates to a device for fixing bones, comprising: A) an intramedullary nail (1) having at least one cross hole (2) with a central axis (3), and; B) a bone fixation means (4) with a front end (6) and with a rear end (5) that is intended for inserting...

20060155283 - Occipital plate and guide systems: Disclosed herein are spinal fixation devices and tools for implanting the same. In one embodiment, an implantable spinal fixation plate and a guide device are provided and they include features that allow the two devices to removably mate to one another. As a result, the guide device can be used...

20060155284 - Occipital plate and guide systems: Disclosed herein are spinal fixation devices and tools for implanting the same. In one embodiment, an implantable spinal fixation plate and a guide device are provided and they include features that allow the two devices to removably mate to one another. As a result, the guide device can be used...

20060155282 - Osteosynthesis plate: An osteosynthesis plate (1) is provided with a plurality of threaded bores (3) in which bushings or barrels (5;13) for the passage of bone screws (7) are screwed; said bone screws (7) being locked in position through threaded plugs (9) that are screwed in the bushings (5) and prevent the...

20060155285 - Anchor retaining mechanisms for bone plates: A system involving anchor retaining mechanisms for a bone plate includes a plate with at least a first hole therethrough between an upper surface and a lower surface of the plate to receive an anchor for engaging a bony segment. The system also includes a partially annular retaining member engageable...

20060155286 - Bone securing bolt: A bone securing bolt includes a threaded shank, a head formed on an end of the threaded shank, a receiving space defined in the threaded shank, multiple through holes defined in a side face of the threaded shank to communicate with the receiving space, and multiple blind holes defined in...

20060155287 - Devices, systems and methods for material fixation: Devices, systems and methods for fixation of tendon to bone are described. An exemplary surgical implant is a modified bone anchor that is able to grasp the tendon and hold it firmly in a bone tunnel. Once deployed, the anchor delivers lateral compression to the tendon, providing direct tendon to...

20060155288 - Medical tack with a variable effective length: The present invention is an improved medical tack. The tack of the present invention includes attachment points at each end where at least one of the attachment points is moveable, varying the effective length of the tack. Varying the length of the medical tack adapts the tack for use with...

20060155289 - Apparatus for reaming bone cavities: A device for reaming of a bone cavity or a channel of a hollow bone has an elongated, hollow shaft, a first end of which is adapted to be mounted to a rotary drive means in an angularly stable fashion. The device has a spindle, which is borne rotatably within...

20060155290 - Instrument for reconstructing ligament and method of reconstructing ligament: A dilator (1) for reconstructing an anterior cruciate ligament, comprising a tip part (4) having two through-holes (2) and (3) arranged in juxtaposition and parallel with each other, a body part (5) and a rear end part (8) having two through-holes (6) and (7) arranged in juxtaposition and coaxially with...

20060155293 - External rotation cut guide: The present invention relates to a bone-cutting guide intended to be temporarily positioned against a resected bone surface at a bone-cutting surface. The bone-cutting guide is also positioned at at least one secondary bone surface, and configured to receive a cutting member to cut the bone at the bone-cutting surface....

20060155291 - Guide block for use in surgery: A guide block for use in surgery to locate a surgical tool accurately relative to an anatomical feature comprises a fixation part which can be fastened directly to the patient's tissue, and a guide part having at least one structural feature to engage a surgical tool to ensure that the...

20060155292 - Implant clamp and method: An implant clamp for clamping an implant having a base to a bone. The clamp includes a support (10), a means to couple the support to the bone (72), an arm (16) pivotally connected to the support and an actuating member (36) operable to cause rotation of the arm relative...

20060155294 - Tibial/femoral recutter with paddle: The present invention relates to a bone-cutting guide used during arthroplasty. The bone-cutting guide is intended to be temporarily positioned against the distal femur or proximal tibia bone surface and to receive a cutting member. The bone-cutting guide is intended to cut the bone generally transverse to the length of...

20060155295 - Ligament tensing device with displaceable lug: A ligament tensing device (1) for activating a ligament and/or capsule system during implantation of a joint implant, comprising a base body (2) having a first lug (3) with a distal bearing surface (4) resting upon a first bone, and a second lug (7) resting upon a second bone with...

20060155296 - Three-dimensional implantable bone support: The present invention relates to an expandable semi-compliant device that may be used for the treatment of diseased or injured bone tissues, and a method of using the same. The semi-compliant device is inserted into the interior space of a cancellous bone tissue, and is filled with a suitable material...

20060155297 - Driver assembly for simultaneous axial delivery of spinal implants: Tools for use in the deployment of spinal implant assemblies such as spinal motion preservation assemblies adapted for use in a spinal motion segment are disclosed including the process for delivering and assembling the spinal motion preservation assemblies in the spinal motion segment via an axial channel created with a...

20060155298 - Instrument guide and implant holder: An instrument guide and implant holding device is provided which releasably secures an implant to the instrument guide. The device provides a convenient guide for surgeons to perform various operative techniques on the subject bone without the need for separate devices, and allows all these operative techniques to be performed...

20060155300 - Apparatus and method for surgical bypass of aqueous humor: The invention provides minimally invasive microsurgical tools and methods to form an aqueous humor shunt or bypass for the treatment of glaucoma. The invention enables surgical creation of a tissue tract (7) within the tissues of the eye to directly connect a source of aqueous humor such as the anterior...

20060155299 - Delivery of ophthalmic lenses: An instrument (110) for rolling a thin ophthalmic lens and inserting the rolled lens into the eye comprises a body (112) in which a plunger (124) is slidable. A thin lens (156) is placed on a lens roller (130) which is slidable transversely of the instrument. The lens is rolled...

20060155301 - Methods and devices usable in eye surgery: A device (10) for preventing leakage of gas from a lens capsule of an eye, to which a capsulorhexis has been made, during manipulations performed inside the lens capsule. It includes a tube (12) having at least one lumen (14). The tube is provided with at least one barrier member...

20060155302 - Flexible introducer sheath: An introducer apparatus and a method for forming an introducer apparatus. The apparatus comprises an inner liner having a passageway extending longitudinally therethrough. A coil in a stressed, radially expanded condition is positioned longitudinally around said inner tube. A polymeric outer tube is positioned longitudinally around the coil and the...

20060155303 - Occlusion method and apparatus: An occlusion method and apparatus. The occluder includes a elastically deformable members and a jacket. The elastically deformable members are secured in spaced relation and extend in arcuate conformation therebetween. The jacket covers at least a portion of the elastically deformable members. The elastically deformable members are configured to become...

20060155304 - Mechanically registered videoscopic myringotomy/tympanostomy tube placement system: Devices, systems, methods, and kits for treating the tissue structures of the ear make use of a guide structure that can mechanically register a treatment probe with a target region of a target tissue, the guide structure being fittingly received in an auditory canal and often comprising a conformable body...

20060155305 - Extraction device: In an extraction device (1) for extracting objects (2), in particular clots, foreign bodies, etc., from cavities (3) in a human or animal body, with first and second compressible and expandable collecting baskets (10, 20, 102, 110) between which the object (2) can be captured, said collecting baskets being mutually...

20060155306 - Pimple removal utensil: A pimple removal utensil is provided in which pimples are easily squeezed open sanitarily with the pimples left untouched irrespective of size of the pimples. The pimple removal utensil includes a holder having an uneven surface which is formed to be easily held by the hand, and an auxiliary grip...

20060155307 - Method of feeding a suture element: This invention relates to a method of feeding a suture element (24), which method includes using fluid pressure to displace the suture element (24). The invention extends to a suture element feeding device (10) which includes a body (12) defining a fluid flow path (20) and a fluid inlet (502)...

20060155308 - Multiple clip deployment magazine: An apparatus for deployment of multiple hemostatic clips, comprises a shaft connected to a handle and a control linkage operatively connected to the handle in combination with a magazine disposed at a distal end of the shaft, the magazine containing a plurality of clips arranged in a chain rotatable within...

20060155310 - Endoscopic device with independently actuated legs: The present invention relates to endoscopic clips with multiple independently-controlled legs. The present invention also relates to a method for using a clip with multiple independently actuated legs. The clips and methods of the present invention may be used, for example and without limitation, for repairing tears and other defects...

20060155309 - Sliding surgical clip: A sliding surgical clip adapted to connect blood vessel tissue, comprising: an elongate rail leg having a main axis and terminating with a first tissue penetrating tip; and a sliding leg terminating with a second tip and configured to slide along said rail leg towards said first tissue penetrating tip,...

20060155312 - Atraumatic delivery devices: Methods and apparatus for delivering an implant device within the digestive system of an animal are presented. An delivery device includes an outer sheath, or container, for storing a proximal portion of the implant device. The outer sheath is moveable relative to the stored portion of the implant device to...

20060155313 - Integrated anastomosis tool and method: An integrated anastomosis tool may be used to connect an end of a graft vessel to a side of a target vessel. The integrated anastomosis tool may include a vessel penetrating member configured to penetrate the side of the target vessel, a tubular anastomosis device configured to connect the end...

20060155311 - Intragastric device for treating obesity: An apparatus and method comprising at least one intragastric member or artificial bezoar made of a digestive-resistant or substantially indigestible material that is introduced into a gastric lumen of a mammal for the treatment of obesity. The intragastric member or artificial bezoar is typically at inserted into the gastric lumen...

20060155315 - Cutting apparatus: Cutting apparatus is provided for cutting an aperture in an article. The apparatus comprises input means for inputting data relating to a profile of the aperture and a data processing arrangement for receiving said data and processing said data to provide instructions for operating a cutting assembly to cut the...

20060155314 - Pathogen resistant carbide surgical tools: A surgical tool may include a cutting surface having fewer than about 10 pores per square centimeter that are greater than about 15 nanometers, 12 nanometers, 10 nanometers, 5 nanometers, or 5 angstroms in size. The tool may be made of a carbide, such as nickel binder tungsten carbide. The...

20060155317 - Lancet device for generating a puncture wound, and lancet drive assembly: A lancet device for generating a puncture wound in a skin surface, comprising a housing, in which a lancet can be moved on a puncturing path, a lancet drive with a drive rotor that can be driven by a drive spring, a lancet coupling mechanism that transforms a rotational motion...

20060155316 - Methods and apparatus for expressing body fluid from an incision: A sample of a body fluid such as blood or interstitial fluid is obtained from a body by lancing a portion of a user's skin, preferably in an area other than a finger tip, to form an incision. After the needle has been removed from the incision, a force is...

20060155318 - Hole-forming pin for inserting indwelling needle and jig for installing the pin: The pin for forming a hole for inserting an indwelling needle A for holding the indwelling pin from the skin surface to a blood vessel includes a column-shaped insertion part 1 having a curved surface at the distal end thereof, an insertion stop part 2 provided at the proximal end...

20060155319 - Apparatus for sealing a puncture by causing a reduction in the circumference of the puncture: Apparatus is provided for sealing a vascular puncture by causing a reduction in the circumference of the puncture tract through delivery of a closure agent into tissue surrounding the puncture tract. A resultant inflammatory response and volumetric increase cause the tissue to swell into the puncture tract, thereby sealing it....

20060155321 - Cartridge for vascular device: A cartridge for holding a vascular device and connectable to a component of a delivery system comprising a housing having a first end and a second end, and an engagement member movable to a first engageable position to engage the component of a delivery system to connect the cartridge to...

20060155322 - Distal protection device for filtering and occlusion: An intravascular, distal protection device including a braided mesh that may be selectively transformed between a collapsed configuration, a filter configuration and an occlusive configuration by mechanical or thermal operation. Alternatively, the distal protection device may include a non-inflatable occlusion valve located within the mesh and actuated by the same...

20060155323 - Intra-aneurysm devices: Devices for occluding an aneurysm are provided. In particular, the device include an upper member that sits against the dome of the aneurysm, a lower member that sits in the neck of the aneurysm, and a means of adjusting the overall dimensions of the device. Also provided are methods of...

20060155325 - System and method for providing embolic protection: An apparatus for offering embolic protection is provided that includes a sponge operable to be positioned in an area of a patient who is to undergo a cardiovascular procedure. The sponge is operable to collect debris present in or proximate to the area and to allow a portion of blood...

20060155324 - Vaso-occlusive devices with attached polymer structures: Disclosed herein are vaso-occlusive devices for forming occluding the vasculature of a patient. More particularly, disclosed herein are vaso-occlusive devices comprising at least one polymer structure and methods of making and using these devices....

20060155320 - Vein filter cartridge: A cartridge for holding a vessel filter and connectable to a component of a delivery system comprising a housing having a first end and a second end, and an engagement member movable to a first engageable position to engage the component of a delivery system to connect the cartridge to...

20060155326 - Surgical grasping instrument: A surgical grasping instrument for grasping an elongated implement, which comprises a frame; an elongated member connected to the frame and extending distally therefrom, the elongated member defining a longitudinal axis; and a pair of jaw members operatively connected to the elongated member, the jaw members being adapted for movement...

20060155327 - Vascular hole closure device: A device for closing an aperture in a vessel wall comprising a covering member having a longitudinal axis and positionable inside the vessel against the internal opening of the aperture and having a dimension to prevent egress of fluid through the aperture. Two curved legs are provided having portions positionable...

20060155329 - High strength suture with coating and colored trace: A high strength abrasion resistant surgical suture material with improved tie down characteristics is color coded for visualization and identification purposes. The suture features a multifilament cover formed of strands of ultra high molecular weight long chain polyethylene braided with polyester, nylon or a bioabsorbable material. Selected nylon fibers in...

20060155328 - Optimized suture braid: A high strength abrasion resistant surgical suture material with industry standard knot tying characteristics and color marking characteristics includes a core formed of a plurality of twisted fibers of a first material, surrounded by a braided cover made from fibers of a second material different than the first material. The...

20060155330 - Autologous wound sealing apparatus: Apparatus (10) is provided for sealing a vascular puncture tract by forming the autologous plug within the puncture tract, and extruding that plug into the puncture tract. The apparatus of the present invention forms an autologous blood plug by drawing blood into the apparatus from a vessel, mixing a blood...

20060155331 - Pacifier for administering flavour substances: Pacifier for receiving a cartridge (2) containing flavour substances for oral intake. The pacifier comprises a base part (3) with a cartridge chamber (3d), a nipple (4), at least one flow channel (5) between the cartridge chamber and at least one hole (8) that is communicating with the flow channel...

20060155332 - Pacifier toy: A pacifier rattle toy, with duel, gripped handles. There are gears at the end of the handles that are placed in the rattle. There are corresponding flappers to the said gears in the rattle to make a clicking noise. A feature of this pacifier toy would be a pacifier that...

20060149221 - Transaxillary breast augmentation instrument and method: A tool and method for holding a breast implant during implantation in an endoscopic transaxillary breast augmentation procedure, to facilitate its proper alignment. The forceps style instrument holds the implant while accommodating the inflation tube to facilitate the proper placement of the implant, to minimize trauma to the patient and...

20060149222 - Treatment tool for endoscope: In a forceps 1 of the present invention, an operating section 12 is provided with a main body 12 and a pair of slider sections 13 which advance and retract an operating wire 11 by relative closing-and-departing motions thereof; the slider section 13 is provided with a thumb hole section...

20060149223 - Method and apparatus treating area of the skin by using multipulse laser: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for multipulse laser treatments on a spot target by using a CO2 laser system and a laser beam scanner attached at the end of the delivery system. The laser system is controlled to emit a laser macropulse consisting of a series of...

20060149224 - Surgical instruments and techniques for treating gastro-esophageal reflux disease: Instruments for thermally-mediated treatment of a patient's lower esophageal sphincter (LES) to induce an injury healing response to thereby populate the extracellular compartment of walls of the LES with collagen matrices to altere the biomechanics of the LES to provide an increased intra-esophageal pressure for preventing acid reflux. A preferred...

20060149225 - Fluid-assisted electrosurgical devices, electrosurgical unit with pump and methods of use thereof: The invention provides an electrosurgical unit comprising a radio-frequency power source and a pump, with the throughput of fluid expelled by the pump controlled by the RF power level setting and fluid flow rate setting. The invention also provides various electrosurgical devices which may be used with the electrosurgical unit....

20060149226 - Co-access bipolar ablation probe: Medical probe kits and methods for treating tissue regions (e.g. tumors) are provided. The kit comprises a delivery cannula and an ablation probe. The delivery cannula comprises a shaft, a lumen extending through the shaft, and a plurality of windows formed through a wall of the shaft in communication with...

20060149227 - Electro-epilation method: There is described a method of epilation using an insulated probe connected to an epilator apparatus supplying multiple pulses of energy that created concentrated heat at the probe tip. The steps of the method comprise inserting the probe tip into the hair follicle; positioning the probe tip at a position...

20060149229 - Artificial facet joint: Various methods and devices for replacing damaged, injured, diseased, or otherwise unhealthy posterior elements, such as the facet joints, the lamina, the posterior ligaments, and/or other features of a patient's spinal column, are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, the methods and devices are effective to mimic the natural function of...

20060149231 - Bone fastener assembly for bone retention apparatus: A bone fastener assembly, comprising a bone fastener, an adjusting member and a securing fastener is provided for fastening an appliance to a bone body so that a plurality of the bone fastener assemblies and the appliance constitute an apparatus that acts to retain a plurality of bone bodies in...

20060149245 - Bone fixation system: A bone fixation system includes a bone screw having a longitudinal axis. A passage in the bone screw extends along the longitudinal axis and has a proximal opening at the proximal end of the bone screw and a distal opening at a distal end of the bone screw. A drill...

20060149244 - Device for connecting a longitudinal bar to a pedicle screw: A device for connecting a longitudinal bar to a pedicle screw for fixation of the spine includes a body having an axis, an upper end, a lower end, a hole coaxial with the axis, and a through hole positioned perpendicular to the axis. The device also includes a collet chuck...

20060149228 - Device for dynamically stabilizing bones or bone fragments, especially thoracic vertebral bodies: Apparatus for the dynamic stabilization of bone fragments, in particular spinal vertebrae (V), with at least one longitudinal support (11) that can be fixed to the vertebrae (V). The at least one longitudinal support (11) is so constructed that by application of a prespecified bending force it can be plastically...

20060149239 - Inter-cervical facet implant with locking screw and method: Systems and method in accordance with the embodiments of the present invention can include an implant for positioning within a cervical facet joint for distracting the cervical spine, thereby increasing the area of the canals and openings through which the spinal cord and nerves must pass, and decreasing pressure on...

20060149233 - Locking mechanism: A locking mechanism including a non-threaded, self-adjusting locking device for locking a rod in place within a screw and rod assembly. A non-threaded, self-adjusting locking device for locking a rod in place within a screw and rod assembly. A spring for locking a rod in a screw and rod fixation...

20060149235 - Medical implant fastener with nested set screw and method: A nested fastener and set screw combination for securing a spinal fixation rod to a bone screw includes a fastener base receivable into an open channel of a bone screw. The fastener base has a central threaded bore to receive a threaded set screw. The set screw is provided with...

20060149232 - Multi-axial bone screw mechanism: A bone screw assembly including a coupling member with a lower surface and a channel formed by two arms extending from a base portion. The coupling member has a hole extending from the base portion of the channel to its lower surface. The assembly further includes a spacer having a...

20060149240 - Polyaxial bone screw with multi-part shank retainer: A polyaxial bone screw assembly includes a threaded shank body having an upper capture structure, a head and a multi-piece retainer, articulation structure. The geometry of the retainer structure pieces corresponds and cooperates with the external geometry of the capture structure to frictionally envelope the retainer structure between the capture...

20060149230 - Posterior stabilization system: Various methods and devices for replacing damaged, injured, diseased, or otherwise unhealthy posterior elements, such as the facet joints, the lamina, the posterior ligaments, and/or other features of a patient's spinal column, are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a posterior implant is provided and it can be adapted to control...

20060149241 - Screw and rod fixation assembly and device: The present invention provides for a screw and rod fixation assembly for fixing a screw and, optionally, a rod. The screw and rod fixation assembly includes a screw, fixing mechanism, a substantially annular ring, rod seating mechanism, and locking mechanism. The present invention also provides for a fixing mechanism for...

20060149237 - Screw with deployable interlaced dual rods: A medical device and methods of use thereof are provided for supporting a structure (e.g., bone). A screw assembly is provided that is comprised of a base, one or more arms, and an interconnection means for coupling the base to the one or more arms. The interconnection means allows the...

20060149242 - Spinal stabilization systems supplemented with diagnostically opaque materials: According to the present invention, spinal stabilization systems are supplemented with a diagnostically opaque material to enable the diagnostic recognition of the components of these systems. These spinal stabilization systems may comprise one or more flexible spacers, and one or more elastic cords, either or both of which may comprise...

20060149236 - System and method for aligning vertebrae in the amelioration of aberrant spinal column deviation conditions: A system and method for ameliorating spinal column anomalies, such as scoliosis, includes bone screws which are to be implanted in the pedicle region(s) of individual to-be-derotated vertebrae and in vertebrae to which balancing forces must be applied as the spinal column is manipulated en mass to achieve an over-all...

20060149238 - Systems and methods for spinal stabilization with flexible elements: Systems and methods are provided for spinal stabilization with flexible elements and other elements engaged to the vertebrae. Also provided are instruments and methods for insertion of the flexible stabilization elements and other elements and for reduction of displacement between adjacent vertebrae in a minimally invasive surgical approach....

20060149234 - Variable offset connectors and bone fixation methods: A bone fixation assembly for use in spinal fixation surgery is disclosed. The bone fixation assembly has a rod receiving portion, a sliding component, a first locking element, and a second locking element. A method of fixing two vertebrae with respect to each other is also disclosed....

20060149243 - Vertebral stabilization assembly and method: A vertebral stabilization assembly for stabilizing vertebrae is disclosed. In one exemplary embodiment, the assembly comprises a first vertebral screw having a shaft with a threaded portion and an engaging portion and a second vertebral screw having a shaft with a threaded portion and an engaging portion. The assembly also...

20060149246 - Intercalary implant: An intercalary implant has two stem members and a collar. One stem member includes a stem portion to be received in the intramedullary canal of a native end portion of a long bone and a threaded male portion to be outside of the intramedullary canal. The second stem member also...

20060149247 - Device for the treatment of fractures of the femur: A device for treating fractures of the femur and includes an intra-medullary pin (1) with a central longitudinal axis (2), a front piece (3), which is introduced into the medullary channel of the femur, a rear piece (4) and a hole (5) going through the rear piece (4) at an...

20060149248 - Surgical nail: The invention relates to a surgical nail in the form of an intramedullary nail with a central axis made from a material M with a tensile strength Fz, compressive strength Fd, density ρ2 and modulus of elasticity E. Said nail has a transverse bore extending transversely to the