Surgery inventions 08/06

20060195070 - Device for connecting conventional or laparoscopic instruments to a robot: To connect conventional or laparoscopic instruments to a robot that can be used for medical applications, there can be a device that has a first and a second circular cylinder segment having a continuous center bore is connected with the angled first segment affixed to the free end of a...

20060195071 - Hand-actuated articulating surgical tool: A double cylinder system is disclosed, comprising at least one controller being adapted to transmit hydraulic control signals; at least one slave being in fluid communication with the controller and being configured to respond to the hydraulic control signals transmitted by the controller; and at least one control line providing...

20060195072 - Laser selective cutting by impulsive heat deposition in the ir wavelength range for direct-drive ablation: The present invention provides a method of laser processing of materials, specifically laser induced ablation processes for laser removal of material particularly important in medical and dental applications in which the laser removal of material should be done in such a way as to not damage any of the surrounding...

20060195073 - System and method for treatment of uvula and soft palate to reduce tissue laxity: System and methods for minimally invasive treatment of snoring are described. According to one system and method, laser energy is applied to tissue of a soft palate and/or uvula to create a pattern of multiple treatment spots in the tissue. According to another system and method, electromagnetic energy from a...

20060195074 - Excimer laser unit and relative control method for performing cornea ablation to reduce presbyopia: There are described an excimer laser unit and a method of controlling the unit to perform cornea ablation to reduce presbyopia, wherein the excimer laser unit is controlled to form on the cornea a photoablative pattern inducing a fourth-order ocular aberration, in particular a positive spherical aberration. More specifically, an...

20060195076 - Method and apparatus for patterned plasma-mediated laser trephination of the lens capsule and three dimensional phaco-segmentation: System and method for making incisions in eye tissue at different depths. The system and method focuses light, possibly in a pattern, at various focal points which are at various depths within the eye tissue. A segmented lens can be used to create multiple focal points simultaneously. Optimal incisions can...

20060195075 - Method and device for forming curved sections in a transparent material: The invention relates to a method for forming curved sections in a transparent material, especially in a cornea, by producing optical breaks at various points in the material by means of pulsed laser beams focused into the material. The laser beam is deviated in a two-dimensional manner from a deviation...

20060195077 - System and method for pulsed ultrasonic power delivery employing cavitational effects: A method and apparatus for delivering energy during a surgical procedure such as phacoemulsification is provided. The method and apparatus include delivering energy during a surgical procedure, including applying energy at a level and for a time period sufficient to induce transient cavitation, and reducing applied energy after applying energy...

20060195078 - Ocular fixation and stabilization device for ophthalmic surgical applications: An interface for coupling an eye to a surgical laser is disclosed. A lens cone includes a base ring opposite an apex ring. The base ring defines a first plane and is adapted to couple to the delivery tip of the laser such that the first plane has a predetermined...

20060195080 - Clamp based lesion formation apparatus and methods configured to protect non-target tissue: Apparatus, systems and methods for forming lesions in target tissue and positioning an insulation element adjacent to non-target tissue....

20060195081 - Dual mode lesion formation apparatus, systems and methods: A dual mode lesion formation apparatus including a probe component and clamp component....

20060195083 - Electrosurgical hemostat: A hemostat-type device for ablative treatment of tissue, particularly for treatment of atrial fibrillation, is constructed with features that provide easy and effective treatment. A swiveling head assembly can allow the jaws to be adjusted in pitch and roll. Malleable jaws can permit curved lesion shapes. A locking detent can...

20060195082 - Method and apparatus for tissue ablation: A method for ablation in which a portion of atrial tissue around the pulmonary veins of the heart is ablated by a first elongated ablation component and a second elongated ablation component movable relative to the first ablation component and having means for magnetically attracting the first and second components...

20060195079 - Wrap based lesion formation apparatus and methods configured to protect non-target tissue: Apparatus, systems and methods for forming lesions in target tissue and positioning an insulation element adjacent to non-target tissue....

20060195084 - Bipolar endoscopic surgical scissor blades and instrument incorporating the same: Endoscopic bipolar scissor blades are formed in a laminate assembly of an electrically conductive electrode, an electrically insulating material, and a metal shearing surface which is electrically insulated and physically spaced from the electrode by the insulating material which is disposed therebetween. In one embodiment, the electrode is a metal...

20060195087 - Adjustable length implant: A method and apparatus for providing an adjustable length surgical implant is provided, wherein the surgical implant is readily adjustable by a surgeon using a surgical tool sized for use with the surgical implant. Adjustment of the surgical implant further requires a small incision through the skin prior to the...

20060195088 - Adjustable length implant: A method and apparatus for providing an adjustable length surgical implant is provided, wherein the surgical implant is readily adjustable by a surgeon using a surgical tool sized for use with the surgical implant. Adjustment of the surgical implant further requires a small incision through the skin prior to the...

20060195090 - Apparatus for and method of aligning a spine: A plurality of pins attach to bone, such as a vertebra (not shown). Spacers interpose between pins. A cable extends through pins and spacers between a cap and an expansion sleeve. The expansion sleeve increases cable tension to restrict movement among pins and spacers....

20060195096 - Bone fixation apparatus: What is provided is a fixation system that offers a strong and stable construct for maximum fusion augmentation and yet is versatile enough for any patient and is easy to use. Disclosed is a connection assembly for connecting a spinal implant, the assembly comprising: a body, the body including a...

20060195097 - Implant insertion apparatus and method of use: An apparatus for use with a spinal implant includes a handle structure with a passage. A shaft with a screw thread is moveable within the passage in the handle structure. A pusher block is linked to the shaft, and has a forward surface configured to engage the spinal implant. A...

20060195098 - Implant system and fastening element for an implant system: The present invention relates to a fastening element for an implant system, which comprises at least two fastening elements fixable to bone parts or the like and at least one connecting element fixable to the at least two fastening elements, wherein the fastening element comprises a fastening part with a...

20060195086 - Integral, articulated, pedicle screw and longitudinal member for spinal osteosynthesis: A pedicle screw is pre-connected to a longitudinal member by an articulation joint. The articulation range is through an angle extending at least from a 90° angle between the longitudinal axis of the pedicle screw and the longitudinal axis of the longitudinal member to an angle sufficiently near a coaxial...

20060195093 - Method and apparatus for flexible fixation of a spine: A flexible spinal fixation device having a flexible connection unit for non-rigid stabilization of the spinal column. In one embodiment, the fixation device includes at least two securing members configured to be inserted into respective adjacent spinal pedicles, each securing member each including a coupling assembly. The fixation device further...

20060195091 - Percutaneous spinal stabilization device and method: A system for the percutaneous stabilization of adjacent vertebrae includes a plurality of elongated stabilization devices. Each stabilization device includes a radius of curvature. Each stabilization device further includes a leading end and a trailing end wherein the leading end is pointed for penetration through a vertebral body....

20060195094 - Percutaneous spinal stabilization device and method: A system for the percutaneous stabilization of adjacent vertebrae includes a plurality of elongated stabilization devices. Each stabilization device includes a radius of curvature. Each stabilization device further includes a leading end and a trailing end wherein the leading end is pointed for penetration through a vertebral body....

20060195095 - Spinal implant adjustment: An adjustable spinal implant 10 is provided for use in connecting elongate members 12 as well as in vertebral spacers such as corpectomy devices, intervertebral fusion devices, and other prostheses. The implant 10 may have fittings 80 on either end comprising fixed 100 or articulating jaws 200, endplates, or other...

20060195089 - Spinal plating and intervertebral support systems and methods: A plating system for stabilizing at least one level of the spinal column includes a plate member having a first portion with a bottom surface extending between opposite sides of the plate member. The bottom surface is positionable extradiscally along first and second vertebrae for engagement of the plate member...

20060195092 - 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...

20060195085 - System and method for stabilizing spine: A system and method for stabilizing the spine. The system comprises a fixation screw with a threaded section, and a fixation plate with a top and bottom surface. The fixation plate has a pre-drill hole arranged on the side of the top surface, and with the pre-drill hole, an actual...

20060195099 - Bone screw for positive locking but flexible engagement to a bone: A bone screw having a head portion and an adjoining shaft portion is described. The shaft portion has a front, a mid, and a neck section, where at least two of the sections having complementary features and/or attributes to facilitate positive-locking, but flexible engagement of the bone screw to a...

20060195100 - Spinal fusion system utilizing an implant plate having at least one integral lock: Spinal fusion system utilizing an implant plate having at least one integral lock....

20060195101 - Sternum closure device having locking member: A sternal closure device including impermanently joined sliding and receiving attachment structures which are adapted for intercostal positioning between at least two corresponding rib pairs and substantially surrounding a patient's sternum with each structure having a cross member, a plurality of integrated legs and foot members, a plurality of sternum...

20060195102 - Apparatus and method for treatment of spinal conditions: An apparatus includes a first clamp having a first end and a second end. The second end of the first clamp is configured to engage a first spinous process. A second clamp has a first end and a second end. The second end of the second clamp is configured to...

20060195104 - Clamping device: A device for clamping a fixation element which may allow for repositioning of the fixation element. The device may include a body comprising a front end, a rear end, an outer surface, a through bore extending between the front end and the rear end, a structure enabling deformation of at...

20060195103 - Proximal anchors for bone fixation system: Disclosed is a bone fixation device of the type useful for connecting soft tissue or tendon to bone or for connecting two or more bones or bone fragments together. The device comprises an elongate body having a distal anchor thereon. An axially moveable proximal anchor is carried by the proximal...

20060195105 - Acetabular shell removal tool: A tool for separating an acetabular shell of a hip prosthesis from the surrounding pelvic bone includes a fixture which attaches to the acetabular shell and has a chisel guide mounted on it. A chisel associated with the chisel guide is curved to conform to the outer periphery of the...

20060195108 - Patellar bone tunneling system: A drill guide assembly enabling a surgeon to drill a plurality of parallel tunnels in a patella in order to repair a patellar or quadriceps tendon rupture. The drill bit used with the drill guide assembly doubles as a needle for drawing the sutures through the tunnels after the tunnels...

20060195106 - Ultrasonic cutting device: An ultrasonic surgical cutting method and apparatus is provided wherein the method and apparatus allows for the cutting of bone from within a hollow pathway such that a cutter associated with the ultrasonic method and apparatus remains sufficiently cool to prevent necrosis of the bone being cut. Furthermore the ultrasonic...

20060195107 - Ultrasonic cutting device: An ultrasonic surgical cutting method and apparatus is provided wherein the method and apparatus allows for the cutting of bone from within a hollow pathway such that a cutter associated with the ultrasonic method and apparatus remains sufficiently cool to prevent necrosis of the bone being cut. Furthermore the ultrasonic...

20060195109 - Instruments and techniques for disc space preparation: A series of instruments (30, 80, 120, 210, 510, 550) are provided for direct-anterior and oblique-anterior disc space and end plate preparation. The instruments (30, 80, 120, 210, 510, 550) provide precise guidance for channel formation in the vertebral endplates by guiding rotating and bladed cutting instruments (122, 250, 580)....

20060195110 - Connector for domed cutting tool: The surgical reamer has a hollow dome with apertures spaced apart arranged in arcs extending from an apex of the dome to the base portion of the dome, and removable teeth positioned in the apertures. Each cutting tooth has a flange that is aligned flush with the external surface of...

20060195112 - System and method for retrograde procedure: A system and method may be used for accessing an articular surface and for preparing an implant site on the articular surface. The method may include locating a portion of the articular. An access passage may be drilled towards the articular surface though bone behind the articular surface. An implant...

20060195111 - Universal positioning block assembly: A universal positioning block for use in bone surgery, permitting up to six degrees-of-freedom movement relative to a bone element to which it is fixed. The positioning block comprises a main block element that is releasably engageable to the bone element such that the main block element is rotatable in...

20060195113 - Joint replacement methods and apparatus: Apparatus and surgical techniques provide alternative cutting fixtures and other features to improve bone resection accuracy and joint stability. According to one embodiment, stabilizers are removably attached to a cutting guide to temporarily lengthen the surface against which a saw or other cutting device rests. Another embodiment provides differently shaped...

20060195114 - Method of using a vertebral retainer-distracter: A method for distracting at least two adjacent vertebrae and/or retaining them in a spaced apart position. Anchor screws are secured to the adjacent vertebrae and tubes of a retainer-distracter instrument frame are slid down over the anchor screws, after which the anchor screws are positively secured to the tubes...

20060195115 - Method and apparatus for kyphoplasty: A method for performing kyphoplasty is disclosed. A catheter having a balloon-like component is located at its distal end, is inserted into a fractured vertebra. A substance such as PMMA to fill the balloon and stabilize the fracture is injected through the catheter. The balloon is held in place until...

20060195116 - D-tail patellar bone tunneling system: An apparatus used to create bone tunnels for a repair of a patellar tendon rupture, the apparatus comprising a base having an upper surface and a lower surface which has a plurality of orifices passing through the base, a plurality of grooves, at least one for each orifice, each of...

20060195117 - Wire guide holder with wire guide deflector: A wire guide holder having a wire guide deflector. The wire guide holder is provided with a securing portion and a deflecting portion. The securing portion is provided with protrusions and/or grooves for securing a distal portion of a wire guide against longitudinal movement. The deflecting portion is configured to...

20060195118 - Distal release retrieval assembly and related methods of use: A device and related method of use is provided for the capture and removal of various unwanted objects present within the body's anatomical lumens. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the device includes an external elongate member; an internal elongate member disposed within the external elongate member; and a...

20060195119 - Trajectory guide with angled or patterned guide lumens or height adjustment: This document discusses trajectory guides that include an instrument guide with at least one lumen angled with respect to an orthogonal or other through-axis. In one example, patterned lumens on the instrument guide provide a mirror image pattern of trajectory axes intersecting a target plane. In another example, height adjustment...

20060195121 - Placing sutures: A suturing instrument including multiple needle and suture assemblies that are at least partially disposed within the suturing instrument allows a surgeon to place multiple sutures intercorporally without having to remove the instrument from a surgical site and reload the instrument between placing each suture. The suturing instrument includes an...

20060195120 - Suturing device and method for sealing an opening in a blood vessel or other biological structure: A suturing device allows a physician to remotely seal an incision in a blood vessel or other biological tissue. The device comprises an elongated tubular body having a distal portion which is adapted to be inserted percutaneously through the incision and into the blood vessel. The distal portion has first...

20060195122 - Method, instruments, and kit for autologous transplantation: Method for the effective transplantation of chondrocytes/cartilage to an articular joint surface defect is taught, as well as a description of certain instruments and kit for practicing the invention....

20060195123 - Vascular sheath with bioabsorbable puncture site closure apparatus and methods of use: Apparatus and methods are provided for use in sealing a vascular puncture site. The invention comprises an introducer sheath with an integrated closure component. The closure component includes a fastener and an advanceable, deformable clip having a delivery configuration in which opposing sides do not contact one another, and a...

20060195124 - Vascular sheath with bioabsorbable puncture site closure apparatus and methods of use: Apparatus and methods are provided for use in sealing a vascular puncture site. The invention comprises an introducer sheath with an integrated closure component. The closure component includes a fastener and an advanceable, deformable clip having a delivery configuration in which opposing sides do not contact one another, and a...

20060195125 - Spring clip and method for assembling same: A surgical clip assembly is provided having two molded components and a tension spring. In one aspect of the invention, the spring clip includes a first molded portion having a first jaw and a first finger tab, a second molded portion coupled to the first molded portion and having a...

20060195126 - Atherectomy catheter with aligned imager: An atherectomy catheter is provided for excising and imaging material in a body lumen. In one embodiment, the catheter comprises a catheter body, a cutting blade, and an imaging device. The cutting blade is mounted on the catheter body and configured to move between a first position and a second...

20060195127 - Vascular incision method: A vascular incision apparatus is composed in part of a needle for puncturing a blood vessel and a cutter for making an incision in the blood vessel. The apparatus easily, rapidly and reliably creates a vascular incision of the desired length by employing an incision length controlling means to control...

20060195128 - Method and apparatus for loading penetrating members: A body fluid sampling system is provided. In one embodiment, the system may comprise a penetrating member driver, a plurality of penetrating members sufficient for penetrating tissue; a tape coupling together at least two of the penetrating members; and a penetrating member release device removing the penetrating member from a...

20060195129 - Tissue penetration device: An agent injection device is provided that is capable of injecting an agent to a known predetermined tissue depth. An injection member has an elongate injection shaft with an outlet port configured to dispense an agent at a controllable time. A controllable driver is coupled to the elongate injection shaft...

20060195130 - Tissue penetration device: A method of lancing the tissue of a patient provides a tissue penetration element with a tip configured to penetrate tissue and a shaft portion. The tissue penetration element is disposed in proximity to the tissue of the patient. The tissue penetration element is driven distally towards the tissue of...

20060195131 - Tissue penetration device: A moving coil tissue penetration device includes a magnetic source that produces a magnetic field in a magnetically active region. A cylindrical coil is secured to a translation substrate and disposed at least partially within the magnetically active region. A sharpened member is configured to penetrate tissue and mechanically coupled...

20060195132 - Tissue penetration device: A sampling module includes a module body portion with a lancet channel, a lancet slidably disposed within the lancet channel. A cover sheet is disposed over the lancet and a lancet channel that captures the lancet shaft in the lancet channel, and a sample reservoir for collection of a sample...

20060195133 - Tissue penetration device: A tissue penetration device includes a magnetic source that produces a controllable magnetic field in a magnetically active region adjacent the magnetic source. A magnetic member is disposed at least partially in the magnetically active region. A permanent magnet is disposed at a proximal end of the magnetically active region...

20060195136 - Balloon catheter: A balloon catheter capable of adjusting a position to inflate a balloon in the axial direction of a catheter is provided. The balloon catheter includes a catheter main body formed with a plurality of lumina extending along an axial direction in a lumen; an expansion body surrounding the outer periphery...

20060195134 - Device, system, and method for aiding valve annuloplasty: A device comprising a reference ring that may be temporarily disposed in abutment with the inferior perimeter surface of a heart valve to aid non-optical visualization of the valve annulus. The reference ring is elastically transformable between a straight delivery configuration and a generally circular or helical deployment configuration. The...

20060195135 - Pass-through catheter: An apparatus is disclosed that includes an expandable member operatively connected to a catheter or similar device and includes at least one passage configured to fluidly connect the interior of a vessel or other body cavity regardless of the expansion state of the expandable member. Passages may be disposed in...

20060195138 - Perfusion guidewire in combination with a distal filter: The present invention relates generally to perfusion catheters and distal protection devices. According to an embodiment, the present invention includes a distal protection filter comprising an elongate shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, a distal protection device disposed at the distal end, a coupling member that couples...

20060195137 - Systems, methods and devices for removing obstructions from a blood vessel: Devices and methods for removing an obstruction from a blood vessel are described. The devices are deployed in a collapsed condition and are then expanded within the body. The devices are then manipulated to engage and remove the obstruction....

20060195139 - Extragastric devices and methods for gastroplasty: Methods and devices to externally create a restriction on the stomach are described. In some embodiments, the devices are contoured to fit the stomach and can be further anchored to the stomach. In further embodiments, the degree of deployment of the extragastric restriction device is controllable after implantation. In other...

20060195140 - Surgical gripper: A surgical gripper includes a gripping section opened/closed to grip an object to be gripped and an operation section which opens/closes the gripping section, wherein the gripping section is configured to be opened/closed by the operation section to take a gripping mode of gripping the object to be gripped so...

20060195141 - Uniform stress needle: A linear surgical needle is provided having a body portion including a proximal end section; a central section; and a distal end section. The distal end section has a substantially parabolic configuration for producing a substantially uniform stress profile along a length thereof....

20060195142 - Micromantled drug-eluting stent: Pharmacologically active, easy-to-deploy, biomechanically compatible, inflatable endovascular, drug-eluting stent are formed of a primary expandable polymeric or metallic construct, intimately mantled with a biomechanically compatible, polymeric microporous, microfibrous, compliant, stretchable fabric formed by direct electrospinning onto the outside surface of the primary construct using at least one polymer solution containing...

20060189964 - Apparatus and method to apply substances to tissue: Methods and apparatuses to apply substances to a biological tissue are described. The tissue having an target below a surface is stretched to provide openings in a surface. Stretching forces a material from the target onto the surface. A first substance may be applied while stretching to promote cleaning the...

20060189965 - System,apparatus and method for large area tissue ablation: A method of ablating a material, the method comprising: (a) generating a beam of laser radiation in a form of plurality of pulses, the laser radiation having a wavelength suitable for ablating the material; and (b) within a duration of a pulse of the plurality of pulses, scanning the material...

20060189966 - Method and system for improving vision: Methods and apparatus (610) are disclosed for diagnosing vision and improving vision in a manner which does not interfere with the natural shape of the cornea or its orientation relative to the remainder of the eye, but which changes its surface curvature appropriately to achieve the required correction of vision....

20060189967 - Device, a catheter, and a method for the curative treatment of varicose veins: Described herein are a device and a method for the treatment of varicose veins via laser radiation, and in particular using a holmium laser. The radiation of a laser source (5) is injected in a fiber (3) that can be inserted in the vessel to be treated. The laser source...

20060189968 - Cryosurgery device: A cryosurgery device includes an aerosol container holding a liquid refrigerant and having a valve and a stem extending out therefrom; an actuator seated on the stem and including an outlet tube for receiving released refrigerant from the container; a hub mounted on the container and including slots therein; and...

20060189969 - Power supply for identification and control of electrical surgical tools: An electronic circuit for identifying an electrical surgical tool and for providing a selectable constant current appropriate to the identified electrical surgical tool....

20060189970 - Depilation device with a depilation tape: A depilation device (1) comprising a heating device (23) and contact brackets (74, 75, 76, 77), which heating device (23) is designed for heating a depilation tape (2) provided with a hair removal medium capable of softening, wherein the contact brackets (74, 75, 76, 77) are designed for keeping the...

20060189972 - Method and device for uterine fibroid treatment: Methods and devices for both imaging and treating uterine fibroid tumors in one real-time system are provided. One minimally invasive method comprises introducing a sheath into a uterus and determining a location of a fibroid using a visualization element within or on the sheath. Upon identification, a portion of the...

20060189971 - Systems and methods for electrosurgical treatment of fasciitis: Systems, apparatus, and methods are provided for promoting blood flow to a target tissue. In one aspect, the invention involves canalizing or boring channels, divots, trenches or holes through an avascular connective tissue, or through a tissue having sparse vascularity, such as a tendon or a meniscus, in order to...

20060189973 - Segmented catheter for tissue ablation: A near-field antenna structure is described that is an effective delivery tool for radiofrequency (RF) and microwave power to achieve coagulative necrosis in metastatic tumors while reducing or eliminating thermal conduction along the structure. This tool is a probe small enough to be used safely virtually anywhere in the neck,...

20060189974 - Tissue treatment system: A tissue treatment system has a radio frequency generator and a handheld treatment instrument that generates a gas plasma jet for delivering thermal energy to a tissue surface to be treated. Incorporated in the housing for the generator is a calibration device for adjusting the energy output of the generator,...

20060189975 - Structures for supporting multiple electrode elements: A catheter assembly comprises a first branch body having a first axis, a second branch body extending in a non-parallel relationship with respect to the first axis, and at least one electrode carried by the second branch body. In use, the first branch body can be located within a pulmonary...

20060189976 - System and method for treating biological tissue with a plasma gas discharge: Devices and methods for treating biological tissue using a plasma gas-discharge are disclosed herein. An electrode for igniting a gas flow to form a plasma gas-discharge, wherein the electrode is configured within the device such that upon encountering a surface of the biological tissue by the electrode, a path of...

20060189977 - Electrosurgical electrode shroud: An electrosurgical electrode shroud including a hollow substantially cylindrical member having a first end portion and a second end portion; the first end portion defining an opening which is configured and dimensioned to receive an electrosurgical electrode assembly therein; the second end portion defining an opening which is configured and...

20060189978 - Polypectomy snare instrument: A medical device and methods for making and using the same. An example medical device includes a tubular member, a shaft disposed within the tubular member, and an end effector coupled to the shaft. A first handle and a second handle may be coupled to the shaft. A tubular sheath...

20060189979 - Methods and apparatus for coagulating and/or constricting hollow anatomical structures: An energy delivering probe is used for thermally coagulating and/or constricting hollow anatomical structures (HAS) including, but not limited to, blood vessels such as perforator veins. The probe includes a shaft and at least two electrodes where at least one of the electrodes has a perimeter that increases as it...

20060189981 - Vessel sealer and divider: An endoscopic bipolar forceps for sealing and dividing tissue which includes an elongated shaft having opposing jaw members at a distal end thereof. The jaw members are movable relative to one another about a pivot from a first spaced position to a second closed position to grasp tissue. Each jaw...

20060189980 - Vessel sealing instrument: A bipolar electrosurgical instrument for clamping, grasping, manipulating, and sealing tissue includes first and second shafts each having a jaw member extending from a distal end thereof and a handle disposed at a proximal end thereof. The handle being operable to effect movement of the jaw members relative to one...

20060189983 - Apparatus and method for dynamic vertebral stabilization: A posterior vertebral stabilizer has a resilient member such as a linear spring, which operates in tension and compression. The resilient member may be kept straight by a stabilization rod extending through the spring, or by a telescoping assembly that encases the resilient member. The ends of the stabilizer are...

20060189984 - Apparatus and method for dynamic vertebral stabilization: A posterior vertebral stabilizer has a resilient member such as a linear spring, which operates in tension and compression. The resilient member may be kept straight by a stabilization rod extending through the spring, or by a telescoping assembly that encases the resilient member. The ends of the stabilizer are...

20060189985 - Device for providing a combination of flexibility and variable force to the spinal column for the treatment of scoliosis: Non-surgical treatments for idiopathic scoliosis include muscle stimulation therapy, chiropractic care, and the application of a variety of braces (orthotics). Surgical intervention frequently employs rigid metallic braces that prevent further flexing of the spine where applied. This invention allows flexing of the spine with long term correction of the scoliosis...

20060189982 - Longitudinal implant: The longitudinal implant is fastened to bones on either side of a damaged area through a connecting device. Said implant is comprised of a filament or fiber composite material and said connecting device is made of a material harder than said longitudinal implant. The longitudinal implant is preferably made of...

20060189986 - Techniques for spinal surgery and attaching constructs to vertebral elements: Techniques for spinal surgery include accessing at least one vertebral element of the spinal column. At least one loading member is engaged to the at least one vertebral element. The loading member is allowed to integrate with the bony structure of the vertebral element over time. The integrated loading member...

20060189987 - Nail plate: A humeral fracture fixation system is provided and includes a nail-plate fixation device having a plate-like head portion, an intramedullary nail portion, and a bent neck portion therebetween which creates an angle between the plate and nail portions. The upper surface of the nail portion is substantially straight for contact...

20060189988 - Surgical nail: The surgical nail, here in the form of an intramedullary nail, has a central axis, a longitudinal borehole with a diameter D extending coaxially with the central axis, a casing with an inner surface and a transverse borehole, extending transversely to the central axis with the cross-sectional profile F and...

20060189990 - Anterior cervical plating system: In one embodiment of the invention, an anterior fixation system includes a plate defining a plurality of screw holes, a number of screws and a number of locking assemblies for fixing the screws to the plate. The system includes two bone screws, a fixed angle screw and a variable angle...

20060189989 - Zero profile template for installation of surgical plate: A method and apparatus for safely creating a cavity within living bone into which a plate or implant can be embedded or countersunk. A template is attached to the bone in a required location and is used to control the working depth of a cutting tool used to remove bone...

20060189991 - Graft anchor: A graft anchor includes an interference screw having a passage provided therein and a cross member adapted to be disposed in the passage of the interference screw to secure a graft....

20060189992 - Implant device for applying compression across a fracture site: A fracture fixation implant formed from a single piece of material bent in loop form to provide juxtaposed first and second legs joined by a bend. The first leg is dimensional and configured to be implanted within a bone to extend across a fracture in the bone, the second leg...

20060189993 - Soft tissue conduit device: A soft tissue conduit device. The device includes an elongated body having an outer surface, the elongated body defining a plurality of longitudinal external channels, each longitudinal channel defining a conduit open to the outer surface of the elongated body, each conduit operable to conduct a biological material in soft...

20060189994 - Orthopaedic reamer driver for minimally invasive surgery: An orthopaedic reamer assembly for minimally invasive surgery including a reamer and a driver. The driver includes a shaft with a distal end and a longitudinal axis; and a driver head connected to the distal end. The driver head is pivotable about an axis generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis....

20060189995 - Rongeur that disassembles for cleaning: An embodiment of a rongeur includes an assembly pin that provides easy disassembly and assembly of the rongeur. The assembly pin also serves the purpose of coupling a driving member to a top shaft of the rongeur. The assembly pin can be engaged with the driving member for normal operation...

20060189996 - Nail plate and implantation jig therefor: A humeral fracture fixation system is provided and includes a nail-plate fixation device having a plate-like head portion, an intramedullary nail portion, and a bent neck portion therebetween which creates an angle between the plate and nail portions. The upper surface of the nail portion is substantially straight for contact...

20060189997 - All through one drill guide for cervical plating: Embodiments of the present invention provide apparatus for guiding medical instruments, including a handle with a handle shaft, an alignment stand configured to interface with a receptacle of a cervical plate, an instrument guide tube coupled to the alignment stand and having a lumen therethrough, such that when the alignment...

20060189998 - Guide assembly for guiding cuts to a femur and tibia during a knee arthroplasty: An assembly for guiding resection of a femur and tibia of a knee joint in preparation for installing a femoral and tibial knee components. For example, the assembly can include tibial and femoral IM rods to which are connected through a torque bolt that allows controlled adjustment of the distraction...

20060189999 - Linked slideable and interlockable rotatable components: Medical devices having one or more rotatable linkable components or segments, delivered in a first orientation relative to a component guide into a tissue cavity, such as the interbody vertebral space. After delivery, each segment may be rotated to a second, different orientation relative to the component guide, such as...

20060190000 - Instruments for osteolysis repair: A plug for plugging a hole of a bone or implant body during injection of an osteoregenerative material comprising, generally, a plug body, the plug body configured to plug a hole of the body to prevent osteoregenerative material from leaking through the hole, and a tail, the tail attached to...

20060190001 - Snap-lock for drill sleeve: A device for drilling a hole in bone and for inserting bone screws into the drilled hole is provided. The device comprises a trocar, drill sleeve and protection sleeve in a telescopically nested configuration. The drill sleeve and protection sleeve may have an axial locking feature that allows the two...

20060190002 - System and method for joint resurface repair: A system for positioning an element relative to an articular surface. An embodiment of the system may include a first element having a positional reference relative to an articular surface. The system may further include a second element capable of indicating the positional reference of the first element relative to...

20060190003 - Surgical method: A surgical method using a bent phacoemulsification tip and vibrating the tip torsionally so as to produce a whipping motion in the distal end of the tip....

20060190004 - Cutting device: A cutting device for removing an epithelium flap from an eye in a simple and safe that includes a rotation-symmetric cutting body with a cutting edge and a cavity with a bearing surface for the epithelium flap, as well as a device for fixing the epithelium flap onto the bearing...

20060190005 - Introducer tactile feature: An introduction system and method of use is provided. The introduction system includes a catheter assembly, a member, and a tactile indicator. The member is configured to be introduced through the catheter assembly and the tactile indicator is configured to provide a tactile sensory input when the member reaches a...

20060190006 - Small bowel endoscope of ileus tube type that enables laser inspection and therapy: A small bowel endoscopic system of an ileus tube type using a monolithic composite optical fiber that can be applied with an ileus tube employed to administer a contrast agent or the like to a patient suffering from ileus and which is an integral assembly of a large-diameter optical fiber...

20060190007 - Medical retrieval basket with legs shaped to enhance capture and reduce trauma: A medical retrieval device, and related method, uses a basket formed by one or more legs to retrieve material such as calculi. At least one of the legs has at least an inner and an outer surface. The outer surface is an atraumatic surface such as a curved surface. The...

20060190008 - Tagging system comprising a disposable injector: This invention relates to an ear tagging system with a disposable injector, of the type used to save the animal from possible infections, which basically consists of a male part (1) which is fastened to female part (2), which are the constituent elements for identifying cattle and they carry this...

20060190009 - Instrument for implanting a sensor: An instrument for implanting a sensor in a body part, in which the sensor has at least one cord extending therefrom which is connected to an external device, includes a guide sheath for defining a path to the surface of the body part through overlaying soft tissue, the sheath having...

20060190012 - Method and apparatus for representing an instrument relative to a bone: To enable the position and orientation of an instrument which machines a bone to be determined relative to the bone without the need for X-radiation, the invention proposes a method for representing an instrument relative to a bone, in which the structure of the bone in a working plane passing...

20060190010 - Swivel adapter and base unit handle: A swivel adapter (26) has a base (60) with an outward facing first side (57) and a pivot surface (55) extending from the first side. A Center adapter (52) is mounted for pivoting motion on the pivot surface and has an outward facing first device connector (46). A clamp (78)...

20060190011 - Systems and methods for providing a reference plane for mounting an acetabular cup during a computer-aided surgery: Systems and methods for providing a reference for an acetabular cup plane in accordance with embodiments of the invention can include a method performed by a computer-aided surgical navigational system with a display screen and at least one sensor. The method can include detecting at least one array associated with...

20060190015 - Clipping device: The present invention provides a clipping device having a coil sheath inserted into an insertion tube in a back/forth movable way to allow it to be inserted into a body cavity, an operation wire inserted into the coil sheath in a back/forth movable way, and a clip directly connected to...

20060190013 - Curved closure jaw arrangement for a medical clip applier device: An elongated jaw assembly for pinching closed a medical clip in an elongated medical clip-applying device. The assembly has an elongated bifurcated set of jaw members on a set of jaw arms. The assembly has a first end and a second end with a curvilinear rail arranged on an edge...

20060190014 - Integrated vascular device with puncture site closure component and sealant and methods of use: Apparatus and methods are provided for use in sealing a vascular puncture site. The invention comprises an integrated vascular device having a sheath with a closure component and puncture sealant. The closure component is disposed on and advanceable over the exterior of the sheath and may comprise any of a...

20060190016 - Endoscopic suture apparatus: A holding member has an opening portion which opens to an distal end. The opening portion, the distal end of an endoscope and a holding member define a treatment space. A clamping member can project and retreat from and into the opening portion through the treatment space. The puncture member...

20060190017 - Fibrin sealants and platelet concentrates applied to effect hemostasis at the interface of an implantable medical device with body tissue: Surgical methods of and kits for applying and stabilizing a mass of fibrin sealant or platelet concentrate at the site of surgical attachment of an implantable medical device to effect hemostasis to stem internal bleeding at the site of surgical attachment are disclosed. A mass of fibrin sealant or platelet...

20060190019 - Stented anchoring of gastric space-occupying devices: Gastric space occupying devices are provided that include a stent configured for deployment in the gastrointestinal tract of a patient, and in particular, for deployment in the esophagus or the stomach. Secured to the stent is an expandable member that is adapted to reside within the patient's stomach. When expanded,...

20060190018 - Transoral endoscopic gastroesophageal flap valve restoration device having a guided tissue gripper: A transoral gastroesophageal flap valve restoration device includes a tissue gripper which is guidable by one of a first and second member. The first and second members form a tissue shaper carried on a longitudinal member that shapes stomach tissue into the flap of a restored gastroesophageal flap valve....

20060190020 - Ear cleaning apparatus, tip and a method for cleaning an ear: An ear cleaning apparatus, a tip and a method for cleaning an ear are provided. The ear cleaning apparatus may have a tip having protrusions. The protrusions may be made of a pliable material to assist in removing wax, dirt and/or other build-up from within an ear canal. Additionally, the...

20060190021 - Cutting device for subcutaneous incisions: A cutting device is provided for making subcutaneous incisions. The cutting device has a housing forming a handle. A tubular blade sub-assembly extends from the housing. A trocar passes through the tubular blade sub-assembly and is configured to be positioned in a first active position, with a tip of the...

20060190022 - Material delivery system: A method for injecting a therapeutic agent into a target tissue, the method comprising: (a) providing an expandable member; (b) positioning said expandable member in proximity to the target tissue; (c) Introducing the therapeutic agent into the expandable member until a desired pressure is achieved; and (d) creating a plurality...

20060190023 - Methods and devices for changing the shape of a medical device: A medical device is movable between first and second positions. The medical device has an actuator which is movable between a relaxed position and a stacked position. The stacked position of the actuator deforms the medical device toward the stacked position of the actuator. When the actuator is in the...

20060190025 - Rapid exchange catheters and embolic protection devices: A catheter comprising a housing portion defining an interior cavity and the housing portion comprising a housing member having an interior space dimensioned for housing an indwelling medical device. The elongated member comprises a lumen extending at least from an exit port to a distal port, the housing member is...

20060190024 - Recovery catheter apparatus and method: A catheter assembly configured for retrieval of medical devices from vasculature. The catheter includes an outer catheter and an inner catheter. The inner and/or outer catheter can include a tapered terminal end portion. A mandrel can be provided to facilitate advancement of the assembly within vasculature....

20060190026 - Adjustable acupressure device: An adjustable acupressure device is structured to apply pressure to a specific portion of a user's body, for example, the hegu point located between the user's thumb and forefinger. The device includes an attachment assembly having at least one placement indicator structured to permit accurate placement of the device by...

20060190035 - Latching mechanism for forceps: The present disclosure relates to a surgical instrument that includes a slidable shaft having a proximal and a distal end and a housing coupled to the shaft. The instrument includes an actuation assembly having a first lever and a second lever, each of the first and second levers being pivotably...

20060190030 - Methods and devices for termination: Devices and methods used in termination of a tissue tightening procedure are described. Termination includes the cinching of a tether to tighten the tissue, locking the tether to maintain tension, and cutting excess tether. In procedures involving anchors secured to the tissue, the tether is coupled to the anchors and...

20060190033 - Surgical clamps: A new surgical clamp which allow for approximating and everting the skin edges around a wound or incision. A surgical clamp is provided having a pair of intersecting arms and a pivot interconnecting the arms for providing rotating motion about the pivot. The arms each comprise a handle portion, a...

20060190034 - Surgical instrument: A surgical instrument comprising a tip end joint part having an openable and closeable gripper, an operating part including a hand grip and a plurality of operating dials, and an arm part that accommodates a wire for cooperation of actions of the operating part and the tip end joint part....

20060190032 - Surgical instrument incorporating a fluid transfer controlled articulation bladder and method of manufacture: A surgical instrument particularly suited to endoscopic use articulates an end effector by including a fluid transfer articulation mechanism that is proximally controlled. A fluid control, which is attached to a proximal portion, transfers fluid through the elongate shaft through a first fluid passage to a first fluid actuator that...

20060190028 - Surgical instrument incorporating a fluid transfer controlled articulation mechanism: A surgical instrument particularly suited to endoscopic use articulates an end effector by including a fluid transfer articulation mechanism that is proximally controlled. A fluid control, which is attached to a proximal portion, transfers fluid through the elongate shaft through a first fluid passage to a first fluid actuator that...

20060190031 - Surgical instrument with articulating shaft with rigid firing bar supports: A surgical stapling and severing instrument particularly suited to endoscopic use includes a proximal portion that is manipulated external to a patient to position an attached elongate shaft and end effector to a desired surgical site inside of the patient. An articulation joint pivotally attaches the end effector to the...

20060190029 - Surgical instrument with laterally moved shaft actuator coupled to pivoting articulation joint: A surgical instrument particularly suited to endoscopic use articulates an end effector by including a laterally sliding member in a proximal portion of a shaft that pivots the end effector to a selected side. Differentially opposing actuating forces (e.g., hydraulic, fluidic, mechanical) act against the laterally sliding member without binding...

20060190027 - Surgical instrument with trigger control: A surgical device 10 with an ergonomic handle 12 and, an elongated tubular portion 18 extending from the ergonomic handle 12 to a functional end 22. The elongated tubular portion 18 has a longitudinal axis 19, and a finger actuator 16 is positioned substantially in line with this axis. Furthermore,...

20060190038 - 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...

20060190037 - Integrated vascular device with puncture site closure component and sealant and methods of use: Apparatus and methods are provided for use in sealing a vascular puncture site. The invention comprises an integrated vascular device having a sheath with a closure component and puncture sealant. The closure component is disposed on and advanceable over the exterior of the sheath and may comprise any of a...

20060190036 - Sealing plug for an opening in a wall of a vessel or hollow organ: The present invention relates to a sealing plug for an opening in a wall of a vessel or hollow organ of an animal or human body, in particular a blood vessel, to a device for placing such a sealing plug in such an opening, to a surgery kit for percutaneously...

20060190039 - Implantable device fastening system and methods of use: A surgical fastening system for implantable devices is disclosed. The implantable device may contain a plurality of fasteners in pre-deployment position, may have a housing fitted over or around it which contains a plurality of fasteners in pre-deployment position, or may be a part of a two-part system into which...

20060190040 - Coated surgical needles: The present disclosure relates to surgical needles having a coating thereon, the coating formed from a coating composition comprising at least one anesthetic material....

20060190041 - Compact line locks and methods: A line lock includes a body at least partially bounding two passageways that cooperate to receive a locking portion of a line such as a suture in such a manner that the locking portion can only be drawn through the passageways along one direction. A second suture locking portion may...

20060190042 - Tissue repair assembly: A tissue repair assembly for repairing tissue. The tissue repair assembly includes a rotatable anchor for insertion through a tissue tear on a surface of the tissue, a threaded fastener for insertion into the tissue, the threaded fastener having a longitudinal bore and a plurality of apertures communicating with the...

20060184159 - Clockwork movement: The clockwork movement comprises a crown (12) connected with at least one element of the movement through a connecting organ. It is provided with a selection device (13) that includes a blocking device (15) provided with two blocking spring blades (26, 27) cooperating with a set of teeth (28) of...

20060184160 - Surgery data display device, surgery data storing device, and surgery data storing display method: A surgery data storing device according to the present invention comprises a surgery data storing section which associates surgery data to a predetermined time and stores this to a storing device, and an event data storing section which associates the event data to the predetermined time according to an occurrence...

20060184161 - Flexible shaft system having interchangeable end effectors: Flexible shaft systems having interchangeable end effectors are described herein. A shaft with a flexibility sufficient to allow advancement through a lumen of an endoscopic device has an interface at its distal end for engaging a removable end effector tool. The shaft and end effector tool are configured to enable...

20060184162 - High throughput endo-illuminator probe: A high throughput endo-illuminator and illumination surgical system are disclosed. One embodiment of the high throughput endo-illumination surgical system comprises: a light source for providing a light beam; a proximal optical fiber, optically coupled to the light source for receiving and transmitting the light beam; a distal optical fiber, optically...

20060184163 - System and methods for image-guided thermal treatment of tissue: A system and methods for modeling the death of tissue cells that are thermally treated using thermal treatment devices is disclosed. A cell-death model accurately predicts, in real-time, which voxels of cells are dead or are about to die as the thermal treatment is applied to these cells. The effects...

20060184164 - Electrosurgical generator apparatus: An electrosurgical generator apparatus controls a variable output signal to electrodes. The generator apparatus operates in a cut mode, a coagulation mode or a stimulate mode. The generator apparatus comprises a DC power supply that provides regulated low voltage and high voltage outputs and a radio frequency (RF) waveform generator...

20060184165 - Irrigated tip catheter and method for manufacturing therefor: An irrigated tip electrode design includes a shell generally surrounding a plug which jointly define a chamber that is fed with fluid by a lumen. The fluid is distributed to the outer surface of the tip electrode through fluid passages. The chamber is advantageously isolated from a region of the...

20060184166 - Method and apparatus to automatically insert a probe into a cornea: An apparatus that is used to perform a medical procedure on a cornea. The apparatus may include a ring that can be placed on a cornea and a probe that can deliver energy to denature corneal tissue. The probe can be moved about the ring and cornea by a first...

20060184167 - 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...

20060184169 - Fixing block and method for stabilizing bone: A system is provided for stabilizing bone. The system includes a fixing block, a pin having a far end which is adapted to be fixed directly into bone and a near end which enters the fixing block, and a frame on which the fixing block is fixable. The pin enters...

20060184168 - Midface external distraction method and apparatus: A method and apparatus for midfacial and maxillofacial external distraction includes attaching one end of each curved temporal bar to a skull and the other end to a surgically isolated (osteotomized) portion of the patient's midface (maxilla, orbit(s) or zygoma(s))....

20060184170 - Bone fixation apparatus: A polyaxial bone fixation system minimizes the number of parts used to engage a bone bolt in various angular orientations relative to an elongated plate or rods, and also permits for nearly infinite positioning of two or more bone bolts relative to each other along the length of an elongated...

20060184171 - Flexible element for use in a stabilization device for bones or vertebrae: A flexible element is provided for use in a stabilization device for bones or vertebrae. The flexible element comprises a flexible section arranged between a first end and a second end. The flexible section has curved sections that alternatingly extend away from opposite sides of a connecting axis that extends...

20060184172 - Fusion device formed of a porous biocompatible material: An artificial spinal implant is disclosed for insertion between two adjacent vertebrae. Instrumentation and procedure is also disclosed....

20060184173 - Locking intramedullary jig: A locking intramedullary alignment jig for use in bone resection, especially for the proximal tibial has an axially extending intramedullary rod for insertion into the medullary canal of the tibia. A slidable anchoring block is mounted on the rod for movement along the rod in the axial direction, which on...

20060184174 - Instruments for bone screws: An adjustable drill for use in implanting orthopedic screws, such as adjustable compression screws having a separate adjustable head. The adjustable drill comprises a primary drill bit and a countersink drill bit encircling the primary drill bit. The countersink drill bit is configured to selectively slide along the primary drill...

20060184175 - Spinal ligament modification devices: A method for treating stenosis in a spine comprises percutaneously accessing the epidural space in a stenotic region of interest, compressing the thecal sac in the region of interest to form a safety zonem, inserting a tissue removal tool into tissue in the working zone, using the tool to percutaneously...

20060184176 - Tibial trialing assembly and method of trialing a tibial implant: A trialing assembly for use during knee replacement procedures to determine size and position of a tibial plate implant as well as the size and thickness of the articular surface prior to implantation of the implant. The trialing assembly includes a broaching plate having a tibia engaging bottom surface adapted...

20060184177 - Orientation device for surgical implement: Orientation device for surgical use includes a frame and a level device attached to the frame. The feature may be oriented with a reference such as the Antero Superior Iliac Spine, the acetabulum or the operating table to position the pelvis or the device. The level device is adapted to...

20060184178 - Orthopedic implant rod reduction tool set and method: A tool set for implanting a rod in a human spine in conjunction with bone screws. The tool set includes a pair of end guide tools that receive opposite ends of the rod in channels and under manipulation by a surgeon facilitate transport of the rod toward the bone screws...

20060184179 - Angled driver with depth gauge: An angled driver assembly including a rotatable shaft rotatable about a first axis, a rotatable cutting device rotatable about a second axis, the first rotatable portion being coupled to the second rotatable portion, a reference device associated with the rotatable cutting device and an indicator linked to the reference device....

20060184180 - Facet joint prosthesis measurement and implant tools: The present invention provides tools and methods designed to aid in the placement of facet joint prostheses at virtually all spinal levels. One aspect of the present invention is a measurement tool for installing a cephalad facet joint prosthesis including a fixation measurement element and a support arm element. This...

20060184181 - Front loading iol insertion apparatus and method of using: An insertion system is provided for delivering an intraocular lens into the eye of a subject. The insertion system comprises an inserter for delivering the intraocular lens and a lens case for holding the intraocular lens prior to delivery. The inserter comprises handpiece having a longitudinal axis, a proximal end,...

20060184182 - Clip applying apparatus with angled jaw: A clip applying apparatus is provided which includes a jaw mechanism having a stationary jaw and a movable jaw. The movable jaw is supported on or formed integrally with the distal end of a crimping member which is movably supported within a body portion of the apparatus. The stationary jaw...

20060184183 - Surgical instrument: In a surgical instrument, a treatment portion continuously provided at a distal end of an insert section has a needle holding member made of an elastic body capable of holding a needle when the needle is pierced into the elastic body....

20060184184 - Clamp for correcting the external ear and method of using the clamp: A clamp in form of a mainly U-shaped or V-shaped device serves for non-invasively affecting a cartilage fold on for example the exterior ear by a stretching and compressive force. The clamp is shaped as a V, in which the angle α between the legs of the V prior to...

20060184185 - Device for promoting regeneration of an injured nerve, a kit and a biodegrade sheet for preparing such a device: The invention relates to promotion of a process for regeneration of an injured nerve using a plurality of guiding means, preferably a plurality of guiding fibres, presenting an in vivo biodegradability being such that at least a majority of said guiding means becomes essentially disintegrated by degradation (and/or dissolution) during...

20060184186 - Drilling guidewire for treating chronic total occlusion: A rotational drilling guidewire includes an elongate body portion and a drilling portion. The drilling portion has multiple cutting elements and is sized to bore an opening having a diameter substantially the same as that of the elongate body portion. A system for treating a vascular condition includes a rotational...

20060184187 - Endoscopic cutting device: An endoscopic cutting device is disclosed. The device comprises an inner catheter including an inner wall having an opening formed therethrough. The inner wall further has a cutting blade moveably disposed thereon and biasingly extends through the opening. The inner wall has a receiving member disposed thereon and is configured...

20060184188 - Transpedicular intervertebral disk access methods and devices: Methods and devices for treating diseases and conditions that change the spacial relationship between the vertebral bodies and the intervertebral disks, or that cause instability of the vertebral column, or both, and a method and devices that allow the surgeon to access the intervertebral space to restore a more normal...

20060184189 - Cap for a dermal tissue lancing device: A cap for use with a dermal tissue lancing device (that includes a housing and a lancet movable with respect to the housing) includes a proximal end for engaging with the housing, a distal end for engaging with dermal tissue and an opening for a portion of the lancet to...

20060184190 - Trans-myocardial fluid-jet revascularization arrangement: A surgical procedure for revascularization the myocardium, comprising the steps of: directing a generally cylindrically shaped first nozzle into a heart wall being treated; forming a first or main channel in the heart wall from the ventricle into the myocardium of the heart by the nozzle; removing a generally cylindrically...

20060184191 - Cutting balloon catheter having increased flexibility regions: A cutting balloon catheter and method of using the same. The cutting balloon catheter may include a catheter shaft having a balloon coupled thereto. One or more cutting members or blades may be coupled to the balloon. The balloon may include one or more discrete points or areas of flexibility...

20060184192 - Systems and methods for providing cavities in interior body regions: Systems and methods for providing a cavity in an interior body region are described. In one described method, a shaft comprising an expansible portion configured to expand once beyond a distal end of a first cannula is inserted through the first cannula. The expansible portion is then expanded, thereby creating...

20060184194 - Embolic protection device: An embolic protection device generally includes an elongated hub and at least one projection. The projection defines a tortuous pathway between the hub and the vessel wall to prevent emboli from following the pathway and passing beyond the device. The tortuous pathway is structured to permit the bodily fluid to...

20060184193 - Filter with positioning and retrieval devices and methods: An intravascular filter having centering capabilities and a device for manipulation of the filter within a vessel. The manipulation device includes a grasping member disposed at the distal end of an elongate shaft, wherein the grasping member may be used to engage a portion of the filter....

20060184195 - Microcoil vaso-occlusive device with multi-axis secondary configuration: A vaso-occlusive device includes a microcoil formed into a minimum energy state secondary configuration comprising a plurality of curved segments, each defining a discrete axis, whereby the device, in its minimum energy state configuration, defines multiple axes. In a preferred embodiment, the secondary configuration comprises a plurality of interconnected closed...

20060184196 - Microcoil vaso-occlusive device with multi-axis secondary configuration: A vaso-occlusive device includes a microcoil formed into a minimum energy state secondary configuration comprising a plurality of curved segments, each defining a discrete axis, whereby the device, in its minimum energy state configuration, defines multiple axes. In a preferred embodiment, the secondary configuration-comprises a plurality of interconnected closed loops...

20060184198 - End effector for surgical instrument, surgical instrument, and method for forming the end effector: An end effector for an endoscopic surgical instrument having a longitudinal body with proximal and distal ends and an actuator at the proximal end of the body includes a clevis to be connected to the distal end of the body and two jaws. Each of the jaws has a tang...

20060184197 - Supplementary vascular clamp for the tool kit of an open approach stapler: The present invention relates to medicine, in particular, to clamps used in vascular surgery for occlusion of blood vessels during a surgical operation, such as vascular clamps used in aortic aneurysm repair. The claimed supplementary vascular clamp comprises a pair of pivoting arms, each of them having a proximal end...

20060184199 - Apparatus and methods for reducing bleeding from a cannulation site: To reduce the risk of hematoma formation, apparatus and methods for reducing bleeding from a cannulation site are provided. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a plug that applies pressure to the cannulation site. In another embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a hemostatic agent. In another embodiment, the hemostatic agent...

20060184202 - Method of closing an opening in a wall of a heart: Disclosed is a closure catheter, for closing a body cavity such as a vessel, or the left atrial appendage of the heart. The closure catheter includes a plurality of deployable tissue anchors, which may be laterally deployed into surrounding tissue. The anchors may thereafter be used to draw the tissue...

20060184203 - Suture anchors and methods of use: The present invention provides apparatuses, systems, methods and kits for fastening sutures or similar devices used in medical surgical procedures. In particular, the present invention is suitable for use with percutaneous or minimally invasive procedures in which sutures are placed with catheter-based devices wherein the tying of knots is particularly...

20060184200 - Suture retainer with multiple circumferentially spaced attachment points and suture retention method: The suture retainer according to one aspect of the invention has a retainer body and a plurality of suture attachment mechanisms spaced circumferentially about the retainer body, each of the suture attachment mechanisms (such as a pair of teeth) being adapted to hold a suture strand at a discrete attachment...

20060184201 - Suture retainer with suture guide and method of using a suture retainer with a suture guide: The suture retainer according to one aspect of the invention has a retainer body, a suture attachment mechanism (such as a pair of teeth) adapted to hold a suture strand at an attachment point and a suture guide mechanism adapted to maintain an angle between the suture strand and the...

20060173445 - Customized corneal flap: A method and system for customizing a flap created from a transparent material compensates for aberrations, particularly higher order aberrations, which are pre-existing or otherwise induced during creation of the flap. Before flap creation, the distorted wavefront of the transparent material is determined and the topology of the transparent material...

20060173446 - Surgical apparatus: A technique can be used increase the flow of fluid through the trabecular meshwork. The fluid pulses can be focused, thereby perforating the trabecular meshwork, or applied over a larger area so as to stimulate the trabecular meshwork for improved fluid transport. In addition, the pulses of the irrigating fluid...

20060173447 - Method and apparatus for enhancing hair removal: A method for removing hair from a skin surface includes removing protruding hair fibers from a skin surface in a plurality of temporally spaced treatment sessions by a process other than application of light energy. In each of the treatment sessions, one or more light pulses are applied to the...

20060173448 - Directional laser probe: A microsurgical laser probe is provided with a distal end portion of an optic fiber that projects from a tubular sleeve of the probe and can be caused to bend relative to the probe sleeve by manual manipulation of a mechanism on a handle of the probe....

20060173449 - Catheter with microfabricated temperature sensing: A catheter with temperature sensing has a catheter body and a tip section with an integrated thermosistive temperature sensor on its outer surface. The temperature sensor includes a microfabricated thin film assembly of which one layer is a sensor layer of thermoresistive material. In one embodiment, the tip section has...

20060173450 - Endoscopic high-frequency knife: An endoscopic high-frequency knife includes an insulating flexible sheath, a conductive wire inserted into the insulating flexible sheath, and a high-frequency cutting electrode. The high-frequency cutting electrode is installed in the endoscopic high-frequency knife so that an outer surface of the high-frequency cutting electrode is exposed at a side surface...

20060173451 - Endoscopic high-frequency treatment tool: An endoscopic high-frequency treatment tool includes an insulating flexible sheath; a conductive stranded wire made of metal; and a cover sheath which is fitted on a portion of the conductive stranded wire in the vicinity of a end thereof. The conductive stranded wire is inserted into the insulating flexible sheath...

20060173452 - Laparoscopic bipolar electrosurgical instrument: A laparoscopic bipolar electrosurgical instrument (10) for sealing tissue includes a handle (14) having an elongated tube (13) affixed thereto. The tube includes first (15) and second (16) jaw members having electrically conductive sealing surfaces (39, 40) attached to a distal end (12) thereof which are movable from a first...

20060173453 - Minimal invasive endoscopic methods and apparatus for harvesting blood vessels: A blood vessel in a patient is severed by inserting a shaft through an incision in the patient, the shaft carrying first and second clamps. The first and second clamps are closed against the vessel in closely adjacent relationship to one another. Thereafter, the clamps are moved in generally opposing...

20060173455 - Device for fixing a longitudinal carrier to a bone fixing element: The device is used for mutually securing or clamping a longitudinal carrier (e.g., a spinal rod) to a bone fixing element (e.g., a pedicle screw). The device includes a body having a channel that is open along its longitudinal axis on one side for receiving the longitudinal carrier. The body...

20060173454 - Internal structure stabilization system for spanning three or more structures: A method and system are described for immobilizing three or more vertebrae. The system includes a first bone anchor assembly, a second bone anchor assembly including a connector having a predefined arc, and at least a third bone anchor assembly. The first and second bone anchor assembly are inserted into...

20060173456 - Polyaxial pedicle screw assembly: A fastener and a bone fixation assembly for the internal fixation of vertebral bodies such as a pedicle screw is provided which allows a detachable tulip to be provisionally locked to a pedicle screw, while separately, the rod securely locks to the tulip. According to one exemplary embodiment, the tulip...

20060173457 - Humeral nail: The locking device (6) comprises several openings (61), each of which comprises a free passage part (611) extending in front of a corresponding orifice (44) in the free passage position, and a locking part (612), the walls of which can stop in contact with a corresponding interlocking device (22), in...

20060173458 - Bone fracture fixation system: A bone fracture fixation system including a bone plate having a contour that substantially matches the contour of an underlying bone. The bone fracture fixation system can also include a jig that can be moved relative to non-parallel cannulas guided by the jig into operative position relative to a bone...

20060173459 - Orthopedic plate for use in small bone repair: The present invention relates to an orthopedic plate and screw system and instruments for surgical fixation of a small bone or bones. The plate facilitates three dimensional contouring to provide for a variety of applications and to accommodate individual variation in bone shape. The plate has a modified x shape...

20060173461 - Cannulated orthopedic screw: The present invention relates to a cannulated orthopedic screw having a torque driving head with a spherical wall for multiaxial use, a rounded fluted insertion tip and a threaded portion including a cancellous thread contiguous with a non-threaded portion. The threaded portion has a major diameter defined by a spiraling...

20060173460 - Fixture: A fixture which is intended to be screwed firmly into bone tissue. The fixture includes a generally cylindrical anchoring portion provided with an external screw thread. The anchoring portion includes a cavity which extends from the insertion end of the anchoring portion. A number of slots which connect the cavity...

20060173462 - Orthopedic screw for use in repairing small bones: The present invention relates to an orthopedic screw having a torque driving head with spherical surface for multiaxial use, a self starting, self tapping insertion tip and a threaded portion including a modified cancellous thread. The threaded portion has a major diameter defined by a spiraling thread and a minor...

20060173463 - Distal femoral trial with removable cutting guide: Various embodiment of the present invention provide a distal femoral trial that allows a surgeon to cut the central box geometry of a distal femur using an implant-shaped trial. The trial includes a cutting guide that is removable from the trial and adjustable with respect to the trial. The guide...

20060173464 - Spinal fill for disk surgery: The invention is based on the use of polyisobutylmethacrylate instead of PMMA as an adhesive or spinal fill material for treating diseases of the spine. Polyisobutylmethacrylate has several advantages over PMMA, mainly less heat is developed during the in situ polymerization process. When using any spinal adhesive of fill material...

20060173465 - Apparatus and method for manipulating a flexible strand and soft tissue replacement during surgery: An apparatus and method is disclosed for performing a surgery, such as an orthopedic surgery. The apparatus can include a guide portion and an alignment portion. The guide portion can assist in positioning the alignment portion to assist in aligning an implant. The implant can be aligned and positioned to...

20060173466 - Apparatus and method for manipulating a flexible strand and soft tissue replacement during surgery: An system and method for performing a surgery, such as an anterior-cruciate-ligament replacement surgery, where a flexible strand insertion rod can co-operate with a U-Guide apparatus to insert a flexible strand into a tunnel formed in a bone portion. A soft tissue replacement can be affixed to one end of...

20060173467 - Tunneling device for use with a graft: A tunneling device is provided for implanting a natural tissue vascular graft in a body. The tunneling device may include a flexible sheath to assist in locating the vascular graft in the body. According to one example, a connector having a longitudinal coupler, such as a surgical tie, may be...

20060173468 - Obturator introducer with snare: Devices for introducing and positioning urethral slings within female subjects are described herein. Also described are methods for using such devices, as well as articles of manufacture containing the devices....

20060173469 - Device and method for suturing of internal puncture sites: A suture applying device comprises a shaft having a nose piece attached at its distal end. The shaft and the nose piece are separated by a transition region, and a needle entry lumen in the shaft permits a flexible needle to be introduced in the distal direction. The needle is...

20060173470 - Surgical fastener buttress material: A staple line buttress material having an adhesive surface, packaged and provided in sterile, ready-to-use form. The material can be used to retrofit surgical staplers to provide an improved staple line, and with improved ease of use....

20060173471 - Tissue repair fabric: This invention is directed to prosthesis, which, when implanted into a mammalian patient, serves as a functioning replacement for a body part, or tissue structure, and will undergo controlled biodegradation occurring concomitantly with bioremodeling by the patient's living cells. The prosthesis is treated so that it is rendered non-antigenic so...

20060173473 - Endoscope comprising a longitudinally guided everting tube: The present invention deals with an endoscope comprising an everting tube including a radially outer portion and a radially inner portion. The everting tube surrounds at least partly an endoscope shaft. Longitudinal guiding means which are engaged with each other are formed at each of the endoscope shaft and the...

20060173472 - Gastric banding device: A gastric banding device contains an expandable material. The expandable material may include, for example, a hydrogel material that expands when hydrated. The hydrogel material may include a single or multiple monolithic components, and/or may include hydrogel material in particulate form, such as hydrogel beads, microspheres, or powder. The gastric...

20060173474 - Surgical device having a track to guide an actuator: A surgical device includes a handle having a slot with a first track and a second track. A shaft extends from the handle and has a first internal lumen and an opening disposed at a distal end. An anvil is slidingly disposed in the opening between open and closed positions...

20060173475 - Vascular catheter, system, and method: A catheter including an elongate body, a first cutting head and a second cutting head both having a blade, where the blades moves relative each other to provide a shearing action for cardiac tissue. The catheter can further include a stent positioned over an inflatable balloon, where the inflatable balloon...

20060173476 - Coring device for preserving living tissue: Improved coring devices suitable for articular cartilage and bone, wherein the cutting device is capable of slicing through a tough protective tangential zone, delicately separating the shock absorbing columns of cells in the radial zone of the cartilage, and finally cutting into the hard underlying bone in a manner that...

20060173477 - Dual function prosthetic bone implant and method for preparing the same: The present invention discloses a prosthetic bone implant made of a hardened calcium phosphate cement having an apatitic phase as a major phase, which includes a dense cortical portion bearing the majority of load and a porous cancellous portion allowing a rapid blood/body fluid penetration and tissue ingrowth....

20060173478 - Multi-lancet unit, method and lancet device using the multi-lancet unit, and method of assembling and/or making the multi-lancet unit: Multi-lancet unit for a lancet device. The unit includes a plurality of lancets arranged in a row. Each lancet has a front end, a needle which extends from the front end, and a rear end. The front end of at least one of the plurality lancets is removably connected to...

20060173479 - Optical penetrating adapter for surgical portal: An optical penetrating adapter for mounting to a surgical portal to permit visualization through the surgical portal includes an adapter member defining a longitudinal axis and having a transparent window adapted to penetrate tissue and to permit visualization therethrough and means for coupling the adapter member to the surgical portal....

20060173480 - Safety penetrating method and apparatus into body cavities, organs, or potential spaces: To more accurately control insertion of penetrating instruments (e.g., trocars, needles, or the like) into a body cavity, organ, or potential space, an accelerometer is coupled to the penetrating instrument. The accelerometer may by employed to measure or detect the sudden lack of resistance which occurs when the penetrating instrument...

20060173481 - Ring stripper with tissue dissecting element: A ring stripper comprises a shaft and a tissue separator ring joined to the distal end of the shaft at a junction. A tissue dissecting element extends from the junction and has a leading surface with at least a portion of the leading surface being located distally of the ring....

20060173482 - Device for insertion of lacrimal stents: Disclosed herein is system for inserting lacrimal stents utilizing a rigid tapered probe and a flexible, blunt-tipped probe, wherein both probes provide a channel for directing a guidewire. The guidewire assists in efficiently positioning lacrimal stents, while minimizing possible injury to the lacrimal apparatus structures....

20060173483 - Apparatus and method for developing an anatomic space for laparoscopic procedures with laparoscopic visualization: A laparoscopic apparatus for tunneling dissection including a hollow tunneling member and an inflatable balloon disposed at the distal end of the tunneling member to form together a blunt tipped obturator. The tunneling member has a bore sized allow the insertion of a conventional laparoscope therein to provide observation during...

20060173485 - Balloon catheter inflation: A balloon catheter comprising a fluid dispensing device. The device comprises a housing defining a chamber for retaining, in use, balloon inflation fluid. An outlet attaches, in use, to a catheter inflation lumen, and dispensing means dispenses fluid, in use, from the chamber via the outlet into the catheter lumen....

20060173484 - Percutaneous breast and buttock modification: An apparatus for breast and buttock modification is provided which includes first and second tubes that extend alongside each other, and each of which has a lumen. The apparatus also includes an inflatable balloon having a valve that is detachably coupled to a distal end of the second tube such...

20060173486 - Device for staunching postpartum haemorrhage: A device (1) for staunching postpartum haemorrhage of the uterus (U). The device (1) comprises an inflatable internal balloon (2) having an inlet connected by a fitting (3) over a distal end (4) of a tubular conduit (5). The tubular conduit (5) has a proximal end (6) for connection to...

20060173487 - Angioplasty cutting device and method for treating a stenotic lesion in a body vessel: An angioplasty cutting device for balloon angioplasty of a stenotic lesion in a body vessel. The device comprises a distal ring and a proximal ring. The device further comprises at least one strut attached to the distal ring and proximally extending to the proximal ring. The strut is configured to...

20060173490 - Filter system and method: A filter system, comprising an elongate filter body defining a lumen and having a proximal end and a distal end. A valve can be provided defining a lumen and having a reversibly sealable opening for unidirectional flow of a fluid through the lumen. The valve can be adjoined proximal the...

20060173488 - Indwelling instrument for forming embolus: The intracorporeally indwelling device for embolization of the invention comprises a flexible coiled body and an axial extension-controlling member having specified tensile break strength and provided in the interior of the coiled body so as to extend in an axial direction of the coiled body. The axial extension-controlling member is...

20060173489 - Wire for inserting into biological duct: A wire for insertion into intravital tracts applicable even to small-diameter tracts while securing the stream in the tract is to be provided. A capture filter 2 is disposed at the tip of a principal wire 1 consisting of steel filaments. The capture filter 2 is configured of four support...

20060173491 - Needle for suturing instrument: An apparatus and a method for surgical suturing with thread management. An apparatus for tissue suturing comprising a cartridge having a suturing needle having a pointed end and a blunt end, the suturing needle capable of rotating about an axis; a pusher assembly comprising a cartridge holder having a needle...

20060173492 - Wound closure and sealing device: The present invention relates to a sealing device (1; 11; 21; 31) for sealing a puncture in a vessel. The sealing device comprises a sealing element (2; 12; 22; 32) configured to be placed against a wall of the vessel and to seal the puncture in the vessel by contacting...