Surgery inventions 10/06

20060241570 - Intra-abdominal medical method: An endoscopic instrument is inserted into a patient's body to obtain a video image of internal body tissues in an internal space inside the patient's body, a signal encoding the image being transmitted over an electromagnetic signaling link to a remote location beyond a range of direct manual contact with...

20060241569 - Method and apparatus for use in balancing ligaments of a knee: An apparatus for use in performing an orthopaedic surgical procedure on a patient includes at least one femoral paddle and a tibial paddle. At least one of the femoral paddle and the tibial paddle is movable away from the other. The apparatus also includes a sensor configured to generate a...

20060241571 - Energy irradiation device and energy irradiation method: In an energy irradiation device, individual identification information provided to an energy transmitting and irradiating section is acquired, and a date and time when the individual identification information has been acquired is recorded. Next, the acquired individual identification information is associated with at least one of an output signal of...

20060241572 - Image-guided laser catheter: A catheter and a console for a catheter. In one embodiment, the catheter includes: (1) a wall having a substantially annular cross-section and surrounding a bore, (2) a plurality of optical fibers associated with the wall and terminating at a distal end of the wall in end faces of differing,...

20060241573 - Electromagnetic radiation delivery apparatus: The present invention relates to a device for administering electromagnetic radiation to human tissue, in particular light to skin. The device comprises a treatment head with a recess (10) in which the light is emitted and in which the air pressure may be decreased by a pump (11). The device...

20060241574 - Electromagnetic energy distributions for electromagnetically induced disruptive cutting: Output optical energy pulses including relatively high energy magnitudes and steep slope at the beginning of each pulse are disclosed. As a result of the relatively high energy magnitudes which lead each pulse, the leading edge of each pulse includes a relatively steep slope. This slope is preferably greater than...

20060241575 - Multi-functional surgical control system switching interface: An interface which allows a surgeon to operate multiple surgical devices from a single input device. The input device may be a foot pedal that provides output signals to actuate a number of different surgical devices. The surgical devices may include a robotic arm, a laser, an electrocautery device, or...

20060241576 - System and method providing directional ultrasound therapy to skeletal joints: An ultrasound therapy system and method is provided that provides directional, focused ultrasound to localized regions of tissue within body joints, such as spinal joints. An ultrasound emitter or transducer is delivered to a location within the body associated with the joint and heats the target region of tissue associated...

20060241578 - Body-insertable apparatus: A body-insertable apparatus includes a function execution unit which executes a predetermined function in a subject into which the body-insertable apparatus is introduced; an electric power storage unit which stores driving electric power for driving the function execution unit; a detection unit which detects electric power supplied from the electric...

20060241577 - Tissue biopsy and treatment apparatus and method: A method of treating a tumor includes providing a tissue biopsy and treatment apparatus that includes an elongated delivery device that has a lumen and is maneuverable in tissue. A sensor array having a plurality of resilient members is deployable from the elongated delivery device. At least one of the...

20060241579 - Tissue closure and tissue closing device: A living body tissue closing device includes an elongated body element, a clip (living body tissue closure) for closing a wound hole which penetrates a living body tissue membrane, and a thread. The body element includes a sheath, and elongated feeding and deformation arrangement. The elongated feeding and deformation arrangement...

20060241580 - Device and methods useable for treatment of glaucoma and other surgical procedures: A device and method for cutting or ablating tissue in a human or veterinary patient includes an elongate probe having a distal end, a tissue cutting or ablating apparatus located adjacent within the distal end, and a tissue protector extending from the distal end. The protector generally has a first...

20060241581 - Energy based devices and methods for treatment of patent foramen ovale: Methods and apparatus for treatment of patent foramen ovale (PFO) provide for applying energy to tissues adjacent the PFO with a catheter device to substantially close the PFO acutely. Apparatus generally includes a catheter device having at least one energy transmission member at or near its distal end configured to...

20060241582 - Energy based devices and methods for treatment of patent foramen ovale: Methods and apparatus for treatment of patent foramen ovale (PFO) provide for applying energy to tissues adjacent the PFO with a catheter device to substantially close the PFO acutely. Apparatus generally includes a catheter device having at least one energy transmission member at or near its distal end configured to...

20060241583 - Energy based devices and methods for treatment of patent foramen ovale: Methods and apparatus for treatment of patent foramen ovale (PFO) provide for applying energy to tissues adjacent the PFO with a catheter device to substantially close the PFO acutely. Apparatus generally includes a catheter device having at least one energy transmission member at or near its distal end configured to...

20060241584 - Energy based devices and methods for treatment of patent foramen ovale: Methods and apparatus for treatment of patent foramen ovale (PFO) provide for applying energy to tissues adjacent the PFO with a catheter device to substantially close the PFO acutely. Apparatus generally includes a catheter device having at least one energy transmission member at or near its distal end configured to...

20060241586 - Intra-abdominal medical device and associated method: A surgical method utilizes an instrument including elongate tube having a lumen, an elongate rod disposed in the lumen, and a screw thread disposed along at least a distal end portion of the rod. The method comprises inserting a distal end portion of the tube into an organ inside patient...

20060241585 - Method of and system for selective cell destruction: Method and apparatus for the ionization of living cells where an optical device (14) delivers an optical pulse having an optical field power which is modified locally by an optical field power modifying means (18) to effect ionization and destruction of living cells (16)....

20060241589 - Battery powered electrosurgical system: An battery-powered electrosurgical instrument includes a blade having a conductor edge portion and insulation layer with geometric shapes and composition that concentrate electrosurgical energy and reduce or eliminate the production of smoke and eschar and reduce tissue damage, thereby providing more efficient application of electrosurgical energy. The more efficient use...

20060241588 - Multielectrode electrosurgical blade: An electrosurgical instrument blade includes a body having more than two electrodes with at least two electrodes having alternating current power supplied to them provide a bipolar alternating current configuration and employ a means other than electrode spacing for reducing or preventing accumulation of eschar. The electrodes are separated from...

20060241587 - Multielectrode electrosurgical instrument: An improved electrosurgical instrument includes a body having more than two electrodes with at least two electrodes having alternating current power supplied to them provide a bipolar alternating current configuration and employ a means other than electrode spacing for reducing or preventing accumulation of eschar. The electrodes are separated from...

20060241590 - Outrigger with locking mechanism: An outrigger having a locking mechanism. The outrigger including an elongated member having a distal end, a proximal end, and a threaded portion proximate the distal end; a moveable member operably associated with the elongated member; and a slide lock operably associated with the moveable member. The thread portion may...

20060241591 - Vertebral pars interarticularis clamp a new spine fixation device, instrumentation, and methodology: An improve spinal surgical implant used primarily in the posterior aspect of the spinal column for spinal reconstruction; revision surgery; deformity correction; and/or tumor surgery and/or trauma surgery of the cervical, thoracic and/or and lumbo-sacral spine....

20060241598 - Center locking cross-connector with eccentric cam rod engagement: A cross-connector system for connecting two rods of an implantable vertebral rod system utilizes relatively low-stress concentration contact areas between the connector elements and the rods. The cross-connector system includes a two-piece, elongated member (100) that is adjustable lengthwise and has, at each end, hook-shaped ends (103, 112) which each...

20060241595 - Force limiting coupling assemblies for spinal implants: The forces exerted on a spinal implant by one or more coupling assemblies are controlled to facilitate the use of the implant in spinal stabilization and other procedures. The coupling assemblies are structured to limit the forces exerted on the implant to avoid undesirable alteration of a characteristic of the...

20060241602 - Hooked transverse connector for spinal implant system: A transverse connector assembly for connecting a pair of longitudinal connecting members of a spinal implant system includes a bendable arm with a hook member on either end thereof. Each hook member includes a bore and a curved receiving surface or pair of surfaces. The assembly includes a set screw...

20060241597 - Inter-cervical facet joint implant with locking screw system: 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...

20060241601 - Interspinous vertebral and lumbosacral stabilization devices and methods of use: Implantable devices are provided for stabilizing adjacent vertebrae and the lumbosacral region of a patient. The devices can comprise an interspinous flexible spacer body having a substantially U-shape comprising a superior section, inferior section, and a midsection extending therebetween. The superior and/or inferior sections can include a pair of lateral...

20060241592 - Mid-foot fixation plate: A fixation device for fixation and/or fusion of the bones and joints of the mid-foot includes a plate having a plurality of screw holes for attachment of the plate around the perimeter of the fusion site. In one embodiment, four screw holes are positioned at the corners of the plate...

20060241593 - Multi-piece vertebral attachment device: A multi-piece vertebral attachment device with a first member, one or more second members, and optionally, a removable plug. The first member may have a fixed, threaded exterior surface to engage a vertebral member. The first member may further include a hollow, threaded interior. The hollow interior may be positioned...

20060241596 - Open dorsal adjusting connector: An apparatus for connecting an implant with an elongated support comprises a body, a collet, an annular ring member, a washer, and a nut in one embodiment. The body defines a first channel configured for receipt of the rod and defines a second channel extending through the body. The collet...

20060241600 - Percutaneous pedicle screw assembly: An exemplary connection member for percutaneously coupling to one or more orthopedic fasteners includes a tulip assembly, and, a rod, wherein the rod is permanently coupled to the tulip assembly. According to another embodiment, a connection member for percutaneously coupling to one or more orthopedic fasteners includes a fastener head...

20060241599 - Polyaxial bone screw: The present invention generally provides a polyaxial fixation device having a shank with a spherical head formed on a proximal end thereof, and a receiver member having an axial passage formed therein that is adapted to polyaxially seat the spherical head of the shank. The polyaxial bone screw further includes...

20060241603 - Polyaxial bone screw assembly with fixed retaining structure: A polyaxial bone screw assembly includes a threaded shank body having an integral upper portion receivable in a receiver and retained within the receiver by a retaining structure in the form of an open ring. The retaining structure is compressible, having an opening with two ends that may be pressed...

20060241594 - Systems, devices and methods for stabilization of the spinal column: A system for stabilization of the spinal column, including an elongate support member extending along an axis and a plurality of anchor members configured for anchoring to respective vertebrae. A first of the anchor members is engaged to the support member in a manner that substantially prevents axial movement of...

20060241604 - Device for the treatment of femoral fractures: A femoral fracture treatment device including: an intramedullary pin (1) with a central longitudinal axis (2) and a passage (5) of non-circular cross-section (6) through a proximal portion (4) of the pin oblique to the longitudinal axis (2), a sliding sleeve (10) configured to pass through the non-circular passage (5),...

20060241605 - Intramedullary nail: This intramedullary nail (1), particularly intended for the tibia, has a proximal end portion (2), a distal end portion (3) intended for the introduction into the medullary canal and a central axis (6). The intramedullary nail (1) has an overall length L in the range of 200-500 mm and a...

20060241606 - Plate device: A hip plate, comprising: a plate body adapted to be attached to a femur or other bone; and at least one lag screw adapted for insertion into a femoral head or other bone protrusion and rotationally lockable to said plate....

20060241615 - Antero-lateral plating systems and methods for spinal stabilization: A plating system for stabilization of a bony segment includes a plate engageable to at least first and second bony elements. For spinal stabilization, the plate is attached to the antero-lateral portions of at least first and second vertebrae and is structured to facilitate engagement of the plate to the...

20060241612 - Bearing plate for use in fracture fixation having a spherical bearing hole with yielding expandability: A bearing plate for use in bone fixation for fractures, fusion osteotomies and the like, and the plate is provided with one or more spherical holes in which expandable spherical bearings can be rotatably supported. Each of the holes is formed at its periphery in such a way as to...

20060241616 - Bone plate and resilient screw system allowing bi-directional assembly: Bone screws and bone plates are provided that offer the surgeon the ability to either assemble the screws to the plate, or the plate to the screws, depending on the surgeon's preference and the patient's circumstances. The bone screws and bone plates of the present invention include a combination of...

20060241613 - Implants and methods for inter-transverse process dynamic stabilization of a spinal motion segment: An implant assembly for stabilizing a spinal motion segment includes a flexible spacer member positionable between adjacent transverse processes....

20060241614 - Implants and methods for posterior dynamic stabilization of a spinal motion segment: An implant assembly for stabilizing a spinal motion segment includes a spacer member positionable between adjacent spinous processes and upper and lower engaging members extending from the spacer member. The upper and lower engaging members engage at least one lamina to resist flexion of the spinal motion segment....

20060241610 - Interspinous process spacer: Embodiments of an interspinous spacer that maintains spacing between a superior vertebra and inferior vertebra following a laminectomy. The interspinous spacer may include a superior arch engaging the spinous process of a superior vertebra and an inferior arch engaging the spinous process of an inferior vertebra. The superior arch and...

20060241607 - Metatarsal fixation plate: A fixation device for reduction of bone segments of the metatarsus comprises a fixation plate that is sized and configured to generally conform to the shaft of the metatarsus between the head and base. The plate includes a head end that is wider than the base end, with curved side...

20060241611 - Modular spinal implant system to assist with cervical stabilization: A modular cervical spine implant system is described. Modularity will allow for easier insertion and greater stabilization of the cervical spine....

20060241608 - Plate for fusion of the metatarso-phalangeal joint: A fixation plate for use in fusion of the metatarsal-phalangeal joint includes a distal portion configured to engage the metatarsus bone and a proximal portion configured to engage the phalanx bone. The distal portion is elongated with several screw defined therethrough along a longitudinal axis passing through the portion. The...

20060241609 - Plate for lengthening the lateral column of the foot: An implant for lengthening the lateral column of the foot is configured for engagement across the calcaneocuboid joint or across a space formed between two bone segments of the calcaneus bone. The implant includes a plate configured positioning on the bone segments and includes an array of screw holes at...

20060241617 - Bone plate with suture loops: A bone plate and method of forming a bone plate having a plurality of suture loops pre-attached to the bone plate. The suture loops may be flexible and formed of a strong suture material. The suture loops may have various shapes, forms and configurations and may be provided on the...

20060241621 - Bi-directional fixating transvertebral body screws, zero-profile horizontal intervertebral miniplates, expansile intervertebral body fusion devices, and posterior motion-calibrating interarticulating joint stapling device for spinal fusion: An apparatus and method for joining members together using a self-drilling screw apparatus or stapling apparatus are disclosed. The screw apparatus includes a shell and first and second first screw members having tapered ends and threaded bodies that are disposed within the shell. A drive mechanism rotatably drives the first...

20060241618 - Implantable orthopaedic device: The invention relates to an implantable orthopaedic device comprising a load-bearing element, such as a bone plate, for fixing elements, such as bone screws, that can be oriented polyaxially. The load-bearing element is equipped with at least one opening for the passage of the fixing elements. A two part insert...

20060241620 - Method and apparatus for providing a passageway: An apparatus for use with a passageway in a surgical procedure includes a reference structure, and first and second guide members. The first and second guide members may be arranged in a first and second positions relative to the reference structure so that passages in the guide members are adjacent,...

20060241619 - Method and apparatus for surgical repair: A method and apparatus for performing a surgical repair may involve the use of a guide to form a passageway through the body portion, such as bone. In addition, or alternately, the guide may be used to provide a suture or suture-like material through a passageway, e.g., to secure to...

20060241622 - Multiple member interconnect for surgical instrument and absorbable screw fastener: An absorbable screw fastener and a method of firing with an applicator capable of applying a surgical fastener to tissue in order to form tissue connection to secure objects to tissue, the fastener including a body portion having a helical thread, a head portion disposed at the proximal end of...

20060241623 - Slotted screw for use with a vertebral member: A screw for use with vertebral members having one or more slots that extend along at least a section of the length. The slots are sized to contain bone growth material. A portion of the screw length may also include threads to assist in inserting and anchoring the screw into...

20060241624 - Bone fixation device for surgical operation, cutting device and band head for the same: Provided is a bone fixation band which can be easily handled, enables to securely fasten the bone, and also to prevent the post-operative inconveniences by forming the head part as thin as possible. The band head of the bone fixation device is constituted of a plate being bent in roughly...

20060241626 - 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)....

20060241627 - Slip-fit handle for hand-held instruments that access interior body regions: A cannula instrument is deployed in soft tissue to form a percutaneous access path to bone. A guide pin instrument is sized and configured for passage through a bore of the cannula instrument. A handle separate from the cannula instrument and the guide pin instrument includes an attachment component configured...

20060241625 - Surgical device: A surgical device includes a first portion and a second portion. The first and second portions are releasably connected together by cooperating first and second formations. The first formation may be formed on the first portion. The second formation includes a resilient arm which is formed on the second portion...

20060241629 - Expandable reamer: A bone reaming apparatus includes a rasp and a shaft coupled to the rasp. At least a first portion of the shaft is rotatable about an axis, and at least a portion of the rasp is extendable away from the axis. A method for removing a mass from a bone...

20060241630 - High speed surgical cutting instrument: A surgical cutting instrument including an outer tube having a bearing sleeve disposed within a lumen thereof, along with an inner wire assembly extending through the outer tube and the bearing sleeve. A cutting tip is connected to the inner wire assembly distal the outer tube. Conversely, a coupling chuck...

20060241628 - Medical drilling device: A medical drilling device for drilling of human or animal tissue carries a drill (7) that is electrically contacted by a bore electrode (9) and a backing electrode (10). Both electrodes (9, 10) are charged by a resistance measuring device (11) in a way, that electrical resistance of tissue (2,...

20060241631 - Controlled force impacting device: An impacting tool includes a trigger mechanism that is activated when a predetermined amount of energy is stored in the impacting tool. When the impacting tool is activated, the stored energy is precipitously discharged through an impact rod which is configured to transfer a controlled force to an orthopaedic component....

20060241634 - Instruments for minimally invasive surgery total knee arthroplasty: An anti-backout stylus comprising a stylus and a locking stylus holder. The locking stylus holder engages the stylus at a series of discrete positions during insertion of the stylus into the holder. The locking stylus holder prevents inadvertent backing out of the stylus by preventing the stylus from being withdrawn...

20060241633 - Patella protector: A patella protector for protecting a patella of a knee during surgery including a platform being sized and shaped to be slid under the patella. The platforms includes at least one surface. The patella protector further includes a web with a first end and a second end opposite the first...

20060241632 - Revision methods for a vertebral device: Embodiments of devices and methods for correcting a vertebral member and/or repositioning a vertebral device relative to the vertebral member. A vertebral device has been previously positioned relative to a vertebral member. Due to subsidence or other factors, the vertebral device has moved and is no longer in alignment. A...

20060241637 - Method and apparatus for achieving correct limb alignment in unicondylar knee arthroplasty: A method and apparatus for correcting limb alignment in a unicondylar knee arthroplasty and linking the distal femoral cut and the proximal tibial cut. Alignment rods are connected to a spacing apparatus to facilitate correction of limb alignment. The alignment rods are positioned along the mechanical axis of the femur...

20060241636 - Method and apparatus for forming a wedge-like opening in a bone for an open wedge osteotomy: In one form of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for forming a wedge-like opening in a bone for an open wedge osteotomy, the apparatus comprising: targeting apparatus for identifying a cutting plane through the bone and a boundary line for terminating a cut made along the cutting...

20060241635 - Prosthetic revision knee system: The present invention provides a femoral component, and a method for surgical implantation of a femoral prosthesis, comprised of a revision knee implant and corresponding cutting block system. In particular, the revision knee implant, comprised of a femoral component having incremental markings thereon and a femoral stem, and corresponding cutting...

20060241638 - Anatomical landmark guide: An apparatus for indicating a plurality of anatomical landmark locations includes a tracking device and a guide member extending from the tracking device. The guide member is configured to space the tracking device away from a first and a second one of the plurality of anatomical landmark locations, and concurrently...

20060241639 - Unicondylar knee instrument system: The present invention provides for an apparatus for cutting a tibia, a stylus, an apparatus for cutting a femur, an apparatus for aligning a femoral cutting guide, and an ankle clamp in support of a unicondylar knee surgery. The present invention further provides for a method of preparing a femoral...

20060241640 - Device for dynamic tensioning of a natural or prosthetic knee joint: The device includes at least one femoral insert (8A) with a condyle support surface (20A), for a bone or femoral implant, at least one tibial insert (10A), with a tibial plateau support surface (24A), for a bone or a tibial implant and force introduction element (4A, 30A), for application between...

20060241642 - Inserting anterior and posterior spinal prostheses: Spinal apparatus including reference structure spatially fixed relative to a plurality of pedicle screws that are mounted in adjacent vertebrae of a patient, and a device connected to the reference structure which is adapted to install an anterior spinal prosthesis, wherein the reference structure defines a spatial relationship between the...

20060241641 - Methods and instrumentation for distraction and insertion of implants in a spinal disc space: Instruments for inserting an artificial disc implant in a space between adjacent bony portions include upper and lower guide members separated by a spreader with an implant positioned forwardly of the spreader. The spreader is movable forwardly between the guide members with a drive member to position the implant in...

20060241643 - Minimally invasive expanding spacer and method: A minimaly invasive spacer for positioning between vertebral members. The spacer is adjustable between a first orientation having a reduced size to facilitate insertion between the vertebral members. A second orientation has an enlarged size for contacting the vertebral members. The spacer includes linkages that are attached to a pair...

20060241644 - Cavity formation device: The present invention relates to devices and methods for treating fractured and/or diseased bone. More specifically, the present invention relates to devices and methods for repairing, reinforcing and/or treating fractured and/or diseased bone using various devices, including cavity-forming devices....

20060241646 - Drill guide assembly for a bone fixation device: A drill guide has a handle for holding and is configured to actuate a plate-engaging mechanism. An elongated member extends between proximal and distal portions with the proximal portion associated with the handle portion and the distal portion associated with the plate-engaging mechanism. The plate-engaging mechanism is actuated by an...

20060241645 - Positioning device for a bone cutting guide: The invention relates a device (10) for the computer-assisted positioning of a cutting guide at the level of a head of bone comprising a base fixable to the bone, a supporting element (80), and means (28, 68, 90) for adjusting the position of the supporting element according to at least...

20060241647 - Hammering inserting rod: A hammering inserting rod comprises a tube body; an inserting rod secured to a first end of the tube body; a first end of the inserting rod being a pointed end; a stopper secured to a second end of the tube body; the stopper has a central bore; a linkage...

20060241648 - Methods and apparatus for tissue modification: A method for modifying tissue in a patient may involve one or more of the following steps: advancing at least a distal portion of at least one elongate, at least partially flexible tissue modification device into a patient and between one or more target tissues and one or more non-target...

20060241649 - Screw extraction and insertion device: A screw insertion/extraction device is disclosed that is useful as a tool for screw insertion and extraction procedures. The device includes a shaft sleeve that is formed to define a passage for accommodating the shaft of a wrench. In an exemplary embodiment, the shaft sleeve has a proximal portion and...

20060241650 - Methods and apparatus for delivery of ocular implants: An apparatus and methods for delivering ocular implants or microimplants. The apparatus is ergonomically designed for ease of use, and a simple manual depression of an actuator produces proportional movement of a linkage causing the implant or microimplant to be ejected through a cannula disposed at the desired location in...

20060241651 - Surgical port device and associated method: A surgical method comprises inserting a distal end portion of a surgical instrument through a natural body opening of a patient into a natural body cavity of the patient, using the surgical instrument to form a temporary artificial opening through a wall of an organ defining the natural body cavity,...

20060241652 - Medical instrument, especially uterus manipulator: A medical instrument, especially a uterus manipulator, comprises a shaft, an actuator movable relative to said shaft in order to move a tool and a locking device to lock the actuator relative to the shaft. It is now proposed that the locking device comprises a clamping element which is slidably...

20060241653 - Surgical hook instrument for gastric band closing: An endoscopic surgical hook instrument is used in minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery for closing a gastric band having a buckle end a free end. The hook instrument includes a flat hook end that is placed underneath or on top of a pull tab that extends from the buckle end and...

20060241654 - Surgical instrument combination: An instrument combination for use in preparing a bone for receiving a component of an orthopaedic joint prosthesis comprises a primary instrument which can be fixed to the bone, and whose position relative to the bone must be determined, the primary instrument having a slot in it defined by a...

20060241655 - Energy stored in spring with controlled release: There is provided a surgical instrument including a handle having an elongated tubular member extending distally from the handle and one or more end effectors mounted on the distal end of the elongate tubular member. A driver is movably mounted within the handle and elongate tubular member in order to...

20060241656 - Delivery devices and methods for heart valve repair: Devices, systems and methods facilitate positioning of a cardiac valve annulus treatment device, thus enhancing treatment of the annulus. Methods generally involve advancing an anchor delivery device through vasculature of the patient to a location in the heart for treating the valve annulus, contacting the anchor delivery device with a...

20060241657 - Method and apparatus for providing suture in a passageway: A surgical apparatus may include a guide apparatus to be used in an arthroscopic procedure and to interact with a passageway through a body portion formed by intersecting first and second holes that may lead into the body portion from different positions, e.g., from two different locations on a bone....

20060241658 - Method and apparatus for suture placement: An apparatus and method for placing a suture by manipulating a cannula and attached needle. The cannula may be usable in a minimally-invasive surgical procedure, and the needle may be selectively attached to and/or separated from the cannula. The cannula and needle may include complementary locking members that engage with...

20060241660 - Anastomosis system with flexible shaft: A surgical tool for performing anastomosis may include a handle and a tissue effector connected by a shaft, at least party of which may be flexible. The tissue effector may include a staple holder connected to an anvil....

20060241661 - Devices and methods for fastening tissue layers: Endoscopic devices and methods used for fastening multiple tissue layers, such as, for example, an endoscopic fundoplication procedure, are disclosed. The device may include, for example, an elongated tubular member having a proximal end for extending outside of the body and a distal end for positioning proximate the multiple tissue...

20060241662 - Method for performing endoluminal fundoplication and apparatus for use in the method: A method and device for performing endoluminal fundoplication are described. A device is inserted in the patient's stomach through the esophagus, including an unit adapted to grasp and pull a portion of the gastroesophageal junction into the stomach, and an unit adapted to move a portion of the fundus towards...

20060241659 - Screw-device for anastomosis: The present invention, the screw-device, is a mechanical device for anastomosing hollow tube-like structures in the human body, such as blood vessels, bowels and ureters. It is thus not restricted to (micro-)vessels. It can be used in every surgical operation dealing with anastomosis and bypass operations. It allows anastomosing end...

20060241664 - Automatic retractable blade scalpel: There is provided a disposable scalpel having an automatically retractable blade. The blade may be secured in any of three positions: 1) an intermediated retracted position for shipping, 2) an exposed position for use and 3) a permanently locked retracted position. A spring is provided which automatically retracts the blade...

20060241665 - Percutaneous and endoscopic cutters: A surgical cutter with a flat blade and a cutting wedge allows a surgeon to safely trim a foreign object inside a body, such as a urethral sling inside a patient, so that a minimum of sling remains in place after cutting. The shortened sling minimizes tension applied to the...

20060241663 - Surgical cutter: The invention provides a device and method for cutting an object inside a surgical wound. In one embodiment of the invention, a cutter comprises an elongated body having a distal portion and a proximal portion; a blade holder disposed at least partially in the distal portion and adapted to secure...

20060241666 - Method and apparatus for body fluid sampling and analyte sensing: The method comprises providing a lancing device comprising a penetrating member (68) driver having a position sensor (74) and a processor (60) that can determine the relative position and velocity of the penetrating member (18, 72) based on measuring relative position of the penetrating member with respect to time; providing...

20060241668 - 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 ends 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...

20060241667 - Tissue penetration device: A body fluid sampling system is provided for use on a tissue site. A container has at least one guide chamber and a driver. A plurality of penetrating members are included. At least one sample receiving unit is configured to be coupled to the driver and advanced out of the...

20060241669 - Narrow-profile lancing device: A lancing device having a substantially narrow profile housing, optionally configured for attachment in place of a battery cover of a blood-glucose testing meter. A miniature lancet has an oversized sterility cap with a T-shaped end for ease of handling and loading into a lancing device. A flattened portion of...

20060241670 - Series of closed operation accupotome: The present invention relates to a series of closed operation accupotome, including 12 types of accupotome with 33 models, each type of accupotome having an accupotome handle, an accupotome body and an accupotome head, which are connected in this order. It is characterized in that the handle, the body or...

20060241671 - Self-sealing surgical access port: An access port for performing surgical procedures within an insufflated body cavity is disclosed. The port is formed from a duct that is inserted into the body cavity, the duct having a stiff sidewall to prevent collapse. The duct contains a flexible tube that has a constricted shape that forms...

20060241672 - Infra-epidermic subcision device for blunt dissection of sub-epidermic tissues: A dermatological device for infra-epidermic subcision via blunt dissection of fibrous bands of the edematous-fibrosclerotic panniculopathy, including a needle and a subepidermic skin layer anchoring member such as a balloon in flow communication with the needle. The fibrous bands are dissected bluntly by the balloon via dissection parallel to the...

20060241673 - Subcision device: A dermatological device for subcision of sub-epidermic tissues. The device is provided with a blunt dermis contacting surface enabling the operator to lift or cause traction to the skin from underneath the skin, after placement of the dermal contacting surface of the device under the skin. Placement of the dermal...

20060241674 - Medical insert device and associated method: A medical method utilizes a tubular member. The method comprises inserting the tubular member through a patient's mouth into the patient's esophagus so that at least a portion of the tubular member is disposed in the patient's esophagus as a liner, and subsequently inserting flexible endoscopic surgical or diagnostic instruments...

20060241680 - Coated endoluminal filter: In one embodiment of the present invention there is provided a coated endoluminal filter having a support structure; a filtering structure attached to the support structure; a coating over at least a portion of support structure. In another alternative embodiment, there is provided an endoluminal filter having a support structure;...

20060241675 - Endoluminal filter: In one aspect, embodiments of the present invention provide a filter having a first structural member extending along and clockwise about an axis, a second structural member extending along and counter clockwise about the axis and a material capture structure extending between the first and the second structural members and...

20060241679 - Filter delivery methods: In one embodiment of the present invention there is provided a method of deploying within a lumen a filter having a material capture structure and a support structure by positioning the filter within the wall of a lumen; and deploying the filter into contact with the lumen by placing the...

20060241682 - Intravascular device push wire delivery system: The endoluminal device delivery assembly and method for release and deployment of an endoluminal therapeutic device at a desired location for treatment within the vasculature of a patient utilizes an elongated flexible tubular catheter with a tubular distal tip formed of a yieldable material mounted to the distal end of...

20060241676 - Lumen filtering methods: In one embodiment of the present invention there is provided a method of positioning a filter within a lumen by positioning a filter within a lumen by exerting a radial force generated by a support structure against the lumen while suspending a material capture structure between opposing members of the...

20060241677 - Methods for maintaining a filtering device within a lumen: In one embodiment of the present invention there is provided a method of filtering blood flow in a lumen by positioning an open loop filter support structure within a lumen; maintaining a position of the open loop filter support structure within the lumen using radial force generated by the open...

20060241683 - Reloadable sheath for catheter system for deploying vasoocclusive devices: The introducer sheath can be loaded onto a vasoocclusive device after removal of the vasoocclusive device from a microcatheter, to permit the vasoocclusive embolic coil assembly to be used again during a clinical procedure. The sheath includes a hollow, elongated tubular member with a longitudinal slot formed in the upper...

20060241678 - Retrievable endoluminal filter: In one embodiment of the present invention there is provided a filter having a first support member having a first end and a second end; a second support member joined to the first support member at the first end and positioned adjacent the first support member to form a support...

20060241684 - Stretch resistant therapeutic device: A vasoocclusive coil is reinforced with a stretch resistant member to improve safety during retraction of the coil. The stretch resistant member is fixedly attached at one end to the vasoocclusive coil, and the other end of the stretch resistant member is detachably mounted to an elongated pusher member to...

20060241681 - Support frame for an embolic protection device: A support 103 for an embolic protection device comprises round wires 116 which may form one or more support hoops for a filter body The circumferential hoop formed by the wires 116 ensures that in the expanded position, the filter body 102 will be supported by the support frame 103...

20060241686 - Three dimensional, low friction vasoocclusive coil, and method of manufacture: The three dimensional, low friction vasoocclusive coil has a portion that is three dimensionally box or cubed shaped. The three dimensional box or cubed shaped portion will form a basket for filling the anatomical cavity at the site in the vasculature to be treated. The vasoocclusive device is formed from...

20060241685 - Vasoocclusive coil with enhanced therapeutic strand structure: A vasoocclusive coil is reinforced with a stretch resistant member to improve safety during retraction of the coil. The stretch resistant member is fixedly attached at one end to the vasoocclusive coil, and the other end of the stretch resistant member is detachably mounted to an elongated pusher member to...

20060241688 - Medical closure device and associated method: A surgical closure method utilizes a surgical device including an elongate tube, a flexible web member disposed in a collapsed configuration inside the tube, and a push rod disposed at least partially inside the tube for pushing the web member from the tube. A distal end portion of the tube...

20060241690 - Multi-layer braided structures for occluding vascular defects and for occluding fluid flow through portions of the vasculature of the body: A collapsible medical device and associated methods of occluding an abnormal opening in, for example, a body organ, wherein the medical device is shaped from plural layers of a heat-treatable metal fabric. Each of the fabric layers is formed from a plurality of metal strands and the assembly is heat-treated...

20060241687 - Septal occluder with pivot arms and articulating joints: The invention provides a septal occluder for closing a patent foramen ovale (PFO). The septal occluder includes a flexible central portion connecting two occlusion shells for the percutaneous transluminal treatment of an intracardiac defect. The septal occluder includes two occlusion shells connected by an elongate member capable of pivoting or...

20060241689 - Viscera retainers, surgical drains and methods for using same: Viscera retainer which facilitates wound closure, for example, in the abdominal region, includes a body portion containing a tear seam. The body portion is inserted into the wound prior to closure to act as a physical barrier between the peritoneum and the viscera. A free extension of the body, or...

20060241691 - Medical treatment method and device utilizing magnetic elements: In a medical treatment method, magnetic elements are placed into contact with organic tissues of a patient. The magnetic elements are disposed, upon deployment, on opposite sides of tissues or a hole to be closed or collapsed. Owing to magnetic attraction between the magnetic elements, the organic tissues of the...

20060241692 - Apparatus and method for resectioning gastro-esophageal tissue: A system for stapling tissue comprises a flexible endoscope and an operative head including a pair of opposed, curved tissue clamping jaws sized to pass through an esophagus, the jaws being moveable with respect to one another between an open tissue receiving configuration and a closed tissue clamping configuration, a...

20060241693 - Plastic mono-filamentary thermo-contractible surgical thread: When introduced into the body, the plastic mono-filamentary thermo-contractible surgical thread retracts in response to the application of heat and when interacting with adjacent tissues, causes them to retract, tightening same....

20060241695 - Method of using ultrasonic vibration to secure body tissue with fastening element: 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...

20060241694 - Suture fixation device and method for surgical repair: An apparatus and method for suture fixation. A suture fixation device includes a body having an inner end and an outer end and a pathway. A restriction may be provided in the pathway that relatively freely permits movement of a suture through the pathway in a first direction and inhibits...

20060235368 - Piston-actuated endoscopic tool: Endoscopic apparatus is provided, having a distal end (102) for insertion into a body of a patient and a proximal end that is held outside the body of the patient. The apparatus includes a proximal cylinder (404), disposed in a vicinity of the proximal end of the endoscopic apparatus. A...

20060235369 - System and method for treating vision refractive errors: Disclosed is a computer-implemented method for correcting refractive errors in a living eye using a laser vision correction system that involves first calculating an amount of sphere based on preoperative manifest refraction and higher order aberrations data associated with the eye, and then correcting for the calculated amount of sphere...

20060235370 - Method of regulating mammalian keratinous tissue: Method for providing a benefit to mammalian keratinous tissue, comprising applying a composition comprising one or more hair growth regulating compounds to the keratinous tissue and delivering energy to the keratinous tissue by means of an energy delivery device....

20060235371 - Microscopic-spots irradiating device applying a vacuum thereto: The present invention relates to a microscopic-spots irradiating device applying a vacuum thereof that is provided with a laser beam or flash-lamp light-generating device, a multiple microscopic-spot generating device that creates multiple microscopic spots in cutaneous tissues, and a suction device that sucks up cutaneous tissues during the illumination thereof...

20060235372 - Facilitating tools for cardiac tissue ablation: Methods and devices are provided for positioning a device around the pulmonary veins of a heart to treat atrial fibrillation. One method includes the steps of guiding a first elongate member through the transverse sinus, guiding a second elongate member through the oblique sinus, connecting a distal end of the...

20060235373 - Intraluminal heat treatment of a lumen combined with cooling of tissue proximate the lumen: An apparatus for intraluminal energy treatment and method thereof includes an energy source for insertion into a lumen of a body and having an output end for energy-emission within the lumen and a cooling device with a cooling member adapted to be positioned on the skin surface proximate the lumen...

20060235374 - In-ice detection for cryotherapy applications: A method and apparatus for heating a cryotherapy probe to maintain an elevated temperature, while evaluating heat on-time and heat off-time to determine whether the probe is within an existing ice ball. Indication that the probe is not within the existing ice ball signals the user that the formation of...

20060235375 - Cryotherapy system: A cryotherapy system is provided with multiple cryoprobes, each of which has a shaft with a closed distal end adapted for insertion into a body and conduits for flowing a cryogenic fluid through the shaft to reduce a temperature of the distal end. A source is provided for the cryogenic...

20060235376 - Methods and apparatus for hemostasis following arterial catheterization: A method for accelerating hemostasis of an artery having a puncture after arterial catheterization, the catheterization using a catheter introducer, the method including the steps of inserting into an artery a catheter introducer prior to arterial catheterization, following arterial catheterization, introducing a hemostasis device into the catheter introducer, such that...

20060235377 - Electrosurgical tool: An electrosurgical tool for cauterizing or ablating targeted tissue, which tool includes a conductive outer shaft which defines a return or reference electrode, and a conductive inner tube disposed within the outer shaft. The inner tube defines both a suction pathway for removing fluid and/or surgical debris from the surgical...

20060235378 - Slider control for ablation handset: An electrosurgical ablation instrument connectable to an electrosurgical energy source is provided. The ablation instrument includes a handle; at least one elongate probe electrode extending from an end of the handle, each probe electrode including at least a conductive distal tip; and an intensity controller operatively supported on the handle....

20060235379 - Fluid-assisted electrosurgical scissors and methods: An electrosurgical scissors comprising an end effector comprising a first blade member and a second blade member, the first blade member and the second blade member pivotally connected; an electrical connector configured to couple the scissors to a power source; and a fluid passage in fluid communication with at least...

20060235380 - Tissue incision tool: An apparatus for treating a condition of a patient's airway includes a tissue isolation member for isolating a target tissue to be incised. The tissue isolation member has a bottom surface for placement against a tissue of a patient. The bottom surface at least partially surrounds an opening sized to...

20060235381 - Vacuum coagulation probes: An embodiment of the invention includes a surgical device for coagulating soft tissue such as atrial tissue in the treatment of atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, and atrial tachycardia; tendon or ligament shrinkage; or articular cartilage removal. The surgical device integrates a suction mechanism with the coagulation mechanism improving the lesion...

20060235382 - Instrument guard and reusable medical device employing same: An instrument guard for a MIS medical device includes an attachment portion and an instrument holding portion. The attachment portion is removably attachable to a containment tube of a medical device used for minimally invasive surgery. The instrument holding portion is used to contain and insulate surgical instruments used for...

20060235383 - External fixator: A fixator for use in the reconstruction of acute, chronic and traumatic injuries to the upper and lower extremities. The fixator has a unique clamping system that allows for the snapping in of pins and rails, and for multi-planar fixation of bones....

20060235384 - Stabilizing system for a hybrid external fixator: A hybrid external fixator includes a first element, predisposed to be located coaxially of a bone, a straight second element, removably constrainable to the first element, fastening elements removably associated to both the first and second elements and predisposed for removably fastening to the bone, and a stabiliser bar, removably...

20060235391 - Facet joint stabilization: Various implementations for therapy to facet joints connecting vertebrae are disclosed including: A) Facet joint stabilization that may be implemented using stabilization band that maintains tension between two anchors. The stabilization band may be retained in any one of a number of ways including the use of an anti-slip device...

20060235393 - Locking cap assembly for spinal fixation instrumentation: An assembly such as an anchor screw, bone plate, offset hook, post, transverse connector or other spinal anchor for anchoring to bone and clamping a linkage such as a rod, wire cable or the like. The assembly has a top member with an open slot to receive the linkage, and...

20060235385 - Low profile polyaxial screw: A bone anchor assembly includes a bone anchor having a distal shaft configured to engage bone and a hollow hemi-spherical proximal head defined by a convex outer surface and a concave inner surface, a receiving member for receiving a spinal fixation element and for engaging the head of the bone...

20060235386 - Magnetic manipulation of a cable in blind approach: One embodiment of the present application is directed to a method and system for performing a unilateral surgical procedure to implant a prosthetic device between two spinous processes. During this procedure at least one side of one of the processes remains covered by soft tissue. An instrument is magnetically coupled...

20060235390 - Method for the correction of spinal deformities using a rod-plate anterior system: An anterior instrumentation method of treating spinal deformities involves a combination of a spinal rod anterior system and one or two spinal plates fixed on the cephalad and caudal end vertebrae of the instrumented segment. Deformities are treated by the anterior rod system through compression, distraction and derotation. Two spinal...

20060235392 - Multi-axial connection system: In one embodiment of the present invention a system for connecting a fastener element (e.g., a pedicle screw) relative to a rod for the purposes of vertebral fixation is provided. The system may permit multi-axial movement between the fastener element and the rod. Further, the system may permit the angular...

20060235388 - Pedicular tunneling for decompression and support: A system for augmenting a spinal joint comprises a first flexible stabilizing device adapted to extend through a pedicle of a first vertebra, at least a portion of a vertebral body of the first vertebra, at least a portion of a vertebral body of a second vertebra, and a pedicle...

20060235389 - Spinal stabilization using bone anchor and anchor seat with tangential locking feature: A stabilization system for implantation in a patient includes: a bone anchor including a head and a shaft, the shaft extending away from the head in a bone insertion direction and being operable for connection to a bone of the patient; and a tulip including: at least one channel having...

20060235387 - Transverse process/laminar spacer: An inter-transverse process spacer system comprises a first spacer device. The first spacer device comprises opposing end portions. The first spacer device is adapted for insertion between a first pair of adjacent transverse processes, and the opposing end portions of the first spacer device are adapted to engage the first...

20060235394 - Intramedullary nail: The intramedullary nail has a longitudinal axis (5), a near end (1) with means (8) for coupling to an insertion device and a far end (2) with a tip (7) for insertion into the intramedullary canal of a long bone. The far end (2) is provided with at least two...

20060235395 - Intramedullary nail: The intramedullary nail has a longitudinal axis, a proximal end, a distal end, at least one hole that extends transversely to the longitudinal axis and is situated in a plane with a defined diameter to accommodate a locking element, as well as a longitudinal slot extending in the plane parallel...

20060235405 - Active compression orthopedic plate system and method for using the same: An active compression orthopedic plate includes a first and a second end cross member, at least one center cross member, at least one longitudinal member slideably coupling the first and second end cross member and the at least one center cross member, and a compressive member configured to exert a...

20060235399 - Anti-backout mechanism for an implant fastener: A retaining mechanism engages a bone fastener to a bone plate as the bone fastener is positioned through a retaining mechanism in a plate hole while preserving multi-axial capabilities of the fastener relative to the plate during insertion of the fastener. When the head of the fastener is positioned adjacent...

20060235401 - Apparatus and method for repairing the femur: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for repairing the femur. A connector is provided having a claw-like member to engage with the greater trochanter. Along the body of the connector are a plurality of cable apertures and cable screws to receive and engage with cables that loop around the femur....

20060235408 - Apparatus and methods for bone fracture fixation: Apparatus and methods to facilitate fixation of a fracture are disclosed. These apparatus include a bone plate for the fixation of a fractured bone having a plurality of fastener openings so that the bone plate may be secured by a plurality of fasteners across a reduced fracture to fixate a...

20060235407 - Apparatus and methods for bone fracture reduction and fixation: Apparatus to facilitate reduction and fixation of a fracture by drawing together the fracture by applying tension to a reduction wire are disclosed. These apparatus include a bone plate for the fixation of a fractured bone having a plurality of fastener openings so that the bone plate may be secured...

20060235400 - Bone plate: A bone plate has an underside on the side of the bone, an upper side and a plurality of holes in the plate connecting the underside with the upper side, with a central hole axis. At least one of these holes in the plate has an internal jacket surface that...

20060235402 - Device for the ostheosynthesis of proximal humerus fractures: A device for use in the treatment of proximal humerus fractures, comprising a substantially spoon-shaped body having a blade-like proximal portion intended to complement the humerus head and provided with at least one seat in which to insert a wire, a threaded nail, or a similar element to stabilize the...

20060235396 - Fixation device for the talus: A fixation device for reduction and fixation of fractures of the talus bone of the foot includes a thin titanium alloy plate having a lower wing configured for attachment to the lateral aspect of the talus and an upper wing configured for attachment to the dorsal aspect of the talus....

20060235403 - Flanged interbody fusion device with locking plate: Methods and devices are disclosed for treating the vertebral column. An integrated fixation plate and spacer having a retaining structure within the screw holes of the fixation plate to resist backout of screws attaching the fixation plate to the bone is provided. A movable joint may be provided between the...

20060235406 - Method for treating long bone fractures: A method is provided for treating a fractured long bone. The method includes fastening a first bone plate to cortical bone of the fractured long bone and fastening a second bone plate to cortical bone of the fractured long bone. The first bone plate is circumferentially spaced from the second...

20060235404 - Modular fracture fixation plate system: A fracture fixation plate system for use on a long bone having a metaphysis and a diaphysis, includes at least one end plate having a head portion for the metaphysis, and at least one fragment plate having a first end and a second end with a plurality of screw holes...

20060235397 - Navicular fixation device: A device for fixation of the navicular bone of the foot includes a truss plate defining a plurality of holes for receive bone screws therethrough. The holes are staggered along the length and width of the plate to minimize the overall width of the plate and to ensure that bone...

20060235398 - Ratcheting fixation plate: Devices and methods for spinal fixation employ at least first and second plates that are configured to allow progressive sliding advancement of the plate members toward one another and limit movement of the plate members away from one another after installation. A spring member associated with one bone plate may...

20060235409 - Flanged interbody fusion device: Methods and devices are disclosed for treating the vertebral column. An integrated fixation plate and spacer having a retaining structure within the screw holes of the fixation plate to resist backout of screws attaching the fixation plate to the bone is provided. A movable joint may be provided between the...

20060235413 - Expanding suture anchor having an actuator pin: A method and apparatus for reattaching soft tissue to a boney structure using an expanding suture anchor. The method can include providing a suture anchor and forming a cavity in the boney structure for receipt of the suture anchor. The method can also include coupling the soft tissue to a...

20060235411 - Orthopedic expansion fastener: Methods and devices are disclosed for treating the vertebral column. An integrated fixation plate and spacer having a retaining structure within the screw holes of the fixation plate to resist backout of screws attaching the fixation plate to the bone is provided. A movable joint may be provided between the...

20060235412 - Side-biased orthopedic fastener retention: Methods and devices are disclosed for treating the vertebral column. An integrated fixation plate and spacer having a retaining structure within the screw holes of the fixation plate to resist backout of screws attaching the fixation plate to the bone is provided. A movable joint may be provided between the...

20060235410 - Surgical expansion fasteners: A biocompatible surgical fastener, comprising a sleeve and a screw or a pin, which expands when it is implanted in a patient. The sleeve is first implanted in a pre-drilled hole in the operating area of a patient, usually in a bone, cartilage or a bone and cartilage. When a...

20060235414 - Intervertebral joint: An intervertebral joint with one embodiment comprising a socket screw, a ball screw, and two support screws. The socket screw and ball screw form a socket joint between two vertebral members. A first support screw braces the socket screw. A second support screw braces the ball screw....

20060235415 - Stainless self-tapping screw: A stainless self-tapping screw comprises a screw rod made of stainless material; a rear end of the screw rod having an integral formed head and a front end thereof having a polygonal buckling groove; a cutting unit made of a hard material. A front end of the cutting unit having...

20060235416 - Intervertebral connecting elements: A system for stabilizing a vertebral joint comprises a connection element adapted to extend through a first vertebral body, through a vertebral endplate of the first vertebral body, through a vertebral endplate of a second vertebral body, and through the second vertebral body....

20060235417 - Intravertebral widening device, injection device, and kit and method for kyphoplasty: An intravertebral widening device (4) extends from a proximal end (8) to a distal end (10) along an extension axis (X), said distal end (10) having an elastically deformable element (56) suitable to pass from a relaxed configuration for placing the distal end (10) within a vertebral body (6) to...

20060235418 - Method and device for preparing a surface for receiving an implant: Methods for forming a shaped surface, for example, a shaped end plate between adjacent vertebral bodies, and a bone removal device for use in such methods. The device includes a contour having a predetermined profile corresponding at least in part to an implant, and a cutting element following the contour...

20060235419 - Medical instrument for performing microfracturing in a bone: A medical instrument for performing microfracturing in a bone comprises a body, a plurality of points project in the distal direction....

20060235420 - Extramedullary fluoroscopic alignment guide: An extramedullary fluoroscopic alignment guide is disclosed, along with a surgical method employing such an alignment guide. The extramedullary alignment guide includes both radiolucent and radiopaque material. The invention is useful in performing surgery on bones, for example, in performing surgery on the knee joint. The radiolucent material provides a...

20060235421 - Instrumentation for minimally invasive unicompartmental knee replacement: Instrumentation for surgically resurfacing a femoral condyle to receive a prosthetic femoral component in minimally invasive unicompartmental knee replacement surgery. The instrumentation includes a resurfacing guide for attachment to a femur and a rail member externally delineating an area of a femoral condyle of the femur that is to be...

20060235423 - Apparatus having at least one actuatable planar surface and method using the same for a spinal procedure: A medical device includes a link assembly and an actuating member coupled to the link assembly. The actuating member is configured to actuate the link assembly. A member having a substantially planar surface is coupled to the link assembly. The link assembly is configured to move the member having a...

20060235422 - Bone seperator: A bone spreader includes two tubular pin holders which are connected to one another by a parallel guide system, and two pins that are configured to be connected to the bone parts that are to be spread apart. In order to give the bone parts that are to be spread...

20060235424 - Implantable bone distraction device and method: A self-contained, implantable bone distraction device is provided. The device is controlled by a programmable microcontroller that communicates with the outside world wirelessly, for example, via radio frequency or infrared. The microcontroller can be instructed, for example, to initiate an immediate distraction, or to stop a distraction in progress. Nitinol...

20060235425 - Filling device and system for treating a deformed or diseased spine: A spine filling device comprises a filling member and a pasty medicine. The filling member is formed of a holding portion and an injection port, which are integrally formed by a flexible and permeable wall having a plurality of pores, each having a diameter smaller than 0.1 mm. The filling...

20060235426 - Instruments, implants and methods for positioning implants into a spinal disc space: Instruments, implants and methods are provided for positioning spinal implants in a spinal disc space between adjacent vertebrae. The instruments provide a low profile engagement with the implants and facilitate insertion while minimizing tissue retraction and exposure of the tissue and neural elements to the instrumentation in the approach to...

20060235427 - Multi-function orthopedic instrument: Instrumentation is disclosed for use in orthopedic surgery that is capable of use as a compressor, a distractor, and a rod bender. Two pivoting arms have ends that can be used to compress implants, bones, or bone fragments together or to distract such items apart. In orthopedic surgery in which...

20060235430 - Corneal implant injector assembly and methods of use: A corneal implant injector assembly includes a barrel, a plunger, and an injector tip with a channel having a size and orientation adapted to store and deliver a corneal implant. The corneal implant is preferably stored in the channel in a contracted state. The plunger has an implant engagement tip...

20060235429 - Multi-action device for inserting an intraocular lens into an eye: A device for inserting an intraocular lens (IOL) into an eye includes a tubular body member with an inner surface and a plunger with an gripping device that is receivable within the body member. The gripping device includes a locking member and is configured such that when urged longitudinally in...

20060235428 - Ocular inlay with locator: A therapeutic ocular inlay for treatment of one or more vision defects including a locator structure or depth marker to facilitate location of the inlay post-implant. The locator structure or marker extends at least partially outside a pupil region. The depth or layer at which the inlay is implanted can...

20060235432 - Intra-bronchial obstructing device that controls biological interaction with the patient: The present invention provides an intra-bronchial device and method that controls biological interaction of the device with the patient. The intra-bronchial device is adapted to be placed in an air passageway of a patient to collapse a lung portion associated with the air passageway. The device includes an obstructing member...

20060235431 - Lead extraction device: An extraction device for removing an implanted structure, such as a cardiac lead, from a body vessel. An elongated sheath having a proximal end, a distal end, and a passageway extending therethrough is sized such that at least a distal portion of the sheath is receivable in the body vessel....

20060235433 - Polypectomy device and method of use: A polyp removal tool and method of use is disclosed. The tool includes a main body, an elongated hollow conduit fixed to the body, a handle, a cable assembly, a suction assembly and an irrigation system. The handle is used to actuate a snare at the end of a cable...

20060235434 - Disposable skin marker method and apparatus: A one-time skin marking system and method. The system includes a marking implement with a hollow body portion and a marking tip extending therefrom. When liquid contained in the hollow body portion is introduced to the tip, the marking implement is used to mark a surgical site and then discarded....

20060235435 - Device for localization of stereotactic coordinates: The invention concerns a device for localization of stereotactic coordinates by available MRI, CT, PET and angiogram imaging equipment in relation to known art animal stereotactic frames comprised of a pair of bars held in spaced parallel relation to each other by a cross bar that may be fixed to...

20060235436 - Sterile surgical adaptor: A sterile adaptor, a sterile drape with the integrated sterile adaptor, and a telerobotic surgical system including the sterile drape with a drape interface are provided. The adaptor, drape, and system allow for draping portions of a telerobotic surgical system to maintain a sterile barrier between the sterile surgical field...

20060235444 - Clip advancer mechanism with alignment features: A surgical clip applier and methods for applying surgical clips to a vessel, duct, shunt, etc., during a surgical procedure are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a surgical clip applier is provided having a housing with a trigger movably coupled thereto and a shaft extending therefrom with opposed jaws formed...

20060235443 - Clip applier configured to prevent clip fallout: A surgical clip applier and methods for applying surgical clips to a vessel, duct, shunt, etc., during a surgical procedure are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a surgical clip applier is provided having a housing with a trigger movably coupled thereto and a shaft extending therefrom with opposed jaws formed...

20060235442 - Clip applier with migrational resistance features: A surgical clip applier and methods for applying surgical clips to a vessel, duct, shunt, etc., during a surgical procedure are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a surgical clip applier is provided having a housing with a trigger movably coupled thereto and a shaft extending therefrom with opposed jaws formed...

20060235438 - Force limiting mechanism for medical instrument: A surgical clip applier and methods for applying surgical clips to a vessel, duct, shunt, etc., during a surgical procedure are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a surgical clip applier is provided having a housing with a trigger movably coupled thereto and an elongate shaft extending therefrom with opposed jaws...

20060235441 - Surgical clip advancement and alignment mechanism: A surgical clip applier and methods for applying surgical clips to a vessel, duct, shunt, etc., during a surgical procedure are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a surgical clip applier is provided having a housing with a trigger movably coupled thereto and an elongate shaft extending therefrom with opposed jaws...

20060235439 - Surgical clip advancement mechanism: A surgical clip applier and methods for applying surgical clips to a vessel, duct, shunt, etc., during a surgical procedure are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a surgical clip applier is provided having a housing with a trigger movably coupled thereto and an elongate shaft extending therefrom with opposed jaws...

20060235437 - Surgical clip applier methods: A surgical clip applier and methods for applying surgical clips to a vessel, duct, shunt, etc., during a surgical procedure are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a surgical clip applier is provided having a housing with a trigger movably coupled thereto and an elongate shaft extending therefrom with opposed jaws...

20060235440 - Surgical clip applier ratchet mechanism: A surgical clip applier and methods for applying surgical clips to a vessel, duct, shunt, etc., during a surgical procedure are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a surgical clip applier is provided having a housing with a trigger movably coupled thereto and an elongate shaft extending therefrom with opposed jaws...

20060235446 - Article, system, and method for securing medical device to tissue or organ: An surgical tilt-tag staple comprising an elongated joining member having a first end and a second end, a first tilt-tag joined to the first end of the joining member and a second tilt-tag joined to the second end of the joining member, each of the first and second tilt-tags normally...

20060235445 - 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 fit which contains a plurality of fasteners in pre-deployment position, or may be a part of a two-part system into which...

20060235447 - Tissue anchor system: The invention disclosed herein is a tissue-anchoring system, including a tissue-anchoring device and tissue anchors. The tissue-anchoring device includes a housing and a tissue anchor positioned on the tissue-anchoring device that will be inserted into a tissue or secured onto a tissue. The device may optionally have a plunger assembly...

20060235448 - Artificial gastric valve: An apparatus and method are disclosed for treating overweight and obese patients by applying a restrictive Artificial Gastric Valve (AGV) on part of the stomach. The apparatus includes a mechanism to control the opening of the AGV automatically on demand, dynamically and progressively. The controlled opening of the AGV inside...

20060235450 - Living body tissue harvesting apparatus: In an apparatus to harvest a living body tissue, in order to prevent pressure in a body cavity exceeding a predetermined value, a living body tissue harvesting apparatus according to the present invention has a grip section and an insertion section to be inserted into the body cavity. Further, in...

20060235449 - Vascular intimal lining removal assembly: A vascular lining removal assembly comprises a plurality of slats, each having inner and outer surfaces, configured to pass along a vascular cleavage plane to removingly engage a length of vascular lining. In some embodiments the assembly may also include means for engaging the length of vascular lining to aid...

20060235451 - Ligament decompression tool with tissue engaging device: 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...

20060235452 - Ligament decompression tool with tissue removal device: 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...

20060235453 - Method for controlling fluid flow in a rotational atherectomy device: A method system and controller for controlling fluid flow in a rotational atherectomy device. A source of fluid is provided through a pump to the rotational atherectomy device, wherein the pump maintains the fluid flow at a minimal rate during a time period when a drive shaft of the device...

20060235454 - Blood sampling device: A sampling device (20) having a housing (24) with a lancet cartridge (22) mounted therein. The lancets (26) of the lancet cartridge (22) are interconnected by a flexible web (28). The lancet cartridge (22) is not positively engaged within the housing (24) and can be easily removed. The housing (24)...

20060235455 - Ultrasonic trocar and method for using the ultrasonic trocar: An ultrasonic trocar includes a handpiece unit, a dilator, and a tubular cannula. The handpiece unit includes an ultrasonic transducer and a probe. The handpiece unit forms a puncture hole in a somatic wall by a tip end of the probe with ultrasonic vibration transmitted to the probe tip end...

20060235456 - Surgical device and method for cutaneous detachment of skin: The present invention refers to a device and a method for subcutaneous detachment of the face, the leg, the thigh, the breast, the abdomen and the forehead, facilitating the full detachment of the skin from the underlying (adipose) tissue with substantial reduction in bleeding, better skin cutting quality, lesser amount...

20060235457 - Instruments having a rigidizable external working channel: Embodiments of the present invention are directed towards instruments for investigation, screening, diagnosis, analysis or therapy and, more particularly, towards embodiments of one or more external rigidizable working channels along the instrument. In one embodiment, there is an apparatus that includes an instrument having an elongate body; a working channel...

20060235458 - Instruments having an external working channel: Embodiments of the present invention are directed towards instruments for investigation, screening, diagnosis, analysis or therapy and, more particularly, towards embodiments of one or more external working channels along the instrument. In one aspect, there is provided an apparatus having an instrument having an elongate body; and an expandable lumen...

20060235459 - Balloon catheters and methods for manufacture: A balloon catheter and stent delivery system for medical treatment of a patient are provided. The balloon catheter includes a hub, a shaft and a Y-shaped balloon. The Y-shaped balloon may include a first distal arm and a second distal arm having different diameters. The Y-shaped balloon may also include...

20060235460 - Cavity formation device: A balloon for use in compressing cancellous bone and marrow (also known as medullary bone or trabecular bone) against the inner cortex of bones whether the bones are fractured or not. The balloon comprises an inflatable, non-expandable balloon body for insertion into said bone. The body has a shape and...

20060235461 - Single balloon ripening device with novel inserter and inflator: An improvement on the extra-amniotic balloon and technique of placement is disclosed. It involves a large capacity balloon, modified to efficiently place pressure on the cervix, and markers for ease and of placement. The malleable introducing stylet allows for safe and easy insertion, either manually or visually, through a cervix...

20060235462 - Pharyngeal wall treatment: A patient's pharyngeal wall is treated by inserting an expander member into the airway and positioning an active portion of the expander member in opposition to portions of the pharyngeal wall to be treated. The expander member is activated to urge the wall portions outwardly to an outwardly displaced position....

20060235464 - Aneurysm embolic device with an occlusive member: An aneurysm embolic device is disclosed for use in occluding the flow of blood within an aneurysm. The aneurysm embolic device includes an expandable sealing member having a circular joining member and reinforcing spokes which give the sealing member a slightly cupped configuration. The embolic device also includes an occlusive...

20060235463 - Implant for the closing of defect openings in the body of a human or animal and a system for the placement of such an implant: To bring about an improvement in comparison with known implants, in particular with regard to economical mass production, an implant for the closing of defect openings in the body of a human or animal is proposed, with a load-bearing structure which, in a first operating state (primary form), has a...

20060235465 - Functional shoe: Disclosed herein is a functional shoe, capable of applying micro current to the sole. The shoe includes a micro-current generating part, an acupressure part, and a conduction part. The micro-current generating part is inserted in a side of the shoe, thus generating predetermined micro current and voltage. The acupressure part...

20060235466 - Forceps and system using same: A pair of forceps including first and second elongated members pivotally connected together. A handle and a head are defined at opposing ends of the first and second elongated members. In one preferred embodiment, a threaded cannula receiving chamber is disposed in the head, and the elongated members are separable...

20060235467 - Removable anchored lung volume reduction device and methods: An intra-bronchial device may be placed in an air passageway of a patient to collapse a lung portion associated with the air passageway. The device includes an obstructing member that prevents air from being inhaled into the lung portion to collapse the lung portion, and an anchoring device that anchors...

20060235468 - Surgical clip: A clip is provided that can be used for ligating tissue, such as vessels, other tubular ducts, and the like. The clip has opposed first and second leg members having proximal and distal ends. The proximal end of each leg member is connected by an apex having a notch formed...

20060235469 - Surgical fasteners coated with wound treatment materials: The present disclosure relates to surgical fasteners and more particularly to surgical fasteners coated with wound treatment materials. According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a surgical fastener for use in combination with a surgical fastener applying apparatus is provided. The surgical fastener includes a pair of legs; a...

20060235470 - Method of using ultrasonic vibration to secure implantable member to 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...

20060229592 - Encapsulated medical device and method of examining, curing, and treating internal region of body cavity using encapsulated medical device: An encapsulated medical device includes a radio antenna through which the encapsulated medical device transmits or receives a radio wave to or from an extracorporeal device. The encapsulated medical device is passed through the lumen of a body cavity in order to examine, cure, or treat an internal region of...

20060229591 - Intravascular catheter: An intravascular catheter system includes an intravascular catheter that can be easily and safely navigated through severely occluded arteries. The system uniquely includes both an optical fiber for use in providing data for guiding the catheter and a conventional metal guide wire for use in navigating the catheter through the...

20060229593 - Surgical illumination insert: A surgical illumination insert according to the present disclosure may include one or more illumination elements mounted on an insert body that may also include control electronics. The surgical illumination insert affords controllable direct illumination of a deep cavity surgical site and may be moved independent of any surgeon or...

20060229594 - Method for guiding a medical device: A device and method for ablating tissue is disclosed comprising the steps of acquiring an anatomical image of a patient, correlating the image to the patient, guiding an ablating member within the patient while tracking the position of the ablating member in the patient, positioning the ablating member in a...

20060229595 - Instrument and methods for electrical current treatment of tissues and methods for monitoring the same: Disclosed herein are methods of delivering current to a target tissue using a medical instrument, wherein the medical instrument is configured to track and deliver a predetermined current time amount. Also disclosed herein are methods and a system of monitoring for usage of a hemorrhoid treatment instrument and invoicing for...

20060229596 - Systems, devices, and methods for treating pelvic floor disorders: Disclosed are single-incision surgical procedures for treatment of urinary incontinence and/or pelvic floor disorders and related uses, devices, kits, and methods. Implants are also disclosed for use in the exemplary procedures. In certain embodiments, soft tissue anchors are used to anchor the surgical implants to obturator membranes of a patient....

20060229599 - Electrophysiology/ablation catheter having lariat configuration of variable radius: A remotely deflectable electrophysiology/ablation catheter of the type intended for placing into an interior passage of the heart is disclosed. The distal end of this elongated tubular catheter has a pair of tension/compression members each with a flattened end portion connected to the distal electrode and extending through the catheter...

20060229598 - Supercavitating medical probe and method of use: An electrosurgical working end that utilizes supercavitation phenomenon for controlled application of electrosurgical energy to tissue. In one preferred method of the invention, the system utilizes an electrosurgical surface that is rotatable in a liquid substance at very high surface velocities capable of localized lowering of the pressure of the...

20060229597 - Ultrasound medical device and related methods of use: An embodiment of the invention includes providing a medical device including an elongate portion and a distal portion, the distal portion including a plurality of substantially flat crystals configured to emit energy to a common focal point. The medical device may be advanced into a body lumen, energy may be...

20060229600 - Apc dual mode leep apparatus and method: A multi-mode LLETZ or LEEP device for performing LLETZ surgery and argon plasma coagulation using a single device is disclosed. The disclosed device has a body with a channel therein and movable arms having a wire therebetween at a distal end of the body such that the arms may be...

20060229601 - Ion eluting tuna device: Delivery elements, including needle electrodes and sheaths of tissue ablation devices, containing a conductivity-enhancing agent are discussed. The delivery elements contain a body member and optionally one or more coating layers. The conductivity-enhancing agent is disposed on or in the body member and/or at least one of the one or...

20060229602 - Adjustable splint for osteosynthesis: Adjustable splints for treating bone breaks and fractures provide a variety of different options for adjusting the locations and configurations of the splints. Adjustable mounts on the splints can be moved to a variety of different locations with respect to the splint main body housings and bone connectors can be...

20060229605 - Adjustable splint for osteosynthesis with incrementing assembly for adjustment in predetermined increments: Adjustable splints for treating bone breaks and fractures provide a variety of different options for adjusting the locations and configurations of the splints. Adjustable mounts on the splints can be moved to a variety of different locations with respect to the splint main body housings and bone connectors can be...

20060229604 - Adjustable splint for osteosynthesis with modular components: Adjustable splints for treating bone breaks and fractures provide a variety of different options for adjusting the locations and configurations of the splints. Adjustable mounts on the splints can be moved to a variety of different locations with respect to the splint main body housings and bone connectors can be...

20060229603 - Adjustable splint for osteosynthesis with modular joint: Adjustable splints for treating bone breaks and fractures provide a variety of different options for adjusting the locations and configurations of the splints. Adjustable mounts on the splints can be moved to a variety of different locations with respect to the splint main body housings and bone connectors can be...

20060229608 - Apparatus and methods for spinal implant with dynamic stabilization system: A spinal implant provides support for desired parts of the spine. The implant can provide support in both fusion and non-fusion situations. The spinal implant includes an implant rod and fasteners for coupling or fastening the implant rod to the affected regions of the spine via the pedicles of the...

20060229615 - Devices and methods for dynamic fixation of skeletal structure: The disclosed screw assemblies include a screw that attaches onto the bone, a housing member that connects and inter-locks the bone screw to the rod, and one or more locking members that permit immobilization of various components of the assembly relative to one another while still permitting some relative movement....

20060229614 - Instruments and methods for stabilization of bony structures: The present invention relates to a brace installation instrument placement that is mounted to anchors secured in an animal subject. The installation instrument includes anchor extensions coupled to the anchors. The instrument is movable with respect to the anchors to position a brace in a position more proximate the anchors....

20060229612 - Methods and apparatus for vertebral stabilization using sleeved springs: A stabilization element for implantation in a patient includes: a spring element including a plurality of helical coils terminating at first and second ends; and at least one sleeve including at least one bore sized and shaped to slide or thread onto the helical coils of the spring element, the...

20060229609 - Microadjustment spinal joint fixture: A spinal joint fixture includes a first threaded fixture and a second threaded fixture respectively having multiple blind holes, a connection rod a first end of which is securely connected to a first end of the first threaded fixture and a second end of which is securely connected to a...

20060229613 - Sheath assembly for spinal stabilization device: Systems, assemblies and methods for assembling a sheath member with respect to a spinal stabilization device are provided. The disclosed sheath assembly includes at least one connector ring mounted with respect to a sheath member. The connector ring defines an inner wall that shields the sheath member from elements positioned...

20060229611 - Spinal rod connector: A spinal rod connection system includes a first rod for attachment to the spinal column and a second rod for attachment to the skull releasably engaged to one another in end-to-end fashion by a coupling mechanism wherein the angle between the longitudinal axis of each of said first and second...

20060229616 - Spinal stabilization using bone anchor seat and cross coupling with improved locking feature: A stabilization rod engaging apparatus for implantation in a patient includes: a first pivot element including at least one first aperture, a first engagement element, and a first locking element; a second pivot element including at least one second aperture, a second engagement element, and a second locking element, wherein:...

20060229607 - Systems, kits and methods for treatment of the spinal column using elongate support members: A system, kit and method are provided for treatment of the spinal column, including a plurality of elongate support elements configured for placement across multiple levels of the spinal column wherein at least one of the elongate support elements is formed of a first material and at least one other...

20060229610 - Variable geometry occipital fixation plate: A fixation device for connecting a stabilization device to a bone comprises a first member comprising a first portion for attachment to a bone; a second member comprising a second portion for attachment to a bone and connected to the first member by a pivotal connection such that the first...

20060229606 - Vertebral osteosynthesis equipment: Equipment includes bony anchoring members, one or two linking rods, intended to be connected to these anchoring members, and parts for connecting the rod(s) to the anchoring members; at least one anchoring member includes a proximal stud articulated with respect to a base portion enabling bony anchoring; clamping elements enable...

20060229617 - Intramedullary devices and methods of deploying the same: Internally locking intramedullary nails or devices and methods of deploying internally locking intramedullary nails are disclosed. According to some embodiments, the nail includes a cannulated sleeve, a plurality of anchoring elements, and one or more extension mechanisms for outwardly extending anchoring elements to anchor against movement along an elongated axis...

20060229618 - Anterior lumbar lag plate: An anterior lumbar plate for attachment with bone screws to selected vertebrae of a person's spine is combined: (a) with separate L5 and S1 drill guides separately and removably attachable to the lumbar plate, and (b) with lock plates removably attachable to the lumbar plate to prevent unscrewing of installed...

20060229621 - Apparatus and methods for tibial plateau leveling osteotomy: A bone fixation plate and methods are disclosed for performing an optimally centered tibial plateau leveling osteotomy. The optimally centered osteotomy produces a curvilinear cut separating a section of the tibia comprising the tibial metaphysis from a proximal section of the tibia, such that the curvilinear cut has a radial...

20060229620 - Method and apparatus for providing a retainer for a bone stabilization device: A skeletal fixation apparatus includes: a plate having first and second spaced apart surfaces and a plurality of apertures extending through the surfaces of the plate, each aperture for receiving a respective fixation element for coupling the plate to one or more bones of a patient; and at least one...

20060229619 - Modular fracture fixation plate system with multiple metaphyseal and diaphyseal plates: A fracture fixation plate system for use on a long bone having a metaphysis and a diaphysis, includes at least one end plate having a head portion for the metaphysis, and at least one fragment plate having a first end and a second end with a plurality of screw holes...

20060229622 - System for fusing joints: A method of fusing a joint between two bones, comprising boring a hole through one of the bones across the joint therebetween and into the other bone, placing the leading end of a screw into the hole, where the screw has a threaded region having a pitch that is larger...

20060229623 - Tissue fixation system and method: A tissue fixation system is provided for dynamic and rigid fixation of tissue. A fastener connected with an elongate fastening member, such as a cable, wire, suture, rod, or tube, is moved through a passage between opposite sides of tissue. The fastener is provided with a groove that accommodates at...

20060229625 - Bone treatment systems and methods: The invention provides instruments and methods for prophylactic treatment of an osteoporotic vertebral body or for treating a vertebral compression fracture (VCF). In one exemplary method, a probe system uses a high speed rotational elastomeric cutter having an optional expandable abrasive surface for abrading or cutting at least one path...

20060229626 - In-line milling system: Embodiments of the present invention provide a milling system and method that provides a precise triangular cut in a patient's proximal femur. The system allows the surgeon to mill in a single direction, that is, the drill is in the same or similar longitudinal place as the handle of the...

20060229624 - Orthopaedic cutting instrument and method: An orthopaedic cutting instrument and associated methods are presented....

20060229627 - Variable angle spinal surgery instrument: An instrument for use in a procedure for inserting a spinal implant between human vertebrae may include a shaft and an end member. The end member may rotate with respect to the shaft. An angle of the end member with respect to the shaft may be varied when the end...

20060229628 - Biomedical treatment systems and methods: An apparatus and method for distraction of tissue or bone in a surgery. A method comprises inserting into targeted tissue a distraction device configured with at least one phase transition extendable body. After deployment in a non-extended configuration, the physician applies a stimulus to the body or bodies to cause...

20060229629 - Tissue distraction device: An apparatus and method for distracting, in a given direction, and supporting two tissue surfaces is provided. A plurality of wafers are consecutively inserted using a wafer insertion apparatus between the two tissue surfaces to create a column of wafers. A detachable wafer assembly is provided that includes a base...

20060229630 - Surgical introducer: A head for a surgical introducing tool includes a cup holding element for releasably holding an acetabular cup, and a retaining element for preventing undesirable release of the acetabular cup from the holding element. The holding element is receivable in a space defined by an articulating inner surface of the...

20060229631 - Vertebral body having an altered native cancellous bone volume and related treatment methods: The native cancellous bone volume of a vertebral body is altered to comprise a region of cancellous bone that has been compressed to form a compressed bone region that peripherally defines a cavity and another region of substantially uncompressed cancellous bone occupying at least a portion of the remaining native...

20060229632 - Handpiece tip: A tip for a surgical handpiece having two coaxial tubes or channels mounted within a body. The tip has one or more features that shape the fluid discharge so as to optimize the performance of the handpiece for varying parts of the surgical procedure....

20060229635 - Medical devices having soft, flexible lubricious coatings: Soft, flexible highly lubricious coatings for polymeric IOL insertion cartridges that allow IOLs to be easily inserted through small bore cartridges suitable for use with small (less than 3 mm) incisions are provided. These lubricious coatings allow IOLs to be inserted into the eye of a patient without the risk...

20060229633 - Methods and apparatus for inserting an intraocular lens into an eye: Apparatus and methodology for inserting an intraocular lens (IOL) into an eye. The apparatus includes a cartridge for holding an IOL and a handpiece with a body member for receiving the cartridge, an injector rod that is receivable by the body member, and a drive mechanism that longitudinally oscillates the...

20060229634 - Methods and apparatus for inserting an intraocular lens into an eye: Apparatus and methodology for inserting an intraocular lens (IOL) into an eye. The apparatus includes a cartridge for holding an IOL and a handpiece with a body member for receiving the cartridge, an injector rod that is receivable by the body member, and a drive mechanism that longitudinally oscillates the...

20060229636 - Expandable access device with mobility member: An expandable access device for providing access to a surgical site and incorporating a mobility member. The expandable access device may have an access portion, an expandable portion, a mobility member connecting the access portion and the expandable portion, and a passageway extending therethrough. The mobility member may connect the...

20060229637 - Surgical access device with pendent valve: A surgical access device, such as a trocar, includes a pendent valve having an elongate structure extending from a proximal end to a septum valve disposed at a distal end. In operation, the elongate structure follows the angle of the instrument to pre-position the septum valve into the path of...

20060229638 - Articulating retrieval device: Device and methods for removing a foreign object from a body lumen are disclosed. A retrieval device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may include an elongated member including a flexible collector element, and a core wire that can be engaged by the physician to actuate...

20060229639 - Specimen retrieval apparatus: A specimen removal apparatus includes a pouch assembly fabricated from a flexible membrane, a pouch support, a drawstring having a knot and forming a noose disposed circumferentially around a mouth of the pouch assembly, an endoscopic tubular portion, and a drive rod. The pouch assembly includes a plurality of circumferentially...

20060229640 - Specimen retrieval apparatus: A specimen removal apparatus includes a pouch assembly fabricated from a flexible membrane, a pouch support, a drawstring having a knot and forming a noose disposed circumferentially around a mouth of the pouch assembly, an endoscopic tubular portion, and a drive rod. The pouch support includes a rocker arm assembly...

20060229641 - Guidance and insertion system: Methods and devices are provided for guiding and inserting a tool into an object, such as tissue. In an exemplary embodiment, a guidance and insertion device is provided that can be remotely controlled to adjust an insertion trajectory of a tool, and to advance the tool into tissue to a...

20060229642 - Device for guiding surgical sewing material to a needle: The invention relates to a device for guiding surgical sewing material to a needle, having a shaft on whose distal end the needle can be secured and whose proximal end is configured as a gripping portion equipped with an open guide channel for the sewing material that is to be...

20060229643 - Apparatus and method for performing a bypass procedure in a digestive system: Surgical instrumentation and methods for performing a bypass procedure in a digestive system incorporate laparoscopic techniques to minimize surgical trauma to the patient. The instrumentation includes an outer guide member dimensioned for insertion and passage through an esophagus of a patient and defining an opening therein extending at least along...

20060229644 - Surgical instrument for invagination and fundoplication: An endoscopic surgical instrument for deploying a two part fastener having a male fastener part and a female fastener part, includes a tube having a proximal end and a distal end. An end effector is coupled to said distal end of said tube and is configured to hold the male...

20060229645 - Cross stream thrombectomy catheter with flexible and expandable cage: A cross stream thrombectomy catheter with a flexible and expandable cage preferably formed of nitinol for removal of hardened and aged thrombotic material stubbornly attached to the interior of a blood vessel. The cage, which can be mesh or of straight or spiral filament design, is located close to inflow...

20060229646 - Forward-directed atherectomy catheter: A catheter system is described for operation within a stenosed blood vessel. The catheter system includes a catheter shaft having at least one lumen. The catheter system further includes a convex distal housing that includes a series of openings along a convex surface that allow vascular plaque tissue to enter...

20060229647 - Methods and apparatus for removing veins: A method for removing a vein includes making an incision through a skin layer of a patient, inserting a surgical instrument through the incision, visualizing the vein through the skin layer using a light source positioned subcutaneously and in proximity of the vein, and cutting the vein using the surgical...

20060229649 - Keratome with suspended stabilized blade, improved suction ring with applanator and guided engagement with keratome cutter head, automated translation of the cutter head, and blade insertion tool: A keratome includes a cutting instrument having a cutter head with a reciprocating blade and a cutting edge extending below a sole surface of the cutter head, an automated drive unit mounting the cutting instrument for powered translational movement of at least the cutter head thereof, and a suction ring...

20060229648 - Surgical tool and method for extracting tissue from wall of an organ: The present invention is concerned with methods and equipment for the treatment of the eye and more particularly with an instrument to increase eye filtration and treat glaucoma. The instrument is surgical tool operated entirely by the surgeon's hands and is composed of a hand-piece and an eye-penetrating intraocular segment...

20060229650 - Methods and devices for cutting and collecting soft tissue: Devices and methods for cutting and collecting a specimen from a mass of tissue. The device may include an integrated cut and collect assembly. The integrated cut and collect assembly includes a cutting portion and a collection portion that includes a flexible membrane. The collection portion of the assembly is...

20060229651 - Lancets: A return spring arrangement for a lancet (6) is provided by a pair of undulating plastic webs (14) formed integrally with the lancet. The undulations of the two webs (14) are shown out of phase with one another. These webs (14) are flexible and thus are caused to concertina when...

20060229652 - Puncturing instrument, puncturing needle cartridge, puncturing instrument set, and puncturing needle discardment instrument: A puncture instrument set is constituted by a puncture instrument which includes a cylindrical body, plural puncture needles to be held in a state where the puncture needles are connected in series in an axis direction, a puncture needle cartridge for linearly arranging the plural puncture needles in the body,...

20060229653 - Intra-abdominal medical method and associated device: In a surgical method, a hollow needle is inserted into a hollow internal organ of a patient through a natural body opening. A wireless scanning apparatus is operated externally of the patient to obtain data as to internal structures of the patient on a side of a wall of the...

20060229654 - Angled connection for bullet tip to bullet shaft: A trocar obturator includes a shaft having a proximal end and a distal end. The shaft also includes an outer surface. A tip member is secured to the distal end of the shaft, the tip member including a first end and a second end, as well as an outer surface....

20060229655 - Two part bullet assembly: A trocar obturator includes a shaft having a proximal end and a distal end. The trocar obturator also includes a tip member secured to the distal end of the shaft, the tip member including a first end and a second end. The distal end of the shaft includes at least...

20060229656 - Switching stick dilation method and apparatus: A method of dilating an incision to provide access to a surgical site. Such method may include the steps of making an incision in the skin of a patient near a predetermined surgical site, inserting into the incision a dilator, inserting at least one shoe horn in juxtaposition or in...

20060229659 - Aortic valve repair: The present invention provides devices and methods for decalcifying an aortic valve. The methods and devices of the present invention break up or obliterate calcific deposits in and around the aortic valve through application or removal of heat energy from the calcific deposits....

20060229660 - Embolic protection device: An embolic protection device for deployment in a body vessel is provided, including a filtering body having a lip and extending therefrom to a tail and a frame connected to the lip for supporting the filtering body. The filtering body includes first and second openings formed therethrough, the first opening...

20060229658 - Embolic protection filter with reduced landing zone: An emboli capturing filter device and system are provided. The filter device includes an expandable filter disposed about an elongate member. The filter has a proximal mouth portion facing the proximal end of the elongate member, and a distal portion extending toward to distal end of the elongate member. A...

20060229657 - Single operator exchange embolic protection filter: Systems and methods for transporting and deploying intravascular devices through a body lumen are disclosed. An intracorporeal device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention can include an elongate member with a proximal portion defining first, second and third lumens and a distal portion defining a containment...

20060229663 - Breast and subcutaneous surgery hemostasis apparatus: A hemostasis device for controlling bleeding during a surgery is provided. The hemostasis device includes a first portion, which has a close structure, an adjusting device connected with the first portion, and a second portion connected with the adjusting device. The first portion is affixed to the patient to surround...

20060229661 - Device for building up muscle: To provide a muscle development device comprising a hollow tight fitting band 1 having a tube 5 and a wire-like piece 6 provided therein; and fastening means for use in keeping a length of the tight fitting band 1 in a loop having a desired size, the muscle development device...

20060229662 - Methods and apparatus for a manual vascular compression device: A vascular compression apparatus and method for applying pressure onto an area of a patient generally including a blood vessel and a wound site, such as a blood vessel puncture, after a cannulated procedure for the purpose of controlling bleeding and achieving hemostasis. The vascular compression apparatus includes a handle,...

20060229664 - Methods and apparatus for a manual vascular compression device: A vascular compression apparatus and method for applying pressure onto an area of a patient generally including a blood vessel and a wound site, such as a blood vessel puncture, after a cannulated procedure for the purpose of controlling bleeding and achieving hemostasis. The vascular compression apparatus includes a handle,...

20060229666 - Manipulator: A link mechanism 3 is provided between an operating part 1 and a working part 2. The link mechanism 3 comprises four driving rods 3a to 3d and first and second coupling members of the same structure, 41, 42 provided at opposite ends of the driving rods. First and second...

20060229665 - Surgical instrument with articulating shaft with single pivot closure and double pivot frame ground: 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...

20060229667 - Device forming epilating forceps: The device (10) comprises a stationary body (12), a pincer member (14) comprising first and second pincer branches (14A, 14B) mounted to move in the stationary body (12) between a rest position and a cocked position, return means (16) for resiliently returning the pincer member (14) to the rest position,...

20060229670 - Method and a medical closure system for sealing a puncture: The invention is generally directed to a method for sealing a puncture through a wall of a blood vessel or wall of a body cavity. The invention is also directed to a medical closure system including a closure member, an occlusive material or a composition of occlusive materials....

20060229668 - Method and apparatus for impeding migration of an implanted occlusive structure: A method of treating a hollow anatomical structure of a patient comprises implanting a bioabsorbable fibrous body in a hollow anatomical structure. The body is secured in the hollow anatomical structure to limit migration of the body within the hollow anatomical structure....

20060229669 - Method and apparatus for implanting an occlusive structure: A method of treating a vein comprises accessing a vein at an access point spaced from a sapheno-femoral junction. A bioabsorbable fibrous body is implanted into the vein through the access point. The body is moved in the vein toward the sapheno-femoral junction....

20060229675 - Anchoring system for valve replacement: This present invention provides a surgical rivet, a rivet deployment actuator, a rivet cutting instrument and a method for securing a prosthetic valve to the heart which has the potential to substantially decrease the ischemic time required for valve implantation and allow larger prostheses to be inserted in small annuli....

20060229671 - Suture anchor and suture anchor installation tool: A sterile suture anchor comprising a body with a distal end, tapered planar side walls and a dome shaped proximal end, a cross section of said body forming a triangular shape with at least one rounded end; and a suture aperture transversely cut through the body being dimensioned to hold...

20060229672 - Tissue puncture closure device with automatic torque sensing tamping system: Methods and apparatus for sealing a puncture or incision formed percutaneously in tissue separating two internal portions of the body of a living being with an anchor, a sealing plug and a filament connecting the anchor and sealing plug are disclosed. The methods and apparatus provide for automatic tamping of...

20060229673 - Tissue puncture closure device with magazine fed tamping system: The present invention is directed to methods and apparatus for sealing a puncture or incision formed percutaneously in tissue separating two internal portions of the body of a living being with an anchor, a sealing plug and a filament connecting the anchor and sealing plug. The method and apparatus provide...

20060229674 - Tissue puncture closure device with scroll gear transmission tamping system: Methods and apparatus for sealing a puncture or incision formed percutaneously in tissue separating two internal portions of the body of a living being with an anchor, a sealing plug and a filament connecting the anchor and sealing plug are disclosed. The methods and apparatus provide for automatic tamping of...

20060229676 - Device for fixing and tensioning at least one pulling thread for applying a neovagina: A device for fixing and tensioning at least one pulling thread for applying a neovagina comprises a base body on which at least one fixing element is arranged for fixing the at least one pulling thread with tensioning. The fixing element is able to turn about an axis of rotation...

20060224146 - Method and system for non-invasive treatment of hyperopia, presbyopia and glaucoma: Laser and non-laser means for selective thermal shrinkage of ocular tissue (including cornea, sclera, choroids and ciliary-body) for the treatment of hyperopia, presbyopia and glaucoma are disclosed. The preferred system includes lasers in visible (0.48 to 0.78 micron) and IR (1.4 to 2.2 micron), and non-laser device of radio frequency...

20060224147 - Ophthalmic laser treatment apparatus: An ophthalmic laser treatment apparatus comprises: a main unit in which an illumination and observation optical system for illuminating a patient's eye and allowing observation of the patients eye under illumination, and an irradiation optical system for irradiating a treatment laser beam and an aiming beam to the patient's eye;...

20060224148 - System and method for laser lipolysis: A device and related method for the removal of subcutaneous adipose layers comprises a laser source; an optical fiber for conveying a laser beam emitted by the laser source; and a hollow cannula for guiding the fiber to the subcutaneous treatment area. The cannula has a curved portion at its...

20060224149 - Apparatus and method positioning a therapeutic probe with respect to a therapeutic target: The present invention is of a device and method for positioning a plurality of therapeutic probes with respect to a treatment target within a patient. The method comprises the steps of a) utilizing standard imaging modalities to direct an orientation probe to the target, b) rigidly affixing to the inserted...

20060224150 - Temperature regulating patient return electrode and return electrode monitoring system: A temperature regulating patient return electrode and return electrode monitoring system for use in monopolar surgery, includes a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) material disposed on its surface. The PTC material responds to local increases in temperature by increasing local resistance. This quality decreases the probability of a patient burn as...

20060224152 - Method and system for compensating for external impedance of an energy carrying component when controlling an electrosurgical generator: A control system for use with an electrosurgical generator which delivers electrosurgical energy to tissue has a control module. The module includes a processor executing an algorithm. The algorithm has the steps of determining a sensed voltage value corresponding to a sensed voltage signal output by the electrosurgical generator and...

20060224151 - System and method for projecting a virtual user interface for controlling electrosurgical generator: A system and method for projecting a virtual user interface for controlling an electrosurgical generator is disclosed. The system includes a generator for supplying RF energy to an active electrode, and an interface device adapted to project a virtual interface and infrared light onto a surface in proximity to a...

20060224153 - Catheter system for the treatment of atrial fibrillation: Disclosed are a means and method for rapidly and accurately positioning a toroidal balloon with its distal surface placed tightly against the endocardial surface of the left atrium at a location that is close to the ostium of a pulmonary vein. On the exterior surface of the toroidal balloon can...

20060224156 - Electrosurgical cannulas, systems and methods: Electrosurgical cannulas for use with an electrosurgical generator to thermally treat tissue are disclosed. An electrosurgical cannula for use with an electrosurgical generator to treat tissue is provided. The electrosurgical cannula includes a cylindrical body portion defining a lumen therethrough. The body portion includes a non-coring pointed distal tip which...

20060224154 - Medical instrument and method of use: An instrument for thermally-mediated therapies in targeted tissue volumes or for volumetric removal of tissue. In one embodiment, the instrument has an interior chamber that includes a diffuser structure for diffusing a biocompatible conductive fluid that is introduced under high pressure. The interior chamber further includes surfaces of opposing polarity...

20060224157 - Method for treating fecal incontinence: A sphincter tissue region is treated using a support structure sized for advancement into the anal canal. At least one electrode is carried by the structure. A mechanism is coupled to the electrode to move the electrode between a first position retracted in the support structure and a second position...

20060224155 - Percutaneous or surgical radiofrequency intravascular thrombectomy catheter system and method: The present disclosure relates to intravascular thrombectomy systems and methods for ablating a blockage and preventing the introduction of emboli into the blood stream during and after surgery performed to reduce or ablate the blockage in a blood vessel. The system includes a catheter sleeve having electrodes disposed proximate a...

20060224158 - Electrosurgical forceps with slow closure sealing plates and method of sealing tissue: An Electrosurgical bipolar forceps for sealing tissue is disclosed which includes at least one shaft member having a jaw member disposed at a distal end thereof. The jaw members are movable from a first position in spaced relation relative to one another to at least one subsequent position wherein the...

20060224159 - Intervertebral prosthetic device for spinal stabilization and method of implanting same: An intervertebral prosthetic device for spinal stabilization and a method of using same according to which a body member is implanted between two adjacent vertebrae so that a spinous processes of a vertebrae extends into a notch formed in the body member. A groove is also formed in the body...

20060224160 - Instruments and methods for aggressive yet continuous tissue removal: Devices and methods for aggressively and continuously cutting and removing anatomical tissue. The device may comprise elongated outer and inner tubes having respective proximal and distal ends. The inner tube is moveably received in the elongated inner. A cutting assembly is rotatably received in the elongated inner tube. The device...

20060224161 - Depth gauge apparatus and methods: Various methods and devices for measuring the dimensions of a bone hole or cavity are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a device for measuring the depth of a bone hole includes a depth indicator that is adapted to measure a depth of a bone hole, and a positioning member disposed...

20060224162 - Endoscopic treatment system: This endoscopic treatment system is provided with an insertion-retraction and rotating device for a treatment tool, which performs an insertion-retraction operation along a direction of an axis of a treatment tool and a rotating operation around the axis, of the treatment tool inserted in a channel of an endoscope....

20060224163 - Phaco aspiration flow restrictor with bypass tube: A device for achieving high vacuum stability during phacoemulsification surgery includes a main aspiration line connected to a vacuum source which enables a fluid flow from a phacoemulsification handpiece tip to a drainage reservoir. A first tubing segment is provided in the main aspiration line along with a second tubing...

20060224164 - Surgical access device with pendent valve: A surgical access device, such as a trocar, includes a pendent valve having an elongate structure extending from a proximal end to a septum valve disposed at a distal end. In operation, the elongate structure follows the angle of the instrument to pre-position the septum valve into the path of...

20060224165 - Multi-clip device: A multi-clip device for hemostasis includes an introducing tube (outer sheath) insertable into a body cavity. An operating wire is disposed within the introducing tube, and is advanceable and retractable within the introducing tube. A plurality of detachable clips are arranged in a serial fashion within the introducing tube. Each...

20060224168 - Anastomosis device: Disclosed is an instrument for use in a procedure to effect anastomosis of a patient's bladder and urethra following a prostatectomy having a tube assembly, and an end effector assembly operably supported by the tube assembly. The end effector assembly includes a positioner assembly and an anchor driver assembly in...

20060224167 - Anchors for use in anastomotic procedures: Disclosed is an instrument for use in a procedure to effect anastomosis of a patient's bladder and urethra following a prostatectomy having a tube assembly, and an end effector assembly operably supported by the tube assembly, where the end effector assembly includes an anchor for insertion into and through the...

20060224166 - Handle system and method for use in anastomotic procedures: Disclosed is an instrument and method for use in a procedure to effect anastomosis of a patient's bladder and urethra following a prostatectomy. The instrument comprises a tube assembly, and an end effector assembly operably supported thereby, where the end effector assembly includes a positioner assembly and an anchor driver...

20060224169 - Harness and balloon catheter assembly and method for use in anastomosis procedures: Disclosed is an instrument, assembly, and method for use in a procedure to effect anastomosis of a patient's bladder and urethra following a prostatectomy. The instrument comprises a tube assembly having an end effector assembly operably supported thereby, where the end effector assembly includes a harness adapted to receive a...

20060224170 - Surgical marker clip and method for cholangiography: A surgical marker clip and method for enhancing the safe performance of a cholangiography and cholecystectomy is disclosed. The clips are configured to frictionally engage the outer surface of the duct and are retained in place by light clamping force without damaging the duct. Placement of the clips allows a...

20060224172 - Blood sampling device: A sampling device having a lancing apparatus, and optionally a detector and a meter. The lancing apparatus includes a replaceable cartridge of lancets, each lancet having an independent arming and drive mechanism enabling non-sequential and/or simultaneous firing of lancets. A lancet retainer independently associated with each lancet is movable to...

20060224171 - Puncture device: The present invention relates to a lancing device (1A) that includes a moving member (4) for moving a needle (20b) in an advancing direction (N1) from a standby position to a puncturing position, and also includes a contact portion (36) for contacting with a puncturing target (S). The lancing device...

20060224173 - Body piercing assembly: Apparatuses and methods for a ornamental piercing of body parts are disclosed. Various embodiments of the invention employ a coupling needle in a cartridge which is used to pierce a body part and subsequently detached and replaced with a nut (such as a spherical cap). The coupling needle in the...

20060224174 - Optical obturator: An optical obturator apparatus includes an obturator sleeve defining a longitudinal axis and having a longitudinal bore for receiving surgical instrumentation and a transparent window mounted to the obturator sleeve and being dimensioned and configured to pass through tissue. The transparent window is mounted for movement between a first position...

20060224178 - Expandable medical retrieval device and related methods of use: Embodiments of the invention are directed to a medical device and methods for immobilizing and retrieving material from a patient's body. The device may include a sheath having a lumen, a distal end, and a proximal end. An elongate member is provided including an expansible member connected to a distal...

20060224176 - Guide wire locking mechanism for rapid exchange and other catheter systems: A guide wire locking mechanism for a catheter system includes a motion-limiting component adapted to contact a portion of a guide wire and limit the direction of motion that the guide wire can slide therethrough. The motion-limiting component allows the guide wire to slide in one direction when placed in...

20060224175 - Methods and apparatuses for disposition of a medical device onto an elongate medical device: A percutaneous medical device that may include a stopper having a first end, a second end and a lumen therebetween, the stopper having first state where the lumen has a first cross-sectional area and a second state where the lumen has a second cross-sectional area less than the first cross-sectional...

20060224177 - Thrombus removal system and process: A device captures and assists in the removal of a thrombus in arteries, even in small arteries. The device uses a soft coil mesh to engage the surface of a thrombus, and a guidewire is used to retract the soft coil mesh with the captured thrombus. The soft coil is...

20060224179 - Thrombus removal system and process: A device capable of capturing and facilitating the removal of a thrombus in blood vessels (or stones in biliary or urinary ducts, or foreign bodies) uses a soft coil mesh with the aid of a pull wire or string to engage the surface of a thrombus, and remove the captured...

20060224180 - Vascular protection devices and methods of use: An embolic protection device or system for use in a lumen of a vessel in a patient's vascular system. The device filters debris and blood clots in a body lumen and/or prevents them from moving distally from a treatment site in a vessel and causing emboli. The device may include...

20060224181 - Occlusion detector for dual-port surgical tourniquet systems: A occlusion detector for a dual-port surgical tourniquet system comprises: a tourniquet cuff for encircling a patient's limb and including an inflatable portion that communicates pneumatically with a first cuff port and that communicates pneumatically with a second cuff port independently of the first cuff port; a tourniquet instrument that...

20060224182 - Medical instrument with a contoured axle pin: A medical instrument has a distal end area on which jaw parts are arranged which are movable relative to one another and pivotable about an axle pin. Said axle pin is received in an opening in said medical instrument. Said axle pin comprises a head which is non-circular, and the...

20060224183 - Implantable device: Disclosed is an implantable device (1) to be used in a human and/or animal body for occluding or partially occluding defective openings, hollow spaces, organ tracts etc. for creating a defined connecting opening between walls, organs hollow spaces, etc. Said implantable device (1) comprises a support structure which has a...

20060224184 - Suturing device: A medical apparatus and method useful for suturing tissue is disclosed. The medical apparatus can include a curved needle and an apparatus suitable for providing endoscopic suturing. The apparatus can include a needle drive for driving the curved needle about a generally arcuate path. The curved needle can be deformed...