Surgery inventions 03/07

20070073274 - Method and device for treating dysfunctional cardiac tissue: Various methods and devices are provided for reducing the volume of the ventricles of the heart. In one embodiment, a method for reducing the ventricular volume of a heart chamber is provided including the steps of inserting an anchoring mechanism onto dysfunctional cardiac tissue, deploying one or more anchors into... Agent: Sills Cummis Epstein & Gross P.C.

20070073275 - Ophthalmic microsurgical instruments: Ophthalmic microsurgical instruments may be directly inserted into Schlemm's Canal to allow controlled treatment or removal of adjacent tissues such as the trabecular meshwork or the juxtacanalicular tissues to affect an increase in aqueous outflow and the reduction of intra-ocular pressure. The instrument allows the directed access to Schlemm's Canal... Agent: Gregory Smith & Associates

20070073276 - Irradiation device and method for the treatment of acne and acne scars: An irradiation device (1) and a method for the treatment of acne and acne scars, comprising at least one source of radiation (2), the source of radiation emitting at least one broadband spectrum in the wavelength range of 320-at least 540 nm and the radiation source (2) being pulse-operable and/or... Agent: Harding, Earley, Follmer & Frailey

20070073278 - Cardiac ablation dosing: A method and apparatus for applying energy to a target path on a tissue surface includes moving a proximal end of an energy source in a first direction by a first distance. During a first portion of the first distance, the source is in a non-energized mode. During a second... Agent: Merchant & Gould PC

20070073277 - Controlled guided ablation treatment: An apparatus for forming a lesion in tissue along a desired ablation path includes a guide member having a tissue-opposing surface for placement against a heart surface. A guide carriage is sized to be received within the guide member and moveable along a longitudinal axis of the guide member. A... Agent: Merchant & Gould PC

20070073279 - Variable continuous wave laser: A continuous wave laser is provided to produce isolated surgical effects within selected tissue layers. The continuous wave laser includes a laser source, an optical modulation device, and a system controller. The laser source produces a laser beam which is provided to the optical modulation device. The optical modulation device... Agent: Alcon

20070073280 - End-fire guided ablation: An apparatus for forming a lesion in tissue along a desired ablation path includes a guide member having a tissue-opposing surface for placement against a heart surface. A guide carriage is sized to be received within the guide member and moveable therein along a longitudinal axis. The carriage is configured... Agent: Merchant & Gould PC

20070073281 - Guided ablation with motion control: An apparatus for forming a lesion in tissue along a desired ablation path includes a guide member having a tissue-opposing surface for placement against a heart surface. A guide carriage is sized to be received within the guide member and moveable therein along a longitudinal axis. A flexible tubular member... Agent: Merchant & Gould PC

20070073282 - Resistive heating device and method for turbinate ablation: Devices and methods for thermal ablation of hypertrophied tissue, such as turbinates, with a resistive heating element adapted for insertion into the tissue. The device uses DC current to heat the resistive heating element, and is operated at relatively low voltage levels and low current levels. The device is easy... Agent: Crockett & Crockett

20070073283 - Medical energy manipulation device and method: An energy manipulation device and method provide a figurine representing at least a portion of a living body, one or more energy conduction elements located on or within the figurine to apply energy to predetermined energy flow locations of the living body; and circuitry adapted for energizing the energy conduction... Agent: David W. Gomes

20070073284 - Multiple rf return pad contact detection system: A multiple RF return pad contact detection system is provided which is adaptive to different physiological characteristics of patients without being susceptible to electrosurgical current interference (e.g., interference or measurement interaction between components of the detection system). The detection system can measure or sense the contact resistance or impedance between... Agent: United States Surgical, A Division Of Tyco Healthcare Group Lp

20070073285 - Cooled rf ablation needle: An ablation system includes an ablation electrode assembly operatively connectable to sources of electrosurgical energy and cooling fluid. The electrode assembly includes a hub defining a chamber therein; at least one electrically conductive ablation needle extending from the hub, the ablation needle including a distal end portion configured to penetrate... Agent: United States Surgical, A Division Of Tyco Healthcare Group Lp

20070073288 - Magnetically navigable telescoping catheter and method of navigating telescoping catheter: A magnetically navigable catheter includes a sheath having a proximal end and a distal end, and an extension member having a proximal end and a distal end, slidably mounted in the sheath so that the distal end portion of the extension member telescopes from the distal end of the sheath.... Agent: Harness, Dickey, & Pierce, P.l.c

20070073286 - Method and apparatus for an ocular procedure: A system for denaturing corneal tissue. The system includes a ground element and an electrode coupled to a power unit. The electrode is inserted into a cornea. The power unit provides power to the electrode to denature corneal tissue. The power may be at a level so that the temperature... Agent: Irell & Manella LLP

20070073287 - Method of remodelling stretch marks: A cosmetic method of regenerating the skin in the region of a stretch mark is disclosed. The method comprises operating a source of thermal energy with a low thermal time constant, and directing it at the surface of the skin adjacent to and within a stretch mark forming first and... Agent: Oliff & Berridge, PLC

20070073291 - Implant system for osteosynthesis: A anti-splay and rod securing member for use with vertebral implants of the hook, monoaxial and polyaxial types, in which a pair of arcuate upstanding internally threaded posts define a transverse opening for securing a rod to immobilize bone segments comprises an integrally formed cap and set screw with the... Agent: Harold L. Jackson Jackson Law Corporation

20070073290 - Insertion of artificial/prosthetic facet joints with ballotable/compressible joint space component: A system for replacement of the natural facet joints of the spine is provided. The system is designed to be placed using a minimally-invasive technique, with passage of a unitized prosthesis through a working channel. Alternative embodiments of the prosthesis and method are also provided. The inventor also contemplates a... Agent: Paul Farrell

20070073292 - Percutaneous spinal implants and methods: Spinal implants and methods for performing surgical procedures on the spine are describe herein. In one embodiment, for example, a method includes percutaneously inserting into a body an expandable member having a first configuration, a second configuration and a third configuration. The expandable member includes a support portion and a... Agent: Cooley Godward Kronish LLP Attn: Patent Group

20070073289 - Posterior dynamic stabilization systems and methods: Various methods and devices are provided for stabilizing adjacent vertebrae in a patient's spinal column. In one exemplary embodiment, a spinal stabilization device is provided having a first cross-connector that is adapted to mate to opposed lateral sides of a first vertebra, a second cross-connector that is adapted to mate... Agent: Nutter Mcclennen & Fish LLP

20070073293 - System and method for flexible correction of bony motion segment: A non-rigid system and method for stabilizing displaced bony members include a flexible unit of tethering material coupled to the displaced bony members so as to restore a desired shape, curvature of or relationship between the bony members without excessively limiting mobility of bony members located adjacent to the displaced... Agent: Dorsey & Whitney LLP Intellectual Property Department

20070073294 - System and method for implanting spinal stabilization devices: A system and a method for providing minimally invasive access to the spine of a patient and implanting spinal stabilization devices. The system utilizes one or more post-type access devices. The post-type access device includes a cage with an aperture and two or more posts extending from the cage and... Agent: Akc Patents

20070073295 - Bone anchoring element: A bone anchoring element is provided which has a shaft for anchoring in a bone. The shaft includes a tubular body having two open ends. At least one barb element is connected to the shaft. The barb element is cut into the tubular body. The barb element includes a free... Agent: Christie, Parker & Hale, LLP

20070073296 - Surgical laser guide and method of use: Methods and apparatus for aligning two or more longitudinally space parts of a body, such as leg bones, prior to and/or during a surgical procedure using a laser light guide assembly are described. The apparatus may have a saddle for attachment to a specific body part, and comprises a first... Agent: Locke Liddell & Sapp LLP

20070073298 - Bone plate: A bone plate having a shape of an “X”. The bone plate includes an upper side, an underside facing the bone, a middle part and, adjoining thereon, a peripheral region, which encloses the four extensions of the “X” and in which four plate boreholes are accommodated. The plate boreholes have... Agent: Jones Day

20070073297 - Implant with integral fastener retention: An orthopaedic implant provides a simple yet effective retention system requiring no additional components beyond the implant and the associated fastener(s). A plurality of anti-rotation protrusions on the fastener or screw head that match recesses in the implant. The protrusions engage the recesses to prevent the fastener from reversing direction,... Agent: Gifford, Krass, Groh, Sprinkle & Citkowski, P.c

20070073299 - Suture anchor with insert-molded eyelet shield: A threaded suture anchor with an eyelet shield transversely molded at a distal end of the anchor body, over which one or more strands of suture is looped. The anchor body is threaded and has a tapered distal portion. The proximal end portion of the suture anchor body has a... Agent: Dickstein Shapiro LLP

20070073300 - Red light implant for treating osteoporosis: Red light implants for delivering red light to spinal implants to enhance osteointegration.... Agent: Philip S. Johnson Johnson & Johnson

20070073301 - Apparatus for cutting bone: An apparatus (10) for cutting bone includes a shaft member (12) having a central axis (14) and extending between a proximal end portion (16) and a distal end portion (18). The proximal end portion (16) has a first surface (32) adapted to receive repetitive impacts. The distal end portion (18)... Agent: Tarolli, Sundheim, Covell & Tummino L.L.P.

20070073302 - Minimally invasive surgical driver: A surgical driver including an open frame and a plurality of drive shafts rotatably routed in said open frame.... Agent: Taylor & Aust, P.C.

20070073303 - Bone-cutting circular saw: A power bone-cutting saw system exhibits the cutting efficiency of a circular saw, but retains the practical dimensions of an oscillating saw blade. A circular saw blade, available in a variety of diameters, is positioned at the end of a narrow, low-profile elongated support. The support houses a drive assembly... Agent: Gifford, Krass, Groh, Sprinkle & Citkowski, P.c

20070073304 - Femur alignment guide device: A femur alignment guide device, which can be mounted on the femur vertically to the mechanical axis based only on the mechanical axis without measuring the angles between the mechanical and anatomical axes which are different according to the photographing angle, is disclosed. The femur alignment guide device comprises a... Agent: Park Law Firm

20070073306 - Cutting block for surgical navigation: A bone cutting apparatus configured to guide a surgical instrument during a bone cutting procedure is provided. The apparatus is attachable to a bone and comprises a cutting guide having a resection slot and a fine adjustment block coupled thereto. The fine adjustment block has a first adjustment dial configured... Agent: Bose Mckinney & Evans LLP James Coles

20070073305 - Cutting guide apparatus and surgical method for use in knee arthroplasty: Novel cutting guides and surgical methods for use in knee arthroplasty are described. Embodiments of the inventive cutting guide apparatus include fixed and adjustable cutting guide blocks having a series of slots designed to accommodate a cutting saw. The cutting guides and surgical method are designed to allow for the... Agent: Laura G. Barrow

20070073307 - Methods for placing materials into bone: Cancellous bone is accessed through a subcutaneous access path in soft tissue. A cavity is formed in cancellous bone by a cavity forming tool that is advanced through the subcutaneous access path into cancellous bone and manipulated to form the cavity. A measured volume of bone filling material is delivered... Agent: Daniel D. Ryan Ryan Kromholz & Manion, S.c.

20070073308 - Method and apparatus for emr treatment: A method and apparatus are provided for performing a therapeutic treatment on a patient's skin by concentrating applied radiation of at least one selected wavelength at a plurality of selected, three-dimensionally located, treatment portions, which treatment portions are within non-treatment portions. The ratio of treatment portions to the total volume... Agent: Nutter Mcclennen & Fish LLP

20070073309 - Control of pulse duty cycle based upon footswitch displacement: Phacoemulsification apparatus includes a phacoemulsification handpiece having a needle and an electrical circuitry for ultrasonic vibrating the needle. A power source provides pulsed electrical power to the handpiece electrical circuitry and an input is provided for enabling a surgeon to select an amplitude of dislighted pulses and a pulse width.... Agent: Advanced Medical Optics, Inc.

20070073310 - Method for joining medical devices: A method for joining at least first and second medical devices, and an apparatus comprising joined medical devices. A first tubular structure has a plurality of layers, wherein one of the layers has a portion adapted for joinder to a second tubular structure. The second tubular structure has a portion... Agent: Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione/indy/cook

20070073311 - System and method for intervertebral implant delivery and removal: An implant system provides motion preservation or stabilization between two spinal vertebrae. An associated instrumentation system is capable of delivering and removing the implants from either the anterior, left lateral or right lateral positions. The instrumentation system also provides instrumentation for delivering the implant end plates into the disc space,... Agent: Medicinelodge Inc.

20070073312 - Surgical instrument: A surgical instrument includes an elongate shaft (3) adapted to be inserted within the human body, the elongate shaft (3) being formed of a shape memory material having an initial shape, the shape memory material being malleable at room temperature so that its shape can be changed by hand, and... Agent: Oliff & Berridge, PLC

20070073313 - Apparatus and method for the ligation of tissue: A novel catheter-based system which ligates the left atrial appendage (LAA) on the outside of the heart, preferably using a combination of catheters and/or instruments, e.g., a guide catheter positioned inside the left atrial appendage which may assist in locating the left atrial appendage and/or assist in the optimal placement... Agent: O'melveny & Myers LLP

20070073314 - Manually actuated surgical clip applier: A surgical clip applier is provided having a cartridge carrying multiple surgical clips with a manual graspable actuator configured to sequentially deliver clips to the jaws of the clip applier. Both the cartridge and the jaws are connectable to a scissors-like actuator arranged to translate motion from finger loops to... Agent: Applied Medical Resources Corporation

20070073316 - Fastener for fixing a prosthesis, and device for delivering this fastener: A fastener including at least an element to be anchored in an anatomical support, at least a stop element relative to a planar prosthetic component to be fixed, and a linking rod is characterised in that the linking rod is rectilinear and the junction zones of the anchoring element and... Agent: Carter, Deluca, Farrell & Schmidt, LLP

20070073315 - Systems and methods for closing internal tissue defects: A delivery system having a steerable delivery device and an elastic clip for treating an internal tissue defect, such as septal defects and the like, is provided. The clip can be deformable between a relaxed state and a stressed state and biased towards the relaxed state. The delivery device can... Agent: Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe, LLPIPProsecution Department

20070073318 - Apparatus for manipulating and fastening stomach tissue to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease: A transoral gastroesophageal flap valve (GEFV) restoration device presents stomach tissue for fastening. The device comprises a longitudinal member having a portion arranged for transoral placement into a stomach. A tissue shaper is carried on the distal end of the longitudinal member that shapes stomach tissue within the stomach into... Agent: Richard O. Gray, Jr. Graybeal Jackson Haley LLP

20070073323 - Apparatus for manipulating and fastening stomach tissue to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease: A transoral gastroesophageal flap valve (GEFV) restoration device presents stomach tissue for fastening. The device comprises a longitudinal member having a portion arranged for transoral placement into a stomach. A tissue shaper is carried on the distal end of the longitudinal member that shapes stomach tissue within the stomach into... Agent: Richard O. Gray, Jr.

20070073320 - Method for suturing perforation: A method for suturing a perforation comprises the steps of: observing an area around the perforation from an inside of a hollow organ by an observation device inserted from a natural opening of a living body; observing the area around the perforation from a body cavity side of the hollow... Agent: Scully Scott Murphy & Presser, PC

20070073321 - Method for suturing perforation: A method for suturing a perforation of the present invention comprises the steps of: inserting an observation device into the hollow organ and confirming a proposed incision line for incising the hollow organ; determining a position to be sutured before incising the hollow organ along the proposed incision line; and... Agent: Scully Scott Murphy & Presser, PC

20070073319 - Method for suturing perforation and suture instrument: A method for suturing a perforation formed in a hollow organ comprises the steps of: causing plural end portions of the suture thread to puncture a tissue around the perforation in the same direction as each other; connecting the end portions of the suture thread to each other; and tightening... Agent: Scully Scott Murphy & Presser, PC

20070073322 - Suturing method for penetrating hole: A suturing method for a penetrating hole formed in a luminal organ using a suture material to close the penetrating hole according to the present invention includes the steps of: inserting a needle at a position that is removed from the open edge of the penetrating hole by a distance... Agent: Scully Scott Murphy & Presser, PC

20070073317 - System for interconnecting hollow bodies: A system for joining together two hollow bodies is provided. The system includes a magnetic frame that is placed around a severed end of a hollow body. A positioning member is located and fixed within the lumen of a hollow body. The frame is mounted on a first substantially tubular... Agent: Philip S. Johnson Johnson & Johnson

20070073324 - Method and surgical tool for forming scleral tunnels: A method for making an incision into the sclera of an eye includes the steps of (a) applying pressure to a portion of the surface of the sclera to flatten that portion of the sclera, (b) cutting an incision in the sclera with a linear blade along a line parallel... Agent: Sheldon Mak Rose & Anderson PC

20070073325 - Ultrasonic surgical blade and instrument having a gain step: An ultrasonic surgical blade, and an instrument, having a gain step. The blade body has, in any half wave length of the ultrasonic-surgical-blade body, a first vibration antinode, a vibration node, a second vibration antinode, and a gain step. The gain step is located between the second vibration antinode and... Agent: Donald Edward Mc Innis

20070073326 - Rotating surgical cutter: A rotating surgical system is provided that includes a base, a first member rotably engaged with the base, and a second member fixed with said first member such that said first member and said second member rotate together.... Agent: Rader, Fishman & Grauer PLLC

20070073327 - Method and apparatus for excising skin: A method for excising skin is disclosed, in which a plurality of incisions are made to collectively form a patch of skin to be reduced, instead of making a single large incision of the patch. Thus, scarring after healing is less noticeable. Preferably, the incisions are arranged such that a... Agent: Kaplan Gilman Gibson & Dernier L.L.P.

20070073330 - Balloon catheter having a flexible distal end: A catheter having an elongated shaft with a proximal end, a distal end, and at least one lumen, and a distal portion of the shaft being at least in part within an outer sheath having a wedge-shaped distal end. In one embodiment, the outer sheath around the distal end of... Agent: Fulwider Patton LLP

20070073329 - Balloon catheter with extendable dilation wire: A balloon catheter is provided which may be used to dilate hardened regions of stenosis. The balloon catheter is provided with dilation wires that may be extended so that the dilation wires are disposed adjacent an outer surface of the balloon during dilation. Thus, as the balloon is expanded, the... Agent: Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione/chicago/cook

20070073328 - Incrementally expandable balloon: A medical device including an expandable member such as a balloon, which includes structure that provides for controlled incremental stepwise radial expansion of the expandable member.... Agent: Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione/chicago/cook

20070073331 - Rapid exchange stent delivery catheter: A rapid exchange balloon catheter has a short rapid exchange length for faster catheter exchanges the balloon catheter includes a balloon structure having a balloon leg connected to a catheter shaft. Marker bands may be provided in the balloon leg for facilitating measurement of a dimension of physiological features. A... Agent: Cindy A. Lynch Conor Medsystems, Inc.

20070073334 - Combined electrolytic and mechanical separation background: Apparatus and method are disclosed by which a distal end portion of an elongate member may be deposited at selected sites in body passageways. The apparatus includes an elongate member having a detachable member for delivery to a target location. The apparatus also has a detachment zone adjacent the distal... Agent: Crompton, Seager & Tufte, LLC

20070073332 - Intraluminal filter having a cover sleeve: A temporary filtering device for collecting debris in a body lumen. An embolic filter is utilized that is expandable and collapsible by push-pull action. A filter proximal end is attached to a proximal shaft portion and a filter distal end is attached to a distal shaft portion. The proximal and... Agent: Medtronic Vascular, Inc.IPLegal Department

20070073333 - Low profile filter assembly for distal embolic protection: A filter assembly configured to protect against atheroembolization in a blood vessel. The assembly includes an elongate hollow shaft, a wire slidingly engaged inside the shaft, and an elastic filter membrane. A distal region of the wire is predisposed to form a laterally expanded shape when extended from the shaft... Agent: Medtronic Vascular, Inc.IPLegal Department

20070073335 - Acupressure device: An acupressure ring for use on the outer finger, comprises a ring having a visual indicator visible when the ring is worn and a projection extending inwardly from the inner surface of the ring, the projection being approximately orthogonal to the visual indicator. Such a ring can be used to... Agent: Pearl Cohen Zedek, LLP Pearl Cohen Zedek Latzer, LLP

20070073337 - Clip-based systems and methods for treating septal defects: Systems and methods for treating internal tissue defects, such as septal defects, with clip-based devices are provided. An exemplary clip-based device includes a tubular body having at least a first and a second deflectable member coupled thereto. The first and second members are coupled on opposite ends of the tubular... Agent: Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe, LLPIPProsecution Department

20070073336 - Surgical fastening system and method for using the same: A surgical fastening system for attaching one piece of tissue to another piece of tissue. The system comprises a surgical fastener, an installation tool for deploying the surgical fastener in tissue, and a method for using the same.... Agent: Mark J. Pandiscio Pandiscio & Pandiscio, P.C.

20070073339 - Anastomosis support device and method: An implantable device for flexibly supporting an anastomosis and minimizing the risk of blockage of a lumen by external pressures, adhesions, twisting or kinking, and for providing added structural support to minimize the risk and complications of anastomosis failure such as may occur after surgical creation of an anastomosis.... Agent: Edward T. Tirpak

20070073338 - Supercutaneous method and device for promoting hemostasis in cannulated patient: A supercutaneous hemostatic method and device reduces or eliminates bleeding while a bodily lumen is cannulated. The method involves wrapping a string (3) around a needle (2) protruding from the skin of the patient at a puncture site, pulling the ends of the string (3) in substantially opposing directions so... Agent: Mendelsohn And Associates, P.C.

20070073341 - Method for operating a surgical stapling and cutting device: A method for operating a surgical end effector, includes articulatingly connecting a control handle to the end effector and positioning an articulation joint actuator of the handle to selectively connect with an articulation lock of the end effector such that, when unactuated, the articulation joint actuator automatically connects with the... Agent: Gregory L. Mayback, P.A.

20070073340 - Surgical stapling instruments with collapsible features for controlling staple height: A surgical instrument for being endoscopically or laparoscopically inserted into a surgical site for simultaneous stapling and severing of tissue includes force adjusted spacing between an upper jaw (anvil) and a lower jaw (staple cartridge engaged to an elongate staple channel) so that the height of staple formation corresponds to... Agent: Kirkpatrick & Lockhart Preston Gates Ellis LLP

20070073342 - Annular access device using t-anchors: Suture locking devices and methods. In one embodiment, the device includes a suture lock, a rotatable actuator adjacent to the lock, and a release mechanism. The lock defines a pair of suture holes which receive sutures attached to tissue (e.g. a spinal disc) of the surgical site. When the actuator... Agent: Carr LLP (ist)

20070073345 - Vascular sealing device with high surface area sealing plug: An internal tissue puncture closure method and apparatus. The method and apparatus provide a folded sealing plug that provides more surface area than conventional plugs to more fully cover and seal an external situs of an internal tissue puncture. The folded sealing plug may have a weave pattern that tends... Agent: L. Grant Foster Holland & Hart LLP

20070073343 - Vessel sealing devices: A device for temporarily sealing an opening in a blood vessel is provided. The device comprises a cutting mechanism for creating an opening in a blood vessel and a seal for sealing the opening in the blood vessel. The seal is delivered through an inner lumen of a tool body... Agent: Daniel W. Latham Medtronic, Inc.

20070073344 - Vessel sealing devices: A device for temporarily sealing an opening in a blood vessel is provided. The device comprises a cutting mechanism for creating an opening in a blood vessel and a seal for sealing the opening in the blood vessel. The seal is delivered through an inner lumen of a tool body... Agent: Jeffrey J. Hohenshell Medtronic, Inc.

20070066967 - Method for automatic production of laser cutting lines in laser micro-dissection: A laser microdissection method includes capturing an electronic image of an image detail of a specimen. The image detail is processed using image analysis so as to automatically ascertain an object to be cut out. A nominal cutting line around the object to be cut out is automatically defined. Subsequently,... Agent: Davidson, Davidson & Kappel, LLC

20070066968 - Temperature probe for insertion into the esophagus: The invention relates to a temperature probe (1) for insertion into the human or animal body, having an unfoldable balloon (2) on a catheter (5), on the outer skin (3) of which balloon (2) one or more temperature sensors (10) is/are disposed. The catheter (5) can be moved by way... Agent: Siemens Corporation Intellectual Property Department

20070066969 - Method and apparatus for precursively controlling energy during coaptive tissue fusion: A sidewall of biological tissue which surrounds and defines an opening in the tissue is sealed or fused to occlude the opening by compressing apposite sidewall portions and applying sufficient energy to cause the fibers of the compressed apposed sidewall portions to intertwine and fuse with one another to form... Agent: John R Ley, LLC

20070066970 - Integrated electrosurgical cart and surgical smoke evacuator unit: An electrosurgical cart for use during surgery to support a surgical smoke evacuator unit comprises a first shelf for receiving and retaining a surgical smoke evacuator unit thereon. There is a substantially upright frame for structurally supporting the first shelf. There is also a plurality of wheels for rolling contact... Agent: Leonard Ineson

20070066971 - Method and system for treating pain during an electrosurgical procedure: A system controls an electrosurgical generator that outputs electrosurgical energy. The system includes at least one processor; a procedure control module executable on the at least one processor for controlling the generator to output electrosurgical energy which is optimized for performing an electrosurgical procedure. The system further includes a pain... Agent: United States Surgical, A Division Of Tyco Healthcare Group Lp

20070066972 - Ablation catheter apparatus with one or more electrodes: A radio frequency (RF) ablation catheter has a flexible distal end portion so that it can be deflected to position an antenna disposed in the distal end portion adjacent a tissue site to be treated. At least one electrical conductor is coupled to the antenna and extends through the catheter... Agent: Procopio, Cory, Hargreaves & Savitch LLP

20070066973 - Devices and methods for treatment of luminal tissue: Devices and methods are provided for treatment of tissue in a body lumen with an electrode deployment device. Embodiments typically include a device with a plurality of electrodes having a pre-selected electrode density arranged on the surface of a support. The support may comprise a non-distensible electrode backing that is... Agent: Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati

20070066974 - Methods and devices for ablation: An ablating device has a cover which holds an interface material such as a gel. The cover contains the interface material during initial placement of the device. The ablating device may also have a removable tip or a membrane filled with fluid. In still another aspect, the ablating device may... Agent: Sjm/afd-wiley

20070066975 - Method for creating a channel through an occlusion and apparatus therefor: A method for creating a channel through an occlusion located in a substantially elongated body vessel of a patient, The method uses a channel creating apparatus defining an apparatus distal end portion insertable into the body vessel, the channel creating apparatus including an energy delivery component operatively coupled to the... Agent: Louis Tessier

20070066976 - High-frequency treatment apparatus: According to the present invention, a high-frequency treatment apparatus includes: an electrode assembly electrically connected to the high-frequency generating unit for generating a high-frequency current, the assembly having at the distal end thereof a current-applying electrode for discharging the high-frequency current, the proximal end of the current-applying electrode being covered... Agent: Thomas Spinelli Scully, Scott, Murphy & Presser

20070066977 - Exchange system for axial spinal procedures: An exchange system is disclosed, for providing a protected path to a subcutaneous procedure site. An exchange cannula is provided with a central lumen, and a drill wire lumen that serves as a portal for a drill wire for coupling the assembly to bone. The wall thickness of the exchange... Agent: Knobbe Martens Olson & Bear LLP

20070066978 - Ultrasound medical devices and related methods: Ultrasound medical devices and related methods are described.... Agent: Fish & Richardson PC

20070066979 - Epilator having a long-hair cutter: In an epilation device (1) including an epilation head (3) having clamping means for clamping and plucking hairs, wherein a long-hair cutter is arranged next to the epilation head (3), a protective comb (4) capable of being put on and off the epilation head (3) is provided to cover the... Agent: Chapman And Cutler

20070066980 - Device for use in parietal surgery: The present invention provides a device (10; 110) for use in parietal surgery, in particular for use in laparascopic hernia repair, the device (10; 110) comprising a body (12; 138) at one end of which is located a parietal reinforcement implant (14; 114), in a collapsed state, the device (10;... Agent: Van Dyke, Gardner, Linn And Burkhart, LLP

20070066981 - Anastomotic staple with capillary which expels a bonding agent upon deformation: A surgical fastener for use with an anastomosis of two tissues includes a base leg and an upright leg. The base leg is selectively deformable and includes a traumatic tip for piecing tissue. The surgical fastener also includes at least one capillary disposed on the base leg which has a... Agent: Douglas E Denninger US Surgical

20070066982 - Fistulary catheter: A fistulary catheter for creating a sutureless mucosa-to-mucosa anastomosis. The catheter includes a rigid guide portion having a penetrating point and a fenestrated portion which has at least one fenestration communicating with a hollow interior and terminating in an opening which has an everted rim. The everted rim is desirably... Agent: Wright, Lindsey & Jennings LLP

20070066983 - Device for carrying out rotablation: Device for carrying out rotablation, comprising a rotablation catheter, an OCT sensor, an IVUS sensor, position sensors and also an image processing unit, which is embodied for the creation of combined 2D or 3D images based on the data of the sensors.... Agent: Siemens Corporation Intellectual Property Department

20070066984 - Ear cleaning device: An ear was removal device, having a rod-shaped elongated member, and at least one concave, dome shaped scraping end rigidly affixed to the elongated member of a size sufficient to permit insertion into the ear canal without causing injury to the ear and without pushing a substantial quantity of ear... Agent: Mitchell A. Stein, Esq. Stein Law, P.C.

20070066986 - Surgical instrument with a universal wrist: A robotically controlled endoscopic medical instrument that includes an end effector coupled to a wrist. The wrist provides two separate degrees of freedom about the same pivot point. The end effector can be moved and actuated by pins. The pins allow for a compact minimally invasive medical instrument that has... Agent: Patent Counsel, Intuitive Surgical Inc..

20070066985 - Tissue cutting devices having hemostasis capability and related methods: Various embodiments of a medical device (e.g., tissue acquisition device) having a separate hemostasis capability and related methods of use are disclosed. The device may include an elongated tubular member having a proximal end and a distal end, a tissue cutting member proximate the distal end of the tubular member,... Agent: Finnegan, Henderson, Farabow, Garrett & Dunner LLP

20070066987 - Bone navigation probes: Novel devices and systems are provided to provide safe navigation through cancellous bone marrow spaces attendant to the harvesting of bone marrow. In accordance with a featured embodiment, these comprise a rigid, self re-directing stylet having a proximal, mating end for cooperating with a cannula handle together with a distal... Agent: Woodcock Washburn LLP

20070066988 - Trocar obturator with cutting edges: A trocar obturator includes a shaft having a proximal end and a distal end. The trocar obturator also includes a tip positioned at the distal end of the shaft, the tip including a distally extending blade structure adapted to reduce penetration forces required during insertion of the trocar obturator. The... Agent: Welsh & Flaxman LLC

20070066989 - Balloon catheter having a flexible distal end: A catheter having an elongated shaft with a proximal end, a distal end, and at least one lumen, and a distal portion of the shaft being at least in part within an outer sheath having a wedge-shaped distal end. In one embodiment, the outer sheath around the distal end of... Agent: Fulwider Patton LLP

20070066990 - Device for forming a fluid tight seal during a procedure within a hollow organ: A device for accessing a hollow organ comprises an elongated body sized for insertion into an opening into a hollow organ, the elongated body including a working channel extending therethrough from a proximal opening which, when the seal is in an operative position, is located proximally of the opening to... Agent: Fay Kaplun & Marcin, LLP

20070066991 - Embolic protection device: An embolic protection device includes a basket formed from flexible struts. The struts extend from a first end of the basket to the second end of the basket. The struts form a middle portion of the basket where the struts extend substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis, running between the... Agent: Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione/chicago/cook

20070066992 - Filter delivery and retrieval device: Methods and devices for providing temporary placement of a filter in a blood vessel are disclosed. A filter delivery system in accordance with one exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a catheter having an elongate shaft and a tubular member disposed within a shaft lumen defined by the elongate... Agent: Crompton, Seager & Tufte, LLC

20070066994 - Closure devices, related delivery methods, and related methods of use: A device for sealing a patent foramen ovale (PFO) in the heart is provided. The device includes a left atrial anchor adapted to be placed in a left atrium of the heart, a right atrial anchor adapted to be placed in a right atrium of the heart, and an elongate... Agent: Fish & NeaveIPGroup Ropes & Gray LLP

20070066993 - Intracardiac cage and method of delivering same: A method of preventing ingress of material into the left atrium of a heart includes providing a delivery sheath, advancing the sheath distal end through an opening between the right atrium and the left atrium of the heart, providing an expandable cage, delivering the expandable cage to the left atrium,... Agent: Knobbe Martens Olson & Bear LLP

20070060915 - Arthroscopic surgical temperature control system: An arthroscopic surgical temperature control system and method able to monitor and control the temperature within a surgical site during arthroscopic ablation procedures in order to prevent tissue damage is provided.... Agent: Crockett & Crockett

20070060916 - System and network for remote medical procedures: A system is provided for enabling remote monitoring of a medical procedure being performed on a patient. The system comprises at least one full operator station having a navigation control system for controlling the orientation of a minimally interventional medical device that is to be guided within a subject body's... Agent: Edward Renner

20070060917 - High-efficiency, side-pumped diode laser system: An apparatus for cutting or ablating hard tissue, includes an optical cavity; a gain medium disposed within the optical cavity; a diode light pump disposed within the optical cavity and optically aligned to light pump the gain medium to generate laser light. The generated laser light has a wavelength and... Agent: Stout, Uxa, Buyan & Mullins LLP

20070060918 - Local perfusion device: A device for providing a fluid to a target tissue region of a body vessel is described. The device includes an elongate member having a lumen to receive a fluid, and a structure deployable from a distal portion of the elongate member to channel blood flowing in the vessel. Also... Agent: Fish & Richardson PC

20070060919 - Methods, systems, and devices for performing electrosurgical procedures: Systems, methods, and instruments associated with controlling the operating modes of an electrosurgical instrument using control signals delivered in a wireless manner from the electrosurgical instrument to an electrosurgical generator. The electrosurgical instrument transmits wireless control signals to the electrosurgical generator to initiate delivery of electrosurgical energy. The control signals... Agent: Workman Nydegger (f/k/a Workman Nydegger & Seeley)

20070060920 - Endoscopic resection method: Embodiments of the invention are directed to a method of excising tissue including injecting fluid into the submucosa to raise targeted tissue. A first electrode is positioned below the targeted tissue within the injected fluid and a second electrode is positioned adjacent a surface of the raised targeted tissue opposite... Agent: Finnegan, Henderson, Farabow, Garrett & Dunner LLP

20070060921 - Ablation apparatus and system to limit nerve conduction: An electrosurgical probe including a probe body which defines a longitudinal probe axis. The electrosurgical probe also includes a first and second conductive electrode, each disposed along the probe axis. The surface area of the first conductive electrode is greater of the surface area of the second conductive electrode. The... Agent: Swanson & Bratschun L.L.C.

20070060922 - Fully-threaded bioabsorbable suture anchor: A suture anchor includes a threaded anchor body having a first central bore in communication with a second central bore. The suture anchor includes an internal eyelet formed of a loop disposed at least partially inside the first central bore. The ends extending from the loop are tied together to... Agent: Dickstein Shapiro LLP

20070060923 - Mesh reinforced tissue anchor: A tissue anchor or tack that is reinforced by a three-dimensional mesh for improved strength and structural support for the tissue tack. The three-dimensional mesh may be formed of a bioabsorbable or non-absorbable material and may comprise fibers which are weaved, laced, crosslinked, or glued together, for example. The three-dimensional... Agent: Dickstein Shapiro LLP

20070060924 - Recovery device for balloon kyphoplasty: A recovery device for balloon kyphoplasty is disclosed, in which the entire weight, volume and size of the recovery device and manufacture cost can be decreased in such a manner that a box type synthetic resin body is adapted, the body being designed to properly hold a minimum portion of... Agent: Mathews, Shepherd, Mckay, & Bruneau, P.A.

20070060925 - Preloaded iol injector and method: Apparatus (10) and method for preloading an intraocular lens (30) in a component of an injector device. The intraocular lens is positioned in a shuttle (16) which is positioned inside a distal section (14) of the device. The shuttle, IOL and distal section are positioned and sealed in a vial... Agent: Bausch & Lomb Incorporated

20070060926 - Ultrasonic knife: An ophthalmologic cutting device having a base support section for attachment with a movement generating device and a tip with a blade section. The blade section preferably has upper and lower edges, and a forward aspiration free edge extending between them, with the upper edge having a shorter longitudinal length... Agent: Smith, Gambrell & Russell

20070060927 - Microtaper needle and method of use: The present invention relates to medical needles used in connection with guide wires. A needle of the present invention includes a substantially cylindrical tube formed along a central longitudinal axis. A tapered tube is connected to one end of the tube and has a sharpened end. A channel extends through... Agent: Workman Nydegger (f/k/a Workman Nydegger & Seeley)

20070060928 - Surgical instrument: A surgical device for performing a circumcision includes a hollow body open at both ends thereof. A Y-shaped handle is positioned adjacent an anterior end of the body and has each leg secured to one of two diametrically opposed points on the anterior end. Each leg has a portion thereof... Agent: James Ray & Associates

20070060929 - Treating implement cartridge of living body tissue: A treating implement cartridge for living body tissue has a treating implement which has a plurality of engaging portions engaged with a plurality of engaged portions which are provided at a front end portion of a treatment apparatus inserted into an interior of a body in order to perform treatment... Agent: Ostrolenk Faber Gerb & Soffen

20070060930 - Suturing device, system and method: Improved medical suturing devices, systems, and methods may hold a suture needle at a fixed location relative to a handle of the device, allowing the surgeon to grasp and manipulate the handle of the suturing device to insert the needle through tissues in a manner analogous to use of a... Agent: Townsend And Townsend And Crew, LLP

20070060931 - Suturing device, system, and method: Improved medical suturing devices, systems, and methods may hold a suture needle at a fixed location relative to a handle of the device, allowing the surgeon to grasp and manipulate the handle of the suturing device to insert the needle through tissues in a manner analogous to use of a... Agent: Townsend And Townsend And Crew, LLP

20070060932 - Devices and methods for retaining a gastro-esophageal implant: Various methods and devices are described for retaining a medical implant within a body cavity. According to one aspect, one or more plications are formed and the medical device is coupled to or seated against the plication(s). A patch may be positioned between tissue layers forming the plication so as... Agent: Stallman & Pollock LLP

20070060933 - Curette heads: An apparatus is described including an elongate member having at least one finger positioned at a distal region of the elongate member. The finger, which can be detachable, is arranged and configured for cutting or scraping. In implementations including two or more fingers, distal ends of two or more fingers... Agent: Fish & Richardson P.C.

20070060934 - Scalpel blade protector: A scalpel blade protector comprises an inner housing attached to a scalpel handle, an outer housing and a blade guard slidably mounted between the inner and outer housings for movement between positions exposing and shielding the scalpel blade. The blade protector is attached to conventional scalpel handles. A first embodiment... Agent: G. Turner Moller, Jr.

20070060935 - Apparatus and methods of tissue removal within a spine: In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a cannula configured to provide percutaneous access to a nucleus of an intervertebral disc, and an elongate body configured to be movably disposed within a lumen of the cannula. The cannula also defines an opening. The elongate body defines an internal passageway and an... Agent: Cooley Godward Kronish LLP Attn: Patent Group

20070060936 - Surgical abrader with clear hood: A rotary abrader allowing for improved visibility during surgery and improved aspiration of waste material. This is accomplished by providing a hood or sheath formed of a clear material and is available in various shapes and sizes. Slots are provided on the cannulated tube to provide aspiration of waste material... Agent: Dickstein Shapiro LLP

20070060937 - Safety needle holder: A safety needle holder for eye or body tattooing purpose that provides reliable operation of the needle, prevents the needle from falling out of its place, and avoids backflow of colorant is comprised of an upper holder containing a transmission shaft, a lower holder containing a needle, and a central... Agent: Leong C Lei

20070060938 - Vessel harvesting apparatus: A vessel harvesting apparatus including a shaft and a tip formed as a unit with, and positioned at a distal end of, the shaft. A handle is connected to a proximal end of the shaft for allowing an operator to feed and manipulate the tip. The tip defines a vessel... Agent: Charles J. Prescott, P.A.

20070060939 - Expandable and retractable cannula: An expandable cannula and method for using the expandable cannula to perform minimally invasive, percutaneous surgeries to access the spine or other bone structures, organs, or locations of the body. The expandable cannula includes a tubular body movable between first and second size states and an actuating mechanism on the... Agent: Wood, Herron & Evans (zimmer Spine)

20070060940 - Compressive device for percutaneous treatment of obesity: An apparatus and method for treating morbid obesity in mammals using a gastric reduction assembly that reduces the gastric volume of a stomach and induces early satiety. The gastric reduction assembly comprises at least two or more expandable devices, each able to be adjustably inflated with a fluid (e.g., a... Agent: Patent Department Taylor, Porter, Brooks & Phillips, L.l.p

20070060941 - Systems and methods for removing tissue from a cancellous bone volume: A cavity forming structure is introduced through a percutaneous access path into a selected bone having an interior volume occupied, at least in part, by cancellous bone, e.g., a vertebral body. A cavity is formed in the cancellous bone volume by manipulation of the cavity forming structure. Tissue is removed... Agent: Ryan Kromholz & Manion, S.c.

20070060942 - Method and apparatus for emboli containment: A catheter for use in an emboli containment system includes a flexible elongate member having self-expanding sealing means mounted on its distal extremeity. This self-expanding sealing means can take any suitable form, such as a braided structure formed of a suitable shape memory material such as a nickel titanium alloy.... Agent: Knobbe Martens Olson & Bear LLP

20070060945 - Embolic protection device: A collapsible filter element for a transcatheter embolic protection device, the filter element comprises a collapsible filter body of polymeric material which is movable between a collapsed stored position for movement through a vascular system and an expanded position for extension across a blood vessel such that blood passing through... Agent: Sughrue Mion, PLLC

20070060947 - Embolic protection filter having an improved filter frame: An embolic protection filter having an improved filter frame and method of making the same. In at least some embodiments, the present invention includes an embolic protection filter coupled to an elongate shaft. The filter may include a filter frame assembly having one or more frame members. The frame members... Agent: Crompton, Seager & Tufte, LLC

20070060946 - Embolic protection system: An embolic protection filter system comprises a collapsible embolic protection filter 62 having a collapsed configuration for delivery of the filter, and a deployed configuration and a temporary lumen defining member 60. The lumen defining member 60 is used for loading a filter-containing delivery catheter 63 onto a guidewire 65.... Agent: Sughrue Mion, PLLC

20070060943 - Retrieval catheter: A retrieval catheter (30) for retrieving from a bodily lumen a device (48) attached to the distal end of a pull line (16), the catheter having a wall (32) that defines a catheter lumen (22) and a distal tip (36) that is tapered towards an open distal orifice (38) that... Agent: Morrison & Foerster, LLP

20070060944 - Tracking aspiration catheter: In general, aspiration catheters have a suction device, a proximal portion and a shaft with a proximal end and a distal end. The shaft is operably connected at its proximal end to the proximal portion. The suction device is attached or attachable to the proximal portion to form a continuous... Agent: Dardi & Associates, PLLC

20070060949 - Inflatable tourniquet to aid in establishing intravenous access and method thereof: A device to aid in establishing intravenous access by means of a sequential trapping and displacing of the venous blood in a top to bottom action down an extremity, resulting in a localized increase in the diameter of the veins, due to increased, trapped blood volume. The resulting distention of... Agent: Tina L. Cunningham

20070060948 - Portable hand-operable device for applying pneumatic pressure pulses to an ear canal: A hand-held device (10) for creating a pressure change in a person's ear canal. It has an interior space forming an air chamber (50), a plunger (58) and a valve means (52) frictionally engaged with said plunger (58), a tube (14) with an earpiece (48), and a finger-actuated diaphragm (60)... Agent: Kirk Hahn

20070060950 - Apparatus and methods for delivering sealing materials during a percutaneous procedure to facilitate hemostasis: An apparatus for sealing a puncture extending through tissue to a blood vessel includes a guidewire including an expandable tamp, a retaining sheath for covering the tamp, and a delivery sheath including a primary lumen for receiving the guidewire therethrough and a secondary lumen for delivering sealing compound into the... Agent: VistaIPLaw Group LLP

20070060951 - Atrial tissue fixation device: A simple device is provided that addresses the concerns of safety, efficiency and efficacy in closing the atrial appendage by conventional or minimally invasive cardiac surgical techniques. The device preferable is formed of a generally elliptical body with a through opening and at least two opposing magnetic serrations for closing... Agent: Butzel Long

20070060952 - Surgical stapling device with coated knife blade: A surgical stapling device is disclosed for performing circular anastomoses. The surgical stapling device includes a handle portion, an elongated body portion and a head portion including an anvil assembly and a shell assembly. The surgical stapling device includes a knife blade possessing a lubricious coating which enhances the ability... Agent: United States Surgical, A Division Of Tyco Healthcare Group Lp

20070060953 - Compact suture punch with malleable needle: A suture punch system that is capable of directly passing braided suture through tissue in a simple, one-step process. The system includes three principle components: a malleable needle capable of delivering the suture to the tissue, a handheld instrument for grasping tissue and controlling needle placement, and a force-supplying mechanism... Agent: Akerman Senterfitt

20070055217 - Osteotom: Osteotom (1) for the removal of bone and of bone tumors, as well as of ligaments and fibrocartilagineous tissue, during surgery, comprising a pair of blades (3, 4) slidably coupled so that respective distal ends (31, 41) thereof be closable the one against the other for the removal of a... Agent: Leffert Jay & Polglaze, P.a.

20070055219 - Shaft, e.g., for an electro-mechanical surgical device: A shaft being, e.g., flexible, that includes an elongated outer sheath, at least one drive shaft disposed within the outer sheath and a ring non-rotatably mounted on the at least one rotatable drive shaft and at least one light source mounted within the shaft, such that, upon rotation of the... Agent: Kenyon & Kenyon LLP

20070055218 - Tubular assembly: A tubular assembly such that the assembly remains attached to a tubular structure using a collar and without need for extra parts and also such that a fluid resistant seal is formed between the assembly and the structure. The assembly has a flare on one end and a detent a... Agent: Greenblum & Bernstein, P.L.C

20070055221 - Apparatus for and method of refractive surgery with laser pulses: A method and apparatus for a refractive surgical treatment that uses a laser which produces a succession of laser pulses applied to a material region. The laser pulses irradicates the material region to be divided where the energy of the individual pulse in less than the energy required to produce... Agent: Roylance, Abrams, Berdo & Goodman, L.l.p.

20070055220 - Methods and systems for treating presbyopia via laser ablation: A method for treating presbyopia by performing laser ablation of the sclera involves making incisions into the sclera which are filled in with material which is more elastic than the original scleral tissue when the incisions heal. Such incisions may be placed radially about the eye in the scleral region... Agent: Knobbe Martens Olson & Bear LLP

20070055222 - Iris recognition and tracking for optical treatment: A system and method are provided in which an iris or eye image is taken during a refractive diagnostic analysis. The image is employed for aligning data from the analysis with data from other refractive analysis instruments, as well as aligning a refractive surgical tool, such as a laser, with... Agent: Bausch & Lomb Incorporated

20070055223 - Methods and apparatus for hemostasis following arterial catheterization: A hemostasis device including a resistance heating element for accelerating hemostasis, a blood resistance sensor and a blood resistance indicator, operative to provide an indication of the resistance at the resistance sensor of blood undergoing hemostasis.... Agent: Patton Boggs LLP

20070055224 - Intralumenal microwave device: A microwave device that can be used to effectively treat esophageal pathologies comprises a coaxial, triaxial or quadraxial microwave antenna housed in an esophageal dilator or balloon. The device can be introduced into the esophagus alongside or through an endoscope, and will deliver microwave energy to tissue. This energy heats... Agent: Patula & Associates, P.c.

20070055225 - Method and apparatus for electromagnetic ablation of biological tissue: Apparatus and methods suitable for electromagnetic ablation of targeted tissue provide for improved control over ablation size and shape. In various embodiments, a plurality of dispersive electrodes may be arranged in a circumferential manner in close proximity to a targeted tissue region. The dispersive electrodes may be individually controlled to... Agent: Trop Pruner & Hu, Pc

20070055226 - Electrosurgical electrode with silver: An improved electrosurgical electrode for treating diseased tissue and lesions. The electrosurgical electrode when used to sever tissue is characterized by reduced heating and reduced tissue alteration at the severed surfaces. The active end of the electrode may be the point of a needle or the sharpened edge of a... Agent: Jack Oisher

20070055229 - In tunnel electrode for sealing intracardiac defects: The present invention provides methods and devices for sealing intracardiac defects, such as a patent foramen ovale (PFO) utilizing an electrode positioned in the lumen of the defect such as the tunnel of a PFO.... Agent: Kirkpatrick & Lockhart Nicholson Graham LLP

20070055230 - Methods of treating cardiac arrhythmia: Methods and apparatus of embodiments of the invention are adapted to treat tissue inside a patient's body. Aspects of the invention can be used in a wide variety of applications, but certain embodiments provide minimally invasive alternatives for treating atrial fibrillation by delivering a tissue-damaging agent to selected areas of... Agent: Jones Day

20070055227 - Probe used for an ocular procedure: A medical device used to denature corneal tissue. The device includes a probe and an applanator that can flatten the cornea. The probe has a plurality of electrodes that extend through apertures of the applanator and into the cornea. The electrodes deliver energy into the cornea to denature corneal tissue.... Agent: Irell & Manella LLP

20070055228 - Ultrasonic scalpel device: The present invention relates, in general, to ultrasonic surgical instruments and, more particularly, to an ultrasonic surgical clamp coagulator apparatus (or ultrasonic scalpel) particularly configured to provide hand activation configured in such a way to provide an ergonomic grip and improved control of the scalpel and ease in controlling or... Agent: Roberts, Mlotkowski & Hobbes

20070055231 - Vessel sealer and divider: An endoscopic bipolar forceps includes an elongated shaft having opposing jaw members at a distal end thereof. The jaw members are movable relative to one another from a first position wherein the jaw members are disposed in spaced relation relative to one another to a second position wherein the jaw... Agent: United States Surgical, A Division Of Tyco Healthcare Group Lp

20070055233 - Apparatus and method for repositioning fractured bone fragments using an arc shaped panel and half pins: A system is disclosed for externally repairing fractured bones and facilitating alignment of displaced fractured bone segments without requiring use of an external ring fixator system and tension wires. The system comprises at least one panel member having a plurality of apertures extending from a first side to a second... Agent: Greenberg Traurig, LLP

20070055232 - Flexible image guided surgery marker: A bone marker for use in image guided surgery comprises a support having an anchor mechanism for anchoring the support in a bone. The marker includes at least one reference member which can be detected by an image guided system and which is attached to the support. The support has... Agent: Philip S. Johnson Johnson & Johnson

20070055234 - External fixation system with provisional brace: System, including methods and apparatus, for provisionally bracing an external fixator while the external fixator is reconfigured.... Agent: Kolisch Hartwell, P.c.

20070055240 - Bone anchoring device: A bone anchoring device has an anchoring element, a receiving portion, and a pressure element. The anchoring element includes a shank to be anchored in a bone or a vertebra and a head, the head having an exterior surface with a spherical segment-shaped portion. The shank and the head are... Agent: Christie, Parker & Hale, LLP

20070055241 - Bone anchoring device: A bone anchoring device includes an anchoring element having a head, a receiving portion having a first region adjacent to a second end for receiving the head and a recess which is open towards a first end to form two free legs for receiving a rod. The anchoring device further... Agent: Christie, Parker & Hale, LLP

20070055242 - Device for securing spinal rods: The present invention is directed to a device for securing a spinal rod to a fixation device such as a pedicle screw or a lamina hook. The device disclosed herein includes a head portion configured to receive a spinal rod, a locking cap configured to engage the head portion and... Agent: Wean Khing Wong

20070055244 - Dynamic fixation assemblies with inner core and outer coil-like member: A dynamic fixation medical implant includes a longitudinal connecting member assembly having an elongate coil-like outer member and an inner cylindrical core attached to the outer member at only one end thereof. Some assemblies include a second longitudinal connecting member in the form of a rod that is fixed to... Agent: Law Office Of John C. Mcmahon

20070055235 - Low profile spinal fixation system: A spinal fixation system is provided that, in one form, includes a coupling member having a cam lock member that is fixed against translation therealong as it is turned with turning of the cam lock member causing an elongate member such as a spinal rod to be pushed downward in... Agent: Fitch Even Tabin And Flannery

20070055247 - Marking and guidance method and system for flexible fixation of a spine: A method and system for marking and guiding the insertion of securing members (e.g., pedicle screws) of a spinal fixation device. In one embodiment, the marking and guidance method and system includes the use of a guide tube configured to be inserted into a patient's back until a first end... Agent: Morrison & Foerster LLP

20070055237 - Percutaneous spinal implants and methods: Apparatuses and methods for performing minimally-invasive medical procedures are described. In one embodiment, for example, an apparatus includes an elongate member having a proximal portion and a distal portion are each configured to move from a first configuration to a second configuration and from the second configuration to the first... Agent: Cooley Godward Kronish LLP Attn: Patent Group

20070055245 - Replacement facet joint and method: Prostheses and methods for repair of cervical fact joints. In one aspect, the articulating surfaces of the natural facets of a facet joint are removed only a sufficient amount to allow the insertion of flat or slightly curvilinear portions of prostheses therebetween in an overlapping relationship. The portions are so... Agent: Woodard, Emhardt, Moriarty, Mcnett & Henry LLP

20070055238 - Screw: An element with a thread is created, in which both partial flanks enclose a negative angle with a plane extending perpendicular to the screw axis. Further, a screw or a hook for connecting to a rod, as used in particular in spinal column surgery, is created, wherein the inner thread... Agent: Christie, Parker & Hale, LLP

20070055239 - Spinal fixation system: According to one embodiment of the invention, a spinal fixation system includes a bone screw having a longitudinal access and a fixation rod configured to connect the bone screw to at least one additional bone screw. The fixation rod is lateral to the longitudinal axis. A coupling mechanism includes a... Agent: Foley & Lardner LLP

20070055243 - Spinal fixation system: A fastener assembly for a spinal fixation system that is particularly useful in treatment of pediatric and small-statured patients includes a fastener, an attachment member, and a locking member. The fastener has a lower portion for contacting a bone and an upper portion integral with the lower portion. The upper... Agent: Jones Day

20070055246 - Spine distraction implant and method: A supplemental spine fixation device and method is used in association with a primary spine fixation device. The supplemental spine fixation device includes a guide and spacer for distracting apart adjacent spinous processes and the device has hook members which hook about the first and second spinous processes. With the... Agent: Fliesler Meyer LLP

20070055236 - Translaminar facet augmentation and flexible spinal stabilization: The present invention is an apparatus and method for stabilizing the facet joints of the spine. One aspect of the present invention is the stabilization of the facet joint by insertion of a facet implant through two opposing facet surfaces. The facet joint is not fixedly frozen by insertion of... Agent: Wood, Herron & Evans (zimmer Spine)

20070055249 - Bone plates with intraoperatively tapped apertures: Systems, including apparatus, methods, and kits, for selectively tapping apertures of bone plates, to form threaded apertures during installation of the bone plates (i.e., intraoperatively).... Agent: Kolisch Hartwell, P.c.

20070055251 - Bone plates with movable locking elements: System, including methods, apparatus, and kits, for fixing bones with bone plates having movable locking elements.... Agent: Kolisch Hartwell, P.c.

20070055248 - Bone plating system for treatment of hip fractures: The current invention is a bone plating system comprising a plate and screws. The plate resembles the average shape of the outer surface of the proximal femur (hip region). Cancellous screws through the plate are used to create compression between bone fragments and “locking” screws to create a stable connection... Agent: Thomas M. Freiburger

20070055250 - Cervical plates with spacer mechanism: The present invention is a cervical plate connector system comprising cervical plates and a spacer mechanism. Ridged rails span the entire midline of the plates. Screw holes are cut into the center of one side of each of the two plates. Screws are inserted into the screw holes of each... Agent: Ober, Kaler, Grimes & Shriver

20070055252 - Flanged interbody fusion device with oblong fastener apertures: Methods and devices are disclosed for treating the vertebral column. An integrated fixation device within fastener apertures and screws configured to resist backout of screws attaching the fixation device to bone is provided. In some embodiments, a fastener aperture insert is also provided to resist shear forces acting between the... Agent: Knobbe Martens Olson & Bear LLP

20070055253 - Modular fracture fixation 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 diaphyseal plate having a first end and a second end with a plurality of screw holes... Agent: Gordon & Jacobson, P.c.

20070055254 - Lateral implant system and apparatus for reduction and reconstruction: A bone fixation apparatus and method includes basal implants dimensioned to be installed in bone through lateral insertion into a T-shaped slot. The implants serve as anchors for mounting plates to be placed on either side of a fracture. The mounting plates or anchors may be a mount to which... Agent: Husch & Eppenberger, Llc

20070055255 - Bioabsorbable endosteal fixation device and method of use: A device for repairing biological connective tissues to bone includes a hallowed elongated body. The elongated body is introduced into a tunnel created in a bone and is positioned to retain connective tissues in position with the tunnel in the bone. The elongated body may be used in conjunction with... Agent: Lafkas Patent Llc

20070055256 - Intraosseous fixation device for reconstructing the knee posterior cruciate ligament: An intraosseous fixation device for reconstructing the knee posterior cruciate ligament, comprising a monoblock body (1), preferably made of titanium, formed by a rod (2) that, by one end, is widened to form a tab (3) being a point to receive the double semitendinosus and gracilis cross graft, while, in... Agent: Stites & Harbison Pllc

20070055257 - Cannulated screw access system: The present invention provides a novel minimally invasive surgical system and method for introducing instruments and/or biomaterial into the interior of a bone, particularly the interior of a vertebral body, using a unique cannulated screw that is sized and configured to penetrate the cortical bone and thereby provide access to... Agent: Manelli Denison & Selter

20070055258 - Suture band: The present invention provides a suture band device comprising an elongated flexible band having first and second ends, a needle attached to the first end of the band, a buckle attached proximate the second end of the band for receiving and locking the band, characterised in the that buckle comprises... Agent: Butzel Long

20070055259 - Apparatus and methods for removal of intervertebral disc tissues: Apparatus and methods for removing tissue from an intervertebral disc are disclosed. The apparatus can include an elongated guide tube, a rotary cutting member and a drive shaft. Other apparatus can include an elongated guide tube, an inner guide tube, a cutting head, a rotary cutting member and a drive... Agent: Cyr & Associates, P.a.

20070055260 - Method and apparatus for providing posterior or anterior trans-sacral access to spinal vertebrae: Methods and apparatus for providing percutaneous access to vertebrae in alignment with a visualized, trans-sacral axial instrumentation/fusion (TASIF) line in a minimally invasive, low trauma, manner are disclosed. A number of related TASIF methods and surgical tool sets are provided by the present invention that are employed to form a... Agent: Knobbe Martens Olson & Bear LLP

20070055261 - Systems and methods for creating cavities in interior body regions by propagation of energy: An energy transmitter is introduced into a bone, e.g., a vertebral body, through a percutaneous path. Energy is propagated into the bone by the energy transmitter to create a cavity in the bone. A material is conveyed into the cavity. The material can be, e.g., a bone cement, allograft material,... Agent: Ryan Kromholz & Manion, S.c.

20070055262 - Surgical saw: A surgical saw for cutting bone that can be used with ease in tight places yet maintain sufficient cutting power. The surgical saw 10 has a flexible linear body made of twisted stainless steel wire and cutting parts formed on the flexible linear body. The cutting parts are made of... Agent: Joseph P. Farrar

20070055263 - Tools for percutaneous spinal ligament decompression and device for supporting same: A device for providing percutaneous access to a surgical site. In an embodiment, the device comprises a handle. In addition, the device comprises a bone-cutting member extending from the handle, wherein the bone-cutting member includes a handle end fixed to the handle and a cutting end. Further, the device comprises... Agent: Conley Rose, P.c.

20070055264 - Surgical tool for scraping and collecting bone particles: The tool comprises a handle (10) which bears a scraping blade (30) placed at the front end of the handle (10) and adapted to scrape particles from a bone, a collection chamber (20) of the removed material inside the front end portion of the handle (10), and a passage opening... Agent: Browdy And Neimark, P.l.l.c. 624 Ninth Street, Nw

20070055265 - Devices for limiting the movement of material introduced between layers of spinal tissue: Devices for limiting the movement of flowable material introduced into or between tissue layers of the human spine. The devices can include at least one generally elongated member having a pre-deployed configuration for insertion into or between tissue layers of the human spine and a deployed configuration in which the... Agent: Cook, Alex, Mcfarron, Manzo, Cummings & Mehler Ltd

20070055267 - Methods and devices for treating fractured and/or diseased bone using a mesh structure: A percutaneous path is established into a selected bone having an interior volume occupied, at least in part, by a cancellous bone, e.g., a vertebral body. An expandable mesh structure is introduced into the cancellous bone by deployment of a tool through the percutaneous path into the cancellous bone. The... Agent: Ryan Kromholz & Manion, S.c.

20070055266 - Methods and devices for treating fractured and/or diseased bone using an expandable stent structure that remains within the bone: A percutaneous path is created into a bone having an interior volume occupied, at least in part, by a cancellous bone, e.g., a vertebral body. An expandable stent structure is introduced into the cancellous bone by deployment of a tool through the percutaneous path into the cancellous bone. The expandable... Agent: Ryan Kromholz & Manion, S.c.

20070055268 - Cutting blocks for a surgical procedure and methods for using cutting blocks: Two cutting blocks are provided for preparing a femur for total knee arthroplasty. A first cutting block comprises a block body positionable on a resected distal end of the femur. A first slot is provided in the block body for guiding a saw blade when making an anterior femoral cut.... Agent: Lipsitz & Mcallister, Llc

20070055269 - Implants, instruments and procedure for a unicompartmental knee replacement: Methods and apparatus for a tibial component of unicompartmental knee arthroplasty for creating a combination onlay/inlay pocket in an anterior area of a tibia. The pocket includes a cortical curved rim on one side and on the opposing side, an anterior “window” along the straight edge of a tibial spine.... Agent: Dickstein Shapiro LLP

20070055270 - Navigated lateral /medial femoral resection guide: A multi-piece knee resection instrument for use in forming an anterior cut, an anterior chamfer cut, a posterior cut and a posterior chamfer cut on a distal femur which has already had a distal surface thereof resected which cuts are for the mounting of a prosthetic implant, has a first... Agent: Lerner, David, Littenberg, Krumholz & Mentlik

20070055274 - Apparatus and methods for treating bone: Implants and methods for bone treatment, preferably minimally invasive treatment, including repositioning of vertebrae may comprise insertion of a bobbin having a wire, string, thread or band, coiled around the bobbin. During coiling, the diameter of the bobbing/band complex may increase. Such increase in diameter can push against the inner... Agent: Jones Day

20070055273 - Methods of distracting tissue layers of the human spine: Methods of separating and/or supporting layers of tissue in the human spine. Such methods generally comprise inserting at least a distal end portion of a guide member between layers of tissue in the human spine wherein the distal end portion defines a predetermined shape. A distraction device is advanced over... Agent: Cook, Alex, Mcfarron, Manzo, Cummings & Mehler Ltd

20070055271 - Spinal tissue distraction devices: Spinal tissue distraction devices that include a member which has a pre-deployed configuration for insertion between tissue layers and a deployed configuration in which the member, by change of configuration, forms a support structure for separating and supporting layers of spinal tissue.... Agent: Cook, Alex, Mcfarron, Manzo, Cummings & Mehler Ltd

20070055272 - Spinal tissue distraction devices: Spinal tissue distraction devices that include at least one guide member for guiding a distraction device to a location between layers of spinal tissue. The guide member has a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The distal end portion is adapted for insertion between the tissue layers and... Agent: Cook, Alex, Mcfarron, Manzo, Cummings & Mehler Ltd

20070055282 - Apparatus and method for harvesting bone marrow: A minimally invasive apparatus and method for harvesting bone marrow cells, blood, and bone fragments includes a rigid cannula having a proximal end and a distal end with an opening. The distal end includes a cutting tip that is movable axially and radially to cut and disrupt bone tissue while... Agent: Tarolli, Sundheim, Covell & Tummino L.l.p.

20070055278 - Method and devices for treating fractured and/or diseased bone using an expandable mesh structure that remains within the bone: A percutaneous path is created into a bone having an interior volume occupied, at least in part, by a cancellous bone, e.g., a vertebral body. An expandable mesh structure is introduced into the cancellous bone by deployment of a tool through the percutaneous path into the cancellous bone. The expandable... Agent: Ryan Kromholz & Manion, S.c.

20070055277 - Methods and devices for treating fractured and/or diseased bone using an expandable whisk structure: An access tool is sized and configured to establish an access path through soft tissue to bone having an interior volume occupied, at least in part, by cancellous bone. A cavity forming structure has an array of bristles having at least an expanded configuration and an collapsed configuration. The cavity... Agent: Ryan Kromholz & Manion, S.c.

20070055275 - Methods for limiting the movement of material introduced between layers of spinal tissue: Methods for limiting the movement of flowable material introduced into or between tissue layers of the human spine. The method can include inserting a member between tissue layers of the human spine. The member has a first configuration for insertion of the elongated member between tissue layers. The shape of... Agent: Cook, Alex, Mcfarron, Manzo, Cummings & Mehler Ltd

20070055281 - Methods for treating a fractured and/or diseased vertebral body by incremental introduction of bone filling material: A percutaneous path is established into a vertebral body, having an interior volume occupied, at least in part, by cancellous bone. A first bone filling material is conveyed through the percutaneous path into a region of the cancellous bone. A second bone filling material is conveyed through the percutaneous path... Agent: Ryan Kromholz & Manion, S.c.

20070055280 - Methods for treating fractured and/or diseased bone by introduction of a bone filling material: A flow path is established into cancellous bone within a vertebral body through a percutaneous path. A bone filling material is conveyed into the flow path in a volume and at a pressure that results in an enlargement of the flow path volume. The enlargement can create a cavity and/or... Agent: Ryan Kromholz & Manion, S.c.

20070055279 - Systems and methods for injecting flowable materials into bones: A cavity creation device is introduced into a cancellous bone volume of a vertebral body through a percutaneous access path. The cavity creating device is manipulated to form a cavity in the cancellous bone volume. A volume of filling material is placed in the cavity by introducing a tube through... Agent: Ryan Kromholz & Manion, S.c.

20070055276 - Systems and methods for inserting biocompatible filler materials in interior body regions: Systems and methods for inserting biocompatible filler materials in interior body regions are described. In one described method, an expansible body comprising a body material substantially resistant to at least one of a biocompatible filler material and a chemical component of the biocompatible filler material may be inserted into a... Agent: Kilpatrick Stockton LLP

20070055283 - Systems and methods for placing materials into bone: A method for delivering material into bone deploys a cannula through soft tissue to establish a subcutaneous path into bone. The method deploys a cavity forming instrument through the cannula to form a cavity in cancellous bone. The method introduces a material into the cavity through the cannula, which includes... Agent: Ryan Kromholz & Manion, S.c.

20070055285 - Methods and devices for treating fractured and/or diseased bone using an expandable stent structure: A percutaneous path is established into a selected bone having an interior volume occupied, at least in part, by a cancellous bone, e.g., a vertebral body. An expandable stent structure is introduced into the cancellous bone by deployment of a tool through the percutaneous path into the cancellous bone. The... Agent: Ryan Kromholz & Manion, S.c.

20070055284 - Methods and devices for treating fractured and/or diseased bone using an expandable structure that remains within the bone: A percutaneous path is created into a bone having an interior volume occupied, at least in part, by a cancellous bone, e.g., a vertebral body. An expandable structure is introduced into the cancellous bone by deployment of a tool through the percutaneous path into the cancellous bone. The expandable structure... Agent: Ryan Kromholz & Manion, S.c.

20070055286 - Polyaxial drill guide: A polyaxial drill guide includes a body, a collet and a stem. The collet includes a collet shaft having distal and proximal ends and a longitudinal bore. The body includes a conical bore having narrow and wide ends. The distal end of the collet shaft rotatably mounts within the narrow... Agent: Carter, Deluca, Farrell & Schmidt, LLP

20070055287 - Orthopedic implant insertion instruments: Orthopedic implant insertion instruments for precision guiding of a fracture fixation implant into fractured bone to promote healing are disclosed. The implant insertion instruments comprise an insertion handle for implantation of a first fixation implant, an aiming arm for precise guiding of a second fixation implant into bone, a guide... Agent: Jones Day

20070055288 - Device for umbilicus protection during abdominal surgery: A device and system for umbilicus protection during abdominal surgery; and, especially plastic reconstructive and aesthetic surgery requiring Umbilicoplasty and/or umbilicus transposition is provided. The device embodies an umbilicus shield, which envelops the Umbilicus during abdominal surgery. The device includes a tubular element, having a distal end and a proximal... Agent: Lee G. Meyer, Esq. Meyer & Associates, Llc

20070055289 - Digital stereotaxic manipulator with controlled angular displacement and fine-drive mechanism: A digital stereotaxic manipulator for animal research is provided with two enhancements. In one enhancement, rotary encoders are provided, to allow tilting of the manipulator, about vertical and/or horizontal axes, to be measured within a fraction of a degree. With assistance from software that applies sine and cosine values, orthogonal... Agent: Patrick D. Kelly

20070055291 - Rigidly guided implant placement with control assist: A system for guiding an implant to an optimal placement within a patient includes a trajectory guide for guiding instruments along a selected trajectory and a trajectory fixation device for fixing the trajectory guide in a selected position. The trajectory guide defines a path configured to align with the selected... Agent: Lahive & Cockfield, LLP

20070055290 - Surgical site marking assembly and method of using same: A surgical site marking assembly, comprising a print member having a top surface and a male protrusion formed thereon, the male protrusion having a distal end forming a print face sized and shaped to define a mirror image of a desired image to be transfer printed onto a surgical patient... Agent: Needle & Rosenberg, P.c.

20070055292 - Method and apparatus for endoscopically performing gastric reduction surgery in a single step: An endoscopic gastric reduction apparatus adapted for applying a series of pledgets to anterior and posterior gastric walls for the creation of a mattress stitch suture within the stomach includes an applier having a distal end and a proximal end. The applier is secured at a distal end of a... Agent: Welsh & Flaxman Llc

20070055293 - Device and method for modifying the shape of a body organ: An intravascular support device includes a support or reshaper wire, a proximal anchor and a distal anchor. The support wire engages a vessel wall to change the shape of tissue adjacent the vessel in which the intravascular support is placed. The anchors and support wire are designed such that the... Agent: Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati

20070055294 - Magnetic needle positioner: A device and method for maintaining a curved sewing needle in an upright position when the needle is deposited thereon during suturing or sewing. The device features a base with a top surface on which a curved needle may be removably deposited. Once deposited upon the top surface of the... Agent: Donn K. Harms Patent & Trademark Law Center

20070055295 - Surgical device: A device for automatically providing needles to a sealing apparatus for sealing a puncture in an anatomical structure, the sealing apparatus including a needle insertion lumen and a needle pusher channel having a needle pusher disposed therein. The device may include a housing coupled to the sealing apparatus and a... Agent: Kenyon & Kenyon LLP

20070055296 - Flow control method and device: An arterio-venous graft 16 is provided with a constriction device 20 near its arterial end. The constriction device 20 is used to reduce the flow through the AV graft under normal conditions and to relieve the constriction when high flow through the AV graft is required, such as for vascular... Agent: Luce, Forward, Hamilton & Scripps LLP

20070055298 - Inssertion depth-adjustable needle insertion device: The present invention relates to a lancing depth-adjustable lancing apparatus (1) for moving a lancing element (21) held in a housing (3) in a lancing direction (N1) to lance skin with the lancing element (21). The lancing apparatus (1) includes a lancing depth adjustment mechanism for adjusting lancing depth of... Agent: Hamre, Schumann, Mueller & Larson, P.c.

20070055297 - Needle insertion device: A lancing device (X) comprising a first moving member (32) holding a lancing member (11) moved from a standby position to a puncturing position in a puncturing direction (N1), for puncturing a target portion by the lancing member (11). The lancing device (X) further comprises a second moving member (31)... Agent: Hamre, Schumann, Mueller & Larson, P.c.

20070055299 - Temporary stents and stent-grafts: There is provided A temporary stent comprising a first contractible and expandable stent body having a loosely-interlocked knitted structure formed by twisting at least one filament W in a spiral fashion and being configured to be expanded to form a cylindrical shape as a normal state; a first contractible and... Agent: Armstrong, Kratz, Quintos, Hanson & Brooks, LLP

20070055301 - Balloon catheter device: Balloon catheters are provided having the balloon length is substantially surrounded by an elastic cover. The balloon and the cover maintain a substantially and circular cross-section along the balloon length during inflation. The cross section is able to maintain a uniform size down the length of the balloon during inflation.... Agent: Gore Enterprise Holdings, Inc.

20070055300 - Methods and devices for treating fractured and/or diseased bone using an expandable balloon structure that remains within the bone: A percutaneous path is created into a bone having an interior volume occupied, at least in part, by a cancellous bone, e.g., a vertebral body. An expandable balloon structure is introduced into the cancellous bone by deployment of a tool through the percutaneous path into the cancellous bone. The expandable... Agent: Ryan Kromholz & Manion, S.c.

20070055302 - Vaso-occlusive delivery device with kink resistant, flexible distal end: A device for delivering an occlusive element includes an elongate sheath having a lumen therein. An elongate core member is disposed within the lumen and is formed from a proximal portion and distal portion connected via a joint. The distal portion of the elongate member includes a severable junction secured... Agent: Vista Ip Law Group LLP

20070055303 - Endovascular splinting devices and methods: A method for placing a splint assembly transverse a heart chamber includes providing an elongate member having a first end and a second end and a deployable heart-engaging assembly connected to at least the first end. The method includes advancing the elongate member through vasculature structure and into the heart... Agent: Finnegan, Henderson, Farabow, Garrett & Dunner LLP

20070055304 - Electromechanical driver and remote surgical instrument attachment having computer assisted control capabilities: A medical tool comprising an electromechanical driver and a surgical instrument attachment for use in invasive surgery, including a handle coupled to a flexible sheath which is in turn coupled to a surgical attachment. The handle of the driver includes the electromechanical driver and at least one processor element which... Agent: Kenyon & Kenyon LLP

20070055305 - Biodegradable and/or bioabsorbable member for vascular sealing: An implantable, bioresorbable and/or biodegradable sealing member, such as a staple, clip, snap or rivet, is used for clamping vessels, vessel side-branches, aneurysms, or any other tube like body-parts or for sealing vascular access sites and wound site management. The implantable, bioresorbable and/or biodegradable member comprises a combination of materials... Agent: Norris, Mclaughlin & Marcus, P.a.

20070055306 - Traction apparatus for the cervical vertebrae: A traction apparatus for cervical vertebrae for elongating the cervical vertebrae with the cervical vertebrae being stooped in response to the manipulation of a user. Force is only concentrated to the rear part of the neck, such that impact or pressure is not applied to the chin, thereby preventing TMJ... Agent: Dickstein Shapiro LLP

20070049908 - Apparatus for automatic replacement of instruments during minimally invasive procedures: The invention relates to an apparatus for automatic replacement of instruments during minimally invasive procedures, comprising a housing, an outlet element for an instrument, a selection unit and a guide element.... Agent: Siemens Corporation Intellectual Property Department

20070049909 - Magnetically enabled optical ablation device: A device for ablating material from a body lumen, the device including an elongate element having a longitudinal axis, the element having a proximal end, a distal end, and lumen therebetween; and means for delivering optical energy from the distal end of the elongate element at an angle with respect... Agent: Harness, Dickey, & Pierce, P.l.c

20070049910 - Eye-safe photocosmetic device: Devices and methods for treating tissue with radiation, including light and other optical radiation, in a manner that is eye-safe are described. In one embodiment, a photocosmetic treatment device has a cavity into which tissue to be treated is drawn. The device determines whether the tissue is safe to treat... Agent: Nutter Mcclennen & Fish LLP

20070049911 - Endovascular method and apparatus with feedback: An apparatus for delivering energy, and in particular laser energy, to a tissue is adapted to minimize or eliminate burn back caused by contact between the energy delivery apparatus and bodily fluids by (I) preventing the energy delivery apparatus from contacting bodily fluids or tissues that might burn or cause... Agent: Bacon & Thomas, PLLC

20070049912 - Detachable cryosurgical probe: A cryosurgical probe system includes a fluid supply line connectable at an inlet section to a source of cryogenic fluid; a fluid connector assembly securely connected to an outlet section of the fluid supply line for receiving fluid from the outlet section of the fluid supply line; and, a detachable... Agent: Lawrence N. Ginsberg

20070049913 - Method and apparatus for treating meibomian gland dysfunction employing fluid jet: According to the present invention, there is provided a method of treating meibomian gland dysfunction in a mammal wherein an occlusion blocks at least a portion of the flow of naturally occurring secretion out of a gland channel orifice. The invention comprises selecting a device capable of delivering a jet... Agent: Robert G. Rosenthal

20070049915 - Method and devices for cardiac radiofrequency catheter ablation: Embodiments of the invention comprise methods and devices that allow quantification of blood convective cooling at the cardiac RF catheter ablation site and allow for prediction of lesion size and/or computation of RF energy parameters and characteristics.... Agent: W.c. Hood, Jr Suite 305

20070049914 - Return electrode pad with conductive element grid and method: An electrosurgical return electrode for use in monopolar surgery is disclosed. The return electrode includes a conductive pad which includes a plurality of conductive elements, forming a grid. A plurality of temperature sensors are each operatively engaged with a respective one of the plurality of conductive elements. A connection device... Agent: United States Surgical, A Division Of Tyco Healthcare Group Lp

20070049916 - Tuned return electrode with matching inductor: An electrosurgical return electrode for use in electrosurgery. The return electrode is self-limiting and self-regulating as to current temperature and temperature rise so as to prevent patient trauma. According to one aspect of the invention, an inductor is coupled in series with the electrosurgical return electrode. The inductor is configured... Agent: Workman Nydegger (f/k/a Workman Nydegger & Seeley)

20070049917 - Floating sleeve microwave antenna for tumor ablation: An antenna for microwave tumor ablation provides coaxial antenna conductors surrounded by an insulated sleeve of length and size promoting destructive interference of axial microwave energy passing inside and outside of the sleeve to limit the tail of SAR power toward the skin.... Agent: Boyle Fredrickson Newholm Stein & Gratz, S.c.

20070049918 - Microwave device for vascular ablation: A method and system delivers microwave energy to a vessel, such as a vein for the treatment of varicose veins, in a controllable heating pattern and to provide relatively fast heating and ablation of the vessel. The method and system comprises a microwave delivery device for heating the vessel, and... Agent: Patula & Associates, P.C.

20070049920 - Fluid-assisted medical devices, fluid delivery systems and controllers for such devices, and methods: Medical devices, methods and systems for treating tissue are provided. An exemplary system comprises a fluid from a fluid source, a surgical device which provides energy and the fluid to the tissue and a control mechanism which changes a flow rate of fluid provided from the surgical device and changes... Agent: Merchant & Gould P.C. Attn: Mara E. Deboe

20070049919 - Radiofrequency ablation with independently controllable ground pad conductors: A radiofrequency ablation system provides multiple ground pads and active control of current flow through the ground pads to provide improved power sharing at the tissue near the ground pads reducing risk of patient skin burns for higher power ablation generators.... Agent: Boyle Fredrickson Newholm Stein & Gratz, S.c.

20070049921 - High frequency treatment instrument: A high-frequency treatment instrument is provided with an electrode for treatment for performing a high-frequency treatment at a treatment portion. The treatment portion protrudes from an insertion portion having an electrical insulation. The treatment portion protruding from the insertion portion is provided with the electrode for treatment provided with a... Agent: Scully Scott Murphy & Presser, PC

20070049924 - Ablation catheter for setting a lesion: Ablation catheter for setting a lesion, which catheter contains an ablation element that can be slid out of a catheter sleeve and has a looped section which, when said element is slid out, will self-expand into an automatically or manually imposed pre-specified shape corresponding to the actual shape of the... Agent: Siemens Corporation Intellectual Property Department

20070049923 - Device and method for needle-less interstitial injection of fluid for ablation of cardiac tissue: Methods and apparatus for delivering precise amounts of fluid under pressure into cardiac tissue for the purpose of facilitating ablation of the tissue along a desired lesion line. One method injects fluid under pressure through a discharge orifice in a needle-less injection device. The injected fluid can be a cytotoxic... Agent: James R. Keogh Medtronic, Inc.

20070049925 - Methods for creating transmural lesions: An ablation system includes an ablation source, an ablation probe having an ablation element coupled to a power terminal of the generator, and a ground probe coupled to a return terminal of the generator, the ground probe configured to be inserted within a body during use. One of the ablation... Agent: VistaIPLaw Group LLP

20070049922 - Retractable electrosurgical electrode: A manually supported electrosurgical device comprises an elongated electrode supported for motion within an insulated housing so that in one position its operating end extends from the housing into a surgically useful position and in another position its operating end is retracted within the housing. A spring has one end... Agent: Gifford, Krass, Groh, Sprinkle & Citkowski, P.c

20070049926 - Handheld electrosurgical apparatus for controlling operating room equipment: A system and apparatus for controlling operating room equipment during an electrosurgical procedure is disclosed. The system includes an electrosurgical generator, a controller in electrical communication with and configured to control the electrosurgical generator and at least one operating room device, and a handpiece having a housing and a cable... Agent: United States Surgical, A Division Of Tyco Healthcare Group Lp

20070049927 - Electrosurgical pencil with a light: An electrosurgical pencil is provided having a light source for illuminating a tissue area of interest. In various embodiments, the light source is a fixed part of the electrosurgical pencil body or the cutting element. The light source may be electrically connected to the power source of the electrosurgical pencil... Agent: Manuel F. De La Cerra

20070049928 - Nickel titanium alloy electrosurgery instrument: An electrosurgical instrument including a Nickel Titanium alloy electrode that reduces eschar build-up during surgical procedures. Electrosurgical instruments conforming to aspects of the invention include electrosurgery blades, laparoscopic electrodes, and electrosurgery forceps including one or more Nickel Titanium alloy electrodes.... Agent: Dorsey & Whitney, LLP Intellectual Property Department

20070049929 - Apparatus and method for manipulating or retracting tissue and anatomical structure: Intergrated systems and associated method for manipulating tissues and anatomical or other structures in medical applications for the purpose of treating diseases or disorders or other purposes. In one aspect, the system includes a delivery device configured to deploy and implant anchoring devices for such purposes.... Agent: Fulwider Patton

20070049930 - External fixation system and method of use: An external fixation system for connecting one or more bone segments together to facilitate healing of bone. The system may include one or more rings and/or ring segments. One or more linear distractors and/or angular distractors may connect the rings to each other so as to allow for distraction and/or... Agent: Jones Day

20070049936 - Alignment instrument for dynamic spinal stabilization systems: Several aspects of alignment systems and methods used in spinal surgery are disclosed. For instance, in one aspect, there is disclosed an alignment instrument comprising a first alignment member for coupling to a spinal stabilization system at one location, a second alignment member for coupling to the spinal stabilization system... Agent: Carr LLP (ist)

20070049931 - Instruments for minimally invasive stabilization of bony structures: Systems for positioning a connecting element adjacent the spinal column in minimally invasive procedures include installation instruments that guide the connecting element from a location remote from one or more anchors to a location proximate to the one or more anchors. The installation instruments include extensions mountable to anchors engageable... Agent: Krieg Devault LLP

20070049933 - Multi-axial spinal pedicle screw: Disclosed is a multi-axial spinal pedicle screw engaged with a spinal rod and inserted into and fixed to a pedicle. The multi-axial spinal pedicle screw includes: a screw rod in which a spherical articulation is integrally formed at an upper portion thereof, the screw rod being inserted into and fixed... Agent: Grossman, Tucker, Perreault & Pfleger, PLLC

20070049934 - Percutaneous spinal implants and methods: Apparatuses and methods for performing minimally-invasive medical procedures are described. In one embodiment, for example, an apparatus includes an elongate member having a proximal portion configured to move repeatedly between a first configuration and a second configuration. At least a section of the proximal portion is collapsed in the first... Agent: Cooley Godward Kronish LLP Attn: Patent Group

20070049935 - Percutaneous spinal implants and methods: Apparatuses and methods for performing minimally invasive medical procedures are disclosed herein. In one example, an apparatus includes a first body coupled to a second body. The first body and the second body collectively configured to be releasably coupled to an implant device configured to be disposed between adjacent spinous... Agent: Cooley Godward Kronish LLP Attn: Patent Group

20070049932 - Rod to rod connector: The invention is a rod to rod connector that can be used to interconnect two generally parallel spinal rods of a spinal rod and anchor system. The connector comprises a transverse rod and two pairs of clamping bodies, one for each spinal rod. Each pair connects one of the longitudinal... Agent: Synnestvedt & Lechner, LLP

20070049937 - Rod-shaped implant element for the application in spine surgery or trauma surgery and stabilization device with such a rod-shaped implant element: A rod-shaped implant element is provided for connecting at least two bone anchoring elements. Each bone anchoring element includes an anchoring section to be anchored in the bone and a receiver member to be connected to the rod-shaped implant element. The rod-shaped implant element includes, a longitudinal axis, at least... Agent: Christie, Parker & Hale, LLP

20070049940 - Intramedullary nail assembly with fixed securement and associated method: An intramedullary nail assembly for use in a medullary canal of a long bone is provided. The assembly includes a nail for positioning at least partially in the medullary canal. The nail defines an aperture through the nail. The nail assembly also includes a screw. The screw is fittably positioned... Agent: Philip S. Johnson Johnson & Johnson

20070049938 - Intramedullary nail assembly with locking component, locking component and nail for use therewith: An intramedullary nail assembly for use in a medullary canal of a long bone is provided. The assembly includes a nail for positioning at least partially in the medullary canal. The nail defines an aperture through the nail. The assembly also includes a screw fittably positioned in the aperture of... Agent: Philip S. Johnson Johnson & Johnson

20070049939 - Intramedullary nail assembly with sleeve and screw for use therewith: An intramedullary nail assembly for use in a medullary canal of a long bone is provided. The assembly includes a nail for positioning at least partially in the medullary canal. The nail defines an aperture through the nail. The assembly also includes a fastener fittably positioned in the aperture of... Agent: Philip S. Johnson Johnson & Johnson

20070049941 - Plate with stabilization: A spinal fusion plate includes a means to support an adjacent vertebral segment to inhibit the adjacent vertebral segment from further degeneration. The means to support includes an attachment to an associated artificial disc or nucleus replacement, an extension, or an attachment to a bone anchor. In each case, the... Agent: Holland & Hart, LLP

20070049943 - Bi-directional fixating transvertebral body screws, zero-profile horizontal intervertebral miniplates, total 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 worm drive screw, a spur gear and superior and inferior screws which turn simultaneously in a bi-directional manner. A rotating mechanism drives the first and second screw... Agent: Mcgrath, Geissler, Olds & Richardson, PLLC

20070049944 - Method and apparatus for soft tissue fixation: A positioning member may be released to move an anchor member to a holding position. The positioning member being operable to be held in a selected orientation until the anchor member is in a selected position.... Agent: Harness, Dickey & Pierce, P.L.C

20070049942 - Soft body tissue remodeling methods and apparatus: Soft body tissue structure can be remodeled by shortening the distance between first and second portions of that tissue structure. First and second anchor structures are respectively implanted in the first and second portions of the tissue structure. These anchor structures are linked by a linking structure, the length of... Agent: Fish & NeaveIPGroup Ropes & Gray LLP

20070049945 - Apparatus and methods to install, support and/or monitor performance of intraosseous devices: Various types of supporting structures, supporting devices, attachment mechanisms and attachment techniques may be provided to support and/or stabilize an intraosseous device installed at a target site in a patient. Various methods and procedures may also be provided to releasably engage a supporting structure or supporting device proximate a target... Agent: Baker Botts L.L.P. Patent Department

20070049946 - Separable introducers and medical devices by using a capillary and a method for separating the same: The invention is a medical apparatus comprising a separable introducer, sheath, catheter, cannula, or needle, each having a wall and a length; and at least one capillary defined within the wall of a hub or along the length of the introducer, sheath, catheter, cannula, or needle to provide a corresponding... Agent: Daniel L. Dawes Myers Dawes Andras & Sherman LLP

20070049951 - Apparatus alignment device: An alignment device for an apparatus. The apparatus is configured to selectively receive a first implement having a first width and a second implement having a second width, the first and second widths extending in a transverse direction generally orthogonal to an insertion axis direction of the first and second... Agent: Greenblum & Bernstein, P.L.C

20070049947 - Cinch control device: A mechanism for opening and closing jaws of a medical instrument. The mechanism includes a cinch configured to selectively move in opposite directions along a longitudinal axis, the cinch comprising a pair of control members each having an inner control surface and an outer control surface, and a jaw assembly... Agent: Greenblum & Bernstein, P.L.C

20070049949 - Clip feeder mechanism for clip applying device: An advancement block for a clip applying device. The advancement block includes a body that proximally slides in the axial direction when a trigger is squeezed, and further distally slides in the axial direction when the trigger is released, and a toggle pivotably connected to the body, the toggle pivoting... Agent: Greenblum & Bernstein, P.L.C

20070049950 - Medical clip applying device: A medical clip applying device for crimping a clip. The device has a body assembly having a handle and a squeezable trigger, a barrel having a first end extending into the body assembly, a pair of jaws arranged on a second end of the barrel, the jaws actuable by squeezing... Agent: Greenblum & Bernstein, P.L.C

20070049948 - Trigger lockout device for clip applying instrument: A trigger lockout device for a clip applying instrument. The lockout device includes a displaceable slider actuable by squeezing a trigger slidable in first and second directions a longitudinal axial direction within the barrel, and a block disposed within the barrel. When a first number of clips have not been... Agent: Greenblum & Bernstein, P.L.C

20070049952 - Apparatus and method for mitral valve repair without cardiopulmonary bypass, including transmural techniques: A method and apparatus for repairing the heart's mitral valve by using anatomic restoration without the need to stop the heart, use a heart-lung machine or making incisions on the heart. The method involves inserting a leaflet clamp through the heart's papillary muscle from which the leaflet has been disconnected,... Agent: Caesar, Rivise, Bernstein, Cohen & Pokotilow, Ltd.

20070049953 - Suture reinforcement material for automatic suturing device: The present invention relates to a tubular suture reinforcement material suitable for use in automatic suturing devices that are widely used in surgical operations, etc. More specifically, the present invention relates to a tubular suture reinforcement material with which a tubular shape is easily obtained to thereby increase its productivity,... Agent: Knobbe Martens Olson & Bear LLP

20070049954 - Esophageal and intestinal coupling devices: A surgical apparatus and method for joining esophageal, intestinal, or other tubular tissue segments comprises a delivery tube and a delivery docking member each carrying a coupling member seated at its distal end for delivering the coupling members to a terminal location in a respective tissue segment. An actuating rod... Agent: Hodgson Russ LLP

20070049955 - Oral hygiene device: An oral hygiene device includes an anti-microbial compound which is applied to tissues in the mouth to freshen breath or otherwise inhibit the growth of bacteria. In one embodiment, the anti-microbial compound is combined with a tongue scraper to remove bacteria and other contaminants from the tongue prior to application... Agent: Randall B. Bateman BatemanIPLaw Group

20070049956 - Tongue cleaning device with dissolvable blister: A device for cleaning the tongue and mouth is formed to have beneficial surface features. Depressions are formed on one surface of the device to facilitate adhering the device to the roof of the mouth. Dissolvable blisters are formed on one surface to contain and deliver a material, such as... Agent: Vierra Magen Marcus & Deniro LLP

20070049957 - Ccutter: The CCUTTER is an innovative ophthalmologic surgical instrument that greatly facilitates the performance of cataract surgery. Cataract surgery is the most frequently performed surgery in the United States, with over one million cataract surgeries done each year. A cataract is a clouding of the eye's internal lens, which interferes with... Agent: Pedro Benitez

20070049958 - Spiral cut curved blade: An arthroscopic shaver with an outer tubular member and an inner tubular member rotatably disposed within the outer tubular member. The inner tubular member has a proximal end portion and a distal end portion, with a cutting means on the distal end portion. The inner tubular member has a plurality... Agent: Dickstein Shapiro LLP

20070049959 - Device for sampling blood: A blood sampling device includes a lancet having a skin piercing member disposed at an end thereof. The lancet is slidable within and releasably engaged with an elongated lancet guide that remains stationary with use of the device. A shell is axially movable relative to the lancet guide between a... Agent: Dority & Manning, P.A.

20070049960 - Method of implanting a multi-lumen catheter: A catheter tunneling device (100) including a tunneler (110) including a proximal tip (112), a distal end (114), and an elongated body (118) extending between the proximal tip and the distal end. The device further includes an adapter (120) including a generally elongated body (122) having a distal end (126)... Agent: Monte & Mcgraw, PC

20070049961 - Inflation device for use in orthopedic operations: An inflation device suitable for use in the orthopedic operations includes an inflation body, which is a tubular body with an open end and a closed end; and a connector connected to the open end of the inflation body, wherein a pre-formed inflatable chamber is provided at or close to... Agent: Bacon & Thomas, PLLC

20070049963 - Direct vision port site dissector: A direct vision port dissector for providing safe entry into a body cavity and placement of a standard laparoscopic port for use in laparoscopic surgery. The device comprises an elongate tubular housing within which a laparoscope is placed. Formed at the distal-most opening of the tubular housing is a dissector... Agent: Pepper Hamilton LLP One Mellon Center

20070049962 - Nerve surveillance cannulae systems: An expandable tip cannula system, comprising: a hollow cannula shaft having a proximal end and a distal end; and an expandable tip mounted at the distal end of the hollow cannula shaft, the expandable tip comprising a plurality of generally-triangular shaped petals held together in a radially-inwardly tapered arrangement between... Agent: Jonathan Spangler Nu Vasive, Inc.

20070049965 - Emboli and thrombi filter device and method of using the same: A filter basket device includes two shaft wires, a filter basket adapted to capture emboli and thrombi, and an actuation handle. The shaft wires are loosely twisted together so that they remain adjacent to each other, and yet are able to slide relative to each other with little friction and... Agent: Gordon & Jacobson, P.C.

20070049964 - Intraluminal filter for distal protection: The present invention is an intraluminal filtering device for collecting debris in a body lumen. The filter includes a proximal filter portion for receiving debris attached to a distal filter portion for collecting debris. The proximal filter portion includes a plurality of non-overlapping components that are joined together to form... Agent: Medtronic Vascular, Inc.IPLegal Department

20070049966 - Surgical instrument: A surgical access system (100) comprises an access port (5), a rigid cannula having a shaft (11) and a laparoscopic surgical instrument (101). The access port (5) comprises a seal (6) and a retractor. The retractor comprises a distal O-ring (71), an outer proximal ring member (77), an inner proximal... Agent: Finnegan, Henderson, Farabow, Garrett & Dunner LLP

20070049967 - Vascular closure methods and apparatuses: A vascular closure device comprising a retrievable sheath-delivered contractible, clip device with structural radial or terminal members with terminal and non-terminal hooks that engage the vessel wall. Unlike other vascular closure clips, this device is delivered on the outside rather than the inside of sheath. Closure of the tissue opening... Agent: V. Gerald Grafe, Esq.

20070049968 - Vascular opening edge eversion methods and apparatuses: Tissue eversion apparatuses and methods suitable for use, as examples, with vascular closure devices. The tissue eversion apparatuses comprise a tissue engaging element, disposed within a delivery sheath. The delivery sheath protects the tissue engaging element and the surrounding tissue during use. The tissue engaging element can extend from the... Agent: V. Gerald Grafe, Esq.

20070049969 - Mechanical method and apparatus for sequential tissue fastening: A mechanical system for rotatably, sequentially securing opposing sides of a tissue wound with a fastener. An applicator apparatus is capable of imparting rotatable motion to a falcate tissue penetrator that sequentially pierces and carries a fastener into a first side and a second side of the tissue wound. The... Agent: Patterson, Thuente, Skaar & Christensen, P.A.

20070049971 - Method and apparatus for closing off a portion of a heart ventricle: Apparatus and methods to reduce ventricular volume are disclosed. The device takes the form of a transventricular anchor, which presses a portion of the ventricular wall inward, thereby reducing the available volume of the ventricle. The anchor is deployed using a curved introducer that may be inserted into one ventricle,... Agent: Gregory Smith & Associates

20070049970 - Suture-based systems and methods for treating septal defects: A system for treating a septal defect having a suture-like implantable treatment apparatus and devices for delivering the implantable treatment apparatus and methods for treating a septal defect are provided. The suture-like apparatus is preferably implantable through a septal wall or portion thereof. The treatment system can include a flexible... Agent: Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe, LLPIPProsecution Department

20070049972 - Method and apparatus for locating a pacifier: A pacifier locator system comprising a pacifier including a housing, a speaker located within said housing, a light source associated with said pacifier, a transmitter capable of transmitting at least one signal and a receiver associated with said pacifier, wherein said speaker emits an audible tone upon receiving said at... Agent: West & Associates, A PC