Surgery inventions 04/07

20070093791 - Device for removal of fastening means from human tissue: A device for removal of fastening means from human tissue. The device comprises a shaft having proximal and distal ends and a longitudinal centre line. The distal end comprises a thread section having a centre line that is coaxial with the longitudinal centre line of the shaft and a left-hand... Agent: Banner & Witcoff, Ltd.

20070093792 - In vivo accessories for minimally invasive robotic surgery: Surgical accessories are presented in vivo and used by surgical tools in the surgical site to perform additional tasks without the need to remove the tools from the surgical site for tool change or instrument loading. Examples of in vivo accessories include fastening accessories such as surgical clips for use... Agent: Patent Dept Intuitive Surgical, Inc

20070093790 - Laparoscopic surgical instrument: A laparoscopic surgical instrument configured to be ergonomic and anthropometrically correct, the laparoscopic surgical instrument comprising: (a) an ergonomic handle configured to orient a hand of a surgeon in a functional position, the handle comprising a handle grip; (b) an actuating mechanism actuatable by a finger and supported by the... Agent: Thorpe North & Western, LLP.

20070093793 - Microsurgical probe: Microsurgical probes having a distal tip with a flat outer surface and a flat inner surface, and methods of forming such probes, are disclosed.... Agent: Alcon

20070093794 - Device, system and method for dual-path ophthalmic device: This invention relates to a dual-path ophthalmic laser system designed for use by ophthalmologists for performing Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) and Photodisruptive Procedure (PD) for the treatment of glaucoma and secondary cataract, respectively.... Agent: Pearl Cohen Zedek Latzer, LLP

20070093795 - Cornea contact system: A system for positioning the eye of a patient in alignment with a laser unit for laser surgery includes an alignment device that is mounted on the laser unit. It also includes a patient interface having a curved contact lens. Additionally, a clamp with an attached suction ring can be... Agent: Neil K. Nydegger, Esq. Nydegger & Associates

20070093796 - Disposable patient interface: A patient interface device adapted to provide an interface between a cornea and a surgical laser system. A frame has an applanation end and an attachment end which is adapted to couple to the surgical laser system. A skirt is affixed to the applanation end of the frame and is... Agent: Connolly Bove Lodge & Hutz LLP

20070093797 - method and apparatus for monitoring and controlling thermally induced tissue treatment: A method and apparatus for thermal treatment of tissue by irradiating the skin with electromagnetic energy is disclosed. Sources of electromagnetic energy include radio frequency (RF) generators, lasers, and flashlamps. The apparatus includes either a positional sensor or a dosage evaluation sensor, or both types of sensors. These sensors provide... Agent: Fenwick & West LLP

20070093798 - method and apparatus for monitoring and controlling thermally induced tissue treatment: A method and apparatus for thermal treatment of tissue by irradiating the skin with electromagnetic energy is disclosed. Sources of electromagnetic energy include radio frequency (RF) generators, lasers, and flashlamps. The apparatus includes either a positional sensor or a dosage evaluation sensor, or both types of sensors. These sensors provide... Agent: Fenwick & West LLP

20070093799 - Cooling system: A cryogenic medical system includes a medical device and a console connectable to the medical device at a connection point. The console controls the temperature of the medical device. The console includes a first cooling system directing coolant to the medical device at a first temperature along a coolant supply... Agent: Christopher & Weisberg, P.A.

20070093801 - Circuit and method for reducing stored energy in an electrosurgical generator: A circuit for discharging stored energy in an electrosurgical generator is disclosed. The circuit includes a pulse width modulator for controlling a high voltage power supply, an error signal generating circuit configured for delivering an error signal as a difference between an output signal voltage with a feedback voltage generated... Agent: United States Surgical, A Division Of Tyco Healthcare Group Lp

20070093800 - Method and system for programming and controlling an electrosurgical generator system: A method and system are disclosed enabling configuration of a control system for an electrosurgical generator system for creating new surgical applications without changing the underlying software system. The system includes an outer loop controller for generating a control signal in accordance with at least a first subset of sensor... Agent: United States Surgical, A Division Of Tyco Healthcare Group Lp

20070093809 - Apparatus to treat esophageal sphincters: A sphincter treatment apparatus has an introducer means including a distal portion means. An expandable device means includes a plurality of arm means. Each arm means of the plurality has a distal section means and a proximal section means. Each of distal sections means of the arm means are coupled... Agent: Ryan Kromholz & Manion, S.c.

20070093804 - Control systems for patient devices, including devices for securing cardiovascular tissue, and associated methods: Control systems for patient devices, including devices for securing cardiovascular tissue, and associated methods, are disclosed. A system in accordance with one embodiment includes a controller coupleable to an energy transmitter configured to be introduced into a patient's body. The controller can have a power delivery component that is configured... Agent: Perkins Coie LLP Patent-sea

20070093806 - Device and method for multi-phase radio-frequency ablation: Multi-phase RF ablation employing a two-dimensional or three-dimensional electrode array produces a multitude of currents paths on the surface of the ablation zone. This results in a uniform lesion with a size defined by the span of the electrode array. An orthogonal electrode catheter array suitable for cardiac ablation is... Agent: Parsons Hsue & De Runtz LLP

20070093802 - Energy delivery devices and methods: This relates to methods and devices for achieving contact between the wall of a cavity or passageway and a medical device when used in tortuous anatomy.... Agent: Asthmatx, Inc. C/o Levine Bagade Han, LLP

20070093803 - Energy delivery devices and methods: This relates to methods and devices for achieving contact between the wall of a cavity or passageway and a medical device when used in tortuous anatomy.... Agent: Asthmatx, Inc. C/o Levine Bagade Han, LLP

20070093807 - Finger tip electrosurgical medical device: Described is a fingertip electrosurgical medical device useful for tissue grasping and tissue cutting, coagulating, welding and ablating in open and laparoscopic surgery applications. The electrosurgical medical device has a finger cuff assembly that attaches to the distal end of a surgeon's finger. An electrode is attached to, or is... Agent: Philip S. Johnson Johnson & Johnson

20070093808 - Method and apparatus for creating a bi-polar virtual electrode used for the ablation of tissue: A method and apparatus for creating a virtual electrode to ablate bodily tissue. The apparatus includes an outer tube, a first electrode, an inner tube and a second electrode. The outer tube is fluidly connected to a source of conductive fluid and defines a proximal end and a distal end.... Agent: Jeffrey J. Hohenshell Medtronic, Inc.

20070093805 - Systems and methods for securing cardiovascular tissue, including via asymmetric electrodes: Systems and methods for securing cardiovascular tissue, including via asymmetric electrodes, are disclosed. A device in accordance with one embodiment includes a catheter having a proximal end and a distal end, with a working portion positioned toward the distal end and being elongated along a terminal axis. The device can... Agent: Perkins Coie LLP Patent-sea

20070093810 - Electrosurgical pencil with improved controls: An electrosurgical pencil is provided which includes an elongated housing, an electrocautery blade supported within the housing and extending distally from the housing. The electrocautery blade is connected to a source of electrosurgical energy. The pencil also includes at least one activation switch supported on the housing which is configured... Agent: United States Surgical, A Division Of Tyco Healthcare Group Lp

20070093811 - Electrosurgical electrode and method of manufacturing same: An electrosurgical device coated with powder coatings including a silicone resin and siloxane additive without fluoropolymers. In the powder coatings, the silicone resin is methyl phenyl silicone or phenyl silicone or methyl polysiloxane or phenyl alkyl polysiloxane resin and the additive is either methyl alkyl polysiloxane or dimethyl polysiloxane. This... Agent: Bell, Boyd & Lloyd, LLP

20070093812 - High-frequency treatment apparatus: The present invention provides a high-frequency treatment apparatus including: an electrode assembly electrically connected to a 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 with... Agent: Thomas Spinelli Scully, Scott, Murphy & Presser

20070093822 - Apparatus and methods for vertebral augmentation using linked expandable bodies: Implants and methods for osteopathic augmentation and repositioning of vertebrae may comprise a chain having one or more beads or bodies configured for insertion into a vertebral body. The one or more bodies may be expandable. As the chain is inserted into the vertebral body, it may fill a central... Agent: Jones Day

20070093831 - Biased angle polyaxial pedicle screw assembly: A pedicle screw assembly and method of assembly comprises a longitudinal member; a screw head comprising a bulbous end, wherein the screw head has a slot adapted to receive the longitudinal member; a bone fixator component comprising a concave socket having a biased angled top and a rounded bottom adapted... Agent: Gibb Lp. Law Firm, LLC

20070093818 - Bone anchoring device: A bone anchoring device includes an anchoring element with a shank to be anchored in a bone or a vertebra and a head. The anchoring device also includes a receiving portion with a first end and a second end opposite to the first end, a longitudinal axis passing through the... Agent: Christie, Parker & Hale, LLP

20070093819 - Bone screw apparatus, system and method: A bone screw apparatus, system, and method for assisting in the placement and alignment of a bone screw and for aligning bone are described. The present invention allows a surgeon to position a bone screw in a desired position and adjust a coupling element in a variety of positions and... Agent: Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld L.L.P.

20070093833 - Crossbar spinal prosthesis having a modular design and related implantation methods: An adaptable spinal facet joint prosthesis, including a pedicle fixation element; a laminar fixation element; and a facet joint bearing surface having a location adaptable with respect at least one of the pedicle fixation element and the laminar fixation element. The invention also includes a method of implanting an adaptable... Agent: Shay Law Group, LLP

20070093828 - Devices and methods for inter-vertebral orthopedic device placement: Disclosed are devices and methods for the controlled movement of neighboring vertebrae and the delivery of an orthopedic implant between adjacent spinous processes. The methods are especially adapted to be performed using minimally invasive surgery or in a percutaneous manner.... Agent: Fish & Richardson, PC

20070093829 - Devices and methods for inter-vertebral orthopedic device placement: Disclosed are devices and methods for the re-construction of the vertebral lamina after partial or complete laminectomy. Pursuant to an exemplary method, a first bone fastener is anchored to a vertebral bone. A second bone fastener is anchored to the same vertebral bone, wherein the first and second fasteners are... Agent: Fish & Richardson, PC

20070093821 - Dynamic clamping device for spinal implant: A Spinal column implant for elastic stabilization of vertebrae includes an elastic rod that is anchored in a non-positive fit fashion in the receptacle of a pedicle screws by means of a mobile filling piece and a clamping element. The non-positive fit is supported additionally by a dynamic form-fit contribution... Agent: Christie, Parker & Hale, LLP

20070093814 - Dynamic spinal stabilization systems: An elongated member forming a spinal support rod is implantable adjacent the spine of a patient, and includes an axial span or spans for spanning respective spinal levels to promote efficacious spinal support/stabilization. As with conventional spinal support rods used in connection with lumbar fusion and other related procedures, the... Agent: Mccarter & English, LLP

20070093813 - Dynamic spinal stabilizer: An elongated member forming a spinal support rod is implantable adjacent the spine of a patient and includes an axial span or spans for spanning respective spinal levels to promote efficacious spinal support/stabilization. The axial span has an axially articulable geometry, and manifests an angulation mechanism along one or more... Agent: Mccarter & English, LLP Financial Centre, Suite 304a

20070093815 - Dynamic spinal stabilizer: An elongated member forming a spinal support rod is implantable adjacent the spine of a patient and includes an axial span or spans for spanning respective spinal levels to promote efficacious spinal support/stabilization. The axial span manifests a double helical geometry. The axial span has a rod-like profile of a... Agent: Mccarter & English, LLP Financial Centre, Suite 304a

20070093820 - Frictional screw-rod connection having an indirect form-locking portion: A spinal column implant for elastic stabilization of vertebrae, includes a pedicle screw and an elastic rod which is anchored in a frictional fashion in a receptacle of pedicle screws by means of a filling piece, and a clamping element. The frictional connection is supported additionally by an indirect form-fit... Agent: Christie, Parker & Hale, LLP

20070093830 - Interspinous process apparatus and method with a selectably expandable spacer: The present invention is an interspinous process implant with a selectably expandable spacer that can be placed between adjacent spinous processes.... Agent: Fliesler Meyer LLP

20070093825 - Methods and apparatus for treating spinal stenosis: This invention relates generally to spine surgery and, in particular, to methods and apparatus for treating spinal stenosis.... Agent: Jonathan Spangler Nu Vasive, Inc.

20070093826 - Modular pedicle screw systems and methods of intra-operatively assembling the same: The systems, assemblies, devices and methods described herein provide a variety of ways to intra-operatively select and/or configure a pedicle screw system. The pedicle screw system components described herein may be readily interchangeable and may be made available to the surgeon as a kit, thus giving the surgeon greater options... Agent: Rader, Fishman & Grauer PLLC

20070093824 - Pedicle fixation rod alignment system: A method and associated system of implanting a vertebral anchor such as a pedicle screw assembly includes the steps of implanting a number of pedicle screws into a series of vertebrae; attaching a number of provisional posts to respective pedicle screws, each provisional post including a provisional saddle; bending a... Agent: Wood, Herron & Evans (zimmer Spine)

20070093827 - Pedicle screw system with provisional locking aspects: A tulip assembly configured to be coupled to a head of a bone fixation device includes at least one inner member configured to fix the tulip assembly to the head of a bone fixation device, and an outer member including at least one engagement surface configured to selectively fix a... Agent: Rader, Fishman & Grauer PLLC

20070093823 - Spinal distraction device and methods of manufacture and use: A spinal distraction device is provided having a generally H-shaped cross section that maintains a desired space between adjacent spinous processes. The distraction device includes a body and two pairs of parallel sidewalls. The sidewalls create channels for receiving respective spinous processes. The distraction device is fused to the spinous... Agent: Luce, Forward, Hamilton & Scripps LLP

20070093817 - Spinal fixation system having locking and unlocking devices for use with a multi-planar, taper lock screw: Provided is a novel spinal fixation system that includes a novel multi-planar taper lock screw for connecting a connecting rod to bone as well as a novel locking device and a novel unlocking device, each being configured to selectively partially lock or fully the novel screw of the system. The... Agent: Manelli Denison & Selter

20070093816 - Spinal prosthesis: A spinal prosthesis including a first spinal attachment member attachable to a first posterior portion of a spinal structure, a second spinal attachment member attachable to a second posterior portion of the spinal structure, the first and second posterior portions being adjacent superiorly-inferiorly to one another, and a connector element... Agent: Dekel Patent Ltd., David Klein

20070093832 - Spring-loaded, load sharing polyaxial pedicle screw assembly and method: An assembly and method thereof comprising a screw head comprising an expandable bulbous end; a fixator component configured for receiving the bulbous end of the screw head; a load sharing mechanism positioned in between the bulbous end of the screw head and the bone fixator component, wherein the load sharing... Agent: Gibb Lp. Law Firm, LLC

20070093834 - Bone alignment implant and method of use: A bone alignment implant includes a first bone fastener with a first bone engager that is adapted for fixation into the metaphyseal bone and a second bone fastener with a second bone engager that is adapted for fixation into the diaphyseal bone. A link connecting the two fasteners spans across... Agent: Baker & Mckenzie LLP Patent Department

20070093835 - Bone fixation plate with complex suture anchor locations: A fracture fixation system includes a plate having a first suture anchor location having an opening at the upper surface of the plate, an opening at the proximal end of the plate, and an opening at the anterior side of the plate and defines first and second suture pathways which... Agent: Gordon & Jacobson, P.C.

20070093836 - Osteosynthesis device: The subject of the invention is an osteosynthesis device comprising a plate (2) provided with screw holes and screws (3), characterized in that at least one of the screw holes (4) is shaped so as to form a tool (5) that will form a helical groove on the proximal part... Agent: Miles & Stockbridge PC

20070093837 - System for the fixation of bone segments or bone fragments: The present disclosure relates to a system for the fixing of bone segments or bone fragments comprising an implant plate or an implant surface plate having a bore or a cut-out and comprising an implant screw which can be guided through the bore or cut-out of the plate, wherein the... Agent: Alleman Hall Mccoy Russell & Tuttle LLP

20070093838 - Ventral bone plate: A ventral bone-plate assembly has a U-shaped base having a pair of legs bridged by a bight and each formed with an inner hole and an outer hole. A brace bar extends between outer ends of the legs and is formed with end holes alignable with the outer holes. Respective... Agent: The Firm Of Karl F Ross

20070093839 - Compression staple: A compression staple that can secure tissue (for example, bone) easily and effectively, and can provide improved fixation capabilities. The compression staple comprises a yolk or central portion having an S-shaped profile and two posts located at the bottom surface of the central portion. The two posts have a cylindrical... Agent: Dickstein Shapiro LLP

20070093840 - Flexible shaft: A flexible shaft. In exemplary embodiments, the flexible shaft can be used for the transmission of rotary motion and/or curvilinear guidance. In one embodiment, the flexible shaft includes a plurality of shaft segments linked together via at least one flexible elongate member. The shaft segments are spaced along the at... Agent: Zimmer Technology - Baker & Daniels

20070093842 - Retrodrill technique for insertion of autograft, allograft or synthetic osteochondral implants: Osteochondral sockets are formed using a retrograde drill assembly. The retrograde drill assembly includes a guide pin having a fluted tip and an externally threaded portion. A removable cutter head has internal threads that engage the threads of the guide pin. The guide pin is drilled through bone, exposing the... Agent: Dickstein Shapiro LLP

20070093841 - Surgical drill, a set of surgical drills, a system for cutting bone and a method for removing bone: The present invention relates to a surgical drill including a drill member having a cutting section for cutting bone, the cutting section being situated at a distal end of the drill member. The drill member also comprises a non-cutting protection tip for protecting nerves, tissue or dura from being cut.... Agent: Lowrie, Lando & Anastasi

20070093843 - Rongeur: A rongeur having a fixed shank and a moveable crossbar is disclosed. The crossbar is connected to and axially aligned with the fixed shank. The crossbar has a distal end with a cutting portion located therein. A port is connected to one of the fixed shank and the moveable crossbar.... Agent: Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione

20070093844 - Calcar planers for minimally invasive surgery: Calcar planers for minimally invasive surgery. The calcar planers each generally include a shaft including a power equipment interface for coupling to a power source for imparting rotary motion to the calcar planer. The shaft is connected to a cutting head via a coupling portion. The coupling portion may include... Agent: Zimmer Technology - Baker & Daniels

20070093845 - Femoral neck resection guide and method: A femoral neck resection guide for use in minimally invasive hip surgery and method of utilizing same are disclosed. The femoral neck resection guide includes at least two spaced resection guide surfaces for guiding a cutting tool and means for attaching the guide surfaces to a portion of the cut... Agent: Lerner, David, Littenberg, Krumholz & Mentlik

20070093846 - Apparatus and methods for vertebral augmentation: Apparatuses and methods of treating a collapsed vertebra may include inserting cannulae into the damaged vertebral body and one or more adjacent vertebral bodies and repositioning the one or more adjacent vertebral bodies by manipulating one or more of the cannulae. Before or after repositioning the vertebral bodies, the method... Agent: Jones Day

20070093847 - Methods for placing materials into bone: A cannula is positioned to establish a subcutaneous access path into a cancellous bone. A bone filling material is conveyed into the cancellous bone with a tamping instrument configured to be manipulated independent of the cannula. The bone filling material is compacted with the tamping instrument.... Agent: Ryan Kromholz & Manion, S.c.

20070093848 - Cervical drill guide apparatus: A cervical drill guide apparatus includes a handle assembly having a housing and an extension member attached to one end of the housing. The handle assembly includes a fixed handle and a movable handle. A distal end of the extension member includes a plurality of fingers that are radially expandable... Agent: Carter, Deluca, Farrell & Schmidt, LLP

20070093850 - Adjustable interbody introducer device and method: Provided is a novel surgical instrument having an adjustable distal end that can securely engage an interbody for introduction of the interbody into an intervertebral space, can be adjusted before and during the surgical procedure to vary the angle of the distal end of the device and the angle of... Agent: Perry E. Van Over Perry E. Van Over & Associates PLLC

20070093849 - Single action anti-torque rod reducer: Provided is a novel rod reducing device for use in spinal fixation procedures. The device is capable with a single action of securely grasping the head of a bone screw while reducing a connecting rod into the head of the bone screw and while in position on the bone screw... Agent: Perry E. Van Over Perry E. Van Over & Associates PLLC

20070093851 - Surgical seal: A seal for laparoscopic port comprising: a base adapted to engage a cannula, the base including an axial aperture for a surgical instrument; a multiplicity of jaws mounted on the base, the jaws being movable radially with respect to the aperture between an open position wherein a shaft of the... Agent: Applied Medical Resources Corporation

20070093852 - Surgical tool for electrode implantation: The present invention is a surgical tool for implanting an electrode array and its connected cable within an orbital socket. The insertion tool is used to aid the surgeon in pulling the electrode wire and array through the scull, four-rectus muscles of the eye, and the sclera. The insertion tool... Agent: Second Sight Medical Products, Inc.

20070093853 - Multi-tweezer hair removal apparatus and method: An epilating device to remove hair, including a frame including a power source frame, a reduction gear system frame, and a base, a power source supported in the power source frame to provide power to the hair removing operation, a reduction gear system supported in the reduction gear frame to... Agent: Stein, Mcewen & Bui, LLP

20070093854 - Tacking tool and tack: A surgical tacking apparatus for forming and applying surgical fasteners during laparoscopic or endoscopic procedures is disclosed. It includes a housing having a handle, an elongated tubular portion extending from the housing, a wire advancer, and a wire shaping nose at its distal end. An annular fastener is also disclosed.... Agent: United States Surgical, A Division Of Tyco Healthcare Group Lp

20070093855 - Automaticaly operated endoscopic ligating instrument: A double-tubed instrument for endoscopic ligation is provided with two separate tubes with bands and a piston next to the last band mounted on the internal tube. The internal tube with bands and piston is put inside of the external tube; a flexible cone-shaped tubular adapter secured both tubes as... Agent: Isaac A. Angres

20070093857 - Devices and methods for treating mitral valve regurgitation: A medical device, method and system of treating the lumenal system of a patient are provided. The medical device includes a tissue plicator adapted and configured to form a plication of tissue proximate a target region of a patient. The medical device further includes a retainer applicator operatively associated with... Agent: Edwards & Angell, LLP

20070093856 - Endoscopic surgical clip applier: An apparatus for application of surgical clips to body tissue includes an actuator at least partially disposed within a body and longitudinally movable in response to actuation of a handle portion. The apparatus includes a jaw closure member positioned adjacent the first and second jaw portions to move the jaw... Agent: United States Surgical, A Division Of Tyco Healthcare Group Lp

20070093858 - Suture clips, delivery devices and methods: Suture clips and suture clip loading, delivery, locking and severing devices in both catheter and endoscopic embodiments are disclosed that permit the delivery and application of suture clips directly in contact with or in close approximation to sutured tissue. The catheter or endoscopic versions incorporate a collet cage with a... Agent: Kirkpatrick & Lockhart Preston Gates Ellis LLP

20070093859 - Suture passer device for abdominal or thoracoscopic surgery: This invention relates to an improved suture passer device for inserting and retrieving suture during abdominal or thoracic surgery. The device consists of a probe member having a blunt needle tip that forms the terminal distal end of the probe member. A flexible thread having a bight portion is so... Agent: Frederick Gotha

20070093860 - Surgical method and clamping apparatus for repair of a defect in a dural membrane or a vascular wall, and anastomic method and apparatus for a body lumen: A surgical method and apparatus of repairing a tear, cut or defect in the body tissue, specifically the dura or vascular wall, is disclosed. An inner plate is placed on the tissue's inner surface in a position completely overlapping the tissue defect. An outer plate is placed on the tissue's... Agent: Blynn L. Shideler The Blk Law Group

20070093861 - Method and system to restrict stomach size: An implantable device for restricting a cross-sectional area of a cavity formed by a stomach wall includes a member. The member has a first end connected with respect to a first portion of the stomach wall and an opposing second end connected with respect to a second portion of the... Agent: Patrick W. Rasche Armstrong Teasdale LLP

20070093862 - Surgical instruments and method for corneal reformation: Multiple surgical instruments for use with a surgical method of corneal reformation. Surgical instruments include the optional use of vibration with an epithelial separator or cannula to separate an epithelial sheet from the cornea of no more than about 85 microns thick. The surgical method of corneal reformation reduces the... Agent: W. Edward Ramage

20070093863 - Cap for a dermal tissue lancing device: A cap for a dermal tissue lancing device includes a cap body with a proximal end, a distal end and an opening along a cap body longitudinal axis. The proximal end is configured for engagement with the dermal tissue lancing device and the distal end is configured for contacting a... Agent: Philip S. Johnson Johnson & Johnson

20070093864 - Method for lancing a dermal tissue target site: A method for lancing a dermal tissue target site includes contacting a deformable portion of a dermal tissue lancing device cap with the dermal tissue target site such that an outer rim of a deformable distal compression surface establishes initial contact with the dermal tissue target site. In addition, the... Agent: Philip S. Johnson Johnson & Johnson

20070093865 - Medical balloon: A non-compliant medical balloon, where the non-compliant medical balloon may be changed from a deflated state to an inflated state by increasing pressure within the balloon, is made with a first fiber layer, a second fiber layer over said first fiber layer such that the fibers of the first fiber... Agent: Proskauer Rose LLP

20070093866 - Method and apparatus for expanding tissue: An implantable tissue expander for supporting a body tissue including a support member positioned with respect to the body tissue and adapted to expand to a support configuration, in the support configuration, the support member shaping the body tissue.... Agent: Patrick W. Rasche Armstrong Teasdale LLP

20070093867 - Acupressure treatment device: An acupressure clip for relieving a user's headache pain is disclosed. A generally U-shaped clip member includes an active arm and a support arm. Each arm meets at a spring portion, and each arm and spring portion include a continuous outside surface, a continuous inside surface, and at least one... Agent: Quickpatents, Inc.

20070093868 - Plasma incising device including disposable incising tips for performing surgical procedures: An apparatus for performing surgery using plasma is described. The apparatus includes a plasma generating unit, a plasma wand and a foot pedal. The plasma wand further includes a disposable tip which may be removed and replaced for each surgical procedure, so as to maintain operating sterility.... Agent: Ip Group Of Dla Piper US LLP

20070093869 - Device, system, and method for contracting tissue in a mammalian body: A device, a system and a method for contracting tissue in a mammalian body. The contracting device comprises a body and a plurality of legs radially splayed there from. Each leg includes a snap-acting spring tip. When a force is applied to the device, the tips operate to transform the... Agent: Medtronic Vascular, Inc.IPLegal Department

20070088339 - Incision and closure surgical device: Incision and closure surgical device designed to assist in operative surgery as a means of effecting and repairing skin wounds. A slide fastener is fitted to a self-adhesive sheet that is attached to the skin surface. The slider of the slide fastener contains a contact electrode for electrocoagulation fitted with... Agent: Pablo C. Luchetti

20070088340 - Surgical instruments: A robotic surgery apparatus comprising: a surgical instrument for use at an internal operative site of a subject; a mechanically drivable mounting unit on which the surgical instrument is mounted, the mounting unit being drivably movable outside the operative site of the subject; an electrically driven drive unit for driving... Agent: VistaIPLaw Group LLP

20070088341 - Footwear apparatus and methods of manufacture and use: A footwear apparatus includes multiple first reservoirs and multiple second reservoirs joined with a substrate. Selected ones of the multiple first reservoirs include a reducing agent, and first reservoir surfaces of selected ones of the multiple first reservoirs are proximate to a first substrate surface. Selected ones of the multiple... Agent: Meschkow & Gresham, P.L.C

20070088342 - Mazaheri lasik method for visual enhancement: A new and novel method for performing refractive correction on a patient's eyes is introduced. In one embodiment the method includes (1) performing a surface ablation corrective procedure on a corneal surface of the patient's non-dominant eye; and (2) reshaping a corneal stroma of the patient's dominant eye, where the... Agent: Hitt Gaines P.C.

20070088343 - Flexible surgical shaft having grasping sections: The present invention contemplates an elongated surgical guide shaft for placement within a body and surgical devices containing such a guide shaft. The shaft includes both a flexible portion and a gripping portion. The gripping portion is adapted to be handled or gripped by surgical tools and is resistant to... Agent: Stetina Brunda Garred & Brucker

20070088344 - Endometrial ablation device and method: A device for uniform ablation of the endometrium comprises a transparent inflatable coolable balloon, flexible cryoprobes operable to be advanced into the uterine cornuae, an applicator operable to deliver balloon and cryoprobes to and from the uterine cavity, and optional channels for a hysteroscope and a light source, enabling observation... Agent: Martin Moynihan Prtsi, Inc.

20070088345 - Applications of hifu and chemotherapy: A method, using high intensity ultrasound, which may also be combined with a chemotherapy agent, that can result the direct destruction of tumor cells and in the reduction or elimination of local reoccurrence of cancer after removal of cancerous tissue, such as a surgical breast lumpectomy or surgical excision of... Agent: Robert L. Mcdowell

20070088346 - Method and apparatus for varicose vein treatment using acoustic hemostasis: A method of treating a perforator vein comprises applying ultrasound to the perforator vein and occluding the perforator vein with the ultrasound. An apparatus for treating blood vessels comprises an ultrasound emitter, wherein the ultrasound emitter is configured to emit ultrasound at multiple therapeutic ultrasound frequencies during a treatment cycle.... Agent: Knobbe Martens Olson & Bear LLP

20070088350 - Composite material braided insulator: A tissue penetrating probe includes a distal tissue piercing end; a first electrode; a second electrode; and a dielectric element. A proximal end of the dielectric element is bonded to a distal end of the first electrode and a distal end of the dielectric element is bonded to a proximal... Agent: Fay Kaplun & Marcin, LLP

20070088349 - Curved ablation catheter: A curved ablation catheter imparts ablative energy to target tissue, for example, along a trabecular slope, e.g., in the right atrium along the isthmus between the ostium of the inferior vena cava and the tricuspid valve. The catheter is formed with a preset curvature that, when deployed, both translates linearly... Agent: St. Jude Medical, Atrial Fibrillation Division

20070088347 - Magnetically augmented radio frequency ablation: A tissue ablation assembly comprises an elongate probe device, at least one ablation electrode element carried by the probe device for conveying ablation energy, and at least one magnetic element for substantially altering the path of the ablation energy conveyed by the electrode element(s). In one embodiment, the magnetic element... Agent: VistaIPLaw Group LLP

20070088348 - Stabilization by suction using micro-needles: A device permits effective engagement of micro-needles with a cutaneous layer thereby to permit for a substance to pass effectively to the cutaneous layer. A flexible or non-flexible material supports an array of micro-needles for receiving the surface of the cutaneous layer so that the proximal ends of the micro-needles... Agent: Greenberg Traurig LLP

20070088352 - Method and system for radio frequency ophthalmological presbyopia surgery: An ophthalmological surgical method and system for treating presbyopia in a living is provided. The method and system entail applying radio frequency energy to the sclera of the eye to produce a pattern of grooves therein. The pattern includes at least one furrow having a width in the range of... Agent: Caesar, Rivise, Bernstein, Cohen & Pokotilow, Ltd.

20070088351 - Reusable cautery probe: A fixed tip electrode includes a hollow shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, an electrode tip assembly removably affixed to the distal end of the shaft, and a cap assembly removably affixed to the proximal end of the shaft. The hollow shaft, the electrode tip assembly and... Agent: Greenblum & Bernstein, P.L.C

20070088353 - High-frequency incision instrument for endoscope: A high-frequency incision instrument for an endoscope is provided with a flexible sheath, and a rod electrode remotely operated to protrude from/retract into the distal end portion of the sheath. A stationary stopper provided at the distal end portion of the sheath and a movable stopper provided at the proximal... Agent: Greenblum & Bernstein, P.L.C

20070088354 - High-frequency incision instrument for endoscope: A high-frequency incision instrument for an endoscope configured to protect forward and retreat, through a forward end portion of a flexible over tube, a rod electrode disposed close thereto by remote operation from an operating unit connected to a proximal end portion of the over tube. The high-frequency incision instrument... Agent: Greenblum & Bernstein, P.L.C

20070088355 - Transseptal left atrial access and septal closure: Methods, systems, and devices for transseptal access into the left atrium of a heart. In one embodiement an apparatus for transseptal left atrial access comprised of a catheter adapted for insertion into a vessel and one or more RF devices adapted to be extendable from the distal end of said... Agent: Perkins Coie LLP Patent-sea

20070088356 - Open vessel sealing instrument with cutting mechanism: An open electrosurgical forceps for sealing tissue includes a pair of first and second shaft members each having a jaw member disposed at a distal end thereof. The jaw members are movable from a first position in spaced relation relative to one another to a subsequent position wherein the jaw... Agent: United States Surgical, A Division Of Tyco Healthcare Group Lp

20070088357 - Adjustable bone anchor assembly: A medical implant device has in one embodiment a receiver member for receiving an elongated member, a crown member, an anchor member and a retaining member. An embodiment of the receiver member has an axial opening, a transverse channel, a chamber including at least one substantially flat wall, and a... Agent: Woodard, Emhardt, Moriarty, Mcnett & Henry LLP

20070088358 - Minimally invasive spine restoration systems, devices, methods and kits: The invention discloses methods and devices for repairing, replacing and/or augmenting natural facet joint surfaces and/or facet capsules. A facet joint restoration device of the invention for use in a restoring a facet joint surface comprises: a cephalad facet joint element comprising a flexible member adapted to engage a first... Agent: Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati

20070088359 - Universal dynamic spine stabilization device and method of use: Provided is a device, system, and method for the fixation of the spine, which provides dynamic support for spinal vertebra so as to better control load transfers and avoid deterioration of the bone of adjacent spinal vertebra. The present invention can be applied posteriorly to support the vertebra of the... Agent: Manelli Denison & Selter

20070088360 - Bone stabilization system including multi-directional threaded fixation element: A bone fixation system includes a plate and a set of fixation locking screws. The plate defines a set of locking screw holes each having an internal thread. Each respective locking screw has a head with an external structure that is adapted to self-tap into the internal thread of a... Agent: Gordon & Jacobson, P.C.

20070088361 - Surgical drill for osteotomy: The invention relates to a surgical drill for osteotomy. The surgical drill comprises: a shank, a base portion, a cutting blade, a non-cutting section and a groove. The base portion is formed on the shank. The cutting blade is formed on the edge of the base portion. The non-cutting section... Agent: Christensen, O'connor, Johnson, Kindness, PLLC

20070088362 - Apparatus and methods for surgery: An implant guidance and positioning device is provided for dynamic and rigid fixation of tissue or an implant. The device includes a handle and an elongated hook connected with the handle, which may have a lumen extending therethrough or may have a socket that can receive fasteners. The device also... Agent: Paul D. Bianco: Fleit, Kain, Gibbons, Gutman, Bongini, & Bianco P.l.

20070088363 - Instruments and methods for delivering multiple implants in a surgical procedure: Instruments and methods are provided for delivering multiple implants to locations for implantation in a patient without requiring a second implant to be loaded onto or engaged to the delivery instrument after delivery of a first implant.... Agent: Krieg Devault LLP

20070088366 - Depth gauge: A depth gauge for measuring the depth of blind holes in bones and/or nails inserted into bones. The measurement tool comprises: a probe with an abutment at its end to engage against the distal edge of the blind hole; a tubular body; and a grooved insert. After the probe, lying... Agent: Jones Day

20070088365 - Orthopaedic gage, kit and associated method: A depth gage for use with a drill in orthopaedics is provided. The depth gage includes a body. The body has first and second ends opposed to each other and an inner periphery defining a longitudinal aperture through the body for slidably receiving the drill. The longitudinal aperture defines a... Agent: Philip S. Johnson Johnson & Johnson

20070088364 - Trauma gage, kit and associated method: A depth gage for use with a drill in trauma surgery is provided. The gage cooperates with the drill for measuring the depth of the drill in a long bone when implanting an intramedullary nail in a patient. The depth gage including a body. The body defines first and second... Agent: Philip S. Johnson Johnson & Johnson

20070088368 - Apparatus and methods for delivery of multiple distributed stents: Delivery catheters and systems are adapted for delivering multiple discreet prostheses in body lumens. An exemplary delivery catheter comprises a sheath, a pusher for moving the prostheses relative to the sheath, and a valve member for selectively retaining the prostheses in the sheath. For balloon expandable stents, an elongated shaft... Agent: Townsend And Townsend And Crew, LLP (client No 021629-000000)

20070088367 - Device, especially tube or catheter, for at least partially introducing into a body passage: The invention relates to a device (1), especially a tube or a catheter, for at least partially introducing into a body passage, said device comprising a long outer envelope body (10), a long inner body (11) that is partially peripherally surrounded by the envelope body (10), and a device (12)... Agent: Adams & Wilks

20070088369 - Snare with loop made of heat shrinkable shape memory material and method of use thereof: A tissue snare comprises an elongated member having a distal end and a loop formed of a shape memory material, the loop including a tissue receiving interior opening and being connected to the distal end of the elongated member, properties of the shape memory material being selected so that, when... Agent: Fay Kaplun & Marcin, LLP

20070088370 - Tissue retrieval system: The tissue retrieval system deploys a tissue bag at the surgical site. The bag is supported by the system as tissue is placed within the bag and is closed to isolate the collected tissue and allow the bag and collected tissue to be removed from the body. The bag can... Agent: Applied Medical Resources Corporation

20070088371 - Microdermabrasion system and method of use: A device, a system employing the device, and method of performing skin treatment are provided for skin treatment. The device includes a vacuum head base defining a chamber therein and having a substantially smooth treatment tip attached and extending from an end thereof or integral therewith. The tip has at... Agent: Aka Chan LLP

20070088372 - Suturing instrument with deflectable head: Suturing instruments in accordance with the invention are dimensioned and configured to apply sutures to approximate, ligate, or fixate tissue in, for example, open, mini-incision, trans-vaginal, laparoscopic, or endoscopic surgical procedures. In some embodiments, the suturing instruments include a distal portion that is deflectably and/or pivotally coupled to the remainder... Agent: Edwards & Angell, LLP

20070088373 - Invaginator for gastroesophageal flap valve restoration device: An assembly for restoring a gastroesophageal flap valve includes a restoration device substantially free for rotation. The assembly comprises an elongated member configured to be fed through a throat, down an adjoining esophagus and into an associated stomach. The elongated member has a distal end. The assembly further comprises a... Agent: Graybeal Jackson Haley LLP

20070088375 - Apparatus and method for forming a hole in a hollow organ: The invention relates to an apparatus and method for forming a hole in a wall of a hollow organ. The applicator includes a hole forming element for forming a hole in the wall of the organ, a positioning means for positioning the hole forming element, and a retractor element. In... Agent: Nixon Peabody, LLP

20070088374 - Surgical scalpel: The present invention includes a single-use surgical scalpel offering a variety of advantages relative to prior art devices. In preferred embodiments, the surgical scalpel of the present invention consists of three elements: a housing, a blade carrier, and a blade. The scalpel further includes an integrated light emitter selectively coupled... Agent: Kevin M. Farrell Pierce Atwood

20070088376 - Precision surgical system: A high-speed surgical handpiece (10) suitable for vitreoretinal surgery having a cutter (42) and actuators (36). The cutter (42) is a guillotine-type cutter activated by an array of leveraged piezoelectric actuators (30) that receive a driving signal from a driving controller. The controller can have control and display units with... Agent: Law Office Of Jay R. Yablon

20070088377 - Blood sampling device: A device for sampling and/or analyzing blood or other body fluid of a subject. A housing contains a plurality of lancets and optionally includes test elements to take up a sample of blood, an evaluation system and a display. A complete system that can be handled as a single device,... Agent: Gardner Groff Santos & Greenwald, P.C.

20070088378 - Balloon forming method and balloon: A method of forming a balloon to be attached to a medical catheter involves drawing a cylindrical balloon base in its circumferential direction and/or its lengthwise direction, while the inside and/or outside of the balloon base is in contact with a fluid in a supercritical state for the balloon base... Agent: Buchanan, Ingersoll & Rooney PC

20070088380 - Balloon catheter system for treating vascular occlusions: The present invention provides a balloon catheter comprising: a hollow inner shaft disposed within a hollow outer shaft; a balloon attached at its proximal end to said outer shaft and at its distal end to said inner shaft; wherein the inner shaft is constructed such that following radial expansion of... Agent: Nixon & Vanderhye, PC

20070088379 - Minimally invasive a aapt extirpation: A method for extirpating a thrombus from an aorta, comprising positioning a detachment device proximal to a thrombus inside an intact portion of an aorta moving said detachment device to contact said thrombus so as to detach said thrombus from said aortic wall and extirpating said detached thrombus from said... Agent: Martin Moynihan Prtsi, Inc.

20070088384 - Distal protection device and method of use thereof: A distal protection device comprising a filter cartridge having a frame and filter material and a proximal region having a ridge adapted for interface with a retrieval device, wherein the retrieval device includes a distally located expandable cuff. The distal protection device is able to be deployed remotely in a... Agent: Crompton, Seager & Tufte, LLC

20070088383 - Embolic protection device: An embolic protection device for deployment in a body vessel is provided for filtering emboli within the body vessel. The embolic protection device generally includes a filter having a plurality of openings formed therethrough and an extraction element configured to be movable with respect to the filter between a non-extraction... Agent: Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione/chicago/cook

20070088382 - Embolic protection recovery catheter assembly: An embolic protection recovery catheter assembly configured for retrieval of medical devices from vasculature. The catheter includes a distal end portion adapted for effectively retrieving devices. In one aspect, the distal end portion is collapsible and in another aspect it is expandable. In other aspects, the catheter includes sub-structure supporting... Agent: Fulwider Patton LLP

20070088381 - Vein filter: A vessel filter having a first region having a first set of struts forming a mounting portion and a filter portion having a converging region at a first portion to direct particles toward the center of the filter. The mounting portion is flared in the expanded position to have a... Agent: Rex Medical

20070088385 - Vibrating tourniquet: A vibrating tourniquet is disclosed in which one or more vibrating devices are coupled within a pliable strap portion and are activated to interrupt nerve transmissions, and supply an alternative stimulus, that decreases the sensation of pain as the needle or IV are introduced through the skin and into a... Agent: Steven W. Hays

20070088386 - Apparatus and method for treatment of soft tissue injuries: The present invention is a multi-purpose method and device comprising a therapeutic body containing a plurality of pins. The distal ends of the pins on the therapeutic body are placed in contact with the skin. The apparatus may be used to provide treatment to persons and animals suffering from the... Agent: Cyr & Associates, P.A.

20070088388 - Delivery device for implant with dual attachment sites: The invention generally relates to systems and methods for percutaneous closure of intra-cardiac openings, such as a patent foramen ovale (PFO). In one embodiment, a delivery system includes a first attachment mechanism and a second attachment mechanism attached to a closure device for implantation in an intra-cardiac opening. The delivery... Agent: Kirkpatrick & Lockhart Preston Gates Ellis LLP

20070088387 - Implantable aneurysm closure systems and methods: An implantable closure structure is delivered using minimally invasive techniques and inhibits the migration of liquid and particulate matter from inside a physiological cavity or opening, such as an aneurysm, as well as inhibiting the flow of liquid and particulate matter, such as from an associated blood vessel, into a... Agent: Speckman Law Group PLLC

20070088389 - Kit and method for eea anvil placement in bariatric surgery: A system of catheters, guidewires filaments, loops and laparoscopic instruments to simplify the placement of the anastomosis device to connect a stomach pouch to the small intestine in bariatric surgery, the surgical reduction of stomach size to treat morbid obesity.... Agent: Nixon & Vanderhye, PC

20070088391 - Medical device with affixation means: A medical device with pre-attached affixation means placed to minimize the likelihood of adjacent tissues undesirably adhering to the affixation means. Also, methods of making and using such a device.... Agent: Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione/chicago/cook

20070088390 - Surgical fasteners and devices for surgical fastening: A surgical fastening device for pinning a surgical filament to a body tissue. The device includes a grasping handle and a slender shaft extending from the grasping handle. A compartment contains one or more surgical fasteners. An ejecting mechanism is used to eject a surgical fastener from a compartment containing... Agent: Nath & Associates

20070083190 - Compression device for a laser handpiece: A cosmetic condition (e.g., a pigmented lesion or a vascular lesion) can be treated using a delivery system that displaces blood from a target region of skin. The delivery system can include an optical element having a convex surface. The optical element can be a non-converging optical element that transmits... Agent: Proskauer Rose LLP

20070083194 - Ablation catheter: Devices, systems and methods are disclosed for the mapping of electrical signals and the ablation of tissue. Embodiments include an ablation catheter that has an array of ablation elements attached to a deployable carrier assembly. The carrier assembly can be transformed from a compact, linear configuration to a helical configuration,... Agent: Mayer & Williams PC

20070083192 - Apparatus and method for ablation of targeted tissue: A tissue treatment device comprises an elongate member including a lumen extending therethrough and an inflatable member mounted to the distal portion of the elongated member and surrounding an opening of the lumen, an outer surface of the inflatable member including a conductive region having a first degree of energy... Agent: Fay Kaplun & Marcin, LLP

20070083191 - Junction of catheter tip and electrode: Junctions of ablation electrodes and catheters are disclosed. Electrophysiology catheter systems include a recessed region such as a channel at a junction of an electrode and a catheter shaft. The channel can help to reduce electrode hotspots, energy density and/or blood coagulation at the junction. The channel may be incorporated... Agent: Wolf Greenfield & Sacks, PC

20070083195 - Low power tissue ablation system: Devices, systems and methods are disclosed for the ablation of tissue. Embodiments include an ablation catheter that has an array of ablation elements attached to a deployable carrier assembly. The carrier assembly can be constrained within the lumen of a catheter, and deployed to take on an expanded condition. The... Agent: Mayer & Williams PC

20070083193 - User interface for tissue ablation system: Devices, systems and methods are disclosed for the ablation of tissue. Embodiments include an ablation catheter that has an array of ablation elements attached to a deployable carrier assembly. The carrier assembly can be constrained within the lumen of a catheter, and deployed to take on an expanded condition. The... Agent: Mayer & Williams PC

20070083196 - Surgical instrument and method for tissue resection and dissection: A surgical instrument has an elongate shaft with a longitudinal shaft axis, a proximal grip end, and a distal working end. The shaft is rotatable about its longitudinal axis by user manipulation of the proximal grip end. The instrument has an energy source coupled to the surgical instrument. A tissue... Agent: Marshall, Gerstein & Borun LLP

20070083197 - Method for treating an asthma attack: A method for treating the lung during an acute episode of reversible chronic obstructive pulmonary disease such as an asthma attack. The method comprises transferring energy to an airway wall of an airway such that a diameter of the airway is increased. The energy may be transferred to the airway... Agent: Asthmatx, Inc. C/o Levine Bagade Han, LLP

20070083198 - Interleaved array of bipolar electrodes: Apparatus including a first electromagnetic energy element that includes protrusions that jut into recesses formed in a second electromagnetic energy element, and a source of electromagnetic energy connected to the first and second electromagnetic energy elements for operating the first and second electromagnetic energy elements as bipolar electrodes. The first... Agent: Dekel Patent Ltd., David Klein

20070083201 - Apparatus and methods for spinal implant with variable link mechanism: A spinal implant provides support for desired parts of the spine. The implant can provide support in fusion situations. The spinal implant includes a pair of longitudinal rods and a transverse rod. A pair of variable cross-link devices couple the transverse rod, respectively, to the first and second longitudinal rods.... Agent: Robert Deberardine Abbott Laboratories

20070083199 - Spinal implant: The invention relates to a spinal implant (10) having, at a first end, fastener means (20) for fastening to a vertebra, and at a second end, an assembly head (22) extending along an axis x-x′, said head (22) including a housing (26) that is open away from the fastener means... Agent: Cabinet Beau De Lomenie

20070083200 - Spinal stabilization systems and methods: Spinal stabilization devices, systems, and methods are described. In a first aspect, a foramenal spacer includes a rigid member adapted to maintain the integrity of the foramenal space. In a second aspect, facet joint stabilizing members and prosthetic facet joints are provided to augment or replace the native facet joint.... Agent: Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe, LLPIPProsecution Department

20070083202 - Intramedullary bone plate with sheath: An intramedullary bone plate with sheath having an intramedullary stem, a bone plate head and a neck that connects the intramedullary stem to the bone plate head in a manner where the stem and head are offset from each other longitudinally and axially in the sagittal plane. The bone plate... Agent: Heslin Rothenberg Farley & Mesiti PC

20070083203 - Anterior cervical plating system: The present invention relates to systems and methods for spinal fusion. More particularly, one embodiment of the present invention relates to an anterior cervical plating system.... Agent: Greenberg Traurig, LLP

20070083204 - Multi-purpose bone plate system: A multi-purpose bone plate system comprises a set of sterile malleable bone plates, an adjustable bending and contouring tower with adjustable angulation and compression slots and a set of bone plates with angulation and compression slots positioned at pre-selected locations to aid three-dimensional shaping of the bone plate. The surgeon... Agent: Ernest D. Buff Ernest D. Buff And Associates, LLC.

20070083205 - Tissue augmentation, stabilization and regeneration technique: A method of treating a fractured vertebral body by using a) a plurality of reinforcement rods combined with the b) a bone growth agent, wherein the reinforcement rods act to mechanically join disparate bone fragments across the fracture planes, thereby stabilizing the fracture site, and the bone growth agent promotes... Agent: Philip S. Johnson Johnson & Johnson

20070083206 - Self drilling and tapping bone screw: A self drilling and tapping bone screw for orthodontic, oral, facial or cranial surgery in bone tissue is disclosed. The bone screw includes a screw head and a body portion. The body portion is provided with a thread and a body tip. There are multiple cutting edges formed by recessed... Agent: Nikolai & Mersereau, P.A.

20070083207 - Variable angle bone fixation assembly: A bone fixation assembly and associated method. The bone fixation assembly includes a bone fastener having a shaft for engaging a bone, and a head connected to the shaft. The shaft defines a longitudinal first axis. The bone fastener also includes a plurality of external thread windings defining an outer... Agent: Harness, Dickey & Pierce, P.L.C

20070083208 - Precision spindle instrument holder for surgical instrument: A surgical instrument holder (10) is made up of a head assembly (68) and a drive spindle assembly (42). The head assembly (68) has a shank (12) with a first driveable end (14) and second coupling end (16). The second end has a coupling device (20) having an interface (22)... Agent: Moetteli & Associates Sarl

20070083209 - Transverse acting surgical saw blade: Various embodiments provide surgical cutting devices and systems for orthopedic and other procedures. Specific embodiments provide saw devices for accessing and cutting subjacent bone and other tissue while minimizing injury to surrounding tissue. One embodiment provides a transverse acting saw blade for performing surgical cuts to bone tissue with minimal... Agent: Townsend And Townsend And Crew, LLP

20070083210 - Apparatus and method for minimally invasive spine surgery: The present invention includes systems and methods for conducting surgical procedures in a minimally invasive manner. The invention includes a guide frame for the insertion of surgical instruments with a high degree of accuracy. For example, a guide needle may be inserted into the pedicle of the spine of a... Agent: Wood, Herron & Evans (zimmer Spine)

20070083211 - Device for facilitating reduction and repair of fractures of the small bones: An apparatus for reducing a fracture in a bone and attaching a plate to the bone includes a first sub-assembly configured to reduce the fracture, and a second sub-assembly integrated with said first sub-assembly in a single surgical instrument. The second sub-assembly is configured to hold the plate against the... Agent: Maginot, Moore & Beck LLP

20070083212 - Bone cement plug: A bone cement plug for fitting into the intramedullary canal within a bone to restrict flow of bone cement during surgery comprises a sleeve (2) whose wall is circumferentially continuous and has an outer surface (10) for contacting the wall (32) of the canal. The sleeve (2) is formed from... Agent: Philip S. Johnson Johnson & Johnson

20070083213 - Orthopedic implant insertion handle and aiming guide: An orthopaedic implant insertion instrument including an insertion handle and a radiolucent aiming guide and method of using same. The insertion handle may be formed of steel and is used for inserting an orthopaedic implant, such as an intramedullary nail or bone plate, into a patient. The radiolucent aiming guide... Agent: Jones Day

20070083214 - Osteotomy guide: An osteotomy guide for indicating the femoral neck resection on a femur and its method of use are presented. The osteotomy guide includes an indexing feature for aligning the guide with an anatomic landmark and a resection guide for indicating the resection relative to the indexing feature.... Agent: John F. Hoffman, Esq. Baker & Daniels LLP

20070083215 - Conduit for interventional procedures: A conduit, such as an introducer sheath, catheter, or guide catheter, incorporating two or more separate lumens to prevent the entanglement of guidewires located at least partially within the conduit. The lumens are separated by at least one disruptable barrier that allows multiple lumens to be converted into fewer lumens... Agent: Kevin J. Boland W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.

20070083216 - Rapid exchange sheath for deployment of medical devices and methods of use: A rapid exchange sheath comprising an elongate tubular member, a guidewire, and support wire having an expandable filter at a distal end. The guidewire passes through a first opening at a distal end of the tubular member and a second opening a short distance proximal from the distal end. The... Agent: Crompton, Seager & Tufte, LLC

20070083217 - Apparatus and methods for placing leads using direct visualization: An apparatus for imaging a body structure within a body cavity includes a catheter including proximal and distal ends, an imaging element on the distal end, and an extension extending distally from the distal end for contacting a surface of a body cavity into which the catheter is introduced. The... Agent: VistaIPLaw Group LLP

20070083218 - Coated ligating clip: A polymeric, surgical clip having first and second curved leg members joined at their proximal end by a hinge portion and movable from an open position to a closed position for clamping a vessel between curved opposing inner surfaces. The clip includes a coating on its exterior which reduces the... Agent: Baker & Hostetler LLP

20070083219 - Embolic coil introducer sheath locking mechanisms: Embolic coil introducer sheath locking mechanisms, as well as related components, systems and methods are disclosed.... Agent: Fish & Richardson PC

20070083220 - Blood vessel occlusion auger: A blood occlusion auger having an in vivo distal auger tool coupled in operative association with an ex vivo auger control for opening and traversing occlusions in a blood vessel The auger control allows the selection of predetermined threshold forces and step-lengths values and operates in successive repetition of identical... Agent: Frishauf, Holtz, Goodman & Chick, PC

20070083221 - Precision trephine: A surgical instrument for forming precise incisions in a cornea of an eye is provided. The surgical instrument comprises a blade carrier and an applanator. The blade carrier has a central bore and a blade. The blade depends from a distal end of the blade carrier. The applanator has an... Agent: Reinhart Boerner Van Deuren P.C.

20070083222 - Lancet device, removal system for lancet device, and method: Lancet device including a body and a holding member movably mounted within the body and comprising a front end and a rear end. The front end is configured to receive a lancet having the lancet needle. A lancet ejector and/or a biasing member are utilized. The biasing member is one... Agent: Greenblum & Bernstein, P.L.C

20070083223 - Driving device for a device for the local puncturing of a skin and a method for operating the driving device: The invention concerns a driving device for a device for the local puncturing of a skin, particularly for the application of permanent make-up or a tattoo, as well as a method for operating the driving device. The driving device comprises drive means for producing a repetitive thrust movement, which is... Agent: Smith Patent Office

20070083225 - Diaphragm entry for posterior surgical access: Methods and devices described herein facilitate diaphragm entry for posterior access of body organs.... Agent: Levine Bagade Han LLP

20070083224 - Gastric bariatric apparatus with selective inflation and safety features: A gastric bariatric balloon includes an upper balloon chamber for sealing against the fundus, a lower balloon chamber for sealing against the antrum and occupying the body of the stomach, and a supplementary chamber for filling at least a portion of the fundus. A tubular inlet is proximal the esophagus... Agent: Patent Law & Venture Group

20070083226 - Coil assemblies, components and methods: Coil assemblies and related components and methods are disclosed. The coil assemblies can include two or more embolic coils having one or more different coil parameters.... Agent: Fish & Richardson PC

20070083227 - Method for left atrial appendage occlusion: Disclosed is an occlusion device for use in a body lumen such as the left atrial appendage. The occlusion device includes an occlusion member and may also include a stabilizing member. The stabilizing member inhibits compression of the left atrial appendage, facilitating tissue in-growth onto the occlusion member. Methods are... Agent: Knobbe Martens Olson & Bear LLP

20070083228 - Multi-pronged biopsy grasping jaws: The present invention relates to a grossing tool for preparing slices of tissue having a uniform predetermined thickness. The tool comprises a first and a second jaw for holding a tissue sample in a substantially fixed position therebetween. The first jaw and the second jaw have a first and a... Agent: Kenyon & Kenyon LLP

20070083230 - Left atrial appendage occlusion device: The present invention provides devices and methods for occluding the left atrial appendage. The device includes an easily deployed wire structure of shape memory material sized to be appropriate for use in a patient. The device may be manufactured in various sizes for use in various patients. The device has... Agent: Foley And Lardner LLP Suite 500

20070083229 - Method and device for cavity obliteration: A device for the obliteration of an aberrant space or cavity comprising a disk of material comprising a first side, an opposing second side, and a perimeter circumferentially surrounding the first side and the second side. A method for the obliteration of an aberrant space or cavity comprises an open... Agent: Sheldon Mak Rose & Anderson PC

20070083231 - Vascular closure: The present invention provides a device for closing an opening to a body cavity and methods of closing an opening to a body cavity. The device and methods can be used to easily and effectively close a vascular puncture site resulting from a surgical procedure.... Agent: Foley And Lardner LLP Suite 500

20070083232 - Vascular closure device: The present invention provides a device for closing an opening to a body cavity and methods of closing an opening to a body cavity. The device and methods can be used to easily and effectively close a vascular puncture site resulting from a surgical procedure, an atrial or ventricular septal... Agent: Foley And Lardner LLP Suite 500

20070083233 - Surgical stapler with an end effector support: A surgical stapler is provided having a cartridge arm for holding staples, an anvil pivotally connected thereto to deform fired staples from the cartridge arm, and a support for substantially preventing anvil deflection during staple firing to help insure proper staple formation. Some supports allow pivoting between the anvil and... Agent: Nutter Mcclennen & Fish LLP

20070083234 - Surgical stapling instruments having flexible channel and anvil features for adjustable staple heights: 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

20070083235 - Helical retainer, tool for using the helical retainer, and methods: The invention relates to helical retainers, particularly helical retainers adapted for use in laparoscopic surgery. One aspect of the invention provides a helical retainer having a sterile coiled body adapted and configured to secure a surgical suture, the coiled body having a plurality of coils and being formed from a... Agent: Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati

20070083236 - Methods and devices for tissue repair: An apparatus for tissue repair includes first and second fixation members configured to secure tissue together, a flexible coupling member coupling the first and second fixation members, a first flexible pull member attached to the first fixation member but not the second fixation member, and a second flexible pull member... Agent: Fish & Richardson P.C. Smith & Nephew, Inc.

20070078446 - Stent for implantation: A stent is made from a coiled wire and is very smooth along its length and as well its ends. The stent is thus highly atraumatic to patients, and because of its smooth surfaces, it presents a surface to which it is difficult for microbes to cling. The stent may... Agent: Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione/chicago/cook

20070078447 - Devices and methods for separating layers of materials having different ablation thresholds: A method and device for photoablation is disclosed wherein photoablation occurs along the interface between a material having a lower energy ablation threshold and a material having a higher energy ablation threshold. The method and device utilize a laser beam having a beam energy density which is less than the... Agent: Nydegger & Associates

20070078448 - Occlusive wound dressing useful in tattoo removal: Method of removing a tattoo from skin, including (a) applying laser radiation to a tattoo site; and (b) applying to the tattoo site a dressing to absorb pigment therefrom, the dressing including a fluid-absorbing pressure sensitive adhesive material. In one embodiment, the fluid-absorbing material includes an adhesive material and at... Agent: Thomas W. Adams Renner, Otto, Boisselle & Sklar, LLP

20070078449 - Medical laser apparatus: A medical laser apparatus suitable for medical treatment, which is capable of obtaining a plurality of visible laser beams each having a different wavelength, but which has an inexpensive structure. A medical laser apparatus capable of selectively irradiating a plurality of visible laser beams each having a different wavelength onto... Agent: Oliff & Berridge, PLC

20070078450 - Method and apparatus for characterization of tissue using catheter-based spectroscopy: A tissue characterization apparatus and method may comprise a light source configured to direct light towards the tissue, a light receptor configured to receive light reflected from the tissue and configured to generate an electrical signal, and a spectrogram configured to analyze the signal generated by the light receptor.... Agent: Joseph S. Heino, Esq.

20070078451 - Treatment of atrial fibrillation by overlapping curvilinear lesions: Ablation methods and instruments are disclosed for creating lesions in tissue, especially cardiac tissue for treatment of arrhythmias and the like. Percutaneous ablation instruments in the form of coaxial catheter bodies are disclosed having at least one central lumen therein and having one or more balloon structures at the distal... Agent: Nutter Mcclennen & Fish LLP

20070078452 - Surgical instrument: A surgical instrument includes an insertion section, a surgery section provided at a distal end of the insertion section, and a manipulating section provided at a proximal end portion of the insertion section. The surgery section has a pair of grip sections which are relatively openable, and a turning section... Agent: Ostrolenk Faber Gerb & Soffen

20070078453 - System and method for performing cardiac ablation: Systems and methods for performing cardiac ablation are disclosed. The method includes the steps of placing an ablation electrode having one or more temperature control mechanisms in contact with a patient's heart. The ablation electrode includes a cardiac sensor disposed therein for measuring cardiac signals. The method also includes the... Agent: United States Surgical, A Division Of Tyco Healthcare Group Lp

20070078455 - Electrophysiology/ablation catheter and remote actuator therefor: A cardiac catheter for minimally invasive diagnostic and/or ablation procedures includes an elongated cylindrical, electrically non-conductive exterior tube with surface electrodes disposed on its distal portion and a handle on its proximal end. The distal portion can be curved into a curvature retained by a single action on a manual... Agent: Sjm/afd-wiley

20070078454 - System and method for creating lesions using bipolar electrodes: A bipolar electrosurgical system is provided. The system includes at least one pair of active and return electrodes each including thermally-conductive tubular members with closed distal ends. Each of the tubular members include electrically conductive portions which are adapted to connect to an electrical energy source. The active and return... Agent: United States Surgical, A Division Of Tyco Healthcare Group Lp

20070078456 - In-line vessel sealer and divider: An endoscopic forceps includes a housing having a shaft attached thereto, the shaft including a pair of jaw members disposed at a distal end thereof. The forceps also includes a drive assembly disposed in the housing which moves the jaw members relative to one another from a first position wherein... Agent: United States Surgical, A Division Of Tyco Healthcare Group Lp

20070078457 - Multipolar, multi-lumen, virtual-electrode catheter with at least one surface electrode and method for ablation: Multipolar, multi-lumen, virtual-electrode catheters having at least one surface electrode, and methods for treatment (e.g., treatment of cardiac arrhythmias) with such catheters are disclosed. The catheters have at least two internal lumens, and at least one internal, flexible electrode rides in each internal lumen. The flexible electrodes carry treatment energy... Agent: Heimbecher & Assoc., LLC

20070078459 - Flexible endoscopic catheter with ligasure: An endoscopic forceps is disclosed including an end effector assembly having two jaw members movable from a first position in spaced relation relative to one another to at least a second position closer to one another for grasping tissue therebetween. Each of the jaw members is connectable to an electrosurgical... Agent: United States Surgical, A Division Of Tyco Healthcare Group Lp

20070078458 - Insulating boot for electrosurgical forceps: Either an endoscopic or open bipolar forceps includes a flexible, generally tubular insulating boot for insulating patient tissue, while not impeding motion of the jaw members. The jaw members are movable from an open to a closed position and the jaw members are connected to a source of electrosurgical energy... Agent: United States Surgical, A Division Of Tyco Healthcare Group Lp

20070078462 - Digitalized spinal system: A biocompatible metal piece intended for stabilizing vertebral bodies in cervical, thoracic and lumbar regions. This piece remarkably diminishes the profile, weigh and volume of an implant; the compatibility of the curving digitalized surfaces allow to immobilize vertebral bodies without internal efforts, achieving an important diminishing of time during the... Agent: Peacock Myers, P.C.

20070078461 - Methods and apparatuses for stabilizing the spine through an access device: An apparatus for stabilizing vertebrae while permitting a range of motion therebetween may include first and second fasteners for engaging adjacent vertebrae and a motion preserving device that can be coupled to the first and second fasteners. The motion preserving device may include a longitudinal member that includes an array... Agent: Knobbe Martens Olson & Bear LLP

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