Surgery inventions 07/07

20070173788 - Robotic arm with five-bar spherical linkage: A robotic arm with a parallel spherical five-bar linkage having a ground link, two inboard links, and two outboard links. Each inboard link is coupled to the ground link at an axis of rotation and has an intermediate axis spaced apart from the axis of rotation. Each outboard link is... Agent: Patent Dept Intuitive Surgical, Inc

20070173789 - Robotic arm with five-bar spherical linkage: A robotic arm with a parallel spherical five-bar linkage having a ground link, two inboard links, and two outboard links. Each inboard link is coupled to the ground link at an axis of rotation and has an intermediate axis spaced apart from the axis of rotation. Each outboard link is... Agent: Patent Dept Intuitive Surgical, Inc

20070173793 - Device and method for protecting tissue in the treatment of eyes: To protect tissue in the treatment of an eye (3) with a focused pulsed laser beam (21) generated by a laser system (2), e.g. a femtolaser system, operating data which define an operating area operated on by the focus (F) of the laser beam (21) during the treatment are acquired... Agent: Oliff & Berridge, PLC

20070173800 - System and method for heating a shape memory material spinal correction element for corrective spinal surgery: A device and method of correcting a spinal defect in a patient employs the use of shape memory material. The shape memory material may be transitioned between a martensitic state and an austenitic state by applying heat to the shape memory material. Heat may be applied using conductive heat, convective... Agent: Lahive & Cockfield, LLP

20070173805 - Method and system for controlling an output of a radio-frequency medical generator having an impedance based control algorithm: A system for performing an electrosurgical procedure at a surgical site is disclosed. The system includes a sensor configured to continually sense an electrical and/or a physical property of tissue at a surgical site and to generate a sensor signal as a function thereof. The system also includes a control... Agent: United States Surgical, A Division Of Tyco Healthcare Group Lp

20070173806 - System and method for closed loop monitoring of monopolar electrosurgical apparatus: An electrosurgical system is disclosed comprising a generator configured to electrosurgical coagulation waveforms. The generator includes a closed loop control system for controlling the electrosurgical coagulation waveforms. The closed loop control system includes a sensor configured to sense a tissue property and/or an energy property and to transmit the tissue... Agent: United States Surgical, A Division Of Tyco Healthcare Group Lp

20070173804 - System and method for tissue sealing: An electrosurgical system is disclosed. The electrosurgical system includes an electrosurgical generator adapted to supply electrosurgical energy to tissue. The electrosurgical generator includes impedance sensing circuitry which measures impedance of tissue, a microprocessor configured to determine whether a tissue reaction has occurred as a function of a minimum impedance value... Agent: United States Surgical, A Division Of Tyco Healthcare Group Lp

20070173814 - Vessel sealer and divider for large tissue structures: An endoscopic bipolar forceps includes a housing having a shaft affixed thereto, the shaft including jaw members at a distal end thereof. The shaft includes a longitudinal axis defined therethrough and the jaw members are adapted to connect to a source of electrosurgical energy such that the jaw members are... Agent: United States Surgical, A Division Of Tyco Healthcare Group Lp

20070173830 - Method of percutaneous paracoccygeal pre-sacral stabilization of a failed artificial disc replacement: A procedure for stabilization in situ of a failed artificial disc replacement (ADR) using a pre-sacral paracoccygeal approach to an inter-vertebral disc space, such as the L5-S1 disc space for example, where a bore is created in the ADR using two counter rotating small drills, and then a larger hollow... Agent: Fulwider Patton Lee & Utecht, LLP

20070173836 - Targeting device for bone implant: A medical implant system has parts for detachably establishing a spatial orientation between a body implant such as a bone plate and an aiming device. A contoured portion of a body implant is designed in such a manner that an adapter device can be detachably fastened to the body implant... Agent: Lerner, David, Littenberg, Krumholz & Mentlik

20070173852 - Device for trimming an osteochondral implant and a surgical procedure involving same: A device for trimming an osteochondral implant according to which a body member has a bore for receiving the graft and a cutting slot extending transverse to the bore for receiving a cutting blade. A mechanism adjusts the graft in the bore relative to the slot so that the graft... Agent: Haynes And Boone, LLP

20070173790 - Method and system for calibrating a surgical tool and adapter therefor: A method for easily calibrating both the position of the tip of a surgical tool and the orientation of that tool includes attaching a tracking device capable of communication with the surgical navigation system to the surgical tool using an adapter, where the adapter has a known relation between the... Agent: Mccracken & Frank LLP

20070173791 - System for ophthalmic laser surgery: A system for ophthalmic laser surgery is disclosed. A laser source is adapted for performing ophthalmic laser surgery. A surgical tip is adapted to transmit light from the laser source toward an eye. A reference window is affixed to the surgical tip at a fixed position relative to the laser... Agent: Connolly Bove Lodge & Hutz LLP

20070173792 - Systems and methods for qualifying and calibrating a beam delivery system: Systems and methods for testing a laser eye surgery system are provided. Methods include establishing an image scale based on a calibration pattern, imageably altering a series of regions of a test surface with the laser system, laterally redirecting a laser beam to form a test pattern, imaging the test... Agent: Townsend And Townsend And Crew, LLP

20070173795 - System and apparatus for treating the lens of an eye: A system and apparatus for increasing the amplitude of accommodation and/or changing the refractive power and/or enabling the removal of the clear or cataractous lens material of a natural crystalline lens is provided. Generally, the system comprises a laser, optics for delivering the laser beam and a control system for... Agent: Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione

20070173794 - System and method for treating the structure of the human lens with a laser: A system and method for increasing the amplitude of accommodation and/or changing the refractive power and/or enabling the removal of the clear or cataractous lens material of a natural crystalline lens is provided. Generally, the system comprises a laser, optics for delivering the laser beam and a control system for... Agent: Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione

20070173796 - Device and method for calibrating a laser system: A device for calibrating a laser beam system includes a calibration member having a surface positioned at a predetermined distance from the base datum of the unit. Further, the system includes a mechanism for focusing the beam to a focal point and for moving the focal point relative to the... Agent: Neil K. Nydegger Nydegger & Associates

20070173797 - Laser energy calibration based on optical measurement: Systems and method for determining ablation beam characteristics are provided. Methods include ablating an article with the ablation beam to form a test location having an ablation depth, transmitting a first beam through the test location of the article, transmitting a second beam through a reference location, and determining an... Agent: Townsend And Townsend And Crew, LLP

20070173798 - Minimally invasive methods for thermal treatment: An embodiment of the invention includes inserting into a gastrointestinal lumen, a catheter having a first balloon and a second balloon spaced from the first balloon. The first balloon and the second balloon are inflated to sealingly engage the lumen. A liquid is introduced into a volume bounded by the... Agent: Cooley Godward Kronish LLP Attn: Patent Group

20070173799 - Treatment of fatty tissue adjacent an eye: The appearance of a sagging eyelid can be altered. A surface of a target region of skin of the eyelid is cooled, and a beam of radiation is delivered to the target region to affect at least one fat cell of the fatty deposit to alter the appearance of the... Agent: Proskauer Rose LLP

20070173801 - Spine irritation relief and degeneration avoidance/reversal apparatus and method: A system and a method for the relief of pain/irritation of the spine or for the prevention of degeneration of the spine. The system is designed to facilitate creep in the human spine in a way that can be self-administered and with which patients will readily comply. The apparatus comprises... Agent: Conley Rose, P.C. David A. Rose

20070173807 - Devices and methods for controlling movement of an electrosurgical electrode: An electrosurgical electrode assembly having a cutting device including a catheter with a proximal and distal end, and an electrode carried on the distal end of the catheter. A controller is connected to the cutting device. A data acquisition system is connected to the controller and is capable of monitoring... Agent: O'melveny & Myers LLP

20070173808 - Electrosurgical generator: An electrosurgical generator for supplying RF power to an electrosurgical instrument for cutting or vaporising tissue has an RF output stage (42) with an RF power bridge (Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4), a pair of output lines (74) and a series-resonant output network (48). The output impedance of the output stage... Agent: Oliff & Berridge, PLC

20070173802 - Method and system for transmitting data across patient isolation barrier: Systems and methods for controlling an electrosurgical generator through a patient isolation barrier are disclosed. The system includes a control assembly disposed within a surgical hand piece configured to control the generator. The control assembly has one or more input devices and one ore more resistor assemblies in electrical communication... Agent: United States Surgical, A Division Of Tyco Healthcare Group Lp

20070173803 - System and method for terminating treatment in impedance feedback algorithm: A system and method for performing electrosurgical procedures are disclosed. The system includes an electrosurgical generator adapted to supply energy at an output level to tissue. The electrosurgical generator includes a microprocessor adapted to generate a desired impedance trajectory having at least one slope. The target impedance trajectory includes one... Agent: United States Surgical, A Division Of Tyco Healthcare Group Lp

20070173810 - Dual synchro-resonant electrosurgical apparatus with bi-directional magnetic coupling: An electrosurgical generator is disclosed, which includes an RF output stage connected to a DC power supply and first and second connections. The first connection includes a first switching component and a first parallel inductor-capacitor resonant circuit. The second connection includes a second switching components and a second parallel inductor-capacitor... Agent: United States Surgical, A Division Of Tyco Healthcare Group Lp

20070173809 - Electrosurgical generator and system: An electrosurgical system includes a generator for generating radio frequency power, and an electrosurgical instrument including at least three electrodes and. The generator includes a radio frequency output stage having at least a pair of RF output lines, and a power supply coupled to the output stage for supplying power... Agent: Nixon & Vanderhye, PC

20070173811 - Method and system for controlling delivery of energy to divide tissue: System and method for controlling delivery of energy to divide tissue are disclosed. The system comprises an electrosurgical instrument having an electrically energizable cutting element which communicates electrical energy to the tissue and a generator to supply the energy to the electrosurgical instrument which supplies the energy to the tissue... Agent: United States Surgical, A Division Of Tyco Healthcare Group Lp

20070173812 - Methods and apparatus employing ionizing radiation for treatment of cardiac arrhythmia: Method and apparatus are disclosed employing ionizing radiation for forming lines of ablation or lesions in cardiac tissue to treat atrial fibrillation or other electrophysiological problems with the heart. The apparatus may include a catheter in which the radiation source is advanced hydraulically after the catheter is in place within... Agent: Cook, Alex, Mcfarron, Manzo, Cummings & Mehler Ltd

20070173813 - System and method for tissue sealing: An electrosurgical bipolar forceps for sealing is disclosed. The forceps includes one or more shaft members having an end effector assembly disposed at the distal end. The end effector assembly includes two jaw members movable from a first position to a closed position wherein the jaw members cooperate to grasp... Agent: United States Surgical, A Division Of Tyco Healthcare Group Lp

20070173815 - Method, members, system and program for bone correction: The present invention provides a method and a system for treating a bone. The method includes obtaining a bone model representing a bone which is a subject of treatment; obtaining a target bone model to which treatment aims; determining a treatment process (e.g., a necessary assisting member) which is to... Agent: Cozen O'connor, P.C.

20070173827 - Adjustable connector for attachment to a rod in a medical application: Devices and methods for attaching a rod to an anchor. One embodiment includes attaching the rod to an anchor that extends from a vertebral member. One device may include a connector housing including a first channel sized to receive the rod and a second channel sized to receive the anchor.... Agent: Coats & Bennett, PLLC

20070173831 - Device and method for the placement of spinal fixators: An instrument is adapted for placing a cross-member between a pair of bone screws. The instrument includes an actuator and a housing that contains the cross-member in a pre-deployed state such that the cross-member is at least partially enclosed within the housing. A mechanism couples the actuator to the cross-member.... Agent: Fish & Richardson, PC

20070173816 - Device for aligning a human or animal vertebral column: The invention relates to a device for aligning a human or animal vertebral column. Said device comprises a fixing bar (12, 40, 42), which fixes at least two vertebral bodies (44), can be attached to at least two fastening elements (16) that can be anchored to the vertebral column and... Agent: Welsh & Katz, Ltd

20070173829 - Devices and methods for connecting vertebral rods: Connection devices and methods to connect together vertebral rods. Embodiments of the device include a first member and a second member. Each member may include a grip for connecting with the vertebral rods. A connector may connect together the first and second members. The connector provides for various manners of... Agent: Coats & Bennett, PLLC

20070173823 - Intervertebral prosthetic device for spinal stabilization and method of implanting same: A prosthetic device and method, according to which a member of a relatively flexible, soft material is connected with a member of a relatively stiff material and the connected members are implanted in a spinal column using a non-rigid and a rigid connection.... Agent: Haynes And Boone, LLP

20070173826 - Intramedullar devices and methods to reduce and/or fix damaged bone: The present invention comprises methods and devices for reduction and/or fixation of fractured or diseased bone or for prevention of fracture or collapse of diseased/damaged bone.... Agent: Quine Intellectual Property Law Group, P.C.

20070173820 - Materials, devices, and methods for treating multiple spinal regions including the anterior region: A method is provided for treating a spinal condition. The method includes attaching an anterior system between a pair of vertebrae to reinforce or stabilize an anterior motion segment and extending a posterior motion preservation system between posterior bone segments of the pair of vertebrae to restore or preserve an... Agent: Haynes And Boone, LLP

20070173821 - Materials, devices, and methods for treating multiple spinal regions including the posterior and spinous process regions: A method of treating a spinal condition includes attaching an interspinous device between spinous processes of a pair of vertebrae and attaching an anterior system between the pair of adjacent vertebrae to prevent hyperkyphosis.... Agent: Haynes And Boone, LLP

20070173824 - Method of percutaneous paracoccygeal pre-sacral stabilization of a failed artificial disc replacement: A procedure for stabilization in situ of a failed artificial disc replacement (ADR) using a pre-sacral paracoccygeal approach to an inter-vertebral disc space, such as the L5-S1 disc space for example, where a bore is created in the ADR using a drill, and then a fastener is inserted into the... Agent: Fulwider Patton LLP

20070173833 - Pedicle screw constructs and spinal rod attachment assemblies: Spine fixation constructs are configured to receive and retain a spinal rod onto a vertebral bone screw. The spine fixation constructs provide for 360° rotation about a bone screw and variable axial placement about the bone screw. In one form, a rod holder of the spine fixation construct is configured... Agent: Bowman & Associates

20070173818 - Posterior dynamic stabilization of spine: The present invention provides various interspinous vertebral implants and methods for using the same for dynamic stabilization of spine. The interspinous vertebral implants of the present invention comprises a resiliently compressible body that is adapted for position between adjacent superior and inferior spinous processes, and an anchoring member that is... Agent: Wood, Herron & Evans (zimmer Spine)

20070173819 - Spinal implant fixation assembly: A locking mechanism that is a non-threaded locking device for locking a rod in place within a screw and rod fixation assembly.... Agent: Amy E. Rinaldo Kohn & Associates, PLLC

20070173825 - Spinal rod parallel coupler: A spinal rod coupler used for joining spinal rods in a parallel fashion. The coupler is adapted to join rods of different thicknesses or flexibilities while occupying a minimal amount of volume inside a patient. The coupler preferably has a V-shaped channel adapted to receive the spinal rods such that... Agent: Lerner, David, Littenberg, Krumholz & Mentlik

20070173828 - Spondylolistheses correction system and method of correcting spondylolistheses: A spinal correction element in a device and method of correcting spondylolistheses in a patient transitions between a first shape and a second shape while having a first portion fixed to a forwardly displaced vertebra and a second portion fixed to an undeformed portion of the spinal column to apply... Agent: Lahive & Cockfield, LLP

20070173832 - Systems and methods for posterior dynamic stabilization of the spine: Devices, systems and methods for dynamically stabilizing the spine are provided. The devices include an expandable spacer having an undeployed configuration and a deployed configuration, wherein the spacer has axial and radial dimensions for positioning between the spinous processes of adjacent vertebrae. The systems include one or more spacers and... Agent: Mayer & Williams PC

20070173822 - Use of a posterior dynamic stabilization system with an intradiscal device: A method of treating a spinal condition includes attaching an anterior spinal motion device in an anterior region of a motion segment associated with the pair of vertebrae and attaching a posterior motion preservation device in a second region of the motion segment. The anterior spinal motion device may include... Agent: Haynes And Boone, LLP

20070173817 - Vertebral osteosynthesis equipment: A vertebral osteosynthesis equipment includes bony anchoring members, such as pedicular screws (1), one or two linking rods (2), intended to be connected to these anchoring members, and connection assemblies (6, 3) of this or these rods (2) to these anchoring members, at least one of these anchoring members (1)... Agent: Young & Thompson

20070173834 - Flexible nail assembly for fractures of long bones: An implant assembly of flexible nails (19) for fractures of long bones comprises of a straight universal length flexible nails having properties of ductility as 15% to 25% of elongation of nail and ultimate tensile strength of 600 to 800 Mega Pascal on testing, having an identical pathfinder blunt conical... Agent: Law Firm Of Naren Thappeta

20070173835 - Intramedullary implant for fracture fixation and method of using the same: An intramedullary implant, useful particularly for the fixation of fractures of the radius, the implant comprising a first and second end, both ends configured for entry into the intramedullary canal through an entry point on the bone, such as the fracture site, and configured for positioning within the intramedullary canal... Agent: Patzik, Frank & Samotny Ltd.

20070173837 - Bone fixation and dynamization devices and methods: A bone fixation and dynamization device comprising a first member having a first end and a second end; a second member having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the second member is coupled to the second end of the first member body, wherein the... Agent: Conley Rose, P.C. David A. Rose

20070173838 - Femoral head and neck strengthening device: A femoral head and neck strengthening device includes a first strengthening element, a second strengthening element joined to the first strengthening element in a separable manner, and a bone plate joined to the second strengthening element in a separable manner; the first strengthening element can be used alone; the first... Agent: Rosenberg, Klein & Lee

20070173841 - Adjustable bone plate: The invention pertains to adjustable bone plates which comprise one or more sets of first members and second members. The first members and second members are releaseably secured to each other by attachment means and locking means, and two or more set of first members and second members are connected... Agent: Norris Mclaughlin & Marcus, P.A.

20070173840 - Bone plate with cover: System, including methods, apparatus, and kits, for fixing bones with a bone plate and a cover plate attached over the bone plate.... Agent: Kolisch Hartwell, P.C.

20070173842 - Device and method for the placement of spinal fixators: Devices and methods are adapted for the distraction of a disc space that is situated between a first vertebral body attached to a previously implanted bone fixator and a second vertebral bone that is not attached to the bone fixator. A distraction member is attached onto the previously implanted fixator... Agent: Fish & Richardson, PC

20070173843 - Drug delivering bone plate and method and targeting device for use therewith: An implantable bone plate for use with a plurality of attachment screws for treating a fracture of a bone in a mammalian body is provided. The implantable bone plate includes an elongate body extending along a longitudinal axis and having substantially parallel outer and inner surfaces. A plurality of holes... Agent: Dorsey & Whitney LLP

20070173839 - Fracture fixation plate with cover sheath: A fracture fixation plate with cover sheath having a head element that is rigidly connected to a plate element in an upwardly angled direction. The head element is anatomically shaped and includes medial and lateral sheath recesses wherein non-threaded bone screw holes and a threaded sheath screw hole are located.... Agent: John W. Boger, Esq. Heslin Rothenberg Farley & Mesiti P.C.

20070173844 - Craniotomy closures and plugs: Strip fasteners and cranial plugs for use in reattaching a skull flap removed during brain surgery and methods of using the same. The strip fasteners are flexible and can be shaped to follow the perimeter contour of the skull flap. The cranial plugs can be used to reattach the skull... Agent: Norris Mclaughlin & Marcus, P.A.

20070173845 - Self-locking suture anchor, system and method: A self-locking suture anchor comprises a shank with an unthreaded portion between a first, proximal thread flight and a second flight axially displaced therefrom. A suture retainer collar through which a suture can be pulled surrounds the unthreaded portion. When the self-locking suture anchor is threaded into bone, the suture... Agent: Nath & Associates

20070173846 - Osteochondral implant procedure and device: A surgical procedure according to which a cutting blade is positioned over an area of the bone to be cut and indicia is projected onto the area. The blade is adjusted relative to the area until the indicia takes a predetermined configuration on the area corresponding to the desired position... Agent: Haynes And Boone, LLP

20070173847 - Guided reamer system for reshaping bone: A guided reamer (10) has a central cannulation (12, 12a) adapted to receive a drill pin (14) secured in a manner which is axially aligned with the stem (22) of the bulbus bone joint (20). The reamer (10)has a profile cutting form (24) with cutting teeth (40) formed therein for... Agent: Moetteli & Associates Sarl

20070173849 - Adjustable surgical support base with integral hinge: An apparatus is provided for supporting a surgical component adjacent to a bone during a surgical procedure. The apparatus includes an integral body having a hinge platform, a hinge integral with the hinge platform; and a surgical component mounting portion integral with the hinge for rotation generally about a hinge... Agent: John F. Hoffman, Esq. Baker & Daniels LLP

20070173848 - Bone jig: A jig includes a main body with at least one tool guide portion and a referencing member. The main body includes an adjusting member which acts between the main body and the referencing member to move the main body relative to the bone.... Agent: Harness, Dickey & Pierce, P.L.C

20070173850 - Bone resection guide and method: An apparatus is provided for guiding a cutter to cut a bone to receive a knee prosthesis and methods for its use. In one aspect of the invention a relative angle adjustment mechanism is provided to adjust the relative angle between first and second cut guides. In another aspect of... Agent: John F. Hoffman, Esq. Baker & Daniels LLP

20070173851 - Modular anterior-posterior femoral sizer: The invention provides an apparatus and method for sizing a distal portion of a femur during knee arthroplasty. A sizer according to the invention includes a body that can be removably attached to the distal portion of the femur and that is operable to support a module that is removably... Agent: Lerner, David, Littenberg, Krumholz & Mentlik

20070173853 - System and method for centering surgical cutting tools about the spinous process or other bone structure: Various embodiments of the present invention provide, for example, a system and method for centering a surgical tool about the spinous process or other bony structure. Certain embodiments of the present invention may guide the surgical tool along a posterior midline of the spine in order to divide the spinous... Agent: Alston & Bird LLP

20070173854 - Bone resection apparatus and method for knee surgery: A bone resection apparatus and its method of use for knee surgery are presented. In one aspect of the invention, the apparatus includes a spacer and a tibial cut guide. The spacer has a first surface engageable with the cut distal femoral bone and a second surface opposite the first... Agent: John F. Hoffman, Esq. Baker & Daniels LLP

20070173855 - Devices and methods for spacing of vertebral members over multiple levels: The present application is directed to devices and methods to space apart vertebral members over two or more spinal levels. Embodiments of the devices may include a power source, supply line, and adjustable members. The adjustable members may be positioned along two or more spinal levels. The supply line may... Agent: Coats & Bennett, PLLC

20070173858 - Apparatus and method for sculpting the surface of a joint: The present invention provides a method and device for restoring individual patient joint kinematics using minimally invasive surgical procedures. The instrumentation of the invention sculpts the articular surface of a first bone that normally articulates in a predetermined manner with a second bone. The instrumentation includes a bone sculpting tool... Agent: Oppenheimer Wolff & Donnelly LLP

20070173856 - Split thread orthopaedic implant impactor: An orthopaedic implant impactor which includes a shaft having a proximal end and a distal end. A trigger is pivotably connected to the distal end, the trigger having a cam end. A push rod is within the shaft and is connected to the cam end of the trigger.... Agent: Taylor & Aust, P.C.

20070173857 - Surgical tool and method employing vacuum coupling or magnetic coupling engagement mechanism for facilitating positioning of an intervertebral device: A surgical tool and method are provided for positioning an intervertebral device between vertebral members of a patient. The tool includes an insertion/extractoin mechanism including an elongate inserter and an engagement mechanism. The elongate inserter has proximal and distal ends, with the engagement mechanism being disposed at the distal end... Agent: Heslin Rothenberg Farley & Mesiti P.C.

20070173859 - Medical procedure via natural opening: The medical procedure via a natural opening according to the present invention includes: adjusting the patient's body so that a target site on the anterior wall of a hollow organ faces in the direction opposite to the direction of gravitational force; introducing a liquid inflow conduit in the vicinity of... Agent: Scully Scott Murphy & Presser, PC

20070173860 - Plunger: A plunger having blunt, rounded tip offset from the centerline of the plunger rod and having a notch. The offset tip assures that the tip is biased downward against the bottom of the cartridge bore. Such a downward bias helps prevent the tip from riding up over the IOL and... Agent: Alcon

20070173862 - Flexible support member with high pushability: The present invention is directed to the field of medical devices, and in particular, to a medical device for delivering a medical implant to a patient's body, the device having a pushing member that is constructed of tubes arranged coaxially.... Agent: Philip S. Johnson Johnson & Johnson

20070173861 - System and method for positioning an artificial heart valve at the position of a malfunctioning valve of a heart through a percutaneous route: Method for positioning an artificial heart valve at the anatomic position of a malfunctioning heart valve of a heart of a patient, by employing a catheter bearing the artificial heart valve and a valve fixation device, at the tip of the catheter, the method including the procedures of receiving a... Agent: Merchant & Gould PC

20070173863 - Deployable constrictor for uterine artery occlusion: Devices, systems and methods for occluding blood vessels include a deployable constrictor having opposed pressure-applying portions, a delivery shaft configured to intravaginally advance the constrictor to the patient's cervix, a location sensor configured to detect a blood vessel, a deployment member for deploying the constrictor about the patient's cervix, and... Agent: Edward J. Lynch Duane Morris LLP

20070173864 - Placing fixation devices: A fixation device can be delivered to the body of a patient by coupling the fixation device to a delivery instrument at a head of the fixation device. Engaging the fixation device to the delivery instrument at the fixation device's head allows the fixation device to be secured to a... Agent: Edwards Angell Palmer & Dodge LLP

20070173865 - Suture manipulating and cutting implement: An implement for manipulating a knotted suture during a surgical procedure, includes an elongated shaft having a proximal end engageable by the user for manipulating the instrument, and a distal end engageable with the knotted suture to be manipulated. The distal end of the elongated shaft has an end face... Agent: Martin D Moynihan Prtsi Inc

20070173866 - Surgical hemostatic clip: A surgical clip for a clip applier has a first leg connected to a second leg at a first location and the first leg separated from the second leg by a predetermined distance at a second location spaced from the first location. The first leg has a first distal end... Agent: Michael D. Switzer U.s. Surgical,

20070173867 - Device and method for establishing an artificial arterio-venous fistula: A shunt rivet for implementation in the aorta and inferior vena cava to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and a method of treating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.... Agent: Levine Bagade Han LLP

20070173869 - Magnetic anchoring devices: Magnetic anchoring devices are disclosed herein. Expandable devices that are inserted into the stomach of a patient are attached to its interior wall by magnetically coupling. Such expandable devices, like inflatable balloons, comprise at least one magnetic device, which may be a magnet, a magnetizable material, or a magnetic metal.... Agent: Fulwider Patton LLP

20070173868 - Medical grafting connectors and fasteners: A body tissue graft for use in a patient includes a frame structure made of a first elastic material, a covering of a second elastic material on the frame structure, the covering substantially filling openings in the frame structure, and a connector connected to the frame structure. Projections are secured... Agent: Fish & NeaveIPGroup Ropes & Gray LLP

20070173870 - 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

20070173872 - Surgical instrument for cutting and coagulating patient tissue: A first medical instrument is for cutting and coagulating patient tissue and includes a two-pronged end effector. The end effector has a first prong which includes a medical ultrasonic blade, has a second prong which includes an arm opposing the ultrasonic blade, and has a surgical knife. A second medical... Agent: Thompson Hine LLP

20070173871 - Ultrasound medical instrument having a medical ultrasonic blade: A first ultrasound medical instrument includes a medical ultrasonic blade having first, second and third blade portions. The second blade portion is more bendable than either of the first and third blade portions. A second ultrasound medical instrument includes a medical ultrasonic blade having a proximal blade portion and a... Agent: Thompson Hine LLP

20070173873 - Surgical tool with hydrodynamic dissipation brake: Systems and methods are provided for passively dissipating a rotational speed of a fluid-driven rotatable shaft. In particular, a dissipation member is provided for dissipating the rotational speed of a shaft having an end effector formed thereon. As the rotational speed of the shaft increases, the dissipation member will apply... Agent: Nutter Mcclennen & Fish LLP

20070173876 - Lancing device with dampened spring: A lancing device includes a housing, a moveable lancet holder configured to hold a lancet, and a launching mechanism. The launching mechanism includes a launch spring and retraction spring, at least one of which has been at least partially coated with a dampening material that aids in dampening sound and/or... Agent: Philip S. Johnson Johnson & Johnson

20070173875 - Lancing device with dampener: A lancing device includes a housing, a moveable lancet holder configured to hold a lancet, a launching mechanism, a depth stop with a depth stop surface, and a dampener for dampening at least one of sound and vibration during lancing. The moveable lancet holder includes a lancet holder depth stop... Agent: Philip S. Johnson Johnson & Johnson

20070173874 - Method for dampened lancing: A lancing device includes a housing, a moveable lancet holder configured to hold a lancet, a launching mechanism, a depth stop with a depth stop surface, and a dampener for dampening at least one of sound and vibration during lancing. The moveable lancet holder includes a lancet holder depth stop... Agent: Philip S. Johnson Johnson & Johnson

20070173877 - Device for punching out tissue areas from bone: A device for punching out tissue areas from bone has a blade whose circumferential cutting edge corresponds to the contour of a tissue area that is to be punched out. The blade is composed of a plurality of blade segments that are each movable in an axial direction counter to... Agent: St. Onge Steward Johnston & Reens, LLC

20070173878 - Catheter system for connecting adjacent blood vessels: A catheter system is provided for creating a fistula between blood vessels, using a first catheter with a piercing tool adjacent its distal end, and a second catheter with a receptor adjacent its distal end. The receptor includes an opening and a channel providing a guide surface for receiving the... Agent: Kolisch Hartwell, P.C.

20070173879 - Surgical tool: A tunneling device for creating a pathway in subcutaneous tissue of a person's body. The tunneling device includes a member having two ends, where each of the ends defines an insertion surface that facilitates the insertion of the ends into the subcutaneous tissue of the person's body. The tunneling device... Agent: Cooper & Dunham, LLP

20070173880 - Osteochondral implant fixation procedure and bone dilator used in same: A surgical procedure for implanting a graft according to which a dilator is inserted in a recipient opening and the graft is inserted in the dilator to cause outward expansion of the dilator into engagement with the portion of a bone surrounding the opening. After the dilator is removed from... Agent: Haynes And Boone, LLP

20070173881 - Apparatus and method for volume adjustment of intragastric balloons: A gastric balloon and method of adding and removing fluid therefrom are disclosed. The gastric balloon includes a shell, a receiver, and a retractable tubing housed in the receiver and extendable from the stomach of a patient to the mouth of the patient. The shell is inflated and deflated from... Agent: Allergan, Inc.

20070173885 - Retrievable blood clot filter: A compact retrievable blood clot filter has a filter section, a releasable lock and an alignment section connected to the filter section. Alignment ribs of the alignment section have releasable upstream ends that are locked to the filter by the releasable lock. The releasable upstream ends of the alignment ribs... Agent: Harry K. Ahn, Esq. Reed Smith LLP

20070173882 - Device with actuatable fluid-column occluder for prevention of embolization: A flexible elongate device having a distally mounted occluder for collecting particulate debris in a body lumen. The occluder containing a fixed amount of fluid is reversibly expandable by push-pull actuation from a contracted configuration to a deployed configuration wherein the occluder is expanded into sealing engagement with the wall... Agent: Medtronic Vascular, Inc.IPLegal Department

20070173884 - Embolic protection device: An embolic protection device has a collapsible filter element (105) mounted on a carrier such as a guidewire (101). The filter element (105) collapses into the outer end of a catheter (118) for deployment and retrieval through a vascular system of a patient. The filter element (105) has a collapsible... Agent: Sughrue Mion, PLLC

20070173883 - Embolic protection system: An embolic protection filter for deployment in a vasculature, the filter having an inlet end and an outlet end, the inlet end having one or more inlet openings sized to allow blood and embolic material enter the filter, and the outlet end of the filter having a plurality of outlet... Agent: Sughrue Mion, PLLC

20070173886 - Method and system for external counterpulsation: A system and method for modulating cardiac blood flow of a patient by applying intermittent pressure on a limb of the patient, the system comprising a limb attachment, substantially surrounding the limb perimeter and an actuator pulling and releasing a flat member; a sensor for determining a physiological parameter relating... Agent: Pearne & Gordon LLP

20070173888 - Methods and devices for percutaneously modifying organs to treat patients: Disclosed are methods and apparatus for implantation into the walls of an organ such as the stomach. Deformable or inflatable anchors with a connector between are used to pull the walls of the organ together, or to implant devices in the wall of the organ. Also disclosed are surgical instruments... Agent: Knobbe Martens Olson & Bear LLP

20070173887 - Suture and method using a suture: A suspension system for rejuvenation of a human midface, the suspension system including a first suture material having a first end attached to a first needle, a second end attached to a second needle, and a first primary anchor graft having a plurality of openings through which the first suture... Agent: Christie, Parker & Hale, LLP

20070167944 - Method of treating tissue with radio frequency vascular electrode array: A method of treating a patient is provided. The method comprises delivering an electrically conductive material within a vascular network, wherein the electrically conductive material embolizes in a region of the vascular network to form a vascular electrode array that assumes a geometry of the embolized region of the vascular... Agent: VistaIPLaw Group LLP

20070167946 - System and method for multiple level facet joint arthroplasty and fusion: Facet joint replacement implants may be designed for use on multiple adjacent vertebral levels. Each superior implant may have a substantially semispherical concave surface, and each inferior implant may have a cooperating semispherical convex surface that is deformable to enable it to be pressed into the superior implant concave surface... Agent: Medicinelodge Inc.

20070167933 - Method for the control of a medical apparatus by an operator: In this invention a medical apparatus is controlled by capturing thought contents, wherein to this end electroencephalogram signals are recorded and the signals are evaluated with the aim of looking for certain patterns from a table or database. The method is initiated by means of a start command or ended... Agent: Siemens Corporation Intellectual Property Department

20070167934 - Sheath removal hole closing device using laser welding scheme: To provide a device and method for closing a sheath removal hole formed for introducing a vessel catheter by laser welding when diagnosis or treatment inside a blood vessel is performed by means of the catheter. The device for closing the sheath removal hole formed in the wall of the... Agent: Foley And Lardner LLP Suite 500

20070167935 - Methods and compositions for optimizing the outcomes of refractive laser surgery of the cornea: Disclosed herein are methods and compositions for use in surgical procedures for refractive ablation of the cornea to achieve vision correction with a minimum of undesirable side effects and for a broad range of optical conditions such myopia, hyperopia, presbyopia and astigmatism. Specifically disclosed are compositions, and methods involving their... Agent: Dreier LLP

20070167936 - Method and system for optically bleaching keratinous fibers: The present invention relates to a method of treating keratinous fibers, especially hair fibers, comprising at least one step of at least partially bleaching the fibers, in which at least one region to be treated is exposed to at least one light pulse, characterized in that this pulse is generated... Agent: Oliff & Berridge, PLC

20070167937 - Endovascular method and apparatus with electrical 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

20070167938 - Multiple cryoprobe delivery apparatus: A cryosurgery apparatus is disclosed. The cryosurgery apparatus an introducer having a hollow and a distal portion, the distal portion being sufficiently sharp so as to penetrate into a body, the hollow of the introducer being designed and constructed for containing a plurality of cryoprobes each of the cryoprobes being... Agent: Martin D. Moynihan Prtsi, Inc.

20070167939 - Quick disconnect assembly having a finger lock assembly: The quick disconnect assembly includes a reusable assembly including a distal end having a male lip thereon; and, a disposable assembly having quick disconnect capabilities when utilized with the reusable assembly. The disposable assembly includes a stem section; a finger lock element; and, a detachable handle assembly. The finger lock... Agent: Lawrence N. Ginsberg

20070167940 - Method and apparatus for selecting operating parameter values in electrophysiology procedures: Methods of selecting operating parameter values for tissue ablation procedures are disclosed. Energy supply parameters may be selected based on inputs such as fluid flow rate, impedance, and the distance from an ablation electrode surface to a target tissue surface. The distance to place an ablation electrode surface from a... Agent: Wolf Greenfield & Sacks, P.C.

20070167941 - Electrosurgical system: An electrosurgical system comprising, among other things, a control console to which detachably connects one or more electrosurgical probes capable of coagulating and ablating tissue. The control console generates a selectively variable power signal having a duty cycle that is dynamically modulated so as to maintain an average power level... Agent: Flynn, Thiel, Boutell & Tanis, P.C.

20070167942 - Rf return pad current distribution system: The present disclosure provides an electrosurgical return pad current detection system for use in monopolar surgery as well as a method of using the same. The detection system includes at least one conductive pad which includes a plurality of conductive elements. The detection system further includes at least one sensor... Agent: United States Surgical, A Division Of Tyco Healthcare Group Lp

20070167943 - Ablation apparatus and system to limit nerve conduction: A method of managing a system of minimally invasive surgery. The management method includes providing a practitioner with a minimally invasive surgery system including a controller. One or more use parameters is stored to memory associated with the controller. In addition, an electrosurgical probe having its own memory is provided... Agent: Swanson & Bratschun L.L.C.

20070167948 - Devices and methods for inter-vertebral orthopedic device placement: Within a given spinal segment, the stable vertebral level is identified. Within the lower lumbar spine, that level is most commonly at the sacrum. A bone fastener is rigidly affixed to the stable spinal segment and an interconnecting member is rigidly affixed to the bone fastener so as to form... Agent: Fish & Richardson, PC

20070167945 - Intervertebral prosthetic device for spinal stabilization and method of manufacturing same: A prosthetic device and method of inserting same between adjacent vertebrae, according to which a first member of a relatively flexible material is adapted to extend between the vertebrae; and at least one second member of a relatively stiff material is supported by the first member.... Agent: Haynes And Boone, LLP

20070167949 - Screw systems and methods for use in stabilization of bone structures: Methods, systems, devices and tools for placing bone stabilization components in a patient are provided. The systems and devices have a reduced number of discrete components that allow placement through small incisions and tubes. More particularly, the present invention is directed to screws for use in systems and methods of... Agent: Rimas Lukas Vertiflex, Inc.

20070167947 - Spinal stabilization device: Spinal stabilization devices, systems, and methods are described. Foramenal spacers including a rigid member adapted to maintain the integrity of the foramenal space. Facet joint stabilizing members and prosthetic facet joints that augment or replace the native facet joint are also described. Lateral spinal stabilization systems that may be attached... Agent: E. Thomas Wheelock

20070167950 - System and method for attaching soft tissue to bone: Disclosed herein are methods and devices for securing soft tissue to a rigid material such as bone. A bone anchor is described that comprises a base and a top such that suture material may be compressed between surfaces on the base and top to secure the suture to the anchor.... Agent: Knobbe Martens Olson & Bear LLP

20070167951 - Methods and tools for delivery of spinal motion preservation assemblies: Spinal motion preservation assemblies adapted for use in a spinal motion segment are disclosed including the process for delivering and assembling the spinal motion preservation assemblies in the spinal motion segment via an axial channel created with a trans-sacral approach. Many of the spinal motion preservation assemblies make use of... Agent: The Eclipse Group

20070167952 - Surgical tool holder for facilitated sterilization: A surgical tool holder aids a surgeon in controlling the use of a tool during, for example, preparation of a femoral cavity for reception of hip joint prosthesis. The holder has a housing that encloses a mechanism having, at a far end, a tool-engaging interface, and at the opposite end,... Agent: Moetteli & Associates Sarl

20070167953 - Targeting device for orthopedic implants: A medical system includes parts used in a method for detachably establishing a spatial orientation between a body implant and an aiming device. A positioning arm being connected to the aiming device and an adaptor device being connected to or integrally formed with a bone stabilizing plate are hooked into... Agent: Lerner, David, Littenberg, Krumholz & Mentlik

20070167954 - Percutaneous access devices and bone anchor assemblies: A percutaneous access device includes an inner tube and an outer tube disposed about at least a portion of the inner tube. The outer tube may be sized to span from a skin incision in a patient to a site proximate the spine of the patient. The distal end of... Agent: Philip S. Johnson Johnson & Johnson

20070167955 - Apparatus and method for deploying an implantable device within the body: The present invention provides systems and methods for deploying implantable devices within the body. The delivery and deployment systems include at least one catheter or an assembly of catheters for selectively positioning the lumens of the implant to within target vessels. Various deployment and attachment mechanisms are provided for selectively... Agent: Levine Bagade Han LLP

20070167956 - Gripping tool: An insert (100) for a patient fluid discharge tube (A) facilitates removal of the discharge tube from the patient, wherein the insert provides a smooth outer surface (12a) and also an arrangement (20) for aiding in attaching a removal tool to the insert such that the end of the discharge... Agent: Tyco Healthcare - Edward S. Jarmolowicz

20070167957 - Tagging and retrieval of dna from casualties: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for collecting a sample (such as, but not limited to, a tissue sample) from a body, such as the body of a casualty, while simultaneously tagging the body with an identifier.... Agent: Peacock Myers, P.C.

20070167958 - Surgical thread and cosmetic surgery method: A surgical thread is made of a metal, polymer or biological material embodied in the form of a spiral whose diameter ranges from 0.5 to 5 mm. The thread has a diameter ranging from 0.1 to 1 mm and exhibits the properties of a compression or extension spring obtainable by... Agent: Bachman & Lapointe, P.C.

20070167959 - Articulating suturing device and method: Devices, systems, and methods for suturing of body lumens allow the suturing of vascular puncture sites located at the distal end of a percutaneous tissue tract. An elongated articulated foot is inserted through a penetration and actuated extend the foot carrying suturing attachment cuffs. Needles are advanced from the shaft... Agent: Workman Nydegger

20070167960 - Devices and methods for placement of partitions within a hollow body organ: Devices and methods for tissue acquisition and fixation, or gastroplasty, are described. Generally, the devices of the system may be advanced in a minimally invasive manner within a patient's body to create one or more plications within the hollow body organ. A tissue treatment device attached to a distal end... Agent: Fulwider Patton LLP

20070167962 - Methods and devices for maintaining a space occupying device in a relatively fixed location within a stomach: Methods and devices for maintaining a space-occupying device in a fixed relationship relative to a patient's stomach by manipulation of the stomach. In one variation, two or more regions of the stomach wall are brought into approximation with one another and secured together in a manner that secures a space-occupying... Agent: Fulwider Patton LLP

20070167963 - Obesity treatment tools and methods: Various obesity treatment tools and methods are described herein, as well as treatments for other gastric-related diseases, e.g., GERD. Treatment includes reducing the size of the stomach pouch to limit the caloric intake as well as to provide an earlier feeling of satiety. This may be done by creating a... Agent: Fulwider Patton LLP

20070167961 - Transoral endoscopic gastroesophageal flap valve restoration device, assembly, system and method: The invention provides a device, assembly, and method for transoral endoscopic restoration of a gastroesophageal flap valve. The invention also provides a self-steering and self-closing tissue fixation device for tissue fixation, and an invaginator device for gripping and maneuvering tissue. The restoration device includes a longitudinal member arranged for transoral... Agent: Graybeal Jackson Haley LLP Richard O. Gray, Jr.

20070167964 - Tubular anastomosis ring having alternating flexible and rigid sections: A ring for use in preparing a first organ for anastomosis with a second organ, wherein the first organ has an orifice, and the ring has a central ring portion sized to extend around the orifice and malleable tines that extend from the ring portion. The ring portion is configured... Agent: Law Office Of Alan W. Cannon

20070167965 - Ultrasonic medical instrument: A first ultrasonic medical instrument includes an ultrasound transducer, a medical ultrasonic blade, and a tube adapted to contain a liquid. A first tube end is adapted to have the liquid proximate the first tube end, when the tube contains the liquid, be ultrasonically vibrated to generate an ultrasonically-vibrating energy... Agent: Mark P. Levy

20070167966 - Manipulation and cutting system and method: A system for rapid manipulation and cutting that includes comprising a housing, a first cutting element, and a drive mechanism adapted to be mounted at least partly within the housing and connected to the first cutting element for imparting relative motion to the first cutting element as a combination of... Agent: Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP

20070167967 - Medical procedure via natural orifice and puncture device: A medical procedure performed via a natural orifice comprises: inserting a puncture device from an abdominal wall side into the vicinity of a target site in a hollow organ, and protruding the distal end thereof inside the hollow organ; introducing an observation device into the hollow organ via a natural... Agent: Scully Scott Murphy & Presser, PC

20070167970 - Puncture device: A puncture device which can stick a puncture needle certainly to a predetermined region of a skin includes a puncture needle having a curvature portion, a retaining member retaining the puncture needle, an indwelling device adapted to be indwelled in a living body by way of the puncture needle, and... Agent: Buchanan, Ingersoll & Rooney PC

20070167969 - Surgical cutting tool for making precise and accurate incisions: A tool for making a cut in a patient's body. The tool includes a housing including a first end, a second end, and having an axis. A shaft is positioned moveably along the axis. A blade is attached to the shaft. An interface is attached to one end of the... Agent: Cooper & Dunham, LLP

20070167968 - Surgical tool for coring precise holes and providing for retrieval of tissue: A tool for coring a hole in a patient's body. A housing includes a first opening and a second opening and has an axis extending therebetween. A shaft is movably positioned along the axis. A blade assembly is attached to one end of the shaft. The blade assembly comprises a... Agent: Cooper & Dunham, LLP

20070167971 - Devices and methods for promoting the formation of blood clots in esophageal varices: A device for promoting the clotting of blood in body cavities includes a flexible body portion; an expandable member located on the flexible body portion; and a blood clotting material attached to the expandable member. When used, insertion of at least a portion of the blood clotting material into the... Agent: Michaud-duffy Group LLP

20070167972 - Balloon apparatus and methods: Balloon apparatus to access bodily lumen of a patient are disclosed. The balloon apparatus include an inflation tube, a core wire and a balloon. The balloon is secured to a distal end of the inflation tube and a core wire extending from the distal end of the inflation tube passes... Agent: Cyr & Associates, P.A.

20070167973 - Multi-layer balloons for medical applications and methods for manufacturing the same: A multi-layered balloon is provided where each layer is formed such that each layer is made from tubing that optimizes the inner wall stretch thus providing maximum balloon strength. The high pressure, multi-layer balloon is provided with layers that allow for slipping, such that the balloon has a very high... Agent: Knobbe Martens Olson & Bear LLP

20070167975 - Embolic protection devices: An embolic protection device for use in a blood vessel when an interventional procedure is being performed in a stenosed or occluded region to capture any embolic material which may be created and released into the bloodstream during the procedure. The device includes a filtering assembly having a self-expanding strut... Agent: Fulwider Patton LLP

20070167974 - Removable blood conduit filter: The present invention relates to a non-evertable blood filter that divides the transverse cross sectional area of a venous vessel into three annular regions or zones. The inner zone, the region immediately surrounding the longitudinal axis of the vessel, is maintained in a relatively open state with only minimal interference... Agent: Gore Enterprise Holdings, Inc.

20070167976 - Support structures for embolic filtering devices: An inner support structure for an embolic filtering device includes a tubular member having a first support region for supporting the proximal portion of a filter assembly and a second support region for supporting the distal portion of the filter assembly. The inner support structure facilitates rotation and restricts longitudinal... Agent: Fulwider Patton LLP

20070167977 - Ambidextrous locking clamp system: An ambidextrous locking clamp system for providing a user the ability to alter the configuration of a hand operated device allowing a right or left handed user to operate the device. The device has a hingedly connected first and second elongated member each with a finger engaging member, a working... Agent: David A. Guerra International Patent Group, LLC

20070167978 - Endoscopic treatment instrument and retaining device: The endoscopic treatment instrument according to the present invention includes an insertion portion having a distal end and a proximal end, the distal end being inserted into a body; a treatment portion provided at the distal end of the insertion portion; and a control portion provided at the proximal end... Agent: Scully Scott Murphy & Presser, PC

20070167979 - Wound drain removal device: A wound drain removal device allows an implanted wound drain to be removed from a patient in a manner that limits the amount of tension that develops within the wound drain. The wound drain removal device includes a gripping surface and a handgrip for applying a pulling force to an... Agent: Kinney & Lange, P.A.

20070167981 - Catch members for occluder devices: Devices and techniques for modifying and maintaining a configuration of an occlusion device for the closure of physical anomalies, such as an atrial septal defect, a patent foramen ovale (PFO), and other septal and vascular defects are described. The devices and techniques relate particularly to, but are not limited to,... Agent: Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale And Dorr LLP

20070167980 - Self-expanding medical occlusion device: A self-expanding medical occlusion device treats a heart defect in a patient and is inserted into the body in minimally invasive fashion using a catheter system, and includes a braiding of thin threads which exhibits a first preliminarily definable shape as the occlusion device is being inserted into the patient's... Agent: Akerman Senterfitt

20070167982 - Methods and devices for percutaneously modifying organs to treat patients: Disclosed are methods and apparatus for implantation into the walls of an organ such as the stomach. Deformable or inflatable anchors with a connector between are used to pull the walls of the organ together, or to implant devices in the wall of the organ. Also disclosed are surgical instruments... Agent: Knobbe Martens Olson & Bear LLP

20070161972 - Method, system and algorithm related to treatment planning for vision correction: The invention is directed to a system and methods for automatically determining a multiple number of viable treatment plans for correcting a patient's vision via photoablative refractive surgery. Embodiments of the invention rely on selected various diagnostic input about the patient's eye to classify the eye as being particularly suitable... Agent: Bausch & Lomb Incorporated

20070161973 - Object figuring device: A device for shaping objects by removal of material from the surface thereof with a pulsed laser beam and a deflecting device through which the laser beam is guided over the surface of the object. An optical device is provided for changing the distribution of the radiation intensity inside the... Agent: Darby & Darby P.C.

20070161974 - 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.

20070161975 - Cryogenic applicator for rejuvenating human skin and related method: A cryogenic applicator for rejuvenating skin and a treatment for use of the applicator. A barrel is hand-held. A head is rotatably mounted to the barrel. A cryogenic interface fluidly connects the barrel to a source of a biocompatible non-toxic cryogenic fluid to supply the cryogenic fluid through the barrel... Agent: Charles E. Baxley, Esq.

20070161976 - Thermokeratoplasty systems: The present invention provides applicators for performing thermokeratoplasty. One embodiment of such applicators includes two generally tubular electrical conducting elements coaxially disposed relative to one another and separated by an electrically insulating element having a selected thickness. At least a portion of each conducting tube is coated with an electrically... Agent: Lathrop & Gage Lc

20070161977 - Needle kit and method for microwave ablation, track coagulation, and biopsy: A modular biopsy, ablation and track coagulation needle apparatus is disclosed that allows the biopsy needle to be inserted into the delivery needle and removed when not needed, and that allows an inner ablation needle to be introduced and coaxially engaged with the delivery needle to more effectively biopsy a... Agent: United States Surgical, A Division Of Tyco Healthcare Group Lp

20070161978 - Multifunctional medical device assembly: Embodiments of the invention provide an integrated, disposable medical device assembly including a handpiece having suction, irrigation, and electrosurgical control structure, irrigation tubing configured for connection to an irrigation fluid source at one end and connected to the handpiece at another end, and suction tubing configured for connection to a... Agent: Kim Luna

20070161979 - Rf return pad current detection system: The present disclosure provides an electrosurgical return pad current detection system for use in monopolar surgery as well as a method of using the same. The detection system comprises a plurality of conductive pads which include a plurality of conductive elements. The detection system further includes a sensor which senses... Agent: United States Surgical, A Division Of Tyco Healthcare Group Lp

20070161981 - Electrosurgical method and systems for treating glaucoma: An electrosurgical method for treating open angle and narrow angle glaucoma, comprising positioning an active electrode in close proximity to a drainage angle of the eye, the active electrode disposed on a distal end of a shaft; and applying a high frequency voltage difference between the active electrode and a... Agent: Arthrocare Corporation

20070161980 - Rf ablation probes with tine valves: A tissue ablation probe is provided. The tissue ablation probe comprises an elongated shaft, at least one electrode tine carried by the elongated shaft, at least one tine exit from which the electrode tine(s) can be deployed from the elongated shaft and retracted within the elongated shaft, and a sheath... Agent: VistaIPLaw Group LLP

20070161982 - Method for hair removal by electroporation: The present invention provides method for removal of body hair using electroporation using an apparatus having a pulse generator capable of generating electrical pulses of the desired amplitude and duration to kill hair follicles and an applicator having a first electrode placed in contact with a hair follicle and a... Agent: Offices Of Craig Gregersen

20070161983 - External fixation system: An external fixation system for a bone and associated method. The fixation system includes a proximal frame defining a continuous proximal boundary, a distal frame defining a continuous distal boundary, and at least one frame connector configured for interconnecting the proximal and distal frames at any position along at least... Agent: Harness, Dickey & Pierce, P.L.C

20070161984 - Foot plate fixation: An external fixation system for a joint having a first and second bone and defining an anatomical axis of rotation is provided. The fixation system can include a proximal frame couplable to the first bone and a distal frame couplable to the second bone. A first connector can include a... Agent: Harness, Dickey & Pierce, P.L.C

20070162000 - Adjustable spinous process spacer device and method of treating spinal stenosis: Provided is an adjustable spacing device configured to be placed between the spinous processes of at least two adjacent vertebrae and a method of using the device to treat spinal stenosis by restricting extension and allowing normal flexion of adjacent vertebrae relative to one another.... Agent: Perry E. Van Over & Associates, PLLC

20070161996 - Bone anchoring device: A bone anchoring device includes a receiving part for receiving a rod, the receiving part has a first bore coaxial with a longitudinal axis and a second bore, and an anchoring element having a first end for insertion into the bone and a second end positionable within a second bore,... Agent: Christie, Parker & Hale, LLP

20070161999 - Bone anchoring device: A bone anchoring device includes an anchoring element having a shank to be anchored in a bone or a vertebra and a head, a connection element for connecting at least two anchoring elements, a receiving part having a first end receiving the head, wherein the head is pivotable in the... Agent: Christie, Parker & Hale, LLP

20070162006 - Connection rod for screw or hook polyaxial system and method of use: A low-profile surgical implant assembly is provided that includes a connector device that is an integral part of a rod, the connector device allowing the rod to be attached directly to a bone screw, such as a pedicle screw. Another aspect of the invention is a clamp device that allows... Agent: Sheridan Ross PC

20070162002 - Device for stabilizing the spine: This device comprises two vertebral assemblies designed to be fixed respectively to the bone of two different vertebrae. In order to guide the vertebrae effectively and in a stable manner for reproducing an intervertebral articular connection, rigid means connect the two vertebral assemblies to one another and are designed such... Agent: Ralph A. Dowell Of Dowell & Dowell P.C.

20070162003 - Device for the lateral stabilization of the spine: The device (9) comprises vertebral elements (10, 20, 10′, 20′) adapted to be fixed to the same lateral side of the bodies of at least two adjacent vertebrae (1, 2), the elements being associated in pairs that are provided to be associated with the left and right sides of the... Agent: Ralph A. Dowell Of Dowell & Dowell P.C.

20070162004 - Device for the lateral stabilization of the spine: The device (4) comprises two vertebral elements (10, 20) each adapted to be fixed to the same lateral side of the body of at least two adjacent vertebrae (1, 2). In order to guide the vertebrae effectively and stably in order to reproduce an articulating intervertebral joint, the elements delimit... Agent: Ralph A. Dowell Of Dowell & Dowell P.C.

20070161997 - Dynamic spinal stabilization: A dynamic spinal stabilization apparatus comprises a stabilization device such as a rod or a plate. Elongated bores, interfaces, or terminations packed with elastic material provides relative movement between the devices to allow spinal flexion and extension. Initially, relative movement may be constrained by a degradable materials, such as a... Agent: Holland & Hart, LLP

20070162008 - Grommet assembly: A connecting device is provided for use in orthopedic surgery, for example to connect a spinal rod and a vertebral screw or hook. The connector generally includes a receiver member for receiving an elongated member, and an grommet member for receiving a bone fixation member. The grommet member is inserted... Agent: Woodard, Emhardt, Moriarty, Mcnett & Henry LLP

20070161994 - Hinged polyaxial screw and methods of use: A bone-anchoring device is provided. The device may include a substantially rigid shaft having a threaded portion configured to engage bone. The bone-anchoring device may further include a head portion securely attached to the shaft and a cap portion having a hinged connection with the head portion. A substantially spherical... Agent: Finnegan, Henderson, Farabow, Garrett & Dunner LLP

20070161998 - Instruments and methods for manipulating a spinal rod: An instrument for manipulating a spinal rod relative to a bone anchor may include a first shaft and a first finger and a second finger provided at a distal end of the first shaft. The first finger may be spaced apart a distance from the second finger approximate to the... Agent: Philip S. Johnson Johnson & Johnson

20070162009 - Instruments and methods for manipulating vertebra: A method for manipulating a vertebra includes connecting a first bone anchor to a first vertebra, connecting a second bone anchor to a second bone anchor, positioning a spinal rod in a receiving member of the first bone anchor and in a receiving member of the second bone anchor, connecting... Agent: Lahive & Cockfield, LLP

20070162010 - Instruments and methods for manipulating vertebra: A method for manipulating a vertebra includes connecting a first bone anchor to a first vertebra, connecting a second bone anchor to a second bone anchor, positioning a spinal rod in a receiving member of the first bone anchor and in a receiving member of the second bone anchor, connecting... Agent: Lahive & Cockfield, LLP

20070161993 - Interspinous vertebral stabilization devices: The present invention provides interspinous vertebral and lumbosacral stabilization devices, and methods of using these devices for treating spinal instability conditions. The invention includes interspinous vertebral stabilization devices adapted for placement between the spinous processes of two or more adjacent vertebrae. The invention also includes lumbar stabilization devices adapted to... Agent: Finnegan, Henderson, Farabow, Garrett & Dunner LLP

20070162005 - 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.

20070162007 - Minimally invasive spinal fusion: A system and method for performing spinal fusion using vertebral connecting rods constructed of a shape memory material, such as shape memory alloy. The connecting rod is cooled below its phase transition temperature, which is chosen to be just below body temperature, and is inserted through a curved guide tube... Agent: Darby & Darby P.C.

20070161986 - Polyaxial fastener assembly: A polyaxial fastener assembly including a mechanical fastener having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end including a contact stress element, an articulating element disposed on the mechanical fastener adjacent and distal to the contact stress element, the articulating element having a convex surface and the contact... Agent: Dekel Patent Ltd., David Klein

20070161995 - Polyaxial screw: A bone-anchoring device is provided. The bone-anchoring device may comprise a screw including a threaded shaft portion configured to engage bone tissue, and a head portion having a cup-shaped cavity. The device may further include a rod connector and a linking member, wherein the linking member includes a spherical head... Agent: Finnegan, Henderson, Farabow, Garrett & Dunner LLP

20070161992 - Rotatable interspinous spacer: An interspinous spacer having opposed, pivotally connected s-shaped members that can enter the interspinous space in an initial state and then rotate to a final state to secure the implant to the adjacent interspinous processes.... Agent: Philip S. Johnson Johnson & Johnson

20070161985 - Screws configured to engage bones, and methods of attaching implants to skeletal regions: The invention includes screws configured to directly engage bones, with such screws including pores configured to receive bone structure grown from the bone to enhance union of the screw with the bone. The screws can be, for example, pedicle screws, and in some aspects can have bone-growth-stimulating material and/or bone... Agent: Wells St. John P.s.

20070161990 - Spinal implant hooks and systems: Bone hooks for use in a spinal fixation system are provided. A device of the invention includes a head portion that can engage a spinal rod of a spinal fixation system, and a hook portion that can be positioned on and/or around a portion of a vertebra. In one embodiment... Agent: Wood, Herron & Evans (zimmer Spine)

20070162001 - Spinous process fixation implant: An implantable spinous processes fixation device including a first S-shaped plate having a first surface configured to engage a first lateral surface of a first spinous process and a second surface configured to engage a second lateral surface of a second spinous process and a second S-shaped plate having a... Agent: Akc Patents

20070161991 - Systems and methods for posterior dynamic stabilization of the spine: Devices, systems and methods for dynamically stabilizing the spine are provided. The devices include an expandable spacer having an undeployed configuration and a deployed configuration, wherein the spacer has axial and radial dimensions for positioning between the spinous processes of adjacent vertebrae. The systems include one or more spacers and... Agent: Rimas Lukas Vertiflex, Inc.

20070161987 - Variable angle offset spinal connector assembly: Connector assemblies are provided to couple an elongate member extending along the spinal column to a bone engaging implant engaged to the spinal column. The connector assembly includes a coupler having an implant coupling portion and an elongate member coupling portion. The positioning and orientation of the coupler relative to... Agent: Krieg Devault LLP

20070161989 - Vertebral implant inserter and method of use: A surgical installation tool to insert a vertebral implant into a patient includes an elongated handle and a head attached to one end. The vertebral implant may be attached to the head. The head may include an engagement member that is movable between engaged and released positions. The engagement member... Agent: Coats & Bennett, PLLC

20070161988 - Vertebral rod assemblies and methods: A vertebral rod assembly comprises first and second members that may rotate about a first axis. Each of the first and second members includes a base and a vertebral support rod extending from the base. An extension extends from the base on the first member into an opening formed in... Agent: Coats & Bennett, PLLC

20070162012 - Bone fixation system: An implant for fixation of a bone includes a shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, and a longitudinal axis defined between the proximal end and the distal end. A plurality of blades are disposed on the shaft, and are helically twisted about the longitudinal axis. At least... Agent: Jones Day

20070162011 - Orthopaedic device with locking barrel: A bone fixation assembly includes a side plate for mounting on a bone and a barrel for receiving a portion of a lag screw, and configured to be inserted into a hole in the side plate. A mechanical spring located at the upper portion of the barrel biases a first... Agent: Maginot, Moore & Beck, LLP Chase Tower

20070162016 - Bone fastening assembly and bushing and screw for use therewith: A bone fastening assembly for use with a screw and including a bone plate and a bushing having a bore adapted for receiving the screw. The bone plate has a substantially planar portion and is provided with a hole in the portion for receiving the bushing. The portion of the... Agent: Edward N. Bachand Dorsey & Whitney LLP

20070162020 - Bone plates and bone plate assemblies: Bone plates with an upper surface, a bone contacting surface, and at least one hole extending through the upper and bone contact surfaces are disclosed. A hole interchangeably accepts a compression screw for compression of a fracture and a locking screw that threads into the bone plate.... Agent: Chief Patent Counsel Smith & Nephew, Inc.

20070162017 - Method and apparatus for treatment of bones: A shank portion of a bone screw is moved through an opening in a bottom of a recess in a plate into engagement with bone in a patient's body. End portions of resiliently deflectable sections of a head portion of a bone screw are slid along the bottom of the... Agent: Tarolli, Sundheim, Covell & Tummino L.L.P.

20070162021 - Methods and apparatuses for promoting fusion of vertebrae: Methods and apparatuses for promoting fusion of vertebrae are provided. The apparatuses comprise interconnecting plates that fixate vertebrae to each other and provide for a predetermined amount of subsidence where the fusion occurs. Allowing for this predetermined amount of subsidence increases bone to bone contact at the graft, which promotes... Agent: Amster, Rothstein & Ebenstein LLP

20070162015 - Orthopaedic bone plate: An orthopaedic bone plate is coupled to a bone having an enlarged head at one end thereof which is attached to a shaft. The bone plate includes an elongate portion, a flared portion and an intermediate portion. The elongate portion is attachable to the bone shaft using a plurality of... Agent: Zimmer Technology - Baker & Daniels

20070162018 - Orthopedic systems: Orthopedic systems, including apparatus, methods, and kits. In some embodiments, these systems may be used 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.

20070162019 - Resorbable anterior cervical plating system with screw retention mechanism: A bone stabilization or fixation assembly may include a bone plate having an upper side and an underside and at least one fixation hole having a first diameter and the hole extending from the upper side to the underside. The area of the bone plate adjacent the fixation hole has... Agent: Jones Day

20070162013 - Spinal plate and drill guide: Bone plates and bone plate systems are provided in which a bone plate includes a plurality of bone screw holes formed therein and positioned in laterally adjacent pairs. Positioned between the laterally adjacent pairs of bone screw holes are stabilizing strut. The bone plate system can additionally include windows positioned... Agent: Nutter Mcclennen & Fish LLP

20070162014 - Supra-mucosal bone fixation apparatus and method: Apparatus for the fixation of a fractured bone in a body cavity comprising a plate and a means for holding the plate in position for a period of fixation, wherein the plate is configured such that in use, the plate is positioned supra-mucosally, and wherein the means for holding the... Agent: Edwards Angell Palmer & Dodge LLP

20070162024 - Implant for anchoring in bones: The invention relates to an implant 20 comprising at least one shaft area 21 for anchoring in a bony structure and further comprising at least one opening 24 at the distal end 25 of the shaft area 21 in which the shaft area 21 has a continuous bore 23 extending... Agent: Joyce Von Natzmer Hvp LLP

20070162027 - Internal pedicle insulator apparatus and method of use: Internal pedicle insulator apparatuses and methods are provided. A representative method includes: providing an internal pedicle insulator implant; inserting the implant into a pedicle such that the implant is positioned between a nerve and material that is to be applied in a vicinity of the nerve; applying the material in... Agent: Thomas, Kayden, Horstemeyer & Risley, LLP

20070162022 - Porous tendon anchor: An anchor for fixing a ligament or tendon replacement in a bore formed in a bone has two parts. A first partially cylindrical part has a semi-circular bore therethrough extending along an axis. The bore tapers conically inwardly with respect to the axis from a larger radius at a first... Agent: Lerner, David, Littenberg, Krumholz & Mentlik

20070162026 - System and method for a cap used in the fixation of bone fractures: A system and method for facilitating the fixation of bone fractures is disclosed. The head component includes a tip, cutting threads and mating threads which are inserted into the far cortex of the bone. A wire extends from the head component and exits from the near cortex. A cap device... Agent: Snell & Wilmer L.L.P. (main)

20070162025 - Tool for placing a malleolar implant for partial or total ankle prosthesis: A method of implanting in a fibula a malleolar implant including a head and a shank. The method comprises the steps of creating a bore in the fibula extending from an inner face to an outer face and applying a traction force to the malleolar implant so that the shank... Agent: Faegre & Benson LLP Patent Docketing

20070162023 - Washer for pedicle screw: A washer for use in combination with a pedicle screw of the type having a toggling connecting member. The washer has a face comprising a spherical annulus facing the bottom surface of the connecting member. The spherical annulus is geometrically a portion of a sphere having a center coincident with... Agent: Wright, Lindsey & Jennings LLP

20070162028 - Cannulated screw: A cannulated screw which maintains compression at the interface between two or more materials in a medical or other setting to effectively secure bone to bone while minimizing separation between the bones and the securement interface. The cannulated screw has a flattened tip, which enables the cannulated screw to more... Agent: Workman Nydegger (f/k/a Workman Nydegger & Seeley)

20070162029 - Self-drilling self-tapping bone screw: A self-drilling, self-tapping bone screw includes a body having a head at one end and a cutting end at an opposite end, the cutting end having a generally flat cutting surface supporting two symmetrical cutting edges which extend from the longitudinal centerline to diametrically opposed thread start points. A recess... Agent: Kirkpatrick & Lockhart Preston Gates Ellis LLP

20070162030 - Multi-pronged compressive absorbable tack: A multi-pronged compressive absorbable tack is disclosed which generally includes a backspan and a plurality of prongs extending distally from the backspan. Each prong terminates in a distal tip having a base, with a flat proximal-facing surface, and a conical portion extending distally therefrom. In certain embodiments, one or more... Agent: Unites States Surgical, A Division Of Tyco Healthcare Group Lp

20070162031 - Patellar resection tool: A patellar resection tool has first and second gripping members adapted for relative movement between a closed position in which the patella can be held between the gripping members and an open position in which the patella can be released. The tool also has first and second handle members connected... Agent: Philip S. Johnson Johnson & Johnson

20070162032 - Transverse cavity device and method: A surgical instrument and method is provided for creating and preparing a cavity in a bony intervertebral body. Asymmetical cutting structures selectively open a cavity which has a relatively large surface area in the vertical direction. One method pertains to the treatment of a vertebral compression fracture.... Agent: Maginot, Moore & Beck, LLP Chase Tower

20070162034 - Annular repair method and device: A method of repairing an annulus of an intervertebral disc includes excising, with a cutting tool, a damaged area of the annulus, thereby creating a space in the annulus, the space being defined by first and second annulus ends; making a partial incision at the first annulus end generally adjacent... Agent: Perry E. Van Over & Associates, PLLC

20070162035 - Method of preparing an acetabulum for receiving a head of a femoral prosthesis: A femoral neck fixation prosthesis and method of using same which reduces bone loss and the avoids the other shortcomings of the prior art by allowing the fixation of a stable femoral head replacement while reducing the amount of the femur which must be reamed for the insertion of the... Agent: Patton Boggs, L.L.P.

20070162033 - Modular tapered reamer for bone preparation and associated method: A kit (400) for use in performing joint arthroplasty is provided. The kit (400) includes a trial (12) and a reamer (2). The reamer (2) is for preparing a cavity (4) in the intramedullary canal (8) of a long bone (8) with the use of a driver (10) and to... Agent: Philip S. Johnson Johnson & Johnson

20070162037 - Apparatus for displacing knee prosthesis: An apparatus for displacing knee prosthesis comprises a cutting auxiliary member having two hollow posts at one side thereof and a plurality of grooves thereon forming at a predetermined angle, a measuring member having pegs on one side thereof, wing parts extending outwardly from middle of the measuring member, wherein... Agent: Troxell Law Office PLLC

20070162036 - Device for assisting in a total knee prosthesis implantation: A device for setting a total knee prosthesis includes: a tensioning component (1) having: a tibial plate (2), a slide (5) mobile along a rail (3) and elements (6, 11) for being fixed to an ancillary component including a centro-medullar rod and a tibial plate and capable of receiving variable-width... Agent: Young & Thompson

20070162038 - Tool: A jig for the application of a femoral head resurfacing prosthesis to a prepared femoral head wherein the jig comprises: at least one support arm having a proximal and a distal end; a jaw located at the distal end of the support arm and angled to the plane of the... Agent: Senniger Powers

20070162039 - Tool: An alignment guide includes locator arm having a proximal end connected to a support member and a distal end having location means for location on a high point of the femoral head. The locator arm also has a notch guard which in use will extend around at least a part... Agent: Senniger Powers

20070162041 - Instrument and system for preparing the disc space between two vertebral bodies: An instrument for distracting the disc space between adjacent vertebrae and simultaneously preparing endplates of the vertebrae includes a body having opposing upper and lower surfaces separated by curved side surfaces that extend between a posterior end of the body and an anterior end of the body. A first plurality... Agent: Zimmer Technology - Baker & Daniels

20070162040 - Spinal distraction and endplate preparation device and method: A surgical instrument system for distraction and endplate preparation of two adjacent vertebrae during a spinal stabilization procedure includes a distraction device with two arms each having two spaced-apart vertebra engaging portions at a distal end and capable of bilaterally engaging the vertebra. The system further includes a template having... Agent: Wood, Herron & Evans (zimmer Spine)

20070162042 - Injection pump: The invention relates to an injection pump for application of highly viscous media that have to be applied with high pressure, in particular during percutaneous vertebroplasty. Vertebroplasty relates to a method for treating bone pain which can occur, in particular, in spinal diseases or in other bones. Osteoporosis is the... Agent: William Collard Collard & Roe, P.C.

20070162043 - Methods for sensing retrograde flows of bone fill material: The present invention relates in certain embodiments to medical devices and methods for use in osteoplasty procedures, such as vertebral compression fractures. One method for treating an abnormal vertebra includes flowing a bone fill material through an introducer into a vertebral body along a first direction and sensing a flow... Agent: Knobbe Martens Olson & Bear LLP

20070162044 - Percutaneous transpedicular access, fusion, discectomy, and stabilization system and method: Apparatus and methods for accessing an inferior vertebra, a superior vertebra, and a disc space therebetween via a transpedicular approach in the inferior vertebra that may include creating a channel normal to the pedicle and using an offset guide to create a second transpedicular channel at an angle to the... Agent: Schwegman, Lundberg, Woessner & Kluth, P.A.

20070162045 - Curve linear and straight mandibular distractor with occlusion correction feature: In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, an osteodistraction device includes a flexible rod having a threaded portion. A distraction arm that includes a rod guide is coupled to the threaded portion of the flexible rod through a threaded hole near one end of the distraction arm. The... Agent: Baker Botts L.L.P.

20070162046 - Method and apparatus for retaining a guide wire: A cannulated medical instrument for insertion of a medical device over a guide wire generally includes a cannulated driver member configured to engage the medical device and insert the medical device at an insertion rate. A clasping device connects to the cannulated driver member. The clasping device moves the guide... Agent: Harness, Dickey & Pierce, P.L.C

20070162047 - Apparatus and method for colonoscopic appendectomy: A kit for performing removal of a vermiform appendix (20) from a patient comprises an elongated flexible element (140) extending between a proximal end and a distal end, means (150) attached to the distal end of the elongated flexible element for anchoring the distal end to interior walls of a... Agent: Rogitz & Associates

20070162048 - Method and apparatus for retrieving an embolized implant: A retrieval portion is attached to an implantable device to facilitate retrieval of the implantable device in the unlikely event of embolization. The retrieval portion may comprise one or more loops, or a plurality of extensions. Methods of retrieving an implantable device are disclosed. Various adapters are disclosed for use... Agent: Knobbe Martens Olson & Bear LLP

20070162049 - Baby shoulder vacuum cup: Shoulder dystocia is an obstetric emergency. It is unpredictable and can occur with a large baby or a small baby. There are several maneuvers that can be applied to help prevent injury to the brachial plexus. But injury to the brachial plexus can still occur. A baby shoulder vacuum cup... Agent: Kun Yuan Tong

20070162050 - Endoscopic ultrasonic surgical aspirator for use in fluid filled cavities: An ultrasonic horn assembly is configured so that irrigating fluid can be supplied only to a vibrating tip portion of the ultrasonic horn and so that suction aspiration can occur through a portion of the ultrasonic horn not in contact with the irrigating fluid. Controllers supplying irrigation fluid during a... Agent: United States Surgical, A Division Of Tyco Healthcare Group Lp

20070162051 - Electrode implant tool: The invention is a hollow tube electrode inserter for inserting an electrode such as a Memberg electrode in living tissue. The inserter has a longitudinal slot that accepts the electrode into the hollow center of the tube inserter. The slot is offset at least once forming one or more retainer... Agent: Alfred E. Mann Foundation For Scientific Research

20070162052 - Loading device for indwelling implement: A loading device for an indwelling implement according to the present invention is for loading an indwelling implement having a linear member into an applicator, wherein the loading device for an indwelling implement includes: an end tip holder that holds a center tip that is provided at one end of... Agent: Scully Scott Murphy & Presser, PC

20070162053 - Endoluminal surgical delivery system: A system (1) for delivering a staple (9) to the locus of an artery (2) comprises a delivery conduit (5) for inserting into the lumen of an artery through which conduit a staple can be delivered to the locus, and an elongate element (6) such as a catheter for a... Agent: Dewitt Ross & Stevens S.c.

20070162054 - Suture thread shifting device: The suture thread shifting device is characterized in that even when the incision portion of surface layer of the body is small, front edge (11) of the device has a sectional configuration (for example, circular section of relatively small diameter) suitable for allowing the front edge to reach a region... Agent: Armstrong, Kratz, Quintos, Hanson & Brooks, LLP

20070162055 - Graft fixation device combination: A graft fixation device combination. The device is useful for affixing a tissue graft to a bone or other body surface. The combination has a fixation device having two implantation members connected by a connecting member. The implantation members have longitudinal passageways therethrough. The combination also has an insertion member... Agent: Philip S. Johnson Johnson & Johnson

20070162059 - Methods and devices for maintaining a space occupying device in a relatively fixed location within a stomach: Methods and devices for maintaining a space-occupying device in a fixed relationship relative to a patient's stomach by manipulation of the stomach. In one variation, two or more regions of the stomach wall are brought into approximation with one another and secured together in a manner that secures a space-occupying... Agent: Fulwider Patton LLP

20070162056 - Single fold system for tissue approximation and fixation: A single fold system for tissue approximation and fixation is described herein. The devices are advanced in a minimally invasive manner within a patient's body to create at least one fold within a hollow body organ. The system comprises a tissue acquisition and folding device and a tissue stapling or... Agent: Fulwider Patton LLP

20070162057 - Transoral endoscopic gastroesophageal flap valve restoration device, assembly, stystem and method: The invention provides a device, assembly, and method for transoral endoscopic restoration of a gastroesophageal flap valve. The invention also provides a self-steering and self-closing tissue fixation device for tissue fixation, and an invaginator device for gripping and maneuvering tissue. The restoration device includes a longitudinal member arranged for transoral... Agent: Graybeal Jackson Haley LLP Suite 350

20070162058 - Transoral endoscopic gastroesophageal flap valve restoration device, assembly, system and method: The invention provides a device, assembly, and method for transoral endoscopic restoration of a gastroesophageal flap valve. The invention also provides a self-steering and self-closing tissue fixation device for tissue fixation, and an invaginator device for gripping and maneuvering tissue. The restoration device includes a longitudinal member arranged for transoral... Agent: Richard O. Gray, Jr. Graybeal Jackson Haley LLP

20070162060 - Surgical clip: A surgical clip for occluding a vein, artery or other body passageway (2) comprises a base portion (3), a pair of resilient limbs (4a, 4b) configured to extend generally laterally outwardly from the base portion and each having a free end disposed forward of the base portion, and a reaction... Agent: Powell Goldstein LLP

20070162061 - Tissue excision devices and methods: A device for percutaneously excising tissue. In an embodiment, the device comprises an elongate body including a first member having a distal cutting end and a second member that slidingly engages the first member. In addition, the second member includes a tissue capture chamber having an opening facing the first... Agent: Conley Rose, P.C.

20070162062 - Reciprocating apparatus and methods for removal of intervertebral disc tissues: Reciprocating cutting apparatus and methods for removing tissue from an intervertebral disc are disclosed. The reciprocating cutting apparatus can include a guide tube, a cutting cap and a drive shaft. Other reciprocating cutting apparatus can include a guide tube, an outer guide tube, a cutting cap and a drive shaft.... Agent: Cyr & Associates, P.A.

20070162064 - Lancet casing: An improved protective lancet, lancet casing and method for producing the same. The lancet casing includes a lancet body that is integrally molded about an elongated shaft portion of a lancet needle. The lancet body is characterized in having an upper bearing surface from which a pointed end of the... Agent: Rogers Towers, P.A.

20070162063 - Lancet firing device: There is provided a lancet firing device comprising a projection, configured to project into an interior cavity of a lancet body when a lancet having a lancet body is loaded into the firing device; and means to grip an inner wall of the lancet body, the means being disposed on... Agent: John S. Pratt, Esq Kilpatrick Stockton, LLP

20070162065 - Disposable lancet device: The disposable lancet device has a casing, a lancet assembly, a spring and an actuator is provided. The casing is hollow and has a front end, an open rear end, two inner side surfaces and two converging inner linear surfaces. Each inner linear surface has a shoulder and an inclined... Agent: Patenttm.us

20070162066 - Clear view cannula: A clear view cannula is described that includes a first tube, a second tube and a counter-pressure ring. The tubes are concentric, adjoined and define a longitudinally aligned aperture. The cannula has a first position for penetration or removal from a patient and a second position in which a shield... Agent: Stephen E. Feldman

20070162067 - Method and inflatable chamber apparatus for separating layers of tissue: An apparatus for tissue dissection and instrument anchoring and methods for using such apparatus are disclosed. The apparatus includes a cannula, a dissection balloon releasably attached to the cannula at the distal end, an anchoring balloon disposed on the cannula, and a means for inflating both balloons.... Agent: United States Surgical, A Division Of Tyco Healthcare Group Lp

20070162069 - Embolic protection device: An embolic protection device has a collapsible filter element (105) mounted on a carrier such as a guidewire (101). The filter element (105) collapses into the outer end of a catheter (118) for deployment and retrieval through a vascular system of a patient. The filter clement (105) has a collapsible... Agent: Sughrue Mion, PLLC

20070162070 - Embolic protection device: An embolic protection device has a collapsible filter element (105) mounted on a carrier such as a guidewire (101). The filter element (105) collapses into the outer end of a catheter (118) for deployment and retrieval through a vascular system on a patient. The filter element (105) has a collapsible... Agent: Sughrue Mion, PLLC

20070162068 - Embolic protection system: A retrieval catheter for retrieving a medical device deployed in a vasculature. The catheter comprises an outer catheter body and an inner coupling member having means for coupling to a medical device deployed in a vasculature. The catheter body is movable distally relative to the coupling member to retrieve a... Agent: Rissman Jobse Hendricks & Oliverio, LLP

20070162071 - Locking component for an embolic filter assembly: A locking component for locking a medical device onto a guide wire. Such medical devices include, for example, an embolic filter assembly used to capture embolic material that may be created and released into a patient's vasculature during a stenting or angioplasty procedure. The embolic filter assembly tracks along the... Agent: Fulwider Patton LLP

20070162072 - Articulating endoscopic surgical apparatus: A surgical instrument is provided for use in endoscopic or laparoscopic procedures. The instrument includes a handle portion, an endoscopic portion extending from the handle portion, an articulating section pivotably connected to a distal end portion of the endoscopic portion, and a retractor assembly operatively associated with the articulating section.... Agent: United States Surgical, A Division Of Tyco Healthcare Group Lp

20070162073 - Devices and related methods for securing a tissue fold: The present invention relates to devices and methods for creating and securing a tissue fold during an endoluminal medical procedure. The devices and methods may be used for folding and securing, for example, a fundus wall onto an esophagus wall. An aspect of the invention includes a two-piece tissue clip... Agent: Finnegan, Henderson, Farabow, Garrett & Dunner LLP

20070162074 - Apparatus and method for anchoring sutures: A suture anchor having a conical surface and a bore in which an end of an insertion tool is inserted. The insertion end of the insertion tool is made of material having elastic properties. The bore and base of the suture anchor are angled with respect to the central axis... Agent: Mark J. Pandiscio Pandiscio & Pandiscio, P.C.

20070156124 - Apparatus and methods for treating the skin: An apparatus for treating skin has a console with a user input device and a handpiece assembly. The handpiece assembly is configured to treat skin. A fluid line provides fluid communication between the console and the handpiece assembly. A manifold system is coupled to the console and controlled by the... Agent: Knobbe Martens Olson & Bear LLP

20070156129 - System for dissociation and removal of proteinaceous tissue: An apparatus and method for the dissociation of soft proteinaceous tissue using pulsed rapid variable direction energy field flow fractionization is disclosed. The pulsed rapid disruptive energy field is created by the use of a probe which surrounds the soft proteinaceous tissue to be removed. Once the adhesive mechanism between... Agent: Alcon

20070156131 - Ablation catheter with improved tip cooling: A catheter has a catheter body having an outer wall, proximal and distal ends, and at least one lumen extending therethrough. A tip section distal the catheter body includes an irrigated tip electrode and a segment of flexible tubing with at least one lumen therethrough. The tip electrode has a... Agent: Christie, Parker & Hale, LLP

20070156132 - Injection molded irrigated tip electrode and catheter having the same: A porous tip electrode and a catheter having the same are provided. The catheter generally comprises a catheter body, tip section and control handle. A porous tip electrode, manufactured by injection molding, is mounted at the distal end of the tip section and comprises a main electrode body and a... Agent: Christie, Parker & Hale, LLP

20070156137 - High efficiency, precision electrosurgical apparatus and method: An electrosurgical apparatus for cutting and/or coagulating living tissue, a method of forming the electrosurgical apparatus, and a method of using the electrosurgical apparatus. The cutting and/or coagulating living tissue is performed with one or two heated loops of resistance wire accompanied by sufficient electrical current across the living tissue... Agent: Schmeiser, Olsen & Watts

20070156148 - Ring cinch assembly to attach bone to tissue: Systems, apparatuses and methods for securing tissue to bone using a bone anchoring system are described. Methods and apparatuses may allow transformation between locked and unlocked states, thereby allowing adjustment of the tension in the suture. The apparatus and/or methods may allow unidirectional movement of a suture, while preventing slippage... Agent: Meyertons, Hood, Kivlin, Kowert & Goetzel, P.C.

20070156149 - Ring cinch assembly to attach bone to tissue: Systems, apparatuses and methods for securing tissue to bone using a bone anchoring system are described. Methods and apparatuses may allow transformation between locked and unlocked states, thereby allowing adjustment of the tension in the suture. The apparatus and/or methods may allow unidirectional movement of a suture, while preventing slippage... Agent: Meyertons, Hood, Kivlin, Kowert & Goetzel, P.C.

20070156150 - Ring cinch assembly to attach bone to tissue: Systems, apparatuses and methods for securing tissue to bone using a bone anchoring system are described. Methods and apparatuses may allow transformation between locked and unlocked states, thereby allowing adjustment of the tension in the suture. The apparatus and/or methods may allow unidirectional movement of a suture, while preventing slippage... Agent: Meyertons, Hood, Kivlin, Kowert & Goetzel, P.C.

20070156122 - Compact counter balance for robotic surgical systems: In one embodiment of the invention, an apparatus is provided including a linkage and a balancing mechanism coupled to the linkage around a pivotal joint. The linkage couples to a support structure at a first end and support a weight applied to a second end. The balancing mechanism counter balances... Agent: Patent Dept Intuitive Surgical, Inc

20070156120 - Foldable wash water storage apparatus for portable irrigator having a temperature regulation function: Disclosed herein is a wash water storage apparatus for portable irrigator that is used to remove feces contained for a long time in the human large intestine or wash the interior of the women's vagina. More particularly, disclosed is a foldable wash water storage apparatus for use with a portable... Agent: Cantor Colburn, LLP

20070156119 - Platform link wrist mechanism: The present invention provides a robotic surgical tool for use in a robotic surgical system to perform a surgical operation. The robotic surgical tool includes a wrist mechanism disposed near the distal end of a shaft which connects with an end effector. The wrist mechanism includes a distal member configured... Agent: Patent Dept Intuitive Surgical, Inc

20070156123 - Robotic catheter system and methods: A robotically controlled guide instrument system, comprising an elongate flexible guide instrument; a drive assembly coupled to a proximal portion of the guide instrument and configured to maneuver a distal portion of the guide instrument; a master controller including a user interface that may be manipulated to actuate the drive... Agent: VistaIPLaw Group LLP

20070156121 - Robotic surgical systems with fluid flow control for irrigation, aspiration, and blowing: In one embodiment of the invention, a robotic surgical system is provided including a master control console and a surgical manipulator. The master control console generates control signals to cause one or more fluids to flow into or out of a surgical site. The surgical manipulator is coupled to the... Agent: Patent Dept Intuitive Surgical, Inc

20070156125 - Encodable cryogenic device: A medical device, such as a cryogenic biopsy device, includes a disposable unit and a reusable unit. The disposable unit, such as a treatment needle or probe, is at least partially insertable into the body of a medical subject and includes an encodable device for storing information. The reusable unit... Agent: Sullivan & Worcester LLP

20070156127 - Foam electrode and method of use thereof during tissue resection: Assemblies and methods are provided for resecting a portion of tissue to be removed (e.g., unhealthy tissue, such as cancerous tissue) from a portion of the tissue to be retained (e.g., healthy tissue) within a patient is provided. An electrically conductive fluid, such as saline, may be absorbed into a... Agent: Michael J. Bolan VistaIPLaw Group LLP

20070156126 - Medical device insertion system and related methods: Various embodiments of an insertion system for inserting a medical implant and related methods are disclosed. In one embodiment, an insertion system used to insert an implant into a patient's body may include a housing and a movable member configured to move relative to the housing. The system may further... Agent: Leslie I. Bookoff Finnegan, Henderson, Farabow,

20070156128 - System and method for selectively energizing catheter electrodes: The present invention is directed to a system, a method and a catheter that provide improved ablation capabilities and improved energy efficiency by selectively energizing catheter electrodes on the basis of impedance measurements. In particular, the invention is directed to the selective energization of catheter radial electrodes that together with... Agent: Christie, Parker & Hale, LLP

20070156133 - Deflectable catheter with a high modulus fiber puller element: A deflectable catheter includes a catheter body, an intermediate section, a tip electrode and a control handle for deflecting the catheter by manipulation of a puller element that is made of a high modulus fiber material and extends through the catheter body and the intermediate section. The proximal end of... Agent: Christie, Parker & Hale, LLP

20070156134 - Liquid delivery apparatus for tissue ablation: An apparatus for use in a tissue ablation procedure includes a base, a fluid delivery tube coupled to the base, a first lever rotatably coupled to the base, the first lever having a first end biased to press against a portion of the fluid delivery tube to thereby close a... Agent: VistaIPLaw Group LLP

20070156130 - Low-profile, expanding single needle ablation probe: Tissue ablation probes, systems, and methods are provided for treating tissue (e.g., a tumor). The probe comprises an inner probe shaft, and an outer probe shaft disposed around the inner probe shaft. The outer probe shaft has a distal portion fixably mounted to the inner probe shaft, and a proximal... Agent: VistaIPLaw Group LLP

20070156136 - Methods of treating the sacroiliac region of a patient's body: A method, system and apparatus are disclosed for performing an electrosurgical treatment procedure on a bodily tissue. An electrosurgical apparatus is described, the apparatus comprising one or more probes having insulated and conductive regions for creating lesions in bodily tissue. A method of delivering energy to a patient's body is... Agent: Dimock Stratton LLP

20070156135 - System and methods for treating atrial fibrillation using electroporation: The present invention provides an improved system and method for treating atrial fibrillation using electroporation. The system creates transmural lesions in tissue. At least first and second tissue penetrating, mono-polar electrodes are provided that are configured to be introduced at or near an epicardial tissue site of the heart of... Agent: Heller Ehrman LLP

20070156138 - Apparatus for the interstitial coagulation of tissue: An apparatus for the interstitial coagulation of tissues includes at least one electrode by way of which an HF coagulation current can be conducted into the tissue of a patient. The electrode is constructed as a three-dimensional body that can be expanded to various states of expansion, or is attached... Agent: Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld L.L.P.

20070156139 - Bipolar concentric electrode assembly for soft tissue fusion: A bipolar electrosurgical forceps for treating tissue includes a pair of opposing first and second jaw members each having a tissue engaging surface disposed thereon. Each of the jaw members is movable relative to one another from a first position to approximate tissue to a second position for engaging tissue... Agent: Mark Farber United States Surgical A Division Of

20070156140 - Method of fusing biomaterials with radiofrequency energy: A method of fusing biomaterial and tissue using radiofrequency energy includes the steps of: providing a vessel sealing instrument having opposing jaw members which are movable relative to one another to compress tissue therebetween. The vessel sealing instrument includes at least one stop member affixed thereto for regulating the distance... Agent: United States Surgical, A Division Of Tyco Healthcare Group Lp

20070156141 - Head immobilisation assembly for patient positioning in radiation therapy: The invention relates to a non-invasive patient immobilisation assembly for immobilising a body part of a patient, the immobilisation assembly comprising a rigid template (1) made of thermoplastic material, the template being thermoformed or otherwise moulded to conform to the body part to be immobilised, the immobilisation assembly also comprising... Agent: Dykema Gossett PLLC

20070156143 - Instrument for pedicle screw adhesive materials: Spinal stabilization systems and the assembly, interconnection, and use of such systems are described which provide stabilization of vertebrae in the spine. Devices and methods of the invention may be used to attach a bone engaging element such as a fastener to a spinal stabilization element such as a rod... Agent: Wood, Herron & Evans (zimmer Spine)

20070156142 - Top-tightening side-locking spinal connector assembly: Connector assemblies are provided to couple an elongate member extending along the spinal column to a bone engaging implant engaged to the spinal column. The connector assembly includes a coupler and a clamping member in the coupler that is movable to secure the implant between the clamping member and the... Agent: Krieg Devault LLP

20070156144 - Intramedullary nail: An intramedullary nail made of a metal or a metal alloy comprises a longitudinal axis, a connecting part whose cross section has an area F orthogonal to the longitudinal axis, and a shaft part to be inserted into the medulla whose cross section has an area f also orthogonal to... Agent: Jones Day

20070156147 - Bone fixation device and method: Apparatus including a bone plate that may cooperate with a tension member for reduction and fixation of a bone fracture is disclosed. The bone plate may be configured with a wire channel that receives a tension member so that the reduction wire may extend between the bone plate and a... Agent: Cyr & Associates, P.A.

20070156146 - Implant for use as replacement of an orbita bottom: The implant according to the invention is intended to be used as a replacement for an orbita bottom and optionally also for the medial orbita wall. The implant comprises the form of a single-piece preformed plate or grid which comprises a first segment, a second segment and a third segment.... Agent: F. Chau & Associates, LLC

20070156145 - Therapeutic constructions, spinal plates, cervical plates, hooks and screws: The invention includes skeletal support structures. The structures can be spinal plates (such as cervical plates), rods, hooks, vertebral spacers, vertebral structural replacement, or screws; and can be formed of aromatic polyamide material (such as para-aramid). The screws and/or hooks can contain pores configured to receive growing bone to enhance... Agent: Wells St. John P.s.

20070156151 - Expanding plug for tendon fixation: An expanding plug for tendon fixation features a two-part system in which an expansion pin fits inside a fixation sleeve. The fixation sleeve is configured to expand diametrically to achieve interference fixation of a graft tendon inside of a bone tunnel. Fixation sleeve expansion is urged by a two-step engagement... Agent: Dickstein Shapiro LLP

20070156152 - Methods for treating a defect in the annulus fibrosis: Methods and apparatus for treating disc herniation provide a conformable device which assumes a first shape associated with insertion and a second shape or expanded shape to occlude the defect which typically follows partial discectomy. The device may take different forms according to the invention, including patches size to cover... Agent: O'melveny & Myers LLP

20070156153 - Device and method for fixing soft tissue: A device for fixing soft tissue. A sleeve is detachably connected to a self-drilling tapping screw, moving and rotating the self-drilling tapping screw. A guide bar is detachably connected to the self-drilling tapping screw and fit in the sleeve. A fixing pin is fit in a washer and connected to... Agent: Quintero Law Office, PC

20070156154 - Locking screw: A screw comprising a head-side end, a tip, a screw core comprising an envelope surface carrying an outer thread, and a central line formed by the connection line of the centres of gravity of the axially successive, orthogonal cross-sectional surfaces of the screw core, without taking into account any cavities.... Agent: Jones Day

20070156155 - Surgical cup impactor: A surgical tool including a direct drive shaft and a frame. The frame including an angled portion. The direct drive shaft is at least partially enclosed in the angled portion and extends beyond the angled portion.... Agent: Taylor & Aust, P.C.

20070156156 - Surgical devices and related methods thereof: The present invention relates to surgical devices and related methods of use. In particular, the present invention relates to surgical devices used for contacting and treating deeply seated areas of the brain.... Agent: Medlen & Carroll, LLP

20070156157 - Imageless robotized device and method for surgical tool guidance: An imageless robotized device for guiding surgical tools to improve the performance of surgical tasks is provided. The method of using the robotized device may include the steps of: collecting anatomical landmarks with a robot arm; combining landmarks data with geometric planning parameters to generate a position data; and automatically... Agent: Baker & Daniels LLP 111 E. Wayne Street

20070156158 - Device for treating carpal tunnel syndrome: A device for treating a patient having carpal tunnel disease includes a neural stent formed from an elastically deformable material or one that has shape memory properties. The neural stent is in the form of a mesh which, when implanted in a patient, curls about the median nerve below the... Agent: Bodner & O'rourke, LLP

20070156159 - Method and device for use in endoscopic organ procedures: Methods and devices for use in tissue approximation and fixation are described herein. The present invention provides, in part, methods and devices for acquiring tissue folds in a circumferential configuration within a hollow body organ, e.g., a stomach, positioning the tissue folds for affixing within a fixation zone of the... Agent: Fulwider Patton LLP

20070156160 - Handle with removable disposable surgical blade and blade removal system including disposal container: A surgical blade includes a handle with a recess sized to receive the proximal end of a blade assembly. The recess includes a notch as well as opposed facing distal ridges designed to engage elevated surfaces in the blade assembly to maintain the blade assembly and handle assembled. The blade... Agent: H. Jay Spiegel - H. Jay Spiegel & Associates

20070156161 - Method and device for repositioning tissue: A device for repositioning tissue includes a hand held main body having a housing which defines a chamber for holding tissue. The chamber is connected to a negative pressure source to create a vacuum in the chamber. A flexible cannula is affixed to the main body, and includes a distal... Agent: Bodner & O'rourke, LLP

20070156162 - Combination tissue dissector and surgical implant inserter: A surgical instrument for dissecting tissue and inserting a surgical implant device thereat includes first and second blades which are pivotally joined together. Each of the first and second blades has an elongated length which includes a first section and a second section, the first section of each blade including... Agent: Bodner & O'rourke, LLP

20070156163 - Confuser crown skin pricker: A blood sampling device designed to divert attention from the pain involved in the puncture of the skin tissue by increasing comfort when lancing the skin by affecting the sensation and perception of pain. Projections on the distal end of a skin pricker contact the skin surface to confuse the... Agent: John S. Pratt, Esq Kilpatrick Stockton, LLP

20070156164 - Follicular dissection device and method: Provided herein is an apparatus and method useful for surgical removal of mammalian tissue.... Agent: Berkeley Law & Technology Group, LLP

20070156165 - Percutaneous transgastric gastroplication and transgastric minimally invasive surgery: Apparatus and methods for performing percutaneous transgastric or bi-transgastric minimally invasive surgical procedures targeting various organs and tissues of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract are provided. In one aspect of the invention, a percutaneous transgastric surgical port having at least one retraction tab disposed at a proximal end thereof is provided,... Agent: Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione/chicago/cook

20070156166 - Device and method for collapsing an angioplasty balloon: A device for collapsing a balloon in the vasculature of a patient after an angioplasty procedure includes a balloon and at least one elastomeric member that is attached to the inner surface of the balloon at a plurality of attachment points. Preferably, the elastomeric member is an annular band that... Agent: Vidas, Arrett & Steinkraus, P.A.

20070156167 - Pressure attenuation device: An implantable blood pressure regulator is provided. The blood pressure regulator includes at least one connection zone and an attenuation zone. The connection zone is suitable for connection to a body conduit, such as a blood vessel. The attenuation zone is movable from a first state to a second state... Agent: Knobbe Martens Olson & Bear LLP

20070156169 - Embolic filtering devices: An expandable frame for an embolic filtering device used to capture embolic debris in a body vessel includes a first half frame having a first control arm connected to a second control arm by a partial loop and a second half frame having a first control arm connected to a... Agent: Fulwider Patton LLP

20070156170 - Expandable emboli filter and thrombectomy device: Expandable emboli filter and thrombectomy devices adapted for use with microcatheters to remove debris from blood vessels. The devices embody expanded profiles that span the entirety of various sized target vessels and thus are particularly effective in the engagement of debris found in vessels.... Agent: Fulwider Patton LLP

20070156168 - Polymer marker and retention bands: A filtering device having an embolic filter for collecting debris in a body lumen during an intravascular procedure includes a filter proximal neck portion attached to a proximal shaft and a filter distal neck portion attached to a distal support shaft. The proximal shaft is slidably disposed about a core... Agent: Medtronic Vascular, Inc.IPLegal Department

20070156171 - Implant grasper: A device for grasping an implant is provided. The implant has a first and second surface, with at least one of the first and seconds surfaces being non-planar. The device includes a first grasping element having a first grasping surface that conforms to the first surface of the implant, and... Agent: Bromberg & Sunstein LLP

20070156172 - Multipurpose knot pusher: A surgical multipurpose knot pusher that allows an extracorporeal knot to be slid down around a limb of suture without deforming or collapsing the knot. This knot pusher includes a handle portion and an elongated shaft extending from the handle portion to the distal part of the instrument. This distal... Agent: Mark D. Bowen Stearns Weaver Miller

20070156173 - Earwax extracting apparatus and method comprising same: An earwax extracting apparatus comprises a housing, a tapered body and spaced apart extractor arms. The housing includes a first opening in a first face thereof, a second opening in a second face thereof and an interior space extending between the first opening and the second opening. The first face... Agent: David O. Simmons Galasso & Associates Lp

20070156174 - Method and apparatus for repairing a meniscus: An apparatus for repairing a separation in body tissue includes an elongated repair member having an intermediate portion extending between a first end and a second end. A first retaining portion is defined at the first end. A second retaining portion is defined at the second end. The elongated repair... Agent: Harness, Dickey & Pierce, P.L.C

20070156175 - Device for attaching, relocating and reinforcing tissue and methods of using same: A device for attaching, relocating or reinforcing tissue includes a first tissue anchoring portion having a support plate and a plurality of barbs extending from the support plate for engaging tissue at a first location, a second tissue anchoring portion having a support plate and a plurality of barbs extending... Agent: Bodner & O'rourke, LLP

20070156176 - Ring cinch assembly to attach bone to tissue: Systems, apparatuses and methods for securing tissue to bone using a bone anchoring system are described. Methods and apparatuses may allow transformation between locked and unlocked states, thereby allowing adjustment of the tension in the suture. The apparatus and/or methods may allow unidirectional movement of a suture, while preventing slippage... Agent: Meyertons, Hood, Kivlin, Kowert & Goetzel, P.C.