Surgery inventions 08/07

20070203477 - Instrument holder and method for a surgical instrument having a park position: A surgical instrument holder has a head assembly and a drive spindle assembly. The head has a second coupling end with a coupling device and interface for receiving and holding a surgical instrument. The instrument is held by a releasable locking mechanism having a ring slideably biased against the coupling... Agent: Moetteli & Associates Sarl

20070203478 - Method and system for elasto-modulation of ocular tissue: Excitation and radiation techniques and apparatus for performing customized elasto-modulation of ocular tissue in an annular region around the cornea, such as for the purpose of ciliary translocation (ACT) or promotion of aqueous outflow to relieve ocular pressure are provided utilizing a transconjunctival incisionless scleral treatment. Laser radiation is for... Agent: Townsend And Townsend And Crew, LLP

20070203479 - Transseptal closure of a patent foramen ovale and other cardiac defects: The present invention provides for therapeutic treatment methods, devices, and systems for the partial or complete closure or occlusion of a patent foramen ovale (“PFO”). In particular, various methods, devices, and systems for joining or welding tissues, in order to therapeutically close a PFO are described. In yet another aspect... Agent: Perkins Coie LLP Patent-sea

20070203480 - Surgical microwave ablation assembly: An ablation assembly capable of ablating tissues inside the cavity of an organ is disclosed. The ablation assembly generally includes an ablative energy source and an ablative energy delivery device coupled to the ablative energy source. The ablative energy delivery device is configured for delivering ablative energy sufficiently strong to... Agent: Law Office Of Alan W. Cannon

20070203482 - Blended monopolar and bipolar application of rf energy: A system including at least two target electrodes and at least one return electrode, at least two RF power sources in electrical communication with the electrodes and operative to generate RF energy waveforms to the at least two target electrodes, one of the at least two target electrodes cooperating with... Agent: Dekel Patent Ltd., David Klein

20070203481 - Redundant temperature monitoring in electrosurgical systems for saftey mitigation: A redundant temperature monitoring system and method for an electrosurgical system are provided. The temperature monitoring circuit includes at least one temperature sensor for sensing a temperature at a measuring point, a first temperature measurement circuit coupled to the at least one temperature sensor for generating a first temperature value,... Agent: United States Surgical, A Division Of Tyco Healthcare Group Lp

20070203483 - Ablation device with lockout feature: A device for ablating tissue at a desired location in a body, the device comprising: a pair of jaws moveable between a spaced apart open position and a closed position, the pair of jaws comprising at least one ablating element for ablating tissue located between the jaws; a handle comprising... Agent: Kagan Binder, PLLC

20070203486 - Ablation probe with distal inverted electrode array: An ablation device includes a cannula having a distal end and a lumen, an array of electrodes deployable from within the lumen, each of the electrodes having a first configuration when inside the lumen, and a second configuration when unconfined outside the lumen, the electrodes having respective distal ends that... Agent: VistaIPLaw Group LLP

20070203485 - Electrosurgical electrode having a non-conductive porous ceramic coating: An electrosurgical electrode assembly and method utilizing the same are disclosed capable of controlling or limiting the current per arc in real-time during an electrosurgical procedure. The conductive electrosurgical electrode is configured for being connected to an electrosurgical generator system and has a non-conductive, porous ceramic coating that “pinches” or... Agent: United States Surgical, A Division Of Tyco Healthcare Group Lp

20070203484 - Methods of using ablation device and of guiding ablation device into body: A method of using an ablation device to ablate tissue at a desired location, wherein the ablation device comprises: a pair of floating jaws moveable between a spaced apart open position and a closed position, the pair of jaws comprising at least one ablating element for ablating tissue located between... Agent: Kagan Binder, PLLC

20070203487 - High-frequency treatment tool for endoscope: A high-frequency treatment tool for an endoscope, having an electrically insulating flexible tube, an operating wire, a high-frequency electrode, which is provided at a distal end of the operating wire and configured to be protrusible and retractable from a distal end of the flexible tube in the axial direction of... Agent: Greenblum & Bernstein, P.L.C

20070203488 - Electrosurgical system: An electrosurgical system comprises a generator and an instrument including a first electrode, a second electrode, and an insulating spacer separating the first and second electrodes. The generator repeatedly measures a characteristic of the radio frequency output such as the impedance between the first and second electrodes. The generator analyses... Agent: Oliff & Berridge, PLC

20070203489 - High-frequency current treatment tool: A high-frequency current treatment tool of the present invention includes a pair of clamp pieces which clamps an object, and an electrode which is provided on one of the clamp pieces. Each of the clamp pieces has a clamp face which faces with each other. A first clamp face being... Agent: Scully Scott Murphy & Presser, PC

20070203490 - Spine distraction implant and method: A spine distraction implant alleviates pain associated with spinal stenosis and facet arthropathy by expanding the volume in the spine canal and/or neural foramen. The implant provides a spinal extension stop while allowing freedom of spinal flexion.... Agent: Cooley Godward Kronish LLP Attn: Patent Group

20070203492 - Anterior cervical plating system and method: The present invention is directed to a system for anterior fixation of the spine that utilizes an elongated fixation plate. The plating system stabilizes the spine and promotes fusion and incorporation of a graft or implant in a portion of the spinal column. In one aspect of the invention, the... Agent: Hunton & Williams LLP Intellectual Property Department

20070203491 - Intervertebral implant for the lumbosacral articulation: The invention provides an intervertebral implant for the lumbo-sacral joint, the implant consisting in a spacer suitable for being placed between the fifth lumbar vertebra and the sacral vertebra articulated thereto, the body of said spacer presenting in its top face a groove extending in the midplane of the spacer... Agent: The Webb Law Firm, P.C.

20070203494 - Spinal prostheses: An article including a spinal prosthesis having a unitary body with at least three attachment points attachable to spinal structure, the unitary body including a flexure assembly positioned between first and second attachment members, wherein flexure of the flexure assembly permits movement of the first attachment member relative to the... Agent: Dekel Patent Ltd. Beit Harof'im

20070203493 - Spine distraction implant and method: A spine distraction implant alleviates pain associated with spinal stenosis and facet arthropathy by expanding the volume in the spine canal and/or neural foramen. The implant provides a spinal extension stop while allowing freedom of spinal flexion.... Agent: Cooley Godward Kronish LLP Attn: Patent Group

20070203495 - Spine distraction implant and method: A spine distraction implant alleviates pain associated with spinal stenosis and facet arthropathy by expanding the volume in the spine canal and/or neural foramen. The implant provides a spinal extension stop while allowing freedom of spinal flexion.... Agent: Cooley Godward Kronish LLP Attn: Patent Group

20070203496 - Spine distraction implant and method: A spine distraction implant alleviates pain associated with spinal stenosis and facet arthropathy by expanding the volume in the spine canal and/or neural foramen. The implant provides a spinal extension stop while allowing freedom of spinal flexion.... Agent: Cooley Godward Kronish LLP Attn: Patent Group

20070203497 - Spine distraction implant and method: A spine distraction implant alleviates pain associated with spinal stenosis and facet arthropathy by expanding the volume in the spine canal and/or neural foramen. The implant provides a spinal extension stop while allowing freedom of spinal flexion.... Agent: Cooley Godward Kronish LLP Attn: Patent Group

20070203498 - Anchor element for knotless fixing of tissue to a bone: An anchor element serves for knotless fixing of a tissue to a bone by means of at least one suture threaded through said anchor element. A body of that anchor element has an outer surface with projections. A transverse bore is arranged in a distal end section of said body... Agent: St. Onge Steward Johnston & Reens LLC

20070203499 - Apparatus and method for tibial fixation of soft tissue: An apparatus and method for fixation of a soft tissue graft. The apparatus may include a member having a first surface and a second surface. Each of the surfaces extend a distance relative to one another. A member is operable to resist movement of the apparatus relative to an anatomical... Agent: Harness, Dickey & Pierce, P.L.C

20070203500 - Apparatus and method of shaping an intervertebral space: An apparatus and method for creating a space of defined length, height, width and shape with a guided mill in preparation for receiving a spinal implant or graft of known size and configuration is disclosed.... Agent: John K Song

20070203501 - Spine distraction implant and method: A spine distraction implant alleviates pain associated with spinal stenosis and facet arthropathy by expanding the volume in the spine canal and/or neural foramen. The implant provides a spinal extension stop while allowing freedom of spinal flexion.... Agent: Cooley Godward Kronish LLP Attn: Patent Group

20070203502 - Iol insertion apparatus and method for making and using same: Apparatus for inserting intraocular lenses (IOLs) into eyes include a hollow tube including a material and having an interior wall defining a hollow space through which an IOL is passed and an outlet through which the IOL is passed from the hollow space into an eye, and a lubricity enhancing... Agent: Advanced Medical Optics, Inc.

20070203503 - Systems and methods for delivering a medical implant: The present invention relates to apparatus and methods for endovascularly delivering and releasing a prosthesis, e.g., an aortic prosthesis, within and/or across a patient's native heart valve, referred to hereinafter as replacing the patient's heart valve. In some embodiments the delivery system comprises a plurality of first actuatable element adapted... Agent: Shay Law Group LLP

20070203504 - Skin-marking devices and their use: An anti-microbial growth-inhibiting, skin-marking device for applying a marking agent to the skin of a patient who is to undergo a medical procedure such as radiation therapy. The skin-marking device has a flexible housing that contains a rupturable cartridge containing the marking agent and anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-viral solution. A... Agent: Biotechpaatent.net LLC

20070203505 - Methods for minimally invasive, non-permanent occlusion of a uterine artery: Non-permanent occlusion of the uterine arteries is sufficient to cause the demise of uterine myomata without unnecessarily exposing other tissues and anatomical structures to hypoxia attendant to prior permanent occlusion techniques. A therapeutically effective transient time of occlusion of a uterine artery to treat uterine fibroid tumors is from 1... Agent: Edward J. Lynch Duane Morris LLP

20070203506 - Vascular closure methods and apparatuses: A vascular closure device comprised of a sheath-delivered cincture or noose-like device or knot comprised of suture, wire, or other suitable materials, that is placed on the external surface of a puncture wound, and closed. The vascular closure cincture is delivered by a sheath, and after closing is left resident... Agent: V. Gerald Grafe, Esq.

20070203507 - Suturing apparatus and methods: Embodiments of the invention provide methods and apparatus for suturing tissue penetrations made during minimally invasive surgery. One embodiment of an apparatus for suturing tissue penetrations comprises a shaft, suture capture surface coupled to the shaft, and at least one pair of needles or other penetrating members advanceable from the... Agent: Townsend And Townsend And Crew, LLP

20070203508 - Bone anchor suture-loading system, method and apparatus: A suture-loading system, method and apparatus for loading a suture onto a bone anchor, the system comprising: a bone anchor comprising a suture leg-anchoring structure and a plurality of body holes on the anchor; a suture comprising a standing end portion and a working end portion; a standing end trackway... Agent: Arthrocare Corporation

20070203510 - Annular disk for reduction of anastomotic tension and methods of using the same: An apparatus for forming an anastomosis between adjacent tissue sections is provided. The apparatus includes an anastomosis device including an anvil assembly having a shaft which is selectively attachable to a tubular body portion, wherein the tubular body portion includes at least one annular row of staples operatively disposed therein.... Agent: United States Surgical, A Division Of Tyco Healthcare Group Lp

20070203509 - Hub for positioning annular structure on a surgical device: An apparatus for forming an anastomosis between adjacent intestinal sections is provided. The apparatus includes an anastomosis device including an anvil assembly having a shaft which is selectively attachable to a tubular body portion; and a hub for locating an annular structure between the adjacent intestinal sections. The hub includes... Agent: United States Surgical, A Division Of Tyco Healthcare Group Lp

20070203511 - System and method to restrict stomach size: A device for restricting a cross-sectional area of a cavity formed by a stomach wall includes a band defining a cylindrical wall and a plurality of retaining members formed within the wall. Each retaining member is movable between a retracted position substantially coplanar with an outer surface of the wall... Agent: Patrick W. Rasche Armstrong Teasdale LLP

20070203512 - Methods and devices for cutting and collecting soft tissue: A method of removing breast tissue may include a step of providing a tissue cutting device having an elongate cutting element coupled to a shaft, in which the cutting element is movable between a bowed position and a retracted position. A deployed part of the cutting element may lie outside... Agent: Young Law Firm, P.C. Alan W. Young

20070203513 - Methods and devices for cutting and collecting soft tissue: A method of cutting breast tissue for removal may include a step of providing a tissue cutting device having an elongate cutting element, the cutting element being movable between a bowed position and a retracted position, the cutting element having a radially outer side and a radially inner side. The... Agent: Young Law Firm, P.C. Alan W. Young

20070203514 - Safe locking lancet: A lancet is provided where the same opening of the same cap serves both as a removable cover prior to use of the lancet, and then interacts in a locking engagement with the lancet base to provide protection from contamination after use. Thus, the invention provides a lancet having a... Agent: Marina Larson & Associates, LLC

20070203515 - Catheter system for connecting adjacent blood vessels: An apparatus is provided for assisting in creating a fistula between a first blood vessel having a first diameter and a second blood vessel. The apparatus includes a catheter with a resizable portion disposed near the distal end of the catheter. The catheter is traversed through the first vessel to... Agent: Kolisch Hartwell, P.C.

20070203516 - Apparatus and methods for creating an opening in a tissue membrane: The current invention discloses an apparatus for creating openings in tissue membranes and methods for using the apparatus. The apparatus comprises a cutting device that can include a cutting element and a resisting element located on the ends of elongate members. The cutting device can be manipulated so that the... Agent: Medtronic Vascular, Inc.IPLegal Department

20070203517 - Transgastric surgical devices and procedures: Embodiments of surgical access cannulas and access systems for use in gaining access to a body cavity of a patient via a natural orifice are disclosed. A distal end of an access cannula is advanced through a natural orifice into a hollow organ. Instruments passed through the cannula are used... Agent: Stallman & Pollock LLP

20070203519 - Embolic device delivery system: A vascular occlusion device deployment system for deploying an occlusion device at a preselected site within the vasculature of a patient. The deployment system includes a pusher which has a constrictor located at the distal end portion of the pusher. The constrictor has a channel which receives a portion of... Agent: Cook, Alex, Mcfarron, Manzo, Cummings & Mehler Ltd

20070203520 - Endovascular filter: Endovascular filter (10) including a plurality of struts (14) with distal ends (18) adapted to anchor the filter to the vessel wall after deployment, such as by having barbs (20), the filter being adapted to be retrieved if desired. Strut distal ends (18) are coated with an antiproliferative agent (40)... Agent: Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione/chicago/cook

20070203518 - Heated mechanical detachment for delivery of therapeutic devices: The disclosure describes apparatuses and methods for the luminal delivery of therapeutic devices. The apparatus includes a decoupling assembly comprising a retention element, a energy-responsive element and a thermally sensitive element. The application of heat to the thermally sensitive element alters its configuration such that it no longer maintains the... Agent: Cook, Alex, Mcfarron, Manzo, Cummings & Mehler Ltd

20070198011 - Bipolar high-frequency treatment tool for endoscope: A bipolar high-frequency treatment tool for an endoscope comprising a flexible sheath having a multi-lumen tube which is rotatable about an axis of the flexible sheath and is formed to have a pair of guide lumens, a pair of high-frequency electrodes which are arranged to be movable at a tip... Agent: Greenblum & Bernstein, P.L.C

20070198018 - Bone anchoring device: A bone anchoring device includes a shaft for anchoring in a bone and a head, the shaft including a first section having a plurality of barb elements, the barb elements being elastically deformable relative to the body of the shaft, and a second section including a bone thread for engagement... Agent: Christie, Parker & Hale, LLP

20070198001 - Computer network system and method for operating a network system screen shot and source shot control: A computer network system includes a controlling PC, at least one controlled PC controllable by the controlling PC via a data connection including a network, at least one central terminal having a display, and a video router. The video router is operatively coupled to each of the at least one... Agent: Don W. Bulson (brainlab)

20070198002 - Implant retrieval assembly and method for retrieving an implant: An implant retrieval frame for advancement of a retrieval device to snare an implant is disclosed. The frame comprises a first arm and a second arm. The first arm has a first handle end and a first pivot end. The second arm has a second handle end and a second... Agent: Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione/chicago/cook

20070198004 - Photocosmetic device: An apparatus is disclosed for use by a consumer in a non-medical setting that uses at least one low power electromagnetic radiation source in a suitable device that can be positioned over a treatment area for a substantial period of time or can be moved over the treatment area one... Agent: Nutter Mcclennen & Fish LLP

20070198003 - Treating dermatological conditions using an alexandrite laser: A beam of radiation can be provided to treat a dermatological condition in a target region of skin. The beam of radiation can have a wavelength between about 700 nm and about 800 nm, a fluence greater than about 50 J/cm2, and a pulse duration between about 10 msec and... Agent: Proskauer Rose LLP

20070198005 - Coagulating cutter: A coagulating cutter according to the present invention comprises: a transmitting member for transmitting energy, for treating living body tissue, to the living body tissue; an outer sheath through which the transmitting member is passed; and a grasping section supported at the tip end portion of the outer sheath so... Agent: Ostrolenk Faber Gerb & Soffen

20070198006 - Microwave antenna having a curved configuration: A microwave antenna having a curved configuration is described herein. The antenna portion is formed into various shapes whereby the antenna substantially encloses, by a partial or complete loop or enclosure, at least a majority of the tissue to be irradiated. When microwave energy is delivered through the antenna, the... Agent: United States Surgical, A Division Of Tyco Healthcare Group Lp

20070198007 - Lesion assessment by pacing: Monitoring intracardiac ablation progress in near real time is accomplished by evaluating capture of a pacing signal while ablation energy is concurrently directed to a target site. Sufficiency of ablation is indicated by failure of signal capture at a maximum predetermined pacing voltage. A common electrode in a cardiac catheter... Agent: Philip S. Johnson Johnson & Johnson

20070198008 - Robotic surgical system and method for automated therapy delivery: A method of navigating a medical device through a body of a patient includes providing a topography of at least a portion of the body, accepting user input defining a navigation path, robotically navigating the medical device to a starting point on the path, and robotically navigating the medical device... Agent: Sjm/afd-wiley

20070198009 - Electrosurgery pencil: An electrosurgery pencil having a bent or angled portion which enables a physician to easily perform surgical procedures without his or her hand obstructing the view of the surgical site.... Agent: Snell & Wilmer L.L.P. (main)

20070198010 - Methods and systems for in situ tissue marking and orientation stabilization: A method of marking an orientation of a cut specimen of tissue prior to excision thereof from a body includes steps of disposing a tissue-marking probe in the body adjacent the cut specimen, the tissue-marking probe including a tissue-marking tool configured to selectively mark the cut specimen. A surface of... Agent: Young Law Firm, P.C. Alan W. Young

20070198012 - Clamping and articulation element: A two-piece clamping element comprises two separate, i.e., non-integral, opposing first and second clamping jaws forming a laterally open cavity to receive a pin or rod-shaped element. Each clamping jaw has a bore aligned with one another to receive a screw, wherein a pivot bearing is arranged opposite said cavity... Agent: Lerner, David, Littenberg, Krumholz & Mentlik

20070198013 - Surgical instrumentation and method for treatment of the spine: Instrumentation for treatment of the spine, including an elongate member having a deformable distal end portion at least partially formed of a flexible and preferably elastic material. The distal end portion has an initial configuration for placement adjacent a vertebral body and a deformed configuration defining at least one outwardly... Agent: Krieg Devault LLP

20070198014 - Articulating connecting member and anchor systems for spinal stabilization: Stabilization systems for stabilizing one or more vertebral levels are provided. The systems include anchors engageable to the vertebrae and an elongate connecting member system that maintains distraction between the vertebrae while allowing at least limited vertebral motion of the stabilized vertebral levels. The stabilization systems can be employed alone... Agent: Krieg Devault LLP

20070198015 - Instruments and methods for stabilization of bony structures: The present invention relates to methods and instruments for placing a brace or connecting element into an animal subject for engagement with anchors secured in the animal subject. The installation instrument includes anchor extensions coupled to the anchors. The instrument is movable with respect to the anchors to position the... Agent: Krieg Devault LLP

20070198016 - Compression stabilizing spacers: In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a joint fusion system includes a spacer configured to be positioned between a first bone of a joint and a second bone of the joint. The joint fusion system also includes a plate coupled to the spacer. The plate is configured... Agent: Baker Botts L.L.P.

20070198017 - Soft tissue anchor: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for connecting soft tissue or ligament to a bone using surgical suture. More specifically the present invention relates to an anchor for fixation into a bone wherein the amount of material for said anchor is minimised by leading the suture thread... Agent: Bill R. Naifeh

20070198020 - Apparatus and method for creating cavities in interior body regions: A shaft member is sized and configured for introduction through a percutaneous access path into a cancellous bone volume. The shaft has an elongated axis. A cutting blade is sized and configured to be carried by the shaft member and project radially outward of the elongated axis into contact with... Agent: Daniel D. Ryan Ryan Kromholz & Manion, S.c.

20070198019 - Spinal ligament modification devices: A method for treating stenosis in a spine comprises percutaneously accessing the epidural space in a stenotic region of interest, compressing the thecal sac in the region of interest to form a safety zonem, inserting a tissue removal tool into tissue in the working zone, using the tool to percutaneously... Agent: Conley Rose, P.C. David A. Rose

20070198021 - Method and apparatus for enhanced delivery of treatment device to the intervertebral disc annulus: The present invention provides methods and devices for enhancing the delivery of treatment devices for treating the annulus of an intervertebral disc. The methods and devices may employ delivery support elements to delivery tools used to deliver expandable treatment devices to the intervertebral disc. Fixation devices and methods are also... Agent: Finnegan, Henderson, Farabow, Garrett & Dunner LLP

20070198022 - Patient selectable joint arthroplasty devices and surgical tools: Disclosed herein are methods, compositions and tools for repairing articular surfaces repair materials and for repairing an articular surface. The articular surface repairs are customizable or highly selectable by patient and geared toward providing optimal fit and function. The surgical tools are designed to be customizable or highly selectable by... Agent: Bromberg & Sunstein LLP

20070198023 - Systems and methods for injecting flowable materials into bones: A device is introduced into the vertebral body through a percutaneous access path. The device is manipulated to modify the cancellous bone volume for introduction of bone filling material. Bone filling material is introduced into the cancellous bone volume modified by the device along the percutaneous path. Discharge of the... Agent: Ryan Kromholz & Manion, S.c.

20070198024 - Curable material delivery device: An apparatus and method for introducing material into an injection site of a patient is disclosed. The device includes a cannula and a carrier. The cannula is inserted into an injection site of a patient. The carrier is connected to an injector containing a volume of material. Material may be... Agent: Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione

20070198025 - Method and apparatus for delivering an intervertebral disc implant: A method for implanting a prosthetic spinal disc nucleus in an intervertebral disc nucleus space includes: (a) providing a disc nucleus implant instrument having a passageway for passing a prosthetic disc nucleus, and a dilator for dilating an opening in a disc annulus; (b) providing a prosthetic disc nucleus having... Agent: Woodard, Emhardt, Moriarty, Mcnett & Henry LLP

20070198026 - Medical device support and stabilizer: A device for stabilizing hydrocephalus shunt valves, or other medical apparatus, to reduce or eliminate repositioning, particularly when positioned in the fascia or subcutaneous tissues within a body. The shunt valve stabilizer of the subject invention is particularly useful for stabilizing lumboperitoneal (LP) shunt valves, but could be used with... Agent: Saliwanchik Lloyd & Saliwanchik A Professional Association

20070198027 - Obstetrical vacuum cup: The present invention relates to an obstetrical vacuum cup that includes a base and a side wall defining a hollow interior cavity and having a distal edge which defines a first contact surface. The hollow interior cavity has at least one projection for providing at least one second contact surface... Agent: Winston & Strawn LLP Patent Department

20070198028 - Device for the removal of thrombi: The invention relates to a device for the removal of foreign bodies and thrombi from body cavities and blood vessels using a guide wire provided with a distal element with said distal element being provided with an orthogonal structure.... Agent: Alston & Bird LLP

20070198029 - Methods for restoring blood flow within blocked vasculature: The devices and methods described herein relate to clearing of blockages within body lumens, such as the vasculature, by addressing the frictional resistance on the obstruction prior to attempting to translate and/or mobilize the obstruction within the body lumen.... Agent: Levine Bagade Han LLP

20070198030 - Methods for restoring blood flow within blocked vasculature: The devices and methods described herein relate to clearing of blockages within body lumens, such as the vasculature, by addressing the frictional resistance on the obstruction prior to attempting to translate and/or mobilize the obstruction within the body lumen.... Agent: Levine Bagade Han LLP

20070198031 - Method for performing dermabrasion: A method of providing a dermabrasion to a person's skin includes the steps of first providing an ultrasonic dermabrasion device having a handle, a mounting surface positioned at a proximal end of the handle, a resilient pad positioned on the mounting surface, an ultrasonic vibrator, and a means for providing... Agent: Law Offices Of Eric Karich

20070198032 - Methods and devices for fastener removal: Methods and devices for removing fasteners from tissue are described. One method is directed to surgically reversing a gastric restriction created using one or more fasteners. the fasteners can be disengaged from the gastric tissue and subsequently removed from the gastric tissue site. The method can utilize an endoscopically delivered... Agent: Nutter Mcclennen & Fish LLP

20070198033 - Peroral transgastric endoscopic techniques: Methods and apparatus for accessing the peritoneal cavity and for ligation of fallopian tubes. A representative method includes using an endoscope to orally access a gastric wall. The gastric wall is punctured to provide access to a peritoneal cavity. The endoscope is advanced into the peritoneal cavity through the puncture.... Agent: Fulbright & Jaworski L.L.P.

20070198034 - Lumen reduction methods and devices: Devices and methods for reducing a size of a lumen are provided. In one embodiment, a lumen reduction device is provided having an end effector with a trough formed therein for receiving tissue surrounding a lumen, and a plurality of fasteners configured to engage the tissue disposed within the trough.... Agent: Nutter Mcclennen & Fish LLP

20070198036 - Graft ligament strand tensioner: A graft ligament strand tensioner includes a frame member for slidingly retaining loops of sutures extending from graft ligament strands. The tensioner further includes a collar portion, and is provided with a handle having a core portion on which the collar portion is disposed for axial movement, and a grip... Agent: Mark J. Pandiscio Pandiscio & Pandiscio, P.C.

20070198035 - Method and surgical instrument operable for percutaneous ligation of a vein or vessel: A surgical instrument and method for facilitating percutaneous ligation of a vein or vessel inside the body includes an elongate element having a bore extending longitudinally therethrough and a needle section mounted on the elongate element, and movable relative thereto, the needle section being provided with a channel for receiving... Agent: Kolisch Hartwell, P.C.

20070198037 - Suture guide and ruptured tissue repair: A suture guide may include a tissue guard and a flanking post disposed to one side of the tissue guard. The flanking post may define a plurality of channels passing through its width. The channels may be so oriented that they define suture needle guide paths in one or more... Agent: Foley Hoag, LLP Patent Group, World Trade Center West

20070198038 - Microdevices for tissue approximation and retention, methods for using, and methods for making: Embodiments of invention are directed to micro-scale of mesoscale tissue approximation instruments that may be delivered to the body of a patient during minimally invasive or other surgical procedures. In one group of embodiments, the instrument has an elongated (longitudinal) configuration while with two sets of expandable wings that each... Agent: Microfabrica Inc. Att: Dennis R. Smalley

20070198039 - Intragastric device for treating obesity: An intragastric device generally comprises a strip digestive-resistant mesh material that is operable between a first configuration and a second configuration. The first configuration is sufficiently small to permit introduction of the digestive-resistant mesh material into a gastric lumen of the mammal. The second configuration is sufficiently large to prevent... Agent: Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione/chicago/cook

20070198040 - Temporarily stiffened mesh prostheses: The present invention relates to medical prostheses and methods of manufacturing those devices. In particular, the prostheses are temporarily stiffened meshes with particular coatings to provide initial stiffness and thereby permit easier surgical handling for treatment or reconstruction of soft tissue defects. Preferred embodiments include surgical meshes coated with one... Agent: Tyrx Pharma, Inc.

20070198041 - Tissue or organ manipulation device: The invention relates to apparatus puncturing, or manipulating in some other way, human or animal tissues, tissue attachment being reliably detected and communicated. In particular the apparatus of the invention allows accessing the cardiac sac after the pericardium has been pierced. The apparatus of the invention is applicable to any... Agent: Clark & Brody

20070198043 - Bone marrow aspiration device: A bone marrow aspiration device is described. In one embodiment, the bone marrow aspiration device includes a central body portion having a proximal end and a distal end, and an outer shaft portion coupled to the distal end of the central body portion. The outer shaft portion also has a... Agent: Blakely Sokoloff Taylor & Zafman

20070198042 - Bone-marrow extraction and/or injection device and a system including such a device: A bone-marrow extraction and/or injection device (1) comprising a grip zone (2), and a needle (10) presenting at least one side orifice (15), a protective sleeve (20) surrounding at least part of said needle (10) being mounted to move relative to said needle (10) between a closed position of said... Agent: Sughrue Mion, PLLC

20070198044 - Guide wire for use in re-canalising a vascular occlusion in a human or animal subject: A guide wire (1) for re-canalising a vascular occlusion comprises a core wire (5) which terminates at its distal end (4) in a terminal member (7) for opening the occlusion. A helical coil sleeve (10) extends around the core wire (5) from the terminal member (7) to a location (11)... Agent: Sughrue Mion, PLLC

20070198045 - System to facilitate the use of a surgical instrument: The dilating device of the preferred embodiments includes a three dimensional dilating surface that functions to dilate an orifice, an alignment surface that functions to align and center the dilating device to the orifice, a coupling element that functions to couple the dilating device to the surgical instrument, a removal... Agent: Schox PLC

20070198047 - Cutting balloon catheter assembly: A cutting balloon catheter assembly (100) including a dual lumen catheter (130) having a distal end (134), an inflation/deflation lumen (138) and a second or guidewire lumen (136). The assembly further includes an inflatable balloon (110) having an interior cavity (116) and an expandable covering (120) disposed about the balloon... Agent: Anton P. Ness Fox Rothschild LLP

20070198046 - Surgical visualization tool: The tool for enhancing visualization during surgery includes a shaft having a balloon member at a distal end. A fluid conduit through the shaft permits passing and inflation fluid into the balloon to selectively inflate the balloon. The balloon is formed of a material transparent to a wavelength of interest.... Agent: Merchant & Gould PC

20070198049 - Devices and methods for preventing distal embolization using flow reversal in arteries having collateral blood flow: The invention provides a medical device having a catheter and one or more expandable constricting/occluding members. The catheter is adapted for use with therapeutic or diagnostic devices, including an angioplasty/stent catheter and an atherectomy catheter. The constrictor/occluder is mounted at the distal end of the catheter. Manometers may be mounted... Agent: O'melveny & Myers LLP

20070198048 - Medical device suitable for treating reflux from a stomach to an oesophagus: A medical treatment device (200), for treating reflux from a stomach (201) to an oesophagus (202) and for delivering a therapeutic agent to an inner surface of the oesophagus (202), comprises a valve member (203), a lining member (204), and a support member (205). The valve member (203) is movable... Agent: Jacobson Holman PLLC

20070198050 - Medical implant device: An improved implant device is deployed a vessel, or passageway, in a body with an attachment mechanism that permits stable and secure positioning of an implant device while also permitting easy removal without damaging the vessel. In particular, clip-like structures are used to engage the wall of the passageway. A... Agent: Nixon Peabody, LLP

20070198051 - Embolic filters having multiple layers and controlled pore size: The invention provides a device for filtering emboli from blood flowing through a lumen defined by the walls of a vessel in a patient's body comprising a filter element. The filter element is expandable from a collapsed configuration when the filter element is restrained to an expanded configuration when the... Agent: Popovich, Wiles & O'connell, PA 650 Third Avenue South

20070198053 - Cuff member: A cuff member that enhances the invasion and engraftment of cells from subcutaneous tissue of a living body and robustly adheres to the subcutaneous tissue through the vascularization of capillary vessels, and can consequently isolate a wound from the outside, block exacerbating factors such as bacterial infection during healing, inhibit... Agent: Sughrue Mion, PLLC

20070198052 - Device and method for maintaining pressure onto a blood vessel: A device and method for maintaining pressure onto a blood vessel is disclosed, and include a tissue-confining device having two parallel longitudinally extending bars which extend between a proximal end and a distal end and at least one strap attachable to tissue in the vicinity of the blood vessel and... Agent: Fleit Kain Gibbons Gutman Bongini & Bianco

20070198054 - Acupressure tool: The acupressure tool is a therapeutic device for stimulating acupressure pressure points in a user's wrist. The acupressure tool includes a gripping handle portion, which is adapted for grasping by a first hand of the user. A pair of pressure-applying nodes are mounted on a lower surface of the gripping... Agent: Litman Law Offices, Ltd.

20070198055 - Band with selectively adjustable pressure orb: The present invention provides a device for applying pressure to a wearer of the device, that includes a band adapted for positioning on the wearer, an orb positioned on the band, and a mechanism for selectively varying the length that the orb extends outward from said band. The mechanism includes... Agent: Bond, Schoeneck & King, PLLC

20070198056 - Medical cutting and/or holding instrument: The invention relates to a medical cutting and/or holding instrument having a shaft, a tool mounted on the distal end of the shaft and consisting of two jaw members, and also having a handle that is mounted on the proximal end of the shaft, consists of two gripping members, and... Agent: St.onge Steward Johnston & Reens LLC

20070198060 - Device with biological tissue scaffold for percutaneous closure of an intracardiac defect and methods thereof: The invention provides an intracardiac occluder, which has biological tissue scaffolds as occlusion shells, for the percutaneous transluminal treatment of an intracardiac defect. The intracardiac occluder includes a proximal support structure supporting the proximal occlusion shell and a distal support structure supporting the distal occlusion shell. In one embodiment, biological... Agent: Kirkpatrick & Lockhart Preston Gates Ellis LLP (formerly Kirkpatrick & Lockhart Nicholson Graham)

20070198059 - Fistula grafts and related methods and systems for treating fistulae: Described are medical graft products, systems, and methods for treating fistulae. Certain products of the invention are configured to have portions residing in and around a primary fistula opening, e.g., one occurring in a wall of the alimentary canal. One such product includes a biocompatible graft body which is configured... Agent: Woodard, Emhardt, Moriarty, Mcnett & Henry LLP

20070198057 - Method and device for closing holes in tissue: A device for closing holes tissue is delivered via a catheter to the inside of a body lumen such as a heart. An elastic barbed clip is expanded, pulled into the tissue and released, pulling the tissue with it. The operation is fully reversible.... Agent: Dan Gelbart

20070198058 - Method and device for closing holes in tissue: A device for closing holes in tissue is delivered via a catheter to the inside of a body lumen such as a heart. An elastic barbed clip is expanded, pulled into the tissue and released, pulling the tissue with it. The operation is fully reversible.... Agent: Dan Gelbart

20070198061 - Method and apparatus for therapeutic treatment of back pain: A therapeutic table construction which isolates a first portion of the patient's body to a fixed table portion and a second portion of the patient's body to a moveable table portion, and applies a distraction force to the moveable portion of the patient's body while positioning the portion of the... Agent: Whiteford, Taylor & Preston, LLP Attn: Gregory M Stone

20070191820 - Method of transluminal laser revascularization of cerebral blood vessels having atherosclerotic lesions: A method of transluminal laser revascularization of cerebral blood vessels having atherosclerotic lesions by introducing into the affected lumen a microcatheter device composed of a plurality of coaxial microcatheters moveably inserted one into the other and guiding through the catheters a laser-powered lightguide optical fiber, the end face of which... Agent: Ivan V. Maksimovich C.o. A. Shkolnik

20070191858 - Systems for delivering bone fill material: The present invention relates in certain embodiments to medical devices, systems and methods for use in osteoplasty procedures, such as vertebral compression fractures. One system for delivering a bone fill material to a bone includes an elongated introducer configured for insertion into a bone and having a channel sized to... Agent: Knobbe Martens Olson & Bear LLP

20070191821 - Apparatus and method for using intense pulsed light to non-invasively treat conjunctival blood vessels, pigmented lesions, and other problems: A new configuration of intense pulsed light (IPL) equipment includes a handpiece that allows the application of IPL directly to the eye and eyelid. The handpiece is sized and configured for precise digital manipulation. The invention also includes a distance guide for maintaining precise distances between the area to be... Agent: Fulwider Patton LLP

20070191822 - Method and apparatus for acne prevention: Disclosed is a system and method for treating and preventing skin disorders. More particularly, the disclosed invention is directed toward the prevention of acne and acne scarring by treating sebaceous oil glands and the surrounding tissue with an exogenous chromophore composition and then exposing the target tissue to visible, infrared,... Agent: Morrison & Foerster LLP

20070191823 - Illuminated laser probe with adjustable area of illumination: An illuminated laser probe primarily designed for ophthalmic surgery provides both illumination light to a surgical site and laser light to the surgical site. The probe has an elongate handle with a tubular tip extending from a distal end of the handle. A length of illumination optic fiber and a... Agent: Thompson Coburn, LLP

20070191824 - Detachable cryosurgical probe: A cryosurgical probe system includes a fluid supply line connectable at an inlet section to a source of cryogenic fluid; a fluid connector assembly securely connected to an outlet section of the fluid supply line for receiving fluid from the outlet section of the fluid supply line; and, a detachable... Agent: Lawrence N. Ginsberg

20070191825 - Device and method for the treatment of hollow anatomical structures: A method of treating hollow anatomical structures, for example varicose veins. The method comprises: providing an elongate radiation applicator, the elongate applicator including an emitter, the emitter being coupled to a source of microwave radiation and being adapted to emit said radiation; introducing the applicator into a hollow anatomical structure,... Agent: Cesari And Mckenna, LLP

20070191827 - Electrosurgical methods and devices employing phase-controlled radiofrequency energy: This disclosure relates generally to electrosurgical methods and devices. In one embodiment, an electrosurgical device is provided suitable for applying phase controlled RF energy to a treatment site. The electrosurgical device comprises a multi-electrode electrosurgical probe electrically coupled to a plurality of RF generators. Also provided are methods of use... Agent: Mintz, Levin, Cohn, Ferris, Glovsky And Popeo, P.c

20070191826 - Matrix router: A surgical router can be used for connecting multiple disposable devices to a single piece of capital equipment, and connecting multiple pieces of capital equipment to a single disposable device. The surgical router also can be used to simplify the workflow for a surgical procedure by allowing multiple tasks to... Agent: Cook, Alex, Mcfarron, Manzo, Cummings & Mehler Ltd

20070191828 - Energy-based medical treatment system and method: A method for medical treatment includes beginning coagulating patient tissue using an energy-based clamp coagulator, determining the clamping force, and measuring the acoustic impedance of the patient tissue. The method also includes compensating the measured acoustic impedance for clamp pressure and monitoring the coagulation using at least the compensated measured... Agent: Thompson Hine L.L.P. Intellectual Property Group

20070191830 - Contact sensitive probes: Probes that are sensitive to electrode/tissue contact and that are configured to connect an electrode to a power supply and/or provide an indication when the desired level of electrode/tissue contact has been achieved.... Agent: Henricks Slavin And Holmes LLP Suite 200

20070191829 - Contact sensitive probes with indicators: Probes that are sensitive to electrode/tissue contact and that are configured to connect an electrode to a power supply and/or provide an indication when the desired level of electrode/tissue contact has been achieved.... Agent: Henricks Slavin And Holmes LLP Suite 200

20070191834 - Artificial spinous process for the sacrum and methods of use: Devices and methods for attaching a support to the sacrum. One device may include first and second anchors that mount to the sacrum, and first and second lateral extensions coupled to the anchors to secure the device to the sacrum. A bearing face having a width is positioned between the... Agent: Coats & Bennett, PLLC

20070191843 - Devices and methods for attaching a rod to a vertebral member: Connection devices and methods for connecting a rod to a vertebral member. The device may include a receiver mounted to a proximal end of an anchor. The receiver includes a receiving section size to accommodate the rod and adjustable between open and closed orientations. One or more members are mounted... Agent: Coats & Bennett, PLLC

20070191845 - Expandable spinal rods and methods of use: A spinal rod includes an elongated tubular member that is inflatable from a first insertion profile to a second enlarged profile. An expandable tubular reinforcement sleeve is concentrically positioned adjacent to the balloon. The balloon may be bonded to the sleeve. The spinal rod may also have longitudinal reinforcement members.... Agent: Coats & Bennett, PLLC

20070191846 - Expandable spinal rods and methods of use: A spinal rod having first and second end members. The end members may be flexible or rigid. An expandable intermediate section is positioned between the first and second end members. The intermediate section may be axially expandable upon the introduction of a substance into a port that may be located... Agent: Coats & Bennett, PLLC

20070191844 - In-series, dual locking mechanism device: An in-series, dual locking mechanism device for securing at least one implant having a clamp, a locking mechanism and a bone fastener. The clamp is configured to include a channel for receiving the implant and a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism is structured to secure the implant within the clamp... Agent: Heslin Rothenberg Farley & Mesiti P.C.

20070191837 - Interspinous devices and methods of use: Devices and methods for spacing the spinous processes of adjacent vertebral members. In one embodiment, the device includes first and second sections and an intermediate section that together form an interior section. An elastic member may be positioned within the interior section. The elastic member may have a variety of... Agent: Coats & Bennett, PLLC

20070191838 - Interspinous devices and methods of use: The present application is directed to devices and methods for spacing apart spinous processes. In one embodiment, the device includes a body having a central portion that separates first and second sections. The body is constructed of a combination of an elastic material and a bio-absorbable material. When initially implanted... Agent: Coats & Bennett, PLLC

20070191836 - Methods and devices for a minimally invasive placement of a rod within a patient: The present application is directed to devices and methods for positioning a rod within a patient. One embodiment of the device may include an elongated inserter having a first end and a second end. A connector may be attached to the second end of the inserter for releasably connecting to... Agent: Coats & Bennett, PLLC

20070191839 - Non-locking multi-axial joints in a vertebral implant and methods of use: A connector pivotally connects an anchor to a longitudinal member in a spinal implant. The connector body may include an oppositely disposed channel and cavity that are aligned on a common axis of the body, but isolated from each other. The channel receives the longitudinal member and the cavity receives... Agent: Coats & Bennett, PLLC

20070191835 - Pivoting joints for spinal implants including designed resistance to motion and methods of use: A pivoting connector couples a vertebral member to a longitudinal member. An anchor is pivotally attached to a body by positioning a head of the anchor within a cavity in the body. A longitudinal rod is inserted into a channel also positioned within the body and axially aligned with the... Agent: Coats & Bennett, PLLC

20070191840 - Spinal anchor assemblies having extended receivers: There are provided systems and methods for positioning a connecting member adjacent the spinal column that include one or more anchor assemblies having an anchor engageable to bony structure and an extended receiver having a guide portion and an implantation portion. A connecting member is movable along the guide portion... Agent: Krieg Devault LLP

20070191842 - Spinal fixation devices and methods of use: A spinal fixation device comprises a receiver that can be used with rods of different sizes. The receiver comprises a body with a channel formed therein. The body is adapted to receive one of a set of interchangeable inserts that engage rods of different sizes. A bone anchor secures the... Agent: Coats & Bennett, PLLC

20070191833 - Spinal implants including a sensor and methods of use: A method spacing spinal elements includes installing a first spinal implant having a sensor associated therewith; selecting a second spinal implant based on measurement data provided by the sensor; and replacing the first spinal implant with the second spinal implant. The first and second implants may be installed in separate... Agent: Coats & Bennett, PLLC

20070191847 - Spinal prostheses: An article including a spinal prosthesis having a unitary body with at least three attachment points attachable to spinal structure, the unitary body including a flexure assembly positioned between first and second attachment members, wherein flexure of the flexure assembly permits movement of the first attachment member relative to the... Agent: David Klein Dekel Patent Ltd.

20070191841 - Spinal rods having different flexural rigidities about different axes and methods of use: A vertebral rod has an elongated body extending along a longitudinal axis. The rod also includes a cavity extending the length of the body. Either the body or the cavity may have an asymmetrical shape about a centroid in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. Alternatively, both may have... Agent: Coats & Bennett, PLLC

20070191831 - System and method for cooling a spinal correction device comprising a shape memory material for corrective spinal surgery: A device and method of correcting a spinal defect in a patient employs the use of shape memory material in a spinal correction device. The shape memory material may be transitioned between a flexible martensitic state to allow shaping of the spinal correction device and a rigid austenitic state to... Agent: Lahive & Cockfield, LLP

20070191832 - Vertebral rods and methods of use: The present application is directed to vertebral rods and methods of use. In one embodiment, the rod includes upper and lower sections that are separated by an intermediate section. The intermediate section may include one or more members, and may have a variety of configurations. An elastic member may be... Agent: Coats & Bennett, PLLC

20070191848 - Hydrogel bone plate spacer: A hydrogel bone plate spacer is provided for placement between a bone plate and an underlying bone to form a fracture fixation construct at a bone fracture site. The spacer includes a hydrogel able to absorb fluid from the fracture site.... Agent: John F. Hoffman, Esq. Baker & Daniels LLP

20070191849 - Method for double row fixation of tendon to bone: A system and method for soft tissue to bone repair employing at least one suture anchor combined with at least one knotless fixation device. The method for soft tissue to bone fixation includes: (i) providing a first medial row constructed with a first plurality of fixation devices, at least one... Agent: Dickstein Shapiro LLP

20070191850 - Vertebral staples and insertion tools: Implantable vertebral staples and tools for use with the same are provided. In general, an exemplary vertebral staple according to the present invention includes a staple body having at least one long spike formed thereon for allowing rotation of the body when the long spike is partially inserted in bone.... Agent: Nutter Mcclennen & Fish LLP

20070191851 - Multifunctional implant device: Bone fixation or augmentation in a mammalian body to enhance the mechanical strength of a fracture is provided by reinforcement fixing bone ends together using the implant device. A resorbable device can be rendered anti-osteolytic by incorporating materials such as bisphosphonates. It can also be rendered osteoconductive by the incorporation... Agent: Kenyon & Kenyon LLP

20070191853 - Method and apparatus for performing acl reconstruction: A method and apparatus for drilling a bone for receipt of a first and second bundle includes drilling a first tunnel in the bone. A locating member extending along a first axis from the tool may be positioned into the first tunnel. A cutting guide may be moved relative to... Agent: Harness, Dickey & Pierce, P.L.C

20070191852 - Osteochondral implant fixation method: A surgical procedure and a device used in the procedure according to which one end portion of a guide rod is inserted into the condyle of a damaged area of a human. The rod is used as a guide for a drill bit and a chisel to cut an opening... Agent: Haynes And Boone, LLP

20070191854 - Acetabular reamer connection mechanism: A tool holder releasably coupling a surgical tool such as a reaming tool to a drive shaft which tool has radially extending mounting elements. The holder includes a head portion coupled to an end of the drive shaft, the head portion having a body with an outwardly open groove extending... Agent: Lerner, David, Littenberg, Krumholz & Mentlik

20070191855 - Fracture fixation device and implantation jig therefor: A fracture fixation device includes a plate portion and an intramedullary nail portion which is offset relative to the plate portion by a neck portion. The plate portion includes longitudinally displaced peg holes which orient pegs along an imaginary surface parallel to subchondral bone of an articular surface. The upper... Agent: Gordon & Jacobson, P.C.

20070191856 - Adjustable height spinal distractor: A distractor assembly for preparing an intervertebral disc space between a first vertebra and a second vertebra is described. The distractor assembly comprises a cross bar and first and second distracting arms connected to the cross bar. Each of the distracting arms includes a base portion and a moveable portion... Agent: Haynes And Boone, LLP

20070191857 - Spinal disc replacement surgical instrument and methods for use in spinal disc replacement: A spinal disc replacement surgical instrument includes a first contacting member positionable along an endplate of a first vertebra and a second contacting member positionable along an endplate of second vertebra. The second contacting member is moveable relative to the first contacting member. A handle assembly is coupled to the... Agent: Heslin Rothenberg Farley & Mesiti P.C.

20070191861 - Instruments and methods for implanting nucleus replacement material in an intervertebral disc nucleus space: Instruments and methods are provided for implanting nucleus replacement material in an intervertebral disc nucleus space employing an inserter having proximal and distal end regions and a passageway effective for passing the material therethrough. The distal end region of the inserter includes a conical-shaped outer surface, and the passageway exits... Agent: Heslin Rothenberg Farley & Mesiti P.C.

20070191860 - Intervertebral prosthetic disc inserter: An implant inserter is disclosed and can include a body and an implant engagement head that can be attached to the body. The implant engagement head can be configured to removably engage an intervertebral prosthetic disc. Further, an injector can be incorporated in the implant engagement head. The injector can... Agent: Larson Newman Abel Polansky & White, LLP

20070191859 - Surgical tool and method with an actuation mechanism for controlling reciprocation and locking of an anti-rotation member relative to an engagement member for facilitating positioning of an intervertebral device: A surgical tool and method are provided for positioning an intervertebral device between vertebral members. The tool includes an elongate shaft, an anti-rotation sleeve, and an actuation mechanism. The shaft has proximal and distal ends, with the distal end of the shaft including an engagement member for releasably engaging an... Agent: Heslin Rothenberg Farley & Mesiti P.C.

20070191862 - Method and apparatus for forming an aperture in a lens capsule of an eye: An improved cutter assembly is used to form an aperture in a lens capsule of an eye. The cutter assembly is resiliently deflectable between a contracted condition and an expanded condition. When the cutter assembly is in the contracted condition, it is moved through an opening in the eye into... Agent: Tarolli, Sundheim, Covell & Tummino L.L.P.

20070191864 - Delivery system for a medical device: The invention is directed to a delivery system for delivering a medical device. The delivery system includes an inner member having a proximal end and a distal end. The inner member defines a longitudinal axis between the proximal end and the distal end. A tip is formed at the distal... Agent: Baker Botts L.L.P.

20070191865 - Delivery system for a medical device: The invention is directed to a delivery system for delivering a medical device. The delivery system includes an inner member having a proximal end and a distal end. The inner member defines a longitudinal axis between the proximal end and the distal end. A tip is formed at the distal... Agent: Baker Botts L.L.P.

20070191863 - Glaucoma treatment device: Methods and devices are adapted for implanting into the eye. An incision is formed in the cornea of the eye and a shunt is inserted through the incision into the anterior chamber of the eye. The shunt includes a fluid passageway. The shunt is passed along a pathway from the... Agent: Fish & Richardson, PC

20070191866 - Filter/emboli extractor for use in variable sized blood vessels: An extraction device for the removal of clots and foreign bodies from vasculature. The extractor device is connected to an elongate mandrel and is located within a longitudinally extending lumen defined by a catheter. A clot or foreign material extracted from a vessel by moving the extraction device and catheter... Agent: Fulwider Patton LLP

20070191867 - Trajectory guide with angled or patterned guide lumens or height adjustment: This document discusses trajectory guides that include an instrument guide with at least one lumen angled with respect to an orthogonal or other through-axis. In one example, patterned lumens on the instrument guide provide a mirror image pattern of trajectory axes intersecting a target plane. In another example, height adjustment... Agent: Schwegman, Lundberg, Woessner & Kluth, P.A.

20070191868 - Indicating system for clip applying device: An indicating system for a clip applying device. The system has an indicator operatively connected to a trigger, wherein the indicator provides a signal when the trigger is moved to a position to operate jaws of the device to partially crimp the clip.... Agent: Greenblum & Bernstein, P.L.C

20070191869 - Linear ligation band: A ligation band made up of a linear length of elastomeric material having first and second ends with connection portions adapted to connect with a tensioning mechanism portion of a ligating band application device. When in place upon a ligating band application device, the two ends are connected to the... Agent: Dykas, Shaver & Nipper, LLP

20070191871 - Transesophageal gastric reduction method and device for reducing the size of a previously formed gastric reduction pouch: A gastric reduction pouch of a stomach is formed by gathering stomach tissue circumferentially from within the stomach to form a reduced diameter stomach section. A plurality of fasteners are deployed within the gathered stomach tissue to maintain the reduced diameter stomach portion. The gathering step may include folding the... Agent: Graybeal Jackson Haley LLP Suite 350

20070191872 - Membrane eyelet: A structure and method for deploying an eyelet in a membrane, where the eyelet includes: a waist section; a first anchor section coupled to and flared from the waist section; and a second anchor section coupled to and flared from the waist section. The eyelet is deployed such that the... Agent: Medtronic Vascular, Inc.IPLegal Department

20070191870 - Transesophageal gastric reduction method and device for practicing same: A gastric reduction pouch of a stomach is formed by gathering stomach tissue circumferentially from within the stomach to form a reduced diameter stomach section. A plurality of fasteners are deployed within the gathered stomach tissue to maintain the reduced diameter stomach portion. The gathering step may include folding the... Agent: Graybeal Jackson Haley LLP Suite. 350

20070191873 - Chisel system for osteochondral implants and a surgical procedure involving same: A chisel system for harvesting an implantable graft from an area of a human having a cartilage overlying a condyle, according to which a module is provided that has one end connected to a handle. A cutting surface is formed at the other end of the module that cuts through... Agent: Haynes And Boone, LLP

20070191874 - Devices and methods for performing surgical procedures: Devices and methods allow surgical procedures to be performed on an organ without significant loss of fluid, such as, for example, surgical procedures on a beating heart. The devices include an expandable obstruction for insertion into the organ to block an opening in the tissue, and an access port with... Agent: Calfee Halter & Griswold, LLP

20070191875 - Apparatus to facilitate penetration into a body cavity or lumen formed by body tissue, and method for using same: An apparatus to facilitate penetration into a body cavity or lumen formed by body tissue includes a trocar having a shaft, a handle, and a passageway. The shaft has a longitudinal extent with a first end mounted to the handle and a second end having a sharp point. The passageway... Agent: Taylor & Aust, P.C.

20070191876 - Upper airway device and method: A medical device includes a radially expandable and contractible tubular element, having proximal and distal ends, sized to pass through the nostril and into the user's upper airway when in the radially contracted condition. The support element may create an air passageway therethrough when in a radially expanded condition. The... Agent: Haynes Beffel & Wolfeld LLP

20070191879 - Apparatus for deployment of micro-coil using a catheter: The apparatus for deployment of a therapeutic device such as a micro-coil detachably mounts the therapeutic device to a distal portion of a pusher member. In one embodiment, the therapeutic device is detachably mounted to the distal portion of the pusher member by a tubular collar that can be heated... Agent: Fulwider Patton LLP

20070191878 - Body vessel filter: A catheter-deliverable filter assembly for deploying a filter element in a vessel of the body, comprising an elongated support having proximal and distal ends, the proximal end of the elongated support comprising a hook, separate filter and anchoring elements spaced axially along said support and each comprising a core carried... Agent: Popovich, Wiles & O'connell, PA 650 Third Avenue South

20070191880 - Retrievable blood clot filter: A compact retrievable blood clot filter and a method of retrieving the filter. The retrievable filter has a primary hub, a set of filter struts having a conical configuration and extending from the primary hub, and a set of alignment struts connected to the filter struts to provide centering of... Agent: Harry K. Ahn, Esq. Reed Smith LLP

20070191877 - Shape memory thin film embolic protection device: A removable vascular frameless filter system for capture and retrieval of emboli while allowing continuous perfusion of blood. This system is useful for any percutaneous angioplasty, stenting, thrombolysis or tissue ablation procedure. The system may minimize the incidence of stroke, myocardial infarction or other clinical complications that may be associated... Agent: Philip S. Johnson Johnson & Johnson

20070191881 - Tourniquet: A self-regulating tourniquet has a pressure source, a pressure applicator apparatus associated with the pressure source and operative to apply pressure therefrom to a limb and a pressure regulator associated with the pressure source and the pressure applicator operative to restrict the pressure transferred from the pressure source to the... Agent: Shiboleth Yisraeli Roberts Zisman & Co

20070191882 - Surgical retraction device for removal of small organs: A surgical device and tool for use in stabilizing tissue, such as an organ relative to a clamp, the surgical device having an elongate rigid member with a proximal end of the device having a stabilizing structure that rests against the skin of the subject and includes a vessel guide... Agent: Seed Intellectual Property Law Group PLLC

20070191883 - Applying forceps for a clip: An applying forceps for a clip comprises two forceps legs which can be pivoted relative to each other and comprise, on their sides facing each other or facing away from each other, each a depression or a projection for receiving a clip, wherein the depression or projection extends along an... Agent: Walter A. Hackler, Ph.d. Patent Law Office

20070191884 - Methods and systems for endovascularly clipping and repairing lumen and tissue defects: An implantable closure structure is delivered using minimally invasive techniques, and inhibits the migration of liquid and particulate matter from inside a physiological cavity or opening, such as an aneurysm or a septal defect, as well as inhibiting the flow of liquid and particulate matter, such as from an associated... Agent: Speckman Law Group PLLC

20070191885 - Process and instrument for stretching tissue of skin: An instrument for stretching tissue is provided. The instrument can include opposing hook jaws 10 movably coupled to a rod 12 and movable toward each other, and each hook jaw 10 can have a hook receptacle 18. A hook module 20, having at least one hook 22, can be seated... Agent: Akerman Senterfitt

20070191886 - Needle for endoscopic treatment and operative procedure via body orifice: A puncture needle includes: a needle part that has a first needle part and a second needle part that are hollow, adjacent, and have resiliency; and a sheath that retractably accommodates the needle part; in which a bend part that separates distal end sides of the first needle part and... Agent: Scully Scott Murphy & Presser, PC

20070185474 - Laparoscopic laser device and method: Laser radiation delivered to a treatment area causes vaporization of a substantially greater volume of tissue than the volume of residual coagulated tissue. The laser radiation may have a wavelength of about 300 nm to about 700 nm, may be used with a smoke suppressing irrigant, may have an average... Agent: Haynes Beffel & Wolfeld LLP

20070185476 - Method and device for endovascular treatment of the alzheimer's disease: A method of treating patients suffering from Alzheimer's disease by locating the areas of the brain affected by Alzheimer's disease and acting on the aforementioned areas of the patient's brain by laser energy through coronary blood vessels located adjacent to the aforementioned areas. The laser energy is delivered to the... Agent: Alexander Shkolnik C/o Maksimovich

20070185477 - Removable cryogenic probe appliance: A removable cryogenic probe appliance is disclosed comprising a proximal portion and a distal portion, the proximal portion being releasably attachable to a cryogenic probe. The appliance further comprises a material having high thermal conductivity for conducting heat between said proximal and distal portions. A cryogenic probe system and methods... Agent: Cook, Alex, Mcfarron, Manzo, Cummings & Mehler Ltd

20070185475 - System and method for providing the shaped structural weakening of the human lens with a laser: A system and method for increasing the amplitude of accommodation and/or changing the refractive power of lens material of a natural crystalline lens is provided. Generally, there is provided methods and systems for delivering a laser beam to a lens of an eye in a plurality of sectional patterns results... Agent: Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione

20070185478 - Device for local ablation of tissue: The invention relates to a catheter device including a coil element comprised of NiCr60 alloy material, whose proximal radial end is coiled about the catheter shaft. The coil element and the thermal containment tube are configured so as to emit thermal energy. This is achieved by a catheter device adapted... Agent: Mr.phillip J. Cosentino

20070185479 - Methods and devices for performing ablation and assessing efficacy thereof: Devices and methods for performing an ablation procedure. One embodiment of a device includes a main body having proximal and distal end portions and first and second sides extending between the proximal and distal end portions. At least one ablation element is configured to apply an ablation energy or substance... Agent: Law Office Of Alan W. Cannon

20070185480 - Electrosurgical control system: An electrosurgical control system includes a selector by which a user can select any of a number of electrosurgical devices or similar devices for use, and a processor system responsive to user actuation of a foot control or other central control by controlling the selected device. Each device has an... Agent: Needle & Rosenberg, P.C.

20070185481 - Living body tissue harvesting apparatus: In a bipolar cutter for a living body tissue, a groove part is formed in a member that is arranged close to an active electrode, thereby providing a constitution to cut while the blood stanching is ensured since when a heat amount generated by the active electrode is conducted in... Agent: Scully Scott Murphy & Presser, PC

20070185482 - Electrocautery method and apparatus: An electrode structure and a mechanism for automated or user-selected operation or compensation of the electrodes, for example to determine tissue coverage and/or prevent arcing between bottom electrodes during electrocautery is disclosed.... Agent: Glenn Patent Group

20070185486 - Robotic surgical system: A robotic surgical system includes a track, a catheter holding device including a catheter receiving portion translatably associated with the track, a translation servo mechanism to control translation of the catheter holding device relative to the track, a catheter deflection control mechanism, a deflection servo mechanism to control the catheter... Agent: Sjm/afd-wiley

20070185485 - Robotic surgical system and method for automated creation of ablation lesions: A system for ablating tissue includes an ablation catheter for insertion into the body of a patient and a robotic controller for moving the catheter within the body. The robotic controller advances the catheter until the catheter contacts the tissue surface, maintains contact between the catheter and the tissue surface,... Agent: Sjm/afd-wiley

20070185483 - Saline-enhanced catheter for radiofrequency tumor ablation: Catheter for the radiofrequency ablation of tissue, comprising at least one pair of bipolar electrodes adapted to function in bipolar mode, each bipolar electrode comprising supply channels adapted for the perfusion of saline solution around the electrodes, the catheter further comprising at least two end electrodes arranged towards opposed ends... Agent: Clifford W Browning Krieg De Vault

20070185484 - Tissue ablation probes and methods for treating osteoid osteomas: A method of treating bone tissue (e.g., a tumor, such as an osteoid osteoma) is provided. The method comprises introducing an ablation probe into bone tissue, deploying at least one ablative element transversely from the probe into the bone tissue, and conveying ablation energy from the ablative element(s) to ablate... Agent: VistaIPLaw Group LLP

20070185487 - Electrosurgical instrument: The invention concerns an electrosurgical instrument comprising two articulated limbs, which can be actuated in the manner of a cutting or a clamping tool. The instrument further comprises opposing electrode parts with coagulating surfaces at the distal ends of the limbs for grasping a vessel or tissue and for conducting... Agent: Fitch Even Tabin And Flannery

20070185489 - Devices and methods for inter-vertebral orthopedic device placement: A spinal fixation device is described. The device can safely promote fusion across one or more vertebral fusing levels while simultaneously supporting vertebral motion at other levels.... Agent: Fish & Richardson, PC

20070185491 - Instruments and methods for stabilization of bony structures: The present invention relates to methods and instruments for placing a brace or connecting element into an animal subject for engagement with anchors secured in the animal subject. The installation instrument includes anchor extensions coupled to the anchors. The instrument is movable with respect to the anchors to position the... Agent: Krieg Devault LLP

20070185492 - Linked bilateral spinal facet implants and methods of use: Superior and/or inferior facets of one or more facet joints may be replaced by superior and/or inferior facet joint prostheses. In one embodiment, a kit of superior or inferior prostheses is provided, in which the prostheses have at least two dimensions that vary among members of the kit independently of... Agent: Medicinelodge Inc.

20070185490 - Percutaneous interspinous distraction device and method: An interspinous distraction kit is provided with a distal anchor comprising a locking section moveable from a radially un-extended position in a non-deployed configuration to a radially extended position in a deployed configuration. A method for maintaining a space between adjacent spinous processes by unilateral access to the spinous processes... Agent: Kenyon & Kenyon LLP

20070185488 - Surgical implant and manufacturing method: A surgical implant and a method for manufacturing the same. The surgical implant has a body comprising polyaryletherketone (PAEK). Said polyaryletherketone is a homopolymer and a first section of the body comprises a polyaryletherketone that has a crystallization peak in its DSC-curve.... Agent: Banner & Witcoff, Ltd.

20070185493 - Clavicular bone plate: A bone plate for use in setting a clavicle, comprising an elongate portion and an arch portion, the elongate portion having a curve approximately the shape of the anterior surface of the clavicle, the arch portion being adapted to fit over a clavicle in the region of the accromial end... Agent: Greer, Burns & Crain

20070185494 - Suture loop anchor: A suture anchor is provided having a body with at least one suture-receiving channel that extends distally from a proximal end of the body. The suture-receiving channel can include a cavity formed in a distal-most end of the body, or it can terminate at a transversely-extending bore formed through the... Agent: Nutter Mcclennen & Fish LLP

20070185496 - Device for injecting a viscous material into a hard tissue: An injection system for injection of a relatively high viscous material into hard tissue surrounded by soft tissue in an animal body. The injection system comprising an elongated tubular member having a proximal section defining a syringe chamber and a distal section defining a cannula. The cannula having an inside... Agent: Ogilvy Renault LLP

20070185495 - Plug-in syringe stand: A stand for use with a syringe having a feature, the stand having a base portion, and a top portion. The top portion has an aperture formed therein, the aperture being structured to engage a feature of the syringe. The top portion is positioned relative to the base portion such... Agent: Lerner, David, Littenberg, Krumholz & Mentlik

20070185497 - Method and apparatus for the treatment of the intervertebral disc annulus: The present invention provides methods and devices for treating the annulus of an intervertebral disc. The methods and devices employ a fixation device delivery tool having a curved body portion. Fixation devices and methods are also disclosed for placement in intervertebral disc tissue.... Agent: Finnegan, Henderson, Farabow, Garrett & Dunner LLP

20070185498 - System for determining the position of a knee prosthesis: The invention concerns a system for determining the ideal theoretical position of a knee prosthesis comprising, for determining the position of a tibial prosthesis, means for: determining the shape of the tibia proximal part and its position relative to the centre of the ankle joint; determining a high point of... Agent: Darby & Darby P.C.

20070185499 - Device for the insertion of deformable intra-ocular lenses: The invention relates to a device that permits an intra-ocular lens, which has been elastically deformed, to be injected through a cannula (5) into an eye by means of a ram (6) with a translatory displacement action. The device contains a lens holder (1), which can be inserted into said... Agent: Squire, Sanders & Dempsey L.L.P.

20070185500 - Devices for restoring blood flow within blocked vasculature: The devices and methods described herein relate to clearing of blockages within body lumens, such as the vasculature, by addressing the frictional resistance on the obstruction prior to attempting to translate and/or mobilize the obstruction within the body lumen.... Agent: Levine Bagade Han LLP

20070185501 - Devices for restoring blood flow within blocked vasculature: The devices and methods described herein relate to clearing of blockages within body lumens, such as the vasculature, by addressing the frictional resistance on the obstruction prior to attempting to translate and/or mobilize the obstruction within the body lumen.... Agent: Levine Bagade Han LLP

20070185502 - Medical electrode delivery tool: A medical electrode delivery tool includes a distal portion coupled to an elongate shaft. The distal portion includes a generally ellipsoidal segment. The ellipsoidal segment includes a concave surface forming a cavity having an opening facing in a direction away from a longitudinal axis of the shaft and a convex... Agent: Medtronic, Inc.

20070185503 - Suture instrument: A suture instrument includes a gripping portion that grips a plurality of tissue pieces by sandwiching them, and a suture needle that punctures and sutures the plurality of tissue pieces, the suture needle is supported so as to be able to move forwards or backwards relative to the gripping portion,... Agent: Ostrolenk Faber Gerb & Soffen

20070185504 - Medical clip feeding mechanism: A ladder for use with a clip applying device may include first and second protrusions extending from an end of the ladder along a lateral plane generally coplanar with the ladder or an orthogonal plane generally orthogonal to the ladder, in which the ladder may serially urge a clip outward... Agent: Greenblum & Bernstein, P.L.C

20070185505 - Suture grasping device: A device for snaring cord-like objects is provided. The device comprises a hollow shaft having a pointed distal end, a rod having a pair of wires attached to its distal end, the wires being spring biased away from one another, and activation means. The rod and wires are located in... Agent: Nutter Mcclennen & Fish LLP

20070185506 - Medical instruments and methods for using the same: A medical instrument used to position a surgical mesh sheet to a surface of the human body. The instrument contains a mechanism for holding the mesh sheet against the tissue surface in more than two locations during the attaching process, making attachment of the sheet to the surface quicker and... Agent: Kirton & Mcconkie

20070185507 - Surgical marker/connector and method of installation: A surgical marker/connector in the form of a ring made of a shape memory alloy such as NITINOL is suitable for laparoscopic installation in a patient's body. The ring preferably includes a plurality of small suture attachments in the form of loops that are disposed on the periphery of the... Agent: Rankin, Hill, Porter & Clark, LLP

20070185508 - Method for performing trans-anal resection with a curved cutter stapler: A method for performing trans-anal resection is achieved by applying a first stitch about the rectum, wherein deep bites of the first stitch capture and fold a rectum wall, creating a longitudinal staple line in the rectal wall at a position adjacent the first stitch, positioning a curved surgical stapler... Agent: Welsh & Flaxman LLC

20070185509 - Corneal incision apparatus and blade case for storing blade unit to be mounted in the corneal incision apparatus: A cornea incision apparatus for incising a cornea in a layered form, comprises; a blade unit having a blade for corneal incision; and a cutter head unit arranged to detachably hold the blade unit in such a manner as to allow oscillation thereof, the cutter head unit including; a cavity... Agent: Oliff & Berridge, PLC

20070185510 - Fluid line removal device for removing a fluid line from a body and related methods: A fluid line device is for removing a fluid line from a body and may include a handle and a cutting head having a proximal end carried by the handle, and a distal end spaced apart from the proximal end. A fluid line channel may extend through the cutting head... Agent: Allen, Dyer, Doppelt, Milbrath & Gilchrist P.A.

20070185513 - Method and apparatus for resecting and replacing an aortic valve: Apparatus for resecting a diseased heart valve, the apparatus comprising: a body portion; a first handle and a second handle; a cutting blade; a set of retaining arms; a pass-off tool having a first attachment device configured to selectively engage the first handle attached to the body portion so as... Agent: Kagan Binder, PLLC

20070185512 - Microsurgical instrument: A microsurgical instrument including a cutting member and a base with an actuating mechanism that provides more efficient cutting of tissue.... Agent: Alcon

20070185511 - Tissue cutting device: A tissue cutting device includes an insertion section which is inserted inside a specimen and extends from a distal end to a proximal end, openings which are formed in a distal end side of the insertion section inserted into the specimen, tissue cutting members which pass through the openings, extend... Agent: Ostrolenk Faber Gerb & Soffen

20070185514 - Microsurgical instrument: A microsurgical instrument including a cutting member, a base, a nose member, and an actuating handle providing the ability to safely adjust an open size of a port of the cutting member while the instrument is cutting tissue.... Agent: Alcon

20070185515 - Low cost safety lancet: A lancing device has a housing, an activation/retraction control assembly, and a lancet. The control assembly and the housing have cooperating engagement structures such as detents that disengage after a predetermined launch force is applied to the control assembly. In this way, the lancet is driven to its puncturing position... Agent: Gardner Groff Santos & Greenwald, P.C.

20070185516 - Puncture aid with protection against reuse: The present invention provides a puncture aid comprising a housing in which a lancet holder with a lancet is displaceably mounted, the lancet holder being connected to a spring element. The lancet holder has at least one bearing element and the housing has a support surface arranged such that the... Agent: Bose Mckinney & Evans LLP

20070185517 - Method of securing acupuncture needle to insertion tube and acupuncture needle with insertion tube: There is provided an acupuncture needle for use in acupuncture treatment. The acupuncture needle having a metal needle handle is secured within an insertion tube made of a resin. A resin in an area where a surface of a needle handle 2 of an acupuncture needle 1 and an inner... Agent: Mcdermott Will & Emery LLP

20070185519 - Articulating surgical instrument: A method for aiding a surgical procedure, the method uses the steps of providing a surgical instrument with an elongated shaft having a distal end, a proximal end and a longitudinal axis therebetween, the distal end having an end effector attached thereto, the shaft having a first strip running along... Agent: Philip S. Johnson Johnson & Johnson

20070185518 - Method for aiding a surgical procedure: A method for aiding a surgical procedure, the method uses the steps of providing a surgical instrument with an elongated shaft having a distal end, a proximal end and a longitudinal axis therebetween, the distal end having an end effector attached thereto, the shaft having a first strip running along... Agent: Philip S. Johnson Johnson & Johnson

20070185520 - Detachable medical immobilization device and related methods of use: Embodiments of the invention are directed to a medical device and methods for immobilizing and retrieving material from a patient's body. The medical device includes an expansible member having a proximal end, a delivery state, and an expanded, deployed state. An instrument is detachably engaged with the proximal end of... Agent: Finnegan, Henderson, Farabow, Garrett & Dunner LLP

20070185522 - Dilator: A dilator, the dilator being positionable substantially adjacent an aperture in a tissue and usable to enlarge the aperture, the dilator comprising a substantially elongated member, the substantially elongated member defining a member proximal end section, a substantially longitudinally opposed member distal end section and a member middle section extending... Agent: Louis Tessier

20070185521 - Rapid exchange assembly: A rapid exchange assembly comprises an introducer sheath, and a dilator receivable within a lumen of the introducer sheath. The dilator has an open distal end and a lumen extending therein. A distal portion of the dilator extends distally beyond the distal end of the introducer sheath when the dilator... Agent: Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione/indy/cook

20070185523 - Manipulatable delivery catheter for occlusive devices (ii): This is in the general field of surgical instruments and is specifically a delivery catheter with a flexible, proximally-manipulated hinge or joint region. The inventive catheter may have a balloon region. The catheter may have a shaft of varying flexibility which contains several lumen. The inner, or delivery, lumen generally... Agent: Fulwider Patton LLP

20070185524 - Rapid exchange emboli capture guidewire system and methods of use: A catheterization system and method including a rapid exchange emboli capture guidewire system comprising a distal emboli protection device is disclosed. The protection device is delivered to an area of interest via a delivery sheath including a longitudinal exit configured to permit the sheath to be peeled away from the... Agent: Philip S. Johnson Johnson & Johnson

20070185526 - 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

20070185525 - Floating on the wire filter wire: Embolic protection filtering devices and methods for making and using the same. An example filtering device includes a filter wire, a filter slidable over the filter wire, and a filter membrane coupled to the filter frame. The filter wire includes a plurality of stops. The filter includes a proximal tubular... Agent: Crompton, Seager & Tufte, LLC

20070185527 - Apparatus and method for treating soft tissue injuries: An apparatus and method is provided for treating injured muscles before, during, and/or after physical activity. Practicing the method of the present involves pressing a plurality of pressure applicators against the skin proximate to a muscle for a sustained period of time. The pressure applicators pressed against the body can... Agent: Eilaz Babaev

20070185528 - Device for the removal of ticks: The invention relates to a device, in particular, for the removal of parasites or ticks from the skin of animals or humans, comprises a housing, a spreading gripping tool, a spreading device, for spreading the gripping tool and a rotation device, for rotating the gripping tool about the axis of... Agent: Quarles & Brady LLP

20070185531 - Apparatus and method for deployment of a bronchial obstruction device: An apparatus and method deploy a self-expandable bronchial obstruction device in an air passageway. The apparatus includes a catheter configured to be passed down the trachea. The apparatus further includes a capsule for housing the self-expandable bronchial obstruction device in a sterile environment. The capsule is configured to be advanced... Agent: Knobbe Martens Olson & Bear LLP

20070185530 - Patent foramen ovale closure method: The present invention relates to devices for closing a passageway in a body, for example a patent foramen ovale (PFO) in a heart, and related methods of using such closure devices for closing the passageway. The method includes introducing a mechanical closure device into an atrium of the heart and... Agent: Philip S. Johnson Johnson & Johnson

20070185529 - Wound closure devices and methods: Methods and devices are provided for closing a puncture wound. In one exemplary embodiment, a puncture closure device is provided having an elongate tubular body that is disposable through a puncture in tissue and that includes proximal and distal portions. The proximal portion can be adapted to expand to form... Agent: Nutter Mcclennen & Fish LLP

20070185532 - Soft tissue repair assembly and associated method: A soft tissue repair assembly. The assembly includes a flexible member having first and second ends, and a strand passing through the flexible member. The strand has first and second strand ends extending through the flexible member, such that pulling at least one of the first and second strand ends... Agent: Harness, Dickey & Pierce, P.L.C

20070179490 - Methods, devices and systems for hair removal: Methods, Devices and systems for hair removal combine the application of RF electromagnetic energy to the skin with application of heat from heating element(s) to hair(s) of the skin. The devices or systems may include RF electrodes and one or more heating elements. RF energy from an RF generating unit... Agent: Daniel J Swirsky

20070179493 - Magnetic spinal implant device: A magnetic spinal implant device is disclosed. In one embodiment, the device includes: a first piece configured to be implanted into a patient and coupled to the patient's spine, wherein the first piece includes a recessed portion; a first magnet coupled to the first piece; a second piece configured to... Agent: Richard C. Kim

20070179498 - Electrosurgery electrode: An electrosurgery electrode having a bent or angled portion which enables a physician to easily perform surgical procedures without his or her hand obstructing the view of the surgical site.... Agent: Snell & Wilmer L.L.P. (main)

20070179476 - Endoscopic surgical instrument with a handle that can articulate with respect to the shaft: A surgical instrument particular suited to endoscopic use is disclosed. Various embodiments include an end effector that is sized to be inserted through a trocar. An elongated shaft assembly is coupled to the end effector and a control handle. The elongated shaft assembly has a distal portion that is adjacent... Agent: Kirkpatrick & Lockhart Preston Gates Ellis LLP

20070179477 - Surgical coupling device: A surgical coupling device detachably connects a tool holder to a surgical instrument, wherein the tool holder is provided with a recess into which a coupling portion of the instrument can be inserted detachably, wherein a locking recess is provided in an inner wall of the recess, with which a... Agent: Bliss Mcglynn, P.C.

20070179475 - Surgical instrument handle with adjustable actuator position: A surgical instrument handle is removably attachable to a surgical instrument head for operation of a microsurgical instrument on the head by manipulation of the instrument handle. The instrument handle has an elongate center rod with a piston mounted on the rod for reciprocating movement. The piston engages with a... Agent: Joseph M Rolnicki Thompson Coburn

20070179478 - Contact element for laser machining: An optical contact element for coupling a laser processing device to an object to be processed is described, wherein the laser processing device focuses a scanned laser beam through a surface of the object into a certain region of the object and the contact element comprises an entrance side for... Agent: Patterson, Thuente, Skaar & Christensen, P.A.

20070179479 - System and method for photoablation using multiple focal points with rotating beam splitter: A system and method for performing ophthalmic surgery requires splitting a laser beam into a pattern having a plurality of focal points. The pattern is then moved along a spiral path according to a predetermined, two-phase protocol. In the first phase, a radial spacing “Δr” between spiral lines, and the... Agent: Nydegger & Associates

20070179482 - Apparatuses and methods to treat biological external tissue: Devices and methods which generate reduced pressures to treat biological external tissue using at least one energy source are disclosed. The energy source may be incoherent light, coherent light, a radio frequency, ultrasound, a laser, and/or any other type of energy that can be applied through the device. The energy... Agent: Blakely, Sokoloff, Taylor & Zafman LLP Seventh Floor

20070179480 - Dermatological laser system: A dermatological laser apparatus for irradiating human tissue with optical pulses includes a laser source (2) producing an optical output, a pulse shaper (4) coupled to the laser source for converting the optical output into optical pulses having desired shapes, and an optical delivery tool (8) coupled to the pulse... Agent: Nixon Peabody LLP

20070179481 - Laser system for treatment of skin laxity: A method of reducing wrinkles in skin includes irradiating the skin with laser pulses to ablate an array of spaced apart voids in the skin. A region of coagulated tissue surrounds each of the voids and there viable tissue between the coagulated regions. Tissue in the coagulated regions is in... Agent: Reliant / Fenwick C/o Fenwick & West, LLP

20070179483 - Method and device for producing a closed curved cut: A method of forming a cut which encloses a partial volume within a transparent material, by generating optical breakthroughs in the material by means of laser radiation focused into the material along an optical axis in which the focal point is three-dimensionally adjusted so as to form the cut by... Agent: Patterson, Thuente, Skaar & Christensen, P.A.

20070179484 - Temperature controlled multi-wavelength laser welding and heating system: A temperature controlled welding, soldering and heating system having a plurality of light sources of different wavelengths for simultaneously irradiating a tissue sample and an IR radiometer for providing tissue sample temperature reading in real time, the temperature readings used for controlling the light sources. In a preferred embodiment, the... Agent: Dr. Mark M. Friedman C/o Bill Polkinghorn - Discovery Dispatch

20070179487 - Apparatus for applying a plurality of electro-magnetic radiations to a sample: An apparatus for applying a plurality of electromagnetic radiations to a sample is provided. In one exemplary embodiment, the apparatus can include an arrangement which has a specific portion with a plurality of channels. One of channels can facilitate a first radiation of the radiations to be forwarded to the... Agent: Dorsey & Whitney LLP Intellectual Property Department

20070179485 - Fiber optic laser energy delivery devices: Improved laser energy delivery devices, providing greater transmission efficiency, longevity of use and safety are described. In one embodiment, a device for delivering laser energy includes a conventional optical fiber within a metal or plastic cannula provided with a laser energy emission window. A reflective material is disposed in a... Agent: Olson & Hierl, Ltd.

20070179486 - Laser fiber for endovenous therapy having a shielded distal tip: An endovenous laser fiber optic member for endovenous laser therapy of peripheral veins of the body including a heat resistant insulative tip shield covering the distal end of the laser fiber optic. The tip shield may have echogenic qualities to increase ultrasound reflectivity. The tip shield also improves deflectability of... Agent: Patterson, Thuente, Skaar & Christensen, P.A.

20070179488 - Diffuser assembly for controlling a light intensity profile: A diffusive tip assembly for controlling a light intensity profile during a medical procedure is provided. The diffusive tip assembly includes an optical fiber including a core and a diffuser tip that surrounds a distal end of the core. The diffuser tip includes multiple light directing features that are shaped... Agent: Christopher W. Elswick

20070179489 - Surgical instrument and method for use thereof: A surgical instrument for treating a tissue includes a handpiece and a tissue engaging portion arranged to be received by the handpiece. The tissue engaging portion includes first and second opposed jaw members having an open position and a closed position for engaging the tissue therebetween, where the first and... Agent: Brooks Kushman P.C.

20070179492 - Electrophysiology catheter and system for gentle and firm wall contact: A method of applying an electrode on the end of a flexible medical device to the surface of a body structure, the method including navigating the distal end of the device to the surface by orienting the distal end and advancing the device until the tip of the device contacts... Agent: Bryan K. Wheelock

20070179491 - Sensing needle for ablation therapy: The disclosure describes a method and a system that may be used to provide feedback on the progress of ablation therapy. The system includes a first needle that penetrates a target tissue to deliver radio frequency energy, with or without a conductive fluid, that heats and ablates the target tissue... Agent: Shumaker & Sieffert, P. A.

20070179495 - Combination electrosurgery: An electrosurgical apparatus includes a probe having a first electrode surface area for performing a first electrosurgical procedure and a second electrode surface area for performing a second electrosurgical procedure. The second electrosurgical procedure is different from the first electrosurgical procedure. The apparatus includes the second electrode surface area overlapping... Agent: Fish & Richardson P.C. Smith & Nephew, Inc.

20070179496 - Flexible catheter for ablation therapy: The disclosure describes a system that may be used to deliver ablation therapy to a target tissue within a patient. The system uses a flexible catheter to navigate through a passage and reach a target tissue. Once at the desired location, a side of the flexible catheter is forced against... Agent: Shumaker & Sieffert, P. A.

20070179494 - Medical device using a coiled electrode: The present invention is related to a medical device (1) adapted for the ablation of a target volume inside an anatomical organ, said medical device (1) comprising as elements a main body (2), stabilising means (3) for stabilising the device relatively to the organ and heating means in the form... Agent: Reinhart Boerner Van Deuren P.C.

20070179497 - System and method for electrosurgical cutting and ablation: An electrosurgical probe (10) comprises a shaft (13) having an electrode array (58) at its distal end and a connector (19) at its proximal end for coupling the electrode array to a high frequency power supply (28). The shaft includes a return electrode (56) recessed from its distal end and... Agent: Arthrocare Corporation

20070179499 - Vessel sealer and divider for use with small trocars and cannulas: A bipolar forceps for sealing and dividing tissue includes a housing having a shaft affixed thereto. The shaft includes first and second jaw members attached to the distal end thereof which are movable relative to one another from a first spaced apart position to a second position for grasping tissue.... Agent: United States Surgical, A Division Of Tyco Healthcare Group Lp

20070179503 - Cross-coupled vertebral stabilizers incorporating spinal motion restriction: A method for stabilizing upper and lower spinal vertebrae having a disc space situated therebetween is described. First and second fasteners are inserted into the upper vertebra. Third and fourth fasteners are inserted into the lower vertebra, such that the first and third fasteners are substantially vertically aligned and the... Agent: O'melveny & Myers LLP

20070179502 - Implant device including threaded locking mechanism: A medical device assembly includes a rod receiving member for receiving a portion of a rod member therein. A locking member locks the rod member in place in the rod receiving member. A gripping mechanism between threads in the rod receiving member and threads in the locking member prevent splaying... Agent: Ratnerprestia

20070179501 - Spinal rod support kit: A spinal support rod kit for the treatment of spinal column shape deformations, comprises a first spinal support rod whose cross-section is non-circular at least at one end thereof and a second spinal support rod whose cross-section is circular along at least part of its length. A socket attached to... Agent: Philip S. Johnson Johnson & Johnson

20070179500 - Spinous process fixation implant: An implantable spinous process fixation device includes a k-shaped component comprising an elongated plate and top and bottom deformable plates extending at first and second angles from a first surface of the elongated plate, respectively, thereby defining first and second spaces between the elongated plate and the top and bottom... Agent: Akc Patents

20070179504 - Spinal fusion system and method for fusing spinal bones: This invention relates to a spinal fusion system and method for use as a prosthetic implant. The system and method includes a housing dimensioned to be situated between adjacent spinal bones, such as adjacent vertebrae. The housing cooperates with the spinal bones to define a graft area for receiving graft... Agent: Matthew R. Jenkins, Esq.

20070179505 - Soft tissue anchor and method of using same: A soft tissue anchor device and methods of installing the soft tissue anchor device are disclosed. The device has an elongate body having a proximal end and a distal end. There is a helical anchor on the distal end. A retention structure is provided on the body, proximal to the... Agent: Knobbe Martens Olson & Bear LLP

20070179506 - Hip stem centralizer datum guide, and method: A hip stem centralizer datum guide and method are provided for positioning a proximal portion of a hip stem component within bone cement in an intramedullary canal of a femur. The datum guide is positionable in a predetermined position relative to the intramedullary canal and is able to create a... Agent: John F. Hoffman, Esq. Baker & Daniels LLP

20070179507 - Fistula graft deployment systems and methods: Described are systems and methods useful for treating fistulae. Certain embodiments of the invention relate to fistula graft deployment systems including: (i) an elongate probing member having a lumen, wherein the probing member includes an end configured to pass through at least a secondary fistula opening and a segment of... Agent: Woodard, Emhardt, Moriarty, Mcnett & Henry LLP

20070179508 - Hyperechoic stimulating block needle: An apparatus and method for blockage of a peripheral nerve of a patient utilizes simultaneous continuous electrical nerve stimulation and visualization of the nerve using 2D ultrasound. A hyperechoic stimulating block needle is provided for insertion into the patient. The needle includes a hollow metal conduit, and a generally non-conductive... Agent: Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione/indy/cook

20070179509 - Medical suturing device: The present invention provides a medical suturing device structured with a retrieval puncturing needle formed with through-hole; a retrieval member able to be inserted through through-hole; an insertion puncture needle formed with through-hole; a hollow tube that can be inserted through insertion through-hole, and the distal tip of which is... Agent: Tyco Healthcare - Edward S. Jarmolowicz

20070179510 - Method and apparatus for passing a flexible strand: An apparatus for passing a suture into a portion of the anatomy. The apparatus can include a handle and a suture advancement mechanism. The suture advancement mechanism can be disposed in the handle and adapted to advance a suture. The apparatus can also include a member coupled to the handle... Agent: Harness, Dickey & Pierce, P.L.C

20070179511 - Suture retention device: A tissue retractor for displacing body tissue during surgery includes a tissue piercing member such as a surgical needle, a wire-like filament such as a suture line affixed to the surgical needle, a fixed element such as an anchoring port being associated with a stable surgical platform such as a... Agent: Wood, Herron & Evans, LLP

20070179512 - Surgical support structure: This document discusses, among other things, a system for translocating a multilayer patch. The system includes a support structure having a contact surface for bonding to the patch. The support structure has a shape configured to support the patch following separation of the patch from a surrounding tissue.... Agent: Schwegman, Lundberg, Woessner & Kluth, P.A.

20070179513 - Method and device for removing an occlusion: A device for removing an occlusion from within the central lumen of a tubular structure, where the device comprises an occlusion removing structure having a low profile configuration and having a high profile configuration. A method for removing an occlusion from within the central lumen of a tubular structure, where... Agent: Sheldon Mak Rose & Anderson PC

20070179515 - Medical knife: A work 10 made of a hard wire rod of austenitic-stainless steel is pressed at a rolling reduction of 60% or greater, into a paddle-shaped end 10b, and then subjected to work hardening, making the hardness of the end 10b 550 Hv or greater. Afterwards, the paddle-shaped end 10b is... Agent: Smith Patent Office

20070179517 - Medical retrieval device: A medical retrieval device has a multi-prong retrieval assembly. The multi-prong retrieval assembly has a first position, in which the retrieval assembly extends from the distal end of the sheath to form an open ended grasping device, and a second position, in which the retrieval assembly extends from the distal... Agent: Finnegan, Henderson, Farabow, Garrett & Dunner LLP

20070179516 - Tissue harvesting device and method: A tissue harvesting method and device for obtaining micrograft tissue particles within the size range of 50-1500 microns, and more preferably 500-1000 microns, and most preferably 600 microns. The particles may be processed after a piece of donor tissue has been excised from the donor site, or processed into the... Agent: Legal Department Intellectual Property Kinetic Concepts, Inc.

20070179514 - Vapor assisted fluid cutting device and method: Various methods and devices are provided for cutting tissue using a high pressure fluid jet. In one exemplary embodiment, a high pressure fluid jet delivery device is provided having a nozzle adapted to direct fluid to a tissue site. A heating element is disposed on the nozzle and is adapted... Agent: Nutter Mcclennen & Fish LLP

20070179518 - Balloon catheters and methods for treating paranasal sinuses: A set of sinus balloon catheters are provided for treating a patient's paranasal sinus system, including dilating prepared openings, and natural ostia and ducts and excising sinus cavities. These include a balloon catheter with a bend placing a distal segment at 90.degree. to a proximal segment and a balloon catheter... Agent: Charmasson, Buchaca & Leach, LLP

20070179519 - Stent delivery system to improve placement accuracy for self-expanding stent: The present invention is directed to a stent delivery system having an off center support member to prevent stent jumping during deployment, thereby improving placement accuracy.... Agent: Philip S. Johnson Johnson & Johnson

20070179520 - Embolic device delivery system: A vascular occlusion device deployment system is provided for deploying an embolic device at a preselected site within the vasculature of a patient. The deployment system includes a tubular element having a catch movably located within the tubular element. The catch has a normal open configuration and a closed configuration.... Agent: Cook, Alex, Mcfarron, Manzo, Cummings & Mehler Ltd

20070179521 - Sequential lymphedema pump (slp): A method of treating a body limb by applying pressure to the limb using a flexible sheet having a plurality of successively connected inflatable chambers.... Agent: B.l. Horvat, M.d.

20070179522 - Multilayer wound dressing: A flexible, multilayer wound dressing with antibacterial and antifungal properties, together with methods for making the dressing. The dressing includes a layer of silver-containing fabric, a layer of absorbent material, and (optionally) a layer of flexible air-permeable and/or water-impermeable material. The dressing can be used for prophylactic and therapeutic care... Agent: Patrea L. Pabst Pabst Patent Group LLP

20070179523 - Self acupressure device: The invention relates to a self-acupressure device and method for alleviating back strains. The device comprises an elongated flexible casing containing one or more acupressure elements at one or both ends of the elongated flexible casing By swinging the acupressure elements horizontally from side to side or diagonally over the... Agent: William Jing

20070179524 - Handle for surgical instruments: A handle for surgical instruments that has a “wishbone” configuration. In one embodiment, the instrument is provided with a ratchet mechanism allows two operating handles to be locked in a predetermined position (for example, when the surgical instrument that is maneuvered is in use) or to move relative to each... Agent: Dickstein Shapiro LLP

20070179525 - Multifunctional tool and method for minimally invasive surgery: An apparatus and method for minimally invasive surgery. The apparatus can comprise a tool which includes a multi-functioning end effector for insertion into a patient, a user control adapted for use by the surgeon external of the patient, and an intermediate section between the end effector and the user control... Agent: Mckee, Voorhees & Sease, P.L.C Attn: Pennsylvania State University

20070179526 - Surgical clamp with improved traction: A surgical clamp includes opposing jaws and a covering enhancing traction between the jaws and a body conduit. A multiplicity of fibers oriented to extend longitudinally between the clamp and conduit may be composed of filaments and either woven or non-woven to form a fabric. A variety of weaves are... Agent: Applied Medical Resources Corporation

20070179527 - Occlusion apparatus, system, and method: Methods, apparatus, and systems for occluding a defective occlusion. Methods, apparatus, and systems include the use of an occlusion device having occluder pads. The distance between the occluder pads can be adjusted so as to compress tissue between the occluder pads to anchor the occlusion device to the tissue and... Agent: Brooks & Cameron, PLLC

20070179528 - Mechanically tuned buttress material to assist with proper formation of surgical element in diseased tissue: An apparatus for supporting tissue during compression prior to the insertion of a surgical element into the tissue has a substrate. The substrate is made from a predetermined material. The predetermined material has a thickness and a predetermined stress strain profile. The predetermined stress strain profile is complementary to a... Agent: United States Surgical, A Division Of Tyco Healthcare Group Lp

20070179529 - Self-looping suture and method of using the same: Disclosed herein is a self-looping suture comprising a coiled section and a non-coiled section. Also disclosed herein is a method of suturing a tissue comprising obtaining a self-looping suture comprising a needle, a coiled section, and a non-coiled section, passing the needle and the coiled section of the self-looping suture... Agent: Knobbe Martens Olson & Bear LLP

20070179530 - System, apparatus, and method for fastening tissue: A clip for securing suture includes a generally tubular body, with one or more tabs cut from the wall of the generally tubular. The tab in an open configuration has the tabs in general alignment with the tab out wall, and the tab in a closed configuration has the tabs... Agent: Edwards Lifesciences Corporation

20070179531 - Acromioclavicular joint fixation technique: A reconstruction system and method for fixation of bone to bone, or soft tissue to bone. The reconstruction system comprises two fixation devices (for example, two buttons) joined by a continuous loop of flexible material. Each button is provided with at least one opening that allows the passage of the... Agent: Dickstein Shapiro LLP