Surgery inventions 11/07

20070276359 - Medical laser wand: A diode laser irradiation system for treating biological tissue of a subject without exposing the tissue to damaging thermal effects. The system includes a wand containing one or more diode lasers disposed for irradiating the tissue with coherent optical energy at a power output level of less than 1000 mw... Agent: Doerner, Saunders, Daniel & Anderson, LLP

20070276362 - Method of therapeutically treating tissue while preventing perfusion/ventilation of the tissue: A method of treating a tissue region (e.g., a tumor) is provided. The method comprises introducing a delivery sheath within an anatomical conduit that supplies the tissue region with a fluid (e.g., blood or air). The anatomical conduit may be any naturally occurring conduit within a patient. The method further... Agent: VistaIPLaw Group LLP

20070276369 - In vivo-customizable implant: A spinal implant, implant control device and method of treating a spine are provided. An exemplary spinal implant can include an adjustable component and a connector in communication with the adjustable component, wherein the connector is configured for transcutaneous delivery of an agent to the adjustable component in a manner... Agent: Larson Newman Abel Polansky & White, LLP

20070276381 - Stenotic device: A spinal implant is configured to be received between bony spinal protrusions of adjacent vertebrae particularly, but not necessarily, in the lumbar region of the spine and hold them apart. The spinal implant may be used interlaminar, interbody or interbony protrusion. The present bony spinal protrusion spacer is not fixed... Agent: Bowman & Associates

20070276368 - Systems and methods for adjusting properties of a spinal implant: A method for controlling properties of a medical implant includes locating the medical implant in an interspinous area between two spinal processes of a person. The medical implant is coupled to a container via a conduit. A fluid is received in an interior of the container in fluid communication with... Agent: Heslin Rothenberg Farley & Mesiti P.C.

20070276401 - Instrumentation for fixation devices: An instrument assembly for bone drilling. The instrument assembly can include a soft tissue sleeve defining an internal channel, and an irrigation cap removably coupled to the sleeve. The irrigation cap can include a delivery port connectable to an irrigation source for delivering irrigation to the internal channel, the port... Agent: Harness, Dickey & Pierce, P.L.C

20070276357 - Calibrating device: A device (1) for calibrating geometrical measurements of surgical tools (10) as well as for orienting the same in space, including: A) a docking station (2) having two jaws (3) and a surface (21); and B) at least three marking indicators (9) firmly attached to the docking station (2) and... Agent: Rankin, Hill, Porter & Clark LLP

20070276358 - Template grid system: A template grid is provided for use in positioning medical implants. The template grid includes apertures defining passages extending through the template grid. The passages are sized to accommodate a medical implant such as needles. The template grid further includes an elongated slot. The elongated slot allows a needle to... Agent: Steptoe & Johnson LLP

20070276360 - Heated catheter used in cryotherapy: Disclosed is a cryosurgical catheter which is heated in order to prevent its freezing within the lumen of an endoscope. The catheter is to be used with an endoscope to perform cryoablation on an internal tissue; e.g., the esophagus. Electric conductivity to produce heat employs an electrical conductive coating on... Agent: Connolly Bove Lodge & Hutz LLP

20070276361 - Method and apparatus for adjusting electrode dimensions: Extendable and expandable ablation electrodes are disclosed. Electrophysiology catheter systems include ablation electrodes that maintain a reduced cross-sectional profile during introduction into a patient and are extendable and/or expandable once positioned at a lesion site. The expanded electrodes having a larger length or and/or diameter can help to produce large... Agent: Wolf Greenfield & Sacks, P.C.

20070276363 - Instrument and method for the end-to-end reconnection of intestinal tissues: The current methods for reconnecting intestinal tissues, suturing, or metallic staples, can result in a leaky anastomosis that may result in post-operative infections in the patient's abdominal cavity. By utilizing electrical current to bond or weld the intestinal tissue, this potential for leaky anastomosis can be significantly reduced. This invention... Agent: Charles W. Hanor

20070276364 - Device for preventing dislocation of hip arthroplasty implants: The invention relates to a method and an anti-luxation device (20) for preventing dislocation of arthroplasty implants such as in hips. The invention prevents dislocation by providing a restraining force on the implant under all movements of the joint. The device provides a restraining force opposing movements typically leading to... Agent: Knobbe Martens Olson & Bear LLP

20070276365 - Spinal implants and devices and methods for their controlled insertion: Devices and methods for inserting implants for treatment of spinal tissue reduce the profile of the implant for purposes of delivery, permitting delivery of larger implant retention structures, while tending to reduce trauma to tissue and to permit precise axial and lateral positioning of the implant and/or an associated retention... Agent: White & Case LLP Patent Department

20070276378 - Apparatus and methods for magnetic alteration of anatomical features: Systems and methods are disclosed for manipulating an anatomical feature within the body of the patient. An implant such as an internal jackscrew is implanted at the anatomical and has first and second attachment points that secure to spaced-apart locations on the anatomical feature, an internal rotor coupled to the... Agent: John P. O'banion O'banion & Ritchey LLP

20070276374 - Arthroplasty revision system and method: The invention provides a method of revising an implanted spinal device, such as an implanted arthroplasty device having a cephalad component fixed to a first vertebra and a caudal component fixed to a second vertebra inferior to the first vertebra. The method includes the following steps: removing a portion of... Agent: Shayglenn LLP

20070276376 - Cervical intervertebral prosthesis: A cervical intervertebral prosthesis includes at least one cover plate that is configured to be connected to one of two adjacent vertebral bodies and an instrument for positioning a fastening device at one of the vertebral bodies in order to secure the intervertebral prosthesis. The instrument is separate from the... Agent: Morrison & Foerster LLP

20070276367 - Device for interconnection of components in a spinal implant assembly: A spinal fixation system including an interconnection device is provided. The interconnection device comprises a connector element including a passage structured to receive a component of the spinal fixation system therein. The passage is at least partially bound by a first wall portion and a second wall portion, wherein the... Agent: Krieg Devault LLP

20070276371 - Dynamic cervical plate: A dynamic cervical plate has a ratchet and pawl mechanism that allows the cervical plate to post operatively shorten the length of the plate and maintain compression between adjacent vertebrae. The plate has an elongated shaft with teeth on one surface and a groove along each longitudinal edge. A lateral... Agent: Mchale & Slavin, P.A.

20070276375 - Interbody spinal fusion device: A pair of flat support plates in a spinal fusion implant device contact and rest against the softer, central cancellous bone portion of respective endplates of adjacent vertebrae. Each support plate has a front template that is orthogonal to the plate and is bent to communicate with the anterior surface... Agent: Rohm & Monsanto, PLC

20070276377 - Method, system and apparatus for interbody fusion: Methods, systems and apparatus are provided for interbody fusion. In some embodiments, a device is provided for fusing vertebral bodies. The device includes a shell configured to be disposed between a first body and a second body, an injection opening to receive fusing material, and a delivery hole configured to... Agent: Alleman Hall Mccoy Russell & Tuttle LLP

20070276370 - Minimally invasive tooling for delivery of interspinous spacer: A plurality of individual tools is provided where each tool is uniquely configured to perform a step or a portion of a step in a novel procedure associated with the implantation of a stabilizing device (e.g., an interspinous spacer) for stabilizing at least one spinal motion segment. The tools are... Agent: Rimas Lukas Vertiflex, Inc.

20070276372 - Percutaneous spinal implants and methods: A method includes inserting percutaneously an implant in a first configuration between adjacent spinous processes, the implant having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, moving the first end of the implant in a first axial direction, and moving the second end of the implant in... Agent: Cooley Godward Kronish LLP Attn: Patent Group

20070276373 - Percutaneous spinal implants and methods: A method includes forming an incision in a body, defining a passageway extending from the incision to a space between adjacent spinous processes, the passageway having an arcuate shape, and inserting percutaneously through the incision and along the passageway a support member into the space between the adjacent spinous processes.... Agent: Cooley Godward Kronish LLP Attn: Patent Group

20070276379 - Reducing instrument for spinal surgery: An instrument is provided for reduction of a rod or other elongated member into an implant, such as a bone screw. In one embodiment, such an instrument includes a rod adjusting assembly pivotably attached to an implant holding assembly. The implant holding assembly can be pivotably connected to an implant,... Agent: Woodard, Emhardt, Moriarty, Mcnett & Henry LLP

20070276380 - Spinal stabilization device: A flexible connection unit for use in a spinal fixation device that includes: a longitudinal member having first and second ends and a flexible member interposed between the first and second ends, at least one of the first end and second end configured to be engaged by a first bone... Agent: Morrison & Foerster LLP

20070276366 - Use of bioabsorbable materials for anterior extradiscal correction of thoracolumbar pathologies: A method of performing a surgical anterior extradiscal correction of a thoracolumbar pathology includes steps of surgically approaching a patient's spine and correcting a thoracolumbar pathology, aligning adjacent vertebral bodies, and securing the vertebral bodies in a desired relative position with anterior instrumentation that penetrates at least one of the... Agent: Knoble, Yoshida & Dunleavy

20070276382 - Nail system and method for an olecranon osteotomy: The present invention relates to a nail system for fixation of an olecranon osteotomy or fracture. The nail system of the present invention is securely held in place in the intramedullary canal to ensure proper anatomic reduction of an osteotomy. Further, the invention provides an insertion device and a method... Agent: Woodcock Washburn LLP

20070276383 - Osteotomy system: Improved bone plate having locking screw holes and non-locking cortical screw holes and a slot. Bone plate includes minimized thickness, width, and length while providing appropriate rigidity and strength necessary for treatment in ulnar shortening or other long bone shortening procedures.... Agent: Holland & Knight LLP Attn: Stefan V. Stein/IPDept.

20070276386 - Bone plate systems using provisional fixation: Bone plates with an upper surface, a bone contacting surface, and a plurality of holes extending through the upper and bone contact surfaces for receiving bone screws are disclosed. Each hole interchangeably accepts a compression screw for compression of a fracture and a locking screw that threads into the bone... Agent: Chief Patent Counsel Smith & Nephew, Inc.

20070276384 - Hook for fixing a spinal support rod to a vertebra: A hook for joining a vertebra and a rod, comprising a main body (4) with a channel portion (10) and a hook portion (8). The channel portion (10) is for receiving a spinal support rod, and the hook portion (8) is for receiving vertebral tissue. The hook incorporates a clamp... Agent: Philip S. Johnson Johnson & Johnson

20070276387 - Implant for fixing two bone parts to be connected to each other: An implant for fixing two bone parts to be connected to each other is provided. The implant includes a first plate-shaped engaging element for engaging inner surfaces of the bone parts, at least two tensioning elements fixed on the engaging element and projecting transversely from it, and a second plate-shaped... Agent: Lipsitz & Mcallister, LLC

20070276385 - Intramedullary nail: The intramedullary nail (1) is designated in particular for the tibia and has a distal end (2) for insertion into the medullary canal, a proximal end (3), a central axis (4) and a generally rod-like shape over the hole length L. The nail (1) has three distinct locking sections (5,6,7)... Agent: Jones Day

20070276388 - Surgical staples and methods of use thereof: Surgical staples and annulus closure tools, used in methods of repairing torn body tissue, implementing inter-vertebral disk surgery, sealing an inter-vertebral disk incision, preventing or inhibiting disk herniation, and/or stimulating or facilitating healing of an inter-vertebral disk; have two, three or four legs attached by connecting members. The legs optionally... Agent: Pearl Cohen Zedek Latzer, LLP

20070276389 - Medical instruments: Medical and surgical instruments are made of biocompatible and bioinert materials and used in surgery.... Agent: Fulbright & Jaworski, LLP

20070276390 - Ipsilateral approach to minimally invasive ligament decompression procedure: A method for treating stenosis in a spine of a patient having a median plane, wherein the spine includes a spinal canal having a posterior surface, a dural sac and an epidural space between the posterior surface and dural sac, the location of the stenosis determining a region of interest... Agent: Conley Rose, P.C. David A. Rose

20070276394 - Apparatus and method for minimally invasive total joint replacement: A method and apparatus for minimally invasive total joint replacement is disclosed. The method involves sculpting the articular surface of a second bone that normally articulates with a first bone by attaching or supporting a bone sculpting tool directly or indirectly to the first bone with the tool in sculpting... Agent: Oppenheimer Wolff & Donnelly LLP

20070276391 - Bone resection device: A bone resection device for use in resection of bone during joint replacement surgery comprises a cutting tool housing (4), and at least one cutting tool (6, 8) which is fastened to the housing so that it can be moved reversibly between a retracted position and an extended position, in... Agent: Philip S. Johnson Johnson & Johnson

20070276392 - Soft tissue to bone fixation: A device for forming expansion regions in a bone, comprising, an elongate body having and axis and adapted to fit through a tunnel in a bone; and a head, provided on said body and having outer dimensions not substantially extending trans-axially to said body, wherein said head is rotatable and... Agent: William H Dippert Wolf Block Schorr & Solis-cohen

20070276395 - Surgical drill: A surgical drill which includes a drill tip (3) rigidly secured to a shaft (2) for attachment of the drill to a rotary driving means, the end of the drill tip remote from the shaft being formed with cutting edges (4,5) tapering to a point (6), and the drill tip... Agent: Roylance, Abrams, Berdo & Goodman, L.L.P.

20070276393 - Surgical reamer and blades for said reamer: The acetabular cup bur comprises four blades (1, 2, 3, 4) which are preferably stamped out of non-hard metal sheets, e.g. stainless steel. The blades have slits (6, 7, 8, 9, 10) which enable them to be inserted into each other in order to obtain a bur head. The slits... Agent: Bacon & Thomas, PLLC

20070276396 - Modular acetabular reamer: A modular part-spherical acetabular reamer including a first part-spherical element having an outer surface including a pole and a portion extending from the pole toward an equator of the reamer to a point intermediate the pole and the equator. The reamer also includes a second part-spherical element having an outer... Agent: Lerner, David, Littenberg, Krumholz & Mentlik

20070276397 - Method for improving pedicles screw placement in spinal surgery: An adjustable awl for forming a hole for the insertion of a screw or other device in a pedicle or other body part. The awl comprises an elongated housing having an open end, and an elongated awl member movably mounted in the housing and being extendable beyond the open end... Agent: Nixon & Vanderhye, PC

20070276398 - Methods of repairing longitudinal bone defects: A method of repairing a long bone having a defect is provided. The method includes the steps of: (a) mechanically fixating the long bone or portions thereof; and (b) filling the defect with a biodegradable scaffold impregnated with growth factors and/or osteoprogenitor cells and awaiting for osteointegration to take place.... Agent: Martin D. Moynihan Prtsi, Inc.

20070276399 - Asr pressuriser: An instrument for controlling the distribution of bone cement on the surface of the head of a bone to prepare the bone to receive a re-surfacing prosthesis comprises a hollow shell which can be fitted on to the head of the bone to define a space around the head. The... Agent: Philip S. Johnson Johnson & Johnson

20070276400 - Drill guide assembly: A drill guide assembly for determining the axis for drilling a bore to receive a component of an orthopaedic joint prosthesis, includes a drill guide having a sleeve and a bulb at one end of the sleeve. A frame, which can be fastened to the bone, includes a housing which... Agent: Philip S. Johnson Johnson & Johnson

20070276402 - Fenestrated bone tap and method: A bone tap may be used to deliver and/or aspirate fluid to and/or from a bone. The bone tap may include a passage. A distal portion of the bone tap may be threaded. In some embodiments, openings in a distal portion of the bone tap may communicate with the passage.... Agent: Robert Deberardine Abbott Laboratories

20070276404 - Aligning device for correctly inserting screws into holes of endomedullary prostheses, and relative alignment method: An aligning device (1) for correctly inserting a screw into a respective through hole (10) of an endomedullary prosthesis (100) implanted in a bone tissue, comprising support means (3) associated with said prosthesis (100) and carrying guide means (2) defining an intervention aiming line (X-X) for perforation means for said... Agent: Browdy And Neimark, P.l.l.c. 624 Ninth Street, Nw

20070276403 - Instruments and methods for delivering multiple implants: Instruments and methods are provided for delivering multiple implants to multiple implant locations in a patient without requiring a second implant to be loaded onto or engaged to the delivery instrument after delivery of a first implant. The implants can be sequentially engaged using the delivery instrument to the patient... Agent: Krieg Devault LLP

20070276405 - Adjustable bone plates: Bone plates having an adjustable joint, and methods of using the bone plates to fix bones.... Agent: Kolisch Hartwell, P.C.

20070276406 - Systems and methods for spinal surgery: Disclosed herein are methods and devices for distracting adjacent vertebrae during surgical procedures for implanting spinal prostheses. In an exemplary embodiment, a distractor is disclosed that maintains the empty space between adjacent vertebrae following a discectomy, and that can removably mate with other surgical instruments, such as, for example, a... Agent: Nutter Mcclennen & Fish LLP

20070276407 - Device for controlling corporeal structures: The invention relates to a device for controlling corporeal structures, especially for introducing puncture needles or operation probes. Said device comprises a base plate (1), at least one base holder (2) applied to the base plate (1), and holding rods (3, 4) that are fixed to the base holder in... Agent: Myers Dawes Andras & Sherman, LLP

20070276409 - Endoscopic gastric restriction methods and devices: Endoscopic devices methods and devices are provided for attaching opposed walls of tissue. The methods and devices can be used to deliver a plurality of fasteners to opposed tissues, and suture extending through the fasteners can be used to pull the tissues together. The suture can be pre-woven through the... Agent: Nutter Mcclennen & Fish LLP

20070276410 - Device for suturing intracardiac defects: In accordance with the present invention there is provided a suturing device. The suturing device includes a length of suture that will be delivered to the site of the PFO and placed through the tissue adjacent the opening to close the PFO. As described in greater detail below, the suture... Agent: Beyer Weaver LLP

20070276408 - Suturing devices and methods: Disclosed is a T-fastener delivery device. The device includes a belt and a pusher rod. The belt includes a plurality of slots for holding a plurality of T-bars substantially parallel to one another in a side-by-side arrangement; and the belt is moveable such that the slots can be sequentially aligned... Agent: Peter Rogalskyj Rogalskyj & Weyand

20070276411 - Absorbable gastric restriction devices and methods: Disclosed herein are endoscopic gastric restriction devices and methods. In one embodiment, the device generally includes a shaft having an end effector on a distal end thereof. The end effector includes several elongate segments that are coupled to one another and include opposed troughs formed therein. Each trough is configured... Agent: Nutter Mcclennen & Fish LLP

20070276412 - Integrated handle assembly for anchor delivery system: Intergrated systems and associated method for manipulating tissues and anatomical or other structures in medical application for the purpose of treating diseases or disorders or other purposes. In one aspect, the system includes a delivery device configured to deploy and implant anchor device for such purposes.... Agent: Steptoe & Johnson LLP

20070276413 - Suturing device and method: A suturing device and method allows a physician to remotely suture biological tissue. The device includes an elongate body, first and second arms operably connected to the elongated body, whereby each arm mounts an end portion of a suture, and first and second needles, each needle having a distal end... Agent: Knobbe Martens Olson & Bear LLP

20070276414 - Suturing device and method for sealing an opening in a blood vessel or other biological structure: A suturing device allows a physician to remotely seal an incision in a blood vessel or other biological tissue. The device comprises an elongated tubular body having a distal portion which is adapted to be inserted percutaneously through the incision and into the blood vessel. The distal portion has first... Agent: Knobbe Martens Olson & Bear LLP

20070276415 - Screw catch mechanism for pfo occluder and method of use: Devices, delivery systems and delivery techniques for an occlusion device for the closure of physical anomalies, such as an atrial septal defect, a patent foramen ovale (PFO), and other septal and vascular defects are described. The devices, delivery systems and delivery techniques relate particularly to, but are not limited to,... Agent: Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale And Dorr LLP

20070276416 - Closure device and methods for making and using them: A clip for engaging tissue includes a generally annular-shaped body defining a plane and disposed about a central axis extending normal to the plane. The body includes alternating inner and outer curved regions, defining a zigzag pattern about a periphery of the clip. The body is biased towards a planar... Agent: Workman Nydegger

20070276417 - Laterally curved surgical clip: This invention is a self-locking, surgical instrument designed to be utilized in surgical procedures where total and/or partial vascular occlusion of large blood vessels, or other structures, is needed, thus providing secure stanching of the vessels and structures due to its curved lateral design. This innovative design not only allows... Agent: Ryndak & Suri LLP

20070276419 - Methods and devices for rotating an active element and an energy emitter on a catheter: A tissue cutting device includes a sizing element which detects the diameter of the vessel in which the cutting device is positioned. The sizing element is coupled to the cutting element so that the amount of the cutting element that is exposed varies in response to movement of the sizing... Agent: Hoekendijk & Lynch, LLP

20070276418 - Self-cleaning endoscopic vein harvester rod: An endoscopic vessel harvesting device has an elongated sleeve member for insertion into a body having a vessel to be harvested. A V-cutter cutter is provided that is longitudinally extendable from the sleeve member toward a cutting position for cutting branches of a vessel being harvested. The cutter comprises a... Agent: Terumo Cardiovascular Systems Corporation Attn: Gael Diane Tisack

20070276422 - Shielded scalpel: A scalpel is provided with a shield that is detachably connected to the handle of the scalpel and covers the blade of the scalpel. The scalpel includes a sliding assembly disposed on a portion of the handle of the scalpel. Movement of the sliding assembly causes the shield to rotate... Agent: Hahn Loeser & Parks, LLP

20070276420 - Tubular cutter device and methods for cutting and removing strips of tissue from the body of a patient: Methods and devices for cutting strips of tissue from masses of tissue inside or outside of the bodies of human or animal subjects. The device generally comprises a) an elongate cutting tube that has a distal end and a lumen that opens through an opening in the distal end and... Agent: Robert D Buyan Stout Uxa Buyan & Mullins

20070276421 - Water-jet device for separating a biological structure: The invention relates to a water-jet device. The aim of the invention is to improve the adaptation of one such water-jet device to different applications. To this end, the piston cylinder unit (2) is connected to the eccentric drive device (20) in a separable manner and is embodied as an... Agent: Gudrun E. Huckett Draudt

20070276423 - Roll-pitch-roll wrist methods for minimally invasive robotic surgery: A teleoperator system with telepresence is shown which includes right and left hand controllers (72R and 72L) for control of right and left manipulators (24R and 24L) through use of a servomechanism that includes computer (42). Cameras (46R and 46L) view workspace (30) from different angles for production of stereoscopic... Agent: Patent Dept Intuitive Surgical, Inc

20070276424 - Suturing instrument: This suturing instrument has a flexible inserted portion, which is introduced into a body cavity, and a hand operated portion, which is manipulated from outside the body by the surgeon. An anchoring member, which is attached to suture material, is housed inside the puncture needle at the end of the... Agent: Scully Scott Murphy & Presser, PC

20070276425 - Painless blood sampling lancet with bundled multiple thin needles: A puncturing needle device has multiple (2 or more) thin needles which are mounted onto a body part or a syringe. The combination of thinness and multitude of needle can minimize pain while drawing or injecting sufficient amount of liquid such as blood or liquid drug. The needles can be... Agent: Sheldon Mak Rose & Anderson PC

20070276426 - Steerable balloon catheters and methods: Steerable balloon apparatus to access bodily lumen of a patient are disclosed. The steerable balloon apparatus include an inflation tube, an extendable member and a balloon. The extendable member is secured to a distal end of the balloon and to the distal end of the inflation tube. The extendable member... Agent: Cyr & Associates, P.A.

20070276427 - Torquable balloon catheters and methods: Torquable balloon apparatus to access bodily lumen of a patient are disclosed. The torquable balloon apparatus include an inflation tube, a torque tube a core wire and a balloon. The torque tube is secured over the core wire. The balloon is secured to a distal end of the inflation tube.... Agent: Cyr & Associates, P.A.

20070276428 - Intragastric bag for treating obesity: An apparatus and method comprising at least one intragastric member made of a digestive-resistant or substantially indigestible material that is introduced into a bag located in the gastric lumen of a mammal for the treatment of obesity. One or more intragastric members are loaded into a delivery tube in a... Agent: Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione/chicago/cook

20070276429 - Filter device for embolic protection systems: A system for enabling the insertion and removal of an embolic protection device, for capturing and retaining embolic debris which may be created during the performance of a therapeutic interventional procedure in a stenosed or occluded region of a blood vessel. The system, in an embodiment thereof, enables the device... Agent: Fulwider Patton, LLP (abbott)

20070276430 - Surgical instrument: The surgical instrument includes a distal tool, a rigid or flexible elongated shaft that supports the distal tool, and a proximal handle or control member, where the tool and the handle are coupled to the respective distal and proximal ends of the elongated shaft via distal and proximal bendable motion... Agent: David M. Driscoll

20070276431 - Surgical box hinge and method of making same: A surgical instrument including a male portion and a female portion. The male portion is opposably coupled to the female portion. Both the male portion and the female portion include a working end, a handle end, and a box hinge portion between the handle end and the working end. Both... Agent: Nixon Peabody, LLP

20070276433 - Puncture closure apparatuses, sealing plugs, and related methods: A puncture closure device is disclosed. Particularly, a puncture closure device may include an anchor support including a coupling feature and an anchor connected to the anchor support. Further, the puncture closure device may include a movable compression element configured to compress a sealing plug generally between the compression element... Agent: Holland & Hart LLP

20070276432 - Devices and methods for retaining a gastro-esophageal implant: Various methods and devices are described for retaining a medical implant within a body cavity. According to one aspect, at least a portion of a medical implant is positioned within a body cavity, and a wall of the body cavity is re-shaped such that the re-shaped wall prevents migration of... Agent: Stallman & Pollock LLP

20070276435 - Vascular closure devices and methods providing hemostatic enhancement: Drug eluting vascular closure devices and methods for closing a blood vessel puncture site disposed at a distal end of a tissue tract are described. The devices and methods rely on a combination of the body's own natural mechanism to achieve hemostasis with chemical and/or biological agents to accelerate the... Agent: Townsend And Townsend And Crew, LLP

20070276434 - Vascular sheath: Disclosed is a vascular sheath for helping to prevent bleeding during procedures in which devices must be inserted into a blood vessel such as an artery or vein. The vascular sheath includes at least one manually compressible primary seal that has a lumen passing therethrough. A device inserted into the... Agent: Snell & Wilmer L.L.P. (main)

20070276436 - Stapler for endoscopes: A stapling device for a surgical endoscopic device provided with at least one flexible portion, comprising a staple-firing portion and an anvil portion, wherein one of the staple firing portions and one of the anvil portions are located longitudinally displaced from one another along the longitudinal axis of the endoscopic... Agent: Kevin D. Mccarthy Roach Brown Mccarthy & Gruber, P.C.

20070276437 - Lockers for surgical tensioning members and methods of using the same to secure surgical tensioning members: A locker for securing one or more tensioning members includes a locker body having a first aperture, a second aperture, and a passageway extending therebetween. A pin is coupled to the locker body so as to traverse the passageway and is movable between a latent condition wherein the tensioning members... Agent: Wood, Herron & Evans, LLP

20070276438 - Back alignment device: A back aligner device includes an elastic body of material having on one surface thereof a shape approximately complementary to posterior surfaces of a plurality of human vertebrae in a desired alignment, and having an another surface thereof a mounting structure capable of holding the article in a desired position.... Agent: Lowrie, Lando & Anastasi

20070270784 - Electric surgical instrument with optimized power supply and drive: A surgical instrument includes a surgical end effector having at least one actuation assembly to effect a surgical procedure when actuated, an electric motor operationally connected to the end effector to operate the at least one actuation assembly, and a power supply electrically connected to the motor and selectively powering... Agent: Mayback & Hoffman, P.A.

20070270785 - Light beam wavelength mixing for hair removal: A light based treatment method and apparatus removes unwanted hair from a target region of skin. The treatment method uses multiple wavelength bands of light or radiation. The ratio of the energies of the wavelength bands is selected according to a skin parameter, e.g., skin type, which can be differentiated... Agent: Proskauer Rose LLP

20070270788 - Endoscope and optical fiber assembly: An endoscope for an optical fiber provides for inflow and outflow of irrigant. A telescope is included having a field of view directed into a working region. The endoscope defines a “hooded region” with an extended, blunt tip. The optical fiber fits within the endoscope has a side or end... Agent: Haynes Beffel & Wolfeld LLP

20070270790 - Electrical surgical instrument with optimized power supply and drive: A surgical instrument includes an end effector having an actuation assembly to effect a surgical procedure when actuated. An electric motor has a rated operating voltage and is operationally connected to the end effector to operate the actuation assembly. A power supply is electrically connected to the motor and selectively... Agent: Mayback & Hoffman, P.A.

20070270791 - Ablation electrode assembly and methods for improved control of temperature and minimization of coagulation and tissue damage: The present invention pertains to multiple piece irrigated ablation electrode assemblies wherein the irrigation channels are insulated or separated from at least one temperature sensing mechanism within the distal portion of the electrode assembly. The present invention further pertains to methods for improved assembly and accurate measurement and control of... Agent: Wiley Rein LLP

20070270797 - Bipolar endoscopic device with parallel electrodes for endoluminal and transluminal haemostasis: A surgical device including a shaft defining an axis and having a distal end and a proximal end, a first elongated electrode pivotally connected to the distal end of the shaft and deployable from a first configuration, wherein the first electrode is generally coaxially aligned with the axis, to a... Agent: Thompson Hine L.L.P. Intellectual Property Group

20070270798 - Bipolar forceps: A surgical system including a source of electrical energy, the source including a first electrical connection and a second electrical connection, a first jaw member including a first electrode connected thereto and electrically isolated therefrom, the first electrode being electrically connected to the first electrical connection, a second jaw member... Agent: Mark P. Levy

20070270839 - Multi-axial double locking bone screw assembly: A top-loading multi-axial, double locking bone anchor assembly. A receiver member receives an internal saddle member, a bi-polar member, and a bone anchor through an open bottom, which are retained by an internal threaded ring member threaded onto the receiver member. A double-locking compression retaining member includes an external nut-like... Agent: Morriss Obryant Compagni, P.C.

20070270840 - Spinous process fixation device: An implantable spinous process stabilization assembly includes a body, a bent arm and a straight arm. The body includes first and second crosspieces arranged parallel to each other, a first plate extending in a direction at right angle to first ends of the first and second crosspieces, first and second... Agent: Akc Patents

20070270852 - Bioabsorbable, deformable fixation material and implant: The invention relates to a bioabsorbable surgical osteosynthesis plate, operable to be secured by at least one fastener through at least one fastener opening formed in the plate to a bone. The osteosynthesis plate has first and second surfaces, and it is formed to one piece from a bioabsorbable polymer... Agent: Venable LLP

20070270853 - Contoured bone plate: A bone plate attachable to a bone for internal fixation. The bone plate has an upper surface and an opposite bone-contacting surface and includes a plurality of threaded through-holes for bone fasteners. The bone plate can include through-holes for passing sutures, and also suture-clearance recesses formed on the bone-contacting surface.... Agent: Harness, Dickey & Pierce, P.L.C

20070270857 - Graft fixation implant: The subject invention is a fixation device or anchor intended to secure a graft ligament or other soft tissue repair. The device is designed to be attached to a graft ligament and to secure the graft within a bone tunnel by extending transversely across the opening of the tunnel. In... Agent: Gene Warzecha Linvatec Corporation

20070270864 - Intramedullary transillumination apparatus, surgical kit and method for accurate placement of locking screws in long bone intramedullary rodding: Apparatus, including a surgical kit, for use with a surgical drill, in the repair of bones using an intramedullary nail insertable into a patient's bone, comprising a rod like device for insertion into the intramedullary nail, the device having a light source emitting electromagnetic non-ionizing radiation in the infrared or... Agent: David Aker

20070270865 - Spinal reamer: Spinal reamer apparatus including a reference base with mounting provisions for mounting in a region of posterior lumbar spinal structure, a non-straight track fixed to the reference base, and at least one reaming cutter element arranged to move along the track.... Agent: David Klein Dekel Patent Ltd.

20070270872 - Bone cutting fixture assembly with guide appendages: A bone cutting fixture assembly for use as guide for a cutting blade in shaping a distal end of a femur to receive a component of a knee prosthesis is provided. The assembly has a centrally located, elongated support structure, made of a polymeric material, having a trapezoidal cross section,... Agent: Moetteli & Associates Sarl

20070270783 - Device for placing or removing joints or joints sockets: A tool for placing or removing joint sockets of an artificial joint, especially a hip joint, and a tool for placing or removing an artificial joint, has a handle, a joint socket or joint receiver or holder, and a connecting element arranged between the handle and the joint socket or... Agent: Knobbe Martens Olson & Bear LLP

20070270786 - Acceleration of acrylic bone cement curing time: A method for accelerating the set time of acrylic bones cements uses ultrasonic energy. Typically acrylic bone cements comprise a mixture of a liquid monomer and a powdered polymer which sets over a period of time to form a hardened material. After the bone cement has been placed in the... Agent: Lerner, David, Littenberg, Krumholz & Mentlik

20070270787 - Expandable laser catheter: Expandable laser catheters for utilizing laser energy to remove obstructions from body passages are described. In one embodiment, the laser catheter includes a shaftway having a distal end including a flexible portion configured in a series of radial folds. Multiple optical fibers, configured to transmit laser energy, extend along the... Agent: Patrick W. Rasche Armstrong Teasdale LLP

20070270789 - Catheter and method for ablation of atrial tissue: Featured is a catheter device for ablating tissue that includes an elongated body member having a distal portion and a deflection mechanism operably coupled to the distal portion so as to cause the distal portion to deflect with respect to a longitudinal axis of the elongated body member. Such a... Agent: Edwards Angell Palmer & Dodge LLP

20070270794 - Ablation catheter: An ablation catheter 10 includes an elongate carrier 12. A first loop 14.1 is arranged at, or adjacent, a distal end of the carrier 12. At least one sensing electrode 40 is carried on the first loop 14.1 for sensing irregular electrical activity in a patient's body. At least one... Agent: Morrison & Foerster LLP

20070270795 - Ablation system and method of use: A system and method for creating lesions and assessing their completeness or transmurality. Assessment of transmurality of a lesion is accomplished by monitoring the impedance of the tissue to be ablated. Rather than attempting to detect a desired drop or a desired increase impedance, completeness of a lesion is detected... Agent: James R. Keogh Medtronic, Inc.

20070270792 - Interferometric characterization of ablated tissue: An apparatus including an ablation catheter having one or more optical probes attached, a system including such an apparatus and methods for using such an apparatus are disclosed herein. The optical probes may be utilized to monitor the depth of ablation in real-time during an ablation procedure, thus, reducing or... Agent: Pepper Hamilton LLP

20070270793 - Methods for endocardial ablation: Methods and devices for performing endocardiac ablation by accessing the interior of the heart through the wall of the heart at its apex.... Agent: Law Office Of Collen A. Beard, LLC

20070270796 - Radio frequency lasso: A system for resecting tissue includes a loop structure configured for cutting tissue, at least a portion of the loop structure formed by an elongate structure having a first end and a second end, wherein a length of the loop structure is adjustable by positioning the first end relative to... Agent: VistaIPLaw Group LLP

20070270799 - Method and apparatus for tissue ablation: A method for ablation in which a portion of atrial tissue around the pulmonary veins of the heart is ablated by a first elongated ablation component and a second elongated ablation component movable relative to the first ablation component and having means for magnetically attracting the first and second components... Agent: James R. Keogh Medtronic, Inc.

20070270800 - Method and apparatus for tissue ablation: A method for ablation in which a portion of atrial tissue around the pulmonary veins of the heart is ablated by a first elongated ablation component and a second elongated ablation component movable relative to the first ablation component and having means for magnetically attracting the first and second components... Agent: James R. Keogh Medtronic, Inc.

20070270801 - Adapter, a fixation pin and a method for fixation of a supporting structure to a body part: The invention relates to an adapter (5) for a fixation pin (2) of the type which is adapted for fixating a supporting structure to a bony structure of a human or animal body part, and which is provided with a shank portion (4). The adapter (5) comprises a sharp-pointed tip... Agent: Buchanan, Ingersoll & Rooney PC

20070270802 - Device and a method for joining, fixing and aligning broken bones and dislocated joints of vertebrates: A new device and a method for joining, fixing and aligning broken bones and dislocated joint of vertebrates is disclosed. A preferred embodiment of the device comprises a uniplanar-bilateral frame for stable fixation of dome osteomy of upper end of tibia. The device enables positioning of orthopedic pins either in... Agent: John Dodds

20070270804 - Acromioclavicular joint repair system: A system is disclosed for repairing and reconstructing a joint which has been injured by trauma, and especially an acromioclavicular joint. Means are disclosed to strengthen the repair or reconstruction and to maintain alignment while the ligaments in the joint heal, thus allowing more aggressive rehabilitation. A new joint repair... Agent: Gregory B. Beggs Law Offices Of Gregory B. Beggs

20070270803 - Remotely adjustable tissue displacement device: The invention relates to an apparatus for displacing tissue within the body, wherein the apparatus includes two or more attachment members selectively displaceable with respect to each other via a driving member. The driving member preferably is rotatable and is caused to rotate by a magnetic actuator that can be... Agent: Stroock & Stroock & Lavan, LLP

20070270827 - Adjustable interspinous process brace: An adjustable interspinous process brace is disclosed and can include a superior component. The superior component can include a superior spinous process bracket that can engage a superior spinous process. Further, the adjustable interspinous process brace can include an inferior component. The inferior component can include an inferior spinous process... Agent: Larson Newman Abel Polansky & White, LLP

20070270844 - Biodegradable implant for intertransverse process fusion: A biodegradable implant for use in intertransverse process spinal fusion having an absorbable matrix having a bone generating material disposed therein. A molded biodegradable case being made of bioabsorbable polymer can at least partially surround the absorbable matrix to carry a substantial portion of compression force relative to said absorbable... Agent: Harness, Dickey & Pierce, P.L.C

20070270831 - Bone anchor system utilizing a molded coupling member for coupling a bone anchor to a stabilization member and method therefor: A bone anchor system including a bone anchor having an integral head, a stabilization member, and a coupling member molded around the integral head of the bone anchor is provided for coupling the bone anchor to the stabilization member. The coupling member includes an interface to the stabilization member. Advantageously,... Agent: Heslin Rothenberg Farley & Mesiti P.C.

20070270815 - Bone anchors with end-loading receivers for elongated connecting elements in spinal surgical procedures: Devices and methods include an anchor assembly engageable to a vertebra and a connecting element positionable through a receiver of the anchor assembly. The receiver includes a body extending along a longitudinal axis that defines an axial bore extending longitudinally therein and opening at least distally and a trans-axial bore... Agent: Krieg Devault LLP

20070270835 - Bone attachment devices with a threaded interconnection including a solid lubricious material: One embodiment of the present application includes an apparatus comprising a bone attachment device for a spinal fixation system or other implant arrangement. The device has a socket with threading, with the socket defining a channel to accept a system component to be secured therein by engaging the threading with... Agent: Krieg Devault LLP

20070270822 - Bone fixation grommet: Embodiments of the invention include bone opening protection devices that may be deformed to match the size and contour of the bone. The deformation may occur by compression, expansion or resilient movement to an original configuration. A method is also provided for implantation of the bone opening protection devices in... Agent: Haynes And Boone, LLP

20070270816 - Connector apparatus: A connector apparatus for linking spinal rods comprises a connector body having a C-shaped engagement portion contiguous a closed engagement portion. The engagement portions each include an opening to receive a rod, each opening including an inner contact surface to engage the rod. Additionally, each engagement portion includes a through-hole... Agent: Woodard, Emhardt, Moriarty, Mcnett & Henry LLP

20070270817 - Connector apparatus: A connector apparatus is discussed for linking orthopedic elongated members, the apparatus having a connector body defining a first channel configured to receive a first elongate member and a second channel configured to receive a second elongate member. The channels are each defined by an inner contact surface configured to... Agent: Woodard, Emhardt, Moriarty, Mcnett & Henry LLP

20070270818 - Connector apparatus: A connector apparatus for linking elongated members such as spinal rods includes, in one embodiment, a first member with a base and a post and a second member with a hole that fits over the post of the first member. The elongated members are situated generally between the members and... Agent: Woodard, Emhardt, Moriarty, Mcnett & Henry LLP

20070270809 - Crosslink interconnection of bone attachment devices: An apparatus comprises a pair of bone attachment devices and a crosslink device for a spinal fixation system or other implant arrangement. The bone attachment devices include a head with socket to receive a spinal rod or other elongate element and the crosslink device includes a pair of bridging members... Agent: Krieg Devault LLP

20070270806 - Devices and methods for receiving elongated connecting elements in spinal surgical procedures: Devices and methods include an anchor assembly engageable to a vertebra and a connecting element positionable through a receiver of the anchor assembly. The receiver includes chamfered surfaces along a leading end of the receiver to facilitate endwise insertion of the connecting element into the passage.... Agent: Krieg Devault LLP

20070270838 - Dynamic spinal stabilization device with dampener: Devices and methods for spinal stabilization include first and second anchor assemblies engageable to respective ones of first and second vertebrae and a connecting element engageable to the first and second anchor assemblies. The connecting element includes opposite first and second members and a dampener between the end members that... Agent: Krieg Devault LLP

20070270836 - Dynamic spinal stabilization members and methods: Devices and methods for spinal stabilization include first and second anchor assemblies engageable to respective ones of first and second vertebrae and a connecting element engageable to the first and second anchor assemblies. The connecting element includes opposite first and second anchor engaging end portions and a length along a... Agent: Krieg Devault LLP

20070270834 - Expandable device for insertion between anatomical structures and a procedure utilizing same: A surgical implantation procedure and a device for performing same according to which an expandable member is inserted between anatomical structures and expanded in one plane to cause relative movement between the structures. The expansion is terminated when the structures are in a predetermined spatial relationship.... Agent: Haynes And Boone, LLP

20070270825 - Expandable interspinous process implant and method of installing same: An expandable interspinous process implant is disclosed and can include a body and an injection tube extending from the body. The expandable interspinous process implant can be moved from a relaxed configuration to an expanded configuration in which the body is at least partially inflated around a superior spinous process... Agent: Larson Newman Abel Polansky & White, LLP

20070270812 - Fixation plate and method of use: A spinous process clamp employs a pair of elongate plates that are positioned on either side of the spinous processes of vertebrae that are to be fused. The plates are joined by fasteners, preferably bolts and nuts. The plates include a recess on the bone facing side of the plate... Agent: Haynes And Boone, LLP

20070270841 - Implantable devices: The present invention relates to implantable devices, and particularly implantable devices that may be positioned, for example, into the sphenoid sinus or sella turcica of a subject. In certain embodiments, the implantable devices comprise a center plate and a plurality of protruding arms extending from the center plate, both of... Agent: Medlen & Carroll, LLP

20070270826 - Interosteotic implant: An implant is disclosed and can include a body and a plurality of pellets disposed within the body. The implant can be moved between an unmolded, relaxed configuration wherein the body is not conformed to a bone and a molded, relaxed configuration wherein the body is at least partially conformed... Agent: Larson Newman Abel Polansky & White, LLP

20070270824 - Interspinous process brace: An interspinous process brace is disclosed and can include a superior component and an inferior component. The superior component can include a superior spinous process bracket that can engage a superior spinous process. The inferior component can include an inferior spinous process bracket that can engage an inferior spinous process.... Agent: Larson Newman Abel Polansky & White, LLP

20070270828 - Interspinous process brace: An intervertebral process brace is disclosed and can include a frame that can support a first vertebral process and a second vertebral process. The intervertebral process brace can also include a first vertebral process support strap that can span a first portion of the frame. The first vertebral process support... Agent: Larson Newman Abel Polansky & White, LLP

20070270837 - Load bearing flexible spinal connecting element: Devices and methods for spinal stabilization include first and second anchor assemblies engageable to respective ones of first and second vertebrae and a connecting element engageable to the first and second anchor assemblies. The connecting element includes opposite first and second end members and a bumper assembly between the end... Agent: Krieg Devault LLP

20070270832 - Locking device and method, for use in a bone stabilization system, employing a set screw member and deformable saddle member: A set screw with a deformable saddle for use in securing a stabilization member within a bone stabilization system. The bone stabilization system includes a bone anchor, a stabilization member, a coupling mechanism and a locking device. The locking device is structured to engage the coupling mechanism and the coupling... Agent: Heslin Rothenberg Farley & Mesiti P.C.

20070270843 - Longitudinal member for use in spinal or trauma surgery and stabilization device with such a longitudinal member: A longitudinal member for use in spinal or trauma surgery is provided which is sized to span a distance between at least two vertebrae or two bone parts, wherein the longitudinal member is made at least partially of a polymer material, such as an elastomer, which is extruded. The polymer... Agent: Christie, Parker & Hale, LLP

20070270808 - Methods and devices for the interconnection of bone attachment devices: A pair of bone attachment devices and a crosslink device for a spinal fixation system or other implant arrangement is provided that extends between and engages the bone attachment devices with engaging members. The bone attachment devices include a receiver portion and the crosslink device includes a pair of elongated... Agent: Krieg Devault LLP

20070270833 - Methods and devices for trauma welding: The present invention provides a method for stabilizing a fractured bone. The method includes positioning an elongate rod in the medullary canal of the fractured bone and forming a passageway through the cortex of the bone. The passageway extends from the exterior surface of the bone to the medullary canal... Agent: Paul D. Bianco: Fleit, Kain, Gibbons, Gutman, Bongini, & Bianco P.l.

20070270842 - Minimally invasive fixation sysyem: A minimally invasive fixation system and method for providing access to a surgical site. The fixation system may include a holding assembly, the holding assembling preferably including a lateral implant holder which may be attached to a pedicle screw and a sleeve positioned in connection with the lateral implant holder... Agent: Stroock & Stroock & Lavan, LLP

20070270829 - Molding device for an expandable interspinous process implant: A molding device is disclosed and can include a first mold component and a second mold component substantially opposite the first mold component. The first mold component and the second mold component can fit around a superior spinous process and an inferior spinous process.... Agent: Larson Newman Abel Polansky & White, LLP

20070270823 - Multi-chamber expandable interspinous process brace: A multi-chamber expandable interspinous process brace is disclosed and can include at least two chambers. Each of the at least two chambers can receive an injectable biocompatible material. Further, the multi-chamber expandable interspinous process brace can be moved between a deflated configuration and an inflated configuration. In the inflated configuration,... Agent: Larson Newman Abel Polansky & White, LLP

20070270807 - Multi-piece circumferential retaining ring: Embodiments of retaining rings for use in orthopedic implants, for example, are disclosed. Such embodiments may include two or more pieces that are assembled so that the pieces overlap each other and define an inner diameter that is less than the diameter of a part to be retained. In particular... Agent: Woodard, Emhardt, Moriarty, Mcnett & Henry LLP

20070270830 - Open axle surgical implant: A surgical implant engageable by a surgical tool having spaced apart jaws with inward facing tubular protrusions, is provided. The implant includes a body for interfacing with a bone structure. The implant also includes a head connected with the body having spaced apart posts juxtaposed by a stabilization member receiving... Agent: Woodard, Emhardt, Moriarty, Mcnett & Henry LLP

20070270813 - Pedicle screw assembly: Disclosed are bone stabilization assemblies for use in skeletal systems. A bone stabilizer assembly includes a fixation element, a coupling element, a saddle, a compression nut, and retention means for retaining the saddle in the coupling element in a floating configuration that permits a predetermined amount of movement between the... Agent: Fish & Richardson, PC

20070270810 - Pedicle screw spinal rod connector arrangement: A pedicle screw spinal rod connector arrangement is provided that includes in a body having an opening for mounting a head of an inserted pedicle screw. A bracket connected with the body forms a lateral restraint. A bridge is connected with and extends over the body. A spinal rod-receiving slot... Agent: Woodard, Emhardt, Moriarty, Mcnett & Henry LLP

20070270811 - Reducing device: A device for reducing stabilization into a head of a medical implant is provided. The device includes a rotating member and a ram for reducing the stabilization member into a core of the implant head. The ram is threadably engaged with the rotating member and is moved by rotation of... Agent: Woodard, Emhardt, Moriarty, Mcnett & Henry LLP

20070270820 - Revision fixation plate and method of use: A connection system is provided that joins a revision fixation plate to a previously implanted skeletal fixation plate. In one form, the system allows the previously implanted plating system to be revised without disturbing the original implant components. In one aspect, the connection includes joining to a previously implanted fastener.... Agent: Haynes And Boone, LLP

20070270805 - Spinal rod connector system and method for a bone anchor: A spinal rod system includes a first rod and a second rod engaged to a connector with the first and second rods extending axially therefrom in opposite directions from one another. The connector is mountable to a mounting anchor and securable thereto with an engaging member. The connector secures the... Agent: Krieg Devault LLP

20070270819 - Surgical instruments and techniques for controlling spinal motion segments with positioning of spinal stabilization elements: Elongated connecting elements include bodies having anisotropic cross-sectional shapes defining a first moment of inertia about a first bending axis and a second moment of inertia about a second bending axis that is transverse to the first bending axis. The connecting elements are positioned along one or more spinal motion... Agent: Krieg Devault LLP

20070270814 - Vertebral stabilizer: A system for flexibly stabilizing a vertebral motion segment by connecting a first vertebra and a second vertebra is disclosed. The system includes a bumper with a resilient central member. The system is designed such that the resilient central member is compressed in both compression and extension of the bumper... Agent: Haynes And Boone, LLP

20070270821 - Vertebral stabilizer: A bio-compatible stabilization system includes one or more inserters and a connector for traversing a space between one or more bony structures. The stabilization system is designed to reduce or eliminate stress shielding effects while functioning as a tension band. The elastic properties of the connector can be selected and... Agent: Haynes And Boone, LLP

20070270845 - Orthopaedic plate and screw assembly: Systems, devices and methods are disclosed for treating fractures and other bone maladies. The systems, devices and methods may include one or both of a stabilizing structure, such as an implant, bone plate, or other device and a fastening assembly, such as a lag screw and compression screw assembly. The... Agent: Chief Patent Counsel Smith & Nephew, Inc.

20070270846 - Fixture, intramedullary nail kit and method of presetting a nail assembly: A fixture for use with an intramedullary nail having a nail body and a screw feature for receiving a screw orientable with respect to the nail body is provided. The fixture is adapted to orient the screw feature with respect to the nail. The fixture includes a first portion for... Agent: Philip S. Johnson Johnson & Johnson

20070270848 - Interlocking hip screw: A femur slide nail has one end penetrating into head of the femur through neck from side of the femur and another end fixed to shaft of the femur; a thickening section being disposed to the nail corresponding to the neck; one or multiple transverse holes being provided on the... Agent: Troxell Law Office PLLC

20070270847 - Locking compression hip screw: A modification to the prototypical compression (dynamic or sliding) hip screw is described which expands the utility and surgical indications of this frequently used fracture fixation device to include the fracture pattern commonly referred to as a “reverse obliquity fracture” of the proximal femur. This fracture pattern is poorly secured... Agent: James A. Shaw, M.d.

20070270849 - Fixation plate with multifunctional holes: A bone plate for internal fixation of a bone fracture includes top and bottom surfaces and an edge. At least one multifunctional hole is provided along the edge and communicates between the top and bottom surfaces and the edge. The hole generally includes a cylindrical portion for closely receiving and... Agent: Gordon & Jacobson, P.C.

20070270850 - Osteotomy systems: Systems, including methods, apparatus, and kits, for performing osteotomies to cut bone and, optionally, to adjust bone length.... Agent: Kolisch Hartwell, P.C.

20070270851 - Radiolucent bone plate systems and methods of use: Apparatus, systems and methods for making, using, implanting, and visualizing portions of a medical implant are provided. One such implant includes a bone plate comprising a radiolucent material having at least one aperture. The implant includes a fastener comprising a radiolucent material adapted to extend through the aperture. The fastener... Agent: Woodard, Emhardt, Moriarty, Mcnett & Henry LLP

20070270855 - Active compression to facilitate healing of bones: A bone fixation device includes one or more springs and one or more spacers disposed between two orthopedic structures. The orthopedic structures may comprise screws, rods, plates, or any other orthopedic devices configured to engage bone. The spacer may be absorbable or removable, and may serve to constrain the spring... Agent: Knobbe Martens Olson & Bear LLP

20070270854 - Bone anchoring device: A bone anchoring device for securing suture or cable within a bone hole of a bone includes an anchor member and a cable. The anchor member includes engagement ribs and an axial cutout. The axial cutout further includes a cutout surface and at least one pin that extends radially outward... Agent: Philip S. Johnson Johnson & Johnson

20070270856 - Surgical fixing device for two bone parts: A surgical fixing device for the fixing of adjacent bone parts is provided. A first engaging element is provided for engaging the underside of the two bone parts and a second engaging element is provided for engaging the upper side of the bone parts. A tensioning device connects the two... Agent: Lipsitz & Mcallister, LLC

20070270860 - Dynamic stabilization connecting member with slitted core and outer sleeve: A dynamic fixation medical implant having at least two bone anchors includes a longitudinal connecting member assembly having an elongate core and an outer sleeve. The core may be substantially cylindrical, of one-piece construction, and includes end portions for attachment to the bone anchors. A portion of the core extending... Agent: Law Office Of John C. Mcmahon

20070270859 - Orthopedic screw with break away drive: Embodiments of break off screws are disclosed, configured so that when one head or screw portion is broken off, a complete screw with head remains.... Agent: Woodard, Emhardt, Moriarty, Mcnett & Henry LLP

20070270858 - Surgical fasteners with mechanical and osteogenic fixation means: The present application discloses various embodiments of surgical fasteners that combine mechanical and osteogenic means of fixation to maximize in vivo stability and long-term performance. The fastener generally includes a head and a shaft. The fastener is fenestrated and includes a channel that leads into one or more openings along... Agent: Coats & Bennett, PLLC

20070270861 - Kit for use in orthopaedic procedures, device and related menthod: A kit for use in orthopaedic procedures on a long bone is provided. The kit includes a cable and a device. The device includes a body. The device also includes first connecting means operably associated with the body for connecting a first end of the cable to the device. The... Agent: Philip S. Johnson Johnson & Johnson

20070270863 - Devices and methods for contouring an intervertebral space between vertebral members: The present application is directed to devices and methods to shape an intervertebral space between vertebral members. In one embodiment, the device includes a guide with an elongated shaft and an enlarged distal section. An outer member may include first and second arms that are spaced a distance apart. Teeth... Agent: Coats & Bennett, PLLC

20070270862 - Instruments and methods for preparing an intervertebral space: A surgical instrument for use in spinal surgery is provided. The surgical instrument may have particular application in posterior total disc arthroplasty. The surgical instrument is adapted to be minimally invasive. The surgical instrument can be anchored into position by a stability pin. Further, the surgical instrument can guide a... Agent: Haynes And Boone, LLP

20070270868 - Cam based reduction instrument: A rod reduction instrument for urging a rod into an implant having a stabilization member receiving area is provided. The rod reduction instrument includes an arm with a first end connected with the implant. A ram lever is provided that is pivotally connected to the arm. The ram lever has... Agent: Woodard, Emhardt, Moriarty, Mcnett & Henry LLP

20070270870 - Microfracture pick: The present disclosure relates to a microfracture pick having a shaft and a handle. The shift has a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the distal end includes an angled tip. The handle has a body with a first end portion, a second end portion, and an impact surface... Agent: Norman F. Hainer, Jr. Smith & Nephew, Inc.

20070270867 - Multi-directional rod reducer instrument and method: A surgical reducing instrument is used to position an elongated implant element in a desired position relative to one or more of the bone anchors of a spinal implant system. The reducing instrument includes a mounting member that is mounted to the anchor and extends along a first longitudinal axis... Agent: Krieg Devault LLP

20070270866 - Percutaneous registration-and-access tool for minimally invasive spinal surgery: Described herein is one or more implementations for a percutaneous spinal registration-and-access tool for minimally invasive spinal surgery involving lumbar pedicle screw fixation and registration (which is the set-up process for spinal computer navigation). This spinal registration-and-access tool aids registration by allowing more precise targeting of the spinous process (of... Agent: Peter Vogel Ge Healthcare

20070270869 - Surgical instrumentation for rod reduction: One embodiment of the present application includes a surgical instrument comprising a first member and a second member that are pivotally interconnected together. The first member and the second member each include a proximal end structured for manual manipulation by an operator and a distal end defining a gripping nose... Agent: Krieg Devault LLP

20070270871 - Surgical component fixation and method: An apparatus is provided for attaching a surgical component to a bone at a surgical site. The apparatus includes an elongated pin and a cam mounted to the pin. The cam is engaged with the surgical component such that rotating the cam about the shaft axis changes the surgical component... Agent: John F. Hoffman, Esq. Baker & Daniels LLP

20070270875 - Medical instrument for spreading vertebral bodies apart: A medical instrument serves for spreading vertebral bodies apart and for operations in an area of a spinal column. A sleeve is provided and several spreadable elements protrude from a distal end of said sleeves. Said several spreadable elements are folded together to form a conical body, said conical body... Agent: St. Onge Steward Johnston & Reens, LLC

20070270873 - Monorail system: Systems providing improved methods of performing a spinal fusion procedure and including a monorail instrument that protects the medial neural structures, includes a sliding platform for additional instrumentation and allows controlled delivery of various instruments for disc preparation and implant insertion. The monorail instrument engages other instruments, including various instruments... Agent: John S. Pratt, Esq Kilpatrick Stockton, LLP

20070270874 - Surgical distraction device and procedure: A surgical procedure for distracting two anatomical structures, according to which one or more cams are rotatably mounted on a body member and are inserted between the structures and rotated to distract the structures.... Agent: Haynes And Boone, LLP

20070270876 - Vertebra bone cement introduction system: A vertebra bone cement introduction system includes a main frame comprised of lateral handle and vertical insertion tube; a pouring frame comprised of lateral handle and vertical extension tube; an external injection device to inject cement into extension tube; a taper being meshed to extension tube; a polygonal hole disposed... Agent: Birch Stewart Kolasch & Birch

20070270877 - Drilling angle guide for use in orthopaedic surgery: An apparatus to guide drilling into the bone at the desired drilling angle from an entry point on the surface of the bone comprises rotationally linked members to allow the drill guide to rotate in two perpendicular axes to establish the drilling orientation. The drilling orientation is derived with respect... Agent: Sangdo Park

20070270878 - Tensioning device, kit and related method: A device for use in tensioning a cable around a long bone for use in orthopaedic procedures is provided. The device includes a body. The device also includes first connecting means operably associated with the body for connecting a first end of the cable to the device. The device also... Agent: Philip S. Johnson Johnson & Johnson

20070270880 - Bone screw revision tools and methods of use: The present application is directed to tools that may generally deflect a locking ring away from the fastener, and also engage a head of the fastener to rotate and remove the fastener from a vertebral member. The tools may include a first member that contacts and moves the locking ring... Agent: Coats & Bennett, PLLC

20070270879 - Sacroiliac joint fusion alignment guide: A device and method for defining a trajectory for instruments in a sacroiliac joint fusion procedure employs a handle and two movable guidance arms that are separated by an adjustable distance. The first guidance arm has a substantially straight pronged distal end terminating in a first prong, a second prong... Agent: Lahive & Cockfield, LLP

20070270881 - Insertion device for intraocular lens: An insertion device for an intraocular lens is disclosed which capable of pushing out the lens into an eye by a pushing shaft directly from a state in which the lens is stored. The device comprises a lens holding portion, and a pushing shaft moving the lens from the lens... Agent: Morgan & Finnegan, L.L.P.

20070270882 - Pericardium management method for intra-pericardial surgical procedures: A method for managing the pericardium during intra-pericardial procedures such as the delivery of cardiac support devices. One embodiment of the method includes making an incision through the pericardium to provide access to the pericardial space, and inserting a plurality of strips of lubricious material into and through the incision.... Agent: Faegre & Benson LLP Patent Docketing

20070270883 - Apparatus for receiving interchangeable grooming units: An apparatus for receiving operationally powering units interchangeable grooming units. The apparatus comprising a casing, a motor, attachment means for allowing the grooming units to be releasably attached to the casing and mounting means for allowing the grooming units to be driven by the motor. The mounting means comprise a... Agent: Stein, Mcewen & Bui, LLP

20070270884 - Electrical surgical instrument with optimized power supply and drive: A surgical instrument includes an end effector having an actuator effecting a surgical procedure when actuated, an electric motor operating the actuator, and a power supply actuating the actuator when power is supplied to the motor. The power supply has a battery cell with a given rated power for an... Agent: Mayback & Hoffman, P.A.

20070270885 - Suturing apparatus and method: A suturing apparatus comprises a pair of jaws. A bendable needle housed in one of the jaws is adapted to carry a suture. An optional suture receiver may be disposed adjacent to the opposite jaw. A transition block curves the needle and directs it in a direction generally unparallel to... Agent: Myers Dawes Andras & Sherman, LLP

20070270886 - Apparatus and method for treating gastroesophageal reflux disease: A minimally invasive surgical procedure is disclosed which includes the steps forming a fold of tissue, extending one or more needles through the fold of tissue, deploying a tissue fastener from an interior lumen of each of the needles, and retracting each of the needles from the fold of tissue... Agent: Neil D. Gershon Chief Patent Counsel

20070270887 - Circular needle pusher: The circular needle pusher has a body (1), handle (2), needle pushing trigger connecting piece (3), needle pushing trigger (4), spindle (5), needle capturing trigger (6), rotation point (7), lock mechanism (8), needle holder control arm (9), cap (10), cap rotation point (11), needle holder jaws (12), fixing arm (13),... Agent: Oppedahl Patent Law Firm LLC

20070270888 - Catheter having end including grooved needle guides: A catheter for use in suturing conduit shaped tissue within a subjects body, which includes a flexible tubular member having a proximal end portion, a distal end portion, and a lumen therebetween. The catheter includes a grooved tip member disposed on the distal end portion having a plurality of longitudinally... Agent: Kevin M. Pumm

20070270889 - Combination knotting element and suture anchor applicator: A medical device that includes a cannulated needle, a first knotting element portion releaseably engaged with the needle, a second knotting element portion also releaseably engaged with the needle, a knotting element deployment actuator that abuts the second knotting element portion, and an anchor deployment actuator in communication with the... Agent: Thompson Hine L.L.P. Intellectual Property Group

20070270890 - System and method for treating tissue wall prolapse: The invention disclosed herein includes an apparatus and a method for treatment of vaginal prolapse conditions. The apparatus is a graft having a central body portion with at least one strap extending from it. The strap has a bullet needle attached to its end portion and is anchorable to anchoring... Agent: Cooley Godward Kronish LLP Attn: Patent Group

20070270891 - Closure device for left atrial appendage: A device for closing a left atrial appendage of a patient comprising a containment member having a first configuration for passage into the left atrial appendage and a second larger configuration, and a wire movable into the containment member in situ to expand the containment member in the left atrial... Agent: Neil D. Gershon Rex Medical

20070270892 - Devices and methods for treatment of obesity: Methods, devices, tools, instruments and systems for treating a patient to induce weight loss. In one method embodiment, a device, including an expandable member in a collapsed configuration, is passed through an opening in the skin of the patient, and into the abdominal cavity of the patient. At least a... Agent: Law Office Of Alan W. Cannon

20070270893 - Device and method for treating varicose veins: A surgical instrument for treatment of superficial varicose veins in a body is provided. The surgical instrument includes at least one vein-engaging element disposed within or on a housing being adapted for insertion into a tissue. The at least one vein-engaging element is operable to a vein-engaging state whereby it... Agent: Martin D. Moynihan Prtsi

20070270894 - Combined endoscope and biopsy instrument with a removable biopsy cassette for in situ fixation and specimen processing: A combined endoscope and biopsy device with either a distal separable or replaceable biopsy cassette or a distal removable replaceable internal biopsy cassette with orientation, serial collection, storage and processing of biopsy specimens in situ when used with a rigid or flexible endoscope of any size. Similarly, the motive force... Agent: William Collard Collard & Roe, P.C.

20070270895 - Medical instrument having a needle knife: A medical instrument includes a flexible sheath, a pivot base, a medical needle knife base, a medical needle knife, and a handpiece. The flexible sheath has a distal sheath portion insertable within a patient and has a proximal sheath portion. The pivot base is attached to the distal sheath portion.... Agent: Thompson Hine L.L.P. Intellectual Property Group

20070270896 - Pedicle access device: A pedicle access device that has particular application for positioning a pedicle screw during a minimally invasive spinal fusion surgical procedure. The pedicle access device includes a positioning needle having a hollow tube and a specially designed tip that conforms with a facet complex of a vertebra proximate a pedicle.... Agent: MillerIPGroup, PLC Mi4 Spine, LLC

20070270897 - Balloon cuff: The present invention provides a balloon cuff comprising an attachment structure adapted to be disposed around an exterior surface of an endoscope, and a balloon coupled to the attachment structure. An inflation means is in fluid communication with the balloon. The balloon has a deflated state suitable for insertion into... Agent: Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione/chicago/cook

20070270898 - Surgical cannula: There is provided a floating surgical cannula. A method of forming a surgical cannula by inserting a floating surgical cannula at a location in need of surgery is provided.... Agent: Kohn & Associates, PLLC

20070270899 - Implant for spreading the nasal wings: A roof-shaped implant for spreading the nasal wings, which implant is attachable to the triangular cartilage of the human nose and is made from an initially flat strip that has been bent to a roof shape, has a dorsal section of the implant above the dorsum of the nose is... Agent: Striker, Striker & Stenby

20070270900 - Mini cams on support loop for vessel stabilization: Embolic protection filtering devices and methods for making and using the same. An example filtering device includes a filter wire, a filter including a filter loop coupled to the filter wire, and a filter membrane coupled to the filter loop. A plurality of cam members may be coupled to the... Agent: Crompton, Seager & Tufte, LLC

20070270901 - Device and method for vascular filter: A device implantable into a blood vessel having a filter to prevent particles from passing into a blood vessel, and having bows extending from a horizontal plain of the device, such bows to hold such device in place in a blood vessel.... Agent: Pearl Cohen Zedek Latzer, LLP

20070270903 - Stretch resistant embolic coil delivery system with combined mechanical and pressure release mechanism: A medical device for placing an embolic device at a predetermined site within a vessel of the body including a delivery catheter and a flexible pusher member slidably disposed within the lumen of the catheter. A fluid pressure source is coupled to the proximal end of the pusher member. An... Agent: Cook, Alex, Mcfarron, Manzo, Cummings & Mehler Ltd

20070270902 - Thin film metallic devices for plugging aneurysms or vessels: Thin film metallic devices implantable within a human subject for occlusion of an aneurysm or blood vessel are provided. The devices include an embolization element that is moveable between a collapsed configuration for delivery to a deployed configuration within the body. The embolization device plugs the aneurysm or blood vessel... Agent: Philip S. Johnson Johnson & Johnson

20070270905 - Patent foramen ovale closure device and method: A device and method for closure of a body channel of a patient, such as a patent foramen ovale. The device includes a frame member having a collapsed condition and an expanded condition. The frame member is sized and arranged to be percutaneously insertable into an area of the foramen... Agent: Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione/indy/cook

20070270904 - Apparatus and methods for providing tactile feedback while delivering a closure device: An apparatus for sealing a passage through tissue includes a tubular member, a plug, and a locator member. The plug is disposed on a distal end of the tubular member and includes an external thread. The locator member is inserted into a lumen of the tubular member until a distal... Agent: Workman Nydegger

20070270906 - Surgical staple assembly: A surgical staple assembly is disclosed and can include a surgical staple. The surgical staple assembly can be moved between a first configuration and a second configuration. In the first configuration, the surgical staple can be in an original shape. Moreover, in the second configuration, the surgical staple can be... Agent: Larson Newman Abel Polansky & White, LLP

20070270907 - Suture locking device: A suture locking device including an adapter for insertion into a body. The adapter has a proximal end, an open distal end and a lip within the distal end projecting towards an interior of the open distal end. The device further includes a knot tying element releasably attached to the... Agent: Philip S. Johnson Johnson & Johnson

20070270908 - Suture locking method: A method of attaching a knotting element to a suturing device including the steps of providing an adapter for insertion into a body, the adapter having a proximal end and an open distal end. Providing a knot tying element for tying suture together. Releasably attaching the distal end of the... Agent: Philip S. Johnson Johnson & Johnson

20070265613 - Method and apparatus for sealing tissue: The invention provides a method and apparatus for sealing tissue for applications in such cases where there is a benefit to having an additional sealing capability. In this regard, the preferred embodiment of the invention, in addition to thermal sealing, or alternatively, incorporates a stapling cartridge or similar sealing mechanism... Agent: Glenn Patent Group

20070265615 - Electrosurgical instrument with suction, irrigation and means to collect blood: An electrosurgical instrument with electrode, suction, optional irrigation and means to bend the distal part of the surrounding suction tube is described. A distal part of the suction tube (around the electrode) has two members, whereas one member can be engaged inside the other—to various degrees—in order to control the... Agent: Dr. Haim Ben-simhon

20070265617 - Dilation catheter assembly with bipolar cutting element: A method and apparatus for the dilatation of obstructed body vessels, orifices and conduits, combined with a controlled and regulated incision of the dilated body vessels using a bipolar or quasi-bipolar electrosurgical cutting wire arrangement is presented.... Agent: Applied Medical Resources Corporation

20070265620 - Vascular coagulation forceps: A surgical, vascular coagulation forceps (1) comprising two mutually displaceable jaws (3, 4) bearing flat electrodes (12, 13) connected to different terminals of an hf source (16), or one of said jaws being fitted with an ultrasonic oscillator, characterized in that a coil unit (18) connected to an eddy current... Agent: Rankin, Hill, Porter & Clark LLP

20070265626 - Systems and methods for stabilizing a functional spinal unit: Systems and methods for controlling motion and physiologic load sharing across a functional spinal unit defined by a pair of adjacent vertebrae and an intervertebral disc therebetween are provided. The systems may comprise a first component for repairing or replacing a disc nucleus, without substantially disrupting the annulus. A second... Agent: Dicke, Billig & Czaja

20070265600 - Retainer for medical use and the method using the same: A medical retainer is provided capable of independently controlling supplying air and water to a hollow organ like a stomach and a lumen of a small intestine. The medical retainer for sealing a fluid, the retainer being subject to be retained in a gastrointestinal tract of a patient, the medical... Agent: Scully Scott Murphy & Presser, PC

20070265601 - Systems and methods for monitoring and enabling use of a medical instrument: Systems and methods monitor and enable the use of a medical instrument that is configured to be operated in a prescribed manner. The systems and methods employ a use register sized and configured to be carried by the medical instrument, which comprises a memory field for recording a start date... Agent: Daniel D. Ryan Ryan Kromholz & Manion, S.c.

20070265602 - Multi-spot optical fiber endophotocoagulation probe: A system and method for treating target tissue including a light source for generating a beam of light, a plurality of optical fibers, a deflection device configured to selectively deflect the light beam into the input ends of the optical fibers, one optical fiber input end at a time, and... Agent: Dla Piper US LLP

20070265603 - Apparatus for correcting presbyopia: The apparatus for correction presbyopia comprises a photorefractive surgery laser beam device operating by means of a control program capable of managing the following instructions: extent of at least a first circular area of intervention, which determines at least first laser beam aiming parameters; at least a first depth of... Agent: Kirschstein, Ottinger, Israel & Schiffmiller, P.C.

20070265604 - Aesthetic treatment for wrinkle reduction and rejuvenation: A dermatological treatment method includes directing laser energy having a wavelength of 2.79 μm onto skin. According to disclosed methods, the energy can function to ablate a first portion of epidermal tissue, coagulate an underlying second portion of epidermal tissue, and promote collagen formation in tissue of the underlying dermis.... Agent: Stallman & Pollock LLP

20070265605 - Apparatus and method for treating dental tissue: Apparatus including a pulsed laser operative to deliver laser pulses capable of dental tissue ablation, a liquid cooling system operative to deliver a liquid coolant to a site of the dental tissue ablation, and a controller operative to control and coordinate operation of the pulsed laser and the liquid cooling... Agent: Dekel Patent Ltd., David Klein

20070265607 - Cancer treatment using low energy lasers: A method and apparatus for destroying cancerous cells or tumors includes placing fiber needles into the human body adjacent cancerous cells or tumors that have been biologically dyed and exposing the cells or tumors to low-energy laser energy light emitted through the fiber needles so that the laser energy destroys... Agent: James R. Farmer, Esq. Vancott, Bagley, Cornwall & Mccarthy

20070265606 - Method and apparatus for fractional light-based treatment of obstructive sleep apnea: An apparatus and method are described that uses fractional light based treatment to shrink soft tissue in the mouth or throat to reduce obstruction of the airways for patients suffering from obstructive sleep apnea. A light delivery probe with scanning optics can be used to deliver treatment. Cooling systems can... Agent: Reliant / Fenwick C/o Fenwick & West, LLP

20070265608 - Method of energy ablation for the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases: A closed tip cryoprobe is advanced transorally or transrectally through the accessory channel of an endoscope to a region of interest in the gastrointestinal tract. In one embodiment, the cryoprobe is positioned near the gastric pacemaker region in the stomach and provides cooling of the region for a period of... Agent: Quarles & Brady LLP

20070265610 - Device for ablating body tissue: A cardiac ablation system including an ablation catheter having an anchor adapted to support the ablation catheter within an atrium of a heart and an ultrasound emitter disposed radially outward from a rotation axis and from the anchor, and a control mechanism adapted to rotate the ultrasound emitter about the... Agent: Shayglenn LLP

20070265609 - Method for ablating body tissue: A cardiac ablation method including the following steps: inserting a treatment catheter into an atrium of a heart, the treatment catheter including an ultrasound emitter; positioning the ultrasound emitter to face heart tissue within the left atrium outside of a pulmonary vein; emitting ultrasound energy from the ultrasound emitter while... Agent: Shayglenn LLP

20070265611 - Ventilatory assist system and methods to improve respiratory function: Systems and methods are provided to improve respiratory function. Systems include an external electrical stimulator coupled to electrodes that stimulates diaphragm contraction and may optionally include a positive pressure mechanical ventilator. The system further includes an electrode suitable for temporary implantation. Electrical stimulation is provided to specific portions of the... Agent: Shayglenn LLP

20070265612 - System and method for reducing leakage current in an electrosurgical generator: A system and method for reducing leakage current in an electrosurgical generator are disclosed. The system includes an electrosurgical generator configured to provide high frequency electrosurgical energy at a fundamental frequency. The generator includes one or more circuit boards having a board ground. The generator further includes a inductor-capacitor filter... Agent: Covidien

20070265614 - Rf device with thermo-electric cooler: An RF device includes a support structure. An RF electrode is coupled to the support structure and includes conductive and dielectric portions. A thermoelectric cooler is coupled to the support structure and is configured to cool a back surface of the RF electrode.... Agent: Wood, Herron & Evans, LLP

20070265616 - Vessel sealing instrument with optimized power density: An electrode assembly for use with an instrument for sealing and cutting vessels and/or tissue is provided. The assembly includes a pair of opposing first and second jaw members. Each jaw member includes an insulator and at least one electrically conductive tissue sealing surface extending along a length thereof, each... Agent: Covidien

20070265618 - Bipolar probe with an injection needle: A surgical system including a bipolar generator having a first electrical connection and a second electrical connection, a needle, the needle being formed from a first electrically conductive material and electrically connected to the first electrical connection, and a conductor coaxially disposed over the needle, the conductor being formed from... Agent: Thompson Hine L.L.P. Intellectual Property Group

20070265619 - Electrosurgical forceps with composite material tips: An electrosurgical forceps has at least the tip of one blade member formed of a composite material having aligned elongated particles of nickel interspersed in a matrix of silver particles. The tip can be provided as a tip member attached, such as by brazing, to the body of the blade... Agent: Weingarten, Schurgin, Gagnebin & Lebovici LLP

20070265621 - Bone anchoring device: A bone anchoring device includes a bone anchoring element having a shaft to be anchored in the bone and a head, a receiving part for receiving a rod to be connected to the bone anchoring element, and a pressure member acting onto the head to lock the position of the... Agent: Christie, Parker & Hale, LLP

20070265622 - Implants for creating connections to tissue parts, in particular to skeletal parts, as well as device and method for implantation thereof: Implants (7) for forming a positive connection with human or animal parts include a material, such as thermoplastics and thixotropic materials, that can be liquefied by means of mechanical energy. The implants (7) are brought into contact with the tissue part, are subjected to the action of ultrasonic energy while... Agent: Rankin, Hill, Porter & Clark LLP

20070265627 - Devices and methods for implanting fusion cages: Methods and instrumentation for spinal interbody fusion are disclosed. The instruments and methods are particularly adapted for interbody fusion in an unreamed disc space. One instrument is a distractor assembly including a first distractor and a second distractor configured to be inserted in side-by-side relation in the disc space. Fusion... Agent: Krieg Devault LLP

20070265623 - Percutaneous spinal implants and methods: A method includes positioning a medical device within a body between adjacent spinous processes, moving the medical device from a collapsed configuration to an expanded configuration within the body using an actuator removably coupled to the medical device, and removing the actuator from the body while the medical device remains... Agent: Cooley Godward Kronish LLP Attn: Patent Group

20070265624 - 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

20070265625 - 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

20070265628 - Electrical intramedullary nail system: The invention relates to an intramedullary nail system including an elongated nail member comprising a cavity and electrically conductive at least in part, a coil assembly, a first electrode connected to a first pole of the coil assembly and a second electrode connected to a second pole of the coil... Agent: Dobrusin & Thennisch PC

20070265629 - Distal radius plate: A distal radius plate having a head with a complex palm shaped profile which flares from the sides of the plate to a leading edge that includes a central oblique linking area that helps to mark the placement of the plate relative to the radius. Further, the plate includes an... Agent: Hudak, Shunk & Farine, Co., L.p.a.

20070265630 - Fixing device for clamping the ends of a surgical cable used for fixing bone parts: Fixing device, comprising a surgical cable (22) having a first and a second free end and at least three fixing plates (2, 4, 6) positioned in a stack as a top plate (6), a middle plate (4) and a bottom plate (2), leaving a gap (24, 26) between two adjacent... Agent: Nixon & Vanderhye, PC

20070265631 - System and method for force, displacement, and rate control of shaped memory material implants: An energy delivery device controls the transformation of the microstructure of shape memory material. A surgeon can use the energy delivery device to control the rate of implant shape change, the extent of implant shape change, as well as the force exerted on the surrounding tissue. The energy delivery device... Agent: Law Offices Of Christopher L. Makay

20070265632 - Bone cutting template and method of treating bone fractures: A bone cutting template is disclosed and can include a body. A plurality of grooves can be formed along the body and each groove can correspond to an incremental length of the body. The bone cutting template can include a plurality of length stamps along the body. Each of the... Agent: Larson Newman Abel Polansky & White, LLP

20070265633 - Implement and method to extract nucleus from spine intervertebral disc: This invention proposes a device directed to rapid surgical removal of the nucleus pulposus from the spine intervertebral space. The invention is manipulated within the intervertebral space to engage and dislodge small pieces of nucleus material that are mobilized proximally for disposal. Aspects of the invention are included to protect... Agent: Beck And Tysver P.l.l.c.

20070265634 - Osteotomy guide: The present invention provides improved systems and methods for facilitating cuts in an item. In one embodiment, a surgical apparatus is provided that includes a first saw guide having a first base portion with a first bore and a first guide portion comprising a pair of substantially parallel walls spaced... Agent: Alston & Bird LLP

20070265635 - Hip distraction: A hip distractor includes a pair of distractor members and a support configured to be fastened to a surgical table. The support includes at least two mounts for coupling to a pair of joints that couple the distractor members to the support. Another hip distractor includes a pair of distractor... Agent: Fish & Richardson P.C. Smith & Nephew, Inc.

20070265636 - Lens delivery system: A lens delivery system having a cartridge and a handpiece with a lockout feature. The lockout feature helps to ensure that the appropriate combination of cartridge and handpiece is used.... Agent: Alcon

20070265637 - Devices and methods for controlling and counting interventional elements: Apparatus and methods for delivering stents or stent segments to body lumens include one or more tubular prostheses carried at the distal end of a catheter shaft, a sheath slidably disposed over the prostheses, and a guidewire tube extending from within the sheath to the exterior of the sheath through... Agent: Levine Bagade Han LLP

20070265639 - Devices and methods for tracking an energy delivery device which treats asthma: Methods for treating a network of organs including generating a map of at least a portion of the network of organs using a rendering system; selecting at least one treatment location within the luminal passageway of the network of organs; and applying an energy therapy to the treatment location to... Agent: Asthmatx, Inc. C/o Levine Bagade Han, LLP

20070265638 - Surgical robot and robotic controller: The present invention was developed by a neurosurgeon and seeks to mimic the results of primate neurological research which is indicative of a human's actual neurological control structures and logic. Specifically, the motor proprioceptive and tactile neurophysiology functioning of the surgeon's hands and internal hand control system from the muscular... Agent: Perkins Coie LLP Patent-sea

20070265641 - Method of closing an opening in a wall of the heart: Disclosed is a closure catheter, for closing a tissue opening such as an atrial septal defect, patent foreman ovale, or the left atrial appendage of the heart. The closure catheter carries a plurality of tissue anchors, which may be deployed into tissue surrounding the opening, and used to draw the... Agent: Beck And Tysver P.l.l.c.

20070265640 - Surgical clip application assembly: An apparatus for the transoral invagination and fundoplication of the stomach to the esophagus includes a clip applier having sharp toothed jaws for grasping and damaging the fundus prior to applying the clip. The clip applier has an overall diameter of less than 7 mm. The clip applier jaws are... Agent: Mayback & Hoffman, P.A.

20070265642 - Patent foramen ovale (pfo) closure method and device: The present invention provides methods and devices for closing two overlapping layers of tissue in a mammalian heart, for example a patent foramen ovale (PFO). The closure devices may take a number of different forms and may be retrievable. In some embodiments, a device is sized and shaped to extend... Agent: Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale And Dorr LLP

20070265643 - Apparatus and method for suturelessly connecting a conduit to a hollow organ: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for securing a connector conduit to a hollow organ. The method comprises forming a hole in a wall of the organ; inserting a connector conduit through the hole in the wall of the organ until a flange element comes into contact... Agent: Nixon Peabody, LLP

20070265646 - Dynamically adjustable gastric implants: Gastric restriction device implants and their use in controlling body weight are described. In some embodiments, activation of a shape memory material drives an actuator coupled to an implant, resulting in a conformational change in the implant. In some embodiments latch and ratchet mechanisms operate incrementally to increase or decrease... Agent: Mcdermott Will & Emery LLP

20070265644 - Gut clamper: A gutclamper includes two hard rod-like bodies having flexible belts on one ends, a joint at which the rod-like bodies are joined, and at least one through hole made in one of the belts. The gut tract is clipped by using the two hard rod-like bodies and the joint as... Agent: Posz Law Group, PLC

20070265645 - Hydraulic gastric band collapsible reservoir: A self-regulating gastric band apparatus for adjusting stoma size. The apparatus includes an adjustable gastric band that has an inner ring expanding with injected fluid. A band adjustment assembly is provided for implanting with the gastric band that includes a sensor for sensing fluid pressure in the inner ring. The... Agent: Allergan, Inc.

20070265647 - Atherectomy system having a variably exposed cutter: An atherectomy system having a variably exposed cutter wherein a distally located positionable tip closely associated with the cutter and a high pressure fluid jet emanator can be variably and angularly deployed about a hinge mechanism subsequent to entry into the vasculature. The fixed cutter slices or parts atheromatous material... Agent: Hugh D Jaeger, P.A.

20070265648 - Thrombectomy devices and methods for making.: Embodiments of invention are directed to devices, and methods of forming them, that can be used for thrombus extraction from intravascular regions. The small size of these devices may make them particularly suitable for extracting thrombus in narrow vessels such as those in the brain.... Agent: Microfabrica Inc. Att: Dennis R. Smalley

20070265650 - Device for separating the epithelial layer from the surface of the cornea of an eye: A separator is disclosed for moving a separated portion of an eye. The separator includes an upper surface. A lower planar surface is oriented at an angle with respect to the upper surface. The upper surface and the lower planar surface define an edge therebetween having a structure to remove... Agent: Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione

20070265649 - Epithelial delaminating device: The described device is useful in the field of opthalmology. The devices and methods for using it involve separating or lifting corneal epithelium from the eye in a substantially continuous layer to form a flap or pocket. In particular, the devices generally utilize a non-cutting, oscillating separator or dissector that... Agent: E. Thomas Wheelock

20070265651 - Safety scalpel: A safety scalpel that incorporates a reusable metal scalpel handle similar in shape and feel to the conventional metal handle preferred by most surgeons, and a disposable blade cartridge that covers the blade before, during and after use, and is easily mounted and released from the scalpel handle. The blade... Agent: Altera Law Group, LLC

20070265652 - Specialized cutter blades for preparing intervertebral disc space: Cutter blades made of shape memory materials. Rotation of a cutter blade as part of a cutter assembly within an intervertebral disc space cuts the material present there for removal from the intervertebral disc space. Cutter blades with different attributes (such as throw length, cutter blade angle, type and location... Agent: The Eclipse Group

20070265653 - Medical handpiece: The medical handpiece of the present invention includes a cutting tool having a flexible shank and a cutting bur, a plastically deformable tubular casing for the cutting tool, a handpiece body detachably holding the cutting tool, bearing members disposed in the casing, an inner intervening member for receiving the shank,... Agent: Hahn & Voight PLLC

20070265654 - Puncture needle cartridge and lancet for blood collection: A lancet is pressed against a puncture needle cartridge while fitting a puncture needle loading inlet of the lancet to the axis of a puncture needle on the puncture needle cartridge. In order to facilitate the operation, one of plural puncture needles, arranged in parallel, is tilted up from its... Agent: Wenderoth, Lind & Ponack, L.L.P.

20070265655 - Embolic protection filter with enhanced stability within a vessel: Embolic protection filtering devices and methods for making and using the same. An example filtering device includes a filter wire, a filter including a support member coupled to the filter wire, and a filter membrane coupled to the support member. A traction member may be coupled to the support member.... Agent: Crompton, Seager & Tufte, LLC

20070265656 - Multi-layer braided structures for occluding vascular defects: A collapsible medical device and associated methods of occluding an abnormal opening in, for example, a body organ, wherein the medical device is shaped from plural layers of a heat-treatable metal fabric. Each of the fabric layers is formed from a plurality of metal strands and the assembly is heat-treated... Agent: Nikolai & Mersereau, P.A.

20070265657 - Box joint medical tool apparatus and method of manufacture: An embodiment in accordance with the present invention provides a medical forceps having an improved method of manufacture thereof. The method of the present invention includes a method of forming, assembling and manufacturing a medical tool, such as a medical forceps, which has a box joint, the method eliminating the... Agent: Baker & Hostetler LLP

20070265658 - Anchoring and tethering system: A method and apparatus for providing safe and efficient transcatheter correction of the shape of heart chambers, valves, or other body members. The apparatus generally performs this correction by securing a tether to body surfaces. The attachment device includes an anchor comprising a wire braid and at least one clamp... Agent: Nikolai & Mersereau, P.A.

20070265659 - Adhesive sutures: An apparatus for joining body tissues with adhesive sutures includes a suture needle has first and second longitudinally spaced needle ends, the first needle end having a needle point. A suture filament has first and second longitudinally spaced filament ends, the first filament end being attached to the second needle... Agent: Tarolli, Sundheim, Covell & Tummino L.L.P.

20070265660 - Oil coated sutures: Sutures formed from one or more filaments are coated with an oil, such as for example, mineral oil or castor oil. The sutures exhibit good durability as reflected by fray resistance.... Agent: Covidien

20070265661 - Musical pacifier: This pacifier combines the ability to provide a scent for the nipple and or educational material for the child while the pacifier is being used.... Agent: Christopher T. Coleman

20070260229 - Method and kit for treatment of varicose veins and other superficial venous pathology: A method is disclosed for treating superficial venous pathology in a patient. The method comprises the steps of: (a) percutaneously piercing a vein to be treated; and (b) directing intense pulse or laser light at the patient's skin predominantly within the area of skin manifesting physical, chemical and/or color changes... Agent: Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel LLP Intellectual Property Department

20070260230 - Opto-mechanical apparatus and method for dermatological treatment: An imaging sensor forms an image of at least a portion of a moving element that moves relative to a dermatological treatment handpiece in response to motion of the handpiece across the skin. A processor uses multiple images from the imaging sensor to determine changes in position or velocity of... Agent: Reliant / Fenwick C/o Fenwick & West, LLP

20070260228 - Systems and methods for treating superficial venous malformations like spider veins: Systems and methods treat superficial venous malformations, such as spider veins. The systems and methods distribute a light-reactive agent, e.g., verteporfin, at or near an inner wall of a vein. The systems and methods activate the light-reactive agent by applying non-thermal light energy at a wavelength that activates the light-reactive... Agent: Ryan Kromholz & Manion, S.c.

20070260236 - Radio frequency communication devices using chaotic signal and method thereof: RF (radio frequency) communication devices which use a chaotic signal and a method thereof are provided. An RF communication system includes: a transmitter terminal which generates a chaotic signal including a plurality of frequency components in a predetermined frequency band and transmits a chaotic carrier generated by inserting a data... Agent: Sughrue Mion, PLLC

20070260256 - Surgical instrument tray, hip resurfacing kit, and method of resurfacing a femoral head to preserve femoral head vascularity: A method of resurfacing a femoral head involves using a chamfered reamer to ream only a top portion of the femoral head above an anterior lateral portion of the femoral head where the retinacular vessels supply blood to the femoral head. As no cylindrical reaming is performed on the lateral... Agent: Matthew M. Roy

20070260227 - Axial load limiting system and methods: An axial load limiting system can include a handle having a lever pivotably connected to the handle, a hollow shaft slidably attached to the handle, and a rod operably connected on the proximal end to the lever and movable axially inside the shaft. A surgical implement, for example, a curette,... Agent: Kilpatrick Stockton LLP - 55461

20070260231 - Optical probe for delivery of light: The present invention discloses an optical probe employed for the delivery of light. More particularly, the present invention relates to an optical probe, a probe tip or combination thereof and its uses for delivery of light to upon surfaces of tissue and other portions of the human body or other... Agent: Dobrusin & Thennisch PC

20070260232 - Selective delivery of cryogenic energy to intervertebral disc tissue and related methods of intradiscal hypothermia therapy: The present invention relates to devices and methods for altering the tissue in and around an intervertebral disc through localized hypothermia therapy to restore function of the disc and reduce pain. Hypothermia therapy is defined as the reduction of tissue temperature to below that of the equilibrium temperature. Target therapeutic... Agent: Mark J. Pandiscio Pandiscio & Pandiscio, P.C.

20070260233 - Heat treatment device: A heat treatment device includes a coagulation dissection forceps having a heat generation element in a treatment portion, an applied current detection section and an applied voltage detection section which detect values of a current and a voltage applied to the heat generation element, a control operation section which performs... Agent: Thomas Spinelli Scully, Scott, Murphy & Presser

20070260235 - Apparatus and method for electrode thermosurgery: An electrosurgical instrument for use with a source of electrical energy to ablate tissue in a living subject is provided. The instrument includes an elongated tissue-penetrating electrode including a rigid tubular member having a closed distal end defining an interior cavity extending from the closed distal end to a proximal... Agent: Covidien

20070260234 - Diamond-like carbon electrode coating: An RF ablation device comprises an electrode including a DLC coating deposited on at least a portion thereof. A method of forming an RF ablation device, comprises forming a DLC coating on a portion of a metallic electrode.... Agent: Fay Kaplun & Marcin, LLP

20070260237 - Windowed thermal ablation probe: This invention relates to an electrosurgical device having a hollow shaft, an electrically conductive distal tip that is also adapted for penetrating bone, and an intermediate electrically insulating spacer.... Agent: John P. O'banion O'banion & Ritchey LLP

20070260238 - Combined energy level button: A surgical device is disclosed including a housing having an activation switch. The activation switch is adapted to couple to an electrosurgical energy source and includes a knob. The knob is slideable with respect to the housing and travels within a guide channel defined within the housing. The activation switch... Agent: Covidien

20070260239 - Electrosurgical pencil having a single button variable control: The present disclosure is directed to electrosurgical pencils having variable controls. In one aspect, the electrosurgical pencil, includes an elongated housing, an electrocautery blade supported within the housing and extending distally from the housing, the electrocautery blade being connected to a source of electrosurgical energy, an activation button supported on... Agent: Covidien

20070260240 - Soft tissue rf transection and resection device: An electrosurgical system and method for transecting or resecting a target tissue is provided. The electrosurgical system includes an electrosurgical generator including an active terminal and a return terminal; a first electrically conductive element electrically connectable to the active terminal of the electrosurgical generator, the first electrically conductive element being... Agent: Covidien

20070260241 - Open vessel sealing forceps disposable handswitch: A removable handswitch and electrode assembly for use with a forceps having opposing end effectors and a handle for effecting relative movement of the end effectors with respect to one another includes a housing having at least one portion which removably engages at least a portion of a mechanical forceps... Agent: Covidien

20070260242 - Vessel sealer and divider: An endoscopic bipolar forceps includes an elongated shaft having opposing jaw members at a distal end thereof. The jaw members are movable relative to one another from a first position wherein the jaw members are disposed in spaced relation relative to one another to a second position wherein the jaw... Agent: Covidien

20070260243 - Bone correction device: There is provided a tower-shaped frame provided to stand upright on a positionable platform, a bone correction rod held by an elevating supporter, wherein the elevating supporter is mounted on the tower-shaped frame to be adjustably movable up and down, a bone correction rod, and a weight receiver Suspended from... Agent: Flynn Thiel Boutell & Tanis, P.C.

20070260244 - Bone-fixation system and filler element for bone-fixation: Fixation system for bone nails, with a connecting bar having plural through holes and at least one bone screw insertable into a through hole, wherein it has at least one filler body, insertable into a through hole, and means for fastening the filler body in the through hole.... Agent: Vidas, Arrett & Steinkraus, P.A.

20070260246 - Locking device for securing a rod-shaped element in a holding element connected to a shank: An element with a shank (1) and a holding element (2; 21; 21′) connected to it for connecting to a rod (100) is provided, wherein the holding element (2; 21; 21′) has a recess having a U-shaped cross-section for receiving the rod with two legs (4, 5; 26, 27) open... Agent: Christie, Parker & Hale, LLP

20070260245 - Percutaneous spinal implants and methods: A method includes moving a spinal implant such that a central portion of the spinal implant is disposed between adjacent spinous processes, radially extending a proximal portion of the spinal implant on a first side of the adjacent spinous processes such that movement of the proximal portion between the adjacent... Agent: Cooley Godward Kronish LLP Attn: Patent Group

20070260247 - Interlocking intramedullary nails with outer screw: The present invention provides for a new method for locking Intramedullary Nails (IM Nails) using a headless screw for performing interlocking with the nail. A subsequent, canulated outer screw is placed in such a way that it encapsulates this headless screw. The outer screw locks to the IM Nail and... Agent: Arthur M. Peslak, Esq. Mandel & Peslak, LLC

20070260248 - Cannulated bone screw system and method: An improved bone screw is disclosed which includes a shaft with distal portion having a threaded surface thereon, a sleeve having an opening which receives the shaft such that the shaft is able to move within the sleeve without moving the sleeve. A compressive device may be incorporated between the... Agent: Snell & Wilmer L.L.P. (main)

20070260249 - Devices and methods for bone anchoring: Embodiments of the invention relate generally to tissue anchors and methods of delivering same to the intervertebral disc or other sites within the body. In some embodiments, the anchors provide pull-out resistance, stability and/or maximize contact with tissue involving a minimum amount of penetration. In some embodiments, delivery methods are... Agent: Knobbe Martens Olson & Bear LLP

20070260250 - Reinforcement of boney material surrounding a bone implant: A screw structured to engage bone has a stem with threads and an inner chamber. The inner chamber is in fluid communication with one or more ports along the stem. A polymeric material is provided with the screw. After implantation of the screw in bone, energy is applied to the... Agent: Krieg Devault LLP

20070260251 - Thoracic closure device and methods: A thoracic closure device. The device has a handle member, a base member, and a feed path, and is designed to accept and, with a ratcheting mechanism, tension a toothed closure tie. A guide member is also provided, and assists in the placement of a closure tie prior to tensioning.... Agent: Patentbest

20070260253 - Apparatus and method for sculpting the surface of a joint: Methods and devices for sculpting bones, particularly in preparation for implanting prosthetic devices to replace articulating bone joint surfaces. Improved bone removal devices including burr mills driven by gears and loop drives are provided. Reciprocating cutters and belt cutters are also provided. Some devices have either integral or removable expandable... Agent: Oppenheimer Wolff & Donnelly LLP

20070260252 - Tissue removal with at least partially flexible devices: A device for modifying tissue in a patient may include: an elongate body having a rigid proximal portion and a flexible distal portion having first and second major surfaces; a proximal handle coupled with the proximal portion of the body; one or more tissue modifying members disposed along the first... Agent: Shayglenn LLP

20070260254 - Cochlear fenestration burrs: Specialized surgical burrs (122, 124, 162, 164) permit safely fenestrating the otic capsule bone adjacent to the scala tympani (44) of the cochlea (34) without damaging the basilar membrane (52) or organ of cordi. The invention disclosed herein may also be adopted for safely fenestrating other areas of the inner... Agent: Donald E. Schreiber Donald E. Schreiber A Professional Corporation

20070260255 - Method for using retractable stylet and cannula combination to form an opening in bone: In one preferred aspect, a method is provided for forming an opening in bone for the sequential dilation of tissue.... Agent: Martin & Ferraro, LLP

20070260257 - Surgical device having interchangeable components and methods of use: A surgical device, kit, and/or method for interchanging components of the surgical device can include a handle, a docking assembly, a shaft assembly, a coupler assembly, and a surgical implement. The handle can have a lever pivotably connected to the handle, and the docking assembly secured to the handle. The... Agent: Kilpatrick Stockton LLP - 55461

20070260258 - Access and delivery needle for percutaneous vertebroplasty: The vertebroplasty needle has two cannulae sharing a common distal end, wherein the cement injection cannula merges into a straight stylet cannula.... Agent: Philip S. Johnson Johnson & Johnson

20070260259 - Bone anchor installer and method of use: Systems, apparatuses and methods for securing tissue to bone using a bone anchoring system are described. Methods and apparatuses may allow transformation between locked and unlocked states, thereby allowing adjustment of the tension in the suture. The apparatus and/or methods may allow unidirectional movement of a suture, while preventing slippage... Agent: Meyertons, Hood, Kivlin, Kowert & Goetzel, P.C.

20070260260 - Sizing instrument for a bodily joint such as an intervertebral disc space: A sizing instrument for measuring a bodily joint bounded by top and bottom surfaces, such as a disc space bounded by a top vertebra and a bottom vertebra, including a jaw assembly, a handle assembly, and an indicator portion. The jaw assembly includes an upper contact pad and a lower... Agent: Dicke, Billig & Czaja

20070260261 - Instruments and methods for manipulating a spinal fixation element: An instrument for manipulating a spinal fixation element relative to a bone anchor includes a bone anchor grasping mechanism, a first adjustment mechanism, and a second adjustment mechanism. The bone anchor grasping mechanism includes a first arm having a distal end configured to engage an opening provided in the bone... Agent: Nutter Mcclennen & Fish LLP

20070260263 - Self-orienting delivery system: Delivery systems for delivering and deploying expandable intraluminal medical devices within a body vessel are provided. A portion of the delivery system that includes the expandable intraluminal medical device orients itself about an axis based on characteristics of the body vessel, such as the relative orientation of major and minor... Agent: Dunlap Codding & Rogers, P.C.

20070260262 - Supporting device for coronary artery bypass surgery: A slit 8 for insertion of a guide wire 3 is formed in the peripheral wall of a tubular member 2 which is to be inserted into the left anterior descending branch. A thread 15 is tied around the peripheral wall of the tubular member 2 such that the knot... Agent: Nixon Peabody

20070260264 - Medical instrument handle and medical instrument having same: A medical instrument handle includes a medical-instrument-handle body, manually-slidable first and second slides, and medical-instrument-member first and second articulation cables. The handle body has a longitudinal axis, a proximal body portion, and a distal body portion. The first slide is slidably attached to the handle body. The first articulation cable... Agent: Thompson Hine L.L.P. Intellectual Property Group

20070260265 - Device for performing examinations and surgical interventions on the uterus: A device serves for performing examination and surgical intervention on the uterus. The device comprises an approximate rod-shaped body and an extension piece protruding from a distal end of said body. Said extension piece can be introduced in a cervical canal of an uterus. At least one adjustable jaw part... Agent: St. Onge Steward Johnston & Reens, LLC

20070260266 - Lithotripsy compatible wire basket: A medical device for performing lithotripsy on a foreign body within a patient. The medical device generally includes a wire basket constructed from distal portions of a plurality of multifilament wires. The distal portions of the plurality of multifilament wires each follow a generally helical path to give the wire... Agent: Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione/chicago/cook

20070260267 - Localizing obturator: A medical target confirmation device, such as a localizing obturator, is disclosed. In one embodiment, the medical target confirmation device includes an elongate body member defined by a distal end and a proximal end. The distal end includes at least one bore extending therein. The bore receives contrast agent therein.... Agent: Rader, Fishman & Grauer PLLC

20070260268 - Ptfe composite multi-layer material: A composite multi-layer material may generally comprise a d-PTFE material combined with an open structured material (either resorbable or non-resorbable) creating a composite multi-layer material. Attachment of the layers may be accomplished by stitching layers of material, exertion of hydraulic or other pressure, application of a biocompatible adhesive or heat,... Agent: Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP

20070260269 - Toothed vasectomy clamps and methods of using same: Apparatus and methods for performing vasectomies are disclosed. In preferred embodiments, a clamp has a set of jaws, the distal ends of which terminate in a circular structure that is essentially a split ring. In certain embodiments, each jaw has a serrated edge that corresponds to serration on the opposite... Agent: Klehr, Harrison, Hervey, Branzurg & Ellers LLP

20070260270 - Cutter for preparing intervertebral disc space: Cutter assemblies for use with cutter blades made of shape memory materials. The cutter blades may be deployed in the interior of an intervertebral disc space and rotated relative to a central axis of the cutter assembly to cut the material present for removal from the intervertebral disc space. Cutter... Agent: The Eclipse Group

20070260272 - Blood collection system for collecting blood from a body part for diagnostic purposes: A blood collection system for collecting blood from a body part for diagnostic purposes, comprising a housing with a lancet guide, by which a lancet is guided on a predetermined puncture path, and a lancet drive for driving a puncturing movement of the lancet on the predetermined puncture path. The... Agent: Bose Mckinney & Evans LLP

20070260271 - Device and method for variable speed lancet: A method of penetrating tissue is provided. The method comprises using a lancet driver to advance a lancet into the tissue; advancing the lancet at a first desired velocity in a first layer of tissue; advancing the lancet at a second desired velocity in a second layer of tissue; and... Agent: Heller Ehrman LLP

20070260275 - Flat blade shielded obturator: A shielded bladed obturator is provided with a shield lockout that prevents retraction of a shield to expose a blade for cutting. The shield lockout in one aspect has a rotational switch interacting with a longitudinal extending shield to lock and unlock the shield. A blade exposure and coverage system... Agent: Applied Medical Resources Corporation

20070260273 - Endoscopic translumenal surgical systems: Methods and devices are provided for performing translumenal (e.g., transoral and transanal) procedures. In general, the methods and devices utilize a trocar assembly or trocar end cap that can facilitate insertion of an endoscope through tissue. In one embodiment, a flexible trocar assembly is provided and includes an obturator having... Agent: Nutter Mcclennen & Fish LLP

20070260274 - Instrument for producing a skin opening for minimally invasive surgery: For producing a skin opening for minimally invasive surgery an instrument is employed, comprising a grip (10) and a puncture awl (16). The puncture awl (16) is provided on the distal end of a grip (10), which distal end forms a stop surface (12), which limits the penetration depth of... Agent: Akerman Senterfitt

20070260276 - Transesophageal gastric reduction device, system and method: A gastric reduction system and method provides for transesophageal formation of a gastric reduction pouch of the stomach. The system includes an expandable structure which may be placed in a stomach and expanded to occupy a fractional volume of the stomach. An evacuator is then fed through the expandable structure... Agent: Richard O. Gray, Jr. Graybeal Jackson Haley LLP

20070260277 - Tubular shaft instrument: A tubular shaft instrument, in particular for the minimally invasive surgery, includes a shaft tube (10), an actuating element (12) axially displaceable in the shaft tube (10) and a grip provided at the proximal end of the tubular shaft instrument in the instrument axis. The grip includes two grip shanks... Agent: Akerman Senterfitt

20070260278 - Systems and methods of tissue closure: Apparatus, systems, and methods are described for closing the base of a left atrial appendage or other tissue structure. A tissue closure device comprises a pair of legs having compliant surfaces for engaging against opposite sides of the tissue structure. A plurality of axially spaced-apart tissue-penetrating fasteners are delivered from... Agent: Townsend And Townsend And Crew, LLP

20070260279 - Yarns containing thermoplastic elastomer copolymer and polyolefin filaments: Braids and surgical devices are made from yarns that include at least one filament made from a thermoplastic elastomer copolymer and at least one filament made from a polyolefin material.... Agent: Covidien

20070260280 - Gemstone display pacifier: A pacifier assembly includes a teat holder component having a teat connector on a first side thereof and a display face on a second side thereof. A soft elastomeric pacifier teat is preferably securely mounted to the teat connector. A plurality of gemstones is mounted to the display face, preferably... Agent: Knoble, Yoshida & Dunleavy

20070255263 - Lacrimal passage treatment instrument: A sheath as a lacrimal passage treatment instrument is provided. The sheath is composed of a flexible tube that is bendable and self-standable and has an outside diameter insertable into a lacrimal passage, and has both ends opened. One of the ends of the sheath has a decreasing wall thickness... Agent: Snell & Wilmer LLP (oc)

20070255269 - Multi-channel radio frequency generator for high-frequency thermal treatment: A multi-channel radio frequency generator for high-frequency thermal treatment is used in combination with a plurality of electrodes. The multi-channel radio frequency generator includes an oscillator for producing a high-frequency, a waveform modulator part for modulating an waveform of the high-frequency generated by the oscillator, first to third amplifying channels... Agent: Ladas & Parry

20070255285 - Devices, apparatus, and methods for disc augmentation: A system for treating an annular defect of an intervertebral disc is provided. The system comprises a cannula for accessing a nucleus pulposus of the intervertebral disc, an expandable spacing device, and a material delivery instrument. The expandable spacing device has a first deflated position and a second inflated position.... Agent: Haynes And Boone, LLP

20070255287 - Apparatus and methods for reinforcing bone: Apparatuses and methods for reinforcing weakened or fractured bone are disclosed. An apparatus for delivering a bone reinforcing mixture to a bone includes a tube having a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis therebetween, wherein the tube has at least one inner lumen capable of allowing a... Agent: Greenberg Traurig, LLP

20070255264 - Extending small-gauge illuminator: A variable-rigidity, small-gauge illuminator is disclosed, one embodiment being a small-gauge illumination surgical system comprising: a light source for providing a light beam; an optical cable, optically coupled to the light source for receiving and transmitting the light beam; a handpiece, operably coupled to the optical cable; an optical fiber,... Agent: Armando Pastrana, Jr. Alcon Research, Ltd.

20070255265 - Localized flashlamp skin treatments: A flashlamp device having a small diameter waveguide is disclosed for use in localized dermatological applications. A preferred waveguide has a curvilinear wall surface. The waveguide is supported by a plurality of spaced apart thermally-conductive elements in contact with the curvilinear wall surface allowing sufficient cooling of the waveguide while... Agent: Stallman & Pollock LLP

20070255266 - Method and device to inactivate and kill cells and organisms that are undesirable: A method, means, and apparatus to prevent and treat infections and disorders using germicidal light to inactivate and/or kill the organisms or cells that cause infections and other disorders. The method of treatment comprises irradiating the area to be treated using electromagnetic radiation of a germicidal nature. The method utilizes... Agent: Merek, Blackmon & Voorhees, LLC

20070255267 - Method of thermal treatment of myolysis and destruction of benign uterine tumors: A high-power ultrasound heating applicator for minimally-invasive thermal treatment of uterine fibroids or myomas. High-intensity interstitial ultrasound, applied with minimally-invasive laparoscopic or hysteroscopic procedures, is used to effectively treat fibroids within the myometrium in lieu of major surgery. The applicators are configured with high-power capabilities and thermal penetration to treat... Agent: John P. O'banion O'banion & Ritchey LLP

20070255268 - Method for performing an endoscopic mucosal resection: A method for resecting tissue from an organ of a patient, the organ being comprised of at least a first layer, a second layer and a third layer, the method including the steps of providing an EMR device with access to the organ, the EMR device including at least one... Agent: Mark P. Levy

20070255270 - Intraluminal guidance system using bioelectric impedance: A system using bioelectric impedance to guide a flexible elongate transluminal device through an occlusion in a vessel. The device can be a guidewire or a device for performing an atherectomy, discectomy, ablation or similar technique. The device includes a first electrode disposed on a distal portion of the device.... Agent: Medtronic Vascular, Inc.IPLegal Department

20070255271 - High frequency power source: A high frequency electrosurgical power generator configured to produce electrical power at a frequency of about 1 to about 14 MHz and preferably having an essentially sinusoidal waveform with a voltage level up to 1,000 Vrms, and a current level up to 5 Amps. The output of the high frequency... Agent: Edward J. Lynch

20070255273 - Devices for use in transluminal and endoluminal surgery: The present invention is a device and method of using a variety of laparoscopic or NOTES surgical tools at a confined or inaccessible space, e.g., an intra-abdominal surgical and NOTES tool inserted through a single incision through the skin or hollow viscus. Generally, the laparoscopic or NOTES surgical devices include... Agent: Chalker Flores, LLP

20070255272 - Disposable/removable tubing set for use with an electrosurgical instrument: A tubing set attaches to an electrosurgical instrument having one or more tines to provide irrigation. The tubing set includes a length of tubing having a connector fitting on the proximal end to connect to a fluid source. A distal end of the tubing connects to a nose piece that... Agent: Weingarten, Schurgin, Gagnebin & Lebovici LLP

20070255274 - Method and kit for treatment of tissue: These and other objects of the present invention are achieved in a method for creating a desired tissue effect. An RF electrode is provided that includes a conductive portion. The RF electrode is coupled to a fluid delivery member that delivers a cooling fluidic medium to a back surface of... Agent: Wood, Herron & Evans, LLP

20070255276 - Methods and devices for ablation: An ablating device has a cover which holds an interface material such as a gel. The cover contains the interface material during initial placement of the device. The ablating device may also have a removable tip or a membrane filled with fluid. In still another aspect, the ablating device may... Agent: Sjm/afd-wiley

20070255275 - Sheath assembly for an access device and method therefor: Devices and methods provide accurate targeting, placement, and/or stabilization of an electrode or other instrument(s) into the brain or other body organ, such as to treat severe tremor or other neurological disorders. Targeting is performed using any form of image-guidance, including real-time MRI, CT, or frameless surgical navigation systems.... Agent: Harness, Dickey & Pierce, P.L.C

20070255278 - Apparatus and method for deploying a cutting element during an endoscopic mucosal resection: A deployable cutting element assembly including an electrically insulated shaft defining an internal channel extending at least partially therethrough, the shaft including a distal portion and a proximal portion, and an electrically conductive wire including a proximal portion extending through the internal channel and a distal portion disposed external of... Agent: Thompson Hine L.L.P. Intellectual Property Group

20070255277 - Apparatus and method for performing an endoscopic mucosal resection: A surgical device including an elongated shaft having a distal end and a proximal end, an arm pivotally connected to the distal end and moveable through a dissection plane, and a cutting element disposed on the arm and adapted to move from an un-deployed configuration to a deployed configuration, wherein... Agent: Thompson Hine L.L.P. Intellectual Property Group

20070255279 - Electrosurgical instrument which reduces collateral damage to adjacent tissue: An electrode assembly for use in combination with an electrosurgical instrument having opposing end effectors and a handle for effecting movement of the end effectors relative to one another. The electrode assembly includes a housing having one portion which is removably engageable with the electrosurgical instrument and a pair of... Agent: Covidien

20070255280 - External fixation apparatus and method: Apparatuses and methods for externally fixing and precisely adjusting fractures, such as fractures near the ankle, are disclosed. In one embodiment, an external fixation apparatus includes a first member attachable to a first bone segment through pins, a second member coupled to the first member through a lockable ball joint,... Agent: Chief Patent Counsel Smith & Nephew, Inc.

20070255282 - Dilating stylet and cannula: An instrument set is provided that has a tapered configuration that facilitates the insertion of the instrument set into a patient.... Agent: Martin & Ferraro, LLP

20070255281 - Method for use of dilating stylet and cannula: In one preferred aspect, a method is provided for inserting an instrument set having a tapered configuration into a patient. In another preferred aspect, a method is provided for inserting a cannula having an external threaded portion into bone. In yet another preferred aspect, a method is provided for forming... Agent: Martin & Ferraro, LLP

20070255283 - Humeral nail: A humeral nail for the surgical care of fractures of the proximal humerus, with a shaft which has a longitudinal axis and is provided in a proximal portion with at least transverse bores spaced apart in the axial direction. The axis of the three bores is circumferentially offset in respect... Agent: Lerner, David, Littenberg, Krumholz & Mentlik

20070255284 - Orthopedic implant apparatus: An orthopedic implant apparatus is disclosed, an embodiment of which includes an elongated member receiving portion with at least one attaching portion for attaching a reducing instrument. The attaching portion(s) may be located adjacent a channel in the receiving portion that receives the elongated member. A reducing instrument can be... Agent: Woodard, Emhardt, Moriarty, Mcnett & Henry LLP

20070255286 - Devices, apparatus, and methods for improved disc augmentation: A system for controlling a nucleus pulposus augmentation procedure for an intervertebral disc comprises a powered actuation device and a control device for controlling an operating parameter of the actuation device. The system further comprises a space creating instrument including a spacing portion for forming a space within the nucleus... Agent: Haynes And Boone, LLP

20070255288 - Methods of predetermining the contour of a resected bone surface and assessing the fit of a prosthesis on the bone: Methods for predetermining a contour of a resected bone surface and assessing a fit of a prosthesis on the resected bone surface, for designing prostheses to fit discrete patient populations, and for designing customized prostheses.... Agent: Zimmer Technology - Baker & Daniels

20070255289 - Endoscopic instrument with rotational and axial motion control: An elongate medical instrument has an operative tip that is translatable and rotatable. A Translation and rotation are effectuated by the same elongate shifter member. The shifter member rotates together with a tubular catheter member about a longitudinal axis of the instrument. The simultaneous rotation enables the user to rotate... Agent: Coleman Sudol Sapone, P.C.

20070255290 - Tonsillith removing device: A tonsillith removing device for use in removing tonsillith and other undesired matter from a user's tonsil crypts is described. The device comprises a suction channel element and a suction mechanism unit. The suction force is provided by an electric fan installed in the suction mechanism unit housing. The device... Agent: Hongjun Pan

20070255292 - X-ray c-arm system, frame for a flat-panel x-ray detector of an x-ray c-arm system and method for technical support of targeting during puncturing of a patient: A puncturing needle holder is attached to a flat-panel x-ray detector such that it is visible in the x-ray image as a point. The point can involve the crossing area of two struts, which are attached to the flat-panel x-ray detector. Mappings are created in which on the one hand... Agent: Siemens Corporation Intellectual Property Department

20070255291 - Flexible instrument: A robotic medical system comprises a catheter having an elongated shaft with a plurality of flexible segments spaced apart along the catheter, and a drive unit coupled to the catheter. The catheter may have a plurality of cables respectively terminating at the flexible segments, in which case, the drive unit... Agent: VistaIPLaw Group LLP

20070255293 - Device for collecting small diameter hair grafts: The invention relates to a device for collecting small diameter hair grafts comprising a portable cutting tool (1) which is consists of a tool-holder body (2), a cylindrical tool provided with a hollow axle (4) for inserting hollow needle (5, 17, 25) whose diameter ranges from 0.7 to 2 mm,... Agent: Arent Fox PLLC

20070255294 - Medical device with enhanced effect of cell regeneration and the method thereof: The present invention relates to a medical device with a cell-regenerating effect and its manufacturing method. In detail, this device is manufactured by coating polydioxanone monofilament with collagen. The medical device enhances cell regeneration as it stimulates the closure of the incised area, and it shows a hemostatic effect and... Agent: Birch Stewart Kolasch & Birch

20070255295 - Sutureless implantable medical device fixation: A device comprises a medical implant and an actively deployable clip attached to the medical implant that operates to restrict movement of the medical implant once the actively deployable clip is deployed within a body of a patient. In some embodiments, the medical implant is an electrical lead for electrical... Agent: Shumaker & Sieffert, P. A.

20070255296 - Medical instrument to place a pursestring suture, open a hole and pass a guidewire: A therapeutic instrument for the ergonomic, effective and safe opening and closing of targeted remote tissue sites; includes a pistol grip style handle with a hand activated lever for needle deployment and, optionally, with features to control tissue cutting and guide wire installation; also incorporates a specialized elongated rigid or... Agent: Stephen B. Salai, Esq. Harter, Secrest & Emery LLP

20070255297 - Apparatus for cutting a corneal epithelial cover: Device for cutting a corneal epithelial cover includes a fixing ring (1), a suction source (4), a cutting head (5) which is movably mounted on the ring (1) and an oscillating blade (10), elements (7, 8) for actuating the cutting head movements with respect to the ring and elements for... Agent: Young & Thompson

20070255298 - Disposable safety scalpel with reusable handle: A blade assembly for a surgical scalpel that includes a blade carrier with a blade attached one end thereof. A protective cover covers the blade and blade holder. The blade carrier has a detent and the protective cover has a latch in releasable engagement with the detent to hold the... Agent: Alix Yale & Ristas LLP

20070255299 - Dual-bend sphinctertome: Disclosed herein are devices and methods for forming multidirectional cuts in tissue. The tissue cutting devices disclosed herein generally include a flexible elongate member with at least first and second wires that are at least partially constrained within or along a portion of the member. A distal portion of the... Agent: Nutter Mcclennen & Fish LLP

20070255300 - Loosely coupled lancet: A low-pain lancing device includes a drive mechanism for loosely engaging a lancet and driving the lancet along an axial path. The drive mechanism has a first coupling element and the lancet has a second coupling element, which together form a loose coupling therebetween, wherein interaction between the first and... Agent: Gardner Groff Greenwald & Villanueva. PC

20070255301 - Method and apparatus for a multi-use body fluid sampling device with sterility barrier release: A device for use with a gripper is provided. A cartridge is provided that defines a plurality of cavities. A plurality of penetrating members are at least partially contained in the cavities of the cartridge. The penetrating members are slidably movable to extend outward from the cartridge to penetrate tissue.... Agent: Heller Ehrman LLP

20070255302 - Compact multi-use lancing device: A multi-use micro-sampling or lancing device (10) having an outer housing (12), a lancet holder (32) that engages a lancet (30) and constrains the lancet along a controlled and predefined path of travel during the lancing stroke, and a drive mechanism with a pair of opposed, off axis torsion springs... Agent: Gardner Groff Greenwald & Villanueva. PC

20070255304 - Devices for creating passages and sensing for blood vessels: Devices and methods are disclosed for creating passages in tissue and detecting blood vessels in and around the passages. The devices may be used to create channels for altering gaseous flow within a lung to improve the expiration cycle of an individual, particularly individuals having Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).... Agent: Levine Bagade Han LLP

20070255303 - Integrated guidewire needle knife device: Devices and methods for translumenal access are provided. In one embodiment, a device for translumenal access includes an elongate member having proximal and distal ends and a lumen extending therethrough. A tissue-penetrating wire can extend through the lumen, and in use the wire can be selectively movable between a retracted... Agent: Nutter Mcclennen & Fish LLP

20070255305 - Percutaneous dilation apparatus: A percutaneous dilation apparatus is shown. The apparatus is useful for forming and enlarging percutaneous penetrations to a variety of target locations within a patient's body for multiple purposes. The apparatus includes an elongate dilation tube, a plurality of elongate expansion members disposed in a nested concentric arrangement around the... Agent: Kimberly-clark Worldwide, Inc. Catherine E. Wolf

20070255306 - Flexible endoscopic safety needle: Various methods and devices are provided for penetrating tissue. In one embodiment, a tissue-penetrating device is provided and includes a flexible hollow elongate shaft having a tissue-penetrating tip at a distal end thereof, and a plunger disposed within the tissue-penetrating tip. The plunger can be movable relative to the tissue-penetrating... Agent: Nutter Mcclennen & Fish LLP

20070255307 - Hemorrhoid reduction apparatus and method: A hemorrhoid reduction device including a body having a longitudinal axis, an apex on the longitudinal axis and a bottom opposite the apex. The body has an outer side wall at an angle to the longitudinal axis such that the body generally narrows from the bottom to the apex. There... Agent: Husch & Eppenberger, LLC

20070255308 - Procedural cannula for transgastric surgical procedures: In a system and method for performing a treatment within a body cavity, an elongate cannula is provided having one or more distally positioned expandable elements. An incision is formed in body tissue to gain access to a body cavity. A distal portion of the cannula is extended through the... Agent: Stallman & Pollock LLP

20070255309 - Nasal dilator: A nasal dilator that includes an upper resilient member for dilating the nasal valve and a lower resilient member for dilating the nostrils. The upper resilient member and lower resilient member may be attached to one another by a flexible substrate having a middle portion that is narrower in length... Agent: Renner Otto Boisselle & Sklar, LLP

20070255310 - System and method for controlling pressure in a surgical tourniquet using a remote unit: The present invention is a surgical tourniquet controller which receives operational parameters from a remote unit, allowing flow components associated with controlling a surgical tourniquet to be collocated with a surgical tourniquet in use, while allowing an operator of the tourniquet to operate the flow components from a remote location,... Agent: Reed Smith LLP

20070255312 - Medical instrument having an end-effector-associated member: A medical instrument includes a medical-end-effector-associated member and resiliently flexible first, second and third elongate members. The medical-end-effector-associated member has a rigid portion positionable within a patient. The first, second and third elongate members each have a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The distal end portions of... Agent: Thompson Hine L.L.P. Intellectual Property Group

20070255311 - Treatment tool for endoscope and medical procedure: A treatment tool for an endoscope according to the present invention includes: an outer sheath to be inserted into a channel of an endoscope; a forcep sheath which is movably arranged in the outer sheath along an axial direction; a plurality of forcep cups which are attached to a distal... Agent: Scully Scott Murphy & Presser, PC

20070255313 - Access and closure device and method: Devices and methods for accessing and closing vascular sites are disclosed. Self-sealing closure devices and methods are disclosed. A device that can make both steeply sloping and flat access paths into a vascular lumen is disclosed. The device can also form arteriotomies with sections cleaved between a vessel's intima and... Agent: Morrison & Foerster LLP

20070255314 - Tissue puncture closure device with automatic torque sensing tamping system: Methods and apparatus for sealing a puncture or incision formed percutaneously in tissue separating two internal portions of the body of a living being with an anchor, a sealing plug and a filament connecting the anchor and sealing plug are disclosed. The methods and apparatus provide for automatic tamping of... Agent: L. Grant Foster Holland Hart LLP

20070255315 - Method and apparatus for solid organ tissue approximation: Devices and methods are disclosed for achieving hemostasis in solid visceral wounds. Such devices and methods are especially useful in the emergency, trauma surgery or military setting. In such cases, the patient may have received trauma to the abdominal viscera. The devices utilize flexible, variable depth transfixing bolts that penetrate... Agent: Jay A. Lenker

20070255316 - Device and method for temporary vessel occlusion: A method of occluding a vessel, comprises forming an incision through tissue covering the vessel to expose a portion of the vessel and looping a first suture around the vessel such that ends of the first suture extend out of the incision in combination with closing the incision with the... Agent: Fay Kaplun & Marcin, LLP

20070255317 - Suture passer devices and uses thereof: Systems, apparatuses and methods for securing tissue to bone using a bone anchoring system are described. Methods and apparatuses may allow transformation between locked and unlocked states, thereby allowing adjustment of the tension in the suture. The apparatus and/or methods may allow unidirectional movement of a suture, while preventing slippage... Agent: Meyertons, Hood, Kivlin, Kowert & Goetzel, P.C.