Surgery inventions 04/08

20080097413 - Apparatus and method for positioning and orientation of medical instruments: This invention relates to a method and an apparatus for positioning, orientation and insertion of a medical device. The apparatus comprising a first pentagonal mechanism which offers two degrees of freedom, and a second pentagonal mechanism which offers three degrees of freedom of motion. The two are aligned along a... Agent: National Research Council Of Canada 1200 Montreal Road

20080097414 - Optical ear infection treatment device and method: Optical ear infection treatment device and methods are described where an LED and optical light pipe are used to deliver the light from the LED to the middle ear of a patient to reduce bacterial growth and/or eliminate bacteria. Typically, the device is placed in the ear and then activated... Agent: Levine Bagade Han LLP

20080097421 - Thermocouple mesh system for a medical device: The present invention includes a medical device providing for the measurement and/or monitoring of the thermal conditions and/or environment existing across a substantial portion of a thermal element disposed on the medical device and the corresponding tissue region being treated by the device. The medical device of the present invention... Agent: Christopher & Weisberg, P.A.

20080097424 - Electrode markers and methods of use: An energy delivery device for treating tissue regions in a body conduit, such as a lung airway, may utilize one or more markers, rings, bands, or other visual indicators along an outer surface of the device body. The one or more visual indicators facilitate guidance of the device to effectively... Agent: Perkins Coie LLP Patent Sea

20080097428 - Method for dynamically adjusting operation of a surgical handpiece: Method and system for adjusting the amount of energy delivered to a handpiece of a surgical system based on feedback. A table is generated that correlates differences between voltages and rates of change of a voltage of the output of a charging element of the surgical system. Charge values of... Agent: Alcon

20080097430 - Anterior cruciate ligament tether: A device and method to provide a surgically inserted internal tether between the femur and tibia is provided which will prevent distraction of the healing anterior cruciate ligament in all degrees of flexion and extension, at all times. The anterior cruciate ligament tether preserves the four-bar cruciate linkage, critical for... Agent: Joseph Bernstein

20080097434 - Dynamic stabilization system: The present invention relates to a dynamic stabilization system (DSS) having at least one rod having a ring formed therein (“the spring”) and a pair of pedicle screws adapted for fixation to separate vertebrae.... Agent: Philip S. Johnson Johnson & Johnson

20080097432 - Flexible bone fixation device: A bone fixation device comprises a beam including plurality of stacked flexible members. At least one locking member is provided in engagement with the plurality of stacked flexible members. The at least one locking member is configured to retain the plurality of stacked flexible members together in either a locked... Agent: Maginot, Moore & Beck, LLP Chase Tower

20080097431 - Flexible spinal stabilization: The invention regards spinal stabilization. It may include a spinal support system having spinal anchors and a bridge coupled to the anchors wherein the bridge has a length with a more flexible section and a less-flexible section. The less flexible section may be at an end of the bridge and... Agent: Kenyon & Kenyon LLP

20080097435 - Instruments and methods for spinal implant revision: Instruments and methods are provided for re-positioning and extracting spinal implants in a space between vertebrae. The instruments can include rotater instruments, hook instruments, and extractor instruments engageable to the implant.... Agent: Krieg Devault LLP

20080097433 - Methods for correcting spinal deformities: The present application is directed to devices and methods for correcting a spinal deformity. A spacer is positioned between processes that extend outward from a pair of vertebral members. A force applicator is operatively connected to apply a force to the vertebral members. The spacer then acts as a fulcrum... Agent: Coats & Bennett, PLLC

20080097441 - Systems and methods for posterior dynamic stabilization of the spine: Systems and devices for dynamically stabilizing the spine are provided. The systems include a superior component for attachment to a superior vertebra of a spinal motion segment and an inferior component for attachment to an inferior vertebral of a spinal motion segment. The interconnection between the two components enables the... Agent: Rimas Lukas Vertiflex, Inc.

20080097444 - Apparatus and method for body tissue fixation: A body tissue fixation apparatus includes a plate having oppositely disposed outer and tissue-contacting surfaces, and at least one fixation hole extending between the outer and tissue-contacting surfaces along a longitudinal axis. The fixation hole is defined in part by an inner hole surface having at least one serration. The... Agent: Tarolli, Sundheim, Covell & Tummino L.L.P.

20080097445 - Bone fixation system: A bone fixation system includes a plurality of bone plate elements, each of which includes a plurality of connecting members. At least one of the bone plate elements includes at least one of a first type of the connecting members, and at least one other of the bone plate elements... Agent: Brooks Kushman P.C.

20080097442 - Method and device for improving the function of taper locks used for spinal stabilization: A locking system for use in spinal implantation has a plate member with a screw-receiving hole and a bone screw with a shank threaded at one end and having a head at the other end. The screw has a primary locking feature for engaging a screw-receiving hole in which it... Agent: Standley Law Group LLP

20080097443 - Plating systems for bone fixation: The present invention provides systems and methods for bone fixation, and in particular, systems and methods for fusion of human cervical spine from the anterior aspect. To that end, some of the embodiments of the invention are directed to plate systems for aligning and maintaining adjacent cervical vertebrae in a... Agent: Mintz Levin Cohn Ferris Glovsky & Popeo

20080097447 - Orthopedic plate system: An orthopedic medical apparatus and methods are disclosed, among which are a cylindrical orthopedic plate and clamps and fixation members for attaching the plate to tissue such as bone tissue. In one embodiment, the plate includes sides and ends that are cylindrical, and the clamps are adapted to fit thereto.... Agent: Woodard, Emhardt, Moriarty, Mcnett & Henry LLP

20080097448 - Rotatable bone plate: The present invention relates generally to a bone plate for stabilizing bony structures. More particularly, the invention is directed to bone plates having an elongate body to which an integrated rod is formed. Integrated rod portion may be captured by a bone anchor with a receiving member. The bone plate... Agent: Globus Medical, Inc. Attn: Brian Malm

20080097450 - Patella clamp: A patella clamp is provided for clamping a patella. The patella clamp includes a first clamp member engageable with the patella and a second clamp member mountable in opposing relative moving relationship to the first clamp member. The patella clamp may be used to perform a variety of procedures on... Agent: John F. Hoffman, Esq. Baker & Daniels LLP

20080097451 - Surgical tool assembly for total knee arthroplasty: A surgical tool assembly for Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA) including a femoral intra-medullary (IM) rod, a femoral intra-medullary (IM) alignment guide, a distal femoral alignment guide, and a distal femoral cutting guide. After the femoral IM alignment guide is selected to fit the valgus angle and utilized with the femoral... Agent: Rabin & Berdo, PC

20080097453 - Method for forming a tunnel in a bone: A method for forming a tunnel in a bone. The method includes forming a first tunnel in the bone, the tunnel having a longitudinal axis, inserting a first drill guide into the first tunnel, supporting a first tunnel-forming device along an axis defining a first offset relative the longitudinal axis... Agent: Harness, Dickey & Pierce, P.L.C

20080097455 - Force dissipating impactor device: A force dissipating impactor device is comprises a bar member including a hollow shaft, a first end, and a second end. The first end of the impactor device provides an impaction surface and the opposite second end of the impactor device provides an implant engagement surface. The implant engagement surface... Agent: Maginot, Moore & Beck, LLP Chase Tower

20080097454 - Instruments and methods for spinal implant revision: Instruments and methods are provided for re-positioning and extracting spinal implants in a space between vertebrae. The instruments can include rotater instruments, hook instruments, and extractor instruments engageable to the implant.... Agent: Krieg Devault LLP

20080097415 - Endoprobe: An endoprobe for ophthalmic microsurgery for intraocular treatment of the eye and that affords a surgeon good visibility regardless of the distance from the treatment site in the eye. The endoprobe includes a stainless steel cannula enclosing one or more optical fibers and a laser fiber. A distal end of... Agent: Patterson, Thuente, Skaar & Christensen, P.A.

20080097416 - Methods for treating eye conditions: Architectures and techniques for treating conditions of the eye, such as presbyopia, utilize sources of treatment energy, such as electromagnetic energy emitting devices, to implement non-corneal manipulations. According to these devices and methods, the sources of treatment energy are activated to direct energy onto parts of the eye, such as... Agent: Stout, Uxa, Buyan & Mullins LLP

20080097417 - Methods for treating eye conditions: Architectures and techniques for treating conditions of the eye, such as presbyopia, utilize sources of treatment energy, such as electromagnetic energy emitting devices, to implement non-corneal manipulations. According to these devices and methods, the sources of treatment energy are activated to direct energy onto parts of the eye, such as... Agent: Stout, Uxa, Buyan & Mullins LLP

20080097418 - Methods for treating eye conditions: Architectures and techniques for treating conditions of the eye, such as presbyopia, utilize sources of treatment energy, such as electromagnetic energy emitting devices, to implement non-corneal manipulations. According to these devices and methods, the sources of treatment energy are activated to direct energy onto parts of the eye, such as... Agent: Stout, Uxa, Buyan & Mullins LLP

20080097419 - System and method for flexible architecture for dematologic treatments utilizing multiple light sources: A system and method for providing light treatments to a patients skin, which could include both dermal and epidermal regions. The system and method utilize multiple hand pieces where each hand piece can deliver light from a different light source. The system and method provide for control over the different... Agent: Stallman & Pollock LLP

20080097420 - Eye surgical instrument: An eye surgical instrument, comprising at least one optical fiber for lighting of the interior of the eye, which at least one optical fiber, at a free end thereof, is provided with a light exit and with a stop situated at a distance from the free ends which stop defines... Agent: Swanson & Bratschun, L.L.C.

20080097422 - Graphical user interface for association with an electrode structure deployed in contact with a tissue region: Systems and methods deploy an electrode structure in contact with the tissue region. The electrode structure carries a sensor at a known location on the electrode structure to monitor an operating condition. The systems and methods provide an interface, which generate an idealized image of the electrode structure and an... Agent: Daniel D. Ryan Ryan Kromholz & Manion, S.c.

20080097423 - Epilating apparatus: s

20080097427 - Devices and methods for treatment of luminal tissue: Devices and methods are provided for treatment of tissue in a body lumen with an electrode deployment device. Embodiments typically include a device with a plurality of electrodes having a pre-selected electrode density arranged on the surface of a support. The support may comprise a non-distensible electrode backing that is... Agent: Shay Glenn LLP

20080097425 - Electrosurgical ablation apparatus and method: The present invention relates to the field of electrosurgery, and more particularly to a system that produces a focused plasma for tissue ablation. The system includes a probe and a remote source of a conductive liquid media for providing a flow through the probe that functions as an electrode. A... Agent: Csaba Truckai

20080097426 - Percutaneous catheter and guidewire for filtering during ablation of myocardial or vascular tissue: An ablation catheter system for capturing and removing necrotic tissue and thrombi generated during an ablative procedure is disclosed. The catheter typically includes an elongate member, a filtration assembly disposed within the distal region, and an ablation instrument at the distal end. Alternatively, the ablation instrument is carried on the... Agent: Crompton, Seager & Tufte, LLC

20080097429 - Fluid-assisted medical devices, systems and methods: A medical device is provided which comprises a catheter tube having a distal end and a lumen, and configured to assist in applying tamponage to a bleeding source in a gastrointestinal tract when flexed. A catheter tip having a catheter tip outer surface is assembled with the tube adjacent the... Agent: Merchant & Gould P.C. Attention Of Randall Hillson

20080097437 - Facet arthroplasty devices and methods: Devices and surgical methods treat various types of adult spinal pathologies, such as degenerative spondylolisthesis, spinal stenosis, degenerative lumbar scoliosis, and kypho-scoliosis. Various types of spinal joint replacement prostheses, surgical procedures for performing spinal joint replacements, and surgical instruments are used to perform the surgical procedures.... Agent: Shay Glenn LLP

20080097438 - Facet arthroplasty devices and methods: Devices and surgical methods treat various types of adult spinal pathologies, such as degenerative spondylolisthesis, spinal stenosis, degenerative lumbar scoliosis, and kypho-scoliosis. Various types of spinal joint replacement prostheses, surgical procedures for performing spinal joint replacements, and surgical instruments are used to perform the surgical procedures.... Agent: Shay Glenn LLP

20080097439 - Facet arthroplasty devices and methods: Devices and surgical methods treat various types of adult spinal pathologies, such as degenerative spondylolisthesis, spinal stenosis, degenerative lumbar scoliosis, and kypho-scoliosis. Various types of spinal joint replacement prostheses, surgical procedures for performing spinal joint replacements, and surgical instruments are used to perform the surgical procedures.... Agent: Shay Glenn LLP

20080097436 - Method and apparatus for spinal fixation: Fusion of cervical spinal vertebrae with one or more fixation devices can be accomplished with the described tools and methods. For example, a guidewire introducer can include a tubular introducer cannula and a handle. The handle can be angularly offset from the introducer cannula such that positioning of the introducer... Agent: Knobbe Martens Olson & Bear LLP

20080097440 - Prostheses, systems and methods for replacement of natural facet joints with artificial facet joint surfaces: Cephalad and caudal vertebral facet joint prostheses and methods of use are provided. The prostheses provide an artificial facet joint structure including an artificial articular configuration unlike the preexisting articular configuration. The radii and material stress values of the prostheses are configured to sustain contact stress. The cephalad prosthesis provides... Agent: Shay Glenn LLP

20080097446 - Prostheses, systems and methods for replacement of natural facet joints with artificial facet joint surfaces: Cephalad and caudal vertebral facet joint prostheses and methods of use are provided. The prostheses provide an artificial facet joint structure including an artificial articular configuration unlike the preexisting articular configuration. The radii and material stress values of the prostheses are configured to sustain contact stress. The cephalad prosthesis provides... Agent: Shay Glenn LLP

20080097449 - Annulus repair systems, instruments and techniques: Systems and methods for repairing annulus defects include at least one blocking member positionable in or adjacent to the annulus defect, and at least one anchor for securing the blocking member to adjacent tissue recessed into the adjacent vertebrae. The blocking member extends at least partially across the annulus defect... Agent: Krieg Devault LLP

20080097452 - Method and apparatus for spinal distraction: Disclosed are surgical tools, tool sets and methods for percutaneously accessing and preparing treatment sites within the spine for subsequent treatment procedures. The treatment site may be an inter-vertebral motion segments in the lumbar and sacral regions of the spine. The tool set may comprise introducer tools and bone dilators... Agent: Knobbe Martens Olson & Bear LLP

20080097456 - Device for measuring the internal rotation of a hip joint: s

20080097457 - Pedicle screw systems and methods of assembling/installing the same: The pedicle screw system may be used for fixation of spinal segments and may be advantageous when minimally invasive surgery (MIS) techniques are employed. The pedicle screw system includes a tulip assembly comprising of a tulip body, a inner member, and an expansion member. Installation of the pedicle screw system... Agent: Bryan G. Pratt Rader, Fishman & Grauer PLLC

20080097458 - Drive tool for orthopedic screws: A drive tool for accepting and rotationally locking the head portion of an orthopedic screw, such as a dental implant, to impart driving torque to the screw. In one exemplary embodiment, the drive tool includes an elongate body having an opening at its proximal end which is sized to receive... Agent: Fitch Even Tabin And Flannery

20080097460 - Intraocular lens delivery system with temperature control: An intraocular lens delivery system has an injector body, a plunger, a nozzle portion, and a heater. The plunger is slidably movable within the injector body. The nozzle portion is located on a distal end of the injector body and has a hollow interior adapted for receiving the intraocular lens.... Agent: Alcon

20080097461 - Method of delivering temperature controlled intraocular lens: A method of delivering an intraocular lens into an eye is disclosed. The intraocular lens is heated. The intraocular lens is maintained within a desired temperature range. The intraocular lens is injected into the eye when the intraocular lens is within the desired temperature range.... Agent: Alcon

20080097459 - Device for the insertion of deformable intra-ocular lenses: The invention relates to a device for inserting deformable intraocular lenses. Said device comprises a housing (1) for receiving an intraocular lens in an elastically deformed state, a cannula (3), and an advancing mechanism (4-10) for transporting the intraocular lens through the cannula (3) into an eye. The injector is... Agent: Squire, Sanders & Dempsey L.L.P.

20080097464 - Auxiliary balloon catheter: A balloon catheter may comprise a primary inflation balloon and a Secondary inflation balloon located to one side of the primary inflation balloon. The secondary balloon comprises a first portion and a second portion, the first portion located closer to the primary balloon. The second portion has a greater size... Agent: Vidas, Arrett & Steinkraus, P.A.

20080097463 - Devices for handling catheter assembly: A gripping device for a catheter assembly is disclosed providing enhanced gripping power for the operator of the catheter assembly. The gripping device is situated at the proximal portion of the catheter assembly and the proximal terminus of an external catheter sheath is attached near or to the body of... Agent: Moazzam & Associates, LLC

20080097465 - Guidewire manipulation device: One preferred embodiment includes a guidewire manipulation device for manipulating a guidewire during a procedure. Preferably, the guidewire manipulation device includes a powered motor that drives a tandem roller assembly. The guidewire is passed through a hole positioned lengthwise through the device where the roller assembly engages the guidewire's outer... Agent: Inskeep Intellectual Property Group, Inc

20080097462 - Implantable medical device detachment system and methods of using the same: An implantable medical device detachment system is provided with a carrier member having a compressible portion at a distal end thereof. The compressible portion is moved to a compressed condition to allow an engagement member of the system to releasably engage an implantable device, such as an embolic coil. The... Agent: Cook, Alex, Mcfarron, Manzo, Cummings & Mehler Ltd

20080097466 - Bariatric sleeve delivery devices: Method and apparatus for limiting absorption of food products in specific parts of the digestive system is presented. A gastrointestinal implant device is anchored in the stomach and extends beyond the ligament of Treitz. All food exiting the stomach is funneled through the device. The gastrointestinal device includes an anchor... Agent: Hamilton, Brook, Smith & Reynolds, P.C.

20080097472 - Episiotomy aid device: A device disclosed is a device for protecting soft tissues and for assisting in the performance of surgical procedure involving incision of tissues. The incision having a longitude section and two ends, and the device comprises a flexible sheet configured to be placed on the tissue, wherein the sheet outlines... Agent: Soroker-agmon Advocate And Patent Attorneys

20080097469 - Intrauterine access and procedure system with laterally deflectable sheath: Systems, methods, apparatus and devices for performing improved gynecologic and urologic procedures are disclosed. An intrauterine access and procedure system includes a laterally deflectable sheath. The various embodiments enable procedures to be performed outside the hospital setting, such as in a doctor's office or clinic.... Agent: Knobbe Martens Olson & Bear LLP

20080097467 - System and methods for preventing intravasation during intrauterine procedures: Systems, methods, apparatus and devices for performing improved gynecologic and urologic procedures are disclosed. Patient benefit is achieved through improved outcomes, reduced pain, especially peri-procedural pain, and reduced recovery times. The various embodiments enable procedures to be performed outside the hospital setting, such as in a doctor's office or clinic.... Agent: Knobbe Martens Olson & Bear LLP

20080097468 - Systems for performing gynecological procedures with closed visualization lumen: Systems, methods, apparatus and devices for performing improved gynecologic and urologic procedures are disclosed. An access sheath is provided with at least one lumen, and a lens attached thereto. The various embodiments enable procedures to be performed outside the hospital setting, such as in a doctor's office or clinic.... Agent: Knobbe Martens Olson & Bear LLP

20080097470 - Systems for performing gynecological procedures with mechanical distension: Systems, methods, apparatus and devices for performing improved gynecologic and urologic procedures are disclosed. The system and devices provide simplified use and reduced risk of adverse events. Patient benefit is achieved through improved outcomes, reduced pain, especially peri-procedural pain, and reduced recovery times. The various embodiments enable procedures to be... Agent: Knobbe Martens Olson & Bear LLP

20080097471 - Systems for performing gynecological procedures with simultaneous tissue cutting and removal: Systems, methods, apparatus and devices for performing improved gynecologic and urologic procedures are disclosed. The system is configured to permit simultaneous tissue cutting and removal from a target site. The various embodiments enable procedures to be performed outside the hospital setting, such as in a doctor's office or clinic.... Agent: Knobbe Martens Olson & Bear LLP

20080097473 - Treatment for post partum hemorrhage: The invention is directed to instruments and procedures using such instruments for temporarily reducing or terminating blood flow through a female patient's uterine artery to treat post partum hemorrhage (PPH). The uterine artery is occluded by a clamping device which includes a pair of pivotally connected clamping members, with each... Agent: Edward J. Lynch Duane Morris LLP

20080097474 - Method of perforating a biological membrane: Perforating a biological membrane by (i) obtaining a medical device having a longitudinally elongated shaft and a blunt tipped contact face disposed at the longitudinal distal end of the shaft, and (ii) concurrently pressing the contact face against a biological membrane and rotating the shaft about the longitudinal axis so... Agent: Sherrill Law Offices

20080097475 - Medical device position guidance system with wireless connectivity between a noninvasive device and an invasive device: A medical device position guidance system having a noninvasive medical device communicable with an invasive medical device. The system provides outputs useful to assess the position of an invasive medical device in an animal, such as a human. A magnetic field is used to gather information about the position of... Agent: Bell, Boyd & Lloyd, LLP

20080097477 - Marking catheter for placement using frameless stereotaxy and use thereof: A marking catheter made out of a flexible material and having a closed distal end and an open proximal end is provided. The marking catheter is sized and shaped to fit over the probe of a frameless stereotaxy system. One or more marking catheters may be positioned using the frameless... Agent: Reinhart Boerner Van Deuren S.c. Attn: Linda Kasulke, Docket Coordinator

20080097476 - Precision control systems for tissue visualization and manipulation assemblies: Precision control systems for tissue visualization and manipulation assemblies are described herein where such devices may utilise a variety of apparatus and methods for facilitating advancement, articulation, control, navigation, etc. of systems which may be used to visual and/or treat tissue regions. Additionally, methods and devices for enhancing navigation of... Agent: Levine Bagade Han LLP

20080097478 - Ligating band dispenser with a sliding deployment system: A ligating band dispenser for attachment to an endoscope having sliding elements that are positioned on the outer surface of a support structure of the ligating band dispenser. The sliding elements may be slidably engaged to the support structure. For example, the sliding elements may slide along a groove on... Agent: Kenyon & Kenyon LLP

20080097479 - Device and method for vascular closure: A vascular closure delivery system for closing a tissue wall opening is provided. In one embodiment, the vascular closure delivery system comprises a suturing apparatus and suture delivery unit and a suture knot system. The suturing apparatus and suture delivery unit comprises at least one tube, at least one leg,... Agent: Dorsey & Whitney LLP Intellectual Property Department

20080097480 - Internal suturing device leg suspension system and method of use: A suture delivery device for insertion into an internal tissue wall opening and delivery of a suturing apparatus to the internal tissue wall is provided. In one embodiment, the suture delivery device comprises at least one carrier tube, at least one leg, and a tensioning device. The at least one... Agent: Dorsey & Whitney LLP Intellectual Property Department

20080097481 - Method and device for automated needle deployment: An automated needle deployment device is provided. In one embodiment, the automated needle deployment device comprises a pusher, a needle, a tube, and an actuator. The pusher has a needle engaging end. The needle has a sharp end and an opposite end. A suture is associated with the needle. The... Agent: Dorsey & Whitney LLP Intellectual Property Department

20080097482 - Suture device having selective needle actuation and related method: Suturing instruments and methods for placing mattress stitches in soft tissue allowing the practitioner to selectively control placement of each stitch of the mattress stitch and/or place the stitch deeper into tissue by pulling tissue farther into the device are described herein.... Agent: Arthrocare Corporation

20080097484 - Knot pusher device: A knot pusher device for deploying a plurality of pretied knots to a surgical site is provided. In one embodiment, the knot pusher device comprises a shaft, an inner tubular member, and an inner rod, each having a proximal end and a distal end. The inner tubular member is provided... Agent: Dorsey & Whitney LLP Intellectual Property Department

20080097483 - Suture management: Various exemplary methods and devices are provided for tensioning suture. The methods and devices are particularly useful in surgical suturing applications in which it is desirable to maintain tension on suture being delivered, yet to allow the tension to be released as desired without retracting the suture. Thus, when tension... Agent: Nutter Mcclennen & Fish LLP

20080097485 - Device for wound suturing and hemostasis in the thoracic and the abdominal wall mainly in endoscopic operations: The aim of the device is to achieve direct and supervised complete closure of the Port Site wound. The following advantages will be procured simultaneously: 1. Preservation of the initial shape of the wound channel. 2. Preservation of the stable layer structure of the Port Site wound during the suturing.... Agent: Fay Sharpe LLP

20080097487 - Method and apparatus for adjusting a gastrointestinal restriction device: A gastrointestinal implant system includes an adjustable restriction device having a contact surface configured for at least partially engaging a surface of a gastrointestinal tract of a mammal. The implant system further includes an implantable interface including a first driving element, the first driving element being moveable and operatively coupled... Agent: VistaIPLaw Group LLP

20080097488 - Device for installing stasis reducing means in body tissue: Devices for insertion into an atrial appendage of stasis reducing components such as mesh members, chemical bonding agents or expandable anchors are disclosed.... Agent: Henricks Slavin And Holmes LLP Suite 200

20080097489 - Fixation devices, systems and methods for engaging tissue: The invention provides devices, systems and methods for tissue approximation and repair at treatment sites. The devices, systems and methods of the invention will find use in a variety of therapeutic procedures, including endovascular, minimally-invasive, and open surgical procedures, and can be used in various anatomical regions, including the abdomen,... Agent: Townsend And Townsend And Crew, LLP

20080097490 - Method for marking and connecting tissue: A surgical marker/connector can be provided in the form of a ring made of a fluoroscopic material, including a shape memory alloy such as NITINOL. The ring preferably includes a plurality of small suture attachments in the form of loops that are disposed on the periphery of the ring and... Agent: Rankin, Hill & Clark LLP

20080097486 - Systems and methods for direct restoration of foraminal volume: Systems and methods for directly restoring the volume of one or more intervertebral foramen (IVF) within a spine.... Agent: Jonathan Spangler Nu Vasive, Inc.

20080097491 - Tissue to tissue anchoring device and method of using the same: The invention describes a device and method for anchoring two or more body tissue layers to one another. The device in one form may be a hollow, collapsible, microthin polymeric shaft affixed to a noncollapsible tip at a distal end of die polymeric shaft. A preformed balloonable distention formed in... Agent: Kimberly-clark Worldwide, Inc. Catherine E. Wolf

20080097492 - Vasuclar graft flange-forming apparatus and method: A hand tool and method of use for forming a flange on the end of a vascular graft is disclosed that includes a housing having a handle portion fixed to a trigger portion. A trigger is pivotally fixed within the housing at a lower side of the trigger portion, and... Agent: Quickpatents, Inc.

20080097493 - Anastomosis device having improved safety features: An anastomosis device providing increased functionality, reliability and safety through the use of designs addressing potential puncture of an inflation balloon being used to hold and approximate tissue. The anastomosis device can include bladder retention structures configured to engage and retain tissue without pointed or sharpened surfaces that can rupture... Agent: Ams Research Corporation

20080097494 - Fluid port for an adjustable gastric banding system: An improved fluid port for use in an adjustable gastric banding system that can be laparoscopically-implanted around the upper stomach of an obese patient as part of a procedure to help in weight reduction. The improved fluid port is coupled to a conventional constriction collar of the banding system by... Agent: Law Offices Of Morland C Fischer

20080097496 - System and method for securing an implantable interface to a mammal: A system for securing an implantable apparatus to a mammal includes a mount including a base portion having a plurality of holes dimensioned to receive rotationally-driven fasteners, each fastener comprising a helical portion having a tip configured for tissue penetration, the mount configured to secure the implantable apparatus relative to... Agent: VistaIPLaw Group LLP

20080097497 - Pulmonary artery banding device: Pulmonary artery banding device (1) includes an inflating banding ring (2), to be installed around the patient's pulmonary artery (PA), an extending tube (3), and an insufflating button (4), the extending tube (3) connecting insufflating button (4) to the banding inflating ring, the banding ring being configured as a C-shape... Agent: Trask Britt

20080097495 - Thin film metallic device 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 are movable from a porous, elongated, collapsed configuration for delivery to a deployed configuration within the body. The pores telescope as the device moves to its deployed configuration, which... Agent: Philip S. Johnson Johnson & Johnson

20080097498 - Intravascular obstruction removing tool: A removing tool 1 having a tubular member 2 and guide wire 3 inserted into a vessel. The tubular member 2 has a removing portion 5 for removing an intravascular obstruction by contacting to the intravascular obstruction. The outer circumferential plane of the removing portion 5 has a spirally projecting... Agent: Nixon Peabody

20080097500 - System for opening a lumen in an occluded blood vessel: A system for opening a lumen in an occluded blood vessel, e.g., a coronary bypass graft, of a living being. The method entails using an instrument to deploy the stent at occlusive material within the blood vessel to open the lumen, whereupon some debris may be produced. Operating a debris... Agent: Caesar, Rivise, Bernstein, Cohen & Pokotilow, Ltd.

20080097499 - Thrombectomy and soft debris removal device: A device suitable for removing material from a living being is provided, featuring at least an aspiration pump, powered by a motor. The aspiration pump and any optional infusate pump preferably feature a helical pumping mechanism, and operate at a high rate of rotation, thereby ensuring adequate pumping performance and... Agent: Kensey Nash Corporation

20080097501 - Ultrasonic probe deflection sensor: An ultrasonic surgical instrument having a deflection detection circuit is disclosed. The instrument includes an ultrasonic probe configured to conduct electricity and positioned a predetermined distance from one or more tubes. The ultrasonic probe is adapted to be operatively connected to an ultrasonic generator for vibration. The instrument also includes... Agent: Covidien

20080097502 - Channel current cheminformatics and bioengineering methods for immunological screening, single-molecule analysis, and single-molecular-interaction analysis: A skin incision device has a casing having a bottom surface with a slot formed therein, a cover positioned on the casing and slidable in a direction toward the bottom surface, a blade positioned in the casing adjacent the slot, an actuator cooperatively positioned between the cover and an interior... Agent: Mcglinchey Stafford, PLLC

20080097503 - Damping system for a lancet using compressed air: A lancing device comprises a cylinder, a plunger, a piston, a spring and an actuator. The cylinder includes a valve that is adapted to allow air to flow into the cylinder. The cylinder further forms an aperture. The plunger housing is adapted to seat a lancet therein. The piston is... Agent: Nixon Peabody LLP

20080097504 - Trocar obturator with cutting edges: A trocar obturator includes a shaft having a proximal end and a distal end. The trocar obturator also includes a tip positioned at the distal end of the shaft, the tip including a distally extending blade structure adapted to reduce penetration forces required during insertion of the trocar obturator. The... Agent: Welsh & Flaxman LLC

20080097505 - Consecutive acupunture device: A consecutive acupuncture device for consecutively inserting needles into afflicted sites of the body. The device comprises a cartridge charged with and storing one or more needles, a first magnet positioned at a side of the cartridge to pull a needle stored in the cartridge by magnetic force and automatically... Agent: Adam K. Sacharoff Much Shelist Freed Denenberg Ament&rubenstein,pc

20080097506 - Balloon dissector with cannula: There are disclosed various embodiments of a balloon dissector and balloon tip cannula assembly which are provided to facilitate forming an anatomical space within the body, such as, for example, an anatomical space in the abdominal cavity or extraperitoneal space for facilitating hernia repair surgeries. The balloon dissector and balloon... Agent: Covidien

20080097507 - Extraluminal balloon dissection: The present invention provides balloon dissection apparatus and methods of use in which an elongate balloon is utilized to dissect along a region that follows a naturally existing path alongside a vessel or structure, such as an artery, a vein, a lymphatic vessel, the trachea, the esophagus, or even a... Agent: Covidien

20080097508 - Expandable vascular occlusion device: A vascular occlusion device that includes an inner embolic member at least partially covered by an expandable generally tubular mesh. The expandable tubular mesh typically comprises a unitary wall with apertures through the wall to assist in the expansion of the generally tubular mesh.... Agent: Philip S. Johnson Johnson & Johnson

20080097509 - Biodegradable closure device: A biodegradable balloon adapted to exert pressure on a hole formed in a lumen in the body when placed adjacent to the hole, inside the body, and expanded, and adapted to remain in place thereafter and to be absorbed by the body.... Agent: Prtsi

20080097511 - Device and method for distraction of the spinal disc space: An extractable device is used to insert a medicinal filling into a spinal disc. The device comprises a filling member and a flowable medicine. The filling member is made of a flexible and permeable wall and is provided with a holding portion and an injection port via which the flowable... Agent: Gray, Plant, Mooty, Mooty & Bennett, P.A.

20080097510 - Method for inducing weight loss with a patient: A method for inducing weight loss with a patient, using the step of providing an implant for placement within the stomach wherein the implant is a member having an undeployed shape for delivery to the stomach and a deployed shape for implantation therein. The method also involves the step of... Agent: Philip S. Johnson Johnson & Johnson

20080097512 - Complex medical balloons: A complex medical balloon (12) has at least two sections (14, 16), each of which has a different compliance curve. A compliance curve measures expansion size at various pressures. Accordingly, at a given pressure, one balloon section of a complex balloon will experience greater expansion than another section.... Agent: Philip S. Johnson Johnson & Johnson

20080097513 - Intragastric balloon: An intragastric balloon that is left in an inflated state inside a stomach includes: a balloon main body that is capable of being inflated to a predetermined size; and at least one or more internal passages that are formed in the balloon main body so as to penetrate the balloon... Agent: Scully Scott Murphy & Presser, PC

20080097514 - Devices, systems and methods for treating disorders of the ear, nose and throat: Sinusitis, mucocysts, tumors, infections, hearing disorders, choanal atresia, fractures and other disorders of the paranasal sinuses, Eustachian tubes, Lachrymal ducts and other ear, nose, throat and mouth structures are diagnosed and/or treated using minimally invasive approaches and, in many cases, flexible catheters as opposed to instruments having rigid shafts. Various... Agent: Steptoe & Johnson - Acclarent, Inc.

20080097515 - Devices, systems and methods for treating disorders of the ear, nose and throat: Sinusitis, mucocysts, tumors, infections, hearing disorders, choanal atresia, fractures and other disorders of the paranasal sinuses, Eustachian tubes, Lachrymal ducts and other ear, nose, throat and mouth structures are diagnosed and/or treated using minimally invasive approaches and, in many cases, flexible catheters as opposed to instruments having rigid shafts. Various... Agent: Steptoe & Johnson - Acclarent, Inc.

20080097516 - Devices, systems and methods for treating disorders of the ear, nose and throat: Sinusitis, mucocysts, tumors, infections, hearing disorders, choanal atresia, fractures and other disorders of the paranasal sinuses, Eustachian tubes, Lachrymal ducts and other ear, nose, throat and mouth structures are diagnosed and/or treated using minimally invasive approaches and, in many cases, flexible catheters as opposed to instruments having rigid shafts. Various... Agent: Steptoe & Johnson - Acclarent, Inc.

20080097517 - External nasal dilator and methods of manufacture: The present invention relates to external devices for dilating nasal passageways and to the manufacture thereof. More specifically, the external nasal dilator of the present invention usually comprises a resilient sheet, an adhesive layer, and an adhesive-protecting sheet. In some embodiments of the external nasal dilator, the resilient sheet defines... Agent: Pitts And Brittian P C

20080097518 - Vein filter: A vessel filter comprising a first region and a second region wherein the filter is movable between a collapsed position for delivery to the vessel and an expanded position for placement within the vessel. A first region has a filter portion having a converging region to direct particles toward the... Agent: Neil D. Gershon

20080097519 - Medical device extraction tool: A medical instrument, particularly a surgical instrument with a displaceable push/pull activation tube arranged on the proximal end of a hand manipulator, that also contains an inner tube for retaining a fixed jaw, for activating remote tool parts on the distal end, in which a force-limiting device limits the transmission... Agent: Alfred E. Mann Foundation For Scientific Research

20080097520 - Medical device actuators: The present invention provides a flexible actuator, and methods for manufacturing and using a flexible actuator, for transmitting high loads from a user to an end effector. In one exemplary embodiment, the flexible actuator can extend from a handle of a medical device to an end effector located on a... Agent: Nutter Mcclennen & Fish LLP

20080097521 - Apparatus and methods for sealing a vascular puncture: Apparatus for sealing a puncture communicating with a blood vessel includes a porous carrier formed from lyophilized hydrogel or other material. The plug may include at least first and second hydrogel precursors and a pH adjusting agent carried by the porous carrier in an unreactive state prior to exposure to... Agent: VistaIPLaw Group LLP

20080097522 - Medical closure device: Several alternative designs, structures, assemblies, treatment methods and/or methods of manufacturing medical closure devices adapted and/or configured for closing an opening, for example, an incision or a puncture in the tissue of a patient, for example, the dural membrane of a patient. Some embodiments include a medical closure device including... Agent: Crompton, Seager & Tufte, LLC

20080097523 - Surgical helical fastener with applicator: A helical fastener having a high retentive surface area is provided and has a first end for enhancing penetration into tissue and a second end comprising a coil sectioning a diameter of the fastener for receiving longitudinal and rotational forces. The helical fasteners are attached to body tissue by a... Agent: Covidien

20080097524 - Surgical thread and surgical device: A surgical thread and a surgical device. The surgical thread includes at least two adjacent elongated elements that are connected to each other and include filament fibers such that a maximum cross-sectional diameter of the thread is substantially greater than the cross-sectional diameter of the thread in the direction perpendicular... Agent: Venable LLP

20080097525 - Expanded ptfe articles and method of making same: Unique PTFE structures comprising islands of PTFE attached to an underlying expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) structure and to methods of making such structures is disclosed. The ePTFE material may or may not have been exposed to amorphous locking temperatures. These unique structures exhibit islands of PTFE attached to and raised above... Agent: Carol A. Lewis White, Esquire. W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.

20080097526 - Surgery procedure for mastopexy: Mastopexy or breast lift surgery involves inserting permanent and reabsorbable threads under the skin that follow a skin marker drawn by the operator. This enables the interested area to be lifted without leaving vertical or inverted T scars on the patient's breast or any other type of scar.... Agent: Young & Thompson

20080097527 - Suture attachment device: A suture attachment device for fastening multiple suture filaments at a wound or surgical site is provided. In one embodiment, the suture attachment device comprises a lock body having a proximal surface and a distal surface and extending along a longitudinal axis. The lock body includes at least two passageways... Agent: Dorsey & Whitney LLP Intellectual Property Department

20080097528 - Animal pacifying device: A device which comprises pacifiers used by animals.... Agent: Weiss & Weiss

20080091177 - Delivery device for implantable monitor: In general, this disclosure describes techniques for placing a capsule for sensing one or more parameters of a patient. In particular, the techniques provide for anchoring of the capsule to a tissue at a specific site and releasing the capsule from the device using a single actuator. As an example,... Agent: Shumaker & Sieffert, P. A.

20080091178 - Device and method for medical records storage in the eye: A method and apparatus for the storage and retrieval of information and records in the eye of an implantee or patient. Patient medical information or other data in the form of indica is imparted to an implant that is engaged into a cavity in the eye during eye surgery. The... Agent: Donn K. Harms Patent & Trademark Law Center

20080091181 - System and method for ablation: A system for providing ablation comprising a fluid source that contains a volume of biocompatible ablation fluid. The system also comprises a heater that heats the ablation fluid and provides heated ablation fluid. The system further comprises an ablation applicator, spaced apart from the heater, and having a perimeter edge... Agent: Tarolli, Sundheim, Covell & Tummino L.L.P.

20080091182 - Methods and devices for treating tissue: The invention provides a system and method for achieving the cosmetically beneficial effects of shrinking collagen tissue in the dermis or other areas of tissue in an effective, non-invasive manner using an array of electrodes. Systems described herein allow for improved treatment of tissue. Additional variations of the system include... Agent: Levine Bagade Han LLP

20080091183 - Methods and devices for treating tissue: The invention provides a system and method for achieving the cosmetically beneficial effects of shrinking collagen tissue in the dermis or other areas of tissue in an effective, non-invasive manner using an array of electrodes. Systems described herein allow for improved treatment of tissue. Additional variations of the system include... Agent: Levine Bagade Han LLP

20080091184 - Methods and devices for treating tissue: The invention provides a system and method for achieving the cosmetically beneficial effects of shrinking collagen tissue in the dermis or other areas of tissue in an effective, non-invasive manner using an array of electrodes. Systems described herein allow for improved treatment of tissue. Additional variations of the system include... Agent: Levine Bagade Han LLP

20080091185 - Methods and devices for treating tissue: The invention provides a system and method for achieving the cosmetically beneficial effects of shrinking collagen tissue in the dermis or other areas of tissue in an effective, non-invasive manner using an array of electrodes. Systems described herein allow for improved treatment of tissue. Additional variations of the system include... Agent: Levine Bagade Han LLP

20080091186 - Electro-surgical device rf energy needle electrical shorting plate: A shorting plate to accommodate multiple needles and provide a secure electrical connection. The plate provides an electrical charge to all needles of an electro surgical device with reduced time and costs in manufacturing. Protrusions formed in the apertures receive the surgical needles and make a secure electrical connection without... Agent: Tyco Technology Resources

20080091189 - Ablative material for use with tissue treatment device: An electrosurgical instrument for treating tissue includes a housing having at least one tissue treating member attached thereto. The tissue treating member includes an electrically conductive tissue contacting surface connected to a source of electrosurgical energy such that the tissue contacting surface is capable of conducting electrosurgical energy to tissue.... Agent: Covidien

20080091190 - Injectable surgical patch and method for performing same: A system for excision of abnormal tissue includes a sealant material having an uncured configuration which allows the sealant material to be readily injected between target tissue and underlying tissue and a cured configuration wherein the sealant material acts as a substantially solid barrier between the target tissue and underlying... Agent: Covidien

20080091206 - Bone plate: A bone plate includes one or more locking devices which rotate to inhibit or prevent bone screws from backing out of the plate when installed on a patient. The locking devices can be in the shape of a bow tie or a capital letter I.... Agent: Cermak Kenealy & Vaidya LLP

20080091208 - Implant: The present invention relates to an implant, an implant set, and a method of implanting an implant. The implant comprises an external fixture thread having a radius, thread making means at an apical end of the external fixture thread for making a bone thread in bone tissue during insertion of... Agent: Harness, Dickey & Pierce, P.L.C

20080091179 - Compact, handheld device for home-based acne treatment: A compact, handheld device can be used to treat a sebaceous follicle disorder in a preselected dermal region of mammalian skin. A treatment can ameliorate at least one symptom of a lesion characteristic of the disorder.... Agent: Proskauer Rose LLP

20080091180 - Wide area ablation of myocardial tissue: The present invention advantageously provides a method and system for cryogenically ablating large areas of tissue within the left atrium. In an exemplary embodiment a cryotherapy device includes a catheter body having a substantially fixed diameter, a proximal end and a distal end; a first lumen for permitting passage of... Agent: Christopher & Weisberg, P.A.

20080091187 - Hair treatment system: Embodiments of methods and systems for hair treatment are disclosed. According to various embodiments, light is used to shave, trim, or otherwise modify hair shafts.... Agent: Searete LLC Clarence T. Tegreene

20080091188 - Method and apparatus for surgical pocket creation and dissection: A surgical instrument for creation of tissue dissection and creation of space is disclosed. The instrument may be used any place in the body where a physician could or would use finger or instrument dissection to create a tissue pocket or space. The pocket dissector can be used under direct... Agent: Woodard, Emhardt, Moriarty, Mcnett & Henry LLP

20080091192 - Brush electrode and method for ablation: A brush electrode and a method for using the brush electrode for tissue ablation are disclosed. The brush electrode comprises a plurality of flexible filaments or bristles for applying ablative energy (e.g., RF energy) to target tissue during the formation of spot or continuous linear lesions. Interstitial spaces are defined... Agent: St. Jude Medical, Atrial Fibrillation Division

20080091194 - Helical coil apparatus for ablation of tissue: A surgical apparatus for delivering a conductive fluid to a target site for subsequent formation of a virtual electrode to ablate bodily tissue at the target site by applying a current to the delivered conductive fluid. The surgical apparatus includes an elongated device forming a helical needle. The helical needle... Agent: James R. Keogh Medtronic, Inc.

20080091193 - Irrigated ablation catheter having magnetic tip for magnetic field control and guidance: Embodiments of the present invention provide an irrigated ablation electrode assembly for use with an irrigated catheter device comprises at least one passageway for a fluid with an outlet disposed at an external surface of the electrode assembly; a permanent magnet; a shield separating the permanent magnet from the at... Agent: St. Jude Medical, Atrial Fibrillation Division

20080091191 - Method for treating and repairing mitral valve annulus: A catheter system for repairing an annular organ structure of a patient, comprising: intimately contacting the annular organ structure by a tissue-contactor member having energy-delivering elements; and delivering tissue-shrinkable energy at the annular organ structure through the elements, wherein the tissue-shrinkable energy is applied at a distance wirelessly from the... Agent: Dalina Law Group, P.C.

20080091195 - Apparatus and method for ablating tissue: A control system alters one or more characteristics of an ablating element to ablate tissue. In one aspect, the control system delivers energy nearer to the surface of the tissue by changing the frequency or power. In another aspect, the ablating element delivers focused ultrasound which is focused in at... Agent: Sjm/afd-wiley

20080091196 - Wire-guided aspiration needle: A needle knife sphincterotome comprising a tensioning filament for positionally adjusting its distal end and a needle knife configured for tissue aspiration. The sphincterotome includes an actuatable handle attached to an elongate shaft having a needle knife near its distal end. The tensioning filament includes proximal and distal attachments and... Agent: Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione/chicago/cook

20080091198 - Bone fusion plate: A carpal fusion plate for use in fusion of the bones of the midcarpus or other bones. The fusion plate is concave and defines at least one round countersunk screw hole and at least one tapered elongate slotted aperture. The tapered elongate slotted aperture is narrower peripherally and broader centrally.... Agent: Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP

20080091199 - Methods and apparatus for performing therapeutic procedures in the spine: Methods and apparatus for forming one or more trans-sacral axial instrumentation/fusion (TASIF) axial bore through vertebral bodies in general alignment with a visualized, anterior or posterior axial instrumentation/fusion line (AAIFL or PAIFL) in a minimally invasive, low trauma, manner and providing a therapy to the spine employing the axial bore.... Agent: Knobbe Martens Olson & Bear LLP

20080091197 - Plate for fixing the bones of a joint, in particular a metatarso-phalangeal joint: A plate for fixing the bones of a joint, in particular of a metatarso-phalangeal joint, for the purpose of performing arthodesis. The plate comprises two sections, respectively a proximal section and a distal section, each section having a respective longitudinal axis of symmetry S1, S2 such that the projection onto... Agent: Thomas, Kayden, Horstemeyer & Risley, LLP

20080091200 - Crossbar spinal prosthesis having a modular design and related implantation methods: Modular spinal prosthesis having one of both of adaptable and configurable components are provided. The modular spinal prosthesis described herein provide an artificial articular configuration to replace damaged, worn or otherwise removed spinal facet elements.... Agent: Shay Glenn LLP

20080091201 - Facet arthroplasty devices and methods: Devices and surgical methods treat various types of adult spinal pathologies, such as degenerative spondylolisthesis, spinal stenosis, degenerative lumbar scoliosis, and kypho-scoliosis. Various types of spinal joint replacement prostheses, surgical procedures for performing spinal joint replacements, and surgical instruments are used to perform the surgical procedures.... Agent: Shay Glenn LLP

20080091202 - Facet arthroplasty devices and methods: Devices and surgical methods treat various types of adult spinal pathologies, such as degenerative spondylolisthesis, spinal stenosis, degenerative lumbar scoliosis, and kypho-scoliosis. Various types of spinal joint replacement prostheses, surgical procedures for performing spinal joint replacements, and surgical instruments are used to perform the surgical procedures.... Agent: Shay Glenn LLP

20080091203 - Intramedullary fixation assembly and devices and methods for installing the same: An intramedullary fixation assembly usable with different long bone types and a guide assembly for guiding deployment of the intramedullary fixation assembly. The intramedullary fixation assembly includes a fixation member that has ends and a curved body extending between the ends. The curved body of the fixation member has a... Agent: Alston & Bird LLP

20080091204 - Crossbar spinal prosthesis having a modular design and related implantation methods: Modular spinal prosthesis having one of both of adaptable and configurable components are provided. The modular spinal prosthesis described herein provide an artificial articular configuration to replace damaged, worn or otherwise removed spinal facet elements.... Agent: Shay Glenn LLP

20080091205 - Crossbar spinal prosthesis having a modular design and related implantation methods: Modular spinal prosthesis having one of both of adaptable and configurable components are provided. The modular spinal prosthesis described herein provide an artificial articular configuration to replace damaged, worn or otherwise removed spinal facet elements.... Agent: Shay Glenn LLP

20080091207 - Bone treatment systems and methods: Apparatuses, methods, and kits for treating bone (e.g., vertebral compression fractures) includes a shaft with a working end that can be bent into an arc-shaped working end. The shaft can be introduced into a bone (e.g., introduced through a sleeve into cancellous bone) and carries a cutting element that can... Agent: Knobbe Martens Olson & Bear LLP

20080091209 - Femoral slideway: A femoral slideway and femoral slideway/femur-size template combination is employed to create an installed knee prosthesis that creates a reduced amount of stress in the collateral ligaments relative to previous prosthesis. In one embodiment, the reduced stress is achieved by employing a femoral slideway/femur-size template combination which results in installation... Agent: Knobbe Martens Olson & Bear LLP

20080091210 - Facet arthroplasty devices and methods: A prosthesis assembly replaces a cephalad portion of a left natural facet joint (i.e., a left inferior articular process) on a vertebral body and a cephalad portion of a right natural facet joint (i.e., a right inferior articular process) on a vertebral body. The prosthesis assembly has a left prosthesis... Agent: Shay Glenn LLP

20080091212 - Assembly tool for modular implants and associated method: An assembly tool (1) for assembly of a first component (2) of a prosthesis (4) to a second component (6) of the prosthesis (4) for use in joint arthroplasty is provided. The tool (1) includes a first member (8) operably associated with the first component (2). The first member (8)... Agent: Maginot, Moore & Beck, LLP Chase Tower

20080091211 - Spine implant insertion device and method: A spinal implant include a top, wherein at least a portion of the top is configured to contact a first vertebra, a bottom, wherein at least a portion of the bottom is configured to contact a second vertebra, a side having a releasable attachment to receive an insertion device and... Agent: Nixon & Vanderhye, PC

20080091213 - Tool system for dynamic spinal implants: A tool set for implanting bone screws in a human spine, followed by the implantation of a longitudinal connecting member into the bone screws includes a pair of independently mountable and manipulatable elongate guide tools that form a unitary tool guide when desired. Each guide tool includes attachment structure for... Agent: Law Office Of John C. Mcmahon

20080091214 - Self-contouring spinal rod: A self-contouring spinal rod assembly. The assembly has a proximal end, a distal end, and a length extending between the proximal end and the distal end. A plurality of rod elements extend along the length, such that each of the plurality of rod elements is in contact with an adjacent... Agent: Ratnerprestia

20080091215 - Surgical retrieval device and method: A device for retrieval of organic and inorganic matter during a surgical procedure employing a camera and viewer to ascertain a removal target. The device has a catch basket formed of a plurality of radially oriented shaped wires extending an axis with gaps in-between for camera viewing and light transmission.... Agent: Donn K. Harms Patent & Trademark Law Center

20080091216 - Device for the romoval of unsightly skin: A device for the removal of unwanted excess skin from an area of the human body to be treated in which a carrier encases a planing blade. The blade body is formed from a blank and co planer uniform opposed cutting edges protrude upwardly in a uniform transition beyond the... Agent: Ladas & Parry LLP

20080091217 - Arthroscopic method and apparatus for tissue attachment to bone: Methods are described wherein bone constructs of a patient are used to arthroscopically attach sutures to torn or dysfunctional tissue. A suture or multiple sutures are passed through intersecting/bisecting tunnels formed in the bone. An end of the suture extends from each of the tunnels, and the ends are used... Agent: B. Craig Killough

20080091218 - Ligating instrument: A ligating instrument is provided, including an elongate member, such as a tube, having a lumen, the elongate member extending from a proximal actuator member to a distal ligating band dispenser. A pull line may extend through the lumen of the elongate member, with a proximal end of the pull... Agent: Kenyon & Kenyon LLP

20080091220 - Placing multiple sutures: A suturing instrument for placing multiple sutures include an elongate body engaged to a handle. A suturing head extends from a distal end of the elongate body, and the suturing head is articulable relative to the elongate body. Both a first needle carrier and a second needle carrier are movable... Agent: Cooley Godward Kronish LLP Attn: Patent Group

20080091219 - Method and apparatus for meniscal repair: In one form of the present invention, there is provided apparatus for suturing tissue, wherein the apparatus comprises: a housing; a first needle mounted to the housing; a second needle mounted to the housing; a suture having a leading portion and a trailing portion; a first structure associated with the... Agent: Mark J. Pandiscio Pandiscio & Pandiscio, P.C.

20080091221 - Suture management system: This invention relates to a device used to decrease time spent at surgery by organizing multiple sutures to allow the surgeon to quickly tie knots and which also contains a cutting instrument to cut suture material and a retaining and inventory pad for tracking associated sharps and needles.... Agent: Loyola University Chicago Stritch School Of Medicine

20080091222 - Surgical prosthesis having biodegradable and nonbiodegradable regions: A prosthesis for repairing a hernia includes an adhesion-resistant biodegradable region and an opposing tissue-ingrowth biodegradable region. When the prosthesis is implanted into the patient, the adhesion-resistant biodegradable region covers a fascial defect of the hernia, and the tissue-ingrowth biodegradable region is located above the adhesion-resistant biodegradable region while being... Agent: Kenton R. Mullins Stout, Uxa, Buyan & Mullins, LLP

20080091223 - Thrombus removal system and process: A device capable of capturing and facilitating the removal of a thrombus in blood vessels (or stones in biliary or urinary ducts, or foreign bodies) uses a soft coil mesh with the aid of a pull wire or string to engage the surface of a thrombus, and remove the captured... Agent: Mark A. Litman & Associates, P.A. York Business Center

20080091224 - Apparatus and method for securing ocular tissue: Various ocular fixation devices are disclosed. One ocular fixation device includes first and second rings, where at least one of the rings includes means for fixating ocular tissue of an eye. The means for fixating are arranged to grasp the ocular tissue of the eye and to release the ocular... Agent: Docket Clerk

20080091225 - Counting device and method: In accordance with one or more embodiments, a Counting Device Assembly is capable of counting a number of times a surgical implement causes an incision during a surgical procedure.... Agent: Berkeley Law And Technology Group, LLC

20080091226 - Microneedle device: A microneedle device for delivery or sampling of fluids to or from intradermal layers of the skin of a mammalian subject includes a skin contact configuration defining an orientation of the device and a number of microneedles The microneedles are deployed relative to the skin contact configuration so that, when... Agent: Dr. Mark M. Friedman C/o Bill Polkinghorn - Discovery Dispatch

20080091228 - Doppler enabled soft tissue dissector: A system for soft tissue dissection, the system comprising: an elongate handle, a Doppler crystal, a wire, partially disposed within the elongate handle, for transmitting signals to the Doppler crystal, a Doppler transmitter whereby the signals are generated, and a blunt tissue dissector tip.... Agent: Vern Maine & Associates

20080091227 - Surgical probe and method of making: A method for making a probe for placing a guidewire between two tissues in a patient's body may involve forming at least one bend in a thin, rigid tube having a proximal end and a distal end, flattening at least part of the tube closer to the distal end than... Agent: Shay Glenn LLP

20080091229 - Delivery and retrieval manifold for a distal protection filter: Devices and methods for delivery or retrieval of a distal protection device. A distal protection assembly may comprise an outer sheath, an inner shaft disposed within a lumen of the outer sheath, a distal protection device disposed at a distal end of the inner shaft; and a manifold coupled to... Agent: Crompton, Seager & Tufte, LLC

20080091230 - Centering intravascular filters and devices and methods for deploying and retrieving intravascular filters: An intravascular expandable filter which has centering members that work to center the filter in a body vessel, the centering member creating a zone at the radial extent of the filter substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the filter. A device to deploy the filter consisting of an inner... Agent: Crompton, Seager & Tufte, LLC

20080091231 - Expandable cages for embolic filtering devices: A self-expanding cage for use in conjunction with an embolic filtering device includes a circumferential member adapted to expand from an unexpanded position to a expanded position within the patient's body vessel. A proximal strut and distal strut are attached to the circumferential member to form the cage. A plurality... Agent: Fulwider Patton LLP

20080091232 - Pressure assist system for facilitating vascular hemostasis, and associated method: A pressure assist system for facilitating vascular hemostasis includes a support bar and a midbar extending perpendicularly from a middle portion of the support bar, for supporting a user's thumb when the user grasps the midbar. A base extends perpendicularly from a bottom of the support bar, for supporting the... Agent: Lathrop & Gage Lc

20080091233 - Compositions and methods for affecting movement of contaminants, bodily fluids or other entities, and/or affecting other physiological conditions: Compositions which self-assemble under physiological conditions are formulated for application to wounds. The formulations include a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or are provided as part of a medical device or coating. The formulations may also include other therapeutic, prophylactic or diagnostic agents. The formulation can be administered as appropriate for treatment... Agent: Wolf Greenfield & Sacks, P.C.

20080091234 - Method for modifying a medical implant surface for promoting tissue growth: Disclosed is an occluder for closing an intracardiac defect, such as a patent foramen ovale (PFO), and a method for making the same. The occluder includes a frame and at least one scaffold which are formed from a bioabsorbable polymer, such as poly-4-hydroxybutyrate. The surface of the frame and scaffold... Agent: Kirkpatrick & Lockhart Preston Gates Ellis LLP (formerly Kirkpatrick & Lockhart Nicholson Graham)

20080091235 - Closure device with biomaterial patches: A closure device includes a bioremodelable patch and a joining element linking one or more bioremodelable patches to tissue portions adjacent to a bodily opening. The closure device may include a pair of bioremodelable patches linked by sutures and compressively joined to overlapping tissue portions adjacent to the opening. The... Agent: Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione/chicago/cook

20080091236 - Surgical clip: A surgical clip having a sliding state and a crimped state is adapted for use in a surgical procedure initially to slide along suture ends to an operative position and ultimately to crimp the suture ends at the operative position. a sub straight, bendable between the sliding state and the... Agent: Applied Medical Resources Corporation

20080091237 - Suture locking device: A device for locking a suture in place without the need for tying knots once the suture is placed within tissue is provided. The device comprises an anchor having a cannula and a locking mechanism for securing the suture within the cannula.... Agent: Barnes & Thornburg LLP

20080086115 - Intercostal spacer device and method for use in correcting a spinal deformity: An intercostal spacer device for placement between two adjacent ribs, includes a spacer member and at least one pair of arms that extend from a first end of the spacer member and at least one pair of arms that extend from a second end of the spacer member. The intercostal... Agent: Heslin Rothenberg Farley & Mesiti P.c.

20080086114 - Tissue access guidewire system and method: A method and system for guiding at least a portion of a surgical device to a desired position between two tissues in a patient's body involves coupling a guidewire to the device and pulling the distal end of the guidewire to guide at least a portion of the surgical device... Agent: Shay Glenn LLP

20080086121 - Surgical instrument for coagulation and suction: An apparatus for aiding coagulation of fluids and tissue during surgery is provided. The apparatus includes a suction tube and first and second electrodes shaped as a cylindrical section extending from the suction tube. Two spaces are formed between the first electrode and the second electrode, and the distance between... Agent: Mr. Christopher John Rourk Jackson Walker LLP

20080086122 - System, kit and apparatus for attachment of external fixators for bone realignment: The present invention includes a system, kit and apparatus to aid in the realignment of one or more bones of a patient. The present invention provides a substantially rigid orthopedic stabilization scaffold for attachment of one or more external fixators for the realignment of one or more bones of a... Agent: Chalker Flores, LLP

20080086124 - Occipito-cervical stabilization system and method: A system (10) and associated method are provided for mechanically fixating a region of a skull to a portion of a spine. A plate (20) is provided to contact a region of the skull and be secured thereto. A spinal rod (22) is configured to extend from a location adjacent... Agent: Robert Deberardine Abbott Laboratories

20080086129 - Hybrid bone fixation apparatus: An orthopedic bone fixation device is disclosed that includes, in one embodiment, an anchor member having a cavity and an insert member. The anchor member retains the insert member at least partially or entirely in the cavity. The insert member has an insert aperture for accommodating part of a screwdriver... Agent: Woodard, Emhardt, Moriarty, Mcnett & Henry LLP

20080086128 - Method and apparatus for treatment of scoliosis: Non-surgical treatments for idiopathic scoliosis include muscle stimulation therapy, chiropractic care, and the application of a variety of braces (orthotics). Surgical intervention frequently employs rigid metallic braces that prevent further flexing of the spine where applied. This invention allows flexing of the spine with long term correction of the scoliosis... Agent: Leo J. Aubel

20080086125 - Orthopaedic screw system with linear motion: Devices, methods and systems for stabilizing at least a portion of the spinal column are provided. Devices include seats and coupling members for engaging an elongate member. Systems include an elongate member sized to span a distance between at least two vertebral bodies and being at least partially formed of... Agent: Haynes And Boone, LLP

20080086127 - Polymer rods for spinal applications: A method of manufacturing a curved spinal rod is disclosed. The method includes heating PEEK; injecting the PEEK into an arcuate spinal rod mold; holding the injected PEEK in the mold until the PEEK substantially sets; and removing the injected PEEK from the mold. In another aspect, a spinal rod... Agent: Haynes And Boone, LLP

20080086126 - Spinal rod extenders and methods of use: A spinal rod assembly may be formed by attaching an extension portion onto a spinal rod that extends along a longitudinal axis. The extension portion may include a rod coupler that attaches to the spinal rod with a first coupling that includes a first degree of rotational freedom and a... Agent: Coats & Bennett, Pllc

20080086130 - Torsionally stable fixation: Methods and devices are provided for spinal fixation. In one exemplary embodiment, the methods and devices provide a spinal fixation system that can include a spinal connector which can be disposed within a recess in a head of a bone anchor. The spinal connector can have a variety of configurations.... Agent: Nutter Mcclennen & Fish LLP

20080086135 - Anterior spinal plate: An anterior spinal plate includes a plate body having a longitudinal extent to span between vertebral bodies. At least one end portion of the plate body is configured to substantially conform to the anterior surface of a vertebral body, and at least one end portion defines a screw hole. The... Agent: Fish & Richardson P.c.

20080086137 - Fixation of femoral neck fractures: In one embodiment of the invention, a device for femoral neck fracture fixation includes a base, a first conduit that slidably receives a first screw, a second conduit that slidably receives a second screw, and a third conduit that slidably receives a third screw. The first conduit is spaced from... Agent: Trop Pruner & Hu, Pc

20080086136 - Percutaneous hip system: A kit for fixation of a fracture in a superior portion of a femoral bone, to minimize patient trauma by minimizing the incision during surgery, the kit having: a tube having a distal end and a proximal end, and a tube bore aligned with a longitudinal tube axis, the tube... Agent: Ogilvy Renault LLP

20080086138 - Rotational securing of a suture: A suture fixation apparatus having a first body portion having a bone engaging feature to fixedly engage a bony tissue and a second body portion defining an eyelet for receipt of a suture. The second body portion is rotatable with respect to the first body portion. Rotating the second body... Agent: Harness, Dickey & Pierce, P.L.C

20080086140 - Electromagnetic apparatus and method for nerve localization during spinal surgery: An electromagnetic pedicle awl utilizes a tightly focused time-varying magnetic flux to create a localized electromotive force (EMF) near the tip of a pedicle awl. The localized EMF creates localized eddy currents in nearby nerves which in turn excite ionic nerve channels, the excitation being detected by an electromyographic recording... Agent: George R. Schultz Shultz & Associates, P.c.

20080086145 - Method and apparatus for distal targeting of locking screws in intramedullary nails: A system that enables targeting of an instrument placed within a drill bushing aligns the axis of a drill bushing with the axis of a transverse hole in an intramedullary nail. The system includes a probe having an elongated member with a distal end, a magnet that is polarized along... Agent: Maginot, Moore & Beck, LLP Chase Tower

20080086116 - Enhanced lifetime illuminator: An ophthalmic illuminator is disclosed, one embodiment comprising: an illumination source, wherein the illumination source produces an arc; a lens, such as a condensing lens, for focusing light produced by the illumination source arc; and an optical fiber for carrying the focused light to a surgical site, such as an... Agent: Alcon

20080086117 - Modular surgical laser systems: Laser emission systems for surgical and other therapeutic uses are herein disclosed. In the preferred embodiments, disposable tips are utilized. By being disposable, the tips are manufactured to minimize material loss while also providing the confidence patients desire for their health which comes from knowing the tips are sterile. The... Agent: Geoffrey E. Dobbin, Patent Attorney

20080086118 - Apparatus and method for diode-pumped laser ablation of soft tissue: The present invention fulfils a need to advance a diode-pumped solid-state laser (DPSSL) and to employ laser-induced thermal explosive ablation (LITEA) for prostate surgery. The present invention operates a quasi-CW Q-switched DPSSL at a lower repetition rate of 5 kHz to 20 kHz to produce bigger pulse energy of 2.5... Agent: Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman, LLP

20080086119 - System for perfusion management: A system for perfusion management that monitors, maintains, diagnoses, or treats perfusion deficiencies.... Agent: Searete Llc Clarence T. Tegreene

20080086120 - Radiofrequency perforation apparatus: A radiofrequency perforation apparatus for creating a channel at a target location in a body of a patient, the radiofrequency perforation apparatus being usable by an intended user having a hand, the radiofrequency perforation apparatus comprising: a handle graspable by the hand; a distal portion, the distal portion defining a... Agent: Louis Tessier

20080086123 - Radiolucent orthopedic apparatus: Apparatus and method for treating a bone of a body of a patient includes a first member, at least a portion of which is radiolucent, arranged to be attached to the bone, an attachment member for attaching the first member to the bone, and a second member, at least a... Agent: Frishauf, Holtz, Goodman & Chick, Pc

20080086132 - Bone anchoring device: A bone anchoring device includes an anchoring element having a shank to be anchored in a bone or a vertebra and a receiving part connected to the shank, and a rod for connecting at least two anchoring elements, the rod having at least a tubular portion. The receiving part comprises... Agent: Christie, Parker & Hale, LLP

20080086131 - Bone screw fixation: Various methods and devices are provided for bone screw fixation. In one exemplary embodiment, the methods and devices provide a bone fixation device that includes a receiving head having a recess adapted to seat a spinal rod therein and a shank extending distally from the receiving head. An anti-rotation mechanism... Agent: Nutter Mcclennen & Fish LLP

20080086133 - Expandable porous mesh bag device and methods of use for reduction, filling, fixation and supporting of bone: A method of treating a compression fracture in a bone comprising the steps of forming a transverse cavity within said bone defined by at least one substantially flat surface lying substantially in a transverse plane formed by and communicating with said transverse cavity, the transverse cavity having a substantially uniform... Agent: Patterson, Thuente, Skaar & Christensen, P.a.

20080086134 - Multi-axial spinal cross-connectors: A multi-axial spinal cross-connector is configured for connection between spinal fixation devices such as spinal fixation rods. The cross-connector has first and second connection members that are joinable at a fixable pivot junction. The pivot junction allows the connection members to assume various positions relative to one another. A clamp... Agent: Bowman & Associates

20080086139 - Toe deformity repair using bioabsorbable pin: Methods and apparatus for repair of toe deformities using a bioabsorbable pin. The apparatus is a kit of part comprising a bioabsorbable pin, a predrill, a bone tamp, a cutter and a forceps. One surgical method of repairing toe deformities includes resecting a proximal interphalangeal joint, drilling a hole in... Agent: Dickstein Shapiro LLP

20080086141 - Minimally invasive surgical reamer and connection: An acetabular reamer (10) has a cutting structure (12) rotatable about a longitudinal axis (14) with a domed shell portion (16). The shell (16) has an outer surface (18) presenting multiple cutting sites (20) and an inner surface (22) for accumulation of debris. The shell (16) has a static insertion... Agent: Moetteli & Associates Sarl

20080086142 - Products and methods for delivery of material to bone and other internal body parts: Disclosed are products and methods for delivery of a material to an internal body part such as bone. In one variation, the product includes an access member having a side port aperture positioned near the distal end of the access member for extruding a material to a body part within... Agent: Kilpatrick Stockton LLP - 55461

20080086143 - Materials and apparatus for in-situ bone repair: Compositions for use in treating and repairing orthopedic defects are provided. The compositions are especially useful for performing percutaneous vertebroplasty, percutaneous kyphoplasty and other procedures. When cured, the compositions are relatively solid but compressible, and prior to curing are viscous liquids with a low enough viscosity to fill voids in... Agent: Squire Sanders & Dempsey LLP

20080086144 - Drilling tool guide wire alignment device: A device for installation of a guide wire for a drilling tool in a correct positional arrangement in a bone. The device includes a tissue protection sleeve, which has at one end a laterally projecting grip or handle. A trocar is provided, which trocar can be introduced into the tissue... Agent: Lerner, David, Littenberg, Krumholz & Mentlik

20080086146 - Intraocular lens implanting device: An intraocular lens implanting device capable of inserting an intraocular lens surely in safety into an eyeball and having an ophthalmic hooking function capable of adjusting the position of the intraocular lens. The intraocular lens implanting device for inserting an intraocular lens into an eyeball through an incision in the... Agent: Darby & Darby P.c.

20080086148 - Assemblies for deploying fasteners in tissue and snares for use in such assemblies: An assembly is provided to facilitate the deployment of at least one fastener through tissue, such as stomach tissue. The assembly comprises a fastener deploying device arranged to deploy a fastener through the tissue and a snare arranged to bind the tissue and fastener deploying device together as the fastener... Agent: Graybeal Jackson Haley LLP

20080086147 - Shape memory filament for suture management: A member of a rigid flexible elastic material, the member including a body portion and an aperture portion with the member adapted for delivery through an axial longitudinal channel of a percutaneous delivery subsystem, the aperture portion including an expanded mode having a lateral dimension greater than an inner diameter... Agent: Patent Law Offices Of Michael E. Woods

20080086149 - Retrieval snare for extracting foreign objects from body cavities and method for manufacturing thereof: A retrieval snare for entrapping and retaining a foreign object located in a body and a method for manufacturing of the snare are provided. The snare comprises a structure having a proximal portion and a distal portion and includes a plurality of filaments. The filaments extend from an end of... Agent: Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione/chicago/cook

20080086150 - Holding device for medical instruments: A medical instrument holding device for holding instrument of different axial cross sections comprising a holding site unit, comprising a plurality of holding sites at predefined holding angles around an axis, the holding sites comprising different holding sizes for holding parts of instruments of different axial cross sections; and a... Agent: Don W. Bulson (brai)

20080086151 - Method and apparatus for removing dry skin: The invention generally describes a method an apparatus for removing dry or dead skin from an area to be exfoliated. More particularly, the invention provides a skin removal device having a flexible screen member and a first border member attached to the perimeter of the screen member and a method... Agent: Holme Roberts & Owen, LLP

20080086152 - Suturing device and technique: The present invention is directed to a suturing device comprising: a body member having a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis positioned between the proximal and distal ends, the body member comprising a slide and a trigger slide; a tip assembly attached to the distal end of... Agent: Wiggin And Dana LLP Attention: Patent Docketing

20080086153 - Ligature and suture device for medical application, and ligaturing and suturing method for medical application: A ligature and suture device for medical application includes a distal end insertion portion, a needle body, a ligature tool, and an operation section. The operation section includes a housing that is provided in a base end portion of the distal end insertion portion, a puncture handle that is provided... Agent: Scully Scott Murphy & Presser, Pc

20080086154 - Coil fastener applier with flexible shaft: A coil fastener applier including a housing, a flexible elongated tubular member, a flexible drive member, a fastener assembly and a trigger is disclosed. The housing defines a longitudinal axis and includes a stationary handle affixed thereto. The flexible elongated tubular portion extends distally from the housing. The flexible drive... Agent: Covidien

20080086155 - Apparatus and methods for manipulating and securing tissue: Apparatus and methods for manipulating and securing tissue are described herein. In creating tissue folds within the body of a patient, a tissue manipulation assembly may generally have an elongate tubular member, an engagement member slidably disposed through the tubular member and a distal end adapted to engage tissue via... Agent: Levine Bagade Han LLP

20080086156 - Methods and devices for using drug-eluting embolization: A method and system of embolizing an organ or vessel is disclosed. An embolization device such as a coil, balloon, spheres, stents or occlusive plaques is used. The embolization device has a surface, which may be coated with composition retaining material such as a polymer, bio-polymer or non-polymer based technology... Agent: Mayer Brown LLP

20080086157 - Disc nucleus removal devices and methods: Disclosed herein are devices and methods for removing tissue. In one aspect, a device for removing tissue includes a hollow elongate member having an outer wall and a lumen, a selectively deployable tissue-cutting element extending from the hollow elongate member, and an actuation member extending through the lumen and coupled... Agent: Nutter Mcclennen & Fish LLP

20080086158 - Scalpel with plastic blade carrier, handle, or both: A scalpel is provided having a handle, a plastic blade carrier, and a scalpel blade secured to the blade carrier. The blade carrier is preferably sufficiently transparent to enable at least the shape of a blade secured to a flat face thereof to be visible from the opposite side of... Agent: Occhiuti Rohlicek & Tsao, LLP

20080086159 - Apparatus and method for reducing or eliminating the pain associated with an injection: An apparatus and method for facilitating painless or near-painless injections is described. The apparatus includes a guide that provides vibration around the site of the injection, thereby reducing the sensation of pain according to the pain gate theory. The guide also provides a reservoir to hold a bolus of anesthesia... Agent: J. Charles Dougherty

20080086160 - Visualization trocar: A surgical trocar and penetrating tip therefor are provided. The tip includes a generally transparent body having proximal and distal ends and an opaque distal tip portion, an integral penetrating edge arranged at a distal end of the body, and inwardly tapered opposed facets formed on the body, converging with... Agent: Edwards Angell Palmer & Dodge LLP

20080086162 - Soft tissue dissector: A system for soft tissue dissection, the system comprising: an elongate handle and a synthetic, non-absorbent, tip disposed on said handle.... Agent: Vern Maine & Associates

20080086161 - Soft tissue tunneling device: A tissue tunneling device is configured to be delivered within the body. The tunneling device includes a shaft with a blunt distal end to prevent coring or other damage to tissue during the delivery of the tunneling device. In some arrangements, the shaft includes one or more lumen, through which... Agent: Knobbe Martens Olson & Bear LLP

20080086163 - Embolic coil having stretch resistant member with an attached end and an end with movement freedom: A coil device is provided with a stretch resistant feature. The device includes a wound coil defining a lumen and a stretch resistant member at least partially received within the lumen. A headpiece is formed by a joining of the coil and a restrictor member, typically by plasma welding. The... Agent: Cook, Alex, Mcfarron, Manzo, Cummings & Mehler Ltd

20080086164 - Method and apparatus for reshaping a ventricle: The present disclosure concerns embodiments of a reshaping apparatus and methods for restoring the conical shape of a dilated heart ventricle, or at least reshaping the ventricle to a more conical shape to counter the effects of dilation, thereby improving pumping efficiency. In an exemplary embodiment, a reshaping apparatus comprises... Agent: Edwards Lifesciences Corporation

20080086165 - Expanding cannula: An elongated cannula with an inner tube that is designed to cooperate with a corresponding outer tube. The cannula may include a cam mechanism, a plurality of flexible members designed to expand and deploy when the inner and outer tubes move relative to each other, and a pressure ring disposed... Agent: Dickstein Shapiro LLP

20080086166 - Minimally invasive surgical assembly with balloon instrument: A minimally invasive surgical assembly broadly includes an outer hollow needle which has an outer diameter of at most 3.0 mm, and a coaxial surgical instrument having a shaft which extends through the outer hollow needle. The coaxial surgical instrument includes a balloon or inflatable bladder at the end of... Agent: Gordon & Jacobson, P.c.

20080086167 - Elastically deformable surgical access device: A surgical access device is provided having a surgical access port. The surgical access port has an elongated body with opposed proximal and distal end portions, and defines a longitudinal axis. The body has a central lumen extending therethrough and includes a resilient bulb portion formed between the proximal and... Agent: Edwards Angell Palmer & Dodge LLP

20080086168 - Implant-catheter attachment mechanism using snare 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: Wilmerhale/boston

20080086169 - Minimally-invasive mastoplasty procedure and apparatus: Medical devices and methods are provided for a minimally-invasive mastoplasty procedure. In the procedure, barbed sutures are used to accomplish the mastoplasty through puncture wounds by deploying the sutures caudally from stable anatomical features into the breast tissue.... Agent: Fliesler Meyer LLP

20080086170 - Minimally-invasive mastoplasty procedure and apparatus: Medical devices and methods are provided for a minimally-invasive mastoplasty procedure. In the procedure, barbed sutures are used to accomplish the mastoplasty through puncture wounds by deploying the sutures caudally from stable anatomical features into the breast tissue.... Agent: Fliesler Meyer LLP

20080086171 - Shape memory filament for suture management: A member of a rigid flexible elastic material, the member including a body portion and an aperture portion with the member adapted for delivery through an axial longitudinal channel of a percutaneous delivery subsystem, the aperture portion including an expanded mode having a lateral dimension greater than an inner diameter... Agent: Patent Law Offices Of Michael E. Woods

20080086172 - Suture anchor: A suture anchor comprises an elongate body having a first end, a second end, and a longitudinal axis extending between the first and second ends. The first end may have a flared geometry. A lateral suture relief is in the elongate body extending from the first end to an longitudinal... Agent: Philip S. Johnson Johnson & Johnson

20080082085 - Time division multiplexed, beam combining for laser signal generation: A method includes time-division multiplexing a plurality of pulsed laser signals. An apparatus includes a plurality of lasers capable of emitting pulsed laser signals; a scanner optically aligned with the laser signals; and a controller. The controller is capable of pulsing the lasers in a time-division multiplexed temporal pattern and... Agent: Williams, Morgan & Amerson

20080082087 - Fast panretinal laser photocoagulation: A laser beam deflection device is disclosed for automating panretinal photocoagulation (PRP). Used in ocular surgery with lasers the apparatus consists of an external casing (14) which is placed in the laser pathway of a delivery system. Internally, a central rotary reflecting mirror (2) mounted on a controlling micromotor (4)... Agent: Elliott S. Eisenberg

20080082086 - System and method for resecting corneal tissue: A system and method of resecting corneal tissue for transplantation is disclosed. In each of the recipient cornea and the donor cornea, an annular incision is made at a predetermined incision depth. A first sidecut incision is made in each cornea, running from the outer periphery of the annular incision... Agent: Towsend And Towsend And Crew LLP/intralase Corp.

20080082088 - System and method for resecting corneal tissue: A system and method for resecting and transplanting corneal tissue is disclosed. In a recipient cornea, a resection depth from the anterior surface of the recipient cornea is determined based upon a biomechanical model of the recipient cornea. A resection incision for resecting a posterior portion of the recipient cornea... Agent: Towsend And Towsend And Crew LLP/intralase Corp.

20080082089 - Treatment of skin by a solid-state laser: Described are laser systems for treating skin. The system includes a first solid-state laser for producing a first output beam, a second solid state laser for producing a second output beam, and a delivery device for directing the second output beam to a target region of skin. The second solid... Agent: Proskauer Rose LLP

20080082091 - Fiber optic tissue ablation: A catheter tip for delivering laser light energy to create lesions extending to a depth of several millimeters in tissue includes an elongated, flexible housing. A reflector is oriented longitudinally in a channel the housing. A side emitting optical fiber diffuser, extending the length of the reflector, is held at... Agent: Lawrence S. Cohen

20080082092 - Temperature sensing return electrode pad: An electrosurgical return electrode is disclosed. The return electrode includes a conductive pad having one or more temperature monitoring zones and a patient-contacting surface configured to conduct electrosurgical energy and a temperature sensing circuit coupled to the conductive pad. The temperature sensing circuit includes at least one diode disposed within... Agent: Covidien

20080082093 - Microwave antenna assembly and method of using the same: A microwave antenna assembly comprising an elongate shaft having proximal and distal ends and a lumen defined therebetween, a conductive member at least partially disposed within the inner lumen of elongate shaft, conductive member being selectively deployable relative to a distal end of elongate shaft from a first condition wherein... Agent: Covidien

20080082096 - Electrosurgical generator and method for simulating output signals: Voltage and current of an electrosurgical output signal which is conducted by a transformer are accurately simulated by executing a simulation algorithm to compensate for inherent distortion in the values of the current and voltage induced between primary and secondary windings of the transformer. The simulation algorithm is executed in... Agent: John R Ley, LLC

20080082095 - Near-instantaneous responsive closed loop control electrosurgical generator and method: An electrosurgical generator has a control system formed by an array of logic gates programmed to execute mathematical algorithms for regulating at least one parameter of output power, output voltage or output current of an output electrosurgical signal in a closed loop response to sensed values of the output voltage... Agent: John R Ley, LLC

20080082094 - Transformer for rf voltage sensing: An electrosurgical system is disclosed. The electrosurgical system includes a multiple-secondary transformer configured for sensing voltage. The multiple-secondary transformer includes a primary winding coupled to an active terminal and a return terminal of the electrosurgical system and a plurality of secondary windings. Each of the secondary windings is configured to... Agent: Covidien

20080082097 - Smart return electrode pad: An electrosurgical return electrode is disclosed. The return electrode includes a return electrode pad having a patient-contacting surface configured to conduct electrosurgical energy and a sensor circuit coupled to the return electrode pad. The sensor circuit is configured to monitor at least one of a return electrode pad property and... Agent: Covidien

20080082098 - Electric processing system: There is provided an electric processing system which sequentially monitors a phase difference of intermittently output high-frequency powers in the case of performing feedback control with respect to a high-frequency power applied to bipolar type sealing forceps, reduces the high-frequency power and prolongs an application time at the time of... Agent: Ostrolenk Faber Gerb & Soffen

20080082099 - Surgical probe and methods for targeted treatment of heart structures: A surgical probe and methods for targeted treatment of structures of the heart with heat and radiofrequency energy. The probe which is designed to operated by hand has a elongate member with a handle and an energy-delivering member in an adjustable loop configuration. The control placed on the handle allow... Agent: Dalina Law Group, P.C.

20080082100 - Radiofrequency fusion of cardiac tissue: A method for cardiac surgical intervention relies on sealing or fusing heart valve leaflets without requiring implanted materials such as sutures or staples. The method provides a forceps having at least one shaft and an end effector assembly attached thereto. The end effector assembly includes a pair of opposing jaw... Agent: Covidien

20080082104 - Methods and apparatuses for facilitating percutaneous fusion: A delivery mechanism comprising a dilator, catheter, lumen or the like is provided to allow a filler material to be injected to a gap in a partially fused intervertebral disc space to allow correction of the incomplete, partial, or deteriorated fusion.... Agent: Holland & Hart, LLP (lanx, LLC) Intellectual Property Department

20080082105 - Systems, devices and methods for treating pelvic floor disorders: Disclosed are implants for pelvic floor repair and related uses, and devices, kits, and methods which can be used to deliver the implants. In certain embodiments, the devices are used to deliver extensions of a surgical implant to respective target tissue regions of the levator ani muscle and the sacrospinous... Agent: Ropes & Gray LLP Patent Docketing 39/41

20080082090 - Method and apparatus for dermatological treatment and tissue reshaping: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for providing electromagnetic radiation or other energy to tissue. An array of needles can be inserted at least partially into the tissue, and energy, e.g., optical energy, can be provided to the needles. The needles can include an optical waveguide... Agent: Dorsey & Whitney LLP Intellectual Property Department

20080082101 - Implant, implant system, and use of an implant and implant system: An implant for the purpose of osteosynthesis, for the immobilization and stabilization of tubular bones, especially of tubular bones that have a fracture or an osteotomy, especially of rib bones, comprises at least a first implant component that has an attachment section with means of attachment for the purpose of... Agent: Lowrie, Lando & Anastasi, LLP

20080082102 - Locking tpo plate and method of use: A TPO bone plate with an offset longitudinal axis has a bone-contacting bottom side and a top side. Sets of overlapping holes communicate through the plate from the top to the bottom side. The overlapping holes have multifaceted surfaces such as a threaded surface or a coaxial series of annular... Agent: Moetteli & Associates Sarl

20080082103 - Systems and methods for manipulating and/or installing a pedicle screw: A spinal screw assembly adapted to be secured to a vertebrae for providing securement across at least two vertebrae. The assembly includes a pedicle screw having a substantially spherical head portion, a threaded shaft portion, and an engagement surface in the head portion for driving said screw into the vertebrae,... Agent: Mintz Levin Cohn Ferris Glovsky & Popeo

20080082106 - Screwdriver for handling a screw in the body of a person or an animal: A screwdriver serves for handling a screw in the body of a person or an animal. The screwdriver has a handle, and a stem permanently connected to said handle. An outer tube surrounds the stem. A locking mechanism has a locking element engaging into a locking point in at least... Agent: St. Onge Steward Johnston & Reens, LLC

20080082107 - Devices and methods for removing obstructions from a cerebral vessel: The present invention is directed to methods and devices for removing an obstruction. The system includes a support catheter which can be advanced into small and tortuos vessels. By advancing the support catheter nearer to the obstruction then can be achieved with conventional guide catheters, the support catheter reduces the... Agent: Hoekendijk & Lynch, LLP

20080082110 - Planning movement trajectories of medical instruments into heterogeneous body structures: A computer implemented method is provided for planning a position and/or a movement trajectory of a medical instrument in a heterogeneous body structure such that the instrument is delivered to a target region in the heterogeneous body structure. The method includes providing at least one of a) body structure data... Agent: Don W. Bulson (brainlab)

20080082108 - Adjustable trajectory 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

20080082109 - Robotic surgical system with forward-oriented field of view guide instrument navigation: A robotic surgical system includes an instrument driver and an instrument assembly operatively coupled to the instrument driver such that mechanisms of the instrument driver operate or control movement, operation, or both, of components of the instrument assembly. The instrument assembly components include an elongate flexible guide instrument and an... Agent: VistaIPLaw Group LLP

20080082111 - Device and method for the evacuation of matter beneath the skin: A device and method used for the evacuation of matter beneath an area of skin comprising a squeezing interface comprising approximately concentric squeezing surfaces which apply pressure around the area of skin to force said matter from beneath the skin.... Agent: Rubenstein & Glazer, LLC

20080082112 - Transverse rod connector: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to bone alignment rod connectors, and more particularly to traverse rod connectors. In one embodiment, the connector includes a housing having an opening configured to accommodate at least one rod, a setscrew assembly configured to secure the at least one rod when the... Agent: Mintz Levin Cohn Ferris Glovsky & Popeo

20080082113 - Minimally invasive tissue support: Embodiments of apparatus and methods for tissue lifting, or for correcting a ptosis condition caused by tissue stretching, are described. In some embodiments a tissue is supported by a support member. In some embodiments, tension is applied to a support member through at least one suspension member. The described embodiments... Agent: Mcdermott Will & Emery LLP

20080082114 - Adhesive mechanical fastener for lumen creation utilizing tissue necrosing means: A two piece anastomosis device for attaching two organs together and creating a passage between the organs is disclosed. The anastomosis device has a first tissue clamping ring and a second tissue clamping ring that are brought together to clamp tissue therebetween and cut off the flow of blood to... Agent: Frost Brown Todd, LLC

20080082115 - Method of manufacturing staples: A method of manufacturing staples including the steps of placing a deformable member into a mold block and overmolding a crown onto the deformable member. In various embodiments, several deformable members may be produced from an elongate wire where the deformable members can be connected by portions of the wire.... Agent: Kirkpatrick & Lockhart Preston Gates Ellis LLP

20080082116 - Lancing devices having lancet ejection assembly: A lancing device is provided for use with a removable lancet. The lancing device includes a housing and a lancet carrier slidably disposed within the housing and adapted to receive the lancet. A user-actuated ejection slide is mounted to the housing to eject the lancet from the lancet carrier. A... Agent: Young & Basile, P.C.

20080082117 - Lancing device: A lancing device for blood sampling, having a depth-adjustment mechanism including a chassis or throttle plate movable within a housing, and a lancet carrier mounted to the chassis or throttle plate. Repositioning the chassis or throttle plate within the housing varies the penetration depth of the lancet.... Agent: Gardner Groff Greenwald & Villanueva. PC

20080082118 - Percutaneous spinal implants and methods: An apparatus includes a guide shaft, an expansion member coupled to the guide shaft, and an actuator. The expansion member is configured to impart a force from within an interior of an implant to deform the implant. The actuator is coupled to the expansion member, the actuator is configured to... Agent: Fitzpatrick Cella (medtronic)

20080082119 - Method of determining an appropriate catheter length: A method of inserting a catheter into a body of a patient includes identifying a catheter insertion site on the patient's body; measuring a length, from the insertion site to another site external to the body of the patient, and along an external path that follows a presumed internal path... Agent: Amster, Rothstein & Ebenstein LLP

20080082120 - Introducer assembly and method for forming an introducer assembly: An introducer assembly includes a sheath having a sheath proximal end and distal end, and a passage therethrough. The introducer assembly further includes a handle assembly that is mechanically and/or bonded coupled with a tubular sheath.... Agent: Schwegman, Lundberg & Woessner, P.A.

20080082121 - Systems, devices, and methods for delivering an implant: The present disclosure provides systems, methods, devices, and kits for delivering an implant to an anatomical site in a patient. In some instances, a delivery device for delivering an implant includes a receiver with a through-lumen and a transfer pin for associating with the implant and the lumen. In some... Agent: Ropes & Gray LLP Patent Docketing 39/41

20080082122 - Apparatus and methods for sealing a vascular puncture: An apparatus for sealing a puncture through tissue to a vessel includes an elongate occlusion member including an expandable member, a cartridge carried on the occlusion member, and a sealant carried within the cartridge. The cartridge includes an outer member and a pusher member within the outer member. The sealant... Agent: VistaIPLaw Group LLP

20080082123 - Method and apparatus to promote hemostasis: Apparatus and methods for promoting hemostasis are provided. The apparatuses and methods have particular applicability with tissue puncture closure devices for sealing percutaneous punctures in arteries. In one embodiment, an apparatus for promoting hemostasis a tube having at least one indentation for holding a hemostatic substance. In further embodiments, the... Agent: Dorsey & Whitney LLP Intellectual Property Department

20080082125 - Surgical staple having a deformable member with a non-circular cross-sectional geometry: A surgical staple including at least one deformable member which can be bent upon contacting an anvil of a surgical stapler. In various embodiments, at least a portion of the deformable member can include a non-circular cross-section which can dictate the direction and manner in which the deformable member is... Agent: Kirkpatrick & Lockhart Preston Gates Ellis LLP

20080082124 - Surgical staples having compressible or crushable members for securing tissue therein and stapling instruments for deploying the same: A staple having a crown, a deformable leg extending from the crown, and a spring extending from the crown configured to compress tissue between the spring and the deformable member. Owing to the flexibility of the spring, the staple can accommodate a wide range of tissue thicknesses while still compressing... Agent: Kirkpatrick & Lockhart Preston Gates Ellis LLP

20080082126 - Surgical staple having a deformable member with a non-circular cross-sectional geometry: A surgical staple including at least two deformable members which can be bent upon contacting an anvil of a surgical stapler. In various embodiments, at least a portion of the deformable members can include a non-circular cross-section which can dictate the direction and manner in which the deformable members are... Agent: Kirkpatrick & Lockhart Preston Gates Ellis LLP

20080082128 - Method and apparatus for forming a self-locking adjustable suture loop: A method and apparatus for coupling a soft tissue implant into a locking cavity formed within a bone is disclosed. The apparatus includes a member to pull the soft tissue implant into a femoral tunnel. The member includes a suture having first and second ends which are passed through first... Agent: Harness, Dickey & Pierce, P.L.C

20080082127 - Method for implanting soft tissue: A suture construction and method for forming a suture construction is disclosed. The construction utilizes a suture having an enlarged central body portion defining a longitudinal passage. First and second ends of the suture are passed through first and second apertures associated with the longitudinal passage to form a pair... Agent: Harness, Dickey & Pierce, P.L.C

20080082129 - Minimally-invasive mastoplasty procedure and apparatus: Medical devices and methods are provided for a minimally-invasive mastoplasty procedure. In the procedure, barbed sutures are used to accomplish the mastoplasty through puncture wounds by deploying the sutures caudally from stable anatomical features into the breast tissue.... Agent: Fliesler Meyer LLP

20080082130 - Soft tissue anchor and methods and apparatus for securing soft tissue: An apparatus for anchoring in soft tissue generally includes an elongate tensile member adapted to extend within the interior of soft tissue and a first helical anchor configured for insertion within the interior of the soft tissue. The first helical anchor extends along a lengthwise axis of rotation and includes... Agent: Wood, Herron & Evans, LLP