Surgery inventions 06/08

20080154246 - Grip strength with tactile feedback for robotic surgery: Surgical robots and other telepresence systems have enhanced grip actuation for manipulating tissues and objects with small sizes. A master/slave system is used in which an error signal or gain is artificially altered when grip members are near a closed configuration.... Agent: Patent Dept Intuitive Surgical, Inc

20080154244 - Medical instrument: A medical instrument comprises a funnel having a tube with opposite first and second ends, respectively, with a conical portion at the first end. Conical portion has an outer conical surface which increases in outer diameter in a direction from the second end to the first end. A mouth is... Agent: Carl M. Napolitano, Ph.d. Allen, Dyer, Doppelt, Milbrath & Gilchrist, P.a.

20080154245 - Nano materials application in durable medical equipment and method of using same: It is contemplated that the current invention may comprise applications utilizing nano-materials, such as but not limited to, superhydrophobic nano-materials, or carbon based nano-materials which may be applied in a spray, wipe on, powder, manufactured into the material or surface of durable medical equipment, devices, prosthetics and so forth.... Agent: Martin G. Ozinga Phillips Mcfall Mccaffrey Mcvay & Murrah, P.c.

20080154247 - Apparatus and method for hair removal and follicle devitalization: Apparatus and methods for removing hair and/or devitalizing follicles using electromagnetic energy to actively target and treat a hair and/or a follicle are disclosed. The electromagnetic energy can be of a selective or non-selective wavelength. The apparatus comprises a handpiece; a detector that uses electromagnetic energy to detect the presence... Agent: Reliant / Fenwick C/o Fenwick & West, LLP

20080154248 - Apparatus and method for medically treating a tattoo: Apparatus for medically treating a tattoo includes a scanned light beam unit having a light beam source assembly adapted to emit light pulses at different wavelengths, a scanner, light detector(s), and a controller operatively connected to the light beam source assembly and the scanner. The controller is adapted: to control... Agent: Mark P. Levy Thompson Hine LLP

20080154250 - Devices, systems and methods for diagnosing and treating sinusitis and other disorders of the ears, nose and/or throat: Sinusitis, enlarged nasal turbinates, tumors, infections, hearing disorders, allergic conditions, facial fractures and other disorders of the ear, nose and throat are diagnosed and/or treated using minimally invasive approaches and, in many cases, flexible catheters as opposed to instruments having rigid shafts. Various diagnostic procedures and devices are used to... Agent: Steptoe & Johnson - Acclarent, Inc.

20080154249 - Modular surgical laser systems: Laser emission systems for surgical and other therapeutic uses are herein disclosed. In the preferred embodiments, different laser control systems are disclosed and disposable tips and fiber with a unique connection structure are utilized. By being disposable, the tips are manufactured to minimize material loss while also providing the confidence... Agent: Geoffrey E. Dobbin, Patent Attorney

20080154252 - Hyperthermia treatment and probe therefor: A method of using a probe that emits energy to coagulate lesions is disclosed. The probe is constructed and arranged to emit light from its distal end, either at an angle to its longitudinal axis, or along its longitudinal axis. Optionally, an end reflector may be used to direct the... Agent: Oppenheimer Wolff & Donnelly LLP

20080154251 - Interchangeable tips for medical laser treatments and methods for using same: A typical treatment system for use with tip embodiments includes an optical energy source, such as, for example, a laser. A set of tips may be interchangeably attached to the treatment system, for example to alter the system parameters and the treatment provided through the individual tips. Embodiments of the... Agent: Reliant / Fenwick C/o Fenwick & West, LLP

20080154253 - System for providing computer guided ablation of tissue: The system for providing computer guided ablation of tissue of a patient includes an ablative surgical computer system and a set of surgical devices. The ablative surgical computer system includes a guidance module for providing a treatment guidance plan to an operator; and, a treatment module for acquiring and processing... Agent: Lawrence N. Ginsberg

20080154254 - Dermal and transdermal cryogenic microprobe systems and methods: Medical devices, systems, and methods optionally treat dermatological and/or cosmetic defects, and/or a wide range of additional target tissues. Embodiments apply cooling with at least one small, tissue-penetrating probe, the probe often comprising a needle having a size suitable for inserting through an exposed surface of the skin of a... Agent: Townsend And Townsend And Crew, LLP

20080154255 - Heat treating a biological site in a patient's body: A system 10 for heating a site in a patient's body includes a transformer 14 having a primary winding 14.2 and a secondary winding 14.3, the secondary winding 14.3 having at least one tap 16 to provide a patient reference and at least two sources 22 of radio frequency (RF)... Agent: Morrison & Foerster LLP

20080154256 - Method and apparatus for sterilization: A medical device and procedure is described for sterilizing a female. A two-part procedure includes an immediate sterilization part and a permanent sterilization part. The immediate sterilization part provides immediate sterility that endures at least until the permanent effects of a tubal occlusion procedure provide permanent sterility.... Agent: Fish & Richardson P.c.

20080154259 - Ablation apparatus and method: An ablation apparatus includes an ablation energy source producing an electromagnetic energy output. A multiple antenna device is included, and has a primary antenna with a longitudinal axis, a central lumen and a distal end, and a secondary antenna with a distal end. The secondary antenna is deployed from the... Agent: Angiodynamics, Inc.

20080154258 - Radio frequency ablation system with joule-thomson cooler: An RF tissue ablation system with a Joule-Thomson cooler for limiting the temperature of the RF electrodes. An RF generator produces electromagnetic energy to ablate the tissue, and may also be used to re-warm the probe when the probe is used as a cryoprobe.... Agent: Crockett & Crockett

20080154257 - Real-time optoacoustic monitoring with electophysiologic catheters: A system and method for opto-acoustic tissue and lesion assessment in real time on one or more of the following tissue characteristics: tissue thickness, lesion progression, lesion width, steam pop, and char formation, system includes an ablation element, laser delivery means, and an acoustic sensor. The invention involves irradiating tissue... Agent: Christie, Parker & Hale, LLP

20080154262 - Navigated application guide for targeted spinal drug delivery: An apparatus and method for positioning a guide tube fixation device at a spinal structure of a patient are provided. The method includes attaching an attachment element to the spinal structure, attaching a guide tube to the attachment element, wherein said guide tube is calibrated prior to attachment, and navigating... Agent: Don W. Bulson (brai)

20080154261 - Prosthesis component holder attachable to an inserter handle: An adaptor/holder (40) is described which attaches to the front (18) of an existing orthopedic inserter/impactor handle (10) via the handle's existing threaded interface mechanism (22). The adaptor/holder (40) has an annular housing (42) that snaps onto the front (18) of the existing inserter (10), and has an internal yoke... Agent: Moetteli & Associates Sarl

20080154260 - Suture management and tensioning devices and methods for soft tissue reconstruction or bone-to-bone fixation: An adjustable, stand-alone tensioning system requires no additional fixturing, weights, or bone surface modification, and allows a single practitioner to provide an adjustable and repeatable tension to a soft tissue graft, and to install the final fixation implant. Its design facilitates introduction of the suture component of the graft into... Agent: Stout, Uxa, Buyan & Mullins LLP

20080154263 - Implant retention device and method: An implant retention device is provided to assist in restraining movement of a nuclear implant and to assist in preventing expulsion of the nuclear implant through an incision portal or defect in the annular wall. In one form, the implant retention device comprises an expulsion prevention member associated with the... Agent: Fitch Even Tabin And Flannery

20080154264 - Cannulated grooves to aid in cannula to guide quick connection: A screw cannula useable with an intramedullary nail system for use with an anatomical structure, such as a femur, for example. The screw cannula may include a groove formed in an exterior surface of the cannula. The groove provides a positive locking mechanism with audible and tactile feedback for a... Agent: Zimmer Technology - Baker & Daniels

20080154265 - Component and method for assembling an implant arrangement: The invention refers to a component for arrangement at an implant as well as a method for the assembling of an implant arrangement. The component comprises a basic component, at least one sensor arranged in the basic component for the detection of a measurement variable and for the generation of... Agent: Sutherland Asbill & Brennan LLP

20080154266 - Methods for positioning a load-bearing orthopedic implant device in vivo: Orthopedic implant devices are positioned at a desired in vivo site by positioning a device that is non-rigid, i.e., flexible and/or malleable, in a first form, and then transformable after insertion to the in vivo site into a rigid, or hardened, form for providing a load-bearing function or providing other... Agent: Krieg Devault LLP

20080154267 - Method and apparatus for performing multidirectional tibial tubercle transfers: A method and apparatus for performing a multidirectional tibial tubercle transfer, comprising: positioning a jig against the anterior portion of the tibia, the jig comprising first and second cutting guides which simultaneously converge towards one another as they extend distally down the tibia and posteriorly towards the tibia; cutting first... Agent: Mark J. Pandiscio Pandiscio & Pandiscio, P.c.

20080154271 - Device for guiding a drilling tool for forming a second bore in a bone: A device serves for guiding a drilling tool for forming a second bore in a bone, which second bore intersects an already existing first bore. A frame, having a first end and a second end has a rod-shaped body arranged at its first end. Said rod-shaped body is designed to... Agent: St. Onge Steward Johnston & Reens, Llc

20080154268 - Femoral cutting block: A cutting block assembly comprising first and second interlocking blocks for resecting a distal femur. The first block has a first surface for providing a guiding surface for making an anterior chamfer cut on the femur and a'second surface for providing a guiding surface for making a posterior chamfer cut... Agent: Lerner, David, Littenberg, Krumholz & Mentlik

20080154269 - Femoral cutting block: A cutting block assembly comprising first and second interlocking blocks for resecting a distal femur. The first block has a first surface for providing a guiding surface for making an anterior chamfer cut on the femur and a second surface for providing a guiding surface for making a posterior chamfer... Agent: Lerner, David, Littenberg, Krumholz & Mentlik

20080154270 - Methods and apparatus for knee arthroplasty: Methods and apparatus for knee arthroplasty, including implants, positioning and alignment guides, cutting guides, cutting tools and techniques for the femur and/or tibia.... Agent: Patterson, Thuente, Skaar & Christensen, P.a.

20080154272 - Apparatus and method for treating bone: A bone tamp for creating channels within bone tissue. The bone tamp includes an elongated member that is deformable from a first generally non-linear configuration to a second generally linear configuration for insertion into bone tissue. As the elongated member is deployed into bone tissue, it transitions from the linear... Agent: Cook, Alex, Mcfarron, Manzo, Cummings & Mehler Ltd

20080154273 - Bone treatment systems and methods: The present invention relates in certain embodiments to methods, systems, and devices for treating vertebral compression fractures. In one embodiment, a bone cement injector is advanced into bone and injects a bone cement flow through the injector and a vapor flow from at least one vapor outlet in the injector.... Agent: Knobbe Martens Olson & Bear LLP

20080154275 - Methods of use of an exchange system for soft tissue access pathway: 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

20080154274 - Surgical instrument adapter: An adapter to provide moveable configurations of securing structures such as fastener apertures or throughbores for fastening a surgical instrument to an anatomical structure, such as a bone. The adapter is connectable to the surgical instrument in a plurality of discrete locations on the surgical instrument, thereby allowing a surgeon... Agent: Zimmer Technology - Baker & Daniels

20080154276 - Method and instruments for inserting modular implant components: An instrument is disclosed for inserting a modular implant, the instrument comprising a first end and a second end, the first end having engagement means for engaging a stem component of the modular implant, the engagement means comprising separation means for separating a body component of the modular implant and... Agent: Mark J. Pandiscio Pandiscio & Pandiscio, P.c.

20080154278 - Ratcheting torque wrench: A method and assembly for tightening a locking element in an orthopedic implant comprises a ratcheting mechanism that includes a shaft portion and a sleeve portion operatively connected over the shaft portion. The assembly further includes a first handle or wrench operatively connected to the shaft portion and a second... Agent: Gibb & Rahman, Llc

20080154277 - Tool apparatus for locking a spinal rod in an anchoring device therefor: In one form, a tool apparatus is provided that permits a spinal rod and cap assembly to be secured into a yoke coupling member anchored into a spinal bone. The tool apparatus includes a single actuator handle that is operable to both advance a drive member or persuader rod linearly... Agent: Fitch Even Tabin And Flannery

20080154279 - Surgical instrument and osteosynthesis device: A surgical instrument for holding and inserting a connection member of an osteosynthesis device into a retainer of a bone anchorage element comprises a distal end, a proximal end and a first connection portion at a distal end. The first connection portion comprises a connection member receptacle for receiving at... Agent: Ratnerprestia

20080154280 - Surgical instrument and osteosynthesis device: A surgical instrument for applying and fixing a fixation screw to a threaded section of a head of a bone anchorage element comprises a distal end and a proximal end, a first tool member and a second tool member. The first tool member is arranged at the distal end and... Agent: Ratnerprestia

20080154281 - Surgical screw retention clip and method of using the same: A clip for retaining a screw on a tip of a screwdriver shaft. The clip comprises a housing that has a first end and a second end and a longitudinal axis extending therebetween. The housing includes a longitudinal bore that is accessible from both the first and second ends of... Agent: Sand & Sebolt

20080154282 - Fluidic coupling for surgical hand piece: A fluidic coupling for a surgical hand piece includes first and second sealing plates, a ring portion, and a receiving portion. The first sealing plate has a first channel for receiving a fluid. The second sealing plate has a second channel for receiving a fluid. The ring portion protrudes from... Agent: Alcon

20080154283 - Apparatus for circumcising a penis: An apparatus for circumcising a penis comprising a fixture device and a balanus ferrule, wherein said fixture device has an opening, an upper blade conjoined part and a lower blade conjoined part are provided on the either end of said opening, and round angles are provided at the edges of... Agent: Pro-techtor International Services

20080154284 - Device to assist in cesarean section: Surgical device to allow an easy delivery of the fetus during a Cesarean Section when fetal head is deeply wedged in the female pelvic cavity. The device consists of inflatable portion to lift the fetal head attached to foldable base plate that can be folded with the inflatable portion for... Agent: Brooks Kushman P.c.

20080154285 - Percutaneous registration apparatus and method for use in surgical navigation: A percutaneous registration apparatus and method for use in minimally invasive spinal surgery. The apparatus including a holding member, first and second clamping members, first and second gripping members, and an adjustment mechanism for closing and opening the first and second gripping members.... Agent: Peter Vogel Ge Healthcare

20080154286 - Systems and methods for treating septal defects with capture devices and other devices: Systems, devices and methods for treating internal tissue defects, such as septal defects, are provided. An exemplary method of treating an internal tissue defect, specifically a method of closing a patent foramen ovale (PFO), can include passing a closure element from a right atrium through a septal wall in a... Agent: Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe, LLP Ip Prosecution Department

20080154287 - Non-invasive surgical ligation clip system and method of using: A surgical ligation clip capable of remote deployment through a cannula to engage an anatomical structure.... Agent: Fish & Richardson P.c.

20080154288 - Apparatus and method for endoscopic colectomy: Apparatus and methods for endoscopic colectomy are described herein. A colectomy device having a first and a second tissue approximation device is mounted on a colonoscope separated from one another. During deployment of the colectomy device, a diseased portion of the colon is positioned inbetween the tissue approximation devices. The... Agent: Shay Glenn LLP

20080154290 - Anastomosis apparatus and methods: A system for anastomosing a first tubular structure to a second tubular structure having an opening formed therein comprises a support device having a plurality of arms forming spaces therebetween and a plurality of piercing members slidably coupled to the arms. The support device piercing members have a retracted state... Agent: Katrina A. Witschen Medtronic, Inc.

20080154289 - Anastomotic outlet revision: A method is provided that involves endoscopically repairing or revising an anastomotic outlet previously formed in a portion of a patient's stomach as part of an earlier bariatric surgical procedure. The method may allow a surgeon to alter gastric functionality, such as gastric emptying or gastric dumping, by revising an... Agent: Wolf Greenfield & Sacks, P.c.

20080154291 - Novel device: A tongue cleaning device comprising a tongue cleaning surface supported for tongue cleaning by running the surface across the tongue, a reservoir for a tongue cleaning fluid, means to dispense the fluid either onto the tongue cleaning surface, or directly onto the user's tongue, with a cover part, the tongue... Agent: Smithkline Beecham Corporation Corporate Intellectual Property-us, Uw2220

20080154292 - Method of operating a microsurgical instrument: A method of operating a microsurgical instrument by varying cut rate, port open duty cycle, or both cut rate and port open duty cycle in response to a fluidic signal.... Agent: Alcon

20080154293 - Retractable separating systems and methods: A method for detaching an object from a patient includes providing a tool having a sheath, and a separating assembly operably coupled to a distal end of the sheath. The separating assembly includes a separator moveably coupled to a tip via a threadable connection. The separating assembly is placed near... Agent: Townsend And Townsend And Crew, LLP

20080154294 - Gas insufflation device: The invention relates to a gas insufflation device, comprising a trocar having a tubular trocar sleeve being attached to a trocar body, as well as a trocar pin which may be inserted into the trocar sleeve through the trocar body, characterized in that the inner cross-section of the trocar sleeve... Agent: St. Onge Steward Johnston & Reens, Llc

20080154295 - Optical trocar: The present invention relates to an optical obturator which includes a sleeve having a longitudinal bore between a proximal end and a distal end. The longitudinal bore of the sleeve is configured to receive at least a portion of an endoscope or like image transferring system. An image passing member,... Agent: Tyco Healthcare Group Lp

20080154297 - Endoscopic tissue dissector: An endoscopic tissue dissector is disclosed. The endoscopic tissue dissector includes a head for incising and entering tissue, a body including an endoscope passage part coupled to the head and one side coupled to the head, and a handle coupled to the other side of the body. A transfer direction... Agent: Harness, Dickey & Pierce, P.L.C

20080154298 - Instrument fingers: The instrument has a pair of instrument arms, an angled instrument finger is attached to each arm, and the respective bottom surfaces of the distal ends of the angled instrument fingers are substantially parallel to the plane of the instrument arms.... Agent: Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel LLP Intellectual Property Department

20080154296 - Tissue separating systems and methods: Systems and methods for separating an object such as a pacing lead from a patient tissue involve a flexible and torqueable shaft having an internal lumen sized to receive the object, and a hard separating mechanism for separating the object from the tissue. Typically the shaft and separating mechanism are... Agent: Townsend And Townsend And Crew, LLP

20080154299 - Forceps for performing endoscopic surgery: A surgical instrument for performing surgery includes a housing defining an axial bore. A lock is slidably disposed in the transverse bore to engage and disengage a tube adaptor. A latch extends from the lock to move the latch into and out of the axial bore. The lock and latch... Agent: Howard & Howard Attorneys, P.c.

20080154300 - Surgical forceps: The surgical forceps are comprised of three forceps arms pivotally attached to each other. The forceps may also contain distal grasping tips which are controlled by the proximal handles. The grasping tips create two or more grasping compartments which may be used to separately grasp lengths of suture. The controlling... Agent: A And G Intellectual Property

20080154302 - Coupling system useful in the placement of implants: A coupling system is disposed at the distal end of an interventional delivery system for coupling to an implant. The coupling device has a first and second prong connected at one end. The other end of the prongs open or close to release or trap an object, e.g., a bead... Agent: Kirkpatrick & Lockhart Preston Gates Ellis LLP (formerly Kirkpatrick & Lockhart Nicholson Graham)

20080154301 - Methods and apparatus for intervertebral disc prosthesis insertion: A method for inserting an intervertebral disc prosthesis into a space between two vertebrae involves inserting the prosthesis partway into the space under constraint to prevent endplates of the prosthesis from articulating, releasing the prosthesis from constraint, and inserting the unconstrained prosthesis farther into the space. In some embodiments, the... Agent: Townsend And Townsend And Crew, LLP

20080154303 - Hemostasis-enhancing device and method for its use: The present invention advantageously provides devices, systems, and methods for percutaneous access and closure of vascular puncture sites. In an embodiment, the device for enhancing the hemostasis of a puncture site in a body lumen or tract comprises a catheter having one tubular member having a proximal end and a... Agent: Townsend And Townsend And Crew, LLP

20080154304 - System and method for accessing a tissue structure: A tool system for facilitating medical procedure including accessing a selected bone structure or tissue structure includes a cannula and an obturator with a drill section formed on its distal end. Additionally a drill guide may protrude from the distal end of the obturator. The disclosed tool system may be... Agent: Arthrocare Corporation

20080154305 - Minimally invasive spinal distraction devices and methods: Systems are provided for reducing the complexity and invasiveness of spinal stabilization procedures and provide an expandable device deliverable to a spinal implantation location. The expandable device can be delivered through a minimally invasive access portal and expanded at the implantation location to manipulate one or more bony structures or... Agent: Krieg Devault LLP

20080154306 - Sacral reconstruction fixation device: A sacral reconstruction fixation device aids in stabilizing the pelvis and the lumbar spine after a sacrectomy in cooperation with a spinal rod and transiliac rod. A pair of the fixation devices may be secured to respective ilia and respective spinal rods. The transiliac rod may be secured to both... Agent: Coats & Bennett/medtronics

20080154307 - System and method for dynamic skeletal stabilization: There is disclosed a system and method for dynamic stabilization which provides for distraction of the inter-vertebral space while still allowing a patient a substantial range of motion. In one embodiment, an inter-vertebral dynamic brace is used to maintain proper distraction. The dynamic brace is designed to allow the vertebrae... Agent: Carr LLP (ist)

20080154308 - Spinal fixation system: A spinal implant system comprises at least two fixation elements, each including a threaded bone-engaging portion, and at least two corresponding receiver members, each including two branches defining a U-shaped channel configured to receive an elongated member. The receiver members are positionable in both open and closed positions. The system... Agent: Woodard, Emhardt, Moriarty, Mcnett & Henry LLP

20080154309 - Method for attaching articulated, pedicle screws joined to a longitudinal member for spinal osteosynthesis: A pedicle screw is pre-connected to a longitudinal member by an articulation joint. The articulation range is through an angle extending at least from a 90° angle between the longitudinal axis of the pedicle screw and the longitudinal axis of the longitudinal member to an angle sufficiently near a coaxial... Agent: Kremblas, Foster, Phillips & Pollick

20080154311 - Bone fixing device: A bone fixing device includes an intramedullary nail (1) with a distal end part (2), a proximal end part (3), a center line (4), and a bore (5) that extends perpendicular to the center line (4) in the proximal end part (3) and is provided with a bore axis (6).... Agent: Rankin, Hill & Clark LLP

20080154310 - Reinforced orthopedic plate: A reinforced orthopedic plate formed of a non-metallic material and defining a primary thickness profile and including an elongate reinforcement portion defining a localized increased thickness profile to strengthen the orthopedic plate.... Agent: Krieg Devault LLP

20080154312 - Active settling plate with elastomeric members and method of use: Disclosed are certain embodiments of a bone a surgical bone plate system which may include a first plate member having a first and second laterally offset coupling members and a receiving segment with a longitudinal portal. The surgical bone plate system may incorporate a second plate member having a third... Agent: Carr LLP (ist)

20080154313 - Device for introducing an anchor element into a bone: A device serves for introducing an anchor element into a bone. A loop of a thread extends laterally from said anchor element. Said device comprises an elongate body having a distal end which can be inserted into said anchor element in a rotationally locked manner. A distal end portion of... Agent: St. Onge Steward Johnston & Reens, Llc

20080154314 - Composite interference screw for attaching a graft ligament to a bone, and other apparatus for making attachments to bone: d

20080154315 - Polyaxial bone screw with spherical capture, compression and alignment and retention structures: A polyaxial bone screw assembly includes a receiver, a shank, an articulation structure for retaining the shank in the receiver and a compression insert for engagement with a longitudinal connecting member such as a rod. The articulation structure includes substantially spherical convex and concave surfaces that slidably engage both shank... Agent: Law Office Of John C. Mcmahon

20080154316 - Systems and methods for the fixation or fusion bone related applications: A stem-like bone fixation device allows for bony in-growth on its surface and across fracture fragments or between bones that are to be fused.... Agent: Daniel D. Ryan Ryan Kromholz & Manion, S.c.

20080147051 - Beam steering system for corneal laser surgery: A device and method for steering a laser beam to a focal point in target tissue requires generating a laser beam. Diversions of the laser beam from a central beam path are minimized by a sequential arrangement of optical steering components. In order, the beam is first directed to the... Agent: Nydegger & Associates

20080147052 - Method and apparatus for precision working of material: A method for precise working of material, particularly organic tissue, comprises the step of providing laser pulses with a pulse length between 50 fs and 1 ps and with a pulse frequency from 50 kHz to 1 MHz and with a wavelength between 600 and 2000 nm for acting on... Agent: Gerald H. Kiel, Esq. Reed Smith LLP

20080147053 - Apparatus and method for photodynamic diagnosis and therapy of skin diseases and light source system thereof: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for photodynamic diagnosis and therapy of skin diseases and a light source system thereof that can improve the efficiency of skin diagnosis by accurately analyzing skin conditions using fluorescence and white light simultaneously and further carry out fluorescent diagnosis and photodynamic therapy... Agent: Edwards Angell Palmer & Dodge LLP

20080147054 - Dermatological treatment with visualization: The present invention provides a handheld dermatological device for visualizing a skin treatment region prior to, during, or after therapeutic treatment with therapeutic energy. An apparatus according to the teachings of the invention can include an image capture device and a display device mounted to the apparatus and electrically coupled... Agent: Nutter Mcclennen & Fish LLP

20080147055 - Cryosurgical probe with vacuum insulation tube assembly: A vacuum insulation tube assembly which is utilized as a component in a cryosurgical probe. The vacuum insulation tube assembly includes an inner tube; and, an outer tube concentrically positioned about the inner tube. The outer tube is securely soldered at end portions of the inner tube and forms a... Agent: Lawrence N. Ginsberg

20080147056 - Energy delivery systems and uses thereof: The present invention relates to comprehensive systems, devices and methods for delivering energy to tissue for a wide variety of applications, including medical procedures (e.g., tissue ablation, resection, cautery, vascular thrombosis, treatment of cardiac arrhythmias and dysrhythmias, electrosurgery, tissue harvest, etc.). In certain embodiments, systems, devices, and methods are provided... Agent: Medlen & Carroll, LLP

20080147057 - High-frequency surgical device: The invention relates to a high-frequency surgical device for monopolar coagulation of biological tissue using a high-frequency current. The device includes an electrosurgical instrument with a coagulation electrode and a surgical device with a high-frequency generator for generating a high-frequency voltage and for supplying the high-frequency current to the coagulation... Agent: Dickstein Shapiro LLP

20080147058 - Electrocautery system, provided with safe lighting during operational use: A cautery tool is provided with a compact, lightweight, user-directable lighting facility that can be powered by either a shared external power source from which a power flow is shared continuously with the cautery function, by a supplemental self-contained power cell that may be recharged by a portion of the... Agent: Synnestvedt Lechner & Woodbridge LLP

20080147059 - Angle indexer for medical devices: Apparatus for positioning of a medical device in body tissue includes an angle indexer which mates in at least two positions with an index-key attached to the medical device. The indexer may be hand held or otherwise secured to a separate device, such as an introducer cannula, with the medical... Agent: Vista Ip Law Group LLP

20080147060 - Electrode for radiofrequency tissue ablation: The present invention discloses an electrode for radiofrequency tissue ablation which can coagulate and necrotize a tissue by radiofrequency electric energy. The electrode for radiofrequency tissue ablation precisely coagulates and necrotizes a target part of the tissue by sensing a temperature of the tissue. The electrode includes a horn-shaped closed... Agent: Edwards Angell Palmer & Dodge LLP

20080147061 - Device for extracting an elongated structure implanted in biological tissue: A device for extracting an implanted elongated structure from biological tissue comprises a sheath having a plurality of lumens therein opening to the sheath distal end. First and second lumens are disposed along a wall of the sheath, and a third lumen is dimensioned to receive the elongated structure. The... Agent: Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione/indy/cook

20080147062 - Electrosurgical instrument and method of use: Embodiments of the invention provide an electrosurgical jaw structure comprising first and second opposing jaws one or both of which include 3D variable resistance bodies. The jaw structure can be part of the working end of a surgical instrument. In one embodiment, the jaws can comprise first and second energy-delivery... Agent: Townsend And Townsend And Crew, LLP

20080147063 - Cannulated suture anchor: Methods and devices are provided for anchoring suture to bone. In one exemplary embodiment, a cannulated suture anchor is provided and it includes a suture-engaging member formed therein and configured to receive a suture therearound such that trailing ends of the suture can extend through the suture anchor. The present... Agent: Nutter Mcclennen & Fish LLP

20080147065 - Flowable carrier compositions and methods of use: A composition is provided for faster bone repair and early orthopedic implant fixation. The composition comprises an osteoinductive or osteopromotive biological factor embedded in a carrier slurry. The slurry is prepared by wetting a biodegradable polymer and calcium phosphate particles with a biocompatible fluid. The composition may be applied to... Agent: Fox Rothschild, LLP

20080147064 - Suture anchor with pulley: Methods and devices are provided for anchoring suture to bone. In one exemplary embodiment, a cannulated suture anchor is provided and it includes a suture-engaging member formed therein and configured to receive a suture therearound such that trailing ends of the suture can extend through the suture anchor. The present... Agent: Nutter Mcclennen & Fish LLP

20080147066 - Bone fixing system: A system for fixing bone using an intramedullary nail.... Agent: Zimmer Technology - Baker & Daniels

20080147067 - Pediatric intramedullary nail and method: An intramedullary nail (20) and related method for fixing a fracture in a long bone. The nail (20) comprises an elongate member (22) having a longitudinal axis (54), a proximal end section (32), a distal end section (34) and a solid central section (24) extending between the proximal and distal... Agent: Krieg Devault LLP

20080147068 - Medical staple: A medical staple is provided with a crown portion 1 and needle leg portions 3 bent to a lower side by way of curved portions 2 on both ends thereof. An open wound is narrowed by striking the needle leg portion 3 into the skin by bending intervals between the... Agent: Drinker Biddle & Reath (dc)

20080147069 - Fixation technology: The invention relates to a method for the repair of damaged tissue present at or on the surface of bone in an animal, the method comprising forming a narrow groove around at least part of said damaged tissue, which groove extends into the bone below the damaged tissue, replacing the... Agent: Kirton And Mcconkie

20080147071 - Bone milling instrument: A bone milling instrument is disclosed for creating a shaped cavity from an initial cavity in a bone, the bone milling instrument comprising a reference frame having a proximal end and a distal end, the reference frame defining a longitudinal axis between the proximal end and the distal end, a... Agent: Mark J. Pandiscio Pandiscio & Pandiscio, P.c.

20080147070 - Reamer for surgical use: A cutting tool or reamer for surgical use comprising a shaft (10) and a rotary cutting element (23) driven by the shaft (10) is characterized in that the cutting element (23) is rotatable about an axis (21) that is substantially parallel to and offset from the axis (6) of the... Agent: Bacon & Thomas, Pllc

20080147072 - Arthroplasty devices and related methods: Methods and apparatuses for forming customized arthroplasty jigs are disclosed. Some of the apparatuses may comprise a plurality of rapid production machines and an automated mechanical system. The automated mechanical system may be configured to transport a first arthroplasty jig blank to a first rapid production machine and a second... Agent: Dorsey & Whitney, LLP Intellectual Property Department

20080147073 - Method and apparatus for performing an open wedge, high tibial osteotomy: A keyhole drill guide stabilizer for stabilizing a drill guide when forming a second keyhole after the formation of a first keyhole, wherein the drill guide comprises a first drill bore and a second drill bore, the keyhole drill guide stabilizer comprising a body sized and shaped so as to... Agent: Pandiscio & Pandiscio, P. C. Attn: Mark J. Pandiscio

20080147074 - Method and apparatus for performing a high tibial, dome osteotomy: A method for performing a high tibial, dome osteotomy to adjust the lateral and/or angular disposition of the tibial plateau relative to the lower portion of the tibia, the method comprising: forming an arcuate osteotomy cut in the tibia to subdivide it into upper and lower portions; manipulating the upper... Agent: Mark J. Pandiscio Pandiscio & Pandiscio, P.c.

20080147075 - Minimally invasive surgical systems and methods: A method is provided for performing a total knee arthroplasty. The method includes making a primary incision near a knee joint of a patient and resecting medial and lateral condyles of the femur of the leg to create at least one femoral cut surface. The resecting step is performed without... Agent: Paul D. Bianco: Fleit, Kain, Gibbons, Gutman, Bongini, & Bianco P.l.

20080147076 - Apparatus for dimensioning circumference of cavity for introduction of a prosthetic implant: A device for dimensioning a circumference of a cavity includes a body with a lumen and a distal aperture. The device also includes a longitudinal member extending through the lumen with a distal end and a proximal end. The longitudinal member is capable of slidable movement through the body between... Agent: Carter, Deluca, Farrell & Schmidt, LLP

20080147077 - Protein stabilization formulations: The present invention is directed to stabilizing Bone Morphogenetic Protein in various lyophilized formulations and compositions. The present invention comprises formulations primarily including trehalose as an excipient for lyophilized compositions and their subsequent storage and reconstitution, and can also optionally include other excipients, including buffers and surfactants.... Agent: Philip S. Johnson Johnson & Johnson

20080147079 - Guidance system,tools and devices for spinal fixation: A system for attaching first and second spine fixation elements at a predetermined angle relative to each other to first and second locations of a vertebra, respectively includes first and second guide arms pivotally connected to each other at a first pivot point and configured to pivot around a pivot... Agent: Akc Patents

20080147078 - Method and device for determining appropriate spinal rod length: A device and method for determining the appropriate length of rod to be placed between a first bone anchor assembly and a second bone anchor assembly in a spinal stabilization system is disclosed.... Agent: Medtronic Spinal And Biologics

20080147080 - Injector apparatus for use with intraocular lenses and methods of use: An IOL injector kit, comprising a proximal body portion having a first lumen disposed along a first longitudinal axis, a distal body portion having a second lumen disposed along a second longitudinal axis, an IOL container having a proximal end, a distal end, and a container lumen with an IOL... Agent: Bausch & Lomb Incorporated

20080147082 - Injector apparatus for use with intraocular lenses and methods of use: An IOL injector comprising a plunger and an injector body having an axis, the IOL injector comprising a distal body portion having a first lumen disposed therethrough, and a distal cutting surface disposed proximate a proximal end of the distal portion and extending proximally from said first lumen into a... Agent: Bausch & Lomb Incorporated

20080147081 - Intraocular lens injector apparatus and methods of use: An IOL injector kit comprising a first body portion having a first lumen disposed therethrough, a proximal end, a distal end configured to deposit an IOL into an eye, a second body portion having a second lumen disposed therethrough, a proximal end and distal end, a container comprising a wall... Agent: Bausch & Lomb Incorporated

20080147083 - Method and device for fixation of ophthalmic tissue: In an embodiment of the invention, a method includes using an implantable ocular clip to fix an intraocular lens to an iris, all without having to use a suture to permanently hold the lens in place.... Agent: Trop Pruner & Hu, Pc

20080147084 - Tissue removal devices and methods: A device for modifying tissue in a patient may include: an elongate body having a rigid proximal portion and a flexible distal portion having first and second major surfaces; a proximal handle coupled with the proximal portion of the body; one or more tissue modifying members disposed along the first... Agent: Shay Glenn LLP

20080147085 - Method and apparatus for deflecting a screw-in lead: A deflectable stylet system optimized for use in conjunction with a lead of the type having a fixation helix that is screwed into body tissue by rotation of the lead's connector pin is disclosed. The system includes an attachment that is rotatable and longitudinally slidable with respect to the handle... Agent: Medtronic, Inc.

20080147086 - Integrating 3d images into interventional procedures: Three-dimensional image datasets are used to assist in the visualization of an interventional procedure. The three-dimensional image datasets are registered to two-dimensional images acquired by a medical imaging device. A display device can display a fusion visualization of the three-dimensional image datasets and the two-dimensional image. A monitoring device can... Agent: Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione

20080147091 - Multi-component telepresence system and method: The present invention provides systems and methods for performing robotically-assisted surgical procedures on a patient. In particular, a three-component surgical system is provided that includes a non-sterile drive and control component, a sterilizable end effector or surgical tool and an intermediate connector component that includes mechanical elements for coupling the... Agent: Patent Dept Intuitive Surgical, Inc

20080147090 - Robot structure: A robot structure, suited especially for minimally invasive surgery, comprises two robot elements interconnected by a hinge. Using a force transmission means the movable robot element of said robot element, notably comprising two gripping elements, can be moved. A sensor element is provided for picking up forces occurring. To reduce... Agent: Clements Bernard Miller

20080147088 - Surgical apparatus and method for using the same: A surgical apparatus and a method for using the same are disclosed. The surgical apparatus comprises a inspecting device, a treating device, a parameter generator, a control device, and a monitoring device. The inspecting device inspects a body cavity tissue to determine a treatment area in advance. The treating device... Agent: Pai Patent & Trademark Law Firm

20080147087 - System and method for modeling a tracking curve of and in vivo device: A system and method to model a tracking curve of an in-vivo device capturing in-vivo data of the colon is provided. Data analysis is performed on a raw tracking curve to identify one or more milestone data points that correspond to defined locations in the colon. A modeled path may... Agent: Pearl Cohen Zedek Latzer, LLP

20080147089 - Wireless communication in a robotic surgical system: In one embodiment, a method of wireless communication in a robotic surgical system comprises providing a carriage link of a robotic manipulator including a printed circuit assembly and a link communication device, positioning a sterile drape over the robotic manipulator, mounting a removable surgical instrument on the carriage link, and... Agent: Frank Nguyen Intuitive Surgical

20080147092 - Hybrid energy instrument combined with clip application capability: A medical device including an elongated housing having a distal end, the housing defining a lumen channel therein, an end effector disposed at the distal end, the end effector including an energy-based surgical instrument having an elongated treatment portion and a clamp arm assembly, wherein the clamp arm assembly is... Agent: Thompson Hine L.l.p. Intellectual Property Group

20080147093 - Apparatus for applying hemostatic clips: An apparatus comprises a hemostatic clip assembly comprising at least one hemostatic clip, a first one of the at least one hemostatic clips having a tissue clamp movable between a tissue receiving configuration and a tissue clamping configuration and a deployment mechanism deploying a distal most one of the clips... Agent: Fay Kaplun & Marcin, LLP

20080147094 - Bone suture: Devices and methods useful for suturing soft tissue to bone are disclosed. In one embodiment, a bone-suturing device is provided and can include a delivery needle, a delivery needle driving element, a capture needle, and a capture needle driving element. The delivery needle driving element and capture needle driving element... Agent: Nutter Mcclennen & Fish LLP

20080147096 - Integrated endoscope and accessory treament device: An integrated endoscope and accessory treatment device is provided. The device employs a medical treatment device at its distal end that is combined with the endoscope as a complete system. The treatment device is controlled by integrated elements at the proximal end of the endoscope. The treatment devices may include... Agent: Wolf Greenfield & Sacks, P.c.

20080147095 - Tissue capturing and suturing device and method: A combination tissue apposition and suture capturing device (100) for performing endoscopic procedures typically in the gastro-esophageal tract. The device (100) is particularly adapted for forming multiple plications used in a gastroplasty procedure devised to cure or ameliorate gastro-esophageal reflux disease. The device include a tissue sewing capsule (102) attached... Agent: Wolf Greenfield & Sacks, P.c.

20080147097 - Apparatus and method for the ligation of tissue: A novel catheter-based system which ligates the left atrial appendage (LAA) on the outside of the heart, preferably using a combination of catheters and/or instruments, e.g., a guide catheter positioned inside the left atrial appendage which may assist in locating the left atrial appendage and/or assist in the optimal placement... Agent: Morrison & Foerster LLP

20080147100 - Aneurysm neck obstruction device: An implantable medical device for at least partially closing a portion of a vascular aneurysm is disclosed. The treatment device includes a neck bridge having a delivery configuration and a deployed configuration. The device also includes an actuation mechanism configured to be temporarily engaged to the neck bridge to convert... Agent: Vista Ip Law Group LLP

20080147099 - Bilayer patch device for hernia repair: A bilayer patch device for hernia repair includes a first layer and a second layer. The first layer is cut to form locating flakes by cutting lines. The edges of the first layer and the second layer are connected to form a pocket. The second layer further comprises an auxiliary... Agent: Rosenberg, Klein & Lee

20080147098 - Non-linear vertebral mesh: A vertebral augmentation system comprising a biocompatible mesh sheet having a first end and a second end. The mesh sheet includes a plurality of first strands having a first maximum extension intertwined with a plurality of second strands having a second maximum extension. The mesh sheet also includes a first... Agent: Haynes And Boone, LLP

20080147101 - Anastomosis reinforcement using biosurgical adhesive and device: An exemplary anastomosis device comprises a proximal ring, a distal ring, and a middle ring. The middle ring has apertures configured to communicate a fluid such as an adhesive. The exemplary anastomosis device also has arms joining the proximal ring to the center member and arms joining the distal ring... Agent: Frost Brown Todd, Llc

20080147102 - Segmented tissue-to-tissue anchoring device and method of using the same: The invention describes an apparatus and method of use for anchoring two or more body tissue layers to one another. The apparatus includes a plurality of individual anchor segments that are placeable within a body cavity. The segments may assume a first relaxed state wherein the segments are movable relative... Agent: Dority & Manning, P.a.

20080147103 - Apparatus and method for removing deposits from tubular structure, particularly atheroma from blood vessels: Apparatus for removing deposits from a selected location on the inner surface of a tubular structure, includes an expansible device introducible into the tubular structure, and at least one scraper cord carried on the outer surface of the expansible device so as to engage the inner surface of the tubular... Agent: Martin D. Moynihan Prtsi

20080147104 - Oral care implement: An oral care implement with a soft tissue cleanser is provided to effectively cleanse the soft tissue of the mouth with comfort and a reduced risk of injury to the user. In one construction, a projection is formed of a combination of a hard material and a soft material. The... Agent: Colgate-palmolive Company

20080147105 - Delivery device for leaflet valve: A device and method for improving flow through a native blood vessel valve, such as the aortic valve, are provided. The present invention allows a miniature valve to be implanted into affected leaflets percutaneously, obviating the need for coronary bypass surgery. The method includes the cutting of small holes, on... Agent: Inskeep Intellectual Property Group, Inc

20080147106 - Surgical instrument: The surgical instrument comprises a generator and control unit, a utility line connected to the generator and control unit, a converter connected to the utility line for converting electrical energy into ultrasound, a casing attached to the converter and having an outer cylindrical section and having a central axial bore... Agent: Horst M. Kasper

20080147107 - Precision depth control lancing tip: A bodily fluid sampling device is operable to lance with a precise depth and express fluid from both fingertip and alternate sites. In one form, the device is operable to adjust the penetration depth of the lancet into the skin. The bodily fluid sampling device includes a lancet adapted to... Agent: Woodard, Emhardt, Moriarty, Mcnett & Henry LLP

20080147108 - Microsampling device with re-use prevention: A lancing device including a spring-driven lancet translationally mounted within a housing. The lancet has at least one resilient finger extending outwardly therefrom and engageable within a cooperating recess formed in the housing to prevent re-use of the lancing device. A depth-adjustment knob is optionally included for contacting the housing... Agent: Gardner Groff Greenwald & Villanueva. Pc

20080147109 - Endoscopic balloon tissue dissector and retractor: An instrument for endoscopic surgery comprises a retractor having independently spreadable retractor blades mounted at the distal end of a tube, through which a balloon dissector can be passed. The balloon is transparent, and the balloon dissector is provided with an image transmitter for visualization of tissue dissection.... Agent: Howson And Howson

20080147110 - Embolic protection device with distal tubular member for improved torque response: An embolic protection device provides a filter for removing emboli from a fluid flowing in a vessel of a patient. The filter is mounted on an elongated tubular member that extends along a substantial distal portion of a core guidewire used to place the filter in the appropriate position within... Agent: Philip S. Johnson Johnson & Johnson

20080147111 - Endoluminal filter with fixation: An endoluminal filter including a first support member having a first end and a second end and a second support member attached to the first end of the first support member or the second end of the first support member and forming a crossover with the first support member. The... Agent: Shay Glenn LLP

20080147113 - Manually articulating devices: Methods and devices are provided for controlling movement of a working end of a surgical device, and in particular for performing various surgical procedures using an instrument having an end effector that can be articulated relative to an elongate shaft of the device. In certain embodiments, the end effector can... Agent: Nutter Mcclennen & Fish LLP

20080147112 - Stomach invagination method and apparatus: A system for creating an invaginated portion in a stomach comprises a suction device and a securing member. The suction device comprises a suction head operable to provide suction, a shaft connected to the suction head, and a vacuum lumen in fluid communication with the suction head. The suction head... Agent: Frost Brown Todd, Llc

20080147114 - Vascular port device: s

20080147115 - Clinical and surgical system and method for moving and stretching plastic tissue: A system and method of moving and stretching plastic tissue using dynamic force. A preferably non-reactive force applying component is adjustably attachable to one or more tissue attachment structures for securing the force applying component to the plastic tissue, providing a self adjusting system that is capable of exerting relatively... Agent: John S. Pratt Kilpatrick Stockton LLP (canica Design Inc.)

20080147116 - Surgical fastener: A surgical fastener with a safety position includes a lower base having piercing posts each having fixed and coupling ends, first and second base portions respectively attached to the posts, a hinge coupling the base portions, and a bias device imparting force on at least one base portion toward the... Agent: Mayback & Hoffman, P.a.

20080147117 - Tungsten alloy suture needles: A method for making a curved tungsten alloy suture needle comprising the step of heating tungsten alloy needle blanks or a tungsten alloy suture needle to a temperature below the recrystallization temperature of the alloy. The tungsten alloy suture needles described herein have a desirable combination of stiffness, strength, ductility,... Agent: Philip S. Johnson Johnson & Johnson

20080147118 - Tungsten alloy suture needles with surface coloration: A medical device, particularly a suture needle, comprising a tungsten alloy and having a blue, yellow or black surface coloration.... Agent: Philip S. Johnson Johnson & Johnson

20080147119 - Wired sutures: Methods and devices are provided for anchoring suture to bone. In one exemplary embodiment, a cannulated suture anchor is provided and it includes a suture-engaging member formed therein and configured to receive a suture therearound such that trailing ends of the suture can extend through the suture anchor. The present... Agent: Nutter Mcclennen & Fish LLP

20080147122 - Dynamic stabilization connecting member with molded inner segment and surrounding external elastomer: A dynamic fixation medical implant having at least two bone anchors includes a longitudinal connecting member assembly having an inner elastic molded core and an outer spacer, the core and spacer being disposed between a pair of solid substantially rigid end portions. The assembly may further include a washer and... Agent: John C. Mcmahon

20080147120 - Metal injection molding of spinal fixation systems components: A method of making a component of a spinal fixation system. The method may comprise providing a mixture of a powder of at least one metal or metal alloy and a polymeric binder. A metal-injection-molding process may use the mixture to form a component for a spinal fixation system. The... Agent: Goodwin Procter / Medtronic

20080147121 - Multi-axial screw assembly: The present application is directed to multi-axial screw assemblies to connect a longitudinal member to a vertebral member. In one embodiment, the multi-axial screw assembly includes a screw comprising a threaded shank and an enlarged head. The assembly may also include a body with an upper channel sized to receive... Agent: Medtronic Spinal And Biologics

20080147123 - Occipital plate assembly: An occipital plate assembly is provided with extension posts on which rod housings are slidably and angularly mounted. The rod housings are slidable in the transmedial-lateral direction to accommodate variation and distance between fixation rods, and are angularly adjustable in the sagittal plane, thereby accommodating rods at varying angles.... Agent: Mcdermott, Will & Emery

20080147125 - Active settling plate and method of use: Disclosed are certain embodiments of a bone plate system which use a first plate member with a plurality of bone screw holes and a receiving segment with a longitudinal portal. A second plate member may have a plurality of bone screw holes and a slider segment dimensioned to fit within... Agent: Carr LLP (ist)

20080147124 - Bone plate system with slidable compression holes: A bone plate system includes a bone plate with movable portions and locking screw assemblies. The locking screw assemblies may be locked to the movable portions of the bone plate and then dynamized to either distract or compress bone fragments. The movable portions of the bone plate may be moved... Agent: Philip S. Johnson Johnson & Johnson

20080147126 - System and method for a cap used in the fixation of bone fractures: A system and method for facilitating the fixation of bone fractures is disclosed. The anchor component includes a tip, cutting threads and mating threads which are inserted into the far cortex of the bone. A wire extends from the anchor component and exits from the near cortex. A cap device... Agent: Snell & Wilmer L.l.p. (main)

20080147127 - Bone screw system and method: An improved bone screw is disclosed which includes a shaft with distal portion having a threaded surface thereon, a sleeve having an opening which receives the shaft such that the shaft is able to move within the sleeve without moving the sleeve. A compressive device may be incorporated between the... Agent: Snell & Wilmer L.l.p. (main)

20080147128 - Cannulated bone screw and cannulated driver for the implantation thereof: A cannulated driver including an elongate body having an internal wall defining a longitudinal bore extending substantially the entire length of the elongate body. A cannulated bone screw including a threaded shaft, a head, and a longitudinal bore extending entirely through the threaded shaft and the head of the cannulated... Agent: Zimmer Technology - Baker & Daniels

20080147129 - Bone anchoring device: A bone anchoring device includes a receiving part for receiving a rod, the receiving part having a first bore coaxial with a longitudinal axis and a second bore. The bone anchoring device also includes an anchoring element having a first end for insertion into the bone and a second end... Agent: Christie, Parker & Hale, LLP

20080140058 - Switching device for medical or surgical equipment: In order to simplify the switching of medical or surgical equipment in an operating theatre, there is proposed a switching device for medical or surgical equipment which is characterised by a planar floor mat having sensors distributed over the surface area thereof, said sensors producing an electrical signal corresponding to... Agent: Lipsitz & Mcallister, Llc

20080140059 - System and method for determining a position for a scleral pocket for a scleral prosthesis: For use with a surgical tool for making incisions in the sclera of an eye to form a scleral pocket to receive a scleral prosthesis, a system and method is disclosed for determining a position on the sclera for locating the scleral pocket. The system and method determines an optimum... Agent: Docket Clerk

20080140060 - Ablative material removal with a preset removal rate or volume or depth: The present invention includes a method of surgical material removal from a body by optical-ablation with controlled pulse energy from an amplifier including inputting an ablation-threshold-pulse-energy-for-material-being-ablated signal; controlling the energy of a pulse and the pulse repetition rate and by knowing the type of material being removed, the system can... Agent: Carr & Ferrell LLP

20080140061 - Method and device for combined treatment: A cryoprobe supports administration of an active agent to a location of cryogenic treatment. The cryoprobe may optionally be combined with a syringe to form a cryoprobe system; alternatively and optionally, the syringe may be external to the cryoprobe.... Agent: Bruce E. Lilling Lilling & Lilling Pllc

20080140062 - Microwave applicator: A microwave applicator (2) which comprises an antenna (10) for transmitting microwaves. Electrically conductive pins (24) such as metallic pins are present near the antenna in order to create regions (26) of low or substantially null magnetic field in the magnetic field surrounding the antenna. A sensor such as a... Agent: Cesari And Mckenna

20080140063 - Non-invasive method and system for using radio frequency induced hyperthermia to treat medical diseases: A method and system uses heat generated by radio frequency (RF) signals induced hyperthermia to destroy abnormal cells that cause diseases. A patient's body is not invaded with any substance or equipment. This invention incorporates a physical phenomenon that occurs when RF signals are added. When the amplitudes of RF... Agent: Darcell Walker

20080140064 - Energy delivery apparatus with tissue piercing thermocouple: A device for delivering energy to tissue, including an elongate flexible shaft having a proximal end and a distal end; at least one energy delivery device operably connected to the distal end of the shaft; a flange protruding from a tissue apposition surface of the energy delivery device; at least... Agent: Cierra, Inc. & Townsend & Townsend And Crew, LLP

20080140065 - Systems and methods for performing simultaneous ablation: A system for treating tissue includes first and second ablation devices each including a plurality of wire electrodes and coupled to a generator in parallel. In one embodiment, the generator includes first and second terminals coupled in parallel to one another, and the first and second ablation devices are connected... Agent: Vista Ip Law Group LLP

20080140066 - Electric plasma-mediated cutting and coagulation of tissue and surgical apparatus: Electrosurgery method and apparatus. In the method, tissue is cut or coagulated, with an electrically low conductive liquid providing cooling. In another method, skin is cut by electrosurgery in a dry field using a low duty cycle signal energizing the cutting electrode, minimizing tissue charring. A combination coagulation and cutting... Agent: Morrison & Foerster LLP

20080140067 - Methods and devices for cutting and collecting soft tissue: A device for cutting and collecting a specimen from a mass of tissue may include a shaft, an integrated cut and collect assembly coupled to the shaft and an actuator. The shaft may define an opening and may include an outer surface that defines a trough adjacent the opening, the... Agent: Young Law Firm, P.c. Alan W. Young

20080140072 - Conforming electrode: A conforming electrode for delivering ablative energy to tissue generally includes a plurality of flexible metal tubes, each having a longitudinal axis, a proximal end, and a distal end. The flexible metal tubes are arranged in a bundle with their longitudinal axes aligned parallel to each other. In addition, the... Agent: Sjm/afd-wiley

20080140071 - Electrode apparatus having at least one adjustment zone: An apparatus for delivering energy to tissue including an elongate flexible shaft having a proximal end and a distal end; at least one electrode operably connected to the elongate flexible shaft; and means for selectively adjusting a geometry the distal end of the flexible shaft and/or the at least one... Agent: Cierra, Inc. & Townsend & Townsend And Crew, LLP

20080140068 - Multi-electrode apparatus for tissue welding and ablation: An apparatus for delivering energy to tissue, including: an elongate flexible member having a proximal end and a distal end; a sheath disposed over the elongate flexible member; a plurality of resilient members disposed attached to the elongate member and predisposed to assume a first predefined shape, wherein the resilient... Agent: Cierra, Inc. & Townsend & Townsend And Crew, LLP

20080140069 - Multi-electrode apparatus for tissue welding and ablation: An apparatus for delivering energy to tissue, including: an elongate flexible shaft having a proximal end and a distal end; a sheath disposed over at least a portion of the flexible shaft; a resilient substrate near the distal end of the flexible shaft; a plurality of compression members coupled with... Agent: Cierra, Inc. & Townsend & Townsend And Crew, LLP

20080140070 - Multi-electrode apparatus for tissue welding and ablation: An apparatus for delivering energy to tissue, comprising: an elongate flexible shaft having a proximal end and a distal end; a sheath disposed over at least a portion of the flexible shaft; a housing provided on the distal end of the flexible shaft; a plurality of electrodes mounted on the... Agent: Cierra, Inc. & Townsend & Townsend And Crew, LLP

20080140073 - Transseptal facilitation using sheath with electrode arrangement: A method for performing a procedure at the fossa ovalis in the septal wall of the heart includes the steps of providing a sheath having a body wherein the body has a lumen extending therethrough and an open end at a distal end of the body. The body also has... Agent: Philip S. Johnson Johnson & Johnson

20080140074 - Multi-electrode apparatus for tissue welding and ablation: An apparatus for delivering energy to tissue, comprising an elongate flexible shaft having a proximal end and a distal end; an first electrode operably connected to the elongate flexible shaft; and an second electrode operably connected to the elongate flexible shaft and electrically independent from the first electrode, said second... Agent: Cierra, Inc. & Townsend & Townsend And Crew, LLP

20080140076 - Dynamic stabilization connecting member with slitted segment and surrounding external elastomer: A dynamic fixation medical implant having at least two bone anchors includes a longitudinal connecting member assembly having an elongate core that includes the following integral features: a stop plate; a slitted segment; and a threaded segment or a second stop plate. The assembly may further includes a spacer and... Agent: Law Office Of John C. Mcmahon

20080140075 - Press-on pedicle screw assembly: A tulip assembly configured to be coupled to a screw head having a first diameter includes a housing, wherein the housing defines an inner diameter configured to engage the first diameter of the screw head. The exemplary inner diameter of the housing being smaller than the first diameter of the... Agent: Rader, Fishman & Grauer Pllc

20080140077 - Femoral universal nail: An intramedullary nail for insertion in the intramedullary canal of a long bone. The nail includes a nail body having a leading end, a trailing end, and a proximal diametral axis. The trailing end has an axial bore and an intersecting transverse slot. The transverse slot is adapted to pass... Agent: Adam Albrett

20080140078 - Surgical tools for use in deploying bone repair devices:

20080140079 - Systems and methods for treating a fractured and/or diseased and/or weakened bone: A first tool establishes a percutaneous path into the vertebral body having an interior volume occupied, at least in part, by cancellous bone. The vertebral body has at least one cortical plate that is depressed due to fracture. A source of bone filling material has a viscosity that resists extravazation... Agent: Ryan Kromholz & Manion, S.c.

20080140080 - Instrument to make openings in bone in the form of a bone lid: The invention relates to an instrument for making openings in bone in form of a bone lid. The object of invention is that several cutting pins are carried along a hypotrochoid and in this way the instrument by utilizing a rotating drive mechanism produces the opening and the bone lid... Agent: Dr. Bernhard Strehl

20080140081 - Cut guides: An orthopedic cut guide including a motor configured to actuate a cutter guide having a guide surface. In one exemplary embodiment, the cut guide may include a plurality of motors each configured to actuate the cutter guide. Advantageously, by utilizing a combination of motors, the cutter guide and, correspondingly, the... Agent: Zimmer Technology - Baker & Daniels

20080140082 - Kit and methods for medical procedures within a sacrum: Devices and methods for performing a procedure within a sacrum are disclosed herein. In one variation, a method includes imaging a spine with a fluoroscopy device to provide a view of the sacrum. An anatomical landmark is identified based on the imaging, and a breach zone is defined based on... Agent: Cooley Godward Kronish LLP Attn: Patent Group

20080140083 - Systems and methods treating a vertebral body: An expandable device includes an expanded configuration and an unexpanded configuration. The expandable device is sized and configured for introduction into the cancellous bone volume of the vertebral body through the percutaneous access path while in the unexpanded condition. The expandable device is also sized and configured for expansion while... Agent: Ryan Kromholz & Manion, S.c.

20080140084 - Methods for treating a fractured and/or diseased and/or weakened bone: A vertebral body having an interior volume occupied, at least in part, by cancellous bone is selected for treatment. A percutaneous path is established into the vertebral body. A tool is introduced through the percutaneous path that creates a cavity in the cancellous bone. A bone filling material is conveyed... Agent: Ryan Kromholz & Manion, S.c.

20080140085 - Steerable spine implant insertion device and method: A method to insert a spinal implant into a vertebral space, the method including the steps of: grasping the implant with a distal end of an implant insertion tool; holding a proximal end of the implant insertion tool and inserting the implant toward the vertebral space; and manipulating the proximal... Agent: Nixon & Vanderhye, Pc

20080140086 - Gravity feed implant dispenser: Instruments and methods are provided for delivering multiple implants to multiple implant locations in a patient without requiring a second implant to be loaded onto or engaged to the delivery instrument after delivery of a first implant. The implants can be sequentially engaged, using the delivery instrument, to the patient... Agent: Krieg Devault LLP

20080140088 - Disposable sterile surgical adaptor: A sterile adaptor, a sterile drape with the integrated sterile adaptor, and a telerobotic surgical system including the sterile drape are provided. The adaptor, drape, and system allow for draping portions of a telerobotic surgical system to maintain a sterile barrier between the sterile surgical field and the non-sterile robotic... Agent: Frank Nguyen Intuitive Surgical

20080140087 - Robotic instrument system: A robotic instrument system includes a master input device and an instrument driver in communication with the controller, the instrument driver having a guide instrument interface including one or more guide instrument drive elements responsive to control signals generated, at least in part, by the master input device, for manipulating... Agent: Vista Ip Law Group LLP

20080140089 - Ligation apparatus: The ligation apparatus includes a clip (26) in which a clip claw member (42) is advanced and retreated relative to a pressing member (40) to be opened and closed, a sheath (28) which is configured to accommodate the clip (26) such that the clip claw member (42) is not exposed... Agent: Ostrolenk Faber Gerb & Soffen

20080140090 - Apparatus for applying surgical clips: An apparatus for applying surgical clips has a body portion housing a clip stack and a pair of jaws supported at a distal end of the body portion. The body portion includes a camming member, a clip follower and a lockout member having a plurality of stop members. The lockout... Agent: Tyco Healthcare Group Lp

20080140091 - Minimally invasive suture-based repair of soft tissue: This invention is directed to an instrument that passes a suture through the annulus fibrosus or other soft tissue and that can be used in a minimally invasive manner.... Agent: Philip S. Johnson Johnson & Johnson

20080140092 - Soft tissue repair device and associated methods: A fibrous tissue repair device and associated method. The device includes an inserter having a solid distal portion defining an external surface, and a single anchor carried solely on the external surface of the distal portion of the inserter. The method includes preloading a first anchor externally onto a first... Agent: Harness, Dickey & Pierce, P.L.C

20080140093 - Soft tissue repair device and associated methods: A soft tissue repair device. The device includes an inserter having a distal portion, a first anchor carried externally onto the distal portion, a second anchor carried externally onto the distal portion, and a flexible strand coupling the first and second anchors and forming an adjustable knotless loop.... Agent: Harness, Dickey & Pierce, P.L.C

20080140094 - Unitary surgical device and method: Unitary surgical devices (10) are disclosed. One group of the illustrated devices has a pair of biocompatible, bioresorbable anchors (16,18) connected to fixed lengths suture. The anchors (16,18) and fixed length of suture are connected to each other prior to surgery. Another group of unitary surgical devices has a pair... Agent: Philip S. Johnson Johnson & Johnson

20080140096 - Method for treating cerebral ischemia: The present invention relates in general to medicine, neurology, pediatric neurology, pediatric neurosurgery and adult neurosurgery, and more specifically it concerns a method for treating chronic cerebral ischemia resulting from arterial circulatory insufficiency (deficit). The treatment method according to the present invention provides for neurosurgical intervention method for treating cerebral... Agent: John B. Hardaway, Iii Nexsen Pruet, Llc

20080140095 - Safety fastener for tissue apposition: Methods and devices for fastening tissue are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a tissue fastener is provided and includes a male fastening member having a base plate with at least one post extending therefrom and having a tissue-piercing tip. A protective member is coupled to the male fastening member and... Agent: Nutter Mcclennen & Fish LLP

20080140098 - Anastomosis balloon configurations and device: Improved anastomosis devices having structural upgrades to increase ease of use while simultaneously increasing patient safety. The anastomosis device can include a distal treatment end and a proximal connection end. The anastomosis device has a catheter portion with a plurality of inflation lumens and a funnel portion. The funnel portion... Agent: Ams Research Corporation

20080140097 - Intestinal anastomotic surgery aid: An intestinal anastomotic surgery aid 1 is constituted with a cylindrical portion 40 for covering the proximal end side of an engaging rod 28, and a cover portion 41 that extends from the cylindrical portion 40 towards the distal end side of the engaging rod 28. The proximal end part... Agent: Nixon Peabody

20080140099 - Pyloric plug: Devices and methods for transgastric surgery are provided. In one aspect, a surgical device is provided that includes an elongate member having a proximal end, a distal end, and an inner lumen extending through at least a portion thereof that is adapted to receive a fluid flow therethrough. A selectively... Agent: Nutter Mcclennen & Fish LLP

20080140101 - Apparatus for crossing occlusions or stenoses: A torqueable hollow device, such as a hollow guidewire device, with a pre-determined fixed distal tip is disclosed for removing occlusive material and passing through occlusions, stenosis, thrombus, plaque, calcified material, and other materials in a body lumen, such as a coronary artery. The hollow guidewire generally comprises an elongate,... Agent: Townsend And Townsend And Crew, LLP

20080140100 - Devices with integral magnets and uses thereof: In one embodiment, an elongate body with a proximal end and a distal end is disclosed and which is controllable by an operator at the proximal end; in one embodiment, the elongate body is a catheter and the catheter tip is located at the distal end. The body contains numerous... Agent: Michael Gertner

20080140102 - Medical instrument for removing objects from tight passages: The invention relates to a medical instrument for removing objects from narrow passages, having a shaft and an actuation element that is mounted in the shaft and on whose distal end a hook-shaped angled piece can be configured so that the distal end of the actuation element can be converted... Agent: St. Onge Steward Johnston & Reens, Llc

20080140103 - Corneal excision or scoring device: Disclosed is a corneal excision or scoring device. In one embodiment, the device includes a stabilizing portion having a first opening adapted to encircle an eye, such that at least a portion of the stabilizing portion engages the conjunctival formix of the eye when inserted. The device may also include... Agent: King & Schickli, Pllc

20080140104 - Surgical tool for creating an opening in tissue: A tool for removing at least one tissue plug from the wall of at least one tubular tissue structure may include a cutter and a piercing member positioned within the cutter, where the piercing member and cutter are configured to translate together, as well as an impulse source operationally connected... Agent: Cardica, Inc.

20080140105 - Lancet release mechanism: A lancing device comprises a lancet assembly and a lancet holder. The lancet assembly has a groove formed thereon. The lancet holder forms a central aperature adapted to receive the lancet assembly. The lancet holder includes a ridge extending into the central aperture. The ridge is adapted to engage the... Agent: Nixon Peabody LLP

20080140106 - Enhanced cuff sealing for endotracheal tubes: Gelling sealants that promote enhanced impermeability to medical devices is provided. The gelling sealants include various viscoelastic materials that exhibit a first viscosity upon introduction into a body cavity and a second viscosity after dwelling within the body cavity for a predetermined amount of time. The gelling sealants thicken and... Agent: Kimberly-clark Worldwide, Inc. Catherine E. Wolf

20080140108 - Annulotomy closure device and related methods: A system for sealing a hole in a body, comprising a generally cylindrical mesh formed from a plurality of helical strands which is inserted into the hole, with at least one end of the cylindrical mesh being moved least partially through an interior portion of the cylindrical shaped mesh such... Agent: Jonathan Spangler Nu Vasive, Inc.

20080140107 - Highly trackable balloon catheter system and method for collapsing an expanded medical device: A balloon catheter having a pre-mounted recovery sheath for recovering an expanded device, such as an embolic protection device, in a patient's body lumen, and a method of using a balloon catheter system of the invention to recover the expanded device... Agent: Fulwider Patton LLP

20080140109 - Surgical implant: A surgical implant for repairing an intervertebral disk. The implant includes an inflatable bladder and an externally threaded inlet port connected to the bladder. The inlet port has a threaded bore through which a filler is admitted into the bladder to inflate it. A setscrew is screwed into the threaded... Agent: Stephen R. Greiner, Esquire Greiner Law Offices, P.c.

20080140110 - Implant, systems and methods for physically diverting material in blood flow away from the head: A device for preventing stroke due to embolic material in the bloodstream of a patient, the patient having an aorta with an ascending portion and a descending portion, and one or more arch vessels communicating with the aorta for directing blood flow to the brain of the patient. The device... Agent: Wood, Herron & Evans, LLP

20080140111 - Stretch resistant therapeutic device: A vasoocclusive coil is reinforced with a stretch resistant member to improve safety during retraction of the coil. The stretch resistant member is fixedly attached at one end to the vasoocclusive coil, and the other end of the stretch resistant member is detachably mounted to an elongated pusher member to... Agent: Fulwider Patton LLP

20080140112 - Method for orienting a multi-electrode apparatus: A method for orienting an energy delivery device, including: providing a catheter device having a plurality of electrically independent electrodes; guiding the catheter device to a target location using at least one of a guide wire and imaging means; measuring at least one of an impedance and electrocardiac conductivity between... Agent: Cierra, Inc. & Townsend & Townsend And Crew, LLP

20080140113 - Method for sealing a pfo using an energy delivery device: Disclosed is a method for sealing a patent foramen ovale, including providing a first electrode device on a first side of PFO tissues; providing a second electrode device on an opposing side of PFO tissues; exerting a force on the PFO tissues by bringing the first and second devices into... Agent: Cierra, Inc. & Townsend & Townsend And Crew, LLP

20080140114 - Systems and methods for sealing a vascular puncture: Systems and methods introduce a closure material to seal a vessel puncture site. The system and methods provide a catheter adapted for passage through a tissue puncture and sized to occupy substantially all the tissue puncture. The catheter includes a lumen in fluid communication with a fluid delivery port adjacent... Agent: David J. Weitz Wilson, Sonsini, Goodrich & Rosati

20080140115 - Stapling support structures: The present disclosure relates to support structures for surgical staplers comprising at least on hydrophilic polymer and methods for preparing such structures.... Agent: Tyco Healthcare Group

20080140118 - Knotless tissue anchor: There is disclosed a radially expandable knotless tissue anchor including an expandable outer member defining a bore and an inner member slidably positioned within the bore. Relative longitudinal movement of the inner member relative to the expandable member causes a portion of the expandable member to expand radially outwardly. The... Agent: Tyco Healthcare Group Lp

20080140117 - Method and apparatus for securing a suture: An improved method and apparatus is provided to secure a suture relative to body tissue. When a predetermined minimum force is being transmitted between a suture retainer and the body tissue, the suture is gripped with the suture retainer by plastically deforming material of the suture retainer. One or more... Agent: Paul D. Bianco: Fleit, Kain, Gibbons, Gutman, Bongini, & Bianco P.l.

20080140116 - Method and apparatus for securing tissue: An anchor has a pointed end portion may be utilized to form an opening in a bone in a patient's body. The anchor is moved into the opening formed in the bone in the patient's body with a suture connected to the anchor. The suture may then be utilized to... Agent: Paul D. Bianco: Fleit, Kain, Gibbons, Gutman, Bongini, & Bianco P.l.

20080140119 - Pacifier: A baby pacifier having a base portion and an attached nipple portion, the pacifier being arranged to actuate an alarm if the pacifier has fallen out of the mouth of a baby using same, a detection circuit being substantially disposed in the base portion of the pacifier, the detection circuit... Agent: Pearl Cohen Zedek Latzer, LLP

20080140120 - Minimally invasive vertebral anchor access system and associated method: A spinal fixation access system includes a vertebral anchor with selectively attached extension members to extend percutaneously from the spine. The surgical procedure associated with this invention involves making small, discrete incisions for the placement of select vertebral anchors. The extension members retract soft tissue, muscle and the like to... Agent: Crompton, Seager & Tufte, Llc

20080140121 - Polymeric joint complex and methods of use: The invention describes a variety of implantable artificial joint complexes adapted for implantation within a target joint space within a human body. The joint complexes comprise: an expandable joint segment adapted to fit within the target joint space; and at least one of a first cannulated anchor adapted to engage... Agent: Shay Glenn LLP

20080140123 - Methods and apparatus for stabilizing a spinal segment: One or more sutures can be used in spinal applications to hold an intradiscal device in place between two vertebrae or repair a defect in the soft tissue of the spine, such as the annulus fibrosis or the dura. Tension can also be applied to the sutures to stabilize a... Agent: O''melveny & Myers LLP Ip&t Calendar Department La-1118

20080140122 - Tethers with strength limits for treating vertebral members: The present application is directed to tethers and methods of use for reducing and/or eliminating spinal deformities. Tethers may be attached with anchors to extend between two or more vertebral members. The tethers may apply a force to the vertebral members to treat the spinal deformity. The tethers may include... Agent: Coats & Bennett/medtronics

20080140124 - Spinal rod transverse connector system: A transverse connector system for coupling elongate elements to each other in a spinal fixation system. A trans-connector plate with at least one slot-like passage may have top and bottom elongated concave surface configurations. A cylindrical component of a coupling member may be configured to couple with an elongate fixation... Agent: Morriss Obryant Compagni, P.c.

20080140126 - Annular repair devices and methods: Methods and devices are described for occluding openings in an annulus fibrosis to prevent conditions such as disc herniation and recurrent disc herniation. An occluding device having an intradiscal component, an extradiscal component, and a barrier element disposed between the intradiscal and extradiscal components is provided. The intradiscal component has... Agent: O''melveny & Myers LLP Ip&t Calendar Department La-1118

20080140125 - Spinal stabilization system and method: A spinal stabilization system may include a pair of structural members coupled to at least a portion of a human vertebra with connectors. Connectors may couple structural members to spinous processes. Some embodiments of a spinal stabilization system may include fasteners that couple structural members to vertebrae. In some embodiments,... Agent: Paul D. Yasger Abbott Laboratories

20080140130 - Highly-versatile variable-angle bone plate system: A bone plate system for internal fixation of bone fractures includes a bone plate having a plurality of bone plate holes. The holes are constructed to receive either a non-locking, locking, or variable-angle locking bone screw. The holes have discrete columns of teeth or thread segments arranged around the inner... Agent: Jones Day

20080140129 - Spinal stabilization implant and method of application: Vertebra bodies in the human spine are stabilized through the use of minimally invasive surgery for the implantation of an elongate implant plate assembly having spaced first and second screw receiving socket elements which are configured for respective attachment to first and second spaced vertebra with the aid of bone... Agent: Ratnerprestia

20080140128 - Sternal closure device and method of using same: A sternal closure device is provided, comprising a first plate having a bone fixation region with at least one countersunk aperture for receiving a fastening means for affixing the first plate to one side of the sternum, and a locking region with at least one protruding aligning member; a second... Agent: Sutherland Asbill & Brennan LLP

20080140127 - Volar plate fixation device: Disclosed embodiments describe a volar plate generally for use treating distal volar fractures. The volar plate is designed in accordance with anatomical features and is generally Y-shaped, having a wider distal head portion that tapers to a narrower proximal body portion. A plurality of holes in the distal head of... Agent: Baker & Mckenzie LLP Patent Department

20080140131 - Lumbar spine anterior scoliosis reduction surgery: A method for performing minimally invasive surgery to reduce lumbar scoliosis in a patient is disclosed. The method involves performing an orthopedic exercise or maneuver on a patient to reduce scoliosis, and anchoring the ilioposoas muscles to a region of the femur to permanently reduce the scoliosis. During the exercise... Agent: Norris Mclaughlin & Marcus, P.a.

20080140132 - Pedicle screw and rod system for minimally invasive spinal fusion surgery: A pedicle screw and rod system for minimally invasive spinal fusion surgery that allows for ease of placement of a fusion rod on the heads of pedicle screws. The system includes extender tubes having a bore extending therethrough. The bore includes a cylindrical portion and a key portion. A slot... Agent: Miller Ip Group, Plc Mi4 Spine, Llc

20080140133 - Methods and devices for treating a multi-level spinal deformity: The present application discloses methods for treating a multi-level spinal deformity. The methods may include inserting a tether in a minimally-invasive manner through an entrance incision. The tether is moved along the spine and positioned to reduce and/or eliminate the deformity. Once the tether is positioned along the spine, the... Agent: Coats & Bennett/medtronics

20080140134 - Pedicle dynamic facet arthroplasty system and method: A total facet arthroplasty system and method of assembling a longitudinal member therein comprises a first pedicle screw assembly configured in a monoaxial position, wherein the first pedicle screw assembly comprises a first opening; a second pedicle screw assembly configured in a polyaxial position, wherein the second pedicle screw assembly... Agent: Gibb & Rahman, Llc

20080140135 - Polyaxial bone screw: The present invention generally provides a polyaxial fixation device having a shank with a spherical head formed on a proximal end thereof, and a receiver member having an axial passage formed therein that is adapted to polyaxially seat the spherical head of the shank. The polyaxial bone screw further includes... Agent: Nutter Mcclennen & Fish LLP

20080140136 - Polyaxial bone screw with cam capture: A polyaxial bone screw assembly includes a threaded shank body having an upper portion with a laterally extending lug and a retainer having an inner cam track for receiving the lug and thus attaching the shank upper portion to the retainer within a receiver. The retainer may be a closed... Agent: John C. Mcmahon

20080132882 - Orthopedic instruments with rfid: In one aspect the present invention comprises a surgical tool. The surgical tool preferably includes a body having a cavity, and RFID electronic assembly, a first layer of first encapsulant formed around the electronic assembly and a housing insertable into the cavity. In accordance with this aspect of the present... Agent: Lerner, David, Littenberg, Krumholz & Mentlik

20080132883 - Ablation catheter: An ablation catheter apparatus with a monopole antenna that is arranged to provide a relatively uniform electric field and a method for using such an ablation catheter apparatus are disclosed. According to one aspect of the present invention, an ablation catheter includes an elongated flexible tubular member that is adapted... Agent: Fenwick & West LLP

20080132885 - Methods for treating tissue sites using electroporation: Methods for treating a tissue site. Introducing at least first and second mono-polar electrodes to a tissue site of the patient. Positioning the at least first and second mono-polar electrodes at or near the tissue site. Applying an electric field in a controlled manner to the tissue site in an... Agent: Heller Ehrman LLP

20080132884 - Systems for treating tissue sites using electroporation: A systems for treating a tissue site. At least first and second mono-polar electrodes are configured to be introduced at or near a tissue site of the patient. A voltage pulse generator is coupled to the first and second mono-polar electrodes. The voltage pulse generator is configured to apply sufficient... Agent: Heller Ehrman LLP

20080132886 - Use of fractional emr technology on incisions and internal tissues: Methods of treatment of tissue with electromagnetic radiation (EMR) to produce lattices of EMR-treated islets in the tissue are disclosed. Specifically, methods of treating internal hard and soft tissues, such as but not limited to organs, bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments, vessels and nerves, with such EMR-treated islets are described. Also... Agent: Nutter Mcclennen & Fish LLP

20080132887 - Surgical instrument: A surgical instrument has a first grasping member, a second grasping member which is provided to the first grasping member to open and close to the first grasping member, and grasps a living tissue between them, an ultrasonic coagulation-cutting unit which includes an ultrasonic vibrating portion provided in one of... Agent: Ostrolenk Faber Gerb & Soffen

20080132890 - Electrosurgical apparatus and methods for laparoscopy: Electrosurgical methods and apparatus for treating tissue at a target site of a patient. An electrosurgical instrument includes a shaft, having a shaft distal end and a shaft proximal end, and an electrode assembly disposed at the shaft distal end. The electrode assembly includes at least one active electrode disposed... Agent: Arthrocare Corporation

20080132888 - Electrosurgical instrument: An electrosurgical instrument comprises an elongated treatment instrument body; a nozzle portion provided at the distal side of the treatment instrument body for injecting a conductive fluid flowing to the inside of the treatment instrument body from the distal end of the treatment instrument body in the atomized state; and... Agent: Thomas Spinelli Scully, Scott, Murphy & Presser

20080132889 - Electrosurgical instrument: An electrosurgical instrument of the present invention includes an elongated instrument body, a cylindrical member constituting the instrument body, an ultrasonic transducer provided in inside of the cylindrical member for applying ultrasonic vibration to a fluid flowing into a liquid feed passage, a fluid atomizing port provided at the distal... Agent: Thomas Spinelli Scully, Scott, Murphy & Presser

20080132891 - Monopolar resection device and method of use: Methods and devices are provided for delivering monopolar energy to a treatment area in order to cut and/or coagulate tissue. In one embodiment, the device can include an elongated shaft having a distal end that is mated to a cutting head. The cutting head can include opposed jaws and an... Agent: Nutter Mcclennen & Fish LLP

20080132892 - Electrocautery surgical scissors: Surgical apparatus includes bipolar electrodes and tissue-shearing blades configured to electrically contact tissue for electrocauterization thereof prior to shearing contact of the cutting blades with the tissue over wide angles of presentation of the tissue to the electrodes and blades. Extensions or protrusions disposed along facing edges of the electrodes... Agent: Fenwick & West LLP

20080132893 - Electrosurgical system: An electrosurgical system includes an electrosurgical instrument and a user alert means (78). The electrosurgical instrument includes an elongate body (1) having a proximal end (2) and a distal end (3), and a pair of jaws (12) carried by the elongate body and disposed at the distal end. An actuator... Agent: Nixon & Vanderhye, Pc

20080132894 - Phalangeal arthrodesis implant, surgical kit and method for manufacturing same: A medical implant interposable between a first bone and a second bone in order to support the first and second bones substantially joined one to the other, so as to obtain bony fusion of the first and second bones. Also disclosed is a surgical kit comprising an implant and a... Agent: Powell Goldstein LLP

20080132895 - Instruments and method for arthroscopic arthroplasty of the knee: Instruments and method for the arthroscopy arthroplasty of a knee joint, including instruments and method for the use of the instruments in the resection of tibial and femoral surfaces and the implantation of tibial and femoral components. In resecting the femur, a femoral cutting mill is attached to the tibial... Agent: Mark S. Morrison

20080132896 - Curved orthopedic tool: A method of forming an opening in a bone comprising: inserting a tip of a curved rigid tool into an entry point in the bone and advancing the tool along a curved path into the bone. Another aspect of the invention provides an orthopedic tool comprising a rigid curved body... Agent: Shay Glenn LLP

20080132897 - Surgical instrument system with ball and socket support: A surgical instrument support system has a support frame supported by three arms. Each arm has a plurality of ball and socket members strung in series along a cable. The arms are also connected to bases mountable to the patient's limb on the proximal and distal sides of the joint.... Agent: Philip S. Johnson Johnson & Johnson

20080132898 - Stackable spinal support system: A system for distracting two tissue surfaces away from one another within a spine, involving a plurality of biocompatible and generally rectangular spinal inserts configured to be successively stacked within a spine to distract the two tissues surfaces away from one another. Each spinal insert has a generally planar top... Agent: Jonathan Spangler Nu Vasive, Inc.

20080132899 - Composite implant and method for treating bone abnormalities: This invention relates to implantable bone fill materials, systems and methods of treating bone abnormalities such as compression fractures of vertebrae, bone necrosis, bone tumors, cysts and the like. In an exemplary embodiment, the bone abnormality is accessed and a space is created by bone removal or compaction. An exemplary... Agent: Knobbe Martens Olson & Bear LLP

20080132900 - Drill alignment assembly for a bone plate using tissue protection sleeves that are fixed in the bone plate: A tissue protection sleeve for use with a drill alignment assembly for a bone plate includes a tubular body having a first end and a second end. A hole extending from the first end to the second end is formed in the tubular body. The hole has a first center... Agent: Lerner, David, Littenberg, Krumholz & Mentlik

20080132902 - Methods and instrumentation for positioning implants in spinal disc space in an anterior lateral approach: Instruments and methods are provided for positioning one or more implants into a spinal disc space. The instruments and methods have application in an anterior lateral approach to the disc space between the L4 and L5 vertebrae. The instruments include a distractor, a housing, a guide member to facilitate positioning... Agent: Krieg Devault LLP

20080132901 - Spinal implant and instrument: An instrument of an instrument set is used to insert an implant into a disc space. The implant comprises a first cage and a second cage and the instrument comprises a distal end configured to push the cage first inserted into the disc space laterally in its proper anatomical location.... Agent: Browdy And Neimark, P.l.l.c. 624 Ninth Street, Nw

20080132903 - Goniometer for measuring artificial acetabular cup angles and method for measuring thereof using the goniometer: A goniometer for measuring artificial acetabular cup angles having the function of measuring an inclination angle and anteversion angle and a method for measuring the artificial acetabular cup angle using the same are disclosed. This goniometer measures the inclination angle or anteversion angle by using the first angle measuring unit,... Agent: Nath & Associates

20080132904 - Screw insertion guide tube with window: A surgical device suitable for use in spinal fusion of the cervical vertebrae is provided. The surgical device includes an inner tubular body and an outer tubular body. The inner and outer tubular body each has a lengthwise region and a distal portion with a discontinuous wall forming a fenestration.... Agent: Ratnerprestia

20080132906 - Pusher sheath and deployment device: A stent or stent-graft deployment device and in particular a pusher member for such a device are disclosed. The pusher member (62) is provided with a reduced outer diameter section (64) and a pusher head (60). The reduced outer diameter section (64) reduces the thickness of the wall of the... Agent: Cook Group Patent Office

20080132905 - Surgical clearing device and method for using same: Described herein is a surgical clearing device that includes a neck that defines a longitudinal axis and a clearing portion extending from the neck. The clearing portion extends in a curved path that defines a plane that is approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the neck. In a preferred... Agent: Jeffer, Mangels, Butler & Marmaro, LLP

20080132907 - Surgical tape and method for using same: Provided herein is a method of marking the skin before surgery. The method includes the steps of providing first and second tape members each having a plurality of perforations defined therethrough, placing the first tape member on a portion of the skin overlying the right submandibular border, placing the second... Agent: Jeffer, Mangels, Butler & Marmaro, LLP

20080132908 - Birthing gloove: A birthing glove exposes portions of the finger and thumb, which may be covered by a regular surgical glove. The birthing glove has a trank having an inner wall covering the palm and backhand of the birthing practitioner. Four finger sleeves and a thumb sleeve extend from the trank and... Agent: Bich Van Nguyen

20080132910 - Control for a remote navigation system: A method of operating a remote navigation system comprising an orientation system for orienting the distal end of a medical device, and an advancing system for advancing and retracting the medical device. The method includes operating an input device to manipulate a cursor on the screen of a graphical user... Agent: Edward H. Renner

20080132912 - Guide block for biopsy or surgical devices: One embodiment having features of the invention is directed to a guide block for an MRI device which has a block body with a proximal face, a distal face, and four parallel passageways extending between the two faces. The first passageway is centrally disposed, the second passageway is disposed vertical... Agent: Edward J. Lynch Patent Attorney

20080132909 - Portable electromagnetic navigation system: A portable system can be provided that works with a surgical navigation system. The portable system can control a localizer to assist in the tracking of a tracking device. The portable system can be provided to be substantially carried by a single user form one location to another. Further, various... Agent: Harness, Dickey & Pierce, P.L.C

20080132913 - Surgical instrument: A medical instrument assembly and robotic medical system are provided. The assembly comprises an insert including a shaft, a coupler carried on a proximal end of the shaft, a distal tool carried on a distal end of the shaft for performing a medical procedure on a patient, and at least... Agent: Vista Ip Law Group LLP

20080132911 - System and method for navigating a surgical needle toward an organ of the body of a patient: System for navigating a surgical needle toward a target organ of the body of a patient, the system including a removable mandrel, a medical positioning system (MPS) sensor, an electromagnetic field generator, and an MPS, the removable mandrel being located within the surgical needle, the removable mandrel to be moved... Agent: Merchant & Gould Pc

20080132914 - Device and method for removing a composition from the skin: A device for removing a depilatory or other composition from the skin comprises: a non-shaving head (2) which in use is moved over the skin to effect removal of the composition; a handle (4); and a joint (6) between the head and the handle, permitting the head to articulate about... Agent: Merchant & Gould Pc

20080132915 - Method and apparatus for vascular and visceral clipping: Devices and methods for achieving hemostasis and leakage control in hollow body vessels such as the small and large intestines, arteries, and veins as well as ducts leading to the gall bladder and other organs. The devices and methods disclosed herein are especially useful in the emergency, trauma surgery or... Agent: Jay A. Lenker

20080132916 - Surgical threading device and method for using same: Described herein is a threading device that includes an elongated tube having first and second open ends and a suture tie-off location disposed approximately halfway between the first and second ends, a light guide extending through the elongated tube, and a suture received in an tied around the suture tie-off... Agent: Jeffer, Mangels, Butler & Marmaro, LLP

20080132917 - Surgical instrument docking device: In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided A surgical instrument docking handset that includes a generally tubular shaped main body portion that has first and second opposite ends and defines a longitudinal axis. The article of manufacture further includes an instrument dock extending from... Agent: Jeffer, Mangels, Butler & Marmaro, LLP

20080132918 - Surgical instrument docking device: Described herein is a surgical instrument that includes a tubular member having first and second opposite ends and a longitudinal axis, an instrument dock extending from the first end of the tubular member that includes an opening for receiving a rod, and a light source. Light from the light source... Agent: Jeffer, Mangels, Butler & Marmaro, LLP

20080132919 - Cycling suturing and knot-tying device: A cycling, suturing and knot-tying device is characterized by an arcuate fixed, grooved or recessed way provided in a correspondingly shaped support frame for accommodating a curved needle fitted with thread, and frictional needle-engaging devices provided in the way for selectively engaging the needle and driving the needle in one... Agent: James E. Brunton, Esq.

20080132921 - Necklift procedure and instruments for performing same: A method for threading a suture in a patient's body. The method includes the steps of providing a suture, providing a threading device comprising an elongated rod having a suture tie-off location and first and second ends, tying the suture to the suture tie-off location, inserting the first end of... Agent: Jeffer, Mangels, Butler & Marmaro, LLP

20080132920 - Surgical instruments for positioning suture knots: A knot positioning implement that includes an elongated tube that has an interior and first and second opposite ends that each have an opening therein. The first end of the elongated tube is forked and the second end includes a threaded connector. The implement further includes a fiberoptic core that... Agent: Jeffer, Mangels, Butler & Marmaro, LLP

20080132922 - Mesh pouches for implantable medical devices: Biodegradable polymer-coated surgical meshes formed into pouches are described for use with cardiac rhythm management devices (CRMs) and other implantable medical devices. Such meshes are formed into a receptacle, e.g., a pouch or other covering, capable of encasing, surrounding and/or holding the cardiac rhythm management device or other implantable medical... Agent: Tyrx Pharma, Inc.

20080132923 - Adhesive coated stent and insertion instrument: A deployment cartridge is provided to insert a coated stent into a junction formed between to tubular tissue sections. The deployment cartridge includes a pusher and a coated stent contained within the pusher. The pusher includes support structure for engagement with the stent. The stent is coated with a tissue... Agent: Tyco Healthcare Group Lp

20080132924 - Vascular conduit: A vascular system comprising a catheter having a first end portion, a second end portion and a plurality of lumens wherein the first end portion is dimensioned for insertion into a vascular graft and the second end portion is dimensioned for insertion into a vein of a patient to create... Agent: Neil D. Gershon

20080132925 - Methods and devices for reducing hollow organ volume: Methods and devices for providing a minimally-invasive placement of a mechanical structure for reducing the volume of a hollow body organ. Intragastric bands may be secured within the hollow body organ and then reduced in diameter to form a stricture within the hollow body organ. The strictures may be placed... Agent: Fulwider Patton LLP

20080132926 - Devices and methods for accessing the epidural space: An apparatus for accessing the epidural space in a mammal has a cutting sheath with a distal end adapted to transition from a closed cutting configuration to an open configuration. A tissue engagement device is in a hollow portion of the sheath. The tissue engagement device has a blunt distal... Agent: Shay Glenn LLP

20080132927 - Ultrasonic treatment apparatus: An ultrasonic treatment apparatus includes an ultrasonic transducer that generates ultrasonic vibrations, a probe that includes a proximal end connected with the ultrasonic transducer, and transmits ultrasonic vibrations generated by the ultrasonic transducer from the proximal end to a distal end thereof, and a treatment portion that is formed at... Agent: Ostrolenk Faber Gerb & Soffen

20080132928 - Cutting tool having a magnetically controlled pre-load force: The present disclosure relates to a cutting tool that includes an outer tubular member having a first, magnet and an inner tubular member having a second magnet wherein the inner tubular member is slidably disposed within the outer tubular member. A force, such as an attractive or opposing force, is... Agent: Norman F. Hainer, Jr. Smith & Nephew, Inc.

20080132929 - Surgical bur with anti-chatter flute geometry: A surgical bur (20) including a shaft with a bur head. A number of flutes are formed on the bur head. Each flute has a cutting edge (54). The flutes are formed so that some of the flutes having cutting edges emerge from the bur head at locations relatively close... Agent: Intel. Prop./ Rnd Stryker Corporation

20080132930 - Tissue cutting member for a biopsy device: The invention is directed to tissue cutting members and biopsy devices with such tissue cutting member for separating a tissue specimen from a patient's body at a target site. The tissue cutting member is slidably disposed within an inner lumen of an elongated probe member of the biopsy device to... Agent: Edward J. Lynch Patent Attorney

20080132931 - Skin puncturing device: Provided herein is an article of manufacture that includes a stop member having an upper surface and a lower surface, a blade extending upwardly from the upper surface of the stop member, and a handle attachment member extending downwardly from the lower surface of the stop member. The blade includes... Agent: Jeffer, Mangels, Butler & Marmaro, LLP

20080132932 - Chondral defect repair: A tissue repair device. The tissue repair device includes a tubular shaft having a longitudinal bore for delivering biological material to a soft tissue defect, and an awl having a distal end configured for microfracturing bone underlying the defect. The tubular shaft and the awl are movable relative to one... Agent: Harness, Dickey & Pierce, P.L.C

20080132933 - Flexible introducer: An introducer for facilitating implantation of a therapy element into a patient defines a lumen configured to receive the therapy element. At least a portion of the introducer is configured to preferentially flex in at least a first direction over at least a second direction. That is, at least a... Agent: Shumaker & Sieffert, P. A.

20080132936 - In situ materials formation: Methods and apparatus of forming hydrogel systems in situ are provided using a delivery system configured to deliver two or more fluent prepolymer solutions without premature crosslinking. The delivery system comprises separate first and second lumens coupling first and second inlet ports and first and second outlet ports, respectively, and... Agent: Dardi & Associates, Pllc Us Bank Plaza

20080132935 - Methods for treating a fractured and/or diseased and/or weakened bone: A method selects a vertebral body having an interior volume occupied, at least in part, by cancellous bone. The vertebral body has at least one cortical plate that is depressed due to fracture. The method establishes a percutaneous path into the vertebral body. The method introduces through the percutaneous path... Agent: Ryan Kromholz & Manion, S.c.

20080132934 - Systems and methods treating a vertebral body related applications: A vertebral body is selected for treatment. The vertebral body has a cortical wall enclosing a cancellous bone volume. The vertebral body has at least one cortical plate that is depressed due to fracture. At least one maximum dimension for the cancellous bone volume is ascertained. An expandable device is... Agent: Ryan Kromholz & Manion, S.c.

20080132937 - Emergency transection device: An emergency transection intervention device has an elongated catheter (4) with a movable nose cone dilator (8) temporarily closing off the first end of the elongate catheter, a haemostatic seal (6) on a second end of the catheter and closing off the second end of the elongate catheter. First and... Agent: Cook Group Patent Office

20080132938 - 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: Townsend And Townsend And Crew, LLP

20080132939 - Stretch resistant therapeutic device: A vasoocclusive coil is reinforced with a stretch resistant member to improve safety during retraction of the coil. The stretch resistant member is fixedly attached at one end to the vasoocclusive coil, and the other end of the stretch resistant member is detachably mounted to an elongated pusher member to... Agent: Fulwider Patton LLP

20080132940 - Removable handle for medical device: A removable and replaceable handle for a medical device includes a main body with a distal end, a proximal end, and a longitudinal axis between the distal and proximal ends and a slider disposed within the main body that is translatable along the longitudinal axis between the distal and proximal... Agent: Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione/chicago/cook

20080132941 - Medical devices incorporating collagen inhibitors: Provided herein are implantable or insertable biomedical devices comprising a substrate and a collagen inhibitor on or in said substrate, and methods of treatment using the same. In some embodiments, the device is a urethral, ureteral, or nephroureteral catheter or stent. In some embodiments, the device is an absorbable esophageal... Agent: Myers Bigel Sibley & Sajovec

20080132943 - Knotless wound closure device: A knotless wound closure device includes an elongated flexible body with proximal and distal ends having a plurality of through-holes along its length and defining a longitudinal axis with a plurality of surface features extending away from the axis. The proximal end is configured and dimensioned to pass through body... Agent: Tyco Healthcare Group Lp

20080132942 - Suture and method for using same: Provided herein is a braided suture that includes at least three strands. At least one of the strands is comprised of a fiberoptic material. In a preferred embodiment, more than one of the strands is comprised of a fiberoptic material. Also provided is a method of suturing. The method includes... Agent: Jeffer, Mangels, Butler & Marmaro, LLP

20080132944 - Suture re-tensioning device: A suture re-tensioning device 10 includes a body 12 having an opening 14 constructed and arranged to permit a portion of a surgical suture 16 to pass there-through. The body is constructed and arranged to be implantable in a human. Retaining structure 18 is associated with the body and is... Agent: Manelli Denison & Selter

20080132945 - Necklift procedure and instruments for performing same: Provided herein is a method of performing surgery and the associated instruments therefor. The method includes the steps of placing a tape template onto a portion of a patient's skin, marking a plurality of access sites, making an opening to form a mid-line access site, performing liposuction, forming a plurality... Agent: Jeffer, Mangels, Butler & Marmaro, LLP

20080132946 - Skin port: A skin port that includes a flange defining a longitudinal axis, and a tube extending downwardly from the flange. The flange is axially aligned with the tube, the flange and tube cooperate to define a tunnel therethrough, the tube is rotatable within the flange, and the tube includes a folding... Agent: Jeffer, Mangels, Butler & Marmaro, LLP

20080132947 - Surgical threading device and method for using same: A threading device that includes an elongated tube having first and second opposite ends and a fiberoptic core. The elongated tube includes an interior and an eyelet defined therein. The first end of the elongated tube includes a blunt tip affixed thereto and the second end includes a threaded connector.... Agent: Jeffer, Mangels, Butler & Marmaro, LLP

20080132948 - Visceral anchors for purse-string closure of perforations: Medical devices and related methods for closing a perforation in a bodily wall The medical device generally includes a suture having opposing first and second ends and a set of visceral anchors. Each visceral anchor includes a crossbar having opposing ends and a suture slidably attached thereto. Each visceral anchor... Agent: Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione/chicago/cook

20080132949 - Apparatus and method for anterior intervertebral spinal fixation and fusion: A spinal fixation and fusion device that includes a housing with leading deep surface conforming to the posterior aspect of the intervertebral disk and trailing outer surface conforming to the anterior surface of the disk, weight bearing sides and the top and bottom surfaces with plurality of openings enabling ingrowths... Agent: Schwegman, Lundberg & Woessner, P.a.

20080132950 - Flexible spine stabilization systems: A spine stabilization system includes a flexible member attachable to a portion of the spinal column. The use of components resist loading applied by extension and rotation of the spine, while the flexibility of the member does not subject it to the compressive loading of the spinal column segment to... Agent: Krieg Devault LLP

20080132951 - 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. A pair of fixation elements are adapted to be secured within a vertebra in an orientation that best assures a secure and durable attachment to cortical and/or cancellous bone. Artificial facet joint surfaces are mounted on the... Agent: Shay Glenn LLP

20080132952 - Percutaneous spinal implants and methods: An apparatus includes a support member having an outer surface configured to be disposed between adjacent spinous processes and a retention member rotatably coupled to the support member. A first end portion of the retention member is spaced apart from the outer surface by a first distance along an axis... Agent: Cooley Godward Kronish LLP Attn: Patent Group

20080132953 - Methods for stabilizing bone using spinal fixation devices: A method of stabilizing bone, such as a spine, includes providing a coupling element having first and second sections that are angled relative to one another, the coupling element having rod receiving openings for securing an elongated member such as an orthopedic rod, and assembling the coupling element with an... Agent: Lerner, David, Littenberg, Krumholz & Mentlik

20080132955 - Bone plate: A bone plate includes an upper surface, a bone contacting surface, and at least one hole extending through the upper and bone contacting surfaces for receiving a bone screw. The at least one hole includes a first portion and a second portion that overlap one another. The first portion defines... Agent: Fay Kaplun & Marcin, LLP

20080132954 - Spinal stabilisation implant: A spine stabilization implant is provided for at least two adjacent vertebrae, the implant comprising at least two anchor plates for being secured to the vertebrae and a resilient member extending there-between to simulate a natural ligament. In one embodiment the anchor plates or staples are provided in pairs so... Agent: Howard M. Ellis Simpson & Simpson, Pllc

20080132956 - Bone anchoring nail: A bone anchoring nail is provided having a threadless shaft with a free end, a head opposite to the free end, the head having a substantially U-shaped recess for accommodation of a rod or a rod-shaped element, a longitudinal bore extending through the shaft and opening towards any one of... Agent: Christie, Parker & Hale, LLP

20080132957 - Bone anchoring device: A bone anchoring device includes a shank to be anchored in a bone or vertebra, a head, and a receiving part receiving the head for connecting the shank to a rod. The shank and the head are separate parts. The head has a bore with a cylindrical inner surface, a... Agent: Christie, Parker & Hale, LLP

20080132958 - Orthopedic compression screw: The invention relates to an orthopedic compression screw, in particular a compression screw for osteosynthesis and/or fixation of bone segments (12, 14), with a threaded portion (20) and a screw head (18), the screw head (18) widening conically toward its distal end and the screw being provided along its longitudinal... Agent: Bachman & Lapointe, P.c.

20080132960 - Bone plating system: The present invention relates to a bone plating system and method for fracture fixation of bone. The bone plating system includes a bone plate, at least one locking screw, and at least one non-locking screw. The bone plate has locking holes with threads and non-locking holes. The locking screws have... Agent: Fay Kaplun & Marcin, LLP

20080132959 - System to be used with an implanting tool: A system to be used with an implanting tool having a tip part. The system has a longitudinal axis and includes a polymeric screw having a head and an adapter between the screw and the implanting tool. The adapter includes a first part that fits the tip part of the... Agent: Venable LLP