Surgery inventions 07/08

20080183159 - Contact glass for ophtalmologic surgery: A contact glass for ophthalmic surgery, including a concave anterior lens surface for placement on the eye and a suction channel annularly surrounding the periphery of the anterior lens surface. The suction channel allows the contact glass to be fixed to the eye by means of a vacuum, it is... Agent: Patterson, Thuente, Skaar & Christensen, P.A.

20080183160 - Ignition limited illuminator: A system and method for hardware limiting the ignition of an ophthalmic illumination source are disclosed. One embodiment of the present invention is an ophthalmic illuminator, comprising: an illumination source having a desired useful lifetime; and an ignition system operable to provide an ignition pulse to ignite the illumination source,... Agent: Alcon

20080183161 - Method and apparatus for aesthetic skin treatments: An apparatus for aesthetic manipulation of the skin having a large pulsator with plurality of light emitting diodes of at least two different wavelengths and a small pulsator with one light emitting diode. A frequency modulating means automatically modulates the emitting frequency of the light emitting diodes to a plurality... Agent: Bell, Boyd & Lloyd, LLP

20080183162 - Methods and devices for fractional ablation of tissue: Methods and devices for ablating portions of a tissue volume with electromagnetic radiation (EMR) to produce lattices of EMR-treated ablation islets in the tissue are disclosed, including lattices of micro-holes, micro-grooves, and other structures. Also, methods and devices for using the ablated islets are disclosed, including to deliver chromophores, filler,... Agent: Nutter Mcclennen & Fish LLP

20080183163 - Introducer sheath and hub assembly: The present invention relates to medical treatment devices. In particular, according to one embodiment, the present invention a medical treatment device that includes, for example, a tube member, a treatment member by way of which energy can be transmitted in connection with performance of a medical procedure, a sleeve, and... Agent: Merit Medical Systems, Inc. C/o Stoel Rives, LLP

20080183164 - Subdermal cryogenic remodeling of muscles, nerves, connective tissue, and/or adipose tissue (fat): Devices, systems, and methods treat cosmetic defects, and often apply cooling with at least one tissue-penetrating probe inserted through of the skin of a patient. The cooling may remodel one or more target tissue so as to effect a desired change in a composition of the target tissue and/or a... Agent: Townsend And Townsend And Crew, LLP

20080183165 - Thermal feedback systems and methods of using the same: A system for providing feedback during an electrosurgical procedure on a target tissue is provided. The system includes an electrosurgical energy source; an electrode probe assembly connected to the electrosurgical energy source, wherein the electrode probe assembly includes at least one electrode assembly having a needle configured to deliver electrosurgical... Agent: Tyco Healthcare Group Lp

20080183166 - Devices and methods for ablating tissue: A device for ablating tissue includes a plurality of ablation elements and one or two hinge tubes that couple the ablation elements together. The tubes also provide a passageway for the delivery of a flowable material to a target tissue. In another embodiment, the ablation elements include a front housing... Agent: Sjm/afd-wiley

20080183167 - Skin treatment using a multi-discharge applicator: A method for medical treatment includes bringing an applicator, having an array of protrusions disposed thereon, into proximity with a skin surface of a patient so as to maintain a space between a plurality of the protrusions and the skin surface. Radio-frequency (RF) electrical power is applied to the applicator... Agent: Welsh & Katz, Ltd

20080183168 - Surgical system and procedure for treatment of medically refractory atrial fibrillation: The invention provides surgical systems and methods for ablating heart tissue within the interior and/or exterior of the heart. A plurality of probes is provided with each probe configured for introduction into the chest for engaging the heart. Each probe includes an elongated shaft having an elongated ablating surface of... Agent: Sjm/afd-wiley

20080183169 - Switching methods and apparatus: Embodiments of the invention controlling power distribution in an ablation control apparatus or the like. In one embodiment, a power switching apparatus comprises a first switch assembly having an input end to receive a power input signal, the first switch assembly having a plurality of output channels; a second switch... Agent: Sjm/afd - Dykema

20080183170 - Flexible shaft reduction tool: A bone reduction method and apparatus includes a bone reduction tool including a shaft with a proximal end portion, a distal end portion for insertion into a fractured bone, a first rigid portion located at the distal end portion, and a first flexible portion located between the first rigid portion... Agent: Maginot, Moore & Beck, LLP Chase Tower

20080183171 - Lockable intermedullary fixation device: An orthopedic device can include an intramedullary nail and an insert telescopically received in the intramedullary nail. The insert includes at least two guiding bores for corresponding bone fasteners that can be locked at an angle to the intramedullary nail. A locking set screw can be coupled to the insert... Agent: Harness, Dickey & Pierce, P.L.C

20080183172 - Retention feature for plate guides: A plate guide including a body having an upper surface, a lower surface, and a projection extending therefrom. The projection may be configured to be received within an aperture in a bone plate. In one exemplary embodiment, the aperture in the bone plate is a bone screw receiving aperture. In... Agent: Zimmer Technology - Baker & Daniels

20080183173 - Skull drill: An ultrasound converter (5) is furnished in the gripping part of a hand piece. The hand piece is connected to an ultrasound generator (7) through a connection line (6). The sonotrode (1,1′, 1″) is introduced through a corresponding opening in the front end of the hand piece and is screwed... Agent: Horst M. Kasper

20080183174 - Retrograde resection apparatus and method: A retrograde resection apparatus may include a cutting blade including a slot defined in the cutting blade, a recess defined in at least a portion of the slot, a screw, including a proximal end and a distal end defining a bore therethrough, a shaft having a distal end and a... Agent: Grossman, Tucker, Perreault & Pfleger, PLLC

20080183175 - Styli used to position device for carrying out selective discectomy: A set of styli comprised of a shaped memory or elastic metal are disclosed wherein each stylus has a different preformed curvatures for use with a cutting device for performing a selective discectomy. The device is inserted at a point chosen from contralateral, anterior or anterolateral relative to a herniation... Agent: Bozicevic, Field & Francis LLP

20080183176 - Linked tibial resection guide: An improved resection guide and method using same are disclosed. The guide is preferably utilized in resecting the tibia during either a single or double unicondylar type procedure. Preferably, the guide allows for linked resection of the tibia while also being capable of conforming to many different patient sizes. This... Agent: Lerner, David, Littenberg, Krumholz & Mentlik

20080183177 - Instrumentation and method for implanting a curved stem tibial tray: A punch assembly for preparing a tibia bone for a prosthesis includes a static component configured to be supported by the tibia bone and a dynamic component that includes a punch having a stem. The dynamic component is supported for movement relative to the static component along a generally arcuate... Agent: Harness, Dickey & Pierce, P.L.C

20080183178 - Locking intramedullary jig: A locking intramedullary alignment jig for use in bone resection, especially for the proximal tibial has an axially extending intramedullary rod for insertion into the medullary canal of the tibia. A slidable anchoring block is mounted on the rod for movement along the rod in the axial direction, which on... Agent: Lerner, David, Littenberg, Krumholz & Mentlik

20080183179 - Surgical jig: A surgical jig and method of use in image guided and non-guided surgery are described. The jig is for use in determining an axis of a body part. The jig includes a handle at a proximal end and a mouth at a distal end. The mouth is engagable about the... Agent: Philip S. Johnson Johnson & Johnson

20080183180 - Implant holder and pusher: An implant holder and driver for use in implanting orthopedic implants is disclosed. The instrument includes a distal retaining member that affirmatively holds the orthopedic implant and allows significant force to be applied by the driver without dislodging the engagement. An actuation mechanism is provided to move the retaining member... Agent: Haynes And Boone, LLP

20080183181 - Enclosed protective packaging: A vascular treatment device delivery system includes an elongated protective sheath having a distal end and a proximal end, a delivery catheter disposed within an axial lumen of the elongated protective sheath, and a luer fitting operably connected to a proximal end of the delivery catheter. The system further includes... Agent: Medtronic Vascular, Inc.IPLegal Department

20080183182 - Guide wire: A guide wire comprises a wire body including a filamentous first wire disposed on the distal side and comprised of a Ni—Ti alloy, and a filamentous second wire disposed on the proximal side of the first wire and comprised of a material higher in rigidity than the material constituting the... Agent: Buchanan, Ingersoll & Rooney PC

20080183183 - Introducer sheath stabilizer: A device for introducing an embolic coil into a catheter comprises an elongated body defining a longitudinal passage extending therethrough from a first opening at a proximal end thereof to a second opening at a distal end thereof, the elongated body being including a mating portion for conforming to a... Agent: Fay Kaplun & Marcin, LLP

20080183184 - Endoscopic device: A medical device having a member with a lumen extending from a proximal end to a distal end of the member is disclosed. The lumen has a device portion defined by at least one curved walled portion and at least one anchoring portion. An endoscopic device, such as a needle,... Agent: Calfee Halter & Griswold, LLP

20080183185 - Devices and methods for removing obstructions from a cerebral vessel: The present invention is directed to methods and devices for removing an obstruction. The system includes a support catheter which can be advanced into small and tortuous vessels. By advancing the support catheter nearer to the obstruction then can be achieved with conventional guide catheters, the support catheter reduces the... Agent: Hoekendijk & Lynch, LLP

20080183187 - Direct delivery system for transvascular lead: A lead delivery system for delivering a neurostimulation lead to a patient's internal jugular vein using a percutaneous stick. The system comprises a neurostimulation lead adapted to stimulate a vagus nerve from the internal jugular vein. The lead includes a proximal end, a distal end, a generally spiral shaped retaining... Agent: Faegre & Benson, LLP 32469

20080183186 - Method and apparatus for delivering a transvascular lead: A lead delivery system for delivering a medical electrical lead to an internal jugular vein (IJV) through a subclavian vein. An inner catheter extends from a proximal end to a distal end. The inner catheter includes an inner catheter curve configured to direct the distal end to the IJV when... Agent: Faegre & Benson, LLP 32469

20080183192 - Contralateral insertion method to treat herniation with device using visualization components: A method for performing a selective discectomy is disclosed whereby a path for insertion of a tissue removal device is created by inserting a cannula with a flexible distal end position into an intervertebral disc by entering the nucleus at a point contralateral or anterolateral to a herniation site or... Agent: Bozicevic, Field & Francis LLP

20080183188 - Integrated surgical navigational and neuromonitoring system: The invention relates to an integrated surgical navigational and neuromonitoring system. The integrated system provides real-time visualization of an instrument relative to a visualization of patient anatomy. The integrated system also acquires and incorporates neuromonitoring information into the visualization of the patient anatomy.... Agent: Haynes And Boone, LLP

20080183190 - Integrated surgical navigational and neuromonitoring system having automated surgical assistance and control: The invention relates to an integrated surgical navigational and neuromonitoring system having automated surgical assistance and control. The integrated system provides real-time introperative assistance to a surgeon or other user. The integrated system can also automatically control neuromonitoring based on a position of a neuromonitoring probe.... Agent: Haynes And Boone, LLP

20080183193 - Manipulator for medical use: A manipulator comprises a hollow shaft, wires provided on the shaft and a working unit disposed on one end of the shaft and being driven by at least one wire of the wires, the working unit having a tip tool including a rolling mechanism which rotates about an axis Or... Agent: Oblon, Spivak, Mcclelland Maier & Neustadt, P.C.

20080183189 - Surgical navigational and neuromonitoring instrument: The invention relates to a surgical instrument capable of applying an electrostimulation to a neural structure. The surgical instrument also has a tracking system associated therewith to provide navigational tracking during a surgical procedure.... Agent: Haynes And Boone, LLP

20080183191 - Trajectory guide: A trajectory guide includes a guide body defining a selected trajectory through an entry aperture or opening, engagement surfaces for insertion into the entry aperture, and a fixing mechanism coupling the guide body with the engagement surfaces. The engagement surfaces may be easily fixed within an entry aperture and the... Agent: Mccracken & Frank LLP

20080183194 - Methods and devices for capturing and fixing leaflets in valve repair: The present invention provides methods and devices for grasping, and optional repositioning and fixation of the valve leaflets to treat cardiac valve regurgitation, particularly mitral valve regurgitation. Such grasping will typically be atraumatic providing a number of benefits. For example, atraumatic grasping may allow repositioning of the devices relative to... Agent: Townsend And Townsend And Crew LLP/evalve Inc. (020489)

20080183195 - Connected fasteners, delivery device and method: A device for reducing the volume of a hollow body organ includes a tissue port and a plurality of fasteners. The fasteners may be coupled to a flexible filament, such as a suture, which is tensioned to constrict the hollow body organ to achieve volume reduction.... Agent: Hoekendijk & Lynch, LLP

20080183196 - Gastric ring for treatment of obesity: A gastric ring includes a band that surrounds the wall of the stomach of a patient, and structure that makes it possible, after implantation, to modify the cross section of the opening delimited by the ring. The ring includes a band including at least one deformable zone made of a... Agent: Carter, Deluca, Farrell & Schmidt, LLP

20080183197 - Systems, methods and devices for removing obstructions from a blood vessel: Devices and methods for removing an obstruction from a blood vessel are described. The devices are deployed in a collapsed condition and are then expanded within the body. The devices are then manipulated to engage and remove the obstruction.... Agent: Hoekendijk & Lynch, LLP

20080183198 - Systems, methods and devices for removing obstructions from a blood vessel: Devices and methods for removing an obstruction from a blood vessel are described. The devices are deployed in a collapsed condition and are then expanded within the body. The devices are then manipulated to engage and remove the obstruction.... Agent: Hoekendijk & Lynch, LLP

20080183199 - Membrane scraper: A probe having a handle and attached cannula. The cannula contains a snare or loop of metal or polymer wire that can be either of fixed length or adjustable/retractable. At least a portion of the loop is roughened, either by roughening the loop material itself, or by coating the loop... Agent: Alcon

20080183200 - Method of selective and contained ultrasound debridement: A method of ultrasound assisted wound debridement is disclosed. The method comprises dissecting material to be debrided with an ultrasonically vibrating cutting structure. Splatter created during the procedure is captured with ultrasound waves directed towards a collection point. Capturing splatter, the delivered ultrasound waves reduce and/or eliminate the amount splattered... Agent: Bacoustics, LLC

20080183201 - Medical instrument for cutting tissue: A medical instrument for cutting tissue has a tubular outer shaft, which comprises at least one window in the region of its distal end. The medical instrument further comprises a tubular inner shaft which is rotatable about a longitudinal axis and housed in the outer shaft and which has at... Agent: St. Onge Steward Johnston & Reens, LLC

20080183202 - Minimally invasive rectal balloon apparatus with pressure relieving lumen: A rectal balloon apparatus has a shaft with a fluid passageway extending therethrough. A balloon is affixed over an end of the shaft such that the fluid passageway communicates with an interior of the balloon. A lumen extends along the shaft so as to allow bodily gas pressure to pass... Agent: Egbert Law Offices

20080183203 - Blood vessel occluder and method of use: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for occluding tributary blood vessels inside a principal blood vessel while still allowing blood to flow through the principal vessel. The apparatus has a support structure and associated membrane that can be collapsed for insertion into the principal vessel. Once inserted at... Agent: Dickinson Wright PLLC

20080183204 - Expandable support device and method of use: An expandable support device for tissue repair is disclosed. The device can be used to repair hard or soft tissue, such as bone or vertebral discs. The device can have multiple flat sides that remain flat during expansion. A method of repairing tissue is also disclosed. Devices and methods for... Agent: Levine Bagade Han LLP

20080183206 - Intravenous deep vein thrombosis filter and method of filter placement: A vascular filter system and method are disclosed. In one embodiment, the filter system comprises a dispensing needle releasably attached to a filter dispenser which stores a length of filter wire. The filter wire dispenser has a guide tube which guides the filter wire into the needle and then into... Agent: Weide & Miller, Ltd.

20080183205 - Systems, methods and devices for removing obstructions from a blood vessel: Devices and methods for removing an obstruction from a blood vessel are described. The devices are deployed in a collapsed condition and are then expanded within the body. The devices are then manipulated to engage and remove the obstruction.... Agent: Hoekendijk & Lynch, LLP

20080183207 - Tourniquet: A tourniquet having a strap and a pressure applying cam. The cam functions as both a buckle, to allow the strap to be tightened about an injured limb, and also as a pressure applicator that can be selectively positioned and applied to a specific arterial pressure point of the limb.... Agent: William A. Eklund

20080183208 - Inorganic-organic melt-extruded hybrid yarns and fibrous composite medical devices thereof: Composite fibrous constructs are made of combinations of inorganic-organic hybrid monofilament or multifilament yarns containing at least 6 weight percent of inorganic micro-/nanoparticles and organic monofilament or multifilament yarn with typical examples of the hybrid yarn matrix made of absorbable or non-absorbable thermoplastic polymers and final constructs being in the... Agent: Leigh P. Gregory

20080183209 - Spinal stabilization device: Spinal stabilization devices, systems, and methods are described. Foramenal spacers including a rigid member adapted to maintain the integrity of the foramenal space. Facet joint stabilizing members and prosthetic facet joints that augment or replace the native facet joint are also described. Lateral spinal stabilization systems that may be attached... Agent: Wheelock Chan LLP

20080183210 - Supplemental spine fixation device and method: A supplemental spine fixation device and method is used in association with a primary spine fixation device. The supplemental spine fixation device includes a guide and spacer for distracting apart adjacent spinous processes and the device has hook members which hook about the first and second spinous processes. With the... Agent: Fitzpatrick Cella (medtronic)

20080183211 - Spinous process implants and associated methods: The present invention provides spinous process implant and associated methods. In one aspect of the invention the implant limits the maximum spacing between the spinous processes. In another aspect of the invention, a spacer has at least one transverse opening to facilitate tissue in-growth. In another aspect of the invention,... Agent: Holland & Hart, LLP (lanx, Inc.) Intellectual Property Department

20080183212 - Dynamic spinal stabilization assembly with sliding collars: A dynamic spinal stabilization assembly includes a rod having a plurality of slidable collars thereon. The rod is mounted to at least one of the relevant bone anchoring element(s) via the collars. The collars are spaced from one another such that the bone anchoring element engages at least two collars.... Agent: Coats & Bennett/medtronics

20080183213 - Collar bore configuration for dynamic spinal stabilization assembly: A dynamic spinal stabilization assembly includes at least one mounting collar with a bore therethrough along a longitudinal axis, and a spinal rod slidably extending through the bore. The bore includes a medially disposed first section of reduced size that tapers both inwardly and outwardly relative to the axis, and... Agent: Coats & Bennett/medtronics

20080183215 - Multi-level minimally invasive spinal stabilization system: A spinal alignment system for interconnecting vertebral bodies is disclosed. The system includes a bone screw polyaxially connected to a seat. The seat includes a top opening, a first rod receiving portion and a second rod receiving portion, a first rod channel and a second rod channel. The system is... Agent: Rimas Lukas Vertiflex, Inc.

20080183214 - System and methods for performing spinal fixation: A system and methods for performing spinal fixation, including a spinal fixation system with at least rod member having shaped ends, at least two pedicle screws capable of receiving the shaped ends of the rod member, and a system for percutaneously introducing the rod member and pedicle screws to perform... Agent: Jonathan Spangler Nu Vasive, Inc.

20080183216 - Dynamic stabilization member with molded connection: A dynamic fixation medical implant having at least two bone anchors includes a longitudinal connecting member assembly having at least one transition portion and cooperating outer sleeve, both the transition portion and sleeve being disposed between the two bone anchors. The transition portion includes a rigid length or rod having... Agent: Law Office Of John C. Mcmahon

20080183217 - Posterior vertebra locking plate: Embodiments of the invention comprise a four hole locking plate designed with four locking screw holes and two lateral variable angle screw heads for posterior vertebrae fixation.... Agent: Musc Foundation For Research Development

20080183218 - System and methods for spinous process fusion: A spinal fixation device including two plates and a coupling element for coupling the plates in a fixed manner about adjacent spinous processes of the spine. Each plate is preferably equipped with integral spikes on the inwardly facing surfaces for pressing into the spinal processes and thereby augmenting the purchase... Agent: Jonathan Spangler Nu Vasive, Inc.

20080183219 - Anti-backout arthroscopic uni-compartmental prosthesis: An improved uni-compartmental implant has a shaft having a proximal end attached to a head and a distal end, and one or more raised portions spaced apart along the shaft to resist back-out. The length between the head and distal end is preferably less than 50 mm, the distal end... Agent: Gifford, Krass, Sprinkle,anderson & Citkowski, P.c

20080183220 - Orthopedic screw insert: An insert for receiving a bone screw includes an elongate sleeve having opposed proximal and distal ends and a wall defined by an outer peripheral surface configured for engaging bone and an inner peripheral surface configured for receiving a bone screw extended therethrough. At least one elongate slot is formed... Agent: Edwards Angell Palmer & Dodge LLP

20080183221 - Hard tissue anchors and delivery devices: The present invention provides devices, systems and methods for anchoring medical devices to hard tissues, such as bones or bony structures, particularly vertebrae. By anchoring these medical devices directly to the surrounding hard tissue, the devices are anchored closer to the source of treatment. This provides additional stability and reduces... Agent: Shay Glenn LLP

20080183223 - Hybrid jointed bone screw system: Assemblies, systems and components for a hybrid jointed bone screw system. A receiver member having an upper opening and a lower opening also includes an internal mating bone anchor interface channel at the bottom. A bone anchor is loaded into the lower internal mating bone anchor interface opening of the... Agent: Morriss Obryant Compagni, P.C.

20080183222 - Pedicle screw and operating device thereof: Disclosed is a spine fixation apparatus, more particularly, a pedicle screw implanted into a spine and an operating device for the pedicle screw capable of easily inserting a rod to a head section of the pedicle screw in order to securely fix the spine. The pedicle screw has a head... Agent: Greenblum & Bernstein, P.L.C

20080177255 - Therapeutic coiffuring instrument: A therapeutic coiffuring instrument has a light source disposed with the therapeutic coiffuring instrument to produce light selected to produce therapeutic effects to scalp and hair. Elongate members forming part of the instrument are configured to contact hair and scalp and to conduct the light from the source of light... Agent: Lowe Hauptman Ham & Berner, LLP

20080177256 - System and method for precise beam positioning in ocular surgery: A system and method for ocular surgery includes a delivery system for generating and guiding a surgical laser beam to a focal point in a treatment area of an eye. Additionally, a contact device is employed for using the eye to establish a reference datum. Further, an optical detector is... Agent: Nydegger & Associates

20080177257 - Thermally robust illumination probe tip: In embodiments of the invention, a plastic optical fiber is bonded to a high temperature distal part to form a thermally robust illumination probe. The distal part is short in length, is made of a high temperature material(s), has a proper shape for guiding light in a desired application, and... Agent: Alcon

20080177258 - Catheter with microphone: An invasive medical probe includes an insertion tube, having a distal end for insertion in a body cavity of a patient. A metallic material is disposed over the distal tip of the insertion tube and extends from the tip so as to cover a portion of the distal end. An... Agent: Philip S. Johnson Johnson & Johnson

20080177259 - Bone dilator: The present invention relates to a bone dilator designed for treating osteoporotic compression fracture of vertebral body, fractures of cancellous bones at other sites and certain traumatic or pathologic compression fracture of vertebral body. The bone dilator comprises a head portion, a neck portion, a connecting tube, a handle and... Agent: Schwabe, Williamson & Wyatt, P.c. Pacwest Center, Suite 1900

20080177260 - Bone fastener assembly: The present invention provides a bone fastener assembly useful in constructs for stabilizing bones of a patient. In one aspect of the invention, a bone fastener assembly includes a connecting member, a fastener seat, and a bone fastener. The fastener seat and fastener are receivable in the connecting member and... Agent: Holland & Hart, LLP (lanx, Inc.) Intellectual Property Department

20080177261 - Instrumentation for knee surgery: Instrumentation for use in knee surgery comprises an intramedullary rod (10) for insertion into an end of a femur (100) and a distraction device (62) coupleable to the intramedullary rod (10) and operable between the intramedullary rod (10) and the tibia for adjusting the tension of the collateral ligaments on... Agent: Goodwin Procter LLP Patent Administrator

20080177262 - Intramedullar osteosynthetic device of two bone parts, in particular of the hand and/or foot: An intramedullar osteosynthetic device includes a body with an elongated shape and a flat cross-section having, in succession, from one of its ends, a first fixation zone cooperating with one of the bone parts to be immobilised, a median zone suitable for withstanding the shear and bending stresses, and a... Agent: Heslin Rothenberg Farley & Mesiti Pc

20080177263 - Dynamic stabilization device for anterior lower lumbar vertebral fusion: A dynamic vertebral stabilization device for constraining motion of adjacent vertebrae is provided. The bone stabilization device comprises a first plate having a vertebral mating surface for positioning against a vertebrae, wherein the first plate defines a recess. The device further comprises a second plate having a vertebral mating surface... Agent: Ratnerprestia

20080177264 - Methods and systems for laterally stabilized constraint of spinous processes: A spinal implant for limiting flexion of the spine includes a tether structure for encircling adjacent spinal processes. Usually, a pair of compliance members will be provided as part of the tether structure for elastically limiting flexion while permitting an extension. A cross-member is provided between the compliance member or... Agent: Townsend And Townsend And Crew, LLP

20080177265 - Surgical tool holder and surgical tool: A surgical tool holder 12 and tool system 10 is provided. The surgical tool holder (12) is adapted to connect to a tool support (14) having an interface receiver (36). The tool support provides a mount for a surgical tool head. The tool holder (12) includes a center rod (20),... Agent: Moetteli & Associates Sarl

20080177266 - Adjustable height rasp: Embodiments of an adjustable rasping tool for use in orthopedic medical procedures are disclosed. In certain embodiments, a body having two arms extending from a base and a tip portion on each arm is provided, with a shaft between the arms connected to a handle that is rotatably coupled to... Agent: Medtronic Spinal And Biologics

20080177268 - Minimally-invasive approach to bone-obstructed soft tissue: The subject invention pertains to a method and apparatus for placing a minimally-invasive access with respect to a patient's bone or other non-soft tissue. The subject invention can use a drilling machine incorporating an ultrasound motor. The subject drilling machine can be applied to sample, for example, bone biopsies under... Agent: Saliwanchik Lloyd & Saliwanchik A Professional Association

20080177267 - Retrofit clamp with rfid tag for a surgical tool: A surgical tool assembly includes a surgical tool having an outer surface, and a clamp having an opening which is sized and shaped to generally match with and lie closely around a selected portion of the outer surface of the surgical tool. The clamp has an RFID tag therein.... Agent: Taylor & Aust, P.c.

20080177337 - Adjustable offset bushing: An orthopaedic instrumentation having an intermediate piece that has an opening for receiving an intramedullary reference. The intermediate piece such as a tibial template or a cutting guide is located on the resected tibia or femur in a manner that it optimally covers the resected surface of the tibia or... Agent: Lerner, David, Littenberg, Krumholz & Mentlik

20080177269 - Apparatus and methods for reduction of vertebral bodies in a spine: A system for reduction of vertebral bodies (or vertebrae) in various embodiments includes a reducer, and extender, and a hollow tube. The reducer couples to the extender, which in turn couples to an elongated member, such as a rod, and to a bone fastener assembly. The reducer allows reduction of... Agent: Paul D. Yasger Abbott Laboratories

20080177270 - Automatic locking casper distractor: A vertebral distractor system includes a crossbar and a first distractor arm having a first end portion coupled to the crossbar and a second end portion with a first bore configured to axially receive a first coupling portion of a first pin. A second distractor arm includes a third end... Agent: Maginot, Moore & Beck, LLP Chase Tower

20080177271 - Interspinous process distraction device: An interspinous process distraction device includes a male distraction element and a female distraction element, which both have a clamping portion for fixedly pushing and rejecting the interspinous processes and also respectively have a first connecting portion and a second connecting portion connected at the other end of the clamping... Agent: Joe Mckinney Muncy

20080177272 - Interspinous process implant having deployable wing and method of implantation: Systems and method in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention can includes an implant comprising a first wing, a spacer extending from the first wing, and a distraction guide. The distraction guide is arranged in a first configuration to pierce and/or distract tissue associated with adjacent spinous processes... Agent: Fitzpatrick Cella (medtronic)

20080177273 - Two component mixing and dispensing device: A device for preparing and ejecting polymeric cement made from at least two pre-packaged components comprises a tubular vessel including a first axial end wall having a closed outlet, and a second axial end wall having an aperture. A first starting component of the polymeric cement is present inside said... Agent: Thomas, Kayden, Horstemeyer & Risley, LLP

20080177275 - Interbody distractor: A surgical instrument for insertion of an interbody fusion implant between adjacent vertebral bodies. The surgical instrument comprises a frame member, and a first and a second arm coupled to the frame member. Each arm includes a distal end region and a proximal end region, whereby the proximal end region... Agent: Ratnerprestia

20080177274 - Surgical instrument and method of use for facilitating positioning of an osteochondral plug: A surgical instrument and method are provided for positioning an osteochondral plug within a bone defect site. The instrument includes an elongate shaft, a ribbon, an elongate sleeve and a locking mechanism. The shaft has proximal and distal ends, with the distal end being shaped to contact the osteochondral plug.... Agent: Heslin Rothenberg Farley & Mesiti P.c.

20080177276 - Treatment and removal of objects in anatomical lumens: A medical device can be used to entrain biological or foreign material during a medical procedure for the fragmentation of the material. The device also can be used to remove the material safely from the body. The device has a core element with a first portion extending substantially longitudinally and... Agent: Finnegan, Henderson, Farabow, Garrett & Dunner LLP

20080177277 - Methods for removing kidney stones from the ureter: Occluding structures may be created within a body lumen by advancing a length of material distally through the body lumen. By drawing a distal location on the advanced length of material in a proximal direction, the material may be compacted into a structure which at least partially occludes the lumen.... Agent: Townsend And Townsend And Crew, LLP

20080177278 - Medical device for determining the position of intracorporeal implants: Magnetically locatable implants, such as fixation systems, anchor plates or the like, and the determination of their intracorporeal position by means of a medical device comprising at least one impedance-measuring device and a device for generating and coupling a magnetic field which are both connected to at least one intracorporeal... Agent: Bachman & Lapointe, P.c.

20080177279 - Depositing radiation in heart muscle under ultrasound guidance: A method and system are disclosed for radiosurgical treatment of moving tissues of the heart, including acquiring at least one volume of the tissue and acquiring at least one ultrasound data set, image or volume of the tissue using an ultrasound transducer disposed at a position. A similarity measure is... Agent: Townsend And Townsend And Crew, LLP

20080177280 - Method for depositing radiation in heart muscle: Radiosurgical treatment of tissues of the heart to mitigate arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation or the like. Radiosurgical targeting of the relatively rapid movement of heart tissues may be enhanced by generating a moving model volume using a time-sequence of three dimensional acquired tissue volumes. A digitally reconstructed radiograph (DRR)... Agent: Townsend And Townsend And Crew, LLP

20080177281 - Robotic medical instrument system: A method of performing a medical procedure (e.g., a suturing procedure or sewing procedure) on a patient is provided. The method comprises introducing a first medical instrument within the patient external to an anatomical vessel, introducing a second medical instrument within the patient internal to the anatomical vessel, conveying control... Agent: Vista Ip Law Group LLP

20080177282 - Robotically controlled medical instrument: A medical instrument assembly and robotic medical system are provided. The assembly comprises a shaft, a tool carried by the distal end of the shaft for performing a medical procedure on a patient, a controllably bendable section associated with shaft and disposed proximal to the tool, an actuation element extending... Agent: Vista Ip Law Group LLP

20080177283 - Robotically controlled medical instrument: A medical instrument assembly comprises a shaft, a tool carried by the distal end of the shaft for performing a medical procedure on a patient, an end effector, a threaded housing in which the threaded distal shaft end is configured for being screwed, and a first threaded piece disposed in... Agent: Vista Ip Law Group LLP

20080177284 - Robotically controlled medical instrument: A medical instrument assembly comprises an elongated shaft, a tool carried by the distal end of the elongated shaft for performing a medical procedure on a patient, a plurality of controllably bendable sections spaced along the elongated shaft and disposed proximal to the tool, a plurality of actuation elements extending... Agent: Vista Ip Law Group LLP

20080177285 - Surgical instrument: A system and a method of aligning a surgical instrument with a target region of a patient are provided. The system comprises a rigid support affixed relative to a patient table, a rigid template having a location element, a surgical instrument having a rigid guide tube and a surgical insert... Agent: Vista Ip Law Group LLP

20080177286 - Magnetic ink tissue markings: The invention provides tissue markings (such as tattoos) comprising magnetic particles, e.g., magnetite, and methods for making and altering, e.g., removing them.... Agent: Fish & Richardson Pc

20080177287 - Hair harvesting apparatus: The extraction of a hair graft from a harvesting area of a scalp employs a hollow punch fitted with an auxiliary instrumentation for separating a target graft from collagen fibrils which resist extraction. A water jet which follows the annular path of the punch as it rotates into the scalp... Agent: William R. Rassman, M.d.

20080177288 - Remote suturing device: A surgical incision suturing device particularly suited for minimally invasive surgical procedures integrates an elongated member such as a trocar with a suture deployment device. In one embodiment, the suturing device of the present invention includes an elongated member having a distal end adapted for placement within a surgical site.... Agent: Dillon & Yudell LLP

20080177289 - Device for sewing elements that can be sutured: A device (1) for sewing elements that can be sutured, comprising needle means (3), which are shaped so as to form a first arc of a circle and are provided with an end (3a) for piercing at least one suturable element and with an end (3b) for drawing a thread... Agent: Modiano & Associati

20080177290 - Bone clamp assembly: A clamp assembly (16) for stabilizing one or more adjacent regions (12A) (12B) and for selecting a bone screw (18) to be inserted into the one or more adjacent regions (12A) (12B) includes a first clamp side (224), a second clamp side (226) and a connector (228) that pivotally secures... Agent: Roeder & Broder LLP

20080177291 - Orthopedic connector system: System, including methods, apparatus and components thereof, and kits, for connecting to bone using an anchor element configured to be anchored in bone and having a selectively bendable hinge region. In some embodiments, the system may connect the anchor element to connective tissue, a bridge member, and/or to another anchor... Agent: Kolisch Hartwell, P.c.

20080177292 - Vertically oriented band for stomach: A laparoscopic band or non-adjustable clamp is placed about the greater curvature of the stomach in a vertical orientation. The band or clamp completely compartmentalizes the stomach between a small pouch and the fundus. The fundic part of the stomach is excluded from nutrients and creates a long narrow channel... Agent: Christopher J. Mcdonald Hoffman, Wasson & Gitler, P.c.

20080177294 - Expandable intervertebral tool system and method: The invention includes a system and method for loosening of tissue. In one embodiment, an intervertebral tissue removal system includes at least one abrading member for abrading tissue in an area to be cleared and at least one expandable member operable to be expanded from a first condition to a... Agent: Maginot, Moore & Beck, LLP Chase Tower

20080177293 - Method and apparatus for osteochondral autograft transplantation: A system for harvesting an implantable graft from the femur of a human having a cartilage overlying a condyle, according to which an overlay extends over the femur and is positioned relative to the femur by an articulating arm assembly.... Agent: Haynes And Boone, LLP

20080177295 - Surgical device having trocar and associated methods: A surgical device having a trocar, a handle with hand-gripping portion adjacent a proximal end, a cannula-interface portion adjacent a distal end and having a recess therein, and an instrument opening extending into a medial portion and through the recess in the cannula-interface portion. The device also includes an instrument... Agent: Myers & Kaplan Intellectual Property Law, L.l.c.

20080177296 - Systems, methods and devices for removing obstructions from a blood vessel: Devices and methods for removing an obstruction from a blood vessel are described. The devices are deployed in a collapsed condition and are then expanded within the body. The devices are then manipulated to engage and remove the obstruction.... Agent: Hoekendijk & Lynch, LLP

20080177297 - Forceps: The invention is directed toward a surgical forceps comprising a pair of scissor arms connected together by a pivot where the proximal ends forms a hand grasping surface and the distal ends are provided with jaw members. Each jaw member has a curved inner surface with a plurality of teeth... Agent: John S. Hale Gipple & Hale

20080177299 - Apparatus for implanting prosthetic intervertebral discs in a spine: Prosthetic intervertebral discs and methods for using the same are described. The subject prosthetic discs include upper and lower endplates separated by a compressible core member. The prosthetic discs described herein include one-piece, two-piece, three-piece, and four-piece structures. The subject prosthetic discs exhibit stiffness in the vertical direction, torsional stiffness,... Agent: Wheelock Chan LLP

20080177298 - Tensioner tool and method for implanting an interspinous process implant including a binder: Systems in accordance with embodiments of the present invention can include an implant comprising a spacer for defining a minimum space between adjacent spinous processes, a distraction guide for piercing and distracting an interspinous ligament during implantation, a binder for limiting or preventing flexion motion of the targeted motion segment,... Agent: Coats & Bennett/medtronics

20080177300 - Low-profile vasculare closure systems and methods of using same: A closure device for an arteriotomy includes an elongate hollow shaft and an elongate driver slidably disposed therein. The elongate hollow shaft includes a pair of a pair of opposing actuation tips disposed at a distal end thereof defining a staple chamber there between. An anvil extends into the staple... Agent: Medtronic Vascular, Inc. Ip Legal Department

20080177301 - Apparatus and method for anchoring a prosthetic structure to a body tissue: A suture member having first and second ends longitudinally separated by a suture midsection is provided. The suture member is fastened to the prosthetic structure with at least one of the first and second ends being located adjacent a tissue-contacting surface of the prosthetic structure. At least one terminal feature... Agent: Tarolli, Sundheim, Covell & Tummino L.l.p.

20080177302 - Lisfranc repair using suture-button construct: An apparatus and method for Lisfranc repair using a suture-button construct. The method includes the steps of drilling a hole in a medial cuneiform and through a second metatarsal base, passing a needle with a pull-through suture strand of a suture-button construct through the hole, pulling the pull-through suture strand... Agent: Dickstein Shapiro LLP

20080177303 - Shape memory polymers: The present disclosure relates to Shape Memory Polymers (SMP's) comprising function groups that allow the polymers to be elastically deformed, utilized in the elastically deformed state, and subsequently returned to the original polymorphic shape.... Agent: Needle & Rosenberg, P.c.

20080177304 - Apparatus for grasping and cinching tissue anchors: Methods and apparatus for controlled grasping and cinching or locking of a tissue anchor are provided. In one variation, a tube is provided having a lumen and a resilient member that obstructs the lumen. A grasper may be advanced coaxially through the lumen, such that it reversibly displaces the resilient... Agent: Levine Bagade Han LLP

20080177305 - Medicine dispensing pacifier: A medicine dispensing pacifier has a centered nipple upon a guard and a reservoir communicating through the guard to the nipple. The reservoir, opposite the guard, has a cap, and upon removing it, a caregiver places medicine into the reservoir. Then the caregiver returns the cap to seal the reservoir.... Agent: Charles C. Mccloskey

20080177307 - Bi-directional fixating/locking transvertebral body screw/intervertebral cage stand-alone constructs and posterior cervical and lumbar interarticulating joint stapling guns and devices for spinal fusion: A bi-directional fixating transvertebral (BDFT) screw/cage apparatus, a posterior lumbar facet staple and a staple gun for a posterior lumbar facet staple, a posterior cervical facet joint staple, and a staple gun for a posterior cervical facet joint staple are provided. The BDFT apparatus includes an intervertebral cage including a... Agent: Muncy, Geissler, Olds & Lowe, Pllc

20080177306 - Spinal implants and methods: The present invention provides a spinal implant for placement between adjacent processes of the human spine. In some embodiments the spinal implant includes a spacer and one or more retention members. In some embodiments, the retention members are fixed relative to the spacer and in other embodiments the retention members... Agent: Holland & Hart, LLP (lanx, Inc.) Intellectual Property Department

20080177310 - Facet arthroplasty devices and methods: A method of treating spine disease including the steps of removing at least a portion of a natural facet joint from a vertebral body; implanting an intervertebral disc prosthesis and replacing the portion of the natural facet joint with a facet joint prosthesis. The removed facet portion may be a... Agent: Shay Glenn LLP

20080177308 - 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

20080177309 - 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

20080177311 - Facet joint implant sizing tool: In an embodiment of the present invention, a tool resembles an implant for positioning within a cervical facet joint. The tool can be used for distracting and/or sizing the cervical facet joint and thereby distracting the cervical spine and increasing the area of the canals and openings through which the... Agent: Haynes And Boone, LLP

20080177312 - Interspinous process spacer device: A spacer device that is to be inserted between the spinous process of adjacent vertebrae. In one embodiment, the spacer device is percutaneously inserted between the spinous process of adjacent vertebrae using minimally invasive surgical procedures. The spacer device includes a body portion having a channel extending therethrough, a plate... Agent: Miller Ip Group, Plc Mi4 Spine, Llc

20080177313 - Modular occipital plate: A system and associated method are provided for mechanically fixating a region of a skull to a portion of a spine. A plate is provided to contact a region of a skull and be secured thereto. A spinal rod is configured to extend from a location adjacent the plate to... Agent: Paul D. Yasger Abbott Laboratories

20080177314 - Modular occipital plate: A system and associated method are provided for mechanically fixating a region of a skull to a portion of a spine. A plate is provided to contact a region of a skull and be secured thereto. A spinal rod is configured to extend from a location adjacent the plate to... Agent: Paul D. Yasger Abbott Laboratories

20080177315 - Rod to rod connector: An apparatus for coupling a spinal rod to a cross bar comprising a main body having a channel with a wall for receiving a spinal rod therein, an opening for receiving a fastener with at least one tang adjacent to the opening, a clamping body pivotally disposed in the main... Agent: Synnestvedt & Lechner, LLP

20080177316 - Apparatus and methods for spinal implant: A fixation or implant system (10) is provided for supporting a spinal column (12) and includes a pair of dynamic spinal rods (14, 16) that are fixed on laterally opposite sides of the spine (12). The rods (14,16) are configured to allow an initial range of spinal motion and to... Agent: Paul D. Yasger Abbott Laboratories

20080177317 - Dynamic stabilization connecting member with cord connection: A dynamic fixation medical implant having at least two bone anchors includes a longitudinal connecting member assembly having at least one transition portion and cooperating outer sleeve, both the transition portion and sleeve being disposed between the two bone anchors. In a first embodiment, the transition portion includes a rigid... Agent: Law Office Of John C. Mcmahon

20080177318 - Vertebral stabilizer: A bio-compatible stabilization system includes one or more inserters and a spinal stabilization connector for traversing a space between one or more bony structures. The stabilization system is designed to reduce or eliminate stress shielding effects while functioning as a tension band. The stabilization rod is shaped to define a... Agent: Haynes And Boone, LLP

20080177319 - Expansion rod, self-adjusting: The design of a rod is disclosed that can serve, among other more general applications, as an implant to stimulate the reduction of spinal deformity. Different from common solid rod implants, the here-disclosed rod provides an almost uniform pressure between a chosen maximum and minimum by means of an internal... Agent: Helmut Schwab

20080177320 - Vertebral rods and methods of use: The present application is directed to vertebral rods constructed for vertebral movement in first and second planes, and to prevent or inhibit vertebral movement in a third plane. The vertebral rod may include one or more notches. The notches change the cross section shape of the rod and thus the... Agent: Coats & Bennett/medtronics

20080177321 - Multi-axial bone attachment member: Orthopedic constructs having parts that are movable with respect to each other and one or more friction members to limit unintended movement are disclosed. In one embodiment, a multi-axial bone anchor having a receiver member and a screw-type anchor is provided. The receiver member includes one or more internal apertures... Agent: Medtronic Spinal And Biologics

20080177322 - Spinal stabilization systems and methods: A spinal stabilization system includes bone fastener assemblies to be coupled to vertebrae. Each bone fastener assembly includes a bone fastener and a collar. The bone fastener has a head portion having at least a first cross-sectional shape in a first plane, and a second cross-sectional shape in a second... Agent: Paul D. Yasger Abbott Laboratories

20080177323 - Orthopedic revision connector: A connector apparatus for use in orthopedic procedures includes a base portion and an extending leg portion that forms a channel. Part of the base portion can be placed atop or adjacent implanted fixation members (e.g. bone screws), and a locking member can be inserted through the base and into... Agent: Medtronic Spinal And Biologics

20080177324 - Vertebra connection member: A vertebra connection member for connecting multiple vertebrae via a rod. The vertebra connection member has a screw member having a spherical head section provided at one end of the screw member and a screw section for being screwed into the vertebra; a connection member into which the screw member... Agent: Thelen Reid Brown Raysman & Steiner LLP

20080177325 - Orthopedic implant assembly: Embodiments of an orthopedic implant assembly include an apparatus having a receiver member and a fixation member. The receiver member includes first and second branches which define a channel extending along a longitudinal axis. The channel is configured to receive an elongated member. Additionally, the fixation member can include a... Agent: Medtronic Spinal And Biologics

20080177326 - Orthosis to correct spinal deformities: An orthosis for correcting spinal deformities by urging spinal vertebrae toward a vertical axis. The orthosis includes a series of retaining clamps fixed onto the spinous process of said vertebrae, each of said retaining clamps having guides for retaining at least one elastic rod.... Agent: Dergosits & Noah LLP

20080177327 - Central rod connector and t-rod: Connecting devices and elongated members for orthopedic medical use are disclosed. In certain embodiments, a connecting device may include a central portion that can accommodate part of an elongated member and wings for connecting to anchor members. Such central portions can be open or closed, and such wings can be... Agent: Medtronic Spinal And Biologics

20080177329 - Method for providing disc regeneration using stem cells: A method for providing disc regeneration that includes at least partially restoring disc height using a vertebral disc annular fibrosis tensioning and lengthening device, and then injecting a biologic substance, such as stem cells, into the disc that differentiate into chondrocytes and/or notochordal cells that facilitate disc regeneration. Once the... Agent: Miller Ip Group, Plc Mi4 Spine, Llc

20080177328 - Method for vertebral disc annular fibrosis tensioning and lengthening: A method for providing vertebral disc annular fibrosis tensioning and lengthening that restores the loss of disc height and provides disc regeneration. In one non-limiting embodiment, the method includes inserting pedicle screws into the vertebral bodies of adjacent vertebra and positioning a spring in compression between and in contact with... Agent: Miller Ip Group, Plc Mi4 Spine, Llc

20080177330 - Self-locking screws for medical implants: Self-locking surgical screw assemblies are described for fastening a medical implant to a bone. The invention also includes combinations of self-locking screws and implants, devices implanted with self-locking screws and related methods which insure the stable attachment of the implant to the bone. Each self-locking surgical screw assembly is comprised... Agent: Norris Mclaughlin & Marcus, P.a.

20080177332 - Polyaxial adjustment of facet joint prostheses: Prostheses, systems, and methods are provided for replacement of natural facet joints between adjacent vertebrae using polyaxial attachment mechanisms for securing the prostheses to the vertebrae. A cephalad prosthesis attached to a superior adjacent vertebra replaces the inferior half of a natural facet joint. A caudal prosthesis attached to an... Agent: Shay Glenn LLP

20080177331 - Surgical screw including a body that facilitates bone in-growth: A surgical screw that includes a body portion that facilitates bone in-growth from a bone in which the screw is mounted so as to stabilize the screw in the bone. The body portion can have various configurations for facilitating bone in-growth, such as indentations, a roughened surface, such as by... Agent: Miller Ip Group, Plc Mi4 Spine, Llc

20080177333 - Adjustable jacking implant: An adjustable jacking implant useful in orthopedic surgery and associated methods are disclosed. The implant may be used to adjust the position of bones or other structures with respect to one another. In one embodiment, the implant may include a jack base, a jacking segment and a compressible spacer or... Agent: Medtronic Spinal And Biologics

20080177334 - Screw and method of use: A two-part screw system for use in bone repair and joint replacement includes a first portion and a second portion capable of mating with the first portion. The first portion includes a thread for engaging cancellous bone within a portion of a bone on one side of a fracture. The... Agent: Christopher Paradies, Ph.d.

20080177335 - Bone screw: A bone screw and method of inserting a bone screw into a bone is disclosed. In one example, the bone screw includes a tip segment for creating a starter hole in the bone. A pilot segment is located proximally of the tip segment for creating a pilot hole in the... Agent: Krieg Devault LLP

20080177336 - Fixation device for surgical repair: A method and apparatus for performing a surgical repair may involve fixation of a repair material, such as a ligament or tendon in knee ligament repair procedure, to an internal cortical contact area in a bone. The cortical bone contact area may be located immediately adjacent an opening in the... Agent: Wolf Greenfield & Sacks, P.c.

20080172045 - Acne treatment device: A handheld probe treats acne and other skin conditions using a combination of optical and thermal therapy. The device contains light emitting devices capable of impinging a treatment area with laser light. In the preferred embodiment, the light emitting devices emit a combination of red and blue light to treat... Agent: Etherton Law Group, LLC

20080172047 - Methods and devices for fractional ablation of tissue: Methods and devices for ablating portions of a tissue volume with electromagnetic radiation (EMR) to produce lattices of EMR-treated ablation islets in the tissue are disclosed, including lattices of micro-holes, micro-grooves, and other structures. Also, methods and devices for using the ablated islets are disclosed, including to deliver chromophores, filler,... Agent: Nutter Mcclennen & Fish LLP

20080172046 - Pulsed uv laser treatment of recurring skin disorders: A method for treating and clearing dermatological conditions with a low energy emitting laser. One embodiment includes the treatment of psoriasis with a nitrogen based laser. When aimed through a hand piece by a physician, a pulsed UV laser having a wavelength of about 337 nM and pulse duration of... Agent: Polster, Lieder, Woodruff & Lucchesi

20080172048 - Ablation system, clamp and method of use: A method and apparatus for ablating tissue are disclosed that comprise positioning two or more bidirectional ablation energy sources in spaced-apart relation in sufficient proximity to the tissue to be ablated so that, upon activation each energy source creates an energy field in the tissue to be ablated. The energy... Agent: Cook, Alex, Mcfarron, Manzo, Cummings & Mehler Ltd

20080172049 - System and method for electrophysiology regaining support to continue line and ring ablations: An apparatus and method for ablating tissue in a heart (24) of a subject (25) during an ablation procedure is disclosed. The method includes contacting an ablation catheter tip (48) to tissue of the heart (24) at a plurality of sites designated for ablation; sensing at each respective site a... Agent: Philips Intellectual Property & Standards

20080172050 - Radiofrequency thermal balloon catheter system: A radiofrequency thermal balloon catheter system which is accurate in the detection temperature, capable of miniaturization compared to conventional systems, reliably detecting pinholes and adhesion of thrombi. A thermocouple is composed of a radiofrequency transmission line and a single metal wire joined to the distal end thereof. A coiled electrode... Agent: Darby & Darby P.C.

20080172051 - Ultrasonic operating apparatus: An apparatus comprises an ultrasonic transducer, a probe portion, the proximal end being coupled to the ultrasonic transducer, ultrasonic waves output from the ultrasonic transducer being transmitted to the probe portion, a storage portion which stores the ultrasonic transducer, a cylindrical casing portion which has a distal end and a... Agent: Ostrolenk Faber Gerb & Soffen

20080172052 - Surgical tool: The invention is concerned with cauterizing and resecting tissue. A pair of electrodes are placed on opposed tissue surfaces, and radio frequency power is applied through the electrodes to cauterizing a tissue mass therebetween. After cauterization has been effected, the tissue may be resected along a plane within the cauterized... Agent: Glenn Patent Group

20080172053 - Connective tissue repair system: Systems, including apparatus and methods, for repairing injured connective tissue. These systems may include, among others, a surgical stapler and staples for repairing partially or completely severed tendons and/or ligaments.... Agent: Kolisch Hartwell, P.C.

20080172055 - Method for indicating the position and orientation of a surgical tool and apparatus for performing this method: In a method for indicating the position and orientation of a tool for preparation of a femur for a femur implant which with a joint ball fits into the acetabulum of the pelvis or into a joint socket inserted in the pelvis or for preparation of such a femur implant... Agent: Lipsitz & Mcallister, LLC

20080172054 - Orthopedic device for securing to tissue: An orthopedic device including a base and an adhesive pad attached to the base. The adhesive pad receives an adhesive capable of securing the orthopedic device to tissue. The orthopedic device may also include an attachment mechanism for receiving and attaching additional orthopedic components and/or surgical instruments thereto. For example,... Agent: Zimmer Technology - Baker & Daniels

20080172056 - System and method for bone shortening: An assembly and method for performing a bone shortening osteotomy are provided. The present invention provides an assembly for performing a shortening osteotomy on a bone comprising a main guide configured to be coupled to the bone and to guide at least one cut into the bone. The assembly also... Agent: Alston & Bird LLP

20080172057 - Spine distraction implant and method: A spine distraction implant alleviates pain associated with spinal stenosis and facet arthropathy by expanding the volume in the spine canal and/or neural foramen. The implant provides a spinal extension stop while allowing freedom of spinal flexion.... Agent: Cooley Godward Kronish LLP Attn: Patent Group

20080172060 - Articulating injection cannula and seal assembly: An assembly for sealably injecting a fluent material into an intradiscal space accessed through an opening in the annulus of a spinal disc comprises a cannula having a passageway for injecting the fluent material therethrough into the intradiscal space, a seal having a sealing surface for sealing engagement with the... Agent: Maginot, Moore & Beck, LLP Chase Tower

20080172059 - System and method for forming porous bone filling material: A method for treating a vertebral bone comprises providing a gaseous substance and providing a flowable and settable bone filling material. The method further comprises introducing the gaseous substance into the bone filling material to form a porous bone augmentation material and inserting a material delivery device into the vertebral... Agent: Haynes And Boone, LLP

20080172058 - System and method for pressure mixing bone filling material: A method for treating a vertebral bone comprises providing a bone filling material and mixing the bone filling material in a vessel to form a bone augmentation material. The method further comprises pressurizing the vessel with a pressurization source to retain a plurality of voids within the bone augmentation material.... Agent: Haynes And Boone, LLP

20080172061 - Assembly consisting of insertion/extraction device and part used in orthopaedic surgery: An assembly consisting of an insertion/extraction device and a preparatory instrument or a prosthetic part used in orthopeadic surgery operations. The free end of the said preparatory instrument or that prosthetic part has, formed therein, a first recess able to be engaged in a complementary manner with the end of... Agent: Scully Scott Murphy & Presser, PC

20080172062 - Bone anchor manipulation device: An instrument for manipulating a bone anchor and, in turn, a vertebral body to which the bone anchor is attached. The exemplary instrument includes an inner shaft, an anchor engagement mechanism, and an outer sleeve disposed about the inner shaft. The exemplary instrument may be employed to manipulate a bone... Agent: Lahive & Cockfield, LLP

20080172063 - Auto-extensible device: An auto-extensible device has an electrorestrictive device. Upon applying a voltage to the electrorestrictive device, a linear bearing guide together with a second body member is caused to move distally with respect to a first body member. This movement produces a first gap between the second body member and the... Agent: Senniger Powers LLP

20080172064 - Multiple wire guide introducer system: An introducer system for introducing a plurality of wire guides into a vessel of a patient includes first and second wire guides, and a catheter. The first wire guide has a curved proximal end, and a distal end sufficiently flexible for passage through the vessel to a target site for... Agent: Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione/indy/cook

20080172065 - Medical device with beacon: An apparatus includes an elongate body configured to be at least partially inserted into a gastrointestinal lumen. The elongate body is configured to perform a medical procedure within the gastrointestinal lumen. A beacon element is coupled to the elongate body. The beacon element is configured to be identified within the... Agent: Cooley Godward Kronish LLP Attn: Patent Group

20080172066 - Embolectomy procedures with a device comprising a polymer and devices with polymer matrices and supports: Embolectomy procedures can be performed under conditions to effectively remove thrombus/emboli with little risk of injuring the vessel wall and while effectively capturing and removing emboli. Desired embolectomy devices present a polymer matrix against the vessel wall. Suction can be used to facilitate the embolectomy process and to remove emboli... Agent: Dardi & Associates, PLLC

20080172067 - Steerable ultrasound catheter: Ultrasound catheter devices and methods provide enhanced disruption of blood vessel obstructions. Ultrasound catheter devices generally include an elongate flexible catheter body with one or more lumens, an ultrasound transmission member extending longitudinally through the catheter body lumen and a distal head coupled with the transmission member and positioned adjacent... Agent: Townsend And Townsend And Crew, LLP

20080172068 - Externally releasable body portal anchors and systems: Embodiments of the present invention include anchor assemblies and methods for using the same to immobilize a device within a body portal. In one embodiment, the anchor assembly is utilized to immobilize a catheter relative to a covered (e.g., skin-covered) burr hole formed in a skull. Anchor assemblies in accordance... Agent: Mueting, Raasch & Gebhardt, P.A.

20080172069 - Method and apparatus for surgical navigation: A surgical navigation system for navigating a region of a patient includes a non-invasive dynamic reference frame and/or fiducial marker, sensor tipped instruments, and isolator circuits. The dynamic reference frame may be repeatably placed on the patient in a precise location for guiding the instruments. The instruments may be precisely... Agent: Harness, Dickey & Pierce, P.L.C

20080172070 - Epilator: An epilator with an improved structure is provided.... Agent: Squire, Sanders & Dempsey L.L.P.

20080172072 - Internal sensors for use with gastric restriction devices: Apparatus and methods of monitoring gastric restriction devices are described. Internally mounted sensors detect at least one of a quantity of a test substance, a flow through the stomal opening produced by a restriction device, slippage of the device, and erosion of the gastric wall. In some embodiments flow versus... Agent: VistaIPLaw Group LLP

20080172071 - Umbilical or paraumbilical hernia repair prosthesis: An implantable prosthesis for the repair of muscle wall defects such as hernias and more particularly for the repair of umbilical and paraumbilical herniae and possibly ventral or Spigelean herniae, comprises an upper sheet (1) of a surgically compatible mesh or PTFE material and a lower button (2) of a... Agent: Harness, Dickey & Pierce, P.L.C

20080172073 - Active blood vessel sleeve: Methods, apparatuses, computer program products, devices and systems are described that include accepting one or more blood vessel sleeve dimensions based on blood vessel data from an individual; and making a rapid-prototyped blood vessel sleeve at least partly based on the one or more blood vessel sleeve dimensions.... Agent: Searete LLC

20080172074 - Transesophageal gastric reduction method and device for practicing same: A system and method forms a gastric reduction pouch within a stomach associated with an esophagus. The method includes the steps of delivering, down the esophagus, a substantially planar annular member into the stomach, drawing stomach wall tissue to a juxtaposed relation with the annular member; and securing, to the... Agent: Richard O. Gray, Jr. Suite. 350

20080172075 - Device for producing a fluid jet used especially to remove biological tissue, and use thereof: The invention relates to a fluid jet device for producing a liquid used to remove, in particular, biological tissue. The fluid jet device comprises housing in which a pump set is arranged for producing high liquid pressure within a range of up to 800 bars. A pressure supplying source and... Agent: Wenderoth, Lind & Ponack, L.L.P.

20080172076 - Ultrasound apparatus and method of use: A magnetostrictive ultrasonic handpiece capable of providing both longitudinal and torsional or twisting motion.... Agent: Alcon

20080172077 - Modular design for ophthalmic surgical probe: An ophthalmic surgical probe having a modular drive assembly and a skin that is removable from the drive assembly. This design simplifies probe manufacturing and provides greater manufacturing flexibility.... Agent: Alcon

20080172078 - Reduced traction vitrectomy probe: A vitrectomy probe that minimizes retinal traction by balancing infusion inflow and aspiration outflow near its cutting port.... Agent: Alcon

20080172079 - Apparatus and method for intragastric balloon with in situ adjustment means: An intragastric balloon and method of adding and/or removing fluid therefrom are disclosed. The intragastric balloon includes a shell, a grasping tab, and a self-sealing portion. A gastroscopic instrument which includes a grasping tool is inserted into the stomach of a patient and used to grasp the grasping tab located... Agent: Hogan & Hartson L.L.P.

20080172081 - Devices and methods using an expandable body with internal restraint for compressing cancellous bone: Devices and methods compress cancellous bone. In one arrangement, the devices and methods make use of an expandable body that includes an internal restraint coupled to the body. The internal restraint directs expansion of the body. In one arrangement, a method for treating bone inserts the device having the internal... Agent: Ryan Kromholz & Manion, S.c.

20080172080 - Minimally invasive rectal balloon apparatus: A rectal balloon apparatus has a shaft with a fluid passageway extending therethrough, a balloon affixed over an end of the shaft such that the fluid passageway communicates with an interior of the balloon, and a sleeve slidably affixed over the shaft. This sleeve is movable between a first position... Agent: Egbert Law Offices

20080172082 - In vivo filter assembly: Disclosed is an assembly for filtering debris flowing in an in vivo fluid stream, the assembly comprising at least one balloon configured to volumetrically expand and, during at least a portion of the expansion, operatively connect with a filter, and to contract following the expansion. The assembly further comprising a... Agent: Martin D. Moynihan Prtsi, Inc.

20080172083 - Method and apparatus for distal protection during a medical procedure: Apparatus and methods for providing distal protection during a medical procedure that include a vascular filter having a self-expanding, porous foam body that conformably seals against a vessel wall and captures emboli within one or more recesses. The filter is coupled to a distal region of an elongated member, such... Agent: Luce, Forward, Hamilton & Scripps

20080172084 - Convertible embolic protection devices and methods of use: An embolic protection device for removing emboli from a blood vessel in a patient's body. The device comprises a mesh element being expandable from a collapsed configuration to an expanded configuration and an elongate tubular element having a proximal opening, a distal opening, and a lumen between the proximal and... Agent: Popovich, Wiles & O'connell, PA 650 Third Avenue South

20080172085 - Elliptical excision clamp: An elliptical excision clamp helps in the removal of superficial lesions and abnormalities as well as the subsequent suturing of said removal of lesions. An elliptical excision clamp utilizes a pair of half-elliptical shaped clamp jaws curved at an appropriate ratio for the target surgical area, a number of suture... Agent: Kwok Wai Chiu

20080172086 - Medical instrument: A hydraulically actuated medical instrument includes an elongated shaft having proximal and distal ends, a hydraulically actuated end effector at the distal end of the shaft and a fluid flow path extending through the shaft to the end effector. The end effector may be directly manually operated by way of... Agent: Gary W. Mcfarron Cook, Alex, Mcfarron, Manzo, Cummings & Mehler,

20080172087 - Anti-slip protection device for a housing head of medical instruments: The invention relates to an anti-slip protection device for a housing head (21) for medical instruments (20), especially intraluminal instruments (20) for resection or anastomosis operations, comprising a terminal device (2) which can be fixed to the housing head (21) in such a way as to project out and which... Agent: Klaus J. Bach

20080172088 - Adjustable compression staple and method for stapling with adjustable compression: A compression-self-adjusting staple includes a substantially U-shaped staple body and a compression device. The staple body has a bridge and two legs extending from the bridge at an angle thereto. Each of the legs has a base end integral with the bridge and a deformable distal end defining a stapling... Agent: Mayback & Hoffman, P.A.

20080172089 - Pacifier with integral protective nipple housing: The present invention relates generally to the field of pacifiers, and particularly to pacifiers with integral protective nipple housing and methods thereof. The present invention is particularly adaptable as a pacifier for comforting an infant's suckling instinct, while being capable of integrally providing a protective nipple housing when the pacifier... Agent: M. Reza Savari, Esq.

20080172090 - Spinal prosthesis systems: A spinal prosthesis system includes: an anterior portion having an upper component and a lower component, the upper and lower components capable of relative movement about a first point; a posterior portion separate from the anterior portion, the posterior portion having an upper portion and a lower portion, the upper... Agent: Haynes And Boone, LLP

20080172091 - Spinal stabilization system: A system for stabilizing the spine, according to which a first dampening member is compressed in response to compressive loads on the spine, and a second dampening member is compressed in response to tensile loads on the spine.... Agent: Haynes And Boone, LLP

20080172092 - System and method for spinal instrumentation: A spinal instrumentation system includes an oblong tension ring having a tension screw receptacle, a pair of compression balls having passages therethrough disposed within the tension ring, and a tension screw. Threading the tension screw into the tension screw receptacle inhibits movement of the compression balls relative to the tension... Agent: Wiley Rein LLP

20080172093 - Polyaxial cross connector and methods of use thereof: A connector device for a spinal stabilization apparatus comprises a first elongated member having first and second ends, and is adapted to engage a first spinal stabilizer rod proximal to the first end of the elongated member and is further adapted to engage a spinal cross connector rod proximal to... Agent: Hahn Loeser & Parks, LLP

20080172095 - Bone loss plate: A bone loss plate for the rigid fixation of a bone having a bone gap where portions of the bone are absent, the plate includes an elongated fixation plate having a first plate side, a second plate side, a proximal portion, a distal portion, and a middle portion and a... Agent: Mesmer & Deleault, PLLC

20080172094 - Device for osteosynthesis: A device for osteosynthesis that includes a fixation element having at least one through hole designed to receive a pivotable bushing for a bone screw. The through hole has a central axis and a cross-section extending orthogonally to the central axis defined by two incomplete semicircles connected to each other... Agent: Jones Day

20080172096 - Spinal fixation device: An enclosure device connecting a pedicle fixation device with an elongated spinal fixation member. The enclosure device can include an enclosure member and an elongated guide member affixed to the enclosure member and defining a fracture region for breaking off the guide member from the enclosure member. The enclosure member... Agent: Harness, Dickey & Pierce, P.L.C

20080172097 - Surgical connecting element for fixing adjacently arranged bone plates: In order to configure, in such a way as to be capable of being employed in a simple and secure manner and produced cost-effectively, a surgical connecting element for fixing adjacently arranged bone plates, comprising a first bearing element, a second bearing element and a coupling element, by means of... Agent: Ratnerprestia

20080167642 - System and method for determining dosimetry in ophthalmic photomedicine: A system and method for treating ophthalmic target tissue, including a light source for generating a beam of light, a beam delivery system that includes a scanner for generating patterns, and a controller for controlling the light source and delivery system to create a dosimetry pattern of the light beam... Agent: Dla Piper US LLP

20080167643 - Techniques for heating-treating varicose veins: An apparatus for treating varicose veins includes a catheter (20) where the distal end is placed within a varicose vein and the proximal portion remains outside the body of the subject. A heating element (22) heats the vein. A cooling element (62) can be applied to an external surface of... Agent: Patton Boggs LLP

20080167644 - Surgical instrument with enhanced battery performance: An assembly including a component of a surgical instrument, such as an endoscopic or laparoscopic instrument. The assembly may comprise a package; a surgical instrument component within the package; and a power source within the package. The power source may be configured to be placed in electrical communication with the... Agent: Kirkpatrick & Lockhart Preston Gates Ellis LLP

20080167645 - Electrosurgical system with suction control apparatus, system and method: System and method for selectively applying electrical energy to structures within or on the surface of a patient's body and controlling the flow of an electrically conductive fluid from the application site to provide or maintain a desired operating condition of the electrosurgical device. An electrosurgical probe is in communication... Agent: Arthrocare Corporation

20080167649 - Ablation apparatus and method: A delivery device is disclosed, which may include a needle and at least one deployable electrode retractable into the needle in a retracted geometry that may be substantially straight. The at least one deployable electrode may be operatively connectable to a radiofrequency energy source for delivery of radiofrequency energy. At... Agent: Angiodynamics, Inc.

20080167647 - Compressive device for percutaneous treatment of obesity: Disclosed are methods and apparatus for implantation into the walls of an organ such as the stomach. Deformable or inflatable anchors with a connector between are used to pull the walls of the organ together, or to implant devices in the wall of the organ. Also disclosed are surgical instruments... Agent: Michael Gertner

20080167648 - Compressive device for percutaneous treatment of obesity: Disclosed are methods and apparatus for implantation into the walls of an organ such as the stomach. Deformable or inflatable anchors with a connector between are used to pull the walls of the organ together, or to implant devices in the wall of the organ. Also disclosed are surgical instruments... Agent: Michael Gertner

20080167650 - Electrochemical probe and method for in situ treatment of a tissue: A method and apparatus for dehydrating, electro-oxidizing, or electro-reducing a target tissue is described. The apparatus utilizes an electrochemical probe or other device to deliver one or more beneficial agents into the target tissue. Water from the target tissue provides a precursor that may be split by electrolysis to generate... Agent: Ceramatec, Inc.

20080167646 - Electrosurgical apparatus having a temperature sensor: An electrosurgical apparatus is provided. The electrosurgical apparatus comprises an elongate shaft having a proximal region, a distal region comprising an electrically conductive region and one or more lumens therethrough; a stylet occluding at least a portion of an opening defined by a distal end of the elongate shaft; and... Agent: Dimock Stratton LLP

20080167651 - Vessel sealing instrument: A bipolar electrosurgical instrument for clamping, grasping, manipulating, and sealing tissue includes first and second shafts each having a jaw member extending from a distal end thereof and a handle disposed at a proximal end thereof. The handle being operable to effect movement of the jaw members relative to one... Agent: Tyco Healthcare Group Lp

20080167652 - Tool for making drill-holes in bones or removing cylindrical drill-hole cores from bones of the human body: A tool (1) is constructed for single use for making drill-holes in bones or removing cylindrical drill-hole cores from bones of the human body with a tubular tool body (2) which can be inserted into a receiving bore (8) of a tool holder (4). At least one cutout (5) in... Agent: Reising, Ethington, Barnes, Kisselle, P.C.

20080167653 - Drill bit assembly for bone tissue including depth limiting feature: A drill assembly for creating a bore in living bone comprises a drill bit, a collet-nose drill stop, a collet sleeve, a collet body, a concealment collar, a retaining spring, and a plurality of retaining balls. The drill bit inserts into the collet body and is retained in the collet... Agent: Daniel J. Burnham Nixon Peabody LLP.

20080167654 - Method and apparatus for performing an open wedge, high tibial osteotomy: a plurality of mounting holes for receiving fixation screws therein, the mounting holes being formed in the body such that when the protrusion is disposed in the wedge-like opening, the mounting holes direct the fixation screws into bone on either side of the wedge-like opening.... Agent: Mark J. Pandiscio Pandiscio & Pandiscio, P.C.

20080167657 - Expandable support device and method of use: A device for separating a first bone from a second bone is disclosed. The device can be an expandable orthopedic jack. The device can be used to treat spinal stenosis. The device can be deployed between adjacent spinous processes and then increased in height to reduce pressure on nearby nerves.... Agent: Levine Bagade Han LLP

20080167655 - Interspinous implant, tools and methods of implanting: Devices, tools and methods for minimally invasive implantation and distraction between spinous processes for treatment of spinous disorders. An interspinous implant device for distracting at least one pair of adjacent spinous processes includes a main body including a shaft having a longitudinal axis; and first and second parallel arms extending... Agent: Law Office Of Alan W. Cannon

20080167656 - Spine distraction implant and method: A spine distraction implant alleviates pain associated with spinal stenosis and facet arthropathy by expanding the volume in the spine canal and/or neural foramen. The implant provides a spinal extension stop while allowing freedom of spinal flexion.... Agent: Cooley Godward Kronish LLP Attn: Patent Group

20080167658 - Injectable fastener system and method: Methods and devices are shown for forming polymer fasteners into bone by expelling the polymer from a cannula. Devices and methods shown allow a user to form multiple fasteners of various sizes without re-loading a device. Devices and methods shown further provide temperature profiles during fastener formation that reduce or... Agent: Schwegman, Lundberg & Woessner / Synthes

20080167659 - Exploration device to monitor the penetration of an instrument in an anatomic structure: An exploration device to monitor the penetration of an instrument in an anatomic structure including at least two electrodes; a source of voltage supplying the at least two electrodes; a means for measuring impedence between the electrodes; a means of angular location formed by at least one electrode punctually coinciding... Agent: Ip Group Of Dla Piper US LLP

20080167660 - Suture anchor and inserter arrangement: A suture anchor and inserter arrangement, including a suture anchor configured for implanting in hard tissue, such as bone, and an inserter device for installing the anchor in hard tissue. The suture anchor includes at least one eyelet formed from suture material at a proximal end thereof, which eyelet cooperates... Agent: Flynn, Thiel, Boutell & Tanis, P.C.

20080167661 - Electromechanical polyp snare: An electrosurgical device for use with an electrosurgical generator to remove polyps from the gastrointestinal tract comprising a hand piece including a body or housing having an operator handle and a snare support attached thereto, a snare guide including a snare channel formed therethrough to slidably receive at least a... Agent: Arthur W. Fisher Iii P.A.

20080167663 - Device for supporting an elongated body and for the controlled translational movement of the same: A device for supporting and controlling the translational movement of an elongated body, the body extending along the longitudinal axis thereof in the form of a rod, such as a needle intended for a percutaneous medical procedure. The device is designed to be mounted to a support that can be... Agent: Young & Thompson

20080167662 - Tactile feel apparatus for use with robotic operations: A system for providing for tactile feedback to a physician or other user employs a robotic control system, which robotic control system enables the user to control an operating instrument such as a scalpel or other instrument. Pressure transducers are placed upon the instrument and the outputs from the transducers... Agent: The Plevy Law Firm

20080167664 - Method and apparatus for verifying occlusion of fallopian tubes: A device for verifying occlusion of the fallopian tube in a female subject includes an elongate gas delivery member having a lumen disposed therein, the elongate gas delivery member adapted for sealing engagement with the subject's uterus. The device includes a pressurized insufflation gas source coupled to the elongate gas... Agent: Cytyc Corporation

20080167665 - Endoscopic threaded clip: A flexible endoscopic clip applier includes a flexible coil with a manual actuator coupled to one end and a jaw assembly coupled to the other end. A store of clips is arranged adjacent to the jaw assembly and a clip pusher is arranged adjacent to the store of clips. The... Agent: Gordon & Jacobson, P.C.

20080167667 - Absorbable fastener and applying apparatus: A surgical fastener apparatus, for securing a surgical mesh material to body tissue including a pair of anchors each having retaining means formed on an outer surface thereof; and a suture tether interconnecting the pair of anchors to one another. The pair of anchors having a substantially cylindrical body having... Agent: Tyco Healthcare Group Lp

20080167668 - Absorbable fastener and applying apparatus: A surgical fastener apparatus, for securing a surgical mesh material to body tissue including a pair of anchors each having retaining means formed on an outer surface thereof; and a suture tether interconnecting the pair of anchors to one another. The pair of anchors having a substantially cylindrical body having... Agent: Tyco Healthcare Group Lp

20080167666 - Vertebral osteosynthesis equipment: This equipment includes at least one U-shaped clip (1) whose lateral branches (10) have sections and widths such that they may be inserted in the vertebral bodies (100) of two vertebrae by impaction on the intermediate branch (11) of the clip (1), so as to rest along the cortical bones... Agent: Young & Thompson

20080167669 - Vessel tensioning handle and method of vessel harvesting: Embodiments of the invention provide a vessel tensioning handle and method of placing tension on a section of a vessel being harvested. The handle can include a housing, a bobbin assembly, a vessel tensioning tape, and a tensioning device member. The tensioning device member can be coupled to a cannula... Agent: Medtronic, Inc.

20080167670 - Interlock and surgical instrument including same: A surgical instrument is disclosed. The instrument includes an end effector comprising a moveable cutting instrument to cut an object and a motor coupled to the end effector. The motor actuates the cutting instrument in response to a current therethrough, causing the cutting instrument to move between a proximal-most position... Agent: Kirkpatrick & Lockhart Preston Gates Ellis LLP

20080167671 - Surgical instrument with elements to communicate between control unit and end effector: A surgical instrument, such as an endoscopic or laparoscopic instrument, includes a shaft having a proximal end and a distal end. The shaft includes a first sensor element. An end effector is coupled to the distal end of the shaft. The end effector includes a second sensor element. A handle... Agent: Kirkpatrick & Lockhart Preston Gates Ellis LLP

20080167672 - Surgical instrument with wireless communication between control unit and remote sensor: A surgical instrument, such as an endoscopic or laparoscopic instrument. The surgical instrument may comprise an end effector comprising at least one sensor. The surgical instrument may also comprise an electrically conductive shaft having a distal end connected to the end effector wherein the sensor is electrically insulated from the... Agent: Kirkpatrick & Lockhart Preston Gates Ellis LLP

20080167673 - Lancet release mechanism: An end cap is removably attachable to a lancing device and comprises an end cap, a plurality of release buttons, and a plurality of engagement mechanisms. The end cap has an external surface. The plurality of release buttons is accessible from external the end cap housing. Each of the plurality... Agent: Nixon Peabody LLP

20080167674 - Automated delivery of a therapeutic or cosmetic substance to cutaneous, subcutaneous and intramuscular tissue regions: Automated systems and methods for delivery of a therapeutic or cosmetic substance into cutaneous, subcutaneous or intramuscular tissue, wherein an automated (e.g., robotic) arm is maneuvered to position a delivery device proximate a targeted location (e.g., an existing hair follicle, a location for implanting a skin filler, or a location... Agent: VistaIPLaw Group LLP

20080167675 - System, device and method for recording pressure profiles in the pharynx and in the upper isophageal sphincter upon swallowing: A system, device and method for recording a pressure profile from the pharynx and upper esophageal sphincter (UES) upon swallowing, includes a manometric catheter insertable into the esophagus and having a first lumen connected to a first pressure sensor and to a water supply by which the first lumen is... Agent: Young & Thompson

20080167676 - Breathing aid device that decreases incidence of snoring: An improved, preferably plastic, universal breathing aid device for insertion into the nasal passages having a first pair of septum-engaging and gripping arms, from which are cantilevered a pair of curved, spring-action nostril-expanding arm that keep the nasal passages open. The septum-engaging arms are supported by a base member in... Agent: Jacques M. Dulin, Esq. Dba Innovation Law Group, Ltd.

20080167679 - Cage and sleeve assembly for a filtering device: A cage and sleeve assembly for an embolic filtering device used to filter embolic particles from a body vessel has a strut assembly that is movable between an unexpanded position and an expanded position. Struts having strut ends at the respective ends form a cage. The strut ends are initially... Agent: Fulwider Patton LLP

20080167678 - Embolectomy catheter: A novel catheter and methods for using the same are described herein. Embodiments of the catheter utilize sets of expandable members which collapse into recesses which are part of the catheter body. The recesses provide the catheter body with a low profile for insertion of the catheter into small blood... Agent: Conley Rose, P.C. David A. Rose

20080167677 - Filter element for embolic protection device: A collapsible filter element (105) for a transcatheter embolic protection device (100) comprises a collapsible filter body (30) which is movable between a collapsed stored position for movement through a vascular system and an expanded position for extension across a blood vessel such that blood passing through the blood vessel... Agent: Finnegan, Henderson, Farabow, Garrett & Dunner, L.L.P.

20080167680 - Fingertip surgical instrument: Disclosed is a minimally invasive surgical instrument that may be used in hand-assisted laparoscopic surgeries. The device is a multifunctional surgical instrument that may be mounted directly on a surgeon's fingertip and inserted through an incision to allow the surgeon to manipulate tissue during a surgical procedure. Versions show a... Agent: Frost Brown Todd, LLC

20080167681 - Surgical adhesive applicator: An adhesive applicator for applying medical adhesives, particularly cyanoacrylates, to incisions such as those made during minimally invasive surgery. The applicator employs a pipette tip or similar narrow flow restrictor tip to close the incision and a body of foam to seal the incision. Methods of using the applicator are... Agent: Foley & Lardner LLP

20080167682 - Bioabsorbable occlusion device: An occlusion device comprises a bioabsorbable material, which allows the occlusion device to effectively close a defect in the heart while eliminating or limiting components which permanently remain in the body.... Agent: Kinney & Lange, P.A.

20080167683 - Wearable teething device: A device to aid in infant teething or pacifying the infant. The device may be worn around the neck or other body member of a parent or other individual caring for the infant. The device can take the form of a ring and may be worn as a necklace permitting... Agent: Andrew L. Salvatore, Esquire

20080167684 - Treatment table with calf/foot assembly and method of use: A treatment table with a calf/foot assembly includes an upper body support section adapted to support a patient's body, attached to a system support; and a calf/foot assembly pivotally attached to a lower part of the upper body support section, the calf/foot assembly including a calf/foot support, a linear movement... Agent: Melvin K. Silverman And Assocs PC

20080167685 - System and method for percutanously curing an implantable device: A vertebral stabilizing device for stabilizing adjacent vertebrae includes a jacket formed of a biocompatible material and configured for implantation between the vertebrae. The jacket may be configured to encompass a hardenable material. A reaction activator may be encompassed by the jacket.... Agent: Haynes And Boone, LLP

20080167686 - Non-rigid intervertebral spacers: An intervertebral spacer includes a non-rigid body having an upper beam member and a lower beam member. The upper beam member may include a lower inner surface and may include an upper outer surface configured to interface with a vertebral plate of an upper vertebra. The lower beam member may... Agent: Haynes And Boone, LLP

20080167687 - Dynamic linking member for spine stabilization system: An apparatus for stabilizing a spine is disclosed which includes a first link member pivotably coupled to a second link member. The first or second link members may have one or more stops to limit the motion of the implant. The first and second link members may include a first... Agent: Carr LLP (ist)

20080167688 - Taper-locking fixation system: A fixation system is designed to lock an elongated member within a housing member, permitting positional and/or orientational adjustment of the elongated member prior to locking. The system includes a housing member, a slotted spherical collet, an elongated member, and may include a tapered wedge, which may be a discrete... Agent: Medicinelodge Inc.

20080167689 - Implant having a shaft and a holding element connected therewith for connecting with a rod: An implant is described having a shaft (1) and a holding element (3; 30) connected therewith for connecting with a rod (100). A recess is provided in the holding element. The recess has a U-shaped cross section for accommodation of the rod and two free legs (7, 8; 32, 33)... Agent: Christie, Parker & Hale, LLP

20080161780 - Methods and compositions for optimizing the outcomes of refractive laser surgery of the cornea: Disclosed herein are methods and compositions for use in surgical procedures for refractive ablation of the cornea to achieve vision correction with a minimum of undesirable side effects and for a broad range of optical conditions such myopia, hyperopia, presbyopia and astigmatism. Specifically disclosed are compositions, and methods involving their... Agent: Dreier LLP

20080161781 - Apparatus and processes for preventing or delaying onset or progression of age-related cataract: The present invention generally relates to apparatus and processes for preventing or delaying cataract. More particularly, the present invention relates to processes and apparatus for ablating epithelial cells in the germinative zone or the pregerminative zone of the crystalline lens of the eye so that onset or progression of cataract... Agent: Mcandrews Held & Malloy, Ltd

20080161782 - Micropore delivery of active substances: A method and device for delivering active substances into and through the skin for treatment of the skin during and/or following fractional laser radiation treatment of the skin are described.... Agent: Reliant / Fenwick C/o Fenwick & West, LLP

20080161783 - 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 each capable of multiple, simultaneous emission of lasers of different wavelengths in a single beam. The embodiments feature a handheld wireless laser module or a portable console with... Agent: Geoffrey E. Dobbin, Patent Attorney

20080161785 - Medical device having a bimaterial valve: Medical devices using fluid or cooling fluids having one or more bimaterial valves positioned at each point of flow control to control the flow of a fluid in response to temperature changes. In particular, devices for ablating tissue having multiple ablation elements or cells include one or more bimaterial valves... Agent: Sjm/afd-wiley

20080161784 - Method and system for remotely controlled mr-guided focused ultrasound ablation: A remotely controlled magnetic resonance guided focused ultrasound system includes a magnetic resonance scanner and focused ultrasound transducer assembly at a location where a patient is to be treated, and a control station which is not immediately at the location where the patient is to be treated. The control station... Agent: Ge Healthcare C/o Fletcher Yoder, Pc

20080161787 - 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.

20080161786 - Pressure-sensitive conductive composite contact sensor and method for contact sensing: A catheter assembly for assessing contact between the catheter assembly and tissue is disclosed. The assembly includes a catheter shaft and a pressure sensitive conductive composite member whose electrical resistance varies with pressure applied to the catheter assembly. The assembly also includes at least one measurement terminal to permit the... Agent: Sjm/afd-wiley

20080161788 - Ablation catheter with sensor array and discrimination circuit to minimize variation in power density: A catheter is designed with a virtual electrode structure for creating a linear lesion. The catheter includes a sensor array that measures temperatures of adjacent tissue along the length of the virtual electrode section. The sensors in the sensor array include a conductive material that is substantially coated with an... Agent: Sjm/afd - Trenner

20080161789 - Contact-sensitive pressure-sensitive conductive composite electrode and method for ablation: A catheter assembly for pressure-sensitive control of ablation treatment is disclosed. The assembly includes a conductive element, an electrode, and a pressure sensitive conductive composite member positioned between the conductive element and the electrode. At least one of the conductive pin, the pressure sensitive conductive composite element and the ablation... Agent: Sjm/afd-wiley

20080161797 - Ablation catheter electrode having multiple thermal sensors and method of use: The invention relates to electrodes used in ablation catheter devices, where the electrodes contain two or more thermal sensors at different positions within the electrode that are capable of detecting temperature differences along the external surface of the electrode. In preferred embodiments, the thermal sensors are separated by one or... Agent: Sjm/afd-wiley

20080161800 - Ablation catheter tip for generating an angled flow: The present invention provides an ablation catheter tip for use with an irrigated catheter device comprising an inner cavity and at least one passageway that leads to an orifice, wherein the fluid flow from the orifice promotes a circular, vortex, or spiral flow around the catheter tip from the acute... Agent: Sjm/afd-wiley

20080161791 - Ablation catheter with thermally mediated catheter body for mitigating blood coagulation and creating larger lesion: An ablation catheter is provided for ablating internal tissue of a patient. The catheter includes a distal end that is adapted to be inserted into a body cavity relative to a desired location therein (e.g., within the heart). An ablation electrode is connected relative to the distal end of the... Agent: St. Jude Medical Atrial Fibrillation Div., Inc.

20080161803 - Ablation catheters and methods for their use: The present invention relates generally to multifunctional catheters for performing ablation procedures, and more particularly to ablation catheters utilized in the treatment of atrial fibrillation and other cardiac disorders. The present invention eliminates many of the problems associated with previous ablation catheters by providing an ablation treatment not dependent upon... Agent: Casimir Jones, S.c.

20080161802 - Composite structures and methods for ablating tissue to form complex lesion patterns in the treatment of cardiac conditions and the like: A method of ablating tissue in the heart to treat atrial fibrillation introduces into a selected atrium an energy emitting element. The method exposes the element to a region of the atrial wall and applies ablating energy to the element to thermally destroy tissue. The method forms a convoluted lesion... Agent: Henricks Slavin And Holmes LLP Suite 200

20080161793 - Cooled ablation catheter with reciprocating flow: The invention relates to an ablation catheter which controls the temperature and reduces the coagulation of biological fluids on an electrode of a catheter, prevents the impedance rise of tissue in contact with the electrode, and maximizes the potential energy transfer to the tissue, thereby allowing an increase in the... Agent: Sjm/afd - Dykema

20080161796 - Design of ablation electrode with tactile sensor: A catheter assembly for assessing contact between the catheter assembly and tissue is disclosed. The assembly includes a catheter shaft and a pressure sensitive conductive composite member whose electrical resistance varies with pressure applied to the catheter assembly. The assembly also includes at least one measurement terminal to permit the... Agent: Sjm/afd-wiley

20080161794 - Irrigated ablation catheter having a pressure sensor to detect tissue contact: The invention relates to an irrigated ablation catheter that has a pressure sensor to determine tissue contact as well as methods of using the same. The irrigated ablation catheter contains fluid tubing, an electrode with passages and a lumen and a pressure sensor located inside the lumen of the electrode.... Agent: Sjm/afd - Dykema

20080161792 - Irrigated ablation catheter having a valve to prevent backflow: The invention relates to an ablation catheter which controls the temperature and reduces the coagulation of biological fluids on an electrode of a catheter, prevents the impedance rise of tissue in contact with the electrode, and maximizes the potential energy transfer to the tissue, thereby allowing an increase in the... Agent: Sjm/afd - Dykema

20080161795 - Irrigated ablation catheter system with pulsatile flow to prevent thrombus: The invention relates to an ablation catheter which controls the temperature and reduces the coagulation of biological fluids on an electrode of a catheter, prevents the impedance rise of tissue in contact with the electrode, and maximizes the potential energy transfer to the tissue, thereby allowing an increase in the... Agent: Sjm/afd - Dykema

20080161799 - Position independent catheter: A catheter for treating tissue is disclosed, the catheter having slotted openings on a circumference of its distal portion, wherein each slotted opening spans at least about 25% of the circumference of the catheter. The disclosed catheter is capable of treating a variety of tissue in a variety of configurations.... Agent: Sjm/afd-wiley

20080161804 - Rf ablation probe array advancing device: An array advancing device that attaches to a tissue ablation probe comprises a housing sized for receiving the handle and reciprocating plunger of the ablation probe, the housing having a proximal section configured to engage the plunger, and a distal section configured to engage the handle, the proximal housing section... Agent: Vista Ip Law Group LLP

20080161801 - Selectable eccentric remodeling and/or ablation of atherosclerotic material: A catheter and catheter system for eccentric remodeling and/or removal of atherosclerotic material of a blood vessel of a patient include an elongate flexible catheter body with a radially expandable structure. A plurality of electrodes or other electrosurgical energy delivery surfaces can radially engage atherosclerotic material when the structure expands.... Agent: Townsend And Townsend And Crew, LLP

20080161798 - Steerable ablation device: The invention relates to a flexible assembly for use in a region of a medical or surgical device. In preferred embodiments, the flexible region comprises a set of pull wires for controllably moving a treatment end of the device, and elements to separate the pull wires and maintain the integrity... Agent: Sjm/afd-wiley

20080161790 - Virtual electrode ablation catheter with electrode tip and variable radius capability: A cardiac ablation catheter system incorporates several different, but complementary features. The catheter includes a virtual electrode section for transferring ablation energy to form a linear lesion in cardiac tissue. The distal tip of the catheter shaft is provided with a tip electrode to perform spot ablations. The distal end... Agent: Sjm/afd - Trenner

20080161806 - Flexible tibial sheath: A radially expandable sheath is provided having a substantially closed distal end with at least two sidewalls extending proximally therefrom and defining a central lumen. Each sidewall can have a substantially concave outer surface adapted to seat a graft member, and each side wall is at least partially separated by... Agent: Nutter Mcclennen & Fish LLP

20080161805 - Fracture fixation device, tools and methods: A bone fixation device is provided with an elongate body having a longitudinal axis and having a flexible state and a rigid state, a plurality of grippers disposed at longitudinally spaced locations of the elongated body, a curved rigid hub connected to the elongated body, and an actuator operably connected... Agent: Shay Glenn LLP

20080161807 - Method and apparatus for targeting blind holes in intramedullary rods: A device and method for locating and drilling through a bone to engage the transverse blind holes in an intramedullary nail. The method is accomplished with a radio-opaque target secured to a patient using a strap or any other suitable binding.... Agent: Crockett & Crockett Suite 400

20080161808 - Methods and apparatus for a staple: A staple constructed from shape memory material provides the ability to move from a first shape to any point up to and including a second shape. The staple includes a bridge having a first member and a second member, and allows the second member of the bridge to change elevation... Agent: Law Offices Of Christopher L. Makay

20080161809 - Articulating tissue cutting device: A device for cutting ligament and/or bone tissue in a lateral recess and/or an intervertebral foramen of a spine of a patient to treat spinal stenosis may include: an elongate shaft having a rigid proximal portion and a distal portion articulatable relative to the proximal portion; a handle coupled with... Agent: Shay Glenn LLP

20080161810 - Guide and cutter for contouring facet joints and methods of use: A device and method for contouring articular processes of a facet joint includes a guide with a spacer extending outward in a longitudinal direction from a distal end of the guide. The spacer includes a width to space apart the articular processes in a widthwise direction. A cutting member that... Agent: Coats & Bennett/medtronics

20080161812 - Calcar planar: A kit for removing calcar bone from a resected face around a bone canal of a long bone prepared to receive an orthopaedic implant is provided. The kit includes a trial for insertion into the bone canal of the long bone and a fixture. The fixture has a connector for... Agent: Maginot, Moore & Beck, LLP Chase Tower

20080161811 - Proximal reamer: A reamer for reaming a proximal portion of a cavity for use in implanting a joint prosthesis is provided. The reamer is used for cooperation with a proximal portion of an orthopaedic implant component. The reamer includes a body defining a cavity formed therein for receiving at least a portion... Agent: Maginot, Moore & Beck, LLP Chase Tower

20080161813 - Cut-off acetabular reamer: An acetabular reamer (10, 10′, 10″) is intended in particular for the shaping of the cotyloid cavity in the event of a replacement of a hip joint by total prosthesis. The reamer (10, 10′, 10″) is typically of a truncated hemispherical form and is adapted for attachment to a reamer... Agent: Moetteli & Associates Sarl

20080161814 - Device and method for mounting an object on a bone: A device for removable attachment to a bone of a living patient, useful as a mounting support for a trackable part of a computerized surgical navigation system and a method for attaching an object removably to a bone of a living patient. A shaft having a self drilling, self-tapping screw... Agent: Chernoff, Vilhauer, Mcclung & Stenzel

20080161816 - Bone alignment implant and method of use: A method for correcting an angular deformity in a bone includes inserting a guide wire within a physis of a bone having an angular deformity, the physis extending between a first side the bone on which the guide wire is inserted and an opposing second side of the bone. The... Agent: Workman Nydegger

20080161815 - Patient specific knee alignment guide and associated method: An orthopedic apparatus including a patient-specific alignment guide attachable to a surface of a bone being prepared for receiving a prosthetic implant. The guide includes at least first and second components and a coupling mechanism connecting the first and second components to one another. The first component has a first... Agent: Harness, Dickey & Pierce, P.L.C

20080161817 - Intervertebral distraction device: An intervertebral distraction instrument comprises a first vertebra engaging member and a second vertebra engaging member. The first vertebra engaging member includes a vertebra anchor member configured to prevent lateral movement of the distraction instrument while allowing anterior-posterior movement of the distraction instrument during engagement with the first vertebrae. A... Agent: Maginot, Moore & Beck, LLP Chase Tower

20080161818 - Spinous process distractor: The present invention relates to a device for the distraction of the spinous processes of two adjacent vertebrae. The spinous processes of the two vertebrae are supported on two separated distraction means being attached to a central body which can be expanded in an infinitely variable manner. The central body... Agent: J C Patents, Inc.

20080161819 - Bone grafting material packing instrument: A bone graft material packing instrument, comprising a longitudinally extending handle and a laterally extending distal head having a downwardly curved upper surface bounded by vertically extending substantially flat sides and a flat horizontally extending lower surface.... Agent: Robert R. Meads

20080161820 - Method and apparatus for locating a starting point for a surgical procedure: A device for locating a site in anatomy for a surgical procedure.... Agent: Zimmer Technology - Baker & Daniels

20080161822 - Minimally invasive interspinous process spacer insertion device: An interspinous process spacer insertion device that positions an interspinous process spacer between the spinous process of adjacent vertebrae in a minimally invasive percutaneous surgical procedure. The device includes a trocar rod that extends through a cannulated sleeve. The spacer is attached to the end of the cannulated sleeve, where... Agent: Miller Ip Group, Plc Mi4 Spine, Llc

20080161821 - Surgical tool for insertion of spinal prosthesis: A surgical tool for manipulating a surgical insert selectively clamps the insert between one or more moveable arms and a distal tip portion of a driver shaft assembly. The insert may be clamped or released depending on the position of a slider associated with the driver tip portion, and the... Agent: Coats & Bennett/medtronics

20080161825 - Anatomical measurement tool: A measuring device for measuring tunnel defects in tissue is disclosed. The measuring device can size the defect to aid future deployment of a tissue distension device. Exemplary tunnel defects are atrial septal defects, patent foramen ovales, left atrial appendages, mitral valve prolapse, and aortic valve defects. Methods for using... Agent: Levine Bagade Han LLP

20080161823 - Instrument for modular orthopaedic prosthesis: A kit for use in performing a trail reduction in joint arthroplasty is provided. The kit includes a trail stem assembly including a first component, a second component selectably moveable with respect to the first component, and a fastener for securing the first component to the second component. The kit... Agent: Maginot, Moore & Beck, LLP Chase Tower

20080161824 - System and method for performing femoral sizing through navigation: An apparatus, method, and system for sizing a distal portion of a patient's femur during knee arthroplasty. The femur is sized by positioning the patient such that the distal femur portion of the patient is in a field of view of a sensor array; attaching a femoral sizer to the... Agent: Lerner, David, Littenberg, Krumholz & Mentlik

20080161826 - Universal cardiac introducer: The present invention may be characterized as a heart access manifold having a manifold wall and at least one exit port and one entry port. The exit port through the manifold wall is adapted to be sealably engaged about an opening in the wall of a heart for communication with... Agent: Riches, Mckenzie & Herbert, LLP

20080161827 - System and method for a selectively visible medical marker: A new approach for a system and method for producing a substantially invisible medical tissue marker is described. In certain exemplary embodiments of the invention, the medical marker will become visible only when a light (energy) source is shined thereon. The visible action of the marker is accomplished, for example,... Agent: Matthew J. Hodulik

20080161828 - Bone breaking instrument: A sinus bone-breaking instrument comprising a longitudinally extending handle and a relatively small laterally extending distal head designed to fit upward into a bone channel and having a laterally inward and upward inclined lower surface shaped to hook bone fragments in the bone channel and with a downward pulling on... Agent: Robert R. Meads

20080161829 - Apparatus and method for providing an adjustable positive stop in space: A method and apparatus for constraining motion of an end-effector in space. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a mechanical positioner and first and second stops. The first and second stops are controllable by a drive mechanism to constrain movement of the mechanical positioner and thereby to constrain the ability... Agent: Foley And Lardner LLP Suite 500

20080161830 - Microsurgical robot system: A surgical robot that includes at least one robotic arm having multiple joints and at least six degrees of freedom, the robotic arm also including: a magnetic resonance (MR) compatible structural material; multiple MR-compatible joint motors; and multiple MR-compatible joint encoders.... Agent: Fulbright & Jaworski L.l.p.

20080161831 - Circular stapler buttress: A buttress for use with circular surgical staplers that does not require adhesive to securely fasten the buttress to the stapler. Following cutting and stapling by the circular stapler, the buttress has an adaptive opening through its central region with a diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the stapler... Agent: Wayne D. House W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.

20080161832 - Circular stapler buttress: A buttress for use with circular surgical staplers that does not require adhesive to securely fasten the buttress to the stapler. Following cutting and stapling by the circular stapler, the buttress has an adaptive opening through its central region with a diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the stapler... Agent: Wayne D. House 34,623 House W.l. Gore & Associates, Inc.

20080161836 - External venous valve stents for the correction of incompetent venous valves: Improvements to external stents to render incompetent venous valves competent are disclosed. The device is an inelastic bio-compatible cuff that encircles the venous valve cusps decreasing the internal diameter of the vein wall to allow apposition of the cusps and create competence. The improvements over previous designs include the addition... Agent: Speckman Law Group Pllc

20080161834 - Internal procedure for closing sinus membrane perforations: An internal sinus procedure for patching a perforation in patient's sinus membrane comprising the steps of (i) creating an opening in the sinus floor of a patient to expose the portion of the sinus membrane including the perforation, (ii) inserting a quantity of a sinus membrane patching material through the... Agent: Robert R. Meads

20080161833 - Joint prosthesis: A joint prosthesis is described. The joint prosthesis includes a polymeric membrane defining opposing first and second ends and a graft surface opposite a bearing surface, and mesh backings attached to the membrane. In particular, a first mesh backing portion attached along the first end of the membrane on the... Agent: Dicke, Billig & Czaja

20080161837 - Reinforced mesh for retropubic implants: Disclosed are reinforced meshes for retropubic implants for treatment of urinary incontinence and/or pelvic floor disorders and related uses, devices, and methods. In certain embodiments, implants have various resilient strengthening members added to a retropubic support mesh.... Agent: Ropes & Gray LLP

20080161835 - Sinus membrane perforation patching material carrying instrument: A sinus membrane perforation patching material carrying and insertion instrument, comprising a central support for a quantity of a sinus membrane patching material and moveable outer supports spaced laterally outward of the central support for laterally supporting and expanding the patching material as it is forced by the central support... Agent: Robert R. Meads

20080161839 - Device and method for coronary artery bypass procedure: A method of bypassing a coronary artery being at least partially occluded. The method comprises: using a branching graft for establishing direct fluid communication between three or more vascular locations. Specifically direct fluid communication is established between an upstream vascular location, a downstream vascular location and a distal vascular location.... Agent: Martin D. Moynihan Prtsi

20080161838 - Device and method for the thereapy of obesity: An anastomotic device, particularly a positioning device (24) extending along a longitudinal axis (30) comprises a first component, or proximal component (26) and a second component, or distal component (28). The proximal and distal components are suitable to lock an elastic ring (52) in a deformed configuration therebetween. The proximal... Agent: Philip S. Johnson Johnson & Johnson

20080161840 - Atherectomy methods and apparatus: Apparatus is provided for removing plaque from a blood vessel of a subject, including a catheter shaped to define an opening that is placed in the blood vessel. A pressure source propels a fluid jet through the opening, and a pressure sensor detects a pressure in the blood vessel induced... Agent: Darby & Darby P.c.

20080161841 - Cutting device and method of vessel harvesting: Embodiments of the invention provide a cutting device and method of vessel harvesting. The cutting device can include at least one tubular member, a cutting element, and a centering member. The cutting device can include at least one tubular member with a flexible section and a cutting element. The method... Agent: Medtronic, Inc.

20080161842 - Dissection apparatus with tool exchanging mechanism: A dissection apparatus is disclosed. The dissection apparatus includes a supporting mechanism, a holder, a driving element rotating the holder, a cam fixed to the supporting mechanism, a first sliding element, a second sliding element, a dissecting device disposed on the first sliding element, an aspirating device disposed on the... Agent: Quintero Law Office, Pc

20080161843 - Vessel support device and method of vessel harvesting: Embodiments of the invention provide a vessel support system and a method of vessel harvesting. The system can include a cutting device, a catheter adapted to be inserted into a section of the vessel in order to support the vessel as the cutting device is advanced over the vessel, and... Agent: Medtronic, Inc.

20080161844 - Medical tool for cutting a hard material wall and method of cutting: The invention relates to a medical tool for cutting a hard material wall, having a shaft which has over at least a part of its length a working region which upon vibration or rotation develops an abrasive effect. So that a handling-friendly continuous cutting of the hard material wall is... Agent: Marshall, Gerstein & Borun LLP

20080161845 - Trocar: The invention provides a trocar for penetrating body tissue and being placed, which allows for shortening the time required to seal an opening, regardless of the size of the opening. In a first trocar used in performing surgery, an incision member is detachably inserted into the cannula portion and a... Agent: Townsend & Banta C/o Portfolio Ip

20080161846 - Sinus membrane lifting and lateral separation instrument: A sinus membrane lifting instrument comprising a longitudinally extending handle portion, an angled neck extending longitudinally from a handle portion and a disc-shaped tip extending from the angled neck.... Agent: Robert R. Meads

20080161847 - Non-resorbable implantable guides and methods of use: Devices for facilitating access to a surgical situs, as well as methods of their use, are described.... Agent: Woodcock Washburn LLP

20080161848 - Biodegradable polymer for making tissue and sealing tracts: A tissue marker formed of a biodegradable polymer having drug-delivery capabilities is combined with a sealant that encapsulates the tissue marker and which serves to help anchor the tissue marker against migration. The sealant is delivered to a site in dehydrated form and moisture inherent in tissue at the site... Agent: Marshall, Gerstein & Borun LLP

20080161849 - Blood vessel sealing system: A method of and apparatus for sealing access openings into blood vessels using an expandable member in the blood vessel on a control member that extends out through the access opening and an applicator which inserts a preformed sealing material into the access opening over the control member to keep... Agent: King & Spalding LLP

20080161851 - Resorbable suture material: The invention concerns absorbable, thermally steam-treated, surgical suture based on polyglycolic acid and/or lactide copolymer comprising rapid degradation and rapid decrease in knot-pull breaking strength under in vivo conditions and an initial knot-pull breaking strength which is high for the rapid degradation.... Agent: Nath & Associates

20080161850 - Suture anchoring system: A first extruded member in joined to a molded member to form an integrated component. In one exemplary form, a surgical anchor is overmolded onto the end of an extruded suture to form a suture/anchor system.... Agent: King & Schickli, Pllc

20080161852 - Method for soft tissue attachment: An apparatus and method for fixing a selected graft relative to a selected anatomical portion. An anchor may be provided that may be interconnected with a selected graft portion that is operable to pass through a selected bore and then moved into an operable position to engage a selected portion... Agent: Harness, Dickey & Pierce, P.L.C

20080161854 - Dynamic stabilization devices and methods: A dynamic stabilization device includes end caps that define a bore for receiving a corresponding bone screw therethrough. A spacer is engaged between each end cap and a cable passes through each of the components and is placed in tension to couple the spacer between the two end caps. The... Agent: Maginot, Moore & Beck, LLP Chase Tower

20080161855 - Kit for intervertebral connection system: d

20080161853 - Spine stabilization system with dynamic screw: A spine stabilization system having a dynamic screw comprises at least one bone anchor assembly comprising a receiver member and a bone engaging member. In one embodiment, the bone engaging member is a screw shank extending from the receiver member. A rod is connected to the receiver member. In one... Agent: Maginot, Moore & Beck, LLP Chase Tower

20080161856 - Spinal stabilization system: An anchorage component that can be installed within a spinal stabilization system is disclosed. The anchorage component can include a first lateral half formed with a first spinous process engagement window and a second lateral half formed with a second spinous process engagement window. The first lateral half and the... Agent: Larson Newman Abel Polansky & White, LLP

20080161857 - Spinal stabilization system with flexible guides: In one embodiment, a spinal stabilization apparatus includes a vertebral anchor having a head portion and a bone attachment portion. An elongate, flexible guide is removably coupled to the head portion of the vertebral anchor and has a channel extending longitudinally thereof and communicating with a slot in the head... Agent: Crompton, Seager & Tufte, Llc

20080161858 - Unilateral placement: Methods and devices are provided for spinal fixation. In one exemplary embodiment, the methods and devices provide one or more points of fixation located adjacent to a first fixation point at which a bone anchor is implanted in bone. For example, an extension member can be coupled, either directly or... Agent: Nutter Mcclennen & Fish LLP

20080161859 - Bone screw and associated assembly and methods of use thereof: A bone screw assembly comprises a bone screw having a shaft and a head, a stabilizer retainer, a set screw, and a housing having a proximal opening, biased to one side, and a distal opening that open on an interior cavity. The stabilizer retainer has a cylindrical channel that receives... Agent: Hahn Loeser & Parks, LLP

20080161860 - Bone plate: The aim of the invention is to enlarge the possibilities of use of conventional bone plates and increase their flexibility of manipulation. To this end, the invention proposes a bone plate comprising a bottom side that is to rest against the bone and an upper side opposite to the bone... Agent: Hunton & Williams LLP Intellectual Property Department

20080161861 - Bone fixation with a strut-stabilized bone plate: System, including methods, apparatus, and kits, for bone fixation using a bone plate and a strut that stabilizes the bone plate on bone.... Agent: Kolisch Hartwell, P.c.

20080161862 - Compliant cervical screw locking mechanism: According to one exemplary embodiment, an expandable ring is provided including a continuous ring member having no splits or breaks. According to one exemplary embodiment, the expandable ring is a compliant mechanism configured to expand and contract due to a relative movement of related sections of the continuous ring member.... Agent: Rader, Fishman & Grauer Pllc

20080161863 - Spinal anchoring screw: A spine stabilization system having a dynamic screw comprises at least one bone anchor assembly comprising a receiver member and a bone engaging member pivotably connected to the receiver member. A bearing is provided in the receiver member that engages a portion of the bone engaging member. An elongated connecting... Agent: Maginot, Moore & Beck, LLP Chase Tower

20080161864 - Femoral fixation: Various methods and devices are provided for a graft fixation device for fixing a graft member within a bone tunnel. In one embodiment, a graft fixation device is provided having a radially expandable sheath adapted to be disposed within a bone tunnel, and a sheath expander adapted to be received... Agent: Nutter Mcclennen & Fish LLP