Surgery inventions 08/08

20080208175 - Iris valve with control ring: A laparoscopic surgical access device comprises a first frame and a second frame having relative axial positions. A flexible and resilient iris valve is connected to the first and second frames and has a closed position and an opened position based on the relative angular position of the first and... Agent: Philip S. Johnson Johnson & Johnson

20080208176 - Instrument for injecting an ophthalmic device into an eye: An instrument for injecting an ophthalmic device such an intraocular lens into an eye includes an elongated tubular member, a plunger arranged movably along a length of and within the elongated member, a housing which accommodates an ophthalmic device, and a light emitting member integrated within the instrument. The plunger... Agent: Occhiuti Rohlicek & Tsao, LLP

20080208177 - Opthalmological device: A device for correcting defective vision or corneal disease of an eye combines a device (16) for deforming the cornea of the eye and a device (18, 20) for hardening the cornea.... Agent: Straub & Pokotylo

20080208178 - Method and apparatus for monitoring and controlling laser-induced tissue treatment: The present invention provides improved methods and apparatus for controlling light-induced tissue treatment. In accordance with various aspects of the present invention, the invention provides for improved, real-time control of the light beam operational parameters which enables greater safety, efficiency, uniformity and continuity of the treatment process.... Agent: Reliant / Fenwick C/o Fenwick & West, LLP

20080208179 - Methods of increasing skin permeability by treatment with electromagnetic radiation: Methods of treating tissue with fractional laser radiation are disclosed. The fractional laser treatment methods reversibly increase skin permeability while maintaining a substantially intact stratum corneum and producing alterations within the epidermis and dermis. The alterations in the epidermis and dermis can include necrosis and/or coagulation. The alterations in the... Agent: Reliant / Fenwick C/o Fenwick & West, LLP

20080208180 - Endovascular treatment sheath having a heat insulative tip and method for using the same: A treatment sheath for use with an energy delivery device, such as an optical fiber, is provided with a heat insulative tip. The treatment sheath includes a longitudinal shaft which is designed to receive the optical fiber, and is inserted into a blood vessel to treat diseases such as varicose... Agent: Afs / Angiodynamics

20080208181 - Thermally insulated needles for dermatological applications: For active thermal insulation of a cryoneedle or hyperthermia needle, preferably, the device comprises a needle for transmitting heat or cold, surrounded by a sheath for providing an opposing temperature to protect surrounding skin.... Agent: Heslin Rothenberg Farley & Mesiti Pc

20080208182 - Method for tissue cryotherapy: A method for performing cryotherapy on a target tissue region in a body includes positioning a first cooling element in a first location in a body adjacent a target tissue region, positioning a second cooling element in a second location in the body adjacent the target tissue region, and cooling... Agent: Vista Ip Law Group LLP

20080208183 - Device for applying a fluid to an area to be treated, comprising an improved discharge nozzle: A device for applying a fluid to a localized and defined area including a reserve of fluid in the form of an aerosol; means for starting release of the fluid from the reserve; and an ejection nozzle having a conduit and an outlet orifice through which the fluid is ejected... Agent: Ip Group Of Dla Piper Us LLP

20080208184 - Cardiac electrosurgery: A method of accessing a pericardial cavity of a heart is disclosed, comprising delivering electrical energy to a pericardium in a manner which creates a channel substantially through a parietal pericardium and does not substantially affect myocardial tissue.... Agent: Louis Tessier

20080208185 - Hf surgical lnstrument: The invention relates to a HF surgical instrument for treating, in particular, for cutting and coagulating biological tissue by means of a HF current. The HF surgical instrument comprises a HF generator for supplying a HF current to a cutting electrode and comprises at least one control device for interrupting... Agent: Panitch Schwarze Belisario & Nadel LLP

20080208186 - Bipolar cardiac ablation system and method: An apparatus for bipolar radio frequency ablation of heart tissue includes a flexible epicardial lead having an interior surface along a portion thereof comprising an electrically conductive surface to be placed in contact with tissue to be ablated. Additionally, the epicardial lead includes an integral fastener disposed proximate a distal... Agent: Middleton & Reutlinger

20080208187 - Impedance computation for ablation therapy: This disclosure describes impedance computation techniques that may reduce the effect of crosstalk, thus generating more accurate impedance measurements. In particular, an ablation system models the electrical interaction among the active electrodes and a common return electrode using a star-configuration resistor model. The ablation system computes one or more parameters... Agent: Shumaker & Sieffert, P. A.

20080208188 - Probes for electrical current therapy of tissue, and methods of using same: Disclosed herein are probes for use in delivering electrical current therapy to a target tissue. In specifically exemplified embodiments, the probes comprise a base comprised of a degradable material so as to prevent the potentially dangerous reuse of the probes. Also disclosed is a surgical tool for use in rectal... Agent: Holland & Knight LLP Attn: Stefan V. Stein/ Ip Dept.

20080208189 - Instruments and methods for thermal tissue treatment: Disclosed herein are high efficiency surgical devices and methods of using same using radio frequency (RF) electrical power and/or electrically heated filaments to destroy tumors, form lesions, denaturize, desiccate, coagulate and ablate soft tissues, as well as to drill, cut, resect and vaporize soft tissues. According to the principles of... Agent: Smith Patent Consulting Consulting, Llc

20080208190 - Hair removal apparatus: A hair removal apparatus includes a plurality of plucking rollers configured to rotate on respective roller shafts which extend generally parallel to a skin surface during epilation, each plucking roller having tweezing mechanisms for grasping hairs, and a driving device for turning each plucking roller on a rotary axis which... Agent: Greenblum & Bernstein, P.L.C

20080208192 - Ring vessel dissector/harvester device: A ring dissector/harvester device for dissecting and harvesting a vessel has a capture tool that is co-axially positioned around the vessel to at least temporarily hold the vessel. A sealing tool is coaxially positioned within the capture tool and is axially movable with respect to the capture tool. The sealing... Agent: Terumo Cardiovascular Systems Corporation Attn: Gael Diane Tisack

20080208191 - Unitary blood vessel dissector and harvester device: A unitary dissector/harvester device for dissecting and harvesting a vessel has an elongated dissector tool for insertion into a body having the vessel to be harvested and a harvester tool axially positioned within the dissector tool.... Agent: Terumo Cardiovascular Systems Corporation Attn: Gael Diane Tisack

20080208193 - Bipolar cutter: A bipolar cutter includes a bipolar cutting treatment portion having a pair of electrodes provided at a front-end portion of an insertion unit inserted in a body of a living thing, a guide portion having a lead passage which captures a living tissue of a cutting target and which leads... Agent: Ostrolenk Faber Gerb & Soffen

20080208194 - Double cut shaver: A surgical cutting instrument with high resection efficiency due to advanced cutting edge tooth geometry. The cutting instrument comprises a tubular member with at least two cutting windows, preferably two cutting windows, provided at the distal end of the tubular member. The two cutting windows have one most distal common... Agent: Dickstein Shapiro LLP

20080208195 - Surgical instrument with telescoping attachment: A surgical instrument for the dissection of bone and other tissue includes a spindle, a dissection tool and an coupler disposed between the spindle and the dissection tool. The coupler includes a tool collet and an attachment locking mechanism operable to permit tool collet operation and telescoping movement of an... Agent: Haynes And Boone, LLP

20080208196 - Method and device for restoring spinal disc function: The present invention relates to medical device, system and methods for restoring spinal disc function. The invention provides a curved path trough the vertebra into the disc through which the disc can be filled with an augmenting substance, balloon, or pallets. Further can the delivery device be used to access... Agent: Joyce E. Lauer

20080208197 - Method and apparatus for performing an open wedge, high tibial osteotomy: e

20080208200 - Drilling guide for use in implanting a femoral neck fixation prosthesis: A femoral neck fixation prosthesis and method of using same which reduces bone loss and the avoids the other shortcomings of the prior art by allowing the fixation of a stable femoral head replacement while reducing the amount of the femur which must be reamed for the insertion of the... Agent: Lerner, David, Littenberg, Krumholz & Mentlik

20080208199 - Method and apparatus for performing an open wedge, high tibial osteotomy: f

20080208198 - Osteochondral implant procedure and device: A surgical procedure according to which a slotted film is positioned over an area of a bone to be milled; and a portion of a milling assembly is inserted in the defect, with another portion of the assembly extending through one of the slots so that the slot can be... Agent: Haynes And Boone, LLP

20080208201 - Apparatus for preparing a femur: An apparatus for preparing a head portion of a proximal femur has a drill guide support having a cylindrical bore therein for engaging the head of a femur. The support has a central axis for coaxial alignment with a central axis of a neck of a proximal femur. A drill... Agent: Lerner, David, Littenberg, Krumholz & Mentlik

20080208202 - Adaptable tool removal device and method: The present invention may provide for an adaptable medical tool removal device and method for removing medical instruments seized in vivo. The removal tool may comprise a clamping mechanism. The clamping mechanism may comprise a locking member, a pivotal clamp member, and a connector clamp member. The pivotal clamp member... Agent: Carr LLP (ist)

20080208203 - Bone measurement device: A bone measurement device is used to measure the adequacy of the distance between a cavity in the head and neck of a femur and the outer surface of the neck of the proximal femur. A coupling element is fixedly attached to an outer surface of a femoral head. An... Agent: Lerner, David, Littenberg, Krumholz & Mentlik

20080208204 - Intraarticular graft length gauge: A technique and reconstruction system for ligament repair by determining the exact length of the graft to be secured within a first tunnel or socket (for example, a tibial tunnel) and a second tunnel or socket (for example, a femoral tunnel) for improved graft fixation. The exact length of the... Agent: Dickstein Shapiro LLP

20080208205 - Cable system and methods: A system for the percutaneous application of surgical wires or cables around bone includes a first flexible member and a second flexible member, each having an outer wall defining a passageway, an opening extending longitudinally along the outer wall and a curved distal portion terminating in a distal tip. The... Agent: Wiley Rein LLP

20080208206 - Surgical tongs: A modified surgical tongs for providing a surgical doctor with a tongs that will permit optimal fixation of the malleous to the tibia, of the olecranon, or of transverse fractures of the patella. The tongs comprises of a pair of hinged legs. Each hinged leg has a first and a... Agent: Ruben Alcoba, Esq.

20080208207 - Surgical system for indication of media types: A surgical system includes a surgical instrument, an aspiration flow rate measurement device, a vacuum force measurement device, and an indicator. The surgical instrument has an aspiration portion and is located in a media type. The aspiration flow rate measurement device is configured to measure the flow rate generated by... Agent: Alcon

20080208209 - Device for delivering a self-expanding stent in a vessel of the body: The present invention relates to a device for delivering a self-expanding stent in a vessel of the body. The device comprises a tubular sheath which, in a distal section, keeps the stent radially compressed, and a pusher element, which is guided in the tubular sheath, in order to stabilize the... Agent: Harness, Dickey & Pierce, P.L.C

20080208208 - Gastrostomy tube extension device: To provide a gastrostomy tube extension device which can facilitate insertion or removal of a gastrostomy tube by making the degree of extension of the gastrostomy tube constant. [Means for Resolution] A gastrostomy tube extension device 20 used for inserting and taking out a gastrostomy tube 10 into/from a hole... Agent: Tyco Healthcare - Edward S. Jarmolowicz

20080208210 - Uterine manipulator: A uterine manipulator includes a snap-drum with a head including pitched slots, symmetrically disposed with respect to each other. This arrangement allows for a tip to be attached to the head in a short and unidirectional rotation.... Agent: Lathrop & Gage Lc

20080208211 - Stone catching basket instrument and method for producing the same: A stone catching instrument for use, for example, as a stone catching basket and a wire filter unit for medical instruments, and method for producing the same, are provided. The stone catching basket instrument has a multiwire basket unit with several wire sections connected with one another as a cohesive... Agent: Crowell & Moring LLP Intellectual Property Group

20080208212 - Arrangement for supporting a percutaneous intervention: The invention relates to an arrangement for assisting a percutaneous intervention, comprising an imaging system for tomographic imaging, a robot registered therewith and devices for capturing movements of the patient. A processing unit registers a 4D image dataset recorded before the intervention with a 2D or 3D image dataset of... Agent: Siemens Corporation Intellectual Property Department

20080208214 - Applicator and tissue fastening method through natural orifice: The applicator related to the present invention is provided with a flexible sheath longer than the overall length of an instrument channel of a flexible endoscope; an operation part used outside the instrument channel; a deployed section that can be made to protrude from the front end of the sheath... Agent: Scully Scott Murphy & Presser, Pc

20080208213 - Devices and methods for the controlled formation and closure of vascular openings: The present invention includes systems, devices and methods for percutaneously forming an aperture within a tissue structure or vessel and closing the aperture in a manner which optimizes hemostasis and healing. The invention in one aspect includes implantable devices which are used to seal the tissue aperture upon closure of... Agent: Bozicevic, Field & Francis LLP Stanford University Office Of Technology Licensing

20080208216 - Methods and devices for endoscopic treatment of organs: The present invention relates to devices and methods for the endoscopic treatment of hollow organs. The invention provides improved devices and methods for apposing and fixating multiple regions of the outer surface of a hollow organ. The invention is particularly useful for procedures in which multiple regions of the outer... Agent: Jeffrey C. Cerier

20080208215 - Transoral endoscopic gastroesophageal flap valve restoration device, assembly, system and method: The invention provides a device, assembly, and method for transoral endoscopic restoration of a gastroesophageal flap valve. The invention also provides a self-steering and self-closing tissue fixation device for tissue fixation and an invaginator device for gripping and maneuvering tissue. The restoration device includes a longitudinal member arranged for transoral... Agent: Hoekendijk & Lynch, LLP

20080208217 - Hemostatic clip and delivery system: A clipping device includes (a) a shaft defining a lumen therethrough from a proximal end which, during a procedure remains outside the body accessible to a user and a distal end including a distal opening which, during a procedure is inserted into the body to a position adjacent to target... Agent: Fay Kaplun & Marcin, LLP

20080208219 - Endoscopic treatment instrument: An endoscopic treatment instrument is provided which includes: a flexible sheath; a wire disposed inside the sheath so as to advance and retreat; a restriction member which restricts a movement of the wire in the sheath to a proximal side; an operating portion connected to a proximal end of the... Agent: Scully Scott Murphy & Presser, Pc

20080208220 - Suture instrument: A suture instrument according to the present invention includes a suture tool having an anchor anchored to a biological tissue, a suture thread drawn out of the anchor, and a stopper disposed on the suture thread; a hollow puncture needle, which can house the anchor thereinside, having a hard needle... Agent: Scully Scott Murphy & Presser, Pc

20080208218 - Suture tool: A suture tool is provided in which the fixing member includes: a base portion which has a thin and longitudinal plate shape and which has a through-hole through which the suture thread passes; and a pair of bent pieces of which ends are opposed to each other by bending both... Agent: Scully Scott Murphy & Presser, Pc

20080208221 - Suture passing instrument and method of passing suture: An apparatus and method for passing suture(s) in tissue repair and/or other mini-open procedures. The apparatus includes a pair of jaws mounted on a distal end of a shaft, a hand assembly mounted on a proximal end of the shaft, and a needle mounted on the hand assembly and through... Agent: Dickstein Shapiro LLP

20080208222 - Iris valve with novel locking mechanism: A laparoscopic surgical access device comprises a first frame and a second frame having relative axial positions. A flexible and resilient iris valve is connected to the first and second frames and has a closed position and an opened position based on the relative angular position of the first and... Agent: Philip S. Johnson Johnson & Johnson

20080208223 - Cable clamping device and method of its use: A cable clamp includes a housing having two substantially parallel and co-planar channels therethrough. At least one restraining member is disposed within the housing between the two channels, also substantially parallel and co-planar therewith. A surgical cable is passed through the first channel, around a bone or other structure, and... Agent: Wiley Rein LLP

20080208224 - Intestinal bypass using magnets: Medical devices and methods are provided for forming an intestinal bypass anastomosis, such as for treatment of obesity. The medical devices and methods are minimally invasive and reduce complications. Two magnet assemblies are deployed in a spaced apart relationship, and are transluminally brought together to approximate the tissue and form... Agent: Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione/chicago/cook

20080208225 - Apparatus for sealing surgical punctures: Apparatus is provided for sealing a puncture within a vessel or tissue to provide hemostasis, comprising a first disk coupled to either a second disk or a spring, and sealingly engaged to the vessel or tissue surrounding the puncture. At least the first disk is preferably configured to substantially conform... Agent: Workman Nydegger

20080208226 - Apparatus for sealing surgical punctures: Apparatus is provided for sealing a puncture within a vessel or tissue to provide hemostasis, comprising a first disk coupled to either a second disk or a spring, and sealingly engaged to the vessel or tissue surrounding the puncture. At least the first disk is preferably configured to substantially conform... Agent: Workman Nydegger

20080208227 - Self-contained dissector/harvester device: A self-contained device for dissecting and/or harvesting a vessel includes a self-contained light source and a self-contained imaging system positioned within the sheath.... Agent: Terumo Cardiovascular Systems Corporation Attn: Gael Diane Tisack

20080208228 - Tongue cleaning device comprising tongue cleaning elements of different materials: A tongue-cleaning device comprised of a handle and a head, the head having tongue cleaning elements made of both a relatively harder material and a relatively softer material.... Agent: Smithkline Beecham Corporation Corporate Intellectual Property-us, Uw2220

20080208230 - Expandable rotating device and method for tissue aspiration: An apparatus and method for removing tissue and/or other material from a patient includes a shaft and a tissue disrupting mechanism operatively coupled to the shaft. The shaft may be coupled to a handpiece or a robotic or remote-controlled system. The mechanism may comprise a rotatable or other movable element... Agent: Morrison & Foerster LLP

20080208229 - Motor assembly for a powered surgical instrument: A surgical instrument is provided for cutting bone and other tissue. The surgical instrument is powered by a pressurized fluid and includes a rotatable shaft connected to a dissection tool. The instrument includes a housing member comprising a one-piece base. A rotor housing chamber is defined by the base, and... Agent: Haynes And Boone, LLP

20080208231 - Handpiece and horn for ultrasonic surgical instrument: The present invention aims to provide a handpiece and a horn for an ultrasonic surgical instrument in which better visual recognition of a tip portion of the horn can be given. The handpiece for an ultrasonic surgical instrument includes: a horn of which tip portion vibrates at an ultrasonic wave... Agent: Young & Thompson

20080208232 - Ultrasonic surgical instrument: First and second actuators where positive electrodes and negative electrodes are disposed on cylindrical electrostrictive polymers are disposed so as to face each other via a fixing member, a blade inserted into the first actuator is provided on the fixing member, and the blade is ultrasonically vibrated via the fixing... Agent: Ostrolenk Faber Gerb & Soffen

20080208233 - Disposable vitrectomy handpiece: Electric vitrectomy handpieces are provided. The handpiece includes a motor, a clutch mechanism, an oscillating drive mechanism, a cutting tip and a handle. The motor is attached to the clutch, and the clutch is attached to the oscillating drive mechanism. When the motor is operational, the clutch expands to engage... Agent: Christie, Parker & Hale, LLP

20080208234 - Apparatus for cutting up biological sample material: An apparatus for cutting up biological sample material, including a sample container, a rotary drive device separate from the sample container, and a shaft rotatably arranged in the sample container, wherein the shaft has a laterally projecting cutting device in the region of a working end and has a coupling... Agent: Rankin, Hill & Clark LLP

20080208236 - Dermal marking for use with a medical device: A dermal marking and a method of identifying the characteristics of an implanted medical device using the dermal marking. The method involves providing an implantable medical device, implanting a medical device in a patient, providing at least one dermal marking that contains information disclosing at least one characteristic of the... Agent: Angiodynamics, Inc.

20080208235 - Tattoo machine tip: A device (10) for removing a tattoo comprises a tattoo machine tip (14) and a tattoo machine (12). The tattoo machine tip (12) comprises a tip body (28) that comprises a needle channel (32) for guiding at least one tattooing needle (34). Said tip body (28) is connected with a... Agent: Clements Bernard Miller

20080208237 - Ear piercing device with disposable components: An ear piercing device in one embodiment includes a butt shaped housing, a movable jaw carrier including a spring biased grip member projecting from the housing, and a leg projecting upward from a front end, a spring biased trigger, a spring biased slide bar lockingly engaged with the trigger, a... Agent: Pro-techtor International Services

20080208238 - Reducing needle/multi-sided needle: A reducing needle for use by an acupuncturist may include a handle member for the reducing needle to be handled, and the reducing needle may include a central bore to allow material to be withdrawn from the patient. The reducing needle may include a lower aperture to connect to the... Agent: Wilson Daniel Swayze, Jr.

20080208240 - Implantable device for obesity prevention: A device for controlling the expansion of a hollow internal organ, comprising an inflatable balloon, which is inserted in an uninflated state into the desired position close to the organ using minimally invasive procedures. After insertion, the balloon is inflated to its required size and shape. The invention is useful... Agent: Darby & Darby P.c.

20080208239 - Method for treating obesity using an implantable weight loss device: The present invention provides methods of treating overweight or obese patients with an inflatable weight control device that is implanted in the patient's digestive tract. A first method comprises the steps of providing the weight control device which includes an inflatable body having a first bulb, a second bulb, an... Agent: Mcdermott, Will & Emery LLP

20080208241 - Multi-method and multi-apparatus for treating obesity: A multi-method and multi-apparatus for treating obesity. The multi-method includes a method for estimating a volume of an intragastric balloon appropriate for an individual patient, a method for using an enterocutaneous fistula to inspect an intragastric balloon without sedation and endoscopic complications associated with an upper endoscopy, and a method... Agent: Charles E. Baxley, Esquire

20080208242 - Method for treating naturally obstructed paranasal sinuses: A set of sinus balloon catheters are provided for treating a patient's naturally obstructed paranasal sinus system, including dilating prepared openings, and natural ostia and ducts and excising sinus cavities. These include a balloon catheter with a bend placing a distal segment at 90 degrees to a proximal segment and... Agent: Charmasson, Buchaca & Leach, LLP

20080208243 - Method for treating obstructed paranasal ethmoid sinuses: A set of sinus balloon catheters are provided for treating a patient's paranasal ethmoid sinus system, including dilating prepared openings, and natural ostia and ducts and excising sinus cavities. These include a balloon catheter with a bend placing a distal segment at 90 degrees to a proximal segment and a... Agent: Charmasson, Buchaca & Leach, LLP

20080208245 - Embolic protection device including a z-stent waist band: An embolic protection device for capturing emboli in a body vessel having a frame and a z-stent waist band. The frame includes a plurality of struts configured to open radially to define an expanded state of the device for capturing emboli and to fold along the longitudinal axis to define... Agent: Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione/chicago/cook

20080208244 - Variable thickness embolic filtering devices and methods of manufacturing the same: A strut assembly to be used in conjunction with an embolic filtering device has varying strut thicknesses, with the thickness selected based at least in part on the flexing characteristics of the particular portion of the strut assembly. The strut assembly is formed with patterns having flexing portions and stable... Agent: Fulwider Patton, LLP (abbott)

20080208247 - Implantable medical device system with fixation member: A fixation device for a subcutaneous implantable medical device includes a deformable tip portion that reduces in width when coupled with a fixation tool such that implantation of the implantable medical device through tissue is facilitated. Upon release from the fixation tool, the fixation device returns to its initial shape... Agent: Medtronic, Inc.

20080208248 - Implantable medical device system with fixation member: A fixation device for a subcutaneous implantable medical device includes a deformable tip portion that reduces in width when coupled with a fixation tool such that implantation of the implantable medical device through tissue is facilitated. Upon release from the fixation tool, the fixation device returns to its initial shape... Agent: Medtronic, Inc.

20080208246 - Modular electrosurgical adaptors and multi function active shafts for use in electrosurgical instruments: Forceps include a body, a surgical device, and a pair of handles. The surgical device is removably disposed within the body. The handles are pivotally attached to the handle body for articulating jaws on the surgical device, or grasping the forceps. The forceps accept monopolar, bipolar, or both monopolar and... Agent: Howard & Howard Attorneys, P.c.

20080208249 - Vertebral facet joint drill and method of use: Devices and methods for creating holes in the articular process of the vertebra are provided. One embodiment of the invention comprises a drill head comprising a frame, punch arm with punch tip and opposing plate. Methods of using the resulting holes to anchor or stabilize facet joint prosthesis, and also... Agent: Knobbe Martens Olson & Bear LLP

20080208250 - Disposable chemiluminescent infrared therapy device: A therapeutic device has a first chamber that retains an oxalic ester solution, and a second chamber that retains a hydrogen peroxide and fluorescer solution. The therapeutic device is activated by causing the oxalic ester solution to mix with the hydrogen peroxide and fluorescer solution, which produces chemiluminescent light for... Agent: Raymond Sun

20080208251 - Device for attaching, relocating and reinforcing tissue and methods of using same: A device for attaching, relocating or reinforcing tissue includes a first tissue anchoring portion having a support plate and a plurality of barbs extending from the support plate for engaging tissue at a first location, a second tissue anchoring portion having a support plate and a plurality of barbs extending... Agent: Gerald T. Bodner, Esq. Bodner & O'rourke, LLP

20080208252 - Bunion repair using suture-button construct: A method for bunion repair using a suture-button construct. The suture-button construct includes a first button, a second button, a first suture strand, a pull-through suture strand and a needle. The first and second buttons have apertures to facilitate the suture strands to pass through the buttons. The first suture... Agent: Dickstein Shapiro LLP

20080208253 - Self-punching swivel anchor and method for knotless fixation of tissue: A method and device for knotless fixation of tissue. A swivel anchor having a rotatable implant is used to capture suture for surgical tissue repair without requiring suture knots. The implant may be provided with a conical metal tip which is self-punching and avoids the need for pre-drilling a hole... Agent: Dickstein Shapiro LLP

20080208254 - Sucking and chewing article for babies or small children: The invention relates to a suction or chewing article for babies or small children comprising at least one mouthpiece made of a substantially elastomer material containing at least one elastomer component. According to said invention, the elastomer material contains at least one type of liquid crystal pigment (LC-pigment).... Agent: Thelen Reid Brown Raysman & Steiner LLP

20080208255 - Devices for introduction into a body via a substantially straight conduit to form a predefined curved configuration, and methods employing same: A device for introduction into a body in a straight configuration and assuming within the body a predefined curved configuration, includes an elongated element formed from a number of segments interconnected so as to form effective hinges therebetween. When the elongated element is confined to a straight state, the effective... Agent: Dr. Mark Friedman Ltd. C/o Bill Polkinghorn

20080208256 - Pedicle based spinal stabilization with adjacent vertebral body support: A fasterner and rod fusion device with extensions to support an adjacent vertebral body is provided. The extensions are connected to the fasterner and rod fusion device. The extensions include flexibly connected rods, bands, spacers, or the like to resist extension and/or flexion of the vertebral body(ies) adjacent a fusion... Agent: Holland & Hart, LLP (lanx, Inc.) Intellectual Property Department

20080208257 - Angularly stable device for mutually fixing a longitudinal carrier with a bone fixation element: A device (1) for mutually fixing a longitudinal carrier (3) to a bone fixation element (4), wherein the device consists of a three-dimensional body (5) which has a channel (6) that is open on one side, wherein the axis of the channel (7) receives the longitudinal carrier (3), and a... Agent: Stroock & Stroock & Lavan, LLP

20080208258 - Methods and instruments for endoscopic interbody surgical techniques: This invention relates to methods and instruments for performing a surgical procedure in a disc space between adjacent vertebrae. A cannula is inserted to create a working channel through the skin and tissue of a patient using a transformational approach to the disc space. A viewing element is used to... Agent: Krieg Devault LLP

20080208259 - Locking fixation system and lag tool: The present application relates to a locking bone fixation device having tabs to engage the threads of an orthopedic fixation element. A tool and method for inducing compression across a fracture plane is also disclosed.... Agent: Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP

20080208261 - Method of using an intramedullary implant for fracture fixation: An intramedullary implant, useful particularly for the fixation of fractures of the radius, the implant comprising a first and second end, both ends configured for entry into the intramedullary canal through an entry point on the bone, such as the fracture site, and configured for positioning within the intramedullary canal... Agent: Patzik, Frank & Samotny Ltd.

20080208262 - Spine plate with bone screw relief area: A spine plate defines a body having a posterior surface or side and an anterior surface or side. The body also has a pair of bone screw bores for each vertebra to which the spine plate will be attached. The bone screw bores extend between the posterior side and the... Agent: Bowman & Associates

20080208260 - Spine treatment devices and methods: A modular implant system and method is provided for the dynamic stabilization of a spine segment and that can be implanted in a posterior approach. The implant system can include first and second support bodies configured for fixation to outward or lateral surfaces of first and second vertebrae, respectively. The... Agent: Knobbe Martens Olson & Bear LLP

20080208263 - Spine plate with configured bone screw bores: A single to multi-level spine plate has configured bone screw bores that cooperate with bone screws to retain a bone screw in a determinative position. In one form, the determinative position is a self-capture position wherein the bone screw is retained without the aid of any additional bone screw retention... Agent: Bowman & Associates

20080208264 - Securing mechanism with dual expandable ends: The present invention relates generally to medical/dental devices for fixing bone fractures, anchoring of bones, or anchoring of prosthetics to bones. The device generally relates to molly bolts, expandable screws, or devices/screws with expansion or locking mechanisms. More particularly, the present invention concerns an implant assembly which includes a tubular... Agent: Ty Ung

20080208265 - System and method for percutaneous palate remodeling: Methods and devices are disclosed for manipulating the palatal tissue. An implant is positioned within at least a portion of the soft palate and may be secured to other surrounding, less mobile structures such as the hard palate or the mucosa overlying the hard palate. The implant may be manipulated... Agent: Knobbe Martens Olson & Bear LLP

20080200908 - Light beam wavelength mixing for treating various dermatologic conditions: A light based treatment method and apparatus for skin photorejuvenation of a target region of skin. The treatment method uses multiple wavelength bands of light or radiation. The ratio of the energies of the wavelength bands is selected according to a skin parameter, e.g., skin type, which can be differentiated... Agent: Proskauer Rose LLP

20080200909 - Laser fiber holder: A laser fiber holder for exposing laser energy to living tissue, comprising a longitudinal sleeve having a translucent distal end section for encasing an extendible laser fiber tip energizable for exposing laser energy to living tissue and a proximal end having a smaller opening for cooperatively engaging the laser fiber... Agent: David W. Carrithers Carrithers Law Office, PLLC

20080200910 - Replaceable and/or easily removable needle systems for dermal and transdermal cryogenic remodeling: The present invention generally provides improved medical devices, systems, and methods. Embodiments may be particularly well suited for the treatment of dermatological and/or cosmetic defects, and alternative embodiments may be configured for treatment of a wide range of target tissues. Some embodiments of the present invention apply cooling with at... Agent: Townsend And Townsend And Crew, LLP

20080200911 - Electrical ablation apparatus, system, and method: A surgical instrument, such as an endoscopic or laparoscopic instrument, includes an ablation device. The ablation device includes an elongate relatively flexible member having a proximal end and a distal end. The flexible member includes a working channel. A first electrode extends from the working channel at the distal end... Agent: Kirkpatrick & Lockhart Preston Gates Ellis LLP

20080200912 - Electroporation ablation apparatus, system, and method: A surgical instrument, such as an endoscopic or laparoscopic instrument, includes an ablation device. The ablation device includes an elongate relatively flexible member having a proximal end and a distal end, the flexible member includes at least a first working channel. A first and second electrode extends from a working... Agent: Kirkpatrick & Lockhart Preston Gates Ellis LLP

20080200913 - Single catheter navigation for diagnosis and treatment of arrhythmias: A method of conducting a therapeutic ablation of cardiac tissue based upon local electrical signals in the tissue. The method includes navigating at least one electrophysiology catheter to a plurality of locations on the surface of the heart using a remote navigation system; sensing the electrical activity in the heart... Agent: Bryan K. Wheelock

20080200914 - Non-stick bipolar forceps: Disposable, bipolar electrosurgical forceps are designed to prevent the sticking of body tissue to the tips of the forceps and include a pair of electrode arms having lengths with opposite proximal and distal ends, with thin layers of biocompatible metal on the forceps arm distal ends and bipolar electrical conductors... Agent: Thompson Coburn, LLP

20080200915 - Marked tools: A surgical apparatus, the apparatus comprising: (a) a cutting tool comprising an axial member with a proximal end and a distal end, the axial member characterized by at least two adjacent axial sections, wherein differences between each of the sections are visually discernible when viewed in a projection x-ray image;... Agent: Nutter Mcclennen & Fish LLP

20080200916 - Cement delivery needle: A cement delivery needle apparatus (20) and a method of flowing a bone cement through a vertebroplasty needle apparatus are provided. The cement delivery needle apparatus (20) includes a sheath (24) and a handle (26). The sheath (24) has an inlet (44) to receive a bone cement and an outlet... Agent: Torys LLP

20080200917 - Targeting device for femur intertrochanteric fracture: An targeting device for intertrochanteric fracture includes a handle portion and an insertion portion to define an included angle; a protruding portion being formed at a free end of the insertion portion; a through hole being provided on the insertion portion at where closer to its center; the insertion portion... Agent: Troxell Law Office PLLC

20080200918 - Pedicle screw driver: A surgical driver includes an elongated drive shaft engageable with a surgical bone anchor in torque transmitting relationship, a locking sleeve, and a sleeve locking member. The locking sleeve is mounted to the drive shaft and is engageable with the head of surgical bone anchor. The sleeve locking member is... Agent: Ibm Corporation (cs) C/o Carr LLP

20080200919 - Tool to dissect or compress and measure a vertebral body segment: The present invention provides tools to distract, compress, and measure a vertebral body segment. In one aspect of the invention, a tool includes a handle assembly and a locking mechanism operable between a first condition in which handle portions can translate and pivot relative to one another and a second... Agent: Holland & Hart, LLP (lanx, Inc.) Intellectual Property Department

20080200922 - Apparatus for inserting flexible medical implant: A device for injecting flexible implants, such as an implantable collamer lens (ICL) is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment it includes, a chamber in which the implant is placed, an injection tube through which the implant will pass, the chamber and tube forming a channel along which is a guide.... Agent: Burleson Cooke L.L.P.

20080200920 - Lens delivery system: A lens delivery system having a plunger rod with a sliding block reinforcing member. The sliding block rides on and along with the plunger rod and helps to reinforce the plunger rod against bending or buckling during use.... Agent: Alcon

20080200921 - Lens delivery system: A lens delivery system having a plunger rod with a plurality of elastomeric wipers that frictionally and slidably engage the interior bore of the delivery system handpiece. Alternatively, the elastomeric wipers can be located on the bore and frictionally and slidably engage the plunger rod. The amount of frictional engagement... Agent: Alcon

20080200923 - Insertion tool for ocular implant and method for using same: An insertion tool and method are provided for implanting an ophthalmic shunt having a foot, a head and a body connecting the foot and head. The insertion tool has a first arm having a proximal end and a distal end and a second arm having a proximal end and a... Agent: David W. Highet, Vp & ChiefIPCounsel Becton, Dickinson And Company

20080200924 - Methods for minimally invasive, non-permanent occlusion of a uterine artery: A method of treating a uterine disorder comprising non-permanently occluding a uterine artery with a resorbable embolic mass for a therapeutically effective time period. The occluding step includes selectively positioning the resorbable embolic mass within the uterine artery, and monitoring positioning of the resorbable embolic mass at a desired location... Agent: DohertyIPLaw Group LLC

20080200925 - Methods and systems for securing electrode leads: Methods and systems for securing electrode leads are disclosed. An electrode system in accordance with one embodiment includes an electrode contact, a connector attached to the electrode contact, and an electrical lead. The electrical lead can be received in an opening of the contact, with an inner surface of the... Agent: Perkins Coie LLP Patent-sea

20080200926 - Automatic identification of instruments used with a surgical navigation system: A system and apparatus taught to determine the identification and selected information relating to surgical instruments near a reader. The information can be stored on a member operable to transmit the information to a reader at a selected time. The information can be used in a navigation system to assist... Agent: Harness, Dickey & Pierce, P.L.C

20080200927 - Automatic identification of tracked surgical devices using an electromagnetic localization system: A method and apparatus for identifying a member used in a navigation system. The navigation system can determine the identification of an instrument via an input. The input can be substantially automatic when an instrument is introduced into the navigation system field or assembly.... Agent: Harness, Dickey & Pierce, P.L.C

20080200928 - Support for steadying a surgical tool: Support or micromanipulator (100) for a surgical tool (20) comprising a complaint mechanism (1) providing direct support to the surgical tool (200), a positioning mechanism giving support to said complaint mechanism, and an attachment mechanism giving support to said positioning mechanism. The complaint mechanism (1) is made of a complaint... Agent: Moore & Van Allen PLLC

20080200929 - Disc for an epilating apparatus disc assembly: The present invention relates to a disc (10, 12, 14) for an epilating apparatus disc assembly (16), the disc comprising at least one clamping portion (18, 38, 40) intended to interact with a further clamping portion of a neighboring disc when the disc and the epilating apparatus are arranged as... Agent: Philips Intellectual Property & Standards

20080200930 - Apparatus for manipulating and securing tissue: Apparatus for manipulating and securing tissue are described herein. In creating tissue folds within the body of a patient, a tissue manipulation assembly may generally have an elongate tubular member, an engagement member slidably disposed through the tubular member and a distal end adapted to engage tissue via a helical... Agent: Levine Bagade Han LLP

20080200931 - Auxiliary device for a puncture needle: An auxiliary device for a puncture needle allowing an easier manipulation of puncture needles as well as being capable of improving the suture stability. The auxiliary device for a puncture needle comprises a plate-shaped auxiliary device main body on the surface of which parallel guide grooves were formed, and a... Agent: Tyco Healthcare - Edward S. Jarmolowicz

20080200932 - Surgical needle holder for stitch suturing: The invention relates to a surgical needle holder for stitch suturing. The inventive needle holder is designed to facilitate suturing in areas that are difficult for the surgeon to access. The invention comprises two arms (1 and 2), namely a mobile arm (2) and a longer fixed arm (1). When... Agent: Dann, Dorfman, Herrell & Skillman

20080200935 - Anastomosis device and method: An apparatus and method for using an anastomosis device to repair severed tissues resulting from a surgical medical procedure such as a radical prostatectomy, ilio-orthotopic neobladder construction, cystoprostatectomy, cystectomy, urethral anastomosis, or ureteral anastomosis.... Agent: Ams Research Corporation

20080200938 - Probe coupler assembly: An assembly for joining two vessel segments of a patient comprises a coupler formed of adjoining coupler halves, and a cuff having a large diameter portion and a small diameter portion. Each of the coupler halves includes an aperture for receiving an end of one of the vessel segments. One... Agent: Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione/indy/cook

20080200933 - Surgical devices and methods for forming an anastomosis between organs by gaining access thereto through a natural orifice in the body: A surgical instrument for creating an anastomosis between two organs. In various embodiments, the instrument may include a hollow outer sleeve for creating a tool-receiving passage between a natural orifice in the patient and the surgical site. The tool receiving passage may be used to operably accommodate various surgical instruments... Agent: Kirkpatrick & Lockhart Preston Gates Ellis LLP

20080200934 - Surgical devices and methods using magnetic force to form an anastomosis: A method for forming an anastomosis between first and second organs in a patient using a hollow receptacle that is inflatable with magnetic material. The method may include forming openings through the first and second organs utilizing a hole-forming instrument inserted into the organs through a natural orifice in the... Agent: Kirkpatrick & Lockhart Preston Gates Ellis LLP

20080200936 - Transoral endoscopic gastroesophageal flap valve restoration device, assembly, system and method: The invention provides a device, assembly, and method for transoral endoscopic restoration of a gastroesophageal flap valve. The invention also provides a self-steering and self-closing tissue fixation device for tissue fixation and an invaginator device for gripping and maneuvering tissue. The restoration device includes a longitudinal member arranged for transoral... Agent: Hoekendijk & Lynch, LLP

20080200937 - Transoral endoscopic gastroesophageal flap valve restoration device, assembly, system and method: The invention provides a device, assembly, and method for transoral endoscopic restoration of a gastroesophageal flap valve. The invention also provides a self-steering and self-closing tissue fixation device for tissue fixation and an invaginator device for gripping and maneuvering tissue. The restoration device includes a longitudinal member arranged for transoral... Agent: Hoekendijk & Lynch, LLP

20080200939 - Laparoscopic tourniquet: A method for necrosing target tissue within a hollow organ, comprises looping a cinching device around an outer surface of the hollow organ and coupling ends of the cinching device to one another in combination with tightening the cinching device to compress tissue of the hollow organ to occlude at... Agent: Fay Kaplun & Marcin, LLP

20080200940 - Ultrasonic device for cutting and coagulating: An ultrasonic surgical instrument that is configured to permit selective positioning of the relative distance between an end effector for cutting and coagulating tissue and a power actuation switch that is carried by the instrument for selectively energizing the end effector. In one instance, the end effector is able to... Agent: Philip S. Johnson Johnson & Johnson

20080200941 - Rotary surgical instruments having curved cutting teeth: A rotary surgical instrument includes an outer member having an aperture in a distal portion thereof, and an inner member for being rotatably disposed within the outer member to move a cutting element on the inner member past the aperture to cut anatomical tissue. The inner member has an aperture,... Agent: Epstein & Gerken Suite 340

20080200942 - Oblique tattoo machine: A marking device with a oscillating needle. The needle is attached through a needle bar on a armature bar which is attracted by a electromagnetic assembly. A from rear to front ascending angled stair-like milled yoke supports the electromagnetical assembly, which consists of one lower and one heigher coil. A... Agent: Roald Beyer

20080200943 - Expandable medical access sheath: An expandable medical sheath is configured to be introduced into a body in a first, low cross-sectional area configuration, and expanded to a second, enlarged cross-sectional configuration. The sheath is maintained in the first, low cross-sectional configuration by structures or elements within the sheath wall that maintain a collapsed shape.... Agent: Knobbe Martens Olson & Bear LLP

20080200944 - Balloon catheter with dilating elements: A balloon catheter is provided that may be used to dilate hardened regions of a stenosis. The balloon catheter is provided with dilation elements that extend along a surface of a balloon. The dilation elements may comprise a coil and dilation wire. The coil and wire may be configured in... Agent: Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione/chicago/cook

20080200945 - Device for occluding vascular defects: Embodiments of the present invention provide devices and methods for treating abnormalities. For example, a device according to one embodiment includes a plurality of planes of occlusion, at least one plane of occlusion comprising a plurality of layers of occlusive material. The device is configured to at least partially occlude... Agent: Alston & Bird LLP

20080200946 - Occlusion device and method of use: A device for protecting cerebral vessels or brain tissue during treatment of a carotid vessel includes a catheter having a distal portion, a proximal portion and a lumen extending therebetween, the catheter including first and second expandable areas for vessel occlusion provided over the length of the catheter. The device... Agent: VistaIPLaw Group LLP

20080200947 - Distal protection devices having controllable wire motion: A distal protection device for use in a body lumen. The device includes a functional element which may be a filter or an occlusive element. The device includes means for controlling the movement and placement of the functional element along a guidewire. Motion of the guidewire can be independent of... Agent: Popovich, Wiles & O'connell, PA 650 Third Avenue South

20080200948 - Novel biomaterials and a method for making and using same: Novel biomaterials are disclosed having unique properties that make it a useful material in adhesives, local drug delivery applications and as filler or bulking material. The biomaterials are strong, safe and easily used as a surgical adhesive. Treated chitosan, modified chitosan or modified and treated chitosan compositions are disclosed displaying... Agent: Robert W Strozier, P.l.l.c

20080200949 - Medical devices and methods useful for applying bolster material: Described are medical devices useful for applying a bolster material to a surgical fastening device such as a stapler, and related methods of manufacture and use. The devices include an applicator element for receipt between arms of the stapler, and a bolster material, desirably a remodelable extracellular matrix material, coupled... Agent: Woodard, Emhardt, Moriarty, Mcnett & Henry LLP Suite 3700

20080200950 - Surgical hook: Extending from a point, namely the point of rotation (2), of a surgical hook (1), there are at least two curved arms (4, 5) whose free ends (A, B) each have a tip (6, 7) and which are curved in the same direction of rotation. The arms (4, 5) can... Agent: Philip S. Johnson Johnson & Johnson

20080200951 - Nucleus replacement securing device and method: There is disclosed systems and methods for spinal nucleus replacement by constructing channels through vertebral segments on either side of an area into which the spinal nucleus is to be positioned, the channels running from a channel end outside of the area to a channel end abutting the area. One... Agent: Carr LLP (ist)

20080200952 - Bone fixator: Bone fixator for use in the treatment of a fractured bone comprising a support beam having means for attaching each end thereof to the respective ends of a fractured bone, the support beam being configured so as to permit predetermined relative movement between the respective ends of the support beam... Agent: Sheridan Ross PC

20080200953 - Facet joint prostheses: Cephalad and caudal vertebral facet joint prostheses and methods of use are provided. A pair of fixation elements are adapted to be secured within a vertebra in an orientation that best assures a secure and durable attachment to cortical and/or cancellous bone. Artificial facet joint surfaces are mounted on the... Agent: Shay Glenn LLP

20080200954 - Skull closure device and method: A fastening system and method includes a deformable connecting member configured for being connected at one end to a skull flap of a patient who has undergone a craniectomy procedure, and at the other end to the skull of the patient. In this manner, the skull flap is attached to... Agent: Ward And Smith, P.A.

20080200955 - Plate and screws for treatment of bone fractures: A plate for treatment of bone fractures with reduced potential contact to bone through a combination of annular recesses surrounding the screw holes at the lower, bone facing surface of the plate and transverse grooves between the holes, allows for use of locking as well as conventional bone screws. With... Agent: Rothwell, Figg, Ernst & Manbeck, P.C.

20080200956 - Low profile orthopedic fastener assembly having enhanced flexibility: An orthopedic fastener assembly for stabilizing and fixing spinal column, bone sections and joints of the body. The orthopedic fastener assembly having a screw-pin anchor, a collet/inner coupling and head/outer coupling. Once assembled, the present invention has an even-lower profile, providing for multiple adjustments and enhanced flexibility, yet is easier... Agent: Leveque Intellectual Property Law, P.C.

20080200957 - Pin for anchorage of articular prosthesis, articular prosthesis comprising said pin, tibial component and articular prosthesis for the knee comprising said tibial component: A pin for the anchoring of articular prostheses includes a connecting portion (4) with a prosthesis (2) and an engagement portion (5) in a hole obtained within a bone. The engagement portion (5) is at least partly deformable in a radial direction and in a resilient way, in order to... Agent: Pearne & Gordon LLP

20080195084 - Medical instrument having replaceable tools and method of making same: An instrument for use in medical surgery, and having a handle and a working tool extending along a common axis. A separable connection is between the handle and the tool, and the connection is of a polygonal shape in an axial view thereof. The connection is tapered for wedging together... Agent: Baker & Hostetler LLP

20080195085 - Economical, two component, thermal energy delivery and surface cooling apparatus and its method of use: The present invention is embodied in a medical device which is comprised of a thermal energy delivery component, for example, including an elongate optical fiber terminating in a lateral laser energy emitter, and an outer coolant component, which includes a cannula for receiving the thermal energy delivery component, which terminates... Agent: Ip Focus Law Group, Ltd

20080195086 - Method and device for increasing an optical system focal depth: A method and device for modifying optical system properties by means of a continuously multifocal profile, wherein said profile comprises a component for increasing the optical system focal depth and is calculated according to a fourth-order Zernike polynom. The aim of said invention is to avoid the eye base refraction... Agent: Darby & Darby P.c.

20080195087 - Apparatus for laser interaction with biological tissues: A catheter apparatus is disclosed for controlling the interaction of a fiber coupled treatment laser with biological tissues, where the fiber tip is anchored into the catheter apparatus to keep the fiber tip from direct contact with the biological tissue. The catheter apparatus prevents fiber tip contamination by the biological... Agent: Frank F. Tian

20080195088 - Method and device for cardiac tissue ablation: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for forming annular lesions in tissue. The methods include introduction of an optical apparatus proximate to a tissue site, via, for example, a catheter. The optical apparatus includes a pattern-forming optical wave guide in communication with a light transmitting optical fiber. Energy is transmitted through... Agent: Nutter Mcclennen & Fish LLP

20080195089 - Biomedical return electrode having thermochromic layer: A biomedical return electrode for electrosurgery or radiofrequency (RF), a biomedical electrode pad (100), a system (300), and a method of treating tissue using a biomedical return electrode are disclosed. The biomedical return electrode comprises an electrode conductor (114) for receiving electrical energy from tissue via a return path, and... Agent: Medlen & Carroll, LLP

20080195092 - Apparatus and methods for minimally invasive obesity treatment: Systems, apparatus, and methods for the treatment of obesity and/or gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD). An embodiment includes an implantable device having an adjustable curved portion configured for exerting a suitable mechanical force on one or more tissues or organs targeted for treatment. Embodiments of the device neuromodulate nerve tissue to... Agent: Patterson & Sheridan, L.l.p.

20080195090 - Curative treatment system, curative treatment device, and treatment method for living tissue using energy: A treatment system includes an energy source, a pair of holding portions, an output portion and a cooling section. To hold a living tissue of a treatment target, at least one of the pair of the holding portions relatively moves with respect to the other holding portion. The output portion... Agent: Ostrolenk Faber Gerb & Soffen

20080195091 - Curative treatment system, curative treatment device, and treatment method for living tissue using energy: A treatment system includes an energy source, a pair of holding portions, an output portion and a first channel. At least one of the holding portions is configured to relatively move with respect to the other holding portion. The output portion is disposed on at least one of the pair... Agent: Ostrolenk Faber Gerb & Soffen

20080195094 - Diathermic cutter: There is disclosed a diathermic cutter including a cylindrical main body member having a central axis, an axially elongated member including a tip end portion movable so as to change a projected state from a tip end of the main body member along the central axis of the main body... Agent: Scully Scott Murphy & Presser, Pc

20080195093 - Vessel sealing instrument with electrical cutting mechanism: An end effector assembly for use with an instrument for sealing vessels and cutting vessels includes a pair of opposing first and second jaw members which are movable relative to one another from a first spaced apart position to a second position for grasping tissue therebetween. Each jaw member includes... Agent: Tyco Healthcare Group Lp

20080195095 - Resilient external fixator between two bone portions: The present invention relates to resilient external fixators between first and second bone portions O1, O2. The fixator of the invention is essentially characterized by the fact that it comprises a helical spring (11) having an axis (12), a body (14), first means (15) for mounting the body (14) to... Agent: Young & Thompson

20080195097 - Coronoid process fracture fixator: A device, and method of using the device, for securing a coronoid process fragment to the remainder of a coronoid process of an ulna of a patient at a site of fracture, wherein the device comprises a frame component and at least two guiding components.... Agent: Larcher & Chao LLP

20080195096 - Orthopaedic helical coil fastener and apparatus and method for implantation thereof: Provided herein is an implantable device and an expansion apparatus, method and system for implantation of the implantable device. In some embodiments, the device may include a helical coil having a contracted state, adapted for radial expansion and longitudinal contraction to an expanded state. The helical coil in the contracted... Agent: Ralph A. Dowell Of Dowell & Dowell P.c.

20080195098 - Intramedullary nail system and method for fixation of a fractured bone: Apparatus for treating a fracture of a bone of a subject including an intramedullary (IM) elongate member insertable into a medullary canal of a first part of the bone of the subject, and having a proximal head defining at least one hole therethrough. A sleeve includes an engagement mechanism and... Agent: Frishauf, Holtz, Goodman & Chick, Pc

20080195099 - Osteotomy system: The invention provides a suite of instruments, implants and associated techniques for performing procedures to correct deformities of the knee of a patient. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, implants, a kit and associated methods are provided for correcting varus and valgus deformities of the knee.... Agent: Edwards Angell Palmer & Dodge LLP

20080195100 - Adjustable coupling systems for spinal stabilization members: A spinal stabilization system includes a first stabilization member and a second stabilization member engaged to one another in end-to-end fashion. A coupling system adjustably secures the stabilization members in axial position relative to one another while allowing the relative axial positioning to be adjusted to accommodate growth or other... Agent: Krieg Devault LLP

20080195101 - Holder for a surgical reamer and single use, flat reamer: Disclosed is a surgical tool holder 11 adapted to connect to a disposable cutting tool 12, and the surgical instrument 10 combination. The tool holder 11 has a shank 14 with a quick tool coupling 24 at one end 16 and a drive adaptor 20 at a second end 22.... Agent: Moetteli & Associates Sarl

20080195102 - Hand held integrated pedicle screw placement device: A device for applying a medical element has a housing defining a longitudinal axis with a channel disposed therethrough. The housing has a proximal and a distal opening. The device also has at least one sensing device positioned adjacent to the distal opening. The device also has a signaling device... Agent: David M. Carter Carter Deluca Farrell & Schmidt

20080195103 - Hollow reamer for medical applications: A reamer for medical applications includes a shaft portion and a disposable hollow cutter assembly. The shaft portion having an elongated body with a distal end and a proximal end. The distal end has a coupling portion appointed for attachment of the reamer to a drilling device, and the proximal... Agent: Ernest D. Buff Ernest D. Buff And Associates, Llc.

20080195105 - Low cost modular tapered hollow reamer for medical applications: An easy-to-assemble modular reamer for medical applications includes a shaft portion, a disposable tapered hollow reamer and a modular pilot. The shaft portion has a proximal end for attachment to a drill, two or more torque transmitting tabs and a distal threaded end. The disposable tapered hollow reamer has an... Agent: Ernest D. Buff Ernest D. Buff And Associates, Llc.

20080195106 - Modular spherical hollow reamer assembly for medical applications: An easy-to-assemble, disposable spherical hollow reamer for medical applications includes a shaft portion, a disposable spherical hollow reamer and a central conical plate. The shaft portion has a proximal end for attachment to a drill, a central conical element and a distal precision threaded screw end. The spherical hollow reamer... Agent: Ernest D. Buff Ernest D. Buff And Associates, Llc.

20080195104 - Modular tapered hollow reamer for medical applications: An easy-to-assemble reamer for medical applications includes a shaft portion, a disposable tapered hollow reamer sleeve and a modular pilot. The shaft portion has a proximal end for attachment to a drill, a central cone element with one or more slots and a distal threaded end. The tapered hollow reamer... Agent: Ernest D. Buff Ernest D. Buff And Associates, Llc.

20080195107 - Bone cutting apparatus: A bone-cutting apparatus and associated method and system. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a guide removably attachable to a bone, and a rotatable mill coupled to the guide. The guide has a box-cut opening and the mill is pivotable within the opening. In one embodiment, the mill is laterally... Agent: Harness, Dickey & Pierce, P.L.C

20080195109 - Navigated cut guide for total knee reconstruction: A method and apparatus are disclosed that provides a system to perform a procedure on a patient or on a patient's anatomy. The apparatus can include a guide member that includes at least three degrees of freedom of movement of a guide or alignment portion. The apparatus can be used... Agent: Harness, Dickey & Pierce, P.L.C

20080195108 - Total knee arthoplasty system: A total knee arthroplasty (TKA) set that includes a universal cutting jig for shaping the distal femur is disclosed. The universal cutting jig may be used to create a shaped femur that can be receive multiple and different TKA implant designs. A universal high flexion knee system adapted for left-right... Agent: Plumsea Law Group, Llc

20080195110 - Device, system and method for positioning or preparing the positioning of a medical operating instrument: A positioning device for aligning at least one support on at least one structure includes a positioning tool configured to interface with a part of the structure, and a positioning element coupled to said positioning tool. The positioning element includes at least one holding part, wherein the at least one... Agent: Don W. Bulson (brai)

20080195111 - Apparatus and method for hip cup extraction: A hip cup extraction apparatus (101) comprising a shaft (402), a handle (404), a semicircular cutting blade (406), a spring loaded latching member (408), and a head (100) for removing a hip cup (405) from a pelvic bone (401). The head (100) includes a semispherical section (102) terminating in a... Agent: Philip H. Burrus, Iv

20080195112 - Vertebroplasty methods with optimized shear strength and crack propagation resistance: One embodiment of the invention comprises a differential composite in which bone cement everywhere or substantially everywhere contains at least some non-zero volume fraction of particles, and in which the local volume fraction of particles may vary from place to place in the composite in a controlled manner. The variation... Agent: Knobbe Martens Olson & Bear LLP

20080195113 - Bone cement delivery device: A device and method for dispensing an adhesive wherein a housing includes a proximal portion and distal portion, an opening is defined in the distal portion of the housing, and a housing lumen is defined within the housing and extends through the opening. The device may also include a syringe... Agent: Grossman, Tucker, Perreault & Pfleger, Pllc

20080195114 - Bone augmentation apparatus: A bone cement apparatus (20) is provided. In an embodiment, the apparatus includes a syringe (24) and a needle (120). The syringe and needle are interconnected by a connecting tube (32). Various fittings are employed to join the syringe, needle and connecting tube. The connecting tube and fittings present a... Agent: Ostrolenk Faber Gerb & Soffen

20080195115 - Implement for orientating a tool, particularly useful in surgical tools for harvesting and implanting bone plugs to repair damaged bone tissue: An implement for orientating a tool at a predetermined angle with respect to a plane of a target surface to be engaged by the tool includes a rod having a distal end coupled to a head formed with three contact points arranged in a circular array around the longitudinal axis... Agent: Martin D. Moynihan

20080195116 - Circumcision clamp and surgical kit: A circumcision clamp and surgical kit according to the present invention includes a rod, a base, and an actuating structure. The rod is elongated and includes a bell-shaped member as well as an engagement structure. The base of the device includes two arms hinged at their distal ends, and capable... Agent: Biotech Beach Law Group , Pc

20080195117 - Device for footcare: The present invention relates to an apparatus for footcare, which comprises an abrasive body (1) and members for supporting the abrasive body (1) relatively a ground, the abrasive body (1) has an external surface, and the external surface is at least partly abrasive, whereby the portion of the external surface... Agent: Dickstein Shapiro LLP

20080195118 - Electrical depilator: The present invention provides an electrical depilator comprising substantially of a main body, a motor, a reduction gear set, an arcuate shaft and a set of single-pieces. The arcuate shaft is supported on a shaft seat of the main body. A first stage gear of the reduction gear set meshes... Agent: White & Case LLP Patent Department

20080195119 - Methods and devices for bone, joint, and ligament reconstruction with bands: Spinal stabilization mechanisms act to prevent lateral bending, extension, and rotation across adjacent vertebrae. Methods for spinal stabilization includes placing one or more anchors at each vertebral level, positioning one or more sutures around each anchor at each level such that the each suture forms a loop or band around... Agent: O''melveny & Myers LLP Ip&t Calendar Department La-1118

20080195122 - Connector: A surgical implant device that controls the relative movement between a first bone or tissue portion and a second bone or tissue portion. The device has a first connector member connected for movement with the first bone or tissue portion and a second connector member connected for movement with the... Agent: Calfee Halter & Griswold, LLP

20080195121 - Mesh deployment apparatus: Mesh deployment apparatus including a deployment rod having a handle at a proximal portion thereof and a roller portion at a distal portion thereof, the roller portion having a mesh-sheet attachment member for attaching a mesh-sheet thereto, wherein the roller portion is articulated with respect to the deployment rod by... Agent: David Klein Dekel Patent Ltd.

20080195120 - Mesh for the surgical treatment of urinary incontinence: The invention relates to a mesh for the surgical treatment of urinary incontinence, specifically stress incontinence, of the type that takes the form of a considerably-long rectangular strip, the ends of which narrow and converge such as to terminate in filiform elements. The invention comprises the mesh (1) which takes... Agent: Sughrue Mion, Pllc

20080195123 - Retrievable septal defect closure device: The present invention provides a septal defect closure device (10) having a first occluding disk (30) having a first flexible membrane (32) attached to a first frame (34) and a second occluding disk (20) having a second flexible membrane (22) attached to a separate second frame (24). The first frame... Agent: Knobbe, Martens, Olson & Bear, LLP

20080195124 - Device for end-to-side anastomosis: A device for end-to-side anastomosis of body ducts comprising a coupling (2) which can be positioned on a side wall (3a) of a first duct (3) and connectable to a second duct (4) in order to create a fluid communication between the first (3) and second duct (4), and means... Agent: Fay Sharpe LLP

20080195125 - Device for heart bypass surgery and anastomosis: Anastomoses devices including a stent structure or structures are provided. In addition, a method of using an anastomosis device to perform anastomoses quickly and efficiently is provided. One advantage of the devices and methods is that they may provide for quick and effective attachment to a vessel. A further advantage... Agent: Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione/chicago/cook

20080195126 - Suture and method for repairing a heart: Devices and methods for treating or repairing a heart are disclosed. The device includes at least one anchor configured to engage tissue of a heart and a thread or other elongate member adapted to be coupled to the anchor and secured to heart tissue. The anchor may be attached to... Agent: Edwards Lifesciences Corporation

20080195127 - Instrument and method for scrubbing the corneal epithelium: A scrubbing instrument for scrubbing the human eye corneal epithelium, including a handle, having a grip portion, a scrubbing head having a curved main scrubbing surface, and a connection arrangement for enabling connection of the scrubbing head to the handle and disconnection of the scrubbing head from the handle, thus... Agent: Dr. Mark M. Friedman C/o Bill Polkinghorn - Discovery Dispatch

20080195128 - Endo-surgical device and method: An endo-surgical device, system and method are provided. The endo-surgical device includes a flared prow that limits the displacement and rotation of the cannula to keep the knife away from tissues that are not intended to be cut. The endo-surgical tool can be utilized as part of a system for... Agent: Lerner Greenberg Stemer LLP

20080195130 - Method and apparatus for catheter removal: A catheter removal device having a handle, a shaft extending from the handle, a cutting tip, and a longitudinal groove extending through the cutting tip and at least a portion of the shaft is disclosed. The cutting tip has a leading edge, a cutting edge, and delivery threads. The leading... Agent: Weide & Miller, Ltd.

20080195129 - Mid-point lock suture cutter: A surgical suture cutter that has a “wishbone” configuration and is provided with a locking mechanism having a mid-point lock that allows two operating handles to be locked in a predetermined position at which point the cutting jaw is held flush with the shaft but suture between the jaws of... Agent: Dickstein Shapiro LLP

20080195131 - Lancing device end cap with rocking-actuated surface features: An endcap for a lancing device, having a contact face defining an opening, wherein the contact face includes one or more surface contour features for directing body fluid toward the opening upon rocking of the lancing device with the contact face in contact with the skin surrounding the lancing site.... Agent: Gardner Groff Greenwald & Villanueva. Pc

20080195133 - Lancet release mechanism: A lancing device comprises a lancet holder and a lancet-release mechanism. The lancet holder forms an aperture. The aperture is adapted to receive a lancet assembly therein. The lancet holder is adapted to move the lancet assembly between a resting position, a cocking position, and a puncture position. The lancet-release... Agent: Nixon Peabody LLP

20080195134 - Patient's skin puncturing device: A Patient's skin puncturing device comprises a body (1), inside of which a puncturing needle (4) and at least one turned down arm (5, 6) are guided, and a push button (2), whereas between said body (1) and said button (2) activating elements (10, 11, 12, 13) are placed, said... Agent: Paul, Hastings, Janofsky & Walker LLP

20080195132 - Push-button lance device and method: Lancet device utilizing a body, a holding member configured to receive a lancet having the lancet needle, a first spring structured and arranged to move the holding member between at least a retracted position and an extended position, and a second spring structured and arranged to move the holding member... Agent: Greenblum & Bernstein, P.L.C

20080195135 - Surgical probe: A thin gauge surgical probe having a retractable reinforcing sleeve. When the probe is inserted into the eye, through the trocar cannula, the trocar cannula becomes removably attached to the distal end of the sleeve is a trocar cannula, and acts as a stiffening device.... Agent: Alcon

20080195137 - Devices and methods for aneurysm treatment: A device for treating a fusiform aneurysm includes an elongate catheter and an expandable member detachably coupled with the elongate catheter at or near its distal end and adapted to assume a fusiform expanded shape. In its expanded shape the external surface of the expandable member will contact an inner... Agent: Townsend And Townsend And Crew, LLP

20080195138 - Devices, systems and methods for controlling local blood pressure: The present invention discloses devices, systems and methods for increasing blood pressure in a blood vessel by introducing an anchor within that traps a particle capable of increasing in volume as it is exposed to blood flow. As the particle increases in volume, it serves to decrease the cross sectional... Agent: Moazzam & Associates, Llc

20080195136 - Thin film devices for temporary or permanent occlusion of a vessel: Thin film devices implantable within a human subject for occlusion of an aneurysm or body vessel are provided. The devices are movable from an elongated, collapsed configuration for delivery to a deployed configuration within the body. Open slots in selected portions of the device telescope as the device moves to... Agent: Philip S. Johnson Johnson & Johnson

20080195141 - Backstop protection device and method of using the same: An apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention includes an elongate body disposable within a body lumen of a patient. An expandable member is coupled to the elongate body. The expandable member has a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration. The expandable member when in the expanded configuration is... Agent: Cooley Godward Kronish LLP Attn: Patent Group

20080195140 - Delivery system for an embolic protection device: A delivery system for an embolic protection device is described herein. The delivery system may allow the embolic protection device to be transported and deployed within vessels having a tortuous anatomy. The delivery system includes a delivery catheter having a bend near a distal end thereof. The bend has a... Agent: Cook Group Patent Office

20080195139 - Vascular occlusion device with an embolic mesh ribbon: A vascular occlusion device that includes a central support member that has at least one mesh embolic ribbon extending outwardly from the central support member in the generally radial direction is provided. The mesh embolic ribbon has a collapsed and an expanded configuration.... Agent: Philip S. Johnson Johnson & Johnson

20080195142 - Vein holder: The vein holder has an upright wall forming a central opening. The central opening is large enough to allow easy access by a needle. A bottom flange extends outwardly from the wall and rests against the patient's skin. It is the bottom surface of the flange 14 which holds the... Agent: Hoffman, Wasson & Gitler, P.c.

20080195143 - Endoscope treatment tool: The endoscope treatment tool consists of a movable distal end portion 5 that performs treatment on a living body; a plurality of first coil sheaths 6A, 6B that consist of a single element wire 6a being spirally wound; a second coil sheath 7 that consists of a plurality of element... Agent: Scully Scott Murphy & Presser, Pc

20080195144 - Medical intervention instrument: A grasping forceps 1 includes: a pair of guide sections 7A and 7B that guide maneuvering wires 6A and 6B in a direction of an axial line C of a sheath; an extending-and-retracting member (transmission section) 8 that transmits displacement information of the maneuvering section to the maneuvering wires 6A... Agent: Scully Scott Murphy & Presser, Pc

20080195145 - Tissue fixation system and method: A tissue fixation system is provided for dynamic and rigid fixation of tissue. A fastener connected with an elongate fastening member, such as a cable, wire, suture, rod, or tube, is moved through a passage between opposite sides of tissue. A medical device is used to secure the fastener to... Agent: Paul D. Bianco Fleit Gibbons Gutman Bongini & Bianco Pl

20080195146 - Surgical coils and methods of deploying: Surgical coils for marking, anchoring, stapling and suturing that can be implanted in the body by deforming it to a small cross section profile and then sliding it through a low profile delivery device then deploying from an embodiment of a delivery device at a targeted site. Embodiments of surgical... Agent: Grant Anderson LLP C/o Portfolioip

20080195147 - Surface eroding barbed sutures: Barbed surgical sutures comprised of surface eroding materials are provided having increased degradation rates due to the formation of barbs and an increase in the surface area of the suture.... Agent: Tyco Healthcare Group Lp

20080195148 - Method and suture-button construct for stabilization of cranial cruciate ligament deficient stifle: An apparatus and method for stabilization of a cranial cruciate ligament deficient stifle in canines using a suture-button construct. The method includes the steps of drilling a femoral hole across a distal femur, passing a needle with a pull-through suture strand of a suture-button construct through the femoral hole, and... Agent: Dickstein Shapiro LLP

20080195149 - Apparatus for the correction of skeletal deformities: An implantable apparatus for use in the correction of skeletal deformities comprising a rod, a pair of spaced apart attachment members, each of the attachment members being attachable to a bone. At least one of the attachment member mounts a rod receiving member, the rod being slidable along a predetermined... Agent: Kinney & Lange, P.a.

20080195151 - Methods of bone, joint, and ligament reconstruction: Spinal stabilization mechanisms act to prevent lateral bending, extension, and rotation across adjacent vertebrae. Methods for spinal stabilization includes placing one or more anchors at each vertebral level, positioning one or more sutures around each anchor at each level such that the each suture forms a loop or band around... Agent: O''melveny & Myers LLP Ip&t Calendar Department La-1118

20080195150 - Spinal stabilization system for the stabilization and fixation of the lumbar spine and method for using same: The present invention includes a system and method for the stabilization and fixation of the lumbar spine. Another aspect of the invention includes a system and method for the stabilization and fixation of the lumbar spine in a minimally invasive manner. The system can include a plurality of pedicle screws,... Agent: Needle & Rosenberg, P.c.

20080195152 - Interspinous spacer: A novel implantable spacer for placement between adjacent spinous processes in a spinal motion segment is provided. The spacer includes a body defining a longitudinal passageway. A first arm and a second arm are connected to the body. Each arm has a pair of extensions and a saddle defining a... Agent: Rimas Lukas Vertiflex, Inc.

20080195153 - Dynamic spinal deformity correction: A system for treating spinal deformities. A plurality of retaining clamps are fixed to a plurality of vertebrae and at least one elastic or super elastic rod is caused to pass through openings in the plurality of retaining clamps, the at least one elastic or super elastic rod being slidable... Agent: Dergosits & Noah LLP

20080195154 - Dynamic spinal stabilization device: The present invention provides a dynamic stabilization device positionable about a portion of a spinal column. The stabilization device may generally include a first component and a second component, where the first and second components are movably coupled to one another to define an arcuate path of motion. The stabilization... Agent: Christopher & Weisberg, P.a.

20080195155 - Locking instrument for implantable fixation device: Instruments are provided for linearly inserting a locking member into a coupling member that secures a rod to a bone or portion of a bone. A moveable drive member of the instrument drives the locking member into engagement with the coupling member, securing the rod therebetween.... Agent: Fitch Even Tabin And Flannery

20080195156 - Methods for deploying spinal motion preservation assemblies: Spinal motion preservation assemblies adapted for use in a spinal motion segment are disclosed including the process for delivering and assembling the spinal motion preservation assemblies in the spinal motion segment via an axial channel created with a trans-sacral approach. The spinal motion preservation assemblies make use of a dual... Agent: The Eclipse Group

20080195157 - Small fragment humeral head plate: The invention relates to a small fragment humeral head plate which is used to fix, in a stable manner, bone fracture fragments to the humeral head and shaft which is near to the body, including an elongate plate part which is sheet-shaped, in addition to an anatomically shaped head part... Agent: Bodner & O'rourke, LLP

20080195158 - Spinal fusion device: The application concerns a spinal fusion device (26) which can be used to fuse respective vertebrae (L5, S1) relative to one another. The device includes plate sections (10 and 12) which can be fixed to the respective vertebrae. These plate sections are hinged to one another to allow the device... Agent: Ladas & Parry LLP

20080195159 - Spine fixator: The present invention relates to a device for the stabilization of the spine comprising at least two pedicle screws and at least one interjacent linking member. The present invention further relates to pedicle screws which combine the advantages of a monoaxial screw with those of a polyaxial screw by avoiding... Agent: J C Patents, Inc.

20080188838 - Ophthalmic laser treatment apparatus: An ophthalmic laser treatment apparatus, which allows SLT to be performed by a laser source not having a Q-switch which emits a continuous wave laser beam, has a laser source capable of emitting a continuous wave visible laser beam to be absorbed into pigment cells of trabecular meshwork, an irradiation... Agent: Oliff & Berridge, PLC

20080188840 - Handpiece used for cosmetic or dermatologic treatment: A handpiece for a dermatologic treatment includes a cooling fluid module and a gas source. The cooling fluid module contains cooling fluid in a liquid state. The gas source provides a flow of gas to cool the handpiece to maintain the cooling fluid in the liquid state prior to delivery... Agent: Proskauer Rose LLP

20080188839 - Method and apparatus for monitoring and controlling laser-induced tissue treatment: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for using an imaging detector to image an optical pattern created by illumination of a viscous material that is applied to the skin. The viscous material forms a detectable pattern that can be imaged by the imaging detector. In some examples,... Agent: Reliant / Fenwick C/o Fenwick & West, LLP

20080188841 - Interstitial laser therapy control system: An interstitial laser therapy control system is disclosed. The control system includes a thermistor controller apparatus, a microprocessor, a storage device, at least one input device, a display, an electro-mechanical shutter switch, an electro-mechanical emergency shutoff switch, and an electro-mechanical master power switch. The microprocessor is configured to monitor temperatures... Agent: Bell, Boyd & Lloyd, LLP

20080188842 - Apparatus and methods for delivering ablative laser energy to tissue: An interstitial laser energy treatment apparatus having co-acting movable probe holders which facilitate positioning of a laser probe and thermal probe in different positions relative to a tissue mass such as the tumor to be treated and relative to each other to facilitate treating tissue masses based on the exact... Agent: Bell, Boyd & Lloyd, LLP

20080188843 - Device and method for endovascular treatment for causing closure of a blood vessel: An endovascular laser treatment device for causing closure of a blood vessel uses an optical fiber adapted to be inserted into a blood vessel. An inner sleeve is arranged around a distal portion of the optical fiber core such that both distal ends of the inner sleeve and the optical... Agent: Afs / Angiodynamics

20080188844 - Apparatus and method for rapid reliable electrothermal tissue fusion and simultaneous cutting: Pieces of tissue are fused together and simultaneously cut by compressing the pieces together at an interface, delivering an impulse of electrical power which is converted into sufficient thermal energy to fuse the pieces together at the interface and simultaneously cut the fused tissue pieces along a well-defined linear path.... Agent: John R Ley, LLC

20080188845 - Tissue fusion instrument and method to reduce the adhesion of tissue to its working surfaces: Tissue sticking is substantially reduced or eliminated altogether by smoothing a working surface of a ceramic material or material with a ceramic-like surface microstructure of a tissue fusion instrument to an Ra in the range of less than 0.15 to 0.40 microns. The ceramic material may be aluminum nitride. Reducing... Agent: John R Ley, LLC

20080188846 - Methods and devices for the non-thermal, electrically-induced closure of blood vessels: Methods and devices for the non-thermal, electrically-induced temporary or permanent closure of blood vessels. The subject methods and devices employ pulsed electrical energy according to a defined regime to effect controlled occlusion of targeted blood vessels without heating the vessel and with minimal damage to adjacent tissue. The extent of... Agent: Morrison & Foerster LLP

20080188847 - Biofeedback: A process includes obtaining information relating to a biological tissue. The process also includes determining a treatment parameter from the information relating to the biological tissue. The process further includes delivering electromagnetic radiation having the treatment parameter to the biological tissue. An apparatus includes an interface capable of obtaining information... Agent: Proskauer Rose LLP

20080188848 - Surgical tool arrangement: A surgical tool arrangement including a powered handpiece which cooperates with a combined electrosurgical and mechanical cutting instrument. The electrosurgical and mechanical cutting instrument includes an outer static housing element which defines an electrode for delivering electrical energy to the surgical site, and a cutting element disposed within the outer... Agent: Flynn, Thiel, Boutell & Tanis, P.C.

20080188850 - Delivery system for delivering a medical device to a location within a patient's body: Devices, systems and methods are provided for deployment of one or more functional devices, such as therapeutic or diagnostic medical devices, or positioning devices, at various locations relative to a defined operative path. The devices, systems, and methods can include a guide system and a positioning element. The guide system... Agent: Levine Bagade Han LLP

20080188849 - Tissue ablation using pulse modulated radio frequency energy: Tissue ablation systems and methods are provided. Ablation energy (e.g., radio frequency energy) is delivered to the tissue and a physiological parameter (e.g., impedance and/or temperature) indicative of a change in moisture concentration of the tissue is sensed. The ablation energy is alternately pulsed on and off to generate an... Agent: VistaIPLaw Group LLP

20080188851 - Electrosurgical instrument: An embodiment of the invention includes an electrosurgical jaw structure that carries cooperating PTC bodies in both series and parallel circuit components for controlled RF energy application to engaged tissue to effectively weld tissue.... Agent: Townsend And Townsend And Crew, LLP

20080188852 - Apparatus for repositioning portions of fractured bone and method of using same: A medical apparatus for use with an outrigger and at least one fastening pin to reposition first and second portions of a bone of a mammalian body. The apparatus includes a framework and a first fastening assembly for coupling the framework to the outrigger and thus the at least one... Agent: Dorsey & Whitney LLP US Bank Center

20080188853 - Orthopaedic implant and fastening assembly: Systems, devices and methods are disclosed for treating fractures. The systems, devices and methods may include one or both of an implant, such as an intramedullary nail, and a fastening assembly, such as a lag screw and compression screw assembly. The implant in some embodiments has a proximal section with... Agent: Chief Patent Counsel Smith & Nephew, Inc.

20080188854 - Surgical anchor delivery system: Embodiments of the present invention relate to systems and methods for assisting a user during delivery of a labral anchor. For example, one embodiment provides a labral anchor delivery system that includes a drill sleeve having a proximal end and a distal end that is cannulated therebetween. At least a... Agent: Alston & Bird LLP

20080188855 - Femoral trochlea prostheses: Various embodiments of femoral trochlea prostheses useable in a knee joint. The knee joint includes a patella and a distal femur with a femoral trochlea, or patello-femoral groove. In one embodiment, a femoral trochlea prosthesis includes a nonarticulating surface including contoured surfaces and/or planar surfaces. The present disclosure also provides... Agent: Zimmer Technology - Baker & Daniels

20080188856 - Central structures spreader for the lumbar spine: A spinal device and associated method are provided for spreading of first and second vertebral elements, each of the first and second vertebral elements having a circumferential surface defining a vertebral body and a pedicle having a pedicle root portion adjacent the circumferential surface. The device includes a first end... Agent: Crompton, Seager & Tufte, LLC

20080188858 - Bone treatment systems and methods: Bone cement formulations are provided that have an extended working time for use in vertebroplasty procedures and other osteoplasty procedures. In one embodiment, a settable bone cement includes a polymerizable composition with a powder component comprising an X-Ray contrast medium and a liquid component, wherein the setting time of the... Agent: Knobbe Martens Olson & Bear LLP

20080188857 - Method and device for improving the fixing of a prosthesis: In a method and a device for improving the fixing of an elongate prosthesis in a bone cavity, said fixing being provided by a bed in which the prosthesis has been driven down by vibration, a ring of a flexible, essentially plastic material is arranged around the proximal part of... Agent: Smith, Gambrell & Russell

20080188859 - Surgical instrument for implanting a wire, preferably into a bone: A surgical instrument for implanting a wire, preferably into a bone, can be operated with one hand and thus acts as an extension of a surgeon's arm. The instrument is made up of a receiving element and a clamp part and also of a grip element. The grip element has... Agent: Collard & Roe, P.C.

20080188860 - Ophthalmic surgical apparatus: In one embodiment, an ophthalmic surgical apparatus is provided for retracting the capsule. The device includes a hook member that is in the conduit in a nondeployed state. However, after inserting a portion of the conduit into an incision, the hook member may be slid out from the conduit to... Agent: Trop Pruner & Hu, PC

20080188861 - Annuloplasty band and method: An annuloplasty band comprising a sheath, and a generally arcuate stiffening element disposed within the sheath. The stiffening element extends from a first end to a second end, and preferably includes eyelets at its first and second ends adapted to receive sutures to secure the annuloplasty band to a valve... Agent: Jeffrey J. Hohenshell Medtronic, Inc.

20080188862 - Method of treatment with endoscope: A method of treatment with an endoscope for treating an affected part to be treated, using the endoscope having an observation optical system and an opening, opened to the distal end of an endo-therapy accessories insertion channel, at a distal end portion of an insertion portion provided with the endo-therapy... Agent: Scully Scott Murphy & Presser, PC

20080188863 - Uterine artery occlusion: A system for occluding uterine arteries comprises a compression element shaped for insertion into the vagina to a target position in which a distal rim thereof engages a desired portion of tissue surrounding a cervical opening, the rim extending around a predetermined portion of a perimeter of the cervical opening... Agent: Fay Kaplun & Marcin, LLP

20080188866 - Apparatus and methods for removing relatively large and small stones from a body passage: The present invention provides apparatus and methods suitable for removing at least one stone in a body passage. The apparatus comprises a balloon catheter having at least one working lumen adapted to receive an extraction basket. In use, the extraction basket may be used to capture and remove relatively large... Agent: Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione/chicago/cook

20080188865 - 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

20080188864 - Lithotripsy basket drill: A lithotriptor device embodiment is provided including a lithotriptor that has a proximal handle, an elongate shaft extending distally from the handle with a lumen extending through a major length of the elongate shaft, and a wire basket distally attached to a drive wire. The drive wire extends through the... Agent: Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione/chicago/cook

20080188867 - Removable intramuscular electrode: An implantable medical electrode system for intramuscular use that is readily removable is provided, as well as methods for its use. The system includes an electrode, an electrical lead mechanically and electrically connected to the electrode and extending proximally, and a tether bonded to the electrode and extending proximally. A... Agent: Shay Glenn LLP

20080188870 - Device and method for controlling a remote appliance: A device (1) configured for wireless control of a remote appliance is disclosed. The device (1) includes one or more input members (2). The device (1) is configured for releasable mounting to a hand-held surgical instrument (3) and the remote appliance is distinct from the hand-held surgical instrument (3). A... Agent: Knobbe Martens Olson & Bear LLP

20080188868 - Direct drive endoscopy systems and methods: Disclosed herein are various systems and methods for facilitating control of a tool or tools. The systems can allow a user to control multiple degrees of freedom. One such system allows a user to control multiple degrees of freedom of two tools simultaneously. Another such system allows a user to... Agent: Finnegan, Henderson, Farabow, Garrett & Dunner LLP

20080188869 - On-axis drive systems and methods: Described herein are drive systems and methods. One exemplary system includes a tool having a proximal handle and a catheter body. The tool can be mated with a rail and the rail mated with a frame. The connection between the tool and rail and/or the rail and frame can allow... Agent: Finnegan, Henderson, Farabow, Garrett & Dunner LLP

20080188871 - Direct drive methods: Described herein are various method of using a direct drive system to perform procedures at a distance. One exemplary method include tying a knot or suturing at a distance with a first and second end effector. The direct drive system can enable sufficient end effector dexterity, including the ability to... Agent: Finnegan, Henderson, Farabow, Garrett & Dunner LLP

20080188872 - Multi-mode clip applier, and associated method: A multi-mode clip applier includes a hand-held applier body having a handle and a trigger, and internal mechanisms for firing a surgical clip upon actuation of the trigger. Distal jaws close when actuated by the internal firing mechanisms. An open-mode switch limits range of motion of the internal firing mechanisms... Agent: Lathrop & Gage Lc

20080188873 - Thorascopic heart valve repair method and apparatus: An instrument for performing thorascopic repair of heart valves includes a shaft for extending through the chest cavity and into a heart chamber providing access to a valve needing repair. A movable tip on the shaft is operable to capture a valve leaflet and a needle is operable to penetrate... Agent: Quarles & Brady LLP

20080188874 - Laparoscopic hernia mesh spreader: An apparatus is provided for the laparoscopic deployment and positioning of surgical materials, such as mesh. The mesh is applied by at least one extension arm which radiates from a central shaft. Alternate embodiments employ simultaneously and/or individually extended rigid arms, and simultaneously deployed resilient arms. Various methods are also... Agent: Smith Hopen, Pa

20080188875 - Bloodless and painless surgical method: A method of arresting blood vessels in soft tissue at a predetermined location relative to an excision location where a part of the soft tissue is to be removed, is described. The method comprises securing at least one clip to a retention means of at least one of a pair... Agent: Ogilvy Renault LLP

20080188876 - 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

20080188877 - Instruments for removing an object from the eye: The present invention provides an instrument set for removing an object from the eye including a forceps having first and second jaws mounted for relative movement toward and away from one another between a first position in which the backs of the jaws are relatively nearer to one another and... Agent: Alcon

20080188878 - Osteotome: A tool (1, 31) for cutting bone comprises an elongate blade (7,37) connectable to a generator of longitudinal-mode ultrasonic vibrations. The blade (7,37) has two lateral cutting edges (9,10) linked by a rounded distal tip (8). A series of triangular teeth (13) extends along each cutting edge (9,10) and the... Agent: Carter, Deluca, Farrell & Schmidt, LLP

20080188880 - Instrument for the surgical removal of a defective heart valve: An instrument for the surgical removal of a defective heart valve. The instrument has elements that can be collapsed, in which the instrument cutting elements are collapsed when the instrument is introduced into the surgical field and are covered by means of contact protective sheaths. The instrument cutting elements are... Agent: Salter & Michaelson The Heritage Building

20080188879 - Tri-bending sphinctertome: Disclosed herein are devices and methods for forming multidirectional cuts in tissue. The tissue cutting devices disclosed herein generally include a flexible elongate member with at least first, second, and third wires that are at least partially constrained within or along a portion of the member. A distal portion of... Agent: Nutter Mcclennen & Fish LLP

20080188881 - Dual coil vitrectomy probe: A vitrectomy probe has a disposable tip portion and a reusable hand piece portion. The disposable tip portion has a shaft terminating in a blade and a sleeve with an opening. The shaft is slideably disposed within the sleeve and capable of reciprocating in the sleeve. The reusable hand piece... Agent: Alcon

20080188882 - Cam-actuated medical puncturing device and method: The medical puncturing device includes a housing (12), a shield (13), and a skin puncturing assembly disposed within the housing. The shield is axially movable in the housing. The skin puncturing assembly includes a movable carrier and a skin puncturing element mounted to the carrier. A distal end of the... Agent: David W. Highet, Vp & ChiefIPCounsel Becton, Dickinson And Company

20080188883 - Lancet device: The present invention relates to a lancet device, by which a lancet can be displaced along a piercing path for generating a piercing wound in a skin surface, in particular to obtain bodily fluid for diagnostic purposes, comprising a lancet drive having drive means to generate a drive force for... Agent: Woodard, Emhardt, Moriarty, Mcnett & Henry LLP

20080188884 - Embolic protection device: An embolic protection device has a collapsible filter element (105) mounted on a carrier such as a guidewire (101). The filter element (105) collapses into the outer end of a catheter (118) for deployment and retrieval through a vascular system of a patient. The filter element (105) has a collapsible... Agent: Sughrue Mion, PLLC

20080188886 - Embolic protection devices having short landing zones: The invention provides an embolic protection device for removing emboli from a blood vessel in a patient's body. The device comprises an elongate host element, an embolic protection element having a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration, and a flexible tether connected to a distal end of the host element... Agent: Popovich, Wiles & O'connell, PA 650 Third Avenue South

20080188888 - Rapid exchange catheters usable with embolic protection devices: Catheters, assemblies, and methods for delivering and recovering embolic protection devices. Catheters are provided that can be advanced over single length guide wires and which can be retracted over single length wire shafts of distal embolic protection devices. One catheter is a two-port catheter having two sidewall ports, a distal... Agent: Popovich, Wiles & O'connell, PA 650 Third Avenue South

20080188887 - Removable vascular filter and method of filter placement: A vascular filter system and method for implanting the same are disclosed. The filter system generally includes a filter housing and a filter element where the element is suspended within the housing by a plurality of filter holding members. The housing is held in place in a vein by a... Agent: Weide & Miller, Ltd.

20080188885 - 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

20080188889 - Tourniquet padding: A constructed padding for use with a tourniquet, kits, and methods of its use are provided. In use, the tourniquet padding is wrapped about and secured to an extremity, and a tourniquet is positioned onto the tourniquet padding. The construction of the tourniquet padding prevents a tourniquet, blood pressure cuff,... Agent: Whyte Hirschboeck Dudek S C

20080188890 - Multi-part instrument systems and methods: Described herein are multi-part instrument systems and methods of use. The instrument can include an inner and outer body member where the inner body member is adapted to dock with the outer body member. When docked, driving the outer body member via a manipulation section can control the inner body.... Agent: Finnegan, Henderson, Farabow, Garrett & Dunner LLP

20080188891 - Medical instrument for grasping an object, in particular needle holder: A medical instrument for grasping an object, in particular a surgical needle holder, including an elongated shaft, two jaw parts arranged at a distal end of the shaft, at least one of the jaw parts being pivotable with respect to the other of the jaw parts between a grasp state... Agent: St. Onge Steward Johnston & Reens, LLC

20080188892 - Vascular occlusion device: A vascular occlusion device for occluding a body cavity. The device includes an elongate flexible member having a proximal portion extending to a distal portion and a radially compressible substance being disposed therebetween. The substance is configured to promote growth of body tissue and may include an extracellular matrix such... Agent: Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione/chicago/cook

20080188893 - Methods and devices for repairing tissue: A suture anchor system for repairing torn or damaged tissue is provided and generally includes a first suture anchor having at least one length of suture attached thereto, and a second suture anchor having at least one length of suture attached thereto. Each length of suture is coupled to one... Agent: Nutter Mcclennen & Fish LLP

20080188894 - Pacifier shields: A multistage baglet system for a pacifier and a multistage nipple system. Baglets and nipples with bumps thereon are initially provided to accustom a baby to the use of such baglets and nipples. Subsequently, baglets and nipples with bumps are provided to assist the baby with teething.... Agent: Law Office Of Morris E. Cohen

20080188895 - Spinal mobility preservation apparatus: A spinal mobility preservation apparatus and methods are disclosed. The spinal mobility preservation apparatus may include a proximal body, an intermediate body, a distal body, and an expandable membrane. The proximal body and the distal body secure the mobility preservation apparatus to adjacent vertebral bodies. At least one of an... Agent: Cyr & Associates, P.A.

20080188896 - Anchoring system for fixing objects to bones: A spinal plate system that allows for increased spinal stability is provided. In an embodiment, a spinal plate system is provided that includes first and second slidable plates coupled together. Each of the first and second slidable plates includes first and second fasteners that are obliquely oriented relative to the... Agent: Burns & Levinson, LLP

20080188897 - Fastener assembly: An improved fastener apparatus includes an outer sleeve which is moved into a patient's body tissue. A distal end portion of the outer sleeve is expanded in the patient's body tissue. An inner sleeve is moved axially through the outer sleeve and a distal end of the inner sleeve is... Agent: Tarolli, Sundheim, Covell & Tummino L.L.P.

20080188898 - Polyaxial bone screw with multi-part shank retainer and pressure insert: A polyaxial bone screw assembly includes a threaded shank body having an upper portion, a receiver, a compression insert and an articulation structure made from at least two discrete pieces. The shank upper portion cooperates with the compression insert to place the retainer in frictional engagement with the receiver. The... Agent: Law Office Of John C. Mcmahon

20080188899 - Rotationally asymmetric bone screw: Embodiments of the present invention provide rotationally asymmetric bone screws. Embodiments of the present invention provide mechanisms that reduce the bending stiffness of conventional shaft bone screws in order to yield a less-rigid fixation construct. Such a less-rigid construct enables a controlled amount of motion at a fracture site which... Agent: Schwabe, Williamson & Wyatt, P.C. Pacwest Center, Suite 1900