Surgery inventions 12/08

20080319426 - System for clearing modes of operation on a multicomponent medical instrument: A system is provided for clearing modes of operation on a multicomponent medical instrument with a basic instrument (1) and at least one connectable accessory instrument (4) for the basic instrument (1). The accessory instrument (4) is equipped with a wireless, readable data memory (2) for modes of operation of... Agent: Mcglew & Tuttle, PC

20080319427 - Computer guided patterned laser trabeculoplasty: A system and method of performing therapy on target eye tissue. A light source produces a beam of light, and a scanning device deflects the light beam to produce an pattern of the light beam. An ophthalmic lens assembly includes a mirror for reflecting the light beam pattern onto the... Agent: Dla Piper US LLP

20080319428 - Treatment apparatus for surgical correction of defective eyesight, method of generating control data therefore, and method for surgical correction of defective eyesight: A treatment method and apparatus for surgical correction of defective-eyesight in an eye of a patient, wherein a laser device is controlled by a control device, said laser device separating corneal tissue by irradiation of laser radiation to isolate a volume located within a cornea, wherein the control device controls... Agent: Patterson, Thuente, Skaar & Christensen, P.A.

20080319429 - Device for removing hairs from skin: t

20080319430 - Eye-safe device for treatment of skin tissue: Methods and devices are described that provide for eye-safe treatments using a photocosmetic device on skin tissue. In particular, various eye-safety devices protect the eye, including both the retina and the iris, as well as provide additional skin safety. The devices and methods described are particularly useful in consumer devices,... Agent: Nutter Mcclennen & Fish LLP

20080319431 - Method of curing inflammatory acne by using carbon lotion and pulsed laser: Disclosed is a method of curing inflammatory acne by applying a carbon lotion onto a face covered with acne, irradiating the applied carbon lotion with a laser pulse having a pulse width of microsecond, and irradiating the applied carbon lotion with a laser pulse having a pulse width of nanosecond... Agent: Pepper Hamilton LLP

20080319432 - Surgical illumination system and method: The disclosure describes embodiments of systems and methods for surgical illumination, particularly for spinal procedures. Embodiments of the system comprise a surgical port that acts as an optical guide to guide light from an illumination conduit to an illuminator section. The illuminator section can be configured to direct light into... Agent: Paul D. Yasger Abbott Laboratories

20080319433 - Cryosurgical device with a probe coupling formed from the socket and the plug of cryoprobes: A cryosurgical device, with a control for the supply and/or removal of a coolant gas to a cryoprobe via a return flow or a supply flow. The device has at least one socket for the attachment of a rigid cryoprobe and a flexible cryoprobe. The socket and the plugs of... Agent: Dickstein Shapiro LLP

20080319437 - Apparatus and method for selectively heating a deposit in fatty tissue in a body: An apparatus and method for providing hyperthermia treatments to a protruding body portion having fatty tissue surrounding a deposit in the protruding body portion is disclosed. The apparatus includes a cavity for receiving the protruding body portion. A radio frequency antenna array is used to direct a radio frequency signal... Agent: Thorpe North & Western, LLP.

20080319436 - Devices and methods for thermal ablation of biological tissue using geometric ablation patterns: A tissue ablation system including numerous components and methods is described herein for encircling target tissue and generating tissue ablation volumes in various biological tissues. The biological tissue includes tissue of a variety of organs of the human body including the liver, spleen, kidney, lung, breast and other organs, but... Agent: Courtney Staniford & Gregory LLP

20080319434 - Reflective power monitoring for microwave applications: A system and method for supplying microwave energy to tissue for microwave therapy includes an electrosurgical generator having an output for coupling to a surgical instrument. The electrosurgical generator includes a microwave energy source and a controller for controlling the operation of the electrosurgical generator. The surgical instrument, coupled to... Agent: Tyco Healthcare Group Lp

20080319435 - Shape-changing tissue constrictor and methods of use: A tissue constrictor includes one or more shape-changing materials that when activated aids in constricting a portion of an organ or tissue in the body. In one embodiment, the constrictor conducts electrosurgical or ablation energy to section tissue.... Agent: Christensen, O'connor, Johnson, Kindness, PLLC

20080319438 - Electrosurgical systems and cartridges for use therewith: A cartridge for use with an electrosurgical system includes a housing, a conduit, and a conductor. The housing includes a path defined therein. The conduit is disposed at least partially within the housing such that the path is configured to position at least a portion of the conduit within the... Agent: Tyco Healthcare Group Lp

20080319439 - Medical device: A medical device for fusing or necrosing biological tissue includes a pair of electrode members configured to sandwich the biological tissue, and an energy supply unit configured to supply electric energy to between the pair of electrode members, wherein the surface area of each of the pair of electrode members... Agent: Buchanan, Ingersoll & Rooney PC

20080319440 - Endoscopic universal handle: An electrosurgical system is provided having a handpiece adapted to receive a plurality of different end effectors such that, when a particular end effector is attached to the handpiece, the end effector is recognized by either or both the handpiece and a separate electrosurgical generator so that the operational parameters... Agent: Cook Alex Ltd

20080319441 - Flammable substance sensing during a surgical procedure: A surgical safety apparatus for use in connection with an energizable surgical device minimizes inadvertent activation of a surgical tool when the oxygen or flammable gas level is too high. An activation circuit is connected with an energy source and with a hand piece of the tool. A sensor measures... Agent: Greenberg Traurig LLP (la)

20080319442 - Vessel sealing cutting assemblies: An endoscopic bipolar forceps includes a housing having a shaft affixed thereto the shaft including jaw members at a distal end thereof. The shaft includes a longitudinal axis defined therethrough and the jaw members are adapted to connect to a source of electrosurgical energy such that the jaw members are... Agent: Tyco Healthcare Group Lp

20080319443 - Bone staple with compressible deformation region: A bone staple (10) for securing a first bone region (12A) to a second bone region (12B) includes a staple body (16) having a first leg section (18), a second leg section (20), and a connector section (22). The first leg section (18) is insertable into the first bone region... Agent: Roeder & Broder LLP

20080319491 - Patient-matched surgical component and methods of use: A method of automatically registering a surgical navigation system to a patient's anatomy is provided. The method comprises programming a surgical navigation system with a first spatial relationship between a surgical component and a reference array connected to the surgical component, programming the surgical navigation system with a second spatial... Agent: Bose Mckinney & Evans LLP

20080319446 - Apparatus and methods for delivering compounds into vertebrae for vertebroplasty: An apparatus and a method configured for the efficient delivery of a viscous material, such as bone cement, to a surgical site are described. A housing removably receives a large gauge syringe which is filled with the viscous material. The apparatus is a syringe-type assembly that uses at least one... Agent: Alix Yale & Ristas LLP

20080319447 - Device for the application of resilient material between vertebras: A device is used for inserting resilient material between the vertebras in a spinal column. The device incorporates first and second units which support portions arranged to cause a separating action upon the vertebras via surfaces present thereon. The separating actuation by means of the portions can be effected by... Agent: Young & Thompson

20080319444 - Methods and devices for treating bone after high velocity and/or trauma fracture: Devices and methods treat bone after high velocity and/or trauma fracture, using various devices, including cavity-forming devices.... Agent: Haynes And Boone, LLP

20080319445 - Apparatus and methods for delivering compounds into vertebrae for vertebroplasty: An apparatus for delivering bone cement into a vertebra, includes a cannula, a delivery device in communication with the cannula and a pressure delivery device in communication with the delivery device. The pressure delivery device provides an actuating force that acts either directly or through a medium to cause a... Agent: VistaIPLaw Group LLP

20080319449 - Computer-assisted planning method for correcting changes in the shape of joint bones: The patent discloses a system and method for correcting changes in the shape of joint bones in a bone joint, including: providing a three-dimensional imaging data set of a bone joint; identifying the joint bones in the data set based on the shapes of the joint bones; inscribing a portion... Agent: Don W. Bulson (brai)

20080319448 - System and method for determining an optimal type and position of an implant: A computer-assisted orthopaedic surgery system includes a device for generating a three dimensional geometrical surface model of a first bone and a database containing three 3 dimensional implant models of a plurality of available implants. The system includes a computer that is configured to permit a user to select from... Agent: Darby & Darby P.C.

20080319450 - Bone screw driver: A bone screw driver (12) for inserting a bone screw (14) into a bone region (218A) includes a driver shaft (12B) that selectively engages the bone screw (14). The bone screw (14) includes a screw threaded region (14A) and a screw engagement region (14B). The screw engagement region (14B) includes... Agent: Roeder & Broder LLP

20080319451 - Post-occlusion chamber collapse suppressing system for a surgical apparatus and method of use: A post-occlusion chamber collapse canceling system for a surgical apparatus that detects the breaking of occlusions by tissue fragments in the distal end of the aspiration path and produces a response consisting in a transitory blockage of the distal end the aspiration path to terminate the chamber collapse and a... Agent: Jaime Zacharias

20080319452 - Method and system for insertion of a graft: The present invention may provide a method and tools for carrying out a method for insertion of a graft, the method comprising gripping a tubular object by a grip head of a first tool, grasping the object by a second tool, detaching the object from the first tool and inserting... Agent: Pearl Cohen Zedek Latzer, LLP

20080319453 - High velocity liquid-gas mist tissue abrasion device: The present invention relates to a device for abrading or cleansing tissue. The device includes a gas inlet port connected to a pressurized gas source, and a liquid inlet port connected to a pressurized liquid source. There is, additionally, a mist jet delivery nozzle arrangement, which includes one or more... Agent: Fay Sharpe LLP

20080319454 - Method for using a thread for hair removal and same: A method for using a thread for hair removal and a hair removal method are provided here. The method includes the act of forming an entrapment to trap the hair that needs to be removed. The entrapment may then be pulled away from the skin to lift the hair out... Agent: Martin E. Jerisat

20080319455 - Methods and devices for reducing gastric volume: The present invention involves new interventional methods and devices for reducing gastric volume, and thereby treating obesity. The procedures are generally performed laparoscopically and may generally be described as laparoscopic plication gastroplasty (LPG) in which, after obtaining abdominal access, spaced apart sites on a gastric wall are engaged and approximated... Agent: Speckman Law Group PLLC

20080319456 - Surgical staple-clip and applier: A surgical staple-clip including a clip component and a securing member is used in a wide range of surgical procedures. The staple-clip may be introduced to a surgical site in an un-assembled condition through a small port or trocar. An applier for the staple-clip comprising a pair of opposed jaw-like... Agent: Applied Medical Resources Corporation

20080319457 - Anastomosis instrument and method for performing same: A surgical instrument for creating an anastomosis includes a housing, a handle extending from the housing and a fastener support member extending distally from the housing. The fastener support member is configured and dimensioned to releasably support a plurality of surgical fasteners. The instrument further includes a tissue retaining mechanism... Agent: Tyco Healthcare Group Lp

20080319458 - System for closing a puncture in a vessel wall: A device is provided herein for deploying a suture in a puncture through a vessel wall of a blood vessel, the puncture disposed within a tissue tract of a patient body. The device includes a shaft suitable for insertion along the tissue tract and into the vessel through a puncture,... Agent: Workman Nydegger

20080319459 - Laparoscopic instrument: The present invention relates to a system of laparoscopic instruments that provides the possibility of an effective and fast laparoscopic/endoscopic suturing method in order to facilitate 5 laparoscopic/endoscopic operation. The system consists of the following main parts: a novel, specially made laparoscopic instrument that in one end has a specially... Agent: Young & Thompson

20080319460 - Patch for replacement of a portion of bladder wall following partial cystectomy: A patch (1; 100) is described for replacement of a portion of bladder wall, following partial cystectomy. The patch comprises a multi-layered membrane (2) of soft silicone, with a thickness of about 600 microns so as to be sufficiently elastic to be able to withstand the dilatations due to expansion... Agent: Young & Thompson

20080319461 - Sutureless vessel anastomosis method and apparatus: A method for performing end-to-end vessel anastomosis includes providing a vessel support including a vessel receiving portion and a handle portion extending therefrom. The vessel receiving portion is an annulus. The vessel receiving portion is positioned around the end of a first vessel and the end of the first vessel... Agent: Gifford, Krass, Sprinkle,anderson & Citkowski, P.c

20080319462 - System, apparatus and method for opening an occluded lesion: A system, apparatus and method for maximizing efficiency of tissue removal from body passageways is provided. The system comprises a device for opening an occluded lesion, e.g., a rotational atherectomy device or angioplasty device, and a guide wire having an introducer sheath. The guide wire introducer sheath may comprise a... Agent: Altera Law Group, LLC

20080319463 - Apparatus, system and method for illuminated membrane manipulator: Multifunctional surgical devices for use in ophthalmic surgery are disclosed. More particularly, embodiments of a surgical instrument with a multifunction tip are provided. Specifically, the tip may provide a source of illumination, a pik, and another tool such as a scraper, knife or spatula. This tool may be extended from... Agent: Alcon

20080319465 - Keratome: A keratome for performing corneal resectioning that creates a corneal flap having a temporal hinge in which a blade is initially positioned nasally and is drawn across the cornea to create the flap with a temporal hinge.... Agent: Lawrence S. Cohen Attorney

20080319464 - Re-treatment for ophthalmic correction of refraction: A planning device generating control data for a treatment apparatus for refraction-correcting ophthalmic surgery is provided, said apparatus using a laser device to separate a corneal volume, which is to be removed for correction, from the surrounding cornea by at least one cut surface in the cornea of an eye,... Agent: Patterson, Thuente, Skaar & Christensen, P.A.

20080319466 - Surgical instrument and method for improving a crestal sinus lift: A surgical instrument for use in a sinus lift includes a substantially cylindrical sleeve which is sealingly insertable into a bore of a jawbone. The sleeve has a lumen and is formed with an inlet channel and an outlet port which is in fluid communication with the lumen. A vibration... Agent: Henry M. Feiereisen Henry M. Feiereisen, LLC

20080319467 - Thin bladed obturator: A process for manufacturing an obturator blade for a surgical obturator includes the steps of providing an obturator blade blank, pressing the blade blank to form intersecting surfaces adjacent one side, preferably, both sides, of the blade blank and forming a cutting edge adjacent an area of intersection of the... Agent: Tyco Healthcare Group Lp

20080319468 - Biopsy device with selectable tissue receiving aperature orientation and site illumination: The invention is directed to a system and device for separating and collecting a tissue specimen from a target site within a patient. The device includes a probe component with an elongated tubular section, a penetrating distal tip and a tissue receiving aperture in the distal end of the tubular... Agent: Edward J. Lynch Patent Attorney

20080319469 - Lancet device: A lancet device for obtaining a blood sample from a finger or at an alternate site of a patient. The lancet device includes a body and a lancet, the lancet being movable between a retracted position in which the lancet tip is disposed within the body and an extended position... Agent: Young & Basile, P.C.

20080319470 - Gastric restrictor assembly and method of use: Disclosed is gastric restrictor assembly. The gastric restrictor assembly includes a housing having a base portion, a waist portion and head portion. The gastric restrictor assembly further includes a base having a plurality of pins extending therefrom. The base is configured for being lockingly received within the housing. When the... Agent: Tyco Healthcare Group Lp

20080319471 - Gastric space filler device, delivery system, and related methods: According to features of the present disclosure, a gastric space filler device and methods effective for reducing stomach volume are disclosed. A gastric space filler comprising at least one inflatable space filler and a sleeve to prevent leakage out of the gastric space filler device is disclosed. The gastric space... Agent: Greenberg Traurig LLP (la)

20080319472 - Cervical dilator catheter: This invention is an improved balloon catheter for cervical dilation. This catheter has a balloon that is passed through the cervix of a pregnant woman, and the balloon is then inflated with 100-120 ml of sterile water or normal saline. The improved disc shape of the inflated balloon is 8... Agent: Marion Stevens Shelley

20080319473 - Device for applying pressure to a pocket to prevent hematoma after surgical implantation of medical device and method of using the same: A device for applying pressure to a pocket and for preventing hematoma after surgically implanting a medical device in the pocket. The device may have first and second portions for contacting the front and back sides of a patient, respectively, and a device for applying pressure to the pocket. The... Agent: Michael Ries

20080319474 - Surgical tools and operation system: Provided is a surgical tools having multiple functions exhibited by end effector parts, which is small-sized and inexpensive, and which can eliminate the necessity of replacement of surgical tools. The surgical tools incorporating: a tip end portion having a plurality of end effector parts, and a tool sleeve through which... Agent: Antonelli, Terry, Stout & Kraus, LLP

20080319476 - Hemostatic mineral compositions and uses thereof: The invention generally relates to compositions and methods for promoting hemostasis and sealing a wound by producing an adhesive cast. In particular, the invention provides compositions comprising clay minerals with specified particle sizes, which, when applied to a bleeding area, allow for a desired result in at least one of... Agent: Venable LLP

20080319475 - Methods, devices, and apparatus for managing access through tissue: Devices and methods for managing access through tissue is disclosed. The device includes a body. The body is movable from a pre-deployed configuration towards a deployed configuration. The device includes a plurality of tissue engaging portions that extend from the body. At least a portion of the tissue engaging portions... Agent: Workman Nydegger

20080319477 - Anchor extenders for minimally invasive surgical procedures: Systems for positioning a connecting element adjacent the spinal column in minimally invasive surgical procedures include one or more extenders removably engaged to one or more anchors engaged to a bony segment. The anchor extenders provide a reference to the respective anchor locations within the patient even when the anchor... Agent: Krieg Devault LLP

20080319478 - Knotless suture anchor having discrete polymer components and related methods: A knotless bone anchor and method for securing soft tissue, such as tendons, to bone, includes a plurality of discrete components. In one variation of the invention, the bone anchor includes a proximal toggle component, an intermediate plug component, and a distal sleeve component. Suture is looped around the plug... Agent: Arthrocare Corporation

20080319479 - Developmental pacifier: A Developmental Pacifier is provided to help infants with functional feeding development and to assist with specific developmental problems in young children such as developmental delays, prematurity, gastro-esophageal reflux, autism spectrum disorder, hypotonicity, cerebral palsy, Down's syndrome, microcephaly, and other sensory integrative dysfunctions. The developmental pacifier of the present invention... Agent: Robert D. Gunderman, Jr. Patent Technologies, LLC

20080319480 - Pacifier accommodation device: In embodiments of the present invention, improved capabilities are described for a pacifier accommodation device. The pacifier accommodation device may be comprised of a protrusion adapted to be placed inside an infants mouth; a platform wherein the protrusion is attached; a resilient side member, wherein the member is attached to... Agent: Strategic Patents P.C..

20080319482 - Dynamic fixation assemblies with pre-tensioned cord segments: A dynamic fixation medical implant having at least two bone anchors includes a longitudinal connecting member assembly having a core portion made from at least one pre-tensioned flexible member and a cooperating pre-compressed surrounding outer sleeve. The sleeve surrounds the core and is disposed between cooperating rigid end members that... Agent: Law Office Of John C. Mcmahon

20080319481 - Spondylolisthesis correction apparatus and method: An apparatus and method are provided that allow for the realignment and stabilization of adjacent vertebrae. An implant of this invention both repositions adjacent vertebrae and remains in situ to maintain the new position. The implant has two halves which are interlocked such that they can slide horizontally with respect... Agent: George R. Schultz Schultz & Associates, P.C.

20080319483 - System and method for facet joint replacement with detachable coupler: A facet joint replacement system includes an inferior implant with an inferior articular surface, and a superior implant with a superior articular surface. The implants may be coupled together by a detachable coupler which can align and rigidly hold the inferior and superior articular surfaces in a preferred alignment relative... Agent: Medicinelodge Inc.

20080319484 - System and method for facet joint replacement: A system for replacing at least a portion of a natural facet joint includes a fixation member implantable in a vertebra, an inferior facet articular surface and an inferior strut which may be formed separately from the inferior articular surface. The inferior strut has a first end securable to the... Agent: Medicinelodge Inc.

20080319485 - System and method for implant anchorage with anti-rotation features: A system includes an implant with an articulation surface, a fixation member which may be anchored in a bone, and a base portion which may receive the fixation member. The base member may comprise a bone-engaging portion and an attachment portion. The base member may receive the fixation member such... Agent: Medicinelodge Inc.

20080319486 - Flexible member with variable flexibility for providing dynamic stability to a spine: The present invention relates to spinal support devices and, more specifically, to a flexible member having variable flexibility for use with a dynamic stabilization system or implant to provide dynamic stability to a person's spine. The flexible member generally includes a first material having a first portion including a first... Agent: Crompton, Seager & Tufte, LLC

20080319487 - Methods and devices for controlled flexion restriction of spinal segments: A system for restricting spinal flexion includes superior and inferior tether structures joined by a pair of compliance members. Compliance members comprise tension members which apply a relatively low elastic tension on the tether structures. By placing the tether structures on or over adjacent spinous processes, flexion of a spinal... Agent: Townsend And Townsend And Crew, LLP

20080319488 - System and method for facet joint replacement: A facet joint replacement system includes an inferior implant with an inferior articular surface, a superior implant with a superior articular surface and may include a crosslink extending across a vertebral sagittal plane. The inferior implant may comprise an inferior strut, and a polyaxially adjustable, lockable mechanism which may couple... Agent: Medicinelodge Inc.

20080319489 - System and method for bone anchorage: A bone anchor assembly may include a fixation member securable to a bone, a coupling member, a compressible member and a locking member. The fixation member may be formed monolithically with the coupling member, and the coupling member may have a loop portion shaped to receive the compressible member. The... Agent: Medicinelodge Inc.

20080319490 - Polyaxial bone anchor assembly with one-piece closure, pressure insert and plastic elongate member: A medical implant assembly includes a polyaxial bone anchor having a shank, a receiver, a lower compression insert with planar surfaces for closely receiving an elongate connecting member with planar surfaces and a one-piece closure structure. The connecting member is made from a polymer. The closure structure engages both the... Agent: Law Office Of John C. Mcmahon

20080312641 - Laser treatment of vascular lesions, pigmented lesions and hair with a pulsed-dye laser: There is disclosed a method of treating one or more skin conditions using pulsed, scanned, or continuously administered laser light in multiple wavelength ranges. The skin conditions that can be treated include vascular lesions and/or dermal remodeling by administering to the skin, energy having a wavelength ranging from 570-598 nanometers,... Agent: Finnegan, Henderson, Farabow, Garrett & Dunner LLP

20080312642 - Tissue ablation system including guidewire with sensing element: A tissue ablation system for ablating tissue is presented having independent sensing and ablation capabilities. A sensing wire is positioned distally to the ablation region and passed through the ablation device allowing independent movement. The ablation device can ablate a substantial portion of a circumferential region of tissue. The tissue... Agent: Christopher & Weisberg, P.A.

20080312643 - Tissue ablation system including guidewire with sensing element: A tissue ablation system for ablating tissue is presented having independent sensing and ablation capabilities. A sensing wire is positioned distally to the ablation region and passed through the ablation device allowing independent movement. The ablation device can ablate a substantial portion of a circumferential region of tissue. The tissue... Agent: Christopher & Weisberg, P.A.

20080312644 - Cryogenic balloon ablation instruments and systems: Cryogenic tissue ablation instruments for treating body tissue include an elongate flexible body with a proximal supply port for coupling with a pressurized coolant (e.g., liquid N2O), a supply lumen in fluid communication with the proximal supply port, and an expandable cryogenic balloon carried on a distal portion of the... Agent: VistaIPLaw Group LLP

20080312645 - Vascular sealing device and method using clot enhancing balloon and electric field generation: An apparatus and method for closing an opening in a blood vessel wall is disclosed. The apparatus includes at least one member which is extended through a tissue tract formed through the epidermis and subcutaneous layer of skin and through the opening in the blood vessel. The member includes a... Agent: Miller, Matthias & Hull

20080312648 - Fat removal and sculpting device: A device for removing and/or sculpting tissue includes a substantially planar pad and an array of needles extending distally from the pad. Each of the needles is configured for insertion into body tissue, and each of the needles may be configured to couple to a source of electrosurgical energy.... Agent: Tyco Healthcare Group Lp

20080312649 - Illuminated instrument buttons: An illuminated control surface is disclosed for use on a surgical instrument. The control surface may be disposed on a pushbutton switch located on a working head adapted for controlling the surgical tool. The light source may be an LED mounted remotely with respect to the illuminated control surface with... Agent: Tyco Healthcare Group Lp

20080312647 - Methods and devices for treating tissue: The invention provides a system, and method for achieving the cosmetically beneficial effects of shrinking collagen tissue in the dermis or other areas of tissue in an effective, non-invasive manner using an array of electrodes. Systems described herein allow for improved, treatment of tissue. Additional variations of the system include... Agent: Levine Bagade Han LLP

20080312650 - Thermal ablation of biological tissue: An ablation device is described comprising an introducer and an electrode array. The electrode array couples to a distal end of the introducer. The electrode array includes a center member having a distal end configured to penetrate tissue and a plurality of electrodes. Proximal and distal ends of each electrode... Agent: Courtney Staniford & Gregory LLP

20080312651 - Apparatus and methods for selective heating of tissue: Methods and apparatus for selectively heating a target tissue via radiofrequency (RF) electrical energy. Apparatus of the invention includes an electrode unit having a plurality of concentric electrodes, wherein supply of electrical energy to each electrode may be independently controlled such that each of the plurality of electrodes has a... Agent: Stallman & Pollock LLP

20080312652 - Reverse sealing and dissection instrument: A surgical instrument for sealing and dissecting body tissue is described having distal and proximal ends with an elongated body. The body includes a jaw member positioned at the distal end that is defined by a stationary arm and a pivotable arm. A moveable closure sleeve is disposed at least... Agent: Scott Evans

20080312653 - Mechanism for dividing tissue in a hemostat-style instrument: Open electrosurgical forceps for sealing tissue are provided which include first and second shaft portions pivotably associated with one another. Each shaft portion has a jaw member disposed at a distal end thereof. Each of the jaw members includes an electrically conductive sealing surface adapted to communicate electrosurgical energy through... Agent: Tyco Healthcare Group Lp

20080312654 - Method for marking orthopedic implant: A novel process for marking implants and instruments is provided by masking a portion of the implant or instrument and then applying a treatment to alter the appearance of the unmasked area. The process may be used to mark surfaces not suitable for laser or chemical etching.... Agent: Fitch Even Tabin And Flannery

20080312656 - Adjustable fixation devices incorporating drive systems: Disclosed embodiments relate to a fixation device for use in supporting and/or aligning an injured body part. An exemplary disclosed fixation device uses a pair of thumb wheel control elements to provide controlled rotational micromovements of a joint fracture. The control elements, their associated drive systems, and at least a... Agent: Baker & Mckenzie LLP Patent Department

20080312655 - Polyaxial screw system and method having a hinged receiver: A polyaxial screw system and method are provided. The system comprises a receiver having a pivot area defined by a pivot joint or a material between a pair of receiver walls or members that permit the receiver walls or members to move or pivot relative to each other so that... Agent: Matthew R. Jenkins, Esq.

20080312657 - Intramedullary bone device: An intramedullary bone device comprises a distal outer member having at least one opening in a wall thereof, a proximal outer member for positioning in substantial axial alignment with the distal outer member, the proximal outer member having at least one opening in a wall thereof. The distal outer member... Agent: Hoffman Wasson & Gitler, P.c Crystal Center 2, Suite 522

20080312658 - Bone-shaping tools: Surgical, bone-shaping tools include a saw and a planer. Each tool includes a pair of spaced-apart circular plates of equal diameter, each plate having an inner surface an outer surface, and a peripheral edge. The plates are configured to rotate about a common axis with the inner surfaces facing one... Agent: Gifford, Krass, Sprinkle,anderson & Citkowski, P.c

20080312704 - Instrumentation and associated techniques for minimally invasive spinal construct installation: A spinal fixation installation assembly includes an elongate member having a trailing end. The elongate member, which could be a rigid member, is configured for travel in a first direction along an elongate portion of a first bone anchor coupled to a spine. The elongate member is also configured to... Agent: Crompton, Seager & Tufte, LLC

20080312703 - Instrumentation and associated techniques for minimally invasive vertebral rod installation: Spinal fixation systems may be installed utilizing instruments and techniques alone or in combination with selectively attached extension members mounted on vertebral anchors to extend percutaneously from the spine. The surgical procedures associated with this invention involve making small, discrete incisions for the placement of select vertebral anchors. The extension... Agent: Crompton, Seager & Tufte, LLC

20080312705 - Surgical guiding instrument: A surgical guiding instrument for a surgical machining tool has a substantially elongated instrument body having a proximal end and a distal end and defining a longitudinal axis. The instrument body carries a guiding device for the machining tool that can be used in minimally invasive surgery. The guiding device... Agent: Ratnerprestia

20080312659 - Patient specific alignment guide and inter-operative adjustment: A method of preparing a joint for a prosthesis in a patient. The method includes obtaining scan data associated with the joint of the patient, preparing a three-dimensional image of the joint based on the scan data, preparing a pre-operative surgical plan based on the scan data, and preparing an... Agent: Harness, Dickey & Pierce, P.L.C

20080312646 - Transseptal closure of a patent foramen ovale and other cardiac defects: The present invention provides for therapeutic treatment methods, devices, and systems for the partial or complete closure or occlusion of a patent foramen ovale (“PFO”). In particular, various methods, devices, and systems for joining or welding tissues, in order to therapeutically close a PFO are described. In yet another aspect... Agent: Dla Piper LLP (us)

20080312660 - Devices and methods for measuring the space around a nerve root: Described herein are method, systems and devices for measuring the region adjacent to or around a nerve root, such as the space within an intervertebral foramen before, during and/or after a spinal decompression procedure. Measurement devices may be advanced by pulling on them using a guidewire passing through the intervertebral... Agent: Shay Glenn LLP

20080312661 - Lens injector lumen tip for wound assisted delivery: A cartridge for an IOL delivery system that is specifically designed to aid in wound assisted IOL delivery. The distal tip of the nozzle has an extended canopy which serves to open the incision and support the IOL. Peripheral protrusions, flanges, or stops extending laterally from the side of the... Agent: Alcon

20080312662 - Self sealing cannula / aperture closure cannula: A cannula having a body, a sealing disc, and a cap. The sealing disc is located within the body and is compressed by the cap. An angled cut in the sealing disc allows microsurgical instruments to be inserted through the cannula into the eye. Upon removal, the cut in the... Agent: Alcon

20080312663 - Computer-assisted joint analysis using surface projection: A system and method for computer-assisted joint analysis, wherein the joint elements in a three-dimensional imaging data set are segmented and then projected onto a two-dimensional or three-dimensional reference area for interference analysis and surgical planning.... Agent: Renner, Otto, Boisselle & Sklar, LLP

20080312666 - Clip applier and methods of use: An apparatus for delivering a closure element can include a splittable carrier tube and a splitter to split the tube. The carrier tube can have an outer surface retaining a closure element in a tubular configuration and can be split into radially-expandable flaps. A closure element has can have shape-memory... Agent: Workman Nydegger

20080312665 - Clipping instrument for an endoscopic surgical device: A clipping instrument for an endoscope is provided. The clipping instrument includes a flexible sheath, an operation wire, at least one detachable clip assembly, including a pair of clipping arms and a fastening ring. The clipping arms are configured to be projected forward to open outside the flexible sheath and... Agent: Greenblum & Bernstein, P.L.C

20080312664 - Left atrial appendage closure: A medical device is disclosed for tissue, body lumen and/or cavity closure inside a body of a patient. In one particular application, the medical device can be used for minimally invasive access and closure of a left atrial appendage of the heart. The medical device generally includes a tool used... Agent: Hamre, Schumann, Mueller & Larson, P.C.

20080312667 - Self-orientating suture wound closure device: A device is disclosed for providing an indication as to the relative position of a vessel or artery opening thereby facilitating the choice of which suturing or plugging technique to thereafter use. A disclosed device includes an outer tube and a collapsible foot slidably disposed within a distal end of... Agent: Miller, Matthias & Hull

20080312668 - Rigidly-linked articulating wrist with decoupled motion transmission: The present invention is a device having a rigidly linked jaw that is decoupled from an articulating wrist. The device provides for articulating motion as well as actuation that may be used in grasping, cutting, suturing or the like.... Agent: Patent Dept Intuitive Surgical, Inc

20080312669 - Surgical instrument and method: The invention relates to a surgical instrument, e.g. forceps, and method to be used for suturing tissue, the surgical instrument comprising a first arm and a second arm that are spring-connected at a proximal end, while at a distal end the first arm and the second arm can be moved... Agent: Howrey LLP - Dc

20080312670 - Surgical ligature clip: In order, in the case of a surgical ligature clip comprising two retaining arms, which are connected to one another in each case at one end by a deformable connection point and bendable in such a way towards one another that the arms move from an open position, in which... Agent: Lipsitz & Mcallister, LLC

20080312672 - Forwardly directed fluid jet crossing catheter: The present invention provides a forwardly directed fluid jet crossing catheter having a distally directed cylindrical flow fluid jet stream to cross a chronic total occlusion. The distal end of the device includes a formable catheter tip region having flexible internal components. Low and high pressure cavities are formed substantially... Agent: Gregory L Bradley Medrad Inc

20080312671 - Infusion flow guidewire system: An infusion flow guidewire system including a delivery sheath and an infusion flow guidewire. The minimal cross section flexible infusion flow guidewire includes a nitinol hypotube, a flexible tip and distally located rearwardly directed orifices for infusion of fibrinolytics and for introduction of high pressure fluids for maceration and rearwardly... Agent: Gregory L Bradley Medrad Inc

20080312673 - Method and apparatus for cto crossing: A method of treating vessel occlusions including chronic total occlusions (CTO) of the coronary arteries is presented that relies on remote navigation of a remotely steered medical device to the occlusion and controlled application of ablative energy or mechanical push together with real-time local imaging of the vasculature or real-time... Agent: Bryan K. Wheelock Suite 400

20080312674 - Combined nasal spray and aspirator device: A combined nasal spray and aspirator device includes an air pump disposed within a housing and comprises a spray and aspirator assembly. The air pump, at which an air suction connector and an air discharge connector are disposed, is driven by a driving component to perform air suction and discharge... Agent: Venable LLP

20080312675 - System and method for calculating limbal relaxing incisions: A method and system for calculating ocular incision positions to address astigmatism in an eye. The present design includes providing biometric information, determining an incision location:and angle based on the biometric information and a nomogram such as a Donnenfeld nomogram, relating astigmatism conditions and incision conditions, and presenting the incision... Agent: Advanced Medical Optics, Inc.

20080312676 - device and kit for treatment of disorders in the heart rhythm regulation system: A tissue cutting device is disclosed, which is structured and arranged to be inserted through the vascular system into a body vessel adjacent to the heart and/or into the heart, and to be subsequently subjected to a change of shape in order to penetrate into the heart tissue. The tissue... Agent: Inskeep Intellectual Property Group, Inc

20080312677 - Soft tissue tunneling device: A tissue tunneling device is configured to be delivered within the body. The tunneling device includes a shaft with a blunt distal end to prevent coring or other damage to tissue during the delivery of the tunneling device. In some arrangements, the shaft includes one or more lumen, through which... Agent: Knobbe Martens Olson & Bear LLP

20080312678 - Methods and devices for treating obesity: Methods and devices for treating obesity. Pressure is applied to gastric walls in at least one segment of a stomach such that the pressure distends the gastric walls and induces satiety. A hollow capsule can be used to distend the gastric walls. Alternatively, a doughnut-shaped ring may be inflated to... Agent: Fulbright & Jaworski L.L.P.

20080312679 - Occluding device: An occluding device for occlusion within a body vessel is disclosed. The device comprises an expandable frame having an occluding portion disposed within a closure area of the frame. An anchoring component is attached to the frame to engage the body vessel. A coupling is attached to the frame for... Agent: Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione/chicago/cook

20080312680 - Nasal support device and method: The present disclosure provides a device and method for facilitating air flow in the nasal passage of a domestic animal. The nasal support device (NSD) disclosed herein is useful for facilitating air flow during rest, physical exertion, respiratory ailment, etc. The NSD secures to the nose of a domestic animal... Agent: David G. Schmaltz Merchant & Gould P.C.

20080312681 - Catheter for removal of an organized embolic thrombus: The general purpose of the present invention is to provide a catheter for removal of an organized embolic thrombus, preferably in conjunction with a distal occlusion balloon guidewire. The present invention consists of three main components including a capture/delivery sheath, a capture sleeve of mesh attached to a tube and... Agent: Gregory L Bradley Medrad Inc

20080312682 - Pressure indicating device: A device for indicating the pressure applied to an object by a strap (21). The device is adapted to receive an end of the strap and to allow the strap end to be pulled through the device against the action of a deformable spring means (22), thereby progressively increasing the... Agent: Renner Otto Boisselle & Sklar, LLP

20080312684 - Apparatus and method for closing an opening in a blood vessel using a permanent implant: An apparatus and method for closing an arteriotomy site is disclosed. The apparatus includes inner and outer frames adapted to sandwich a blood vessel wall therebetween. The inner and outer frames may be manufactured from memory metals such that they can be compressed during the insertion into the tissue tract... Agent: Miller, Matthias & Hull

20080312683 - Apparatus and method for closing an opening in a blood vessel using memory metal and collagen: An apparatus and method for closing an arteriotomy site are disclosed. The apparatus and method employ the use of a delivery sheath within which is provided an anchoring device formed of memory metal. The delivery sheath can be inserted through a tissue tract extending from an epidermal layer to the... Agent: Miller, Matthias & Hull

20080312685 - System and method for moving and stretching plastic tissue: A system and method of moving and stretching plastic tissue using dynamic force. An elastomeric driver is adjustably attachable to one or more anchors for securing the elastomer to the plastic tissue, providing a self adjusting system that is capable of exerting relatively constant tension over a certain distance.... Agent: John S. Pratt Kilpatrick Stockton LLP (canica Design Inc.)

20080312686 - Antimicrobial closure element and closure element applier: A closure element is disclosed. The closure element includes a body. The body includes a plurality of tissue engaging portions extending from the body. The body is movable from a compressed state to a deployed state. The body includes a material. Silver or alloys thereof are included as a component... Agent: Workman Nydegger

20080312687 - Surgical fastener: A surgical fastener having a backspan, a pair of legs depending from the backspan, and a contact pad on the backspan. At least one of the pair of legs is configured to contact the contact pad to provide an indication of formation thereof.... Agent: Tyco Healthcare Group Lp

20080312688 - Bi-directional barbed suture: Surgical sutures having a core extending along a length thereof between a first end and a second end, and a plurality of sets of first and second projections, wherein the first projections extend in a direction of a first end of the suture and the second projections extend in a... Agent: Philip S. Johnson Johnson & Johnson

20080312689 - Method and apparatus for coupling sof tissue to a bone: A method and apparatus for coupling a soft tissue implant into a locking cavity formed within a bone is disclosed. The apparatus includes a member to pull the soft tissue implant into a femoral tunnel. The member includes a suture having first and second ends which are passed through first... Agent: Harness, Dickey & Pierce, P.L.C

20080312690 - Apparatus for adjusting a spine: An apparatus includes a frame having a substantially planar first portion and a substantially planar second portion. The first and second portions are spaced rigidly apart from each other in a substantially parallel orientation to define a passage that extends through the frame between the first portion and the second... Agent: Tarolli, Sundheim, Covell & Tummino L.L.P.

20080312691 - Exercise apparatus for backbone remedy: Disclosed herein is an exercise apparatus for backbone care, in which an exerciser's lower body is moved leftwards and rightwards when a lower body exercising panel rotates leftwards and rightwards, so that his or her upper body is moved in a direction opposite the moving direction of the lower body,... Agent: Ipla P.A.

20080312692 - Multi-level spinal stabilization system: Multi-level spinal stabilization devices, systems and methods are provided that include at least one multi-level connector, one elongated member with an enlarged head, at least one pedicle screw, and at least one mechanism that supports three degrees of rotational freedom relative to both the elongated member and the pedicle screw... Agent: Mccarter & English, LLP Attn.: Basam E. Nabulsi

20080312693 - Posterior functionally dynamic stabilization system: A functionally dynamic stabilization unit and system for treatment of spinal instability are provided. Each unit, and collectively, the system, is configured to control flexion, extension and translation of the affected unstable vertebral area, thereby stabilizing the vertebral segments by restoring normal function. This is achieved by providing a unit... Agent: Finnegan, Henderson, Farabow, Garrett & Dunner LLP

20080312694 - Dynamic stabilization rod for spinal implants and methods for manufacturing the same: Embodiments of the disclosure provide a new and improved dynamic stabilization rod for spinal implants and methods of making the same The dynamic stabilization rod has a hollow cylindrical body and an opening extending spirally around a longitudinal axis of the cylindrical body. The cylindrical body, including the opening, may... Agent: Paul D. Yasger Abbott Laboratories

20080312695 - Biocompatible osteogenic band for repair of spinal disorders: Methods of repairing a joint formed by at least two bone sections are provided wherein a biocompatible osteogenic band fabricated from an osteogenic biological material such as bone, tendon, ligament and collagen is affixed to two or more bone sections.... Agent: Dorsey & Whitney LLP Intellectual Property Department

20080312696 - System and method for polyaxially adjustable bone anchorage: An implantable bone anchor assembly for fixing an elongated member such as a spinal rod may include a bone anchor, a coupling head configured to receive the bone anchor and the elongated member, and a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism may provide compressive force to simultaneously fix the position of... Agent: Medicinelodge Inc.

20080312697 - System and method for polyaxially adjustable bone anchorage: An implantable bone anchor assembly for fixing an elongated member such as a spinal rod may include a bone anchor, a coupling head configured to receive the bone anchor and the elongated member, and a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism may provide compressive force to simultaneously fix the position of... Agent: Medicinelodge Inc.

20080312698 - Device and system for stabilizing movement between bony tissue and method for implanting: A device and system for stabilizing movement between two or more vertebral bodies and methods for implanting. Specifically, embodiments of the present disclosure may provide medical professionals the ability to selectively position and orient anchors in bony tissue and then attach a plate to the pre-positioned anchors. The plate assembly,... Agent: Paul D. Yasger Abbott Laboratories

20080312699 - Recessed plate system: A plate is positioned in an intervertebral space to inhibit or prevent an intervertebral spacer from backing out from the intervertebral space.... Agent: Cermak Kenealy & Vaidya LLP

20080312700 - Bioabsorbable screw: The invention provides a bioabsorbable screw (1), suitable for use in orthopaedic surgery, and having cavities (8) disposed on the surface of the shaft. In particularly preferred embodiments of the invention, grating (or abrading) means are provided, and the screw shaft may be hollow, to assist eves biodegradation of the... Agent: Renner Otto Boisselle & Sklar, LLP

20080312701 - System and method for polyaxially adjustable bone anchorage: An implantable bone anchor assembly for fixing an elongated member such as a spinal rod may include a bone anchor, a coupling head configured to receive the bone anchor and the elongated member, and a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism may provide compressive force to simultaneously fix the position of... Agent: Medicinelodge Inc.

20080312702 - Reference pin: Described is a reference pin for use during a bone fracture treatment. The pin may include a longitudinal shaft and a spreading member. The longitudinal shaft with a longitudinal axis, a front end, a rear end and a through hole penetrating the shaft from the front end to the rear... Agent: Fay Kaplun & Marcin, LLP

20080306470 - Optical screening device: An optical screening device for detecting abnormal skin tissue indicative of disease including a handle having an elongated stem adapted for holding the optical screening device in one hand and a head for housing an array of light emitting diodes with each diode in the array being spaced apart to... Agent: Eugene Lieberstein

20080306472 - Laser apparatus with integrated footswitch control: A laser apparatus is disclosed. The laser apparatus can be placed on the ground of an operation site to save precious desktop space. The laser apparatus comprises a footswitch module physically integrated or combined with the laser module for controlling the status of the laser module. The laser apparatus further... Agent: Frank F. Tian

20080306471 - Methods and devices for fractional ablation of tissue: Methods and devices for ablating portions of a tissue volume with electromagnetic radiation (EMR) to produce lattices of EMR-treated ablation islets in the tissue are disclosed, including lattices of micro-holes, micro-grooves, and other structures. Also, methods and devices for using the ablated islets are disclosed, including to deliver chromophores, filler,... Agent: Nutter Mcclennen & Fish LLP

20080306473 - Tissue-treating device with medium-control mechanism: Disclosed is a tissue-treating device. The device includes a waveguide to guide light, and a medium-control mechanism to change a medium disposed near an area of a tissue to which light from the waveguide is applied. The medium-control mechanism to change the medium may be configured to change the medium... Agent: Mintz, Levin, Cohn, Ferris, Glovsky And Popeo, P.c Attn: Patent Intake Customer No. 30623

20080306474 - Coolant dosing device for finely dosing liquefied crygenic gas: The invention relates to a coolant dosing device for the application of cryogenic gas for producing low temperatures as required e.g. in cryosurgery. The invention aims to ensure a disturbance-free operation in spite of often dirty gas and to exclude possible operating errors in the connection of capsules of the... Agent: David A. Guerra International Patent Group, LLC

20080306475 - Cryo-applicator cross-section configuration: A configuration for a cryo-catheter which optimizes both the catheter's outer diameter and the size of the catheter's internal refrigerant flow path is described. Specifically, the inner dimensions of the cryo-catheter are configured to accommodate a pre-selected flow of refrigerant into the catheter's distal tip, and a return flow of... Agent: Nydegger & Associates

20080306476 - Thermally mediated tissue molding: A method and device to modify tissue in a manner such that it will take on a permanent new shape. Subdermal tissue is heated to approx 60° C. at which point it becomes pliable and moldable and will take on a permanent new shape if allowed to cool and heal... Agent: Ray K. Shahani, Esq., Attorney At Law

20080306477 - Atrial ablation catheter and method of use: An atrial ablation catheter and methods for its use. The endocardial catheter includes an electrode array particularly adapted to locate and ablate foci of arrhythmia which are required for sustained atrial fibrillation is provided. The array is easily deployed and retracted from the catheter, and presents a distally oriented electrode... Agent: Shay Glenn LLP

20080306478 - Method and apparatus for electrochemically dissolving selected regions of conducting objects in tissue: A method and apparatus are described for selectively removing parts of a conducting object imbedded in tissue using an electrolytic process. The method includes steps for protecting the surrounding tissue from damage during the electrolytic process. Applications for the invention include sectioning surgical and/or post-mortem tissue for gross and microscopic... Agent: Scott H . Bradshaw

20080306479 - Fixation device for proximal elbow fractures and method of using same: A bone fixation device includes a rod including a first portion extending from a proximal side of the rod, and a second portion extending from the first portion, wherein the rod is inserted into a medullary canal of an ulna bone, the first portion includes a plurality of longitudinally displaced... Agent: F. Chau & Associates, LLC

20080306480 - Scapho-lunate fixation implants and methods of use: Surgical implants for neighboring bones are disclosed herein. Preferred implants are configured to be implanted into the scaphoid and lunate. Preferred implants include a first plate configured to be implanted into the scaphoid and a second plate configured to be implanted into the lunate wherein said first and second plates... Agent: Baumgartner Patent Law

20080306482 - Surgical cutting tool: Surgical cutting tool for manufacturing of a recess in a firm body tissue, in particular in a bone and/or in a cartilage, with a milling range, which is rotatable around a central axis of rotation, with an outside lateral surface of the milling range and by an internal area, which... Agent: Greenberg & Lieberman, LLC

20080306481 - System and method for providing surgical access to a spine: A system for accessing a spine from a curved postero-lateral approach may include a curved cannula positioned along a curved path from an opening in the skin to a location proximate the spine. A guide member may be first inserted to establish the path between the tissues and fascia, and... Agent: Medicinelodge Inc.

20080306483 - Retrograde cutting instrument: An instrument for retrograde cutting of sockets or tunnels in bone for arthroscopic tenodesis. A retrograde cutter is used to form a recipient site socket from the inside out, i.e., using a retrograde technique, with minimal incisions of distal cortices and reduced intraarticular bone fragmentation of tunnel rims. The retrograde... Agent: Dickstein Shapiro LLP

20080306557 - Inserter for a spinal implant: An inserter for implanting a spinal implant such as an intervertebral spacer into a spinal disc space is disclosed. The inserter comprises a jaw assembly connected to a shaft assembly that is connected to a handle assembly. The shaft assembly includes an angled portion in which the distal end of... Agent: Rimas Lukas Vertiflex, Inc.

20080306558 - Apparatus and method of determining acetabular center axis: An apparatus and method is disclosed for aligning the anteversion and the inclination of an acetabular prosthetic cup within an acetabulum of a patient. The apparatus and method comprises calculating the orientation of acetabulum center axis. The acetabular prosthetic cup is aligned relative to the calculated acetabulum center axis. The... Agent: Robert F. Frijouf Frijouf, Rust & Pyle, P.A.

20080306484 - Apparatus for knee surgery and method of use: The present invention comprises a set of instruments and a method for their use in preparing a knee joint to receive knee implants. The inventive instruments and method are generally suitable for knee joint surgery. Furthermore, they include features that make them suitable for performing a minimally invasive knee surgery... Agent: Zimmer Technology - Baker & Daniels

20080306485 - Instruments for knee surgery and method uf use: The present invention comprises a set of instruments and a method for their use in preparing a knee joint to receive knee implants. The inventive instruments and method are generally suitable for knee joint surgery. Furthermore, they include features that make them suitable for performing minimally invasive knee surgery.... Agent: Zimmer Technology - Baker & Daniels

20080306486 - Surgical alignment guide: A surgical alignment guide for hip replacement or revision surgery includes a support (12) for a prosthetic acetabular cup, the support being connected to one end of a carrier shaft (10). The support (12) has a bore (14) angled relative to the shaft so that a prosthetic acetabular cup secured... Agent: Henricks Slavin And Holmes LLP Suite 200

20080306487 - Drill guide and method for placing a fixation device hole: The invention relates to a drill guide and method for providing a drill guide, where the drill guide is for placing a fixation device hole proximate to a bone tunnel in a bone. The drill guide includes a foot for placement in the bone tunnel in the bone and a... Agent: St. Onge Steward Johnston & Reens, LLC

20080306488 - Inserter for a spinal implant: An inserter for implanting an intervertebral spacer into a spinal disc space is disclosed. The inserter comprises a jaw assembly connected to a shaft assembly that is connected to a handle assembly. The user operates the handle assembly to open and close the jaw assembly to thereby connect to and... Agent: Rimas Lukas Vertiflex, Inc.

20080306489 - Inserter for a spinal implant: An inserter for implanting a spinal implant such as an intervertebral spacer into a spinal disc space is disclosed. The inserter comprises a jaw assembly connected to a shaft assembly that is connected to a handle assembly. The user operates the handle assembly to open and close the jaw assembly... Agent: Rimas Lukas Vertiflex, Inc.

20080306490 - Trackable diagnostic scope apparatus and methods of use: A surgical procedure is provided. The procedure acquires a plurality of points on or near a bone abnormality and registers them with a surgical navigation system. The navigation system uses the acquired points to make an implant having a surface adapted to contact the bone, and particularly an implant having... Agent: Bose Mckinney & Evans LLP

20080306491 - Single stage hemostasis clipping device: A tissue clipping apparatus comprises a clip including a proximal end received within a capsule. The clip includes a clip locking member biased to engage a first locking structure of the capsule to lock the clip in the capsule in a closed configuration. The apparatus also comprises a tension member... Agent: Fay Kaplun & Marcin, LLP

20080306492 - Clipping instrument for an endoscopic surgical device: A clipping instrument for an endoscope is provided. The clipping instrument includes a flexible sheath, an operation wire, which can be forwarded and retracted in an axial direction of the flexible sheath, at least one detachable clip assembly, including a pair of openable and closable clipping arms which can be... Agent: Greenblum & Bernstein, P.L.C

20080306493 - Clipping instrument for an endoscopic surgical device: A clipping instrument for an endoscope is provided. The clipping instrument includes a flexible sheath, an operation wire, at least one detachable clip assembly, including a pair of openable and closable clipping arms and a fastening ring to encircle proximal portions of the clipping arms, arranged in vicinity of a... Agent: Greenblum & Bernstein, P.L.C

20080306497 - Hernia patch frame: A hernia repair patch (10) comprising a wire frame of a pair of overlapping v-shaped wire segments (12, 14) attached to a prosthetic fabric material (20). The vertices (18) of the v-shaped wire segments (12, 14) are disposed in opposite directions. The wire segments (12, 14) further include attached points... Agent: Nikolai & Mersereau, P.A.

20080306494 - Mesh implant with an interlocking knitted structure: A resorbable polymeric mesh implant is provided for use in the reconstruction of soft tissue defects. The mesh implant is provided with an interlocking knitted structure comprising two or more sets of fibers with different times of degradation, allowing a stepwise increase in the relative distension of the overall mesh... Agent: Foley And Lardner LLP Suite 500

20080306496 - Physiologic abdominal closure: A closure device and method to close the abdomen between surgical procedures and maintain a normal physiologic tension on the fascia to prevent undue retraction. In one embodiment, the closure device includes a “needled carabiner” attached to a rubberband of specific tension. The rubberband mimics the physiologic tension the abdominal... Agent: Wright, Lindsey & Jennings LLP

20080306495 - Transilluminating laparoscopic ligating vascular clamp (lvc): A transilluminating laparoscopic ligating clamp (LVC) arrangement comprising an elongated generally “J” shaped dorsal clamp component and an elongated generally “J” shaped ventral clamp component, arranged to be receivably lockable with the dorsal clamp component about a living tissue element.... Agent: Donald N Halgren

20080306498 - Eccentric abrading head for high-speed rotational atherectomy devices: The invention provides a rotational atherectomy device having, in various embodiments, a flexible, elongated, rotatable drive shaft with at least one flexible eccentric enlarged abrading head attached thereto. In other embodiments, the eccentric abrading head is not flexible or partially flexible. At least part of the eccentric enlarged cutting head... Agent: Altera Law Group, LLC

20080306499 - Recanalizing occluded vessels using controlled antegrade and retrograde tracking: A method and systems for treating chronic total occlusions, particularly those that are difficult to treat, is disclosed. In this approach, recanalizing the CTO is achieved using a combined antegrade and retrograde approach. The proximal end of the occlusion is penetrated using an antegrade wire, using a traditional approach. Using... Agent: Thelen LLP

20080306500 - Device for preparing tissue discs, in particular cartilaginous discs: The invention relates to a device for preparing tissue discs, in particular cartilaginous discs. A device for preparing tissue discs that is of simple structure and ensures safe handling comprises, in addition to a clamping device for securing a tissue block by clamping, at least one cutting device for treating... Agent: St. Onge Steward Johnston & Reens, LLC

20080306501 - Device and method for ultrasound wound debridement: An end-effector configured and dimensioned for being connected to an ultrasound surgical device is provided. The end-effector includes means for receiving ultrasound waves generated and propagated by the ultrasound surgical device, and means for debriding tissue on a wound surface. The means for debriding tissue includes at least one non-smooth... Agent: Ropes & Gray LLP

20080306502 - Drive module for a device for the local piercing of a human or animal skin and a handheld: The invention relates to a drive module for a device for the local piercing of a human or an animal skin, with a drive apparatus which is configured for the purpose of producing a drive rotary movement and a conversion mechanism coupled to the drive apparatus which is configured for... Agent: Smith Patent Office

20080306503 - Mechanically detachable vaso-occlusive device: A device for delivering an occlusive element such as a vaso-occlusive coil includes an elongate sheath. An elongate releasing member having a distal tip or end is moveable within a lumen of the elongate sheath. A filament is provided having first and second ends with each end being fixed relative... Agent: VistaIPLaw Group LLP

20080306504 - Mechanically detachable vaso-occlusive device: A device for delivering an occlusive element includes an elongate pusher member having a lumen. A locking member is disposed within the lumen of the elongate pusher member. A moveable elongate releasing member is disposed within the lumen of the elongate pusher member. A filament is secured to the distal... Agent: VistaIPLaw Group LLP

20080306505 - Dimensionally adjustable soft tissue expander: A soft tissue expander includes an expandable cover, a base, an adjustable central portion and a connecting member joined to side portions and extending across the central portion to determine the width of the expander.... Agent: Hooker & Habib, P.C.

20080306506 - Self-inflating and deflating intragastric balloon implant device: A variable-sized, self-inflating and self-deflating intragastric balloon device, includes a hiocompatible polymer membrane formed into a balloon having inner and outer surfaces preferably coated with a wax, the balloon defining an interior lumen having an internal capsule freely floating within the lumen, the internal capsule having first and second chambers... Agent: Dennison, Schultz & Macdonald

20080306508 - Magnetic therapeutic paired accessories: Provided are methods and articles for magnetic therapy and acupressure which include pieces capable of being connected through a magnetic interaction.... Agent: Diehl Servilla LLC

20080306507 - Therapeutic facial mask: A therapeutic beauty mask comprising a mask body (1), means (2) for attaching and securing the body to cover at least a portion of a person's face, and a plurality of pressure points (3) extending from an undersurface of the mask body (1), said pressure points (3) being adapted or... Agent: Hoffman Wasson & Gitler, P.c Crystal Center 2, Suite 522

20080306509 - Patent foramen ovale closure device and method: A device for closure of a patent foramen ovale. The device includes at least one elongated tissue anchor at the distal end of the device. A distal end portion of the tissue anchor is selectively deployable between a closed position in which the distal end portion of the tissue anchor... Agent: Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione/indy/cook

20080306510 - Fixation suture device and method: A fixation suture device (12) wherein an anchor (1) has a top (6), a core (2) and a tip (5) and external threads (4) located on the anchor core (2). An anchor aperture (3) is located on the anchor (1) for acceptance of sutures (13). To use the device (12),... Agent: Edward M. Livingston, Pa

20080306511 - Suture anchor: A suture anchor assembly with an anchor and a driver locatable in an axial longitudinal opening in the anchor, the driver having a through hole at its distal end. A suture is provided extending through the opening and outside of the anchor at its distal end, and passing proximally along... Agent: Smith-hill And Bedell, P.C.

20080306512 - Portable slant board anterior adjusting table: This is a chiropractic adjusting table which makes correction of spinal misalignments in 1st thoracic through 5th lumbar easier on the doctor and patient and also does a better job than existing manual adjustment tables. It is new and revolutionary to the delivery of the chiropractic and/or osteopathic adjustment procedure.... Agent: Frank Wallace Jeffries Iv

20080306531 - deflection rod system with a non-linear deflection to load characteristic for a dynamic stabilization and motion preservation spinal implantation system and method: A dynamic stabilization, motion preservation spinal implant system includes an anchor system, a horizontal rod system and a vertical rod system. The systems are modular so that various constructs and configurations can be created and customized to a patient.... Agent: Fliesler Meyer LLP

20080306524 - Anchor system for a spine implantation system that can move about three axes: A dynamic stabilization, motion preservation spinal implant system includes an anchor system, a horizontal rod system and a vertical rod system. The systems are modular so that various constructs and configurations can be created and customized to a patient.... Agent: Fliesler Meyer LLP

20080306532 - Deflection rod system dimensioned for deflection to a load characteristic for dynamic stabilization and motion preservation spinal implantation system and method: A dynamic stabilization, motion preservation spinal implant system includes an anchor system, a horizontal rod system and a vertical rod system. The systems are modular so that various constructs and configurations can be created and customized to a patient.... Agent: Fliesler Meyer LLP

20080306529 - Deflection rod system for a dynamic stabilization and motion preservation spinal implantation system and method: A dynamic stabilization, motion preservation spinal implant system includes an anchor system, a horizontal rod system and a vertical rod system. The systems are modular so that various constructs and configurations can be created and customized to a patient.... Agent: Fliesler Meyer LLP

20080306528 - Deflection rod system for spine implant with end connectors and method: A dynamic stabilization, motion preservation spinal implant system includes an anchor system, a horizontal rod system and a vertical rod system. The systems are modular so that various constructs and configurations can be created and customized to a patient.... Agent: Fliesler Meyer LLP

20080306533 - Deflection rod system for use with a vertebral fusion implant for dynamic stabilization and motion preservation spinal implantation system and method: A dynamic stabilization, motion preservation spinal implant system includes an anchor system, a horizontal rod system and a vertical rod system. The systems are modular so that various constructs and configurations can be created and customized to a patient.... Agent: Fliesler Meyer LLP

20080306526 - Deflection rod system with a deflection contouring shield for a spine implant and method: A dynamic stabilization, motion preservation spinal implant system includes an anchor system, a horizontal rod system and a vertical rod system. The systems are modular so that various constructs and configurations can be created and customized to a patient.... Agent: Fliesler Meyer LLP

20080306530 - Deflection rod system with mount for a dynamic stabilization and motion preservation spinal implantation system and method: A dynamic stabilization, motion preservation spinal implant system includes an anchor system, a horizontal rod system and a vertical rod system. The systems are modular so that various constructs and configurations can be created and customized to a patient.... Agent: Fliesler Meyer LLP

20080306534 - Dual deflection rod system for a dynamic stabilization and motion preservation spinal implantation system and method: A dynamic stabilization, motion preservation spinal implant system includes an anchor system, a horizontal rod system and a vertical rod system. The systems are modular so that various constructs and configurations can be created and customized to a patient.... Agent: Fliesler Meyer LLP

20080306518 - Dynamic stabilization and motion preservation spinal implantation system and method: A dynamic stabilization, motion preservation spinal implant system includes an anchor system, a horizontal rod system and a vertical rod system. The systems are modular so that various constructs and configurations can be created and customized to a patient.... Agent: Fliesler Meyer LLP

20080306517 - Dynamic stabilization and motion preservation spinal implantation system and method with a deflection rod mounted in close proximity to a mounting rod: A dynamic stabilization, motion preservation spinal implant system includes an anchor system, a horizontal rod system and a vertical rod system. The systems are modular so that various constructs and configurations can be created and customized to a patient.... Agent: Fliesler Meyer LLP

20080306527 - Dynamic stabilization and motion preservation spinal implantation system with a shielded deflection rod system and method: A dynamic stabilization, motion preservation spinal implant system includes an anchor system, a horizontal rod system and a vertical rod system. The systems are modular so that various constructs and configurations can be created and customized to a patient... Agent: Fliesler Meyer LLP

20080306523 - Dynamic stabilization and motion preservation spinal implantation system with horizontal deflection rod and articulating vertical rods: A dynamic stabilization, motion preservation spinal implant system includes an anchor system, a horizontal rod system and a vertical rod system. The systems are modular so that various constructs and configurations can be created and customized to a patient.... Agent: Fliesler Meyer LLP

20080306536 - Dynamic stabilization system: A dynamic bone fixation element for securing an elongated fixation element such as, a longitudinal rod or bone plate, to a patient's bone, preferably a vertebra. The dynamic bone fixation element preferably includes a bone fixation element and a flexible element for connecting the bone fixation element to the elongated... Agent: Stroock & Stroock & Lavan, LLP

20080306515 - Horizontal rod with a mounting platform for a dynamic stabilization and motion preservation spinal implantation system and method: A dynamic stabilization, motion preservation spinal implant system includes an anchor system, a horizontal rod system and a vertical rod system. The systems are modular so that various constructs and configurations can be created and customized to a patient.... Agent: Fliesler Meyer LLP

20080306522 - Horizontally loaded dynamic stabilization and motion preservation spinal implantation system and method: A dynamic stabilization, motion preservation spinal implant system includes an anchor system, a horizontal rod system and a vertical rod system. The systems are modular so that various constructs and configurations can be created and customized to a patient.... Agent: Fliesler Meyer LLP

20080306520 - Implantation method for a dynamic stabilization and motion preservation spinal implantation system and method: A dynamic stabilization, motion preservation spinal implant system includes an anchor system, a horizontal rod system and a vertical rod system. The systems are modular so that various constructs and configurations can be created and customized to a patient.... Agent: Fliesler Meyer LLP

20080306537 - Method and apparatus for spinal stabilization: A method and apparatus of limiting at least one degree of movement between a superior vertebral body, an inferior vertebral body, and an intermediate vertebral body that is disposed between the superior and inferior vertebral bodies of a patient. The method can comprise: advancing a distal end of a stabilization... Agent: Knobbe Martens Olson & Bear LLP

20080306535 - Method for implanting a deflection rod system and customizing the deflection rod system for a particular patient need for dynamic stabilization and motion preservation spinal implantation system: A dynamic stabilization, motion preservation spinal implant system includes an anchor system, a horizontal rod system and a vertical rod system. The systems are modular so that various constructs and configurations can be created and customized to a patient.... Agent: Fliesler Meyer LLP

20080306521 - Modular spine treatment kit for dynamic stabilization and motion preservation of the spine: A dynamic stabilization, motion preservation spinal implant system includes an anchor system, a horizontal rod system and a vertical rod system. The systems are modular so that various constructs and configurations can be created and customized to a patient.... Agent: Fliesler Meyer LLP

20080306516 - Multi-dimensional horizontal rod for a dynamic stabilization and motion preservation spinal implantation system and method: A dynamic stabilization, motion preservation spinal implant system includes an anchor system, a horizontal rod system and a vertical rod system. The systems are modular so that various constructs and configurations can be created and customized to a patient.... Agent: Fliesler Meyer LLP

20080306514 - Multi-directional deflection profile for a dynamic stabilization and motion preservation spinal implantation system and method: A dynamic stabilization, motion preservation spinal implant system includes an anchor system, a horizontal rod system and a vertical rod system. The systems are modular so that various constructs and configurations can be created and customized to a patient.... Agent: Fliesler Meyer LLP

20080306519 - Revision system and method for a dynamic stabilization and motion preservation spinal implantation system and method: A dynamic stabilization, motion preservation spinal implant system includes an anchor system, a horizontal rod system and a vertical rod system. The systems are modular so that various constructs and configurations can be created and customized to a patient.... Agent: Fliesler Meyer LLP

20080306513 - Shaped horizontal rod for dynamic stabilization and motion preservation spinal implantation system and method: A dynamic stabilization, motion preservation spinal implant system includes an anchor system, a horizontal rod system and a vertical rod system. The systems are modular so that various constructs and configurations can be created and customized to a patient.... Agent: Fliesler Meyer LLP

20080306525 - Spine implant with a deflection rod system including a deflection limiting shield associated with a bone screw and method: A dynamic stabilization, motion preservation spinal implant system includes a deflection rod system implant. The system is modular so that various constructs and configurations can be created and customized to a patient.... Agent: Fliesler Meyer LLP

20080306538 - Low profile transverse connector: Provided is a novel low profile transverse connector system having a first and second spinal rod connection member disposed at opposing ends of an elongated cross connection device, each connection member having a distal end configured to be capable of connecting to a spinal rod and a proximal end having... Agent: Perry E. Van Over & Associates, PLLC

20080306539 - Dynamic stabilization and motion preservation spinal implantation system and method with a deflection rod: A dynamic stabilization, motion preservation spinal implant system includes an anchor system, a horizontal rod system and a vertical rod system. The systems are modular so that various constructs and configurations can be created and customized to a patient.... Agent: Fliesler Meyer LLP

20080306540 - Spine implant with a defelction rod system anchored to a bone anchor and method: A dynamic stabilization, motion preservation spinal implant system includes a deflection rod system implant. The system is modular so that various constructs and configurations can be created and customized to a patient.... Agent: Fliesler Meyer LLP

20080306542 - Spine implant with a deflection rod system and connecting linkages and method: A dynamic stabilization, motion preservation spinal implant system includes a deflection rod system implant. The system is modular so that various constructs and configurations can be created and customized to a patient.... Agent: Fliesler Meyer LLP

20080306541 - Spine implant with a dual deflection rod system including a deflection limiting sheild associated with a bone screw and method: A dynamic stabilization, motion preservation spinal implant system includes a deflection rod system implant. The system is modular so that various constructs and configurations can be created and customized to a patient.... Agent: Fliesler Meyer LLP

20080306545 - Deflection rod system for a dynamic stabilization and motion preservation spinal implantation system and method: A dynamic stabilization, motion preservation spinal implant system includes an anchor system, a horizontal rod system and a vertical rod system. The systems are modular so that various constructs and configurations can be created and customized to a patient.... Agent: Fliesler Meyer LLP

20080306544 - Deflection rod system for a spine implant including an inner rod and an outer shell and method: A dynamic stabilization, motion preservation spinal implant system includes an anchor system, a horizontal rod system and a vertical rod system. The systems are modular so that various constructs and configurations can be created and customized to a patient.... Agent: Fliesler Meyer LLP

20080306543 - Super-elastic deflection rod for a dynamic stabilization and motion preservation spinal implantation system and method: A dynamic stabilization, motion preservation spinal implant system includes an anchor system, a horizontal rod system and a vertical rod system. The systems are modular so that various constructs and configurations can be created and customized to a patient.... Agent: Fliesler Meyer LLP

20080306546 - Bone anchor with a yoke-shaped anchor head for a dynamic stabilization and motion preservation spinal implantation system and method: A dynamic stabilization, motion preservation spinal implant system includes an anchor system, a horizontal rod system and a vertical rod system. The systems are modular so that various constructs and configurations can be created and customized to a patient.... Agent: Fliesler Meyer LLP

20080306548 - Dynamic stabilization and motion preservation spinal implantation system and method: A dynamic stabilization, motion preservation spinal implant system includes an anchor system, a horizontal rod system and a vertical rod system. The systems are modular so that various constructs and configurations can be created and customized to a patient.... Agent: Fliesler Meyer LLP

20080306547 - Revision system for a dynamic stabilization and motion preservation spinal implantation system and method: A dynamic stabilization, motion preservation spinal implant system includes an anchor system, a horizontal rod system and a vertical rod system. The systems are modular so that various constructs and configurations can be created and customized to a patient.... Agent: Fliesler Meyer LLP

20080306549 - Rod capture mechanism for dynamic stabilization and motion preservation spinal implantation system and method: A dynamic stabilization, motion preservation spinal implant system includes an anchor system, a horizontal rod system and a vertical rod system. The systems are modular so that various constructs and configurations can be created and customized to a patient.... Agent: Fliesler Meyer LLP

20080306550 - Spine repair assembly: A spine repair system and assembly are disclosed. The spine repair system includes a plate for use with a plurality of bone screws to treat a mammalian body having a plurality of vertebral portions in a spine. The plate has an elongate plate-like member having first and second end portions... Agent: Dorsey & Whitney LLP US Bank Center

20080306553 - Bone anchor with a compressor element for receiving a rod for a dynamic stabilization and motion preservation spinal implantation system and method: A dynamic stabilization, motion preservation spinal implant system includes an anchor system, a horizontal rod system and a vertical rod system. The systems are modular so that various constructs and configurations can be created and customized to a patient.... Agent: Fliesler Meyer LLP

20080306554 - Osseointegration and biointegration coatings for bone screw implants: Novel orthopaedic bone screws/spinal pedicle screws and implants that include coatings to help promote a structurally stable interface between the implant and the patient's bone/tissue, and methods of coating such screws and implants are provided. The implants and methodologies described involve at least a coating that facilitates osseous integration, and... Agent: Kauth , Pomeroy , Peck & Bailey ,llp

20080306552 - Reinforced bone anchor for a dynamic stabilization and motion preservation spinal implantation system and method: A dynamic stabilization, motion preservation spinal implant system includes an anchor system, a horizontal rod system and a vertical rod system. The systems are modular so that various constructs and configurations can be created and customized to a patient.... Agent: Fliesler Meyer LLP

20080306551 - Surgical fastening: A surgical fastening (160), kit of parts including the fastening and method for stabilising a vertebra using the fastening are described. The fastening is used to attach a rod (166) to a spinal body part. The fastening comprises a split ring (160) of a material which defines a channel for... Agent: Philip S. Johnson Johnson & Johnson

20080306555 - Bone screw washer: A washer for use with a bone screw in the reduction and fixation of bone fragments includes a frusto-conical body having a leading end, a trailing end, an exterior surface and an interior surface. A central bore defined by the interior surface for insertion of a bone screw extends longitudinally... Agent: Duane Morris LLP - Princeton

20080306556 - Bone anchor with a curved mounting element for a dynamic stabilization and motion preservation spinal implantation system and method: A dynamic stabilization, motion preservation spinal implant system includes an anchor system, a horizontal rod system and a vertical rod system. The systems are modular so that various constructs and configurations can be created and customized to a patient.... Agent: Fliesler Meyer LLP

20080300580 - Pneumatically powered surgical cutting and fastening instrument with electrical feedback: A status module for use with a pneumatically powered surgical instrument includes at least one sensor and a housing structured and arranged to releasably connect to the pneumatically powered surgical instrument. At least one contact is connected to the pneumatically powered surgical instrument. Each individual contact is structured and arranged... Agent: K&l Gates LLP

20080300579 - Surgical stapling and cutting instrument with articulatable end effector: A surgical instrument that has an articulatable end effector. Various types of passive articulation joints are disclosed for interconnecting a proximal frame portion to the end effector to facilitate pivotal travel of the end effector relative to the proximal frame portion of the instrument.... Agent: K&l Gates LLP

20080300581 - Device and method for photocoagulation of the retina: A device for photocoagulation of a retina includes a radiation source and an optical application system including a representation device configured to depict regions of the retina with sub-threshold coagulation. In addition a method for photocoagulation of the retina is provided.... Agent: Darby & Darby P.C.

20080300582 - Laser skin perforator and method of forming skin hole using laser: A laser skin perforator and a method of forming a skin hole using a laser that forms a plurality of micro holes in skin using the laser when treating various skin diseases such as removing a wrinkle and a scar of skin are provided. The laser skin perforator includes a... Agent: LexyoumeIPGroup, LLC

20080300583 - Vascular laser treatment device and method: An improved device and method for safer and more efficient laser vein treatments are presented. The device includes an optical waveguide optically coupled to a radiation source at its proximal end, having a core, a cladding layer and a tip configured to protect the clad-core, e.g., from contact with collapsing... Agent: Dr. Bolesh Skutnik, Esq.

20080300584 - Cryoablation segment for creating linear lesions: An applicator for cryoablating tissue to form linear (i.e. straight line and curvilinear) lesions in targeted tissue includes a fluid refrigerant delivery system having a source of a fluid refrigerant and a tubular cryoablation segment. Structurally, the segment has an open proximal end and a distal end, and is formed... Agent: Attn: Neil K. Nydegger Nydegger & Associates

20080300585 - Method and device for performing cooling-or cryo-therapies for, e.g., angioplasty with reduced restenosis or pulmonary vein cell necrosis to inhibit atrial fibrillation: The present invention provides an enhanced method and device to inhibit or reduce the rate of restenosis following angioplasty or stent placement. The invention involves placing a balloon tipped catheter in the area treated or opened through balloon angioplasty immediately following angioplasty. The balloon, which can have a dual balloon... Agent: Mayer & Williams PC

20080300586 - Apparatus and method for compressing a gas, and cryosurgery system and method utilizing same: An apparatus for compressing a gas and its uses are disclosed. The apparatus comprises a fixed-volume container having a hollow and a moveable element subdividing said hollow into a first variable-volume portion and a second variable-volume portion, the second variable-volume portion having an opening for introducing therein a hydraulic and/or... Agent: Martin D. Moynihan D/b/a Prtsi, Inc.

20080300587 - Heat treatment catheter: A heat treatment catheter (10) for use in heating a biological site in a patient's body includes an elongate electrode-carrying element (12). A plurality of heating electrodes (16) are arranged at spaced intervals at a distal region (14) of the electrode-carrying element (12). The distal region (14) of the electrode-carrying... Agent: Morrison & Foerster LLP

20080300589 - Assessment of electrode coupling for tissue ablation: An electrode catheter (14) and a method for assessing electrode-tissue contact and coupling are disclosed. An exemplary electrode catheter (14) comprises an electrode (20) adapted to apply electrical energy. A measurement circuit (42) is adapted to measure impedance between the electrode (20) and ground as the electrode approaches a target... Agent: St. Jude Medical, Atrial Fibrillation Division

20080300588 - Automating the ablation procedure to minimize the need for manual intervention: Cardiac ablation is automated to require minimal user intervention, to thereby reduce X-ray exposure to staff and patients, increase patient throughput, simplify ablation and make ablation more precise. Steering between ablation points on the heart is automatic by use of a localizer system (132) and a magnetic navigator (160). Ablation... Agent: Philips Intellectual Property & Standards

20080300590 - Apparatus and methods for multipolar tissue welding: Apparatus, systems and methods of welding and coagulating tissue utilize a combination of monopolar and bipolar delivery of RF energy. This method is referred to as multipolar RF delivery and includes bringing a treatment apparatus having first and second electrodes to a treatment site. A first potential is applied to... Agent: Takahiro Miura Oblon, Spivak

20080300592 - Catheter driver system: An apparatus for performing medical procedures on an anatomical body includes an extension with an element near its distal end to be extended into the body, and a driver that moves the extension axially into the body, and that causes flexure of the distal end of the extension. The movement... Agent: VistaIPLaw Group LLP

20080300593 - Method of ablating tissue: An electrocautery device is disclosed. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the electrocautery electrode/tip is provided with a hollow, conductive tube terminating at its distal end in a ball point type tip. Fluid, preferably conductive fluid, is applied to the proximal end of the hollow electrode/tip, and expelled... Agent: Medtronic, Inc.

20080300591 - Ultrasonic spinal surgery method: In a discectomy method one removes at least a substantial portion of a spinal disc. Thereafter one operates an ultrasonic instrument to level opposing faces of vertebrae on opposite sides of the removed spinal disc. Graft or synthetic disc material is inserted between the vertebrae so that the graft or... Agent: Coleman Sudol Sapone, P.C.

20080300594 - Incision tool: An incision tool includes a sheath; a plurality of wires that are inserted through an internal space of the sheath, and that, as a result of a portion thereof being inserted through both first wire insertion through holes that are provided in a distal end portion of the sheath and... Agent: Scully Scott Murphy & Presser, PC

20080300595 - Encasement prevention barrier for use in anterior lumbar surgery: A flexible piece of barrier material for use in preventing or minimizing adhesions and fibrous attachments following anterior lumbar surgery. In one embodiment, the barrier structure comprises a multiple level device shaped as a generally wider tongue to function as a barrier at or above the L4-5 level, and a... Agent: Christie, Parker & Hale, LLP

20080300596 - Implantable fixation assembly for removably securing medical device: An implantable fixation assembly (30) for removably securing a (medical) device in a human body is disclosed. The assembly includes: an anchor portion (1) securable to bone; a pair of spaced apart legs (15), at least one leg (15) being resiliently flexible, the ends (15a) of the legs (15) attached... Agent: Connolly Bove Lodge & Hutz LLP

20080300597 - Telemetric orthopaedic implant: An instrumented orthopaedic implant, such as an intramedullary (IM) nail, is disclosed. The implant has the capacity to provide an accurate measurement of the applied mechanical load across the implant. The implant includes sensors and associated electronic components located in recesses on the outer surface of the implant. The implant... Agent: Joel R. Petrow Smith & Nephew, Inc.

20080300598 - Expandable interbody fusion device: An expandable interbody fusion device includes superior and inferior endplates that are configured to receive a sequentially inserted stack of interlocking expansion members or wafers. The like-configured wafers include features on their top and bottom surfaces that interlock the wafers in multiple degrees of freedom so that the wafer stack... Agent: Maginot, Moore & Beck, LLP Chase Tower

20080300599 - Cerclage arrangement for fixing a bone fracture, comprising a plate that is provided with a number of continuous holes: Disclosed is a cerclage arrangement for fixing a bone fracture, comprising a plate that is provided with a number of continuous holes. The pin is equipped with a head with an opening that extends perpendicular to the direction of the pin and is used for guiding a cerclage band or... Agent: Andrus, Sceales, Starke & Sawall, LLP

20080300600 - Resurfacing reamer with cutting struts: Disclosed is a guided orthopedic bone reamer (10a) for cutting a profile relief shape (21a) into a joint bone (20). The reamer (10a) has a cutting head (30a) and an axial guide assembly (70). The cutting head (30a) has a profile cutting form (24a) with a rim (34) and an... Agent: Moetteli & Associates Sarl

20080300601 - Spine surgery method and instrumentation: Surgical instrumentation for use in placing an implant into a disc space between a pair of spinal vertebrae may include: (a) a distractor having a distal end that may be placed into the disc space between the pair of spinal vertebrae; (b) an inserter for use in moving the implant... Agent: Brouse Mcdowell Lpa

20080300602 - Fabric medical device having a tapered transition and method of making: A fabric medical device and method of making the device can include warp yarns and fill yarns woven together to form a first tubular extent having a first diameter, a second tubular extent having a second diameter, and a transition tubular extent having a graduated diameter between the first and... Agent: Kilpatrick Stockton LLP

20080300603 - Method for placement of bone cement into pre-selected bone regions: A method for applying bone cement into a bone structure that includes the steps of: selecting at least one region in a bone where the trabecular bone structure is to be augmented, producing at least one cavity (20) communicating with said at least one bone region, applying a fluid jet... Agent: Rankin, Hill & Clark LLP

20080300604 - Perforated balloon and method for forming a hardened orthopaedic paste in a bone using same: The present invention discloses a technique for forming a hardened orthopaedic paste in a bone cavity, which involves a forced-feeding balloon rupture mechanism. This mechanism includes continuously or intermittently injecting a liquid or gas into a perforated balloon containing a hardened orthopaedic paste therein in a bone cavity until the... Agent: Bacon & Thomas, PLLC

20080300605 - Pedicle protractor tool: A surgical hand tool is provided having a plumb assembly fixed to a dome housing element. The plumb assembly is fixed to rotate freely in two axes of rotation in at least two rotational planes. A tool attachment coupling such as bushing for receiving a surgical instrument such as a... Agent: Baker & Hostetler LLP

20080300606 - Wire retainer for surgical device: A wire retainer (10) for securing wire under tension comprising a body (11) having an exterior surface and a far end (11a) and a near end (11b) and a bore (12) extending therebetween in the general direction of a first axis (X) in a first plane (XY), the bore receiving... Agent: Sheridan Ross PC

20080300607 - Apparatus and method for introducing implants: In one embodiment, an introducer includes a handle, a needle extending from the handle, the needle having a distal end and defining an inner lumen, the needle further having an opening that provides access to the inner lumen, a snare having an implant coupling element, the snare being positioned within... Agent: Rutan & Tucker, LLP.

20080300609 - anastomosis device and method of using same: An anastomosis device for reestablishing continuity to an associated human luminal structure at an associated damaged tissue region is provided. The device includes a first insert for supporting a first portion of the associated damaged tissue region. The first insert includes a generally cylindrical body, a tip, a base, and... Agent: Fay Sharpe LLP

20080300608 - Surgical instrument: A surgical instrument for applying a fastener to tissue. The instrument includes an shaft having a working end and a grip end, a first jaw pivotally mounted on the working end including a receiver for releasably holding a male component and a second jaw statically mounted on the working end... Agent: Welsh & Flaxman LLC

20080300610 - Device for treating hardened lesions and method of use thereof: A balloon catheter is provided that may be used to dilate hardened regions of a stenosis on a vessel wall. The balloon catheter is provided with cutting elements that extend along a surface of a balloon. At least one bioactive is present, either on the cutting element, within the interior... Agent: Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione/chicago/cook

20080300612 - Cutting blade storage apparatus: A scalpel blade storage device, including a cover having a first lever arm and a second lever arm defined therein and further including a base. The base has a face defining a blade pocket therein having a distal portion adapted to receive a blade portion of a surgical scalpel blade... Agent: Emch, Schaffer, Schaub & Porcello Co

20080300611 - Ultrasonic surgical system: An ultrasonic surgical system includes an ultrasonic transmission member having a proximal end and a distal end. An ultrasonically actuated end-effector is attached at the distal end of the transmission member. A pressurized fluid delivery system includes a fluid nozzle in communication with at least one fluid source. The fluid... Agent: Christopher W. Elswick

20080300613 - Surgical instrument having a multiple rate directional switching mechanism: A surgical instrument including a drive mechanism configured to advance a staple driver and/or cutting member at a first rate and retract the staple driver and/or cutting member at a different rate. In at least one embodiment, the rate at which the driver and cutting member is advanced and/or retracted... Agent: K&l Gates LLP

20080300614 - Method and apparatus for multi-use body fluid sampling device with sterility barrier release: A device for use with a gripper is provided. A cartridge is provided that defines a plurality of cavities. A plurality of penetrating members are at least partially contained in the cavities of the cartridge. The penetrating members are slidably movable to extend outward from the cartridge to penetrate tissue.... Agent: Goodwin Procter LLP Attn: Patent Administrator

20080300615 - Wireless tattoo applicator: A wireless, battery powered tattooing apparatus employing a stable voltage regulator to provide stable control of the operation of the tattoo applicator. A user interface enables an artist to select a desired reciprocation frequency for the needle movement of the tattoo applicator. The selected setting is used to generate a... Agent: Smith Frohwein Tempel Greenlee Blaha, LLC

20080300616 - Mechanically detachable vaso-occlusive device: A device for delivering an occlusive element includes an elongate pusher member having a lumen extending between distal and proximal ends. An elongate releasing member is slideably disposed within the lumen of the elongate pusher member. A retaining member is disposed on the distal end of the elongate pusher member... Agent: VistaIPLaw Group LLP

20080300617 - Obturator tips: The present disclosure is directed towards a surgical dilating instrument for use in conjunction with a surgical portal device. The surgical dilating instrument disclosed herein includes an inventive dilating tip with a substantially polygonal cross-section that incorporates one or more raised atraumatic edge members.... Agent: Tyco Healthcare Group Lp

20080300618 - Obesity treatment systems: In some embodiments, an extragastric balloon is described in which the balloon is contoured to fit a portion of the stomach but not circumscribe the stomach. In some embodiments, the extragastric balloon comprises multiple material components. In some embodiments, the extragastric balloon comprises multiple inflateable compartments. In some embodiments, the... Agent: Larry W. Thrower

20080300619 - Rectal balloon apparatus with radiation sensor and/or markers: A rectal balloon apparatus has a shaft with a fluid passageway extending therethrough. A balloon is affixed over an end of the shaft such that the fluid passageway communicates with an interior of the balloon. The balloon has a laterally flat surface thereon when inflated. The laterally flat surface of... Agent: Egbert Law Offices

20080300620 - Embolic filter made from a composite material: An embolic filter is disclosed and includes a hub and at least one elongated member extending from the hub. The at least one elongated member includes a core and a jacket circumscribing the core. A ratio of a core diameter to a jacket diameter is at least 0.60.... Agent: C.r. Bard, Inc. Bard Peripheral Vascular

20080300621 - Vasculara device for emboli, thrombus and foreign body removal and methods of use: Apparatus and methods are provided for use in filtering emboli from a vessel and/or performing thrombectomy and embolectomy, wherein a vascular device comprises one or more support hoops connected near a distal end of a guide wire, each support hoop having an articulation region, and a blood permeable sac affixed... Agent: Crompton, Seager & Tufte, LLC

20080300622 - Atraumatic hemostatic clamp: An atraumatic hemostatic clamp, being an artery/vein clamp in the field of medical instruments, mainly includes a left clamp body (1) and a right clamp body (2) which are joined by a hinge and may be divided into jaws (3) and handles (4) by the hinge. The jaws (3) have... Agent: GlobalIPServices

20080300623 - Multi-use tweezer: The present disclosure is generally directed to a multi-tool with more than one tweezer tip. In an example embodiment the multi-tool includes two plates and an interposed spring component. The plates have a plurality of tweezer tip pairs and the spring component permits pivoting articulation of the plates in order... Agent: Gardner Groff Greenwald & Villanueva, PC

20080300624 - Tissue stabilizer and fastener: A surgical instrument for applying a fastener to tissue of a patient. The instrument includes an elongate shaft having a working end and a grip end opposite the working end. The instrument includes opposing stationary jaws mounted on the working end of the elongate shaft defining a gap between the... Agent: Welsh & Flaxman LLC

20080300625 - Internal and external medical closure screen systems and methods: An internal and external medical closure system for a separation of first and second tissue portions is provided, which includes a mesh screen comprising tubular vertical risers, vertical strands with barbed filaments, and horizontal spacers connecting the risers and strands in a grid-like configuration. An optional perimeter member partly surrounds... Agent: Kinetic Concepts, Inc. Attn: Legal Department Intellectual Property

20080300626 - Anchor suture device: An apparatus 10 and method for attaching a medical device 12 to a patient is provided. The apparatus 10 includes an applicator tool 50 containing at least one staple 20. The applicator tool 50 is adapted to insert each staple into the patient. At least some of the staples 20... Agent: Brooks Kushman P.C.

20080300627 - Surgical instrument: A surgical instrument for applying a fastener to tissue. The fastener includes a male component including a base having a hole, a needle receivable in the hole, and a female component including a base and a recess for receiving the needle. The instrument includes a shaft, a first jaw pivotally... Agent: Welsh & Flaxman LLC

20080300628 - Medical devices: A medical system may include a medical device, such as a medical connector. The medical connector may be used to close an opening formed in (and/or interconnect portions of) one or more bodily structures. The medical connector may be sized and configured to resiliently move to a fastening position. The... Agent: Workman Nydegger

20080300629 - Suture lock: Suture Locks, as well as related systems and methods, are provided for fixing strands of one or more sutures relative to tissue. The suture locks, systems and methods are simple and reliable in use, facilitate complete perforation closure and adjustment of the suture strands, and are adaptable to a variety... Agent: Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione/chicago/cook

20080300631 - Device and unit for the posterior dynamic guidance of the spine and treatment system comprising such a device: This guidance device (100) comprises two vertebral units (110, 120) respectively designed to be fixed to the posterior side of two adjacent vertebrae (1, 2) of the spine. In order to guide these vertebrae stably and effectively in order to reproduce an intervertebral articulated joint between them, these teo vertebral... Agent: Ralph A. Dowell Of Dowell & Dowell P.C.

20080300630 - Medical device for positioning bone elements, in particular vertebrae, relative to each other, as well as a tool for the placement, part by part, of such a medical device: According to the invention, the medical device is characterised in that a tool is provided for use in the placement, part by part, of the medical device, which tool comprises at least two hollow, tubular guide members, which guide members can each be positioned into abutment with a bone element... Agent: Muncy, Geissler, Olds & Lowe, PLLC

20080300632 - Method of fabricating medical devices and medical devices made thereby: A method of fabricating medical devices and medical devices made from the method of fabricating a medical device, the medical device, without being exhaustive, may be a medical instrument, an implant, a prosthetic, a body support structure or the like. The method includes work-hardening a work-hardenable metal to achieve a... Agent: Bowman & Associates

20080300633 - Dynamic stabilization connecting member with pre-tensioned solid core: A dynamic longitudinal connecting member assembly includes an anchor member having an integral or otherwise fixed elongate core of circular or non-circular cross-section. The core is pre-tensioned and extends through at least one elastic spacer and at least one outer sleeve. The anchor member and the outer sleeve each attach... Agent: Law Office Of John C. Mcmahon

20080300635 - Adjustable spinal system: A system and method for facilitating the installation of spinals support members on consecutive vertebrae where the optimal positioning of screws does not form a straight line. The system includes a first plate spanning a first and second vertebrae, a second plate spanning the second vertebrae and a third vertebrae... Agent: St. Onge Steward Johnston & Reens, LLC

20080300636 - Fracture reduction instrument for osseous body: The invention relates to a fracture reduction instrument for an osseous body, extending between a distal end (2) and a proximal end, the distal end comprising at least one deformable element (5) suitable for passing from a relaxed position for positioning of the distal end inside the osseous body, to... Agent: Clark & Brody

20080300634 - Spinal interbody system and method: Embodiments of the present invention provide spinal implant systems and methods. According to one embodiment, a plate attached to one or more vertebrae can prevent expulsion of an interbody device from a disc space. The plate and interbody device can be coupled by an attachment member. According to one embodiment,... Agent: Paul D. Yasger Abbott Laboratories

20080300637 - Systems and methods for using polyaxial plates: Certain embodiments of the invention provide plates for treating periarticular fractures or other non-full body weight bearing applications that combine polyaxial fixation with a low profile and enhanced contouring that more closely conforms to bone. Such plates can be designed to achieve buttressing effect and/or to be used in a... Agent: Chief Patent Counsel Smith & Nephew, Inc.

20080300638 - Break-off screw extensions: The present invention provides minimally invasive devices and methods for delivering a spinal connector to one or more spinal anchor sites in a patient's spinal column. In one embodiment, a spinal implant and access device is provided that includes a U-shaped receiver member, a bone-engaging member, and an extension member.... Agent: Nutter Mcclennen & Fish LLP

20080300639 - Bone screw, in particular for osteosynthesis: A bone screw (1) having a threaded proximal portion (2), a threaded median portion (3), and a threaded distal portion (4). Threaded proximal portion (2) has a core (11) with a constant diameter and a proximal thread (12) with a constant diameter and a proximal pitch (P2). The threaded median... Agent: Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP