Surgery inventions 02/09

20090054878 - Introduction device for a medical instrument: The invention relates to a device for introducing a medical instrument into a closed container (2). The device is characterized in that it has a penetration means (11) for penetration of a container wall and a guiding unit (12) is adjacent to the penetration means (11), wherein the penetration means... Agent: Mark J. Pandiscio Pandiscio & Pandiscio, P.C.

20090054879 - System and method for defining and controlling ltk and other surgical eye procedures to produce little or no stromal collagen shrinkage: One or more treatment parameters are determined for a cornea reshaping procedure. The one or more treatment parameters are selected so as to reduce an amount of collagen shrinkage in a cornea of a patient's eye caused by the cornea reshaping procedure. For example, the one or more treatment parameters... Agent: Docket Clerk

20090054880 - Aesthetic treatment device: An aesthetic treatment device and method for treating the skin of a patient, the device comprising at least one of a plurality of arc lamps, each arc lamp provided with a reflector for obtaining a substantially collimated beam; a pulse generator for generating a train of pulses of electrical energy... Agent: Pearl Cohen Zedek Latzer, LLP

20090054881 - Mammalian biofilm treatment processes and instruments: A process for treatment of biofilm resident or present at a mammalian treatment site applies shockwaves to remove, disrupt, disperse, dislodge, destroy or attenuate the biofilm. The shockwaves can be generated in a handheld instrument by impinging a laser on a suitable target material. Removal of biofilm from implantable surgical... Agent: Ip Patent Docketing K&l Gates LLP

20090054882 - Skin cooling for a dermatologic treatment procedure: A skin cooling method for a dermatologic treatment procedure, by which a skin target region is exposed for a specified duration to irradiation with electromagnetic energy emitted from an electromagnetic energy exit opening of a skin treatment applicator and the target region is cooled at least during part of the... Agent: Ostrolenk Faber Gerb & Soffen

20090054883 - Systems and devices for photoablation: The invention provides a catheter for optical ablation of tissue in a living body, the catheter including: a distal end; a proximal end; an elongate catheter body coupled between the distal end and the proximal end; a light emission device at the distal end and configured to emit an ablation... Agent: Schwegman, Lundberg & Woessner, P.A.

20090054884 - Method of ligating hollow anatomical structures: A catheter includes a plurality of expandable primary leads to deliver energy to a fallopian tube, a vein such as a hemorrhoid or an esophageal varix, or another hollow anatomical structure requiring ligation or occlusion. Each of the primary leads includes an electrode located at the working end of the... Agent: Knobbe Martens Olson & Bear LLP

20090054885 - Biological photometric device: A biological photometric device includes a light irradiating unit for irradiating an object to be examined with light having a predetermined wavelength and sympathizing with oxygenated hemoglobin and deoxygenated hemoglobin through an optical fiber, a light detecting unit for detecting and amplifying light passing through a detecting optical fiber and... Agent: Antonelli, Terry, Stout & Kraus, LLP

20090054886 - Surgical operating apparatus: A surgical operating apparatus which includes a sheath with a distal end and a proximal end, an apparatus main body to be coupled to the proximal end of the sheath, a probe which is inserted through the sheath and which transmits ultrasonic waves, a probe distal end provided at the... Agent: Ostrolenk Faber Gerb & Soffen

20090054889 - Electrosurgical system: An electrosurgical system includes an electrosurgical generator, for generating radio frequency power, and an electrosurgical instrument including an electrode assembly. The electrosurgical instrument is detachably connectible to the generator such that radio frequency power can be conveyed to the electrode assembly. The generator includes a counter incremented each time an... Agent: Nixon & Vanderhye, PC

20090054888 - Radiation applicator: This invention provides an elongate microwave radiator for insertion into a living body to treat tissue at a predetermined operating frequency. The radiator defines a monopole antenna at its tip. The monopole antenna includes a dielectric material surrounding the monopole. The dielectric material is configured to act as a resonator... Agent: Law Offices Of Eugene M. Cummings, P.C.

20090054887 - Systems and methods for thermally profiling radiofrequency electrodes: Systems and methods for providing radiofrequency (“RF”) energy to a target surgical site are provided. The systems include the use of at least one overlay which is super-imposed over an image of the target surgical site to assist the operator in evaluating parameters for performing the surgical procedure. The disclosure... Agent: Tyco Healthcare Group Lp

20090054890 - Electrosurgical device with led adapter: The present disclosure includes an electrosurgical instrument which further includes a housing having distal and proximal ends. The electrosurgical instrument also includes a light-emitting diode adapter having distal and proximal ends configured to selectively engage the distal end of the housing. The light-emitting diode adapter also includes at least one... Agent: Tyco Healthcare Group Lp

20090054891 - Electrosurgical system employing multiple electrodes and method thereof: A system and method for heat ablation of tissue in which energy is sequentially applied to at least two electrodes inserted into tissue. The system is comprised of a radiofrequency (RF) source for supplying RF energy, at least two electrodes configured to apply RF energy to tissue, at least one... Agent: Tyco Healthcare Group Lp

20090054893 - Gas-enhanced surgical instrument with pressure safety feature: A pressure safety system is provided for use with electrosurgical instruments providing pressurized ionized gas to a surgical site. The pressure safety system includes a series of three cascaded pressure change members to control the pressure of gas delivered to a patient. Pressure safety apparatus for use with electrosurgical instruments... Agent: Tyco Healthcare Group Lp

20090054892 - System and method for performing ablation using an expandable member: An apparatus comprises a catheter, a conductive element and a balloon. The catheter has a lumen. The conductive element is disposed along the catheter. The balloon has an interior in fluid communication with the lumen of the catheter. The balloon is formed of a conductive material conductively coupled to the... Agent: Cooley Godward Kronish LLP Attn: Patent Group

20090054894 - Surgical operating apparatus: A surgical operating apparatus comprises an insertion portion which has a distal end and a proximal end and which has a long axis and which is inserted into a body, a treatment portion which is disposed at the distal end of the insertion portion and which has a plurality of... Agent: Ostrolenk Faber Gerb & Soffen

20090054895 - Device to open and close a bodily wall: A medical device and method for performing transluminal procedures that reduces procedure time as well as the number of instruments used is disclosed. An elongate medical device has both a cutting tool and a suturing tool disposed at a distal end of the elongate medical device. The suturing tool includes... Agent: Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione/chicago/cook

20090054896 - Control of mucus membrane bleeding with cold plasma: The use of non-thermal plasma to treat mucus membrane bleeding is described herein. A non-thermal plasma is generated using an apparatus having a first electrode that receives alternating electrical potentials from a power supply. When placed in an appropriate location proximate to tissue, a non-thermal plasma is generated, the second... Agent: Woodcock Washburn LLP

20090054897 - External mandibular distractor with rotational clamp: The present disclosure provides for a system for mandibular distraction which includes a rod and a first pin clamp assembly coupled adjacent a first end of the rod. Furthermore, the first pin clamp assembly includes a first clamp. The system further includes a second pin clamp assembly which includes an... Agent: Baker Botts L.L.P.

20090054898 - Articulating shaper: A shaper for reaming tissue includes an articulating head operably connected to a shaft. Incremental deployment allows for a unique utility in shaping a cavity suited to the particular morphology, that is, a more customizable cavity shape may be achieved.... Agent: Patterson, Thuente, Skaar & Christensen, P.A.

20090054933 - Instruments and methods for tensioning a spinal tether: Various methods and devices are provided for tensioning a tether. In one embodiment, a tether tensioning device is provided and includes an elongate shaft adapted to be positioned adjacent to a bone anchor implanted in bone, and a tensioning mechanism pivotally associated with the elongate shaft and adapted to couple... Agent: Nutter Mcclennen & Fish LLP

20090054934 - Expandable fillers for bone cement: Methods, systems, and mixtures deliver a bone cement to a void in a bone, and provide an expandable filler for expanding the volume of the bone cement. The void in the bone is accessed and a bone cement material is introduced into the void in the bone. An expandable filler... Agent: Nutter Mcclennen & Fish LLP

20090054935 - Spinal diagnostic methods and apparatus: Methods, devices and systems facilitate diagnosis, and in some cases treatment, of back pain originating in intervertebral discs. Methods generally involve introducing one or more substances into one or more discs using a catheter device. In one embodiment, a patient assumes a position that causes back pain, and a substance... Agent: Haynes And Boone, LLPIPSection

20090054899 - Method and apparatus for performing an open wedge, high tibial osteotomy: Apparatus for performing an open wedge, high tibial osteotomy, the apparatus comprising a two-piece bearing implant comprising an upper bearing member and a lower bearing member, wherein the upper bearing member comprises a screw hole for securing the upper bearing member to an upper portion of bone, and the lower... Agent: Mark J. Pandiscio Pandiscio & Pandiscio, P.C.

20090054900 - Systems and methods for internal bone fixation: Internal bone fixation devices and methods for using the devices for repairing a weakened or fractured bone are disclosed herein. According to aspects illustrated herein, there is provided a device for repairing a fractured bone that includes a delivery catheter having an elongated shaft with a proximal end, a distal... Agent: Greenberg Traurig, LLP

20090054901 - Inserter device used for orthopedic surgery: A surgical tool for inserting an implant in a vertebral body. The surgical tool includes a shaft with a shaft thread adapted to engage the implant, a piston coupled to the shaft thread to articulate the implant from a starting linear position to a final curvilinear position, an actuator coupled... Agent: Rahman LLC

20090054902 - Tether tensioning instrument: Various methods and devices are provided for tensioning a tether. In one embodiment, a tether tensioning device is provided and includes a tensioning mechanism adapted to couple to a tether extending along a path between at least two bone anchors implanted in adjacent vertebrae. The tensioning mechanism can be adapted... Agent: Nutter Mcclennen & Fish LLP

20090054903 - Bone fixation implant system and method: A bone-fastening system includes an implant with a threaded screw, a distal nut with a threaded bore, and a proximal washer which may also be threaded. An instrument for implanting the implant includes a handle and a barrel terminating in a holder for the washer. A c-shaped bridge assembly has... Agent: Gifford, Krass, Sprinkle,anderson & Citkowski, P.c

20090054904 - Methods and devices for eye surgery: A device for removing undesired tissue such as residual tissue, epithelial cells and/or other undesired material(s) from an inner surface of a lens capsule of an eye, includes an elongated body [2] having a proximal and a distal end and at least one central lumen extending between the ends. A... Agent: Young & Thompson

20090054905 - Embolization coil delivery systems and methods: A system and method for ultrasonically guided endoscopic (EUS) delivery of one or more embolization coils to an internal body site. The embolization coil delivery devices are preferably ultrasonically guided to the selected internal body site after being advanced through the working channel of an endoscope with its distal end... Agent: Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione/chicago/cook

20090054906 - Medical device and method for delivering an implant to an anatomical site: A medical device and method for providing an implant to an anatomical site are disclosed. The medical device generally comprises a sleeve having first and second ends, a cutting frame coupled to the second end, and a rod received in an inner bore of the sleeve. The cutting frame defines... Agent: Howrey LLP-hn

20090054907 - Flexible tube for cartridge filter: Embolic protection filtering devices and methods of making and using the same. The present invention may include an embolic protection filtering device including a filter cartridge that is slidable over medical devices, for example, guidewires. The filter cartridge may have a filter coupled thereto and may have desirable flexibility and... Agent: Crompton, Seager & Tufte, LLC

20090054910 - Method and device for computer assisted distal locking of intramedullary nails: A method and a device for computer assisted distal locking of intramedullary nails comprising the steps of: A) establishing a virtual geometric representation of an intramedullary nail (1); B) acquiring a first medical image (28) using a radioscopic unit (25) with its focal line (23) adjusted at an angle between... Agent: Rankin, Hill & Clark LLP

20090054909 - Methods and systems of actuation in robotic devices: The embodiments disclosed herein relate to various medical device components, including components that can be incorporated into robotic and/or in vivo medical devices. Certain embodiments include various actuation system embodiments, including fluid actuation systems, drive train actuation systems, and motorless actuation systems. Additional embodiments include a reversibly lockable tube that... Agent: Faegre & Benson LLP Patent Docketing

20090054908 - Surgical instruments with sensors for detecting tissue properties, and system using such instruments: A system is provided that furnishes expert procedural guidance based upon patient-specific data gained from surgical instruments incorporating sensors on the instrument's working surface, one or more reference sensors placed about the patient, sensors implanted before, during or after the procedure, the patient's personal medical history, and patient status monitoring... Agent: Mcdermott Will & Emery LLP

20090054911 - Surgical threading device and method for using same: Described herein is a threading device that includes an elongated rod having first and second opposite ends, and a suture having first and second opposite ends. The first end of the suture is associated with the rod. The rod is at least partially covered with a coating that secures the... Agent: Jeffer, Mangels, Butler & Marmaro, LLP

20090054912 - Systems and methods for treating septal defects: A system for treating a septal defect having an implantable treatment apparatus and devices for delivering the implantable treatment apparatus, devices for controlling delivery of the treatment apparatus and methods for treating a septal defect are provided. The implantable treatment apparatus is preferably implantable through a septal wall or portion... Agent: Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe, LLPIPProsecution Department

20090054913 - Blind rivet for adapting biological tissue and device for setting the same, in particular through the instrument channel of an endoscope: A self-piercing blind rivet is provided for apposing biological tissue together with a device for setting the same, especially through the instrumental channel of a flexible endoscope. Without the help of further instruments, it is possible to fix, approximate and appose tissue layers, the contact force while connecting the tissue... Agent: Milde & Hoffberg, LLP

20090054914 - Controllable gastric band: The invention relates to a controllable stomach band (1) comprising a non-extendible rear (4) and a chamber (2) which is arranged on the stomach-side of the rear (4) and is used to control the restriction of the stomach by the supply or discharge of a liquid or a fluid into... Agent: Ladas & Parry LLP

20090054916 - Clip-based method for treatment of uterine fibroids by obstruction of the uterine arteries: A device for degenerating a fibroid comprises a pincher mechanism capable of pinching a uterine artery with a force sufficient to substantially obstruct blood flow therethrough. The pincher mechanism is sized and shaped so as to access the uterine artery through a wall of a patients vaginal vault. In a... Agent: Greenberg Traurig, LLP

20090054917 - Device for clamping organic tissue: A device for clamping off organic tissue has a tissue clamp with clamping bars in holders. A proximal clamping bar can be displaced in a guide groove of an application crosspiece by a tappet, while the distal clamping bar maintains its position until the tissue has been clamped off. The... Agent: Collard & Roe, P.C.

20090054915 - Obstruction of uterine arteries to treat uterine fibroids using mechanical instruments to twist the vessels: A device for degenerating a fibroid comprises a gripper mechanism sized and shaped so as to grip a uterine artery and a rotating mechanism attached to the gripper mechanism. The rotating mechanism may be rotated so as to rotate said gripper mechanism, thereby twisting a gripped uterine artery so as... Agent: Greenberg Traurig, LLP

20090054918 - Thrombectomy system and method: Disclosed is a clot and foreign body removal system, including a catheter with at least one lumen. Located within the catheter is a clot capture wire that is connected to a hub at the proximal end. In one embodiment, the clot capture wire includes a coil made out of an... Agent: Stout, Uxa, Buyan & Mullins LLP

20090054919 - Channel current cheminformatics and bioengineering methods for immunological screening, single-molecule analysis, and single-molecular-interaction analysis: Analytical tools and methods employing processing of channel current blockade measurements to detect or assess changes in environmental conditions generally, and more specifically, to detect and assess interactions between a blockade-producing auxiliary molecule in the channel and either the surrounding conductive medium generally or molecules in that conductive medium. The... Agent: Mcglinchey Stafford, PLLC

20090054920 - Single-handed, reduced vibration lancing device: A lancing device includes a housing, at least two ramps, a lancet holder, a drive spring, and an activation mechanism. The housing includes first and second ends, and a first wall. The first end has an aperture extending therethrough and the first wall has an opening extending therethrough. The two... Agent: Nixon Peabody LLP

20090054921 - Treatment device: A treatment device is provided including a catheter having a lumen that is opened to a distal end of the catheter; a wire passing through the lumen so that the wire is inserted into or retracted from the lumen; and a piece disposed at a distal end of the wire... Agent: Scully Scott Murphy & Presser, PC

20090054922 - Apparatus and method for the intravascular control of trauma: One aspect of the invention relates to a device for control of hemorrhage from major blood vessels in acute trauma. The device can be a self sizing expandable/collapsible device placed percutaneously across the site of injury and fitted with intravascular imaging to allow visualization of positioning without the need for... Agent: Carstens & Cahoon, LLP

20090054923 - Nasal device: The current invention is directed to a nasal device for maintaining an air passageway within the nose while a person sleeps. The nasal device has two spaced apart tubular members joined together by a bridging section and a removable spring biased clip that is locatable to hold it in position.... Agent: Shoemaker And Mattare, Ltd

20090054924 - Medical device: A collapsible filter element (40) for a transcatheter embolic protection device (1). The filter element (40) comprises a collapsible filter body (41) which is movable between a collapsed stored position for movement through a vascular system and an expanded position for extension across a blood vessel such that blood passing... Agent: Sughrue Mion-abbott Labs

20090054925 - Safe tweezers: A covered tweezers, comprising a body having two identical thin sheets of metal fused or welded together at one end resulting in a pair of free opposing ends, the free opposing ends having a different type of tip for each type of tweezers. A cover is fixed to the body... Agent: Maria Erlinda C. Sarno, Esq.

20090054926 - Extra-vascular sealing device and method: Various embodiments of a device are shown and disclosed for closing a vascular access puncture site following percutaneous diagnostic or therapeutic interventional procedures. In one embodiment, the closure device includes a vessel locating member, an anchor and a sealing material. The closure device may be configured to deploy the anchor... Agent: Holland & Hart LLP

20090054927 - Fistula plugs and apparatuses and methods for fistula plug delivery: Described are methods and apparatuses for delivering fistula plugs into fistulae having at least a primary fistula opening, a secondary fistula opening, and a fistula tract extending therebetween. Illustratively, some inventive methods involve delivering a fistula plug into a fistula tract through a primary fistula opening and toward a secondary... Agent: Woodard, Emhardt, Moriarty, Mcnett & Henry LLP

20090054928 - Method and apparatus for coupling anatomical features: 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

20090054930 - Anterior cervical staple: A surgical staple for discectomy by an anterior approach that comprises a plate with sharp-pointed projections positioned at each of four corners of the plate and extending perpendicularly there from for frictional insertion into pilot holes formed in the vertebrae, and a pair of circular apertures in the plate spaced... Agent: Ober, Kaler, Grimes & Shriver

20090054929 - Apparatus for the prevention and treatment of back pain: The invention relates to an apparatus for the prevention and treatment of back pain, which is based on lumbar, dorsal and cervical strength training machines. The inventive apparatus comprises three vertebral supports which are disposed at a determined angle and which are used to strengthen and stretch (separation of the... Agent: Quinn Emanuel Urquhart Oliver & Hedges Koda/androlia

20090054931 - Spline implant: The invention relates to a vertebral implant that is to be mounted between the lamina and/or the spinous processes of adjoining vertebral bodies (12, 12′). In order to create a vertebral implant of said type, a bottom part (11) is provided that is to be mounted on a first vertebral... Agent: Pyle & Piontek Attn: Thomas R. Vigil

20090054932 - Resilient spinal rod system with controllable angulation: A spinal rod/rod system for spinal stabilization is controllably bendable or flexible along its longitudinal axis to achieve a particular radius of curvature, flex, arch or angle of the spinal rod and preserve the achieved angle through a locking mechanism. The spinal rod is controllably bendable through application of a... Agent: Bruce J. Bowman Bowman & Davis, P.A.

20090048585 - Brush device for grasping and manipulating tissue: A brush-like element can be housed within a vacuum sleeve for advancement through a natural orifice to tissue, such as an appendix or gall bladder or diverticulum, to be inverted pursuant to resolution of a malady associated with the tissue. The brush is advanced out of the sleeve into the... Agent: Rogitz & Associates

20090048586 - Precise disruption of tissue in retinal and preretinal structures: Systems and methods are provided for disrupting tissue within preretinal or retinal structures of an eye. At least one femtosecond laser pulse is directed through the cornea of the eye to a target location. The at least one femtosecond laser pulse has sufficient intensity to induce nonlinear absorption in tissue... Agent: Tarolli, Sundheim, Covell & Tummino L.L.P.

20090048587 - System and method for a user interface: Embodiments of systems and methods for an interface for providing a user with feedback are presented. Specifically, embodiments of such an interface may include a head-up display unit which is mounted on a microscope utilized by a user when performing a surgical procedure. The heads-up display unit may include an... Agent: Alcon

20090048588 - Side-firing fiber delivery device with active cooling cap: A medical laser system and related methods of utilizing cooling within and around an optical fiber tip to prevent premature failure of the optical fiber. The optical fiber is surrounded by protective jacket assembly including a body tube assembly and a tip cap assembly. The body tube assembly includes an... Agent: Ams Research Corporation

20090048590 - Systems and methods for treating nail-bed fungus through application of heat: A regulated heat source is described that can be applied to the nail bed in order to accelerate the death of the organisms know to contribute to nail bed infections... Agent: Fulbright & Jaworski L.l.p

20090048589 - Treatment device and treatment method for living tissue: A treatment device to treat a living tissue includes a sealing member which joints desired regions of at least two living tissues to each other in a sealed state, and a maintaining member which maintains contact between the tissues located in the vicinity of parts jointed by the sealing member.... Agent: Ostrolenk Faber Gerb & Soffen

20090048591 - Cardiac ablation systems and methods: Cardiac ablation systems and methods of their use and manufacture involve an ablation mechanism, a stabilizer mechanism, and a cinching mechanism that urges the ablation mechanism toward a patient tissue. Embodiments encompass methods for administering epicardial and endocardial lesions, including box lesions and connecting lesions, to patient tissue.... Agent: Townsend And Townsend And Crew, LLP

20090048592 - Electrosurgical instrument: An electrosurgical instrument for the treatment of tissue in the presence of an electrically-conductive fluid medium comprises an instrument shaft (10), and an electrode assembly (12) at one end of the shaft. The electrode assembly (12) comprises a tissue treatment electrode (14) and a return electrode (18) which is electrically... Agent: Nixon & Vanderhye, PC

20090048593 - System and method of treating abnormal tissue in the human esophagus: An ablation catheter system and method of use is provided to endoscopically access portions of the human esophagus experiencing undesired growth of columnar epithelium. The ablation catheter system and method includes controlled depth of ablation features and use of either radio frequency spectrum, non-ionizing ultraviolet radiation, warm fluid or microwave... Agent: Shay Glenn LLP

20090048594 - Gas-enhanced surgical instrument with pressure safety feature: An electrosurgical instrument for providing pressurized ionized gas to a surgical site includes a hand-held applicator having proximal and distal ends, a gas delivery member adapted to deliver pressurized ionizable gas to the proximity of an electrode located adjacent the distal end of the hand-held applicator. A portable actuator assembly... Agent: Tyco Healthcare Group Lp

20090048595 - Electric processing system: An electric processing system is provided with a treatment instrument which subjects a living tissue to a first treatment based on a cauterization process for adhesion using high-frequency power and a second treatment based on a desiccation process for dehydrating a region healed by the adhesion, a detector for detecting... Agent: Ostrolenk Faber Gerb & Soffen

20090048596 - Electrically conductive/insulative over shoe for tissue fusion: An over shoe for use with electrosurgical instruments having a pair of juxtaposed jaw members pivotably associated with one another, at least one of which includes an electrically conductive surface disposed thereon which is in electrical engagement with an electrosurgical energy source. According to one aspect of the present disclosure,... Agent: Tyco Healthcare Group Lp

20090048597 - Method of determining a contour of an anatomical structure and selecting an orthopaedic implant to replicate the anatomical structure: A computer assisted surgery (CAS) system and method for preparing an anatomical structure to receive an orthopaedic implant. The method generally involves the steps of determining a contour of the anatomical structure by using the CAS system to acquire a plurality of points on the anatomical structure and provide a... Agent: Zimmer Technology - Baker & Daniels

20090048598 - Assemblies for the reduction of a fracture: A controlled removable fracture-reducing assembly (10) for reducing a bone fracture. According to one embodiment of the present invention, a controlled removable fracture reducing assembly (10) includes an implant (12), a reducer (14), a buttress (16), and a locking device (18) that engage a proximal bone fragment (2) and a... Agent: Joel R. Petrow Smith & Nephew, Inc.

20090048599 - External fixation apparatus with adjustable pin clamping means: An external fixation device for holding bone fragments in place includes a housing having a number of rotationally adjustable pin holders, each of which is held by a clamping member that simultaneously clamps the pin holder within an internal mounting surface of the housing and a bone pin within the... Agent: Ronald V. Davidge

20090048600 - Intramedullary rod with pivotable fastener and method for using same: An intramedullary rod for use with a fastener to repair a femur includes an elongate nail extending along a longitudinal axis and having a stem and a head. The head is provided with an aperture extending along an axis at an angle to the longitudinal axis for receiving the fastener.... Agent: Dorsey & Whitney LLP US Bank Center

20090048601 - Mis crosslink apparatus and methods for spinal implant: A spinal implant provides support for desired parts of the spine. The implant can provide support in fusion situations. The spinal implant includes a pair of elongated members and a variable length cross-link. A variable length cross-link apparatus may couple to the first and second elongated members. Each variable length... Agent: SprinkleIPLaw Group

20090048602 - Surgical bur with unequally spaced flutes, flutes with different rake angles and flutes with alternating reliefs: A surgical bur including a shaft with a head on the distal end of the shaft. A number of flutes extend outwardly from the head, each flute having a rake surface and a clearance surface. On some flutes the rake and clearance surfaces meet to form the flute cutting edges.... Agent: Intel. Prop./ Rnd Stryker Corporation

20090048603 - Hip stem centralizer datum guide and method: A hip stem centralizer datum guide (40, 100, 200, 300) and method are provided for positioning a proximal portion of a hip stem component (44) within bone cement in an intramedullary canal of a femur. The datum guide is positionable in a predetermined position relative to the intramedullary canal and... Agent: Zimmer Technology - Baker & Daniels

20090048604 - Insertion instrument for intervertebral implants: An insertion tool for positioning intervertebral spacers into disc spaces. The insertion tool has a proximal end and a distal end, a T-handle secured to the proximal end and a pair of alignment rails extending to the distal end. The insertion tool includes a handle secured to the proximal end... Agent: Lerner, David, Littenberg, Krumholz & Mentlik

20090048606 - Guide system and method for the fixation of bone fractures: An improved guide system and method permits a user to insert a fixation device, such as a pin, screw, wire and/or the like, into a bone portion. A guide system may comprise a handle portion and a body portion, wherein the body portion comprises one or more channels configured to... Agent: Snell & Wilmer L.L.P. (main)

20090048605 - Surgical lag tool devices and methods for use with surgical bone screw/plate systems: A lag tool device can include a driver, an outer sleeve, and a bushing. The device enables a fastener receiving member to be maintained against a bone surface while a fastener is inserted within an aperture of the fastener receiving member. The driver can rotate within the outer sleeve while... Agent: Jenkins, Wilson, Taylor & Hunt, P. A.

20090048607 - Systems and methods for phacoemulsification with vacuum based pumps: The invention is generally directed to systems and methods for ophthalmic surgery, and more particularly to systems and methods for phacoemulsification using vacuum-based aspiration pumps. In accordance with one embodiment, a vacuum-based phacoemulsification system, having a handpiece, includes a subsystem to detect an occlusion occurring at the handpiece during operation.... Agent: Advanced Medical Optics, Inc.

20090048608 - Toric lenses alignment using pre-operative images: Proper selection and centering of an intraocular lens (IOL) is provided. An image of an eye, which may be captured during pre-operative tests and provided to a program operable to calculate the power and axis orientation of the IOL, is used to determine the location and orientation of the IOL.... Agent: Alcon

20090048609 - Uterine cannula: A uterine cannula having a proximal end and distal end and comprising: a hollow outer tube having a proximal end and a distal end; an inner tube receivable within the outer tube, and having a proximal end and a distal end, a distal portion of the inner tube extending beyond... Agent: Davis Wright Tremaine LLP/los Angeles

20090048610 - Medical probe introducer: One embodiment of the invention relates to a system for placement of a cannula and an internal shaft into a patient including a base, a linear drive mechanism coupled to the base and a rotation mechanism coupled to the base. The base includes an attachment mechanism configured to be mechanically... Agent: Foley & Lardner LLP

20090048612 - Modular and cooperative medical devices and related systems and methods: The various embodiments disclosed herein relate to modular medical devices, including various devices with detachable modular components and various devices with pivotally attached modular components. Additional embodiments relate to procedures in which various of the devices are used cooperatively. Certain embodiments of the medical devices are robotic in vivo devices.... Agent: Faegre & Benson LLP Patent Docketing

20090048611 - System and method for augmentation of endoscopic surgery: A robotic device for use in surgery includes a first surgical instrument having a proximal end, a distal end, and a shaft extending therebetween, the distal end of the first instrument and adjacent shaft being insertable distally into a first incision; a first manipulator movably supporting the first instrument; a... Agent: Ryan, Mason & Lewis, LLP

20090048613 - Visceral staples for purse-string closure of perforations: Medical devices and related methods for closing a perforation in a bodily wall The medical device generally includes a suture having opposing first and second ends and a set of visceral staples. Each visceral staple includes a base and two tines connected to the base, the tines spaced apart two... Agent: Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione/chicago/cook

20090048614 - Vessel-loop and method of making same: A vessel-loop having an elastic tube and a needle attached to one end thereof for use in various surgical procedures, and a method for forming same. The method includes the steps of positioning a heat-sensitive element within a section of elastic tubing, applying tensile forces to the opposed ends of... Agent: Greenberg Traurig, LLP

20090048615 - Device and method for suturing intracardiac defects: In accordance with the present invention there is provided a suturing device. The suturing device includes a length of suture that will be delivered to the site of the PFO and placed through the tissue adjacent the opening to close the PFO. As described in greater detail below, the suture... Agent: Thomas H. Majcher, Esq. Fulwider Patton LLP

20090048616 - Device and method for assisting in flexor tendon repair and rehabilitation: A surgical device and method used to assist in the surgical repair and rehabilitation of damaged and/or severed tendons. In one embodiment of the present invention, the device is comprised of a hollow member, preferably shaped as a partial funnel and/or cone, having an inner and outer surface, a flared... Agent: Feldmangale, P.A.

20090048617 - Implantable mesh for surgical reconstruction in the area of the pelvic floor: An implantable mesh for the surgical reconstruction in the area of the pelvic floor includes an anterior mesh segment between the bladder and the vagina, a posterior mesh segment between the vagina and the rectum, a pair of distal transobturator holding straps extending from the anterior mesh segment, a pair... Agent: Wenderoth, Lind & Ponack, L.L.P.

20090048618 - Apparatus and method for magnetic alteration of anatomical features: A system for auto-anastomosing a region of the body using magnetic members that may be individually delivered to different locations in the body. The magnetic members have a polar alignment that generates an attractive force to compress tissue in the region between them. The tissue in the region necroses as... Agent: John P. O'banion O'banion & Ritchey LLP

20090048619 - Capsulorhexis cutter and technique: A device for performing a capsulorhexis incision inserted via a small wound cut in the corneal or sclera tissue. The device includes a motorized cutting element and a handle The motorized cutting element has mechanical means to create a cut in the anterior capsule tissue along a planned capsulorhexis line,... Agent: Eitan Sobel

20090048620 - Apparatus and methods for carpal tunnel release: An apparatus and methods for treating carpal tunnel syndrome are disclosed herein. A surgical knife and guide tool for performing carpal tunnel release surgery includes an elongated handle having a cutting head comprising an upper edge, a bottom edge, and a cutting edge therebetween, wherein the bottom edge comprises at... Agent: Greenberg Traurig, LLP

20090048621 - Single-use skin pricking device: A single-use skin pricking device (7) comprising a housing (8), a lancet (1) disposed (5) within the housing (8), biasing means (11) coupled between the housing (8) and the lancet (1), and a trigger (12) mounted to the housing (8) for relative movement therewith. The trigger (8) is releasably coupled... Agent: Mark D. Saralino (general) Renner, Otto, Boisselle & Sklar, LLP

20090048622 - Apparatus and methods for performing brain surgery: Less invasive surgical techniques for performing brain surgery are disclosed in which a dilating obturator and cannula assembly is inserted into brain tissue until the obturator tip and cannula are adjacent to the target tissue. The obturator is removed and surgery is performed through the cannula. In preferred embodiments the... Agent: Carter, Deluca, Farrell & Schmidt, LLP

20090048624 - Balloon system and methods for treating obesity: A medical system (100) for the treatment of morbid obesity comprising an inflatable balloon (110) implanted in a gastric cavity, a percutaneous fillant delivery tube (120) and a control module (130) connected to the tube for regulating the inflation and deflation of the balloon. The balloon may be individually contoured... Agent: Greenberg Traurig LLP (la)

20090048623 - Medical implement particularly useful in arthroscopic surgical procedures: A medical implement for separating tissue at a surgical site includes an elongated rod carrying an inflatable balloon of triangular configuration having first and second apices defining a base for engagement with one tissue layer, and a third apex engageable with a second tissue layer effective, upon the inflation of... Agent: Martin D. Moynihan Prtsi

20090048625 - Apparatus, particularly for use in laparoscopic surgery: The present invention is constituted by an instrument (1) for use in laparoscopic surgery, including a grip (2) which is provided with an actuator (3), and which effects, through a linkage (3′, 5, 6), the manipulation of an effector (9). The effector (9) is positioned at a first end portion... Agent: Knobbe Martens Olson & Bear LLP

20090048626 - Dressing and an epidermal positioning mechanism and method for using same: An epidermal positioning mechanism for use with an application to a predetermined epidermal surface. The epidermal positioning mechanism comprises a strip of material having a first end portion of a predetermined shape, a second end portion of a predetermined shape, and middle portion coupling the first end portion to the... Agent: Ryan Kromholz & Manion, S.c.

20090048627 - Method for patterning a medical device: The present disclosure provides a method for forming a color pattern on a medical device.... Agent: Tyco Healthcare Group Lp

20090048628 - Surgical repair product based on uhmwpe filaments: The invention relates to an elongated surgical repair product comprising a load-bearing member containing strands comprising a biocompatible High-performance polyethylene (HPPE) yarn substantially consisting of a plurality of ultra-high molar mass polyethylene (UHMWPE) filaments, wherein the (UHMWPE) filaments have an effective diameter of at most micrometer. The product shows higher... Agent: Nixon & Vanderhye, PC

20090048629 - Apparatus and methods for attaching soft tissue to bone: Suture anchors and methods for using the suture anchors for attaching soft tissue, such as ligaments, tendons, and muscles, to bone are disclosed herein. A suture anchor for attaching soft tissue to bone includes a catheter having an elongated shaft with a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal... Agent: Greenberg Traurig, LLP

20090048630 - Child pacifier: One embodiment of the present invention is a child pacifier comprising a nipple for inserting into a child's mouth, a pacifier housing, the pacifier housing including a plate section adapted to receive the nipple, a spring section, a pacifier middle section coupled to the plate section such that the spring... Agent: Taft, Stettinius & Hollister LLP

20090048631 - Dynamic stabilization device for spine: A dynamic stabilization device is disclosed. The device includes a dual spring member comprising an outer spring and an inner spring that have approximately equal working lengths. The dynamic stabilization device is also configured so that the dual spring member does not undergo stresses greater than an effective fatigue limit... Agent: Plumsea Law Group, LLC

20090048632 - Spinal support rod kit: A spinal support rod kit for the treatment of spinal column shape deformations. The kit comprises a spinal support rod having first and second ends, in which the cross-sectional shape of the rod along at least part of its length, taken perpendicular to its longitudinal axis, includes a first flat... Agent: Philip S. Johnson Johnson & Johnson

20090048633 - Fixture: A screw type fixture is disclosed. In the fixture of the present invention, small screw threads (231) are formed on a ridge of a large screw thread (233) formed on the circumferential outer surface of the fixture, so that reliable fixing force of the fixture to cancellous bone is ensured... Agent: Rabin & Berdo, PC

20090048634 - Polyaxial bone screw with compound articulation: A polyaxial bone screw assembly includes a threaded shank body having an upper capture structure, a receiver and a retainer having spherical inner and outer surfaces. The retainer is compressible, having an opening with two ends that may be pressed toward one another. The retainer spherical surfaces slidingly mate with... Agent: Law Office Of John C. Mcmahon

20090043292 - Method for preventing and correcting presbyopia: A method for preventing and correcting presbyopia includes steps of forming a refractive correction surface for treating myopia, hyperopia or astigmatism to improve vision of distant objects in a central portion of the cornea of an eyeball corresponding in size and position to the pupil of the eyeball under a... Agent: Kamrath & Associates P.A.

20090043294 - Capacitive sensing method and device for detecting skin: A skin proximity sensor and method are disclosed in a dermatologic treatment device that includes a bezel or similar surface, and a treatment source capable of being activated to supply a dermatologic treatment through the bezel or surface, such as a window or similar port. A plurality of contacts leading... Agent: Law Offices Of James E. Eakin

20090043293 - Multi-module skin or body treatment device and the method of using: A skin or body treatment device includes one or more removable and replaceable modules. Each module is configured to provide a skin or body treatment, underlying tissue treatment, or both. One or more applicators are coupled with the skin or body treatment device. Each applicator enables the use of the... Agent: Lahive & Cockfield, LLP Floor 30, Suite 3000

20090043295 - Fibroid treatment methods and devices: A system for ligating a uterine artery in a patient generally includes a suture transfer tool, suture transfer darts, and one or more sutures. Others systems and implants are described herein for treating and/or eliminating fibroids or fibrous masses in males and females.... Agent: Ams Research Corporation

20090043296 - Photodynamic therapy with spatially resolved dual spectroscopic monitoring: An instrument for photodynamic therapy applies treatment light from a dye laser, white light, and ultraviolet fluorescence excitation light from an LED onto a lesion and surrounding areas in a time-multiplexed manner. The reflected white light is analyzed in a spectrometer to determine a correction for the dynamic optical spectral... Agent: Blank Rome LLP

20090043297 - Cryogenic system: A cryosurgical system and method for supplying cryogen to a probe. The system including a container filled with cryogen and having bellows of a pump submerged within said cryogen. Conduits fluidly interconnect the bellows and a probe that is outside the container to permit the cryogen to be forced from... Agent: Lawrence N. Ginsberg

20090043298 - Arrangement and method for vascular anastomosis: A method for implementing vascular anastomosis in the attachment of a graft vessel to a target vessel such as a coronary artery, and subsequently creating a passageway between the vessels in order to establish fluid flow communication therebetween. Further is to the provision of novel devices which are utilized in... Agent: Scully Scott Murphy & Presser, PC

20090043300 - Apparatus and method for clearance calibration of shock wave electrodes: Reasonable distances of the electrodes (103) may be determined within a pre-defined scope, if appliances are available for the limitation of the travel (210) of et least one of the electrodes between a first limit position that corresponds to the smallest possible distance (3) between the two electrodes, and a... Agent: David L. King, Sr.

20090043301 - Monopolar energy delivery devices and methods for controlling current density in tissue: Devices, systems and methods for providing energy to treat large areas of tissue. Several embodiments of the devices control resistance or other parameters to provide substantially uniform current density along a length of tissue with reduced edge effects.... Agent: Perkins Coie LLP Patent Sea

20090043299 - Reinforced catheter with articulated distal tip: A reinforced medical catheter (10) includes an elongated tubular outer wall reinforced by an internal helical coil spring (36). Successive loops of the coil spring adjoining the distal end are longitudinally separated, and a working lumen extends longitudinally through the catheter. A longitudinally extending reinforcing cable is captured in the... Agent: Trask Britt

20090043302 - Systems and methods for treating tissue regions of the body: Systems and methods deploy an electrode from a catheter assembly. The systems and methods provide a catheter handle having a trigger lever adapted to carry an actuator rod. The actuator rod is adapted to cause movement of the electrode between a retracted position and an extended position. A pinion is... Agent: Patricia A. Limbach Ryan Kromholz & Manion, S.c.

20090043303 - Ablation therapeutic device, resectoscope and method of ablating living body tissue: An ablation therapeutic device includes a therapeutic electrode which is disposed at a distal end portion of a resectoscope and has a first loop-shaped portion at a distal end thereof, and a compression section which has a second loop-shaped portion extending to a position in front of the therapeutic electrode,... Agent: Ostrolenk Faber Gerb & Soffen

20090043304 - Vessel sealing forceps with disposable electrodes: A removable electrode assembly for use in combination with a forceps having opposing end effectors and a handle for effecting movement of the end effectors relative to one another. The electrode assembly includes a housing which is removably engageable with the forceps and a pair of electrodes which are attachable... Agent: Tyco Healthcare Group Lp

20090043305 - Surgical instrument: Surgical instruments are provided for performing laparoscopic or similar minimally invasive operations, including two clamping parts, which can move towards one another and which have clamping surfaces for gripping tissue when they are closed. A cutting device has a cutting edge that, in a cutting direction, can be displaced relative... Agent: Dickstein Shapiro LLP

20090043306 - Clavicle clamp mechanism: A clavicle clamp mechanism includes a first compression member, a second compression member, and an angular guide having a profile with a first end portion and a second end portion. The first compression member is disposed along the profile of the angular guide and is selectively rotatable about the angular... Agent: Merchant & Gould PC

20090043307 - Disposable device for treatment of infections of human limbs: A disposable device for treatment of infections of human limbs, particularly limbs having long bones susceptible to stabilization by intramedullary nailing. The device comprises a tubular member (2) made of a relatively rigid and biologically compatible base material, having pores (2′) for impregnation with drugs or medicaments for infection treatment... Agent: Dykema Gossett PLLC

20090043343 - Method and apparatus for enhanced delivery of treatment device to the intervertebral disc annulus: The present invention provides methods and devices for enhancing the delivery of treatment devices for treating the annulus of an intervertebral disc. The methods and devices may employ delivery support elements to delivery tools used to deliver expandable treatment devices to the intervertebral disc. Fixation devices and methods are also... Agent: Finnegan, Henderson, Farabow, Garrett & Dunner LLP

20090043345 - Methods and devices for interbody spinal stabilization: Methods and instruments for preparing a disc space and for forming interbody devices therein are provided. The instruments include distractors having enlargeable portions positionable in the disc space for distracting the disc space. The enlargeable portions can also provide form about or against which an interbody device of a first... Agent: Krieg Devault LLP

20090043344 - Methods for repairing defects in bone: A method for repairing defects in bones that may be used to remove a surface defect from the articulating surface of a bone. In one embodiment, a passage is formed in the bone and extending to an articulating surface of the bone, resulting in the removal of bone stock from... Agent: Zimmer Technology - Baker & Daniels

20090043308 - Method and apparatus for performing an open wedge osteotomy: m

20090043310 - Arthroplasty systems and methods for optimally aligning and tensioning a knee prosthesis: A combination of a first assembly for guiding resection of a femur and tibia of a knee joint and a second assembly including femoral and tibial knee components. The combination of the first assembly and the second assembly provides optimal placement and positioning of the femoral and tibial knee components... Agent: Kirton And Mcconkie

20090043309 - Systems and methods for guiding cuts to a femur and tibia during a knee arthroplasty: An assembly for guiding resection of a femur and tibia of a knee joint in preparation for installing a femoral and tibial knee components. For example, the assembly can include tibial and femoral IM rods to which are connected through a tensioning bolt that allows controlled adjustment of the distraction... Agent: Kirton And Mcconkie

20090043311 - Offset distraction device and method of use: A distraction device employing a bone fastener and an axially displaced post to provide enhanced access to a surgical site. The distraction device is comprised of a rigid arm or link having a bone fastener, e.g., screw, extending from a first end and a post extending oppositely to the fastener,... Agent: Arthur Freilich Freilich, Hornbaker & Rosen

20090043312 - Articulating transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion inserter device and associated method of use: The present invention provides an articulating TLIF inserter device operable for placing, positioning, and inserting a spinal implant into an intervertebral space with minimum tissue disruption and maximum inline impaction forces, including: an elongate shaft having a proximal end, a distal end, and an axis; an ergonomic handle disposed at... Agent: Clements Bernard Miller

20090043313 - Intraocular lens insertion device: An intraocular insertion device capable of safely performing discharge operation of a lens by a simpler construction. The intraocular lens insertion device has a body provided with a lens placement section where the lens is placed and a tube section for inserting the lens into an eye and has a... Agent: Darby & Darby P.C.

20090043314 - Access device for body tissue and method of using same: A body tissue has oppositely disposed first and second tissue sides with an aperture extending therebetween. An apparatus for selectively permitting access through the body tissue includes a proximal balloon adapted for placement adjacent the first tissue side. A distal balloon is adapted for placement adjacent the second tissue side.... Agent: Tarolli, Sundheim, Covell & Tummino L.L.P.

20090043315 - Endobag for endoscopic surgery: Disclosed is an endobag for endoscopic surgery. The endobag comprises a vinyl bag, which includes harmless transparent vinyl material and is prepared such that an upper end of the vinyl bag forms an inlet, and a pair of flaps that protrude from the inlet of the folded vinyl bag such... Agent: John W. Renner, Esq. Renner, Otto, Boiselle & Sklar LLP

20090043316 - Through the scope tension member release clip: A hemostatic clip assembly for mounting on a delivery device comprises a capsule and a clip slidably mounted within the capsule so that, when the clip is drawn proximally into the capsule, arms of the clip are drawn together to a closed position, an abutting surface of at least one... Agent: Fay Kaplun & Marcin, LLP

20090043317 - Method and apparatus for delivery of a ligating suture: An apparatus for ligating a medical protrusion comprises a ligating suture having a proximal end and a distal end configured to circumscribe the medical protrusion, and a one-way lock positioned there between. The apparatus further comprises an endoscope, a cutter blade configured to cut the suture, and a device for... Agent: Raymond R. Moser Jr., Esq. MoserIPLaw Group

20090043318 - Applicator for suture/button construct: A technique for joint repair employing a suture/button construct and an applicator designed to securely engage a button of the suture/button construct. The button of the suture/button construct securely engages the shaft of the applicator. The suture from the button may be wrapped around a securing device (for example, a... Agent: Dickstein Shapiro LLP

20090043319 - Pancreatic-enteric fistulary catheterization system: A catheterization system for forming dual sutureless anastomoses using two catheters connectable to one another. Once the fistula is healed, a dissolvable connection allows the catheters to separate one from the other and the separated pieces are extruded through normal bowel action. The two catheters may be connected in various... Agent: Wright, Lindsey & Jennings LLP

20090043320 - Fluid jet device: A fluid jet device being provided with a fluid jet aperture section and producing a jet of fluid from the fluid jet aperture section includes: a pulsation generation section including a fluid chamber whose capacity can be changed, an inlet fluid path linked through the fluid chamber with a volume... Agent: Oliff & Berridge, PLC

20090043321 - Apparatus and method for surgical enhancement of aqueous humor drainage: An apparatus is provided for forming a tissue tract (8, 11A, 17A) from within a first passageway of an eye (11, 17) connecting to a second passageway in the eye (12, 16) comprising an elongated tool with a proximal end and distal end. The tool has an outer diameter in... Agent: Weaver Austin Villeneuve & Sampson LLP

20090043322 - Ophthalmic marker for surgical retinal vitreous procedures: The invention relates to ophthalmology surgical procedures, and specifically to vitreous retinal surgical procedures for marking positions for incision/injection sites on the scleral surface of the eye. The types of ophthalmic vitreous surgical procedures for which are applicable include but not limited to, vitrectomies performed in hospital operating rooms and... Agent: John Richardson

20090043323 - Surgical appratus for cutting tissue: A system of separating a membrane from underlying tissue. The system includes a separation member operable to separate the membrane from the tissue and a cutting element in communication with the separation member. The cutting element is also operable to dissect the membrane without harming the underlying tissue.... Agent: Gardner Groff Greenwald & Villanueva. PC

20090043325 - Blood lancet with hygienic tip protection: The invention concerns lancets with a lancet needle, the tip of the lancet needle being embedded in an elastic material. Furthermore the invention concerns lancets where the tip of the lancet needle is surrounded by a hollow body which partially consists of an elastic material that can be pierced by... Agent: Woodard, Emhardt, Moriarty, Mcnett & Henry LLP

20090043324 - Magnetic lancet device: Embodiments of the present invention provide magnetic lancet devices and methods for driving a lancet. For example, a magnetic lancet device may include a driving mechanism having a plurality of magnets and a lancet coupled to the driving mechanism. A magnetic interaction between the plurality of magnets is configured to... Agent: Alston & Bird LLP

20090043326 - Lancet release mechanism: A lancet-release mechanism is adapted to be incorporated into a lancing device. The lancing device is adapted to receive a lancet assembly therein. The lancing device is adapted to move the lancet assembly between a resting position, a cocking position, and a puncture position. The lancet-release mechanism comprises a lancet... Agent: Nixon Peabody LLP

20090043327 - Split sheath for trocar assembly: A trocar assembly including a trocar and a trocar sheath and methods for accessing an intracorporeal site, e.g. biopsy or trocar site, using the trocar assembly. The trocar has a tissue penetrating distal tip, an elongated shaft and a proximal handle portion. The distal portion of the trocar sheath forms... Agent: Edward J. Lynch Duane Morris LLP

20090043328 - Split sheath for trocar assembly: A trocar assembly including a trocar and a trocar sheath and methods for accessing an intracorporeal site, e.g. biopsy or trocar site, using the trocar assembly. The trocar has a tissue penetrating distal tip, an elongated shaft and a proximal handle portion. The distal portion of the trocar sheath forms... Agent: Edward J. Lynch Duane Morris LLP

20090043329 - Acupuncture device: An acupuncture device includes an acupuncture needle which has an elongate grip part with a substantially cylindrical main portion and a needle part which is fixed to the distal end of the grip part such that its longitudinal axis is aligned with the grip part and a guide tube which... Agent: Sughrue Mion, PLLC

20090043330 - Embolic protection devices and methods: The present invention provides a PreStent comprising a sheath and frame designed for preparing a vessel passageway for the subsequent delivery of a stent. The PreStent can be self-expanding or balloon-expandable. Also provided is a supporting system for delivering the PreStent safely. The supporting system includes a delivery catheter, one... Agent: Katherine N. Addison Esq.

20090043331 - Guided detachable interlock and method of use: Described herein are various implant delivery methods and systems that include a detachable link for connecting an implantable device and a control wire. The detachable link can include an elongate body comprising a first arm with a mating surface having a slot extending the width of the elongate body and... Agent: Finnegan, Henderson, Farabow, Garrett & Dunner LLP

20090043332 - Asymmetrical medical filter: A medical filter has a double-basket design, in which the two filter baskets have balanced filtering efficiencies, so that both filter baskets tend to collect or capture amounts of material that are approximately equivalent. In other words, a second or “downstream” filter basket may be designed to have a filter... Agent: Philip S. Johnson Johnson & Johnson

20090043333 - Closure device and insertion assembly: A medical apparatus (100) is provided, comprising a closure device (102), which comprises a locking member (130) and a tubular member (121) having two sets of struts (122, 123) being provided with a hinge section, and an insertion assembly (101), which comprises a holder (106) and an actuator (107), the... Agent: Foley And Lardner LLP Suite 500

20090043334 - Circular stapler buttress: A buttress for use with circular surgical staplers that does not require adhesive to securely fasten the buttress to the stapler. Following cutting and stapling by the circular stapler, the buttress has an adaptive opening through its central region with a diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the stapler... Agent: Wayne D. House 34623 House W. L. Gore & Associate, Inc.

20090043335 - Nontraumatic two-point needle for surgical suture: A nontraumatic two-point needle for surgical suture having two or more modular components constituted by hollow and solid needle portions to be assembled by locking the suture line, or lines, inside the hollow portion or portions.... Agent: Coleman Sudol Sapone, P.C.

20090043336 - Barbed suture with non-symmetric barbs: A suture including a shaft extending longitudinally along a length of the suture, and a plurality of barbs extending outwardly from said shaft. At least one of the barbs is non-symmetrical about a primary plane extending along the longitudinal length of the suture, and bisecting a distal tip of the... Agent: Philip S. Johnson Johnson & Johnson

20090043337 - Suture-retaining device and anchor: A device for repairing a rotator cuff tendon injury provides a robust means for reattaching the rotator cuff tendon to the underlying humeral head. The device includes a suture-retaining device and an anchor that is mechanically coupled to a cortex of the humerus and the suture-retaining device. The anchor is... Agent: Patterson & Sheridan, L.L.P.

20090043339 - Universal transverse connector device: A connecting apparatus includes a first grasping member adapted to hold a first elongated member and a second grasping member adapted to hold a second elongated member. The second grasping member is operatively connected to the first grasping member so that the first and second grasping members are movable relative... Agent: Carter, Deluca, Farrell & Schmidt, LLP

20090043338 - Vertebra connection member and nut driver: A vertebra connection member has: a screw member that is screwed in a vertebra; a connector member that connects a rod and the screw member; a first nut member that fixes the screw member and connector member; a second nut member that prevents the loosening of the first nut member;... Agent: Hahn & Voight PLLC

20090043340 - Implantable bone plate system and related method for spinal repair: A system for performing surgical repair of the spine includes a distractor and a permanently implanted bone plate system. A surgical repair methodology is also disclosed that employs an implanted bone plate system with a substantially void internal volume which is attached to adjacent vertebrae subsequent to the distraction and... Agent: Shay Glenn LLP

20090043341 - Dynamic extension plate for anterior cervical fusion and method of installation: An osteosynthetic plate assembly and a method of installing the osteosynthetic plate assembly is disclosed. The osteosynthetic plate assembly comprises a dynamic extension plate having a first end portion for connection to a first vertebrae, a second end portion for connection to a second vertebrae, and a dynamic flexible portion... Agent: Ratnerprestia

20090043342 - Flat shaft fasteners: Disclosed is an expanding fastener. The expanding fastener includes two walls configured to be inserted in a bore in a bone, said two walls include: one first wall having at least one first flat planar wall portion, and one second wall. The expanding fastener further including a shaft having one... Agent: Yosef Freedland

20090036876 - Gel cap loading tool: A medical device, gel-cap loading tool. The loading tool facilitates the insertion of a component of a medical device, such as the esophageal flange of a voice prosthesis, within a dissolvable gel cap. The gel cap is disposed in a cavity with the component collapsed therein. A gel cap is... Agent: Freudenberg-nok General Partnership Legal Department

20090036877 - Spring detach joint for delivering a detachable implantable device: Methods and systems for delivering an implantable device to a target site, using a detachable link. The system can include an embolic coil mated to a delivery wire via a detachable link comprising first and second engaging members. When the detachable link is delivered through a catheter, the first and... Agent: Finnegan, Henderson, Farabow, Garrett & Dunner LLP

20090036878 - Eye surgical unit and eye surgical instrument: An eye surgical unit, comprising a connecting module to align, upon coupling of the connecting module to a connecting module of an eye surgical instrument, an end of a light guide which is included in the connecting module of the eye surgical instrument with respect to the connecting module of... Agent: Swanson & Bratschun, L.L.C.

20090036879 - Systems and methods for fine-tuning refractive surgery: Systems and methods for fine-tuning refractive shapes for vision treatment are provided. Techniques encompass determining a variable index of refraction for a cornea of the eye, and determining the refractive treatment shape for the eye based on the variable index of refraction. Techniques also encompass determining a variable radius of... Agent: Townsend And Townsend And Crew, LLP

20090036880 - Device and method for changing a lens implanted into an eye: The invention relates to a device for altering an optical and/or mechanical property of a lens that is implanted in an eye, the device including a laser device, which has a laser beam source that provides a pulsed laser beam and an optical unit, which impinges on the implanted lens... Agent: Patterson, Thuente, Skaar & Christensen, P.A.

20090036881 - Polyp removal jaws and method of use: Apparatus configured for the removal of polyps are provided and include a first jaw member including first and second elongated members, the first and second elongated members having proximal and distal ends and defining a channel therebetween; and a second jaw member having proximal and distal ends and defining a... Agent: Tyco Healthcare Group Lp

20090036882 - Circumferential electrode array for tissue ablation: An electrode array supports multiple electrodes and energizes them so that adjacent electrodes do not have the same polarity. In one embodiment, the electrodes are held about a circumference outside and surrounding a tumor and opposed electrodes are energized in a round robin fashion to promote current flow through the... Agent: Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation

20090036883 - Electrosurgical systems and printed circuit boards for use therewith: An electrosurgical system for treating tissue is disclosed. The system includes an electrosurgical generator, a printed circuit board, a generator ground and a patient ground. The printed circuit board is disposed in mechanical cooperation with the electrosurgical generator and includes a plurality of conductive layers. The generator ground includes a... Agent: Tyco Healthcare Group Lp

20090036884 - System and method for return electrode monitoring: A system for determining probability of tissue damage is disclosed. The system includes a plurality of return electrodes adhered to a patient and adapted to couple to an electrosurgical generator configured to generate an electrosurgical current. The system also includes a current monitor and a switching component connected in series... Agent: Tyco Healthcare Group Lp

20090036894 - Method of treating a neurological condition through correction and stabilization of the clivo-axial angle: A method for treating a neurological condition such as autism spectrum disorder, bipolar disorder or other neurological condition that may be caused by biomechanical stresses imparted to the brainstem is performed by surgically correcting the clivo-axial angle of the patient and stabilizing the cranio-cervical junction after surgery. The surgery will... Agent: Knoble, Yoshida & Dunleavy

20090036937 - Method and apparatus for the treatement of the intervertebral disc annulus: The present invention provides methods and devices for treating the annulus of an intervertebral disc. The methods and devices can employ an expandable treatment device which is deployed at least partially in the subannular space. Fixation devices and methods are also disclosed, which help to secure the treatment device in... Agent: Finnegan, Henderson, Farabow, Garrett & Dunner LLP

20090036936 - Translaminar approach to minimally invasive ligament decompression procedure: Provided herein is a method for treating spinal stenosis comprising percutaneously accessing the epidural space from a first side of the spine. The first side of the spine is located on one side of the medial plane with respect to the spinal cord. A tissue removal tool is then advanced... Agent: Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati

20090036896 - Endo-distractor: The invention relates to a device for the distraction of bones or bone segments. The device comprises an anchoring screw having a longitudinal axis, a screw tip, a screw end for rotatably driving the anchoring screw, a threaded shank which adjoins the screw tip and has a screw thread, and... Agent: Schweitzer Cornman Gross & Bondell LLP

20090036895 - Spinal distractor, compressor, and rod engaging system and method: Apparatus and methods for distracting or compressing distance between a first and second boney structure and for engaging a connecting element.... Agent: Mintz, Levin, Cohn, Ferris, Glovsky And Popeo, P.c

20090036898 - Instrument for inserting intraocular lens: An intraocular lens insertion device for inserting an intraocular lens capable of securely and safely pushing out the lens by a simple structure. An intraocular lens insertion device (1) comprises: a main body (3) having a lens placement portion (8) on which the lens (2) with a pair of loop... Agent: Boyle Fredrickson S.c.

20090036899 - Combination wire electrode and tube electrode polypectomy device: A device for removing polyps is provided and includes a tubular member having proximal and distal ends. The distal end of the tubular member includes a first electrode extending thereacross. The first electrode defines at least one opening therein. The polyp removal device further includes a snare portion operably extending... Agent: Tyco Healthcare Group Lp

20090036902 - Interactive user interfaces for robotic minimally invasive surgical systems: In one embodiment of the invention, a method for a minimally invasive surgical system is disclosed. The method includes capturing and displaying camera images of a surgical site on at least one display device at a surgeon console; switching out of a following mode and into a masters-as-mice (MaM) mode;... Agent: Patent Dept Intuitive Surgical, Inc

20090036901 - Medical manipulator system: A medical manipulator system includes a medical manipulator, an operating unit for inputting operation commands, motors for driving a working unit, a controller for driving the motors based on operation commands supplied from the operating unit, and an LED that displays an operational state. The controller carries out controls for... Agent: Oblon, Spivak, Mcclelland Maier & Neustadt, P.C.

20090036900 - Surgery methods using a robotic instrument system: Various methods for performing various surgical procedures using a robotic instrument system are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method comprises advancing a guide instrument into a patient's body and to the vicinity of a treatment area. The guide instrument may be a robotically controlled catheter which is controlled by a... Agent: VistaIPLaw Group LLP

20090036904 - Anastomosis instrument and method for performing same: A surgical instrument for anastomosis of first and second blood vessels includes a housing having distal and proximal ends and an actuator disposed therebetween. The actuator includes a handle and a link assembly, the link assembly being movable through a firing stroke in response to movement of the handle. The... Agent: Tyco Healthcare Group Lp

20090036903 - Apparatus and methods for delivering fasteners during valve replacement: A fastener delivery tool includes a belt including pairs of features for releasably engaging tines of respective fasteners in a relaxed state defining a loop. The tool includes a loading chamber for receiving a fastener from the belt, a retaining member for limiting movement of the fastener within the loading... Agent: VistaIPLaw Group LLP

20090036905 - Method of tissue fixation using cinch stitching: A system and method for tissue to bone repair employing cinch stitching combined with at least one knotless fixation device. A suture strand is passed through soft tissue to form a cinch stitch and is then secured in a hole in a bone by the knotless fixation device.... Agent: Dickstein Shapiro LLP

20090036906 - Suturing device with split arm and method of suturing tissue: A device for suturing an opening in a tissue, having an elongated shaft, at least two arms movable to a deployed positioning which the arms are non-perpendicular to the shaft, the arms having needle receiving portions; and needles advanceable longitudinally along the shaft toward the needle receiving portions, the needles... Agent: Workman Nydegger

20090036908 - Biologic barrier for implants that pass through mucosal or cutaneous tissue: Apparatus is described for creating a direct mechanical connection between skeletal bone and a prosthetic device located outside of the body. The apparatus provides a means for creating an effective biologic seal to prevent the transmission of microbiologic particles into the body.... Agent: Hancock Hughey LLP

20090036923 - Systems and methods for accommodating anatomical characteristics in the treatment of septal defects: Systems and methods for treating internal tissue defects, such as septal defects, with implantable devices are provided. An exemplary clip-based device includes a tubular body having at least a deflectable anchors coupled thereto. The anchors can be coupled on opposite ends of the tubular body and configured to deflect between... Agent: Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe, LLPIPProsecution Department

20090036925 - Device, kit and method for intervertebral stabilization: An intervertebral stabilizing device adapted to stabilize two or more vertebral bodies one another. The device comprises two fastening elements adapted to be associated to two vertebral bodies being contiguous to each other and a junction element operatively connecting the two fastening elements. The fastening elements and the junction element... Agent: Kilyk & Bowersox, P.l.l.c.

20090036924 - Intervertebral stabilization system:

20090036927 - Method and apparatus for spinal facet fusion: