Surgery inventions 04/09

20090112192 - Method for the treatment of skin tissues: A method for treating skin tissues, the skin tissues defining an epidermal layer and a sub-epidermal layer, the epidermal layer defining a skin surface and the sub-epidermal layer extending from the epidermal layer substantially opposite to the skin surface, the method comprising: positioning a radiation source outside of the skin... Agent: Louis Tessier

20090112194 - Laser system: A laser system (10) is disclosed comprising a laser device (1) for emitting laser radiation and an optical fibre (2) adapted to connect, in use, to the laser device (1) for delivering the laser radiation. The optical fibre contains a label (3), such as an RF identification tag, a barcode... Agent: Afs / Angiodynamics

20090112193 - Systems and devices that utilize photolyzable nitric oxide donors: The present disclosure relates to systems and devices that utilize photolyzable nitric oxide donors.... Agent: Searete LLC Suite 110

20090112195 - Means for calculating an operating parameter (energy, power or duration of emission) of an endovenous laser: The invention concerns a means for calculating an operating parameter of an endovenous laser delivering a value of the energy (E) of the laser beam, or a value of the power (Plaser) of the laser beam for a predetermined duration of emission (tlaser), or a value of the duration of... Agent: Harness, Dickey & Pierce, P.L.C

20090112196 - Light source: Disposable light sources are disclosed herein. A device for connecting a fiber to a light source includes a light source, light director to focus light from the light source, the light director surrounding at least a portion of the light source, a power source providing energy to the light source,... Agent: Greenberg Traurig, LLP

20090112197 - Devices configured to facilitate release of nitric oxide: The present disclosure relates to devices that facilitate release of nitric oxide from one or more photolyzable nitric oxide donors.... Agent: Searete LLC

20090112199 - Ep signal mapping-based optical ablation for patient monitoring and medical applications: A system and method are disclosed for utilizing a single integrated EP/ablation catheter to treat cardiac arrhythmias. The disclosed catheter combines the EP signal monitoring of a traditional EP diagnostic catheter, and optical energy for the ablation therapy, which is expected to provide a more efficient, accurate and reliable method... Agent: Siemens Corporation Intellectual Property Department

20090112198 - Liquid light guide catheter having biocompatible liquid light guide medium: A catheter system to ablate target matter within a mammalian body using light energy is described. The system may include an open-ended catheter tip through which a liquid light guide medium flows to the target matter, where at least a portion of the liquid light guide medium exiting the catheter... Agent: Townsend And Townsend And Crew, LLP

20090112200 - Hemostatic surgical blade, system and method of blade manufacture: A hemostatic surgical blade is described which is formed of five symmetrically disposed layers. A martensitic stainless steel core is provided with oppositely disposed faces which are bonded to hard pure copper thermal transfer layers which, in turn, are supported by buttressing layers of austenitic stainless steel. The blade is... Agent: Mueller And Smith, Lpa Mueller-smith Building

20090112202 - Dispersive electrode with thermochromatic properties: A tissue treatment system includes an ablation energy generator, a treatment probe, and a dispersive electrode having a thermochromatic material that changes appearance upon reaching a predetermined temperature.... Agent: VistaIPLaw Group LLP

20090112203 - Modification of airways by application of microwave energy: Methods of increasing gas exchange performed by the lung by damaging lung cells, damaging tissue, causing trauma, and/or destroying airway smooth muscle tone with an apparatus inserted into an airway of the lung. The damaging of lung cells, damaging tissue, causing trauma, and destroying airway smooth muscle tone with the... Agent: Perkins Coie LLP Patent Sea

20090112201 - Radiofrequency ablation device: A radiofrequency ablation device includes an elongate cannula having a distal portion and a proximal portion and a lumen extending between the distal and proximal portions. The RF ablation device further includes an elongate tubular member disposed within the lumen of the elongate cannula, the elongate tubular member having a... Agent: VistaIPLaw Group LLP

20090112204 - Multiple parameter fault detection in electrosurgical instrument shields: A system and method for detecting faults within an electrosurgical instrument having a shield and an active electrode uses multiple possible fault conditions. In one embodiment the monitoring system comprises an electrosurgical generator coupled to the electrosurgical instrument and adapted to deliver power to the active electrode of the electrosurgical... Agent: Neugeboren O''dowd PC

20090112205 - Cartridge electrode device: 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

20090112206 - Bipolar forceps having monopolar extension: An endoscopic forceps for treating tissue includes a housing having a shaft affixed thereto which has first and second jaw members attached to a distal end thereof. The forceps also includes an actuator for moving jaw members relative to one another from a first position wherein the jaw members are... Agent: Tyco Healthcare Group Lp

20090112207 - Skeletal manipulation method: A method of treating scoliosis in a subject includes securing a scoliosis treatment device to first and second locations on the subject's skeletal system, the scoliosis treatment device including a first portion, a second portion moveably mounted relative to the first portion, and an adjustment device disposed on the device... Agent: VistaIPLaw Group LLP

20090112208 - External bone screw system and method of use for fractures, fusions or osteotomies: A bone screw system is disclosed. The bone screw system allows a bone screw to be inserted into a bone via a guide set with a plurality of pins. After the bone screw is inserted, a head portion of an extension member attached to the bone screw remains external to... Agent: Greenberg Traurig

20090112210 - Femoral neck support structure, system, and method of use: A device, system, and method for reinforcing a femoral neck bone comprises a support structure deployable from a first substantially collapsed position to a second substantially expanded position within a cancellous bone area of the femoral neck. The support structure compresses at least a portion of the cancellous bone upon... Agent: Neugeboren O''dowd PC

20090112209 - Implantation system for intramedullary nail and related methods for implanting intramedullary nails: An intramedullary implantation system includes a nail with a head having a first locking element. A targeting guide includes a tubular body and a bore with first and second open ends. A locking device includes a shaft with a distal end having a non-threaded second locking element such that the... Agent: Zimmer Technology - Baker & Daniels

20090112211 - Method of bone surgery: A method of bone surgery including drilling a first bore in a near cortex of the bone with a first drill bit. Then a second drill bit is passed though the first bore towards a far cortex of the bone, the second drill bit comprising a distal shaft portion and... Agent: Edwards Angell Palmer & Dodge LLP

20090112213 - Method and apparatus for remote alignment of a cut guide: A method and apparatus for remote alignment of a cut guide. The cut guide may be positioned on a base which is remote from a surgical site and positioned on a docking station. An alignment jig is removably positioned on a bone and is used to provide alignment information to... Agent: Zimmer Technology - Baker & Daniels

20090112212 - Stylus assembly: A stylus assembly (10) is adapted to be attached to a surgical jig (50). The stylus assembly (10) comprises a body (12) having first and second arms (22, 24) with a space (32) therebetween for receiving a portion of the surgical jig, a stylus (16) adjustably mounted relative to the... Agent: Harness, Dickey & Pierce, P.L.C

20090112214 - Device and method for hip distention and access: A device for accessing and distending a joint comprises a distraction structure having a generally tapered distal portion adapted to penetrate a tissue region and create an access space within a joint. The distraction structure also includes a lumen extending from a proximal surface to a distal portion. The device... Agent: Neugeboren O''dowd PC

20090112217 - Implant insertion device: The present invention is directed to a device for inserting orthopaedic implants, more specifically spinal implants such as artificial discs.... Agent: Philip S. Johnson Johnson & Johnson

20090112220 - Manipulating tool for a medical implant, medical implant and kit of parts comprising a manipulating tool and implant: A manipulating tool for a medical implant includes an actuating rod. The rod has a rear end with a grip part and a fixing element at the front end for the releasable axial fixing of the implant. The implant has a counter element suitable for fixing, which has at least... Agent: Lerner Greenberg Stemer LLP

20090112218 - Modular taper assembly device: An assembly tool for assembly of a first component of a prosthesis to a second component of the prosthesis for use in joint arthroplasty. The tool includes a housing defining a housing longitudinal axis thereof. An internal component is also provided and is connected to the second component and includes... Agent: Philip S. Johnson Johnson & Johnson

20090112215 - Opto-electric indicators for orthopaedic instruments: An instrument for use in implanting a joint prosthesis into a bone. The instrument includes a rod having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end includes a visual indicator. The instrument also includes a housing, such that the rod is moveable in a longitudinal direction relative to... Agent: Philip S. Johnson Johnson & Johnson

20090112216 - Taper disengagement tool: A disassembly tool for disassembly of a first component of a prosthesis from a second component of the prosthesis for use in joint arthroplasty. The tool includes a body having an internal bore. At least a portion of the internal bore is threaded for engagement with a thread on the... Agent: Philip S. Johnson Johnson & Johnson

20090112219 - Taper sleeve extractor: An extractor for extracting a first component used in an orthopaedic implant from a second component used in an orthopaedic implant. The extractor includes a handle and an extractor tip. The extractor tip has a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end connects to the handle and the... Agent: Philip S. Johnson Johnson & Johnson

20090112221 - System and method for measuring the shape of internal body cavities: A method and system of evaluating the geometry of the nuclear cavity within the annulus. A three-dimensional mold of the nuclear cavity is created. The three-dimensional mold is preferably removed from the nuclear cavity. The three-dimensional mold can be used for qualitative and quantitative analysis of the nuclear cavity.... Agent: Faegre & Benson LLP Patent Docketing

20090112222 - Iol insertion apparatus: An apparatus for inserting an intraocular lens through a small incision into an eye is disclosed comprising a hollow tube including an interior wall defining a hollow space through which an intraocular lens may be passed and an outlet through which the intraocular lens may be passed from the hollow... Agent: Bausch & Lomb Incorporated

20090112223 - Lens delivery system: A lens delivery system handpiece having a threaded plunger rod with a ball lock ring. Locking the ring causes the plunger to be advanced by turning a thumbscrew or knob. Unlocking the ring allows the plunger to be advanced by pushing on the thumbscrew or knob in a manner similar... Agent: Alcon

20090112224 - Structure for probe insertion: An insert structure is proposed for insertion into an orifice, a canal, a tube and the like of a human or animal creature such as an ear canal, an intestinal tract, a gullet, etc. The insert structure comprises at least one longitudinally extending insert member (3) and a plurality of... Agent: Pearne & Gordon LLP

20090112225 - Endoscopic instrument and method for manufacturing thereof: An endoscopic instrument according to the present invention includes: a wire disposed in a flexible sheath and capable of freely projecting relative to the flexible sheath, the distal end of the wire expanding in radius to form a loop section or a basket section upon being projected from the sheath;... Agent: Scully Scott Murphy & Presser, PC

20090112226 - Polyp tome: The present invention provides apparatus and methods for facilitating removal of polyps from a bodily cavity, such as the colon. The apparatus comprises a catheter having proximal and distal regions, and a cutting wire extending through a first lumen of the catheter. At least one notched section is formed in... Agent: Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione/chicago/cook

20090112227 - Tenaculum stabilizer device: An apparatus for treating tissue, comprising a sheath defining a lumen sized and shaped to receive a treatment device therein, a guide member coupled to the sheath and extending a predetermined distance substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the sheath, and a stabilizer element for engaging an anchoring device... Agent: Fay Kaplun & Marcin, LLP

20090112228 - Intravascular filter device with piezoelectric transducer: An intravascular filter assembly is disclosed for fragmenting a thrombotic or atherosclerotic occlusion and capturing thrombotic or atherosclerotic debris within a blood vessel. The intravascular filter assembly includes an elongate shaft and an expandable filter coupled to the distal region of the elongate shaft. One or more piezoelectric elements are... Agent: Crompton, Seager & Tufte, LLC

20090112230 - Manipulator: A manipulator includes a wire which is movable back and forth, a driven wire both ends of which are connected to the wire, an idle pulley, a guide pulley, a driven pulley which is movable back and forth, and an end effector coupled to the driven pulley. The driven wire... Agent: Oblon, Spivak, Mcclelland Maier & Neustadt, P.C.

20090112229 - Manipulator for medical use: A medical manipulator comprises a distal end working unit including a gripper as an end effector, an operating unit for operating the distal end working unit, a coupling interconnecting the distal end working unit and the operating unit, and an attitude changing mechanism for changing an attitude of the distal... Agent: Oblon, Spivak, Mcclelland Maier & Neustadt, P.C.

20090112231 - Epilatory product comprising an air-activated heat-generating module: Embodiments of the invention relate to a packaged epilation product comprising an epilation composition formed on a substrate and an air-activated heat-generating module.... Agent: Philip S. Johnson Johnson & Johnson

20090112232 - Method for deploying a device for gastric volume reduction: A method for approximating tissue within a body including the step of providing a device having a handle, at least one actuator, an elongated hollow housing having a proximal end attached to the handle and a distal end extending therefrom, a first and second cartridge. Each the cartridge contains at... Agent: Philip S. Johnson Johnson & Johnson

20090112233 - Prosthesis fixation apparatus and methods: Endovascular fastener delivery apparatus comprises a flexible elongated member having a proximal end and a distal end and being configured and adapted to be endolumenally advanced through human vasculature, a flexible pusher member slidably coupled to the elongated member, and a plurality of serially aligned clip carriers secured to the... Agent: Medtronic Vascular, Inc.IPLegal Department

20090112234 - Reloadable laparoscopic fastener deploying device for use in a gastric volume reduction procedure: A reloadable device for deploying fasteners including a handle and at least one actuator. The handle is connected to an elongated hollow housing having distal and proximal ends. The device also includes a first cartridge containing at least one fastener releasably connectable to the distal end of hollow housing. The... Agent: Philip S. Johnson Johnson & Johnson

20090112235 - Device for moving a thread of a surgical sewing instrument: A device (10) is used for moving a thread of a surgical sewing instrument (60). The device comprises a clamp (18) for detachably clipping said device (10) on the surgical sewing instrument (60). The device has an arm (24) having a first end connected to said clamp (18). A freely... Agent: St. Onge Steward Johnston & Reens, LLC

20090112236 - Filament-reinforced composite fiber: Filament-reinforced composite fibers made from a plurality of filaments and a matrix are useful in forming medical devices such as sutures and meshes.... Agent: Tyco Healthcare Group Lp

20090112237 - Vascular conduit and delivery system for open surgical placement: A vascular conduit device and a delivery system for intraoperative repair damaged portion of an artery or vein and methods of use are provided. The device has a cylindrical body and may include a shaped member, such as a microbarb, configured to anchor into the tunica intima and the tunica... Agent: Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione/indy/cook

20090112238 - Fistula brush device: A medical device includes an elongate member extending between a first end portion and a second end portion and a brush disposed upon the elongate member between the first end portion and the second end portion. A first aperture is disposed proximate the first end portion and a second aperture... Agent: Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione/chicago/cook

20090112239 - Sticky dilatation balloon and methods of using: The present invention involves an expandable element with an outer sticky surface. The expandable element may be in the form of a balloon with deflated and inflated configurations. The expandable element serves to both dilate a lumen in a blood vessel thereby opening it and to exert force upon the... Agent: Katherine N. Addison Esq.

20090112240 - Pigmentary glaucoma iris scraping treatment method and the iris t aluminum scraping scalpel tool: An iris scraping surgical method and The Iris “T” Aluminum Scraping Scalpel Surgical Glaucoma Treatment Tool to treat pigmentary glaucoma by scraping away the pigment and debris attached to the underside of the iris thereby relieving the pressure buildup caused by the pigment blocking fluid flow between the iris and... Agent: Donald W. Meeker

20090112241 - Ear cleaning device: An ear cleaning device including a body including a finger engagement portion, a connecting neck portion and an ear engagement portion, the body being configured such that finger pressure exerted on the finger engagement portion produces expansion of the ear engagement portion.... Agent: Husch Blackwell Sanders, LLP Husch Blackwell Sanders LLP Welsh & Katz

20090112242 - Ear curette: An ear curette has a shaft and a cleaning portion. The shaft has a distal end. The cleaning portion has a disk and a bar. The bar has a distal end and a proximal end. The proximal end of the bar is narrower than, is formed on and protrudes from... Agent: Patenttm.us

20090112244 - Snare mechanism for surgical retrieval: A snare device for capturing an object or for cutting tissue in the body of a human or animal. The device employs at least one twisted loop of memory shaped material housed in and movable relative to a hollow member such as a catheter. The device and method of employment... Agent: Donn K. Harms Patent & Trademark Law Center

20090112243 - Surgical cutter with dispensing system for tissue sealants: The present invention discloses a medical device comprising a dispenser adapted to dispense a tissue sealant or one or more precursor compounds, the dispenser being operably coupled to a surgical stapler, which in turn is configured to deliver one or more surgical staples or fasteners in an area of bodily... Agent: Searete LLC Clarence T. Tegreene

20090112245 - Device and method for the performance of ophthalmological operations: The invention relates to a device for performing ophtalmological operations, especially for treating glaucoma. Said device comprises a probe in which a suction channel is arranged. A cutting tool is arranged in the suction channel, by which means separating tissue extending to Schlemm's canal and being sucked into the suction... Agent: Greer, Burns & Crain

20090112246 - Surgical instrument: In order to improve a surgical instrument comprising a clamping device for holding and/or clamping tissue, a severing device for severing tissue and a handling device for actuating the clamping device and/or the severing device, the clamping device comprising at least one clamping member having a clamping surface and a... Agent: Lipsitz & Mcallister, LLC

20090112247 - Method and apparatus for penetrating tissue: A tissue penetrating system includes a plurality of cartridges, each with a distal port and a proximal port. A plurality of penetrating members are provided, each being coupled to a cartridge. Each penetrating member has a sharpened distal tip and a shaft portion slidably disposed within the cartridge. A seal... Agent: Goodwin Procter LLP Attn: Patent Administrator

20090112248 - Nasogastric tube for use during an ablation procedure: Embodiments of the present invention provide a nastogastric tube for deflecting an esophagus during an ablation procedure. According to one embodiment, the nasogastric tube includes a tube comprising at least one lumen having proximal and distal ends, and an esophageal deflector positioned within the at least one lumen and configured... Agent: Alston & Bird LLP

20090112249 - Medical device for modification of left atrial appendage and related systems and methods: Several embodiments are set forth of devices, systems and methods for modifying an atrial appendage such as a left atrial appendage (LAA). In one embodiment, a device includes a body that is collapsible and self-expanding. The body includes a textured surface with protruding portions and recessed portions. The body may... Agent: Holland & Hart LLP/coherex Medical

20090112251 - Braided occlusion device having repeating expanded volume segments separated by articulation segments: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to occluder devices and methods for treating various target sites, such as the gonadal vein. For example, an occluder device according to one embodiment includes a tubular structure having proximal and distal ends and a preset, expanded configuration. The tubular structure is configured... Agent: Alston & Bird LLP

20090112250 - Vascular embolization with an expansible implant: A vascular implant formed of a compressible foam material has a compressed configuration from which it is expansible into a configuration substantially conforming to the shape and size of a vascular site to be embolized. Preferably, the implant is formed of a hydrophilic, macroporous foam material, having an initial configuration... Agent: Inskeep Intellectual Property Group, Inc

20090112252 - Catheter with removable filter retrieval tip: A removable retrieval tip for use with a catheter, a catheter tip, and a system for retrieval of an embolic filter device are provided. The removable retrieval tip includes a filter reception space for receiving a filter; and an interface portion for interfacing with the catheter. The catheter tip for... Agent: Sughrue Mion-abbott Labs

20090112253 - Guidewire for embolic device: A guidewire for use with an embolic protection filter and a method of deploying an embolic protection filter are provided. The guidewire includes a core wire; a core wire tip disposed at a distal end of the core wire; and a hypo shaft, coaxially disposed around the core wire, wherein... Agent: Sughrue Mion-abbott Labs

20090112254 - Resecting device: A resecting device is disclosed. The resecting device comprises: a handle having a jaw trigger slidably engaged with said handle and mechanically engaged with a spring mechanism communicating a biasing force to said jaw trigger; a fixed shaft portion having a first and a second end, wherein said fixed shaft... Agent: HamiltonIPLaw, PC

20090112255 - Spray devices and methods: Some embodiments of a spray device can be configured to maintain a viscous fluid in isolation from a propellant fluid until after the viscous fluid exits from a nozzle of the spray device. For example, the viscous fluid may comprise an adhesive such a surgical adhesive. When the spray device... Agent: Fish & Richardson P.C.

20090112256 - Suturing device with tissue sealant dispenser: The present invention discloses a medical device comprising a dispenser adapted to dispense a tissue sealant or one or more precursor compounds, the dispenser being operably coupled to a surgical suturing device, which in turn is configured to deliver one or more surgical sutures or fasteners in an area of... Agent: Searete LLC Clarence T. Tegreene

20090112257 - Method and device for sealing a puncture hole in a bodily organ: A method for sealing a hole in a bodily organ includes introducing a first member and a second member into the bodily organ, the first and second members being connected by an elongated member. The first and second members are retracted proximally until the first member abuts an inner surface... Agent: Foley And Lardner LLP Suite 500

20090112258 - Needle attachment for a surgical sewing instrument: A needle attachment for a surgical sewing instrument has a proximal-side connector for connecting to a sewing instrument. The needle attachment has a hollow shaft-like body which has a curved hollow needle on the distal side. A thread can be guided through the needle attachment. The cross-section of the curved... Agent: St. Onge Steward Johnston & Reens, LLC

20090112259 - Recombinant expressed bioadsorbable polyhydroxyalkonate monofilament and multi-filaments self-retaining sutures: The present invention provides polymers made by genetically engineering microorganisms for making a self-retaining suture. In an embodiment of the present invention the genetically engineering microorganisms synthesize polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) polymers. In an alternate embodiment of the invention, the genetically engineering microorganisms synthesize polybetahydroxybutyrate (PHB) polymers. In an alternative embodiment of... Agent: Angiotech

20090112260 - Multipurpose rings: A multipurpose ring structure comprising a plurality of rings connected together and arranged at 120 degree angles to each other. The individual rings may be hollow or solid. In hollow embodiments, the rings may be filled with other substances. The multipurpose ring may be used as a toy, rattle, or... Agent: Cislo & Thomas LLP

20090112261 - Minimally invasive spine internal fixation system: A minimally invasive modular system is disclosed for stabilizing the anterior column of the spine through an anterior or lateral approach. Bone anchors are implanted into the vertebral bodies of adjacent vertebrae and serve as a foundation for a fixation system. The anchors comprise an interface surface that allows an... Agent: John P. O'banion O'banion & Ritchey LLP

20090112264 - Pedicle-based facet joint fixation systems and methods: The present disclosure provides pedicle-based facet fixation systems and methods. The pedicle-based construct utilized includes a pedicle screw, pedicle anchor, or the like that is selectively secured to a pedicle of a spine of a patient. The pedicle-based construct is selectively coupled to one end of a rod or other... Agent: Clements Bernard Miller

20090112262 - Skeletal manipulation system: A system for manipulating a portion of the skeletal system in the body of a mammal includes an implant having a first portion and a second portion, the first portion configured for coupling to a first location of the skeletal system and the second portion configured for coupling to a... Agent: VistaIPLaw Group LLP

20090112263 - Skeletal manipulation system: A system for manipulating a portion of the skeletal system of a mammal includes an implant having a first portion and a second portion, the first portion configured for mounting at a first location of the skeletal system and the second portion configured for mounting at a second location of... Agent: VistaIPLaw Group LLP

20090112265 - Flexible member for use in a spinal column and method for making: The present invention relates to flexible members for stabilizing a spinal column and methods for making the flexible members. In one embodiment, a flexible member comprises an inner elastomeric member and an outer fabric layer situated securely around the inner elastomeric member. The inner elastomeric member has a first elasticity... Agent: Crompton, Seager & Tufte, LLC

20090112266 - Spinal dynamic stabilization device: A spinal dynamic stabilization device for maintaining an anatomical height between two adjacent vertebras is provided. Each vertebra includes a spinous process and two symmetric pedicles. The spinal dynamic stabilization device includes a supporting member, at least one anchoring member, and at least one connecting member. The supporting member is... Agent: Quintero Law Office, PC

20090112267 - Devices and methods for the treatment of spinal disorders: Devices and methods for treating a damaged intervertebral disc to reduce or eliminate associated back pain. Dynamic bias devices and reinforcement devices are disclosed, which may be used individually or in combination, to eliminate nerve impingement associated with the damaged disc, and/or to reinforce the damaged disc, while permitting relative... Agent: Finnegan, Henderson, Farabow, Garrett & Dunner LLP

20090112268 - Percutaneous fixator and method of insertion: The present invention provides a technique for percutaneous intramedullary fixation. A protective outer sheath is provided for internal fixation of the proximal tibia. Additionally, a unique intramedullary plate is provided that is adapted for percutaneous insertion into the intramedullary canal of a long bone. A plate holder is also provided... Agent: Haynes And Boone, LLPIPSection

20090112270 - Anchor assembly: The present disclosure relates to an anchor assembly. The anchor assembly includes an anchor defining a cavity and an opening to the cavity and an insertion member configured for arrangement within the anchor cavity. The insertion member includes a body having a proximal end portion and a flat distal end... Agent: Norman F. Hainer, Jr. Smith & Nephew, Inc.

20090112269 - Apparatus and method for affixing body structures: An apparatus for affixing a plurality of body structures together in a flexible manner includes a first articulated fastener having substantially rigid proximal and distal portions, longitudinally separated by a first flexible articulating portion. The first articulated fastener has a first thread direction. A second articulated fastener has substantially rigid... Agent: Tarolli, Sundheim, Covell & Tummino L.L.P.

20090112271 - Bi-directional fixating transvertebral body screws, zero-profile horizontal intervertebral miniplates, expansile intervertebral body fusion devices, and posterior motion-calibrating interarticulating joint stapling device for spinal fusion: An apparatus and method for joining members together using a self-drilling screw apparatus or stapling apparatus are disclosed. The screw apparatus includes a shell and first and second first screw members having tapered ends and threaded bodies that are disposed within the shell. A drive mechanism rotatably drives the first... Agent: Muncy, Geissler, Olds & Lowe, PLLC

20090105695 - Device for treatment of human or animal tissue by means of a magnetically movable instrument: A device for the treatment of human or animal tissue by means of a movable instrument is disclosed. The device comprises means for generating a magnetic stator field, in which the tissue is located. For example, the means for generating the magnetic stator field may be a magnetic resonance tomograph... Agent: Dickstein Shapiro LLP

20090105696 - Nd:yag laser for removing fatty tissue: A Nd:YAG laser at a wavelength of 1444 nm for removing fatty tissue is disclosed, which can directly irradiate laser light onto subcutaneous fat and efficiently remove fatty tissue with an adverse reaction on surrounding tissue minimized by using laser light at an oscillating wavelength of 1444 nm which has... Agent: Pepper Hamilton LLP

20090105697 - Apparatus and method to predict individual maximum safe radiant exposure (imsre) based on measurement of temporal temperature increase induced by a sub-therapeutic laser pulse: A method for making pulsed photothermal radiometric measurements to determine individual maximum safe radiant exposure (IMSRE) of biological subjects corresponding to radiant energy exposure (RE) without any use of a biological model includes a calibration procedure, including the steps of applying a statistical regression to an empirical data set of... Agent: Law Offices Of Daniel L. Dawes

20090105698 - Medical laser user interface: The medical laser user interface of the present invention generally comprises a medical laser unit and a control system. The medical laser unit includes an optical probe for delivering laser light to a patient's tissue. The control system controls operation of the medical laser unit. Specifically, the control system provides... Agent: Ams Research Corporation

20090105699 - Scanner laser handpiece with shaped output beam: A method for delivering electromagnetic radiation onto tissue to be ‘treated with the radiation includes delivering the radiation onto the tissue in a treatment-spot having a polygonal shape such as a rectangle or a hexagon. The polygonal shape is selected such that a region of the tissue to be treated’... Agent: Mintz, Levin, Cohn, Ferris, Glovsky And Popeo, P.c

20090105701 - Biological tissue bonding device and biological tissue bonding medical instrument: A device 1a for bonding adherends T1 and T2, as a device for bonding biological tissue to biological tissue or a biological tissue bonding material, comprises: a clamping part 2a for clamping the adherends T1 and T2 between members 21a and 22a; a pressing part 3a for pressing the member... Agent: Posz Law Group, PLC

20090105700 - Catheter assembly: A catheter sheath 10 includes an elongate element 12 defining a primary lumen 18 and a plurality of secondary lumens 20 arranged in spaced relationship about the primary lumen 18. A plurality of discrete members 14 are defined by the elongate element 12, the discrete members 14 being displaceable between... Agent: Morrison & Foerster LLP

20090105704 - Counterforce brace: A stabilization brace presents a compressive, sock-like body for a compressive fit about the ankle joint and forefoot. A pair of force straps extends from the metatarsal heads and is wound in a preferred manner along opposed regions of the foot and ankle to offer countervailing forces therealong. First and... Agent: Erickson, Kernell, Derusseau & Kleypas, LLC

20090105702 - Method for performing lung volume reduction: This invention relates to surgical instruments for applying energy to tissue. In one embodiment, an elongated introducer has a handle portion that includes an interior chamber that is supplied with a biocompatible liquid under pressure. An energy source causes a liquid-to-vapor phase change within the interior chamber and ejects a... Agent: Levine Bagade Han LLP

20090105703 - Method for treating tissue: This invention relates to a novel surgical device scalable to small dimensions for thermally-mediated treatments or thermoplasties of targeted tissue volumes. An exemplary embodiment is adapted for fusing, sealing or welding tissue. The instruments and techniques utilize a thermal energy delivery means, for example an electrical energy source, to instantly... Agent: Levine Bagade Han LLP

20090105705 - Device for cauterising tissue and uses thereof: The present invention provides a device for cauterising tissue, the device arranged to be mounted to a biopsy and/or sampling instrument and including a conductive cauterising portion and means for heating the cauterising portion. The device may be mounted either permanently or releasably removable from the biopsy and/or sampling instrument.... Agent: Heslin Rothenberg Farley & Mesiti PC

20090105706 - Apparatus and method for skin tightening and corrective forming: An electrosurgical apparatus applies electrical current to skin, preferably for skin tightening procedures. A housing includes a substantially flat edge, disposable on the skin. The housing stores a plurality of electrodes which are movable through an opening defined by the edge. A vacuum is applied in the housing such that... Agent: Jeffrey A. Sadowski, Esq. Howard & Howard Attorneys, P.C.

20090105707 - Drill and flavored fluid particles combination: A medical apparatus is constructed to have a proximal end and a distal end, with the distal end including a source of mechanical tissue disruption that is configured to treat or ablate a target surface. The source of mechanical tissue disruption includes a tissue-disrupting distal end, and the medical apparatus... Agent: Stout, Uxa, Buyan & Mullins LLP

20090105708 - Dual frequency led/electrode surgical device, kit and method: A surgical tool device, a kit and a method are described which provide a novel dual frequency LED/electrode scheme for use in manipulating nerve and innervated structures. The surgical tool device includes a probe assembly coupled to a handle assembly. The probe assembly has a low frequency light emitting diode... Agent: Ladas & Parry LLP

20090105773 - Method and apparatus for insertion of an interspinous process device: A method of inserting an implant between adjacent interspinous processes that includes, in one embodiment, providing an implant that is configurable to a collapsed configuration and to an expanded configuration, collapsing the implant, providing the collapsed implant in a positioning device, positioning a distal end of the positioning device in... Agent: Medtronic Attn: Noreen Johnson -IPLegal Department

20090105774 - Rod insertion instrument and method of use: An insertion tool for inserting a spinal rod into a patient is provided. The insertion tool includes an upper body portion defining a first longitudinal axis, a handle assembly extending from the upper body portion, an elbow member connected to a distal end of the body portion, a lower body... Agent: Carter, Deluca, Farrell & Schmidt, LLP

20090105775 - Cannula with lateral access and directional exit port: The present invention generally provides a cannula system that is readily maneuverable in an operating room setting, can be used to expose different instrumentalities to a target site, and has directional capabilities to allow the user to treat multiple quadrants or areas of a target site. The present invention provides... Agent: Kenyon & Kenyon LLP

20090105709 - Tool: An alignment guide for use in femoral head surgery. The guide includes a support arm and a cannulated rod supported by, and adjustable with respect to, the support arm. The guide also includes two jaws. The jaws include a superior jaw and an inferior jaw. Each jaw has a proximal... Agent: Senniger Powers LLP

20090105710 - Mechanical distractor to facilitate surgery and evaluation of joints: A medical apparatus having a tensioning device secured to a fixed point; a wire or pin inserted transversely through a bone; and a tension line connecting the tensioning device to the wire or pin. The tension line transmits a force from the tensioning device to the wire or pin to... Agent: Foley & Lardner LLP

20090105711 - Cannula with lateral access and directional exit port: The present invention generally provides a cannula system that is readily maneuverable in an operating room setting, can be used to expose different instrumentalities to a target site, and has directional capabilities to allow the user to treat multiple quadrants or areas of a target site. The present invention provides... Agent: Kenyon & Kenyon LLP

20090105713 - Deployment handle for an implant deployment device: A deployment handle for an implant deployment device (100) facilitates withdrawal of a sheath (32). The sheath (32) is gripped between a first cam cleat (122) and a first ledge (124) and a second cam cleat (126) and a second ledge (128). The first cam cleat (122) and the first... Agent: Cook Group Patent Office

20090105712 - Rod persuader: A rod persuader assembly includes a tubular body, an inner shaft and an outer shaft. The inner shaft is axially displaceable relative to the tubular body, and has a gripping end and a handle end. The outer shaft is axially displaceable relative to the tubular body, and has a rod... Agent: Ratnerprestia

20090105714 - Method and apparatus for determining the angular position of an acetabulum in a pelvic bone: In a method for determining the angle of anteversion and/or the angle of inclination of an acetabulum in a pelvic bone, in order to achieve a simplification, a method is proposed, wherein prominent points on the pelvic bone are non-invasively determined, these prominent points are joined by an individual plane,... Agent: Lipsitz & Mcallister, LLC

20090105715 - Bone fixation tensioning tool and method: A tensioning tool and method for tensioning a conformable ligature of a bone fixing system are disclosed. The ends of a conformable ligature can be passed around bones, bone grafts, tendons, plates, rods, fasteners, or other anatomical or implanted structures, and the like to form a loop. Another portion of... Agent: Robert Deberardine D-377/ap6a-1

20090105717 - Cam-locking of cable for fracture plate: A bone plate mounted on a bone. The bone plate has at least one opening for receiving a flush mounted cam. A through-bore passes from a side surface to opposing side surface of the bone plate. The through-bore has a diameter sized to allow insertion of a cable. A portion... Agent: Lerner, David, Littenberg, Krumholz & Mentlik

20090105716 - Mono-axial, taper lock bone screw: Provided is a novel mono-axial taper lock screw for connecting a connecting rod to bone. The screw is capable of being secured to the underlying bone while the screw head adapted to securely hold a connecting rod is rotated about the longitudinal axis of the screw to facilitate a stable... Agent: Perry E. Van Over & Associates, PLLC

20090105718 - Surgical instruments for use with break-off device and an assoicated surgical method: A surgical instrument for use with a break-off device including a proximal portion removably attached to a distal portion by a region of reduced strength to allow selective removal of the proximal portion from the distal portion. The surgical instrument includes an inner drive shaft extending generally along a longitudinal... Agent: Medtronic Attn: Noreen Johnson -IPLegal Department

20090105719 - Precision stent positioner: A positioner is provided that is able to precisely position a stent, such as a ureteral stent, by using an anatomical landmark, such as a ureteral orifice. The positioner is placed over a wire guide and advanced until the proximal portion of the stent abuts a stent-stop. The positioner and... Agent: Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione/chicago/cook

20090105720 - Non-invasive surgical tenaculum: Disclosed is a tanaculum for surgery and examination of bio-tissue wherein the tenaculum has a first lever having a first disk on the distal end and the second lever having a second disk on the distal end, the first disk and the second disk having a textured surface on each... Agent: Guerry Leonard Grune

20090105721 - Amniotomy device and assembly: An amniotomy assembly includes an amniotomy device including a shaft having a rupture crown and a tubular sleeve disposed over at least a portion of the shaft and selectively lockable to the shaft. The rupture crown is disposed on a distal end portion of the shaft and includes a first... Agent: Dicke, Billig & Czaja

20090105722 - Devices and methods for embolus removal during acute ischemic stroke: Devices, methods, and systems facilitate and enable treatment of ischemic stroke. More specifically, a tethered basket-like system operates in conjunction with a microcatheter system, to provide arterial support and capture emboli.... Agent: Greenberg Traurig LLP (la)

20090105723 - Steerable stone basket: A medical device includes a sheath defining a lumen, a first elongate member, and a second elongate member. The first and second elongate members are movably disposed within the lumen. The medical device further includes a basket comprising a plurality of legs and a mesh portion. A proximal end of... Agent: Finnegan, Henderson, Farabow, Garrett & Dunner LLP

20090105724 - Medical apparatus for insertion into body cavity: A medical apparatus for insertion into a body cavity which comprises an elastic linear body and delivers the distal tip to the predesignated object portion in a living organ, wherein the elastic linear body comprises a plurality of curved portions between the proximal end and the distal end, and at... Agent: Frishauf, Holtz, Goodman & Chick, PC

20090105727 - Hand-actuated articulating surgical tool: A double cylinder system is disclosed, comprising at least one controller being adapted to transmit hydraulic control signals; at least one slave being in fluid communication with the controller and being configured to respond to the hydraulic control signals transmitted by the controller; and at least one control line providing... Agent: Arent Fox LLP And Cardinal Health, Inc.

20090105726 - Medical device: A medical device includes: a body electrode disposed in contact with a human body; a tubular instrument having a distal electrode at a distal end portion of an insertion portion inserted into the body and a plurality of active joints for changing an orientation and a position of the distal... Agent: Scully Scott Murphy & Presser, PC

20090105725 - Stereotactic head frame localizer: A stereotactic head frame localizer having a plurality of fiducial rods disposed in a plurality of sides is disclosed. The stereotactic head frame localizer includes five connected sides with each side including a plurality of the fiducial rods. One of the sides may be removably attached to the stereotactic head... Agent: Fulwider Patton LLP

20090105728 - Devices and methods for securing tissue: A compression ring to grip and compress body structure such as diverticulum, hemorrhoids, and tissue adjacent a hole. A resilient ring-shaped body defines a compression channel, and one or more axially rigid elongated spikes extend from the body into the channel. The body defines a first axial segment surrounding the... Agent: Rogitz & Associates

20090105729 - Minimally invasive repair of a valve leaflet in a beating heart: A valve repair device with a replaceable suture cartridge for repair of a valve leaflet in a beating heart of a patient comprises a valve repair device and a replaceable suture cartridge.... Agent: Patterson, Thuente, Skaar & Christensen, P.A.

20090105730 - Medical ligating apparatus: A medical ligating apparatus includes a medical ligating device having a member which is made of a flexible line and ligates living tissues, and a fixing member which is movably provided at the ligating member and fixes the living tissues in a ligated state, a manipulating device having a flexible... Agent: Scully Scott Murphy & Presser, PC

20090105732 - Mechanical apparatus and method for delivering materials into the inter-vertebral body space for nucleus replacement: The present invention relates to a device and method to perform 1) disk fusing, 2) an artificial replacement of the nucleus, 3) artificial replacement of the annulus, or 4), an artificial replacement of both the nucleus and annulus. The device is designed to be placed into the inter-vertebral space following... Agent: Michael E. Klicpera

20090105731 - Soft tissue repair implant: A soft tissue repair implant includes a body having a base section and at least one appendage extending outwardly from the base section. The body is flexible such that the at least one appendage is movable relative to the base section. More particularly, the body is collapsible to a substantially... Agent: Greenberg Traurig, LLP

20090105733 - Anastomosis devices and methods: Methods and devices are provided for anastomosing tissue in the body. In one exemplary embodiment, an anastomotic device is provided having an elongate tubular body that is disposable through a body lumen and that includes proximal and distal portions. The proximal and distal portions can each include a plurality of... Agent: Nutter Mcclennen & Fish LLP

20090105734 - Mounting tool and a method for a device for anastomosis: A mounting tool (20) and method for mounting an anastomotic device (10, 200) to an end (220, 221) of a tubular structure (90) comprises a receiving portion for receiving a rigid part (11, 13) of said device (10, 200) and a conical portion with a large end facing said rigid... Agent: Finnegan, Henderson, Farabow, Garrett & Dunner LLP

20090105735 - Closing means for hollow organs: In a closing means for longitudinally extending hollow organs having a flexible wall and a passage, comprising at least one balloon-like chamber with a chamber volume, the chamber volume being variable by the supply of a fluid, and the passage of the hollow organ being partly or completely closable depending... Agent: Diller, Ramik & Wight

20090105737 - Acute stroke revascularization/recanalization systems processes and products thereby: An acute stroke recanalization system and processes include catheter-based improved reconstrainable or tethered neurological devices which are deliverable through highly constricted and tortuous vessels, crossing the zone associated with subject thrombi/emboli, where deployment impacts, addresses or bridges the embolus, compacting the same into luminal walls which enables perfusion and lysis... Agent: Greenberg Traurig LLP (la)

20090105736 - Rotational atherectomy device with counterweighting: The invention provides a rotational atherectomy device having a flexible, elongated, rotatable drive shaft with an abrasive section comprising an enlarged diameter section of the drive shaft or, alternatively, a solid abrasive crown which may be attached to the drive shaft. The device further comprises a proximal and/or a distal... Agent: Altera Law Group, LLC

20090105738 - Device for transfecting cells using shock waves generated by the ignition of nanoenergetic materials: A miniature device for generating shock waves using the energy of combustion of a nanoenergetic material and directing the shock waves into biological tissues is described.... Agent: Polsinelli Shugart PC

20090105739 - High frequency tool: A frequency tool for use in endoscopic electro-surgery, the high frequency tool having a high frequency knife at a distal end of a flexible cord encased in a tube member of a flexible sheath. A tubular rigid tip member of electrically insulating material is fitted in a fore distal end... Agent: Birch Stewart Kolasch & Birch

20090105740 - Facial bone surgery apparatus for medical: The present invention relates to a facial bone surgery apparatus for medical treatment assembled to a hand piece having a straight reciprocating part, a saline solution supply part and a foreign substance discharge part, which includes: an inner pipe reciprocally movable together the straight reciprocating means and having a hollow... Agent: Summa, Additon & Ashe, P.A.

20090105741 - Lancing device with floating lancet: A lancing device including a drive mechanism with a drive spring and a lancet carrier engaged and driven by the drive spring, and further including a lancet with a sharp lancing tip, wherein the lancet floats relative to the carrier and is decoupled from the drive mechanism during at least... Agent: Gardner Groff Greenwald & Villanueva. PC

20090105743 - Apparatus for placing medical implants: An apparatus includes a carrier configured to be movably disposed within a channel defined by an elongate member. The carrier includes a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The proximal end portion is configured to be coupled to an actuator. The distal end portion includes a protrusion and... Agent: Cooley Godward Kronish LLP Attn: Patent Group

20090105742 - Transseptal guidewire: A transseptal guidewire and methods for perforating the intra-atrial septum of the heart are disclosed. The transseptal guidewire has an elongated body with an end section and a tapered distal section. At least a portion of the end section has a first dimension in a first direction transverse to a... Agent: Ratnerprestia

20090105744 - Methods for forming tracts in tissue: Described here are methods for forming one or more tracts in tissue. The tracts may be formed in any suitable or desirable tissue, and may seal relatively quickly without the need for a supplemental closure device. In some variations, the methods comprise advancing a tissue-locating member adjacent to a tissue... Agent: Morrison & Foerster LLP

20090105745 - Tissue dilation systems and related methods: A tissue dilation system is described which effectively provides an access path from a skin surface region to a target structure located in the body of a patient. The present tissue dilation system includes a tissue penetrating member and a sleeve. The tissue penetrating member includes an expandable body portion... Agent: Knobbe Martens Olson & Bear LLP

20090105748 - Embolization device and a method of using the same: Non-expandable space-occupying devices for treating voids within the body are disclosed. The devices can have multiple non-expandable space-occupying elements connected to a flexible leader. Methods of making and using the devices are also disclosed.... Agent: Levine Bagade Han LLP

20090105746 - Guidewire stop: A user-actuatable guidewire stop is disclosed which can be used to stop and/or lock a medical device on a guidewire advanced through a body lumen. In one embodiment, the guidewire stop is configured as a coil spring having an inner lumen configured to slideably and rotationally receive the guidewire in... Agent: Rissman Jobse Hendricks & Oliverio, LLP

20090105747 - Vena cava filter with stent: An implantable medical device is described, including a filtering element and radially expandable structure. In one variation, the filtering element may include a pluralit of filaments attached to the structure, the filaments being joined together at a proximal en thereof. The filtering element may include strut members and a hub... Agent: C. R. Bard, Inc. Bard Peripheral Vascular, Inc.

20090105750 - Ergonomic surgical instruments: A surgical instrument handle assembly includes a housing having a proximal end and a distal end. A proximal opening is formed at the proximal end of the housing. A distal opening is formed at the distal end of the housing. The proximal and the distal openings define a longitudinal axis.... Agent: K&l Gates LLP

20090105749 - Insertion and extraction tools for lacrimal implants: Insertion and extraction tool, systems, and methods for use with lacrimal implants. An insertion tool is disclosed that includes a proximal end, a distal end, and a tool body therebetween. The distal end includes a mechanical coupling to receive a cartridge preloaded with a lacrimal implant, and a plunger configured... Agent: Schwegman, Lundberg & Woessner, P.A.

20090105751 - Minimally invasive repair of a valve leaflet in a beating heart: A device for performing minimally invasive repair of mitral valve leaflets in a beating heart through the delivery and implantation of artificial chordae tendinae includes a handle for positioning the device into a chest cavity of the patient, a capture assembly adapted to capture a valve leaflet between distal an... Agent: Patterson, Thuente, Skaar & Christensen, P.A.

20090105752 - Hypodermic stiching needle: The present invention discloses an apparatus for a hypodermic stitching needle, one in which the hypodermic hollow tube has an insert slot for a thread insertion, thread which extends through the inside hypodermic tubular channel to a beveled tip. The hollow needle channel protects the suture from tear and the... Agent: Walt Froloff

20090105753 - Sutures and methods of making the same: A non-braided suture and methods of making and using the same are disclosed. The suture can be woven, for example, from warp yarns and a fill yarn. The suture can have a sheath. The sheath can have a lubricious coating on the inside and the outside of the sheath. The... Agent: Levine Bagade Han LLP

20090105754 - Tendon repair using tension-slide technique: Tension-slide techniques and reconstruction systems for tendon surgical repairs. The technique improves the biomechanics of the combined fixation and helps overcome surgeons' concerns about rapid return to ADLs. The technique reliably seats the tendon against the distal cortex of the bone socket, maximizing the surface area for bone to tendon... Agent: Dickstein Shapiro LLP

20090105755 - Apparatus and method for connecting spinal fixation systems together: A connection system is provided that joins two or more spinal fixation plate systems together. In one form, a pair of bone bolts forms two docking points for a connecting member to attach to and brace two spinal fixation plate systems together. In another form, the connecting member is adjustable... Agent: Medtronic Attn: Noreen Johnson -IPLegal Department

20090105758 - Dampener system for a posterior stabilization system with a variable length elongated member: Dynamic posterior stabilization systems and methods of stabilizing vertebrae are described. A dynamic posterior stabilization system may include a first bone fastener configured to couple to a first vertebra, a second bone fastener configured to couple to a second vertebra, and a dampener system attached to the first bone fastener... Agent: Meyertons, Hood, Kivlin, Kowert & Goetzel, P.C.

20090105762 - Dynamic stabilization member with fin supported segment: A dynamic fixation medical implant having at least two bone anchors includes a dynamic longitudinal connecting member assembly having the following features: a pair of elongate segments, each segment having an abutment plate and a plurality of integral fins axially extending therefrom; and a molded elastomer that substantially surrounds the... Agent: Law Office Of John C. Mcmahon

20090105761 - Methods, systems and apparatuses for torsional stabilization: Methods, systems and apparatuses are provided for torsionally stabilizing a spinal motion segment. One or more implants are placed between two vertebrae to provide torsional stabilization. In particular, one or more implants may be fixed between a superior vertebral body, such as at the spinous process, and an inferior vertebral... Agent: Knobbe Martens Olson & Bear LLP

20090105757 - Posterior stabilization systems with shared, dual dampener systems: Dynamic posterior stabilization systems and methods of stabilizing vertebrae are described. A dynamic posterior stabilization system may include a first bone fastener configured to couple to a first vertebra, a second bone fastener configured to couple to a second vertebra, and a dampener system attached to the first bone fastener... Agent: Meyertons, Hood, Kivlin, Kowert & Goetzel, P.C.

20090105756 - Spinal implant: A method of fixing the rod to the screw includes the steps of inserting a screw head into a screw seat in one end of a body member and inserting a rod into a rod seat in a second end of a body member and selectively and independently adjusting a... Agent: Kohn & Associates, PLLC

20090105759 - Spinal stabilization systems with dynamic interbody devices: A stabilization system for a human spine is provided. The stabilization system may include one or more dynamic interbody devices and/or one or more dynamic posterior stabilization systems. The dynamic interbody devices may allow for coupled axial rotation and lateral bending of vertebrae adjacent to the dynamic interbody devices. In... Agent: Meyertons, Hood, Kivlin, Kowert & Goetzel, P.C.

20090105760 - Systems and methods for spinal stabilization: Spinal stabilization systems are disclosed having spanning portions extending between and securable to pedicle screw assemblies, the spanning portions have stiffness characteristics that may be variable or selectively adjustable, and/or have non-linear behavior with respect to force versus distortion. Additionally, the systems may utilize a plurality of spanning portions in... Agent: Seyfarth Shaw LLP

20090105763 - Cross connector apparatus for spinal fixation rods: A cross connector apparatus for retaining a pair of spinal rods in spaced relation, including: a middle portion having a first end, a second end, and an extendable member which is able to extend beyond the second end a specified amount; a first side portion positioned adjacent to the first... Agent: Matthew R. Jenkins, Esq.

20090105764 - Dynamic stabilization member with fin support and solid core extension: A dynamic fixation medical implant having at least two bone anchors includes a dynamic longitudinal connecting member assembly having the following features: a pair of elongate segments, each segment having at least one and up to a plurality of integral fins axially extending therefrom; a core extension integral with one... Agent: Law Office Of John C. Mcmahon

20090105765 - Spinal rod cross connector: A cross connector assembly is provided. In one embodiment, the cross connector is configured to engage a pair of rods in a spinal implant assembly. In an exemplary embodiment, the cross connector assembly includes at least one elongated top member having a pair of hooked-shaped ends and a pair of... Agent: Benesch, Friedlander, Coplan & Aronoff LLP Attn:IPDepartment Docket Clerk

20090105766 - Systems, devices and methods for the correction of spinal deformities: Provided herein are systems, devices and methods for the correction of spinal deformities with the use one or more implantable rods configured to apply a corrective force to the spine. Methods of minimally invasive implantation of a corrective system are provided, such as where the corrective system is attached only... Agent: Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe, LLPIPProsecution Department

20090105768 - Dual anchor prosthetic nucleus apparatus: A spinal mobility preservation apparatus and methods are disclosed. The spinal mobility preservation apparatus may include a proximal body, an intermediate body, a distal body, and an expandable membrane. The proximal body and the distal body secure the mobility preservation apparatus to adjacent vertebral bodies. At least one of an... Agent: Cyr & Associates, P.A.

20090105767 - Total joint subsidence protector: A subsidence protection device is provided. The subsidence protection device may be placed in either the tibia or the talus to support a portion of a total ankle prosthesis.... Agent: Duane Morris LLP - PhiladelphiaIPDepartment

20090105770 - Rod coupling assembly and methods for bone fixation: A coupling device for securing an elongate member to the spine is provided. The coupling device comprises a compressible inner member that secures an anchor member therein when the inner member is axially shifted within an outer member. Structures are provided to prevent disassembly of the anchor and coupling device... Agent: Fitch Even Tabin And Flannery

20090105769 - Uni-planar, taper lock bone screw: Provided is a novel uni-planar taper lock screw for connecting a connecting rod to bone. The screw is capable of being secured to the underlying bone while the screw head adapted to securely hold a connecting rod is articulated in a unidirectional manner to facilitate a stable connection to the... Agent: Perry E. Van Over & Associates, PLLC

20090105771 - Multi-axial expandable pedicle screw and an expansion method thereof: The invention disclosed a multi-axial expandable pedicle screw and an expansion method by using the same. Structure of the screw comprising a hollow screw being spherical shaped end connecting with an adapting piece, which is universal joint structure; an inner wall of the adapting piece connecting a lock bolt through... Agent: Smith, Gambrell & Russell

20090105772 - Implant: An implant (10) for anchoring on a bone (1) has a plurality of anchoring pins (20) which extend away from a fastening side of the implant and are provided for anchoring the implant in the bone. In different areas of the fastening side of the implant, the pin arrangement and/or... Agent: Zimmer Technology - Baker & Daniels

20090099554 - Elongate flexible torque instruments and methods of use: Torque shafts and other related systems and methods are described herein. In one embodiment, the torque shafts are both flexible and capable of transmitting torque. An apparatus for transmission of torque includes an elongate body, comprising a plurality of joint segments, each joint segment configured to pivot with respect to... Agent: Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe, LLPIPProsecution Department

20090099555 - Reduction of rf induced tissue heating using conductive surface pattern: The present invention provides, among other things, means to suppress AC current propagation along elongated medical devices incorporating long conductive structures. AC currents in the frequency range from approximately 10 MHz to 3 GHz can be substantially suppressed without altering the low and DC frequency response of the medical device.... Agent: Michael Best & Friedrich LLP

20090099556 - Tunnel measuring device for ligament reconstruction: Measuring devices and methods of determining the appropriate graft length for reconstructive surgery, for example for an all-inside ACL reconstruction ligament repair. The measuring device accurately determines the graft length based on the total length between the femoral and tibial tunnels (sockets) plus the intraarticular space between them. The measuring... Agent: Dickstein Shapiro LLP

20090099557 - Methods and compositions for optimizing the outcomes of refractive laser surgery of the cornea: Disclosed herein are methods and compositions for use in surgical procedures for refractive ablation of the cornea to achieve vision correction with a minimum of undesirable side effects and for a broad range of optical conditions such myopia, hyperopia, presbyopia and astigmatism. Specifically disclosed are compositions, and methods involving their... Agent: Albert Jacobs LLP

20090099558 - Methods and systems for differentiating left and right eye images: Methods and systems for determining whether an image is of a left eye or a right eye may be used to enhance laser eye surgery systems and techniques. Methods generally involve locating an iris center and/or pupil center on an image of the eye, locating a corneal vertex and/or at... Agent: Townsend And Townsend And Crew, LLP

20090099559 - Coherent imaging fiber based hair removal device: A photoepilation device including a compact hand piece applicator and a portable electronics module for use in a non-medical setting. The hand piece, which contains no electrical signals, allows the user to focus on individual hair follicles by observing a magnified image provided on a semiconductor display. The image from... Agent: The Farrell Law Firm, P.C.

20090099560 - Percutaneous tissue ablation probe with occlusive bodies: A tissue treatment system comprising a tissue treatment probe to be introduced in a target tissue region, wherein the probe comprises one or more perfusion ports that perfuse electrically conductive fluid to the target tissue region, one or more electrodes that deliver RF energy to the target tissue region to... Agent: VistaIPLaw Group LLP

20090099561 - Coaptive tissue fusion method and apparatus with current derivative precursive energy termination control: Biological tissue is sealed or fused to occlude an opening by compressing apposite sidewall portions of the tissue and applying sufficient energy to cause the fibers of the compressed opposed sidewall portions to intertwine and fuse with one another to form a permanent seal. The energy application is controlled by... Agent: John R Ley, LLC

20090099562 - Orthotic device and method for securing the same: An orthotic device includes a frame having a first shell defining front and rear surfaces, and extending longitudinally into the anterior and posterior sides of the brace. The first shell defining an opening located on the posterior side of the brace. A tightening mechanism is mounted onto the first shell,... Agent: Bacon & Thomas, PLLC

20090099563 - Systems and methods for implementing heart geometrical measurements: In some embodiments, the disclosed subject matter provides a method of identifying the source of arrhythmia, e.g. reentrant ventricular tachycardia, in a patient. In other embodiments, the disclosed subject matter provides a method for treating or preventing reentrant ventricular tachycardia in a patient. In still other embodiments, the disclosed subject... Agent: Baker Botts L.L.P.

20090099564 - Surgical probe for supporting inflatable therapeutic devices in contact with tissue in or around body orifice and within tumors: A probe that facilitates the creation of lesions in bodily tissue. The probe includes a relatively short shaft and an inflatable therapeutic element.... Agent: Henricks Slavin And Holmes LLP Suite 200

20090099565 - Method of fracture fixation: An external fixator includes a main body and an outrigger for extending over a fractured joint, such as a wrist joint. The main body can be positioned next to a right arm, or flipped over and positioned next to a left arm. The outrigger is attachable to extend either to... Agent: ShewchukIPServices

20090099566 - Modular stem inserter: A kit for use in implanting a stem into a long bone. The kit includes a universal handle including a locking mechanism, and a plurality of shafts. Each of the plurality of shafts is adapted to couple with the universal handle such that the locking mechanism of the universal handle... Agent: Philip S. Johnson Johnson & Johnson

20090099567 - Customized patient-specific bone cutting blocks: A number of orthopaedic surgical instruments are also disclosed. A method, apparatus, and system for fabricating such instruments are also disclosed.... Agent: Barnes & Thornburg LLP

20090099610 - Methods of stabilizing the sacroiliac joint: Methods of stabilizing the sacroiliac joint by placing an expandable device in the joint to generate laterally opposing forces against the iliac and sacral surfaces of the SI joint to securely seat the device in a plane generally parallel to the SI joint. The expandable device is coated with or... Agent: Kenyon & Kenyon LLP

20090099568 - Device and method for variably adjusting intervertebral distraction and lordosis: A removably insertable surgical apparatus is configured for insertion between adjacent vertebrae during spinal surgery and adjusted in-situ to produce varying degrees of distraction, neural-decompression, lordotic, kyphotic and/or scoliotic adjustment in the spine.... Agent: Shay Glenn LLP

20090099569 - Intervertebral implant: In the case of an intervertebral implant with at least one abutment element forming a vertebral body abutment surface, in which the vertebral body abutment surface comprises at least two relatively movable parts, which in a first insertion position are arranged in relation to one another so that they jointly... Agent: Lipsitz & Mcallister, LLC

20090099570 - Hip replacement in computer-assisted surgery: A system for calculating a position and orientation of an acetabular cup in computer-assisted surgery comprises a first trackable reference secured to a pelvis, with a frame of reference being associated with the first trackable reference. A device is positionable between a femoral neck and the acetabulum of the pelvis... Agent: Ogilvy Renault LLP

20090099572 - Magnetic targeting system and method of using the same: The present invention describes a magnetic targeting system suitable for guiding a biocompatible device to a target area within the body (in vivo) and method of using the same. The system includes a targeting member having a steering material and is attached to the biocompatible device. The system also includes... Agent: Mchale & Slavin, P.A.

20090099571 - Variable angle targeting device: An orthopedic device includes a targeting member, an elongated guiding member, and an adjustment member. The targeting member has an elongated body along a first longitudinal axis and can be coupled to an intramedullary implant such that the first longitudinal axis is parallel to the intramedullary implant. The targeting member... Agent: Harness, Dickey & Pierce, P.L.C

20090099573 - Apparatus and method for treating eustachian tube dysfunction: A method and apparatus for treating Eustachian tube dysfunction. The apparatus may include a tube with an aperture extending through the tube and a retention mechanism for retaining the tube in the Eustachian tube. The method may include endoscopically inserting the tube through the nasopharynx and into the Eustachian tube.... Agent: Fulbright & Jaworski L.L.P.

20090099574 - Filter retrieval catheter system, and methods: A filter retrieval system for retrieving a previously implanted medical filter, and methods of using the retrieval system, are disclosed. The filter retrieval system has a flexible shaft, a retrieval element, and a handle with an actuator. The flexible shaft may be catheter-based, and has a proximal and a distal... Agent: Philip S. Johnson Johnson & Johnson

20090099575 - Surgical isolator: This invention is directed to a surgical isolator and cradle, suitable for the use in a surgical method involving the removal of prematura eggs from birds m order to generate germ-free eggs and birds. In particular, the surgical isolator is used in the generation of birds of specified germ-free status.... Agent: K&l Gates LLP

20090099576 - Minimally invasive surgical training using robotics and telecollaboration: A medical system that allows a mentor to teach a pupil how to use a robotically controlled medical instrument. The system may include a first handle that can be controlled by a mentor to move the medical instrument. The system may further have a second handle that can be moved... Agent: Patent Dept Intuitive Surgical, Inc

20090099577 - Implant system: A system and method for inserting an implant into soft tissue. The system may include an elongate arm having an implant at a first end of the elongate arm and an actuator at a second end of the elongate arm. The implants may be contained in a cartridge assembly. Methods... Agent: Fulbright & Jaworski L.L.P.

20090099578 - Methods and devices for delivering sutures in tissue: Methods and devices for driving a suture assembly employing elastically pre-shaped needles for piercing a tissue. The pre-shaped needles are held in a constrained state and can revert to a natural pre-shaped state prior to or during ejection from the device before entry into tissue allowing for the suture to... Agent: Levine Bagade Han LLP

20090099579 - Self-adherent implants and methods of preparation: Implants are described herein which contain an activated adhesive on at least a portion of the surface of the implant. A release sheet may be positioned over at least a portion of the adhesive. Packages which contain the implants and methods of preparing the implants are also described.... Agent: Tyco Healthcare Group Lp

20090099580 - Methods and apparatus for enhanced growth of peripheral nerves and nervous tissue: A medical device comprises a tubular body having a lumen and a long axis; and a plurality of silk elements laid substantially parallel along the long axis of the lumen of the tubular body. A method of manufacturing the medical device comprises forming the tubular body and introducing the silk... Agent: Brooks Kushman P.C.

20090099581 - Methods and apparatus for treating vascular occlusions: Embodiments of the present invention are suitable for treating a vascular occlusion. In one embodiment, a tissue removal apparatus includes a catheter having a lumen; a rotatable shaft disposed in the lumen of the catheter; a tissue removal portion connected to the rotatable shaft; and an expandable element circumferentially disposed... Agent: Patterson & Sheridan, L.L.P.

20090099582 - Ultrasonic device for cutting and coagulating: An ultrasonic clamp coagulator assembly that is configured to permit selective cutting, coagulation, and fine dissection required in fine and delicate surgical procedures. The assembly includes a housing, a curved blade assembly and a first shroud and a second shroud.... Agent: Philip S. Johnson Johnson & Johnson

20090099583 - Pleurabrade device: An abrading device for use in irritating and blotting a surgical area, preferably the area between the chest wall and lung of a patient, to allow the user to more easily insert and remove the surgical device reducing contact with surrounding tissue and wound edges. The device is primarily comprised... Agent: John Wiley Horton, Attorney Pennington, Moore, Wilkinson, Bell & Dunbar, P.A.

20090099584 - Surgical marking tools and methods for marking a patient: A surgical marking tool for marking a location on a patient includes a cutting head and a handle. The cutting head includes a screw thread. The handle is coupled to the cutting head to rotate the cutting head. The screw thread is configured to progressively embed in the patient to... Agent: Myers Bigel Sibley & Sajovec

20090099586 - Compact multi-use lancing device: A multi-use micro-sampling or lancing device having an outer housing, a lancet holder that engages a lancet and constrains the lancet along a controlled and pre-defined path of travel during the lancing stroke, and a drive mechanism with a pair of opposed, off-axis torsion springs working in tandem to drive... Agent: Gardner Groff Greenwald & Villanueva. PC

20090099585 - Lancing device with multi-lancet cartridge: A lancing device and a removable and replaceable multi-lancet cartridge for use in connection therewith are disclosed. The multi-lancet cartridge is advanced through sequential lancets, and anti-reverse features prevent reverse advancement of the cartridge. Interlocks are provided to prevent double-cocking the device, to reduce the likelihood of jamming of the... Agent: Gardner Groff Greenwald & Villanueva. PC

20090099587 - Ophthalmic operative keratometer with movable fixation/centration device: Provided is an operative keratometer consisting of a built-in bright LED ring light, which uniquely provides immediate direct preoperative confirmation to the ophthalmologist of the proper meridian for astigmatic cuts and the most advantageous location of cataract incisions to minimize postoperative astigmatism. Also provided are methods for using the operative... Agent: Montgomery, Mccracken, Walker & Rhoads, LLP

20090099588 - Devices and methods for treatment of obesity: Implantable devices, methods of implantation and tools for performing the implantations. A device includes a volume occupying member having a working configuration such that, when the device is implanted into the abdominal cavity of the patient, the device performs at least one of: prevention of expansion of the stomach of... Agent: Law Office Of Alan W. Cannon

20090099589 - Inverting occlusion devices, methods, and systems: Described are devices, methods and systems useful for achieving occlusion of vascular vessels. Percutaneous procedures can be used to occlude and obliterate the greater saphenous vein, for example in the treatment of varicose vein condition caused by venous reflux. Certain embodiments encompass the percutaneous delivery of an occlusion device inverted... Agent: Woodard, Emhardt, Moriarty, Mcnett & Henry LLP

20090099591 - Coil anchor systems and methods of use: Described herein is a coil anchor having an anchor body configured for placement within a large diameter blood vessel, wherein the anchor body includes a radially expandable sidewall, a proximal opening dimensioned to receive an embolic coil, and a distal opening dimensioned to permit blood flow within the blood vessel.... Agent: Finnegan, Henderson, Farabow, Garrett & Dunner LLP

20090099592 - Detachable interlock systems and methods of use: Described herein are various implant delivery systems and methods of use. The systems can include an implantable medical device mated to a pusher wire via a detachable link. The user can detach the detachable link by rotating the pusher wire. For example, the detachable link can include first and second... Agent: Finnegan, Henderson, Farabow, Garrett & Dunner LLP

20090099593 - Embolic protection device: An embolic protection device has a collapsible filter element (105) mounted on a carrier such as a guidewire (101). The filter element (105) collapses into the outer end of a catheter (118) for deployment and retrieval through a vascular system of a patient. The filter element (105) has a collapsible... Agent: Sughrue Mion-abbott Labs

20090099590 - Embolic protection device having a filter frame with integral distal strain relief: An embolic protection device provides a filter membrane for removing emboli from a fluid flowing in a vessel of a patient. The filter membrane is mounted on a filter frame having an integrated strain relief mechanism that provides strain relief and kink resistance in the transition between the relatively stiff... Agent: Philip S. Johnson Johnson & Johnson

20090099594 - Filter element with retractable guidewire tip: A medical guidewire assembly comprises a guidewire having a flexible tip. A medical device such as a collaptible filter for use as an embolic protection device is mounted on the guidewire. The filter is advanced through a body lumen with the guidewire tip extending distally. At a first location the... Agent: Sughrue Mion-abbott Labs

20090099595 - Method and mixture for treating unilateral vocal fold paralysis: The present invention provides methods and mixtures for treating unilateral vocal fold paralysis (UVFP) and/or enhancing functional recovery of a damaged recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN). The method of the present invention comprises applying a fibrin glue mixture to a portion of laryngeal muscle. The fibrin glue mixture comprises a growth... Agent: Panitch Schwarze Belisario & Nadel LLP

20090099596 - Closure device for left atrial appendage: A device for closing the left atrial appendage of a patient comprising a retention member composed of a shape memory material and a mesh material supported by the retention member. The retention member has a first elongated configuration for delivery and a second expanded configuration for placement within the left... Agent: Neil D. Gershon

20090099597 - Suture assembly with tissue engaging elements: Multiple embodiments of a suture assembly for use with tissue are provided. One suture assembly includes a tubular body having a plurality of tissue engaging elements formed from the tubular body. An outer surface is disposed on each tissue engaging element, and the outer surface contacts the tissue. An interior... Agent: Rosenbaum & Associates, P.C.

20090099598 - Self-locking suture anchor: A tissue anchor having a length of filament held so that an applied force greater than a threshold force will cause the filament to move longitudinally, while an applied force less than the threshold force will not move the filament, and methods of attaching soft tissue to bone using such... Agent: Nutter Mcclennen & Fish LLP

20090099600 - High modulus polyurethane and polyurethane/urea compositions: t

20090099602 - Method of lateral facet approach, decompression and fusion using screws and staples as well as arthroplasty: A method of performing vertebral facet fusion by lateral approach and related devices. The lateral approach to facet fusion involves identifying the lateral mass and then introducing any of the fixation methods known or described herein laterally at one or more facets through the use of a hollow cannula. A... Agent: Ober, Kaler, Grimes & Shiver Attorneys At Law

20090099601 - Minimally invasive lateral intervertbral fixation system, device and method: A system, device and method are disclosed for minimally invasive lateral intervertebral fixation. An intervertebral fixation device includes a weight-bearing shell configured to fit into a disk space between plural vertebrae, the weight-bearing shell including a keyway opening between and through plural sidewalls. A first plurality of anchors is rotatably... Agent: Toler Law Group

20090099599 - Rod connection in a surgical device and rod-shaped bone stabilization device comprising the same: A rod connection for fixing a rod part in a surgical device within a bore of a rod receiving member includes the rod receiving member having a bore having an inner diameter, the rod part having an outer diameter, the rod part being introduced into the bore, wherein the inner... Agent: Christie, Parker & Hale, LLP

20090099603 - Minimally-invasive implant for opening and enlargement of processus spinosus interspace and method of percutaneously enlarging processus spinosus interspace therewith: For the purpose of realizing of a method of minimally-invasive therapy for spinal canal stenosis, it is intended to provide a therapeutic device capable of stationing an interspinous process spacer without the need of large skin incision or ligamentous tissue incision and also without the need of detaching of the... Agent: Posz Law Group, PLC

20090099604 - Transverse spinal linking device and system: A transverse spinal linking device links at least one spinal osteosynthesis bar to a transverse bar. The device may include a first part that has a vertical axis and a first jaw, a second part that has a second jaw, and a clamping resource. The first part may include a... Agent: Fish & Richardson P.C.

20090099605 - Rod contouring apparatus for percutaneous pedicle screw extension: Anatomic points within the body are projected outside the body through the use of extenders (180, 182, 188). The projected points may then be used for measurement, or to facilitate the selection or configuration of an implant that is positioned proximate the anatomic points using a slotted cannula (143). Such... Agent: Lerner, David, Littenberg, Krumholz & Mentlik

20090099606 - 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 attributable to a specified configuration for use with a dynamic stabilization system or implant to provide dynamic stability to a person's spine. The flexible member generally includes a body having a lengthwise... Agent: Crompton, Seager & Tufte, LLC

20090099607 - Apparatus and method for dynamic vertebral stabilization: A posterior vertebral stabilizer has a resilient member such as a linear spring, which operates in tension and compression. The resilient member may be kept straight by a stabilization rod extending through the spring, or by a telescoping assembly that encases the resilient member. The ends of the stabilizer are... Agent: Lerner, David, Littenberg, Krumholz & Mentlik

20090099608 - Rod assembly for dynamic posterior stabilization: An assembly for dynamic stabilization of the spine includes a rod having a first end having a first diameter and a second end having a second diameter smaller than the first diameter. A hollow housing forms a passage that receives the second end of the rod. An elastic member connects... Agent: Ratnerprestia

20090099609 - Bone anchor system: A bone anchor system anchors a support member to a bone. The bone anchor system comprises a body having a shank adapted for insertion into a hole in the bone. A head is formed on the shank. The head has a support engagement portion adapted to secure the support member... Agent: Crompton, Seager & Tufte, LLC

20090093798 - Semi-automated ophthalmic photocoagulation method and apparatus: An ophthalmic treatment system and method for performing therapy on target tissue in a patient's eye. A delivery system delivers treatment light to the patient's eye and a camera captures a live image of the patient's eye. Control electronics control the delivery system, register a pre-treatment image of the patient's... Agent: Dla Piper LLP (us )

20090093799 - System and method for dermatological lesion treatment using gas discharge lamp with controllable current density: A device for treatment of dermatological lesions includes a gas discharge lamp for generating a plurality of different electromagnetic radiation treatments. A power supply for driving the gas discharge lamp is selectively controlled to drive the gas discharge lamp to output a first electromagnetic treatment when an area of skin... Agent: Stallman & Pollock LLP

20090093800 - Flexible surgical probe: A probe having a flexible, small diameter fiber sheathed in a small diameter flexible tube comprising the distal tip of the probe. The small diameters of the fiber and tube allow the fiber to be bent in a tighter radius along essentially the entire length of the exposed portion of... Agent: Alcon

20090093801 - Circumferential ablation guide wire system and related method of using the same: Device and method significantly that improves the safety and procedural success of the existing art by being able to be less traumatic to vascular tissue, improving atrial contact with the ablation surface, improving positioning and geometrical precision of the ablation pattern, improving steerability and deliverability of the ablation device and... Agent: Robert J. Decker

20090093804 - Electrosurgical system: An electrosurgical system includes a generator for generating radio frequency power, an electrosurgical instrument including at least first and second electrodes carried on the instrument, and a monopolar patient return electrode separate from the instrument. The generator comprises at least one source of radio frequency (RF) power, and has a... Agent: Nixon & Vanderhye, PC

20090093805 - Systems and methods for monitoring and controlling use of medical devices: A usage key card is adapted to be handled separate from a device tissue treatment deice. The usage key card has a storage medium formatted to contain an identification code, which is unique to the usage key card. The usage key card is also adapted to be read by a... Agent: Daniel D. Ryan Ryan Kromholz & Manion, S.c.

20090093803 - Systems and methods for transeptal cardiac procedures, including tissue compression devices and methods: Systems and methods for transeptal cardiac procedures are disclosed. A patient treatment system in accordance with a particular embodiment includes a catheter, a tissue penetration device carried by and deployable from the catheter, an energy delivery device carried by an deployable from the catheter, a backstop surface carried by the... Agent: Perkins Coie LLP Patent-sea

20090093802 - Systems and methods for transeptal cardiac procedures, including tissue penetrating members and associted methods: Systems and methods for transeptal cardiac procedures are disclosed. A method for treating a patient in accordance with a particular embodiment includes positioning a tissue penetrating guidewire adjacent to a cardiac septum, directing pulses of energy to the guidewire, and advancing the guidewire into and through the septum by moving... Agent: Perkins Coie LLP Patent-sea

20090093806 - Catheter with pressure sensing: A medical probe includes a flexible insertion tube, having a distal end for insertion into a body cavity of a patient, and a distal tip, which is disposed at the distal end of the insertion tube and is configured to be brought into contact with tissue in the body cavity.... Agent: Philip S. Johnson Johnson & Johnson

20090093807 - Vasculature and lymphatic system imaging and ablation: Devices, methods, and systems related to imaging and ablation are disclosed.... Agent: Searete LLC Clarence T. Tegreene

20090093811 - Cooled ablation catheter devices and methods of use: Discloses herein are ablative catheters and methods of use. The catheters can include a cooling chamber for circulating cooling fluid within the catheter tip to reduce hot spots within the catheter tip and/or to reduce the formation of coagulum. A proximal cooling chamber can be positioned proximally to a thermal... Agent: Finnegan, Henderson, Farabow, Garrett & Dunner LLP

20090093809 - Devices and methods for minimally-invasive surgical procedures: Devices, instruments and tools for minimally invasive surgical procedures. Port devices and methods for hemostatically sealing and providing a port through a tissue wall that interfaces with a fluid containing chamber, by minimally invasive techniques. Assemblies, instruments and methods for minimally invasive access to and through a tissue wall that... Agent: Law Office Of Alan W. Cannon

20090093810 - Electrophysiology electrodes and apparatus including the same: Electrophysiological electrodes including an at least substantially planar distal end and/or surface discontinuities at or adjacent to the distal end are disclosed.... Agent: Henricks Slavin And Holmes LLP Suite 200

20090093808 - Partial (non-apical) prostate ablation procedure and device: A device and procedure for performing partial non-apical transurethral ablation of the prostate. The device includes a first conductor member reciprocably extending from a distal end of a sheath, a cap disposed at the distal end of the first conductor member, at least two nonconducting members interconnecting the cap and... Agent: Hartman & Hartman, P.C.

20090093812 - Cranial flap fixation system and method: A cranial flap fixation system and method are provided. In one embodiment, the system includes a rod having first and second ends, and an intermediate portion. The rod has a threaded portion between the first end and the intermediate portion. The system also includes an inferior disk coupled with the... Agent: Baker Botts L.L.P.

20090093813 - Alignment device for locking nail: An alignment device for an intramedullary locking nail insertable in an intramedullary canal of a long bone. The alignment device includes a locating member having a handle portion connected to an elongated insertion member, and a targeting member movably coupled to the locating member. The insertion member can be inserted... Agent: Harness, Dickey & Pierce, P.L.C

20090093814 - Surgical saw blade having at least one pair of opposed teeth shaped as right triangles: A cutting saw blade for use with an oscillatory power tool used in surgical bone cutting procedures including a blade having a distal end provided with teeth whose tips are located on a tangent line perpendicular to the long axis of the blade. The teeth are configured substantially as right... Agent: Ladas & Parry

20090093815 - Surgical saw blade having at least one pair of opposed teeth shaped as right triangles: A cutting saw blade for use with an oscillatory power tool used in surgical bone cutting procedures including a blade having a distal end provided with teeth whose tips are located on a tangent line perpendicular to the long axis of the blade. The teeth are configured substantially as right... Agent: Ladas & Parry

20090093852 - Spinal stabilization treatment methods for maintaining axial spine height and sagital plane spine balance: A proactive spinal treatment method is for maintaining axial spine height and sagital plane spine balance in a spine comprising vertebrae and intervertebral discs between adjacent vertebrae. The method may include collecting a plurality of spinal health parameters relating to predicted spinal degeneration risk for a given patient's spine, and... Agent: Allen, Dyer, Doppelt, Milbrath & Gilchrist P.A.

20090093853 - System for forming a tendon-bone graft: A system for forming a tendon-bone graft. The system can include at least one support that is adapted to support the tendon-bone graft. The system can further include at least one clamp that is adapted to engage the tendon-bone graft to clamp the tendon-bone graft to the at least one... Agent: Harness, Dickey & Pierce, P.L.C

20090093816 - System and method for fabricating a customized patient-specific surgical instrument: A number of orthopaedic surgical instruments are also disclosed. A method, apparatus, and system for fabricating such instruments are also disclosed.... Agent: Barnes & Thornburg LLP

20090093818 - Intergrated cement delivery system for bone augmentation procedures and methods: A cement delivery system for vertebroplasty including a rigid cannula having a tubular inner wall defining a central conduit to deliver bone cement and a tubular outer wall extending around the inner wall and spaced apart therefrom to define a peripheral conduit for aspirating bone fluids. Aspirating means communicate with... Agent: Cantor Colburn, LLP

20090093817 - Systems and methods for injecting bone filler into the spine: Systems and methods for injecting bone filler into a vertebra, wherein a spinous process and/or lamina can be strengthened by injecting the bone filler into the spinous process and/or lamina. An insertion device including a needle can be positioned proximal to the junction between the spinous process and the lamina... Agent: Fliesler Meyer LLP

20090093820 - Adjustable spinal stabilization systems: A spinal stabilization system includes a stabilization member with opposite end portions lying along a longitudinal axis and an adjustment mechanism between the end portions that allows the end portions to be moved toward and away from one another along the longitudinal axis.... Agent: Medtronic Attn: Noreen Johnson -IPLegal Department

20090093819 - Anisotropic spinal stabilization rod: Embodiments of the disclosure provide an anisotropic spinal stabilization rod useful for connecting a set of bone fasteners that can anchor a spinal stabilization system onto vertebral bodies. The anisotropic spinal stabilization rod comprises a linear body made of a composite material with fibers selectively oriented in one or more... Agent: SprinkleIPLaw Group

20090093822 - Magnetic stent removal: A medical device and method for its use in the digestive system of a mammalian patient is provided. The medical device includes a stent and a retrieval device. The stent has a magnetic element connected to an end of the stent. The retrieval device includes a magnetic member, and the... Agent: Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione/chicago/cook

20090093821 - Slide guide apparatus & method: Methods of maintaining a consistent pathway through an already formed incision and for facilitating placement and removal of medical devices into and/or out of a surgical treatment site or cavity are disclosed. A method for removing and placing medical devices includes inserting a first medical device into an already formed... Agent: Cytyc Corporation Darry Pattinson, Sr.IPParalegal

20090093823 - Devices, systems and methods useable for treating sinusitis: Sinusitis and other disorders of the ear, nose and throat are diagnosed and/or treated using minimally invasive approaches with flexible or rigid instruments. Various methods and devices are used for remodeling or changing the shape, size or configuration of a sinus ostium or duct or other anatomical structure in the... Agent: Steptoe & Johnson - Acclarent, Inc.

20090093824 - Wound closure fasteners and device for tissue approximation and fastener application: A tissue fastening device for approximating tissue edges with successive placement of fasteners therebetween comprising a proximal portion having a handle and a trigger; a distal portion having an effector end responsive to depression of the trigger; an actuator assembly operably coupled with the trigger; approximation arms disposed in the... Agent: Harness, Dickey & Pierce, P.L.C

20090093825 - System and method for providing a coil element in a vascular environment: An apparatus is provided in one example and includes a coil that receives one or more tips of an instrument. An interior of the coil interfaces with the tips and the coil and the tips can be positioned together in a hole cut in a surface of tissue. The coil... Agent: Patent Capital Group

20090093828 - Handleless clamping device: The present invention relates to surgical clamps and clamp devices that provide a handle-free surgical field. The clamp jaws may be opened or closed by a rotationally or translationally moveable drive element that may be actuated from a position proximal or distal to the jaws. The surgical clamps may also... Agent: Morrison & Foerster LLP

20090093826 - Patent foramen ovale closure system: A tool for closing an opening in tissue may include a catheter, a clasp applicator positioned substantially at the distal end of the catheter; and at least one clasp held by the clasp applicator, where the clasp may include a plurality of tines and be plastically splayable by the clasp... Agent: Cardica, Inc.

20090093827 - Subcutaneous waist band and methods related thereto: A subcutaneously placed abdominal band for waistline reduction and methods related thereto, wherein an abdominal band is subcutaneously wrapped around a person's waistline underneath the subcutaneous fat and adjacent to a facia and a muscle, the abdominal band being tightened and secured to the body thereby tightening the person's abdominal... Agent: Fliesler Meyer LLP

20090093829 - Chronic total occlusion (cto) removal device: There is disclosed a device for removing chronic total occlusions (CTO) from blood vessels or other body lumens. In one embodiment the device has a loop at a distal end connected by a shaft to a proximal end. The shaft is provided inside a catheter that has an opening at... Agent: Cook Group Patent Office

20090093830 - Apparatus and method to provide emergency access to bone marrow: An apparatus and method for penetrating the bone marrow is provided. The apparatus includes a housing, a penetrator assembly, operable to penetrate the bone marrow, a connector operable to releasably attach the penetrator assembly to a drill shaft, the drill shaft operable to connect the penetrator assembly to a gear... Agent: Baker Botts L.L.P. Patent Department

20090093832 - Lancet device: A lancet device includes a shot prevention mechanism for preventing re-shooting using a used lancet, that inhibits movement to a shot-ready completion state where a puncture body is held at different positions within a casing before and after use. A holding position of the puncture body within the casing before... Agent: GlobalIPCounselors, LLP

20090093831 - Reconfigurable intergrated lancet system: A reconfigurable integrated lancet system comprises a testing device having a housing, a lancet holding device frame, a lancet, and at least one connection mechanism. The lancet holding device frame is adapted to fasten around a periphery of the housing of the testing device. The lancet holding device frame has... Agent: Nixon Peabody LLP

20090093833 - Bladeless obturator for use in a surgical trocar assembly: An obturator assembly for use in dissection of tissue includes an obturator housing, an obturator member mounted to the obturator housing and an obturator sleeve coaxially mounted about the obturator member and adapted for reciprocal longitudinal movement between a retracted position and an extended position. The obturator member includes an... Agent: Tyco Healthcare Group Lp

20090093834 - Acupuncture needle tube: A new concept of an acupuncture needle tube is invented. The needle tube includes a cylindrical body, a large diameter portion defined on the upper portion of the cylindrical body, a small diameter portion defined on the lower portion of the cylindrical body, the small diameter portion extending from the... Agent: Gwips Peter T. Kwon

20090093835 - Two-mode bladeless trocar assembly: An obturator assembly for penetrating tissue and being at least partially positionable within a cannula assembly includes an obturator housing, an obturator shaft connected to the obturator housing and defining a longitudinal axis, a bladeless penetrating member adjacent the distal end of the obturator shaft and an obturator shield mounted... Agent: Tyco Healthcare Group Lp

20090093837 - Anastomosis plug for bariatric surgery: Medical devices and methods for controlling the flow of contents through an opening, such as an anastomosis formed during bariatric surgery. Generally, the medical device includes a tube and first and second radially extendable anchors attached to the tube. The anchors keep the medical device centered at the anastomosis or... Agent: Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione/chicago/cook

20090093836 - Methods for reducing hydrostatic organ pressure: A method for stretching at least a portion of an organ to decrease interstitial hydrostatic pressure and improve at least one organ function. The method comprises providing at least one elastically compressible anchor, compressing the at least one anchor, anchoring the at least one anchor to a portion of an... Agent: Martin D. Moynihan D/b/a Prtsi, Inc.

20090093839 - Devices and methods for augmenting extragastric banding: The present invention is directed generically to a means for altering the ability of the mammalian body to absorb nutritive content from ingested foodstuffs, and more specifically to an apparatus and method of use for an endolumenal sleeve (referred to also as an “intragastrointestinal device” or “gastrointestinal device”) positioned in... Agent: Brian Kelleher

20090093838 - Shape memory intragastric balloon: An expandable intragastric balloon (1) to be implanted in, and subsequently removed from, the stomach (2) of a patient through natural orifices as part of a treatment for obesity. The intragastric balloon (1) includes an outer casing (3) sufficiently flexible that the outer casing can change from a first configuration,... Agent: Bryan Cave Powell Goldstein

20090093840 - Nasal inserts: Devices for nasal insertion may include an open-ended tubular element which extends along a central tube axis between a first end and a second end, the first end being larger than the second end, and in which the tubular element includes at least one spiral strut extending from the first... Agent: Foley Hoag, LLP Patent Group, World Trade Center West

20090093841 - Handleless clamping device: The present invention relates to surgical clamps and clamp devices that provide a handle-free surgical field. The clamp jaws may be opened or closed by a rotationally or translationally moveable drive element that may be actuated from a position proximal or distal to the jaws. The surgical clamps may also... Agent: Morrison & Foerster LLP

20090093842 - Handleless clamping device: The present invention relates to surgical clamps and clamp devices that provide a handle-free surgical field. The clamp jaws may be opened or closed by a rotationally or translationally moveable drive element that may be actuated from a position proximal or distal to the jaws. The surgical clamps may also... Agent: Morrison & Foerster LLP

20090093843 - Dynamic spine stabilization system: Disclosed are devices and systems for spinal fixation and dynamic stabilization. Elongated members may be positioned lateral to spinous processes and coupled to two or more vertebrae. Interspinous members may be positioned between adjacent spinous processes and coupled to the elongated members. One embodiment of an interspinous member comprises a... Agent: SprinkleIPLaw Group

20090093844 - Elastic covered dynamic stabilization connector and assembly: A dynamic fixation medical implant having at least two bone anchors includes a dynamic longitudinal connector having a solid core with an elastic over-molded portion. The over-molded portion may be firmly adhered or clamped to at least a portion of the solid core. Alternatively, the over-molded portion may completely envelope... Agent: Law Office Of John C. Mcmahon

20090093845 - 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

20090093846 - Pre-curved flexible member for providing dynamic stability to a spine: A pre-curved flexible member is provided for use with a dynamic stabilization system or implant to provide dynamic stability to a person's spine. In one embodiment, the pre-curved flexible member includes a pre-curved body having an outer surface and opposing ends with a curved intermediate portion extending therebetween. Each of... Agent: Crompton, Seager & Tufte, LLC

20090093847 - Variable angle rod connectors and the methods of use: A spinal rod connector is disclosed that allows end-to-end connection of at least two spinal rods. The connector may allow for angular adjustment in the construct which is associated with the patient's anatomy. Percutaneous length adjustment of the spinal rods may be available with visual assessment of the length of... Agent: Medtronic Attn: Noreen Johnson -IPLegal Department

20090093848 - Enhanced pedicle rod clamp device: An enhanced pedicle rod clamp device for connecting two or more pedicle rods in spinal surgery is disclosed. The device may include an arm, an upper clamp, and a lower clamp, which are configured for coupling to a pedicle rod. The upper clamp may be coupled to the arm, and... Agent: Greenberg Traurig LLP (la)

20090093849 - Metatarsal fixation system: Disclosed herein is a fixation system comprising a plate configured for fixation of one or more bones of the foot. The system utilizes at least two sets of screws which interconnect upon fixation of the plate. The two sets of screws cross several different planes of cortical bone tissue, which... Agent: Timothy H. Van Dyke Beusse Wolter Sanks Mora & Maire

20090093850 - Expanding seal anchor for single incision surgery: The present disclosure relates to a surgical anchoring apparatus for use during a minimally invasive surgical procedure. The surgical anchoring apparatus includes a body member and a dilator element at least partially positionable therein. The body member includes a grip segment adapted for manual engagement by a user and an... Agent: Tyco Healthcare Group Lp

20090093851 - Transfacet-pedicle locking screw fixation of lumbar motion segment: A transfacet-pedicle locking screw fixation assembly includes a plurality of pedicle screws each including threads at a distal end and a connecting receptacle at a proximal end. The connecting receptacle is oriented perpendicularly with respect to a longitudinal axis of the pedicle screw. A basic transfacet locking screw including threads... Agent: Nixon & Vanderhye, PC

20090088753 - Customized patient-specific instrumentation for use in orthopaedic surgical procedures: A number of orthopaedic surgical instruments are also disclosed. A method, apparatus, and system for fabricating such instruments are also disclosed.... Agent: Barnes & Thornburg LLP

20090088755 - Customized patient-specific instrumentation for use in orthopaedic surgical procedures: A number of orthopaedic surgical instruments are also disclosed. A method, apparatus, and system for fabricating such instruments are also disclosed.... Agent: Barnes & Thornburg LLP

20090088754 - Customized patient-specific multi-cutting blocks: A number of orthopaedic surgical instruments are also disclosed. A method, apparatus, and system for fabricating such instruments are also disclosed.... Agent: Barnes & Thornburg LLP

20090088756 - System and method for securing surgical implant: In one embodiment, a system for locating a transverse hole disposed at a predetermined location in a surgical implant inserted into a fractured bone of a patient and for drilling the fractured bone coaxially with the transverse hole is provided. The system comprises a first electromagnetic sensor unit coupled to... Agent: Peter Vogel Ge Healthcare

20090088757 - Acetabular reamer: A reamer assembly includes a tool driver and a tool. Tool driver comprises a shaft. The tool receiving end of the shaft has a flange. Formed in the flange are four L-shaped bayonet catches which receive the tool. The tool has a body having slots. A cutter can slidably fit... Agent: Lerner, David, Littenberg, Krumholz & Mentlik

20090088769 - Spinal fixation alignment apparatus: Alignment apparatuses, methods, and systems for positioning guidewire insertion devices into a patient's vertebrae. The alignment apparatus can facilitate insertion of a guidewire insertion device through a stab incision made in a patient's skin and into target vertebrae of the patient in a spinal fixation procedure. The apparatus may comprise... Agent: Kenyon & Kenyon LLP

20090088770 - Angled surgical drivers and methods of use: The present application is directed to a driver for use in surgical procedures. The driver includes a shaft with an elongated shape for accessing locations within a patient. The shaft includes a first section and a second section that may be positioned at various relative angles depending upon the context... Agent: Medtronic Attn: Noreen Johnson -IPLegal Department

20090088771 - Implant deployment device: An implant deployment device (10) includes a pusher member (30), inner catheter (24), dilator tip (20) upon which an implant (18) is supported during deployment into a lumen of a patient. A sheath (32) substantially surrounds the pusher member (30), the inner catheter (24), the dilator tip (20), covering the... Agent: Cook Group Patent Office

20090088774 - Apparatus and method of user interface with alternate tool mode for robotic surgical tools: In one implementation, a method is disclosed in which a lock sensing mode is entered for a robotic surgical instrument. In the lock sensing mode, the degrees of freedom of movement in the robotic surgical instrument are switchably reduced. Further in the lock sensing mode, one or more end effectors... Agent: Intellectual Property Dept. Intutive Surgical, Inc.

20090088772 - Fiber optic in-situ chemical analysis in a robotic surgical system: In one embodiment, a surgical instrument is described, the instrument including a housing that operably interfaces with a manipulator arm of a robotic surgical system, a shaft including a lengthwise axis, a wrist joint operably coupled to the distal end of the shaft, an end portion operably coupled to the... Agent: Frank Nguyen Intuitive Surgical

20090088773 - Methods of locating and tracking robotic instruments in robotic surgical systems: In one embodiment of the invention, a method is disclosed to locate a robotic instrument in the field of view of a camera. The method includes capturing sequential images in a field of view of a camera. The sequential images are correlated between successive views. The method further includes receiving... Agent: Intellectual Property Dept. Intutive Surgical, Inc.

20090088775 - Methods of user interface with alternate tool mode for robotic surgical tools: In one implementation, a method is disclosed in which a lock sensing mode is entered for a robotic surgical instrument. In the lock sensing mode, the degrees of freedom of movement in the robotic surgical instrument are switchably reduced. Further in the lock sensing mode, one or more end effectors... Agent: Intellectual Property Dept. Intutive Surgical, Inc.

20090088776 - Follicular extraction method and device: A method and device for the extraction of follicular units from a donor area on a patient. The method includes scoring the outer skin layers with a sharp punch, and then inserting a blunt punch into the incision to separate the hair follicle from the surrounding tissue and fatty layer.... Agent: Marsh, Fischmann & Breyfogle LLP

20090088777 - Clip applier: A clip applier includes a body 21, an insertion tube 22 extending from the body 21 and inserted in a channel of an endoscope and a clamp mechanism 24 disposed at a distal end of the insertion tube 22. The clamp mechanism 24 has a support member 28 fixed at... Agent: Stephen B. Salai, Esq. Harter Secrest & Emery LLP

20090088779 - Articulating suturing device and method: A device for closing an opening in tissue includes a shaft having a proximal end, a distal end, and at least one pin associated with a distal end the shaft. A flexible guidebody extends from the distal end of the shaft, while a foot associated with the device is movable... Agent: Workman Nydegger

20090088794 - Connective tissue closure device and method: A device for closing wounds such as openings in blood vessels as well as a method of doing so are disclosed. The device employs a fabric wrapped around an expandable frame both of which are inserted into a blood vessel through an introducer sheath. Once inserted, the expandable frame expands... Agent: Crompton, Seager & Tufte, LLC

20090088795 - Catch member for septal occluder with adjustable-length center joint: A collapsible medical device for occluding an aperture in a body, e.g., a patent foramen ovale (PFO), is disclosed. The device includes a distal end and a distal portion for contacting the distal side of tissue, a proximal end and a proximal portion for contacting the proximal side tissue, a... Agent: Wilmerhale/boston

20090088796 - 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 and methods for treating a septal defect are provided. The implantable treatment apparatus is preferably implantable through a septal wall or portion thereof. The treatment system can include a flexible... Agent: Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe, LLPIPProsecution Department

20090088798 - Method and apparatus for attaching soft tissue to bone: at least one anchor, the at least one anchor comprising a body, a bone-engaging element attached to the body for securing the body in bone, and a suture-attaching element attached to the body for attaching suture to the anchor, the suture-attaching element being configured so as to permit suture to... Agent: Pandiscio & Pandiscio, P.C.

20090088797 - Surgical anchor device: A tissue anchor comprising a body having a longitudinal axis, a proximal end with one set of dimensions and a projected surface area, a distal end with a second set of dimensions and a projected surface area where the respective dimensions of the first and second ends are not identical... Agent: Scully Scott Murphy & Presser, PC