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Surgery July category listing 07/09

20090192501 - Dynamometric tool for medical use: According to the invention, said elastic members (2) are mounted idle on the shaft (4) and have play between the shaft (18) and said elastic members (2), on one hand, and between said elastic members (2) and said interior wall, on the other hand.... Agent: Young & Thompson

20090192502 - Ablation device: A surgical tool for use as an ablation device in a surgical operation including: an ablation module output configured to ablate a volume of material at a surgical site to form an ablated volume; a control module arranged to receive information indicative of the position of the surgical site; and... Agent: Egbert Law Offices

20090192503 - Device, apparatus, and method of adipose tissue treatment: An improved procedure for performing liposuction is obtained by utilizing a needle that includes a laser source conductor with one end of the needle being configured for insertion into a target adipose skin volume and the other end being coupled to a laser source. The needle may include one or... Agent: Smith Frohwein Tempel Greenlee Blaha, LLC

20090192504 - Cryosurgery system having unintegrated delivery and visualization apparatus: Systems and methods for delivering cryosurgical treatment. The cryosurgery system comprises a cryogen delivery apparatus configured to deliver a spray of cryogen to target tissue of a patient and an indirect visualization apparatus configured to provide indirect visualization of the target tissue during the cryogen delivery. The indirect visualization apparatus... Agent: Womble Carlyle Sandridge & Rice, PLLC

20090192505 - Method for cryospray ablation: The present invention relates to methods for treating tissue in the thoracic cavity of a subject by the application of a cryogen, or using the cryogen to create an isotherm in proximity to the tissue to be treated. A wide variety of conditions may be treated using the methods of... Agent: Womble Carlyle Sandridge & Rice, PLLC

20090192507 - Method and device for less invasive surgical procedures on animals: The present invention is directed to a method and system for less invasive surgical procedures on animals. In accordance with various embodiments, electromagnetic energy is applied in a controlled application and projected into the tissue of an animal. The controlled application of the electromagnetic energy heats the targeted tissue causing... Agent: Procopio, Cory, Hargreaves & Savitch LLP

20090192508 - Modification of airways by application of mechanical 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

20090192509 - Electrosurgical system: An electrosurgical system includes an electrosurgical generator (1) having at least one source of radio frequency (RF) power, at least one output connection (2, 3, 4), and a switch input connection (25). At least one electrosurgical assembly is connected to the generator (1) via a respective output connection (2, 3,... Agent: Nixon & Vanderhye, PC

20090192510 - Polyp encapsulation system and method: An endoscopic electrosurgical instrument is presented for encapsulating and resecting biologic tissue, such as a polyp, from an anatomical structure, such as a lumen. The instrument includes an encapsulation assembly which includes a snare coupled to an electrically non-conductive, shrinkable pouch in a drawstring-like configuration. The encapsulation assembly may be... Agent: Tyco Healthcare Group Lp

20090192511 - Surgical instruments and instrument handle having support brace: Orthopedic procedures, such as total hip replacement and/or other surgical procedures, involve the retraction and distraction of bone and tissue in order to reduce prosthesis components, such as a femoral head prosthesis, into place during surgery and to perform other surgical techniques, such as reaming of the acetabulum. An instrument... Agent: Muirhead And Saturnelli, LLC

20090192512 - Bone nail: System, includes devices, methods, and kits, for fixing bone and/or repairing connective tissue associated with bone using a fastener constructed as a bone nail that includes at least one helical ridge having a large pitch. The large pitch permits the nail to be driven into bone by application of axial... Agent: Kolisch Hartwell, P.C.

20090192513 - Resorbable ceramic compositions: Ceramic precursor compositions and chemically bonded ceramic (CBC) materials, especially Ca-based, and a composite biomaterial suitable for orthopaedic applications. The CBC-system includes a binding phase (chemical cement) and additional phases with specified chemistry imparting to the biomaterial the ability of initial strength followed by interaction with the body tissue including... Agent: Young & Thompson

20090192514 - Implantable distraction osteogenesis device and methods of using same: An osteogenesis distraction device for securement to separate bone segments in the body of a patient and operative to generate new bone between said bone segments by the gradual application of a distraction force, the device comprising attachment members securable to separate bone segments and moveable in relation to each... Agent: Butzel LongIPDocketing Dept

20090192515 - Inserter for minimally invasive joint surgery: An acetabular inserter (10, 10′, 10″) aids a surgeon in controlling the installation of an acetabular cup prosthesis (11) having a central, female aperture (13). The inserter includes a head (20), a housing (12, 12′, 12″) and a locking mechanism (44, 50, 52, 54, 56, 60, 62, 67, 68; 124,... Agent: Moetteli & Associates Sarl

20090192516 - System and method for joint resurface repair: A generic bone implant, or set of standardized implants, is created based on using a guide device to develop an axis normal to an articular surface of bone and collecting only one or two data points. A generic cutting tool is used to cut the bone to a point where... Agent: Grossman, Tucker, Perreault & Pfleger, PLLC

20090192506 - Methods and devices for ablation: An ablating device has a cover which holds an interface material such as a gel. The cover contains the interface material during initial placement of the device. The ablating device may also have a removable tip or a membrane filled with fluid. In still another aspect, the ablating device may... Agent: Sjm/afd-wiley

20090192517 - Dynamometric tool for medical use: A dynamometric tool for medical use with a longitudinal axis AA includes: a hollow grip (10) including an interior wall having a succession of recesses (29) oriented along the axis AA and the section of which is egg-shaped, an instrument holder (30) to be secured in rotation with an instrument... Agent: Young & Thompson

20090192518 - Apparatus and method for loading and delivering a stent having improved handles to control relative catheter component movement: A catheter handle assembly for delivering stent includes a proximal handle attached to an axially elongated inner member with a distal tip and an intermediate handle attached to an axially elongated intermediate tube with a stent basket at its end. The intermediate tube overlies at least a portion of the... Agent: Hoffmann & Baron, LLP

20090192522 - Force sensor temperature compensation: In one embodiment, a force sensor apparatus is provided including a tube portion having a plurality of radial ribs and at least one fiber optic strain gauge positioned over each rib of the plurality of radial ribs. The strain gauges are comprised of a negative thermo-optic coefficient optical fiber material... Agent: Macpherson Kwok Chen & Heid LLP C/o Intitive Surgical

20090192521 - Surgical instrument comprising an instrument handle and zero point adjustment: The invention relates to a surgical instrument comprising an instrument handle linked to a proximal end portion of a tube shaft to the distal end portion of which an instrument head is linked so as to be bendable, in which instrument head an effector including at least one pivotal engaging... Agent: Arent Fox LLP

20090192519 - Surgical system: A surgical system performs a surgical procedure on a patient with manipulators and an endoscope. The surgical system has a display unit for simultaneously displaying a plurality of items of information including an endoscopic image captured by the endoscope, and a wireless image processor for transmitting information to the display... Agent: Oblon, Spivak, Mcclelland Maier & Neustadt, P.C.

20090192523 - Synthetic representation of a surgical instrument: A synthetic representation of a tool for display on a user interface of a robotic system. The synthetic representation may be used to show force on the tool, an actual position of the tool, or to show the location of the tool when out of a field of view. A... Agent: Patent Dept Intuitive Surgical, Inc

20090192524 - Synthetic representation of a surgical robot: A synthetic representation of a robot tool for display on a user interface of a robotic system. The synthetic representation may be used to show the position of a view volume of an image capture device with respect to the robot. The synthetic representation may also be used to find... Agent: Patent Dept Intuitive Surgical, Inc

20090192520 - Tool holder: A surgical tool support device includes an arm. The arm includes a flexible tubular main body; and a plurality of beads contained within the tubular main body. In a first configuration, a fluid at least partially surrounds the plurality of beads. In a second configuration, at least some of the... Agent: Egbert Law Offices

20090192525 - Tape-based skin treatment - a safe and quick alternative to skin renewal: A skin renewal sheet for exfoliating skin includes a flexible backing layer, a skin-friendly pressure-sensitive adhesive layer disposed on one side of the backing layer and a release layer disposed on the skin friendly pressure sensitive adhesive layer wherein the pressure sensitive adhesive layer has a 180° peel force of... Agent: Mccormick, Paulding & Huber LLP

20090192526 - Apparatus and method for concurrently forming a gastroesophageal valve and tightening the lower esophageal sphincter: An apparatus enables concurrent restoration of a gastroesophageal valve and tightening of the lower esophageal sphincter. The apparatus comprises a longitudinal member having a distal end arranged to be received within a stomach, a tissue shaper at the distal end of the longitudinal member that forms a gastroesophageal valve from... Agent: Hoekendijk & Lynch, LLP

20090192527 - Parietal anchoring tool and device, in particular for laparoscopic or coelioscopic surgery: The invention relates to a tool for parietally anchoring a living being's organ (70) comprising means (12, 16, 24) for anchoring said organ, means (36) for fastening at least one pulling element (37) to said anchoring means, wherein said pulling element is fixable to the abdominal wall of said living... Agent: Young & Thompson

20090192530 - Fortified mesh for tissue repair: A mesh to repair a hole in a muscle wall includes a resilient mesh body and fortifying structure such as mesh portions of thicker weave than other portions, or strengthening members that can be engaged with the mesh and then removed from the mesh once the mesh is place over... Agent: Rogitz & Associates

20090192528 - Method and device for hernia repair: A device for repairing a hernia defect in a patient, the device having a biocompatible mesh material having a treated surface and a tissue composition coated on at least a portion of the treated surface, where the tissue composition originates from the patient. A method of preparing a surgical mesh... Agent: Harness, Dickey & Pierce, P.L.C

20090192529 - Soft tissue reattachment mechanism: Among other things, apparatus and methods for reattaching soft tissue to bone are disclosed. In one embodiment, a monolithic anchor having a head flexibly attached to a stem including ridges or grooves is provided. A locking member may be placed over the stem, which has one or more pawls to... Agent: Woodard, Emhardt, Moriarty, Mcnett & Henry LLP

20090192532 - Implant for parastomal hernia: An implant for the prevention or treatment of a hernia in the proximity of an organ stoma formed in an abdominal wall includes a porous structure having a surface intended to face the abdominal cavity covered by a first film of anti-adhesive material. The porous structure includes a first part... Agent: Carter, Deluca, Farrell & Schmidt, LLP

20090192531 - Methods and devices for treating obesity and gerd by intussuscepting a portion of stomach tissue: Described here are devices and methods for intussuscepting a portion of stomach tissue. Typically the intussusception is created at a position near, but distal to the gastroesophageal junction, and a pouch capable of storing a volume (from about 0 cc up to about 100 cc) is created proximal the intussuscepted... Agent: Morrison & Foerster LLP

20090192533 - Methods and devices for diagnosing performance of a gastric restriction system: Methods and devices are provided for diagnosing performance of a gastric restriction system. In general, the methods and devices can enable patients, health care providers, and others to use pressure data as a feedback mechanism to monitor efficacy of an implantable restriction device and to identify, train, and/or prescribe treatment... Agent: Ethicon Endo-surgery/nutter, Mcclennen & Fish LLP

20090192534 - Sensor trigger: Methods and devices for effecting a gastric restriction system are disclosed. In one exemplary embodiment, a restriction system for forming a restriction in a patient is provided and can include an implantable restriction device and at least one implantable sensor that is in communication with the restriction device. In general,... Agent: Ethicon Endo-surgery/nutter, Mcclennen & Fish LLP

20090192535 - Swallowable self-expanding gastric space occupying device: Disclosed is a swallowable self-expanding gastric space occupying device and related methods of making and using the device to control obesity. The device has a membrane through which gastric liquid can pass, wherein the membrane provides an enclosure volume separated from the gastric environment by the membrane. A plurality of... Agent: Greenlee Winner And Sullivan P C

20090192536 - System and method for delivering and deploying an occluding device within a vessel: A system and method for deploying an occluding device that can be used to remodel an aneurysm within the vessel by, for example, neck reconstruction or balloon remodeling. The system comprises an introducer sheath and an assembly for carrying the occluding device. The assembly includes an elongated flexible member having... Agent: Banner & Witcoff, Ltd.

20090192537 - Cutting balloon catheter having increased flexibility regions: A cutting balloon catheter and method of using the same. The cutting balloon catheter may include a catheter shaft having a balloon coupled thereto. One or more cutting members or blades may be coupled to the balloon. The balloon may include one or more discrete points or areas of flexibility... Agent: Crompton, Seager & Tufte, LLC

20090192538 - Safety scalpel handle: A scalpel handle includes a sliding shield to block the blade tip or surround the blade when the scalpel is not in use. The shield is advantageously slidable from an extended position to a withdrawn position, wherein the shield is substantially within the handle. Consequently, the user's hand grasps only... Agent: Perkins Coie LLP

20090192539 - Methods and devices for altering blood flow through the left ventricle: An element is expanded in the left ventricle to isolate part of the left ventricle. The element has a generally convex outer surface and an apex which together define a desired geometry of the left ventricle. The isolated part of the wall of the left ventricle may be left so... Agent: Kardium Inc.

20090192540 - Systems and methods relating to associating a medical implant with a delivery device: The present invention provides devices and methods for associating an implantable sling with a delivery device for delivering the sling to an anatomical location in a patient.... Agent: Ropes & Gray LLP

20090192541 - Methods and devices for predicting performance of a gastric restriction system: Methods and devices are provided for predicting performance of a restriction system for a patient. In general, the methods and devices can allow detection and prediction of a trajectory of a particular patient attribute, such as weight loss. Using previously gathered data values, data values defining a future outcome can... Agent: Ethicon Endo-surgery/nutter, Mcclennen & Fish LLP

20090192542 - Single balloon ripening device with novel inserter and inflator: An improvement on the extra-amniotic balloon and technique of placement is disclosed. It involves a large capacity balloon, modified to efficiently place pressure on the cervix, and markers for ease and of placement. The malleable introducing stylet allows for safe and easy insertion, either manually or visually, through a cervix... Agent: Law Offices Of Paul E. Kudirka

20090192543 - Retrievable ivc filter: Retrievable vena cava filters for filtering blood clots within a vessel are disclosed. A retrievable vena cava filter in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may include a plurality of elongated filter legs each having a hook portion configured to engage the vessel wall, and an expandable... Agent: Crompton, Seager & Tufte, LLC

20090192544 - Method of improved vein closure: There are disclosed methods of vein closure. In an embodiment, a method includes elevating a leg of a patient during a vein closure procedure so as to effect substantial emptying of the vein. The method also includes applying radio-frequency energy to a vein within the leg of the patient to... Agent: Holland & Hart, LLP

20090192545 - Curved suture anchor guide and method of use: A rigid, curved and hollow guide that can be used to facilitate a variety of arthroscopic surgeries is provided as well as a method of using the guide. In one embodiment, the guide (100) is comprised of a shaped hollow guide suitably sized to pass a suture anchor and having... Agent: Patent Law Office Of David G. Beck

20090192546 - Fenestrated suture anchor and method for knotless fixation of tissue: A fenestrated suture anchor for fixation of tissue to bone. In a preferred embodiment, the suture includes an implant, such a swivel implant with a forked tip for capturing suture. The implant is secured in a hole in bone by advancing a fixation device, such as a cannulated interference screw,... Agent: Dickstein Shapiro LLP

20090192547 - Infant chew toy: An infant chew toy apparatus includes an elongate handle and a flange or other lateral member disposed on the handle. The flange extends laterally from the handle. A protrusion is disposed on the flange. The protrusion may comprise a nipple, and may be oriented directionally opposite of and parallel to... Agent: Kunzler & Mckenzie

20090192548 - Pedicle-laminar dynamic spinal stabilization device: Apparatus, systems and methods for decompression and dynamic stabilization of the vertebrae. A flexion construct is formed from a medial loop of a cylindrical member in a first plane that is generally parallel to the long axis of the member, and two outlying loops, generally residing in a common second... Agent: Morriss Obryant Compagni, P.C.

20090192549 - Bone plating system: A bone plating system has a plate and a locking element. The plate has a bone screw aperture defined by a sidewall including first and second substantially planar segments. The locking element is coupled to the plate and at least partially positioned in the aperture. The locking element has an... Agent: Harness, Dickey & Pierce, P.L.C

20090192550 - Bone plating system: A bone plating system includes a plate member and a first bone screw. The plate member defines a longitudinal axis and has a top surface and a bottom surface. The plate member further defines an elongated hole extending between the top surface and the bottom surface with a width in... Agent: Harness, Dickey & Pierce, P.L.C

20090192551 - Facet fixation prosthesis: A facet screw system for surgical implantation into bone tissue having a shaft, a compression member and a washer. The shaft includes a shaft having a bone engaging portion and a compression member engaging portion. The compression member includes a spherical head portion having a recess for engaging with a... Agent: Globus Medical, Inc. Attn: Brian Malm

20090192552 - Osteoporatic screw and expansion sleeve: The invention is a bone screw apparatus. The bone screw apparatus has two specialized functions for stabilizing the screw within a bone. The first is a mechanical structure that anchors the screw within a bone and the second is a structure that allows injection of bone cement through the screw... Agent: Dykas, Shaver & Nipper, LLP

20090192553 - Anti-backout mechanism: Methods and devices for locking a fastener in a thru-bore are provided herein. In one exemplary embodiment, a spinal anchor is provided that includes a bone engaging fastener, an anti-backout mechanism, and a locking mechanism. The anti-backout mechanism can be movable between a retracted position in which it is disposed... Agent: Nutter Mcclennen & Fish LLP

20090192554 - Bioabsorbable block copolymer: A bioabsorbable polyurethane block copolymer with having hard and soft segments is formed by the reaction between a diisocyanate such as lysine ethyl ester diisocyanate and a mixture of (i) an aromatic amide or an amino acid derivative and (ii) a polyether glycol and/or an absorbable elastomeric polymer derived from... Agent: Tyco Healthcare Group Lp

20090187168 - Slide member advancing/retracting mechanism: A slide member advancing/retracting mechanism includes an outer sheath; a slide member installed in the outer sheath to be slidable in an axial direction without rotating relative to the outer sheath; and an operating portion which can be freely rotated relative to, and about a common axis of, the outer... Agent: Greenblum & Bernstein, P.L.C

20090187169 - Method of treating disorders associated with sebaceous follicles: Disclosed herein is a method of treating mammalian, for example, human, skin afflicted with a sebaceous follicle disorder, for example, acne. The method involves cooling an exposed surface of a region afflicted with the disorder and applying light, for example, light from a coherent or incoherent light source, to the... Agent: Proskauer Rose LLP

20090187170 - Ophthalmic surgery light transmitting apparatus: An ophthalmic surgery light transmitting apparatus has an optic fiber having a flexible length with a light source connector mounted on one end of the optic fiber and the opposite end of the optic fiber being adapted to be mounted to an ophthalmic surgery instrument to provide illumination for the... Agent: Kenneth Watov, Esq. Watov & Kipnes, P.C.

20090187171 - Computer control for bio-mechanical alteration of the cornea: A system and method for altering the shape of a lamina of transparent material (e.g. the cornea of an eye), as it is being subjected to a transverse pressure differential, requires a computer controlled laser unit. In accordance with specified input parameters, the computer directs the laser unit to perform... Agent: Nydegger & Associates

20090187174 - Device for treating eye tissue: An opthalmological device (1) comprises an optical transmission system (5) for transmitting femtosecond laser pulses (L) onto a projection lens (3) for projection onto or into the eye tissue (21). The device (1) also comprises a lens interchange device (4) designed for interchanging and connecting different projection lenses (3) to... Agent: Ostrolenk Faber Gerb & Soffen

20090187172 - Method for harvesting corneal donor plugs for use in keratophakia procedures: A method for harvesting a plurality of corneal donor plugs for use in keratophakia procedures requires the determination of a perimeter for the plurality of plugs. Further, the method involves the selection of posterior and anterior boundaries for the plurality of donor plugs. In the method, interfaces between adjacent donor... Agent: Neil K. Nydegger Nydegger & Associates

20090187173 - System and method for reshaping an eye feature: A system for applying therapy to an eye includes an energy source and a conducting element operably connected to the energy source and configured to direct energy from the energy source to an application end of the conducting element. The application end includes an eye contact portion configured to apply... Agent: Nixon Peabody, LLP

20090187175 - Disposable hand piece for dental surgical laser: A disposable hand piece can be attached at the end of a laser beam delivery assembly. The hand piece can be longitudinally tapered and generally wedge-shaped in its width and slightly bent so as to form a tool which can be comfortable grasped by a Dentist for purposes of more... Agent: Fish & Richardson, PC

20090187176 - Laser surgical apparatus: A laser surgical apparatus for performing treatment by irradiating a part to be treated by a laser beam is disclosed. This apparatus includes a laser source which emits the treatment laser beam; a multi-articulated arm for delivering the treatment laser beam emitted from the laser source, the arm including a... Agent: Fish & Richardson, PC

20090187179 - Ablation instruments and related methods: An ablation instrument including a body and an ablating member is provided. The body includes a distal end and a surface with the ablating member coupled toward the distal end of the body. The ablating member includes a lesion wire extending through and along a portion of the surface of... Agent: Traskbritt, P.C.

20090187180 - Choked dielectric loaded tip dipole microwave antenna: A microwave antenna assembly is disclosed. The antenna assembly includes a feedline having an inner conductor, an outer conductor and an inner insulator disposed therebetween. A radiating portion is also included having an unbalanced dipole antenna including a proximal portion and a distal portion that are of different lengths. The... Agent: Tyco Healthcare Group Lp

20090187177 - Impedance responsive ablation rf driving for moderating return electrode temperature: The inventive method for ablating a tissue mass associated with a human or animal patient being treated comprises positioning an ablating electrode in a tissue mass to be ablated. A plurality of return electrodes are positioned on the patient. Electrical energy is applied between the return electrodes and the ablating... Agent: Thompson Hine L.L.P. Intellectual Property Group

20090187181 - Surgical instruments and techniques for treating gastro-esophageal reflux disease: An apparatus to treat tissue in a selected wall region of an esophagus is provided. In one embodiment the apparatus includes an elongate member having a circumference and is sized to be deployed in an esophagus. The apparatus further includes an energy delivery element sized to apply electrical energy to... Agent: Shay Glenn LLP

20090187178 - System and method for positioning an eye therapy device: A system for aligning an eye therapy instrument over a selected area or feature of an eye provides an attachment element that is removably attached to a surface of an eye. A receiving element is coupled to the attachment element and movable relative to the attachment element. The receiving element... Agent: Nixon Peabody, LLP

20090187182 - Rf ablation device with jam-preventing electrical coupling member: The inventive ablation element comprises an elongated cannula having a proximal end and a distal end. The cannula defines an internal lumen within the cannula and a cannula axis. A plurality of conductors contained within the lumen, each of the conductors has a proximal end proximate the proximal end of... Agent: Thompson Hine L.L.P. Intellectual Property Group

20090187186 - Ablation catheter arrangement and cooling control: An apparatus for cooling ablation catheters via a coolant pump and liquid cooling medium controlled by a controller based on a characteristic state for an activity of a catheter and in addition a system that uses the apparatus for ablation of tissue in a human or animal body. The system... Agent: Dalina Law Group, P.C.

20090187185 - Surgical instrument: An articulated surgical instrument includes a handle, an actuating assembly associated with the handle, and a shaft including a proximal end coupled to the handle, a deflectable portion and an end effector. Distal portions of deflection wires are connected to the shaft. Proximal portions of the wires are connected to... Agent: Nixon & Vanderhye, PC

20090187184 - System and method for reshaping an eye feature: A system for applying therapy to an eye includes an applicator having a conducting element configured to direct energy from an energy source to an application end of the conducting element, where the application end has an eye contact portion. A positioning system receives the applicator and positions the eye... Agent: Nixon Peabody, LLP

20090187183 - Temperature responsive ablation rf driving for moderating return electrode temperature: The inventive method for ablating a tissue mass associated with a human or animal patient being treated comprises positioning an ablating electrode in a tissue mass to be ablated. A plurality of return electrodes are positioned on the patient. Electrical energy is applied between the return electrodes and the ablating... Agent: Thompson Hine L.L.P. Intellectual Property Group

20090187188 - Combined energy level button: A surgical device is disclosed including a housing having an activation switch. The activation switch is adapted to couple to an electrosurgical energy source and includes a knob. The knob is slideable with respect to the housing and travels within a guide channel defined within the housing. The activation switch... Agent: Tyco Healthcare Group Lp

20090187187 - Controlling coagulum formation: Some embodiments of a medical instrument can be configured to reduce the formation of coagulum by delivering a negative charge bias to conductive surfaces that interface with blood or bodily tissue during a medical procedure. The application of the negative charge at the instrument-blood interface can reduce the fibrinogen deposition... Agent: Fish & Richardson P.C.

20090187189 - External fixation device for fractures: An external fixation device for the setting and corrective treatment of bone fractures is disclosed. The device comprises a splint member having a first and a second axially slidable and mutually fastenable base portions for adjusting the length of the splint member and a plurality of bone pins. Each of... Agent: Morris Manning Martin LLP

20090187190 - Transverse cavity device and method: A surgical instrument and method is provided for creating and preparing a cavity in a bony intervertebral body. Asymmetrical cutting structures selectively open a cavity which has a relatively large surface area in the vertical direction. One method pertains to the treatment of a vertebral compression fracture.... Agent: Maginot, Moore & Beck, LLP Chase Tower

20090187191 - Systems, devices and apparatuses for bony fixation and disk repair and replacement and methods related thereto: Disclosed is an apparatus for forming an arcuate channel in one or more segments of a bone, bony structure or adjacent vertebrae of a spine. The apparatus includes, inter alia, a base member which is positioned proximate to the surgical site, a support arm extending proximally from the base member,... Agent: Edwards Angell Palmer & Dodge LLP

20090187220 - Pedicle dart system: Minimal Invasive Spine Surgery (MISS) as a surgical approach is increasingly utilized because of the advantages it offers over conventional spine surgery. The smaller incision results in decreased tissue damage, less blood loss, decreased hospital stay & faster postoperative recovery. The drawbacks of MISS are the long learning curve of... Agent: Harrington & Harrington

20090187192 - Internal bone fixation system with integrated mixer: Systems and methods for repairing a weakened or fractured bone are disclosed herein. A system for repairing a fractured bone includes a delivery catheter having an elongated shaft with a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis therebetween, wherein the delivery catheter has an inner void for passage... Agent: Greenberg Traurig, LLP

20090187193 - Joint arthroplasty kit and method: A method for providing joint arthroplasty includes providing a gauge for making a measurement of the contour of a long bone, making a measurement of the contour of a long bone with the gauge, providing a plurality of joint prostheses, selecting one of the plurality of joint prostheses based upon... Agent: Philip S. Johnson Johnson & Johnson

20090187194 - One step entry pedicular preparation device and disc access system: A one step entry pedicular preparation device works well with Minimal Invasive Spine Surgery (MISS) to facilitating such approach. A related intervertebral disc access system and pedicle screw compatible with the systems is also illustrated. The systems include a manipulator having a bar handle and main body with main barrel... Agent: Curtis L. Harrington

20090187195 - Foreign object extractor: The foreign object extractor has an elongated hollow tube with a central lumen through its entire length providing fluid connection between an engaging end and a vacuum source. The engaging end has a nominally round transverse cross-section and is shaped to engage a foreign object. The engaging end flares so... Agent: The Marbury Law Group, PLLC

20090187196 - Guide tube for an implantable device system: The implantable device system of the preferred embodiments includes a guide tube, a first electrical subsystem, and a second electrical subsystem. The first electrical subsystem is connected to the second electrical subsystem. The guide tube functions to facilitate the insertion of at least one first electrical subsystem and is adapted... Agent: Schox PLC

20090187197 - Knit ptfe articles and mesh: Disclosed is a knitted article, and a method of producing such an article, having at least one PTFE fiber with oriented fibrils forming multiple fiber cross-over points wherein PTFE fiber is self-bonded in at least one of the cross-over points.... Agent: Bridget C. Sciamanna W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.

20090187198 - Resolution clip: A clip for compressing tissue comprises first and second legs, each extending from a distal end to a proximal end in combination with a joint coupled between proximal ends of the first and second legs and biasing the first and second legs into one of a closed configuration in which... Agent: Fay Kaplun & Marcin, LLP

20090187199 - Compositions and methods for joining non-conjoined lumens: Disclosed are compositions, methods, and kits for joining together non-conjoined lumens in a patient's body including vascular lumens. More particularly, in various aspects, this invention provides compositions, methods, and kits for joining such non-conjoined lumens, including small lumens typically requiring microsurgical technique.... Agent: Foley & Lardner LLP

20090187200 - Gastric retaining devices and methods: Methods, devices and systems facilitate gastric retention of a variety of therapeutic devices. devices generally include a support portion for preventing the device from passing through the pyloric valve or esophagus wherein a retaining member may optionally be included on the distal end of the positioning member for further maintaining... Agent: Levine Bagade Han LLP

20090187201 - Gastric retaining devices and methods: Methods, devices and systems facilitate gastric retention of a variety of therapeutic devices. devices generally include a support portion for preventing the device from passing through the pyloric valve or esophagus wherein a retaining member may optionally be included on the distal end of the positioning member for further maintaining... Agent: Levine Bagade Han LLP

20090187202 - Optimizing the operation of a restriction system: Methods and devices for optimizing the operation of a restriction system for forming a restriction in a patient are disclosed. In one exemplary embodiment, a method for optimizing the operation of a gastric restriction system includes providing an implantable restriction system for forming a restriction in a patient, determining an... Agent: Ethicon Endo-surgery/nutter, Mcclennen & Fish LLP

20090187203 - Apparatus and methods for material capture and removal: Catheters, kits, and methods are provided for removing material from a body lumen. The catheters and methods may be used in a variety of body lumens, including but not limited to coronary and other arteries. In general, the catheter has a cutting element that cuts material while the material is... Agent: Popovich, Wiles & O'connell, PA 650 Third Avenue South

20090187204 - Lancet needle cartridge, cartridge lancet device, and method of using and making the same: Assembly for use on a device includes a member comprising a plurality of lancet needles arranged generally parallel to each other and one of a cap comprising a single lancet opening structured and arranged to receive therein an end portion of a finger tip and a cap comprising a plurality... Agent: Greenblum & Bernstein, P.L.C

20090187205 - Acupuncture needle and an acupuncture needle guide assembly: An acupuncture needle guide assembly includes an acupuncture needle with a needle handle and a needle body, a guiding tube accommodating the acupuncture needle, and a container formed of a bottom piece and a top cover piece fitting over the bottom piece to form a reservoir to store the acupuncture... Agent: Blakely Sokoloff Taylor & Zafman LLP

20090187206 - Conformationally-stabilized intraluminal device for medical applications: The invention relates to devices that are stabilized at an intraluminal residence site in the gastrointestinal tract by their conformation, including dimensions of length and curvature. The device as a whole corresponds to the conformation of the residence site; more particularly, the curved or angled portions correspond to the curved... Agent: Shay Glenn LLP

20090187207 - Balloon dilator: A balloon dilator having a positioning part whose form is changed so as to be fit to a channel of an endoscope; and a larger-diameter part, which is connected to the positioning part and is inflated to have a diameter larger than that of the positioning part. Preferably, the positioning... Agent: Ostrolenk Faber Gerb & Soffen

20090187208 - Introduction catheter set for a self-expandable implant: The present invention relates to an introduction catheter set for a collapsible self-expandable implant into a blood vessel of a patient. Without being limited thereto the invention is concerned in particular with the introduction of collapsible self-expandable stents or filters of the type comprising a number of diverging legs to... Agent: Cook Group Patent Office

20090187209 - Means and method of removal of embolic material from a blood vessel: The present invention discloses a mechanical embolectomy device for the removal of intravascular embolic material, especially blood clots. The device comprises of a microcatheter of dimensions suitable for introduction into a blood vessel; a microguide wire; and a retriever coil attached to the distal end of said microcatheter; said retriever... Agent: Fleit Gibbons Gutman Bongini & Bianco Pl

20090187210 - Vena cava filter having hourglass shape: The present invention is a luminal filter having wall contacts. The filter is formed to include: a plurality of filter elements interconnected so as to form a filter body shaped in a free recovery form and having a plurality of apertures disposed between and defined by the interconnected filter elements.... Agent: Workman Nydegger

20090187211 - Vena cava filter having hourglass shape: The present invention is a luminal filter including: a plurality of filter elements interconnected so as to form a filter body shaped in a free recovery form and having a plurality of apertures disposed between and defined by the interconnected filter elements. The apertures are dimensioned so as to inhibit... Agent: Workman Nydegger

20090187212 - Method of beautification and facelifting using a stretch tape: The stretch tape of the present invention for eyelid facelifting is stuck in between eyes and near both inner corners of eyes, or beside and near the outer corner of each eye, enabling facelifting which makes the eyes look slitter and brighter by stretching the skins of eyelids by the... Agent: Westerman, Hattori, Daniels & Adrian, LLP

20090187215 - Methods and apparatus to reduce a dimension of an implantable device in a smaller state: Devices and methods fabricating an implantable device are disclosed. A method of fabricating an implantable device is disclosed. The method includes positioning a planar base material. The planar base material has a first inner surface. The first inner surface has a first inner surface dimension. The planar base material has... Agent: Workman Nydegger

20090187214 - Percutaneous catheter directed intravascular occlusion device: Embodiments of the present invention provide medical devices and methods for occluding a target site are provided. For example, the medical device may include a tubular member having proximal and distal ends and at least one plane of occlusion. The at least one plane of occlusion may be configured to... Agent: Alston & Bird LLP

20090187213 - Vascular hole closure device: A device for closing an aperture in a vessel wall comprising a covering member having a longitudinal axis and positionable inside the vessel against the internal opening of the aperture and having a dimension to prevent egress of fluid through the aperture. Two curved legs are provided having portions positionable... Agent: Neil D. Gershon

20090187216 - Fenestrated swivel anchor for knotless fixation of tissue: A method and device for knotless fixation of tissue. A swivel anchor having a rotatable implant is used to capture suture for surgical tissue repair without requiring suture knots. The implant may be provided with a conical metal tip which is self-punching and avoids the need for pre-drilling a hole... Agent: Dickstein Shapiro LLP

20090187217 - Transverse connector: A transverse connector system having a first and a second locking head, and a transverse rod that is secured by the first and second locking heads. The first and second locking heads are provided with a first and second pivot arm for engaging and securing first and second elongated rods.... Agent: Globus Medical, Inc. Attn: Brian Malm

20090187218 - Bone fixation plate with wire members for resisting back out of bone anchors: A bone (e.g., spine) fixation plate with one or more wire members is provided. In some embodiments, each wire member spans across a top surface of the bone fixation plate in a direction generally transverse to a longitudinal axis of the plate. The wire member may flex (e.g., elastically) between... Agent: Richard G. Gervase Mintz Levin Cohn Ferris Glovsky And Popeo PC

20090187219 - Spinal facet joint immobilization systems and methods: The present invention provides novel systems and methods for aligning and securely holding superior and inferior facets of the spine of a patient to be joined during an interbody fusion or other spinal immobilization procedure (simultaneously compressing the associated facet joint), drilling a hole through which a facet fixation device... Agent: Clements Bernard PLLC

20090182312 - Device and assembly for positioning and stabilizing an eye: An eye contact device and assembly for stabilizing a human eye at a selected position in an external coordinate system is disclosed. The device includes an eye-contact member having an inner contact surface for contacting a front surface of an eye, and a vacuum port formed within the eye-contact member... Agent: King & Spalding LLP

20090182310 - System and method for performing an ocular irradiation procedure: A method and system for performing an ocular irradiation procedure on a patient's eye is disclosed. The system includes a head support for supporting the patient's head, an eye-contact device attachable to the front portion of the patient's eye, to stabilize the position of the eye; and a position detector... Agent: King & Spalding LLP

20090182311 - System and method for positioning and stabilizing an eye: A system for securing a patient eye at a known position in an external coordinate system is disclosed. The system includes a head support for supporting the patient's head, an eye-contact device including a concave contact surface adapted to be placed against the front surface of a patient's eye, and... Agent: King & Spalding LLP

20090182315 - Laser liposuction system and method: A device and method for adipose tissue liquefaction and removal (liposuction) by means of laser energy is disclosed. The device comprises a medical laser system, an optical fiber, an innovative handpiece and a vacuum pumping system. The device is capable of liquefying and removing adipose tissue essentially simultaneously due to... Agent: Bolesh J. Skutnik Ceramoptec Industries, Inc.

20090182313 - Targeted illumination for surgical instrument: An illuminated surgical instrument has a working area located near an end of the instrument. An array of optical fibers terminates near the end of the instrument. The array of optical fibers is located adjacent to the instrument such that the array of optical fibers provides targeted illumination to the... Agent: Alcon

20090182314 - Working tool for laser-facilitated removal of tissue from a body cavity and methods thereof: Apparatus is provided, including an intraluminal tube having a proximal end and a distal end, the tube being shaped to provide a longitudinal lumen. A treatment element, having a proximal end and a distal end, is disposed within the lumen of the tube. A handle assembly is coupled to the... Agent: Fleit Gibbons Gutman Bongini & Bianco Pl

20090182317 - Ablation devices and methods of use: Described herein are various methods and devices for delivering cryoablative therapy. One such device includes a cryoablation chamber and a volume displacement chamber. In use, the volume displacement chamber can be expanded to occupy a non-therapeutic volume.... Agent: Finnegan, Henderson, Farabow, Garrett & Dunner LLP

20090182319 - Endovascular cryotreatment catheter: An elongated catheter device with a distal balloon assembly is adapted for endovascular insertion. Coolant injected through the device may, in different embodiments, directly cool tissue contacting the balloon, or may cool a separate internal chamber. Plural balloons may be provided, wherein a secondary outer balloon surrounds a primary inner... Agent: Christopher & Weisberg, P.A.

20090182316 - Linear ablation devices and methods of use: Described herein are various methods and devices for delivering cryoablative therapy. Various ablative patterns can be produced by the devices, including, linear ablation patterns. One exemplary device includes a cryoablation chamber and a volume displacement chamber. In use, the volume displacement chamber can be expanded to support the cryoablation chamber.... Agent: Finnegan, Henderson, Farabow, Garrett & Dunner LLP

20090182318 - System and method for monitoring bioimpedance and respiration: A method of treating tissue is provided, including positioning a portion of a catheter in proximity to cardiac tissue; measuring an impedance value with the catheter; determining a respiratory rate based at least in part on the measured impedance value; and thermally treating the cardiac tissue with the catheter.... Agent: Christopher & Weisberg, P.A.

20090182320 - Cryosurgical system: A cryosurgical system using a low-pressure liquid nitrogen supply, which requires only 0.5 to 15 bar of pressure to provide adequate cooling power for treatment of typical breast lesions. The pressure may be provided by supplying lightly pressurized air into the dewar, by heating a small portion of the nitrogen... Agent: Crockett & Crockett, P.C.

20090182322 - Bipolar modular forceps modular arms: The bipolar modular forceps assembly is a disposable electrosurgical device utilized with an RF voltage supply to weld soft tissue to prevent bleeding when cut or excised. The device consists of two modularly constructed arms arranged in scissor configuration that clamp when the arms are apart and open when the... Agent: Charles W. Hanor

20090182321 - Coaptive tissue fusion method and apparatus with energy 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 apposed 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

20090182323 - Electrocautery method and apparatus: An electrode structure and a mechanism for automated or user-selected operation or compensation of the electrodes, for example to determine tissue coverage and/or prevent arcing between bottom electrodes during electrocautery is disclosed.... Agent: Glenn Patent Group

20090182324 - Laproscopic electronic surgical instruments: Surgical instruments are arranged for cutting and cauterizing tissue with a closed-loop wire. An extension/retraction mechanism forces a closed wire loop to constrict upon tissue enclosed by the loop as the loop is retracted and drawn to a smaller size. Simultaneously, as electrical current is passed through the wire loop... Agent: Integrity Ip

20090182326 - Device and method of use for functional isolation of animal or human tissues: A method and apparatus for functionally occluding the lumen of the left atrial appendage (LAA) is provided. Access to the LAA is through an epicardial approach. The devices function to capture the LAA through various non-invasive means. After capturing the LAA with the devices and methods provided, a clamping device... Agent: Reed Smith LLP

20090182325 - Low power tissue ablation system: Devices, systems and methods are disclosed for the ablation of tissue. Embodiments include an ablation catheter that has an array of ablation elements attached to a deployable carrier assembly. The carrier assembly can be constrained within the lumen of a catheter, and deployed to take on an expanded condition. The... Agent: Shay Glenn LLP

20090182327 - Endoscopic vessel sealer and divider for large tissue structures: An endoscopic bipolar forceps includes a housing having a shaft affixed thereto, the shaft including jaw members at a distal end thereof. The forceps also includes a drive assembly which moves the jaw member relative to one another for manipulating tissue and a knife assembly for cutting tissue disposed between... Agent: Tyco Healthcare Group Lp

20090182328 - Bipolar modular forceps assembly: The bipolar modular forceps assembly is a disposable electrosurgical device utilized with an RF voltage supply to weld soft tissue to prevent bleeding when cut or excised. The device consists of two modularly constructed arms arranged in scissor configuration that clamp when the arms are apart and open when the... Agent: Charles W. Hanor

20090182329 - Uterine sealer: The present disclosure relates to a device for use with an operating end of a uterine manipulator for sealing tissue that includes a shaft having a handle at an operating end thereof and a ring-like snare at a distal end thereof. The handle has an actuator operable to selectively cinch... Agent: Tyco Healthcare Group Lp

20090182331 - Bipolar modular forceps cover assembly: The bipolar modular forceps assembly is a disposable electrosurgical device utilized with an RF voltage supply to weld soft tissue to prevent bleeding when cut or excised. The device consists of two modularly constructed arms arranged in scissor configuration that clamp when the arms are apart and open when the... Agent: Charles W. Hanor

20090182330 - Bipolar modular foreceps rf voltage conductor assembly: The bipolar modular forceps assembly is a disposable electrosurgical device utilized with an RF voltage supply to weld soft tissue to prevent bleeding when cut or excised. The device consists of two modularly constructed arms arranged in scissor configuration that clamp when the arms are apart and open when the... Agent: Charles W. Hanor

20090182332 - In-line electrosurgical forceps: An electrosurgical apparatus, system, and method are disclosed. The apparatus, includes an elongate member defines a longitudinal opening. An elongate actuator member is slideably movable within the longitudinal opening. A proximal jaw member having a proximal portion is fixedly coupled to a distal end of the elongate flexible member. A... Agent: K&l Gates LLP

20090182333 - Method and apparatus for surgical electrocautery: The invention provides a surgical electrocautery method and apparatus that achieves sealing along the entire tissue length, and that also is able to deliver adequate force to produce an effective electrocautery seal. This problem is solved by using an incompressible fluid contained in a sac or sacs positioned to support... Agent: Glenn Patent Group

20090182334 - Method and apparatus for impacting bone material: An apparatus for impacting bone material comprises an impaction element and a guide element having a bore. The bore has a longitudinal axis. The impaction tool is connected to the guide element, and is provided at a predetermined distance to the bore in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal... Agent: Summa, Additon & Ashe, P.A.

20090182335 - Device for treatment of acromioclavicular joint dislocations: A surgical fastener system for acromioclavicular (AC) joint dislocations, includes a first fastener having an elongate body, and an inner pair of openings centered on the long axis of the body. A closed loop stitch passes through the openings, and the length of the stitch corresponds to the depth of... Agent: Law Office Of Leo Zucker

20090182336 - Apparatus and methods for fracture repair: Apparatus and methods for bone fracture repair. The apparatus may include a structural support for positioning a first bone segment relative to a second bone segment. The apparatus may include an anchoring substrate. The anchoring substrate may be configured to compress the first bone segment to the second bone segment.... Agent: Weiss & Arons, LLP

20090182337 - Antimicrobial coatings: An antimicrobial coating is provided for use on textiles, medical devices, packaging materials, and the like. The antimicrobial coating includes a halogenated furanone.... Agent: Tyco Healthcare Group Lp

20090182338 - Method for manufacturing a surgical saw blade with a blade head and raised boss around which the blade head pivots: In a method of assembling a surgical saw blade assembly with an blade bar that contains an oscillating head, the blade bar is formed from opposed plates. One of the plates is punch stamped to define a boss around which blade head pivots. The plates are secured to one another... Agent: Intel. Prop./ Rnd Stryker Corporation

20090182386 - Spinal tissue distraction devices: Spinal tissue distraction devices that include a member which has a pre-deployed configuration for insertion between tissue layers and a deployed configuration in which the member, by change of configuration, forms a support structure for separating and supporting layers of spinal tissue.... Agent: Cook Alex Ltd

20090182339 - Tissue distraction device: An apparatus and method for distracting, in a given direction, and supporting two tissue surfaces. A plurality of wafers are consecutively inserted between the two tissue surfaces to create a column of wafers. The column of wafers is oriented between the tissue surfaces so as to expand in the given... Agent: Maginot, Moore & Beck, LLP Chase Tower

20090182342 - Disc annulus repair system: A repair system including a closure prosthesis and deployment device, and associated methods for repairing any imperfection including a flaw, hole, tear, bulge, or, in some cases, a deliberate cut or incision in any tissue including an intervertebral disc. The prosthesis has first and second side portions with a connecting... Agent: Plumsea Law Group, LLC

20090182341 - Instrument set for fitting an intervertebral jont prosthesis: An instrument set for fitting an intervertebral prosthesis includes a guide device for an instrument or a prosthesis part, which guide device is to be secured on at least one vertebral body. In order to attach the guide device precisely on the vertebral bodies despite difficult operating conditions, an adjustment... Agent: Morrison & Foerster LLP

20090182340 - Safety needle for accessing the interior of a hip joint: A safety needle comprising a handle; a hollow needle; a trigger carriage; an obturator; a spring; a trigger; a first latch and a second latch; the first latch, second latch and trigger being configured so that when the trigger carriage is in a distal position and the first latch set,... Agent: Mark J. Pandiscio Pandiscio & Pandiscio, P.C.

20090182343 - Intervertebral disc space sizing tools and methods: A method and apparatus for making a size measurement within an intervertebral space by placing an expandable and contractible device into the intervertebral space, expanding the device, measuring a size characteristic of the space, contracting the device and then removing it. The measurement may be accomplished by an external x-ray... Agent: Fitch Even Tabin & Flannery

20090182344 - Multi-use screwdriver for adjustable compression screws: An adjustable screwdriver for selectively driving an adjustable compression screw into a substrate. A distal tip of a adjustable head driver is configured to engage an adjustable head of an adjustable compression screw. A shaft driver is concentrically disposed in the adjustable head driver. A distal tip of the shaft... Agent: Wright Medical Technology, Inc. Legal Department

20090182345 - Expansion and compression instrument for fracture fixation: An expansion and compression instrument for fracture fixation. The instrument includes a first handle member, a second handle member, a bearing assembly, and a replaceable tip insert. The bearing assembly axially receives a driver, such as a hexagonal head screwdriver. The replaceable tip insert is adapted to engage an aperture... Agent: Patzik, Frank & Samotny Ltd.

20090182346 - Obstetric delivery device: An obstetric delivery device for Caesarian section is a suction cup for a vacuum extractor and comprises a cup member (1) and a neck portion (2), wherein the suction member has a suction opening (10) intended to be applied to a baby's head prior to delivery and an evacuation opening... Agent: Mcdonnell Boehnen Hulbert & Berghoff LLP

20090182347 - Implantation methods, systems and tools for cardiac leads associated with intravascular implantable devices: Improved methods, systems and tools for implanting cardiac leads associated with intravascular implantable devices (IID) within a patient's heart are disclosed. A method is described for implanting a cardiac lead within a patient's heart wherein the proximal end of the cardiac lead is not accessible for introduction of a steerable... Agent: Patterson, Thuente, Skaar & Christensen, P.A.

20090182348 - Emitter positioning and holding automated device for medical systems using emitter/sensor system: The present invention includes controller coupled with actuators, swivel balanced arm holder with rotating head, location position information system that can maintain emitter of medical Emitter/Sensor Positioning System in desired position. This enables surgeon to reduce number of personnel in operating room, reduces the time of the surgery, makes incisions... Agent: Gevorg Nahapetian

20090182349 - Hair removal system: A device for removing hair includes a housing and a shaving head fixedly positioned in the housing. The shaving head includes generally disk-like depilator assemblies mounted on a shaft. Each of the assemblies includes a disk includes sloping regions on faces of the disk between lobes of the disk, pressure-transferring... Agent: Stein Mcewen, LLP

20090182350 - Instrucment and method for treatment of hemorrhoids: A medical grasper for treatment of hemorrhoids has an elongate rigid tubular member having a proximal end and a distal end and a bend located between the proximal end and the distal end. An elongate shifter element extends longitudinally into the tubular member from the proximal end thereof. A plurality... Agent: Coleman Sudol Sapone, P.C.

20090182351 - Cranial burr hold plug and insertion tool: A cranial burr hole plug with an insertion tool and method of implantation is provided. The burr hole plug includes a shell; a collet interlocked within the shell; a clamp compressing the collet around an elongated medical device exiting the skull of a patient, such as a catheter or lead;... Agent: VistaIPLaw Group LLP/bsc - Neuromodulation

20090182352 - Surgical fasteners and fastening devices: The invention provides a surgical fastener. The fastener has a first element defining an axis of the fastener, and or more prongs attached to the first element at hinge regions. Deploying the fastener involves bending the prongs at the hinges so as to increase the distance of the prong tips... Agent: The Nath Law Group

20090182353 - Thermal suture welding apparatus and method: A method of suture welding is disclosed which includes: receiving suture segments between first and second jaw members, the first and second jaw members being in an open state. closing the first and second jaw members to captively hold and position the suture segments between the first and second jaw... Agent: Foley & Lardner LLP

20090182354 - Surgical stapling apparatus: A surgical device includes a loading unit having proximal and distal portions. The proximal portion of the loading unit is configured to be attached to an actuation apparatus. The surgical device further includes a flexible shaft interconnecting the proximal portion and the distal portion of the loading unit. Additionally, the... Agent: Tyco Healthcare Group Lp

20090182355 - Porous barbs for long-term anchoring in the gastrointestinal tract: Gastrointestinal implants in areas such as the esophageal area, the stomach, and the intestinal area are used in the treatment of conditions like obesity and diabetes. An implant including an anchor with barbs having pores, can allow for longer term anchoring. The pores can promote tissue ingrowth from the surrounding... Agent: Hamilton, Brook, Smith & Reynolds, P.C.

20090182357 - Device for intermittently obstructing a gastric opening and method of use: The present invention relates to a device for intermittently obstructing a bodily opening, such as a gastric opening, and includes a proximal member connected to a distal member by a tether. The proximal member includes an apron member surrounding a first occluding member, which is formable from an elongated and... Agent: Levine Bagade Han LLP

20090182358 - Device for intermittently obstructing a gastric opening and method of use: The present invention relates to a device for intermittently obstructing a bodily opening, such as a gastric opening, and includes a proximal member connected to a distal member by a tether. The proximal member includes an apron member surrounding a first occluding member, which is formable from an elongated and... Agent: Levine Bagade Han LLP

20090182356 - Remotely adjustable gastric banding device: A remotely controllable gastric banding device (10) for placement around the stomach of a patient for the treatment of obesity. The device (10) comprises a gastric band (10) having an inflatable chamber (16) for adjusting the inner circumference of the band (10), a pressurized reservoir (20) with a valve (31)... Agent: Allergan, Inc.

20090182363 - Blood vessel occlusion auger: An occlusion auger including a core wire configured for asymmetric deflection when operated to deflect into a deflection state. The deflected core wire has an extrados, a tool nose, and an intrados. When disposed adjacent an occlusion in a vessel, the tool nose and the extrados embed into a respectively,... Agent: Frishauf, Holtz, Goodman & Chick, PC

20090182360 - Device, system and method for interstitial transvascular intervention: Method and apparatus for utilizing the vascular system as a conduit to reach other vascular and extravascular locations within the body. Included are methods for revascularization wherein the extravascular passageways are formed to permit blood flow between vascular locations. Also included are methods for performing transvascular interstitial surgery (TVIS) wherein... Agent: Medtronic Vascular, Inc.IPLegal Department

20090182361 - Obstruction removal system: An obstruction removal system for percutaneous removal of clots or obstructions within the vascular system is disclosed. The obstruction removal system includes a multi-lumen catheter with a plurality of circulating capture devices occurring along a drive belt. The plurality of capture devices may be basket-like devices attached to the drive... Agent: Medtronic Vascular, Inc.IPLegal Department

20090182362 - Obstruction removal system: An obstruction removal system for percutaneous removal of clots or obstructions within the vascular system is disclosed. The obstruction removal system includes a multi-lumen catheter with a plurality of circulating capture devices attached to or integral with a drive belt. The circulating capture or interference devices affect removal of the... Agent: Medtronic Vascular, Inc.IPLegal Department

20090182359 - Rotational atherectomy device and method of use: A rotational device for removing an occlusion from inside a tubular structure, the device comprising a flexible drive shaft for insertion into a tubular structure and an abrasive element on the drive shaft to abrade an occlusion when the drive shaft rotates. The device includes a solid support element on... Agent: Weitzman Law Offices, LLC

20090182364 - Tongue retraction and cleaning method and apparatus: One embodiment includes an apparatus for retracting an animal tongue that includes a handle that is elongate and that includes a proximal portion and a distal portion and a tongue receiving cup coupled to the distal portion of the handle, the tongue receiving cup being generally concave and sized such... Agent: Schwegman, Lundberg & Woessner, P.A.

20090182365 - Long ultrasonic cutting blade formed of laminated smaller blades: An end effector of an ultrasonic surgical instrument is provided, the ultrasonic surgical instrument having a manipulatable structure, a body portion operatively connected to the manipulatable structure and having a distal end, a transducer, and the end effector being supported on the distal end of the body portion, the end... Agent: Tyco Healthcare Group Lp

20090182366 - Surgical instrument for detecting, isolating and excising tumors: A cutter (8) is telescopically received in a cannula (9) and both the cutter and cannula are telescopically mounted on a tubular carrier (7). A detection device (6) may be inserted through the open-ended carrier, cutter and cannula to properly place the surgical instrument in alignment with the tumor to... Agent: Thomas, Kayden, Horstemeyer & Risley, LLP

20090182367 - Adjustable width trocar: A trocar having a blade split into two portions, a fixed portion and a movable portion. The movable portion is attached to the fixed portion at a pivot point that allows the movable blade portion to extend beyond the width of the fixed portion or be retracted within the width... Agent: Alcon

20090182368 - Method and inflatable chamber apparatus for separating layers of tissue: An apparatus for tissue dissection and instrument anchoring and methods for using such apparatus are disclosed. The apparatus includes a cannula, a dissection balloon releasably attached to the cannula at the distal end, an anchoring balloon disposed on the cannula, and a means for inflating both balloons.... Agent: Tyco Healthcare Group Lp

20090182369 - Bronchoscopic repair of air leaks in a lung: Systems and devices for minimally invasively treating an air leak in a lung comprise the steps of detecting an air leak in a lung; locating an airway in fluid communication with the air leak, introducing a bronchoscope into a patient's airway to a position adjacent the target section and occluding... Agent: Knobbe Martens Olson & Bear LLP

20090182370 - Embolus blood clot filter removal system and method: A blood filter extraction system for extracting a blood filter from within a blood vessel. The system includes an extraction wire, or plurality of such wires, positioned within an elongated tubular member. A plurality of extraction wires coupled to the distal end of the extraction member each include a hook... Agent: Proskauer Rose LLP

20090182371 - Implantable vascular filters, apparatus and methods of implantation: An implantable vascular filter and method of implantation where the filter is deployed at or near an implantation site and is then radially expanded from its radially compressed configuration under the action of a force controlled remotely by a surgeon, such as by expansion of a balloon in contact with... Agent: Cook Group Patent Office

20090182372 - Intracardiac implant for delivery of alarmins and methods thereof: The invention provides a cardiovascular occluder for treating a cardiovascular abnormality comprising a frame and an alarmin or an alarmin activator bound to the surface of the frame. The invention further provides methods of manufacturing the cardiovascular occluder and methods of treating cardiovascular abnormalities by delivering the cardiovascular occluder.... Agent: Wilmerhale/boston

20090182373 - Sutureless methods for laceration closure: Tissue lacerations are closed using a vacuum cup applied to the tissue surface having a tissue-abutting, optically transparent mesh surface that under vacuum conforms with the tissue surface, apposing edges of the wound, and is optionally loaded with a bandage comprising a chitosan film and a collagen backing.... Agent: Richard Aron Osman

20090182374 - Surgical staple: A surgical staple for approximating tissue margins. The staple comprises a male portion which includes a first body, a first attachment portion, a male arm and a projection and a female portion separate from the male portion which includes a second attachment portion and a second body arranged to form... Agent: Foley & Lardner LLP

20090182375 - Suture for wound closure, tissue approximation, tissue support, suspension and/or fixation: A suture assembly includes an elongated flexible body which may be either a single filament for a multiple strand braided or woven body, supporting a plurality of shaped tissue-engaging elements in a generally spaced arrangement thereon. A curved body having a sharp point is joined to one end of the... Agent: Rosenbaum & Associates, P.C.

20090182376 - Spine stabilization system and integrated rod: Spine stabilization systems and integrated rods are disclosed. One spine stabilization system disclosed has at least four bone anchors and a stabilization member attached to the bone anchors. The stabilization member has first and second elongate portions interconnected by a connector portion. The first and second elongate members extend longitudinally... Agent: Globus Medical, Inc. Attn: Brian Malm

20090182377 - Implant device used in minimally invasive facet joint hemi-arthroplasty: A metallic inverted L-shaped implant is used to resurface the superior facet of the inferior vertebrae limited to the facet joints located on the spine, Occiput-C1 through L5-S1. The metallic implant is highly polished on its exterior and textured on its interior surface. It is mechanically crimped in place without... Agent: Don J. Pelto Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP

20090182378 - Flexible rod for fixing vertebrae: A flexible rod for fixing vertebrae is connected to a vertebral fixing device in order to maintain a damaged or deformed vertebra in an original stable state and impart flexibility. The flexible rod comprises a plurality of support bars, each of which has an insertion recess that has internal threads... Agent: Lee, Hong, Degerman, Kang & Waimey

20090182379 - Flexible tie fastening system: control means (52) mounted on said moving part (46) to cause the moving part to move relative to said rod, thereby tending to move the first end (42a) of the rod away from said moving part, thereby exerting tension on said tie relative to said implant.... Agent: SprinkleIPLaw Group

20090182380 - Spring-loaded dynamic pedicle screw assembly: An assembly that includes a fixator component, a clamping mechanism, a screw head, a load sharing mechanism, and a blocker. The fixator component further includes a bulbous end, a neck portion, and a threaded end. The clamping mechanism is positioned around the neck portion of the fixator component. The load... Agent: Rahman LLC

20090182381 - Spinal osteosynthesis device and preparation method: A spinal internal implantation device for osteosynthesis has one or more bars for supporting for moving the spine and at least one implant for connecting the bars and vertebrae. The implant includes a blown anchor attached to a body of the implant and a fixation arrangement for the bars. The... Agent: Fish & Richardson P.C.

20090182382 - Surgical instruments and techniques for percutaneous placement of spinal stablization elements: Systems and methods for positioning a connecting element adjacent the spinal column in minimally invasive procedures include instruments that guide the connecting element from a location remote from one or more anchors to a location proximate to the one or more anchors. The instruments include extensions mountable to anchors, and... Agent: Medtronic Attn: Noreen Johnson -IPLegal Department

20090182383 - Bone fixation plate with anchor retaining member: Bone (e.g., spinal) fixation assemblies are provided that resist back out of associated bone anchors (e.g., screws). The bone fixation plate may house a bone anchor retaining member that permits partial passage of the bone anchor and subsequently resists back out of the bone anchor from the member and the... Agent: Mintz Levin Cohn Ferris Glovsky & Popeo

20090182384 - Material combinations for medical device implants: The present application is directed to embodiments of a pedicle screw assembly to position an elongated member within a patient. The assembly may include a receiver with a channel sized to receive the elongated member and a chamber. The assembly may also include an anchor with a head sized to... Agent: Medtronic Attn: Noreen Johnson -IPLegal Department

20090182385 - Pedicle screw: A screw, comprising a head, and a shaft, wherein the shaft comprises a first threaded shaft portion; a second threaded shaft portion disposed contiguous to said head; and a middle shaft portion disposed between said first threaded shaft portion and said second threaded shaft, wherein said middle shaft portion is... Agent: Law Firm

20090177189 - Photodisruptive laser fragmentation of tissue: A method of photodisruptive laser surgery includes selecting a target region of a tissue for fragmentation, directing a beam of laser pulses to the selected target region of the tissue, and forming cells in the target region of the tissue by directing the laser beam to generate cell boundaries. The... Agent: Fish & Richardson, PC

20090177190 - Lowering skin melanin appearance with red light radiation and red light radiation kit therefor: A method of reducing appearance of melanin on the skin of a subject comprises exposing the skin to red narrow-band radiation at a wavelength(s) in a range of between 620 nm and 750 nm and having a band width of between 0 nm and 20 nm, in an effective dose... Agent: Hamilton, Brook, Smith & Reynolds, P.C.

20090177191 - Laser surgery methods and apparatus: A temperature of a laser treatment area is monitored and an output of a laser is controlled or modulated to prevent damage resulting from thermal runaway or burn back. The detector may be positioned proximate or at a distal end of the fiber, and may be in the form of... Agent: Bacon & Thomas, PLLC

20090177193 - Irrigated ablation electrode having smooth edges to minimize tissue char: The invention relates to ablation catheter electrodes that solve in part the problem of tissue charring during radiofrequency ablation. The electrode assemblies of the invention include passageways that lead from the inner lumen of the assemblies to the surface of the assemblies, wherein the passageways have a smooth conjunction with... Agent: Sjm/afd - Dykema C/o Cpa Global

20090177192 - Method for ablating tissue to facilitate implantation and apparatus and kit for use therewith: A method for treating a mammalian body having tissue comprising creating a cavity in the tissue formed by an internal surface of the tissue. The internal surface is ablated. An implant-forming material is introduced into the cavity to create an implant in the tissue. The ablation of the internal surface... Agent: Dorsey & Whitney LLP US Bank Center

20090177194 - Auto-aligning ablating device and method of use: An ablation device and methods for use thereof including a support structure adapted to support an ablation structure within an alimentary tract of a patient are provided. The support structure includes a longitudinal support with a longitudinal axis and a rotational support. The rotational support is adapted to permit at... Agent: Shay Glenn LLP

20090177195 - Alignable tools for preparing an intervertebral site for implanting a prosthetic intervertebral disc and a method for using those tools: We describe various alignable tools, in particular, trials and chisels, that may be used in preparing an intervertebral site in a spine, the site being suitable for placement of a prosthetic intervertebral disc as a replacement for a natural disc in that spine. We also describe methods of using those... Agent: Wheelock Chan LLP

20090177196 - Medical instrument for rod positioning: Apparatus, systems and methods relating to manipulation, e.g. pivoting, of a rod-shaped element using a rod positioning assembly are disclosed. A rod-shaped element is initially gripped axially (relative to and) by a rod positioning assembly and then pivoted into a transverse orientation without pivoting the rod positioning assembly and/or releasing... Agent: Mccarter & English, LLP Stamford

20090177197 - External fixator assembly: An external fixator assembly structured for placement and use substantially adjacent the ankle area of the body and including a support assembly comprising at least one base segment and one or two contoured segments disposed substantially on opposite sides of the ankle area. Each of the contoured segments includes a... Agent: Malloy & Malloy, P.A.

20090177198 - Compression-distraction device:

20090177199 - Cap device for use in the fixation of bone structures: The invention facilitates the fixation of bone fractures. In particular, the invention relates to a cap that has an inside surface comprising an interface component that is operable to engage a flexible wire. The flexible wire is connected to a head component that engages a first bone fragment. The outside... Agent: Snell & Wilmer L.L.P. (main)

20090177200 - Apparatus and methods for bone, tissue and duct dilatation: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for medical treatment comprising bone, tissue or duct dilatation using inflatable dilatation elements together with apparatus and techniques for tensioning, stretching, folding, and/or wrapping the dilatation elements externally as well as in situ to facilitate insertion, positioning and withdrawal procedures.... Agent: Andover-ip-law

20090177201 - Staple with multiple cross sectional shapes: Surgical staples having at least two different cross-sectional shapes are useful for fastening and securing tissue. The staples disclosed have portions with different cross-sectional shapes.... Agent: Tyco Healthcare Group Lp

20090177202 - Orthopaedic cutting instrument and method: An orthopaedic cutting instrument and associated methods are presented.... Agent: Baker & Daniels LLP 111 E. Wayne Street

20090177239 - Cervical plate instrument kit: The present invention provides an apparatus, method and kit for placing and securing an implant to vertebral bodies of a spine. The apparatus may have an implant engaging base having implant engaging limbs coupled to a handle and an aligning member pivotally coupled to the handle by a spring loaded... Agent: Carr LLP (ist)

20090177240 - Long bone fixation system and methods: A method of stabilizing a fractured bone includes: a) providing a first support member in a medullary canal of a fractured bone; b) providing a second support member outside the fractured bone; c) providing a transverse connector adapted to link the first support member to the second support member in... Agent: Woodard, Emhardt, Moriarty, Mcnett & Henry LLP

20090177241 - Multiple pathways for spinal nerve root decompression from a single access point: A method of accessing target tissue adjacent to a spinal nerve of a patient includes the steps of accessing a spine location of the patient by entering the patient through the skin at an access location, inserting a flexible tissue modification device through the access location to the spine location,... Agent: Shay Glenn LLP

20090177203 - Devices, systems and methods for re-alignment of bone: A bone re-angling device may be used in performing an osteotomy. The re-angling device may be a generally wedge-shaped body. The re-angling device maybe coupled to the bone using a fixation member.... Agent: Ryan Kromholz & Manion, S.c.

20090177204 - Apparatus and methods for separating internal bone fixation device from introducer: Apparatus and methods for separating an internal bone fixation device from an introducer are disclosed herein. A device for separating an internal bone fixation device from an introducer includes a functional portion having an outer shaft surrounding and controlling operation of a cutting mechanism; and a control portion having an... Agent: Greenberg Traurig, LLP

20090177205 - Methods and apparatus for accessing and treating the facet joint: Methods and systems are disclosed for accessing and treating the interior of the facet joint for vertebral distraction and immobilization. The systems include a number of tools that facilitate access to the facet joint, distraction of the articulating decortication of the articulating surfaces, and delivery of implants and agents into... Agent: Dorsey & Whitney, LLP Intellectual Property Department

20090177206 - Instruments, implants, and methods for fixation of vertebral compression fractures: An instrument, and method for using the same, for treating and repairing a vertebral body, which includes a steerable shaft and a distal end portion. The steerable shaft defines a longitudinal axis and includes a proximate portion and a flexible portion along the length. The distal end portion extends from... Agent: Crompton, Seager & Tufte, LLC

20090177207 - Method of interdigitating flowable material with bone tissue: A method and system of interdigitating flowable material with spinal tissue is disclosed which in one embodiment, includes forming a structure that may partially surround a portion of the spinal material and introducing flowable material into the portion of spinal tissue surrounded by the structure.... Agent: Cook Alex Ltd

20090177208 - Surgical drill guide having keyway for axial alignment of a fastener for use for an orthopedic plate: A surgical drill guide for positioning, aligning, and of holes to be drilled in bone tissue has retaining means that holds the position and alignment of the drill guide body in a releasable manner with respect to a fastener hole in an orthopedic implant. The retaining means is a key... Agent: Hudak, Shunk & Farine, Co., L.p.a.

20090177209 - Vascular fixation device: In one embodiment, the present invention provides a cardiac lead device including a fixation mechanism slidably attached to the lead such that when the fixation mechanism is expanded in to contact with a body lumen, the lead may be moved relative to the fixation mechanism if desired. Such lead movement... Agent: Faegre & Benson LLP Patent Docketing - Intellectual Property (32469)

20090177210 - Skin treatment tool: A skin treatment tool having a handgrip comprising a body having at least one convexly curved side and a skin contacting element set within the body and having an exposed edge which is convexly curved along its length and which is located outwardly of the convexly curved side of the... Agent: Martin P. Hoffman Hoffman Wasson & Gitler

20090177212 - Closure device and methods for making and using them: A clip for engaging tissue includes a generally annular-shaped body defining a plane and disposed about a central axis extending normal to the plane. The body includes alternating inner and outer curved regions, defining a zigzag pattern about a periphery of the clip. The body is biased towards a planar... Agent: Workman Nydegger

20090177211 - Homeostatic tissue apparatus: A device for supporting a tissue, the device has a shaft having a longitudinal axis and at least two atraumatic clamps coupled to the shaft. Each atraumatic clamp may have at least two oppositely polarized magnets. An atraumatic clamp may also have a mounting structure for the magnets. In at... Agent: Ice Miller LLP

20090177213 - Methods for manufacturing a clip and clip: The present invention relates to a method of making clips which can be used to engage body tissue for the purpose of closing wounds. Such clips are generally annular in shape and have radially inwardly extending tines. The present invention first forms a precursor which, in one embodiment, has the... Agent: Workman Nydegger

20090177214 - Apparatus including multiple invaginators for restoring a gastroesophageal flap valve and method: A transoral gastroesophageal flap valve restoration assembly comprises a pair of tissue grippers. The device comprises an elongated member having a distal end arranged for being fed down an esophagus in communication with a stomach and a tissue shaper carried on the distal end of the longitudinal member. The tissue... Agent: Hoekendijk & Lynch, LLP

20090177216 - Method and apparatus for anastomosis including an anchoring sleeve: Apparatus for performing a surgical anastomosis are disclosed. The apparatus include a tubular body having a proximal end and a distal end, an onion sleeve portion formed near the distal end of the tubular body and an inner tube disposed within the tubular body. The inner tube includes at least... Agent: Tyco Healthcare Group Lp

20090177215 - Satiation pouches and methods of use: A method for controlling appetite by means of a satiation device is disclosed. The device, which includes a flexible webbing defining proximal and distal openings and a biasing structure, is attached to the patient's stomach with the proximal opening positioned adjacent and below the patient's gastro-esophageal junction. The biasing structure... Agent: Synecor LLC

20090177217 - Microsurgical cutting instruments: The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for self-sharpening micro surgical blades, knives and assemblies.... Agent: Levine Bagade Han LLP

20090177218 - Ultrasonic cutting tool: The tool's elongate waveguide is operatively connected at a proximal end to a source of ultrasonic vibrations. Cutting and/or coagulating blades are mounted to a distal end of the waveguide. These blades act generally within an operative plane. A handle is mounted to the proximal end of the waveguide and... Agent: Carter, Deluca, Farrell & Schmidt, LLP

20090177219 - Flexible tissue-penetration instrument with blunt tip assembly and methods for penetrating tissue: A tissue-penetrating instrument. In various exemplary embodiments, the instrument may comprise a substantially flexible elongate penetration member that has a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end may have a substantially blunt tissue penetrating tip thereon. The instrument may further include an elongate hollow support tube that has... Agent: K&l Gates LLP

20090177220 - Surgical tool for implantation of a device with a convex element: A surgical tool lifts an overlying layer of skin away from underlying bone to prepare the bone to accommodate a convex element of an implantable device. The tool includes a lifting shell for insertion between the skin and the bone so as to lift the skin away from bone. A... Agent: Bromberg & Sunstein LLP

20090177221 - Endovascular implant for occlusion of a blood vessel: An expandable endovascular implant (10) of the stent type is described, which is suitable in particular for occlusion of a blood vessel (31). The implant comprises a circumferential tubular wall extending about a longitudinal axis and composed of a radially expandable, flexible lattice structure, said wall enclosing a cylindrical hollow... Agent: Donn K. Harms Patent & Trademark Law Center

20090177222 - Compression device with improved moisture evaporation: A circumferential compression sleeve has bladder openings extending through a bladder, making the sleeve generally breathable and comfortable for the wearer. The device has a static evaporation rate through the device of at least about 20 mg/minute. The device has a convective evaporation resistance of less than about 75. In... Agent: Tyco Healthcare - Edward S. Jarmolowicz

20090177223 - System and method for management of type 2 diabetes: For the management of type 2 diabetes, the system has a device that enables applying pressure against the lower abdomen where the pancreas is situated. Applying pressure on the lower abdomen results in pressure being applied to the underlying organ of pancreas, for a limited time in minutes per day.... Agent: Tara Chand Singhal

20090177224 - Methods and apparatus for blood sampling: Methods and apparatus for blood sampling from skin capillaries are provided. Blood extraction is improved by applying gradient pressure in a proximal to distal direction of an extremity. Blood is extracted and sampled from the skin capillaries with a blood sampling mechanism of at least a lancet and testing kit.... Agent: Wong, Cabello, Lutsch, Rutherford & Brucculeri, L.L.P.

20090177225 - Vascular closure device having sensor: A vascular closure device including a first retainer positioned on an internal surface of a vessel wall defining a passage through a vessel. A second retainer is coupled to the first retainer and positioned on an outer surface of the vessel wall to seal an opening defined through the vessel... Agent: Patent Docket Department Armstrong Teasdale LLP

20090177226 - Bioabsorbable surgical compositions: Compounds are provided which can form bioabsorbable compositions useful as adhesives or sealants for medical/surgical applications.... Agent: Tyco Healthcare Group Lp

20090177227 - Method and device for mending skin openings: A zipper-type wound closer attachable to the skin around a skin opening and zipped closed to pull the skin opening closed. The wound closer includes two elongated connecting strips whose feet are pre-coated with adhesive and attached to the skin around the skin opening. The edges of the wound are... Agent: Mehrman Law Office, P.C.

20090177228 - Coated suture thread and production thereof: Disclosed is a coated suture thread comprising a matrix formed by an immobilized and crosslinked plurality of fibrinogen layers into and/or onto which one or several pharmacological substances that inhibit tissue break-down, such as MMP inhibitors and/or corticosteroids and/or COX inhibitors, are attached and/or associated. Further, a method of producing... Agent: Bacon & Thomas, PLLC

20090177229 - Suture anchor with drug/growth factor delivery reservoir: A surgical device for use in attaching a first member (e.g., soft-tissue) to a second member (e.g., a bone) includes a suture anchor that has a body having a first end; a pointed tip at an opposite second end; and a contoured outer surface. An anchor head that is coupled... Agent: Darby & Darby P.C.

20090177230 - Osteointegration apparatus: A method for effecting reduction, stabilization and enhancement of fusion of the human cranio-cervical junction, which may be performed in order to relieve mechanical stresses imparted to the spinal cord and brainstem as a result of an abnormal clivo-axial angle, includes steps of achieving the correct craniocervical relationship, of effecting... Agent: Knoble, Yoshida & Dunleavy

20090177231 - Spine reconstruction rod extender: A spine reconstruction rod extender may be used to extend an existing spine reconstruction rod without skipping a pedicle screw in the new construct, exposing the entire old construct, or adding a significant amount of size to the junction between the old and new construct. The resulting extended rod is... Agent: Shimokaji & Associates, P.C.

20090177232 - Spine reconstruction rod extender: A spine reconstruction rod extender may be used to extend an existing spine reconstruction rod without skipping a pedicle screw in the new construct, exposing the entire old construct, or adding a significant amount of size to the junction between the old and new construct. The resulting extended rod is... Agent: Shimokaji & Associates, P.C.

20090177233 - Spinal tension band: Medical apparatuses for restricting the motion of a vertebra relative to another vertebra and methods for using the apparatuses are provided herein. The medical apparatuses comprise a flexible element having two ends and a connector capable of securing the ends of the flexible element to a first vertebra disposed above... Agent: Foley & Lardner LLP

20090177234 - Spinal cross-connector with spinal extensor muscle curvature: A spinal cross connector is configured for connection between spinal rods and provides allowance or space for spinal extensor muscles once the spinal process has been removed. The cross connector has curved first and second connection members that are adjustable in length and rotation relative to one another. A first... Agent: Bruce J. Bowman Bowman & Associates

20090177235 - Apparatus and methods for bone, tissue and duct dilatation: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for medical treatment comprising bone, tissue or duct dilatation using inflatable dilatation elements together with apparatus and techniques for tensioning, stretching, folding, and/or wrapping the dilatation elements externally as well as in situ to facilitate insertion, positioning and withdrawal procedures.... Agent: Andover-ip-law

20090177236 - Apparatus and methods for bone, tissue and duct dilatation: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for medical treatment comprising bone, tissue or duct dilatation using inflatable dilatation elements together with apparatus and techniques for tensioning, stretching, folding, and/or wrapping the dilatation elements externally as well as in situ to facilitate insertion, positioning and withdrawal procedures.... Agent: Andover-ip-law

20090177237 - Cervical spine implant system and method: Systems and methods for treating medical conditions affecting the spine using posterior plating techniques wherein two or more motion preservation plates are used to create joints between adjacent lateral masses. Additionally, embodiments of a facet spacer guide can be used to create a pilot hole in a lateral mass to... Agent: Fliesler Meyer LLP

20090177238 - Distraction screw for skeletal surgery and method of use: An improved distraction bone screw and a method for its use are described. The distraction screw is comprised of an implantable distal segment and a detachably secured proximal segment. The distal segment includes a head portion and a threaded shank portion. The proximal segment is represented as an elongated body... Agent: Mintz, Levin, Cohn, Ferris, Glovsky And Popeo, P.c

20090171325 - Method for treatment and diagnosis of eye tissues: The invention relates to a process for minimally invasive to non-invasive optical treatment of tissues of the eye and also for diagnosis thereof and to a device for implementing this process. The object underlying the invention is to create a process and a laser arrangement for minimally invasive to non-invasive... Agent: Haynes And Boone, LLPIPSection

20090171326 - Medical device and method: A medical device comprising a lens epithelial cell deactivation unit adapted for selectively deactivating lens epithelial cells of an eye.... Agent: Smith Frohwein Tempel Greenlee Blaha, LLC

20090171327 - Photodisruptive laser treatment of the crystalline lens: Apparatus and methods of treating a hard lens region of an eye with a laser where one method includes identifying a boundary of the hard lens region, selecting a laser-parameter to enable a photodisruptive procedure in the hard lens region and to control a spreading of bubbles in the hard... Agent: Fish & Richardson, PC

20090171328 - Surgical console display operable to provide a visual indication of a status of a surgical laser: A surgical console display operable to provide a visual indication of status of a surgical laser or other surgical instrument or peripheral device coupled to the surgical console is provided in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. This facilitates the surgeon's management of a surgical procedure where a multitude... Agent: Alcon

20090171329 - Spaster pattern and pulse blanking: System and method of photoaltering a region of a material using a pulsed laser beam. The method includes scanning the pulsed laser beam in a first portion of the region with a first pattern, scanning the pulsed laser beam in a second portion of the region with a second pattern,... Agent: Abbott Medical Optics, Inc.

20090171330 - Tunable nanoparticle tags to enhance tissue recognition: A method of locating and ablating a target tissue is described. The method includes providing a catheter that has at least one light guide, where the light guide is adaptable to receive light from a light source. A distal portion of the catheter is advanced through vasculature of a patient... Agent: Townsend And Townsend And Crew, LLP

20090171331 - Systems and methods of photodynamic-based cardiac ablation via the esophagus: Systems and methods for photodynamic ablation of cardiac tissue via an esophagus are disclosed. An exemplary system includes an ablation catheter having an expandable distal end for securing the ablation catheter in the esophagus. The distal end of the ablation catheter contains at least one light source operable to activate... Agent: Sjm/afd - Trenner

20090171332 - Medical device with orientable tip for robotically directed laser cutting and biomaterial application: A medical device used in a medical robotic system has a conduit and an orientable tip. An optical fiber coupled to a laser source and/or a catheter coupled to one or more biomaterial sources extends through the conduit and tip so that the tip of the medical device may be... Agent: Patent Dept Intuitive Surgical, Inc

20090171334 - Subdermal cryogenic remodeling of muscles, nerves, connective tissue, and/or adipose tissue (fat): Devices, systems, and methods treat cosmetic defects, and often apply cooling with at least one tissue-penetrating probe inserted through of the skin of a patient. The cooling may remodel one or more target tissue so as to effect a desired change in a composition of the target tissue and/or a... Agent: Townsend And Townsend And Crew, LLP

20090171335 - Surgical system and procedure for treatment of medically refractory atrial fibrillation: The invention provides surgical systems and methods for ablating heart tissue within the interior and/or exterior of the heart. A plurality of probes is provided with each probe configured for introduction into the chest for engaging the heart. Each probe includes an elongated shaft having an elongated ablating surface of... Agent: Sjm/afd-wiley

20090171333 - System and method for controllably delivering liquid coolant to a cryo-ablation device: Systems and methods for controllably delivering liquid coolant such as nitrous oxide to an ablation device for cryogenically ablating tissue. A cooling element liquefies gaseous coolant released from a coolant supply or tank. An actuator in fluid communication with and between the cooling element and the ablation device defines a... Agent: VistaIPLaw Group LLP

20090171336 - Catheters and manufacturing thereof: A catheter includes a longitudinally extending body having proximal and distal ends and defining at least one lumen that extends longitudinally from the proximal end through the body to the distal end and looping back to the proximal end. A liquid metal, e.g. an alloy of gallium and indium, such... Agent: Crompton, Seager & Tufte, LLC

20090171340 - Electrosurgical probe having conductive outer surface to initiate ablation between electrode: Tissue ablation probes and methods of treating diseased tissue are disclosed that include or use a partially uninsulated shaft that carries conductive elements such as electrode arrays. The shaft has an uninsulated outer surface that is electrically conductive and is electrically connected to one of the conductive elements. The uninsulated... Agent: VistaIPLaw Group LLP

20090171339 - Electrosurgical probe having current enhancing protrusions: Tissue ablation probes and methods of treating diseased tissue using one or more probe components that include one or more current enhancing protrusions are disclosed. An uninsulated, electrically conductive section of the shaft can include one or more current enhancing protrusions. Conductive elements or individual electrodes of electrode arrays can... Agent: VistaIPLaw Group LLP

20090171337 - Photodynamic-based cardiac ablation device and method via the esophagus: A method and system for ablation of cardiac tissue in a living being via the esophagus is provided. The method includes the step of introducing a photodynamic substance to the cardiac tissue. A deformable, elongated body defining a proximal end and a distal end is inserted into an esophagus of... Agent: Sjm/afd - Dykema C/o Cpa Global

20090171338 - System and method for preventing collateral damage with interventional medical procedures: A system for performing an interventional medical procedure is disclosed. The system includes a treatment device having a treatment portion, a localization system, and a means for defining a boundary about the treatment portion relative to location data point. The system may further be configured to provide a response when... Agent: Sjm/afd - Dykema C/o Cpa Global

20090171341 - Dispersive return electrode and methods: Apparatus and methods for safely performing electrosurgery on a patient by evenly distributing electric current density at a return electrode unit having a plurality of concentric return electrodes. In an embodiment, each electrode may be independently coupled to a passive electrical element, and each of the passive electrical elements may... Agent: Cutera C/o Mofo

20090171342 - Method and system for using common subchannel to assess the operating characteristics of transducers: A system and method for using a common subchannel to assess operating characteristics of one of a plurality of transducers that are coupled to said subchannel is disclosed. The plurality of transducers are divided into subsets and each subset is coupled to a subchannel. The system is configured to activate... Agent: Sjm/afd-wiley

20090171343 - Pressure-sensitive flexible polymer bipolar electrode: The present invention is directed to bipolar ablation systems. A bipolar electrode system for ablation therapy is disclosed, including a pressure-sensitive conducting composite layer and a pair of electrodes in electrical conductive contact or communication with the pressure-sensitive conducting composite layer. Energy (e.g., ablation energy) is delivered via the pressure-sensitive... Agent: Sjm/afd - Dykema C/o Cpa Global

20090171344 - Apparatus and methods for monitoring patient-apparatus contact: Systems, apparatus and methods for monitoring contact of electrosurgical apparatus with a patient's body via a contacting monitoring unit having a plurality of contacting segments, wherein each of the contacting segments is separate from an active electrode and/or return electrode. In an embodiment, the contacting monitoring unit may sense an... Agent: Cutera C/o Mofo

20090171346 - High conductivity inductively equalized electrodes and methods: Apparatus and methods for evenly distributing electric current density over a surface of at least one of an active electrode and a return electrode during electrosurgery, wherein the active and/or return electrode includes a spiral inductor. The spiral inductor may include a low electrical resistivity material or a spiral bare... Agent: Cutera C/o Mofo

20090171345 - System and method for measurement of an impedance using a catheter such as an ablation catheter: A catheter and patch electrode system is provided for use with an apparatus, such as an ablation generator, having a 4-wire interface for improved impedance measurement. The 4-wire interface includes a pair of source connectors across which an excitation signal is produced and a pair of sense connector wires across... Agent: Sjm/afd - Dykema C/o Cpa Global

20090171349 - Adjustable length flexible polymer electrode catheter and method for ablation: An ablation catheter includes a flexible elongated shaft having a flexible electrode at its distal end. The flexible electrode includes an inner, flexible, electrically-conductive element and an outer, flexible, electrically-conductive polymer layer in electrical contact with the inner, flexible, electrically-conductive element. The catheter further includes an electrically insulative sheath surrounding... Agent: Sjm/afd-wiley

20090171348 - Deflectable catheter with distal deflectable segment: A guidable, or steerable, or deflectable catheter is provided that includes a proximal portion and a distal portion for insertion into a body cavity. A selectively deflectable segment having an anisotropic bending stiffness for deflection in individual planes is incorporated into the distal portion of the catheter shaft. Upon actuation... Agent: Sjm/afd - Marsh

20090171347 - Transition apparatus for use with a medical device having an elongate element: A transition apparatus for use with a medical device having an elongate element is disclosed. The apparatus may include a body defining a lumen for housing at least a portion of the elongate element. The body may have a proximal end configured for releasable connection to the medical device and... Agent: Sjm/afd - Dykema C/o Cpa Global

20090171351 - Electric operation system: When a treatment instrument is connected to the corresponding device (electric scalpel device or ultrasonic wave generation device), the device (electric scalpel device or ultrasonic wave generation device) transmits information related to the type, mode, and setting of the treatment instrument to a system controller. Accordingly, if a new treatment... Agent: Scully Scott Murphy & Presser, PC

20090171350 - Vessel sealer and divider with non-conductive stop members: An endoscopic bipolar forceps includes an elongated shaft having opposing jaw members at a distal end thereof. The jaw members are movable relative to one another from a first position wherein the jaw members are disposed in spaced relation relative to one another to a second position wherein the jaw... Agent: Tyco Healthcare Group Lp

20090171352 - Cutting and coagulation electrode: In an electro-surgical instrument (1), two electrode surfaces (25, 27) are provided for a first electrode (15, 31, 32, 34, 36) having different sizes, each forming a pair of electrodes with electrode surfaces (26, 28) of a second electrode (14, 16, 33). The smaller electrode surface (25) of the first... Agent: Volpe And Koenig, P.C.

20090171354 - Cordless medical cauterization and cutting device: A cordless surgical device includes a modular battery, a radio-frequency signal generating assembly, a surgical handle and an interchangeable circuit casing. The RF signal generating assembly includes RF-signal-generating circuitry, a voltage-control circuit and an external output. The voltage circuit is configured to control an output of the RF-signal-generating circuitry. The... Agent: Mayback & Hoffman, P.A.

20090171353 - Vessel sealing instrument: A bipolar electrosurgical instrument for clamping, grasping, manipulating, and sealing tissue includes first and second shafts each having a jaw member extending from a distal end thereof and a handle disposed at a proximal end thereof. The handle being operable to effect movement of the jaw members relative to one... Agent: Tyco Healthcare Group Lp

20090171355 - Reconstruction of anterior cruciate ligaments: Apparatus for locating an attachment position for a reconstructed anterior cruciate ligament on an attachment surface of a bone comprises locating means (51, 61) arranged to locate at least one reference surface (4) of the bone and guide means (53, 54) arranged to define the attachment position in two dimensions... Agent: Wegman, Hessler & Vanderburg

20090171356 - Bone repositioning apparatus and system: The present invention provides an apparatus and system for bone repositioning. The bone-repositioning apparatus includes an actuator controller configured to transmit a series of coordinated signals; an outer sleeve dimensioned to encircle a body limb, including fragments of a fractured bone within the body limb; and a plurality of individually... Agent: Van N. Nguy IBM Corporation, Almaden Research Center

20090171357 - Collet fixation system: A bone fixation assembly which may include a bone fixation element, a collet and a flexible line. The bone fixation element may comprise a first and second passageway and at least the first passageway is configured to receive the collet. The flexible line passes through both passageways and is secured... Agent: Medicinelodge Inc.

20090171358 - Internal bone fixation sizing device and methods: An internal bone fixation sizing device and methods for using this device during a procedure for repairing a weakened or fractured bone are disclosed herein. A medical device for determining a depth and a diameter of a medullary cavity of a bone includes an outer shaft having a proximal end... Agent: Greenberg Traurig, LLP

20090171359 - Combined flip cutter and drill: A flip cutter and drill instrument and method of antegrade drilling and retrograde cutting using such an instrument. The flip cutter and drill instrument is provided with a drill which has a multi-blade configuration and which engages an inner tube or inner member of the instrument to articulate between at... Agent: Dickstein Shapiro LLP

20090171402 - Long-nosed crimp pliers for use in orthopedics: Cable and crimp assembly kits for fixing bone fractures include long-nose crimp pliers that have a pair of operating handles and connected opposed long jaws. The long jaws are designed to hold and crush a wire crimp. The jaws are long and narrow enough to be able to insert and... Agent: Fay Kaplun & Marcin, LLP

20090171403 - Method for the fixation of bone structures: The invention facilitates the fixation of bone fractures. In a particular embodiment, a method for fixing bone fractures comprises the steps of: inserting a head component coupled to a wire through a first bone portion and anchoring the head component in a second bone portion, inserting a cap over the... Agent: Snell & Wilmer L.L.P. (main)

20090171360 - Apparatus for loading tendons into the knee: A surgical kit for loading ligament grafts into a joint. A longitudinal socket formed in a bone is intersected by a transverse pin. The kit includes a flexible strand that is drawn with a pin through the bone. The strand is positioned so that a looped portion of the strand... Agent: Dickstein Shapiro LLP

20090171361 - Apparatus and method for mixing and dispensing a bone cement mixture: Among other things, an apparatus for mixing and dispensing a bone cement mixture are provided. In certain embodiments, the apparatus includes a housing having a first chamber for containing an ampoule having a first bone cement component. The housing has a second chamber for containing a second bone cement component... Agent: Woodard, Emhardt, Moriarty, Mcnett & Henry LLP

20090171362 - Device and method for mixing and dispensing a bone cement mixture: In at least one embodiment of the present invention, a device for mixing and dispensing a bone cement mixture is provided. The device comprises a first chamber and a second chamber. The first chamber is for containing a first bone cement component. The second chamber is for containing a second... Agent: Woodard, Emhardt, Moriarty, Mcnett & Henry LLP

20090171363 - Automated insertion device for heart valve prosthesis:

20090171365 - Intraocular lens insertion tool: An intraocular lens insertion tool with a tool body for accommodating an intraocular lens and adapted to insert into an eye the intraocular lens through displacement of the lens in an axial forward direction by a plunging member, and to push out the lens through an insertion tube section disposed... Agent: Oliff & Berridge, PLC

20090171366 - Intraocular lens insertion tool: An intraocular lens insertion tool with a tool body for accommodating an intraocular lens and adapted to insert into an eye the intraocular lens through displacement of the lens in an axial forward direction by a plunging member, and to push out the lens through an insertion tube section disposed... Agent: Oliff & Berridge, PLC

20090171364 - Scleral depressor: A remotely controllable system and method for positioning and operating a scleral depressor. A track is positioned to encircle at least a portion of the eye. One or more independent thrusters, or actuators, are radially positionable about the eye. An actuator is selectively deployable and selectively retractable by remote control.... Agent: Schwegman, Lundberg & Woessner, P.A.

20090171367 - Loop tip wire guide with outer sleeve: A wire guide has first and second portions with first and second diameters, respectively. The second portion is located distal of the first portion. A resilient loop positions a distal end of the wire guide adjacent another section of the wire guide. A closure member maintains the distal end in... Agent: Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione/chicago/cook

20090171368 - Biomechanical probe: The present invention relates to a probe adapted for use in retrieving blood clots from part of the blood circulatory systems, together with an associated device and method. The probe has a first end and a second end and each end is provide with an aperture therein. The aperture in... Agent: Fish & Richardson P.C.

20090171369 - Two-part extraction balloon: A two-part extraction balloon and method of use is provided. The balloon catheter comprises a first balloon and a second balloon attached to an elongate catheter shaft near the distal end thereof. The first balloon has an inflated diameter that is larger than the inflated diameter of the second balloon,... Agent: Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione/chicago/cook

20090171372 - Medical device with orientable tip for robotically directed laser cutting and biomaterial application: A medical device used in a medical robotic system has a conduit and an orientable tip. An optical fiber coupled to a laser source and/or a catheter coupled to one or more biomaterial sources extends through the conduit and tip so that the tip of the medical device may be... Agent: Patent Dept Intuitive Surgical, Inc

20090171374 - Medical manipulator and medical robot system: The present invention relates to a medical manipulator and a medical robot system. The manipulator has a connecting block, a joint shaft, and a distal-end working unit. The distal-end working unit has a gripper, a pitch axis, and a yaw axis which serve as distal-end joints for changing the orientation... Agent: Oblon, Spivak, Mcclelland Maier & Neustadt, P.C.

20090171371 - Medical robotic system with functionality to determine and display a distance indicated by movement of a tool robotically manipulated by an operator: A medical robotic system has functionality to determine and display information of a distance indicated by movement of one or more tools being robotically manipulated by an operator. The distance is determined using sensed robotic manipulation of the one or more tools. Information of the distance is displayed on the... Agent: Patent Dept Intuitive Surgical, Inc

20090171373 - Multifunctional operational component for robotic devices: The various embodiments disclosed herein relate to modular medical devices, including various devices with detachable modular components and various devices with pivotally attached modular components. Additional embodiments relate to procedures in which various of the devices are used cooperatively. Certain embodiments of the medical devices are robotic in vivo devices.... Agent: Faegre & Benson LLP Patent Docketing - Intellectual Property

20090171370 - Navigation system for hip replacement surgery having reference mechanism and method using the same: A navigation system for an acetabular cup, which guides an insertion orientation of the acetabular cup inserted into a pelvis during a total hip replacement surgery, includes: a pelvis position tracer which includes probes in contact with three particular points of the pelvis placed on an anterior pelvic plane and... Agent: Bacon & Thomas, PLLC

20090171375 - Controlling pressure in adjustable restriction devices: Methods and devices are provided for regulating a hydraulic restriction system including a restriction device. In general, the methods and devices can allow for non-invasive, transient pressure control. The methods and devices can also, in some embodiments, mechanically regulate pressure of the restriction device without using any electrical components that... Agent: Nutter Mcclennen & Fish LLP

20090171376 - Mesh anchoring system: Medical devices configured for securing the position of a tube or wire in a desired position. Embodiments of the medical devices include an anchoring element and a mesh element coupled to the anchoring element. The medical device can be secured to the skin surface of a subject, or to muscle... Agent: Fulbright & Jaworski L.L.P.

20090171377 - Meshes of variable construction: According to one aspect, the present invention provides a substantially two-dimensional surgical mesh comprising a base material, a first area having a first characteristic and a second area having a second characteristic that differs from the first characteristic. The surgical mesh may further comprise a third area having a third... Agent: Mayer & Williams PC

20090171378 - Constant force mechanisms for regulating restriction devices: Methods and devices are provided for regulating a restriction system. In one exemplary embodiment, a restriction system is provided having a restriction device coupled to a port with a fluid disposed therein, such that the restriction device is adapted to form a restriction in a pathway corresponding to an amount... Agent: Ethicon Endo-surgery/nutter, Mcclennen & Fish LLP

20090171379 - Fluid logic for regulating restriction devices: Methods and devices are provided for regulating a restriction system. In one exemplary embodiment, a restriction system is provided having a restriction device configured to receive fluid and to form a restriction in a pathway corresponding to an amount of fluid contained therein, at least one fluid reservoir, and a... Agent: Ethicon Endo-surgery/nutter, Mcclennen & Fish LLP

20090171380 - Ligation clip with flexible clamping feature: A polymeric surgical ligating clip is provided having curved leg members joined by a resilient hinge. A leg member includes a flexible rib protruding from a vessel clamping inner surface and extends longitudinally between the proximal and distal end portions of the leg member. The flexible rib defines a channel... Agent: Baker & Hostetler LLP

20090171381 - Devices, methods and systems for neural localization: Also described are systems for determining if a nerve is nearby an insertable tool. These systems typically include a tool with a neurostimulation electrode, an accelerometer configured to detect muscle twitch, and a feedback controller to provide feedback indicating if the tool is near a nerve. Methods of controlling insertion... Agent: Shay Glenn LLP

20090171382 - Delivery system and method of delivery for treating obesity: A delivery system and method of use thereof for introducing a bundled intragastric bag into a gastric lumen are described. The delivery system includes a pushing mechanism movable between an unexpanded and expanded configuration. The pushing mechanism in its expanded configuration pushes each of the bundles of the bag into... Agent: Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione/chicago/cook

20090171383 - Gastric space occupier systems and methods of use: Systems for controlling obesity utilize a number of space occupiers positioned in the stomach to reduce the effective volume of the stomach. Such arrangements provides sufficient stomach volume consumption to induce weight loss, but enable use of space occupiers that are proportioned to minimize the threat of obstruction even if... Agent: King & Spalding LLP

20090171384 - Emergency snake bite treatment devices, medical kits and related methods: The disclosure describes emergency or first aid snake bite treatment devices that include a belt or other securing member attached to a compression (bite isolation) member, the compression member having an outwardly projecting wall that is configured to surround the snake bite and compress the skin about the snake bite... Agent: Myers Bigel Sibley & Sajovec

20090171385 - Facelift device: A cosmetic device for naturally toning the facial and the upper neck muscles of a user. The device comprises a pair of adhesive pads for adhering to the user's facial skin, a pair of supporting earpieces connected to the adhesive pads, and a strap connecting the pair of earpieces. The... Agent: Ty Ung

20090171386 - Percutaneous catheter directed intravascular occlusion devices: Embodiments of the present invention provide an improved vascular occlusion device for occlusion of a passageway, cavity, or the like. According to one embodiment, a medical device for occluding a left atrial appendage is provided. The medical device includes a first portion having at least one plane of occlusion that... Agent: Alston & Bird LLP

20090171388 - Vascular closure device: A biocompatible material may be configured into any number of implantable medical devices including a vascular closure device. The vascular closure device includes a fibrous structure formed from at least one randomly oriented fiber, the randomly oriented fiber comprising at least one polymer, and at least one agent, in therapeutic... Agent: Philip S. Johnson Johnson & Johnson

20090171387 - Vascular closure device having an improved plug: Various embodiments of a device are shown and disclosed for closing a vascular access puncture site following percutaneous diagnostic or therapeutic interventional procedures. The vascular closure device includes an improved plug that is configured to be positioned adjacent to the hole in the vasculature. The plug may be shaped to... Agent: Holland & Hart LLP

20090171389 - Bone fusion device and methods: A bone fusion device can include elongated interlockable segments, each having an engaging surface interlockable with the engaging surface of another segment. The segments can be inserted in between bones one at a time. A device can include an outer expandable component having outer expandable members insertable to a location... Agent: Kilpatrick Stockton LLP

20090171390 - Bone fusion device and methods: A bone fusion device, system, kit, and/or method can include an elongated structure including at least two anchor portions and at least one deformable segment connected on each end to one of the at least two anchor portions. Each deformable segment can include a plurality of spaced apart deformable members... Agent: Kilpatrick Stockton LLP

20090171392 - Guide wire mounting collar for spinal fixation using minimally invasive surgical techniques: An improved guide wire having a collar member for affixation to a pedicle screw, the guide wire assembly used in a system, set of instrumentation and method comprising the combination and use of plural pedicle screws, a rod for connecting pedicle screws in a relatively rigid manner, and instrumentation means... Agent: Rogers Towers, P.A.

20090171391 - Systems and methods for spinal fixation: A spinal stabilization system, method, and a surgical kit having a surgical extender apparatus for implanting a surgical screw are disclosed. The extender includes a housing having a distal end and a proximal end, a hollow interior passageway disposed between the distal end and the proximal end, a channel disposed... Agent: Mintz Levin Cohn Ferris Glovsky & Popeo

20090171394 - Devices and methods for the treatment of facet joint disease: An orthopedic implant is adapted to be implanted within a vertebral facet joint and adapted to maintain motion between adjacent vertebral bodies. An embodiment of the implant includes first segment that rigidly attaches to a facet joint surface of a first vertebra, wherein the first segment contains a cavity that... Agent: M. Samy Abdou

20090171393 - Tissue distraction device: An apparatus and method is provided for distracting, in a given direction, and supporting opposed endplates of a vertebral body. A plurality of wafers are consecutively inserted within the vertebral body between the two endplates to create a column of wafers. The column of wafers is oriented between the endplates... Agent: Maginot, Moore & Beck, LLP Chase Tower

20090171395 - Dynamic spinal rod system: A dynamic spinal rod system for semi-restrained holding of the vertebrae with respect to each other in a corrected position while providing varying degrees of vertebral body freedom of movement. A first or “male” component has an enlarged proximal end with a bio-compatible elastic polymer insert through which an anchoring... Agent: Morriss Obryant Compagni, P.C.

20090171396 - Bone fixation plate: A bone plate for use in anterior lumbar spinal fixation has interlocking components to prevent dislodgement of the plate due to anatomical forces. The exposed surface of the plate is smooth to prevent trauma to internal body tissue. The plate spans the intervertebral space with each end attached to an... Agent: Mchale & Slavin, P.A.

20090171397 - Methods and apparatus for providing a retainer for a bone stabilization device: A skeletal fixation apparatus includes: a plate having first and second spaced apart surfaces and a plurality of apertures extending through the surfaces of the plate, each aperture for receiving a respective fixation element for coupling the plate to one or more bones of a patient; and at least one... Agent: Gibson & Dernier L.L.P.

20090171398 - Provisional bone plate: A provisional bone plate formed of an implantable plastic and having a length corresponding to the longest bone plate in a particular family of bone plates. The provisional bone plate includes a head contoured to match the head of a particular bone as well as a shaft for placement adjacent... Agent: Zimmer Technology - Baker & Daniels

20090171399 - Bone plate with complex, adjacent holes joined by a relief-space: A bone plate is described which is adapted for use in situ to fix a spatial relationship of at least two bone parts. The bone plate has at least one pair of the bone screw apertures that are adjoined by a relief-space contiguous with the open space of the screw... Agent: Kevin D. Mccarthy Roach Brown Mccarthy & Gruber, P.C.

20090171400 - Apparatus for discrete tissue anchoring for soft tissue repair and method of use: Disclosed herein are devices and methods for securing soft tissue to a rigid structure such as bone. Various directional anchors that allow for increasing the stability the attachment of soft tissue to bone are described. Also described is a delivery system for use with the directional anchors that allows for... Agent: Fulwider Patton LLP

20090171401 - Pedicle screw with a closure device for securing a rod for stabilization of the vertebral column: A pedicle screw (1) with a closure device (13) for securing a rod for stabilization of the vertebral column comprises a screw-in part (2), a head part (3) provided on the screw-in part (2), a U-shaped recess (4) disposed in the head part (3), which recess is formed by the... Agent: Jacobson Holman PLLC