Abstract: A disposable absorbent garment having an inner layer with a first end panel, a second end panel, and a pair of side panels formed separate from the first and second end panels. The first and second end panels are stretchable in at least the lateral direction of the garment. The side panels extend longitudinally between the first and second end panels in laterally spaced relationship with each other such that the end panels and side panels together define a central opening of the inner layer. The side panels are each secured to the first and second end panels and are extensible in at least the lateral direction of the garment. The garment includes an outer layer is in opposed relationship with the inner layer and an absorbent assembly disposed between the inner layer and the outer layer.

Abstract: A disposable diaper is provided, including an absorber, a top sheet arranged to cover the top surface of the absorber, a back sheet arranged to cover the bottom surface of the absorber, and a skin-contact sheet arranged over the top sheet. The top sheet is at least partially composed of a liquid-permeable material, the back sheet is composed of a liquid-impermeable material, and the skin-contact sheet is at least partially composed of a breathable waterproof sheet and is provided with a feces-passing opening capable of allowing feces to pass therethrough.

Abstract: A diaper for holding an absorbent article in close bodily contact in the crotch region of the wearer. The diaper comprises a front region, a crotch region having a specified Crotch Holding Force, and a rear region. The crotch region of the diaper typically is elastically extensible in both the longitudinal and lateral directions. The diaper provides an upward holding force against the absorbent article in the crotch region to hold the article in close bodily contact. A system comprising the diaper and an absorbent article for use therewith, and a method for holding such an article in close bodily contact by wearing the diaper, is also disclosed.

Abstract: A convenience kit assembled and organized to measure, fill and dispense medication and flush solutions to patients through connections to patient lines and catheters while improving safety and efficacy of such procedures by requiring fewer post-sterilization makes and breaks when compared to similar filling and dispensing methods using conventional components. Further the kit improves flush compliance by facilitating dispensing of flush solutions and decreases likelihood of infections by providing for flushing of patient lines and catheter connecting fittings without any additional line breaks. The kit is provided in resealable, tamper evident kit packaging which permits sealed transport of kit parts after initial opening and follow-on parts use. Convenience of operation is provided by a two syringe assembly which is operable by a single hand by which selective dispensing is accomplished from either of the two syringes while obstructing flow from the other syringe.

Abstract: A closed loop/semi-closed loop infusion system provides therapy modification and safeguards against the over-delivery or under-delivery of insulin. A glucose sensor system is configured to obtain a measured blood glucose value. A controller is operationally connected with the glucose sensor system and configured to trigger an alarm based on a measured blood glucose value or amount of insulin delivered, selectively perform calibration of the glucose sensor system when the alarm is triggered, and adjust a therapy delivery parameter when the alarm is triggered, wherein the adjusted therapy delivery parameter is limited to be within a boundary. Thereafter, a delivery system delivers therapy at the adjusted therapy delivery parameter.

Abstract: A catheter with a balloon anchor may be sized to fit through an inner needle and introduced into the patient through the needle. The inner needle may comprise an atraumatic needle with a side port and/or a blunt tip. The catheter may include a radiopaque coil disposed over the distal portion of the catheter body to assist with catheter placement when viewed with fluoroscopy and/or x-ray. The distal portion of the catheter can be very flexible. A balloon inflation tube may terminate proximal to a proximal end of the expandable balloon anchor such that the distal portion of catheter can be flexible. This termination of the inflation tube may also position the inflation tube away from the annulus and nerve roots, so as to avoid irritation of the annulus and rubbing of the nerve roots that may potentially obscure FAD test results.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for stenting, spacing, draining, ventilating and/or delivering drugs and other therapeutic or diagnostic substances to desired locations within the bodies of human or non-human animal subjects, including methods and systems for treating paranasal sinusitis and ethmoid disease.

Abstract: A method for operating a surgical system including placing a handpiece in an operative relationship with an eye for a surgical procedure. The method also comprises supplying irrigation fluid from an irrigation fluid source to the eye and applying vacuum from an aspiration source to the handpiece in order to aspirate the irrigation fluid from the eye through the handpiece. The method further comprises sensing a value of an occlusion indicating parameter corresponding to an occlusion of the handpiece and, from the sensing of the value, determining a duration of occlusion. The method additionally comprises controlling a controlled system parameter based at least in part on the duration of occlusion.

Abstract: A generally hollow article for use as or incorporation within a medical instrument navigable through body vessels of a human subject is provided. The article is defined by two metal pieces, such as nitinol and stainless steel, having different performance characteristics. At least a portion of the two pieces are arranged into an alternating pattern and joined together to define a joint or junction. The two pieces may each be provided as a tube having a spiral-cut section that is configured to be intermeshed with the spiral-cut section of the other metal. The article may also include a radiopaque material for improved placement within the body, which material may also be provided as a tube with a spiral-cut section to be intermeshed and joined with the first and second pieces.

Abstract: The invention includes a catheter having an elongate main body having a proximal section and a distal section. The elongate main body further includes a plurality of stiffening members disposed along the length of the elongate main body. The plurality of stiffening members includes a first stiffening member and a second stiffening member. The first and second stiffening members can be disposed in an overlapping and spaced relationship. Alternatively, the second stiffening member can be disposed distal to the first stiffening member such that a gap is defined between the stiffening members.

Abstract: A therapeutic device and therapeutic method for delivering electrical energy to a polymer containing a medicament that allows release of the medicament to a body tissue or organ. The device and method utilizes ultrasonic vibrations to cause the device, implanted in the body tissue or organ to be treated, to discharge an electrical current to the polymer containing the medicament. The medicament is controllably released to the target area by changing the charge of the polymer with the electrical current.

Abstract: A system for performing minimally invasive cardiac procedures. The system includes a pair of surgical instruments that are coupled to a pair of robotic arms. The instruments have end effectors that can be manipulated to hold and suture tissue. The robotic arms are coupled to pair of master handles by a controller. The handles can be moved by the surgeon to produce a corresponding movement of the end effectors. The controller controls and limits movement of robotic arms relative to the patient.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for the treatment of glaucoma are provided. The instrument uses either cauterization, a laser to ablate, sonic or ultrasonic energy to emulsify, or mechanical cutting of a portion of the trabecular meshwork. The instrument may also be provided with irrigation, aspiration, and a footplate. The footplate is used to enter Schlemm's canal, serves as a guide, and also protects Schlemm's canal.

Abstract: A tissue treatment system has a radio frequency generator and a handheld treatment instrument that generates a gas plasma jet for delivering thermal energy to a tissue surface to be treated. Incorporated in the housing for the generator is a calibration device for adjusting the energy output of the generator, if necessary, at the beginning of a treatment session. The calibration device has a target element with a target surface, a transducer for sensing changes in temperature of the target element with respect to the temperature of a reference element, and an energy output adjuster for adjusting the radio frequency energy output of the generator in response to a calibration signal generated by the transducer. The generator housing has a receptacle for locating the nozzle of the handheld instrument in juxtaposition with the target element so that when a plasma burst is generated as part of a calibration sequence it is incident on the target surface.

Abstract: A probe including an elongate body defining a distal region adapted to be bent into a loop and an inflatable tissue coagulation body supported on the elongate body distal region.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems and methods for forming lesions in target tissue and positioning an insulation element adjacent to non-target tissue.

Abstract: A multi-articular intramedullary fracture fixation device having a adjustable modulus of rigidity. The implant apparatus includes modular tensioning elements that can be disposed in a ball-and-socket linear array along a length of connecting wire within a medullary canal. The connecting wire includes a threaded end and a stop member at the opposite end, and when a lock nut is threadably disposed on the threaded end and tightened, at least two of the tensioning elements in the array may be swiveled relative to one another and arranged to introduce curvature as desired along the length of the array. Tightening the lock nut is also employed to adjust the modulus of rigidity to be retained during healing.

Abstract: A system and method for securing an intramedullary rod in a medullary canal of a long bone is provided. The system includes an intramedullary rod and a screw assembly for receiving the rod. The screw assembly has a transverse receiving bore for receiving the intramedullary rod and a securing member movable toward the bore for securing the rod to the screw assembly. An alignment jig may also be provided for aligning the rod with the receiving bore during installation.

Abstract: A locking screw assembly is provided which allows installation into a plate-like member using relatively little force, but which requires relatively great force for removal. The fastener has an annular locking ring provided within a groove in the head of the screw to allow the screw to sit within or flush with the anterior surface of the plate. The through-hole in the plate which receives the locking screw comprises an entrance, a collar section, an undercut, and an exit. The locking ring resides within the undercut. The locking ring has a leading surface that is chamfered or radiused and a trailing surface that is flat. The chamfer allows the locking ring to easily be inserted into the through-hole by interacting with a lead chamfer in the entrance. After installation, the flat trailing surface abuts a lip adjoining the collar section and the undercut and prevents the screw from being easily removed from the through-hole.

Abstract: A milling system for creating a cavity in a bone includes a drive shaft, a frame for carrying a cutter and a cutter for cutting the cavity. The drive shaft has a proximal end and a distal end forming a portion of a drive joint for coupling the drive shaft to a cutter. The frame includes a frame shaft and a cutter mount, mounting a cutter at a first angle. The mount includes a bearing bracket extending laterally from the frame shaft to a bearing receiving a portion of a cutter and maintains the received cutter oriented at the first angle during rotation. The cutter has a head forming a portion of drive joint for coupling the cutter to a drive shaft. The cutter is received in the mount at the first angle and the drive shaft forms a second angle with the longitudinal axis less than the first angle.

Abstract: An adjustable reamer spindle is provided to aid a surgeon in controlling an instrument. The reamer spindle is easily disassembled for cleaning. The spindle has a repositionable handle, a locking ring, and an elastic device. The locking ring aids in holding the reamer spindle together. Removal of the locking ring against an elastic bias of a spring unfastens an end of the assembly in order to facilitate disassembly and/or cleaning. Adjustment of the position of the handle about the spindle enables the palm/grip of each hand to be changed in order to provide maximum control in different orientations.

Abstract: A system that enables targeting of an instrument placed within a drill bushing aligns the axis of a drill bushing with the axis of a transverse hole in an intramedullary nail. The system includes a probe having an elongated member with a distal end, a magnet that is polarized along its longitudinal axis that is mounted perpendicularly to the distal end of the elongated member; and a processor executing programmed instructions to determine a position and orientation of the magnetic sensor array with respect to the targeting magnet.

Abstract: An extraction device for removing a liner from an acetabular cup is provided. The extraction device includes a jaw and a handle. The jaw is for cooperation with the liner and including a portion of the jaw for penetrating into the liner. The handle is operably associated with the jaw and is adapted for gripping the extraction device.

Abstract: A cannula has a flange and a body with slots extending through the entire flange and into the body. The cannula may also have a longitudinal slot extending its entire length. An obturator used with the cannula may also have a longitudinal slot extending along its length. A surgical method using these instruments includes separating lengths of suture and managing the suture by placing lengths of suture in the slots in the cannula. The cannula and obturator may be used after suture is already in place by placing the suture in the longitudinal slots and then introducing the cannula and obturator to the tissue defect site. The cannula may also be used to deliver a therapeutic implant to the tissue defect site. The instruments and method may be used in mensical surgery.

Abstract: An overtube includes an insertion portion that has a distal end portion and a proximal end portion, and at least the distal end portion thereof is inserted into a subject; a first lumen that is formed in the insertion portion and that allows freely inserting and removing a device for carrying out medical procedures in the subject; puncture needles that pass through the insertion portion, have a control member connected to the proximal end portion of the insertion portion, and puncture tissue; and second lumens that are provided in the insertion portion and through which puncture needles are passed, the second lumens having on the distal end portion of the insertion portion openings through which distal ends of the puncture needles extend and retract, and the openings being provided on an inside of the insertion portion defined by the first lumen.

Abstract: An implantable prosthesis for repairing an anatomical defect, such as a tissue or muscle wall hernia, including an umbilical hernia, and for preventing the occurrence of a hernia at a small opening or weakness in a tissue or muscle wall, such as at a puncture tract opening remaining after completion of a laparoscopic procedure. The prosthesis includes a patch and/or plug having a body portion that is larger than a portion of the opening or weakness so that placement of the body portion against the defect will cover or extend across that portion of the opening or weakness. At least one tether, such as a strap, extends from the patch or plug and may be manipulated by a surgeon to position the patch or plug relative to the repair site and/or to secure the patch or plug relative to the opening or weakness in the tissue or muscle wall. The tether may be configured to extend through the defect and outside a patient's body to allow a surgeon to position and/or manipulate the patch from a location outside the body.

Abstract: A device for clamping off organic tissue has a tissue clamp with clamping bars in holders. A proximal clamping bar can be displaced in a guide groove of an application crosspiece by a tappet, while the distal clamping bar maintains its position until the tissue has been clamped off. The clamping bars have guide pin, or the distal clamping bar has a fixation shoulder. The pins or shoulder fit into crosswise grooves in the application crosspiece, and thus the clamping bars can be inserted into them vertically. The proximal clamping bar has a holder pin on its base that engages into a holder bore of the distal clamping bar. This produces a force-fit and shape-fit connection with this bore, while simultaneously clamping off the organic tissue. The guide pins shear off if the force required to clamp off the organic tissue is exceeded.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for precisely controlling particle movement relative to a phacoemulsification needle tip is provided. The design monitors actual vacuum present and calculates a pulse shape amplitude waveform proportional to the amount of measured vacuum. An increase in vacuum indicates that the handpiece/needle is becoming occluded by a large particle. The present design determines whether additional power is required to bump or move a large particle away from the needle tip. The present design may employ a control loop that senses and continuously monitors vacuum. The design may dynamically vary the amount of ultrasonic energy delivered to the surgical area in response to the observed actual vacuum, and can actively vary the amount of power delivered to the surgical area based on the size of the particle and the resultant vacuum realized.

Abstract: A surgical micro-burring instrument including an outer tubular member coaxially maintaining an inner tubular member. The outer tubular member defines a proximal section, a distal section, and a central lumen extending from the proximal section to the distal section. The distal section forms a pocket and an elevator tip. The pocket has a bottom wall and an opposed upper opening. The elevator tip extends distal the pocket. The inner tubular member forms a bur received within the pocket. Upon final assembly, at least a portion of the bur is exposed relative to the outer tubular member via the upper opening of the pocket. The elevator tip is configured to facilitate lifting of soft tissue, such as mucosa, while positioning the bur, via the pocket, in an appropriate location for cutting contacted harder tissue, such as turbinate bone or septal bone/cartilage.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed towards the field of lancing aids in which disposable lancet systems are used. The lancet system according to the invention has a needle body which surrounds the needle tip in a lancet system in a protective manner and also comprises a protection against re-use of an ejected lancet system.

Abstract: An improved tool for coring a portion of one or more hair follicles incorporates a mechanism that translates distal pushing forces that are applied to its handle to concomitant rotational movement of a hollow coring needle. Preferably, the force translation mechanism is realized by a helical threaded interface or a helical square rod interface between a handle and a rotating member that supports the needle. In another aspect, the tool includes a member that supports the hollow coring needle, the member having a cut-out that provides user access to the open proximal end of the needle. The tool can be made disposable by the use of injection molded plastic materials. The hollow coring needle is preferably realized from stainless steel and an anti-wear coating (such as a titanium nitride coating, a zirconium coating, or a diamond coating). In disposable applications, the tool is packaged in a sterilized manner, which avoids the need for the practitioner to sterilize the tool before use.

Abstract: A medical device delivery system comprises an inner tube, a medical device disposed about a portion of the distal region of the inner tube, a medical device sheath disposed about the medical device, a medical device sheath retraction device extending proximally from the medical device sheath and an outer sheath disposed about a portion of the medical device sheath retraction device. The distal end of the outer sheath terminates at least one medical device length proximal of the medical device. The medical device sheath is movable relative to the outer sheath and relative to the inner tube.

Abstract: Prosthetic valves and their component parts are described, as are prosthetic valve delivery devices and methods for their use. The prosthetic valves are particularly adapted for use in percutaneous aortic valve replacement procedures. The delivery devices are particularly adapted for use in minimally invasive surgical procedures.

Abstract: An embolic protection device has a collapsible filter element (105) mounted on a carrier such as a guidewire (101). The filter element (105) collapses into the outer end of a catheter (118) for deployment and retrieval through a vascular system of a patient. The filter element (105) has a collapsible filter body with a proximal inlet end and a distal outlet end. The proximal inlet end has inlet openings sized to allow blood and embolic material enter the filter body. The outlet end has outlet openings which allow through passage of blood but retain embolic material within the filter body. After use, the catheter (118) is movable along the guidewire (101) to engage the proximal end of the filter element and close the inlet openings before sliding over the filter element from the proximal end to the distal end to progressively collapse the filter body on the guidewire (101) for retrieval.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention there is provided a coated endoluminal filter having a support structure; a filtering structure attached to the support structure; a coating over at least a portion of support structure. In another alternative embodiment, there is provided an endoluminal filter having a support structure; and a filtering structure attached to the support structure; wherein, the support structure is generally symmetrical about a plane that is orthogonal to the flow direction of the filter and contains a crossover point between two structural elements of the support structure. In another alternative embodiment, there is provided an endoluminal filter, having a support structure; and a filtering structure attached to the support structure; wherein, the support structure is generally symmetrical about a plane that is parallel to the flow direction of the filter and contains both ends of the support structure.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to perfusion catheters and distal protection devices. According to an embodiment, the present invention includes a distal protection filter comprising an elongate shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, a distal protection device disposed at the distal end, a coupling member that couples the elongate shaft to the distal protection device, and a first space between the coupling member and the elongate shaft. A method of filtering debris from a blood vessel is also disclosed.

Abstract: A filter for filtering micro-emboli from a patient's blood during an angioplasty procedure is disclosed which comprises a plurality of curved wires connected to a rod between a first connector fixed with respect to the rod and a second connector slidingly mounted on the rod. Two layers of filter material are connected to opposite sides of the wires, and each layer includes perforations which are offset from the perforations in the other layer. When the rod and the wires are disposed within a catheter, the inner wall of the catheter compresses the wires toward the rod and when the rod is extended from the catheter, the wires resume their curved shape and pull the sliding connector along the rod toward the fixed connector.

Abstract: The invention relates to method and apparatus for relieving headaches. The method broadly comprises the step of applying a sufficient force to a given area of the triangular fossa region of the patient's ear for a sustained period of time effective for treating the patient by reducing the perceived pain of the headache. Apparatus is disclosed for employing the method, the apparatus comprising a banded earplug device having a biased headband positionable about the head of the patient and a pair of pods at opposite ends of the biased headband. The pods are placeable in compressive engagement with an area of the triangular fossa region in each of the patient's ears.

Abstract: Surgical instruments and methods are provided. In one aspect, a method of securing a fixation device within an opening in a tissue is provided, including delivering a material in a flowable state to said opening, and changing the state of the material so that the material forms an interference fit that secures the fixation device in the opening.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided which may be used for suturing, including performing a totally transoral surgical procedure, such as a posterior gastropexy procedure. A suture lock and cut assembly is provided to lock and cut one or more sutures in one motion, which motion can be a non-curved, non rotational linear motion. The suture lock and cut assembly with one or more sutures threaded therethrough may be pushed through, for example, a patient's esophagus and into the stomach by the tip of an endoscope, or alternatively, sized to be fed through the working channel of the endoscope.

Abstract: The pedicle screw (1) for intervertebral support elements (3) consists of a shaft (10) and a head (2) comprising at least two parts (20, 22). The head is formed as a securing means for at least one support element (3). Each support element consists of a piece of a cable-like band (31) and a cylindrical support body (30) with an axial lumen (31? containing the band. The band is securable outside end surfaces (32) of the support body in the head. The head is formed with a contact surface (23) via which a pressure stress can be exerted on the support body in the band direction, and indeed using the band and in cooperation with a further pedicle screw.

Abstract: Devices and methods for spinal stabilization include first and second anchor assemblies engageable to respective ones of first and second vertebrae and a connecting element engageable to the first and second anchor assemblies. The connecting element includes opposite first and second end members and a bumper assembly between the end members that flexibly connects the end members so the connecting element can provide dynamic stabilization of the spinal column when engaged to the anchor assemblies.

Abstract: A stabilization system for a human spine is provided comprising at least one dynamic interbody device and at least two dynamic posterior stabilization systems. The dynamic posterior stabilization system may be coupled on contralateral sides of vertebrae. In some embodiments, a bridge may couple a dynamic interbody device to a dynamic posterior stabilization system.

Abstract: A spinal fixation system having a modular construction to allow universal application to varying spine anatomy and load requirements of individual vertebral attachment members, while reducing requirements for large inventories to optimize spinal fixation. Modularity allows the individual attachment members, once attached optimally to bone, to be attached to a variety of interconnecting structural members optimized for load carrying capacity.

Abstract: A pedicle screw is pre-connected to a longitudinal member by an articulation joint. The articulation range is through an angle extending at least from a 90° angle between the longitudinal axis of the pedicle screw and the longitudinal axis of the longitudinal member to an angle sufficiently near a coaxial orientation between those longitudinal axes to permit the first pedicle screw to be screwed into a pedicle of a first vertebra with the longitudinal member attached to the first pedicle screw. A lock fixes the longitudinal member to the first pedicle screw in a selected orientation. A second pedicle screw has an anchor joint with a lock for receiving and being fixed to the longitudinal member after the longitudinal member is rotated into engagement with the anchor joint. The pre-connection with sufficient articulation eliminates the need to connect the longitudinal member to one of the pedicle screws through an incision and assures proper alignment of any bend placed in the longitudinal member.

Abstract: A bone screw having a screw member possessing a threaded section and a head and a receiving part at the head end for receiving a rod to be connected to the bone screw is provided. The receiving part has on open first bore and a substantially U-shaped cross-section having two free legs provided with a thread. Furthermore, the receiving part has a second bore on the end opposite to the first bore whose diameter is greater than that of the threaded section and smaller than that of the head. On the bottom of the first bore a seat for the head is provided. In order that the screw member can be pivoted to at least one side by an enlarged angle, the edge bounding the free end of the second bore viewed relative to the axis of the first bore is of asymmetric construction.

Abstract: System, including methods, apparatus, and kits, for fixing ribs with bone plates.

Abstract: A bone anchoring nail is provided having a threadless shaft with a free end, a head opposite to the free end, the head having a substantially U-shaped recess for accommodation of a rod or a rod-shaped element, a longitudinal bore extending through the shaft and opening towards any one of the head and the free end and a plurality of openings extending through the wall of the shaft and being in communication with the bore. The bone anchoring nail allows quick insertion and reliable fixation enhanced by the in-growth of blood vessels.

Abstract: An expanding plug for tendon fixation features a two-part system in which an expansion pin fits inside a fixation sleeve. The fixation sleeve is configured to expand diametrically to achieve interference fixation of a graft tendon inside of a bone tunnel. Fixation sleeve expansion is urged by a two-step engagement of the expansion pin. The tendon graft is assembled to the expanding bolt and situated within a bone tunnel. Passing suture is used to pull a joint-line end of the expansion pin into the tunnel to partially expand the fixation sleeve at the joint-line end. Pulling a graft end of the expansion pin toward the joint line expands the fixation sleeve to place the expanding plug in the fully deployed configuration.

Abstract: A system and method for the treatment of body tissue is provided that includes a radiation-emitting device and a massaging mechanism. In accordance with one embodiment, the radiation-emitting device is a laser and the massaging mechanism is an automated mechanical massaging mechanism. The radiation-emitting device can emit radiation in one or both of the visible and infrared wavelengths. The radiation-emitting device can emit radiation in a concentric combination of infrared and visible laser light. The method of using the tissue treatment system includes exposing a skin surface of a patient to radiation emitted from the radiation-emitting device at predetermined wavelengths for predetermined periods of time. The method further provides for massaging the exposed skin surface of the patient with the massaging mechanism. The tissue treatment system can be utilized to effect the reduction of excess cellulite.