Patents Issued in June 7, 2012
  • Publication number: 20120143299
    Abstract: An MRI compatible electrode circuit construct is provided. The construct includes at least two filter components constructed from an electrode wire. One filter component may be a resonant LC filter at or near an electrode/wire interface that resolves the issue of insufficient attenuation by effectively blocking the RF induced current on the wire from exiting the wire through the electrode. The second filter component may include one or more non-resonant filter(s) positioned along the length of the electrode wire that resolve(s) the issue of excessive heating of the resonant LC filter by significantly attenuating the current induced on the wire before it reaches the resonant LC filter. The non-resonant filter(s) may also attenuate the RF current reflected from the resonant LC filter thereby resolving the issue of the strong reflected power from the resonant filter and the associated dielectric heating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2012
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: Imricor Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas W. Lloyd, Steven R. Wedan, Gregg S. Stenzel
  • Publication number: 20120143300
    Abstract: Disclosed is a self-expanding medical implant for placement within a lumen of a patient. The implant comprises a woven or non-woven structure having a substantially tubular configuration, and is designed to be low-profile such that it is deliverable with a small diameter catheter. The implant has a high recoverability and desired mechanical properties.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2012
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: Arsenal Medical
    Inventors: Maria Palasis, Chang Cheng You, Daniel Concagh, Lee Core, Kicherl Ho, Upma Sharma, Greg Zugates
  • Publication number: 20120143301
    Abstract: An intravascular delivery device is disclosed comprising a delivery wire having a proximal and a distal end and an interior lumen extending there between and wherein said distal end comprises a connection interface adapted to matingly interlock with a proximal end portion of a medical implantable device, wherein said delivery device comprises a locking unit arranged to secure said connection interface in a locking position in which said medical implant is pivotably locked before a controlled release.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2010
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Inventors: Herbert Maslanka, Stevan Nielsen
  • Publication number: 20120143302
    Abstract: A catheter assembly includes a catheter having a proximal end and a distal end; an expandable device releasably attached to the catheter near the distal end; a generally tubular constraining sleeve extending around and compressing the device to an outer peripheral dimension suitable for endoluminal delivery; a tip fixedly secured to the distal end of the catheter; and a bridge member disposed between the tip and the expandable device so as to fill a gap therebetween as the catheter assembly is bent during endoluminal delivery of the expandable device to a treatment site.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2011
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Inventors: Justin W. Sokel, Stanislaw L Zukowski
  • Publication number: 20120143303
    Abstract: A device to release from an implant bed in the device a self-expanding implant by pulling back proximally, the length of the implant, a rolling membrane with an inner sleeve that extends distally to the distal end of the implant and an outer sleeve that extends proximally, from the distal end of the inner sleeve, the outer sleeve, during said release, pulling the distal end of the inner sleeve back proximally over the abluminal surface of the remainder of the inner sleeve, proximal of its distal end, the device having a slitter, that is caused to move proximally contemporaneously with the outer sleeve, to slit the inner sleeve progressively, starting at a distal point in the inner sleeve, and progressing proximally along the length of the inner sleeve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2011
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: C. R. BARD, INC.
    Inventors: Jürgen Dorn, Daniel Dietrich
  • Publication number: 20120143304
    Abstract: There is disclosed herein a transluminal delivery system for a self-expanding luminal prosthesis, the system comprising an inner catheter component (30) and a retractable sheath (12) to surround the component thereby to define an annular space to receive the prosthesis (10), the component exhibiting an anti-sliding component, for abutting a luminal surface portion of the prosthesis (10) to restrain the prosthesis from sliding with the sheath (12), and relative to the inner catheter (30), while the sheath retracts relative to the prosthesis to release the prosthesis progressively into the target bodily lumen characterised in that the anti-sliding component is or includes at least one sleeve (36, 50, 66, 76) having a length direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the annular space and having at least one bound portion (33, 52, 64, 65, 74) of its length that is not free to slide on the inner catheter, and at least one unbound portion of its length with a capability to slide axially on the inner catheter (
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: C. R. BARD, INC.
    Inventors: Martin Wübbeling, Daniel Dietrich, Erhard Elsasser, Beate Walter
  • Publication number: 20120143305
    Abstract: A vascular repair device includes a tubular graft body and a structural framework having at least two stents. A first stent of the stents is connected to the tubular graft body along an entirety of the first stent and a second of the stents includes a periodically changing shape that defines proximal apices having a first radii of curvature and distal apices having a second radii of curvature that is less than the first radii of curvature. The second stent is connected to the tubular graft body at the distal apices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2011
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: Bolton Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Humberto A. Berra, Samuel Arbefeuille, Gerry Ouellette
  • Publication number: 20120143306
    Abstract: A stent-graft including a helically-wound stent component provided with a covering of graft material. It is removable from the site of implantation by gripping an end of the helically-wound stent component with a retrieval device and applying tension to the stent component. The use of such a retrieval device allows the stent-graft to be removed remotely, such as via a catheter inserted into the body at a different location from the implantation site. The design of the stent-graft is such that the stent component is extended axially while the adjacent portion of the graft separates between windings of the stent component. The axial extension of the stent component, with portions of the graft still joined to the stent component, allows the device to be unravelled and removed through a catheter of diameter adequately small to be inserted into the body cavity that contained the stent-graft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2011
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Inventors: Edward H. Cully, Erin B. Hutchinson, Michael J. Vonesh, Woodrow W. Watson
  • Publication number: 20120143307
    Abstract: A stent (10) formed by slitting a tube to create a matrix of struts which are separated from each other by no more than the width of the slit and which lie more or less parallel to each other and to the longitudinal axis of the tube, the slitted tube being radially expandable to a stenting disposition in which the struts exhibit a zigzag pattern in successive loops around the circumference of the stent, the angle each strut makes with the longitudinal axis increasing as the stent diameter increases the zigzag pattern exhibiting a cusp between any two adjacent struts with selected tied cusps of any one loop being connected by a bridge (12) to a facing cusp of the adjacent loop, the bridge extending in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tube and with intervening free cusps (46, 48), between any two bridge of a loop, not being connected to the adjacent loop the zigzag pattern exhibiting a lengthwise staggering of circumferentially adjacent said slits to the extent that the lengths of two circum
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2010
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Inventor: Gael Dreher
  • Publication number: 20120143308
    Abstract: Segmented articulatable stent of open structure comprised of end-connected struts of first and second lengths making up first and second segments with angular interconnects between adjacent first and second segments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Inventor: Brian J. BROWN
  • Publication number: 20120143309
    Abstract: Segmented articulatable stent of open structure comprised of end-connected struts of first and second lengths making up first and second segments with angular interconnects between adjacent first and second segments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Inventor: Brian J. BROWN
  • Publication number: 20120143310
    Abstract: Segmented articulatable stent of open structure comprised of end-connected struts of first and second lengths making up first and second segments with angular interconnects between adjacent first and second segments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Inventor: Brian J. BROWN
  • Publication number: 20120143311
    Abstract: Segmented articulatable stent of open structure comprised of end-connected struts of first and second lengths making up first and second segments with angular interconnects between adjacent first and second segments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Inventor: Brian J. BROWN
  • Publication number: 20120143312
    Abstract: Segmented articulatable stent of open structure comprised of end-connected struts of first and second lengths making up first and second segments with angular interconnects between adjacent first and second segments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Inventor: Brian J. BROWN
  • Publication number: 20120143313
    Abstract: Segmented articulatable stent of open structure comprised of end-connected struts of first and second lengths making up first and second segments with angular interconnects between adjacent first and second segments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Inventor: Brian J. BROWN
  • Publication number: 20120143314
    Abstract: Segmented articulatable stent of open structure comprised of end-connected struts of first and second lengths making up first and second segments with angular interconnects between adjacent first and second segments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Inventor: Brian J. BROWN
  • Publication number: 20120143315
    Abstract: Segmented articulatable stent of open structure comprised of end-connected struts of first and second lengths making up first and second segments with angular interconnects between adjacent first and second segments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Inventor: Brian J. BROWN
  • Publication number: 20120143316
    Abstract: A prosthetic valve comprises a valve assembly having a base, a plurality of leaflets, and commissures. The valve also comprises a support stent having a plurality of expandable cells and a plurality of longitudinal struts. The support stent is configured to be collapsible for transluminal delivery and expandable to contact the anatomical annulus of the native valve when the prosthetic valve is positioned in situ. The support stent supports the base. The commissures of the valve assembly are secured at the longitudinal struts and adjacent one or more of the expandable cells. The longitudinal struts of the support stent further comprise a plurality of holes, and the plurality of leaflets are secured to the longitudinal struts via threads passing through the plurality of holes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2011
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: Medtronic CoreValve LLC
    Inventors: Jacques Seguin, Georg Börtlein
  • Publication number: 20120143317
    Abstract: Described herein are vascular remodeling devices that include a proximal section, an intermediate section, and a distal section. During deployment, the proximal section can expand from a compressed delivery state to an expanded state and anchors the device in an afferent vessel of a bifurcation. The distal section expands from the compressed delivery state to an expanded state that may be substantially planar, approximately semi-spherical, umbrella shaped, or reverse umbrella shaped. The distal section is positioned in a bifurcation junction across the neck of an aneurysm or within an aneurysm. The intermediate section allows perfusion to efferent vessels. Before or after the device is in position, embolic material may be used to treat the aneurysm. The distal section can act as a scaffolding to prevent herniation of the embolic material. The device can be used for clot retrieval with integral distal embolic protection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2011
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: TYCO HEALTHCARE GROUP LP
    Inventors: Anh CAM, Michael Louis LOSORDO, Jianlu MA, Luong NGUYEN, Sanjay SHRIVASTAVA, John WAINWRIGHT, Xiaoling ZHAO
  • Publication number: 20120143318
    Abstract: The invention relates to an implant consisting of a metallic magnesium alloy that can be resorbed by the body, said metallic material being a magnesium alloy consisting of at least 96% w/w of magnesium, at least 1% w/w of manganese and at least 0.5% w/w of at least one metal of the rare earth group.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2010
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Inventor: Manfred Gulcher
  • Publication number: 20120143319
    Abstract: The present invention satisfies the long felt need for a more compact and durable valve which may be formed in situ. The present invention provides a self-deployable valve system, a method of delivery, and a method of manufacturing for the self-deployable valve system. The present invention delivers the necessary components for forming a complete valve system in situ. The collapsed subcomponents of the system lack any functional characteristics commonly associated with a valve before being expanded. However, once expanded, the system is transformed into a competent valve for use in a wide variety of applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2012
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Inventors: Arash Kheradvar, Morteza Gharib
  • Publication number: 20120143320
    Abstract: A method according to one embodiment may include providing a heart valve implant including an anchor capable of engaging coronary tissue, a shaft coupled to said anchor, and a valve body coupled to said shaft. The method may further include at least partially collapsing the heart valve implant and percutaneously inserting the heart valve implant into a heart. The percutaneously inserted implant may be secured within the heart and may then be expanded. Of course, many alternatives, variations, and modifications are possible without departing from this embodiment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2012
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: CARDIOSOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Kenneth Arden Eliasen, Steven J. Tallarida, Adrian Ebner
  • Publication number: 20120143321
    Abstract: An annuloplasty ring having a three-dimensional discontinuous form generally arranged about an axis with two free ends that are axially offset. The ring is particularly suited for repair of the tricuspid valve, and more closely conforms to the annulus shape. The ring is more flexible in bending about radially extending axes than about the central axis. The ring may have an inner structural support covered by a pliable sleeve and/or a fabric tube. The structural support may have a varying cross-section, such as a C-shaped cross-section in a mid-section between two free ends and a rectangular cross-section at the free ends.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2012
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: EDWARDS LIFESCIENCES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Patrick M. McCarthy, Richard S. Rhee, Stefan G. Schreck
  • Publication number: 20120143322
    Abstract: An annuloplasty ring having a three-dimensional discontinuous form generally arranged about an axis with two free ends that are axially offset. The ring is particularly suited for repair of the tricuspid valve, and more closely conforms to the annulus shape. The ring is more flexible in bending about radially extending axes than about the central axis. The ring may have an inner structural support covered by a pliable sleeve and/or a fabric tube. The structural support may have a varying cross-section, such as a C-shaped cross-section in a mid-section between two free ends and a rectangular cross-section at the free ends.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2012
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: Edwards Lifesciences Corporation
    Inventors: Patrick M. McCarthy, Richard S. Rhee, Stefan G. Schreck
  • Publication number: 20120143323
    Abstract: A system (1) for altering the geometry of a heart (100), comprising an annuloplasty ring; a set of elongate annulus-papillary tension members (21, 22, 23, 24), adapted for forming a link between said ring (10) and a papillary muscle, and a first set of papillary anchors (30) for connecting each of the tension members (21, 22, 23, 24) to the papillary muscle; and where said annuloplasty ring (10) has at least one aperture (12, 13); where each of said annulus-papillary tension members (21, 22, 23, 24) are extendable through said ring (10) through said apertures (11, 12, 13), and through an atrium to an exterior side of said atrium, such that the distance of each link between the annulus and the muscles is adjustable from a position exterior to the heart while the heart is beating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2012
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: EDWARDS LIFESCIENCES AG
    Inventors: John Michael Hasenkam, Morten Smerup, Sten Lyager Nielsen
  • Publication number: 20120143324
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides aortic valve prosthetic devices that are constructed in an elliptical shape, or are expandable to an elliptical shape for improved results in the repair of defective aortic valves. The devices can be surgically implanted, or they can be implanted percutaneously through an insertion catheter. The expandable devices can be self-expanding or expanded by an inflatable balloon to an elliptical cross section geometry.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: BioStable Science & Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: J. Scott Rankin, Al Beavan, William E. Cohn
  • Publication number: 20120143325
    Abstract: Corneal inlays and masks and methods of improving vision of a patient with corneal inlays and masks are provided. Masks with an aperture can improve the vision of a patient, such as by increasing the depth of focus of an eye of a patient. For example, a mask can have an annular portion with a relatively low visible light transmission surrounding a relatively high transmission central portion, such as a clear lens or aperture. This provides an annular mask with a small aperture for light to pass through to the retina to increase depth of focus. The mask may also include nutrient transport structures that provide nutrient flow through mask to prevent nutrient depletion. These nutrient transport structures can be configured to concentrate nutrient transmission near a center region of the mask to provide more nutrient flow near the center region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2010
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: AcuFocus, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce Christie, Edward W. Peterson, Corina Van De Pol
  • Publication number: 20120143326
    Abstract: An apparatus, system and method including an ophthalmic lens having an optic with an anterior surface, a posterior surface, and an optical axis. The ophthalmic lens further includes a first region having a first optical power and a second region having a second optical power. The ophthalmic lens further includes a third region having an optical power that progresses from the first optical power to the second optical power. The progression may be uniform or non-uniform. Each of the first, second and progression optical power may include a base power and an optical add power. Each of the first, second and progression regions may provide a first focus, a second focus and a plurality of third foci, respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2011
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: AMO Groningen B.V.
    Inventors: Carmen Canovas Vidal, Marrie H. Van Der Mooren, Hendrik A. Weeber
  • Publication number: 20120143327
    Abstract: A deformable intraocular has a haptic that supports the optic around its equator and couples the optic to the capsular bag of the eye. The haptic may include a cap on one or both surfaces of the lens. The lens may include a force transfer member-that couples forces from the haptic to the cap, so that a radial force on the haptic changes the curvature of the cap. The cap may be made of the haptic material, which is stiffer than the optic material, and can influence the deformation of the lens during accommodation. A cap on the anterior surface may produce an axial movement of the lens in an anterior direction during accommodation. The cap may also protect the surfaces of the optic during handling and installation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: Abbott Medical Optics Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy R. Bumbalough
  • Publication number: 20120143328
    Abstract: A variable cohesive gel form stabilizing implant is provided for augmentation or reconstruction of the breast. The prosthesis includes a shell filled with a gel having variations in cohesiveness to maintain stable form, shape, and dimension after surgical implantation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2011
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: ALLERGAN, INC.
    Inventors: G. Patrick Maxwell, Thomas E. Powell, Daniel A. Carlisle
  • Publication number: 20120143329
    Abstract: Disclosed is a mammary prosthetic implant with an expandable mammary prosthesis that expands to an enlarged state after implantation. A prosthetic device supports, and conforms to the shape of, the mammary prosthesis before, during, and after the mammary prosthesis is expanding within the implantation site. The prosthetic device has an absorbable main body formed of other than biological tissue, and is penetrable for the in-growth of dermal or subcutaneous tissue. The main body has an anterior end portion, an opposite posterior end portion, and a size relative to the mammary prosthesis upon implantation so that the anterior end portion engages an incised portion of a pectoralis major extending anteriorly of the mammary prosthesis while the opposite posterior end portion engages tissue inferiorly spaced from the incised portion of the pectoralis major and near the inframammary fold. Methods of preparing and using a prosthetic device as described herein also are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2011
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: Northwestern University
    Inventor: John YS Kim
  • Publication number: 20120143330
    Abstract: A breast implant having a fluid holding and flexible membrane body. A plurality of tabs are located along a perimeter extending side or underside of the body and are adapted for engaging a muscle layer upon which the body is supported. Inner defining partitioning walls establishing a plurality of chambers and include vents at inner locations in order to manage the transfer of fluid between the chambers. A corresponding nipple implant body also includes a reservoir chamber and an interconnected nipple extender chamber via a stop or check valve positioned therebetween, with the outermost nipple extender chamber being repositionable along a surface of the implant body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2011
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: RE-CONTOUR, LLC
    Inventor: Miguel A. Linares
  • Publication number: 20120143331
    Abstract: A tapered sleeve is provided that includes a lubricating coating on an inner surface. An implant (e.g., a pre-filled silicon breast implant) is introduced into a large end of the sleeve and extruded into a surgical pocket of minimal access incision size through a small-sized end of the apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2012
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Inventors: Kevin Keller, Judy Jones Senn
  • Publication number: 20120143332
    Abstract: A tapered sleeve is provided that includes a lubricating coating on an inner surface. An implant (e.g., a pre-filled silicon breast implant) is introduced into a large end of the sleeve and extruded into a surgical pocket of minimal access incision size through a small-sized end of the apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2012
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Inventors: Kevin Keller, Judy Jones Senn
  • Publication number: 20120143333
    Abstract: An intervertebral connection system wherein the bone anchor has a helical configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2011
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Inventors: Richard Pellegrino, Christine Rusbarsky
  • Publication number: 20120143334
    Abstract: A load-bearing osteoimplant which comprises a shaped, coherent aggregate of bone particles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2012
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd M. Boyce, Lawrence A. Shimp, Albert Manrique, John M. Winterbottom
  • Publication number: 20120143335
    Abstract: The present specification contemplates a spinal implant device that goes into, for example, a corpectomy defect in any part of the spine. In one aspect, the device is substantially tubular and is comprised of two hollow rods that coaxially slide on one another. The device can thus then expand in length and can be locked or fixed at a particular length. The device is hollow to configure a malleable trocar to be placed into the device. With this trocar, polymethymethacrylate (PMMA) can be injected and packed into the vertebral body cephlad and caudad. Finally the device can be locked at a desired length by crimping it or locking it using other fastening means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2010
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Inventor: Daniel Dongwahn Lee
  • Publication number: 20120143336
    Abstract: A system and method of securing an intervertebral fusion cage within the intervertebral space between adjacent vertebra in which one or more slots are provided in an anterior surface of the cage each extending from an oversized aperture. A retention plate having a post and enlarged head is advanced into each slot via the oversized aperture and captured therein. The post is advanced to the terminal end of the plate and secured to vertebral body at its distal end by a bone screw. A locking clip is slideably positioned on the retention plate to prevent withdrawal of the bone screw. The slots preferably extend to margins of the anterior surface of the cage in, for example, the pattern of an “X” or an “H”. Sliding of the posts in the slots prevents the system from carrying the vertebral load (load shielding) and permits reduction in the intervertebral space to promote bone growth and fusion by graft material retained in the spacer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2011
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Inventors: Kamran Aflatoon, Chris Maurer
  • Publication number: 20120143337
    Abstract: The invention involves a fusion implant for a facet joint, comprising a bearing module (1) and a fusion module (2), in which the fusion model (2) is arranged on the bearing module (1) and has a holder for transfacetal fastening means (65), whereby the bearing module (1) includes an expansion element and jaw elements (4, 4?), which have contact surfaces (43) for the lamina (93) on their outer sides moving away from each other and which are arranged to move longitudinally on a guide, so that the distance of the fusion module (6) is changeable using the expansion element. The bearing module forms a secure and safe anchoring for the fusion module, which can be repositioned. In addition, the bearing module has the effect of an augmentation, and as a result treatment is possible even on vertebrae that are weakened by defects.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2011
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: DERU GMBH
    Inventors: Harm-Iven Jensen, Helmut D. Link
  • Publication number: 20120143338
    Abstract: A nucleus pulposus of an intervertebral disc is supplemented or replaced by a physiologically fully hydrated solid hydrogel intervertebral body comprising a polyvinyl alcohol copolymer, wherein the solid hydrogel intervertebral body exhibits an osmotic pressure of from 0.1 to 0.3 megapascals prior to insertion into a patient, the solid hydrogel intervertebral body having a ratio of length to principal transverse dimension not less than about 5:1.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2012
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: Synthes USA, LLC
    Inventors: Edward VRESILOVIC, Michael F. KEANE, Alastair J.T. CLEMOW, Nigel G. SMITH
  • Publication number: 20120143339
    Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed for expanding a spinal canal. An implantable device having a shaft with a first cross-sectional dimension distinct from a second cross-sectional dimension can be inserted into an opening in a lamina and rotated 90 degrees to hinge the lamina away from the spinal canal. The implant can have one or more radiused edges, a bulleted tip, one or more lateral extensions for fastening the implantable device to bone, one or more hinged lateral extensions, one or more arcuate protrusions for biting into adjacent bone, an enlarged proximal head to prevent over-insertion, and/or a sleeve disposed therearound to reduce friction. Various embodiments of an insertion apparatus that can be selectively coupled to the implantable device are also disclosed, along with methods of expanding a spinal canal in minimally-invasive procedures using an implantable device and/or an insertion apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2012
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: DEPUY SPINE, INC.
    Inventors: John C. Voellmicke, Michael A. Slivka, Michael A. Fisher
  • Publication number: 20120143340
    Abstract: An intervertebral fixation device and system are disclosed, including a weight-bearing shell, first anchor, second anchor, and key. The shell includes a first and second opposing sidewalls, a keyway that extends between and through the first and second sidewalls, and a first axis of rotation and a second axis of rotation that extend between the first and second sidewalls. The first anchor is rotatably coupled to the shell about a first axis of rotation and is disposed in a first orientation. The second anchor is rotatably coupled to the shell about a second axis of rotation and is disposed in a second orientation. The second orientation is divergent from the first orientation. The key is configured to be disposed in the keyway to support the first anchor in a third orientation and the second anchor in a fourth orientation. The third orientation is divergent from the fourth orientation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2012
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL SPINAL INNOVATIONS, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph Aferzon, Jeffrey A. Bash
  • Publication number: 20120143341
    Abstract: A method of implanting an intervertebral implant with differentiation of tissue includes: providing electromagnetic radiation into an intervertebral space; visualizing a first color of a first tissue portion located at the intervertebral space, the first color being in response to the provided electromagnetic radiation; visualizing a second color of a second tissue portion located at the intervertebral space, the second color being differentiated from the first color in response to the provided electromagnetic radiation, wherein the first tissue portion and second tissue portion are both substantially similar under normal ambient light; visualizing damage to an intervertebral disc between adjacent vertebras from the first color and the second color; and inserting an intervertebral implant into the intervertebral space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2012
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: ARTHRODISC, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Richard I. Zipnick
  • Publication number: 20120143342
    Abstract: A knee prosthesis includes a femoral component having two condyles and an asymmetrical cam extending between the condyles. The cam has a medial end and a lateral end. The knee prosthesis also includes a tibial component having bearing surfaces and a post disposed between the bearing surfaces. The femoral component and tibial component are engageable by contact between the femoral condyles and tibial bearing surfaces, and by contact between the cam and post. The cam includes a first curvature defined by a first plane passing through the cam, and a second curvature defined by a second plane passing through the cam, the first curvature having a first vertex, and the second curvature having a second vertex, the distance between the first vertex and a medial plane being greater than the distance between the second vertex and the medial plane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2011
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: AESCULAP AG
    Inventors: William Mihalko, Khaled J. Saleh, Said Moussa, Dominique Mouillet
  • Publication number: 20120143343
    Abstract: A prosthesis to replace a portion of the anatomy, such as the acetabulum, can include a first portion. A second prosthesis portion can be positioned relative to the shell to provide the bearing surface to articulate with a femoral head prosthesis or femoral head. The second prosthesis portion can include a connection portion to engage a connection portion in the shell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2012
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: Biomet Manufacturing Corp.
    Inventors: Jason D. Meridew, Troy W. Hershberger
  • Publication number: 20120143344
    Abstract: The present invention relates to universal liner assemblies for use during hip joint replacement surgeries. The universal liners allow the surgeon a greater degree of selection of liners and shells, without being tied to typical liner/shell connections based on material connection constraints.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2011
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: SMITH & NEPHEW, INC.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Joel SHEA, Vincent W. SHOTTON, David C. KELMAN
  • Publication number: 20120143345
    Abstract: This invention relates to a fixing apparatus for fixing an apnea stent in the respiratory duct, the fixing apparatus (10) having a fixing device which can be fixed to a proximal end (2) of the apnea stent (1). The fixing apparatus distinguishes itself in that the fixing device has two clamping members (11, 12) between which the proximal end (2) of the apnea stent (1) can be fixed. This invention also relates to a joining member for connecting an apnea stent (1) and an insertion bar (5), a cleaning tube for receiving an apnea stent and a system for splinting the respiratory duct, comprising an apnea stent and a fixing apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2010
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: DR. KLAUS DUERING
    Inventors: Klaus Duering, Joachim Georg Pfeffer
  • Publication number: 20120143346
    Abstract: A kit of modular prosthetic hip components includes a first neck having a coupling element thereon. First and second hip stems each have a coupling element at a proximal end thereof for connecting to the coupling element of the first neck. The first and second hip stems have a progressively larger medial-lateral dimension in a proximal portion thereof. The coupling element on each of the first and second hip stems is located at a different medial-lateral location thereon with the coupling element located more medially and proximally on the second stem than the first stem. The first neck forms an identical first neck angle with a proximal-distal axis of the respective first and second stems. The coupling elements on the first and second stems locate a head mounted on the first neck in the same proximal-distal location but a different medial-lateral location with respect to an acetabulum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2010
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: HOWMEDICA OSTEONICS CORP.
    Inventors: Tracy Rickels, William Huffnagle
  • Publication number: 20120143347
    Abstract: The invention relates to elastomeric, polymeric bone substitute compositions, methods for their preparation and their use in clinical applications, such as bone engineering and regeneration applications. The bone substitute compositions are osteoconductive in the absence of a biomolecule component. The bone substitute compositions are capable to regenerate bone in vitro or in vivo. The bone substitute compositions can be implanted into a bone defective site of a patient, and particularly, in the orthopedic, dental and caraniofacial areas of the patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2011
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: University of Pittsburgh - Of The Commonwealth System Of Higher Education
    Inventors: Yadong Wang, Charles Sfeir
  • Publication number: 20120143348
    Abstract: An endoluminal lining (1) for internally lining a hollow organ comprises a flexible tubular sleeve body (3), at least one anchoring portion (6) formed at an end (4) of the sleeve body and provided for the connection of the sleeve body (3) to the hollow organ, wherein the anchoring portion (6) comprises a tubular, longitudinally slit anchoring wall (7) elastically biased in a coiled compacted shape and deformable to an expanded substantially tubular shape for engaging the hollow organ (2), as well as locking means adapted to keep the anchoring wall (7) in the expanded shape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2011
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Inventor: James W. Voegele