Showing papers in "Official Gazette of the United States Patent and Trademark Office Patents in 1996"

Sterilizable endoscope with separable auxiliary assembly

Abstract: An endoscope with separable auxiliary assembly is provided that includes a cylindrical shaped endoscope that is insertable within a sterile end cap with attached sterile drape, the drape being extendable over the length of the endoscope and its trailing cables thus isolating the endoscope and its trailing cables from the environment. A sterile separable channel section is provided that releasably attaches to the end cap. The separable channel section has a plurality of longitudinal channels running therethrough so that operative fluids, gases or operative instruments may be applied to the surgical site. To enable a surgeon to obtain selectable images of an operative site, a detachable viewing head may be attached to the distal end of the endoscope prior to placement of the endoscope inside the end cap.

Very large scale immobilized polymer synthesis using mechanically directed flow paths

Abstract: A method and device for forming large arrays of polymers on a substrate (401). According to a preferred aspect of the invention, the substrate is contacted by a channel block (407) having channels (409) therein. Selected reagents are flowed through the channels, the substrate is rotated by a rotating stage (403), and the process is repeated to form arrays of polymers on the substrate. The method may be combined with light-directed methodolgies.

Anterior spinal instrumentation and method for implantation and revision

Abstract: A system and method for anterior fixation of the spine utilizes a cylindrical implant engaged in the intra-disc space at the cephalad and caudal ends of the construct. The implants are cylindrical fusion devices (10) filled with bone material to promote ingrowth and fusion of the disc space. An attachment member is connected to each of the fusion devices (10) and bone screws (30) having similar attachment members (33) are engaged in the vertebral bodies of the intermediate vertebrae. A spinal rod (50) is connected to each of the attachment members using an eyebolt assembly (53-55). In a further inventive method, a revision of the construct is achieved by removing the fusion devices. Each fusion device is engaged by an elongated guide member (62) over which a cylindrical trephine (70) is advanced. The trephine (70) has an inner diameter larger than the diameter of the fusion implant.

Flexible lifting apparatus

Abstract: A lifting apparatus for deployment through a laparoscopic incision in a body wall to apply an external lifting force over a large area of the body wall. The apparatus provides a broad lifting surface that is capable of applying a lifting force of at least 40 pounds (180 Newtons) to an area of a body wall sufficiently extensive to reduce the lifting pressure exerted on the body wall to well below that which could cause pressure trauma to the body wall, yet delivers this broad lifting surface through the body wall via an incision about 14 mm long. The apparatus comprises a body wall engaging element capable of passing in a packaged state through the laparoscopic incision, and being inflatable to an inflated state. In the inflated state, the body wall engaging element is substantially toroidal, provides a broad lifting face, and bounds a central hole. The body wall engaging element includes an equatorial portion facing into the central hole. The apparatus also includes a flexible lifting element that has a flexible portion capable of passing through the laparoscopic incision. The flexible portion is attached to the equatorial portion of the body wall engaging element and extends from the equatorial portion towards the broad lifting face. The flexible lifting element also includes an adapter, connected to part of the flexible portion remote from the equatorial portion of the body wall engaging element, that receives the external lifting force and transfers the external lifting force to the flexible portion.

Bipolar Electrosurgical scissors

Abstract: Bipolar electrosurgical scissors are disclosed having a pair of blades joined for relative movement in a scissor-like action between open and closed positions. At least one of the blades comprises a tissue contacting surface and first and second spaced apart electrodes extending along the surface. Current flow between the first and second electrodes promotes hemostasis in tissue contacting the surface. Preferably, each blade of the scissors includes first and second spaced-apart electrodes.

Bidirectional steering catheter

Abstract: A bidirectional steering catheter comprising a distal electrode assembly, a flexible tip assembly, an elongated shaft having a central lumen running the length of the shaft, and a handle/actuator. A plurality of ring electrodes are attached to the surface of the flexible tip assembly. Signal wires running the length of the catheter are electrically connected to each ring electrode. At least two pull cables having first and second ends extend distally through the central lumen. The first end of each pull cable is attached to the handle/actuator. The second end of each pull cable is attached to the distal electrode assembly, such that the distal electrode assembly may be moved between a first and second position within a single plane by manipulating the handle/actuator. At least two reinforcement members are located inside the flexible tip assembly. Each reinforcement member has a proximal section, a middle section and a distal section. Each proximal section has a larger diameter than each middle section, thus being stiffer than the middle section. This variable stiffness along the length of each reinforcement member distributes stresses evenly along the length of the tip assembly.

Wound closure apparatus and method

Abstract: Apparatus for suturing a wound in a body wall having an axis extending between a proximal end and a distal end. A handle is disposed at the proximal end and a pair of needles disposed at the distal end, the needles being movable between a proximal position and a distal position. A suture manipulator carried by the cannula is insertable through the wound and operable to manipulate the suture into an engaging relationship with the needles on the far side of the body wall. A finger tab is movable on the handle in a single distal direction through multiple stage. In a first stage the needles are deployed; in a second stage, the suture manipulator is activated to thread the needles; and in a third stage the suture is released from a tensioning mechanism. In an associated method the needles are threaded on the far side of the body wall and withdrawn from the wound providing access to the suture ends on the near side of the body wall. Tying the suture ends closes the wound.

Substituted 2-anilinopyrimidines useful as protein kinase inhibitors

Abstract: Compounds of formula (1) are described and the salts, solvates, hydrates and N-oxides thereof, in which R?1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6 and R7? have the meanings given in Claim 1. The compounds are selective inhibitors of protein kinases, especially src-family protein kinases and are of use in the prophylaxis and treatment of immune diseases, hyperproliferative disorders and other diseases in which inappropriate protein kinase action is believed to have a role.

Electrosurgical treatment of tissue in electrically conductive fluid

Abstract: A method is provided for applying electrical energy to a tissue structure within a patient's body. The method includes positioning an electrosurgical probe adjacent to the tissue structure so that an electrode array including a plurality of isolated electrode terminals is brought into at least partial contact with the body structure. A high frequency voltage is then applied between each electrode terminal within the electrode array and a common, return electrode. Current flow from the electrode terminals is selectively limited to minimize low electrical impedance paths emanating from the electrode array. The present invention takes advantage of the differences in electrical properties between a target tissue and the surrounding conductive liquid (e.g. isotonic saline irrigant) in the region immediately adjacent to the electrode array to ablate the target tissue while minimizing overheating of the surrounding liquid.

Self-limiting set screw for use with spinal implant systems

Abstract: The invention relates to a set screw (5) having a self-limiting external torque head (10). The head has a hexagonal external cross section and an internal bore (35) which extends through a necked portion (30). The necked portion joins the external torque head to the threaded screw portion (20) of the set screw. The necked portion has a cross-sectional thickness and strength to provide for shearing at a perdetermined load limit, such as from about 54 pounds per inch to about 64 pounds per inch. The threaded screw portion has an internal hex (50) to allow for the internal application of loosening torque at about two thirds of the tightening torque limit, i.e., to provide a loosening torque of about 40 pounds per inch. The screw member includes a high compression, rod contacting surface such as a knurled surface (27).

Laparoscopic access port for surgical instruments or the hand

Abstract: A flexible, fluid-tight envelope provides access for a hand and surgical instruments through a body tissue incision while maintaining insufflation pressure or a pneumoperitoneum within the body. The envelope is transparent and has an interior volume with opposite proximal and distal ends. A first opening in the envelope at the proximal end adjoins the incision in the body tissue and is secured and sealed to the body tissue. The second opening at the envelope distal end is provided with a closure member that seals closed the second opening on itself or around the forearm of a surgeon or a surgical instrument inserted into the interior volume of the envelope.

Method for whitening teeth

Abstract: A method for whitening teeth which utilizes laser light to activate bleaching agents applied to the teeth. The mouth is first prepared so that the soft tissues of the gums are protected and only the teeth are exposed. The teeth are cleaned to remove any materials which will reduce or nullify the effects of the bleaching agents. A first bleaching composition comprising a peroxide compound is prepared and applied to the teeth. The teeth are exposed to laser light from an argon laser which light activates the peroxide to accelerate the bleaching process without heat. If further whitening is desired, a second bleaching composition comprising a peroxide compound is prepared and applied to the teeth. The teeth are briefly exposed to laser light from a carbon dioxide laser which heat activates the peroxide to accelerate the bleaching process.

System for providing hyperpolarization of cardiac to enhance cardiac function

Abstract: An implantable system providing cardiac anodal stimulation (AS) as a system for effecting hyperpolarization of myocardial cells of a heart chamber to enhance the relaxation thereof in the diastolic phase and to thereby enhance cardiac function. The AS system is optimally timed to be delivered in an AS delivery interval following an AS delay interval timed from a preceding ventricular depolarization or pacing pulse to effect maximal cardiac relaxation. The sub-threshold AS pulse or train of pulses is increased in energy (amplitude) and/or decreased in energy to and from a peak energy level gradually rather than abruptly. The AS characteristics are optimized in an initialization process that determines the AS characteristics that provide the optimum blood pressure parameters and thereafter continually or from time to time in a confirmation process. Confirmation of the AS characteristics is determined by measuring one or more blood pressure parameter in the right atrium or ventricle reflecting the blood pressure in the heart chamber subjected to the AS pulses and comparing the measured blood pressure parameter to the corresponding optimum blood pressure parameter determined in the initialization process. The initialization process is repeated if the comparison shows a deterioration in cardiac function response to the AS. The AS pulse waveforms are preferrably delivered through a plurality of discrete AS electrodes distributed about the heart chamber or through or large surface area epicardial patch or endocardial AS electrodes.

Remote surgery support system and method thereof

Abstract: A remote surgery supporting system and a method thereof produces a presentation of realism control data generated by realism control data generating means 101 from image data obtained from work environment data detecting means 104 and measurement data processing means 118 and from force and proximity data. While viewing this presentation, the surgical operator inputs actions through action command inputting means 114 and thereafter, diseased tissue manipulating means 102 executes a procedure on diseased part 125. The manipulation force of each surgical operator received from manipulation command generating means 103 and force reflection from the diseased part 125 are combined and presented to the action command inputting means 114. Thereby, a plurality of surgical operators can perform a surgerical operation while viewing the realism control data and sensing the manipulation force of other surgical operators and the force reflection from the diseased part. Thus, a master/slave type remote surgery supporting system which allows a plurality of surgical operators to perform a surgical operation which requires many degrees of freedom can be provided.

System and method for flow triggering of pressure supported ventilation by comparison of inhalation and exhalation flow rates

Abstract: The system and method for flow triggering pressure supported ventilation include a source of a predetermined, preinspiratory, constant flow of breathing gas to a patient, one or more flow sensors for measuring the rate of gas flow in a flow path communicating with the patient, means for determining when inhalation from the flow path has occurred, and means for generating pressure support in the delivered gas flow in response to inhalation by the patient, means to terminate pressure support when inspiratory phase concludes, and means to reestablish the predetermined, preinspiratory, continuous flow of breathing prior to the patient's next inspiratory effort. A plurality of individual gas sources preferably provide a controlled mixture of breathing gas. In combination with pressure support to the patient during the inspiration effort, the flow triggering strategy of the invention offers significant improvements in providing breath support to patients having weakened respiratory capabilities.

Neuronal stimulation using electrically conducting polymers

Abstract: Methods and support systems are provided for modifying the regeneration, differentiation, or function of cells In one embodiment, electrically conducting biocompatible polymers may be used alone or in combination with a polymeric support for in vitro nerve cell regeneration, or in vivo to aid in healing nervous tissue defects The conductive polymers may be implanted adjacent to or seeded with nerve cells Voltage or current is applied to the polymer in a range which induces the desired effect on the cells while not damaging the cells The methods and systems can be used in a variety of applications to enhance in vivo or in vitro growth or regeneration of nervous tissue

Device for vacuum-sealing an injury

Abstract: Described is a device for vacuum-sealing an injury (10), the injury being covered over by a film (14) to form an airtight seal. A drainage tube (18) laid under the film (14) is connected to a secretion-collection container (20). The container (20) is combined with a pump (24) so that the device can be used to provide ambulant aid.

Device for vapor sterilization of articles having lumens

Abstract: A method and device for enhancing the vapor sterilization of the lumen of medical instruments and like articles under reduced pressure. A vessel containing a small amount of a vaporizable liquid antimicrobial solution is attached to the lumen. The antimicrobial vaporizes and flows directly into the lumen of the article as the pressure is reduced for the sterilization cycle. Preferred embodiments illustrate a sealed chamber containing the antimicrobial and an opener for opening the chamber with the device already attached to the article. Preferably, the opener comprises a hollow spike. A ring between the opener and chamber must be removed prior to opening the chamber and removal of the ring destroys the ring so that it can not be replaced.

Remotely programmable matrices with memories and uses thereof

Abstract: Combinations, called matrices with memories, of matrix materials with remotely addressable or remotely programmable recording devices that contain at least one data storage unit are provided. The matrix materials are those that are used in as supports in solid phase chemical and biochemical syntheses, immunoassays and hybridization reactions. The matrix materials may additionally include fluophors or other luminescent moieties to produce luminescing matrices with memories. The data storage units are non-volatile antifuse memories or volatile memories, such as EEPROMS, DRAMS or flash memory. By virtue of this combination, molecules and biological particles, such as phage and viral particles and cells, that are in proximity or in physical contact with the matrix combination can be labeled by programming the memory with identifying information and can be identified by retrieving the stored information. Combinations of matrix materials, memories, and linked molecules and biological materials are also provided. The combinations have a multiplicity of applications, including combinatorial chemistry, isolation and purification of target macromolecules, capture and detection of macromolecules for analytical purposes, selective removal of contaminants, enzymatic catalysis, cell sorting, drug delivery, chemical modification and other uses. Methods for electronically tagging molecules, biological particles and matrix support materials, immuoassays, receptor binding assays, scintillation proximity assays, non-radioactive proximity assays, and other methods are also provided.

Species-specific and universal DNA probes and amplification primers to rapidly detect and identify common bacterial pathogens and associated antibiotic resistance genes from clinical specimens for routine diagnosis in microbiology laboratories

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for universal detection of bacteria in biological samples and for specific detection of Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Enterococcus faecalis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus mirabilis, Staphylococcus saprophyticus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Moraxella catarrhalis and Haemophilus influenzae in urine or any other biological samples, said method comprising denaturation of bacterial DNA to single stranded form and either fixing it on a support or leaving it in solution, contacting said single stranded genetic material with a labeled probe selected from the group consisting of i) fragments of chromosomal DNA of the above-mentioned bacteria and ii) synthetic oligonucleotides whose sequences are derived either from the said fragments of chromosomal DNAs or from sequences available in data banks, all (i and ii) probes being capable to hybridize specifically to their chromosomal DNA or, in case of universal probes, to any bacterial chromosomal DNA.

Bidirectional steerable catheter with deflectable distal tip

Abstract: A bidirectional catheter (10) with a deflectable tip (14) at a distal end includes a handle (12) at a proximal end (15) and a tubular member (11) extending between the tip and the handle. The handle includes a first piston member (16) slidably mounted in a handle base (20) with proximal ends of steering wires (22, 23) secured in the handle. The steering wires extend through the tubular member with respective distal ends thereof secured to circumferentially spaced portions (24, 25) of the distal end tip. Axial displacement of the piston member in a second direction conversely urges deflection of the distal end tip in a second direction by tensioning the other wire relative to the first wire. The piston member can include another piston member (17) slidable in the first piston member with the proximal ends of the steering wires secured in the first memtioned piston member and the handle member, respectively, and with the other piston member supporting a proximal end of the tubular member.

Flat-folded personal respiratory protection devices and processes for preparing same

Abstract: Fold-flat personal respiratory protection devices are provided. The devices have a flat central portion having first and second edges, a flat first member joined to the first edge of the central portion through either a fold-line, seam, weld or bond, said fold, bond, weld or seam of the first member being substantially coextensive with said first edge of said central portion, and a flat second member joined to the second edge of the central portion through either a fold-line, seam, weld or bond, the fold, bond, weld or seam of the second member being substantially coextensive with said second edge of said central portion. At least one of the central portion and first and second members are formed from filter media. The device is capable of being folded flat for storage with the first and second members being in at least partial face-to-face contact with a common surface of the central portion and, during use, is capable of forming a cup-shaped air chamber over the nose and mouth of the wearer with the unjoined edges of the central portion and first and second members adapted to contact and be secured to the nose, cheeks and chin of the wearer. The outer boundary of the unjoined edges which are adapted to contact the nose, cheeks and chin of the wearer are less than the perimeter of the device in the flat folded storage state. Also provided are processes for preparing such devices.

Device for the detection of analyte and administration of a therapeutic substance

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for the sampling of blood or other body fluids which includes means for the direct measurement of the analyte of interest within the fluid. Also disclosed is a `closed-loop` device and method wherein the analyte is measured and the required amount of drug is determined and injected, without removal of the device from the patient's body.

Dry powder inhaler

Abstract: A dry powder inhaler includes a housing, a dosing cartridge, and a spacer. Within the housing are a source of pressurized gas, a pressure gauge, a metered valve controlled by a trigger, a safety valve, and an electrostatic charger also controlled by the trigger. The dosing cartridge contains individual doses in airtight cells with one or more openings, each covered by an airtight coversheet. The system uses gas pressure or a penetration device to rupture one of the airtight cells, suspending the powder and directing it to a spacer for subsequent inhalation. The electrostatic charger discharges on the spacer, establishing an electrostatic charge thereon. The spacer includes a non-stick lining. The housing is designed so that it can retract into the spacer.

Device and method for monitoring dietary intake of calories and nutrients

Abstract: A portable, autonomous electronic device consisting of a barcode scanner, an updatable nutrition facts database, user memory to store product records of products eaten, and an integral readout display is disclosed that will allow a user to scan barcodes on food items consumed and keep a cumulative total of calories and other nutrients. Prepared packaged foods may have their barcodes read directly, while foods that are used in cooking or preparing other foods may be referenced by scanning from a printed generic foods barcode list provided with the device. Serving sizes can be adjusted to accurately reflect the intake of given food items. Daily cumulative totals of calories and several other nutrients can be displayed as bar graphs, and the incremental increase that would result from consuming a scanned item can be displayed with reference to what has already been consumed. Weekly calorie totals broken down by day can be displayed in order to give an estimation of how successfully the user has adhered to diet goals over a dietarily significant span of time. Barcode numbers of food items input into the device along with date and serving size consumed can be stored in user memory and downloaded to another device, for example a computer or printer, via an interface. Diet strategies can be personalized with respect to any one of or combination of several nutritional categories, such as calories, fat, etc.

Tissue heating and ablation systems and methods using electrode structures with distally oriented porous regions

Abstract: Systems and methods for heating or ablating body tissue use a porous electrode structure in which the porous section of the structure occupies more of the distal region of the structure than the proximal region. In a preferred embodiment, at least 1/3rd of the proximal region of the structure is free of pores. The porous section can be either ultraporous or microporous.

Flexible source wire for localized internal irradiation of tissue

Abstract: A flexible source wire (10) is provided containing a radioactive source (160) that is capable of maneuvering through a tortuous narrow passage to a treatment site within the body. This source wire (10) includes a thin flexible housing tube (120), housing therein a flexible backbone wire (130), wherein both the tube (120) and the wire (10) are constructed from a material exhibiting little or no memory retention when bent. A radioactive core (160) is provided in the proximal end of the flexible housing tube (120) and abuts the proximal end of the backbone wire (130). Both ends of the source wire (10) are sealed and the proximal end of the source wire (10) is rounded to allow ease of movement as it travels through the bends and turns in the body.

Liquid coolant supply system

Abstract: A liquid coolant supply system for supplying a liquid coolant to a thermal therapy catheter includes a sensor control unit, a liquid coolant containment unit and mounts. The sensor control unit includes a pump, a cooling device, a temperature sensor and a pressure sensor. The liquid coolant containment unit includes a sealed reservoir, a coolant-sensor interface module and a pump interface fluidly coupled to the thermal therapy catheter. The coolant-sensor interface module includes a body defining a fluid chamber, a temperature interface supported adjacent the fluid chamber within the body, and a pressure interface supported adjacent the fluid chamber within the body. The mounts removably support the sealed reservoir, pump interface, temperature interface and pressure interface of the containment unit adjacent the cooling device, the pump, the temperature sensor and the pressure sensor. The temperature interface communicates a temperature indicant of the liquid coolant circulating through the fluid chamber to the temperature sensor. The pressure interface communicates a pressure indicant of the liquid coolant circulating through the fluid chamber to the pressure sensor. The cooling device and the pump are controlled based upon the sensed temperature and pressure of the liquid coolant.

Sleep apnea detector system

Abstract: An apnea monitor and system for treatment includes a detector in a fixed console that projects a detection beam at a sleep surface. The detection beam is reflected off a patient on the surface and return light is analyzed to develop a signal which varies with external motion of the patient's upper body. The motion signals are then fed to a pattern recognizer which identifies breath signals and analyzes them to detect cessation or excessive pauses in breathing, and trigger an alarm or intervention to restore breathing regularity. The monitor includes a laser for generating radiation. The radiation is reflected from the patient and is directed onto a detector. The detector produces output signals corresponding to the impinging reflected light, which are processed by a control element to determine the change of movement, e.g., the breathing rate, of the patient.

Laparoscopic endoscopic surgical instrument

Abstract: An improved laparoscopic surgical instrument having a proximal control end and a distal surgical instrument end adapted for performing medical procedures through the abdominal wall wherein the surgical instrument is arranged to articulate in a selected plane a full 180 degrees. Actuation of the articulating mechanism is provided by a pair of cables attached to a rotatable cable control whereby rotation of the rotatable cable control draws one cable toward the control handle while simultaneously releasing the other. The distal end of each cable is attached to an opposite side of the surgical instrument which is free to rotate about a pivot in the articulation plane when pulled upon by one of the cables. The cables pass on opposite sides of the pivot allowing for 90 degree rotations each side of the central axis of the instrument.