13969results about How to "Relieve pain" patented technology

A tissue approximation device and processes for using the device are provided. The device is an implantable, biodegradable construct that has attachment points emanating from a supportive backing. The device improves the mechanical phase of wound healing and optimally distributes tension over the contact area between the device and tissue. Processes for using the device include soft tissue attachment and soft tissue to bone attachment. Several variations are particularly applicable to facilitating tissue approximation in surgical cosmetic applications, particularly chin lifts. Generally, tissue to be lifted may be set on a chin lift device via attachment points before or after the device is secured to a patient's bone. Variations of the device are described along with a method of installing the chin lift device. Also described is a tool particularly useful for installing a chin lift device.

The invention relates to a concept for placing a subcutaneous device such as a sensor at a selected site within the body of a patient, e.g. to obtain blood glucose readings. In a first aspect, an insertion needle comprises an oblong needle body and a distal end portion, the distal end portion having a pointed distal tip allowing the needle to be introduced subcutaneously and a distally facing generally smooth surface, the body comprising along a portion thereof a longitudinal groove adapted to at least partially accommodate the subcutaneous device. In a second aspect, a combination of an insertion needle and a subcutaneous device form an oblong body portion and a distal end portion formed by either of the members or in combination by the two members, the distal end portion having a pointed distal tip and a distally facing generally smooth surface. By the above configuration, a concept is provided reducing the severity of the body response following transcutaneous placement of a device as well as reducing the pain associated with the insertion.

A tissue bonding article includes a flexible material, an adhesive substance applied over at least a portion of a bottom side of the flexible material, and a polymerizable adhesive composition permeated throughout at least a portion of the flexible material.

Provided is an analyte monitoring device having a housing, the device comprising: a plurality of needles, each having a tip, a retracted position, a position wherein the tip is extended from the housing a distance adapted to pierce skin; an electrically or spring powered needle pushing apparatus movable to separately engage each of the needles to move each from the retracted position to the extended position; an energy source located within the housing; a plurality of analysis sites comprising an analysis preparation, each adapted to receive liquid from the needles to wet the analysis preparation; one or more light sources adapted to direct light at the analysis sites; one or more light detectors adapted to receive light from the analysis sites; and a processor.

An apparatus for detection and quantitation of an electrochemically-detect- able analyte, such as glucose, in blood or interstitial fluid includes a meter unit, a lancet and an electrochemical sensor. Of these components, the meter is preferably reusable, while the lancet and the electrochemical sensor are preferably incorporated in assemblies intended for single-use. The meter unit has a housing, within which a lancet is engaged with a mechanism for moving then lancet; a connector disposed within the housing for engaging an electrochemical sensor specific for the analyte and transmitting a signal indicative of the amount of analyte, and a display operatively-associated with a connector for displaying the amount of the analyte to user. The electrochemical sensor is adapted for detection of a particular analyte. In addition, the electrochemical sensor has an absorptive member for uptake of a sample of blood or interstitial fluid. In one version, the lancet moves from a initial position to a piercing position in which skin of the user is pierced and optionally back to a retracted position. The electrochemical sensor is disposed such that the absorptive member takes up a sample from the pierced skin of the user when it is pierced by the lancet without movement of the apparatus. In an alternative version, the lancet is a hollow cannula through which blood or interstitial fluid is transported from the puncture site to an absorbent portion of the electrochemical sensor. In either version, the apparatus provides single-step operation in which sample acquisition and analysis occur as a result of the single action of pressing the apparatus against the users skin.

A dynamic fixation device is provided that allows the vertebrae to which it is attached to move in flexion within the normal physiological limits of motion, while also providing structural support that limits the amount of translation motion beyond normal physiological limits. The present invention includes a flexible portion and two ends that are adapted for connection to pedicle screws.

Systems, including apparatus and methods, for internal fixation of a fractured or otherwise compromised bone. These systems may include and/or make use of bone plates, locking screws, and/or kits, among others.

Methods and apparatus for electrosurgically treating human skin. The skin may be treated by applying thermal energy to the dermis to shrink the skin following liposuction, or to induce collagen deposition at the site of a wrinkle for wrinkle reduction or removal. In another embodiment, a method involves electrosurgically removing or modifying tissue in the head or neck to provide a face-lift or a neck-lift. In one embodiment, the working end of an electrosurgical instrument is positioned in at least close proximity to the dermis by approaching the dermis from the underside (reverse side) of the skin.

Systems, apparatus, and methods for treating spinal tissue and other body structures in open and endoscopic spine surgery to relieve symptoms, such as neck or back pain. In particular, the present invention provides methods for the controlled heating of various tissues in or around the vertebral column, including various interspinous tissues, such that spinal ligaments and cartilage surrounding the vertebrae and the facet joints are shrunk or tightened to stabilize the vertebral column of a patient. Thermal energy is applied to the target tissue in a subablation mode of an electrosurgical system to cause shrinkage of the tissue, thereby stiffening the interspinous tissue and stabilizing the vertebral column. In an exemplary embodiment, a high frequency RF voltage can be applied between one or more active electrode(s) and one or more return electrode(s) to heat a target interspinous tissue to within a temperature range at which irreversible shrinkage of the tissue occurs.

A dynamic bone stabilization system is provided. The system may be placed through small incisions and tubes. The system provides systems and methods of treating the spine, which eliminate pain and enable spinal motion, which effectively mimics that of a normally functioning spine. Methods are also provided for stabilizing the spine and for implanting the subject systems.

Systems and methods provide for the fixation of osteoporotic and non-osteoporotic long bones, especially Colles' fractures. A cannula having a circumferential opening is inserted into cancellous bone and directed such that the circumferential opening faces the fracture. The cannula is further adapted to receive an expandable structure, the expandable structure being inserted through the cannula until it is in registration with the circumferential opening. The expandable structure is expanded through the circumferential opening into cancellous bone and toward the fracture. The expansion of the expandable structure through the circumferential opening toward the fracture causes compression of cancellous bone and moves fractured cortical bone, thus creating a cavity proximal to the fracture. The cavity is then filled with a flowable bone filling material and the material allowed to harden.

Systems for drug delivery devices include a temperature control system and an identification system. A temperature control system configured to sense and control temperature of a cartridge containing a drug includes a heater, one or more temperature sensors, and a control unit. An identification system configured to identify a cartridge containing a drug includes a control unit and a tag sensor that is electrically coupled to the control unit, wherein the tag sensor is activated upon detecting a presence of the cartridge. A drug delivery device includes both the temperature control system and the identification system such that the control unit of the device may process the information of the drug that is received from the tag sensor of the identification system, and based on at least a portion of the processed information, determine and control the temperature of the drug within a cartridge.

An apparatus for ligating living tissues comprises an introducing tube capable of being inserted into a living body cavity, a manipulating wire movably inserted into the introducing tube, and clips for ligating living tissues, the clips being arranged in the introducing tube. The introducing tube has a plurality of tube channels. A plurality of clips are arranged in series in the tube channel, and a manipulating wire engaged with the clips is arranged at the other tube channel.

Systems and methods provide baroreflex activation to treat or reduce pain and/or to cause or enhance sedation or sleep. Methods involve activating the baroreflex system to provide pain reduction, sedation, improved sleep or some combination thereof. Systems include at least one baroreflex activation device, at least one sensor for sensing physiological activity of the patient, and a processor coupled with the baroreflex activation device(s) and the sensor(s) for processing sensed data received from the sensor and for activating the baroreflex activation device. In some embodiments, the system is fully implantable within a patient, such as in an intravascular, extravascular or intramural location.

Disclosed herein is a fully-integrated, disposable biochip for point-of-care testing of clinically relevant parameters. Specifically, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the biochip is designed for POCT (point-of-care-testing) of an array of metabolic parameters including partial pressure of oxygen, Glucose, and Lactate concentration from venous blood samples. The biochip is fabricated on a low-cost plastic substrate using mass manufacturing compatible fabrication processes. Furthermore, the biochip contains a fully-integrated metallic micro-needle for blood sampling. The biochip also uses smart passive microfluidics in conjunction with low-power functional on-chip pressure generators for microfluidic sequencing. The design, configuration, assembly and operation of the biochip are ideally suited for a disposable biochip specifically targeted towards POCT applications.

Systems and methods support dental implant patient scheduling and treatment process relating to packaging one or more dental appliances as a kit which is readily used by dental professional during surgery, by communicating manufacturing progress information with a doctor over a network and performing patient scheduling and treatment when the dental appliances reach a certain manufacturing progress. A network-based service may also provide a doctor with a treatment solution including a surgical kit derived from patient data.

The invention describes methods of pulmonary delivery of a TNFα inhibitor to a subject having a disorder in which TNFα is detrimental, such that the disorder is treated. Also included is a method of achieving systemic circulation of a TNFα inhibitor in a subject comprising administering the TNFα inhibitor to the central lung region or the peripheral lung region of the subject via inhalation, such that systemic circulation of the TNFα inhibitor is achieved.

Methods, devices and systems facilitate diagnosis, and in some cases treatment, of back pain originationg in intervertebral discs. Methods generally involve introducing one or more substances into one or more discs using a catheter device. In one embodiments, a patient assumes a position that causes back pain, and a substance such as an anesthetic or analgesic is introduced into the disc to determine whether the substance relieves the pain. Injections into multiple discs may optionally be performed, to help pinpoint a disc as a sources of the patient's pain. In some embodiments, the catheter device is left in place, and possibly coupled with another implantable device, to provide treatment of one or more discs. A catheter device includes at least one anchoring member for maintaining a distal portion of the catheter within a disc.

Orthopedic systems, including apparatus, methods, and kits. In some embodiments, these systems may be used for selectively tapping apertures of bone plates, to form threaded apertures during installation of the bone plates (i.e., intraoperatively).