1381 results about "Rib cage" patented technology

Systems, including methods, apparatus, and kits, for fixing bones, such as rib bones, with bone plates.

This invention is directed to a partitioning device for separating a patient's heart chamber into a productive portion and a non-productive portion. The device is particularly suitable for treating patients with congestive heart failure. The partitioning device has a frame-reinforced, expandable membrane which separates the productive and non-productive portions of the heart chamber. The proximal ends of the ribs of the frame have tissue penetrating elements about the periphery thereof which are configured to penetrate tissue lining the heart wall at an angle approximately perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the partitioning device. The partitioning device has a hub with a non-traumatic distal end to engage the ventricular wall.

A surgical device for capturing, positioning and aligning portions of a horizontally severed human sternum via positioning around each of a paired set of ribs located on opposite sides of the severed sternum while simultaneously contacting and substantially surrounding the anterior and posterior portions of the sternum comprising impermanently joined insertion and insertion guide attachment members, each of the members having first and second end portions, first and second side portions, a body portion, anterior and posterior surfaces, two crescent formed leg portions with angularly displaced foot portions, a plurality of sternum, rib and costal cartilage engagement surfaces and, a rotary lock member pivotally attached to the insertion guide member, and further comprising a capturing mechanism having angularly displaced teeth-like structures on a first side cooperating with reciprocating teeth like structures integrated on a first side of the insertion member to position, secure in place and operatively combine the insertion member, rotary lock and insertion guide members.

An implant for the purpose of osteosynthesis, for the immobilization and stabilization of tubular bones, especially of tubular bones that have a fracture or an osteotomy, especially of rib bones, comprises at least a first implant component that has an attachment section with means of attachment for the purpose of attaching the first implant component to a tubular bone, especially in a region of the tubular bone close to a fracture or osteotomy. The first implant component further has a connection section, with the connection section being formed for insertion of a second implant component and immobilization of the second implant component in a position adjustable relative to the first implant component. The connection section comprises a guide device for the purpose of guiding the second implant component as the second implant component is being positioned relative to the first implant component. The guide device permits movement of the second implant component relative to the first implant component only in one direction relative to a longitudinal axis of the connection section. A third implant component, which matches the first implant component in functionality, is attached to the other end of the second implant component.

In one aspect, the present invention provides a device for occluding an aperture in a body, for example, a patent foramen ovale (PFO), including a first side adapted to be disposed on one side of the septum and a second side adapted to be disposed on the opposite side of the septum. The device has an elongated, low-profile delivery configuration and a shortened, radially expanded deployment configuration. The first and second sides are adapted to occlude the aperture upon deployment of the device at its intended delivery location. The device also includes a radially expandable center portion. In some embodiments, the center portion includes a plurality of ribs provided by slits in device. The ribs expand radially when the device is deployed. The expandable center portion facilitates the positioning of the device in the aperture. The device can be secured in the deployed configuration using a catch system.

Methods and apparatus for closing a left atrial appendage are described. The methods rely on introducing a closure tool from a location beneath the rib cage, over an epicardial surface, and to the exterior of the left atrial appendage. The closure device may then be used to close the left atrial appendage, preferably at its base, by any one of a variety of techniques. A specific technique using graspers and a closing loop is illustrated.

Implantable medical devices and associated methods are disclosed. In one implementation, the implantable medical device comprises a conductive housing and a remote electrode that is mechanically coupled to the conductive housing by a lead body. An amplifier is electrically connected to the remote electrode and the conductive housing for providing a signal representative of a voltage difference between the remote electrode and the conductive housing. In some methods in accordance with the present invention, the implantable medical device is implanted in an implant site overlaying one half of a rib cage of a human body. The implantable medical device produces a signal representative of the voltage difference between the remote electrode and the conductive housing and the signal is transmitted to a receiver located outside the human body.

A subcutaneous cardiac device includes two electrodes and a stimulator that generates a pulse to the electrodes. The electrodes are implanted between the skin and the rib cage of the patient and are adapted to generate an electric field corresponding to the pulse, the electric field having a substantially uniform voltage gradient as it passes through the heart. The shapes, sizes, positions and structures of the electrodes are selected to optimize the voltage gradient of the electric field, and to minimize the energy dissipated by the electric field outside the heart. More specifically, the electrodes have contact surfaces that contact the patient tissues, said contact surfaces having a total contact area of less than 100 cm2. In one embodiment, one or both electrodes are physically separated from the stimulator. In another embodiment a unitary housing holds the both electrodes and the stimulator. Sensor circuitry may also includes in the stimulator for detecting intrinsic cardiac activity through the same electrodes.

A bezel and bezel assembly in which the bezel is a rigid block with a plurality of cavities. A depression in the block has ribs extending up therefrom to form an elevated contour. The depression includes at least one cavity therein for the application of air pressure into the depression and over the elevated contour. A gasket fits over the bezel so that positive pressure applied through the at least one cavity in the depression forces a gasket membrane to expand away from the pumping side and negative pressure applied through the at least one cavity in the depression pulls the gasket membrane against the elevated contour of the ribs. The bezel may include solvent bondable tubing connections for making pneumatic connections to the bezel.

An improved golf club head has at least one fin, rib or arch extending inside the club head structure and varying in height. The fins run along the inside of the club head perimeter structure. The fins are perpendicular to the face resulting in stiffening and strengthening of the club head, thereby resisting structural deformation and mechanical shockwave migration that occurs upon impact with the golf ball. The fins traverse the length or a portion of the length of the club head along an internal perimeter. The fins are incorporated on either the crown and / or the sole, but can be added to other portions of the club head, such as the skirt or club face should additional stiffening and strengthening be desired. The fins, can vary in size and shape and location depending on the desired stiffness and on the size, shape and material of the club head.

Surgical methods and instruments are disclosed for performing port-access or closed-chest coronary artery bypass (CABG) surgery in multivessel coronary artery disease. In contrast to standard open-chest CABG surgery, which requires a median sternotomy or other gross thoracotomy to expose the patient's heart, post-access CABG surgery is performed through small incisions or access ports made through the intercostal spaces between the patient's ribs, resulting in greatly reduced pain and morbidity to the patient. In situ arterial bypass grafts, such as the internal mammary arteries and / or the right gastroepiploic artery, are prepared for grafting by thoracoscopic or laparoscopic takedown techniques. Free grafts, such as a saphenous vein graft or a free arterial graft, can be used to augment the in situ arterial grafts. The graft vessels are anastomosed to the coronary arteries under direct visualization through a cardioscopic microscope inserted through an intercostal access port. Retraction instruments are provided to manipulate the heart within the closed chest of the patient to expose each of the coronary arteries for visualization and anastomosis. Disclosed are a tunneler and an articulated tunneling grasper for rerouting the graft vessels, and a finger-like retractor, a suction cup retractor, a snare retractor and a loop retractor for manipulating the heart. Also disclosed is a port-access topical cooling device for improving myocardial protection during the port-access CABG procedure. An alternate surgical approach using an anterior mediastinotomy is also described.

A surgical simulation device includes a support structure and animal tissue carried in a tray. A simulated human skeleton is carried by the support structure above the animal tissue and includes simulated human skin. A camera images the animal tissue and an image processor receives images of markers positioned on the ribs and animal tissue and forms a three-dimensional wireframe image. An operating table is adjacent a local robotic surgery station as part of a robotic surgery station and includes at least one patient support configured to support the patient during robotic surgery. At least one patient force / torque sensor is coupled to the at least one patient support and configured to sense at least one of force and torque experienced by the patient during robotic surgery.

A method for calibrating non-invasive breathing monitors with sensors placed on the rib-cage and abdomen of a subject includes determining an initial scaling factor and an optimal multiplicative factor for the readings of the rib-cage and abdomen sensors using one of a least squares, linear regression, or multi-linear regression techniques. A current scaling factor is determined on a periodic basis using qualitative device calibration techniques. The current scaling factor is used to monitor breathing and diagnose obstructive apneas. Furthermore, the optimal multiplicative and the current scaling factor are used to determine the current tidal volume.

A surgical simulation device includes a support structure and animal tissue carried in a tray. A simulated human skeleton is carried by the support structure above the animal tissue and includes simulated human skin. A camera images the animal tissue and an image processor receives images of markers positioned on the ribs and animal tissue and forms a three-dimensional wireframe image. An operating table is adjacent a local robotic surgery station as part of a robotic surgery station and includes at least one patient support configured to support the patient during robotic surgery. At least one patient force / torque sensor is coupled to the at least one patient support and configured to sense at least one of force and torque experienced by the patient during robotic surgery.

SubQ ICDs are disclosed that are entirely implantable subcutaneously with minimal surgical intrusion into the body of the patient and provide distributed cardioversion-defibrillation sense and stimulation electrodes for delivery of cardioversion-defibrillation shock and pacing therapies across the heart when necessary. Configurations include one hermetically sealed housing with 1 or, optionally, 2 subcutaneous sensing and cardioversion-defibrillation therapy delivery leads or alternatively, 2 hermetically sealed housings interconnected by a power / signal cable. The housings are generally dynamically configurable to adjust to varying rib structure and associated articulation of the thoracic cavity and muscles. Further the housings may optionally be flexibly adjusted for ease of implant and patient comfort.

A hinging breast implant capable a being variably sized and that includes an exterior shell and an inner bladder is described. The exterior shell is typically a bellows having a plurality of pleats so that the outer size of the implant is variable so that different sizes and shapes can be obtained. The rear of the housing closest to the patient's interior is typically shaped in order to conform to the patient's rib cage and internal connective tissues. Conversely, the front of the housing is shaped to naturally conform to the outer shape of the patient. The inner bladder can be filled with a suitable filling material, liquid, gas or solid. As the bladder is filled, the exterior shell expands in a manner that creates a lifting effect and a ballooning effect. An appendage, used to fill the bladder external to the patient, is connected to both the exterior shell and the inner bladder.

A surgical device for capturing, positioning and aligning portions of a severed human sternum via positioning around the costal cartilage portion of each of a paired set of ribs located on opposite sides of the severed sternum while simultaneously contacting and substantially surrounding the anterior and posterior portions of the sternum comprising impermanently joined insertion and insertion guide attachment members, each of the members having first and second end portions, first and second side portions, a body portion, anterior and posterior surfaces, two crescent formed leg portions with angularly displaced foot portions, a plurality of sternum, rib and costal cartilage engagement surfaces and, a rotary lock member pivotally attached to the insertion guide member, and further comprising a capturing mechanism having angularly displaced teeth-like structures on a first side cooperating with reciprocating teeth like structures integrated on a first side of the insertion member to position, secure in place and operatively combine the insertion member, rotary lock and insertion guide members.

A surgical stabilizer for use with a surgical site retractor has a base, a bendable arm, and a distal cuff adapted to resiliently hold a tube of an elongated port-access device. The cuff may have a body defining a partial enclosure within which is held a highly flexible gasket having a slit for resiliently receiving the tube. The surgical site retractor may have a collapsible ring and a flexible outer portion attached thereto, the ring being sized to pass through an intercostal incision and expand therein under adjacent ribs to prevent removal, and the flexible outer portion extending out of the incision and drawing over the stabilizer base to mutually secure the retractor and base. The port-access tube may be for a heart valve delivery system using an elongated port-access device for transapically delivering a prosthetic heart valve to the aortic valve annulus. A method involves partly installing the surgical site retractor, anchoring the base of the stabilizer with the flexible outer portion, deploying the port-access tube from outside the body through the incision and through a puncture in the heart wall, and resiliently capturing a tube of the port-access within the partial enclosure of the stabilizer cuff. A second bendable arm on the base having a clip may be used to hold still a proximal end of the port-access device.

A cable management system (20) is provided including a rack (22) for holding telecommunications equipment (24), and a ribcage cable support member (60) along a vertical side of the rack. The ribcage cable support member includes a plurality of forwardly and rearwardly extending ribs (116, 118). The ribs each include cable retention tabs (124). A plurality of spools (70) are provided for cable storage on the ribcage cable support member. Holes (82) through the ribcage cable support member allow access between the front and rear portions. An additional rack may be positioned on an opposite side of the ribcage cable support member to the first rack, and two columns of ribs are provided. Resilient plastic edge protectors (150) maybe fitted onto the ribs (116, 118).

A face backside of a golf club head is provided with six or more ribs extended from a face center toward face circumferences. Angles θ1 to θ6 between respective pairs of adjoining ones of the ribs are less than 90°. One of the ribs that form the smallest angle between its extension direction and a head vertical direction d1 and that extends from the face center toward a crown-side face circumference constitutes an upward rib, which has a smaller cross-sectional area than any of those of the other ribs.

A tracheal stent is an expandable tubular member having a proximal end, a distal end, an inner surface, and an outer surface. Circumferentially adjacent surface protrusions extend outwardly from the outer surface of the expandable tubular member. These surface protrusions have an outer surface, a first lateral surface and a second lateral surface. When the tracheal stent is deployed, the outer surface of the surface protrusion applies a radial force to a wall of the trachea to remove an airway constriction.

A spinal and soft tissue mobilizer of modular construction for physical therapy has an elongate generally spool-shaped roller with a reduced diameter mid portion and larger diameter teardrop-shaped outer end portions rollers that apply pressure to the thoracic vertebrae, rib cage and muscles of the back without directly contacting the vertebrae. The mid portion may have lateral rollers with laterally spaced larger diameter portions that straddle the vertebrae of the spine and apply pressure to the muscles surrounding the straddled vertebrae without directly contacting the vertebrae. Interchangeable spacers of various lengths may be installed between the lateral rollers and / or between the lateral rollers and the teardrop-shaped outer end portions to provide proper lateral spacing for a particular individual. An individual may use the device without assistance, by placing the device on the floor underneath his / her back and moving back and forth over the device, or an operator may grip the handles and roll the device up and down along the back and spinal area of an individual laying face down on a flat surface. The device may also be mounted horizontally in doorway whereby the user can move his or her back up and down while at the same time applying a reasonably constant force against the device.

An intervertebral prosthesis, in particular for the cervical spine, has two attachment plates connected in an articulated manner. The attachment surfaces of the attachment plates, which are configured for attachment to adjacent vertebral bodies have a base surface configured to bear on the surface of the vertebral bodies, and self-tapping fixing projections rising from the base surface. These fixing projections are formed by at least one pair of ribs which extend in opposite directions obliquely with respect to a predetermined implantation direction and whose side faces oriented more away from the implantation direction are steeper than their side faces oriented more in the implantation direction. The ribs can be toothed.

An outdoor umbrella that closes automatically in high wind is disclosed. The wind causes the main support post of the umbrella to flex from the vertical dislodging a plunger from its weight bearing mounting on a rigid rod. The plunger is attached to an actuator rod extending upward within the support post. When the plunger is displaced the actuator rod is caused to move downward thereby activating a releasing ratchet which frees a shaft to rotate and the cable which holds the canopy to unwind. A hydraulic cylinder attached to one of the canopy ribs presses on the rib to close the canopy and maintain the canopy in closed orientation. As the canopy closes a reset mechanism is activated which resets the plunger onto the rigid rod. Once closed the canopy will remain closed until raised by manually rewinding the cable onto the shaft using a hand crank attached to the end of the shaft. A second ratchet assembly incorporated into the hand crank prevents the hand crank from spinning when the umbrella closes.

A surgical retractor and a method of minimally invasive surgery, wherein the surgical retractor includes ribs and a mechanism for microns-resolution transferring of linear and rotational movements of the ribs and wherein each rib can be easily replaced without use of any additional tools.According to an embodiment of the present invention the transmission is simpler. Likewise, an auxiliary handle is added to facilitate the insertion of the ribs into the body of the operated patient, and the vast majority of components of the surgical retractor are made with biocompatible, and FDA approved material ULTEM HU 1000 RESIN transparent (radiolucent) to X-ray radiation and are designated for single use.

Correction of eye refractive errors such as presbyopia, hyperopia, myopia, and astigmatism by using either pre-tensioned or transcutaneously energized artificial muscle implants to change the axial length and the anterior curvatures of the eye globe by bringing the retina / macula region to coincide with the focal point. The implants are scleral constrictor bands, segments or ribs for inducing accommodation of a few diopters, to correct the refractive errors on demand or automatically. The implant comprises an active sphinctering band encircling the sclera, implanted under the conjunctiva and under the extraocular muscles to uniformly constrict the eye globe, to induce active temporary myopia (hyperopia) by increasing(decreasing) the length and curvature of the globe. Multiple and specially designed constrictor bands enable surgeons to correct astigmatism. The artificial muscles comprise materials such as composite magnetic shape memory (MSM), heat shrink, shape memory alloy-silicone rubber, electroactive ionic polymeric artificial muscles or electrochemically contractile ionic polymers bands.