698results about How to "Free from pain" patented technology

Devices and methods for treating a damaged intervertebral disc to reduce or eliminate associated back pain. Dynamic bias devices and reinforcement devices are disclosed, which may be used individually or in combination, to eliminate nerve impingement associated with the damaged disc, and / or to reinforce the damaged disc, while permitting relative movement of the vertebrae adjacent the damaged disc.

The present invention relates to a device and method which may be used to reinforce the native annulus during spinal surgery. The device is a catheter based device which is placed into the inter-vertebral space following discectomy performed by either traditional surgical or endoscopic approaches. The distal end of the catheter is comprised of an expansile loop which may be increased in diameter by advancement of a portion of the catheter via its proximal end, such proximal end remaining external to the body. The expansile loop may be formed of a woven or braided material and may be made of a polymer such as nylon, polyurethane, polyester, polyethylene, polypropylene or any of the well known and biocompatible polymers. Alternatively the expansile portion of the catheter may be formed from a metallic braid of stainless steel, elgiloy, Nitinol, or other biocompatible metals. The expansile loop may be formed such that when the loop is diametrically contracted the loop feeds into its other end, similar to a snake eating its own tail. Stabilization of the outer portion of the loop and pulling out the inner portion will thereby increase the overall diameter of the loop while maintaining it as a closed loop or torus. The present invention comprises four embodiments and can be used to 1) facilitate disk fusing, 2) perform an artificial replacement of the nucleus, 3) perform an artificial replacement of the annulus, or 4, perform an artificial replacement of both the nucleus and annulus.

A body fluid testing device includes a body member and a tissue penetrator carried by the body member. A test strip holder is carried by the body member, and a test strip is carried by the test strip holder. The test strip is capable of receiving a body fluid thereon and processing the body fluid into a form suitable for yielding test results relating to the content of the body fluid.

The present invention relates to a device and method which may be used to reinforce the native annulus during spinal surgery. The device is a catheter based device which is placed into the inter-vertebral space following discectomy performed by either traditional surgical or endoscopic approaches. The distal end of the catheter is comprised of an expansile loop which may be increased in diameter by advancement of a portion of the catheter via its proximal end, such proximal end remaining external to the body. The expansile loop may be formed such that when the loop is diametrically contracted the loop feeds into its other end, similar to a snake eating its own tail. Stabilization of the outer portion of the loop and pulling out the inner portion will thereby increase the overall diameter of the loop while maintaining it as a closed loop or torus. The expansile loop can use an attachment means to secure it to substantially healthy tissues of the annulus, nucleus, or endplates. The present invention comprises four embodiments and can be used to 1) facilitate disk fusing, 2) perform an artificial replacement of the nucleus, 3) perform an artificial replacement of the annulus, or 4, perform an artificial replacement of both the nucleus and annulus.

Devices and methods for treating a damaged intervertebral disc to reduce or eliminate associated back pain. The present invention provides disc reinforcement therapy (DRT) which involves implanting one or more reinforcement members in and preferably around the annulus of the disc. The reinforcement members may be used to stabilize the annulus and / or compresses a portion of the annulus so as to reduce a bulge and / or close a fissure. The implantable devices and associated delivery tools may incorporate heating capabilities to thermally treat the annular tissue. Alternatively or in combination, other devices may be specifically employed for such thermal treatment.

The present invention relates to a device and method which may be used to reinforce the native annulus during spinal surgery. The device is a catheter based device which is placed into the inter-vertebral space following discectomy performed by either traditional surgical or endoscopic approaches. The distal end of the catheter is comprised of an expansile loop which may be increased in diameter by advancement of a portion of the catheter via its proximal end, such proximal end remaining external to the body. The expansile loop may be formed of a woven or braided material and may be made of a polymer such as nylon, polyurethane, polyester, polyethylene, polypropylene or any of the well known and biocompatible polymers. Alternatively the expansile portion of the catheter may be formed from a metallic braid of stainless steel, elgiloy, Nitinol, or other biocompatible metals. The expansile loop may be formed such that when the loop is diametrically contracted the loop feeds into its other end, similar to a snake eating its own tail. Stabilization of the outer portion of the loop and pulling out the inner portion will thereby increase the overall diameter of the loop while maintaining it as a closed loop or torus. The present invention comprises four embodiments and can be used to 1) facilitate disk fusing, 2) perform an artificial replacement of the nucleus, 3) perform an artificial replacement of the annulus, or 4, perform an artificial replacement of both the nucleus and annulus.

Topical compositions having as the active ingredient a lipid, fatty acid ester, natural wax, sterol, or combinations thereof referred to herein as “lipophilic vehicle” or “LV” and methods of use, have been developed for the amelioration or prevention of pain or the sequelae of pain. The composition may be in the form of an ointment, cream, gel, lotion, spray, foam, paste, patch, suspension or dispersion. In the preferred embodiment, the formulation is a gel. The LV may contain a penetration enhancer, most preferably one with membrane disruptive properties. The formulation may be applied to or impregnated into a gauze, wrap, bandage, cotton-tipped stick, adhesive bandage strip, or other support wrap or medical bandage or wound cover. For example, the compositions may be are incorporated onto or into disposables such as hemorrhoid wipes, sponge, mouth guards, dental trays; needles or catheters; adult diapers; gloves, socks or wrist bands, for ease of application. The composition is applied topically to a site at or adjacent to a painful region. The composition is reapplied as necessary. Pain relief is typically obtained within minutes and lasts for periods of variable duration ranging from minutes to several hours and even, in some cases, days. The composition is variably effective to treat visceral, somatic and neuropathic pain both acute and chronic as well as muscle pain and stiffness and joint pain and stiffness.

The present invention relates to a device and method which may be used to reinforce the native annulus during spinal surgery. The device is a catheter based device which is placed into the inter-vertebral space following discectomy performed by either traditional surgical or endoscopic approaches. The distal end of the catheter is comprised of an expansile loop which may be increased in diameter by advancement of a portion of the catheter via its proximal end, such proximal end remaining external to the body. The expansile loop may be formed such that when the loop is diametrically contracted the loop feeds into its other end, similar to a snake eating its own tail. Stabilization of the outer portion of the loop and pulling out the inner portion will thereby increase the overall diameter of the loop while maintaining it as a closed loop or torus. The expansile loop can use an attachment means to secure it to substantially healthy tissues of the annulus, nucleus, or endplates. The present invention comprises four embodiments and can be used to 1) facilitate disk fusing, 2) perform an artificial replacement of the nucleus, 3) perform an artificial replacement of the annulus, or 4, perform an artificial replacement of both the nucleus and annulus.

The present invention relates to a device and method to 1) facilitate disk fusing, 2) perform an artificial replacement of the nucleus, 3) perform an artificial replacement of the annulus, or 4, perform an artificial replacement of both the nucleus and annulus. The device is designed to be placed into the inter-vertebral space following diskectomy. The invention includes a delivery catheter and an expandable continuous mesh loop that has a torus configuration with a lumen within the mesh loop and a center hole. The mesh loop can be diametrically increased or contracted in diameter by the control element acting on the mesh loop. The mesh loop may be formed of a woven or braided material from a polymer such as PEEK (polyetheretherketone), nylon, polyurethane, polyester polyethylene, polypropylene or any other biocompatible polymers, or formed from a metallic braid of stainless steel, elgiloy, Nitinol, or any other biocompatible metals.

The disclosure is directed to a resilient implant for implantation into human or animal joints to act as a cushion allowing for renewed joint motion. The implant endures variable joint forces and cyclic loads while reducing pain and improving function after injury or disease to repair, reconstruct, and regenerate joint integrity. The implant is deployed in a prepared debrided joint space, secured to at least one of the joint bones and expanded in the space, molding to surrounding structures with sufficient stability to avoid extrusion or dislocation. The implant has opposing walls that move in varied directions, and an inner space filled with suitable filler to accommodate motions which mimic or approximate normal joint motion. The implant pads the damaged joint surfaces, restores cushioning immediately and may be employed to restore cartilage to normal by delivering regenerative cells.

The present invention relates to a device and method which may be used to reinforce the native annulus during spinal surgery. The device is a catheter based device which is placed into the inter-vertebral space following discectomy performed by either traditional surgical or endoscopic approaches. The distal end of the catheter is comprised of an expansile loop which may be increased in diameter by advancement of a portion of the catheter via its proximal end, such proximal end remaining external to the body. The expansile loop may be formed such that when the loop is diametrically contracted the loop feeds into its other end, similar to a snake eating its own tail. Stabilization of the outer portion of the loop and pulling out the inner portion will thereby increase the overall diameter of the loop while maintaining it as a closed loop or torus. The expansile loop then uses an attachment means to secure it to substantially healthy tissues of the annulus, nucleus, or endplates. The present invention comprises four embodiments and can be used to 1) facilitate disk fusing, 2) perform an artificial replacement of the nucleus, 3) perform an artificial replacement of the annulus, or 4, perform an artificial replacement of both the nucleus and annulus.

The present invention provides both a device and a method. The device is a human made replacement for the soft discs in the spine. A fabric pouch encloses a central hydraulic element made up of small soft beads. Two pouches with beads are implanted into a prepared disc space to function as an intervertebral disc. The method is conversion of the device into a fusion element.

The present invention relates to a device and method which may be used to reinforce the native annulus during spinal surgery. The device is a catheter based device which is placed into the inter-vertebral space following discectomy performed by either traditional surgical or endoscopic approaches. The distal end of the catheter is comprised of an expansile loop which may be increased in diameter by advancement of a portion of the catheter via its proximal end, such proximal end remaining external to the body. The expansile loop may be formed such that when the loop is diametrically contracted the loop feeds into its other end, similar to a snake eating its own tail. Stabilization of the outer portion of the loop and pulling out the inner portion will thereby increase the overall diameter of the loop while maintaining it as a closed loop or torus. The expansile loop then uses an attachment means to secure it to substantially healthy tissues of the annulus, nucleus, or endplates. The present invention comprises four embodiments and can be used to 1) facilitate disk fusing, 2) perform an artificial replacement of the nucleus, 3) perform an artificial replacement of the annulus, or 4, perform an artificial replacement of both the nucleus and annulus.

Devices and methods for treating a damaged intervertebral disc to reduce or eliminate associated back pain. Dynamic bias devices and reinforcement devices are disclosed, which may be used individually or in combination, to eliminate nerve impingement associated with the damaged disc, and / or to reinforce the damaged disc, while permitting relative movement of the vertebrae adjacent the damaged disc.

A handheld instrument for minimizing pain during administration by injection of a liquid, such as, an anesthetic that has a main body, a vibration unit mounted in the main body when initiated to cause the main body to vibrate, and a detachable tip cantilever mounted on the main body to vibrate with it, the tip having a free end characterized by a bifurcation to form two spaced projections defining a space between them, whereby the spaced projections can be placed in proximity to, adjacent to and bracketing a preselected injection site on a human or animal and the tissue at said preselected injection site and vibrated while an injection is given.

The invention provides a human mycoplasma pneumoniae gold-marked silver-stained immunochromatographic assay kit and a preparation method and application thereof. The assay kit comprises a detection card and a silver-stained sensitivity-enhanced pad, wherein the detection card is composed of a bottom plate, a sample pad, an absorbent pad, a conjugate pad and a detection layer; the conjugate pad is coated with a colloidal gold-marked polyclonal antibody mixture of colloidal gold marked rabbit anti-human mycoplasma pneumoniae P1 protein and P30 protein; the detection layer is composed of a solid phase nitrocellulose membrane with a detection line and a quality control line; the detection layer is bonded on the bottom plate, the conjugate pad and the absorbent pad are partially overlapped with the detection layer respectively and are bonded with the detection layer and the bottom plate respectively; the sample pad and the conjugate pad are partially overlapped to be bonded with the conjugate pad and the bottom plate respectively; and the silver-stained sensitivity-enhanced pad consists of a AgNO3 pad and a restoring pad. The human mycoplasma pneumoniae gold-marked silver-stained immunochromatographic assay kit can effectively improve the detection sensitivity of the human mycoplasma pneumoniae, has the strong specificity and has the high application value in the aspects of clinical diagnosis of human mycoplasma pneumoniae, etiology identification, epidemiological investigation and the like.

A firearm Magazine loading device designed to load bullets and cartridges into a magazine clip. The loader housing is designed to fit over the open end of the magazine. The top front of the loader includes a funneled bullet or cartridge loading port or aperture to facilitate the insertion of a bullet or cartridge into the housing loader primer end first. Once an operator inserts the bullets or cartridges into the loader housing through the funneled loading port, the housing incorporates a lever, handle or knob located at its rear, which, when squeezed or activated, forces or loads bullets or cartridges into the magazine.

An apparatus for communication between a site within a body and a source, depot, reservoir, device or machine external to the body via the mouth of the body, comprising an implant for placement in tooth-supporting bone, the implant having a first portion extending into the mouth external to the tooth-supporting bone, a second portion for being embedded in the tooth-supporting bone, and an opening extending along the implant from the first portion to the second portion. A sealing cap containing an antimicrobial substance may be provided to provide a seal when the apparatus is not in use. An external pump may infuse various medications or liquids, including those required by a person having a diabetic condition.

System for trans-dermal delivery of doses of a medicament, comprising a delivery device to be placed in dermal contact with a patient, the delivery device comprising a reservoir for holding a medicament to be delivered, a trans-dermal injection element for delivering doses of the medicament to the patient, a control unit for controlling the delivery of the medicament when activated, the system further comprising a separate hand-held drive device to be temporarily placed in proximity of the delivery device when a dose of medicament is required, the drive device comprising an activation unit for activating the control unit of the delivery device.

This disclosure is directed to a resilient interpositional arthroplasty implant for application into a joint to pad cartilage defects, cushion, and replace or restore the articular surface, which may preserve joint integrity, reduce pain and improve function. The implant may endure variable joint compressive and shear forces and cyclic loads. The implant may repair, reconstruct, and regenerate joint anatomy, and thereby improve upon joint replacement alternatives. The walls of this invention may capture, distribute and hold living cells until aggregation and hyaline cartilage regrowth occurs. The implant may be deployed into debrided joint spaces, molding and conforming to surrounding structures with sufficient stability so as to enable immediate limb use after outpatient surgery. Appendages of the implant may repair or reconstruct tendons or ligaments, and menisci by interpositional inflatable or compliant polymer arthroplasties that promote anatomic joint motion.

The present invention relates to injecting a high specificity cytokine antagonist into a diseased intervertebral disc.

An elastomeric band exercise device is modified by adding a cushion to the band to permit it to be comfortably stepped on with a bare foot without discomfort. The modification is particularly advantageous when the device is used in performing aquatic exercises. Each handle has a waterproof friction grip covering a steel weight bar. The handle is connected to the band by a retainer ball in the end of the band and a washer inserted between the ball and a throat in the handle through which the band is extended.

The invention relates to the repair of spinal annular defects. An appartatus comprises a scaffold comprised of a biodurable, resiliently compressible, elastomeric reticulated composition to obliterate spinal / vertabral connective tissue defects, to obliterate spinal-annular nuclear tissue defects, and for spinal annulo-nucleoplasty regeneration. The apparatus comprises an at least partially cylindrical member.

An apparatus for communication between a site within a body deep to the skin and a source, depot, reservoir, device, machine, or power source external to the body via the mouth of the body, comprising an implant for placement in tooth-supporting bone, the implant having a first portion extending into the mouth external to the tooth-supporting bone, a second portion for being embedded in the tooth-supporting bone, and an opening extending along the implant from the first portion to the second portion; and a conduit for coupling to the second portion of the implant when the implant is implanted in the tooth-supporting bone so that the conduit is in communication with the opening, the conduit being for extending from the implant to the site in the body.

There is provided a method for controlling the movement of bile and / or gall stones in the biliary duct. The method comprises gently constricting (i.e., without substantially hampering the blood circulation in the tissue wall) at least one portion of the tissue wall to influence the movement of bile and / or gallstones in the biliary duct, and stimulating the constricted wall portion to cause contraction of the wall portion to further influence the movement of bile and / or gallstones in the biliary duct. The method can be used for restricting or stopping the movement of bile and / or gallstones in the biliary duct, or for actively moving the fluid in the biliary duct, with a low risk of injuring the biliary duct.

Utilizing the principles of physics (mass and leverage) and body mechanics, the intent and design of the Ergonomic Body Developer (EBD) is to harness the effects of torque at a given distance from a fixed pivotal point. Other systems require a force (mass) to be applied at the most distal point of the levering appendage (typically the extremities). The EBD is designed to distribute said force equally over the entire levering appendages concurrently with the variability of the masses to gradually condition the body to greater exertion and stamina, reducing or eliminating collateral damage due to overzealous miscalculations. It is designed to target specific muscles or muscle groups and to eliminate the necessity of specialized equipment. The EBD utilizes natural, body motions in such a manner that each activity becomes an exercise. The key is the vast variability of the masses and their interchangable positionings on the body.