940results about How to "Maintain position" patented technology

A surgical access system (100) comprises an access port (5), a rigid cannula having a shaft (11) and a laparoscopic surgical instrument (101). The access port (5) comprises a seal (6) and a retractor. The retractor comprises a distal O-ring (71), an outer proximal ring member (77), an inner proximal ring member (78) and a sleeve (72). The sleeve (72) extends distally from the inner proximal ring member (78) to the distal O-ring (71) in a first layer, is looped around the distal O-ring (71), and extends proximally in a second layer between the inner proximal ring member (78) and the outer proximal ring member (77). The instrument (101) comprises a shaft (103) with a rigid proximal region (104), a flexible intermediate region (105), and a rigid distal region (106). The instrument shaft (103) may be inserted through the cannula shaft (11). The instrument (101) has a rigid end effector (107) releasably coupled to the distal end (108) of the instrument shaft (103). An actuator (109) for actuating the end effector (107) is provided at the proximal end (110) of the instrument shaft (103). The actuator (109) is movable along the instrument shaft (103) parallel to the longitudinal axis of the instrument shaft (103).

An improved electrosurgical instrument is disclosed and claims which includes a reusable electrode shaft, a disposable tip and a novel, insulated coupling for removably connecting the disposable tip to the electrode shaft. The present invention provides several advantages and features. The coupling provides ease in connecting the disposable tip to the reusable electrode shaft in an operating room environment. Once the tip is connected to the shaft, the coupling ensures a rigid and secure connection between the tip and the shaft, such that the coupled tip/shaft assembly feels to the surgeon like a single, unitary instrument. In addition, the coupling ensures a good electrical connection between the tip and the shaft, prevents the tip from inadvertently or accidentally becoming separated from the reusable electrode shaft, and maintains the position of the tip relative to the shaft by preventing the tip from rotating relative to the holder. The coupling also includes an insulating sheath that eliminates any conduction paths between the patient and the electrosurgical instrument other than the surgical tip.

A highly flexible tissue-type heart valve is disclosed having a structural stent in a generally cylindrical configuration with cusps and commissures that are permitted to move radially. The stent commissures are constructed so that the cusps are pivotably or flexibly coupled together at the commissures to permit relative movement therebetween.

A disc implant is provided which maintains intervertebral spacing and stability within the spine. In an embodiment, a disc implant may include three or more components. Components of the implant may imitate certain physiological movements associated with a healthy spine. In certain embodiments, the components of the implant may limit physiological movements to within certain ranges, imitating normal spinal movements.

A removable, low profile, vascular filter system for capture and retrieval of emboli while allowing continuous perfusion of blood, comprising a guidewire having proximal and distal markers, a filter delivery and deployment system, having an outer member and an inner member, and a filter removably attached near the distal end of the inner member. The filter comprises proximal and distal basket sleeves which position the filter between the proximal and distal markers on the guidewire, after the guidewire is in position past the vessel occlusion. The guidewire placement prior to filter delivery may facilitate access to the interventional site, especially through tortuous anatomy. Also, retrievability of the filter from the wire may avoid loss of guidewire position, which may occur following removal of filters permanently attached to guidewires.

Locking mechanisms and methods of fixation, such as the fixation of a fixation device like a bone screw and of a rod to the spine. The locking mechanism includes a body, a rod seat and a set screw. The rod seat is configured to separate into two pieces when the rod exerts force on the top portion of the washer and the set screw limits movement of the washer toward the bottom of the locking mechanism.

A surgical device includes one or more cameras integrated therein. The view of each of the one or more cameras can be integrated together and provided to a surgeon display and/or an assistant display. A surgical tool that includes an integrated camera may be used in conjunction with the surgical device. The image produced by the camera integrated with the surgical tool may be associated with the images generated by the one or more cameras integrated in the surgical device. The position and orientation of the cameras and/or the surgical tool can be tracked, and the surgical tool can be rendered as at least partially transparent. A surgical device may be powered by a hydraulic system, thereby reducing electromagnetic interference with tracking devices.

The invention is a joint cover assembly for covering a gap adjacent an edge of a panel that covers a sub-surface, and a method of covering such a gap. The assembly includes a molding having a foot, a first arm, and a second arm. The foot is positioned along a longitudinal axis, and the first arm extends generally perpendicularly from the foot. The second arm extends generally perpendicularly from the foot. A tab depends generally perpendicularly from the first panel engaging surface. At least one of the tab and the foot engage the edge in order to tightly fit within the gap. The method includes the steps of placing the foot in the gap, pressing the respective panel engaging surfaces into contact with respective panels, and configuring at least one of the tab and the foot to cooperate to retain the molding in the gap when the assembly is in an installed condition.

According to some embodiments, an adjustable assembly for a bicycle comprises a first support and a second support slidably positioned within at least a portion of the first support, such that one of the first support and the second support is adapted to attach to a first bicycle portion and the other of the first support and the second support is adapted to attach to a second bicycle portion. In some embodiments, the second support comprises an expansion portion configured to be selectively moved between an expanded position and a retracted position. In one embodiment, the expansion portion is configured to contact and engage at least one portion of the first support when the expansion portion is in an expanded position, and the first support is configured to be selectively moved relative to the second support when the expansion portion is permitted to assume a retracted position.

A patient interface for delivering breathable gas to a patient includes a mask having a sealing portion adapted to form a seal with the patient headgear adapted to secure the mask to a head of the patient and an adjustable strap assembly including a pair of straps connected to one another in a length adjustable manner.

An ankle-foot orthosis having a structural frame formed from at least one layer of fabric impregnated with a hardened structural resin. The frame includes at least one anterior support member that extends downwardly from an upper leg engaging portion to define an anterior ankle portion which extends to a medial portion connected to a foot plate.

A method for providing for thermal conduction using an array of carbon nanotubes (CNTs). An array of vertically oriented CNTs is grown on a substrate having high thermal conductivity, and interstitial regions between adjacent CNTs in the array are partly or wholly filled with a filler material having a high thermal conductivity so that at least one end of each CNT is exposed. The exposed end of each CNT is pressed against a surface of an object from which heat is to be removed. The CNT-filler composite adjacent to the substrate provides improved mechanical strength to anchor CNTs in place and also serves as a heat spreader to improve diffusion of heat flux from the smaller volume (CNTs) to a larger heat sink.

The present invention teaches a wireless ear-piece headset forming an antenna with the interior of a human ear, especially the ear canal. An antenna in operative connection with such interior of such human ear greatly improves reception and transmission of the device. The antenna may be comprised of a conductive plastic forming the lower body of the ear-piece headset, a sound tube projecting from the body or only a part thereof. The antenna may form an efficient capacitive connection with the body or may form a direct electrical connection. The wireless ear-piece headset comprises a headset body; a microphone, a transceiver, a receiver and a battery within the headset body, and a sound tube projecting from the headset body. A mini-speaker disposed within the headset body passes sound from the mini-speaker out and into the interior of a human ear.