1062 results about "Body Regions" patented technology

A spinal implant for repairing a region of a subject's spine may have a plurality of interlockable segments that can be deployed from a delivery configuration (e.g., a linear array) into a deployed configuration. When the implant is in the delivery configuration, the implant comprises a linear array of the segments that are flexibly connected, and when the implant is in the deployed configuration, the segments are interlocked into a stable structure so that each segment is adjacent to and interlocked with at least two other segments. in the deployed configuration, the implants may have a greater strength (e.g., crush strength) and may help maintain the stability of the body region. The implant may be inserted into the spinal region by an applicator from the posterior region of the subject in the delivery configuration and assembled within the body to form the deployed configuration.

The present invention provides a method of recording and displaying in context of an image a location of at least one point-of-interest in a body during an intra-body medical procedure. The method is effected by (a) establishing a location of the body; (b) inserting at least one catheter into a portion of the body, the at least one catheter including a first location implement; (c) using an imaging instrument for imaging the portion of the body; (d) establishing a location of the imaging instrument; (e) advancing the at least one catheter to at least one point-of-interest in the portion of the body and via a locating implement recording a location of the at least one point-of-interest; and (f) displaying and highlighting the at least one point-of-interest in context of an image of the portion of the body, the image being generated by the imaging instrument; such that, in course of the procedure, the locations of the body, the at least one catheter and the imaging instrument are known, thereby the at least one point-of-interest is projectable and displayable in context of the image even in cases whereby a relative location of the body and the imaging instrument are changed.

The present invention is a system and method for graphically displaying a three-dimensional model of a region located within a living body. A three-dimensional model of a region of interest is displayed on a graphical display. The location in three-dimensional space of a physical characteristic (e.g. a structure, wall or space) in the region of interest is determined using at least one probe positioned within the living body. The graphical display of the model is deformed to approximately reflect the determined three-dimensional location of the physical characteristic. Preferably, the probe or probes are moved throughout the region of interest so as to gather multiple data points that can be used to increase the conformity between the graphical display and the actual region of interest within the patient.

Tools carry structures that are deployed inside bone and, when manipulated, cut cancellous bone to form a cavity.

Apparatus, systems and methods for providing fixation to an interior body region of a patient are provided. The apparatus includes an expandable cage which is inserted into a body region, such as cancellous bone of a vertebra, in a first geometry, and transitioned to a second geometry. Delivery devices and other tools are included including a material delivery device used to inject an agent into a body region without requiring or creating a void in that region. Methods are also provided for providing fixation to an internal body region.

Disclosed are devices and methods for emplacement of an expandable device in a body part of interest in human and animal subjects. In one embodiment, the expandable device comprises a cage that may be emplaced in the intervertebral disc for use in spine fusion techniques. The device is fashioned so that it may be delivered to the intervertebral disc by percutaneous means, such as via a cannula. Additionally disclosed are systems and kits employing the devices of the invention as well as methods of manufacturing the devices of the invention.

A system for use during a medical or surgical procedure on a body. The system generates an image representing the position of one or more body elements during the procedure using scans generated by a scanner prior or during the procedure. The image data set has reference points for each of the body elements, the reference points of a particular body element having a fixed spatial relation to the particular body element. The system includes an apparatus for identifying, during the procedure, the relative position of each of the reference points of each of the body elements to be displayed. The system also includes a processor for modifying the image data set according to the identified relative position of each of the reference points during the procedure, as identified by the identifying apparatus, said processor generating a displaced image data set representing the position of the body elements during the procedure. The system also includes a display utilizing the displaced image data set generated by the processor, illustrating the relative position of the body elements during the procedure. Methods relating to the system are also disclosed. Also disclosed are devices for use with a surgical navigation system having a sensor array which is in communication with the device to identify its position. The device may be a reference frame for attachment of a body part of the patient, such as a cranial reference arc frame for attachment to the head or a spine reference arc frame for attachment to the spine. The device may also be a localization frame for positioning an instrument relative to a body part, such as a localization biopsy guide frame for positioning a biopsy needle, a localization drill guide assembly for positioning a drill bit, a localization drill yoke assembly for positioning a drill, or a ventriculostomy probe for positioning a catheter.

A system for detecting non-verbal acoustic energy generated by a subject is provided. The system includes a sensor mountable on or in a body region of the subject, the sensor being capable of sensing the non-verbal acoustic energy; and a processing unit being capable of processing the non-verbal acoustic energy sensed by the sensor and deriving an activity related signature therefrom, thereby enabling identification of a specific activity associated with the non-verbal acoustic energy.

A system for detecting non-verbal acoustic energy generated by a subject is provided. The system includes a sensor mountable on or in a body region of the subject, the sensor being capable of sensing the non-verbal acoustic energy; and a processing unit being capable of processing the non-verbal acoustic energy sensed by the sensor and deriving an activity related signature therefrom, thereby enabling identification of a specific activity associated with the non-verbal acoustic energy.

A method for indirectly assessing the gesture, posture or movement of a body part of a person includes transmitting an ultrasound signal into the soft tissue, particularly the muscle, of body part and manipulating the reflected ultrasound signal to obtain parameter data. The parameter data is compared to reference information to obtain gesture, posture or movement information for the body part. Apparatus includes an ultrasound transmitter and receiver for transmitting, a signal processor, and a processor for storing reference information and determining gesture, posture or movement information for the body part.

An implant for filling and / or distracting a body region, particularly a non-soft tissue cavity, has a plurality of segments wherein at least two of the segments are flexibly connected. The segments have a crush-strength sufficient to create and / or maintain the distraction of two or more non-soft tissue body surfaces, and to maintain the stability of the body region. The implant may be inserted into a cavity by an applicator having a cannula with a distal opening, and a rotary driver for applying force to move the implant within the cannula.

A probe for application to a body part particularly a finger of a patient to detect a change in the physical condition of the patient includes a housing defining a compartment closed at one end and open at the opposite end for receiving the distal end of the patient's finger and a medium wholly self-contained within the probe for applying a static pressure field substantially uniformly around the distal end of the patient's finger, of a predetermined magnitude sufficient to substantially prevent distention of the venous vasculature, uncontrolled venous backflow, and retrognade shockwave propagation into the distal end, and to partially unload the wall tension of, but not to occlude, the arteries in the distal end when at heart level or below. A sensor senses changes in the distal end of the patient's finger related to changes in arterial blood volume therein.

A composite instrument is provided comprising a first functional instrument and a second functional instrument when the first functional instrument is coupled with the second functional instrument. A composite handle for the composite instrument is provided comprising a first handle and a second handle when the first handle is coupled with the second handle. The handle makes possible the reliable transmission, with increased mechanical advantage, of both torsional and longitudinal loads by the physician to the composite instrument, while resisting relative rotation between the first and second instruments. The instrument is sterilization sensitive, changing physical appearance after sterilization.

In accordance with the present invention there is provided methods for generating an isotropic or near-isotropic three-dimensional images from two-dimensional images. In accordance with the present invention the method includes, obtaining a first image of a body part in a first plane, wherein the first image generates a first image data volume; obtaining a second image of the body part in a second plane, wherein the second image generates a second image data volume; and combining the first and second image data volumes to form a resultant image data volume, wherein the resultant image data volume is isotropic or near-isotropic.

A photon therapy unit implement has a flexible head for conforming to a body part to be treated. The head has a thermally conductive backing to remove heat form the treatment area. The operation of the head is monitored by a photon detector to provide a feedback to the diode drive circuit to maintain the output at the required level. Operation of the head is monitored by a microprocessor which performs a diagnostic function and reports on defects. The treatment protocol is generated by a main control unit that formulates a treatment waveform from a set of treatment protocols. The selection of protocols is performed through a graphical user interface (GUI) which allows selection of treatment areas and customization of treatment as well as maintaining patient history and annotations.

Devices, systems and methods are provided for targeted treatment of a variety of conditions, particularly conditions that are associated with or influenced by the nervous system, such as pain. Targeted treatment of such conditions is provided with minimal deleterious side effects, such as undesired motor responses or undesired stimulation of unaffected body regions. This is achieved by directly neuromodulating a target anatomy associated with the condition while minimizing or excluding undesired neuromodulation of other anatomies.

I have discovered cosmetic or topical pharmaceutical compositions for external body part or organ slimming, firming, cellulite reduction, fat-reduction, and obesity control benefits that are in synergistic combination with benefits for the treatment of skin aging, skin wrinkles reduction, skin exfoliating, treatment of acne, treatment of rosacea, age-spots reduction, skin surface whitening, skin surface brightening striae distensae (stretch marks) reduction, treatment of pimples, treatment of skin infections and lesions, spider veins reduction, blood microcirculation (venous insufficiency) improvement, UVA / UVB protection of skin, and skin redness reduction. These compositions thus provide multiple combinations of skin and external body part or organ enhancement benefits that can be selective and specific for external body parts and organs such as face, chin, cheeks, arms, "love handles" in abdomen area, eye lids and eye zone, neck, breasts, thighs, and hips. These compositions include a body beneficial composition selected from certain nutraceutical, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical ingredients, a composition to promote collagen and elastin synthesis in the skin, and a cosmetically or pharmaceutically acceptable delivery system.

A neuro-stimulation system employs a includes a stimulator which may include electrode devices and / or vibration elements. A controller may be employed to drive the stimulating elements with an electrical signal. In response to the electrical signal, the stimulating elements deliver electrical and / or mechanical stimulation to the body part. The stimulation may be an aperiodic stimulation and / or may be a subthreshold stimulation. In one embodiment, the stimulator is disposable and the processor determines usage of the stimulator and ensures that the stimulator is limited to a certain amount of use. Neuro-stimulation systems may be applied to sensory cells of body parts during movement of the body parts to induce neuroplastic changes. Such movement may involve a variety of therapeutic applications, e.g. in stroke patient therapy.

A method for generating a three-dimensional model of a part of the body with the aid of a medical and / or surgical navigation system, comprising the steps of identifying to the navigation system landmarks on the part of the body that are characteristic of the model of the part of the body; obtaining at least two fluoroscopy image data sets for each of one or more predetermined, individual and delimited regions of the part of the body; ascertaining characteristic body part data by processing and combining the landmark positions and parameters of the fluoroscopy data sets; and generating a three-dimensional and positionally determined model of the part of the body from the characteristic body part data.

Systems and methods for directionally controlling expansion of an expandable device are described. One such device includes an expandable body comprising a first wall portion and a second wall portion. The first wall portion comprises a high elasticity material. The second wall portion comprises a material having an elasticity lower than the elasticity of the first wall portion. When the body is expanded, expansion of the second wall portion is constrained more than expansion of the first wall portion. Expansion of the body is directed outwardly from the high elasticity first wall portion. Such a device is useful for providing cavities in interior body regions.

An implantable pump system includes: (1) an implantable pump having separate chambers or reservoirs, at least one of which is coupled to the pump so as to allow a programmable rate of delivery of the medication stored in the pump chamber or reservoir, the other chambers or reservoirs of which are at least capable of delivery of a bolus via a pressurized, and potentially independently programmable chamber or pumping mechanism; (2) a patient controller that enables the actuation of the pump so as to administer a bolus or programmed rate of the first, second, third, . . . or nth medication contained in the independent chambers or reservoirs coupled to the pump; and (3) a catheter having two or more reservoir-specific inlet ports directed into respective lumens of the catheter. In one embodiment, the distal tips of the respective lumens may be directed to different sites within the patient's body, thereby allowing site specific and independent delivery of the medications stored in the respective pump chambers or reservoirs to be administered to different body sites at independently controlled times and rates. In another embodiment, the distal tips of the respective lumens are directed, more or less, to the same body site or tissue region, thereby providing for the independent delivery of multiple medications to the same regions at independently controlled times and rates.

Apparatus for rehabilitating a patient who has a paretic body part, the apparatus comprising: a) at least one electromyography (EMG) sensor adapted to being applied to a voluntary muscle of a healthy body part of the same type as the paretic body part which at least one sensor produces at least one EMG signal; b) a neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) device adapted to stimulating at least one voluntary muscle of the paretic body part; and c) a controller which controls the NMES device, making the amplitude of stimulation of the paretic body part at least partly dependent on the EMG signal from the healthy body part.

A first surgical instrument has a bore extending therethrough and includes a handle attachment site. A second surgical instrument is sized and configured for passage through the bore of the first instrument. The handle is adapted for manipulating the first instrument when in use and includes a component configured to removably engage the handle attachment site. The handle includes a passageway accommodating passage of the second instrument through the bore of the first instrument while the first instrument is removably engaged by the handle.

A mobile device may use near field communication (NFC) technology to configuration a generic pool of wearable, wireless sensors that may occupy different physical locations on an end user s body. The wearable sensors have an embedded NFC tag in them such, that a mobile device, such as a mobile phone, with an NFC capability may be used to configure sensors in the field so that it recognizes which sensor is connected to which body part. Such a system may be used for example to monitor and report on the user's daily physical activity patterns or be used for video gaming applications where the user's physical movements are detected and utilized to control the game.

A shaft having an axis and a distal end portion is adapted to be deployed inside a vertebral body through a cannula. A filament is carried by the distal end portion. A surface on the filament is movable between a collapsed condition sized and configured to be deployed with the shaft through the cannula and an extended position that extends radially from the shaft. A mechanism is coupled to the filament to extend the filament in situ radially from the shaft into contact with cancellous bone within the vertebral body. The surface, when extended, defines a structure capable of forming a cavity wholly within the vertebral body in the cancellous bone.

Systems and methods for radioscopic visualization of the positioning of an expandable body in an interior body region are described. One such system includes a radiopaque marking pattern in communication with the expandable body. The radiopaque marking pattern can be configured to allow for visualizing radioscopically the orientation and movement of the expandable body in unexpanded and expanded states in an interior body region. Such a device is useful for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes, including, for example, providing cavities in interior body regions.

Skeletal implant of the type to be used to connect at least two elements of a skeleton. The skeletal implant includes a first part adapted to be connected to at least one of the at least two elements of the skeleton. A second part is adapted to be connected to another of the at least two elements of the skeleton. A variable volume element is adapted to move the first and second parts with respect to each other. A high-pressure chamber supplies fluid to the variable volume element. A low-pressure chamber receives fluid from the variable volume element. A recharging variable volume element is adapted to communicate with the high-pressure chamber and the low-pressure chamber. The recharging variable volume element is responsive to displacements of corporal parts of a user and recharges the high-pressure chamber with fluid. This Abstract is not intended to define the invention disclosed in the specification, nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

Methods and apparatus for incrementally manipulating a body member of a patient are disclosed. The apparatus has a magnetic implant adapted to be received on a location of the body member, a form external to the patient, and a magnetic member coupled to the form, wherein the magnetic member generates a magnetic force between the implant and the form to incrementally manipulate the body member. The implant and external magnetic member are preferably rare earth magnets or an array of rare earth magnets, and are configured to generate an attractive or repulsive force between the implant and the platform to reposition, reorient, deform, or lengthen the body member.

A system whereby a magnetic tip attached to a surgical tool is detected, displayed and positioned. A Virtual Tip serves as an operator control. Movement of the operator control produces corresponding movement of the magnetic tip inside the patient's body. Additionally, the control provides tactile feedback to the operator's hand in the appropriate axis or axes if the magnetic tip encounters an obstacle. The output of the control combined with the magnetic tip position and orientation feedback allows a servo system to control the external magnetic field by pulse width modulating the positioning electromagnet. Data concerning the dynamic position of a moving body part such as a beating heart offsets the servo systems response in such a way that the magnetic tip, and hence the secondary tool is caused to move in unison with the moving body part.