403 results about "Minimally invasive procedures" patented technology

The present invention relates generally to a tissue closure device and in particular to a tissue closure device having a plurality of configurations providing for delivery and use in minimally invasive procedures. A tissue closure device (100) is provided from shape memory or super-elastic materials for closing a tissue site opening (50), the device comprising a plurality of tissue anchors (130) extending from a closed loop surface (110) wherein the plane of said tissue anchors is provided at an angle essentially perpendicular with respect to the plane of said closed loop surface; a. wherein said plurality of tissue anchors (130) comprise a proximal end (130p) and a distal end (130d); said distal end provided for anchoring said device onto tissue (50); and wherein said proximal end (130p) is fluid with and extends from said closed loop surface (110); and b. said closed loop surface (110) having a plurality of configurations including: a delivery configuration (1OOd), an open configuration (1000) and a closed configuration (100c) wherein said closed loop surface (110) may undergo a transformation between one of said plurality of configurations to another; said delivery configuration (1OOd) defining a low profile of said device (100) and adapted for delivery to a tissue site (50) through a small profile access point having a first diameter and wherein said closure device is utilized to close a tissue site having a second diameter such that said second diameter is larger than said first diameter.

In various embodiments, the present invention provides a plurality of novel interspinous distraction devices and associated methods of insertion. The interspinous distraction devices of the present invention are designed and configured to effectively treat such conditions as lumbar spinal stenosis and degenerative disc disease. Advantageously, the interspinous distraction devices of the present invention may be inserted through conventional open procedures, typically requiring a relatively large incision and a general anesthetic, or through novel minimally-invasive procedures, typically requiring only a local anesthetic. These novel minimally-invasive procedures and related enabling devices are also disclosed and described herein.

Devices for efficient severing or cutting of a material or substance such as soft tissue suitable for use in open surgical and/or minimally invasive procedures are disclosed. A cutting assembly generally includes a first and second cutting blades each having an inner surface and at least one set of cutting teeth, the first inner surface being in contact with the second inner surface so that the sets of cutting teeth of the first and second cutting blades are aligned with and configured to cooperate with each other when at least one of the cutting blades moves, e.g., rotates and/or oscillates, relative to the other. A tissue cutting device generally includes a probe and the cutting assembly configured to be in a storage configuration or in a cutting configuration. The cutting assembly may provide a coagulation mechanism.

An implantable device system for controlling the dimensions of internal anatomic passages corrects physiologic dysfunctions resulting from a structural lumen which is either too large or too small. Implantable devices are disclosed which employ various mechanisms for adjusting and maintaining the size of an orifice to which they are attached. Systems permit the implants to be implanted using minimally invasive procedures and permit final adjustments to the dimensions of the implants after the resumption of normal flow of anatomic fluids in situ.

A spinal stabilization system may be formed in a patient. In some embodiments, a minimally invasive procedure may be used to form a spinal stabilization system in a patient. Bone fastener assemblies may be coupled to vertebrae. Each bone fastener assembly may include a bone fastener and a collar. The collar may be rotated and/or angulated relative to the bone fastener. Extenders may be coupled to the collar to allow for formation of the spinal stabilization system through a small skin incision. The extenders may allow for alignment of the collars to facilitate insertion of an elongated member in the collars. An elongated member may be positioned in the collars and a closure member may be used to secure the elongated member to the collars. A reducer may be used to achieve reduction of one or more vertebral bodies coupled to a spinal stabilization system.

A spinal stabilization system may be formed in a patient. In some embodiments, a minimally invasive procedure may be used to form a spinal stabilization system in a patient. Bone fastener assemblies may be coupled to vertebrae. Each bone fastener assembly may include a bone fastener and a collar. Extenders may be coupled to the collar to allow for formation of the spinal stabilization system through a small skin incision. The extenders may allow for alignment of the collars to facilitate insertion of an elongated member in the collars. An elongated member may be positioned in the collars and a closure member may be used to secure the elongated member to the collars. An adjuster may be used in conjunction with the extenders to change a separation distance between the bone fastener assemblies.

An implantable device system for controlling the dimensions of internal anatomic passages corrects physiologic dysfunctions resulting from a structural lumen which is either too large or too small. Implantable devices are disclosed which employ various mechanisms for adjusting and maintaining the size of an orifice to which they are attached. Systems permit the implants to be implanted using minimally invasive procedures and permit final adjustments to the dimensions of the implants after the resumption of normal flow of anatomic fluids in situ.

A noninvasive or minimally invasive procedure and system for measuring blood glucose levels is disclosed. A set of photodiodes detects the fluorescence and reflectance of light energy emitted from one or more emitters, such as LEDs, into a patient's skin. In an embodiment, small molecule metabolite reporters (SMMRs) that bind to glucose are introduced to the measurement area to provide more easily detected fluorescence.

A device for occluding a hollow anatomical structure includes a clamp having at least first and second clamping portions adapted to be placed on opposite sides of the anatomical structure. At least one of the first and second clamping portions is movable toward the other from an open position to a clamping or closed position to occlude the anatomical structure. The clamp has an annular shape configured to surround the hollow anatomical structure in the open position and a flattened shape in the clamping position configured to occlude the hollow interior of the anatomical structure. The clamp is preferably covered with fabric to promote tissue ingrowth. A clamp delivery and actuation device is provided for allowing the clamp to be applied in either an open surgical procedure or a minimally invasive procedure.