Other

Valam Corporation

Zelegent, Inc.

Laser Industries Ltd.

Yosef P Krespi

Ron Hadani

Alexander K Arrow

David Volpi

Victor Kizhner

Joseph Paraschac

Robert K Einhorn

Ashutosh Kacker

Istvan Szoke

Gleb Zilberstein

Robert Koorn

Karen Wilson

Jerzy Einhorn

A device for removal of bio-film without cutting or injury to tissue is provided which is an elongated, thin and flexible member which encases a fiber optic piece and having a downward curved section at or near one end. The fiber optic protrudes from the end of the member and is covered by a diffuser to create a light emitting head, which can be used to direct light energy to a selected treatment site. Disclosed are safe, simple and effective broad-spectrum treatments for bio-film removal, such as halitosis and other microbial infections of the non-dental upper respiratory tract useful to treat bacterial and other microorganism species, including anaerobic bacteria. Electromagnetic radiative energy including visible, and optionally, thermal, RF and/or microwave wavelengths, is topically applied to internal surfaces of the upper respiratory tract to destroy or incapacitate superficial microorganisms without the use of antibiotics.

Device and methods for use in removal of bio-film and treatment of halitosis

An electronic respiratory mask capable of filtering air that passes through is disclosed herein. In an embodiment, a face mask includes a body having an inner volume that surrounds the user's mouth when the body is placed over the user's mouth, a first electrode located on the body, the first electrode sized and shaped to allow air to pass between the inner volume of the body and an outside environment when the body is placed over the user's mouth, and a second electrode located on the body, the second electrode sized and shaped to allow air to pass between the inner volume of the body and the outside environment when the body is placed over the user's mouth, wherein the first and second electrode create an electric field gradient that is capable of suspending microbes as air passes between the inner volume of the body and the outside environment.

Electronic respirator mask

There is provided a process for treatment of rhinitis by diode laser ablation of the posterior nasal nerves. The laser diode delivery device with elongated optic tip is inserted through a patient's nostril and has the length, flexibility and a curvature to reach both above and under the patient's middle turbinate for treatment to both posterior nasal nerves. Skin and tissue temperature is raised to approximately 60-65&#xb0; C. with the process. Optimal treatment wavelength was found to be approximately 380-450 nanometers with blue lasers.

Device and methods of laser treatment for rhinitis

A nasal device for filtering air breathed into a user's nose is disclosed herein. In an embodiment, a nasal device includes a body sized and shaped to be secured to at least one of a user's nostrils, and a filter positioned on the body so as to be located over at least one of the user's nasal passages when the body is secured to the user's at least one nostril, wherein the filter filters air breathed into the user's at least one nasal passage when the body is secured to the user's at least one nostril.

Nasal device with air filter

There is provided a suture passer device used in procedures of robotic assisted minimally invasive suspension of the hyoid and tongue base in treatment of sleep apnea. The suture passer device is a dual use suture passer, having both suture insertor and extractor functionality on a single unitary instrument section of the device by means of insertion and extraction hooks positioned on an elongated needlelike body which is connected to a handle grip. The insertion and extraction hooks receive a suture via an opening in the body of the instrument, with the suture capable of removal and fastening to the extraction hook by robotic forceps. Procedures for using the device are disclosed which include a single point of entry on a patient and the device moved to first and second positions above and below the hyoid bone during robotic assisted surgery.

Device and methods for use in robotic assisted surgery for treatment of obstructive sleep apnea

There is provided an LMA mask integrated for robotic surgery with ventilation or anesthesia tubes and for receiving the robot head with medical instruments through the mask. The inflatable cuff of the mask surrounds the robot head and ventilation so that the items necessary for surgical procedures are contained within a compact defined area. Increased maneuverability and visibility for the medical professional. Integration of the mask with processes for ventilation or anesthesia by accessories is also provided.

Device for securing airway and ventilation during robotic surgery of the head and neck

There is provided a process for treatment of rhinitis by diode laser ablation of the posterior nasal nerves. The laser diode delivery device with elongated optic tip is inserted through a patient's nostril and has the length, flexibility and a curvature to reach both above and under the patient's middle turbinate for treatment to both posterior nasal nerves. Skin and tissue temperature is raised to approximately 60-65&#xb0; C. with the process. Optimal treatment wavelength was found to be approximately 940 nanometers.

In an embodiment, a surgical implant includes a body extending from a distal end to a proximal end, the body having a first section proximal to the distal end and a second section between the first section and the proximal end, a needle attachment member located at the distal end of the body, the needle attachment member configured to attach to a needle for insertion of the surgical implant into a patient's tissue, a plurality of first barbs located on the first section of the body, the first barbs pointed towards the proximal end of the body, and a plurality of second barbs located on the second section of the body, the second barbs pointed towards the distal end of the body, wherein the second barbs are configured to be folded inwardly for insertion of the surgical implant into the patient's tissue by the needle.

Suspension implant

Methods and apparatuses for lifting, suspending and stiffening a patient's tissue are disclosed. In an embodiment, a surgical implant includes a body having a distal end and a proximal end, a needle attachment member located at the distal end of the body, a plurality of first barbs located on the body proximal to the distal end, the plurality of first barbs pointed towards the proximal end of the body, and a plurality of second barbs located on the body between the plurality of first barbs and the proximal end, the plurality of second barbs pointed towards the distal end of the body.

Methods and apparatuses for lifting, suspending and stiffening a patient's tissue are disclosed. In an embodiment, a method of lifting and stiffening a patient's tissue includes inserting at least one suture into the patient's tissue in a first direction, pulling the suture in a second direction so as to lift and suspend the tissue in a lifted position and stiffen the tissue in the lifted position, and cutting the suture so that the tissue remains in the lifted position. Preferably, the patient's tissue is the patient's soft palate.

Surgical procedure and related apparatus for treating sleep apnea by lifting, suspending and stiffening the soft palate

A method for sinus surgery includes piercing first and second access openings into the anatomy of a human subject to access an inaccessible sinus site for cooperatively manipulating respective first and second surgical instruments inserted through the openings. One instrument, for example an endoscope, can permit viewing of the sinus site while the other instrument is manipulated to effect a treatment at the sinus site. The maxillary and other sinuses can be accessed and anti-inflammatory and other treatments can be applied. Systems and instruments for performing such sinus surgery methods are also disclosed.

Dual access sinus surgery methods

Method for treating chronic rhinosinusitis in a human patient. In the method a photosensitizing agent such as indocyanine green can be applied to color a nasal or sinal treatment site harboring infectious microorganisms. The photosensitizing agent can have an energy absorption peak in a near infrared wavelength region of the electromagnetic spectrum. The method can also include applying light energy from a laser source at a near infrared wavelength or wavelengths to the colored treatment site, for a duration sufficient to control the microorganisms. Apparatus for performing the method is also disclosed.

Selective treatments for chronic rhinosinusitis

A two-step mammalian biofilm treatment process can have a first step of disrupting or dispersing an undesired biofilm present at a treatment site in or on a mammalian host by suitable mechanical action for example, by applying irrigation fluid, sonic or other vibration, a mechanical instrument or laser-generated mechanical shockwaves to the biofilm. The treatment can also have a second step comprising applying an antimicrobial treatment to the mammalian host to control possible infection related to biofilm dispersed in the first step or to residual biofilm at the treatment site. Usefully, the second step can be performed within a limited time period after the first step. The process can also include additional steps The antimicrobial treatment can employ light or an antibiotic material. Included are implants cleaned of biofilm by a described process.

Two step mammalian biofilm treatment processes and systems

Disclosed are safe, simple and effective broad-spectrum treatments for halitosis and other microbial infections of the nondental upper respiratory tract useful to treat bacterial and other microorganism species, including anaerobic bacteria. Electromagnetic radiative energy including visible, and optionally, thermal, RF and/or microwave wavelengths, is topically applied to internal surfaces of the upper respiratory tract to destroy or incapacitate superficial microorganisms without the use of antibiotics. One useful apparatus is a handheld energy applicator having a light output head suitable for treating the back of the tongue and the tonsils and which may be interchangeably provided with extensions to reach the sinuses. The energy applicator can be supported and guided by a mounting device held between the subject's teeth, if desired. Useful embodiments of the invention include preparative treatment of the target surfaces with a photosensitizing agent such as an oxidizing agent or a complementary stain. Optionally a pre-treament procedure may be employed to remove detritus and microfloral overgrowths that may mask more deeply resident target microorganisms. Novel treatments include treatment of halitosis by destruction of bacterial species associated with halitosis, such as, by application of non-ionizing radiative energy to the tonsils and the back of the tongue. Another embodiment comprises a candy bar incorporating a halitosis treatment lamp disposed within the candy.

Control of halitosis-generating and other microorganisms in the non-dental upper respiratory tract

Disclosed are methods and apparatus for safe, simple and effective broad-spectrum treatments of chronic rhinosinusitis and other common and less common infections of the sino-nasal tract which may implicate not only a wide range of bacterial species but also fungi and viruses. Electromagnetic radiative energy including visible, and optionally, thermal RF, microwave or other longer wavelengths, is applied to target internal surfaces of the sino-nasal tract to destroy or incapacitate superficial microorganisms without the use of antibiotics. The treatment can be controlled to permit regrowth of healthy microflora. A handheld energy applicator has a light output head receivable into, or engageable with, the treatment subject's nostril which may be provided with extensions to reach the sinuses. Useful embodiments of the invention include pretreatment of target sino-nasal surfaces with a photosensitizing agent such as an oxidizing agent or a complementary stain. For example methylene blue can be used with orange or red light. The combination treatment of photosensitizer and application of visual wavelength energy provides a flexible treatment regimen which enables low concentrations of stains to be employed, minimizing aesthetic problems.

Growing community of inventors

New York, NY, United States of America

Yosef P Krespi