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 [Search a list of Patent Appplications for class 623]   CLASS 623,PROSTHESIS (I.E., ARTIFICIAL BODY MEMBERS), PARTS THEREOF, OR AIDS AND ACCESSORIES THEREFOR
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SECTION I - CLASS DEFINITION

This class provides for artificial substitutes or parts for a human body particularly manufactured or adapted to replace or assist a missing or defective natural body member or part thereof for functional or cosmetic reasons. This class also provides for elements or accessories for substitutes or parts of this class unless such elements or accessories are of such general utility as to be provided for in some other class. This class also provides for devices and mechanisms designed to operate or control artificial substitutes or parts for a human body. Finally, this class provides for methods of operating an artificial heart.

(1) Note. For the purposes of this class, the expression "Prosthesis" and "Artificial body member" may include a natural other than human animal body part which has been treated or modified to produce a different type of replacement body part. For example, a graft usable for arteries, organs or skin which is made from animal intestines or umbilical cords will be found in this class. Such prosthesis involving the use of natural body parts proper for this class are to be distinguished from transplants proper for Class 128. That class provides for organ or tissues taken from a human body for grafting into another area of the same body or into another human body "Class 128 also provides for tissues transplated from one animal into another when the tissues are unchanged, and used for substantially the same purpose (e.g., a pig’s heart when placed into a human to replace the human heart is considered a transplant, not a prosthesis for this class)."
(2) Note. Stents (devices inserted within a blood vessel or organ intended to keep the vessel or organ from collapsing) are to be classified in Class 623 if the device is to be left in place for any length of time longer than the operation implanting it.
(3) Note. A filter placed in a vessel or organ is classified in Class 623 if they remain longer than the operation, and in Class 606 if they are removed before completion of the operation.
(4) Note. Dialators, are to be placed in Class 606 only if the device is used for holding open the vessel or organ while it is being operated on (i.e., for the duration of the operation), and then removed.
(5) Note. Stents for body orifices (e.g., nasal, rectal, throat, etc.) will be classified in Class 606.
(6) Note. Occluders, devices for blocking the normal flow of fluids through a vessel, are classified in Class 606.

SECTION II - LINES WITH OTHER CLASSES AND WITHIN THIS CLASS

With regard to Class 128, Surgery, the subject matter found in Class 623 is intended to physically replace (completely or partially) a missing or defective natural body member or part thereof while Class 128 provides for subject matter which may control or assist a body part or function but which is not used as a physical replacement or partial replacement for any normally existing body part. Class 623, for example, provides for sphincter type apparatus which is completely or partially substituted for an existing sphincter type muscle while Class 128 provides for sphincter type apparatus which is used in addition to an existing sphincter type muscle or in a location where no such muscle normally exists.

SECTION III - REFERENCES TO OTHER CLASSES

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

2, Apparel,   appropriate subclasses for pads to be worn under the clothing.
8, Bleaching and Dyeing: Fluid Treatment and Chemical Modification of Textiles and Fibers,   subclass 94.1 for treatment of hides, skins, feathers, and animal tissues.
29, Metal Working,   subclass 33 for plural diverse manu apparatus with means for metal shaping or assembling, subclass 402.01 for repairing processes, subclass 419.1 for shaping fiber or fibered material processes, subclass 428 for assembling or joining processes, subclass 469.5 for metal deforming with nonmetallic bonding processes, subclass 592 for method of mechanical manufacture, subclass 700 for assemble or disassemble means, subclass 705 for assemble or disassemble means having means to test work or product, subclass 888 for fluid pump making, and subclass 890.12 for valve making.
36, Boots, Shoes, and Leggings,   subclass 140 for devices accommodating shoes to foot deformities and remaining in the shoe upon removal of the shoe from the foot.
72, Metal Deforming,   appropriate subclasses for means to bend or work with metal.
73, Measuring and Testing,   appropriate subclasses for measuring and testing devices.
83, Cutting,   appropriate subclasses for cutting general tools.
106, Compositions: Coating or Plastic,   subclass 13 for fog, frost, or ice preventive compositions.
119, Animal Husbandry,   subclasses 712+ for a harness for controlling or handling an animal, subclasses 850+ for a protective shield or apparel, and subclasses 856+ for a body- or appendage-encircling collar or band.
128, Surgery,   appropriate subclasses for apparatus which controls or assists a body part or function but does not physically replace or partially replace any normally existing body part and subclass 898 for general surgical methods which do not involve a step of manipulating a specific structure of the prosthetic device.
132, Toilet,   subclass 53 and 54 for wigs and other hair structures not anchored in the scalp.
135, Tent, Canopy, Umbrella, or Cane,   subclasses 65+ for staffs, crutches, stilts, etc. used as aids to walking but not adapted to be secured to the limbs.
137, Fluid Handling,   appropriate subclasses for valves.
181, Acoustics,   subclasses 129+ for an artificial ear drum or aid to hearing.
206, Special Receptacle or Package,   subclass 438 for packaging for body treatment article.
223, Apparel Apparatus,   appropriate subclasses, especially 60, 66+ and 120 for artificial body members used for display or in operations on apparel.
228, Metal Fusion Bonding,   subclass 101 for metal fusion bonding processes, subclass 141.1 for metal fusion processes with shaping, and subclass 175 for plural diverse bonding processes.
249, Static Molds,   appropriate subclasses for molding devices for lens.
251, Valves and Valve Actuation,   appropriate subclasses for valves with activating means.
264, Plastic and Nonmetallic Article Shaping or Treating: Processes,   subclass 1.1 for optical article shaping or treating; subclass 129 for methods of shaping or treating plastic article with printing or coating of work piece; and subclass 241 for mechanical shaping or molding to produce composite, plural parts or multilayered article.
351, Optics: Eye Examining, Vision Testing and Correcting,   subclass 41 for spectacles and eyeglasses as aids to vision; subclass 160 for eye contact lens, subclass 161 for multifocal eye contact lens, subclasses 170 and 175 for eye contact lens with prismatic segment or part, and subclass 176 for eye contact lens with focus and/or astigmatism correction means.
356, Optics: Measuring and Testing,   subclass 357 for measuring or testing a dimension or optical configuration by light interference.
359, Optics: Systems (Including Communication) and Elements,   subclass 642 for lens, subclass 652 for lens with graded refractive index, subclass 678 for prism lens type, subclass 707 for diffusing lens, subclass 721 for plural focal length lens, subclass 722 for lens with selective wavelength transmitting or blocking, subclass 728 for lens with aspheric surface, subclass 737 for lens with diverse refracting element, subclass 738 for lens with light limiting means, subclass 741 for lens with multipart element (e.g., Fresnel lens, etc.), subclass 811 for lens with support, and subclass 831 for prism lens.
381, Electrical Audio Signal Processing Systems and Devices,   subclass 23.1 for hearing aid and subclass 72 for electrical hearing protector.
422, Chemical Apparatus and Process Disinfecting, Deodorizing, Preserving, or Sterilizing,   subclass 44 for blood treating devices for transfusible blood.
423, Chemistry of Inorganic Compounds,   appropriate subclasses for treating mixture of inorganic compounds.
424, Drug, Bio-Affecting and Body Treating Compositions,   subclass 400 for compositions characterized by special physical forms and subclass 422 for compositions provided for an implant device (e.g., contact lens, etc.).
425, Plastic Article or Earthenware Shaping or Treating: Apparatus,   appropriate subclasses for treating or shaping means for plastic articles.
427, Coating Processes,   subclasses 2.1+ for significant coating or impregnating processes which involve medical or dental purpose products, parts, intermediates, or subcombinations thereof, especially subclasses 2.24+ coating (or impregnating) processes for implantable permanent prosthesis.
428, Stock Material and Miscellaneous Articles,   appropriate subclasses for a web, sheet or block of stock material product of either single or plural layers, and especially subclass 543 for miscellaneous articles or blanks not elsewhere provided.
433, Dentistry,   subclasses 167+ for dental prostheses: and subclasses 215+ for tooth repair (crowns, fillings, inlays, etc.).
435, Chemistry: Molecular Biology and Microbiology,   subclass 4 for measuring or testing processes involving enzymes or micro-organisms; subclass 289.1 for bioreactor; subclass 303.1 for incubator; subclass 307.1 for microorganism preservation, storage, or transport apparatus; and subclass 325 for process of preparing, maintaining, or preserving animal or plant cell, or a composition containing animal or plant cell.
436, Chemistry: Analytical and Immunological Testing,   subclass 63 for biological cellular material tested, subclass 69 for clotting or clotting factor level tests, and subclass 547 for tests involving production or treatment of antibody.
446, Amusement Devices: Toys,   subclasses 373+ , 376+, 390, and 391+ for artificial body members intended for use with dummies or dolls.
514, Drug, Bio-Affecting and Body Treating Compositions,   appropriate subclasses for composition for treating a body tissue.
520, Synthetic Resins or Natural Rubbers,   appropriate subclasses for synthetic resin material.
523, Synthetic Resins or Natural Rubbers,   subclass 113 for composition suitable for use as tissue or body member placement, restoration, or implant
530, Chemistry: Natural Resins or Derivatives; Peptides or Proteins; Lignins or Reaction Products Thereof,   subclass 829 for blood proteins.
600, Surgery,   subclass 1 and 9 for radioactive substance or magnetic field applied to body for therapy, subclass 16 for cardiac augmentation, subclass 22 for incubators, subclass 25 for surgically implanted vibratory hearing aid, subclass 29 for artificial sphincters, subclass 33 for reproduction and fertilization techniques, subclass 36 for method of making blood vessel or graft, subclass 37 for internal support or sling devices, subclass 163 for endoscope having an ocular with focusing, and subclass 300 for diagnostic testing, subclass 527 for devices which detect heartbeat by sensing movement of oscillatable body-supporting means, subclasses 558 and 559 for testing of eye or ear by visual auditory stimulus, and subclass 587 for devices for measuring anatomical characteristic or force applied to or exerted by body.
601, Surgery: Kinesitherapy,   appropriate subclasses for kinesitherapy devices.
602, Surgery: Splint, Brace, or Bandage,   subclass 1 and 41 for orthopedic bandage structure or material.
604, Surgery,   appropriate subclasses for methods and apparatus which involves the application, storing, collecting, introduction, or removal of material from a body; subclass 8 for shunts; subclass 19 for means for introducing medicating material into a body; subclass 93 for implantable reservoir inserted in a body; and subclass 264 for body inserted tubular conduit structure to introduce or remove material into or from a body; and subclass 294 for means for treating eye or surface of ocular cavity.
606, Surgery,   appropriate subclasses for surgical instruments; subclass 2 , 27, and 32 for light, heat, or electrical application devices; subclass 53 for orthopedic instrumentation; subclass 86 for means used in bone reparation; subclass 89 for femoral head repair means; subclass 107 for instrument for removing, inserting, or aiding in the removal or insertion of eye lens material; subclass 108 for means for inserting or removing conduit within a body; subclass 151 for surgical mesh, clip, clamp, or band including connector elements for hollow body organs and nerve endings; subclass 159 for blood vessel or duct cutter, scraper, or abrader; subclass 161 for optic scraper or abrader; subclass 162 for instrument for cleaning eye; subclass 166 for corneal cutter or guide devices; subclass 16 for cutting, punching, or piercing surgical tools; subclass 191 for internal pressure applicator (e.g., dilator, etc.); subclass 204.25 for acupressure device for eye; subclass 213 for sutureless closures; subclass 222 for suturing needle; subclass 228 for sutures and ligatures; and subclass 232 for suture retaining means.
607, Surgery: Light, Thermal, and Electrical Application,   subclass 1 for light, thermal, or electrical application devices; subclass 9 for electrical therapeutic system which regulates heart rate; subclasses 50 and 53 for applicators which promote tissue growth or optical function, subclass 96 for thermal applicators, subclass 115 for electrical energy applicators, and subclass 119 for electrical energy applicator placed in a natural heart.
901, Robots,   appropriate subclasses for robot mechanism.

SUBCLASSES

[List of Patents for class 623 subclass 1.1]    1.1ARTERIAL PROSTHESIS (I.E., BLOOD VESSEL):
 This subclass is indented under the class definition.  Subject matter wherein the artificial substitute or part is adapted to replace or assist a tubular structure which functions to contain and circulate blood within a human body (i.e., an artificial blood vessel or part thereof).

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:

901,for method of manufacturing prosthetic device.
  
[List of Patents for class 623 subclass 1.11]    1.11Stent combined with surgical delivery system (e.g., surgical tools, delivery sheath, etc.):
 This subclass is indented under subclass 1.1.  Subject matter wherein the artificial blood vessel or part thereof includes an artificial blood vessel support frame, and wherein means is provided for implanting the artificial blood vessel support frame into a blood vessel.
(1) Note. The term "stent" refers to the artificial blood vessel support frame.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

606, Surgery,   appropriate subclasses for surgical instruments, per se; and subclass 108 for surgical instrument adapted for inserting a conduit within the body.
  
[List of Patents for class 623 subclass 1.12]    1.12Expandable stent with constraining means:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 1.11.  Subject matter wherein a dimension of the artificial blood vessel support frame is capable of expanding or contracting, and wherein means is provided to keep the artificial blood vessel support frame in a compressed and unexpanded position.
  
[List of Patents for class 623 subclass 1.13]    1.13Stent in combination with graft:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 1.1.  Subject matter wherein the artificial blood vessel or part thereof includes an artificial blood vessel support frame and an artificial blood vessel.
(1) Note. The term "stent" refers to the artificial blood vessel support frame.
(2) Note. The term "graft" refers to the artificial blood vessel.
  
[List of Patents for class 623 subclass 1.14]    1.14Stent penetrating natural blood vessel:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 1.13.  Subject matter wherein the artificial blood vessel support frame includes attachment means adapted for piercing through a wall of a natural blood vessel.
  
[List of Patents for class 623 subclass 1.15]    1.15Stent structure:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 1.1.  Subject matter wherein the artificial blood vessel or part thereof is an artificial blood vessel support frame.
(1) Note. The term "stent" refers to the artificial blood vessel support frame.
  
[List of Patents for class 623 subclass 1.16]    1.16Having multiple connected bodies:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 1.15.  Subject matter wherein the artificial blood vessel support frame includes a plurality of segments secured together.
  
[List of Patents for class 623 subclass 1.17]    1.17Stent length remains constant with lateral expansion:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 1.15.  Subject matter wherein the artificial blood vessel support frame is capable of expanding without changing its longitudinal dimension.
  
[List of Patents for class 623 subclass 1.18]    1.18Having shape memory:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 1.15.  Subject matter wherein the artificial blood vessel support frame is capable of expanding or contracting to a predetermined size in response to a change in its environmental condition.
(1) Note. A change in the environmental condition includes, for example, a change in the surrounding heat, moisture, pH level, etc.
  
[List of Patents for class 623 subclass 1.19]    1.19Temperature responsive:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 1.18.  Subject matter wherein the artificial blood vessel support frame expands or contracts to a predetermined size in response to a change in its environmental temperature.
  
[List of Patents for class 623 subclass 1.2]    1.2Self-expanding stent:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 1.15.  Subject matter wherein the artificial blood vessel support frame includes means to allow expansion.
  
[List of Patents for class 623 subclass 1.21]    1.21Formed inside natural blood vessel:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 1.15.  Subject matter wherein the artificial blood vessel support frame is adapted to expand when inserted inside a natural blood vessel and then cure immediately to maintain its expanded form.
  
[List of Patents for class 623 subclass 1.22]    1.22Helically wound:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 1.15.  Subject matter wherein the artificial blood vessel support frame is an elongated element which is twisted around a longitudinal axis to form a spiral member.
  
[List of Patents for class 623 subclass 1.23]    1.23Including means for graft delivery (e.g., delivery sheath, ties, threads, etc.):
 This subclass is indented under subclass 1.1.  Subject matter including means for implanting the artificial blood vessel member into a natural blood vessel.
(1) Note. The term "graft" refers to artificial blood vessel.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

606, Surgery,   appropriate subclasses for surgical instruments, per se; and subclass 108 for surgical instrument adapted for inserting a conduit within body.
  
[List of Patents for class 623 subclass 1.24]    1.24Including valve:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 1.1.  Subject matter including means for controlling a blood flow rate (i.e., a valve).
  
[List of Patents for class 623 subclass 1.25]    1.25Inflatable graft:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 1.24.  Subject matter wherein the artificial blood vessel member is adapted to expand when filled with a fluid.
  
[List of Patents for class 623 subclass 1.26]    1.26Heart valve:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 1.24.  Subject matter wherein the blood flow rate controlling means is adapted to be implanted in a heart.
  
[List of Patents for class 623 subclass 1.27]    1.27Having plurality of parallel lumens:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 1.1.  Subject matter wherein the artificial blood vessel member includes multiple parallel artificial blood vessel members.
(1) Note. "Lumen" is an art term which refers to blood vessel.
  
[List of Patents for class 623 subclass 1.28]    1.28Having pleats:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 1.1.  Subject matter wherein the artificial blood vessel member includes a surface provided with folds.
  
[List of Patents for class 623 subclass 1.29]    1.29Longitudinal pleats:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 1.28.  Subject matter wherein the folds are parallel to a longitudinal axis of the artificial blood vessel member.
  
[List of Patents for class 623 subclass 1.3]    1.3Having variable diameter:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 1.1.  Subject matter wherein the artificial blood vessel member has sections with various cross sectional areas.
  
[List of Patents for class 623 subclass 1.31]    1.31Enlarged end:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 1.3.  Subject matter wherein the artificial blood vessel member has an end which has a largest cross sectional area relative to the entire body of the artificial blood vessel member.
  
[List of Patents for class 623 subclass 1.32]    1.32Having built-in reinforcement:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 1.1.  Subject matter wherein the artificial blood vessel member is a one-piece member structurally provided with means adapted to strengthen the artificial blood vessel member.
(1) Note. Means adapted to strengthen the artificial blood vessel member includes, for example, a strand of fiber wrapped around the artificial blood vessel member, etc.
  
[List of Patents for class 623 subclass 1.33]    1.33Monofilament:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 1.32.  Subject matter wherein the strengthening means is made from one strand of fiber wrapped around a wall of the artificial blood vessel member.
  
[List of Patents for class 623 subclass 1.34]    1.34Having marker (e.g., color, radiopaque, etc.):
 This subclass is indented under subclass 1.1.  Subject matter wherein the artificial blood vessel member includes identification means which enables a particular portion of the artificial blood vessel member to be visually detected.
(1) Note. The identification means includes, for example, a radiopaque or colored part, etc.
  
[List of Patents for class 623 subclass 1.35]    1.35Bifurcated:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 1.1.  Subject matter wherein the artificial blood vessel member includes a first tubular body and a second tubular body joined to the first tubular body.
  
[List of Patents for class 623 subclass 1.36]    1.36With means to attach graft to natural blood vessel (e.g., hooks, etc.):
 This subclass is indented under subclass 1.1.  Subject matter wherein the artificial blood vessel member includes means adapted to secure the artificial blood vessel member to a natural blood vessel.
(1) Note. The term "graft" refers to artificial blood vessel.
(2) Note. The securing means includes, for example, hooks, fastener, etc.
  
[List of Patents for class 623 subclass 1.37]    1.37Having angled cut (i.e., oblique cut):
 This subclass is indented under subclass 1.1.  Subject matter wherein the artificial blood vessel member includes a section having a slant cut at one end.
  
[List of Patents for class 623 subclass 1.38]    1.38Absorbable in natural tissue:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 1.1.  Subject matter wherein the artificial blood vessel member is made of a material adapted to be dissolved in surrounding natural tissues.
  
[List of Patents for class 623 subclass 1.39]    1.39Having pores:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 1.1.  Subject matter wherein the artificial blood vessel member is made from a sheet of material having tiny openings.
(1) Note. In general, the pores are adapted for promoting the absorpability of the artificial blood vessel member.
  
[List of Patents for class 623 subclass 1.4]    1.4Pore gradient:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 1.39.  Subject matter wherein the artificial blood vessel member includes layers of material with different degrees of porosity.
  
[List of Patents for class 623 subclass 1.41]    1.41Having living cell:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 1.1.  Subject matter wherein the artificial blood vessel member includes natural living tissue.
  
[List of Patents for class 623 subclass 1.42]    1.42Drug delivery:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 1.1.  Subject matter wherein the artificial blood vessel member is provided with means to distribute a treatment agent to surrounding natural living tissues.
  
[List of Patents for class 623 subclass 1.43]    1.43Antithrombogenic:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 1.42.  Subject matter wherein the treatment agent includes an anticoagulant substance adapted to prevent or reduce the deposition of plasma protein into a wall of the artificial blood vessel member.
  
[List of Patents for class 623 subclass 1.44]    1.44Having plural layers:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 1.1.  Subject matter wherein the artificial blood vessel member is a laminated structure.
  
[List of Patents for class 623 subclass 1.45]    1.45Impregnation:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 1.44.  Subject matter wherein the artificial blood vessel member is made from a sheet of material having a surface embedded with tiny particles.
(1) Note. The embedded tiny particles may serve to promote the permeability of or reinforce the blood vessel wall.
  
[List of Patents for class 623 subclass 1.46]    1.46Coating:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 1.44.  Subject matter wherein a surface of the artificial blood vessel member is covered with a layer of substance.
  
[List of Patents for class 623 subclass 1.47]    1.47Collagen:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 1.46.  Subject matter wherein the covered layer includes a collagen-based substance.
  
[List of Patents for class 623 subclass 1.48]    1.48Protein:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 1.4.  Subject matter wherein the covered layer includes a protein.
  
[List of Patents for class 623 subclass 1.49]    1.49Made of synthetic material:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 1.1.  Subject matter wherein the artificial blood vessel member is made from a manmade material.
  
[List of Patents for class 623 subclass 1.5]    1.5Knitted:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 1.49.  Subject matter wherein the material is formed from joined loops of strands.
  
[List of Patents for class 623 subclass 1.51]    1.51Woven:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 1.49.  Subject matter wherein the material is formed from interlaced strands.
  
[List of Patents for class 623 subclass 1.52]    1.52Velour surface:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 1.51.  Subject matter wherein an outer surface of the material has a velvet-like layer.
  
[List of Patents for class 623 subclass 1.53]    1.53Braided:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 1.51.  Subject matter wherein the material includes plurality of interconnected rope-like strands and wherein each rope-like strand is formed by interweaving three or more strands together.
  
[List of Patents for class 623 subclass 1.54]    1.54Fiber:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 1.49.  Subject matter wherein the material is formed from plurality of thread-like strands.
  
[List of Patents for class 623 subclass 2.1]    2.1HEART VALVE:
 This subclass is indented under the class definition.  Subject matter wherein the artificial substitute or part is adapted to permanently replace an anatomical structure which functions to retard or prevent the flow of blood through a heart (i.e., an artificial heart valve or device).

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:

900,for stent for heart valve.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

600, Surgery,   subclass 1 and 9 for radioactive substance or magnetic field applied to body for therapy, subclass 16 for cardiac augmentation, subclass 22 for incubators, and subclass 36 for method of making blood vessel or graft.
601, Surgery: Kinesitherapy,   appropriate subclasses for kinesitherapy devices.
602, Surgery: Splint, Brace, or Bandage,   subclass 1 and 41 for orthopedic bandage structure or material.
604, Surgery,   appropriate subclasses for methods and apparatus which involves the application, storing, collecting, introduction, or removal of material from a body; subclass 8 for shunts; subclass 19 for means for introducing medicating material into a body; subclass 93 for implantable reservoir inserted in a body; and subclass 264 for body inserted tubular conduit structure to introduce or remove material into or from a body.
606, Surgery,   appropriate subclasses for surgical instruments; subclass 2 , 27, and 32 for light, heat, or electrical application devices; subclass 53 for orthopedic instrumentation; subclass 108 for means for inserting or removing conduit within a body; subclass 151 for surgical mesh, clip, clamp, or band including connector elements for hollow body organs and nerve endings; subclass 159 for blood vessel or duct cutter, scraper, or abrader; subclass 167 for cutting, punching, or piercing surgical tools; subclass 191 for internal pressure applicator (e.g., dilator, etc.); subclass 213 for sutureless closures; subclass 222 for suturing needle; subclass 228 for sutures and ligatures; and subclass 232 for suture retaining means.
607, Surgery: Light, Thermal, and Electrical Application,   subclass 1 for light, thermal, or electrical application devices; subclass 9 for electrical therapeutic system which regulates heart rate; subclass 96 for thermal applicators; subclass 115 for electrical energy applicators; and subclass 119 for electrical energy applicator placed in a natural heart.
  
[List of Patents for class 623 subclass 2.11]    2.11Combined with surgical tool:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 2.1.  Subject matter further including a surgical instrument for implanting the artificial heart valve or device into a natural heart.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:

606, Surgery,   appropriate subclasses for surgical instrumentation devices, per se.
  
[List of Patents for class 623 subclass 2.12]    2.12Flexible leaflet:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 2.1.  Subject matter wherein the artificial heart valve or device includes a closure member made of pliant material capable of flexing between open and closed positions.
(1) Note. The term "leaflet" refers to a relatively soft component of the heart valve having structure adapted to close an opening.
  
[List of Patents for class 623 subclass 2.13]    2.13Leaflet made of biological tissue:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 2.12.  Subject matter wherein the flexing closure member is made from a natural living tissue.
  
[List of Patents for class 623 subclass 2.14]    2.14Supported by resilient frame:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 2.13.  Subject matter wherein the flexing closure member is mounted on an elastic framework.
  
[List of Patents for class 623 subclass 2.15]    2.15Trileaflet:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 2.13.  Subject matter wherein the flexing closure member includes three flexing flaps.
  
[List of Patents for class 623 subclass 2.16]    2.16Bileaflet:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 2.13.  Subject matter wherein the flexing closure member includes two flexing flaps.
  
[List of Patents for class 623 subclass 2.17]    2.17Supported by frame:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 2.12.  Subject matter wherein the flexing closure member is mounted on a framework.
  
[List of Patents for class 623 subclass 2.18]    2.18Resilient frame:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 2.17.  Subject matter wherein the framework is an elastic framework.
  
[List of Patents for class 623 subclass 2.19]    2.19Trileaflet:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 2.17.  Subject matter wherein the flexing closure member includes three flexing flaps.
  
[List of Patents for class 623 subclass 2.2]    2.2Having rigid or semirigid pivoting occluder:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 2.1.  Subject matter wherein the artificial heart valve or device includes a firm or partially unyielding closure member adapted to pivot about an axis into an open or closed position.
(1) Note. The term "occluder" refers to a relatively hard member adapted to close an opening.
  
[List of Patents for class 623 subclass 2.21]    2.21Fixed cylindrical pin structured to permit only pivoting movement of occluder:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 2.2.  Subject matter wherein the closure member is adapted to have only pivoting movement about a fixed cylindrical rod.
  
[List of Patents for class 623 subclass 2.22]    2.22Annular support member includes projecting means for guiding occluder =s pivoting motion:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 2.2.  Subject matter wherein the artificial heart valve or device includes a ring member having a guidepost extending outwardly from a wall of the ring member and adapted for assisting in directing the pivoting movement of the closure member.
  
[List of Patents for class 623 subclass 2.23]    2.23Strut projecting means:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 2.22.  Subject matter wherein the guidepost is an elongated shaft member.
  
[List of Patents for class 623 subclass 2.24]    2.24Strut projecting means extends through hole in occluder:
 This subclass is indented under subclass 2.23.  Subject matter wherein the elongated shaft member projects into an aperture in the closure member.