Abstract: A speech assistance device includes: an adaptor defining a first end and a second end, a first end of the adaptor configured to cover and seal directly or indirectly against a tracheal stoma defined in a neck of a user, the adaptor comprising a compressible material; a reed module connected to the adaptor, the reed module including a reed configured to produce sound using air expelled by the user from the stoma; and a tube coupled to the reed module, the tube configured to be inserted into a mouth of the user.

Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve either of the mechanical type or the bio prosthetic type, comprises a tubular or cylindrical frame element, a plurality of injectors, a suturing member surrounding the tubular or cylindrical frame element, tether lines to secure the device during diastolic filling but more predominantly during systolic contraction that creates a vortex effect with externally supplied pressurized fluid injected angularly within a transport structure is provided. Such a unit is utilized to accelerate the hemodynamics, reduce the energy required for said transport or both. The annular frame is designed to allow a passageway for blood flow and regulating flow during systolic contraction. Such a result is achieved through the introduction of pressurized fluid (blood) via a plurality of injectors situated evenly around the circumference of the subject tubular or cylindrical unit, and angled uniformly for an even pressure injection of fluid within the conveyance component thereof.

Abstract: A compound stent device includes a first stent portion and a second stent portion, where the second stent portion is formed from a biodegradable material, and the first stent portion is formed from either non-biodegradable material or is biodegradable significantly more slowly than the second portion. The compound stent device is deformable from a first diameter to a second larger diameter. Immediately after expansion, the first stent portion and the second stent portion cooperate to provide a first contact area of support for a length of a surrounding vessel. After decomposition of the second stent portion, the first stent portion provides a second contact area of support for the length of the surrounding vessel which is at least 10 percent smaller than the first contact area.

Abstract: An exoskeleton system is passively powered and pneumatically operated. The system may be a lower-limb system for walking gait restoration. The system may include a first linear actuator located in front of an upper leg section and a second linear actuator located behind a lower leg section.

Abstract: A tenodesis anchor having an anchor member coupled to at least one fiber loop. The anchor member is inserted into a bone and the loop closed about a tendon to be anchored to the bone. Closing the loops additionally deforms the anchor member so that it remains within the bone, thereby securing the tendon trapped in the loop to the bone without the use of a staple.

Abstract: Proprioceptive feedback is provided in a residual limb of a person that includes forming a linkage between a pair of agonist and antagonist muscles, forming a sliding surface over which the agonist and antagonist muscles slide. The sliding surface can include a synovial sleeve, a bridge formed between the distal ends of bones, or a fixture that is osseointegrated into the bone. The invention also includes a system for transdermal electrical communication in a person that includes a percutaneous access device, a sensory device that communicates signals between a muscle and the percutaneous device, and a stimulation device in communication with the percutaneous access device. In another embodiment, a closed-loop functional stimulation system restores lost functionality to a person that suffers from impairment of a neurological control system or at least partial loss of a limb.

Abstract: A bone nail (1) for the heel includes: a front portion (2) determined for insertion into one or more bones (14, 15, 16) or bone fragments of the heel and having a tip (3), and an arc-shaped main portion (4) extending from the front portion (2) and having a rear end (5), wherein the main portion (4) includes a tapered shape such that a cross sectional diameter of the main portion (4) within at least one first section (20) increases towards the rear end (5). According to embodiments, a curvature of the arc-shaped main portion (4) includes a radius of curvature rc which amounts to at least 130 mm. According to other embodiments, the tapered shape is a conical shape.

Abstract: A heart valve system, the system including a radially self-expandable tubular body and a valve. The tubular body having an inflow end and an outflow end, and the tubular body including a proximal-most end at the inflow end and a distal-most end at the outflow end. The tubular body including a plurality of arched beams at the outflow end of the tubular body such that the arched beams form the distal-most end of the tubular body. Connection points linking the inflow end of the tubular body and the arched beams, a number of connection points being equivalent to a number of the valve leaflets. Each arched beam being directly attached to an adjacent arched beam such that the arched beams are continuous along the entire circumference of the tubular body at the outflow end. The valve being coupled to the tubular body and including a plurality of valve leaflets.

Abstract: A surgical implant may include a porous structure with interconnected pores for ingrowth of bone into the porous structure. The porous structure has an arrangement of fibres which are attached to one another, the fibres being arranged in stacked layers. The porous structure has a surface including different regions having different porosities. A method of making the above surgical implant is also described.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods for treatment of tendon and ligament injuries and/or repair of damaged tendons and ligament. The invention provides compositions comprising a biocompatible matrix and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF).

Abstract: A sensing apparatus includes a base substrate; a plurality of sensing units on the base substrate, a respective one of the plurality of sensing units including a first component configured to emit light and a second component configured to detect light; and an elastic layer on a side of the plurality of sensing units distal to the base substrate and configured to undergo a deformation upon a touch, at least a portion of light emitted from the first component being reflected by a surface of the elastic layer. The second component is configured to detect light reflected by the surface of the elastic layer and output a sensing signal, an intensity of which being correlated to a degree of the deformation of the elastic layer at a local position.

Abstract: A hip component for a legged mobility device has a hip body, and a hip insert assembly for adjusting a size of the hip component. The hip insert assembly includes a carrier assembly mounted to the hip body, and a main insert assembly spaced apart from the carrier assembly. Adjustment screws are connected to the carrier assembly and the main insert assembly. The carrier assembly includes an adjustment mechanism including a drive shaft and an adjustment chain to effect translational movement of the adjustment screws to move the main insert assembly to adjust both width and depth of the hip component simultaneously. The hip component includes abduction/adduction control mechanism that includes elastomeric bushings that are selective as to resistance level and shape to control a degree of abduction and adduction, and to preset an initial angle. A leg component includes a central carrier, and first and second housings that are located on opposite sides of the central carrier.

Abstract: A resorbable scaffold for partial meniscus regeneration. The resorbable scaffold includes a polymer filament network and a matrix in the polymer filament network. The polymer filament network includes alternating layers of circumferentially-oriented filaments and radially-oriented filaments, and has a three-dimensional shape and geometry which is substantially the same as a three-dimensional shape and geometry of the resorbable scaffold.

Abstract: To solve the problem of making available a speech valve for persons who have undergone a laryngectomy or tracheotomy, which speech valve in particular has a long useful life, a speech valve is proposed having a housing with a proximal opening and at least one filter at least partially received in the housing, and with a piston-like valve element, wherein the filter at least partially surrounds the valve element, wherein the valve element is movable on a valve seat, arranged on the proximal opening, in order to produce a closure position and can be returned with a spring action to an open position of the speech valve, and wherein the valve element has a lower end which faces towards the proximal opening and which is assigned to the valve seat in the open position and, with the valve seat, forms a gap through which an air stream can be guided.

Abstract: A gravity sensitive silicone breast implant is provided which, in various embodiments, has a soft, natural feel and adapts shape after implantation responsive to gravity, according to movements of the patient.

Abstract: This anchor (1) includes two parts (2, 3) that are to be assemble: an outer part (2), forming at least a first jamming surface (16a) for jamming the suture thread (100); and an inner part (3), intended to be inserted and retained in the outer part (2), which forms a transverse conduit (21) and at least a second jamming surface (25) for jamming the suture thread (100).

Abstract: A femoral prosthesis and a knee prosthesis are provided. The femoral prosthesis includes a condyle surface having a first surface section contacting a tibial joint surface over a first range of flexion angles and a second surface section contacting the tibial joint surface over a second range of flexion angles; the first range of flexion angles from a first to a second flexion angle; the second range of flexion angles from the second to a third flexion angle; the first flexion angle selected from ?20° to 0°, the second flexion angle selected from 45° to 75°, the third flexion angle selected from 50° to 90° and the third flexion angle greater than the second flexion angle; the first surface section having a radius of curvature of a constant length, and the second surface section having a radius of curvature that decreases from a front end to the rear end.

Abstract: A modular acetabular cup assembly for use with multiple bearing liners is disclosed. The acetabular cup assembly includes a shell having a tapered inner wall and two circumferential grooves. The shell may be used with polyethylene, ceramic, metal, and other types of liners.

Abstract: A composite scaffold having a highly porous interior with increased surface area and void volume is surrounded by a flexible support structure that substantially maintains its three-dimensional shape under tension and provides mechanical reinforcement during repair or reconstruction of soft tissue while simultaneously facilitating regeneration of functional tissue.

Abstract: Methods and devices for the repair of a ruptured ligament using a scaffold device are provided. Aspects of the invention may include a scaffold attached by a suture to an anchor. In aspects of the invention, the anchor may be secured to a bone near or at the repair site.