Abstract: A spacer block for gathering data to be used in the balancing of the joint arthroplasty or repair and in the selection of a trial insert which includes a first body piece and a second body piece. A plurality of sensors and a processor are positioned between the first body piece and the second body piece when the pieces are assembled together to form the spacer block. A chim is removably mounted to a top surface of the second body piece, the chim is associated with the plurality of sensors and positioned in relation to the plurality of sensors such that a force exerted on the chim by a weight bearing surface is detected by the plurality of sensors.

Abstract: A system and method for prosthesis fitting in joints comprising an artificial condyle and a spacer which cooperates with the condyle to form an artificial joint. The spacer embedded with at least one sensor which is responsive to a force generated between the condyle and the spacer. The artificial joint is adapted to move between a flexed position and an extended position defining a range of motion. The sensor is responsive to the force and generates an output representative of that force. The output is transmitted, either wirelessly or other, to a processor which utilizes an analysis program to display a representation of the forces applied. A practitioner utilizing the displayed analysis may intraoperatively determine the adjustments and balancing required within the artificial joint.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a device for repairing a patient patella. The device comprises a patellar trial piece and a patellar implant. The patellar trial piece has selectable variable weights to correct mechanical properties of the patient patella. Such mechanical properties to be corrected include a moment of inertia and/or a center of gravity of the patient patella. The patellar implant has embedded weights correspond to the variable weights of the patellar trial piece. In one embodiment, the patellar trial piece has a plurality of variable weights to be inserted into a plurality of holes in the patellar trial piece. The weights are made of different materials. In another embodiment, the patellar trial piece has a rounded top surface and a substantially flat bottom surface with a plurality of pegs. The pegs are selected from pegs with variable weights that are made of different materials.

Abstract: A system monitors dynamic forces between bearing surfaces. Based on sensed data, the system may model the forces on the bearing surfaces, analyze these forces, store data relating to these forces, and/or transmit data to an external data gathering device. The system includes a first body piece and a second body piece which mate together. The first and second body pieces comprise bearing surfaces that contact a material that may exert a force. A protrusion, such as a pole, post, or beam, extends from first body piece's bearing surface. At least one sensor is disposed on a pole. The at least one sensor detects a mechanical motion of the pole resulting from a force imposed on the body pieces, and generates data indicative of this force. A computer communicates with the at least one sensor and processes the sensed and/or modeled data.

Abstract: A method of making a membrane for use with a flow control system is disclosed. A female mold body portion and a male mold body portion are provided. A body portion support member configured to receive at least a portion of the female body portion and at least a portion of the male body portion is provided. The female and male body portions are separated from one another. Membrane manufacturing material is provided to a concave portion of the female mold body portion. The sleeve is moved downward. The lower mold portion is lowered until it is just short of its final intended position. Excess membrane manufacturing material, if any, is removed from around the seam of the mold. The upper mold portion is lowered the remaining distance so that the two mold portions are separated by the exact distance desired for the final membrane thickness.

Abstract: A mold for making a membrane having a reinforcement annulus configured to be received within a flow control system for use with a micropump is disclosed. The mold has a female body portion, a male body portion and a body support member. The female body portion has a cylindrical elongate lower portion extending along an axis and having a diameter D, and a centered, concave upper face having substantially the same diameter D and having a radius of curvature R. The upper face is oriented substantially perpendicularly to the axis of the elongate lower portion and extends therefrom. The male body portion has a cylindrical elongate upper portion having a lower terminus and extending along an axis. The upper portion thereof has a diameter substantially equal to D. The male body portion further has a central cylindrical portion having a height H and extending from the lower terminus along the axis of the upper portion.

Abstract: A flow control system is disclosed for use with a micropump for pumping a fluid to be administered through a catheter. The flow control system includes a first body portion, a membrane and a second body portion. The first body portion has a membrane-receiving inner surface, an inlet aperture in fluid communication with the micropump, and a mating surface disposed about the membrane-receiving inner surface and configured to mate with a mating surface of the second body portion. The membrane has a reinforcement annulus configured to be received by the first body portion membrane-receiving inner surface and a domed portion oriented to be movable from a closed position, in sealable communication with the inlet aperture, and an open position, in spaced apart relation from the inlet aperture. The membrane is oriented and sized to be biased in the closed position.

Abstract: A magnetically driven micropump for handling small fluid volumes. The micropump includes a first chamber and a second chamber. A flexible membrane being disposed between the first and second chambers. The flexible membrane being magnetically coupled to an actuator for displacing the membrane.

Abstract: A system and method for prosthesis fitting in joints comprising an artificial condyle and a spacer which cooperates with the condyle to form an artificial joint. The spacer embedded with at least one sensor which is responsive to a force generated between the condyle and the spacer. The artificial joint is adapted to move between a flexed position and an extended position defining a range of motion. The sensor is responsive to the force and generates an output representative of that force. The output is transmitted, either wirelessly or other, to a processor which utilizes an analysis program to display a representation of the forces applied. A practitioner utilizing the displayed analysis may intraoperatively determine the adjustments and balancing required within the artificial joint.

Abstract: A valveless MEMS micropump capable of improved efficiency and performance is disclosed. The micropump includes two adjoining chambers separated by a piezoelectric actuated pump membrane. The micropump moves fluid through the chambers through diffuser elements characterized by differential directional resistance to fluid flow by piezoelectric actuation of the pump membrane.

Abstract: A system and method for prosthesis fitting in joints comprising an artificial condyle and a spacer which cooperates with the condyle to form an artificial joint. The spacer embedded with at least one sensor which is responsive to a force generated between the condyle and the spacer. The artificial joint is adapted to move between a flexed position and an extended position defining a range of motion. The sensor is responsive to the force and generates an output representative of that force. The output is transmitted, either wirelessly or other, to a processor which utilizes an analysis program to display a representation of the forces applied. A practitioner utilizing the displayed analysis may intraoperatively determine the adjustments and balancing required within the artificial joint. The system may also utilize a ligament tension sensor which generates data representative of tension on a ligament of the artificial joint, and a joint angle sensor responsive to the range of motion of the artificial joint.

Abstract: A system monitors dynamic forces between bearing surfaces. Based on sensed data, the system may model the forces on the bearing surfaces, analyze these forces, store data relating to these forces, and/or transmit data to an external data gathering device. The system includes a first body piece and a second body piece which mate together. The first and second body pieces comprise bearing surfaces that contact a material that may exert a force. A protrusion, such as a pole, post, or beam, extends from first body piece's bearing surface. At least one sensor is disposed on a pole. The at least one sensor detects a mechanical motion of the pole resulting from a force imposed on the body pieces, and generates data indicative of this force. A computer communicates with the at least one sensor and processes the sensed and/or modeled data.

Abstract: A spacer block for gathering data to be used in selection of a trial insert includes a first body piece, a second body piece positioned on top of the first body piece, and at least one chim positioned on top of the second body piece. The first body piece includes at least one sensor to measure forces between the first and second body pieces, and the spacer block includes a processor having a memory operatively coupled to the sensor. The data can be analyzed using a trained neural network to provide feedback to a physician to aid in the determination of whether to resect additional bone, release soft tissues, and/or select sizes for a trial insert. Advantageously, increased data may be provided to a physician without the need to acquire numerous samples from a patient, and fewer sensors may be employed.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for prosthesis fitting in joints that employ a trained neural network to predict at least one unknown set of data, such as position and contact force. The unknown data is predicted based on at least one known sensor value that is obtained intraoperatively. The predicted neural network data is made available to a physician and aids in the determination of whether to resect additional bone, release soft tissues, and/or select sizes for prosthetic components. Advantageously, increased data may be provided to a physician without the need to acquire numerous samples from a patient, and fewer sensors may be employed.

Abstract: A system and method for prosthesis fitting in joints comprising an artificial condyle and a spacer which cooperates with the condyle to form an artificial joint. The spacer embedded with at least one sensor which is responsive to a force generated between the condyle and the spacer. The artificial joint is adapted to move between a flexed position and an extended position defining a range of motion. The sensor is responsive to the force and generates an output representative of that force. The output is transmitted, either wirelessly or other, to a processor which utilizes an analysis program to display a representation of the forces applied. A practitioner utilizing the displayed analysis may intraoperatively determine the adjustments and balancing required within the artificial joint.