Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for producing an orthodontic setup, comprising a) producing at least one physical alveolar ridge model, said alveolar ridge model having cavities for receiving tooth models, b) producing tooth models, and c) optionally: placing the tooth models in said alveolar ridge model.

Abstract: A tray for use in bonding orthodontic appliances to selected teeth of a patient is disclosed. The tray includes an outer shell having wall sections extending over facial, lingual, and occlusal surfaces of the selected teeth to form a channel including tooth cavities having a configuration matching and arranged for receiving the selected teeth. A matrix is bonded to the inner surface of the outer shell and is contoured to complement the facial or lingual surface of the teeth. A stabilization member extends from the outer shell and includes an inside surface contoured to complement at least a portion of the facial surface of a tooth located adjacent the selected teeth. Orthodontic appliances are detachably connected to the matrix, wherein each appliance includes a base for bonding the appliance to a tooth.

Abstract: A pocket orthodontic bonding pad for attaching orthodontic attachments to teeth wherein the orthodontic attachment is mechanically secured within a bonding pad pocket with a design that allows a slight buffering flexibility under masticatory stress and ease of removal of the orthodontic attachment. Upon removal of locking tabs the orthodontic attachment may be removed with minimal force, and the remaining bonding pad polished from the teeth with ease, which is most advantageous for brackets that tend to break upon removal and create high stress forces upon tooth structure. The ease of removing orthodontic attachments allows maximum bonding strengths.

Abstract: A scaffold for bone augmentation constituted of: a superstructure configured and dimensioned to substantially ameliorate a bone defect, the superstructure comprising: a biocompatible material having a strength and tensility sufficient to be permanently stationed between an upper jaw and a lower jaw; a first face arranged to face the bone defect; a second face, opposing the first face; a plurality of perforations extending from the first face to the second face; and bone augmentation material deposited within said plurality of perforations, wherein the perforations are of a size sufficient to secure bone augmentation material deposited within the plurality of perforations.

Abstract: A ceramic body (20) for use in a bone implant, in particular in a dental implant (24), shall be suitably upgraded for the utilization of an electrolytic cleaning and treatment concept. For this purpose, the ceramic body (20) according to the invention has, in a surface area (40) intended for contact with human tissue, a specific electric resistance of maximally 10?2 ?cm.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed enabling an orthodontist or a user to create an unified three dimensional virtual craniofacial and dentition model of actual, as-is static and functional anatomy of a patient, from data representing facial bone structure; upper jaw and lower jaw; facial soft tissue; teeth including crowns and roots; information of the position of the roots relative to each other; and relative to the facial bone structure of the patient; obtained by scanning as-is anatomy of craniofacial and dentition structures of the patient with a volume scanning device; and data representing three dimensional virtual models of the patient's upper and lower gingiva, obtained from scanning the patient's upper and lower gingiva either (a) with a volume scanning device, or (a) with a surface scanning device. Such craniofacial and dentition models of the patient can be used in optimally planning treatment of a patient.

Abstract: Improved dental models for use in dental procedures are provided. In one aspect, a unitary dental model of an intraoral cavity of a patient having a dental implant comprises a physical surface representative of gingival tissue of the patient. The model can comprise a channel shaped and oriented to receive an abutment corresponding to a physical abutment to be connected to the dental implant, in which the channel extends to an opening in the physical surface. The channel can comprise a first portion shaped to receive and constrain a corresponding structure of the abutment to a position and orientation and a second portion shaped to receive a fastener to couple the abutment to the unitary dental model. In many embodiments, the first portion comprises a shoulder shaped to receive the corresponding structure of the abutment in order to position the abutment along the channel.

Abstract: There is a concern that a mechanical switch could be switched OFF due to movement of a body in which the switch is embedded. If the switch is switched OFF after being embedded, it is difficult to switch the switch back ON. Provided is a fluid delivery device that is used by being embedded within a body, including a fluid delivery mechanism for discharging fluid from a reservoir that contains the fluid to outside of the reservoir; a sending and receiving section that sends and receives information relating to control of the fluid delivery mechanism to and from an external apparatus; a power supply section that supplies power to at least one of the fluid delivery device and the sending and receiving section; and a mechanical switch that is capable of changing a supply path of the power only from a cutoff state to a conductive state.

Abstract: There is provided a method for controlling a flow of intestinal contents in the intestinal passageway of a patient's intestines. The method comprises gently constricting (i.e., without substantially hampering the blood circulation in the intestinal tissue wall) at least one portion of the intestinal tissue wall to influence the flow in the intestinal passageway, and stimulating the constricted wall portion to cause contraction of the wall portion to further influence the flow in the intestinal passageway. The method can be used for restricting or stopping the flow in the intestinal passageway, or for actively moving the fluid in the intestinal passageway, with a low risk of injuring the intestines.

Abstract: A method of treating urinary incontinence includes implanting the urethral support into a patient, where the urethral support has a first anchor attached to a first end of a non-porous sling and a second anchor attached to the non-porous sling. The method includes moving an adjustment device through a channel formed in one of the anchors from a first position that locates the adjustment device between the anchor and the non-porous sling to a second position that locates the anchor between the adjustment device and the non-porous sling.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hybrid graft and methods of generating the hybrid graft. The hybrid graft comprises an exterior surface and a luminal surface. The luminal surface comprises a micropattern of grooves to which cells adhere and orient along. The exterior surface comprises electrospun microfibers wherein the microfibers provide mechanical properties to the graft. The hybrid graft is capable supporting endothelial cell attachment, endothelial cell alignment, cell proliferation, and maintaining their in vivo function. The graft of the invention can recapitulate the in vivo morphology and function of natural vascular endothelium.

Abstract: A stent is configured to facilitate directional proliferation of cells on the inner surface of the stent to relatively quickly coat the stent surface with the cells so that the onset of late stent thrombosis or restenosis can be reduced or prevented. The stent includes a cylindrical stent main body having openings at both ends and extending along the longitudinal direction between the openings at both ends. A coating layer is provided on the inner surface of the stent main body and contains a substance having a cell adhesion ability to promote the adhesion of cells. The coating layer is formed by arranging multiple linear coating parts, each extending linearly in a striped manner.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention relate to a combination of techniques and/or materials that can be used to form a synthetic scaffold for solid and/or hollow organs or tissue. In some embodiments, methods are provided that involve assembling a synthetic scaffold using a first material for a first structural component and a second material for a second structural component, in which the first or second structural component is a perfusion pathway. In some embodiments, materials (e.g., synthetic materials) for the scaffold are printed, molded, cast, polymerized, or electrospun. In some embodiments, a scaffold may mimic a natural scaffold or several features of a natural scaffold.

Abstract: Extracellular matrix (ECM) constructs having a biodegradable support scaffold and an anchoring mechanism, which includes a plurality of biodegradable microneedles that are capable of piercing tissue and anchoring therein. In a preferred embodiment, the support scaffold and anchoring mechanism comprise an ECM material. In some embodiments, the microneedles are also capable of administering a biologically active agent and/or a pharmacological composition to the engaged tissue.

Abstract: A method for use of a double-structured tissue implant or a secondary scaffold stand alone implant for treatment of tissue defects. The double-structured tissue implant comprising a primary scaffold and a secondary scaffold consisting of a soluble collagen solution in combination with a non-ionic surfactant generated and positioned within the primary scaffold. A method of use of a stand alone secondary scaffold implant or unit for treatment of tissue defects.

Abstract: An intraocular lens delivery system includes an injector body having a bore surrounded by an inner wall. The system further includes a plunger configured to fit within the bore. The system also includes a plurality of deflectable members connected to the plunger and configured to contact the inner wall and to be deflected when the plunger is inserted within the bore. The deflectable members center the shaft and, when inserted within the injector body, contribute to producing a predetermined force resisting advancement of the plunger when deflected in the bore.

Abstract: A multifocal lens device is disclosed. The device comprises, a lens body having two opposite sides, wherein a first side has an aspheric profile and a diffractive pattern formed thereon, and the second side has a toric profile and is devoid of any diffractive pattern. In some embodiments of the present invention the diffractive pattern covers at least 80% of an area of the aspheric profile.

Abstract: Advances in filling apparatus, handheld tools, surgical techniques and intraoperative biometry for implanting and adjusting an accommodative liquid lens are disclosed. The lens may be attached to or retained within a handheld surgical tool, which can be fluidly connectable to a filling console to fill the lens with a liquid. In various embodiments, a filling console facilitates aspirating liquid out of the lens in order to ensure the absence of residual bubbles and filling of the lens with fluid during surgery, as well as during post-operative adjustments to the lens. Actuated by the surgeon, the filling console can aspirate fluid from the lens and inject fluid into the lens following insertion thereof.

Abstract: A system and method for percutaneous heart valve replacement includes implanting a heart valve replacement prosthetic into tissue and driving anchors into the heart valve replacement to affix the prosthetic to the tissue.

Abstract: Disclosed is a valve (502) for short time replacement, for taking over the function of and/or for temporary support of a native valve in a heart, the valve being positioned through the native valve upon implantation, the valve comprising an at least partially collapsible and/or at least partially expandable tube (602) and a flange (708). The valve allows for fast and easy replacement of a native valve, and more time for medical personnel to make decisions, prepare and/or perform surgery/medical intervention. Thus, the valve may provide for an improved quality of surgery/medical intervention.

Abstract: Systems and methods for medical interventional procedures, including approaches to valve implantation. In one aspect, the methods and systems involve a modular approach to mitral valve therapy.

Abstract: Medical systems, devices and methods for creation of autologous tissue valves within a mammalian body are disclosed. One example of a device for creating a valve flap from a vessel wall includes an elongate tubular structure having a proximal portion and a distal portion and a longitudinal axis; a first lumen having a first exit port located on the distal portion of the elongate tubular structure; a second lumen having a second exit port located on the distal portion of the elongate tubular structure; a recessed distal surface on the distal portion of the elongate tubular structure, wherein the recessed distal surface is located distally to the first exit port; and an open trough on the recessed distal surface extending longitudinally from the first exit port.

Abstract: A prosthetic valve comprising a stent frame, a valve structure, and a baffle structure. The stent frame defines a lumen. The valve structure is disposed within the lumen, and defines an inflow side and an outflow side. An outflow track is established within the lumen downstream of the outflow side and along which fluid flow from the valve structure progresses. The baffle structure is connected to the stent frame downstream of the outflow side and is configured to induce vortical flow, for example including a vortex ring. In some embodiments, the prosthetic valve is a transcatheter prosthetic mitral valve having three leaflets.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present disclosure, a device for treating a regurgitant heart valve in a subject can include a flexible, elongated body having a central chordae support portion disposed between first and second arms. The first and second arms can include first and second lumens, respectively, extending longitudinally therethrough. A method of treating a regurgitant heart valve in a subject is also provided.

Abstract: This document provides systems and methods for testing of various kinds of valves. For example, this document provides systems and methods for accelerated life testing of prosthetic heart valves.

Abstract: A chamber assembly for testing a valve includes a proximal chamber portion that defines a proximal interior space, and a distal chamber portion that defines a distal interior space. The distal interior space includes a gas space. When a liquid is inserted into the proximal and distal chambers there is an interface between the liquid and a gas in the gas space. A valve holder is disposed adjacent to the proximal interior space and the distal interior space. The valve holder is configured to receive the valve in a bore of the valve holder. A shortest distance between a center of the valve when in the bore and the interface is at least about 45 mm.

Abstract: The invention provides a medical device in which a metallic porous body is joined to at least a part of a surface of the main body of a medical device, and a surface modification method for the medical device. The metallic porous body is formed in multilayers.

Abstract: A method of preparing a preformed bone shape for implantation provides irradiating at least a portion of a preformed bone shape by a Neutral Beam derived from a GCIB, and the preformed bone shape so irradiated.

Abstract: There is provided a method for texturing at least one object surface of a machined object for placement at an articular joint, the articular joint having a bodily fluid flowing therethrough. The method comprises at least one of machining a plurality of spaced macro-sized cavities on the at least one object surface, each one of the plurality of cavities configured to retain the bodily fluid therein, and machining a plurality of micro-sized ridges on the at least one object surface, each one of the plurality of ridges con figured to guide the bodily fluid on the at least one object surface.

Abstract: Joint resurfacing and/or replacement devices, systems and methods that include thin film ternary ceramic coatings that are effective to provide reliable articulation and bearing surfaces and protection of both articular and modular junction surfaces from the potential for corrosion, wear, and fretting, and reduce the potential for release of metal ions from the joint systems. Isoelasticity is provided according to the particular joint resurfacing/replacement devices, systems and methods based on parameters that include material of construction, porosity and coating system. The thin film ternary ceramic coatings may be functionalized to enhance hydrophilicity and may be employed in any anatomical articulating joint region. Titanium alloy composite structures are provided that include an ultra-porous structured titanium alloy bone fixation surface and an opposed solid articular surface and a thin film ternary ceramic coating applied to one or both opposed surfaces.

Abstract: Implants for vertebral body or functional spinal unit replacement comprise a bioactive surface roughening on one or more of the anterior, posterior, and lateral surfaces of the implant. The bioactive surface includes macro-, micro-, and nano-scale structural features that contact vertebral bone that lines a specialized channel in a vertebrae, and thereby facilitate bone growth and osteointegration of the implant with the vertebral bone.

Abstract: The present invention provides a spinous process implant and associated methods. In one aspect of the invention, the implant includes a spacer that is connectable to two extensions. One of the two extensions is connectable to the spacer at a first end and coupled to the spacer by a rotational connection. The other of the two extensions is movably connectable to the second end of the spacer and translatable over the outer surface of the spacer from the second end.

Abstract: An acetabular cup remover with a blade for removing tissue adjacent an acetabular cup. The blade is oscillated against an arcuate section of tissue. Once a section of tissue is cut, an indexing assembly rotates the blade. The blade is again oscillated to cut a new arcuate section of tissue.

Abstract: Tibial prosthesis systems for implantation or use in a knee joint are disclosed. A tibial prosthesis system can include a bearing component, a base component, a shim component, and optionally a spacer component. The shim or spacer component can be inserted between an inferior surface of the bearing component and a superior surface of the base component. The insertion of the shim or spacer component can provide spacing adjustment between the bearing and base components. The shim component can include one or both of a medial edge having a different height than a lateral edge or an anterior edge having a different height than a posterior edge. The differing edge height of the shim component can provide a surgeon with knee joint kinematic insight regarding an angled bone cut before the cut is made, and can allow for sizing of an appropriately permanent prosthesis system using a reduced number of provisional components.

Abstract: In some aspects of what is described here, a prosthetic knee includes an upper core knee member and a lower core knee member that rotates with respect to the upper core knee member about an instantaneous center of rotation during flexion of the prosthetic knee. The prosthetic knee includes axles that collectively define a location of the instantaneous center of rotation. The prosthetic knee includes one or more links connected between the upper core knee member and the lower core knee member.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to prosthetic socket accommodation systems. In some embodiments a prosthetic socket accommodation system may be configured to automatically adjust the accommodation system in response to user activities. In some embodiments, a controller of the prosthetic socket accommodation system may be customized for a prosthetics user based on an activity volume profile of the prosthetics user. The activity volume profile may correspond to a residual limb fluid volume response to prosthetics user activity. In some embodiments, a controller of a socket accommodation system may be configured to control pistoning during prosthetic socket use. Some embodiments are related to sensors for identifying prosthetics user activity. In some embodiments a three-axis sensor may be used to identify prosthetics user activity. In some embodiments a socket proximity sensor comprising an infrared sensor may be used to detect socket donning and doffing by the prosthetics user.

Abstract: An endo-urethral prosthesis characterised in that it comprises a set of guides (100) defining an internal space (201) in a urinary channel, and one or more support elements (110) for supporting the internal wall of the urinary tract, the guides comprising recessed areas and protruding areas, said protruding areas forming locking regions (21) for holding the support elements in place, in a position that allows them to support the internal wall of the urinary tract.

Abstract: A system for treating a patient is provided that includes an expandable vascular device having a body having a substantially uniform porosity that is adapted to change by adjusting an axial length of the body. The system also includes an expanding member positioned within a central lumen of the device, the expanding member configured to engage the body, as the body is radially expanded from a collapsed configuration, and to reduce a porosity of the body within a body region more than the body porosity is reduced outside the region.

Abstract: Methods of making polymeric devices, such as stents, using solvent based processes. More particularly, methods of making bioabsorbable stents.

Abstract: Bioresorbable polymer vascular scaffolds made of combinations of polylactide and polycaprolactone having a high molecular weight polymer, thin struts in a selected range and sufficient radial strength to support a vessel upon deployment. The scaffolds have degradation behavior of molecular weight, radial strength, and mass that are conducive to healing of a vessel including providing patency to a vessel, reduction of radial strength, breaking up, and resorbing to allow return of the vessel to a natural state.

Abstract: Flexible implantable devices or stents can navigate tortuous vessels of the neurovasculature. The devices can also conform to the shape of tortuous vessels of the vasculature. In some embodiments, the devices can direct blood flow within a vessel away from an aneurysm or limit blood flow to the aneurysm. Methods and structures are provided for adjusting, along a length of the device, the porosity of the device while maintaining a cross-sectional dimension. In some embodiments, small hooks releasably engage the stent at a proximal end and are able to resheath the stent by retracting a proximal retaining member where the hooks are coupled to. The hooks straighten, unfurl, or otherwise disengage the stent when either unrestrained by a catheter or when coming into contact with an external stimulus found in the patient's vasculature.

Abstract: A stent crimping tool insert comprises a core body configured for insertion into and removal from within a crimping chamber of a stent crimping tool. The core body has a core surface configured to withstand a compressive force without a reduction in diameter of the core surface.

Abstract: A tube of material is disclosed having a seam extending between a proximal end and a distal end, two edges of the material meeting and at least partially overlapping along the seam and being sewn together at the seam by stitches of relatively flexible thread, the thread of one or more of the stitches passing from a first side of the overlapped edges of material, through both layers of overlapped material, crossing a relatively rigid member which is disposed on a second, opposite side of the overlapped edges of material, and passing back to the first side. There is further disclosed an implant delivery catheter incorporating the tube of material, and associated methods for its manufacture.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a toe correction device including an elastic body readily worn on the foot while preventing inadvertent removal thereof, a toe insertion opening formed in the front of the body for inserting each of the toes so as to expose the front part of the toes, and a thick resilient correction part arranged between adjacent toe insertion openings so as to correct the toes while the user is freely moving, and to massage the toes during walking, thus assisting the blood circulation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a holder means for connecting, more particularly for the defined fastening, of at least one guide-support structure to a living entity. The holder means comprises at least a holder unit and a fastening means for the locally stable arrangement of the holder unit on the living entity, wherein the holder unit is elongated in design and can be arranged in the direction of extension of a body surface line of the living entity to at least in sections overlap the body surface line, wherein the body surface line is such that between two different body load conditions it essentially experiences no change in length.

Abstract: An external nasal dilator formed as a single body truss member, the truss member comprising (1) an upper and lower surface; (2) a first end region with an engagement means to engage the alar facial groove and a second end region with an engagement means to engage the area anterior to the tragus of the ear; and (3) an intermediate segment connecting the first and second regions and configured to traverse the cheek located between the alar facial groove and area anterior to the tragus of the ear. The external dilators may be used in a pair to form a system for dilating nasal passages on opposite sides of the face.

Abstract: A pump includes a pump bulb connected to a pump body. An exhaust valve assembly is disposed in the pump body within an exit flow path communicating between the pump bulb and the cylinder. An inlet valve is rotatably disposed in the pump body within an inlet flow path communicating between the reservoir and the pump bulb. The inlet valve includes a spherical part retained in a seat formed by the pump body, an inlet flange connected to and extending radially away from the spherical part, and a lockout flange connected to and extending radially away from the spherical part. A channel is formed through a portion of the spherical part of the inlet valve. The channel includes an outlet hole that is blocked from the inlet flow path by the seat formed in the pump body and opened to the inlet flow path by rotation of the inlet valve.

Abstract: A one-piece or two-piece ostomy appliance comprising a base plate (1), the base plate comprising an adhesive wafer (11) that comprises a top film (8) and at least one skin-friendly adhesive (9) on a proximal surface thereof, for attaching the base plate to the skin of a user, and a first through-going-hole (5). Further, a convex element (10) is arranged distal to a user-interface of the adhesive wafer and has a second through-going hole (15) of the same diameter as the first through-going hole and being co-axially arranged therewith. The convex element comprises a material which reacts to moisture.

Abstract: An ostomy appliance having first and second walls connected to each other at or near their peripheries, the first wall having a stoma-receiving opening, and a waste collecting cavity defined between the first and second walls, wherein the second wall includes viewing portion through which the stoma-receiving opening can be viewed.

Abstract: Coupling systems including interlocking male and female members are disclosed herein. An example apparatus includes a first coupling including a sidewall having an annular spring. The example apparatus also includes a second coupling to be coupled to the first coupling. The second coupling has an annular wall including a seal. The seal is to sealingly engage the annular spring when the second coupling is coupled to the first coupling.