Abstract: A method and apparatus are herein provided, the method including: receiving a three dimensional virtual model of a maxillary alveolar bone of a patient, and a digital dental implant plan that defines a planned dental implant site of the maxillary bone; receiving a set of values consisting of predefined distances; creating a virtual model of a surgical guide stent for placement against an occlusal surface, wherein the virtual model of the surgical guide stent defines: a hole through the surgical guide stent at a site corresponding to the planned dental implant site defined in the digital dental implant plan, and an inferior surface surrounding the hole; and outputting the virtual model of the surgical guide stent in association with the one of the predefined distances.

Abstract: To produce a dental prosthetic body for an upper or lower jaw prosthesis, a prosthetic preform is provided, the prosthetic preform having approximately the same shape as the prosthetic body. As a result, a high quality prosthetic body can be produced and customized, for example, by milling the prosthetic prebody.

Abstract: Provided is a method for manufacturing a dental resin block where bubbles and cracks are difficult to appear. The method includes: injecting a material before cure that is to be a dental resin block into a mold that is formed by a material except metal; pressurizing the mold and the material before cure, which is injected into the mold, with a pressure of 1.0 MPa or more; and heating the mold and the material, which is injected into the mold, with a temperature of 60° C. or more.

Abstract: The invention relates to a physical model of a person's teeth and to an analog configured to mutually snap engage upon insertion of the analog to a the desired depth into a hole in the physical model representative of an implant in the person's bone, with a peripheral or annular space between the analog and the model in the hole between the location of the snap engagement and a distal portion that together with the snap engagement define contact areas serving to keep the analog from sideways or turning movements within the hole.

Abstract: A flossing system including a cradle and a housing. The flossing system includes an array of floss cartridges having a length of floss. The array of floss cartridges include a pair of coupling members each coupled to opposite ends of the length of floss. Each floss cartridge includes a coupling structure. The flossing system includes a pair of floss handles disposed on the cradle and selectably coupleable to the coupling members. The pair of floss handles include a cylindrical body. The pair of floss handles include a release mechanism configured to selectably disengage the floss handle from the coupling member. The release mechanism includes an actuation member disposed through a back end of the cylindrical body of each of the pair of floss handles. The pair of floss handles each include a top aperture configured to receive the coupling structure of the pair of coupling members.

Abstract: An oral irrigation system is disclosed. The oral irrigation system includes a spray head comprising a nozzle configured to generate a stream of liquid to clean the teeth or gum tissue of a user. A mounting structure is configured to mount the spray head to a sink or adjacent the sink to a counter to which the sink is mounted. An installation assembly is configured to mechanically and fluidly connect to a plumbing system of a building. The plumbing system supplies water to the sink by way of a first water supply line. The installation assembly is configured to direct a portion of the water from the first water supply line to the spray head. A hose provides fluid communication between the spray head and the installation assembly.

Abstract: Apparatus is for user having teeth. Apparatus includes upper oral delivery mouthpiece and lower oral delivery mouthpiece each configured to be positioned in the mouth of the user. Upper oral delivery mouthpiece includes upper bendable assembly configured to urge upper oral delivery mouthpiece to conform, at least in part, to a curvature of the upper teeth of the user. Lower oral delivery mouthpiece includes lower bendable assembly configured to urge lower oral delivery mouthpiece to conform, at least in part, to a curvature of the lower teeth of the user.

Abstract: A method of treating prolapse of a vagina is provided by placing a reinforcing implant inside of the vagina. The method includes inserting a porous sheet of material inside of the vagina through a natural vaginal opening of the patient. The porous sheet of material is an implantable support that is adapted to integrate with tissue inside of the vagina to reinforce and support at least an apical portion of the vagina. The method includes maintaining the apical portion of the vagina in an anatomically natural position by supporting the porous sheet of material inside of the vagina relative to one of a sacrum and a ligament of the patient.

Abstract: The present invention provides tissue scaffolds, methods of generating such scaffolds, and methods of use of such scaffolds to generate aligned and functional tissues for use in methods including regenerative medicine, wound repair and transplantation.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are various embodiments of a holder (1) for heart valve prostheses (V). Embodiments of the holder (1) include: a hub portion (2) having a longitudinal axis (X1), an engagement portion (4) coupled to the hub portion (2) and including plural finger members (5) variably positionable relative to the hub portion (2) between a collapsed condition wherein the finger members (5) are closed onto the hub portion (2) and an expanded condition wherein the finger members (5) radially protrude with respect to the hub portion (2) to engage a heart valve prosthesis (V). The finger members (5) are L-shaped. Also disclosed are a storage arrangement and delivery instrument and a kit for crimping, loading and delivering an expandable heart valve prosthesis (V).

Abstract: The disclosure provides an IVC filter device and method to filter. The device has a first bar and a first slider. The first slider has a first bore formed therethrough slidably disposed on the first bar. The device further comprises a second bar and a second slider. The second slider has a second bore formed therethrough and slidably disposed on the second bar. The device further has a first set of filter struts with a first filter strut being arcuate and attached to the first bar. The first filter strut may extend to the second slider. In addition, a second set of filter struts has a second filter strut being arcuate and attached to the second bar, extending to the first slider. When disposed in the vena cava, the device may receive a force through its filter struts and slide one of the sliders to accommodate the force.

Abstract: A catheter that includes storage for an embolic protection device in an accessible, out-of-the-way location within the advancing catheter.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for protecting a subject from embolisms during TAVR percutaneous valve procedures. Various embodiments include an intravascular embolism protection device that includes an elongated, compliant wire frame made from a material having a shape-memory function, and a mesh sleeve coupled to the compliant wire frame, the mesh material having a pore size selected to allow blood to pass therethrough while retaining potential emboli. In some embodiments, the embolism protection device has a collapsed state wherein device fits within the lumen of a deployment/retrieval catheter and an expanded state wherein the embolism protection device expands to span the width of the aorta and the distance between the aortic valve and the puncture site in the femoral artery.

Abstract: Provided are porous, biocompatible implant bodies and materials. These materials suitably comprise a population of randomly arranged and entangled thermoplastic constituents, with at least some of the constituents being bonded to one another The implant bodies are capable of being manipulated at room temperature from a first shape to a second shape, and of maintaining the second shape at about internal body temperature. Also provided are related methods of fabricating such implants and installing the implants into a subject.

Abstract: A stent includes a major axis member which has an internal space extending from a front end portion toward a base end portion, first opening section provided at the front end portion to communicate with the internal space, and second opening section provided at the base end portion to communicate with the internal space, and inflow prevention section which has an inflow prevention surface covering the second opening section with a gap with respect to the second opening section, wherein a first edge section of the inflow prevention surface is fixed to the major axis member closer to a base end than the second opening section, and a second edge section of the inflow prevention surface is disposed closer to a front end than the second opening section and extends from a side surface of the major axis member toward a position spaced apart therefrom outward in a radial direction.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for mapping the shape and dimensions of a 3-dimensional body, by applying to the 3-dimensional body a stretchable covering configured and dimensioned such that in its stretched condition it tightly engages and conforms to the shape and dimensions of the 3-dimensional body to be mapped. The stretchable covering carries a plurality of reference devices, such as bands and/or markers which are at know or determinable reference locations in an initial condition of the covering, and which change their locations in the stretched condition of the stretchable covering according to the shape and dimensions of the 3-dimensional body covered thereby. The locations of the markers on the stretchable covering are determined after the stretchable covering has been applied to the 3-dimensional body, and are utilized to produce a map of the shape and dimensions of the 3-dimensional body.

Abstract: An accommodating intraocular lens (IOL) comprises an anterior lens, a posterior surface and an articulating member joining the anterior lens and the posterior surface to define an enclosed cavity. The articulating member comprises anterior and posterior arms coupling the anterior lens and the posterior surface, respectively. The articulating member further comprising a peripheral portion. A posterior flex region is disposed about the posterior arm and at a distance from the peripheral portion. The posterior flex region permits the flexible posterior surface to articulate relative to the posterior arm, to decrease the radius of curvature of the posterior surface as the peripheral portions on opposing sides of the IOL move toward one another in a first state and to increase the radius of curvature of the posterior surface as the peripheral portions on opposite sides of the IOL move away from one another in a second state.

Abstract: An accommodating intraocular lens for providing a range of accommodative vision includes a deformable optic. The deformable optic includes a plurality of layers that have a progressively increasing hardness and/or refractive index characteristic from the outermost layer to the innermost layer to provide a range of accommodative power.

Abstract: A device for implantation into an eye for supporting an intraocular lens during and following surgery. The device may include a ring and at least one support. The ring may have an open portion defined between a first eyelet on a first end and a second eyelet on a second end, the ring being radially compressible. The at least one support may be defined internally of the ring and have a position on which a lens is nestably engaged with the at least one support above a tear in the capsular bag of the eye.

Abstract: An exemplary two-stage prosthetic heart valve system has a radially expandable base stent implanted within a native valve annulus. The two-stage heart valve system also has a valve component that is delivered to and mounted within the base stent in a separate or sequential operation after the base stent has been anchored within the annulus. The valve component in certain embodiments comprises a hybrid valve component that includes a conventional, non-expandable surgical valve that is modified to include an expandable coupling stent that can be expanded to engage the inner surface of the base stent, thereby anchoring the valve component to the base stent. In its expanded configuration, the outflow end portion base stent has tri-lobular shape that closely conforms to the shape of the aortic root and a support ring of the prosthetic valve that is mounted within the base stent.

Abstract: Methods of quickly and easily implanting a quick-connect heart valve prosthesis during a surgical procedure are provided. The heart valve may include a substantially non-expandable, non-compressible prosthetic valve and a plastically-expandable frame, thereby enabling attachment to the annulus without sutures. A system and method for deployment includes an integrated handle shaft and balloon catheter. A safety member disposed between the balloon catheter and handle shaft prevents premature catheter advancement prior to heart valve placement at the annulus, and also may prevent premature balloon inflation prior to full catheter advancement.

Abstract: A heart valve delivery system includes a low-profile catheter having an outer sheath, the outer sheath having therein a stent and a replacement heart valve. In an unemployed configuration, the stent is located distally to the replacement heart valve. Upon deployment, however, the stent and replacement heart valve are expanded and the replacement heart valve is situated within the stent.

Abstract: A device for treating a body tissue having a prolapse comprising two clamping assemblies, each clamping assembly being able to clamp a free edge of the body tissue on either side of the prolapse, and a membrane connecting both clamping assemblies to each other, the membrane being able to be held taut facing the prolapse by both clamping assemblies, is provided herein.

Abstract: Compositions, materials, methods and kits for bone grafting are described. In some embodiments, a bone graft composition includes about 15% to about 20% by weight collagen, about 55% to about 70% by weight bioactive glass, and about 15% to about 30% by weight a calcium phosphate. The bioactive glass and the calcium phosphate together are about 80% to about 85% by weight of the bone graft composition. In some embodiments, a bone graft composition includes a collagen matrix and a plurality of bioactive glass particulates dispersed throughout the collagen matrix. The collagen matrix is about 20% to about 60% by weight of the bone graft composition, and the bioactive glass is about 40% to about 80% of the bone graft composition. In some embodiments, a majority of the bioactive glass particulates are about 53 ?m to about 425 ?m in size.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to isolated scaffold implant system comprising a stable combination of an implant fixture and a bone block, wherein said stable combination is suitable in size and form to be implanted within a prepared site in a subject's bone. The scaffold implant system of the present invention is particularly suitable for use in dental implant techniques.

Abstract: A ball and socket assembly including a ball component with a notch formed therein. The socket is a one-piece structure including an opening sized to receive the ball component. The ball is a capable of being inserted into the socket when the notch, cavity, or undercut is properly oriented relative to the opening of the one-piece socket.

Abstract: Photodynamic devices for stabilizing a joint are provided. In some embodiments, a photodynamic joint spacer is provided that includes an expandable member configured for attachment to a bone having an excised region; a formable bar configured for attachment to the bone along at least a portion of the expandable member; and a light-sensitive liquid passed into the expandable member to expand the expandable member, wherein the expandable member is shaped by the formable bar to a shape resembling the excised region of the bone, and wherein the light-sensitive liquid is curable upon exposure to light energy to set the expandable member in the shape resembling the excised region to form a photodynamic joint spacer.

Abstract: Ceramic components for replacing joint surfaces, and methods for production thereof. In particular, the invention relates to ceramic joint surface implants which completely or partially replace natural cartilage.

Abstract: A method of performing an orthopedic procedure in the sacroiliac region. At least one aperture is formed that at least partially extends through at least one of an ilium and a sacrum. An undercutting system is at least partially inserted into the aperture. The undercutting system includes an insertion apparatus, a probe assembly and a cutting assembly. The probe assembly is moved with respect to the insertion apparatus from a retracted position to an extended position. The probe assembly is manipulated within a joint between the ilium and the sacrum while the probe assembly is in the extended position. The cutting assembly is moved with respect to the insertion apparatus from a retracted position to an extended position. The cutting assembly is sharper than the probe assembly. The cutting assembly is manipulated within the joint between the ilium and the sacrum while the cutting assembly is in the extended position to form a fusion region. The undercutting system is removed from the aperture.

Abstract: An orthopaedic prosthesis for use in a hip replacement surgery includes an implantable stem component. The implantable stem component includes a core and a shell extending over the core. The shell includes a polymeric material and is configured to receive a femoral head component. Metal foam may extend over a portion of the shell.

Abstract: A knee spacer device configured to be implanted temporarily at the joint area between the tibia and femur of a patient to replace an infected joint prosthesis and to maintain the size or spaces of the patient's joint area before implanting a new prosthesis includes a tibial unit and a femoral unit.

Abstract: A modular humeral prosthesis suitable for implant in a humeral seating of a humerus comprises an articulation component, a distal joint element able to be inserted into said humeral seating along an insertion axis, and an adapter body provided with a support positionable in the humeral seating and that has a coupling seating to connect said articulation component and provided with a connection unit inserted into said support to connect said distal joint element to said adapter body in a releasable manner. The connection unit comprises a clamping element associated in a selectively releasable manner to the distal joint element and the support has a through coupling seating configured to receive and position said clamping element inside it, and also configured to allow the insertion and extraction of said distal joint element through said support without removing said support from the humeral seating.

Abstract: A talar implant is disclosed. The implant comprises a body comprising a bone contact surface and an articulation surface. A stem extends longitudinally from the bone contact surface. The stem comprises one or more features sized and configured to prevent rotational movement, anterior/posterior movement, and medial/lateral movement. The stem is configured to be received within a hole a talus.

Abstract: A medical composite material, a method for fabricating the same and applications thereof are disclosed, wherein the medical composite material includes an interface layer, a polymer layer and a metal layer. The interface layer has a first surface, a second surface opposite to the first surface and a plurality protrusion portions protruding outwards from the first surface, wherein each of the protrusion portions has an aspect ratio substantially ranging from 1 ?m to 4000 ?m. The polymer layer is conformally in contact with the first surface and the protrusion portions. The metal layer is in contact with the second surface.

Abstract: In described embodiments, an implant has an outer perimeter. The implant includes a top surface extending generally in a first plane and a bottom surface extending in a second plane. The second plane extends obliquely with respect to the first plane. The first plane intersects the second plane outside the outer perimeter of the implant. A medial surface extends between the top surface and the bottom surface proximate to the intersection of the first plane and the second plane. A lateral surface extends between the top surface and the bottom surface distal from the intersection of the first plane and the second plane. An anterior surface extends a first distance between the top surface and the bottom surface between the medial surface and the lateral surface. A posterior surface extends a second distance between the top surface and the bottom surface between the medial surface and the lateral surface. The second distance is greater than the first distance.

Abstract: An intervertebral spacer implant (80) is provided with a retention mechanism (86) to help alleviate expulsion and movement of the implant when placed in the spine while providing an implant that is easier to insert in the spine. In one embodiment the retention mechanism comprises a keel on at least one of the inferior or superior faces of the spacer implant preferably extending in an anterior-posterior direction. In another embodiment the implant comprises a spacer (84) and a plate (82), the plate comprising a supplemental or alternative retention mechanism. In one embodiment the retention mechanism comprises one or more holes (88) in the anterior end of the plate. In yet another embodiment, the retention mechanism comprises one or more blades that are in a first position when inserted and are preferably rotated to a second position that engages the superior and inferior vertebrae.

Abstract: An intervertebral fusion cage that is adapted to contain an inserter within its inner volume during insertion of the cage.

Abstract: An intervertebral spacer inserter includes a sleeve having a longitudinal axis, a hollow sleeve bore extending through the sleeve along the longitudinal axis, a sleeve tip end and an opening of a passage disposed in the sleeve tip end. The passage extends into the sleeve to the sleeve shaft along a passage axis that intersects the longitudinal axis at an angle less than about 90°. A sliding tip with an elongated slot is in contact with the sleeve tip end and is moveable with respect to the sleeve tip end between a first position with the opening accessible through the elongated slot and disposed adjacent a first end of the elongated slot and a second position with the opening accessible through the elongated slot and disposed adjacent a second end of the elongated slot opposite the first end.

Abstract: A method and a device for loading a medical appliance with a medicament and/or polymer includes capturing images of a plurality of grooves or holes of the medical appliance using an image capturing device; performing digital image processing on the image of each of the grooves or holes to obtain a pattern of each of the grooves or holes; calculating a central position of the pattern of each of the grooves or holes, and determining a loading position of each of the grooves or holes based on the central position; and adjusting a relative position between a loading device and the medical appliance to align an outlet of the loading device with the loading position of the medical appliance, and loading each of the grooves or holes with the medicament and/or polymer. The method and device can load the medical appliance with the medicament and/or polymer fast and efficiently.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for an implantable medical device which is degradable over a clinically relevant period of time. The medical devices may have the form of implants, graft implants, vascular implants, non vascular implants, wound closure implants, sutures, drug delivery implants, biologic delivery implants, urinary tract implants, inter-uterine implants, organ implants, bone implants including bone plates, bone screws, dental implants, spinal disks, or the like. In preferred embodiments, the implantable medical device comprises an implantable luminal prosthesis, such as vascular and non-vascular stents and stents grafts.

Abstract: Disclosed are self-expanding medical implants for placement within a lumen of a patient. The implants comprise a woven or non-woven structure having a substantially tubular configuration, and are designed to be low-profile such that they are deliverable with a small diameter catheter. The implants have a high recoverability and desired mechanical properties.

Abstract: A woven, self-expanding stent device has one or more strands and is configured for insertion into an anatomical structure. The device includes a coupling structure secured to two different strand end portions that are substantially aligned with each other. The two different strand end portions include nickel and titanium. The coupling structure is not a strand of the device.

Abstract: Tracheal stents may include a plurality of wave form structures each extending radially about the support structure, a plurality of axial loop members extending axially between adjacent wave form structures and a polymeric covering disposed thereover. Tracheal stents may include an expandable metal structure and a plurality of spacer fins extending above an outer surface of the expandable metal structure. The plurality of spacer fins may be formed of a material different than that of the expandable metal structure.

Abstract: A braided stent having an integral retrieval and/or repositioning loop includes a plurality of wires having first and second ends interbraided in a braided pattern to form a tubular stent having opposed atraumatic first and second open ends with each open end having a circumference; wherein said first and second wires ends are disposed at said second stent open end and said wires are looped at said second stent open end so that none of the first or second wires ends are exposed at the circumference of second stent open end; wherein at least of two of said wires are formed into a repositioning and/or retrieval loop having an elongated portion circumferentially disposed at said first opposed open end; and wherein said reposition and/or retrieval loop comprises two sections which run adjacent to each other prior to crossing to permit grabbing of both sections simultaneously by a practitioner.

Abstract: A stent loading and delivery system, the delivery system comprising an inner elongate tubular member having a proximal end and a distal end, an intermediate elongate tubular member having a proximal end and a distal end in sliding relationship to said inner elongate tubular member and an external elongate tubular member having a proximal end and a distal end in sliding relationship to said intermediate elongate tubular member, said intermediate elongate tubular member comprising a stop mechanism at its proximal end, wherein the stop mechanism prevents the external elongate tubular member from being slid past the stop mechanism when the external elongate tubular member is slid in a proximal direction.

Abstract: A system for deploying a stent-graft from the femoral artery into the femoral vein and back into the femoral artery in order to bypass a femoral occlusion comprises a penetration catheter and a guidewire capture and stabilization catheter. The penetration catheter may be advanced contralaterally to a location above the occlusion and the capture and stabilization catheter may be introduced upwardly through the femoral vein. The penetration tool on the penetration catheter is used in multiple steps to deploy guidewires which are then used to deploy the stent-graft in the desired location.

Abstract: A system for delivering an implant including a handle, a trigger, and an actuation assembly. The actuation assembly can include a planet carrier, at least one planet gear operatively coupled to the planet carrier, a sun gear shaft operatively engaged with the planet gear, a ring gear operatively engaged with the planet gear, a first clutch driver, and a second clutch driver. The actuation assembly can be configured to displace the outer tubular member in the proximal direction a distance (d) relative to the handle and to separately move the inner shaft member distally a distance (x) relative to the handle upon deployment of the trigger from a first position to a second position, and move the inner shaft member proximally a distance (y) relative to the handle with no displacement of the outer tubular member upon return of the trigger from the second position to the first position.

Abstract: A stent delivery system includes an inner shaft having a proximal portion and a distal portion, and a radially expandable prosthesis disposed over the inner shaft. The prosthesis has a radially collapsed configuration and a radially expanded configuration, wherein in the collapsed configuration the prosthesis is adapted to be delivered through a vasculature, and in the expanded configuration the prosthesis engages a vessel wall. The stent delivery system also includes an outer shaft having a proximal portion and a distal portion, a shuttle sheath disposed over the radially expandable prosthesis and configured to be in a pre-set locked position with respect to the inner shaft and the outer shaft to operate in a reverse deployment direction.

Abstract: A shoe-interfaced ankle support apparatus includes a leg support member wearable on a user's lower leg. A primary foot sling is coupled to the side wall of the leg support portion adjacent an open bottom that is configured to extend loosely across the open bottom of the leg support portion so as to selectively cradle the foot of the user while in a shoe. A shoe interface member includes a proximal end coupled to the side wall of the leg support portion that extends away, the shoe interface member having a plurality of apertures configured to register with respective holes of the shoe's lace portion and to receive the shoelace of the shoe therethrough. The leg support member may include an inflatable bladder movable between inflated and deflated configurations for supporting a user's ankle. Heat and nerve stimulation sleeves may also be situated in the leg support member.

Abstract: A wrist and forearm sleeve is adjustable to provide varying amounts of compression and support at different positions along the wrist and forearm. Among other things, the sleeve might include an elastic internal sleeve, an adjustable cuff, and an adjustable sheath. In addition, a method of supporting a wrist and forearm includes donning the wrist and forearm sleeve.