Abstract: An energy treatment device includes a probe, a sheath unit, a fixed handle, a movable handle unit, a rotation axis, a jaw and a thickness-reduced portion. The thickness-reduced portion is one part of the jaw and is provided between the rotation axis and a distal end of the jaw. The thickness-reduced portion flexes in response to a reaction force when one part of the jaw receives the reaction force from a treatment target due to the opening and closing of the movable handle unit to the treatment target. The thickness-reduced portion prevents the deformation of the other parts of the jaw by flexing.

Abstract: A jaw member for an electrosurgical instrument is manufactured by providing a jaw housing (18) having a longitudinal jaw section (19), and an electrically conductive plate (1). The electrically conductive plate is placed into a mould, and a first flowable insulating material (15) is injected into the mould such that the flowable material (15) forms one or more stop members (16) that project a predetermined distance from the electrically conductive plate. The jaw housing (18) and the electrically conductive plate (1) are then placed into a second mould, and a second flowable material (25) is injected into the mould to secure the electrically conductive plate (1) to the jaw housing (18).

Abstract: An end effector for an electrosurgical instrument includes a pair of opposing first and second jaw members (2), (3), movable between an open position in which the jaw members are disposed in a spaced relation relative to one another, and a closed position in which sealing surfaces of the jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween. A first sealing electrode (9) is located on the first jaw member (2), while a second sealing electrode (10) is located on the second jaw member (3). One or both of the sealing surfaces are provided with electrically conductive stop members (12), the one or more stop members maintaining a predetermined spacing between the first and second sealing electrodes when the jaw members are in their closed position. One or more insulating members (14), (17), (19) are present to prevent the conductive stop members from causing an electrical short between the first and second sealing electrodes when the jaw members are in their closed position.

Abstract: An end effector for an electrosurgical instrument includes a pair of opposing first and second jaw members (2), (3), movable between an open position in which the jaw members are disposed in a spaced relation relative to one another, and a closed position in which the jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween. A first sealing electrode (11) is located on the first jaw member, and a second sealing electrode (15) is located on the second jaw member. One or more stop members (21), (22), (25), (26) are disposed the sealing electrodes, the one or more stop members being formed of a compliant material such that they are capable of deforming when the jaw members (2), (3) are moved to their closed position with tissue grasped therebetween.

Abstract: An electrosurgical system includes an electrosurgical instrument with a pair of opposing first and second jaw members (2), (3). A first sealing electrode (9) is located on the first jaw member (2), while a second sealing electrode (10) is located on the second jaw member (3). One or both of the sealing electrodes are provided with electrically conductive stop members (12), the one or more stop members maintaining a predetermined spacing between the first and second sealing electrodes when the jaw members are in their closed position. One or more insulating members (14), (17), (19) are present to prevent the conductive stop members from causing an electrical short between the first and second sealing electrodes when the jaw members are in their closed position.

Abstract: A balloon catheter ablation system having a balloon (6) at a distal end of a catheter shaft (1). An electrode (11) for delivery of radiofrequency current and a temperature sensor (12) are arranged inside the balloon (6), Bipolar electrode pair (16a, 16b) are arranged on the outside of the balloon (6), with the balloon (6) sandwiched therebetween. When a fluid is injected into the inside of the balloon (6) by using a syringe (24), the balloon (6) expands and comes in close contact with a target site (S) of tissue. A vibration generator (25) agitates the fluid inside the balloon (6) by using vibration. A radiofrequency generator (31) conducts electricity between the electrode (11) for delivery of radiofrequency current and a counter electrode (13) and heats the fluid inside the balloon (6). Accordingly, the balloon (6) ablates the target site (S). The impedance between the bipolar electrode pair (16a, 16b) decreases as the ablation progresses.

Abstract: The present invention, in some embodiments thereof, relates to intravascular neural ablation and, more particularly, but not exclusively, to tools and methodologies for treating systemic nerve hyperactivity through splenic and/or carotid denervation. Devices are disclosed for performing ablation and protecting a patient from formation of embolisms. Furthermore a branching ablation unit is disclosed.

Abstract: Magnetic guided ablation catheters and methods of manufacture are disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment, a catheter includes a unitary flexible tubing having a proximal end and a distal end. A plurality of magnets are positioned along an axis of the unitary flexible tubing, the plurality of magnets provided within the unitary flexible tubing. During operation, the plurality of magnets are responsive to an external magnetic field to selectively position and guide the catheter within a body of a patient.

Abstract: An electrophysiologic catheter with an improved control handle is provided. The catheter includes a heat transfer assembly to better dissipate heat in the control handle. The heat transfer assembly includes a pump, a reservoir containing a coolant, a heat transfer member, and a coolant transport network transporting coolant between at least the reservoir and the heat transfer member. In one embodiment, the heat transfer member is located within the control handle as a heat exchanger on the circuit board to receive the coolant for transferring heat from the integrated circuits to the coolant. In another embodiment, the heat transfer member is located on the circuit board directly surrounding the integrated circuits to internally cool the integrated circuit within the control handle. A second heat transfer member is located outside of the control handle as a heat exchanger.

Abstract: An antenna for a microwave device for tissue ablation includes a metal cannula inside which there are arranged an external conductor and an internal conductor of the antenna, between which a layer of electrically insulating material is interposed, and a penetrating tip connected to the antenna. The antenna further includes a reinforcing element connected to a distal end of the cannula, the penetrating tip being connected to a distal end of the reinforcing element.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, an ablation system or other treatment system comprises an elongate body, a first energy delivery member positioned along the distal end of the elongate body, and at least a second energy delivery member positioned at a location proximal to the first energy delivery member, the first energy delivery member and the second energy delivery member being configured to deliver energy sufficient to at least partially ablate tissue. In some embodiments, each of the first and second energy delivery members comprises an antenna configured to receive a microwave signal corresponding to a temperature of the tissue at a location adjacent the antenna. The system further comprises at least one radiometer configured to process the microwave signals received from the antennas of the energy delivery members and configured to produce an output signal representative of tissue temperatures at depth adjacent the first and second energy delivery members.

Abstract: Exemplary methods and devices can be provided for improving the appearance of dermal melasma. This can be done, e.g., focusing electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength between about 600 nm and 850 nm into a region of the pigmented dermal tissue at a depth between about 150 and 400 microns, using a lens arrangement having a large numerical aperture between about 0.5 and 0.9. The exemplary local dwell time of the focused radiation can be less than a few milliseconds, and a local fluence provided in the focal region can be between about 50 and 500 J/cm2. The focal region can be scanned through the dermal tissue at speeds on the order of a few cm/s. Such parameters can provide sufficient energy absorption by pigmented cells in the dermis to disrupt them while avoiding damage to the overlying tissue and unpigmented dermal tissue.

Abstract: A device may include a sheath including a lumen, a distal end, and a proximal end. The device may further include an end-effector unit and an elongate member connected to the end-effector unit. The end-effector unit and the sheath may be movable relative to each other to achieve a first state of the end-effector unit and a second state of the end-effector unit. Moreover, the medical device may include a handle having a first handle portion connected to the proximal end of the sheath, a second handle portion connected to the proximal end of the elongate member, and a compliant member longitudinally aligned with the sheath between the first handle portion and the second handle portion. The first and second handle portions may be configured such that relative movement of the first and second handle portions causes the end-effector to move between the first and second states.

Abstract: A system and method for performing a procedure is disclosed. The procedure may include preparing one or more bones for a prosthetic implant. The method may include provide instructions to a user for using identified instruments to perform a procedure. Instructions and may be provided for settings of adjustable instruments.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for evaluating treatment-relevant spatial anatomical information among different data sets of the heart, the method comprising the steps of:—determining a reference anatomical 3 dimensional data set of the heart,—providing a first anatomical 3 dimensional data set of the heart, the first anatomical 3 dimensional data set comprising first treatment-relevant spatial anatomical information,—providing a second anatomical 3 dimensional data set of the heart, the second anatomical 3 dimensional data set comprising second treatment-relevant spatial anatomical information,—registering the reference data set to the first and the second data sets,—transferring the treatment relevant spatial anatomical information of the first and the second data set to the reference data set in order to generate a first transferred treatment-relevant spatial anatomical information on the reference data set and a second transferred treatment-relevant spatial anatomical information on the reference data

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for guiding an instrument, comprises determining, by a processor associated with a computer, a current orientation angle of an instrument axis relative to a target axis. The method also comprises establishing, by the processor, a haptic boundary associated with the instrument based on the determined orientation angle of the instrument axis relative to the target axis. The haptic boundary is configured to constrain the instrument axis from being moved to an angle substantially greater than the current orientation angle.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for guiding an instrument, comprises determining, by a processor associated with a computer, a current orientation angle of an instrument axis relative to a target axis. The method also comprises establishing, by the processor, a haptic boundary associated with the instrument based on the determined orientation angle of the instrument axis relative to the target axis. The haptic boundary is configured to constrain the instrument axis from being moved to an angle substantially greater than the current orientation angle.

Abstract: A surgical system (200) includes a surgical instrument (260) that is sensitive to backlash that would adversely affect the transmission of controlled torque and position to the surgical instrument. The surgical instrument (260) is coupled to motors in a surgical instrument manipulator assembly (240) via a mechanical interface. The combination of the mechanical interface and surgical instrument manipulator assembly (240) have low backlash, e.g., less than 0.7 degrees. The backlash is controlled in the surgical instrument manipulator assembly (240). From the drive output disk (545) in the surgical instrument manipulator assembly to the driven disk (964) of the surgical instrument, the mechanical interface has zero backlash for torque levels used in surgical procedures.

Abstract: Minimally invasive robotic surgical instruments and related methods are disclosed. A surgical instrument includes an interface fitting that couples a proximal chassis of the instrument with a holding fixture of a robotic manipulator. A securing feature releasably prevents relative axial sliding between the interface fitting and the chassis. In response to binding of the surgical instrument within a minimally invasive surgical site so as to inhibit removal of the surgical instrument from the surgical site and inhibit disengagement of the interface fitting from the holding fixture, the securing feature can be released to allow relative axial sliding between the interface fitting and the chassis, thereby allowing the holding fixture and the interface fitting to be separated from the rest of the surgical instrument and repositioning of the robotic manipulator out of the way.

Abstract: A robot system comprises a base (2), a robot arm (1) connected to the base, a camera (10), at least one objective lens in the camera (10) being movable with the robot arm (1), and a screen (16). A control unit (15) is configured to detect a change in the distance between an object (21) detected by the camera (10) and the objective lens, and to vary the zoom factor of a zoom function of the camera (10) according to the change in distance.

Abstract: A method for operating a medical-robotic device is provided. The robotic device includes a number of components able to be moved autonomously in an environment of the robotic device. Planning data for an autonomous movement or constraint of at least one subset of the movable components is provided to the robotic device. A movement or constraint of the corresponding movable components to be carried out autonomously by the robotic device is planned based on the planning data provided. The planned movement or constraint is visually presented. A way for an operator to exert influence on the planned movement or constraint is provided, and the movement or constraint is autonomously carried out as a function of the influence exerted.

Abstract: Robotic and/or surgical devices, systems, and methods include kinematic linkage structures and associated control systems configured to facilitate preparation of the system for use. One or more kinematic linkage sub-systems may include joints that are actively driven, passive, or a mix of both, and may employ a set-up mode in which one or more of the joints are actively driven in response to manual articulation of one or more other joints of the kinematic chain. In an exemplary embodiment, the actively driven joints will move a platform structure that supports multiple manipulators in response to movement of one of the manipulators, facilitating and expediting the arrangement of the overall system by moving those multiple manipulators as a unit into alignment with the workspace. Manual independent positioning of the manipulator can be provided through passive set-up joint systems supporting the manipulators relative to the platform.

Abstract: A patient side cart for a teleoperated surgical system includes at least one manipulator portion for holding a surgical instrument and a steering interface. The steering interface may include at least one sensor positioned to sense turning, fore, and aft forces exerted by a user to move the cart. The steering interface may further include a coupling mechanism to removably couple the steering interface with the patient side cart. The at least one sensor may be placed in signal communication with a drive control system of the patient side cart when the steering interface is in a coupled state with the patient side cart.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tissue expander (10) comprising a self-inflating core (12) having a non-inflated state and an inflated state and a coating (14) surrounding said core (12), in which said core (12) comprises a compacted material having a central portion (16) of a first, higher, (average) density D and a peripheral portion (18) of a second, lower, (average) density d, a border (19) between said central portion (16) and said peripheral portion (18) and wherein said coating (14) includes a plurality of first and/or second apertures (20, 22) through said coating (14). It also provides a method of manufacturing the tissue expander (10). The arrangement is such as to allow for the controlled ingress of water into the expandable core (12) which allows for the control of the delay before expansion and the rate of expansion once initiated.

Abstract: Systems and methods for measuring an intramedullary length for an orthopedic implant are described herein. A reamer system comprises a reamer shaft and a first reamer head. The reamer shaft comprises a proximal end having a drive coupler, a distal end having a reamer coupler, and markers located along the reamer shaft proximate the proximal end. The first reamer head comprises a head coupler configured to connect with the reamer coupler, and one or more cutting flutes located distal to the head coupler. The markers provide an indication of lengths of the system from a distal tip of the cutting flutes to each of the markers. The markers can be radiopaque. A method of employing the reamer system to measure the intramedullary length is described herein.

Abstract: A stereotactic stabilizer is adapted to be mounted to a fixing device and to be mounted with a stereotactic surgical instrument. The stereotactic stabilizer includes base seat and a rod member. The base seat has a main portion and an instrument connecting portion that is provided on the main portion and that is adapted to be mounted with the stereotactic surgical instrument. The rod member extends from the base seat and is adapted to be mounted to the fixing device so as to be positioned relative to a head of a patient.

Abstract: Provided are a method and an apparatus for providing a guide image for image guided surgery, which is used so as for a doctor to perform accurate surgery, which an determine a position of a surgical tool for a surgery target region of a patient by calculating a position of a laparoscope/endoscope view and the position of the surgical tool for the surgery target region, based on a distance image calculated from a binocular image of a laparoscope/endoscope, prediction of a positional change of a body type/organ by gas injection based on a prior diagnosis image based on CT/MRI, recognition of a posture of the patient and a position of an abdomen through a 3D scanner, recognition of a position/angle of the surgical tool through a surgical tool sensor, and the like.

Abstract: Certain embodiments are directed to an image-based optical tracking and navigation system. The system being useful during surgical procedures or cardiopulmonary resuscitation. The navigation system combining external optical tracking of instrument handles or shafts and positional endoscope tracking techniques with images of the patient's internal structures. The imaging instrument can be one of the following: an endoscope, a colonoscope or a transephageal echo probe. Magnetic probes/stylets can also be used to further determine the distal end of the imaging instrument.

Abstract: An alignment mark is adapted to be positioned relative to a head of a patient, and includes an alignment unit and a marking unit. The alignment unit includes a pad member and an alignment member. The pad member is adapted to adhere to a scalp of the patient. The alignment member has a threaded section that extends through the pad member and that is adapted to be threadedly locked into a cranium of the patient, and a head section that is opposite to the threaded section and that abuts against the pad member. The marking unit is removably disposed on the alignment unit, and includes a marking member.

Abstract: A marking apparatus includes a rigid cannula having a peripheral wall forming a lumen that carries an imaging marker, a proximal end coupled to a handle, a lateral opening in the peripheral wall that is open to the lumen, and a closed-off distal portion having a ramp adjacent the lumen. The closed-off distal portion extends distally from the ramp to terminate at a tissue piercing pointed tip. The ramp of the rigid cannula is curved to transition from the peripheral wall of the rigid cannula to the lateral opening of the rigid cannula. The ramp of the rigid cannula is adapted to engage the distal end of the stylet as the stylet is advanced through the lumen of the rigid cannula to guide the distal end of the stylet to a position to substantially close off the lateral opening of the rigid cannula having the tissue piercing tip.

Abstract: The invention concerns a dental drill system (1), comprising a drill (2) having a drilling part (3) with a first end (4) configured for drilling a hole in a jaw bone and a shank part (5) with a second end (6) configured for connection to a drill-rotating device and a guiding sleeve (7) for guiding the drill (2) during drilling, wherein the guiding sleeve (7) has a first side (8) intended to face the drill-rotating device and a second side (9) intended to face the jaw bone during a drilling operation, and wherein a guiding through-hole (10) extends from the first side (8) to the second side (9).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a clear aligner, a manufacturing method thereof, a traction device for a clear aligner, and an auxiliary tool for a traction device for a clear aligner. More particularly, the present invention relates to a clear aligner (10), a manufacturing method thereof, a traction device for a clear aligner, and an auxiliary tool (40) for a traction device for a clear aligner, wherein the clear aligner can improve orthodontic effects by increasing a correction force by traction of a clear aligner using an elastic band when it is impossible to correct teeth only with the clear aligner due to uneven teeth.

Abstract: Described is an orthodontic aligner implement that can ensure the accuracy and efficiency of clear aligner orthodontic therapies as well as increase patient compliance by reducing discomfort and combining functionality into a breath-freshening medium. The implement includes a consumable mass having at least two channels disposed on opposite sides of the mass and traversing the width of the mass. The channels are adapted to seat between opposing anterior or incisor teeth.

Abstract: A method of making a customized orthodontic bracket (20) which comprises a bracket base for attaching the bracket (20) at a patient's tooth (200), a bracket body with a bracket head, and an archwire slot. According to the method a three-dimensional tooth model representing the shape of at least part of a patient's tooth (200) is provided. A bracket receiving area is determined on the tooth model, and the bracket base is provided with a tooth-facing surface that is shaped according to the shape of the bracket receiving area. Further an outline of the bracket head is determined on the tooth model, and the bracket head is provided with a bracket head surface (26a, 26a?) that is shaped according to the shape within the bracket head outline. Thus a bracket (20) is provided which has an outer tongue-facing or cheek-facing surface of a shape corresponding to the natural shape of the tooth the bracket is attached to. The disclosure helps minimizing any discomfort during an orthodontic treatment with the brackets.

Abstract: An orthodontic device a base having a central longitudinal plane and a plurality of posts extending relative to the base. In one aspect, the posts are positioned with a first subset of at least one post on one side of the central longitudinal plane and a second subset of at least one post positioned on the opposite side of the central longitudinal plane such that facing first surfaces define a first slot with a first width and facing second surfaces define a second slot above the first slot with a second width larger than the first width and wherein a passage defined from the second slot to the first slot. In another aspect, the posts are angled relative to the base such that the posts converge as they approach the base.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dental component, such as an abutment, an abutment replica, an abutment blank, a customized abutment, a scan abutment, a digital transfer coping, an impression pick-up element, a healing cap or a driver, comprises a first indexing element and at least two second indexing elements having apical ends located apically of the apical end of said first indexing element. The invention also relates to a dental implant which comprises a dental component having first and second indexing elements and a fixture having third and fourth indexing elements, wherein the first and third indexing elements can only engage with each other after the second and fourth indexing elements have engaged with each other. The invention also relates to a fixture.

Abstract: Systems, methods, devices and apparatus for mandibular advancement or retraction via bone anchoring devices are described herein. In various aspects, an apparatus for treating a patient via mandibular advancement or retraction comprises a plurality of anchoring devices positioned in the patient's intraoral cavity. Each of the plurality of anchoring devices can be positioned in bone of the patient's upper jaw or bone of the patient's lower jaw. One or more connecting structures can be removably coupled to and extend between the plurality of anchoring devices in order to displace the lower jaw anteriorly or posteriorly relative to the upper jaw.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a shaped product which consists of a pseudoplastic material, using a dispensing device for the pseudoplastic material. The method comprises the following steps: •a) applying a layer of material to a carrier body and/or an already applied layer of material by guiding the dispensing device over said carrier body; •b) supplying said applied layer of material with ultrasound, •c) if necessary, repeating the steps a) and b) to produce the desired shaped product, and •d) curing the applied material.

Abstract: A semi-finished product produces dental prostheses, in particular abutments, and a method produces a semi-finished product for manufacturing dental prostheses. The semi-finished product includes a base body (GK) which has a channel (KA) passing through the base body (GK), a hollow-cylindrical anchoring element being embodied on the inner surface thereof (IF). The base body (GK) covers the anchoring element (VA) at least partially over the whole area with a thermoplastic synthetic material.

Abstract: Described is a two-part, screw retained dental implant prosthesis. The dental implant prosthesis includes both a primary substructure (made of for example, titanium) and a secondary superstructure (made of for example, zirconia). The primary substructure includes a top side and a bottom side, with substructure holes passing through the primary substructure from the top side to the bottom side. The primary substructure is formed to align with and secure against a dental implant as affixed in a patient's jaw. Alternatively, the secondary superstructure is formed to be affixed with the primary substructure. Thus, the primary substructure can be affixed with the dental implant, with the secondary superstructure thereafter being affixed with the primary substructure.

Abstract: An object is to provide an attachment for a denture which is difficult to have a fault if external force is applied. The attachment includes a convex element that is a top structure of an anchor tooth or an artificial tooth root, and a concave element that is fixed to a denture base. The convex element includes a fitting part and a coupling part that couples the fitting part to a natural tooth or the artificial tooth root. The concave element includes a main body in which a hollow portion where the fitting part is inserted is formed, a groove in an internal circumferential face of the main body in a direction of a circumference, an o-ring that is fit into the groove and whose inner diameter is smaller than the fitting part, and a discharge channel via which the hollow portion and an outside communicate.

Abstract: A tooth cleaning device has a handle portion. An imitation lipstick bullet is disposed on the handle portion. The imitation lipstick bullet has a tooth cleaning implement protruding from an outer surface of the imitation lipstick bullet.

Abstract: A system for dispensing and discarding material, the system comprising a supply reel housing, an out-feed opening in the supply reel housing, a take-up reel housing, an in-feed opening in the take-up reel housing, a take-up reel removably and rotatably mounted within the take-up reel housing, a first locking mechanism to prevent movement of the take-up reel, and a first wind-up means on the take-up reel for winding a dispensed length of material on the take-up reel, wherein the supply reel housing and the take-up reel housing are removably coupled to each other and when coupled together, the supply reel housing covers the in-feed opening and the take-up reel housing covers the out-feed opening.

Abstract: A dental flossing device comprising a first body circumscribing a void adapted to receive one or more fingers of a user, an outward-facing surface, opposite from the void, having a first segment comprising at least one pair of cleats arranged to define a circumferential groove for receiving and carrying one or more revolutions of the dental floss formed by wrapping the dental floss along the circumferential groove. A second segment of the outward-facing surface includes a fastener comprising a depression, a crown with a base wall and a niche in the base wall, and a pedestal that connects the base wall of the crown to a floor of the depression. The base wall, niche and the pedestal are configured to provide a space located between the floor of the depression and the base wall to receive and secure a free end of the dental floss.

Abstract: An electric toothbrush with a replaceable brush head section is disclosed. The electric toothbrush includes a handle including a motor therein and a brush head section. The toothbrush has a longitudinal axis extending through the handle to the far end of the brush head. The brush head section includes a translation head and an oscillation head, each of which has a bristle support member, one of which will rotate and oscillate and the other of which will not rotate or oscillate, but will reciprocate along, or substantially parallel to, the longitudinal, axis. The translation head is adapted so that its motion will induce a different motion in the bristle head of the oscillation head. The invention results in reduced assembly costs.

Abstract: In order to develop mixing and application capsules known from the prior art, so that limitations regarding the dental preparations that can be obtained are overcome, a mixing capsule (22) for producing a dental preparation is proposed in which the mixing capsule (22) has: a capsule body (1) having a mixing chamber for receiving a mixing component and for mixing the dental preparation from the mixing component, a first fluid and a second fluid and having an outlet opening (4) for expelling the dental preparation, a first cavity for receiving the first fluid, a first piston body (2) which delimits the mixing chamber in the capsule body (1) and which has a first passageway for guiding the first fluid from the first cavity into the mixing chamber, a second cavity for receiving the second fluid and a second piston body (2) which delimits the mixing chamber in the capsule body (1) and which has a second passageway for guiding the second fluid from the second cavity into the mixing chamber.

Abstract: A device for wrapping around a bodily organ and preventing overexpansion thereof. The device comprises inner and outer surfaces with a pliant material located therebetween. The inner surface defines a passage and accommodates and reinforces a bodily organ. The bodily organ, following surgical implantation, extends through the passage and is surrounded by the device. The inner surface, in an uncompressed/slightly compressed state, defines a normal state which supports the bodily organ and permits flow of bodily material therethrough. As the bodily organ expands, due to the bodily material flowing therethrough, the inner surface and the pliant material are compressed and, in turn, correspondingly exert a collapsing force, against the outer wall of the bodily organ, which limits and opposes the expansion of the bodily organ and forces the outer wall of the bodily organ back toward its normal state which still permits flow of bodily material through the bodily organ.

Abstract: An implant including a vaginal portion having a length, width, first and second ends with a central region positioned therebetween, and a sacral portion having a length, width, first end and second end. The first end of the sacral portion is coupled to the central region of the vaginal portion so that the width of the first end extends substantially perpendicularly to the length of the vaginal portion. The implant is made of the same substantially flat, planar mesh having an anisotropic knitted or woven structure that has a greater stiffness in a first direction than a second direction. The mesh is aligned such that the first direction is aligned in a longitudinal direction of the sacral portion and the mesh of the vaginal portion is aligned such that the stiffness in a longitudinal direction of the vaginal portion is less than that of the sacral portion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for filtering obstructive material within the vasculature of a subject. The device includes a generally ellipsoid shaped frame having a plurality of shape-memory arms with a collapsible, sieve-like structure positioned within the elliptical frame. The device may be used as an inferior vena cava (IVC) filter for the prevention of pulmonary embolism, or any other procedure requiring filtering of a vein.

Abstract: A stent includes a first coiled wire, which forms a first lumen defined by an inner surface. The stent further includes a second coiled wire with an outer surface. The second coiled wire forms a second lumen, is disposed within the first lumen of the first coiled wire, and is secured to the first coiled wire such that substantially the entire outer surface of the second coiled wire contacts substantially the entire inner surface of the first coiled wire. The first and second coiled wires are aligned with respect to each other. The stent further includes apertures passing through each of the first and second coiled wires and into the second lumen. The apertures are located within distal end portions, proximal end portions, and central portions of the first and second coiled wires.