Abstract: Devices for treating mitral valve regurgitation, including a distal expandable anchor, a proximal expandable anchor, and a fixed length connecting member extending from the proximal expandable anchor to the distal expandable anchor, where at least one of the proximal and distal anchors includes first and second arm segments that extend from one end of the device toward the connecting member and the other anchor when in a collapsed delivery configuration, and where the at least one of the proximal and distal anchors that comprises the first and second arm segments has an expanded configuration in which the first and second arm segments extend radially outwardly such that the first and second arm segments extend away from one another toward the connector, and meet one another at a location axially spaced from the end of the device.

Abstract: Devices for treating mitral valve regurgitation, including a distal expandable anchor, a proximal expandable anchor, and a fixed length connecting member extending from the proximal expandable anchor to the distal expandable anchor, where at least one of the proximal and distal anchors includes first and second arm segments that extend from one end of the device toward the connecting member and the other anchor when in a collapsed delivery configuration, and where the at least one of the proximal and distal anchors that comprises the first and second arm segments has an expanded configuration in which the first and second arm segments extend radially outwardly such that the first and second arm segments extend away from one another toward the connector, and meet one another at a location axially spaced from the end of the device.

Abstract: Devices for treating mitral valve regurgitation, including a distal expandable anchor, a proximal expandable anchor, and a fixed length connecting member extending from the proximal expandable anchor to the distal expandable anchor, where at least one of the proximal and distal anchors includes first and second arm segments that extend from one end of the device toward the connecting member and the other anchor when in a collapsed delivery configuration, and where the at least one of the proximal and distal anchors that comprises the first and second arm segments has an expanded configuration in which the first and second arm segments extend radially outwardly such that the first and second arm segments extend away from one another toward the connector, and meet one another at a location axially spaced from the end of the device.

Abstract: An anchor anchors a therapeutic device having an elongated body within a body lumen. The anchor includes a fixation member carried on the device which is adjustable from a first configuration that permits placement of the device in the body lumen to a second configuration that anchors the device within the body lumen. The anchor further includes a lock that locks the fixation member in the second configuration. The fixation member may be locked in any one of a plurality of intermediate points between the first configuration and a maximum second configuration.

Abstract: An anchor anchors a therapeutic device having an elongated body within a body lumen. The anchor includes a fixation member carried on the device which is adjustable from a first configuration that permits placement of the device in the body lumen to a second configuration that anchors the device within the body lumen. The anchor further includes a lock that locks the fixation member in the second configuration. The fixation member may be locked in any one of a plurality of intermediate points between the first configuration and a maximum second configuration.

Abstract: An intravascular device configured to be recaptured within a guide catheter has a ring located at the distal end of a delivery catheter. The ring has an outer diameter greater than that of the delivery catheter and a sloped guide surface near the outer edge of the ring to urge the ring and delivery catheter toward a radially centered position within the guide catheter.

Abstract: Implants or systems of implants and methods apply a selected force vector or a selected combination of force vectors within or across the left atrium, which allow mitral valve leaflets to better coapt. The implants or systems of implants and methods make possible rapid deployment, facile endovascular delivery, and full intra-atrial retrievability. The implants or systems of implants and methods also make use of strong fluoroscopic landmarks. The implants or systems of implants and methods make use of an adjustable implant and a fixed length implant. The implants or systems of implants and methods may also utilize a bridge stop to secure the implant, and the methods of implantation employ various tools.

Abstract: A partial hip prosthesis for reducing friction and wear in partial hip prosthesis by combining optimized geometry of the articulation and surface treatment of the prosthetic component. In the prosthesis, one of the articulating surfaces—either that of the reamed acetabulum, or that of the femoral head prosthesis is a-spherical so that a fluid-filled gap is formed at the area of major load transfer. The fluid-filled gap is sealed by an annular area of contact, over which the concave and the convex components are congruent. A prosthetic head is fixed to the femur by either a conventional stem, a perforated shell, or a femoral neck prosthesis screwed onto the femur so that it is partially covered by bone and partially exposed on the medial-inferior aspect, where it abuts the reamed cortex of the calcar region.

Abstract: A knee prosthesis includes a femoral component, a tibial component, and a coupling component interconnecting the femoral component and the tibial component. The tibial component includes ball. The femoral component is configured to move relative to the tibial component. The coupling component defines an internal cavity including a first spherical end portion and a second spherical end portion. The internal cavity is dimensioned to receive the ball of the tibial component. The ball is repositioned between the first spherical end portion and the second spherical end portion of the internal cavity upon movement of the femoral component relative to the tibial component.

Abstract: A prosthesis (10) for the reconstruction of the shoulder joint comprises a glenoid prosthesis (11) comprising an attachment support for the glenoid (13) and a joint element of the glenoid (14) and a humeral prosthesis (12) comprising an attachment support for the humerus (17) and a joint element of the humerus (15). The joint elements of the glenoid (14) and the humerus (15) are shaped in such a way as to achieve a spherical-type coupling therebetween for the artificial reconstruction of the shoulder joint. The joint elements of the glenoid (14) and the humerus (15) are constrained in a removable way by said attachment supports for the glenoid (13) and the humerus (17). The joint element of the humerus (15) is made of plastic material, in particular of polyethylene, and the joint element of the glenoid (14) is made of metallic material, in particular of a cobalt-chromium alloy.

Abstract: A prosthesis for primary artrodhesis can be used for artroplasty and a prosthesis for artroplasty comprises members for artrodhesis. The prosthesis (1b) for primary artrodhesis comprises a locking member (33b) with an attachment portion (16b) which is insertable into a hole (8b) in a first attachment member (4b) of the prosthesis for location of the locking member therein, and a lockable member (34b) integral with a second attachment member (5b) of the prosthesis. The lockable member (34b) is configured for adjustable setting thereof relative to the locking member (33b) and for fixation thereof, in set position, to the locking member. Alternatively, the lockable member comprises an attachment portion which is insertable into a hole in the second attachment member for location of the lockable member therein.

Abstract: A prosthesis for primary artrodhesis can be used for artroplasty and a prosthesis for artroplasty comprises members for artrodhesis. The prosthesis (1b) for primary artrodhesis comprises a locking member (33b) with an attachment portion (16b) which is insertable into a hole (8b) in a first attachment member (4b) of the prosthesis for location of the locking member therein, and a lockable member (34b) integral with a second attachment member (5b) of the prosthesis. The lockable member (34b) is configured for adjustable setting thereof relative to the locking member (33b) and for fixation thereof, in set position, to the locking member. Alternatively, the lockable member comprises an attachment portion which is insertable into a hole in the second attachment member for location of the lockable member therein.

Abstract: Implants and methods for augmentation, preferably by minimally invasive procedures and means, of body tissue, including in some embodiments repositioning of body tissue, for example, bone and, preferably vertebrae are described. The implant may comprise one or more chain linked bodies inserted into the interior of body tissue. As linked bodies are inserted into body tissue, they may fill a central portion thereof and for example in bone can push against the inner sides of the cortical exterior surface layer, for example the end plates of a vertebral body, thereby providing structural support and tending to restore the body tissue to its original or desired treatment height. A bone cement or other filler can be added to further augment and stabilize the body tissue. The preferred implant comprises a single flexible monolithic chain formed of allograft cortical bone having a plurality of substantially non-flexible bodies connected by substantially flexible links.

Abstract: An intrabody implant disclosed and methods of use are disclosed. The implant has an inclined surface, forming a wedge shape having an acute angle adapted to be placed between at least 2 separated portions of a single bony structure (such as a vertebral body). In some embodiments, the implant may be used to support portions of a vertebral body that have been separated surgically as part of a pedicle subtraction osteotomy and to orient the portions at a more predictable lordotic angle.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process by which both non-tissue engineered and tissue engineered cartilaginous-like structures can be fabricated. The process of the present invention provides a method to produce electrospun nanofiber-anchored NP gels. The present invention provides a functional design for novel engineered IVD. The present invention provides a method for fabrication of both non-tissue and tissue engineered IVDs. These cartilaginous-like structures can be used to produce replacements for degenerated natural IVD. The method of the present invention uses electrospun PCL nanofiber mesh to anchor the NP. The method of the present invention can create angle-ply AF structure around the circumference of NP to mimic the architecture of native IVD. The method of the present invention anchors the top and bottom sides of NP by using non-woven aligned or random nanofiber mesh to create scaffold for the generation of endplate (EP) tissue.

Abstract: An orthopedic device for implanting between adjacent vertebrae comprising: an arcuate balloon and a hardenable material within said balloon. In some embodiments, the balloon has a footprint that substantially corresponds to a perimeter of a vertebral endplate. An inflatable device is inserted through a cannula into an intervertebral space and oriented so that, upon expansion, a natural angle between vertebrae will be at least partially restored. At least one component selected from the group consisting of a load-bearing component and an osteobiologic component is directed into the inflatable device through a fluid communication means.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, a method of inserting a lateral implant within an intervertebral space defined between an upper vertebral member and a lower vertebral member includes creating a lateral passage through a subject in order to provide minimally invasive access to the intervertebral space, at least partially clearing out native tissue of the subject within and/or near the intervertebral space, positioning a base plate within the intervertebral space, wherein the base plate comprise an upper base plate and a lower base plate and advancing an implant between the upper base plate and the lower base plate so that the implant is urged into the intervertebral space and the upper vertebral member is distracted relative to the lower vertebral member.

Abstract: Implementations described and claimed herein provide a distal leading portion of a composite spinal implant for implantation in a spinal facet joint. In one implementation, the distal leading portion includes a distal leading end, a proximal trailing end, a first face, and a second face. The distal leading end has a distal surface generally opposite a proximal surface of the proximal trailing end. The first face has a first surface that is generally parallel with a second surface of the second face. The first and second faces extend between the distal leading end and the proximal trailing end, such that the first and second surfaces slope upwardly from the distal lead end to the proximal trailing end along a length of extending proximally. The first and second surfaces having one or more textured features adapted to provide friction with the spinal facet joint.

Abstract: The present invention provides an expandable fusion device capable of being installed inside an intervertebral disc space to maintain normal disc spacing and restore spinal stability, thereby facilitating an intervertebral fusion. In one embodiment, the fusion device includes a body portion, a first endplate, and a second endplate, the first and second endplates capable of being moved in a direction away from the body portion into an expanded configuration or capable of being moved towards the body portion into an unexpanded configuration. The fusion device is capable of being deployed and installed in both configurations.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a spinal fusion impactor tool that includes an attachment means for securing an implant device to the distal end of the tool, a means for adjusting the angle of the distal head relative to the handle to better position the implant for introduction into the implant site, means for remotely releasing the implant device at the distal end and a clamp device on the shaft of the tool to secure tabs, attachments and other devices. The impactor tool is preferably used in conjunction with implantation of an intervertebral fusion cage that is equipped with shims having tabs or other removing means, but may also be used to introduce, for example, an implant, graft, fusion device, wedge or distractor device into any joint space or bony region in preparation for implantation.

Abstract: An intervertebral implant is provided. The intervertebral implant comprises a first component comprising an outer tissue engaging surface and an inner surface. A second component is connected to the first component, and is relatively moveable therefrom. The second component comprises an outer tissue engaging surface and an inner surface. The second component includes an actuator. A third component is disposed for engagement and is movable relative to the first and second components. The third component comprises at least a first ramp and a second ramp axially spaced apart from the first ramp. The actuator is engageable with the third component to effect axial translation of the wedge such that the ramps engage the inner surface of at least one of the first component and the second component to move the components between a first, collapsed configuration and a second, expanded configuration. Methods of use are disclosed.

Abstract: A medical device includes a base ring configured to be implanted within a body of a patient. The base ring provides a contact surface to a vertebra. Multiple layers of multiple leveling plates are configured to equalize forces applied to the contact surface of the base ring, where at least one of the layers of the leveling plates engages an inner surface of the base ring. A layer of multiple pads is included with a top surface of the pads configured to maintain a parallel plane and a bottom surface of each of the multiple pads is configured to engage a top surface of one of the layers of the leveling plates. A cover is configured to enclose the multiple layers of the leveling plates, the layer of the multiple pads and the base ring. The cover provides a contact surface to a vertebra.

Abstract: A modular implant device for placement between two adjacent vertebrae during a surgical procedure. The implant device comprises a distractor/nosecone portion configured for placement in a first location between the vertebrae and providing distraction and fixation of a desired vertical separation between the vertebrae at the first location. An alignment guide being a long slender element has a first end inserted into the distractor/nosecone portion and extending away from the distractor/nosecone portion, where the alignment guide is used to position the distractor/nosecone portion in the first location between the vertebrae. A body portion is configured for placement in a second location between the vertebrae, providing distraction and fixation of a desired vertical separation between the vertebrae at the second location, where the body portion includes a bore to receive the alignment guide, and the body portion is translated along the alignment guide into position between the vertebrae.

Abstract: A modular kit and/or method buildings a cage for spondylodesis, wherein the kit and/or method comprises at least two plates, wherein the plates comprise a biocompatible material and each comprise a planar structure and a plurality of pins projecting from the planar structure of the plates, wherein the pins each comprise at least one latching element, wherein the pins are elastically deformable and are arranged sufficiently close to each other on the planar structure such that pressing planar structures studded with pins of several plates onto each other causes the latching elements of different plates to snap into each other, wherein at least two of the at least two plates comprise a recess with a diameter of at least 5 mm.

Abstract: A tool assembly includes a universal, intervertebral bone fusion spacer for insertion into a disc space between a first vertebral body and a second vertebral body and fusion of the first vertebral body to the second vertebral body via biological bone fusion and screw fusion, and a tool for manipulating and inserting the universal, intervertebral bone fusion spacer into the disc space between the first vertebral body and the second vertebral body to provide fusion of the first vertebral body to the second vertebral body via biological bone fusion and screw fusion.

Abstract: Implant fixation systems, kits and methods for interbody fusions are described herein. Preferably, the implant has a cage containing two deployable blades and one or more strike plates that are able to deploy the blades. The blades are positioned inside the cage such that one blade faces upward and the other blade faces downward. Protrusions on the ends of the blades fit into correspondingly shaped tracks on the interior surface of the cage, allowing movement of the blades inside the cage. The implant also has two wedge-shaped strike plates that fit into attachment regions located on the blades, which allow the strike plates to slide. Impaction of the strike plate(s) causes them to push the blades superiorly or inferiorly. In the impaction position, a portion of the blades protrudes beyond the superior and the inferior surfaces of the cage and fixes the cage in the adjacent vertebral bodies.

Abstract: An elongate inserter has a distal end releasably connected to an expandable device for expanding body tissue and a proximal end including a trigger actuator. The expandable device comprises a superior endplate and an inferior endplate that are movable in an expansion direction relative to each other between opposing tissue surfaces of a body. The inserter includes a lifting platform comprising ramp surfaces that upon operation of the trigger actuator cooperatively engage complementary surfaces of expansion structure within the device to cause the superior and inferior endplates to move relatively away from each other. A driver is supported by the inserter for pushing an insert between the superior and inferior endplates after expansion of the device.

Abstract: Prostheses include a terminal device, a back-lock mechanism, a wrist, a limb-socket, and a harness system. The terminal device can be a five-fingered mechanical hand that provides a releasable adaptive grasp, and has independently flexible fingers. The limb socket can be 3D printed using a molded model of a remnant limb. The harness strap can encircle an unaffected limb and is coupled to the terminal device with a cable so that a user can control the terminal device. The harness system can include a 3D printed harness ring that couples to the cable.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling an orthopedic joint device of a lower extremity, the orthopedic joint device comprising an upper part, a lower part mounted in articulated fashion to the upper part, and a conversion device arranged between the upper and lower parts. The conversion device provides for, during pivoting of the upper part relative to the lower part, mechanical work from a relative movement between the upper and lower parts to be converted and stored in at least one energy store and supplied back to the joint device with a time offset in order to assist the relative movement. The stored energy is converted back and the supply of mechanical work takes place in a controlled manner during the assistance of the relative movement.

Abstract: A method, computer program product and computer system for mode selection of a prosthesis is provided. A processor of a wearable device receives a first input from a user. A processor of a wearable device determines the first input indicates a change to a mode of operation of the prosthesis. A processor of a wearable device sends a first command to the prosthesis to change the mode of operation of the prosthesis.

Abstract: A manual apparatus of the present invention enables quick connection and disconnection of an exoskeleton leg from a remaining body of an exoskeleton. The apparatus comprises a cavity defined by a housing coupled to the remaining body of the exoskeleton; a latch coupled to the remaining body of the exoskeleton, the latch comprising a latching feature; a clip body including a projection element extending from an end thereof, the clip body coupled to the exoskeleton leg; a handle rotatably coupled to a clip base on the clip body; and a hook rotatably coupled to the handle. When the hook is engaged with the latching feature and the handle rotated from a first unlatched position to a second latched position, the projection element moves inside the cavity.

Abstract: Provided herein is a drug delivery system comprising: a. substrate; b. a plurality of components combined with the substrate to form the drug delivery system; wherein at least one components comprises a bioabsorbable polymer and at least one other component comprises one or more active agents; wherein at least part of the active agent is in crystalline form.

Abstract: Stents including a poly(D,L-lactide)(PDLLA)-based scaffold and PDLLA based therapeutic layer are disclosed. The PDLLA based scaffold may be amorphous and may include a primer layer. Methods of applying the PDLLA-based coating to the scaffold are disclosed with solvent processing methods using a solvent blend are also disclosed. Methods of removing residual solvent from a PDLLA-base coating that also condition the scaffold are disclosed. Methods of treating restenosis that release drugs to prevent restenosis without interfering with the natural positive remodeling of a vessel are disclosed.

Abstract: A delivery device can provide sequential delivery of a plurality of intraluminal devices or tacks held in a compressed state on the delivery device. Delivery platforms on the delivery device can hold a tack in a compressed position and have a unique shape, such as a non-constant outer diameter, an hourglass shape, a tapered proximal half, ridges, dimples, etc. This unique shape can be positioned between annular pusher bands that may also be radiopaque markers. In some embodiments, the unique shape is provided by a sleeve of flexible material with the unique shape surrounding a harder inner shaft. Further, the annular pusher bands can be made of wire or sections of material to increase flexibility while remaining radiopacity. A tack deployment method can include alignment of radiopaque markers on the outer sheath and the tack to be deployed prior to deployment.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a stent is disclosed. The stent includes a minimum crimped diameter such that in the minimum crimped diameter, a pair of stent rings, between which marker support structures reside, do not make contact with the marker support structures. The crimped profile of the stent of the present invention can be as small as the crimped profile of a same stent but without the marker support structures.

Abstract: A balloon for medical treatments such as percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA), delivery of a vascular stents or stent grafts, employs reinforcement materials that are patterned so as to promote consistent folding of the balloon. Also disclosed are methods and apparatus for biocidal treatment using a balloon, including balloons with fiber fabric reinforcements.

Abstract: A prosthesis delivery device comprises a proximal end and a distal end, a prosthesis retention section at the proximal end, and a prosthesis retained on the prosthesis retention section. The prosthesis has a proximal end releasably attached at the prosthesis retention section and a distal end releasably attached at the prosthesis retention section. A sheath is slidably disposed over the prosthesis. A delivery handle near the distal end the delivery device comprises a rotatable inner cannula having a cannula lumen and cannula handle. The cannula handle is rotatable with the inner cannula. Further, a positioner handle is releasably engaged with the cannula handle. Rotation of the inner cannula releases the proximal end of the prosthesis from the delivery device and withdrawal of the sheath from over the prosthesis releases the distal end of the prosthesis from the delivery device.

Abstract: The invention relates surgical abdominal methods of treating obesity in a patient by implanting a volume filling device that, when implanted in a patient, reduces the food cavity in size by a volume substantially exceeding the volume of the volume filling device. Also disclosed is a laparoscopic instrument for providing a volume filling device to be invaginated in the stomach wall of a human patient to treat obesity.

Abstract: A dynamic platform with extending struts has fastened thereto a bi-directional torsional power unit to selectively deliver force opposing either extension or flexion, and to provide assistance in a respective opposite direction. The power unit is threadably mounted on a hinge pin (spline) centrally located on the platform, and is latched to a catch assembly radially located thereto, the hinge pin of the platform communicating with one end of a torsion spring of the power unit and the catch assembly communicating with another end of the torsion spring, to selectively deliver the extension/flexion force. The power unit can be detached, with simple manual operation of the catch assembly, without tools, flipped over and reattached to the same platform attachment points to switch (reverse) extension torque to flexion torque and vice versa.

Abstract: A therapeutic device for slowly stretching a three-dimensional hip joint for reposition movement, where an chest-abdomen fastener fixing band (2) is fixed to a back cover (1); a shoulder fastener suspension band (3) is fixed to the back cover (1) and the chest-abdomen fastener fixing band (2); a pair of wing-shaped supporting bars (5) is fixed to the back cover (1); a pair of limb fixing bars (6) is connected to telescopic ends of a pair of hip joint forward-backward movement adjusters (9), and the pair of hip joint forward-backward movement adjusters (9) are fixed to the back cover (1); upward-downward lifting chute screws (4) are connected to hooks of the pair of wing-shaped supporting bars (5) and the limb fixing bars (6); and an inward-outward telescopic screw (8) is connected between the pair of limb fixing bars (6) which are provided with limb fastener fixing bands (7).

Abstract: In most rhinoplasty cases surgeon should control whether different parts of Applicant's nose is formed well and refine disfigurements. Since surgeons have no instrument to measure changes during the surgery, they have to use their bare eye to decide whether to modify the configuration or not, which can cause the result to be different from what is contemplated by applicant. I designed 5 custom control molds to control correctness of different operation steps during the surgery to minimize surgeon's errors. Using these control molds enables surgeon to decide whether to keep modifying different part of nose in order to achieve best result.

Abstract: A protective dressing includes an outer dressing and an adhesive layer. The outer dressing includes an opening and a cavity sized to receive a phase-change material (PCM) insert inserted through the opening. The adhesive layer is configured to adhere to a patient's skin surrounding an anatomic site. When adhered to the patient's skin, the PCM insert modifies the patient's skin at the anatomic site. The PCM insert may be removed and replaced with another PCM insert. For example, a warm PCM insert may be replaced with a refrigerated PCM insert. The opening of the outer dressing may be self-sealing. The opening of the outer dressing may be sealed with an upper layer dressing coupled to the PCM cooling insert.

Abstract: A system suitable for collecting and transporting urine away from the body of a person or animal may include an assembly having a fluid impermeable casing having a fluid reservoir at a first end, a fluid outlet at a second end, and a longitudinally extending fluid impermeable layer coupled to the fluid reservoir and the fluid outlet and defining a longitudinally elongated opening between the reservoir and the outlet. The assembly can further include a fluid permeable support disposed within the casing with a portion extending across the elongated opening, and a fluid permeable membrane disposed on the support and covering at least the portion of the support that extends across the elongated opening, so that the membrane is supported on the support and disposed across the elongated opening. The assembly can further include a tube having a first end disposed in the reservoir and a second, fluid discharge end.

Abstract: Provided, among other things, is a packaged condom comprising: a sealed package; within the package, an polyisoprene condom; and within the package and substantially coating the condom, a lubricant comprising solvent and one or more sensation-providing agents comprising one or more of vanillyl butyl ether, menthyl lactate, and menthol, wherein the solvent comprises non-water soluble silicone oil and 99% or more of the lubricant by weight is the non-water soluble silicone oil.

Abstract: This invention relates to a genital shield capable of being coupled with a condom for use in the perineal or labial area of a female. This shield comprises an adhesive dressing for application on a user's genital region that is bio-occlusive, thin, flexible, unobtrusive to the senses, and aesthetically pleasing to a user.

Abstract: A thermal-treatment process including providing at least one faux-stone apparatus, such as in a pre-packaged kit. The process in some implementations includes providing a faux-stone usage instruction, such as on kit packaging or with the faux-stone apparatus(es) within the packaging. The process includes heating or cooling the faux-stone apparatus, yielding a thermally-effected faux-stone apparatus. The process also includes applying at least one thermally-effected faux-stone apparatus to a user. Each apparatus includes a natural granular filler comprising a multiplicity of natural granules configured to (i) retain heat received by conduction or radiation and by radiation and/or conduction transfer the heat to a user and (ii) be cooled and receive heat from the user body. Each apparatus includes a natural cover sized and shaped to fit in its entirety within a user hand, is generally round, oval or irregularly shaped to look like a real stone, and encases the granular filler.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a method and a device for increasing blood flow and controlling the temperature of a mammal by applying a desired pressure to extremities of a mammal. The device generally includes a pliant body element that is adapted to receive a portion of an extremity of the mammal therein, and then apply a pressure to a portion of the extremity when a pressure is provided to a region in which the extremity is positioned within the pliant body element. By evacuating the region in which the extremity is enclosed, a contact surface area between the extremity of a mammal and the pliant body element is increased, due to the external atmospheric pressure acting on the pliant body element against the skin of the extremity of the mammal. The application of pressure assures that sufficient contact and thermal heat transfer (heating or cooling) is provided to the extremity of the mammal.

Abstract: Methods for transcutaneous heat transfer are provided. Aspects of the methods include stably associating a glabrous skin surface of a mammal with a thermoregulatory device configured to be associated with only a portion of a limb of the mammal and transferring heat through the glabrous skin surface without application of negative pressure. Also provided are devices, systems and kits that fmd use practicing the methods. The methods and compositions described herein find use in a variety of different applications, including maintaining normothermia, e.g., in thermoregulatory compromised individuals.

Abstract: An irrigation and aspiration apparatus suited for irrigation and aspiration during an eye surgery procedure includes a hollow aspiration cannula having proximal and distal ends. An outer, aspiration tip is positioned on at least the distal end of the aspiration cannula, and includes a generally spherical body portion defining an aspiration port in fluid communication with an interior passage defined by the aspiration cannula. The aspiration cannula defines an annular retention step at an outer surface thereof spaced from the distal end, with the aspiration tip defining an internal, annular abutment surface for engagement with the annular retention step to maintain the aspiration tip on the cannula in substantially fluid-tight relationship therewith.

Abstract: A surgical device and procedure are provided for smoothly and easily accessing tissue to perform microsurgery, including a capsulotomy of a lens capsule of an eye. The device includes a handpiece with a tip for insertion into an incision in the cornea of the eye. A sliding element is disposed within the handpiece and a suction cup is mounted to the sliding element. The sliding element can be translated to move the suction cup into and out of the handpiece. A compression mechanism associated with the suction cup and the handpiece compresses the suction cup for deployment through the tip of the handpiece. The suction cup can expand inside the anterior chamber into a cutting position on the lens capsule. A cutting element mounted to the suction cup is used to cut a portion of the lens capsule and to remove the portion from the eye.