Abstract: A prosthesis system having at least two sensors, at least one control device, which is coupled to the sensors and processes sensor signals of the sensors, at least one actuator, which is coupled to the control device and can be activated or deactivated on the basis of control signals of the control device, and at least one movably mounted prosthesis component, which can be displaced by the actuator. A standard program, which assigns an actuator action to each sensor independently of the duration and/or intensity of the sensor signal, is stored in the control device or can be called up by the control device.

Abstract: Device for measuring out a non-compressible fluid, characterized in that it comprises a first fluid inlet and a second fluid inlet, the two first and second liquid inlets being in liquid contact with one another, downstream of the respective inlets; a first outlet of the device and a second outlet of the device, the two first and second outlets being in fluid contact with one another upstream and downstream of the respective outlets, the first outlet having a first outlet valve giving access to the first outlet, the second outlet having a second outlet valve giving access to the second outlet, the second outlet having a flowmeter between said second outlet valve and the connection between outlets downstream thereof.

Abstract: A breast implant selector system including a breast width selector for selecting breast width input information, a breast tissue type selector for selecting breast tissue type input information in response to breast width input information selected with the breast width selector, and an implant size selector for selecting implant size input information in response to the breast tissue type input information selected with the breast tissue type selector. A result indicator provides a result characterizing at least one suggested breast implant as a function of the input breast width, breast tissue type, and implant size input information.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring paravalvular leakage from a prosthetic heart valve in vitro. The apparatus has a pulse chamber pressure vessel and a pulsatile pump. The sewing ring of a prosthetic heart valve is mounted to a mounting member which is affixed to the pressure chamber, and paravalvular leakage from the heart valve is collected and measured.

Abstract: A method for assessing functionality of a valve in a heart includes providing a position sensor that is a wireless transponder for transmitting or receiving an ultrasound wave for determination of position coordinates of the position sensor at the point; implanting the wireless transponder at a point on the valve; and using a position determining system for determining whether the valve is functioning properly based on position coordinates of the wireless transponder.

Abstract: A breast implant selector system including a breast width selector for selecting breast width input information, a breast tissue type selector for selecting breast tissue type input information in response to breast width input information selected with the breast width selector, and an implant size selector for selecting implant size input information in response to the breast tissue type input information selected with the breast tissue type selector. A result indicator provides a result characterizing at least one suggested breast implant as a function of the input breast width, breast tissue type, and implant size input information.

Abstract: An apparatus for sizing an intraocular lens and/or an ocular region of the eye of a subject, such as the anterior chamber, contains a sizing device and a measurement device. In one embodiment, the sizing device comprises a first leg having a first contact portion for operably engaging the ocular portion and a second leg having a second contact portion for operably engaging the ocular portion. The sizing device has a test geometry when placed within the ocular portion. The measurement device is adapted for determining a dimension of the sizing device based at least in part on the test geometry. The sizing device may also have a reference geometry when the sizing device in a reference condition. In certain embodiments, the difference between the reference geometry and the test geometry may be used for sizing the intraocular lens and/or the ocular portion.

Abstract: An orthopedic simulator is provided with an orthopedic simulator having at least one test station with a specimen container for containing a fluid bath, such as bovine fluid. A fluid level sensor is positioned to sense the level of fluid in the fluid bath and generate a fluid level signal. A fill controller is coupled to the fluid level sensor. The fill controller controls filling of the fluid bath with liquid, such as distilled water, as a function of the fluid level signal to restore and maintain the concentration of the bath.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring paravalvular leakage from a prosthetic heart valve in vitro. The apparatus has a pulse chamber pressure vessel and a pulsatile pump. The sewing ring of a prosthetic heart valve is mounted to a mounting member which is affixed to the pressure chamber, and paravalvular leakage from the heart valve is collected and measured.

Abstract: A breast implant selector system including a breast width selector for selecting breast width input information, a breast tissue type selector for selecting breast tissue type input information in response to breast width input information selected with the breast width selector, and an implant size selector for selecting implant size input information in response to the breast tissue type input information selected with the breast tissue type selector. A result indicator provides a result characterizing at least one suggested breast implant as a function of the input breast width, breast tissue type, and implant size input information.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for determining particle shed rates of implantable or inter-dwelling devices are disclosed. Durability test apparatuses with integrated particle counters produce time-dependent particle shed rate profiles. The apparatuses are designed to accommodate pulsatile flow, resembling a heartbeat at the implantable device. In an embodiment, the pulsatile flow is converted to a steady flow before fluid enters the integrated particle counter.

Abstract: A gauge for use in a surgical procedure, including a body with a plumb bob mounted to the body. The plumb bob hangs from the body under the influence of a local gravitational field. More particularly, the plumb bob is rotatable relative to the body in both a first plane and a second plane, said planes being orthongonal to each other. In use, a connector allows the gauge to be connected to various surgical implements. The position of the indicator needle on the plumb bob is noted with reference to two sets of markings on the body to allow a surgeon to determine a first angle in a first plane and a second angle in a second plane. In one exemplary application of the invention, the first and second angles are anatomical angles associated with the surgical insertion of prosthetic components.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a flow system includes a medical device mount, fluid and a conduit containing the fluid and medical device mount. The conduit is mounted on an assembly that moves the conduit along with the medical device mount to induce relative motion of the fluid relative to the medical device mount. In preferred embodiments, pulsatile fluid motion is generated. In some embodiments, the fluid includes viable cells. In alternative embodiments, a flow system includes a continuous flow pump connected to a conduit loop having multiple branch conduits downstream from the pump providing alternative paths over a section of the conduit loop. Each branch conduit has a valve controlling flow through the branch. In some embodiments, at least one branch includes a medical device mount.

Abstract: A computational technique to construct a 3-D valve leaflet geometry. The invention pertains to methodology to construct a 3-D heart valve leaflet geometry using finite element analysis (FEA) to simulate the manual assembly process or, in other words, provide a virtual assembly process as an input to a subsequent simulated valve testing step. The simulated valves may be subjected to simulated cyclic valve opening and closings and the stress levels induced therein monitored. Simulated valve designs with lower principal stresses can then be selected for prototyping. Proposed valves can be subjected to cyclic fatigue stress testing under simulated physiologic conditions to study valve durability.

Abstract: A method for testing the pulsatile endurance of a vascular implant 3 comprises placing a resilient insert 4 into the implant and repeatedly expanding and contracting the insert, thereby expanding and contracting the implant. The insert preferably has a cavity therein and is repeatedly expanded and contracted by repeatedly increasing and decreasing the pressure in the cavity.

Abstract: An orthopedic simulator is provided with an orthopedic simulator having at least one test station with a specimen container for containing a fluid bath, such as bovine fluid. A fluid level sensor is positioned to sense the level of fluid in the fluid bath and generate a fluid level signal. A fill controller is coupled to the fluid level sensor. The fill controller controls filling of the fluid bath with liquid, such as distilled water, as a function of the fluid level signal to restore and maintain the concentration of the bath.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for monitoring aspects of a socket of a prosthetic limb having a residual limb contained therein. The apparatus includes and the method uses sensors for measuring one or more of pressure, force, temperature, moisture, and vacuum and one or more devices for displaying sensor values to the wearer, setting sensor limits, and/or sounding an audible alarm when a sensor limit is exceeded.

Abstract: An endovascular graft having one or more sensors attached to its internal and external surface, one or more power sources attached to its external surface and one or more transmitters attached to its external surface, the sensors capable of measuring pertinent parameters and each transmitter capable of transmitting signals containing pertinent parameters to one or more receiving devices located outside the patient's body. The sensors may measure pressure, temperature, blood flow, electrical potential, or any combination thereof. The sensors may be attached at specific locations on the graft material, thereby providing pertinent parameters from critical points inside the vasculature, or may be attached to form an array of sensors over the internal and external surface of the graft material, thereby providing a complete profile of pertinent parameters throughout the vasculature covered by the endovascular graft.

Abstract: An apparatus and method that allows the visualization of leakage of cell culture media through a conduit wall of a tissue-engineered biological construct such as a semilunar heart valve or valve graft under controlled physiologic conditions. The apparatus and method also allows for the assessment of valve function and intraluminal flow using conventional imaging modalities such as ultrasonic and magnetic resonance imaging. The apparatus allows the qualitative and quantitative evaluation of structural and functional characteristics of a condition tissue engineered construct prior to implantation using a valve housing and chamber and a flow-pressure simulator.

Abstract: A flow system device used for testing/creating fluid flow. The system comprises at least one fluid filled loop and a rotor stage for maintaining at least one rotor. The loop is positioned on the rotor. The device also includes a driving motor for rotating the rotor stage and a motion controller for controlling the speed and directional motion of the motor.

Abstract: A template for use in matching parts (6, 8) of a modular joint prosthesis component to an image of a bone in which the prosthesis component is to be implanted, the prosthesis component including first and second parts (6, 8) which are fitted together to assemble the prosthesis component for implantation. The template comprises a first template part which bears an image of the first part of the prosthesis component, and a second template part which bears images of a plurality of the second parts (23) of the prosthesis component, each of the second parts (23) being a sleeve having a through bore in which, in the assembled prosthesis component, the first part (6) of the prosthesis component can be received. The second template part is connected to the first template part but can be moved relative to it so that the images of the second parts (23) of the prosthesis component can be aligned sequentially in relation to the image of the first template part (6) to form a composite image of the prosthesis component.

Abstract: A noninvasive medical device and diagnostic system is disclosed that can be used to determine the degree of viability, flow and stenosis of a graft within the human body. This invention incorporates a sensing element in or near an AV graft. As stenosis occurs within or near the graft, the change in pressure within the graft can be detected by the sensors and provide the physician with information about the location of the stenosis. This information can than be used to provide the best course of treatment for the patient.

Abstract: A method of preparing phakic intraocular lenses from hydrophobic materials is described. In this process, the lens is tested to determine whether it can float submerged in an aqueous medium. If it cannot (e.g., if it remains on top of the aqueous medium), the lens is surface treated (for example, by vacuum UV or corona discharge processes) to increase its wetting ability (e.g., to reduce its hydrophobicity). The lenses prepared by this process are also described.

Abstract: A medical device vibratory activation system is disclosed. The system includes an implantable appliance comprising a conductive material and a signal producing mechanism having a portion configured to be located relative to the implantable appliance. The signal-producing mechanism is also configured to generate a signal that interacts with the conductive material in the implantable appliance to induce a motion of the implantable appliance.

Abstract: An implantable breast tissue prosthesis assembly comprising an envelope having a shell defining an inner fluid containable chamber and an outer surface, a valve, formed as part of a wall in the envelope, for facilitating the introduction, containment, or removal of fluid within the chamber, and a backing plate comprising material detectable by ultrasound detection technology and shaped to guide a needle into the valve.

Abstract: An improved method for testing a stent for a prosthetic valve includes applying a load with a fluid against a stented test structure in a backward direction with the stented test structure substantially blocking the flow of the fluid. The stented test structure includes a stent and a flexible membrane extending within the lumen defined by the stent with the flexible membrane having a plurality of contours connecting to the stent along the scallops. A corresponding testing apparatus includes a cyclic pressure applicator, a conduit connected to the cyclic pressure applicator, and a stented test structure mounted within the conduit to receive cyclic fluid pressures from the cyclic pressure applicator. The stented test structure includes a stent and a flexible membrane extending within the lumen defined by the stent. The flexible membrane substantially blocks flow of the fluid in a backward direction and does not fully open upon application of the fluid pressure in a forward direction.

Abstract: An in vitro, three dimensional artificial tissue that resembles human skin has been developed. Microvascular endothelial cells from human adult lung were sandwiched between two layers of human dermal fibroblasts in three dimensional collagen gels. The sandwich was covered with keratinocytes. The cultures were self-maintained for prolonged periods of time without the addition of tumor promoters such as phorbol esters. Over a few days, the keratinocytes developed into a multilayered epithelium. Microvessels were produced in the support matrix. The microvessels were composed of a tight monolayer of endothelial cells surrounded by a continuous basal lamina, contacted by newly formed, sparse perioendothelial cells. The microvessels also contained newly formed blood cells. Human matrix molecules characteristic of skin were produced.

Abstract: The combination of a human medical vessel prosthesis (1) comprising a measuring probe (2) with a transponder, which measuring probe can be anchored to the vessel prosthesis, and allows the function of the vessel prosthesis to be monitored over longer periods of time. Suitable measurement parameters such as pressure values can be detected by the measuring probe (2) and be transmitted in a wireless manner with the aid of the transponder to a transceiver apparatus where they are available for evaluation.

Abstract: A patch prosthesis includes at least one cusp extending from a length of an associated valve wall. An elongated sheet of biocompatible material is attached to the valve wall, such that a portion of the elongated sheet extends beyond an inflow end of the cusp. A measurement system may be employed to measure the size of a patient's native cusp(s), which measurement may be utilized to select a patch prosthesis having an appropriately sized cusp.

Abstract: A device and a method for remote maintenance of an electronically controllable prosthesis (1) are provided. The prosthesis comprises a controller in which operating and/or movement data characterizing the prosthesis are detected and are then transmitted to a remote maintenance device (20) with a storage and evaluation unit (20). Remote maintenance of the prosthesis using the detected data is possible via a remotely located remote control unit (23) that can access the storage and evaluation unit via the telephone network. Corrected operational data are transmitted from the storage and evaluation unit (20 back to the controller of the prosthesis.

Abstract: In an embodiment, neural activity of a subject may be measured with an implant in the sensory motor cortex of the subject and used to predict an intended movement. The measured neural activity may be the local field potential (LFP) at an electrode or single unit (SU) activity. The spectral structure of the LFP and the SU activity may be estimated using spectral analysis techniques. The estimated LFP and SU responses may be used to predict and intended movement by the subject.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for testing the strength of autologous tissue for use in tissue leaflets for constructing artificial heart valves. A strip of tissue is cut adjacent to the edge of the tissue leaflet which is subject to the greatest stress when the tissue leaflet is mounted in the artificial heart valve. The strip of tissue is subjected to a known load produced by a spring to give a go/no go test of tissue strength. The spring is mounted in a generally X-shaped device made up of a generally linear piece having a handle at one end and two generally V-shaped pieces. The centers of all three pieces are joined to one another by a pivot. A spring is attached to the ends of the two generally V-shaped pieces which are closest to each other. The strip of tissue is mounted on the end of the generally linear shaped piece which does not have a handle and the end of the generally V-shaped pieces which is closest to the end of the generally linear piece which is attached to the strip of tissue.

Abstract: Temporary intraocular lenses are provided for disposing in eyes after removal of natural lenses. According to the invention, retinoscopy is performed with one of successive lenses to determine appropriate optical power of a permanent lens which is then installed. Temporary economical lenses are foldable and adapted for such procedures.

Abstract: The present invention is footwear for use by an able-bodied person to test and appreciate the functions of a prosthetic foot. The footwear includes an upper for attachment to a user's foot and a mounting plate attached to the inside sole of the footwear. An adapter is mounted to the mounting plate for receipt of the foot prosthesis. The adapter allows for adjustment of the prosthesis with respect to the footwear.