Abstract: A convertible chair, for example, a hair transplantation chair that permits movement of the patient during a procedure while the patient's head remains substantially stationary. The chair may include a head support and a plurality of body supports that may be mounted on a base, or on a cradle movably attached to the base. The chair can be configured for a follicular unit harvesting procedure and it could be also converted into a hair implantation configuration for hair implantation procedure. The patient remains in the chair during the procedure with his head substantially stationary, while various parts of his body may be repositioned, for example, by rotation of the cradle. The chair may be automated, or assisted with pneumatics, motors, foot pumps and the like. The chair is particularly useful for assisting robotic hair transplantation procedures.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel intrauterine systems and to methods for manufacturing these systems. An intrauterine system according to the invention comprises a reservoir and a continuous, closed and flexible frame. The frame comprises a thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer made of a polycarbonate diol, 1,6-hexamethylenediisocyanate, and a chain extender.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are mandibular advancement devices comprising an upper splint and a lower splint, where the upper splint comprises one or more upper fins, where each upper fin is located at a distance UD from back of the upper splint; the lower splints comprise one or more lower fins, where each lower fin is located at a distance LD from back of the lower splint; where the position of the upper and lower fins is unchangeable. Also disclosed are methods of reducing partial constriction of airway during sleep for a patient, the method comprising identifying a patient in need thereof; and administering to the patient the disclosed mandibular advancement device. Also disclosed are methods of manufacturing a mandibular advancement device, the method comprising obtaining measurements from a patient's dentition; digitally designing a mandibular advancement device; and milling the mandibular advancement device.

Abstract: The present invention is thus directed to methods and apparatus for decreasing pressure in a first portion of a vessel of the cardiac structure of a patient by implanting a shunt communicating with an area outside said first portion, whereby a volume of blood sufficient to reduce pressure in said first portion is released.

Abstract: An orthopedic knee brace is provided having a sleeve, a longitudinal support assembly and a strapping system. The sleeve is positionable over a knee with the longitudinal support assembly engaging the sleeve. The longitudinal support assembly includes an upper support member, a lower support member and a hinge positionable in engagement with the knee. The strapping system includes a strap extending in a helical path across a lower point on the upper support member proximal to the hinge to an upper point on the upper support member or in a helical path across an upper point on the lower support member proximal to the hinge to a lower point on the lower support member.

Abstract: An apparatus which includes a closure member and delivery systems for closing vessels in the body of a patient is disclosed. In one embodiment, the closure member is a hemostatic closure member having a cylindrical shape and an expandable volume on contact with fluids. The hemostatic member includes a functional passageway through the length of the member so that it may be mounted over a delivery catheter or wire guide for delivery against a vessel puncture or into another vacuslar environment, such as to fill an aneurysm sac. In another embodiment the closure member is a fallopian tube closure member which is deployed into the fallopian tube over a guide wire to prevent conception. The fallopian tube member includes a loop-shaped frame having barbs, a first layer of material, a binding wire, a second layer of material, and an expandable volume on contact with fluids.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are mandibular advancement devices comprising an upper splint and a lower splint, where the upper splint comprises one or more upper fins, where each upper fin is located at a distance UD from back of the upper splint; the lower splints comprise one or more lower fins, where each lower fin is located at a distance LD from back of the lower splint; where the position of the upper and lower fins is unchangeable. Also disclosed are methods of reducing partial constriction of airway during sleep for a patient, the method comprising identifying a patient in need thereof; and administering to the patient the disclosed mandibular advancement device. Also disclosed are methods of manufacturing a mandibular advancement device, the method comprising obtaining measurements from a patient's dentition; digitally designing a mandibular advancement device; and milling the mandibular advancement device.

Abstract: A selective attenuating earplug is provided. In an exemplary embodiment, a selective attenuating earplug includes a switch adjustable between a first position and a second position, and the switch includes at least one cantilever spring arm.

Abstract: A forearm and wrist fracture table includes base members, vertical bars, horizontal bars, an elbow support member and a hand support member. The vertical bars includes a first vertical bar and a second vertical bar attached to the support base members. The horizontal bars are attached between the support base members and vertical bars to provide horizontal stability and length adjustment between the support base members and the vertical bars. The elbow support member is attached to the first vertical bar to provide support for the elbow. The hand support member is attached to the second vertical bar to receive and support a hand extending from the elbow, wherein the fractured arm is supported between the elbow support member and the hand support member, wherein a surgeon is allowed to modulate an amount of needing pressure required to distract fracture fragments, and thereby reducing fracture and healing the fracture site.

Abstract: The invention describes methods and apparatus for creating permanent occlusion of body lumens such as the fallopian tubes. The methods and apparatus use non-surgical approaches to deliver permanent implants which create acute occlusion of desired body lumens which resolve to permanent occlusions of the lumens.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus regarding a Rotation & Abduction Device (“RAD”) for shoulder immobilization in treating shoulder instability, wherein the ability to maintain particular degrees of shoulder rotation and abduction is desired or necessary. An exemplary RAD shoulder immobilization system may include: a frame; a harness connected to the frame and including a waist support and a neck/shoulder strap; a sling connected to the frame and the harness; and a lining covering parts of the frame, the harness, and/or the sling. A method of treating a shoulder disorder may include: providing a shoulder immobilization system capable of shoulder rotation positioning adjustment and capable of shoulder abduction-adduction positioning adjustment; putting the shoulder immobilization system on a wearer; adjusting the shoulder immobilization system for shoulder rotation positioning; and adjusting the shoulder immobilization system for shoulder abduction-adduction positioning. Numerous other aspects are provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a connecting clement (5) between two orthopedic components, in particular prosthesis or orthosis components, which are rigidly coupled to one another and comprise a top part (2) and a bottom part (8). The connecting element (5) has a laminar structure, and at least one sensor (20) is arranged in the connecting element (5) in order to determine an effective moment or an effective force.

Abstract: A respiratory mask assembly includes a respiratory mask including a mask shell and a mask cushion, a forehead support adjustably coupled to the mask, and an angular adjustment member. The forehead support includes a joining member provided to the mask shell and a cushion frame pivotally mounted to the joining member. The cushion frame is adapted to be selectively locked against pivotal movement in at least three predetermined angular positions relative to the joining member by a tongue and slot arrangement. The angular adjustment member allows relative angular adjustment between the cushion frame and the joining member. The angular adjustment member includes a pair of flexible arms that are adapted to be flexed towards one another to disengage the tongue from a respective one of the slots, and releasing the flexible arms allows the flexible arms to resiliently flex away from one another to engage the tongue and the respective slot.

Abstract: A strap tightener assembly has a base, a tightening device mounted on the base and movable relative thereto, and a strap assembly coupled to the tightening device. The tightening device provides incremental movement of the strap assembly relative to the base at a plurality of predefined settings. A cover extends over the strap assembly and connects to the base so that the base and the cover form a channel permitting movement of the strap assembly therethrough. The cover defines an elongate slot extending along a portion of a length of the cover, and the strap assembly has an indicator identifying the relative location of the strap assembly to the cover. A strap is securable to the strap assembly.

Abstract: Provided is an incurvated-nails and ingrown-nails correcting device that uses a magnetic force and that is capable of adjusting the space between a magnet and a magnetic sheet that is placed on a nail. The subject device includes a magnetic sheet that is placed on a nail; the device's main part that includes a body that is attached to the magnetic sheet by using an adhesive agent or by using the magnetic force of the magnet, an arm that extends outward from the body, a head that is arranged at the edge of the arm, and a joint by which the arm is rotatably connected to the body and by which the head is rotatably connected to the arm; and a magnet mounted on the head.

Abstract: An intra-oral device for positioning oral tissues during medical treatment, for example, radiation treatment. The device includes upper and lower dental arch members configured to engage the maxillary and mandibular teeth or edentulous arch(es) of a patient, respectively. The upper and lower dental arch members are operatively coupled to provide a dental arch assembly. A protective element to displace or depress a patient's tongue is secured at a suitable working position with respect to the dental arch assembly. In an embodiment, provision is made for three-dimensional spatial adjustment of the protective element to a desired location, at least during initial fitting and assembly. The device is then secured to allow consistent repetition of the oral tissue positioning from treatment to treatment. The protective element may be configured to engage the tongue of a patient so that the tongue may be selectively positioned for treatment and/or diagnostic procedures.

Abstract: A stabilizing belt for use by a person in need of assisted mobility or in recreation, the stabilizing belt comprising a pad, a belt to secure the pad to a wearer, and a pair of handles attached to the pad. The pad may be uniquely contoured to provide support and comfort for the wearer. A strap may be provided for added security and comfort. The belt may further comprise handle supports for reinforcement, a cover for durability, and a pocket for versatility.

Abstract: A medical device configured for assistance with the cervical cerclage procedure is provided. The medical device includes a barrier structure with a finger and a therebetween. A hub is fixed to a distal end of the catheter and defines an extension with a second void between an end surface of the hub and the extension. The barrier structure and the hub are releaseably attached with the extension disposed within the first void and the finger within the second void. A wire guide withdrawably extends through coaxial holes within the hub, extension, finger, and a portion of the barrier structure to fix the hub and barrier structure together.

Abstract: Herein is disclosed a shaped filtering face-piece respirator having a face seal that includes a water-vapor-breathable layer.

Abstract: There is provided a mask that includes a mask body and two strings. The two strings hold the mask body at a predetermined position on the face of a wearer by being caught by both ears or the head of the wearer. Folded portions, which are adapted so as to be capable of rising and falling on the surface of the mask body coming into contact with the face of the wearer, are formed on both sides of the mask body.