Abstract: Medical devices are made from a self-stiffening composite including a base material, a polymerizer and a corresponding activator for the polymerizer. The medical devices have an initial configuration in which the polymerizer and activator are separated from each other and an activated configuration in which the polymerizer and activator are brought into contact with each other. Polymerization is triggered when the polymerizer and activator are contacted together, forming a polymer that stiffens the medical device. The medical device may thus be flexible in the initial configuration so it can be easily advanced through tortuous passageways during delivery to a body lumen and further have sufficient radial strength in the activated configuration to hold open the body lumen after implantation.

Abstract: Single tubular woven or bifurcated prostheses are disclosed having varying diameters and tapered transitions. The prostheses comprise a seam along the tapered edges, thereby providing a substantially fluid-tight transition between sections or extents of the prostheses. The seam may be located at an edge where fabric of the prosthesis tapers from one diameter to a different diameter and/or at a point where the prosthesis splits such as a bifurcation. The seamed crotch may be used for tapered and non-tapered bifurcated grafts. The seam may be woven directly on a weaving loom or joined together after weaving is completed.

Abstract: A prosthetic coupling comprising an annular coupling adapter having a coupling end and an opposed pylon mounting end, the coupling end including a central bore adapted to receive, and be coupled to a prosthetic limb pyramid component, where the pylon mounting end includes a diametrically restrictable tube with at least two circumferential discontinuities and an axial depth with a predetermined extension greater than a minimum depth required to adequately secure a prosthetic limb pylon component therein, where the predetermined extension provides the prosthetic coupling height adjustability with respect to the prosthetic limb pylon to which it is adapted to be secured. Such prosthetic couplings may be supplemented with bushings inserted within the pylon mounting end to inhibit further pylon insertion beyond a desired depth.

Abstract: A bio-compatible and bioresorbable stent is disclosed that is intended to restore or maintain patency following surgical procedures, traumatic injury or stricture formation. The stent is composed of a blend of at least two polymers that is either extruded as a monofilament then woven into a braid-like embodiment, or injection molded or extruded as a tube with fenestrations in the wall. Methods for manufacturing the stent are also disclosed.

Abstract: An inguinal hernia repair device in the form of an implantable plug that is affixed at one end to the center region of a sheet of implantable material. The plug takes the form of a plurality of hollow members, arranged so as to be in substantially parallel relationship when implanted into a defect. The hollow members are preferably tubular members and are preferably bundled together by various means, such as bonding or wrapping a band or strand about the plurality of hollow members to maintain them in adjacent and contacting relationship during insertion into a defect.

Abstract: A knee prosthetic for implantation includes a mobile rotatable posterior stabilized (PS) post. The mobile PS post may rotate or distract superiorly relative to a tibial component. The mobile PS post may rotate with the femur after implantation, at least for a selected distance. Various exterior shapes of the mobile PS post and/or a bore formed in the tibial component may be selected to limit the amount of rotation. Various materials may be chosen to form the mobile PS post depending upon desired qualities.

Abstract: A surgical method of repair and reconstruction of the spinal disc wall (annulus) after surgical invasion or pathologic rupture, incorporating suture closure, or stent insertion and fixation, designed to reduce the failure rate of conventional surgical procedures on the spinal discs. The design of the spinal disc annulus stent allows ingrowth of normal cells of healing in an enhanced fashion strengthening the normal reparative process.

Abstract: A method for selecting a properly sized breast implant by first providing a breast ruler, at least one pair of flexible, fillable implant devices, and a liquid measuring device adapted to fill the implant devices. Next, the breast ruler is placed over a breast of a user and a breast width is measured. Then the liquid measuring device is used to fill the implant devices with an approximate amount of liquid corresponding to the earlier measured breast width. Then the filled implants are placed over the breasts with an item of clothing. Finally, the amount of liquid in the implant devices may be adjusted for the desired breast size and appearance.

Abstract: A prosthetic attachment locking device includes a body and a releasing mechanism. The body has an axial hole that extends from a first surface to an opposing second surface, and a pawl receiving recess that communicates with the axial hole. The releasing mechanism has a central axle with a pawl that is received in the pawl receiving recess. The central axle has a clutch bearing that rotates the pawl in a first direction when an attachment pin is inserted into the axial hole. The clutch bearing secures the attachment pin in the body and is reversible such that an attachment pin can be inserted from the first surface or the second surface of the body. Because the prosthetic attachment locking device is reversible, the releasing mechanism can be positioned to project toward an interior of a residual limb whether used on a right-side residual limb or a left-side residual limb.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of forming a drug-polymer coated stent. A polymeric coating is applied onto at least a portion of a stent framework and dried. A jet of heated gas is directed towards excess coating portions of the dried polymeric coating. The excess coating portions, which extend into apertures of the stent framework, are removed from the apertures of the stent framework by reflowing the polymeric coating with the directed jet of heated gas. A drug-polymer coated stent with a reflowed drug-polymer coating and a system for treating a vascular condition are also disclosed.

Abstract: A process for producing a rigid reticulated article involves coating a reticulated substrate which has open, interconnected porosity with a first dispersion comprising a ceramic or metal powder to form a first coating thereon; drying the coated reticulated substrate; contacting the coated reticulated substrate with one or more additional dispersions in succession to form one or more additional coatings thereon; drying the additional coatings between the steps of contacting; heating the coated reticulated substrate to pyrolyze organic components; and sintering the coated reticulated substrate to form a reticulated article, wherein each dispersion has a viscosity less than that of all preceding dispersions. A rigid reticulated article includes inner, intermediate and outer sintered layers of material in which the inner and outer layers are of different composition and the intermediate layer is a composite of the inner and outer layers.

Abstract: Cephalad and caudal vertebral facet joint prostheses and methods of use are provided. The prostheses provide an artificial facet joint structure including an artificial articular configuration unlike the preexisting articular configuration. The radii and material stress values of the prostheses are configured to sustain contact stress. The cephalad prosthesis provides for posterior-anterior adjustment. Both prostheses permit lateral adjustment and adjustment to accomodate interpedicle distance. Further, the prostheses may be customized to provide a pre-defined lordotic angle and a pre-defined pedicle entry angle.

Abstract: A prosthesis for use in preventing restenosis after angioplasty is formed of plastic or sheet metal, and is expandable and contractable for placement. The prosthesis can be inserted while in a collapsed position, then expanded and locked at the larger diameter. Spring force can be provided by the material itself, or metal springs can be embedded within the walls of the prosthesis. Preferably, the walls have holes therethrough to promote tissue growth; and, in one embodiment, the holes are in the form of slots so that the prosthesis is segmented and can bend longitudinally.

Abstract: An intraocular lens (IOL) has been provided with an accommodation assembly that effects axial movement of the IOL optic through both the radial action of ciliary muscles and the axial forces resulting from vitreous pressure on the posterior wall of the capsular bag. In a preferred embodiment, the assembly comprises an IOL having substantially rigid, posteriorly extending fixation members which extend through slots in an accommodation ring encircling the optic. Axial forces exerted by vitreous fluids on the posterior wall of the capsular bag are transmitted from the posterior wall to the ring to the fixation members at the slot areas, causing axial movement of the IOL. At the same time, the angulation of the haptics converts radial forces due to contraction or expansion of the capsular bag into axial forces, causing still more axial movement of the IOL.

Abstract: An annuloplasty ring holder includes a first member and a second member. The first and second members are configured to provide relative movement therebetween to engage an annuloplasty ring.

Abstract: An intravascular support device includes a support or reshaper wire, a proximal anchor and a distal anchor. The support wire engages a vessel wall to change the shape of tissue adjacent the vessel in which the intravascular support is placed. The anchors and support wire are designed such that the vessel in which the support is placed remains open and can be accessed by other devices if necessary. The device provides a minimal metal surface area to blood flowing within the vessel to limit the creation of thrombosis. The anchors can be locked in place to secure the support within the vessel.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods are provided for accessing the interior of the heart and performing procedures therein while the heart is beating. In one embodiment, a tubular access device having an inner lumen is provided for positioning through a penetration in a muscular wall of the heart, the access device having a means for sealing within the penetration to inhibit leakage of blood through the penetration. The sealing means may comprise a balloon or flange on the access device, or a suture placed in the heart wall to gather the heart tissue against the access device. An obturator is removably positionable in the inner lumen of the access device, the obturator having a cutting means at its distal end for penetrating the muscular wall of the heart. The access device is preferably positioned through an intercostal space and through the muscular wall of the heart.

Abstract: A prosthesis assembly replaces all or a portion of a caudal portion of a left natural facet joint (i.e., a left superior articular process) and all or a portion of a caudal portion of a right natural facet joint (i.e., a right superior articular process) on a vertebral body. The prosthesis assembly has a left prosthesis body accommodating fixation to the vertebral body at or near a left pedicle and without support by a lamina. An artificial left facet joint structure is carried by the left prosthesis body and is adapted and configured to replace all or a portion of a caudal portion of the left natural facet joint. The prosthesis assembly also has a right prosthesis body accommodating fixation to the vertebral body at or near a right pedicle and without support by a lamina. An artificial right facet joint structure is carried by the right prosthesis body and is adapted and configured to replace all or a portion of a caudal portion of the left natural facet joint.

Abstract: An implantable hearing aid transducer that compensates in situ for undesirable interfaces with a middle ear component. The transducer includes a housing, an actuator, a driver, and an actuator interface. According to one embodiment, the actuator interface is reshapeable in situ from a first shape to a second shape to permit movement of one of the actuator and the middle ear component in at least a first dimension to compensate for loading pressure. In this regard, the actuator interface may be gradually deformable to permit the movement of the transducer and/or the middle ear component, as well as, resistive to sudden movements of the actuator such that vibration at acoustic frequencies occurs between the actuator and the middle ear component.

Abstract: Ophthalmic lenses, such as intraocular lenses, include crosslinked polymeric materials having a first constituent derived from a first monomeric component selected from the group consisting of 2-phenylpropyl acrylate or methacrylate and mixtures thereof, and a second constituent derived from a second component in an amount effective as a crosslinker in the crosslinked polymeric material. The crosslinked polymeric material has branched chain alkyl groups, in an amount effective to reduce the tackiness of the crosslinked polymeric material relative to a substantially identical crosslinked polymeric material without branched chain alkyl groups.