Abstract: Implantable in vivo sensors used to monitor physical, chemical or electrical parameters within a body. The in vivo sensors are integral with an implantable medical device and are responsive to externally or internally applied energy. Upon application of energy, the sensors undergo a phase change in at least part of the material of the device which is then detected external to the body by conventional techniques such as radiography, ultrasound imaging, magnetic resonance imaging, radio frequency imaging or the like. The in vivo sensors of the present invention may be employed to provide volumetric measurements, flow rate measurements, pressure measurements, electrical measurements, biochemical measurements, temperature, measurements, or measure the degree and type of deposits within the lumen of an endoluminal implant, such as a stent or other type of endoluminal conduit.

Abstract: A prosthetic foot can include a plate-like foot member extending along a longitudinal axis between an anterior end generally corresponding to a toe portion of a foot to a posterior end, and a metatarsal hinge comprising an elongate groove extending between medial and lateral edges of the foot member. The elongate groove can intersect the longitudinal axis of the foot member, and can be positioned along the length of the foot member at a location generally corresponding to a metatarsal region of the foot. The metatarsal hinge can also comprise a plurality of elongate apertures that extend completely through the foot member, or a plurality of recessed channels that extend only partially through the foot member, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: The present invention regards a valve prosthesis (1; 40; 50; 60) comprising a stent (2) and characterized in that it comprises a valve (3) arranged in said stent (2) and bound thereto in at least one pre-established zone so that it can be deformed between a closed state in which said valve (3) is fully spread out in the stent (2), thus blocking the passage of a body fluid, and an open state in which said valve (3), due to the pressure of said body fluid, is substantially collapsed on an inner wall of said stent (2), thus permitting the flow of said body fluid. The invention also regards a method for making said valve prosthesis.

Abstract: An implant is provided with a main body (1) and with a double coating applied to at least one surface section of the main body (1), wherein the double coating comprises an adhesion promoter layer (2), applied directly to the at least one surface section of the main body, and of an osteointegrative layer (3) covering the adhesion promoter layer (2). The layers (2;3) consist of pure titanium, wherein the adhesion promoter layer (2) has a thickness of 2-6 ?m, in particular a thickness of 3-5 ?m, and the osteointegrative layer (3) has a thickness of 50-70 ?m, in particular of 55-65 ?m. Moreover, the osteointegrative layer (3) has a porosity of 70-90% and a roughness Rz of at least 45 ?m. A related method is also provided for producing such an implant.

Abstract: An intervertebral artificial disc is provided with a first endplate having a plurality of protrusions for attaching to an adjacent vertebrae and an extension portion extending towards a second adjacent vertebrae. A second endplate is provided with a plurality of protrusions for attaching to a second adjacent vertebrae and an extension portion extending towards the first adjacent vertebrae. A flexible member having an upper portion and a lower portion and a slider plate positioned within the upper portion of the flexible member is also provided. The extension portion of the first endplate is adapted to fit within a first cavity in the upper portion of the flexible member and the extension portion of the second endplate is adapted to fit within a second cavity in the lower portion of the flexible member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to artificial limbs generally and joints for same. The present invention provides hydraulic functional units whereby enabling movement of artificial joints to closely correspond with natural human movement. In the provision of realistic joints, as used in prosthetic limbs, an important aspect in achieving realistic movement is providing a different operating characteristic to the joint when under load. One important characteristic of an artificial leg for achieving a natural-looking walking gait corresponding with those of a stabilized knee, i.e. a knee resisting flexion when under load, is when it bears at least some of the weight of the amputee. Properties of resilient mechanical members are utilized to enable a hydro-mechanical system to be controlled so that it releases a low joint resistance mode relative to a default high resistance mode. The invention also permits alternative embodiments such as electronic, electro fluidic or electromechanical means.

Abstract: The negative gauge pressure dynamic convection system for artificial limb system is to be attached to a residual limb of an amputee. The device provides thermal energy transfer from within an artificial limb to the ambient atmosphere through regulated cyclical differential pressure airflow into the sealed environment between both the residuum and the inside of the suspension liner of an artificial limb and as an alternate embodiment between the rigid socket and the outside of the suspension liner or a combination of both.

Abstract: An interspinous stabilization device includes: (1) a supporting member with a top surface and a bottom surface both being configured to engage spinous processes; (2) two side members connected to the supporting member; (3) a fastener attached to the side members; and optionally (4) two extendable arms each secured on one of the side members.

Abstract: The disclosure describes implantable medical products, that include dry or partially hydrated biocompatible constructs comprising collagen fibers configured to expand in situ after implantation to frictionally engage a bone tunnel wall to thereby affix the construct in the bone tunnel.

Abstract: The invention relates to an assist arm intended to be fitted on an exoskeleton, having a mounting plate (2) carrying a drive member (20), a shoulder segment (4) articulated on the mounting plate, an arm segment (6) having a proximal end articulated on the shoulder segment, a forearm segment (8) having a proximal end articulated on a distal end of the arm segment, an actuating cable (27) driven by the drive member and forming two strands (27a, 27b) which extend parallel to the first axis in order to pass through the first articulation and to wind around a receiving pulley (30) which is mounted in a rotating manner about the second axis and which rotates as one with the arm, and connecting means (31, 32, 33) coupled between the shoulder segment and the forearm second segment and arranged such that a flexion of the arm segment causes a concomitant flexion of the forearm segment.

Abstract: A system and method associated with the movement of a limb. In one example, the system, such as a prosthetic or orthotic system, includes an actuator that actively controls, or adjusts, the angle between a foot unit and a lower limb member. The actuator preferably selectively locks during a desired phase in a gait cycle of the limb and minimizes friction against a rotor of the actuator. A processing module may control movement of the actuator based on data obtained from a sensor module. For instance, sensing module data may include information relating to the gait of a user and may be used to adjust the foot unit to substantially mimic the movement of a natural, healthy ankle. The system may further accommodate, for example, level ground walking, traveling up/down stairs, traveling up/down sloped surfaces, and various other user movements. In addition, the processing module may receive user input or display output signals through an external interface.

Abstract: A gradually self-expanding stent is provided with a first region of stent cells. A restraining material is attached to the first region and restrains the first region from expanding to the expanded configuration. Over time the restraining material releases the first region to allow the first region to expand to the expanded diameter. The first region is located longitudinally between two second regions. The second regions expand at a faster rate than the first region.

Abstract: A prosthesis socket is fitted with a viscoelastic memory material. The material can aspirate a fluid to decrease the interior volume of the socket to compensate for residual limb volume decreases, and fluid can be removed from the viscoelastic memory material to increase the interior volume of the socket to compensate for residual limb volume increases.

Abstract: A gradually self-expanding stent is provided with a plurality of stent cells. A restraining material is attached to the stent structure and restrains the stent structure from expanding to the expanded configuration. Over time the restraining material releases the stent structure to allow the stent structure to expand to the expanded diameter. An anti-thrombotic drug is incorporated into the restraining material.

Abstract: A medical valve implant (10a, 10b) for implantation in an animal body and/or human body, comprising a base body (12a, 12b) that includes a collar (16a, 16b) extending in circumferential direction (14a, 14b), wherein the collar (16a, 16b) includes at least one first cell structure (18a, 18b) which is provided to form, in the intended end state, an intended inner cross section (24a, 24b) of base body (12a, 12b) that is matched to an intended outer cross section (20a, 20b) of an implant structure (22a, 22b).

Abstract: An apparatus for anchoring elongate strands within a longitudinal tunnel is disclosed. At least two cams are arranged longitudinally adjacent each other along a longitudinal axis. A first anchor member includes a first cam-contacting surface and a first strand-contacting surface. The first cam-contacting surface is selectively operatively connected to a first cam. A second anchor member includes a second cam-contacting surface and a second strand-contacting surface. The second cam-contacting surface is selectively operatively connected to a second cam. An elongate strand is positioned between the tunnel wall and the first or second strand-contacting surfaces.

Abstract: A prosthetic assembly operative to evacuate an interior of a prosthetic socket, and control systems for use therewith. The prosthetic assembly employs evacuation devices for evacuating the socket. The evacuation devices preferably include at least an electrically powered vacuum pump and a power source located within a housing. Associated control systems may be of various design and may employ wired or wireless communication. When wireless communication is employed, a hand held controller or other remote control device may be used to remotely control operation of the evacuation device.

Abstract: A body compatible and resorbable prosthesis has a tubular body incorporating denatured gelatin sponge material, either as a unitary gelatin sponge or as fragmented or powdered sponge material dispersed throughout a structurally self supporting medium. One version of the prosthesis uses the fragmented or powdered form of the gelatin sponge and is substantially homogeneous. An alternative prosthesis employs an inner tubular layer of gelatin film. The gelatin film layer is surrounded by an outer tubular layer, formed either of the gelatin sponge or the fragmented medium incorporating the gelatin sponge dispersion.

Abstract: An annuloplasty ring, configured for implantation in the annulus of a heart valve, comprising multiple segments each of which are geometrically shaped from a three dimensional perspective to conform to the anatomic shape of the valve annulus. In one embodiment, at least one of the multiple segments of the annuloplasty ring is configured to facilitate a reduction of tension on heart valve tissue and eliminate a substantial portion of potential pressure or force that may be applied to the atrio-ventricular node by the annuloplasty ring when inserted into a heart valve. In another embodiment, at least one of the multiple segments of the annuloplasty ring are configured to include an assembly that facilitates selective adjustment of a segment's respective length and/or shape. The adjustment of the length of one of the ring segment's results in an adjustment of at least one angle between at least one set of other ring segments, thereby causing an adjustment to the geometric characteristics of the ring.

Abstract: A powered leg prosthesis includes powered knee joint comprising a knee joint and a knee motor unit for delivering power to the knee joint. The prosthesis also includes a prosthetic lower leg having a socket interface coupled to the knee joint and a powered ankle joint coupled to the lower leg opposite the knee joint comprising an ankle joint and an ankle motor unit to deliver power to the ankle joint. The prosthesis further includes a prosthetic foot coupled to the ankle joint, at least one sensor for measuring a real-time input, and at least one controller for controlling movement of the prosthesis based on the real-time input.