Abstract: A self-aligning, self-drawing coupler for coupling body assemblies together improves usability of a wearable robotic device. A self-contained removable actuator cassette improves the ease of manufacture and of replacing parts in the field. A tensioning retention system designed for one handed operation makes donning and doffing a wearable robotic device easier. A two-stage attachment system increases the range of sizes a wearable robotic device will fit. A removable, integrated ankle-foot orthotic system makes donning and doffing a wearable robotic device easier. An infinitely adjustable, integrated ankle-foot orthotic system increases the range of sizes a wearable robotic device will fit. A manually-removable hip-wing attachment system makes field changes easier, and protecting such a system from inadvertent disengagement during operation increases safety.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided, including: (A) a valve body (204) including a first frame (206) shaped to define a lumen therethrough, and a valve member (205) disposed within the lumen, (B) an upstream support (210), configured to be placed against an upstream surface of a native heart valve, and (C) a flexible sheet (214) that couples the upstream support to the valve body. The valve body has a compressed state in which the first frame has a first diameter, and an expanded state in which the first frame has a second diameter that is greater than the first diameter. The support includes a second frame (212) that has a compressed state, and an expanded state in which the second frame is annular, has an inner perimeter that defines an opening through the second frame, and has an outer perimeter. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A gait assistance apparatus including at least one sensor configured to sense a step motion of a user, and an operator configured to determine assistance forces of a right step and a left step of the user based on step motion information of the user and adjust the assistance force for at least one of the right step or the left step of the user based on a result of proportionally adding together the assistance forces of the right step and the left step based on a variable ratio may be provided.

Abstract: A catheter is transluminally advanced to a heart of a subject. Via the catheter, a prosthetic valve is advanced to the native valve. The prosthetic valve includes an upstream skirt, and a downstream skirt that has a first portion and a second portion. The first portion defines a lumen therethrough. The second portion circumscribes the first portion, and defines a plurality of anchoring arms that are coupled to the second portion. A plurality of prosthetic leaflets, within the lumen, are attached to the first portion. The upstream skirt is expanded in the atrium, and the anchoring arms are expanded in the ventricle, the anchoring arms extending radially outward and toward the upstream skirt. Subsequently, native valve tissue is squeezed between the upstream skirt and the anchoring arms by causing the anchoring arms to move with respect to the prosthetic leaflets, and toward the upstream skirt.

Abstract: A system for conducting a medical procedure includes a first camera-based 3-D motion sensor configured to generate signals related to the position of a procedure object in the operating room and a controller coupled to the camera-based 3-D motion sensor. The controller is configured to define a predetermined operational plan including positions of a procedure object over time, assign a desired time milestone for each position of the object in the predetermined operational plan, and automatically monitor progress of the procedure based at least in part upon one or more positions of the procedure object over time. The controller is further configured to compare the one or more positions with the desired time milestone, record data relating to an actual time for each position of the object compared with the desired time milestone, and use the data to provide a recommendation for a change to a future predetermined operational plan.

Abstract: A self-aligning, self-drawing coupler for coupling body assemblies together improves usability of a wearable robotic device. A self-contained removable actuator cassette improves the ease of manufacture and of replacing parts in the field. A tensioning retention system designed for one handed operation makes donning and doffing a wearable robotic device easier. A two-stage attachment system increases the range of sizes a wearable robotic device will fit. A removable, integrated ankle-foot orthotic system makes donning and doffing a wearable robotic device easier. An infinitely adjustable, integrated ankle-foot orthotic system increases the range of sizes a wearable robotic device will fit. A manually-removable hip-wing attachment system makes field changes easier, and protecting such a system from inadvertent disengagement during operation increases safety.

Abstract: An exoskeleton wheelchair system includes a base, one or more wheels coupled to the base, a body support connected to the base. The body support includes a back support, and one or more leg supports pivotally coupled to the back support. The exoskeleton wheelchair system also includes an actuator linked with the one or more leg supports and configured to rotate the one or more leg supports, a processor, a memory module, and machine readable instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to rotate the one or more leg supports with the actuator. The one or more leg supports pivot about a first axis when the back support is in a standing position mode, and the first axis is maintained at a fixed position when the one or more leg supports pivot about the first axis while the back support is in the standing position mode.

Abstract: A method of controlling a mobility device and related device including at least one drive component that drives at least one joint component is described. The control method may include executing a control application with an electronic controller to perform: receiving sensor information from sensors corresponding to a state and/or mode of the mobility device; analyzing the sensor information and determining a control mode of operation based on the sensor information; generating a control signal to output an alert via electronic indicators corresponding to the determined control mode; and controlling at least one drive component of the mobility device to selectively configure and modulate at least one joint component in accordance with the determined control mode of operation. Different alerts may be outputted by the electronic indicators depending on the nature or severity of the alert condition, accompanied by respective device control operations in accordance with the alert condition.

Abstract: A device is provided to allow adaptation of a prosthetic or robotic foot in the medial-lateral direction, including pronation and supination of the foot using a series of articulations. Articulations are permitted in the disclosed device due to linkage systems positioned at various locations of the prosthetic foot. In particular, the device includes multiple connected linkage systems each including upper and lower portions with an articulating contact surface designed for load carriage and stability. The point of contact between the contact surfaces of each linkage system comprises the position-dependent instantaneous center of rotation of the upper portion with respect to the lower portion. The device also includes a platform coupled between the linkage systems and a base.

Abstract: A brace for mounting to an annulus of a cardiac valve, the brace comprising: first and second bottom gripping wings for gripping the annulus; first and second top gripping wings for gripping the annulus; and a support bridge that connects the top wings to the bottom wings; wherein the brace is deformable from a delivery configuration to a deployed configuration and in the delivery configuration the top wings are oriented substantially back to back along an axis and the bottom wings are oriented substantially back to back along the same axis, and in the deployed configuration the first top and bottom gripping wings face each other to grip the annulus between them and the second top and bottom gripping wings face each other to grip the annulus between them.

Abstract: A method for implanting a replacement heart valve within a diseased valve includes accessing a patient's heart by piercing a myocardium, advancing a guidewire into the patient's heart, and installing an access device in a wall of the heart. The access device preferably has at least one valve mechanism. A valve delivery device is advanced over the guidewire and through the access device. The valve delivery device has a replacement heart valve disposed along a distal end portion thereof. The replacement heart valve preferably includes an outer support structure and a leaflet valve disposed within the outer support structure. The replacement heart valve is radially expanded within the diseased valve. During implantation, the outer support structure conforms to a diameter of the diseased valve and the leaflet valve expands to a fixed size having a diameter smaller than the diameter of the diseased valve.

Abstract: A mitral valve prosthesis includes an hourglass shaped inner frame and a bulbous outer frame. A valve body having a plurality of leaflets is positioned within an interior region of the inner frame. The leaflets are shaped to substantially conform to an interior surface of the inner frame when the leaflets are in an open position. As a result, the gap between the leaflets and the inner frame is decreased, thereby reducing the likelihood of thrombus formation. Ventricular anchors are preferably provided along a distal end of the inner frame. The anchors extend proximally for placement behind native mitral valve leaflets. A fabric skirt may extend along an inner or outer surface of the outer frame. In preferred embodiments, the fabric skirt extends distally beyond a distal end of the outer frame and is adapted for forming a seal along the mitral valve annulus.

Abstract: Systems and methods for fixating a graft in a bone tunnel are provided. In general, the system includes a tissue fixation device having a delivery configuration and a deployed configuration, at least one graft retention loop coupled to the tissue fixation device, and a drill pin having a sidewall surrounding a cavity at a proximal end of the pin and at least one longitudinally oriented opening in the sidewall in communication with the cavity, the cavity being configured to fully seat the tissue fixation device. The drill pin is configured to substantially contain therein the tissue fixation device when in the delivery configuration and to enable deployment of the tissue fixation device through the opening. Drill pins configured to contain a tissue fixation device are also provided.

Abstract: Prosthetic and/or orthotic devices (PODS), control systems for PODS and methods for controlling PODS are provided. As part of the control system, an inference layer collects data regarding a vertical and horizontal displacement of the POD, as well as an angle of the POD with respect to gravity during a gait cycle of a user of the POD. A processor analyzes the data collected to determine a locomotion activity of the user and selects one or more control parameters based on the locomotion activity. The inference layer may be situated between a reactive layer control module and a learning layer control module of the control system architecture.

Abstract: An x-ray marker for an endoprosthesis and an endoprosthesis with an x-ray marker are provided. The endoprosthesis includes a hollow cylinder made of a first radiopaque metal and a marker element, which is fixedly connected to the hollow cylinder and which is arranged inside the hollow cylinder and consists of a second radiopaque metal. The marker element can be a metal powder or in the form of metal particles which is/are embedded in the electrically non-conductive material. The marker element can be solid cylinder with a diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the hollow cylinder and the electrically non-conductive material can form a layer between an inner lateral surface of the hollow cylinder and a lateral surface of the solid cylinder.

Abstract: An implant assembly includes a screw body, including anchor portion and proximal head portion, and a cradle movably mounted in the screw body to allow for controlled angulation between a spinal connection element disposed in the cradle and the screw body. The cradle is pivotable in one or more selected directions about one or more axes relative to the screw body. The cradle may be generally, substantially spherical in shape and allow for unrestricted movement in one or more directions around one or more axis.

Abstract: An implant that includes a ring, anchors, and adjustment elements is advanced to a subject's heart valve. The ring includes hinges, and struts arranged in a pattern of alternating peaks and troughs. The ring circumscribes a central axis. At least one hinge is disposed at each trough. Each strut has a first end-portion and a second end-portion. Each peak is defined by convergence of adjacent first end-portions. Each trough is defined by convergence of adjacent second end-portions. Each anchor has a longitudinal axis. Within the heart, the longitudinal axis of at least one of the anchors is deflected with respect to the central axis, and each of the anchors is driven along its longitudinal axis with respect to the trough and into tissue of the heart. Subsequently, tissue of the heart is contracted by rotating the plurality of adjustment elements. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A prosthesis system of the present invention includes a monoblock stem extension including a proximal portion having a first neutral axis; and a distal portion defined by a longitudinal cylindrical shaft having a second neutral axis, wherein the second neutral axis is parallel and offset by a distance ? from the first neutral axis; and an eccentric bushing arranged coaxial around the cylindrical shaft of the monoblock stem extension, the eccentric bushing including an external cylindrical shaft having a third neutral axis; and an internal cylinder having a fourth neutral axis that is substantially co-linear with the second neutral axis of the monoblock stem extension, wherein the third neutral axis is parallel and offset by a distance ? from the fourth neutral axis.

Abstract: A multi-lumen stent assembly (100) for deployment in a bifurcated vessel. This assembly is made of a self-expandable main body component (200) and two lumen extensions (300), able to be inserted into one of the lumens of a double-barrelled portion (208) of the main body component (200). The main body component (200) has a proximal end (201) configured to be placed toward the heart and a distal end (202). The main body component (200) has a main body portion (203), a concaved portion (206), and a transition portion (205). The main body portion (203) has a cylindrical lumen (204) of constant diameter. The concaved portion (206) has a double-barrelled portion (208) having two lumens (211). A cross-section of the transition portion (205) evolving from a circular shape to an elliptical shape towards the transition portion (205), a larger diameter of this shape being in a central plane (CP).

Abstract: Certain embodiments generally provide an improved tibial base member comprising keel portions that allow one or both cruciate ligaments to be preserved. Other embodiments provide improved lateral and/or medial inserts having a mesial lip that helps relieve and or prevent impingement between the femoral component and the tibial eminence. Other embodiments provide improved femoral components having various chamfers to provide additional clearance with respect to the tibial eminence and posterior cruciate ligament without decreasing bone coverage.