Abstract: According to a method for producing a stent which is formed into a tubular body and includes at least one marker formed from a marker housing and a marker insert including: using an indenter having a partially spherical shaped distal end, the distal end coming into contact with the marker insert when the marker insert is pressed with the indenter and is pressure fitted to an opening provided on the marker housing to fix it thereon, a sufficient load can be applied to a radiopaque marker insert when the marker insert is attached to the stent, and further a stent having a radiopaque marker whose marker housing has little damage can be produced.

Abstract: Disclosed are adjustable powered rehabilitation devices and methods for using the same to rehabilitate and/or train a user. The rehabilitation devices preferably have a plurality of selectable power settings that correspond to one or more rehabilitation-oriented actions or functions of the rehabilitation devices. For example, the power of the rehabilitation device may be selected based on a need, ability, muscle-power and/or physiological characteristics of the user. For instance, a rehabilitation device may be operated at a relatively low power setting to allow a patient to use his or her own muscle power when moving with the rehabilitation device. The rehabilitation device may also include an adjustable sensitivity level that corresponds to a user difficulty in triggering a particular rehabilitation-oriented action. The powered rehabilitation device may also temporarily be used to train a user in interacting with a passive or more conventional prosthetic device.

Abstract: An endoprosthesis includes a stent having an inner surface defining a lumen and an outer surface; and a polymeric cover on the outer surface of the stent. The polymeric cover includes a base and adhesion elements. When the endoprosthesis is expanded to the expanded state in a lumen defined by a vessel wall, the adhesion elements create an interlock between the vessel wall and the endoprosthesis.

Abstract: A suspension system and method for attaching a prosthetic device to a residual limb. In an illustrative embodiment, the suspension system comprises: a prosthetic socket that is attached to the prosthetic device; a socket adaptor that is incorporated into the prosthetic socket, the socket adaptor comprising a power supply, a microprocessor, and a power switch; a plurality of electromagnets, electropermanent magnets or electroadhesors that are arranged in an array and embedded in said prosthetic socket, each of said electromagnets, electropermanent magnets or electroadhesors being connected to the socket adaptor; a magnetically active liner that is adapted to be in intimate contact with said residual limb and that is fabricated from a magnetically active material; and a locking pin that protrudes from said magnetically active liner and that is adapted to attach the liner to the socket.

Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve provided herein can include a kidney capsule tissue leaflet. In some cases, a prosthetic heart valve can include a plurality of leaflets secured together and retained within the expandable tubular member. The kidney capsule tissue can be obtained from a farm animal, such as a cow, pig, horse, goat, or sheep. In some cases, the kidney capsule tissue can be tensioned (e.g., bi-axially tensioned) and/or chemically cross-linked.

Abstract: A stent has a circumference and a plurality of members that define a lumen. The stent has three stable states, which include an unexpanded state, a partially deployed state, and a deployed state. The lumen has a first cross-sectional shape in the unexpanded state, a second cross-sectional shape in the partially deployed state and a third cross-sectional shape in the deployed state. The first cross-sectional shape of the lumen is different from the second and third cross-sectional shapes of the lumen, and the first cross-sectional shape of the lumen is a non-round shaped cross-sectional shape.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided, comprising a ring, comprising a plurality of struts arranged in a pattern of alternating peaks and troughs, each strut having a first end-portion and a second end-portion, each peak defined by convergence of adjacent first end-portions disposed at an angle with respect to each other, and each trough defined by convergence of adjacent second end-portions. The apparatus also comprises a plurality of anchors. Each anchor has a longitudinal axis, is configured to be driven along the longitudinal axis into tissue of the heart, and is coupled to the ring at a respective trough in a manner that facilitates (i) movement of the anchor along the longitudinal axis with respect to the trough, and (ii) deflection of the longitudinal axis with respect to the trough.

Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve includes a stent extending in a longitudinal direction, the stent being formed of a plurality of struts forming cells and having a plurality of commissure features, a collapsed condition and an expanded condition. A valve assembly may be secured to the stent, the valve assembly including a cuff and a plurality of leaflets. The cuff may be formed of a fabric and a second material different from the fabric, the cuff having commissure peaks and a plurality of midpeaks disposed between the commissure peaks. Each of the leaflets may have a free edge.

Abstract: A tendon repair implant delivery system and methods incorporating a guide member having a temporary fixation member on or adjacent to the distal end. The point of fixation defines a target site for placement of the tendon repair implant which is subsequently affixed to the tendon.

Abstract: A prosthetic socket fitment system for fitting a prosthesis to a patient can include at least one transceiver assembly in contact with an external frame coupled to a patient, and a processing module in electrical communication with the at least one transceiver assembly. The at least one transceiver assembly can be aligned to the bone of the patient and configured to generate a signal directed to the bone of the patient and receive a reflected signal from the bone of the patient.

Abstract: We present a novel swing phase control module for powered transfemoral prostheses based on minimum jerk theory. The control module allows physiologically appropriate swing movement at any walking speed, regardless of the stance controller action. Preliminary validation in a transfemoral amputee subject demonstrates that the control module provides physiological swing timing, without speed or patient-specific tuning.

Abstract: An attachment lock (27) for a prosthetic limb including a housing (28) having an opening (32) for insertion of a prosthetic locking pin (13). A locking member (29) is mounted within the housing (28) and is arranged releasably to secure an inserted locking pin (13). The lock (27) includes means (35) to adjust the position of the locking member (29) relative to the housing (28) along the axis of an inserted locking pin (13).

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a control method of a wearable robot, including: generating reference gait data based on the results of sensing by a sensor unit included in a structure; estimating, when a wearer walks, the wearer's gait phase based on the results of sensing by the sensor unit; detecting a gait phase having a minimum difference from the estimated gait phase from the reference gait data; and driving a driver of the structure, according to a control signal generated based on the estimated gait phase and the detected gait phase.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the invention relate to increasing the functionality of a transfemoral prosthetic device. In one embodiment, the transfemoral prosthetic device is configured such that the prosthetic knee maintains a load consistent with a healthy knee walking on level ground, while the prosthetic ankle adjusts for the incline or decline. In certain embodiments, adjustments, such as a toe lift function, are automatically performed after about three strides of the transfemoral prosthetic device user and/or when each of the strides has a stride speed of at least about 0.55 meters/second.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a fully implantable artificial heart. The use of flat helical springs to align and reciprocate a bellows structure allows the bellows to pump blood, the multiple solenoids with floating magnetized rods and permanent magnet assemblies held by the flat helical springs provide the power. The artificial heart pumps blood with virtually no friction and no parts to wear out. The use of solenoids advantageously move blood in a gentle, controllable manner.

Abstract: A braided stent system includes a stent body having a lumen formed by a plurality of braided members with interstices formed therebetween and a first expansion ring connected to the lumen of the stent body. The first expansion ring may include a frame defined by a plurality of interconnected support assemblies that are selectively positioned to impart an outwardly expanding radial force to the stent body, each support assembly can include a plurality of legs joined at a first intersection and connected to one of the other interconnected support assemblies at a second intersection opposite the first intersection. Each support assembly can include a claw portion mechanically connected to one or more of the interstices of the stent body so that the frame imparts an outward radial expansion force of the stent to facilitate use and delivery of the stent.

Abstract: A vacuum suspension system includes a prosthetic socket adapted to receive a residual limb. A pump system includes a pump mechanism in fluid communication with the prosthetic socket, and at least one sensor associated with the prosthetic socket and/or the pump mechanism. A control system is operably connected to the pump mechanism and the least one sensor. The control system is arranged to receive and process data from the at least one sensor and to actuate the pump mechanism based on the received data from the at least one sensor.

Abstract: A fixation device configured to anchor an implantable medical device within a patient includes a temporary biodegradable fixation mechanism configured to secure the device after implantation until the temporary fixation mechanism biodegrades and a chronic fixation mechanism configured to promote tissue growth that secures the device to tissue of the patient before the temporary fixation mechanism biodegrades.

Abstract: An apparatus for protecting heart tissue from an implanted inlet element of a blood pump. The apparatus includes a flange member having a first radially constricted configuration and a second radially expanded configuration, the flange member being biased in its second radially expanded configuration. The flange member defines an opening there through sized to receiving the inlet element of the blood pump. A retaining element extending from the flange member is included, the retaining element being flexible and sized to be disposed about at least a portion of the inlet element.

Abstract: Provided are a connecting module and a motion assistance apparatus including the same, the connecting module including a case provided to incline downward from a space recessed between a waist and a hip of a user to a hip joint of the user, a power transmitting assembly disposed in an internal portion of the case, and a supporting module connecting portion disposed at an output terminal of the power transmitting assembly and to be fastened with a supporting module that supports a leg of the user.