Abstract: Described are devices and methods for use in connection with organ replacement or organ assist therapy in a patient.

Abstract: A method of implanting a medical device including forming a tunnel at least partially through a patient's bone, placing the medical device on the bone so that a stress-diffusion element (i.e., a stem) extending from the medical device at least partially extends into the tunnel, and securing the medical device to the bone. The medical device includes a hemispherical cup having a bone-abutment exterior surface, an interior surface defining a cavity, a circumferential rim extending between the exterior surface and the interior surface, and at least one aperture extending between the exterior surface and the interior surface. The stress-diffusion element is formed to extend from and be oriented with respect to the cup based on whether the surgical implant is to be used on a left side or right side of the patient for reconstruction of the segmental acetabular defect.

Abstract: An exoskeleton comprising a right hip attachment, a left hip attachment, a belt and a leaf-spring. The leaf-spring configured to couple two hips and apply torque from one respective hip to another respective hip based on the runner's movement and a right gear mechanism and a left gear mechanism, the right gear mechanism and the left gear mechanism comprising respectively of rack-and-pinion mechanism and configured to change an arch of the leaf-spring.

Abstract: Expandable absorbable implants have been developed that are suitable for breast reconstruction following mastectomy. The implants can be implanted in the vicinity of a tissue expander, for example, by suturing to the detached edge of the pectoralis major muscle to function as a pectoralis extender, and used to form a sling for a tissue expander. The implants, which permit tissue-ingrowth and slowly degrade, can be expanded in the breast using a tissue expander in order to form a pocket for a permanent breast implant. After expansion, the tissue expander can be removed and replaced with a permanent breast implant. The expandable implants help reduce patient discomfort resulting from tissue expansion, and avoid the need to use allografts or xenografts to create the pocket for the tissue expander. The expandable absorbable implant preferably comprises poly-4-hydroxybutyrate or copolymer thereof.

Abstract: A prosthetic assembly configured for endovascular placement within an aortic arch and method of use thereof. The prosthetic assembly includes a proximal aortic stent-graft prosthesis configured to be positioned within a proximal portion of the aortic arch adjacent to the brachiocephalic artery, a distal aortic stent-graft prosthesis configured to be positioned within a distal portion of the aortic arch adjacent to the left subclavian artery, a first branch stent-graft prosthesis configured to be positioned within the brachiocephalic artery and a second branch stent-graft prosthesis configured to be positioned in one of the left common carotid and the left subclavian artery. When deployed, a proximal end of the first branch stent-graft prosthesis is disposed within a lumen of the proximal aortic stent-graft prosthesis to proximally displace the ostium of the brachiocephalic artery.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and devices for regulating fluid flow to and from a region of a patient's lung, such as to achieve a desired fluid flow dynamic to a lung region during respiration and/or to induce collapse in one or more lung regions. Pursuant to an exemplary procedure, an identified region of the lung is targeted for treatment. The targeted lung region is then bronchially isolated to regulate airflow into and/or out of the targeted lung region through one or more bronchial passageways that feed air to the targeted lung region. An exemplary flow control device is configured to block fluid flow in the inspiratory direction and the expiratory direction at normal breathing pressures and allow fluid flow in the expiratory direction at higher than normal breathing pressures.

Abstract: Disclosed are a biological tissue matrix material, a preparation method therefor and the use thereof in an otological repair material. The biological tissue matrix material comprises an extracellular matrix. The extracellular matrix comprises a collagen fiber, a growth factor and fibronectin. The biological tissue matrix material has a low amount of DNA residue, a low immunogenicity, a high anti-infection ability, and a strong repair capability.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for delivering prosthesis implants into surgically-created implant pockets in a subject and for preventing capsular contracture resulting from surgical insertion of prosthesis implants. The device may include a delivery member operable to wrap around the implant thereby forming a conforming cavity around the implant that conforms to the shape of the implant. The delivery member is also operable to propel the implant from the conforming cavity into the implant pocket in the subject upon the application of mechanical force to the delivery member. The device also includes a shielding member coupled with the delivery member. The shielding member is operable to shield the implant from at least a portion of the dissection tunnel connecting the incision to the implant pocket during delivery of the implant to the implant pocket.

Abstract: An accommodating intraocular lens device for treatment of an eye having a lens body; internal support; stabilization system; and force translation arm. The lens body includes an accommodating membrane, an annular element, a static element, and a fixed volume of optical fluid filling a sealed chamber of the lens body. The annular element coupled to the perimeter of the accommodating membrane has a shape deformation membrane configured to undergo displacement relative to the perimeter region. The sealed chamber is formed by inner surfaces of the accommodating membrane, shape deformation membrane, and static element. The force translation arm has a first end operatively coupled to the shape deformation membrane and a free end available and configured to engage a ciliary structure of the eye. The force translation arm is moveable relative to the lens body to cause inward movement of the shape deformation membrane. Related methods, devices, and systems are provided.

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems and methods for providing improved ophthalmic lenses, particularly intraocular lenses (IOLs), include features for reducing dysphotopsia effects, such as haloes and glare. Exemplary ophthalmic lenses may include a central zone with a first set of two echelettes arranged around the optical axis, the first set having a profile in r-squared space. A middle zone includes a second set of two echelettes arranged around the optical axis, the second set having a profile in r-squared space that is different than the profile of the first set. A peripheral zone includes a third set of two echelettes arranged around the optical axis, the third set having a profile in r-squared space that is different than the profile of the first set and the profile of the second set, the third set being repeated in series on the peripheral zone.

Abstract: In some examples, the disclosure describes an annuloplasty device that comprises a tube-like structure configured to extend around at least part of a circumference of an annulus of a cardiac or vascular valve of a patient, and at least one anchor configured to anchor the tube-like structure to the annulus. The tube-like structure is configured to decrease a distance between valve leaflets that extend from the annulus.

Abstract: The present invention provides a jig for forming a dysphonia treatment tool, the jig being capable of bending a front piece in a position not through a hole. A jig 20C for forming a dysphonia treatment tool X by deformation, the dysphonia treatment tool X including: a plurality of clamping sections each having a front piece 1a disposed on a front surface of incised thyroid cartilage and a rear piece disposed on a rear surface of the thyroid cartilage, the clamping sections configured to be fit to respective cut ends of the thyroid cartilage facing each other; and a bridging section linking the clamping sections to each other, the front piece having a hole 3 formed therein, the forming jig includes a clip section 22 having a pair of maintaining sections 21a, 21b configured to sandwich the front piece 1a from both surfaces to cover at least a portion of the hole 3.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to methods for reconstructing an unstable triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC). Exemplary methods include preparing, delivering, and fixating a graft within a distal radioulnar joint in a manner that restores the functionality to the TFCC, thereby improving the joint kinematics of the radioulnar joint.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method including an ophthalmic lens having an optic with an anterior surface, a posterior surface, and an optical axis. The ophthalmic lens further includes a first region having a first optical power and a second region having a second optical power. The ophthalmic lens further includes a third region having an optical power that progresses from the first optical power to the second optical power. The progression may be uniform or non-uniform. Each of the first, second and progression optical power may include a base power and an optical add power. Each of the first, second and progression regions may provide a first focus, a second focus and a plurality of third foci, respectively.

Abstract: A heart valve assembly includes an inner frame comprising a graft covering housing a prosthetic heart valve, wherein the graft covering extends around the prosthetic heart valve for providing sealing to the heart valve, an outer frame formed from a metallic material and defining a gridded configuration, and being secured to the graft covering by a plurality of stitches, and a sealing material positioned externally to the outer frame for providing sealing between the outer frame and a patient's anatomical wall to prevent paravalvular leaks. The sealing material includes a plurality of radially extending fibers that extend outwardly of the outer frame. The graft covering is made of polyester, polytetrafluoroethylene, expanded polytetrafluoroethylene, or a polymer.

Abstract: A bone graft containment device includes a plurality of cage segments connected to one another along a longitudinal axis, each of the cage segments connected to an adjacent one of the cage segments via a connection which permits movement of the cage segments relative to one another so that the bone graft containment device is deformable to a desired configuration for placement within a target space of a bone, each cage segment extending along from a first end to a second end and including a channel extending therethrough so that channels of the plurality of cage segments, in an initial configuration, are aligned along the longitudinal axis, the channels configured to be packed with a bone graft material.

Abstract: A hip implant is provided that includes a metal acetabular cup to be inserted into an acetabulum of the pelvis, a femoral head and neck portion with a polymer femoral head molded onto a metal formal head base that is attached to a metal femoral neck rod configured to be inserted into the neck of a femur, and a metal main body shaft configured to be inserted into a femoral shaft region of the femur and secured by bone screws. The head base may have stabilizing features, such as dimples and peripheral mounds, over which the femoral head is molded. The main body shaft also has diagonal hole located at the center line of the neck of the femur to receive the femoral neck rod at an adjustable angle. The femoral head interfaces with the acetabular cup as a smooth plastic-to-metal spherical-surface joint.

Abstract: A surgical tool for separating two components, for example removing a femoral head from a femoral stem, having a four bar chain whose four bars are a first handle (L1), an crossover component (L2), a second handle (L3) and a crossbar (L4) pivotally connected respectively by: a first joint (J1) between the first handle and the crossover component; a second, crossover joint (J2) between the crossover component and the second handle; a third joint (J3) between the second handle and the crossbar, and a fourth joint (J4) between the crossbar and the first handle, and wherein, upon application of a gripping force to the first and second handles, the first and second jaws separate from one another so as to separate the two components engaged therewith.

Abstract: A carbon nanotube (CNT) artificial muscle valve includes a hollow CNT tube including: a plurality of CNT sheets wrapped in the form of a hollow tube; and a guest material disposed between the CNT sheets and that permeates the CNT sheets. At least one portion of the hollow CNT tube collapses in response to a pressure of a fluid in the hollow CNT tube exceeding a predetermined pressure. The at least one portion of the hollow CNT tube collapses because the at least one portion of the hollow CNT tube generates a torque non-uniformity relative of a remaining portion of the hollow CNT tube.

Abstract: The invention relates to a joint implant for new tissue formation at a joint, the joint implant (1) comprising a pinlike body having a bottom region (11), a top region (12) and a shell region (13), wherein at least the top region (12), of the joint implant (1) has a hydrophobic surface for promoting chondroblastic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells.