Abstract: A hydraulic muscle comprises a hollow carbon nanotube (CNT) yarn tube comprising: a plurality of CNT sheets twisted and wrapped in form of a hollow tube; and a binding agent infiltrated in the plurality of CNT sheets that binds the plurality of the CNT sheets together. A method of manufacturing a hydraulic muscle comprises: twisting and wrapping a plurality of carbon nanotube (CNT) sheets around a core fiber; infiltrating a binding agent in between the plurality of CNT sheets, wherein the binding agent binds the plurality of the CNT sheets together; and removing the core fiber from the plurality of CNT sheets.

Abstract: The present disclosure pertains to ionic polymer compositions, including semi.- and fully interpenetrating polymer networks, methods of making, such ionic polymer compositions, articles made from such ionic polymer compositions, and methods of making such articles and packaging, for such articles.

Abstract: An orthopedic implant apparatus, said apparatus comprising: a body, said body having a generally cylindrical shape and comprising a first material, a flat bottom surface, a concave upper surface disposed opposite said bottom surface, and a longitudinal axis disposed through the center of said body; a cylindrical bore, said bore disposed along said longitudinal axis through said top surface of said body; a cylindrical plug, said plug comprising a second material and disposed within said bore of said body; and at least one stem, said at least one stem connected to said bottom surface of said body.

Abstract: Described herein are breast implant fixation devices for use in breast reconstruction and breast augmentation. Novel wraps are designed to avert lateral displacement and bottoming out of breast implants, reduce capsular contraction and implant extrusion, eliminate skin indentations and ripples caused by breast implants, and reduce or eliminate palpability. The wraps are adapted to securely fold around the breast implants, limiting relative movement between the wrap and breast implant and reducing wrinkles. Tissue in-growth into the wraps limits movement of the wrap-breast implant assembly and thereby limits movement of the breast implant.

Abstract: An orthopedic device includes a textile panel having interior and exterior surfaces, and a first stabilizer assembly including a first tubular welt sewn or knitted within and extending from an exterior surface of the textile panel. A first cable is slidably extending through the tubular welt and a strap is connected to a first end of the cable extending from a first opening of the welt, and the strap is adjustably securable over the textile panel. The orthopedic device may include various portions of stretchability and features for receiving components for the orthopedic device.

Abstract: A medical dressing is provided. The dressing has a central portion and a border portion, and comprises a backing layer, an adhesive body contact layer and a pad arranged in the central portion between the backing layer and the adhesive body contact layer. The pad is symmetric about a longitudinal center line and the dressing comprises a lobed portion on each side of the center line. The medical dressing comprises a gripping tab which is coplanar with the border portion and which projects outwardly from the border portion. The medical dressing may be used for pressure ulcer prevention, such as at the sacrum region of a human body.

Abstract: A urinary incontinence prevention clip for men includes: a clip body having an upper frame positioned so as to correspond to the upper part of male genitalia, a lower frame positioned so as to correspond to the lower part of the male genitalia, and a connection part connected to one side of the upper frame and the lower frame and providing elastic force in a direction, in which the upper frame and the lower frame are spread; cushion parts respectively provided on the inside of the upper frame and the inside of the lower frame; and locking parts formed at both ends of the clip body so as to be fastened to each other, wherein the upper frame is formed so as not to press the blood vessels of the male genitalia and the lower frame is formed so as to press the urethras of the male genitalia.

Abstract: An implantable device for supporting an intraocular lens in an eye including a lens support structure having a central aperture; and one or more fixation arms coupled to the lens support structure and configured to locate and stabilize the device within the eye. Related tools, systems, and methods are provided.

Abstract: A hand-held device is used to deliver and hydrate a temporary polymeric implant having a length, an outer surface and a cross-section, with a disruptable cover over the implant. A lumen may pass through the entire length, the lumen having a surface forming an equivalent diameter in the polymeric stent. The temporary polymeric implant includes a first aqueous-swellable, biocompatible and biodegradable composition (e.g., polymer) having a thickness. The aqueous-swellable and biodegradable polymer retaining structural integrity for at least 1 hours up to thirty days when swollen and kept moist by a moist aqueous environment. Barrier layers of biodegradable polymer(s) may be used to prevent migration of liquids into the lumen.

Abstract: A collar device and method of use is provided comprising a tubular structure having a longitudinal axis, the tubular structure comprising a pneumatic bottom portion configured for contouring with human shoulders; a pneumatic top portion having a first section, and a second section extending from the first section; and a plurality of pneumatic pillars each generally aligned with the longitudinal axis of the tubular structure, the plurality of pneumatic pillars each having a proximal end in proximity to the bottom portion and each having a distal end in proximity to either one of the first section or the second section of the top portion.

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: An example medical device is disclosed. The example medical device includes a tubular scaffold. The scaffold includes a longitudinal axis, an inner surface and an outer surface. The medical device also includes a flexible valve extending radially inward from the inner surface of the scaffold. The valve includes an annular chamber extending circumferentially around the inner surface of the scaffold and is configured to shift from a closed configuration to an open configuration.

Abstract: Apparatus for protection of the ear and ear canal, and related methods of use and operation. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a selectively actuated valve which permits a varying or modulated size of aperture to be created by the wearer while the apparatus is in use, so as to accommodate varying functions, such as complete occlusion (e.g., for use in swimming or other aquatic activities such that water can be completely excluded) or partial occlusion (e.g., such that sounds can be heard by the wearer, whether in air or under water). In one implementation, the apparatus is retained within the ear canal of the wearer by virtue of the apparatus' shape and coordination with one or more natural features or contours of the anatomy in the ear region, without having to be inserted more than superficially into the outer portion of the ear canal.

Abstract: A multilayer orthotic/orthosis has a cover layer, a shell layer and a posting layer. The shell layer is formed of a thermoplastic having a moldable temperature. The rigidity of the shell layer, and in particular the rigidity of the thermoplastic is chosen to be of a magnitude to support the portion of the individual at temperatures below the moldable temperature. The shell layer, preferably the thermoplastic, has a flexibility above the moldable temperature to mold the shell layer into a shape to support the portion of the individual. The shell layer has two layers of woven polyester fibers (“scrim”) on the top and bottom. The scrim gives the plastic strength and prevents it from stretching excessively when molding. These unique properties make the material well suited for stacking multiple layers without having excessive bulking of material top lines. Both sides of the shell layer are coated with a layer of hot melt cement/glue/adhesive for easy attachment of various layers or other materials.

Abstract: An annuloplasty device is disclosed for treating a defective mitral valve having an annulus, comprising a removable and flexible elongate displacement unit for temporary insertion into a coronary sinus (CS) adjacent the valve, wherein the displacement unit has a delivery state for delivery into the CS, and an activated state to which the displacement unit is temporarily and reversibly transferable from said delivery state, the displacement unit comprises a proximal reversibly expandable portion, a distal anchoring portion being movable in relation to the proximal expandable portion in a longitudinal direction of the displacement unit to said activated state in which the shape of the annulus is modified to a modified shape, wherein the proximal expandable portion is reversibly foldable to an expanded state for positioning against a tissue wall at the entrance of the CS, and wherein the distal anchoring portion comprises an inflatable unit.

Abstract: An intraocular lens system comprising a single lens comprising two optical surfaces selected to maintain image quality at the foveal centre whilst reducing image aberration at preferred retinal locus locations outside of the fovea region.

Abstract: A powered orthotic device includes a brace, a finger engagement member, a thumb engagement member, and a hand actuator. The powered orthotic device includes a locking mechanism affixed to the brace, and a finger carrier assembly with a finger carrier to engage the fingers of the wearer, as well as an affixment member configured to be removably attached to the locking mechanism. The wearer dons the orthotic device, without assistance from another, by placing the set of fingers into the finger carrier and using a free hand of the wearer to affix the affixment member to the locking mechanism.

Abstract: A stent and a preparation method therefor. The stent includes a stent substrate. The stent substrate is provided with at least one radiopaque structure thereon. Each radiopaque structure includes at least one radiopaque unit. A radiopaque material is inlaid in each radiopaque unit, and a ratio of the volume of the radiopaque material to the volume of the radiopaque unit ranges from 1.1 to 1.4. By the stent and the preparation method therefor, the interference fit between the radiopaque material and the radiopaque unit can be better implemented, so that the radiopaque material and the radiopaque unit have strong bonding force therebetween, and the problem of embolism caused by the drop of a radiopaque material is avoided.

Abstract: A hernia belt (500) may include a digitally knitted support belt (502) and a two-part fastening system (504,505). The two-part fastening system may include a first part (504) and a second part (505), in which the second part includes a plurality of fastener strips (508, 510, 512, 514, 516) arranged spaced apart from each other. The digitally knitted support belt may include mesh stitch layouts (518, 520, 522) for providing breathability and support.

Abstract: A device and method for forming an adaptive optic in the capsule of a human eye is disclosed, comprising a capsular interface enclosing an optically acceptable medium. The device establishes a physiologic range of optical power in response to a range of ciliary contractile states. The preferred bi-phasic medium of the device is comprised of a solid three dimensional polymeric network suspended in a liquid aqueous phase and bonded to a capsular interface. The polymeric network provides shape to the capsular interface, optical power, and a physiologic response to the suspensory ligament. The three dimensional network of the bi-phasic medium mimics the stacked fiber configuration and elasticity of a natural lens. An alternative embodiment utilizing a single phase medium is also disclosed with associated structural features provided in the capsular interface.