Abstract: A stent is formed from an at least partially cylindrical non-bioresorbable framework with a longitudinal zone of the stent that extends from the proximal end of the framework to the distal end and is defined by opposing longitudinal edges. A plurality of bioresorbable struts are secured to opposing longitudinal edges of the longitudinal zone. The bioresorbable struts hold the opposing longitudinal edges a first distance apart at an expanded deployed diameter to apposition the framework against a wall defining the vessel. After the stent is endothelialized, degradation of the bioresorbable struts causes the stent to contract to a reduced deployed diameter so that the opposing longitudinal edges are a second distance apart that is less than the first distance.

Abstract: A stent apparatus, system, and method that senses wall shear stress by measuring fluid flow at localized areas within the stent, that processes measured information through an integrated circuit, and selectively sends power to mechanically controllable stent surfaces which results in localized geometric changes. In various embodiments the stent apparatus, system, and method sends data to outside the body in real time.

Abstract: Modular IOL systems including a base and a lens, wherein the lens includes tabs for connection to the base. The modular IOL allows for the lens to be adjusted or exchanged while leaving the base in place, either intra-operatively or post-operatively.

Abstract: Described herein are intraocular lenses and methods of implantation. In one aspect, the lens includes a shape changing optical element; a force translation element having a first end region coupled to the optical element and a second end region extending towards a ciliary structure, and an attachment portion coupled to the second end region of the force translation element and configured to contact the ciliary structure. The force translation element is configured to functionally transmit movements of the ciliary structure into a force exerted upon the optical element to effect an accommodating and a disaccommodating change of the optical element.

Abstract: A gradually-expandable stent includes a base ring completely encircling a central valve-accepting area. A plurality of uprights is provided. Each upright includes two longitudinally extending upright struts. Each upright strut has a strut base directly connected to the base ring and a strut tip directly attached to the other strut tip of the upright strut at a rounded upright apex. The upright apex is longitudinally spaced from the base ring. At least one expansion feature is associated with the base ring and gradually expands to enlarge the central valve-accepting area toward a maximum valve-accepting area responsive to growth of the patient over an extended dwell time.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a self-expanding implant device comprising a proximal portion at a first longitudinal end, a distal portion at a second longitudinal opposite the first longitudinal end, and a connecting portion between the proximal portion and the distal portion, wherein the proximal portion and the distal portion each comprise a radially self-expanding structure, wherein the connecting portion comprises longitudinally oriented bendable struts, preferably at least 4 struts, more preferably 6 struts or more, which connect the self-expanding structure of the proximal portion with the self-expanding structure of the distal portion, wherein in a fully expanded state, the implant device comprises a maximum implant diameter along a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and wherein the struts of the connecting portion comprise a strut length along the longitudinal direction, characterized in that the strut length is such that when the self-expanding structure of the proximal portion is

Abstract: Methods for treatment of dry eye and other acute or chronic inflammatory processes are disclosed herein. One method includes administering a drug delivery implant to a patient in need thereof, the drug delivery implant comprising one or more Rock inhibitors and/or one or more Wnt inhibitors, the patient having a medical condition selected from the group consisting of dry eye, lichen planus, arthritis, psoriasis, plantar fasciitis, pars planitis, scleritis, keratitis, chronic meibomian gland inflammation, optic nerve neuritis, uveitis, papillitis, diabetic neural pain, diabetic retinopathy, a cataract, a side effect occurring after refractive surgery, a side effect occurring after corneal transplant, a side effect occurring after retinal detachment surgery, and combinations thereof. The administration of the drug delivery implant to the patient treats the medical condition, reduces the symptoms associated with the medical condition, enhances nerve regeneration, and/or alleviates the medical condition.

Abstract: An endovascular self-expanding stent system that can include a braid with a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen formed therebetween. The braid can be formed from one or more wires woven to comprise interstices. A first expansion ring can be connected to the proximal end of the braid. A second expansion ring can be connected to the distal end of the braid. Each expansion ring can include a frame that imparts an outwardly expanding radial force to the braid. The frame can include a plurality of elongate members interconnected by one or more intersections.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to keratoprosthesis apparatuses comprising a flexible backplate and methods of manufacturing and implanting the new keratoprosthesis apparatuses. The keratoprosthesis apparatuses include a circular backplate composed, at least in part, of a titanium alloy. The circular backplate includes an annular rim portion having a central aperture extending therethrough. A plurality of tabs is positioned along the annular rim portion and extend radially inwardly into the aperture. A plurality of flexible appendages extends radially outwardly from the annular rim portion and is positioned along the annular rim portion at locations corresponding to the plurality of tabs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a multi-hole stent for digestive organs, the multi-hole stent including: a body configured to form a plurality of cells through the intersection of wires and to be provided in a hollow cylindrical shape; and a film configured to be installed in contact with the inner surface of the body; wherein one or more discharge holes are formed in the film. The multi-hole stent for digestive organs is placed in a stenotic region in a biliary track, and can thus secure a discharge path by restoring a narrowed diameter. Furthermore, the film is installed on the inner surface of the body, and can thus prevent the entry of a lesion into the stent and re-stenosis attributable to the growth of the lesion and can thus provide discharge paths for body fluids generated from side branches through the discharge holes formed in the film.

Abstract: An exemplary valve repair device for repairing a native valve of a patient includes a pair of paddles, a coaption element, and a covering. The coaption element has a first end portion and a second end portion. The coaption element is connected to the pair of paddles. The covering is disposed over the caption element. The covering prevents blood from flowing through the caption element.

Abstract: A ureteral stent includes an elongated member, which has a tubular shape, and a distal retention structure. The elongated member includes a sidewall that defines a lumen and has a spiral-shaped opening with at least two rotations. The sidewall has an inner surface and an outer surface. The sidewall between the inner surface and the outer surface is devoid of another lumen. The elongated member is configured to move between a retracted configuration and an expanded configuration along a longitudinal axis of the lumen. The distal retention structure is disposed at a distal end of the elongated member for retention in a kidney. The distal retention structure defines a lumen in fluid communication with the lumen defined by the sidewall of the elongated member.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to various anchoring systems for a catheter delivered device. In one instance the anchoring systems of the present disclosure are designed to be used in connection with a pulmonary artery implant device. In one embodiment, an anchoring system of the present disclosure comprises two anchoring ends, a distal end anchoring structure and a proximal end anchoring structure, where at least one of the distal or proximal anchoring structures has a clover-shaped structure formed by at least three lobes. In another embodiment, the distal anchoring structure includes an elongated and angled shape formed by wire material. In another embodiment, both the distal and proximal anchoring structures have a clover-shaped structure formed by at least three lobes.

Abstract: An accommodating intraocular lens (AIOL) for implantation within a capsular bag of a patient's eye comprises first and second components coupled together to define an inner fluid chamber and an outer fluid chamber. The inner region of the AIOL provides optical power with one or more of the shaped fluid within the inner fluid chamber or the shape of the first or second components. A surface treatment or coating may be applied to one or more surfaces of the first and second components. The surface treatment is expected to decrease the roughness of the machined surfaces of the boundary surfaces of the first and second components, and thereby reduce the mass of water coalescing at such boundary surfaces. The disclosed surface treatments are also expected to increase the hydrophobicity (i.e., decrease the surface energy) of the corresponding surface(s), thereby decreasing the “wettability” of these surfaces.

Abstract: Features for a powered prosthetic thumb are described. The thumb provides for rotation of a digit that mimics the natural movement possible with a sound thumb. The thumb may attach to a full or partial prosthetic hand or socket on a residual limb. The thumb may include an upper assembly, including a prosthetic thumb digit, rotatably attached to a mount about a pinch axis and a lateral axis. The digit may rotate about only the pinch axis, only the lateral axis, or both the pinch and lateral axes simultaneously. A first actuator may actuate to cause rotation of the digit about the pinch axis. A second actuator may actuate to cause rotation of the digit about the lateral axis. The first and second actuators may be actuated together at appropriate speeds to cause rotation about both the pinch and lateral axes simultaneously. A swaying chassis may be rotatably connected with the upper assembly and a lower assembly about various offset axes to provide for rotation about the lateral axis.

Abstract: Low profile, self-expandable, blood flow restrictors include a hollow channel open at axial ends to allow blood flow through the restrictor installed in a blood vessel. The channel may include a mesh and have a narrowing, or sandglass, profile to reduce blood flow. The sandglass shape is in a central portion of the channel and may be surrounded by a blocking coating impermeable to blood flow or a suture that dissolves over time. The mesh may be formed of a memory alloy. Restrictors include a retrieval connector at an end that is permeable to blood flow and permits attachment for restrictor positioning with a catheter.

Abstract: An exemplary implantable prosthetic device has a paddle frame, an inner paddle, and an outer paddle. The outer paddle is connected to the inner paddle. The inner and outer paddles are connected to the paddle frame at a connection between the inner paddle and the outer paddle. The paddle frame can be positioned inside the inner paddle, outside the outer paddle, or between the inner and outer paddles.

Abstract: A biodegradable cardiovascular implant is provided for growing cardiovascular tissue in a patient. The implant distinguishes an electro-spun network with supramolecular compounds having hard-blocks covalently bonded with soft-blocks resulting in much enhanced durability and fatigue resistance, while maintaining the effectiveness as a cardiovascular implant.

Abstract: The present invention relates a vascular prosthesis for a blood vessel of a patient, which has the following: a hollow-cylindrical main body with a main lumen extending therein, an also a multiplicity of stent rings, which are not connected to one another, are arranged spaced apart one behind the other in the longitudinal direction of the vascular prosthesis and running around in a meandering formation. The vascular prosthesis also has four side branches, which extend distally into the main lumen from fenestrations in the prosthesis material lying between the stent rings.

Abstract: A method of sutureless intrascleral haptic-hook lens implantation which improves the fixation process of the lens haptics, allowing the lens haptics to be bent and folded back into the vitreous cavity to generate a better stability, avoiding the complication of intrascleral fixation haptic slippage, meanwhile forming a sclera lamellar groove between two adjacent scleral incisions to bury the lens haptics. The method may be adapted to patients in need of intraocular lens implantation without sufficient capsular support, such as aphakia, intraocular lens, lens dislocation, etc. This method enhances the stability and centrality of the lens, the surgical procedures are simple and easy to master, which reduces the operation time.