Abstract: A medical device and method of delivery of the medical device within a patient's body are disclosed by the present invention. The medical device includes a first elongate member and a second elongate member. The first elongate member further includes a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The first elongate member is made of a first material. The second elongate member includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion of the second elongate member is attached to the first elongate member and the second portion of the second elongate member is attached to the first portion of the second elongate member at one of its transverse edge. The first portion and the second portion of the second elongate member are configured to form a defined non-planar shape such that the first portion is a first arm of the defined non-planar shape and the second portion is a second arm of the defined non-planar shape.

Abstract: A mammalian in vitro system for culturing an embryo includes a collagen or fibrin matrix and endometrial and/or stromal cells. The in vitro platforms and methods according to embodiments of the invention allow for in vitro embryonic development (including implantation) prior to transfer of the embryo complex in vivo for further development.

Abstract: A bed is stably mounted on a body when located at a first position. The bed is mounted on the body via buffering members so that the buffering members absorb and prevent vibration and shock from being transmitted from the body to the bed, when located at the second position.

Abstract: An intravaginal pessary device in an applicator is provided. The device has a top and a bottom, and a sidewall that extends between the top and the bottom. The sidewall, top and bottom form an outer periphery defining a total area of the device. The pessary device has a maximum diameter that is less than about 25 mm. The pessary device and applicator exhibit a maximum expulsion force that is below 1500 grams.

Abstract: The present invention describes methods and devices comprising magnetic, radio frequency burst, and light stimulation to modulate muscle contraction. The magnetic stimulation may be delivered to the muscle using one or more coils that is placed transcutaneously. The methods and devices are useful to treat a number of conditions or disease conditions, including for example, gastroesophageal cramps and sphincter leakage.

Abstract: A therapeutic or diagnostic system comprises a non-invasive brain stimulation device (such as a TMS stimulation device) or other neuromodulation device configured to stimulate a patient's brain or nervous system by emitting electromagnetic pulses according to stimulation parameters, such as a pulse frequency or burst repetition frequency or other parameters, that provides surprising improvements in responsiveness and/or may require only a relatively short train of pulses to achieve high efficacy. In particular, stimulation pulses may be delivered at a frequency of between 12 and 40 Hertz with a 3 to 5 ratio as compared with burst repetition frequency, or at other specific patterns within that range. The stimulation parameters may be pre-stored and customized to individual patients, being identified through an automated search routine during which patient feedback is monitored. A user interface may be provided to allow an operator to conveniently select the appropriate parameters for the desired treatment.

Abstract: A method of implanting a surgical mesh in tissue includes providing an implant having an insertion aid connected with an end, and providing an insertion device having a handle, an actuator, an elongated shaft, and a cutting element. The elongated shaft has an outer wall with an opening for receiving the insertion aid. The method includes inserting the insertion aid into the opening of the shaft for connecting the implant with the insertion device, forming a surgical opening in tissue, advancing the distal end of the elongated shaft and the implant connected with the insertion device through the surgical opening, and engaging the actuator for moving the cutting element from a first position to a second position for severing the insertion aid from the end of the implant.

Abstract: In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, a flexible and non-absorbent vaginal insert device shaped to be held securely in place in a vagina when inserted, so as to improve symptoms associated with pelvic organ prolapse or urinary incontinence or both, is provided. The device is designed to be relatively easy to insert and remove. An applicator may be used to aid with insertion. The vaginal insert device comprises an upper portion, having a cone-shaped body, having a circular transverse cross-section throughout its length, having a wall with an interior side and an exterior side, an upper open end, a lower end, and a hollow interior, wherein the upper open end of the upper portion is the innermost portion of the device during insertion, and wherein the wall of the upper portion can be squeezed to make the upper portion more compact for easier insertion of the device, and wherein after insertion the wall expands back to its original shape.

Abstract: According to an example embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus, comprising a first arm configured to accept a device, the first arm comprising a first counterweight arrangement, a second arm supporting the first arm by a coupling, and a base defining a curve and having the second arm mounted thereon, wherein the second arm is movable along the curve, the base configured to be mounted on a chair. The second arm may be furnished with a second counterweight arrangement.

Abstract: An electric ooycte denuding device and an ooycte denuding method are provided. The electric oocyte denuding device includes an oocyte denuding pipette: a manipulating handle; and a drive module, a control module, a display module, a power module, a memory, a bulb, and/or a voice module, and/or a pressure sensor, and/or a control box, and/or a foot-operated switch controller, which form an integrated type or a separated type electric ooycte denuding device. A stepper motor provides the power for blowing and sucking to denude the granular cells surrounding an oocyte.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of and compositions comprising cytokines for, improving the success rate of embryo implantation and the success rate of pregnancy rates in females, by providing an immunopermissive uterine environment prior to insemination or implantation of embryos. The methods of the present invention are used to make the uterus more receptive or less hostile to, for example, transferred embryos, sperm or other allografted tissue.

Abstract: A surgical implant is provided comprising a biocompatible member configured for securement to an underlying target surgical site and a radiation source integrated into or onto the biocompatible member. The surgical implant may be one of a clip, pin, or coil and the radiation source includes at least one brachytherapy capsule, or other radioactive material incorporated therein or provided thereon. The radioactive material provides a dose of radiation to the target surgical site. The surgical implant may also be formed from titanium, stainless steel or polymers. A surgical applier is provided for allowing a surgeon to apply the implant to a patient's tissue.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a sling implant system are provided. Embodiments of the implants can include one or more collapsibility and expandability features or portions adapted to improve introduction and deployment of the implant within the patient. The implants can be folded, collapsed or otherwise reduced in size or construct to fit within a delivery tool or catheter for later expandability upon deployment of the implant.

Abstract: A heart support system featuring a sleeve sized to fit about at least a portion of an adult human heart in a living body, the sleeve having an inner surface arranged to contact the heart in use and a sheath extending about and constraining the sleeve. At least one of the sheath and sleeve carry a discrete mark detectable from outside the body with the sheath and sleeve implanted within the body. The position of the support system about the heart can be determined with reference to the mark.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods having or using an improved implantable middle ear transducer for driving an ossicular chain bone to assist in aiding hearing. One embodiment of the present invention is a transducer assembly for converting electrical signals to mechanical vibrations which can be coupled, for example, to the stapes to provide audible frequency vibrations to the cochlea. One transducer assembly includes a pair of fins or gussets coupled to opposite sides of a transducer in the direction of unwanted movement of the transducer. The base of the transducer may be coupled to a base member while the fins have free edges that are near to but not coupled to the base member. Some fins are triangular shaped. The fins may not substantially inhibit vibration in the preferred plane, but can inhibit unwanted vibrations in a plane orthogonal to the preferred direction which can substantially include a plane containing the fins.

Abstract: Described are pelvic implants (e.g., urinary incontinence sling, hammock, etc.) and method of inserting a pelvic implant that provide treatment for pelvic floor disorders such as incontinence or stress urinary incontinence.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new and improved sperm stimulating additive comprising a certain amount of inorganic pyrophosphate (PPi). Addition of PPi in the media for human/animal in vitro fertilization (IVF) improves fertilization rate; addition of PPi in the semen extender for farm animal artificial insemination (AI) may improve pregnancy rates; furthermore, mammalian oocytes matured in vitro in a medium including PPi attain improved fertilization and developmental potential, while embryos cultured in medium supplemented with PPi have improved development to blastocyst.

Abstract: A wire stabilization device and method for stabilizing a localization wire during a tissue diagnostic procedure are disclosed. The wire stabilization device includes a device body and a device base. The device body is joined to the device base. The device body includes a base portion, a cover portion, a cover hinge, and a gripping feature. The cover hinge connects the base portion to the cover portion and allows the cover portion to rotate between open and closed positions. The gripping feature holds the localization wire between the base portion and the cover portion. The device base attaches to a patient's skin to stabilize the device body while the localization wire is held between the base portion and the cover portion.

Abstract: A thermotherapy device (incubator) includes a lying surface bordered by side walls with a side wall part suspended via a hinge allowing downward pivoting with a lock for an upright closed position. The locking mechanism has a closing projection that can enter an open side receptacle, with guide curve, to lock the side wall part in the upright closed position on a stationary structure of the heat therapy device. The closing projection or the receptacle is suspended so as to be linearly movable in the direction of connection lines thereof to the pivot axis of the hinge, such that the closing projection can be moved to a position in front of the open side of the receptacle. A preloading apparatus ensures that the closing projection and the receptacle are pressed together in form-closed engagement when the closing projection and the open side of the receptacle are oriented toward each other.

Abstract: Described are methods, implants, insertion tools, and related systems and kits, for placing an implant to treat urinary incontinence; the implants include soft tissue anchors that are capable of engaging needles of the insertion tools, and the implants are designed to place a central support portion at a location to support a urethra with extension portions and soft tissue anchors extending to tissue at regions of an obturator foramen.