Abstract: A method including forming a first coating layer derived from an alkoxide on a substrate having a dimension suitable for an implant and forming a second coating layer on the first coating layer that promotes osseointegration. An apparatus comprising a substrate having a dimension suitable as a medical or dental implant and a coating on a surface of a first coating layer derived from an alkoxide and a second coating layer that promotes osseointegration.

Abstract: A tibia plateau for a replacement joint, particularly an endoprosthesis for a human knee joint, in which the head and socket artificial joint parts have convex and concave articulation surfaces, respectively, and the articulation surfaces are arranged in pairs, so that the functional surfaces which are formed can roll against one another along a curved contact line, especially a circularly arcuate contact line, formed on each articulation surface. A gently sloping bulge (1) is formed in the area (4) adjacent the functional surfaces (2) which bulge prevents excessive rolling movement and lateral displacement of the joint parts relative to each other.

Abstract: An introocular lens (IOL) includes an optic; a haptic; a flexible membrane substantially encircling the optic and connected between the optic and the haptic, the flexible membrane having a flexibility greater than the optic and the haptic. The flexible membrane permits travel of the optic relative to the haptic to permit accommodation in the eye. The flexible membrane my also drive a curvature change in the optic as it travels during accommodation.

Abstract: A simple, inexpensive prosthetic foot is provided incorporating a cushioned ankle including an ankle block formed of a resilient material or bladder having desired compliance and energy return characteristics. The ankle block is sandwiched between a foot element and an ankle element. One or more openings extends through the ankle block with a substantially transverse orientation relative to a forward walking motion. The size and shape of these openings, as well as the insertion of different types of stiffeners therein, provide desired performance characteristics to the ankle block. When the ankle block takes the form of one or more inflatable bladders, the pressure within these bladders is individually controlled by valves to provide desired performance characteristics to different portions of the prosthetic foot. A pump system can also be used to control and generate fluid pressure into these bladders.

Abstract: Stent and stent delivery system suited for the noninvasive treatment of aneurysms, diseased blood vessels, and other bodily lumen are described. Detachable proximal and/or distal wires connected to the proximal and distal ends, respectively, of the stent allow the operator to manipulate the position and final configuration of the stent upon deployment.

Abstract: A woven tubing for use in a stent type blood vascular prosthesis which contains a multifilament formed of two–five single filaments in at least part of warps and has the single filaments disposed in single lines, and a stent type blood vascular prosthesis using the woven tubing are described. The prosthesis combines a shape retaining property that is capable of maintaining its tubular shape without being crushed by the flow of blood with a high liquid tightness that is capable of reducing the leakage of blood to the exterior when implanted at the site of a lesion and allows prevention of the inflow of blood into the site of a lesion.

Abstract: A stent and method of its use, the stent in its expanded configuration, exhibiting varying outward radial force along its length. In use, the expanded stent is of a tapered configuration which provides greater force in vessel regions requiring greater force and less force in regions requiring less. In particular the stent is useful in the ostium regions and at areas of bifurcation in vessels. Varying force over the length of the stent is achieved by varying the number of elements, the density of elements, the thickness of the elements making up the stent body, and maintaining a substantially metal to artery ratio in the expanded stent over its length.

Abstract: An artificial joint or disc replacement (ADR) broadly includes a pair of opposing endplate components, each attached to one of the upper and lower vertebrae, a cushioning component disposed between the endplate components, and a mechanism for coupling the cushioning component to one or both of the endplates. In the preferred embodiment, the cushioning component takes the form of a tire-like outer structure attached to an inner hub. A filler material is also preferably contained within the cushioning component. The filler material may be a gas, liquid, foam, or gel, including a hydrogel. One or both of the endplate components may include a modified surface to increase adherence to respective opposing bone surfaces.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a supplemental endo capsular lens (SECL) and the method of inserting and embedding the SECL within either a gel or polymer, inside the capsule of the crystalline lens, during phaco-ersatz or similar surgical procedures in order to supplement the refractive power of the eye with a view to (1) correcting ametropia while (2) maintaining a useable amplitude of accommodation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to implantable medical devices for the localized delivery of therapeutic agents, such as drugs, to a patient. More particularly, the invention relates to a device having a gradient of water soluble therapeutic agents within a therapeutic agent layer and a mixing layer that allows for controlled release of the therapeutic agents.

Abstract: A medical implant made from multiple layers of non-synthetic, natural tissues is provided. The medical device includes openings that extend radially through the wall of the medical implant. One advantage of the medical implant is that a synthetic support structure is not needed. As a result, problems associated with implanting a foreign material into a body may be avoided.

Abstract: A narrow linear near vertical fold is formed in the lower portion of a female breast and its lips are held in abutment adhesively. A curved contact member configured for abutting the lower portion of a female breast is positionable below a nipple of the breast along the fold. A rigid pressure rib protruding from the contact member is inserted into the fold so as to cause the breast to expand upwardly forming a convex topper surface on an upper portion of the breast. The contact member is adhesively attached to the exterior surface of the breast. Other means for accomplishing the same result may be applied.

Abstract: A vascular stent carries living therapeutic cellular material. The stent in widely implantable over the vascular system, and allows either localized or systemic delivery of the therapeutic products produced by the cellular material to thereby enhance patient treatment.

Abstract: A device for treatment of mitral annulus dilatation comprises an elongate body having two states. In a first of these states the elongate body is insertable into the coronary sinus and has a shape adapting to the shape of the coronary sinus. When positioned in the coronary sinus, the elongate body is transferable to the second state assuming a reduced radius of curvature, whereby the radius of curvature of the coronary sinus and the radius of curvature as well as the circumference of the mitral annulus is reduced.

Abstract: A method for treating morbid obesity in a body of a mammal having a gastrointestinal tract extending through a stomach and a pyloric sphincter and a wall forming the stomach and pyloric sphincter. At least one implant is formed in the wall in the vicinity of the pyloric sphincter to inhibit emptying of the stomach.

Abstract: The present invention provides an implant to be implanted between a superior vertebra and an inferior vertebra. The implant comprises a main body having a superior surface and an inferior surface with at least one linear surface protrusion residing on at least one of the superior surface or the inferior surface. The protrusion having a substantially flat bone engaging surface and a generally trapezoidal cross-section.

Abstract: The present invention provides for reinforced and drug eluting stent-grafts and related methods of implanting and manufacturing the stent-grafts. A stent-graft of the present invention may include a tubular stent, a biocompatible covering surrounding the stent, and a supporting collar coupled to the proximal end of the stent-graft. A drug agent may be applied to a textured external surface layer of the biocompatible covering, or alternatively to a space between the textured external surface layer and a smooth luminal surface layer of the biocompatible covering, and allowed to elute over time into a wall of a body lumen after the stent-graft is deployed. The collar of the stent-graft absorbs pressure exerted on the stent-graft by fluid flow within the body lumen in order to minimize potential damage to the stent-graft, and may also include barbs to further secure the stent-graft to the body lumen.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an implant for altering the iris color, consisting of a completely or partially transparent, semi-transparent or non-transparent, colored, biocompatible and flexible material, wherein the implant is formed annularly, and forms an annular area coming to rest on the iris of an eye, and comprises a central circular opening, wherein at least one attaching means is formed for detachable attachment of the implant the iris. The attaching means is disposed within the annular area of the implant. The invention further discloses methods of locating and fixing an implant for altering the iris color.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described for treatment of morbid obesity using minimally invasive techniques. The apparatus includes a system of components that may be used separately or in combination for effectively reducing stomach volume, bypassing a portion of the stomach and/or small intestines, reducing nutrient absorption in the stomach and/or small intestines and/or depositing minimally or undigested food farther than normal into the intestines, thereby stimulating intestinal responses. The components described include an artificial stoma device, a gastric sleeve device, an intestinal sleeve device and a combined gastrointestinal sleeve device.

Abstract: An iris assembly of this invention comprises an iris button having a frontside surface. An iris member is joined to the iris button frontside surface and has an iris image disposed thereon. The iris image is provided using digital image capture, storage, enhancement, and printing techniques, and is provided onto a suitable substrate. A cornea piece is made from a clear material, and is joined to the iris member frontside surface. Prior to joining, the iris member is encapsulated with a clear protective film thereover that operates to protect the iris image from unwanted smudging or other type of distortion during the step of joining the cornea piece. Iris assemblies of this invention are constructed in a manner that provide a more accurate reproduction of the iris image, in a manner that is both time efficient and cost effective, when compared to conventional iris assemblies and methods for making the same.