Abstract: A whip stitched graft construct and method of formation. The whip stitched graft construct includes a plurality of tendon strand regions or soft tissue grafts placed together so that at least a portion of the plurality of the tendon strand regions are stitched together by employing multiple suture passes placed according to a whip stitching technique. Preferably, the multiple suture passes start at about the mid length of the plurality of tendon strand regions and are advanced toward one of the free ends of the tendon strands. The whip stitched graft construct is provided with at least two regions, one region formed of at least a plurality of tendon strand regions tied and whip stitched together, and the other region formed of untied segments of the plurality of tendon strands.

Abstract: Unitary accommodating intraocular lenses (AIOLs) including a haptics system for self-anchoring in a human eye's ciliary sulcus and a resiliently elastically compressible shape memory optical element having a continuously variable Diopter strength between a first Diopter strength in a non-compressed state and a second Diopter strength different than its first Diopter strength in a compressed state. The unitary AIOLS include an optical element with an exposed trailing surface and are intended to be used with a discrete base member for applying an axial compression force against the exposed trailing surface from a posterior direction. Some unitary AIOLs are intended to be used with either a purpose designed base member or a previously implanted standard in-the-bag IOL. Other unitary AIOLs are intended to be solely used with a purpose designed base member.

Abstract: An intraocularlens of novel structure by which the outer circumferential part of an optical portion can be pressed stably against a posterior capsule under worn state and crisis of secondary cataract can be suppressed more advantageously. A pair of coupling portions (14, 14) are formed to hold an optical portion (12) between them in one direction perpendicular to the optical axis, wherein the outer fringe parts of the coupling portions (14, 14) are made thicker than the outer fringe part of the optical portion (12), a pair of supporting portions (16, 16) are formed to project from the outer fringe parts of the coupling portions (14, 14) and a edge contour part (32) is formed continuously on the outer fringe parts of the optical portion (12) and respective posterior surfaces (20, 24) of the coupling portions (14, 14) so as to extend smoothly along the entire circumference thereof.

Abstract: Mitral valve prolapse and mitral regurgitation can be treating by implanting in the mitral annulus a transvalvular intraannular band having an elongate and arcuate body. The elongate and arcuate body has a first end, a first anchoring portion located proximate the first end, a second end, a second anchoring portion located proximate the second end, and a central portion. The central portion is displaced from the plane containing the first end and the second end. The transvalvular band is positioned so that it extends transversely across a coaptive edge formed by the closure of the mitral valve leaflets and the central portion is displaced towards the left ventricle relative to the first anchoring portion and the second anchoring portion. The ventricular direction displacement moves coaption to an earlier point in the cardiac cycle.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention provides an ophthalmic lens (e.g., an IOL) that includes an optic having an anterior surface and a posterior surface disposed about an optical axis. At least one of the surfaces (e.g., the anterior surface) has a profile characterized by superposition of a base profile and an auxiliary profile. The auxiliary profile can include an inner region, an outer region and a transition region between the inner and the outer regions, where an optical path difference across the transition region (i.e., the optical path difference between the inner and the outer radial boundaries of the transition region) corresponds to a non-integer fraction (e.g., ½) of a design wavelength (e.g., a wavelength of about 550 nm).

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a stent includes forming a wave form having a plurality of struts and a plurality of crowns. Each crown connects two adjacent struts. The wave form has a center and two portions extending from opposite sides of the center. The method includes wrapping a first portion of the wave form about a longitudinal axis in a first direction at a first pitch angle, starting at the center of the wave form, to define at least one turn oriented at the first pitch angle, and wrapping a second portion of the wave form about the longitudinal axis in a second direction that is opposite the first direction at a second pitch angle, starting at the center of the wave form, to define at least one turn oriented at the second pitch angle. The first pitch angle is opposite the second pitch angle.

Abstract: A device for implantation in a body vessel is provided. The device includes a frame that accommodates dynamic variation in the size of the vessel. At least one leaflet is attached to the frame. The leaflet is deformable between a first position allowing fluid flow in a first, antegrade direction and a second position restricting fluid flow in a second, retrograde direction. Methods for delivering the device to a body vessel and methods and kits for treating a subject using such a device are also provided.

Abstract: A graft construct formed of a plurality of single tendon strands or soft tissue grafts placed together so that at least a portion of one of the single tendon strands is wrapped around a portion of another of the single tendon strands by employing suturing, for example. The graft construct is provided with at least two regions, one region formed of at least a plurality of tendon strands tied together, and the other region formed of loose segments of the plurality of tendon strands.

Abstract: An ocular implant alters iris color for medical and cosmetic purposes and is made of an inert, nontoxic, foldable and preferably permeable to fluid flow material. It is an annular non-planar structure that fits over the iris yet leaves the natural lens uncovered and extends approximately to the iridocorneal angle. Two different kinds of arc sections of a non-uniform thickness make up the structure: passage arc sections and support arc sections. The passage arc sections permit humor aqueous flow under the implant. The support arc sections make contact with the iris and provide the necessary support for the passage arc sections. Auricles extend from the support arc sections and are configured to hold the implant in place by engaging the eye at the iridocorneal angle. The implant may include an artificial lens and preferably spurs on the support arc sections to anchor for the artificial lens.

Abstract: An intraocular lens for providing accommodative vision to a subject includes a frame disposed about an optical axis, a first optical element, a second optical element, and a connecting element operably coupling the frame to the optical elements. The frame comprises an anterior frame element and a posterior frame element. The connecting element is configured to convert a first displacement between the frame elements in a direction that is substantially parallel to the optical axis into a second displacement between the optical elements that is substantially perpendicular to the optical axis. The second displacement may be translational and/or rotation. In some embodiments, the optical elements are two varifocal lenses.

Abstract: An intraocular lens comprises an optical element adapted to be implanted within the capsular bag of a human eye. The optical element includes one or more internal layers formed by one or more planes that are moveable relative to one another in order to effect the power of the optical element.

Abstract: An arthroplastic implant for a basilar joint of a hand of a patient includes a body having a distal surface and a proximal surface opposite therefrom. The distal surface is to be positioned adjacent a first metacarpal bone at the basilar joint of the hand of the patient. The arthroplastic implant also includes a shield extending outwardly from the distal surface of the body to shield adjacent portions of the first metacarpal bone and a second metacarpal bone of the hand of the patient.

Abstract: A reading enhancement device for preventing and/or treating presbyopia of the eye. The enhancement device is sutured to an outer wall of the sclera for buckling and compressing a portion of the sclera and the ciliary body inwardly and perpendicular to the plane of the sclera and exerting a posterior compression force toward the vitreous humor in the rear of the eye. The enhancement device includes a compression body with a front of the body having semi-circular convex surface. The compression body made of a non-metallic, synthetic polymer. The convex surface is used for engaging, buckling and compressing both a portion of the sclera and the ciliary body of the eye. The compression body also includes an enlarged, rounded first and second end portions and an elongated center portion with the convex surface formed thereon. Also, the compression body includes a rear having an outwardly extending rib portion with a pair of grooves at opposite ends of the rib portion.

Abstract: A multi-planar annuloplasty ring for implantation adjacent to the tricuspid valve with a gap adjacent to the apex of the triangle of Koch. The anterior part of the ring body extending from the highest point at the anteroseptal commissure down to a lower plane at the anteroposterior commissure. During this course it is curved upwards. The posterior part of the ring body extends downward towards the lowest point at the posteroseptal commissure in a relatively straight course. The septal part of the ring body extending from the lowest point at the posteroseptal commissure upwards towards the highest point at the anteroseptal commissure. During this course it is curved upward.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for surgically coupling a soft tissue replacement into a tunnel of a bone are disclosed. The method includes forming a loop of a soft tissue or soft tissue replacement. A pair of prosthetics are coupled to the loop of soft tissue to form an artificial bone-tendon-bone graft. The prosthetics and soft tissue are then placed within a tunnel formed in a bone. The relative position of the prosthetic is then fixed with respect to the tunnel.

Abstract: A valve for use in a body lumen, where the valve includes a valve leaflet with delayed leaflet deployment relative an in vivo implant time. The valve includes a valve frame, a valve leaflet coupled to the valve frame. The valve leaflet includes a commissure that can reversibly seal for unidirectional flow of a liquid through the valve, and a biodegradable adhesive between the valve leaflet and the valve frame to hold at least the commissure of the valve leaflet in a static relationship relative the valve frame for a predetermined time once implanted in vivo.

Abstract: Intraocular lenses containing a photochromic agent, are disclosed. Specifically, the foldable intraocular lens of the present invention comprises an optic body made from a crosslinked material comprising at least one monomer, a crosslinker, a UV absorber, and a photochromic agent which has a maximum absorption peak of about 400-500 nm in its excited state. The lens has a glass transition temperature of about 37° C. or lower. Methods for making these intraocular lenses are also taught.

Abstract: Axial distances between ocular structures can be measured by focusing an optical unit on focus planes corresponding to the ocular structures and using the distance between focus planes to determine the distance between the ocular structures. The method is particularly useful during eye surgery, e.g., cataract surgery, where the distance between ocular structures, particularly an aphakic pupil, can be used to more accurately predict the effective lens position for an intraocular lens.

Abstract: A spinal stabilization system includes an implant and instrumentation for stabilizing the spine. In one embodiment, the system includes a plate having a side rail and a channel extending adjacent the side rail. A pedicle screw assembly is positioned in the channel in releasable engagement with the side rail. The pedicle screw assembly includes a polyaxial screw seated in a lower housing having a lower locking flange. An upper housing having an upper locking flange secures the plate to the lower housing. The side rail of the plate is releasably engaged between the upper locking flange and the lower locking flange. The upper and lower housings include on-board locking mechanisms for fixing components in the screw assembly. The screw assembly and plate are inserted and oriented by remote manipulation. Minimally invasive techniques for inserting the implant are performed with the instrumentation, and cause minimal disturbance to surrounding tissue.

Abstract: An ocular implant including a hydrophobic pseudo-endothelial implant and a binding agent applied thereto, the binding agent capable of bonding the implant to a posterior portion of a cornea such that the implant serves as a water barrier enabling dehydration of the cornea.