Abstract: The present invention is directed to interbody spinal fusion implants having a structural configuration that provides for the maintaining and creating of the normal anatomic angular relationship of two adjacent vertebrae of the spine to maintain and create spinal lordosis. The spinal fusion implants of the present invention are sized to fit within the disc space created by the removal of disc material between two adjacent vertebrae and conform wholly or in part to the disc space created. The spinal fusion implants of the present invention have upper and lower surfaces that form a support structure for bearing against the end plates of the adjacent vertebrae. The upper and lower surfaces are disposed in a converging angular relationship to each other such that the implants of the present invention have an overall “wedged-shape” in an elevational side view.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to devices and methods for diverting emboli away from the carotid arteries in the aorta. The devices are aortic diverters that generally comprise a hollow tube with a substantially cylindrical or conical wall, which is impermeable to emboli and which has open ends that allow blood to enter one end, flow through the tube and exit the other end. Additionally, snowshoe aortic diverters, which are planar rather than cylindrical are also disclosed. The methods of the invention generally include the steps of providing an aortic diverter carried by an intravascular catheter, introducing the intravascular catheter into the vascular system, advancing the intravascular catheter into the aortic arch to the region of the carotid arteries, and deploying the aortic diverter.

Abstract: An expandable tissue supporting device of the present invention employs ductile hinges at selected points in the expandable device. When expansion forces are applied to the device as a whole, the ductile hinges concentrate expansion stresses and strains in small well defined areas. The expandable medical device including ductile hinges provides the advantages of low expansion force requirements, relatively thick walls which are radio-opaque, improved crimping properties, high crush strength, reduced elastic recoil after implantation, and control of strain to a desired level. The expandable tissue supporting device includes a plurality of elongated beams arranged in a cylindrical device and connected together by a plurality of ductile hinges.

Abstract: An acetabular cup having an outer surface elongated in a superior/lateral direction is effective to anatomically transfer load to the acetabulum and reduce the likelihood of bone fracture during implantation into the acetabulum. The outer surface has a first portion defined by a first radius and a second portion defined by a second radius. The second radius is offset from the first radius in superior and lateral directions to elongate the outer surface of the acetabular cup.

Abstract: A balloon expandable metal stent is provided that includes a multiplicity of circumferential sets of strut members wherein at least two adjacent circumferential sets of strut members are coupled together by a plurality of undulating longitudinal struts. The stent is annealed to a degree where frictional forces existing in the longitudinal direction between adjacent circumferential sets of strut members and the balloon, during inflation, are greater than a force required to permanently deform the undulating longitudinal struts. Thus, the expansion of the space between adjacent circumferential sets of strut members during inflation of the balloon compensates for shortening of the stent that would otherwise occur during radial expansion of the stent responsive to the inflation of the balloon.

Abstract: A composite stent device comprises a shape memory alloy stent sleeve which is treated so that it can exert an outward force on a lumen in which the stent device is to be deployed, and a restraint element which restricts the maximum transverse dimension to which the stent sleeve can expand outwardly. The restraint sleeve can minimize damage to a lumen by a stent located within it. It can be arranged to allow the stent device to be deformed in a bending mode, for example when the lumen in which the device is located is subjected to a transverse flattening deformation, relying on the enhanced elastic properties of the shape memory alloy stent sleeve to recover to the open, generally rounded configuration.

Abstract: An alignable orthopedic prosthesis system includes a prosthesis and an alignment guide. The prosthesis includes a stem having at least one slot extending along its length. The alignment guide has an alignment body with a guide surface extending from an end thereof, namely a key element formed as a blade for engaging and guiding the slot to orient the prosthesis stem. The alignment body also fits against a machined bone surface so that the blade is positioned in a plane that is oriented to guide the stem smoothly into contact with a recess formed in the bone.

Abstract: An ultra high molecular weight polyethylene molded article for artificial joints has molecular orientation or crystal orientation in the molded article, and is low in friction and is superior in abrasion resistance, and therefore is available as components for artificial joints. Further, the ultra high molecular weight polyethylene molded article for artificial joints can be used as a component for artificial hip joints (artificial acetabular cup), a component for artificial knee joints (artificial tibial insert) and the socket for artificial elbow joints, and in addition to the medical use, it can be applied as materials for various industries by utilizing the characteristics such as low friction and superior abrasion resistance.

Abstract: The invention relates to a spinal disc endoprosthesis. The endoprosthesis has a resilient body formed of one or more materials which may vary in stiffness from a relatively stiff exterior annular gasket portion to a relatively supple central nucleus portion. Concaval-convex elements at least partly surround that nucleus portion so as to retain the nucleus portion and gasket between adjacent vertebral bodies in a patient's spine. Assemblies of endoprosthetic discs, endoprosthetic vertebral bodies, and endoprosthetic longitudinal ligaments may be constructed. To implant this endoprosthesis assembly, information is obtained regarding the size, shape, and nature of a patient's damaged spine. Thereafter, one or more prosthetic vertebral bodies and disc units are constructed in conformity with that information. Finally, the completed and conformed vertebral body and disc assembly is implanted in the patient's spine.

Abstract: An offset trial stem system includes a baseplate and a trial stem. The trial stem has a main body portion and a baseplate connection portion. The baseplate connection portion is threadably attached to the baseplate, and is offset from, and connected to, the main body portion by a transition portion. A threaded member is provided for attaching the trial stem to the baseplate. The threaded member is mounted for reciprocating and rotating movement in the trial stem.

Abstract: Combinations of medical adhesive composites, e.g., dressings, and a package in which the medical adhesive composites are attached to a release surface on the bottom sheet of the package are disclosed. The dressings may include a flexible backing and carrier. Methods of manufacturing and using the combination are also disclosed.

Abstract: A punctum plug adapted to be inserted into the punctum opening of an eye and into the horizontal sac portion of the horizontal canaliculus is shown. The punctum plug, or implant, comprises an elongated member having a pair of ends wherein one of the pair of ends includes a collapsible flared section, or internal retaining member, which has a sloped or curved outer surface. The other end of the pair of ends includes a thin elongated lip, or external retaining member, to engage the edge of the punctum opening. The elongated member and collapsible flared section are formed of a dimension to pass through the punctum opening of an eye. The collapsible flared section has an extended position and a collapsed position. As the collapsible flared section passes through the punctum opening and into the section of the canaliculus located between the punctum opening and the ampula or horizontal sac, a clamping force is developed to collapse the collapsible flared section.

Abstract: A stent-graft assembly and method of preparing the same are disclosed. In a first embodiment, the assembly comprises a stent and a graft, wherein the graft has a delivery configuration and a treatment configuration in relation to the stent. In the delivery configuration, the graft material is longer than the stent, covers the outer diameter of the stent, and is folded under and into the inner diameter of the stent. In the treatment configuration, the graft is shorter in length than the stent, such that the graft is no longer folded under the ends and the end regions of the stent are uncovered. The graft is sufficiently affixed to the stent to prevent migration of the graft, yet sufficiently free of the stent such that it can assume a second configuration upon deployment of the device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an intervertebral implant for insertion between two vertebral bodies of a spinal column, comprising a body containing two contact faces, whereby the body is designed as a hollow body, and the hollow body is formed by a side wall which has a convexly curved longitudinal wall portion and a concavely curved longitudinal wall portion as well as two convexly curved lateral wall portions connecting the two longitudinal wall portions with each other, whereby the radii of curvature of the lateral wall portions are smaller than the radii of curvature of the longitudinal wall portions.

Abstract: A joint endoprosthesis has a first implant component which can be attached to a first epiphysis, and a second implant component which can be attached to a second epiphysis of two epiphyses forming a joint, with the first implant component and the second implant component each having articular surfaces for the formation of a swivel joint, and with a sliding piece being provided that in addition enables a rotational movement and a translational movement of the epiphyses with respect to each other.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for replacing at least a portion of a proximal tibia. The tibial tray apparatus includes a posterior compensation element configured for extension across a resected surface of the tibia and formed to include a proximal surface, a distal surface, and a side wall and a stem extending from and being unitary with the distal surface. The side wall of the posterior compensation element includes an anterior region with an anterior height and a posterior region with a posterior height, the posterior height being greater than the anterior height.

Abstract: An external custom prosthetic device is created and positioned upon a patient such that an area to be covered is matingly engaged with a product that is a simulacrum of the part desired to be replaced due to reversed imaging, by laser photography or laser mapping. A method for creating a silicone based prosthetic, process for generating same with or without an air pocket disposed therein, and products by these processes are likewise taught.

Abstract: A breast prosthesis worn in a brassiere or the like. It has a prosthesis y having a front side in the shape of a natural breast, a back side with a recess and a prosthesis edge which follows a closed line on which the front side and the back side both end. The prosthesis body has a soft elastic silicone rubber compound which is enclosed without any voids in a bag consisting of two elastically expandable plastic films joined tightly together along the edge of the prosthesis. When the wearer is lying down, the prosthesis should assume a stretched form, where the front side is flattened slightly. When the wearer stands upright, the upper part should sag downward slightly, with the lower and middle areas of the front side having a somewhat greater bulge.

Abstract: A wedge-shaped prosthetic spinal disc nucleus including a hydrogel core surrounded by a constraining jacket. The hydrogel core is preshaped to form the wedge shape in a hydrated state. The constraining jacket is flexible, but substantially inelastic and is configured to prevent the hydrogel core from conforming to an anulus upon hydration. The prosthetic spinal disc nucleus corresponds generally to anatomical variations in disc space geometry, generally defined by separable areas or compartments, thus improving performance. In one preferred embodiment, the prosthetic spinal disc nucleus includes a radiopaque marker for indicating a location and orientation following implant.

Abstract: A flexible "scaffold" envelope is disclosed which can be used to replace damaged cartilage in knees, shoulders, or other joints of a mammalian body. Designed for use in arthroscopic surgery, the envelope is sufficiently flexible to allow it to be rolled up or folded and inserted into a knee or other joint via a small skin incision. Before insertion, a segment of damaged cartilage is removed from a bone surface, and the bone surface is prepared, using various tools and alignment guides disclosed herein. After the envelope is inserted into the joint, it is unfolded, positioned properly, and anchored and cemented to a bone surface. After anchoring, the envelope is filled via an inlet tube with a polymeric substance that will set and solidify at body temperature. During filling and setting, the surgeon can manipulate the exterior shape of the scaffold envelope, to ensure that the implant will have a proper final shape after the polymer has cured into fully solidified form.