Abstract: An additively manufactured ankle-foot orthosis. The ankle-foot orthosis includes an additively manufactured footplate and a calf cuff separate from the additively manufactured footplate. A pre-fabricated strut connects the additively manufactured footplate to the additively manufactured calf cuff and includes thickness and width adapted to define a patient-specific stiffness about an ankle joint of a patient. The stiffness of the pre-fabricated strut is suited to one or more of a gait need or a gait requirement of each patient, and the additively manufactured footplate has a portion with a shape complementary to a shape of a portion of the pre-fabricated strut. So configured, a collective shape and volume of the additively manufactured footplate and the pre-fabricated strut together are adapted to fit inside a shoe of the patient.

Abstract: A method of forming a porous three-dimensional (3D) is disclosed. The method comprises (I) printing a first composition on a substrate (16) with the nozzle (12) of the apparatus (10) to form at least one first filament (14) comprising the first composition, (II) selectively controlling the distance and/or the speed such that the at least one first filament coils on the substrate to give a first layer on the substrate, the first layer comprising a coiled filament, optionally repeating steps I) and II) with independently selected composition(s) for any additional layer(s), and (III) exposing the layer(s) to a solidification condition. A porous three-dimensional (3D) article formed in accordance with the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to devices, systems, and methods for performing needle biopsies. In particular, provided herein is a biopsy device comprising an asymmetric stylet tip with multiple bevels and uses thereof.

Abstract: An example nasal airway tube includes a tubular body having a distal end and a proximal end. A surface at the distal end including an opening. The tubular body having an overall curvature with a radius of curvature defined relative to a longitudinal axis of the tube. An X-axis is defined by the longitudinal axis of the tube, and a Y-axis extends perpendicularly from the longitudinal axis and has a positive direction defined outwardly relative to the radius of curvature. At least a portion of the opening faces outwardly relative to the radius of curvature. A vector normal to a plane defined by the opening includes a positive Y-coordinate.

Abstract: A method of forming a three-dimensional (3D) article is disclosed. The method comprises (I) printing a first composition (14) on a deformable substrate (18) at a volumetric flow rate with a 3D printer to forma deformable first filament (16) comprising the first composition on the deformable substrate. The method further comprises (II) controlling the volumetric flow rate to reduce a deformation force applied by a nozzle (12) of the 3D printer to the deformable substrate (18) and give a first layer comprising the deformable first filament (16) on the deformable substrate. In the method, (I) and (II) may optionally be repeated with independently selected composition(s) to form any additional deformable filament(s) and corresponding layer(s). Finally, the method comprises (III) exposing the layer(s) to a solidification condition. A 3D article formed in accordance with the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: An everter device to facilitate preparation of ends of arterial segments for end-to-end microvascular anastomosis. The device includes structure that provides sufficient support to prevent unwanted buckling of arterial tissue. The everter device offsets the tendency of the arterial tissue wall to recover its natural shape and fall off securement posts or pins of a coupler ring. The structure may be in the form of an intraluminal catheter balloon. Alternately, the structure may be in the form of a plunger. Alternately, the structure may be in the form of a radially expanding member provided on a shaft. The device further has a contoured surface on an everter end to evert a free end of arterial tissue over a coupler ring, and to cause the posts or pins of the coupler ring to pierce through the everted arterial tissue. The everter end is provided with one or more openings therein, such as a circumferential slot, to receive the posts or pins of the coupler ring.

Abstract: An everter device to facilitate preparation of ends of arterial segments for end-to-end microvascular anastomosis. The device includes structure that provides sufficient support to prevent unwanted buckling of arterial tissue. The everter device offsets the tendency of the arterial tissue wall to recover its natural shape and fall off securement posts or pins of a coupler ring. The structure may be in the form of an intraluminal catheter balloon. Alternately, the structure may be in the form of a plunger. Alternately, the structure may be in the form of a radially expanding member provided on a shaft. The device further has a contoured surface on an everter end to evert a free end of arterial tissue over a coupler ring, and to cause the posts or pins of the coupler ring to pierce through the everted arterial tissue. The everter end is provided with one or more openings therein, such as a circumferential slot, to receive the posts or pins of the coupler ring.

Abstract: A portable compact tourniquet includes a pivot housing, a strap carriage that is linearly translatable relative to the pivot housing, and a screw assembly. When the screw assembly is operated, the strap carriage away from the pivot housing, thus tightening a tourniquet strap that is attached to the strap carriage and to the pivot housing.

Abstract: A method of forming a porous three-dimensional (3D) is disclosed. The method comprises (I) printing a first composition on a substrate (16) with the nozzle (12) of the apparatus (10) to form at least one first filament (14) comprising the first composition, (II) selectively controlling the distance and/or the speed such that the at least one first filament coils on the substrate to give a first layer on the substrate, the first layer comprising a coiled filament, optionally repeating steps I) and II) with independently selected composition(s) for any additional layer(s), and (III) exposing the layer(s) to a solidification condition. A porous three-dimensional (3D) article formed in accordance with the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: An everter device to facilitate preparation of ends of arterial segments for end-to-end microvascular anastomosis. The device includes structure that provides sufficient support to prevent unwanted buckling of arterial tissue. The everter device offsets the tendency of the arterial tissue wall to recover its natural shape and fall off securement posts or pins of a coupler ring. The structure may be in the form of an intraluminal catheter balloon. Alternately, the structure may be in the form of a plunger. Alternately, the structure may be in the form of a radially expanding member provided on a shaft. The device further has a contoured surface on an everter end to evert a free end of arterial tissue over a coupler ring, and to cause the posts or pins of the coupler ring to pierce through the everted arterial tissue. The everter end is provided with one or more openings therein, such as a circumferential slot, to receive the posts or pins of the coupler ring.

Abstract: A portable compact tourniquet includes a pivot housing, a strap carriage that is linearly translatable relative to the pivot housing, and a screw assembly. When the screw assembly is operated, the strap carriage away from the pivot housing, thus tightening a tourniquet strap that is attached to the strap carriage and to the pivot housing.

Abstract: A face mask that may be used for bag-mask ventilation, during the induction of general anesthesia for example, and allows for two-handed or ambidextrous use. The face mask includes a dome connected to a deformable rim, which forms an enclosed air space when the rim is pressed against a patient's face. The dome has a connection port and a contoured outer surface adjacent the connection port. The contoured outer surface includes contour features such as a pair of crossed composite recesses which may each receive a different one of a user's thumbs. The connection port is aligned with the patient's mouth when the mask is in use and an adapter may be included that attaches to the connection port and provides a ventilation port as well as an intubation port that is aligned with the mouth.

Abstract: An airway support appliance lifts a patient's jaw upwards by using the mid-face of the patient as a stable fulcrum, thereby alleviating the need for techniques or devices to detect or alleviate airway obstructions. The appliance spans the patient's lower face and is secured to the angle and ramus of each side of the mobile mandible. These attachments are linked to one another across the midface or maxilla, using the bridge of the nose or the area between the nose and upper lip of the patient as the stabilizing point. The appliance may include an adjustment mechanism to facilitate tightening. Upon securement of the device to the patient while in a supine position, and activation of the adjustment mechanism, the mandible of the patient, which is mobile, is lifted anteriorly. Upon lifting of the mandible, the patient's tongue is carried forward and away from the posterior pharynx.

Abstract: An active exoskeletal spinal orthosis that can reduce the spinal compression and muscle effort involved in resisting gravitational bending moments. The spinal orthosis includes upper and lower members that fit around the body in the area of the spine. Actuators extend between the upper and lower members. By applying a corrective moment, a distraction force, or both to a user via the actuators, the spinal orthosis allows for supported multi-planar maneuverability within a set range of motion. A controller activates the actuators based on sensor feedback that is indicative of pressure or some other sensed physical parameter related to the bending moment.

Abstract: A face mask that may be used for bag-mask ventilation, during the induction of general anesthesia for example, and allows for two-handed or ambidextrous use. The face mask includes a dome connected to a deformable rim, which forms an enclosed air space when the rim is pressed against a patient's face. The dome has a connection port and a contoured outer surface adjacent the connection port. The contoured outer surface includes contour features such as a pair of crossed composite recesses which may each receive a different one of a user's thumbs. The connection port is aligned with the patient's mouth when the mask is in use and an adapter may be included that attaches to the connection port and provides a ventilation port as well as an intubation port that is aligned with the mouth.

Abstract: An active exoskeletal spinal orthosis that can reduce the spinal compression and muscle effort involved in resisting gravitational bending moments. The spinal orthosis includes upper and lower members that fit around the body in the area of the spine. Actuators extend between the upper and lower members. By applying a corrective moment, a distraction force, or both to a user via the actuators, the spinal orthosis allows for supported multi-planar maneuverability within a set range of motion. A controller activates the actuators based on sensor feedback that is indicative of pressure or some other sensed physical parameter related to the bending moment.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for treating a tissue includes a handpiece and a tissue engaging portion arranged to be received by the handpiece. The tissue engaging portion includes first and second opposed jaw members having an open position and a closed position for engaging the tissue therebetween, where the first and second jaw members are arranged to receive surgical energy from a surgical generator. The tissue engaging portion further includes at least one cooling member spaced from at least one of the first and second jaw members, where the cooling member has an open position and a closed position for engaging the tissue. Positioning the jaw members in their closed position and applying surgical energy to the tissue allows for treatment of the tissue, and positioning the cooling member in its closed position provides at least one of a pressure gradient or a thermal gradient between the jaw members and the cooling member.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for treating a tissue includes a handpiece and a tissue engaging portion arranged to be received by the handpiece. The tissue engaging portion includes first and second opposed jaw members having an open position and a closed position for engaging the tissue therebetween, where the first and second jaw members are arranged to receive surgical energy from a surgical generator. The tissue engaging portion further includes at least one cooling member spaced from at least one of the first and second jaw members, where the cooling member has an open position and a closed position for engaging the tissue. Positioning the jaw members in their closed position and applying surgical energy to the tissue allows for treatment of the tissue, and positioning the cooling member in its closed position provides at least one of a pressure gradient or a thermal gradient between the jaw members and the cooling member.

Abstract: Filter devices, suitable for rendering pathogenic microorganisms non-viable and capable of regeneration to serve as filter devices for applications such as diesel engines where combustible particulates are trapped, include at least one porous filter element which is capable of electrically resistive heating to a temperature such that pathogens are rendered non-viable, and/or to a regeneration temperature such that combustible particulates are destroyed.

Abstract: A method for accurately and economically shaping a zirconia workpiece with a relatively inexpensive silicon carbide grinding wheel is provided. The grinding wheel used in the method preferably utilizes 220 mesh silicon carbide particles bound in a low porosity vitreous matrix. The grinding wheel is then rotated at a sufficient speed to implement a grinding operation, and is engaged against the zirconia workpiece at a diametral feed rate of at least 0.04 mm/sec. The method advantageously removes material from the zirconia workpiece at a high rate of speed with minimal wheel wear, and results in accurate cuts and smooth surface finishes, and also eliminates the need for dressing the wheel prior to the grinding operation.