Abstract: An additive manufacturing guide for variable size additive manufacturing is provided. The additive manufacturing guide includes an actuator movable between a maximum flow position and a minimum flow position. The additive manufacturing guide also includes an adjustable port defining a variable area outlet aperture. The actuator is configured to deform the adjustable port to selectively resize the variable area outlet aperture. The maximum flow position corresponds to a maximum area of the variable area outlet aperture and the minimum flow position corresponds to a minimum area of the variable area outlet aperture. An additive manufacturing system including the additive manufacturing guide is also provided. A method of additive manufacturing with variable bead sizes using the additive manufacturing guide is further provided.

Abstract: A static mixer is disclosed. The static mixer comprises a housing (22) defining an internal mixing cavity (36) that longitudinally extends along a central axis between an inlet (38) and an outlet (40) and is adapted for axial flow of a fluid therethrough. The static mixer also comprises a mixing element (42) disposed within the mixing cavity (36). The mixing element (42) is configured to be free from an impingement surface oriented substantially perpendicular to a main direction of fluid flow through the internal mixing cavity (36). The mixing element (42) comprises an elongated mixing blade that is oriented longitudinally within the mixing cavity (36) and comprises a nose axially oriented toward the inlet (38). The static mixer may comprise a heat-exchanging jacket integrally formed with the housing (22). An additive manufacturing system comprising the static mixer, and methods of making and using the same, are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a mechanically-actuated tool for cutting a tissue graft having a hollow core and methods for use thereof. A portion of a biological structure, such as a nerve, is attached to the hollow core to form an implantable neural graft assembly. The tool has a cutter mechanism and a grasper mechanism. The grasper mechanism has one or more component(s) that open and close via an actuation mechanism, like a handle, and rotate via a controller component, like a rotatable wheel. The cutter mechanism may be a cutting tube component that harvests the tissue graft. The tool may also have an ejector mechanism to remove the tissue graft as part of the implantable neural graft assembly. Such devices and methods are particularly suitable for treating neuromas and other neural regeneration procedures.

Abstract: A dynamic balloon angioplasty system for applying a dynamic pressure to fracture hardened materials embedded within an elastic conduit. The system having a pressure source system outputting at least a first predetermined pressure from a pressure source outlet, and an angioplasty unit fluidly coupled to the pressure source outlet receiving at least the first predetermined pressure. The angioplasty unit having an angioplasty inflation device, an angioplasty balloon connector, and an oscillating mechanism selectively actuated to output a plurality of pressure pulses to the angioplasty balloon via a fluid communication path. A control system is configured to determine an optimal hydraulic pressure oscillation frequency and amplitude for a given procedure and output a control signal to the oscillating mechanism, and monitor a pressure signal to detect fracture of the hardened material within the elastic conduit or system failure or leakage.

Abstract: A dynamic balloon angioplasty system for applying a dynamic pressure to fracture hardened materials embedded within an elastic conduit. The system having a pressure source system outputting at least a first predetermined pressure from a pressure source outlet, and an angioplasty unit fluidly coupled to the pressure source outlet receiving at least the first predetermined pressure. The angioplasty unit having an angioplasty inflation device, an angioplasty balloon connector, and an oscillating mechanism selectively actuated to output a plurality of pressure pulses to the angioplasty balloon via a fluid communication path. A control system is configured to determine an optimal hydraulic pressure oscillation frequency and amplitude for a given procedure and output a control signal to the oscillating mechanism, and monitor a pressure signal to detect fracture of the hardened material within the elastic conduit or system failure or leakage.

Abstract: A method of forming a three-dimensional (3D) pattern or article comprises: (1) selecting a first composition to be printed with a nozzle of an apparatus; (II) identifying desired characteristics of a pattern or layer (“pattern/layer”) to be formed by printing the first composition; (Ill) determining dimensional differences between the desired characteristics of the pattern/layer and predicted characteristics of the pattern/layer based on computational simulation modeling, or determining dimensional differences between the desired characteristics of the pattern/layer and actual characteristics of a trial layer, based on a flow rate of the first composition, a speed of a substrate and/or the nozzle, and the desired characteristics of the pattern/layer; and (IV) printing the first composition with the nozzle on the substrate to form the pattern/layer. The method comprises, during (IV) printing, (V) implementing a correction signal to adjust a flow rate of the first composition.

Abstract: A static mixer is disclosed. The static mixer comprises a housing (22) defining an internal mixing cavity (36) that longitudinally extends along a central axis between an inlet (38) and an outlet (40) and is adapted for axial flow of a fluid therethrough. The static mixer also comprises a mixing element (42) disposed within the mixing cavity (36). The mixing element (42) is configured to be free from an impingement surface oriented substantially perpendicular to a main direction of fluid flow through the internal mixing cavity (36). The mixing element (42) comprises an elongated mixing blade that is oriented longitudinally within the mixing cavity (36) and comprises a nose axially oriented toward the inlet (38). The static mixer may comprise a heat-exchanging jacket integrally formed with the housing (22). An additive manufacturing system comprising the static mixer, and methods of making and using the same, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A dynamic balloon angioplasty system for applying a dynamic pressure to fracture hardened materials embedded within an elastic conduit. The system having a pressure source system outputting at least a first predetermined pressure from a pressure source outlet, and an angioplasty unit fluidly coupled to the pressure source outlet receiving at least the first predetermined pressure. The angioplasty unit having an angioplasty inflation device, an angioplasty balloon connector, and an oscillating mechanism selectively actuated to output a plurality of pressure pulses to the angioplasty balloon via a fluid communication path. A control system is configured to determine an optimal hydraulic pressure oscillation frequency and amplitude for a given procedure and output a control signal to the oscillating mechanism, and monitor a pressure signal to detect fracture of the hardened material within the elastic conduit or system failure or leakage.

Abstract: A dynamic balloon angioplasty system for applying a dynamic pressure to fracture hardened materials embedded within an elastic conduit. The system having a pressure source system outputting at least a first predetermined pressure from a pressure source outlet, and an angioplasty unit fluidly coupled to the pressure source outlet receiving at least the first predetermined pressure. The angioplasty unit having an angioplasty inflation device, an angioplasty balloon connector, and an oscillating mechanism selectively actuated to output a plurality of pressure pulses to the angioplasty balloon via a fluid communication path. A control system is configured to determine an optimal hydraulic pressure oscillation frequency and amplitude for a given procedure and output a control signal to the oscillating mechanism, and monitor a pressure signal to detect fracture of the hardened material within the elastic conduit or system failure or leakage.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a mechanically-actuated tool for cutting a tissue graft having a hollow core and methods for use thereof. A portion of a biological structure, such as a nerve, is attached to the hollow core to form an implantable neural graft assembly. The tool has a cutter mechanism and a grasper mechanism. The grasper mechanism has one or more component(s) that open and close via an actuation mechanism, like a handle, and rotate via a controller component, like a rotatable wheel. The cutter mechanism may be a cutting tube component that harvests the tissue graft. The tool may also have an ejector mechanism to remove the tissue graft as part of the implantable neural graft assembly. Such devices and methods are particularly suitable for treating neuromas and other neural regeneration procedures.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a mechanically-actuated tool for cutting a tissue graft having a hollow core and methods for use thereof. A portion of a biological structure, such as a nerve, is attached to the hollow core to form an implantable neural graft assembly. The tool has a cutter mechanism and a grasper mechanism. The grasper mechanism has one or more component(s) that open and close via an actuation mechanism, like a handle, and rotate via a controller component, like a rotatable wheel. The cutter mechanism may be a cutting tube component that harvests the tissue graft. The tool may also have an ejector mechanism to remove the tissue graft as part of the implantable neural graft assembly. Such devices and methods are particularly suitable for treating neuromas and other neural regeneration procedures.

Abstract: A method of two-phase atherectomy for removal of plaque within an artery forming a stenosis including a first phase of rotational drilling by exerting a rotational force on a cutter to form a channel within the plaque having a diameter substantially equal to a diameter of the cutter—the cutter being rotated at a first rotational speed sufficient to maintain rotation of the cutter about a stationary rotational axis—and a second phase of orbital impact by exerting a rotational force on the cutter to result in radial orbital motion of the cutter within the channel resulting in periodic impact of the cutter upon the plaque to form micro-fractures within the plaque and enlarge the diameter of the channel to a diameter substantially greater than the diameter of the cutter—the cutter being rotated at a second rotational speed to result in the radial orbital motion of the cutter.

Abstract: Disclosed are three-dimensional parts, such as orthotics and prosthetics, having sinusoidal wave pattern infill structures first and second boundary walls. Also disclosed are printers or systems configured to manufacture such parts, as well as methods of manufacturing such parts. The sinusoidal wave pattern infill structures are formed between, and normal to, the first and second boundary walls and are configured to provide locally tunable structural properties in different regions of the part.

Abstract: Disclosed are three-dimensional parts, such as orthotics and prosthetics, having sinusoidal wave pattern infill structures first and second boundary walls. Also disclosed are printers or systems configured to manufacture such parts, as well as methods of manufacturing such parts. The sinusoidal wave pattern infill structures are formed between, and normal to, the first and second boundary walls and are configured to provide locally tunable structural properties in different regions of the part.

Abstract: A dynamic balloon angioplasty system for applying a dynamic pressure to fracture hardened materials embedded within an elastic conduit. The system having a pressure source system outputting at least a first predetermined pressure from a pressure source outlet, and an angioplasty unit fluidly coupled to the pressure source outlet receiving at least the first predetermined pressure. The angioplasty unit having an angioplasty inflation device, an angioplasty balloon connector, and an oscillating mechanism selectively actuated to output a plurality of pressure pulses to the angioplasty balloon via a fluid communication path. A control system is configured to determine an optimal hydraulic pressure oscillation frequency and amplitude for a given procedure and output a control signal to the oscillating mechanism, and monitor a pressure signal to detect fracture of the hardened material within the elastic conduit or system failure or leakage.

Abstract: A method of two-phase atherectomy for removal of plaque within an artery forming a stenosis including a first phase of rotational drilling by exerting a rotational force on a cutter to form a channel within the plaque having a diameter substantially equal to a diameter of the cutter—the cutter being rotated at a first rotational speed sufficient to maintain rotation of the cutter about a stationary rotational axis—and a second phase of orbital impact by exerting a rotational force on the cutter to result in radial orbital motion of the cutter within the channel resulting in periodic impact of the cutter upon the plaque to form micro-fractures within the plaque and enlarge the diameter of the channel to a diameter substantially greater than the diameter of the cutter—the cutter being rotated at a second rotational speed to result in the radial orbital motion of the cutter.

Abstract: The present system is directed in various embodiments to rotational atherectomy systems and methods generally. More specifically, a method for methodically softening and disrupting calcification within the wall of a biological conduit or lumen. This result is achieved by use of at least one eccentric head that, during high-speed rotation within the exemplary lumen, produces a combination of a low-frequency orbital motion comprising a force that is exerted against the lumen wall, with concomitant deflection of same, and a high-frequency pulsatile frequency, also with concomitant exertion of force against the lumen wall and deflection of same. These force-driven deflections produce shockwaves within the layers of the exemplary artery's wall layers, resulting in systematic disruptions of any calcification within the intimal and/or medial layers of the subject artery. In addition, any calcification within the occlusion is also softened and disrupted, increasing compliance of the vessel and/or lesion.

Abstract: Disclosed are three-dimensional parts, such as orthotics and prosthetics, having sinusoidal wave pattern infill structures first and second boundary walls. Also disclosed are printers or systems configured to manufacture such parts, as well as methods of manufacturing such parts. The sinusoidal wave pattern infill structures are formed between, and normal to, the first and second boundary walls and are configured to provide locally tunable structural properties in different regions of the part.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a mechanically-actuated tool for cutting a tissue graft having a hollow core and methods for use thereof. A portion of a biological structure, such as a nerve, is attached to the hollow core to form an implantable neural graft assembly. The tool has a cutter mechanism and a grasper mechanism. The grasper mechanism has one or more component(s) that open and close via an actuation mechanism, like a handle, and rotate via a controller component, like a rotatable wheel. The cutter mechanism may be a cutting tube component that harvests the tissue graft. The tool may also have an ejector mechanism to remove the tissue graft as part of the implantable neural graft assembly. Such devices and methods are particularly suitable for treating neuromas and other neural regeneration procedures.

Abstract: The present system is directed in various embodiments to rotational atherectomy systems and methods generally. More specifically, a method for methodically softening and otherwise disrupting calcification located within atherosclerotic plaque, lesion or occlusion and/or within the wall of a biological conduit or lumen. For example, calcification within the occlusion and/or intimal and/or medial layer walls of a blood vessel, e.g., an artery, may be methodically softened or otherwise disrupted with various embodiments of the present invention. The softening and/or disruption of the calcification in the walls of the exemplary artery is accomplished in conjunction with abrading removal of any occlusion located on the interior surface of the exemplary artery and, therefore, located within the artery's lumen.