Abstract: The present invention provides, in various embodiments, a breast implant with an RFID transponder embedded therein, so that the implant can be conveniently identified while inside the human body, and methods of making the same.

Abstract: The present invention provides, in various embodiments, a breast implant with an RFID transponder embedded therein, so that the implant can be conveniently identified while inside the human body, and methods of making the same.

Abstract: Methods of processing images, such as ultrasound images, to determine integrity of an implant are described. The method may include receiving an ultrasound image of an implant in a body of a subject; determining one or more characteristics of a surface of the implant based on an intensity of pixels of the ultrasound image; generating a predicted status of the implant based on the one or more characteristics by comparison of the one or more characteristics with a database of image data; and displaying the predicted status of the implant. The implant may be a breast implant, for example, wherein the method is useful for analyzing the presence or probability of extracapsular ruptures, contractures, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: Tissue expanders and methods of their manufacture and use are disclosed herein. A tissue expander shell according to the present disclosure may include a shape and topography that facilitates uniform or substantially uniform expansion and contraction of the tissue expander. In at least one example, the shell may include a series of topographical features, such as ridges, grooves, channels, valleys, canals, protrusions, pleats, creases, or folds. In some embodiments, these features may have a curved or wavy cross sectional profile. For example, the shell may include a series of concentric curved ridges.

Abstract: A gravity sensitive silicone breast implant is provided which, in various embodiments, has a soft, natural feel and adapts shape after implantation responsive to gravity, according to movements of the patient.

Abstract: Medical implants comprising biocompatible materials and having surface features that may assist in biocompatibility upon implantation in the body are described. Methods for manufacturing such implants are also described. The manufacturing process may include applying a biocompatible material to a texturized surface of a mold. The implants may include various features to assist their positioning, fixation, and/or identification during and/or after implantation.

Abstract: A medical device may include a shaft extending between a proximal end and a distal end. The shaft may include a lumen therein. The medical device may include a handle coupled to the proximal end of the shaft and may include a mode selector. The mode selector may be adapted to transition between a first mode and a second mode of the medical device. The medical device may further include a compressed fluid source. In the first mode, the compressed fluid source may be fluidly coupled with the shaft so as to impart a negative pressure in at least a portion of the lumen. In the second mode, the compressed fluid source may be fluidly coupled with the shaft so as to impart a positive pressure in the at least a portion of the lumen.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices useful in medical procedures, such as, e.g., aesthetic and/or reconstructive surgeries, are described. The system may be an imaging system that includes a database and a computer system configured to create, modify, and/or display three-dimensional images created from digital image data of an anatomical region of a subject. The digital image data may be obtained with an imaging device such as a scanner.

Abstract: Implantable transponders comprising no ferromagnetic parts for use in medical implants are disclosed herein. Such transponders may assist in preventing interference of transponders with medical imaging technologies. Such transponders may optionally be of a small size, and may assist in collecting and transmitting data and information regarding implanted medical devices. Methods of using such transponders, readers for detecting such transponders, and methods for using such readers are also described.

Abstract: An implantable soft tissue prosthesis device comprising a silicone elastomer-shell filled with silicone gel or liquid, which among the layers that constitute its shell includes a barrier layer formed of a low permeability silicone, which impedes the bleeding or diffusion of the silicone gel from the inside of the implant to its surroundings through the shell. This barrier layer is given a coloration different to the other layers of the shell, making it visible in the finished product. The coloration of the barrier layer gives the fabricator of the implant as well as to medical personnel, the possibility to identify the presence of the barrier layer and its homogeneity, improving the safety of the device.

Abstract: Devices and methods of treatment useful in implantation and post-implantation procedures are described. The devices and methods may be used to correct deformities and/or asymmetries in tissues near an implant, support tissues near an implant, and/or refine the shape of an area of the body after placement of an implant, for example. The method may include inserting a cannula into tissue adjacent to or near an implant of a patient, and delivering fat or other filler material(s) to the tissue, wherein the cannula is configured to prevent or otherwise minimize the risk of damaging the implant, e.g., a breast implant. The cannula may include an elongate member having a lumen therein, an atraumatic distal tip, and an opening disposed proximal to the distal tip, the opening being in fluid communication with the lumen for delivering the fat or other filler material(s).

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrochemical cell characterized in that it comprises at least a positive electrode which comprises manganese physically separated from at least a negative electrode which comprises an aluminum alloy, and wherein said positive and negative electrodes are electrically connected through a neutral pH electrolyte. Further, the present invention relates to the use of the electrochemical cell, preferably as a button battery in hearing aids.

Abstract: Implantable transponders comprising no ferromagnetic parts for use in medical implants are disclosed herein. Such transponders may assist in preventing interference of transponders with medical imaging technologies. Such transponders may optionally be of a small size, and may assist in collecting and transmitting data and information regarding implanted medical devices. Methods of using such transponders, readers for detecting such transponders, and methods for using such readers are also described.

Abstract: A mounting for locking a turbine engine vane that includes a blade and at least one portion outside the blade is provided. The mounting can machine the outside portion on a machine tool and includes a stationary jaw for receiving the vane, the jaw including at least six points that form abutments and define a positioning reference system for the vane. The mounting also includes a movable jaw to ensure, during machining the outside portion, holding the vane against the stationary jaw by a clamping mechanism onto the vane blade. The movable jaw includes a first clamping mechanism exerting pressure on one of the surfaces of the blade, the pressure being substantially perpendicular to the surface. The stationary jaw includes a second clamping mechanism exerting pressure on the leading or trailing edge of the blade, the pressure being substantially oriented in the direction of the trailing or leading edge of the blade.

Abstract: An implantable soft tissue prosthesis device comprising a silicone elastomer-shell filled with silicone gel or liquid, which among the layers that constitute its shell includes a barrier layer formed of a low permeability silicone, which impedes the bleeding or diffusion of the silicone gel from the inside of the implant to its surroundings through the shell. This barrier layer is given a coloration different to the other layers of the shell, making it visible in the finished product. The coloration of the barrier layer gives the fabricator of the implant as well as to medical personnel, the possibility to identify the presence of the barrier layer and its homogeneity, improving the safety of the device.

Abstract: The present invention provides, in various embodiments, a breast implant with an RFID transponder embedded therein, so that the implant can be conveniently identified while inside the human body, and methods of making the same.

Abstract: The present invention provides, in various embodiments, a breast implant with an RFID transponder embedded therein, so that the implant can be conveniently identified while inside the human body, and methods of making the same.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a secondary aluminum-air electrochemical cell. Therefore, the invention may be framed within the energy storage sector and, in particular, the sector of technologies and industries that require energy accumulators.

Abstract: Implantable transponders comprising no ferromagnetic parts for use in medical implants are disclosed herein. Such transponders may assist in preventing interference of transponders with medical imaging technologies. Such transponders may optionally be of a small size, and may assist in collecting and transmitting data and information regarding implanted medical devices. Methods of using such transponders, readers for detecting such transponders, and methods for using such readers are also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrochemical cell characterised in that it comprises at least a positive electrode which comprises manganese physically separated from at least a negative electrode which comprises an aluminium alloy, and wherein said positive and negative electrodes are electrically connected through a neutral pH electrolyte. Further, the present invention relates to the use of the electrochemical cell, preferably as a button battery in hearing aids.