Abstract: A face mask including shape memory materials to improve fit to the face and/or create a cavity in front of the mouth to facilitate breathing.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a transcatheter surgery system and methods for performing mitral valve annuloplasty and other surgical procedures. In an aspect, the transcatheter system includes a driving catheter configured to drive one or more anchors into tissue, a cinching catheter configured to cinch a wire extending through the one or more anchors, and a cutting catheter configured to cut a portion of the wire. The present disclosure also relates to an implant kit including a helical anchor defining an anchor passageway extending therethrough, a beaded wire defining longitudinally spaced apart beads, a stopper, the stopper being larger than the central passageway so as to be prevented from passing therethrough, and a cinching element larger than the central passageway so as to be prevented from passing therethrough, the cinching element defining a one-way gap allowing passage of the wire therethrough in only one direction.

Abstract: A support stand (10) for a minimally invasive surgical instrument (12), comprising first and second scissored arms (22 and 24) intersecting each other at an arm pivot (54); and an instrument holder (20) for holding the minimally invasive surgical instrument (12), the instrument holder (20) being supported by the first and second arms (22 and 24); wherein the first and second arms (22 and 24) are selectively pivotable relative to each other about the arm pivot (54) and wherein the arm pivot (54) is selectively movable along the first and second arms (22 and 24).

Abstract: Enhanced cleaning of a fouled membrane is achieved via controlled deformation in a method wherein a feed composition, comprising a solvent and dissolved components, flows into a retentate side of a membrane module. The solvent passes through the membrane from the retentate side to a permeate or draw side of the membrane module while retaining the dissolved components on the membrane. As a foulant accumulates on either side of the membrane, a driving force is generated across the membrane, wherein the membrane responds cyclically by deforming back and forth toward the permeate or draw side and toward the retentate side. The foulant is dislodged from the membrane via mechanical fatigue at the foulant-membrane interface caused by the deformation of the membrane and contact with a spacer in contact with the membrane.

Abstract: Enhanced cleaning of a fouled membrane is achieved via controlled deformation in a method wherein a feed composition, comprising a solvent and dissolved components, flows into a retentate side of a membrane module. The solvent passes through the membrane from the retentate side to a permeate or draw side of the membrane module while retaining the dissolved components on the membrane. As a foulant accumulates on either side of the membrane, a driving force is generated across the membrane, wherein the membrane responds cyclically by deforming back and forth toward the permeate or draw side and toward the retentate side. The foulant is dislodged from the membrane via mechanical fatigue at the foulant-membrane interface caused by the deformation of the membrane and contact with a spacer in contact with the membrane.