Abstract: A massaging apparatus is provided with a treating section having a length longer than a width for massaging a body of the user in a tapping movement. The treating section includes a first treating part and a second treating part which are arranged in the longitudinal direction of the treating section. The apparatus is further provided with a switcher which switches over the position of the second treating part relative to the first treating part in a tapping direction to selectively change from a first state where the first treating part and the second treating part are flush with each other to a second state where the second treating part protrudes relative to the first treating part, and vice versa.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for creating and using a lightweight custom-molded orthopedic appliance are disclosed. The orthopedic appliance is made up of an inner and an outer bladder containing components which, when combined by rupturing the inner bladder, react to form a rigid foam substance which may be conformed to the shape of the body part or surface in need of support, cushioning, or immobilization, and which quickly cures to form a firm, supportive brace for the affected body part.

Abstract: An orthopedic device comprises: a structure comprising two substantially rigid parts, for instance two rods, which parts are coupled to each other by means of hinge means and each comprise fastening means for optional temporary fastening to a limb part, wherein a pivot axis of the hinge means extends at least more or less in the region and in the direction of the pivot axis zone of the relevant joint. The device has the feature according to the invention that the fastening means are at least partly provided with friction-reducing means on at least the side to be brought into contact with the relevant limb part.

Abstract: Guard structure (10) for protecting a lower limb, comprising a number of substantially rigid members (14, 26, 32), which are adapted to be removably and adjustably applied on to the thigh and the calf of the user. These rigid members are connected with each other in such a manner as to allow for the length of the entire structure to be adjusted in accordance with the actual length of the limb, in particular of the calf, while keeping the rigid members themselves joined with each other. The lower end portion of the structure, which is intended for wearing under the usual garment, is anchored in an adjustable manner to a containment shell (52) for a shoe (36).

Abstract: The phacoemulsification needle according to the invention comprises a shaft, a tip disposed at a distal end of said shaft, the tip having a larger outer diameter than said shaft and an aspiration lumen extending through said shaft and said tip. The tip has an opening communicating with said aspiration lumen, a ball-shaped surface and a flat distal end comprising said opening. This needle can be used for removal of the cataract nucleus as well as for removal of the residual tissue.

Abstract: Apparatus for controlling the volume of surgical fluid present in a cavity in the body of a patient during surgery includes a conduit to the cavity for conducting the surgical fluid therefrom to at least one receptacle for receiving the fluid from said cavity. A source of vacuum assists in withdrawing fluid from the cavity and a vacuum controller interposed between the vacuum source and the receptacle controls the duration of time the receptacle is exposed to vacuum from the vacuum source. The apparatus preferably has a vacuum sensor for sensing vacuum levels in the receptacle when disconnected from the source of vacuum and shares the source of vacuum with another application, giving priority to maintaining a proper vacuum level in the receptacle.

Abstract: This invention relates to apparatus and methods of delivering various compositions including medicaments to a variety of targets. The invention includes a dose administrator (1) which may be used for intranasal delivery of compositions or medicaments, such as live virus vaccines, to both humans and animals. An axial collapse prevention element (2) to prevent excessive axial deflection of the dose administrator (1) or a dose-location coordinate indicator (3) to facilitate the delivery of a dose to the desired target location may be coupled to the dose administrator (1). An intranasal probe (4) having a force dissemination contact surface (7) may be responsive to a first end of the dose administrator (1). The dose may be delivered from a conformable dose sequestration element (10) through an aperture which penetrates the dose delivery aperture element (5) and the dose may be caused to stream by coupling a stream delivery element (6) to the dose delivery aperture element (5).

Abstract: Systems and methods for the delivery and monitoring of a medication, such as insulin, to a recipient are provided. An exemplary feature-rich system comprises an infusion pump with a control system for controlling medication delivery by the infusion pump and a bolus estimator for estimating an appropriate amount of medication for delivery by the control system with the infusion pump. Estimating the appropriate amount of medication for delivery is based upon one or more settings which each vary according to a setting profile. In other embodiments, the control system comprises a suspend function for temporarily suspending medication delivery by the infusion pump, an alarm profile function for programming a variable alarm volume of the alarm and a simplified menu for controlling the dual wave bolus delivery function.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are novel liquid delivery catheters, and methods and kits implementing the same. The disclosed catheters are particularly useful for localized delivery of a liquid caustic agent to treat various defects associated with malformations and injuries resulting in chronic or acute bleeding, or to ablate tumors, occlude fistulae or other luminal structures. The disclosed devices have uses in a number of medical disciplines, and specific examples are provided pertaining to treatment of defects, malformations, and injuries, or bleeding due to medical procedures, in and along the gastrointestinal tract.

Abstract: An improved surgical console for use with a handheld tissue fragmentation device includes portable base having an upper portion. An adjustable display head is mounted to the upper portion of the base. The display head provides rotational and translational adjustment relative to the base. An aspiration system is coupled to the fragmentation device for aspirating fluid and tissue fragmented by the fragmentation device from a surgical site. An irrigation system is also coupled to the fragmentation device for supplying irrigating fluid to the surgical site for suspending tissue fragmented by the fragmentation device. A power system is coupled to the fragmentation device for energizing a transducer of the fragmentation device for fragmenting tissue.

Abstract: A needle guiding apparatus includes a base, a guide assembly, and an imaging sight. The base defines an opening that extends through the base. The guide assembly includes at least one passage, and the guide assembly is disposed within the opening of the base. The guide assembly also is rotatable about at least one axis. The imaging sight is disposed adjacent the passage. An entry needle can be inserted through the needle guiding apparatus and into a body. Devices and methods according to the present invention allow a medical professional to accurately and rapidly place a probe, such as a needle, in a patient.

Abstract: A securement device for Indwelling Catheters or Introducers having a pad with an adhesive backing for securement to the skin of a patient. A base is mounted on the pad having one or more spaced holes therethrough with an elongated strand extending through said hole or holes. The strand may be wrapped around or passed through a connector mounted on the base and the free end(s) thereof may be tied to the strand or to another strand arising from the base.

Abstract: A needle structure having proximal and distal ends and including a collection needle section at a more proximal end of the needle structure and a skin plug retainer section at the very distal end and integral with the collection needle section. The collection needle section includes a generally hollow tubular member having an external surface, an inner lumen and a port through the tubular member so as to enable fluid flow from about the tubular member to the inner lumen for collection therefrom. The skin plug retainer section includes a hollow tubular piece having an external surface and an inner lumen. The hollow tubular piece is beveled at its distal end to form a needle tip. A barrier wall may be disposed intermediate the collection needle section and the skin plug retainer section.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods and kits for simultaneous delivery of a fluid or other substance to two or more breast milk ducts are provided. The fluid can be delivered for a variety of purposes including lavage of the ducts and administering an agent for therapeutic, prophylactic, or diagnostic purposes.

Abstract: A disposable wearing article includes a liquid-impervious chassis, a pair of liquid-impervious leak-barrier sheets laid along transversely opposite side edges of the chassis, a body fluid absorbent first panel extending over a crotch region and a rear waist region of the chassis and joined to the chassis, and a body fluid absorbent second panel extending over a front waist region and the crotch region. The second panel has a front portion joined to the front waist region, a distal portion and transversely opposite side edges joined to the chassis. The distal portion has side sections extending upward above the chassis and joined to distal sections of the respective leak-barrier sheets, and a transversely middle section which extends between the side sections and is convex upward above the side sections and thereby a pocket opening from the crotch region toward the rear waist region is formed between the chassis and the distal portion.

Abstract: An apparatus for passing a guidewire through a subcutaneous tissue tunnel to enable over-the wire insertion of a catheter through the tissue tunnel. The apparatus comprises an elongated member having a distal end portion having a tip configured to advance through the tissue tunnel and an opening extending longitudinally with respect to the apparatus and dimensioned to receive the guidewire. The guidewire is inserted through the opening to pass the guidewire through the tunnel to enable subsequent insertion of the catheter.

Abstract: Photocosmetic device for use in medical or non-medical environments (e.g., a home, barbershop, or spa), which can be used for a variety of tissue treatments. Radiation is delivered to the tissue via optical systems designed to pattern the radiation and project the radiation to a particular depth. The device has a variety of cooling systems including phase change cooling solids and liquids to cool treated skin and the radiation sources. Contact sensors and motion sensor may be used to enhance treatment. The device may be modular to facilitate manufacture and replacement of parts.

Abstract: A multi-purpose device mechanism for sensing and control of changes in brain state includes a shaft portion and extendible elements structured for insertion into target tissue of the brain of a subject patient, cooling means configured to operatively apply cooling therapy to the target tissue, stimulation means having at least one electrical contact structured to operatively apply electrical stimulation therapy to the target tissue, sensing means including at least one sensor monitoring a biological signal of the subject patient, control means responsive to the sensing means wherein the control means is structured to, in response to signals from the sensing means that indicate the presence of a pre-determined physiological condition or occurrence of an undesirable state change, automatically cause the cooling means and/or the stimulation means to initiate or terminate the cooling therapy and/or the electrical stimulation therapy respectively and an energy source for powering the various components of the mult

Abstract: In apparatus for the treatment of tumors, comprising at least one generator having a power source, and at least two electrode needles for conducting current into, or out of, a tumor, a control arrangement is provided for limiting the current flowing through each electrode to a maximum value.

Abstract: A bipolar electrosurgical instrument comprises a handle (5), a body (1) joined to the handle, and a jaw assembly (12) joined to the body and arranged such that manipulation of the handle allows the opposed jaws of the jaw assembly to be opened and closed with respect to one another. A first of said opposed jaws (14) has at least a first coagulating electrode, and the other of said opposed jaws (13) has at least a second coagulating electrode and a cutting electrode (16) separated from the second coagulating electrode by an insulating member (17). The instrument is manipulated at the surgical site such that the jaws of the jaw assembly (12) are open with respect to one another, with the cutting electrode (16) and at least one of the first and second coagulating electrodes contacting tissue at the surgical site.

Abstract: A medical forceps has a forceps shank and a forceps jaw which comprises at least one movable jaw part, wherein the jaw part has a curved linkage arm at its proximal end. The linkage arm is movably guided in a curved guide path of an insert which is inserted into at least one receiver at the distal end of the forceps shank.

Abstract: Spinal plate assemblies, methods of fabrication, and methods of use. Such assemblies comprises blocking structures assembled to spinal plates. The blocking structure comprises an elongate band which can be against structure of the plate. The band is mounted into a continuous or intermittent channel in the plate, and extends into an aperture in the plate. The band responds to side forces applied by interfering elements of bone fasteners driven through an aperture, by moving away from the interfering element, and returning to a blocking position over the interfering element after the interfering element has passed the band. Methods of fabrication include inserting the blocking structure, optionally longitudinally, into the channel. Methods of use include advancing bone screws through an aperture and past the band. The bone screw deflects the band as the screw passes, and the band moves to the blocking position when the screw has moved past the band.

Abstract: A nested fastener and set screw combination for securing a spinal fixation rod to a bone screw includes a fastener base receivable into an open channel of a bone screw. The fastener base has a central threaded bore to receive a threaded set screw. The set screw is provided with projecting structure, such as a ring, point or dome-shaped structure, for positive engagement with the surface of a rod. Uploaded and downloaded set screw embodiments are disclosed. In an uploaded set screw embodiment, the fastener base is provided with a radially inwardly extending abutment shoulder to engage and abut the set screw, prohibiting advancement of the set screw out of a top of the fastener and allowing for simultaneous removal of the set screw and the fastener. In an embodiment, the fastener includes a break-off head that separates from the fastener when a pre-selected installation torque is exceeded.

Abstract: A cannulated offset drill guide and surgical methods for repairing Bankart lesions. The cannulated offset drill guide comprising a shaft which is offset from the guide center line by about 1 to 3 mm, more preferably of about 1.5 mm. The cannulated offset drill guide is provided at its proximal end with a concave clear tip which allows a surgeon to visualize the drill and the insertion of an anchoring device, for example a suture anchor. The concave clear tip has beveled, smooth edges to prevent damage to adjacent bone and tissue, and to avoid damage to the rubber dam of the cannula through which the offset drill guide is inserted. The configuration of the concave clear tip is designed to engage and match the generally convex-curve articulating face of the glenoid, and to precisely aligning the offset drill guide with the glenoid face. The clear tip may also be employed in a standard drill guide having a shaft which is not offset from the center line of the guide.

Abstract: Devices and methods provide accurate targeting, placement, and/or stabilization of an electrode or other instrument(s) into the brain or other body organ, such as to treat severe tremor or other neurological disorders. Targeting is performed using any form of image-guidance, including real-time MRI, CT, or frameless surgical navigation systems.

Abstract: A vascular suturing device is disclosed which includes an elongated tubular body defining opposed proximal and distal end portions and having a longitudinal axis extending therethrough, the body including an inner tubular member, an outer tubular member and a central tubular member disposed between the inner and outer tubular members. The inner tubular member and the central tubular member are mounted for movement relative to the outer tubular member about the longitudinal axis of the body for sequentially driving a pair of suture needles through the wall of a blood vessel to close an incision formed therein. A vascular dilator having a tapered distal tip portion is slidably supported within the inner tubular member and is dimensioned to extend beyond the distal end of the inner tubular member for positioning the suturing device at the incision in the wall of the blood vessel. The dilator is configured to move axially between an extended position and a retracted position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices and methods for creating and securing a tissue fold during an endoluminal medical procedure. The devices and methods may be used for folding and securing, for example, a fundus wall onto an esophagus wall. An aspect of the invention includes a two-piece tissue clip configured to be installed through an endoluminal device to secure a tissue fold. The clip includes a female member and a male member configured to engage one another to secure the tissue fold. Another aspect of the invention includes a clipping device comprising a tissue clip magazine. The magazine is configured to hold a plurality of tissue clips and install the plurality of tissue clips in a single actuation of the magazine. A method for using the clipping device together with the tissue clips of the present invention to create and secure a fold of tissue during an endoluminal procedure also is disclosed.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for anastomosis of first and second blood vessels includes a housing having distal and proximal ends, a handle and a disposable loading unit removably mounted to the distal end of the housing. The loading unit includes upper and lower fastener support members having a passage defined therethrough for receiving an end of the second blood vessel and configured to releasably support a plurality of surgical fasteners. The loading unit also includes a retractable anvil located at a distal end of the loading unit, the anvil being movable relative to the fastener support member in response to actuation of the handle to simultaneously deform the of surgical fasteners.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a system and method for releasably holding a surgical instrument (14), such as an endoscopic instrument configured for delivery through a small percutaneous penetration in a patient. The instrument comprises an elongate shaft (100) with a pair of mounting pins (116) laterally extending from the shaft between its proximal and distal ends. An instrument holder comprises a support having a central bore (202) and an axially extending slot (204) for receiving the instrument shaft and the mounting pins. A pair of locking slots (206) are cut into the support transversely to and in communication with the axial slot so that the mounting pins can be rotated within the locking slots. The instrument support further includes a latch assembly for automatically locking the mounting pins within the locking slots to releasably couple the instrument to the instrument holder.

Abstract: A container for storing a pacifier including a teat and a pacifier shield, the pacifier being attached to a pacifier strap by a fastening clip, and the container being capable of being fastened or being fastened to the pacifier strap between the fastening clip and the pacifier.

Abstract: A beauty device includes a light irradiation section that irradiates light of a predetermined wavelength, and an ion generating section that generates an ion. The light irradiation section is placed at one side surface of a main body of the beauty device, and the ion generating section is placed at the other side surface of the main body of the beauty device. The light irradiation section includes a plurality of light source modules arranged in a predetermined array. Each light source module includes a plurality of light emitting diodes that are arranged in a predetermined array to emit light of two or more wavelengths.

Abstract: The present invention provides implant devices configured to become anchored within tissue so that they do not migrate despite experiencing aggressive migration forces applied by the highly dynamic movement of muscle tissue that surrounds them. Additionally, methods for placing the devices so that they remain securely anchored within the tissue are provided. The devices are comprised of a flexible body, preferably formed from a helical wound spring. In a preferred embodiment the spring is wound from a ribbon-like filament having series of barbs or ridges formed along the proximal facing edge of the wound ribbon. The ribbon-like filament may be etched from a flat sheet of material, having barbs formed along one edge. The filament may then be wrapped into a helical coil shape to take the form of an implant having barbs formed along the proximally facing edge of each coil to resist migration.

Abstract: Segmented articulatable stent of open structure comprised of end-connected struts of first and second lengths making up first and second segments with angular interconnects between adjacent first and second segments.

Abstract: A narrow profile, glare reducing, posterior chamber intraocular lens comprises an optic having an anterior surface and a posterior surface and an optical axis. The posterior surface is formed having two adjacent peri-axial, stepped imaging zones, the two imaging zones having the substantially the same optical power. A transition zone between the two imaging zones preferably has a surface of continuous curvature shaped to reduce direct glare from light incident on the transition zone in an individual's eye in which the intraocular lens is implanted by internal reflection of direct light incident on the transition zone. Attachment members joined to the optic position the intraocular lens in an eye with the optical axis of the optic generally aligned with the optical axis of the eye. In variations, the transition zones are formed at the optic edge to minimize direct and indirect in the eye of an individual wearing the intraocular lens.

Abstract: An auditory ossicles prosthesis mountable with its one end on a hammer grip of a human auditory ossicies chain and with its another end on a raising bracket of the human auditory ossicles chain or insertable directly into an inner ear, wherein the auditory ossicles prosthesis has a prosthesis element, and an at least one joint integrated in the prosthesis element.

Abstract: A method for implanting a prosthetic spinal disc nucleus in an intervertebral disc nucleus space generally includes: (a) making a hole in the annulus of a disc, with the hole having an undilated size that is smaller than the cross-sectional size of a folded prosthetic disc nucleus; (b) using an implant instrument to dilate the hole in the disc annulus; (c) using the implant instrument to pass a straightened prosthetic disc nucleus through the dilated hole and into the disc nucleus space; (d) withdrawing the implant instrument and allowing the hole in the disc annulus to return to a size smaller that its dilated size; and (e) causing or allowing the prosthetic disc nucleus to assume a folded configuration with a cross-sectional size that is larger than its straightened size. A device for use in the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: An intervertebral implant, alone and in combination with an insertion tool for inserting same and a method for inserting same. The implant has upper and lower parts which have universal movement relative to each other. Each of the upper and lower parts also has a surface engaging an adjacent vertebrae. Each part has a keel extending from said surface into a cutout in the adjacent vertebrae, and each keel has an anterior opening recess therein. An insert tool has a pair of arms which are received in the recess of the keels through the anterior opening to securely hold and insert the implant. Projections and matching indentations in each arm and the base of its recess securely attached each arm within its keel.

Abstract: An artificial functional spinal unit is provided comprising, generally, an expandable artificial intervertebral implant that can be placed via a posterior surgical approach and used in conjunction with one or more artificial facet joints to provide an anatomically correct range of motion. Expandable artificial intervertebral implants in both lordotic and non-lordotic designs are disclosed, as well as lordotic and non-lordotic expandable cages for both PLIF (posterior lumber interbody fusion) and TLIF (transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion) procedures. The expandable implants may have various shapes, such as round, square, rectangular, banana-shaped, kidney-shaped, or other similar shapes.

Abstract: A prosthetic glenoid component for attachment to a glenoid surface of a scapula to replace a natural socket of a shoulder and to provide a bearing surface for a head portion of an arm bone or humerus. The glenoid component has a metal back with integrally formed attachment legs which are cemented into corresponding holes formed in the glenoid surface, and also has an opening for receiving a hollow metal cage which is screwed into the glenoid surface.

Abstract: Compositions comprising (a) at least one cationic homopolymer comprising repeating units of formula (I); (b) at least one fatty alcohol; (c) at least one alkoxylated fatty alcohol; (d) at least one fatty amide; and (e) at least one oxidizing agent, and methods using the same to provide physical stability to an oxidizing composition, and in treatment compositions for keratinous fibers.

Abstract: A shaped body is provided that contains from 5 weight percent to 80 weight percent of at least one disintegration auxiliary, and from 5 weight percent to 40 weight percent of at least one thickener. The shaped body is particularly useful for forming cosmetic preparations such as hair coloring preparations.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use, for dyeing keratin fibres, of at least one specific compound containing active methylene and of at least one compound chosen from an aldehyde, a ketone, a quinone and a diiminoisoindoline or 3-aminoisoindolone derivative, which makes it possible to obtain, by reaction without an oxidizing agent, a coloration of the said keratin fibres.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composition useful for the oxidation dyeing of keratin fibres, in particular of human keratin fibres and more particularly the hair, comprising, preferably in a medium that is suitable for dyeing, at least one oxidation dye, wherein it also comprises at least one polyoxyalkylenated carboxylic acid ether or a salt thereof, and at least one quaternized cellulose comprising at least one fatty chain. The invention also relates to the dyeing devices and processes using the said composition.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a composition for the oxidation dyeing of keratin fibers, for example human keratin fibers, such as the hair, comprising, in a medium suitable for dyeing, a) at least one oxidation dye; b) at least one fatty alcohol; c) at least one associative polymer; and d) at least one compound chosen from fatty acid esters and metal oxides.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions comprising at least one fluorescent dye and at least one polyol, processes using this composition and a device therefor. Further disclosed herein is the use of a composition for dyeing a human keratin material, such as artificially dyed or pigmented hair and dark skin, with a lightening effect, comprising at least one fluorescent dye and at least one polyol.

Abstract: The present invention relates to hair colouring and bleaching compositions comprising i) at least one source of peroxymonocarbonate ions, ii) at least one alkalizing agent, preferably a source of ammonium ions, and iii) at least one radical scavenger, wherein said composition has a pH of up to 9.5, which provide a high level of lift and lightening and the required dye deposition and grey coverage whilst reducing the concentration of peroxide, the ammonia odour and reducing the hair fibre damage.

Abstract: A packaged battery (10) and method of producing such is provided having a thin film lithium battery cell (11) sealably encased within a packaging layer (12). The battery cell (11) includes a substrate (13), an anode (16), an electrolyte (15), a cathode (14), a passivation layer (19), an anode current collector (17) and a cathode current collector (18). The packaged battery is produced by heat sealing a packaging foil (21, 22) to the exterior surfaces of the battery cell (11).

Abstract: Compositions and methods are disclosed for reducing combustion chamber deposits (CCD) and/or intake valve deposits (IVD) in spark ignition internal combustion engines. A butyrolactam alkoxylate (BLA) and/or a butyrolactam derivative (BLD) of this invention or a mixture with at least one additional compound of this invention is added to a liquid hydrocarbon or liquid hydrocarbon-oxygenate gasoline each in an amount of about 0.0005-0.5 wt % of the gasoline. Preferably the gasoline is unleaded. The preferred additional components include polyethers (PE) and polyisobutylene amine (PIBA).

Abstract: A combustible product of various shapes and compositions efficiently and conveniently supplies heat, such as for outdoor cooking. The product includes a hollow cone of combustible material defining a substantially cone-shaped exterior, a substantially cone-shaped interior space, a large opening in the base of the cone and a small opening in the top of the cone creating a flue to facilitate ignition of the product and to allow individual products to be stacked upon each other for larger heating requirements or for efficient storage before use. The product may be a single integral piece of combustible material, a plurality of combustible pieces secured to each other to form the cone shape, or a plurality of combustible pieces arranged into a cone shape through means of combustible packaging.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polishing composition that can be preferably used to polish a silicon wafer. The polishing composition includes a block polyether represented by the chemical formula HO—(EO)a—(PO)b—(EO)c—H, wherein EO represents an oxyethylene group, PO represents an oxypropylene group, each of a and c represents the polymerization degree of ethylene oxide, b represents the polymerization degree of propylene oxide, and each of a, b, and c is an integer of 1 or greater; silicon dioxide; a basic compound; at least either one of hydroxyethyl cellulose and polyvinyl alcohol; and water.