Abstract: A blood filter delivery system for delivering a blood filter into a vein includes a push rod for pushing the blood filter through and out of a catheter, the push rod having a filter positioning assembly on one end. The filter positioning assembly includes positioner members, which retain anchor members of the filter. The filter positioning assembly can position the end of the delivery catheter near the blood vessel centerline before releasing the filter's anchor members, thereby helping to align the blood filter along the centerline of the blood vessel.

Abstract: A filter, configured to be disposed within a body lumen, that includes one or more filtering zones. The filter may include one or more sets of legs, configured to interact with the body lumen wall in order to stabilize the position of the filter and to create a filtering structure. In some embodiments the filter may be integrally formed form a single tube of material.

Abstract: A filter (10) for use within the lumen of a blood vessel that includes a plurality of interconnected intraluminal filter elements (14) adapted to flexibility convert between a filter configuration and an open configuration. The filter further includes a removable filter head (16) having a retainer (50) and a stopper (70) movable between a first position and a second position. The retainer and the stopper cooperate at the first position to secure the plurality of interconnected intraluminal filter elements into the filter configuration and the movement of the stopper to the second position releases the plurality of interconnected intraluminal filter elements to the open configuration.

Abstract: A method is provided for preventing leakage of blood from a vessel. The method includes inserting a portion of an apparatus into a puncture tract extending through tissue to a puncture in the vessel; the apparatus including a thrombogenic matrix disposed in a distal portion of the apparatus. The method also includes deploying the thrombogenic matrix from the distal portion of the apparatus and into the puncture tract, the thrombogenic matrix being exposed to blood and compressively engaging the tissue surrounding the vessel to prevent leakage of blood.

Abstract: A device for occluding septal defects or other bodily passageways including PFOs, includes an occluding body formed from a plurality of flexible outwardly radiating occluding wires connected to one or more biocompatible sheet materials. The occluding wires are joined together at proximal wire ends. Linking members connectively link the occluding body to a flexible, substantially linear anchor formed from at least one tube, coil, or bar. The anchor is configured for placement on one side of bodily passageway, whereby the longitudinal axis of at least one anchor extends across a transverse cross-section of the bodily passageway, anchoring the occluding body in place against the other side of a bodily passageway to close, occlude, or fill at least a lumenal portion of a bodily passageway. The anchor may include one or more grasping member(s) integrally formed or connected to the tube, coil, or bar for releasable attachment to an anchor engaging member, such as a biopsy forceps.

Abstract: A method for closing an opening at a target site including bodily tissue including embedding a plurality of self-closing clips into the target site in a spaced apart manner about a perimeter of the opening. Each of the clips has opposing clip ends and an intermediate segment. A flexible tether is coupled to the embedded clips to form a loop about the opening perimeter. A pulling force is applied onto at least one of the loop ends, thereby drawing the perimeter of the opening onto itself to completely close the opening. The loop ends are secured to maintain the target site in a closed state. In some embodiments, the target site is apical cardiac tissue, and the method is performed as part of a trans-apical access procedure.

Abstract: A barbed suture with a first end and a second end and a body with a plurality of barbs extending from the body. Each barb causes the suture to resist movement in an opposite direction from which the barb faces. Projections extend from said suture. The projections can also engage tissue. The barbs cover the projections when the first end of the suture is moved in tissue and exposes the projections in order to engage tissue when the suture is moved in the direction of the second end through tissue.

Abstract: A suture system has a plurality of barbed sutures each with a plurality of barbs and a body connector that connects said plurality of barbed sutures. The sutures can move relative to the body connector. The body connector can retain tissue.

Abstract: A including a selectively applied bone growth promoting agent is disclosed. The types of spinal fixation systems which may include a selectively applied bone growth promoting agent include systems comprised of rods, plates, screws, and hooks as well as other types of prostheses.

Abstract: A distraction system includes a distraction rod having one end configured for affixation to at a first location on patient. The system further includes an adjustable portion configured for placement in the patient at a second location, the adjustable portion comprising a housing containing a magnetic assembly comprising a magnet, the magnetic assembly secured to a threaded element that interfaces with an opposing end of the distraction rod. The system includes a magnetically permeable member in proximity to the magnetic assembly and covering an arc of less than 360° of the adjustable portion.

Abstract: A pedicle screw assembly including a bone fastener having a lower end for engaging bone and an upper end remote from the lower end; a head having a rod-receiving channel attached to the upper end of said bone fastener; a spinal rod insertable into the rod-receiving channel of said head, said spinal rod having an outer surface extending between first and second ends thereof, wherein at least one of the first and second ends has a reduced diameter section. A spinal rod having an outer surface extending between a first end and a second end thereof; wherein the outer surface of said spinal rod has a reduced diameter section at least one of the first and second ends.

Abstract: Minimally invasive methods and devices for introducing a spinal fixation element into a surgical site in a patient's spinal column are provided. In general, the method involves advancing a spinal fixation element in a first, lengthwise orientation along a pathway extending from a minimally invasive percutaneous incision to a spinal anchor site. As the spinal fixation element approaches the spinal anchor site, the fixation element can be manipulated to extend in a second orientation, which is preferably substantially transverse to the first orientation, to position the fixation element in relation to one or more spinal anchors.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the stabilization of the trapeziometacarpal joint following the removal or partial resection of the trapezium includes an assembly for securing a first metacarpal relative to a second metacarpal. The assembly includes a suture guide having a suture anchor plate that is frangibly connected to a guide stem.

Abstract: System, including methods, apparatus, and kits, for fixing ribs with bone plates.

Abstract: This invention relates to a bony fixation system and method for use as a prosthetic implant. The system and method includes a plate dimensioned to be situated between adjacent bony structures, such as adjacent vertebrae. Screws are provided in one embodiment and are dimensioned or configured to be inserted into a bony structure and to lock against each other to retain the screws and consequently secure the plate in place against the bony structure.

Abstract: A bone plate having a plurality of openings for receiving a compression bone screw or a cortical screw. An end cap, threadably insertable in the opening and having a layer of polymeric material interposed between the end cap and the top of the head such that the compression of the polymeric material would allow slight axial movement of the screw. Alternatively, a locking ring adapted to attach to the head of the screw and having shape complimentary to the features formed on the head. The locking ring and the bone screw being assembled together and being insertable in the bone simultaneously using a dedicated instrument. Compression may be applied to a bone fracture by turning the bone screw alone after the locking ring has reached its final axial position.

Abstract: A polyaxial fastener is secured within an implant with a retaining ring. The ring is assembled onto a circumferential groove formed in the fastener head. The groove and ring are positionable, when the fastener is installed into an implant, at a wide portion of the mating polyaxial aperture in the implant. The ring is compressible into the groove to form a narrowed diameter, which is passable into a narrow diameter of the aperture, near an entrance to the aperture. The ring is released to expand and increase an overall diameter of the head and ring assembly, thereby rending the assembly too wide to pass by the narrow entrance to the aperture, thereby securing the assembly within the implant.

Abstract: A spinal implant has a bone plate with a bone contacting surface and an opposite upwardly facing surface and at least one opening with a groove formed around an inner circumference of the opening. The groove has an axially spaced upper and lower surface. A bone-anchor or bone screw is capable of being accommodated in the opening between the groove and the bone contacting surface. A split-ring is mounted in the groove. The split-ring is sized to expand upon insertion of the anchor element into the opening and to come into direct contact with a head of the bone anchor to hold the bone anchor in the opening. The split-ring has an upper surface and a lower surface for respectively engaging the upper and lower surface of said groove, wherein the split-ring has a variable width so as to optimize its flexibility.

Abstract: A removable anchoring pedicle screw includes an implant mounting screw, an anchor screw, and a nose piece. The anchor screw is configured to be rotated relative to the implant mounting screw such that the nose piece engages an expandable anchor. The expandable anchor is disposed between the implant mounting screw and the nose piece such that rotation of the anchor screw relative to the implant mounting screw causes expansion of the expandable anchor.

Abstract: A method of treating disease in which intranasal red light devices are used to shine red light upon the brain structures in the basal prefrontal cortex.

Abstract: Disclosed herein, among other things, is system for thermal neuroinhibition. According to an embodiment, the system includes at least one implantable fluid-filled conduit adapted to be placed adjacent to a neural target. The system also includes an implantable housing including a power source, a heat pump deriving power from the source and connected to the conduit, and a controller within the housing. The controller is connected to the heat pump, and is adapted to control the heat pump to effect fluid flow in the conduit to cool the neural target using electromechanical refrigeration to reversibly inhibit neural activity as part of a medical treatment.

Abstract: A system for delivering an expandable implant into the vasculature of a patient, including an elongated core element having a proximal end accessible exterior to the patient and a distal end including at least one feature for engaging a proximal portion of the implant in a collapsed state. The system further includes an expansion limiter having an inner diameter and a length sufficient to cover the proximal portion of the implant and to retain the proximal portion in the collapsed state, and at least one elongated member having a distal end connected to the expansion limiter and a proximal end accessible exterior to the patient to enable proximal movement of the expansion limiter to release the implant.

Abstract: A composite stent graft has a balloon expandable stent portion (3), a tubular graft material portion (1) inside or outside of the balloon expandable stent portion and self expanding stents (5) associated with the tubular graft material portion. Part (7) of the balloon expandable stent portion can extend beyond the proximal end (9) of the tubular graft material portion. The tubular graft material can be polytetrafluoroethylene, Dacron, Thoralon™, polyamide, small intestine submucosa, collagenous extracellular matrix material, or any other suitable biocompatible material. A method of deploying which includes flaring a part (7) of the balloon expandable stent portion is also discussed.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a tapered stent and flexible prosthesis. The stent has a first longitudinal region and a second longitudinal region. The second region is substantially parallel to and spaced axially apart from the first region. A plurality of struts is disposed intermediate the first region and the second region and circumferentially connects the first region and the second region. The first region has a longitudinal length that is greater than the second region longitudinal length. The struts have varying longitudinal lengths that gradually decrease from the first region to the second region. The flexible prosthesis comprises at least two alternating tapered stents.

Abstract: An external vein support comprising an elongate axial body including an axis, said body is plastically deformable by at least one of stretching, bending, twisting, and any combination thereof, relative to said axis.

Abstract: An aortic arch double-barreled main body stent graft and methods for its use, where the stent graft comprises, a main body stent graft having distal and proximal ends, the main body stent graft's length ranges from about 50-70 mm and the diameter at the proximal end ranges from about 40-60 mm, first and second lumens defined at the distal end of the main body stent graft, the first lumen's diameter ranges from about 18-30 mm, the second lumen's diameter ranges from about 18-30 mm, the first lumen is secured to the second lumen along a shared length, the shared length of the first and second lumens ranges from about 30-65 mm, and the main body stent graft defines a tubular wall that is contiguous with the first lumen and the second lumen such that any fluid entering the main body must exit through one of the first or second lumens.

Abstract: The methods, devices, and systems are provided for performing endovascular repair of atrioventricular and other cardiac valves in the heart. Regurgitation of an atrioventricular valve, particularly a mitral valve, can be repaired by modifying a tissue structure selected from the valve leaflets, the valve annulus, the valve chordae, and the papillary muscles. These structures may be modified by suturing, stapling, snaring, or shortening, using interventional tools which are introduced to a heart chamber. Preferably, the tissue structures will be temporarily modified prior to permanent modification. For example, opposed valve leaflets may be temporarily grasped and held into position prior to permanent attachment.

Abstract: An annuloplasty ring to resize a dilated aortic root during valve sparing surgery includes a scalloped space frame having three trough sections connected to define three crest sections. The annuloplasty ring is mounted outside the aortic root, and extends in height between a base plane and a spaced apart commissure plane of the aortic root. At least two adjacent trough sections are coupled by an annulus-restraining member or tether that limits the maximum deflection of the base of the annuloplasty ring. In use, the tether is preferably located in proximity to the base plane of the aortic root. The annuloplasty ring is movable between a first, substantially conical configuration occurring during a diastolic phase of the cardiac cycle, and a second, substantially cylindrical configuration occurring during a systolic phase of the cardiac cycle.

Abstract: A device for improving the function of a heart valve comprises a first loop-shaped support, which is configured to abut a first side of the heart valve, and a first flange unit being connected to said first loop-shaped support. The flange unit is configured to be arranged against said annulus when said first loop-shaped support is abutting said heart valve.

Abstract: A percutaneous pumping system for providing hemodynamic support to a patient includes a pumping sleeve that defines a lumen extending along the length of the pumping sleeve. The pumping sleeve is configured and arranged for insertion into patient vasculature. At least one rotatable magnet is disposed in the pumping sleeve. The at least one first magnet is configured and arranged to be driven to rotate by a magnetic field generated external to the pumping sleeve. At least one impeller is coupled to the at least one magnet. Rotation of the at least one magnet causes a corresponding rotation of the at least one impeller. An anchoring arrangement is coupled to the pumping sleeve. The anchoring arrangement is configured and arranged to anchor the pumping sleeve at a target pumping location when the pumping sleeve is inserted into patient vasculature.

Abstract: This invention relates to intraocular lenses. More particularly, this invention relates to intraocular lenses that have the ability to alter the light refractive power in response to changes in the tension of the ciliary muscle or ciliary body of the eye or any other accommodative forces. Lenses of this invention are generally referred to as interfacial, i.e., lens properties being defined as the interface of two liquids having different refractive indices, refractive accommodating lenses (IRAL).

Abstract: An intraocular lens to be implanted into the capsular bag after ablation of the crystalline lens includes a central optical portion and a haptic portion including haptic members arranged on the periphery of the optical part and for positioning the intraocular lens in the capsular bag. On the one hand, the posterior surface of the optical portion includes a sharp ridge at the peripheral edge and, on the other hand, the posterior surface of the haptic members includes a proximal area in the vicinity of the peripheral edge of the optical portion, each proximal area including at least one tooth extending substantially along the entire width of each haptic member, the tooth or teeth having a sharp edge that becomes serrated in the posterior capsule in order to limit the migration of the epithelial cells of the haptic members towards the optical portion.

Abstract: An intraocular lens for providing a subject with vision at various distances includes an optic having a first surface with a first shape, an opposing second surface with a second shape, a multifocal refractive profile, and one or more diffractive portions. The optic may include at least one multifocal diffractive profile. In some embodiments, multifocal diffractive and the multifocal refractive profiles are disposed on different, distinct, or non-overlapping portions or apertures of the optic. Alternatively, portions of the multifocal diffractive profiles and the multifocal refractive profiles may overlap within a common aperture or zone of the optic.

Abstract: An accommodating intraocular lens has a lens optic that is coupled to at least one haptic and is anteriorly biased with respect thereto.

Abstract: An artificial retinal system includes an external optical device having an image generator and a background light generator, and a retinal implant chip having a solar cell and a stimulus generator. The stimulus generator is disposed to receive a target image projected by the image generator and a background light provided by the background light generator, and receives the electrical power from the solar cell. The stimulus generator includes an image sensing stimulator operable to convert the target image into electrical stimuli, and a contrast enhancer for reducing effect of the background light on the electrical stimuli.

Abstract: A micro-alloyed porous metal is disclosed having an optimized chemical composition to achieve targeted mechanical properties for use as an orthopaedic implant and a cell/soft tissue receptor. The porous metal may achieve a targeted compressive strength and a targeted ductility, for example. These targeted mechanical properties may allow the porous metal to be densified to a low relative density.

Abstract: Surgical device and methods for using same for distraction of adjacent vertebrae and insertion of an intervertebral implant material there between are disclosed. In a method, a leading end of the surgical device having major and minor dimensions is inserted between adjacent vertebrae with the minor dimension aligned in the rostral-caudal direction, and then the leading end is rotated to a second orientation to align the major dimension with the rostral-caudal direction. The surgical device includes slots permitting expansion thereof to allow an implant to be disposed from the leading end into the intervertebral space. In another form, the a first member of a surgical device is initially inserted in an orientation, and second member is moved relative to the first member to expand the first member for distracting the vertebrae, the implant then being disposed from the leading end into the intervertebral space.

Abstract: A bi-directional fixating transvertebral (BDFT) screw/cage apparatus including an intervertebral cage for maintaining disc height, and a method of inserting the same is provided. The intervertebral cage includes a first internal screw guide and a second internal screw guide, a first screw member and a second screw member, and a central screw locking lever coupled to the intervertebral cage, wherein the central screw locking lever prevents the first screw member and the second screw from pulling-out of the first internal screw guide and the second internal screw guide. The central screw locking lever includes a rotatable handle and stem portion, or a screw locking horizontal bracket. A pliers device for inserting and removing the bi-directional fixating transvertebral (BDFT) screw/cage apparatus, a posterior cervical and lumbar facet joint staple, and a staple gun for a posterior cervical and lumbar facet joint staple also are provided.

Abstract: A method of performing at least one surgical procedure is disclosed. The method includes: preparing a patient for a first surgical procedure; making a first incision through the skin of the patient in accordance with the first surgical procedure; exposing a target area for the first surgical procedure through the first incision; performing a step of the first surgical procedure on the target area for the first surgical procedure; placing a protective pad with a fluid pocket between a vulnerable anatomical part and the target area for the first surgical procedure; and closing the first incision in accordance with the first surgical procedure with the protective pad between the vulnerable anatomical part and the target area. A protective system for facilitating revision surgery is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the field of prosthetic devices. More particularly, one embodiment of the present invention is directed to an artificial disc that can be used as a replacement for an intervertebral disc (e.g., a human intervertebral lumbar disc, a human intervertebral cervical disc and/or a human intervertebral thoracic disc).

Abstract: An intervertebral joint assembly includes an upper support and a lower support, each of which has two or more components. The upper and lower support components are arranged in situ to form the upper and lower supports, respectively. By arranging the supports in situ, the supports can be introduced from the back of the patient, for example with an arthroscope. Each of the upper and lower supports has a surface adapted to engage a vertebra and a surface adapted to engage the other support or an intermediate member to form an articulate joint which articulates the joint assembly. In some embodiments, the components of the upper and lower supports are assembled in situ, for example with pivoting, telescoping or bending, to form the upper and lower supports, respectively. The supports can be attached to vertebrae with pedicles screws, and/or other anchors attached to the supports.

Abstract: An implant for filling and/or distracting a body region, particularly a non-soft tissue cavity, has a plurality of segments wherein at least two of the segments are flexibly connected. The segments have a crush-strength sufficient to create and/or maintain the distraction of two or more non-soft tissue body surfaces, and to maintain the stability of the body region. The implant may be inserted into a cavity by an applicator having a cannula with a distal opening, and a rotary driver for applying force to move the implant within the cannula.

Abstract: An inter-vertebral cage with a wedge shape eccentrically located on the leading end of the cage. The ectopically shaped leading edge of this embodiment facilitates easier interbody spacer placement with less risk of nerve injury, as well as with likely decreased risk of destruction of the end plate during the distraction process when the interbody cage is impacted.

Abstract: A posterior stabilized knee orthopaedic prosthesis includes a tibial bearing and a femoral component configured to articulate with the tibial bearing. The tibial bearing includes a spine having a concave cam surface and a convex cam surface. The femoral component includes a posterior cam having a concave cam surface and a convex cam surface. During flexion, the concave cam surface of the posterior cam contacts the convex cam surface of the spine and the convex cam surface of the posterior cam contacts the concave cam surface of the spine.

Abstract: A tibial implant comprising: a baseplate having a bone contacting surface, a bearing support surface and a proximally extending wall at least partially surrounding the bearing support surface; a bearing component slidably mounted with respect to the baseplate bearing support surface, the bearing component having a proximally facing condylar surface and a distally facing surface for contacting the baseplate bearing support surface the proximally and distally facing bearing component surfaces spaced to define a circumferential side surface therebetween; and an elastic gasket element interposed within a gap formed between the baseplate proximally extending wall and the bearing component circumferential side surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to: —a biphasic calcium phosphate/hydroxyapatite (CAP/HAP) bone substitute material comprising a sintered CAP core and at least one uniform and closed epitactically grown layer of nanocrystalline HAP deposited on top of the sintered CAP core, whereby the epitactically grown nanocrystals have the same size and morphology as human bone mineral, i.e. a length of 30 to 46 nm and a width of 14 to 22 nm, —a process of preparing the above CAP/HAP bone substitute material comprising the steps of a) preparing a sintered CAP core material, b) immersing the sintered CAP core material in an aqueous solution at a temperature between 10° C. and 50° C.

Abstract: An osteoinductive demineralized bone matrix, corresponding osteoimplants, and methods for making the osteoinductive demineralized bone matrix are disclosed. The osteoinductive demineralized bone matrix may be prepared by providing demineralized bone and altering the collagenous structure of the bone. The osteoinductive demineralized bone matrix may also be prepared by providing demineralized bone and compacting the bone, for example via mechanical compaction, grinding into a particulate, or treatment with a chemical. Additives such as growth factors or bioactive agents may be added to the osteoinductive demineralized bone matrix. The osteoinductive demineralized bone matrix may form an osteogenic osteoimplant. The osteoimplant, when implanted in a mammalian body, may induce at the locus of the implant the full developmental cascade of endochondral bone formation including vascularization, mineralization, and bone marrow differentiation.

Abstract: A mesh to repair a hole in a muscle wall includes a resilient mesh body and fortifying structure such as mesh portions of thicker weave than other portions, or strengthening members that can be engaged with the mesh and then removed from the mesh once the mesh is placed over the hole. The same principles can be applied to a plug that is engaged with the mesh for filling the hole.

Abstract: Provided are therapeutic implants comprising renal tissue encapsulated within a polymer bead. Also disclosed are methods for treating a disease state in a subject comprising implanting within said subject a therapeutic implant comprising renal tissue encapsulated within a polymer bead. Also provided are methods for making a therapeutic implant comprising: providing renal tissue; mixing the renal tissue with a solution comprising a polymer, thereby forming a tissue-polymer suspension; extruding the tissue-polymer suspension into an bead-forming solution, thereby forming a therapeutic implant comprising beads of said polymer within which the renal tissue is encapsulated.

Abstract: An artificial foot and ankle joint consists of a curved leaf spring foot member having a heel extremity and a toe extremity, and a flexible elastic ankle member that connects the foot member for rotation at the ankle joint. An actuator motor applies torque to the ankle joint to orient the foot when it is not in contact with the support surface and to store energy in a catapult spring that is released along with the energy stored in the leaf spring to propel the wearer forward. A ribbon clutch prevents the foot member from rotating in one direction beyond a predetermined limit position. A controllable damper is employed to lock the ankle joint or to absorb mechanical energy as needed. The controller and sensing mechanisms control both the actuator motor and the controllable damper at different times during the walking cycle for level walking, stair ascent, and stair descent.