Abstract: A suture clip having a top surface and an opposing bottom surface with a perimeter sidewall extending therebetween. An aperture extends completely through the clip between the top and bottom surfaces to form a slot. The slot extends into the clip from a mouth at a periphery on a first end of the clip to divide the clip into first and second lateral portions that are separated at the first end but connected at a second end of the clip. The slot is bounded by opposing inner sidewalls of the first and second lateral portions extending between the top and bottom surfaces of the clip. The clip has a sufficient resilient force to allow a suture to be slid into the slot and has a sufficient clamping force to retain the suture in place within the slot once a desired positioned of the suture has been attained.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention includes a method for holding soft tissue in apposition with a bone using a suture, the method including engaging the soft tissue with an engaging portion of a suture thread; engaging an end of the suture thread with a rotatable shaft of an anchor; implanting the rotatable shaft in the bone; and rotating the shaft in a first direction to wrap the engaged suture thread onto the shaft thereby increasing tension on the suture and on the soft tissue.

Abstract: Modular spinal prosthesis having one of both of adaptable and configurable components are provided. The modular spinal prosthesis described herein provide an artificial articular configuration to replace damaged, worn or otherwise removed spinal facet elements. The prosthesis can include a crossbar having first and second ends. A first caudal prosthesis can be attached to the first end of the crossbar, while a second caudal prosthesis can be attached to the second end of the crossbar. A first crossbar mount can be positioned on the crossbar near the first caudal prosthesis, while a second crossbar mount can be positioned on the crossbar near the second caudal prosthesis. A first cephalad prosthesis can extend from the first crossbar mount, while a second cephalad prosthesis can extend from the second crossbar mount.

Abstract: In an embodiment of the invention, for spinal surgery, there is provided an offset arm system that has angular adjustment capability. In an embodiment, there are provided a hook system that is polyaxially or otherwise movably coupled to a body that receives a spinal rod.

Abstract: A dynamic stabilization system may include an elongated spinal rod, at least two bone anchors attached to the elongated rod, and a dynamic member. One of the bone anchors allows translation of the spinal rod with respect to the bone anchor. The dynamic member comprises a body and an elastomeric element coupled to at least one side of the body. The body of the element is capable of being attached to the elongated spinal rod between the two bone anchors.

Abstract: A rod system includes two rods each with a head and a shaft, two elastic members each fitted around one shaft against one head, and a case defining a first inner portion, a second inner portion, and a third inner portion in communication with the first and the second inner portions. A first rod with a first elastic member is seated in the first inner portion so the first elastic member abuts the bottom of first inner portion and the first head protrudes into the third inner portion. A second rod and a second elastic member is seated in the second portion so the second elastic member abuts the bottom of the second inner portion and the second head protrudes into the third inner portion and abuts the first head.

Abstract: Spinal anchoring methods and devices are provided that are effective to correct spinal deformities while allowing some flexibility to the spinal. In particular, the methods and devices allow a spinal fixation element to mate to several adjacent vertebrae to maintain the vertebrae at a fixed distance relative to one another, yet to allow the orientation of each vertebrae relative to the fixation element to adjust as the orientation of the patient's spine changes.

Abstract: This disclosure describes a several examples of a surgical fixation system including a plurality of anchor assemblies connected by one or more spinal rods. The anchor assemblies include a staple, bone anchor, staple cap, and lock nut. The surgical fixation system is configured for implantation on a lateral aspect of the spine.

Abstract: A robotic system for performing minimally invasive spinal stabilization, using two screws inserted in oblique trajectories from an inferior vertebra pedicle into the adjacent superior vertebra body. The procedure is less traumatic than such procedures performed using open back surgery, by virtue of the robot used to guide the surgeon along a safe trajectory, avoiding damage to nerves surrounding the vertebrae. The robot arm is advantageous since no access is provided in a minimally invasive procedure for direct viewing of the operation site, and the accuracy required for oblique entry can readily be achieved only using robotic control. This robotic system also obviates the need for a large number of fluoroscope images to check drill insertion position relative to the surrounding nerves. Disc cleaning tools with flexible wire heads are also described. The drilling trajectory is determined by comparing fluoroscope images to preoperative images showing the planned path.

Abstract: A bone plate system for fixation of bone includes a bone plate and a first fastener. The bone plate includes a bone contacting surface, an upper surface, and a first opening extending between the bone contacting surface and the upper surface. The first opening includes a lower portion, a non-threaded upper portion, and a threaded portion. The threaded portion includes threads and converges towards the lower portion. The lower portion includes a smallest diameter of the first opening. The first fastener includes a head at least partially comprising a spherical portion and a first material. When the first fastener is inserted into the first opening, the threads of the first opening form threads in the first material on the head of the first fastener to secure the first fastener in place at one of a plurality of possible angles within the first opening.

Abstract: A plate system for bone fixation including intermaxillary fixation which has at least one plate with one opening and at least one bone screw for securing the plate to an adjacent bone and/or other anatomical structures (e.g., the gingival) with space maintained in between. The plate system provides a fixed connection at both the plate and the bone. A method for achieving fixation while maintaining space between the plate and bone includes placement of a spacer over the desired bone screw insertion point, followed by placement of the plate over the spacer so that the bone screw may be inserted through the plate while the spacer is held in position.

Abstract: Embodiments provide methods, apparatuses, and systems for fixation of a fractured bone. In various embodiments, the systems and plates may provide elastic suspension of the receiving holes relative to the osteosynthesis plate. This elastic suspension may promote load distribution between the screws that connect a bone segment to the plate, thereby reducing stress risers and load shielding effect. In addition, stress at the screw holes, and within the construct as a whole, is reduced by incorporation of these elastic elements in the plate. Additionally, in some embodiments, for instance if fracture healing by callus formation is desired, elastic suspension of the receiving holes relative to the osteosynthesis plate may enable small, controlled amounts of relative motion between bone fragments connected by the plate, which may promote fracture healing by callus formation.

Abstract: A bone fixation system includes a compression bone screw and a washer for use with the bone screw in the reduction and fixation of bone fragments. The washer includes a frusto-conical body having a leading end, a trailing end, an exterior surface, an interior surface, and a central bore defined by the interior surface for receiving the bone screw. The interior surface is tapered resulting in the central bore's diameter being larger at the trailing end than at the leading end and the exterior surface has a greater taper angle than the taper angle of the interior surface.

Abstract: A surgical bone screw (1) and driver (31), and a method for using them for repairing an osteotomy or fracture. The screw has a shaft having a head (5) at its proximal end, screw threads (3) at its distal end and a compression member (7) between the head and the screw threads. In an embodiment, the threads are self-tapping and self-drilling, the head is polygonal, and the sides of the polygon are convex. The driver turns the screw until the threads cross a fracture site and the compression member contacts the proximal bone fragment. The threads and compression member draw the fragments together and leaves the head entirely clear of the bone surface. The screw is removed through a small incision. Tilting the driver to allow the socket to engage an inwardly extending lower portion of the head permits the driver to lift the screw out of the bone.

Abstract: A surgical implant comprising a screw element having a screw head, a first thread having a first thread pitch, a second thread having a second thread pitch and an intermediate portion coupling the first and second thread pitches with the first and second thread pitches being different. The implant has a buttressing head associated with the first thread, and it is dimensioned to be larger than a diameter of the first threads to provide external buttressing as the first and second threads compress a first bone and a second bone together.

Abstract: A cranial clamp for attaching a cranial flap to the skull comprises a clamp having a base to be placed against the lamina interna, and a cap acting as a locking member against the lamina externa. The clamp and the cap are linked together by an extension spring within the diploe through a burr hole or along/within the line of a craniotomy.

Abstract: Methods of regulating uterine contractions using light are described. An exemplary method of regulating uterine contractions comprises suppressing a nocturnal endogenous melatonin level of a pregnant female experiencing uterine contractions by exposing the pregnant female during nighttime to a light source emitting visible light.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a crosslinked, silicon-containing layer containing, substantially consisting of or consisting of silicon, O, C, H, optionally N which can be produced by plasma polymerization and/or crosslinking of organosilicon liquids by a plasma process and/or UV radiation of a wavelength of less than 250 nm, without using metals of an atomic number of more than 14, as a biocompatible surface, for imparting to a surface or providing a surface with a non-genotoxic effect. The invention also relates to correspondingly coated articles and to processes for the production thereof.

Abstract: An improved delivery system for an implantable medical device includes a retention sheath having a proximal end, a distal end, and an inner lumen extending from the proximal end to the distal end. The implantable medical device is disposed within the inner lumen of the retention sheath, which restrains the implantable medical device. A plurality of substantially incompressible rings are disposed within the inner lumen of the retention sheath in a stacked co-axial configuration that extends from the proximal end of the retention sheath in a pre-deployment position to a proximal end of the implantable medical device. Each ring in the plurality of separate rings abuts at least a portion of an adjacent ring. The plurality of separate rings is configured to prevent the implantable medical device from moving toward a proximal end of the retention sheath when the retention sheath is moved from the pre-deployment position to a deployment position.

Abstract: An endoprosthesis for deployment within a body passage includes an external tubular framework disposed about a tubular member, e.g., a metallic film having a thickness of about 50 ?m or less. The tubular member may be sandwiched between the external tubular framework and an internal tubular framework located internally of the external tubular framework and the tubular member. Whether or not the internal tubular framework is included, the endoprosthesis can be self-expanding. During deployment of the endoprosthesis using a deployment device, the external tubular framework prevents substantial frictional contact between the deployment device and the tubular member.

Abstract: The present invention provides a modular stent-graft system. In one embodiment, a prosthesis comprises a first tubular graft comprising a layer of graft material, one lumen extending therein, and a first fenestration extending through the layer of graft material. A layer of fenestration covering material attaches to the layer of graft material. The layer of fenestration covering material is disposed in the lumen of the first tubular graft and partitions the first fenestration from the lumen of the first tubular graft. A first non-stented opening is disposed proximal to the first fenestration and communicates with the first fenestration between the layer of graft material and the fenestration covering material. In use, a proximal end of a second tubular graft sealably engages the first non-stented opening, and the second tubular graft further extends through the first fenestration and into a branch vessel.

Abstract: A tubular graft device is provided comprising a tubular member and a fiber matrix of one or more polymers about a circumference of the tubular member. The matrix may be electrospun onto the tubular tissue. In one embodiment, the tubular tissue is from a vein, such as a harvested saphenous vein, useful as an arterial graft, for example and without limitation, in a coronary artery bypass procedure. Also provided is method of preparing a tubular graft and connecting the graft between a first body space and a second body space, such as the aorta and a location on an occluded coronary artery, distal to the occlusion.

Abstract: Some embodiments relate in part to endovascular prostheses and methods of deploying same. Embodiments may be directed more specifically to stent grafts and methods of making and deploying same within the body of a patient. Stent embodiments may include tapered struts for an even distribution of strain. Stent embodiments may also include portions which are enlarged in a circumferential direction which may be configured to stabilize the stent in a constrained state.

Abstract: A device for use as an endoprosthesis, having a base body (1, 1?), comprising a metallic material, and a function element (3, 3?) that is attached to the base body and has a different metallic material composition in comparison with the material of the base body (1, 1?). To reduce direct metal contact between the base body (1,1?) and the function element (3, 3?), a first layer (5, 5?) is introduced into the borderline area (9, 9?) between the base body (1, 1?) and the function element (3, 3?), extending to the surface, wherein the first layer is produced by plasma-chemical treatment in an aqueous solution containing phosphate ions, or comprises magnesium stearate.

Abstract: This invention relates to prosthetic cardiac and venous valves and a single catheter device and minimally invasive techniques for percutaneous and transluminal valvuloplasty and prosthetic valve implantation.

Abstract: Biomedical valve devices, support frames for use in such devices, methods of making such devices, and methods of treating animals, including humans, for valve-related conditions are described. The biomedical valve devices can includes a native tissue valve attached to a support frame or a tissue attached to a support frame in a manner to form a valve. The tissue valve or tissue can be autogenous to the animal being treated.

Abstract: A prosthetic valve device, including a valve component, frame and methods of manufacturing the same. The present invention, in some embodiments, is a prosthetic valve device having an optimized valve component for durability and functionality of the collapsible leaflets. Specially designed commissures contribute to the optimization along with identified parameters. In other embodiments, the invention, is a frame formed from a unique cutting pattern.

Abstract: A marker composite for medical implants composed of a biocorrodible metallic material and a medical implant comprising an X-ray marker which was made of the marker composite. The marker composite contains a large number of particles composed of a radio-opaque metal, which are embedded in an electrically non-conductive polymer. The particles have an additional electrically non-conductive coating.

Abstract: Disclosed are self-expanding medical implants for placement within a lumen of a patient. The implants comprise a woven or non-woven structure having a substantially tubular configuration, and are designed to be low-profile such that they are deliverable with a small diameter catheter. The implants have a high recoverability and desired mechanical properties.

Abstract: In accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure, a process of forming a prosthetic device is provided. The process includes forming a dispersion of polymeric nanofibers, a fiberizing polymer, and a solvent, the dispersion having a viscosity of at least about 50,000 cPs. A tubular frame is positioned over a tubular polymeric structure. Nanofibers from the dispersion are electrospun onto the tubular frame to form a prosthetic device. The prosthetic device is heated.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the maintenance of blow flood using drug eluting stents and/or other coated medical devices to increased length of time of blood flow. Further, the present invention relates to drug-releasing coated devices for reducing smooth muscle cell proliferation and platelet activity to further limit restenosis utilizing resveratrol and quercetin, polyphenols that are linked to the cardioprotection of red wine consumption. The present invention also provides products and methods for treating or preventing atherosclerosis, stenosis, restenosis, smooth muscle cell proliferation, platelet cell activation and other clotting mechanisms, occlusive disease, or other abnormal lumenal cellular proliferation condition in a location within the body of a patient.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described, including one or more valve support guide members that are delivered to one or more commissures of a native atrioventricular valve of a patient. A prosthetic valve support is advanced toward the native valve along the one or more valve support guide members and placed at the native valve. A prosthetic valve is coupled to the valve support. One or more sealing elements facilitate sealing of an interface between the prosthetic valve support and the native valve. Other applications are also described.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention provides a prosthesis that can be implanted within a heart to at least partially block gaps that may be present between the two mitral valve leaflets. In one preferred embodiment, the prosthesis includes an anchoring ring that expands within the left atrium to anchor the prosthesis and a pocket member fixed to the anchoring ring. When the mitral valve is open, blood flows past the pocket member, maintaining the pocket member in a collapsed state. When the mitral valve closes, the backpressure of the blood pushes into the pocket member, expanding the pocket member to an inflated shape. The mitral valve leaflets contact the expanded pocket member, allowing the prosthesis to block at least a portion of the openings between the leaflets, thereby minimizing regurgitated blood flow into the left atrium.

Abstract: Prosthetic band, in particular for repairing a mitral valve, comprising an elongate band made of a flexible material for the fixation of artificial cords, and including a plurality of separable pads that are joined along the trajectory of said elongate band and protrude with respect thereto, said pads being separated from each other and capable of receiving such artificial cords. In this way, the proper length of the artificial cords can be established, and they can be tied without slippage of the knots with the aim of applying them during an operation for the repair of a prolapse of the mitral valve.

Abstract: A prosthetic anatomical device, such as, for example an annuloplasty prosthesis, is disclosed in which the prosthesis comprises a generally annular core and a cover surrounding the core, with at least a portion of the cover forming a cuff. In some embodiments, the cover may be particularly configured about the core to form the cuff. Various methods and structures for mitigating or retarding movement between the annular core and the fabric cover are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for endovascularly replacing a patient's heart valve. The apparatus includes a replacement valve and an expandable anchor configured for endovascular delivery to a vicinity of the patient's heart valve. In some embodiments, the replacement valve is adapted to wrap about the anchor, for example, by everting during endovascular deployment. In some embodiments, the replacement valve is not connected to expandable portions of the anchor. In some embodiments, the anchor is configured for active foreshortening during endovascular deployment. In some embodiments, the anchor includes expandable lip and skirt regions for engaging the patient's heart valve during deployment. In some embodiments, the anchor comprises a braid fabricated from a single strand of wire. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes a lock configured to maintain anchor expansion. The invention also includes methods for endovascularly replacing a patient's heart valve.

Abstract: An intraocular lens (IOL) that provides for optical power adjustment following its implantation, for example, for use in treating cataract patients. The lens body has first and second surface portions that bound at least one interior chamber or space that extends from the central optic portion to the lens periphery. The interior chamber or space has a microporous body that is intermediate inner and outer portions of the space. In one embodiment, the microporous body is capable of cooperating with an external Rf or light source to expose a charge to a charge-carrying fluid within the interior chamber. By this system, fluid flows are induced to alter the optical parameters of the lens.

Abstract: Many modern implantable ophthalmic devices include electronic components, such as electro-active cells, that can leak harmful substances into the eye and/or surrounding tissue. In the implantable ophthalmic devices disclosed herein, electronic components are hermetically scaled within cavities formed by bonding together two or more glass wafers. Bonding the glass wafers together with laser fusion bonding, pressure bonding, or anodic bonding creates a seal that leaks at a rate of less than about 5×10?12 Pa m3 s?1 when subjected to a helium leak test. Hermetically sealed feedthroughs formed of conductive material running through channels in the wafers provide electrical connections to components inside the sealed cavities. In some cases, the conductive material has a coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) that is roughly equal to (e.g., within 10% of) the CTE of the glass wafers to minimize leakage due to thermally induced expansion and contraction of the conductive material and the glass wafer.

Abstract: A foldable lens comprises an outer refractive surface portion comprising a first plurality of convexly curved refractive profile regions having positive optical power to converge light energy with refraction toward a focus on the retina. The convexly curved refractive profile regions of the outer region may correspond to at least about a quarter of the refractive power of the lens, such that the lens thickness is decreased substantially and the folded lens can fit through a small incision. The outer refractive surface portion focuses light with refraction, in focus images viewed through the outer portion of the lens can appear sharp to the patient. The outer refractive surface portion also comprises a second plurality of concavely curved refractive profile regions having negative optical power disposed between the first plurality, so as to diverge the light energy substantially away from the focus on the retina, such that visual artifacts are inhibited.

Abstract: A helicoil interference fixation system comprising: a helicoil comprising a helical body comprising a plurality of turns separated by spaces therebetween, the helical body terminating in a proximal end and a distal end, and at least one internal strut extending between at least two turns of the helical body; and an inserter for turning the helicoil, the inserter comprising at least one groove for receiving the at least one strut; the helicoil being mounted on the inserter such that the at least one strut of the helicoil is mounted in the at least one groove of the inserter, such that rotation of the inserter causes rotation of the helicoil.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing an unshrunken tissue equivalent. Said method is comprising in that: a mixture is produced that contains at least one element of an extracellular matrix; at least one pluridimensional medium is soaked with said mixture; from the components of the mixture, a lattice comprising at least one element of an extracellular matrix is produced, at least at the medium; at least part of the components of said mixture is attached to the structure of the medium; the shrinking of at least the lattice is prevented and at least said lattice is tensioned on said medium; fibroblasts are integrated into the lattice and at least one cell culture of said fibroblasts is carried out, at least in the lattice. The invention also relates to a method for producing a skin equivalent that comprises at least one dermal equivalent formed by an unshrunken tissue equivalent and at least one epidermal equivalent.

Abstract: Tissue fixation devices are provided. The devices include a first component and a second component, the components having different rates of in vivo degradation. The first component and second component are arranged so that, upon degradation of one of the components, the other component provides a scaffold into which bone can grow.

Abstract: An in-bone implantable shaft for prosthetic joints or for direct skeletal attachment of external limb prostheses, comprised of a central body fitted in the zone of the bone's medullary cavity conventionally prepared for implantation, and of side elements attached to the central body and fitted in the slots specially made in the bone's walls surrounding said medullary canal; said side elements have spaces between them, arranged to be filled by bone cells to provide a natural and safe osseolocking of the shaft. A method of preparing the bone for implantation of a prosthetic shaft, comprising the steps of: placing a cylindrical guide with slots made in the longitudinal direction of said guide inside said bone's canal which is conventionally prepared for implantation; cutting said bone's walls by progressing a saw along the edges of the slots of said guide; removing the guide; fitting the shaft in the bone's canal, provided that the side elements are fitted to the slots in the bone's walls.

Abstract: Modular lumbar interbody fixation systems and methods with reconstruction endplates are provided. A representative system includes: a pair of engaging plates adapted to fit between and engage the vertebral bodies, at least one engaging plate of the pair of engaging plates being a reconstruction endplate, the reconstruction endplate having a trough and configured to receive a fixing agent; and an alignment device positionable between the pair of engaging plates, the alignment device being operative to maintain a disc space between the vertebral bodies during use.

Abstract: An expandable intervertebral implant (10) includes a first member (20), a second member (40), and a collar operatively associated with the first and second members, wherein the collar includes a threaded mechanism so that rotation of the collar causes the second member to axially move with respect to the first member. The implant includes a ratchet mechanism (50, 80) so that when at least a predetermined amount of force is applied, the second member moves with respect to the first member in an axial, ratchet-type manner. The collar preferably includes a drive ring (60) rotatably attached to the first member and a ratchet ring (80) operatively associated with the drive ring. The ratchet ring includes an inner bore having at least one corresponding ratchet thread tooth form formed thereon for engaging a ratchet thread tooth form formed on the second member.

Abstract: An intervertebral prosthesis or disk prosthesis comprising a front side, a rear side, an upper side which can be placed on the base plate of vertebral body, a lower side which can be placed on the base plate of a vertebral body, a right side, a left side, a cavity which can receive a fluid hydraulic osteocementum, an opening in the cavity and several outlets out from the cavity. The total of the transversal surfaces of the outlets SV on the front side, the total of the transversal surfaces of the outlets SH on the rear side, the total of the transversal surfaces of the outlets SR on the right side and the total of the transversal surfaces of the outlets on the left side satisfy the following conditions: SL>SR or SR>SL or SH>SV or SV>SH.

Abstract: An implantable device for treating disc degenerative disease and arthritis of the spine. The implant is sized for placement into an intravertebral disc space. The implant has a body with a predetermined, defined, repeating, three-dimensional pattern at least partially on at least one of its surfaces. The pattern is adapted to create a surface area of bone-contacting features that enhance in-growth and biological attachment to a biocompatible material. Also disclosed are process steps for making the implant.

Abstract: A spinal implant which is configured to be deployed between adjacent vertebral bodies. The implant has at least one extendable support element with a retracted configuration to facilitate deployment of the implant and an extended configuration so as to expand the implant and effectively distract the disc space, stabilize the motion segments and eliminate pathologic spine motion. The implant has a minimal dimension in its unexpanded state that is smaller than the dimensions of the neuroforamen through which it typically passes to be deployed within the intervertebral space. The implant is provided with a locking system having a plurality of linked locking elements that work in unison to lock the implant in an extended configuration. Bone engaging anchors also may be provided to ensure secure positioning.

Abstract: An expandable osteosynthesis implant has branches (5) each connected at one end to a seat (7) which is pierced by an orifice (8), suitable for being slid from a posterior direction between the facing faces of two consecutive vertebrae in order to hold them a given distance apart and restore stability of the spinal column. According to the invention, said branches (5) and said seat (7) define a hollow cage (1) which, in a “rest” position, has an outside general shape that is a cylinder of circular section, and a portion at least of the inside volume (9) of the cage (1) towards the distal ends of said branches (5) is in the form of a circular truncated cone whose large base is towards said seat (7) which implant has at least three branches (5) and, inside said inside volume (9) at least one spacer (2) suitable for passing through said orifice (8) and the large base of the truncated cone.

Abstract: An interbody spinal implant including a body having a top surface, a bottom surface, opposing lateral sides, opposing anterior and posterior portions, a substantially hollow center, and a single vertical aperture. The single vertical aperture extends from the top surface to the bottom surface, has a size and shape predetermined to maximize the surface area of the top surface and the bottom surface available proximate the anterior and posterior portions while maximizing both radiographic visualization and access to the substantially hollow center, and defines a transverse rim.