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: An implantable penile prosthesis having an inflatable cylinder with at least one piezoelectric pump for transferring fluid between an integrated reservoir and pressure chamber within the inflatable cylinder. The piezoelectric pump includes an actuator powered by an inductor coil integrated into the inflatable cylinder allowing for wireless control of the inflation and deflation of the inflatable cylinder. An external control system having a corresponding inductive coil can be used to supply a magnetic field for creating a current in the inductor coil integrated into the inflatable cylinder.

Abstract: Cranial implants, kits including cranial implants, and methods of making cranial implants are described. The cranial implants may be radiolucent. The cranial implants may have contact surfaces complementary in shape to measured portions of a surface of a specific cranium. The radiolucent cranial implants may include carbon-PEEK.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention described herein thus provide systems and methods for providing improved surgical implants. Embodiments of the implants may include a thin porous sheet formed on a mandrel. The porous sheet that is formed has an interconnected pore structure that may be compressed by a heat compression mold without losing porosity. Additional membrane materials or other layer materials may be applied to one of the face surfaces of the porous sheet or to one of the edges of the porous sheet. For example, a solid membrane surface may be compressed, bonded, welded, or secured a surface face or an edge of the porous sheet. The solid membrane may be compressed or laminated to the upper surface, lower surface, or both. The solid membrane may be welded to at least one edge of the porous sheet (by, for example, being butt welded, thermally bonded, or heat compressed to the at least one edge).

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus that can be positioned in a subject to include, selectively, a modular connection portion. The modular connection portion can be provided to allow for soft tissue connection that replaces a greater trochanter of a natural femur. The soft tissue connection portion can include a plurality of regions to allow for reattachment of soft tissue in a plurality of position to mimic a natural anatomy. A method of using, selecting, and implanting the prosthesis is also disclosed.

Abstract: A biocompatible prosthetic device comprising a thin low friction spacer for location to overlie a bone member in an interpositional location between opposed bone joint articular surfaces. The prosthesis is preferably a thin spacer with at least one low friction surface, the spacer being adapted for location about a bone member in an interpositional location between opposed bone joint articular surfaces preferably about a margin of articular cartilage of a bone member's condyle, preferably without any modification of the articular surface of the condyle. One preferred use of a prosthesis is in a human temporomandibular joint as a thin cap-like member fitted closely over the mandibular condyle to be disposed intermediate of the mandibular condyle and the mandibular fossa of the temporomandibular joint.

Abstract: An orthopaedic tibial prosthesis includes a tibial baseplate sized and shaped to cover substantially all of a resected proximal tibial surface, and a tibial bearing component sized to leave a posteromedial portion of the tibial baseplate exposed when the tibial bearing component is mounted to the baseplate. The exposed posteromedial portion of the tibial baseplate includes a chamfered profile which cooperates with a correspondingly chamfered profile at a posteromedial edge of the tibial bearing component to create a substantially continuous chamfer extending from the resected tibial surface to the medial articular surface of the tibial bearing component. Advantageously, this chamfer leaves an absence of material (i.e., a relief or void) at the posteromedial edge of the tibial prosthesis, thereby enabling deep flexion of the prosthesis without impingement between the tibial prosthesis and adjacent anatomic tissues or prosthetic structures.

Abstract: A family of tibial baseplates can comprise a plurality of tibial baseplates. Each of the plurality of tibial baseplates can define a common nominal baseplate size and a unique, non-congruent tibial baseplate periphery as compared to the other tibial baseplates of the family of tibial baseplates.

Abstract: A prosthetic device for an anatomical feature includes a prosthetic member able to be fixed to the anatomical feature. The device also includes a bearing including a bearing surface able to support an articulating surface for articulation thereon. Additionally, the device includes a bearing restraining member that limits movement of the bearing relative to the prosthetic member at a first time. The bearing restraining member also allows for increased movement of the bearing relative to the prosthetic member at a second time without surgical intervention.

Abstract: A total ankle replacement prosthesis may comprise a tibial implant, a talar implant, and an intermediate implant. The intermediate implant may fixedly attach to the tibial implant and may articulate with respect to the talar implant. The intermediate implant may have unequal front and back angular extent, so as to discourage a particular direction of subluxation, and a kit may be provided containing various such intermediate implants. Various features may be provided in regard to dovetails, fins, recesses, the placement of fins and pegs, and the shape of the perimeter of the tibial implant. Recesses may allow a surgical blade to slice a latch off of an already-installed intermediate implant, in order to allow its removal from the tibial implant.

Abstract: This disclosure provides various vertebral implants, devices for attaching a vertebral implant and implantation instrumentations. In some embodiments, the implant includes a first body and a second body, each having a face with shapes and dimensions mating that of the other body and forming mutual fitting means, thus allowing assembly of the bodies by sliding along a sliding axis. In some embodiments, a locking means is retained in one of the bodies and an abutment portion may move from an open position allowing sliding for the assembling of the bodies to a closed position locking the bodies in assembly by the contact between the abutment portion, by contact with an abutment of the other body, the abutment being oriented angularly to the sliding axis and the abutment portion passing from the open position to the closed position elastically by flexure or torsion.

Abstract: An enhanced artificial disk for stabilizing a pair of adjacent vertebrae. The enhanced artificial disk include a disk and a stabilizer. The stabilizer includes a substantially keyhole shaped opening for receiving a stabilizer screw. By facilitating movement of the stabilizer screw within the opening, the enhanced artificial disk is capable of exhibiting a normal range of motion associated with a healthy disk while limiting any abnormal range of motion.

Abstract: Devices and methods for treating one or more damaged, diseased, or traumatized intervertebral discs to reduce or eliminate associated back pain. Specifically, devices and methods of repairing a portion of the spine encompass interspinous spacers, for example, inflated between and secured to one or both of the adjacent spinous processes.

Abstract: An intervertebral implant includes a three-dimensional body and a securing plate. The three-dimensional body includes a front surface and a rear surface. The three-dimensional body further includes a plurality of boreholes for accommodating fixation elements. The intervertebral implant also includes a front plate disposed at the front surface of the three-dimensional body and has a plurality of boreholes. A securing plate can be fastened to the front plate.

Abstract: A bone infusion apparatus for interbody grafts includes a container; a retainer, the retainer including a recess for receiving therein bone graft material; and a lid including a plunger assembly. A method of preparing bone including cadaver bone for use in cervical fusion includes: placing cadaver bone combined with bone collected from a patient into a recess of the retainer; placing the retainer in the container; filling the container with a liquid; attaching a lid the container; depressing a plunger of the lid such that a press head advances toward the retainer causing a dynamic pressure to act on the cadaver bone combined with the bone collected from the patient; suctioning the liquid from the container; removing the combined bone from the retainer; and placing the combined bone removed from the container into a vertebral interspace of the patient.

Abstract: A lower limb prosthesis system and a method of controlling the prosthesis system to replace a missing lower extremity of an individual and perform a gait cycle are disclosed. The prosthesis system has a controller, one or more sensors, a prosthetic foot, and a movable ankle joint member coupled to the prosthetic foot. The movable ankle joint member comprises a hydraulic damping system that provides the ankle joint member damping resistance. The controller varies the damping resistance by providing volumetric flow control to the hydraulic damping system based on sensor data. In one embodiment, the hydraulic damping system comprises a hydraulic piston cylinder assembly, hydraulic fluid, and a valve to regulate the fluid. In one embodiment, the controller alters the damping resistance by modulating the valve to vary the hydraulic fluid flow within the hydraulic piston cylinder assembly of the movable ankle joint member based on sensor data.

Abstract: A prosthetic includes a pair of prosthetic members movably coupled together to allow movement of the pair of prosthetic members with respect to one another. A hydraulic actuator or damper including hydraulic fluid in a hydraulic chamber is coupled to one of the pair of prosthetic members. A hydraulic piston is movably disposed in the hydraulic chamber and coupled to another of the pair of prosthetic members. A hydraulic flow channel is fluidly coupled between opposite sides of the chamber to allow hydraulic fluid to move between the opposite sides of the chamber as the hydraulic piston moves therein. A voice coil valve is coupled to the hydraulic flow channel to vary resistance to flow of hydraulic fluid through the flow channel, and thus movement of the piston in the chamber, and thus influencing a rate of movement of the pair of prosthetic members with respect to one another.

Abstract: A prosthetic device is controlled based on measured electrical signals corresponding to muscle activity in a lower-extremity anatomical analog to a dysfunctional or absent portion of an upper extremity of an individual. In particular, an activity monitoring device measures electrical signals corresponding to muscle activity in the lower-extremity anatomical analog. Then, a communication device communicates information specifying the electrical signals to a pattern-recognition device. The pattern-recognition device identifies a natural mode of movement of the lower-extremity anatomical analog based on the information. For example, the natural mode of movement may be identified using a pattern-recognition technique.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for supporting a post amputation residuum protection device. The supporting apparatus comprises a central portion, and a first flap and a second flap extending from the lower end of the central portion. A strap member is secured to the central portion and includes a pair of elongated straps each having a free distal end and longitudinally spaced holes adjacent their distal ends. The flaps are adapted to extend around a distal end of the residuum protection device. The first side and the second side of the central portion are adapted to wrap around the residuum protection device forming a shape conforming to the outside of the residuum protection device. The straps are connectable to a waist belt for supporting the residuum protection device.

Abstract: The disclosure provides biodegradable implantable devices such as a stent comprising a biodegradable polymeric wherein the polymeric material is treated to control crystallinity and/or Tg. The stent is capable to expand at body temperature in a body lumen from a crimped configuration to a deployed diameter and have sufficient strength to support a body lumen.

Abstract: A flexible stent graft for deployment in a body vessel at a treatment site that includes a tubular body of graft material having circumferential crimps with alternative troughs and crests along its length, and a stent system comprising a plurality of circumferential turns which are attached at the crest.

Abstract: A device for moving an elongate member relative to an elongate body through which it extends, the device including a housing, a mover, and a pre-mover. The housing is connectable to the elongate body. The mover is associated with the housing and is connectable to the elongate member for moving the elongate member relative to the housing. The pre-mover is associated with the housing and is connectable to the elongate member for adjusting the elongate member in preparation for moving the elongate member with the mover.

Abstract: A device for inducing weight loss in a patient includes a tubular prosthesis self-expandable from a collapsed position in which the prosthesis has a first diameter to an expanded position in which the prosthesis has a second, larger, diameter. In a method for inducing weight loss, the prosthesis is placed in the collapsed position and inserted into a stomach of a patient. The prosthesis is allowed to self-expand from the collapsed position to the expanded position and into contact with the walls of the stomach, where it induces feelings of satiety and/or inhibits modulation of satiety-controlling factors such as Ghrelin.

Abstract: An orthopaedic device for a lower limb of a human, includes: a front segment (2) suitable for receiving the sole of a forepart; and a rear segment (10) suitable for receiving the lower surface of the heel, wherein: the front segment and the rear segment consist of two separate parts, the front segment and the rear segment are connected by at least one resilient upper arch (8) which extends above the front segment and the rear segment, providing a recess for receiving the foot, and is suitable for maintaining the front segment and the rear segment in an inoperative position, such as to enable a relative movement of the front segment and the rear segment relative to one another, from the inoperative position, and to resiliently return the segments to the inoperative position thereof.

Abstract: A shoulder immobilization apparatus/device which allows simultaneous immobilization of shoulders in both anterior/posterior directions as well as superior/inferior direction using shoulder straps (belts). The straps are attached to a base board. The base board is configured to be used in conjunction with standard components including: treatment couch, head support boards, head support, thermoplastic masks, and indexing bars. The device uses only low attenuation components in the treatment area. The use of nonconductive materials makes the device suitable for use with MRI machines.

Abstract: This invention is a device that utilizes hydro-block venting material in various condom catheter configurations to permit adequate airflow into the catheter thereby permitting efficient and complete drainage of urine away from the user following urination by means od gravity, siphoning or pumping. In one embodiment the condom that fits on the penis is itself made of hydro-block venting material. In another embodiment the hydro-block material is placed on the proximal end of a storage bag. In yet another embodiment a retro-fit assembly containing the hydro-block venting material can be retrofitted for use with any condom catheter. Both adhesive and inflatable rings are disclosed as attachment means to secure the condom catheter to the user and prevent leakage.

Abstract: Devices and methods for reducing undesirable noises relating to ostomy bag usage. One embodiment is a sleeve of foam or other sound absorbing material configured to surround substantially all or part of an ostomy bag. The sleeve can have a zippered bag opening to releasably receive the ostomy bag, and a stoma-coupling opening to enable a patient's stoma to be coupled to the ostomy bag. Another embodiment of the sleeve includes a pocket and an active noise cancellation device held in the pocket.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and devices for performing in situ patterned chemistry for synthesizing and preparing peptide arrays. The invention provides a reproducible and scalable platform that can be potentially used to monitor the health of a plurality of individuals.

Abstract: A condom that includes a tubular shaft comprising a polymeric composition and having an open end and a closed end, a hollow interior chamber disposed between the open end and the closed end, and an open-cell foam tip portion disposed on at least one of an internal portion of the closed end and/or an exterior surface of the closed end, wherein the tubular shaft and the open end are adapted for receiving a penis of a wearer.

Abstract: A vaginal protector for protecting the genital area of a female including: a surface shield, where the surface shield includes an inside surface and an outside surface; an adhesive applied to the inside surface; a stub extending from the inside surface; a vaginal plug secured over the stub for insertion into a female's vagina during use; and an opening above the stub, where the opening allows for any flow of urine from the female. The plug may extend from the surface shield at a perpendicular angle and preferably the inside surface covers a labia area of the female.

Abstract: This invention is a sleep environment control system which uses wearable technology with physiological sensors to predict when a person will have a hot flash and to proactively provide localized cooling or accelerated airflow for that person for a limited time to alleviate the adverse effects of that hot flash. In an example, a physiological sensor can be a body temperature sensor, skin conductance sensor, or EEG sensor. This system can reduce interruptions of a person's sleep due to hot flashes and improve their quality of life.

Abstract: Provided is a heating tool which is capable of providing less cool feeling at the time of attaching to the skin, warming the skin effectively and supplying oil effectively to the skin, as well as providing less cool feeling after peeling from the skin and providing a high warming effect even after use. This heating tool is a heating tool including an adhesive layer, wherein the adhesive layer has a specific heat of less than 3 J/g·K at 20° C., the adhesive layer includes a base and oil with a specific heat of less than 3 J/g·K at 20° C. and a boiling point of 100° C. or higher at 1 atmospheric pressure, and the oil is contained in an amount of 30 to 90 wt % in the adhesive layer.

Abstract: A dry eye treatment device and method of use are disclosed for applying heat to the exterior surface of the eyelid to treat dry eye caused by meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). More specifically, a user operable main unit and hand piece are provided that allow the user to heat his/her or another patient's eyelids to a desired temperature, which can effectively and efficiently raise the temperature at the meibomian glands to a temperature sufficient to melt, loosen, or soften more serious occlusions or obstructions in the meibomian glands, and restore natural secretory function to obstructed glands.

Abstract: An in-ear stimulation system for administering caloric stimulation to the ear canal of a subject includes (a) a conduit configured to deliver a fluid to calorically stimulate an ear canal of a subject; and (b) a fluid control unit comprising a controller configured to control a flow of the fluid to the conduit and/or to control a caloric profile of the fluid such that a temperature of the fluid changes through time when the fluid is being delivered to the ear canal via the conduit.

Abstract: The present provides devices, systems and methods useful for stimulating the vestibular and/or nervous systems of an individual with a gas or mixture of gases that has been cooled, heated and/or humidified to produce one or more time-varying thermal waveforms.

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, and methods for folding an intraocular lens and inserting an intraocular lens into an eye are disclosed herein. In some instances, a system for folding an intraocular lens may include a folding pin, a guide pin rotatable about a longitudinal axis of the folding pin, and a stage laterally moveable relative to the folding pin. An intraocular lens may be secured between the folding pin and the guide pin and be folded onto the folding pin during rotation of the guide pin. A retention member may be used to hold the folded intraocular lens onto the folding pin.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and kits useful for cleansing the eyelids and maintaining eyelid hygiene are disclosed. In one embodiment, a system for treating or cleansing an ocular region is disclosed. The system consists essentially of: (A) a tubular applicator, wherein the applicator comprises: (i) a first chamber and a second chamber; and (ii) a sealable element situated between the first chamber and the second chamber, wherein at least the second chamber is substantially pre-filled with an ocular composition, and (B) a dispenser, wherein the dispenser is bonded to an external surface of a first end of the applicator.

Abstract: Delivery systems and methods for delivering riboflavin (R/F) and UVA irradiation to the sclera are disclosed. The R/F is delivered and then activated with UVA irradiation through the use of LEDs or optical fibers, thereby causing cross-linking of the collagen tissue. Delivery systems include implantable structures which provide surfaces that conform to the sclera. The delivery systems include various types of structures for delivery of R/F onto the sclera surface. Additionally, the delivery systems include UVA sources which provide irradiation of R/F in sclera collagen tissue.

Abstract: Disclosed are devices and methods for treatment of eye disease. The suprachoroidal space is used as a conduit within which to place a drug delivery device. One such drug delivery device may be a tube, wicking element, bioabsorbable polymer structure, or other configuration of drug delivery substrate. The delivery device may include a port on the proximal end to assist in repeat injection, and may include a reservoir to either collect flow from the aqueous to concentrate it along the length of the device, or act as a repository for injected agent.

Abstract: A cataract surgery apparatus for fragmenting an eye lens nucleus including a retractor surface for retracting a capsular bag of an eye, a knife edge for chopping the lens nucleus and longitudinal sides for splitting the chopped lens nucleus. The cataract surgery apparatus fragments an eye lens with a bimanual operation of two cataract surgery apparatus. A single cataract surgery apparatus can also fragment a target eye lens nucleus.

Abstract: A method is described for treating glaucoma by surgically implanting a shape recoverable member in the sclera of the eye. The shape recovery member is adapted to recover involutely when shape recovery is caused to occur. The bending of the shape recoverable member during its recovery exerts pressure on longitudinal ciliary muscle to supply tension to and open the trabecular meshwork. As a result, aqueous humor flows more freely and reduces the intraocular pressure.

Abstract: The embodiments include method of nonlinear optical photodynamic therapy of tissue including the steps of providing pulsed infrared laser light for two-photon excited fluorescence tissue exposure, and selectively focusing the pulsed infrared laser light within the tissue at a focal plane to activate a photosensitizing agent to generate free radicals within a highly resolved axial and lateral spatial domain in the tissue. The invention is also directed to an apparatus for performing nonlinear optical photodynamic therapy of tissue including a pulsed infrared laser for providing two-photon excited fluorescence beam tissue exposure, a scanner for selectively and controllably moving the tissue and the beam relative to each other, and optics for selectively focusing the pulsed infrared laser light within the tissue at a point in a focal plane to activate a photosensitizing agent to generate free radicals within a highly resolved axial and lateral spatial domain in the tissue.

Abstract: A goggle frame and an adaptor configured to attach to the goggle frame are disclosed in accordance with various embodiments. The adaptor may allow the goggle frame to adapt to different lenses or accessories. In particular, the adaptor may allow the goggle frame to adapt to lenses of different sizes, thicknesses, shapes, shades, colors, prescriptions, curvatures, and the like. Further, the adaptor may allow the goggle frame to adapt to various accessories, such as roll-off film systems of different sizes, various imaging devices, e.g., cameras, video cameras, display devices, e.g., LCD or LED displays, heads up displays, lighting devices, Global Positioning Systems (GPS), and the like.

Abstract: A method and system for mediated reality welding is provided. The method and system improves operator or machine vision during a welding operation.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods for closing an opening through a surface of a tissue site are described. The system includes a sealing member adapted to cover the opening to form a sealed space and a negative-pressure source adapted to be fluidly coupled to the sealed space to provide negative pressure to the sealed space. The system also includes a contracting layer adapted to be positioned adjacent the opening and formed from a material having a firmness factor and a plurality of holes extending through the contracting layer to form a void space. The holes have a perforation shape factor and a strut angle causing the plurality of holes to collapse in a direction substantially perpendicular to the opening. The contracting layer generates a closing force substantially parallel to the surface of the tissue site to close the opening in response to application of the negative pressure.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatuses for debriding a tissue site are described. The system includes a manifold and a cover adapted to form a sealed space over the tissue site for providing negative pressure. The system also includes a debridement tool positioned between the manifold and the tissue site. The debridement tool having a tissue-facing surface and a plurality of holes separated from each other by walls. The walls have transverse surfaces extending between the tissue-facing surface and an opposite surface that form cutting edges. The holes have a perforation shape factor that allows the holes to collapse from a relaxed position to a contracted position in response to the application and removal of negative pressure from the sealed space. The cutting edges debride the tissue site in response to movement between the relaxed position and the contracted position.

Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus are disclosed for dressing a wound. The apparatus comprises a liquid and gas permeable transmission layer, an absorbent layer for absorbing wound exudate, the absorbent layer overlying the transmission layer, a gas impermeable cover layer overlying the absorbent layer and comprising a first orifice, wherein the cover layer is moisture vapor permeable.

Abstract: A wound dressing comprising: a backing sheet; a layer of pressure-sensitive adhesive on the backing sheet; an island of absorbent material having smaller area than the backing sheet and applied onto a central region of the backing sheet so as to leave a margin of adhesive-coated backing sheet around the absorbent material, and an apertured wound facing layer applied over the absorbent material and adhered to the backing sheet around said island by said pressure-sensitive adhesive, wherein the apertured wound facing layer comprises an apertured substrate having a coating of a silicone gel on the wound facing surface thereof, the open area of the apertured wound facing layer is from about 5% to about 75%, and the apertured wound facing layer comprises apertures having an open area of from about 2 mm2 to about 100 mm2.

Abstract: Provided is a facial patch including a support, a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer, and a release layer in this order, in which (a) the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer satisfies the following conditions (a-1) to (a-3): (a-1) the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer contains a styrene-isoprene-styrene block copolymer, a tackifier resin, and a softening agent; (a-2) the ratio (mass ratio) of the styrene-isoprene-styrene block copolymer and the tackifier resin is 1:2 to 1:4; and (a-3) the content of the softening agent is 40% to 60% by mass; and (b) the support has elastic moduli with a Young's modulus of 0.01 GPa to 0.5 GPa, and also provided is a method for producing the facial patch, the method including a step of forming a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer on the upper surface of the release layer.

Abstract: Partly-finished products having side panel pieces are supplied intermittently to places between welding surfaces of a horn and a rotating anvil. Thus, the side pieces of the partly-finished products, are welded continuously to each other with a predetermined pattern. The welding surfaces of the anvil are provided over an entire circumference about a rotating shaft so that the interval between the welding surfaces of the anvil and the horns is maintained at an interval at which the respective side panel pieces are continuously weldable to each other with the predetermined pattern regardless of a rotating position of the anvil.