Abstract: Provided is a capsule for storing and dispensing dental material. The capsule comprises a cartridge for the dental material, and a nozzle. The nozzle being pivotable with respect to the cartridge between a first position in which the capsule is closed for storage and a second position in which the capsule is opened for dispensing the dental material. One of the nozzle and the cartridge comprises a bearing member and the other one of the nozzle and the cartridge comprises a bearing shell, wherein the bearing member and bearing shell form a pivot. Upon pivoting the nozzle from the first to the second position, the seal between the bearing member and the bearing shell is improved.

Abstract: The device includes a shim component constructed for use in the non-surgical treatment of interproximal carious dental lesions. A plunger may be provided for driving substances through a tube-like channel or bore in the shim component, or an electromagnetic energy-transmissive material may fill the channel, in either case for delivering to the site of the lesion a medium that is effective for directly or indirectly killing, or biologically damaging, the carious bacteria.

Abstract: A projectile syringe has a barrel, a spring loaded power assembly with an attached plunger, a notched plunger shaft terminating in a knob and a breach plug secured to the barrel. The spring loaded power assembly has a cylindrical sleeve with four dissected fingers, two projections on the sleeve's outer cylindrical surface securing a compressed compression spring. A cylindrical weight is captured within the sleeve by four fingers. The user attaches a needle and draws a desired amount medicament. The plunger shaft is broken flush against the breech plug. The user attaches a stabilizing tail to the breech plug end and the projectile syringe is aimed at a target animal. Stopping the syringe displaces the cylindrical weight, allowing the four fingers to displace. The proximal projections move inward, allowing the compressed compression spring to expand to the fixed breech plug, pushing the piston to deliver medicament to the animal.

Abstract: The inventive device is provided with a unit (1) comprising a body (3) which interacts with a pipette tip (24) in a vertical position in order to retain the content of the pipette tip (24) in the unit (1) and comprises a nozzle (2) having a capillary channel (4) insertable into a straw (25) oriented in a transversal position with respect to the body in such a way that, when the body is in a vertical position, said nozzle (2) is in a horizontal position. The inventive method consists in sampling a liquid substance initially contained in a top-open container (45) with the aid of the pipette tip (24) in the vertical position, in transferring the content of pipette tip (24) to the body (3) of the unit (1) prior to filling the straw (25) with the predetermined dose of a liquid substance transferred thereto from the unit (1).

Abstract: A device for treating fecal incontinence in a subject is provided. The device includes a plug configured for positioning mostly within an anal canal of the subject.

Abstract: An incontinence treatment device includes a support, a pump, and anchors each attached to a connection line. The support includes an inflatable bladder and the pump is body-implantable and attachable to the inflatable bladder. The pump is configured to selectively inflate the inflatable bladder to compress the tissue of the urethra. The connection lines are attached to the support. A first anchor is fixed to the first connection line and a second anchor is coupled to the second connection line, where the second anchor is an adjustable anchor. The adjustable anchor is configured to be movable and position-adjustable relative to the second connection line.

Abstract: A method of treating urinary incontinence in a patient includes providing an incontinence treatment device including a first connection line attached to a support, a second connection line attached to the support, and an inflatable bladder attached to the support, with an adjustable anchor coupled to one of the connection lines. The method includes creating a perineal incision in the patient; and directing the adjustable anchor through the perineal incision and inserting the anchor into tissue on one side of the patient. The method includes sliding one of the connection lines through the adjustable anchor and adjusting a position of the support relative to a urethra of the patient.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to self-detachable medical devices containing a detachable film layer and polymeric film layer.

Abstract: A laminate and process of making the laminate is disclosed comprising: a surgical mesh having first and second surfaces; and an adhesive structure having adhesive and non-adhesive surfaces, wherein the non-adhesive surface of the adhesive structure is laminated to at least one of said first and second surfaces of said surgical mesh, and the adhesive surface of said adhesive structure has protrusions extending therefrom comprising a resin having a Young's modulus of greater than 17 MPa, which protrusions are of sufficiently low diameter to promote adhesion by increasing physical attractive forces between the adhesive structure and a target surface, as measured by shear adhesion.

Abstract: An implantable article and method are disclosed for treating pelvic floor disorders such as vaginal vault prolase. A surgical kit useful for performing a surgical procedure such as a sacral colpopexy is also described.

Abstract: An embolic protection device includes a first filter configured to be disposed in a first vessel and a second filter configured to be disposed in a second vessel. A first tether extends from a proximal end of the first filter and a first magnet is coupled to the first tether. A second tether extends from a proximal end of the second filter and a second magnet is coupled to the second tether. The device is configured such that when the first filter is disposed in the first vessel and the second filter is disposed in the second vessel, the first magnet and the second magnet are magnetically coupled to each other to couple the first tether to the second tether.

Abstract: An embolic protection device includes a shaft, a first magnet fixedly coupled to a distal portion of the shaft, a second magnet slidingly coupled to the shaft proximal to the first magnet, and a filter including a distal portion coupled to the first magnet and a proximal portion coupled to the second magnet. The first and second magnets are magnetically attracted to each other such that in a radially compressed configuration of the filter, the second magnet is spaced from the first magnet a first distance, and in a radially expanded configuration of the filter, the second magnet slides towards the first magnet such that the second magnet is spaced a second distance from the first magnet, wherein the second distance is smaller than the first distance.

Abstract: Disclosed are an artificial dura mater and manufacturing method thereof. The artificial dura mater includes electrospun layers prepared by electrostatic spinning, at least one of which is a hydrophobic electrospun layer. Further, above the hydrophobic electrospun layer, there can be at least one hydrophilic electrospun layer. A transition layer can be further included between the hydrophobic and the hydrophilic electrospun layers. Additionally, cytokines and/or medicines can be affixed to either or both of the hydrophobic and the hydrophilic electrospun layers, by way of bio-printing. The disclosed artificial dura mater shows good biocompatibility, enhances dural tissue regeneration, achieves excellent repairing effects, prevents adhesion, allows complete absorption, has good mechanical properties, ensures low infection rates, and can be loaded with therapeutic agents.

Abstract: Devices, methods, and systems are provided for loading an implantable device into a container. One aspect of the loading system contains a loader element with a loading tunnel that is configured to gradually contract an implantable device into a compressed state of reduced size relative to an expanded state as the implantable device travels through the loading tunnel.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for treating gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) include anti-reflux valves and retainers for securing them within the lumen of the esophagus, stomach, or a hiatal hernia. The retainers contain inflatable balloons, some of which may be enveloped by a flexible shell that is used to secure the balloon to tissue. Methods are described for treating GERD patients who (1) have no hiatal hernia, (2) have a hiatal hernia that is fixed in place, or (3) have a hiatal hernia that slides above and below the diaphragm. Methods are also described for delivering GERD-treatment devices to their target locations within the patient's gastrointestinal tract.

Abstract: A stent graft (1) has at least one fenestration (13) or low profile side arm (34). A guide assembly (17) surrounds the fenestration or low profile side arm. The guide assembly has a continuous wall extending laterally away from the outer surface of the stent graft. The continuous wall is substantially elliptical or circular and extends distally of the fenestration at a distal end of the wall and being coincident with a proximal part (25) of the periphery of the fenestration or low profile side arm at a proximal end of the wall (23). The wall acts to define a guide area to guide a flexible probe extended from a side branch vessel to enter the fenestration or low profile side arm. Where there are two fenestrations or low profile side arms there can be a single continuous wall (50) around both or separate walls for each. The wall may have a peripheral wire reinforcement (19).

Abstract: An implantable interference screw for use in a soft tissue repair, the screw having a bioresorbable body comprising a plurality of interconnected pores, the body having an instrument interface in one end and a thread around an exterior of the body starting from distal end. The plurality of interconnected pores of the resorbable body are substantially filled with a bioresorbable polymer.

Abstract: Breast implants including sensor modules and related methods are described herein. Breast implants include those with: a shell configured to be substantially filled with a viscous material; a plurality of sensor modules attached to the shell, the sensor modules oriented to detect one or more analytes in a fluid adjacent to the shell, the sensor modules positioned at a distance from each other, wherein each of the plurality of sensor modules includes a unique identifier; and at least one power source operably attached to the plurality of sensor modules.

Abstract: A plate haptic for an intraocular lens. The plate haptic has a haptic body that is substantially rigid in a longitudinal direction and substantially flexible in a transverse direction. A chassis is integral to the haptic body. The chassis causes the haptic body to be substantially more rigid in a longitudinal direction than in a transverse direction.

Abstract: A cranial implant molding device having a frame or base that receives a bottom or convex molding plate and a top or concave molding plate in a manner whereby the two plates are separated a distance to receive a settable or curable implant forming material therebetween. The plates are separated by a compressible member such that by the use of threaded mechanical fasteners or similar members the distance between the two plates can be adjusted by tightening or loosening the mechanical members. The thickness of the implant is varied by varying the separation distance on different sides of the frame.

Abstract: A femoral head prosthesis (110) comprises an articulating surface (112) which is more than hemi-spherical; an internal recess (114) having a longitudinal axis defining a pole P of the articulating surface (112), the longitudinal axis passing through the center of curvature of the articulating surface (112); a first edge (116) which constitutes a posterior edge in use, and a second edge (118) which constitutes an anterior edge and/or an antero-inferior edge in use. The first edge (116) is further from the pole P than the second edge (118). Also provided is a femoral prosthesis comprising a femoral head, and a femoral implant comprising a femoral stem and a femoral head. The prostheses and implants of the invention find use in total hip replacements.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tibial prosthesis having an articulating component and a tray component. The articulating component is configured for attachment to the tray component. Additionally, the articulating component may be attached to the tray component in a first condition in which the articulating component is at least rotatable relative to the tray component. This allows for the tray component to be attached to the tibia in a position that provides for proper rotation of the tray component with respect to the tibia and/or prevents the tray component from overhanging the resected tibia. Then, the articulating component may be rotated and/or translated to a position that provides for proper alignment of the articulating component with a femoral prosthesis. Once in this positioned, a locking mechanism is used to rotationally fix the articulating component to the tray component.

Abstract: A tibial anchoring assembly comprising a tibial tray and an anchor. The tibial tray comprises an upper surface for engagement with a femoral component and a lower surface for engagement with a tibia bone. The lower surface defines at least one retaining aperture. The anchor is adapted to compressively couple the tibial tray to the tibia bone. The anchor comprises a longitudinally extending base, a top section coupled to the base and having a shape to be received into the retaining aperture of the tibial tray, and a flexible blade member protruding from the base. The flexible blade member is adapted to be flexed in tension while being inserted into the tibia bone, thereby exerting a compressive force between the tibial tray and the tibia bone. A deforming fixture may be used to shape the flexible blade member. Methods of affixing an implant to a bone structure are also provided.

Abstract: A method of performing joint arthroplasty on a patient with a bone fragment of a bone at least partially separated from the bone in one embodiment includes providing a prosthetic component with a bone connecting portion and a bone fragment portion, implanting the bone connecting portion of the prosthetic component in the bone, and attaching the bone fragment to the bone using the bone fragment portion.

Abstract: An artificial joint comprising a first base element and a second base element that are pivotally connected to an intermediate body. A first protrusion extends from the first base element and is configured to be press-fitted into a screw device that is anchored to a first bone member, and a second protrusion extends from the second base element and is configured to be press-fitted into a screw device that is anchored to a second bone member. A related kit-of-parts is also described.

Abstract: An implant device, system and method can include a top structure, a bottom structure, and an intermediary structure. The bottom structure can include a helical groove structure, and the intermediary structure can include at least one pin that cooperates with the helical groove structure such that the pin and the helical groove structure guide the intermediary structure in both a rotational direction about the central axis and an axial linear direction along the central axis. The bottom structure can also include a linear groove structure configured to guide the top structure in a linear motion with respect to the bottom structure when the intermediary structure is rotated with respect to the bottom structure.

Abstract: A bioactive spinal implant used in cervical fusion, Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (ALIF), Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (PLIF), and Transforaminal Interbody Fusion (TLIF), having properties and geometries that enhance bone contact, stability, and fusion between adjacent vertebral bodies.

Abstract: An intervertebral implant that can be surgically introduced between adjacent vertebrae and expanded in situ to occupy an optimal space between the vertebrae. The implant is inserted into the evacuated disc space obliquely and then oriented so as to extend laterally across the anterior adjacent vertebrae with its outer ends of the implant supported by the cortical rims on the opposite sides of the vertebrae. The implant has two body members with a space therebetween so the implant may be then distracted and a spacer of predetermined thickness that may be inserted within the space between the body members so as to maintain a desired amount of distraction. The upper and lower surfaces of the implant may have a desired lordotic angle. A method of using an implant is disclosed which permits endoscopic visualization of the disc space.

Abstract: The present invention provides an expandable fusion device capable of being installed inside an intervertebral disc space to maintain normal disc spacing and restore spinal stability, thereby facilitating an intervertebral fusion. In one embodiment, the fusion device includes a body portion, a first endplate, and a second endplate, the first and second endplates capable of being moved in a direction away from the body portion into an expanded configuration or capable of being moved towards the body portion into an unexpanded configuration. The fusion device is capable of being deployed and installed in both configurations.

Abstract: The instant invention is a longitudinally adjustable corpectomy device which fits within the intervertebral distracted channel. A ratchet mechanism allows for an extendable member to adjust to a longer length to accommodate a distracted channel. The ratchet type mechanism allows the members to move in a unidirectional movement to prevent the two members from contracting once expanded.

Abstract: A method for guiding a bone removal device to form a socket in the human spine and for inserting a cortical bone implant into the socket. The method includes placing a guard against the posterior aspect of the spine, the guard having a passage therethrough, inserting the bone removal device into the passage, removing a portion of a facet joint with the bone removal device to create the socket having a maximum height, and inserting the cortical bone implant into the socket. The cortical bone implant has a leading end, a trailing end, a mid-longitudinal axis through the ends, and a height transverse to the mid-longitudinal axis, the height of the cortical bone implant being greater than the maximum height of the socket.

Abstract: Systems and methods for modifying a shoulder joint configuration exhibiting wear that take into account resultant of forces responsible for the wear of the glenoid surface from geometric characteristics of wear.

Abstract: A mechanical finger comprises a plurality of phalanges coupled to a single actuator using a kinematic linkage and a differential linkage arranged in parallel. The mechanical finger is capable of exhibiting consistent predictable motion when moving in free space or when contacting an object at the fingertip, and of curling in order to conform to an object when the contact is at other locations on the finger.

Abstract: Hybrid terrain-adaptive lower-extremity apparatus and methods that perform in a variety of different situations by detecting the terrain that is being traversed, and adapting to the detected terrain. In some embodiments, the ability to control the apparatus for each of these situations builds upon five basic capabilities: (1) determining the activity being performed; (2) dynamically controlling the characteristics of the apparatus based on the activity that is being performed; (3) dynamically driving the apparatus based on the activity that is being performed; (4) determining terrain texture irregularities (e.g., how sticky is the terrain, how slippery is the terrain, is the terrain coarse or smooth, does the terrain have any obstructions, such as rocks) and (5) a mechanical design of the apparatus that can respond to the dynamic control and dynamic drive.

Abstract: In an apparatus and method for treating an aneurysm, a flow control member is positioned within a blood vessel at least in part upstream of an aneurysm and extending radially inward of the blood vessel wall into the flow path of blood flowing within the blood vessel. The flow control member alters the blood flow path within the blood vessel upstream of the aneurysm to inhibit blood flow to the aneurysm. A retention member may be positioned within the blood vessel at least in part upstream from the aneurysm and having an outer surface engageable with the blood vessel wall. In such an instance, the flow control member is retained by the retention member and extends radially inward of the blood vessel wall upstream from the aneurysm.

Abstract: A device is provided that provides flexibility to an assembly. The device includes a loop hinge that hinges by twisting a body of the loop hinge.

Abstract: A pattern is used to form a stent scaffold from a polymeric precursor tube having a particular outer diameter. A new pattern can be derived from a base pattern, wherein the new pattern can be used to form a stent scaffold from a precursor tube having an outer diameter ODPR smaller than that needed for the base pattern. The new pattern can be derived by determining the shape of a stent scaffold, having the base pattern, after having been radially compressed to ODPR. The radially compressed shape is used to design the new pattern, which is applied to a precursor tube having an outer diameter ODPR. The new pattern can have a plurality of W-shaped closed cells, each W-shape closed cell bounded by struts oriented in such a way to form interior angles from about 80 degrees to about 95 degrees between every two adjacent struts.

Abstract: A biodegradable, bioabsorbable medical device with a coating for capturing progenitor endothelial cells in vivo and delivering a therapeutic agent at the site of implantation. The coating on the medical device is provided with a bioabsorbable polymer composition such as a bioabsorbable polymer, copolymer, or terpolymer, and a copolymer or terpolymer additive for controlling the rate of delivery of the therapeutic agent.

Abstract: A stent delivery system for delivering a self-expanding stent includes a keel. The keel is used to pass a pushrod and a guidewire into a sheath through the tubular sidewall of the sheath, i.e., not through the lumen opening at the proximal end of the sheath. Accordingly, the entire length of travel of the proximal end of the sheath during deployment of the stent is not required to be inside of the handle, allowing the handle to be short. Since the handle is short, the handle is easy to manipulate.

Abstract: An implantable pumping system for pumping a fluid in an implantable gastric banding system comprises a pump for pumping the fluid. A voltage source provides a pump voltage to the system, and a voltage control circuit increases or decreases the pump voltage. A pump driver applies the pump voltage to the pump at a phase and a frequency. The implantable pumping system comprises a sensor that monitors a parameter to facilitate adjusting at least one of the phase or the frequency to maintain a desired value of the parameter. The parameter is associated with at least one of the implantable pumping system or the implantable gastric banding system. A micro controller is configured to manipulate at least one of the phase or the frequency to maintain the desired value of the parameter. The sensor may comprise a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor, and/or a flow rate sensor.

Abstract: An orthosis and a method for the production thereof are provided. The orthosis includes a first support section and at least one further support section that form a three-dimensional support body. The support sections rest on the patient and support limbs or body areas of the patient. The orthosis also comprises fixing means which engage on the support body and which fix the orthosis on the patient. The support body comprising the support sections includes a reinforcing structure that comprises a support layer onto which at least one reinforcing thread is sewn. A pattern layout of the reinforcing thread is oriented along force lines corresponding to stresses that occur in the support body. The layout of the reinforcing thread lies within a surface on the support layer, said surface corresponding to a two-dimensional pattern layout of the three-dimensional support body.

Abstract: A two piece ostomy appliance having a first part (bodyside part) adapted for securing to the body of a user, and second part (pouch part) that is releaseably secured to the first part. The pouch part has a pouch flange which has an opening communicating with an interior of the pouch; and a bodyside flange with an opening and a hydrocolloid layer for securing the bodyside flange to the stoma of a user. The bodyside flange has a location projection receivable in a recess in a part of the pouch flange to align the opening of the pouch flange with the opening of the bodyside flange. A surface of the pouch flange has an adhesive to adhere the pouch flange to the bodyside flange. The recess of the pouch flange is located at the periphery of the pouch flange, extending away from the opening in the pouch flange.

Abstract: Methods and devices are disclosed for manipulating the hyoid bone, such as to treat obstructive sleep apnea. A conformable implant is positioned adjacent a hyoid bone. The spatial orientation of the hyoid bone is manipulated, to affect the configuration of the airway. The implant restrains the hyoid bone in the manipulated configuration. The implant is positioned adjacent to pharyngeal structures to dilate the pharyngeal airway and/or to support the pharyngeal wall against collapse. The implant may be attached to the hyoid bone using a clamp delivery tool that is adapted to releasably engage the implant.

Abstract: A prosthesis comprising a pancake-shaped body, a narrowed neck and a flared flattened handle sized and shaped to shield the posterior vaginal wall from frictional contact during coitus. The pancake-shaped body unfurls during insertion and provides for the prosthesis to be retained within the vagina and the flared flattened handle prevents the prosthesis from entering the vagina during insertion of the prosthesis or during coitus. This prosthesis decreases the volume of the vagina and decreases the area of the vaginal opening providing a non-surgical, cost-effective solution to tightening a woman's vagina. The posterior vaginal wall prosthesis enables women who have larger vaginas to use tampons.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods to enhance sleep, reduce sleep onset latency, extend sleep duration and/or increasing the duration of deeper sleep stages relative to stage 1 sleep. In general, these apparatuses and methods apply and maintain one or more target “warm” temperatures to a subject's forehead for a time period. The target temperature may be between 25° C. and 42° C. The target temperature may be a fixed amount greater than ambient temperature. The time period may be a fixed time period or a variable time period. These methods and apparatuses may limit the application of thermal energy to the subject's forehead region.

Abstract: An ocular implant is provided. In some embodiments, the ocular implant includes a body that is curved about a longitudinal central axis and a distal body portion that defines a longitudinal channel including a channel opening. The implant is sized and configured such that the ocular implant assumes an orientation in which the channel opening is adjacent a major side of Schlemm's canal when the ocular implant is disposed in Schlemm's canal. Methods for delivering ocular implants into Schlemm's canal are also provided. Some methods include covering openings in the ocular implant, advancing the implant into Schlemm's canal while at least some of the openings are covered, and uncovering the openings while the distal portion of the implant is disposed in Schlemm's canal.

Abstract: A laser system including: a laser source operable to emit a first and a second laser beam having first and second operating wavelengths, respectively; a fiber optic cable to guide and homogenize the laser beams; an expander to increase the diameter of the laser beams; a cylinder to guide the laser beams and limit respective diameters of the first and second laser beams, wherein the cylinder is positioned after the expander on an optical path of the laser beam; a first optical system to collimate the laser beams, wherein the optical system is positioned after the cylinder on the optical path of the laser beams; a spot-size selector comprising a plurality of apertures, wherein the spot-size selector is positioned after the first optical system on the optical path of the laser beams; and a second optical system to focus the laser beams on a tissue of the patient.

Abstract: A disposable diaper includes a side flap and a tape fastener. The tape fastener includes a tape attaching part attached to the side flap and exposed at an outer side face of the side flap. The side flap includes a leg periphery side region positioned closer to a leg of a wearer than the tape attaching part. The leg periphery side region is foldable upwardly to cover at least partially an end portion of the tape attaching part adjacent the leg of the wearer in response to a stress generated when the tape fastener is engaged, while being pulled, with the other end portion of the inner part in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A pledget for a tampon having improved leakage prevention of bodily fluid after the tampon is inserted in the vagina. The pledget can have an absorbent structure having two layers. At least one of the layers of the absorbent structure can have one contact element at least partially separated from a second contact element. A method of manufacturing the tampon can include a step of incorporating a contact element into at least one of the two layers of the absorbent structure.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a tampon generally comprises forming a softwind including a core and a cover overlying and at least in part covering the core. The cover carries an absorbent web having a free end and a bonded end wherein the free end is capable of moving relative to the cover. The softwind is passed through a transfer assist device to facilitate the transferring of the free end of the absorbent web without the absorbent web becoming misaligned relative to the cover.