Abstract: An apparatus for amelioration of incontinence in a female subject. The apparatus comprises a stiffenable ring adapted for intra-vaginal insertion and a stabilizing extension, projecting axially from said stiffenable ring, said stabilizing extension having a size and position configured to stabilize said stiffenable ring within the vagina.

Abstract: A medical device and method are disclosed to be used when indwelling a belt-shaped flexible implant into a living body. The medical device includes: an elongated puncture needle which, by piercing the living body, forms a primary insertion hole in the living body; and a sheath into and out of which the puncture needle can be inserted and removed and which, by passing through the primary insertion hole in an assembled state with the puncture needle inserted therein, makes the primary insertion hole into a secondary insertion hole so as to permit the implant to be inserted in and passed through the secondary insertion hole. The puncture needle has a puncture needle-side expanding section which, when forming the primary insertion hole, expands the primary insertion hole to the same degree as the width of the implant.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention described herein thus provide systems and methods for ear restoration surgery. Certain embodiments provide an improved framework that provides enhanced cooperation between an ear base and a rim.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a prosthesis for inguinal hernioplasty made up of a surgical mesh extending from a first end (6) to a second end (7) along a longitudinal direction (A) and comprising a first portion (1) that includes said first end (6), a second portion (2) that includes said second end (7) and a connecting portion (3) arranged between said first portion (1) and said second portion (2), wherein said first portion (1) has a substantially ring shape that is or open or may be opened and is provided with a central hole (4), wherein said second portion (2) has a substantially elongated shape in said longitudinal direction (A), and wherein said connecting portion (3) has a width transverse to said longitudinal direction (A) smaller than the widths of said first portion (1) and said second portion (2) transverse to said longitudinal direction (A).

Abstract: A system for treating vaginal prolapse including two implants, each implant including a mesh support portion and two mesh extension portions, wherein for each implant the support portion is capable of contacting vaginal sulcus tissue while the two extension portions extend to tissue of an obturator foramen. The implant may include a mesh strip, with the support portion having a length between 4 and 6 centimeters, with the total length of the mesh strip being between 15 and 20 centimeters, and with the mesh strip being of substantially uniform width in the range from 0.5 to 1.3 centimeters. The implant may include two sutures, with one suture connected at each opposing end of the implant, and/or the implant may include one or multiple sutures connected along a length of the implant.

Abstract: An endoluminal filter, comprising a first support member having a first end and a second end; and a second support member attached to the first end of the first support member or the second end of the first support member and forming a crossover with the first support member to form two loops one on either side of the crossover, wherein at least a portion of the first support member, the second support member, the first end, the second end or a region adjacent to the cross over or any portion of one of the above is modified to provide an enhanced echogenic characteristic of the endoluminal filter.

Abstract: A method of treating a patient includes providing an implantable vessel filter including a plurality of legs and center-post, inserting the filter into a delivery assembly, and deploying the filter at a desired location in a patient's body. One or more of the legs may have a hook at a distal end thereof and the center-post includes a grooved distal section to receive the hooks. The filter legs transition from a compressed configuration to an expanded configuration during deployment.

Abstract: There are described a variety of intravascular filters have wherein at least a portion of the filter has been modified to provide an enhanced echogenic characteristic of the filter.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a delivery catheter having a deployable dynamic valve that dynamically opens and closes in response to relative fluid pressure thereabout, particularly while in an anatomical lumen. The valve is maintained in a collapsed configuration during introduction to a treatment site. The valve is adapted to automatically move from the collapsed configuration to a deployed configuration at the treatment site.

Abstract: The invention is a stent designed for indwelling in a body, where its purpose would be to assist in the drainage of liquid from one part of the body to another. The stent is composed of a material that would typically be coiled to form a cylindrical shape along the length of the stent. Each end of the stent would typically be shaped to form a looped pigtail to prevent migration in the vessel. The stent can be used for minimally invasive procedures or alternatively, it could be placed percutaneously. This stent could be used in various parts of the body, such as the ureter, urethra, bile duct, liver, pancreas, vascular system and neurovascular system.

Abstract: A lock block anchor provides secure fixation of a tendon, ligament, synthetic material or strand of any sort into a tunnel, slot or socket, in bone for orthopedic uses. The tendon, ligament or synthetic material is attached to the exterior of a roughened surface on the anchor and extends beyond the distal end of the anchor. When the anchor is locked into place following suitable preparation of the bone socket, it compresses to the tendon, ligament or synthetic material against the under surface of adjacent cortical bone. The compression and additional length promote faster, more effective healing.

Abstract: An intraocular lens inserter can include an energy storage portion, an actuator portion that provides temperature compensation, and a lens support portion. The energy storage portion can include a compressible energy storage device, such as a compressible fluid, springs, and other devices. The inserter can include an actuator portion operating with a substantially incompressible fluid. The actuator can be configured to provide an operator with control over the release of pressurized fluid so as to move a plunger for the discharge of a lens from an intraocular lens cartridge, discharge of the lens being limited based at least in part on pressure feedback from the pressurized fluid due temperature increases.

Abstract: Devices and methods for delivering a sutureless valve (5) to repair a defective native valve are described herein. The devices and methods are particularly useful in minimally invasive procedures.

Abstract: Excessive dilation of the annulus of a mitral valve may lead to regurgitation of blood during ventricular contraction. This regurgitation may lead to a reduction in cardiac output. Disclosed are systems and methods relating to an implant configured for reshaping a mitral valve. The implant comprises a plurality of struts with anchors for tissue engagement. The implant is compressible to a first, reduced diameter for transluminal navigation and delivery to the left atrium of a heart. The implant may then expand to a second, enlarged diameter to embed its anchors to the tissue surrounding and/or including the mitral valve. The implant may then contract to a third, intermediate diameter, pulling the tissue radially inwardly, thereby reducing the mitral valve and lessening any of the associated symptoms including mitral regurgitation.

Abstract: Disclosed is an implantable mitral valve having an adjustable support. The support comprises a plurality of pairs of adjacent struts joined at apexes and a plurality of anchors for tissue engagement. The implant is adjustable to a first, reduced diameter for transluminal navigation and delivery to the left atrium of a heart. The implant may then expand to a second, enlarged diameter for the step of embedding the anchors into tissue surrounding and/or including the mitral valve. The implant may then be adjusted to a third, intermediate diameter, pulling the tissue radially inwardly, thereby reducing the native mitral valve annulus and supporting the prosthetic mitral valve.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods relating to an implant configured for reshaping a mitral valve. The implant comprises a plurality of struts with anchors for tissue engagement. The implant is compressible to a first, reduced diameter for transluminal or transapical navigation and delivery to the left atrium of a heart. The implant may then expand to a second, enlarged diameter to embed its anchors to the tissue surrounding and/or including the mitral valve. The size and/or shape of the implant may then be adjusted, pulling mitral annulus tissue radially inwardly, and restrained in the adjusted configuration to improve mitral valve function.

Abstract: An expandable valved conduit for pediatric right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) reconstruction is disclosed. The valved conduit may provide long-term patency and resistance to thrombosis and stenosis. The valved conduit may enlarge radially and/or longitudinally to accommodate the growing anatomy of the patient. Further, a method is disclosed for the manufacture of the valved conduit based in part on a plastically deformable biocompatible polymer and a computer-optimized valve design developed for such an expandable valved conduit.

Abstract: The present teachings provide devices and methods of treating a tricuspid valve regurgitation. Specifically, one aspect of the present teachings provides devices and methods for reshaping and resizing the right ventricle by reducing the distances between two papillary muscles. Another aspect of the present teachings provides devices and methods for reshaping and resizing the right ventricle by reducing the distances along the right ventricle wall. Another aspect of the present teachings provides devices and methods for reshaping and resizing the right ventricle by reducing the distance between the distance of right ventricle outflow track and the right ventricle wall. Another aspect of the present teachings provides devices and methods for reshaping and resizing the right ventricle by changing the right ventricle sphericity index. Another aspect of the present teachings provides devices and methods for reshaping and resizing the right ventricle by reducing the tricuspid valve tethering height.

Abstract: A dynamic, adjustable annuloplasty ring sizer can include an adjustable ring replica, which can be adjusted through a range of sizes corresponding to available prosthetic annuloplasty repair ring sizes. Actuation of an adjustment trigger on a handle portion of the ring sizer can displace tension wires that extend through a malleable shaft and through a plurality of articulating segments that form the ring replica. Displacement of the tension wires causes flexion of the joints between adjacent articulating segments, thereby reducing the overall size of the ring replica. Releasing the tension wires can allow an elastic extension wire to act on the ring replica, enlarging the ring replica to its maximum, at-rest size. In this manner, the appropriate size of annuloplasty ring prosthesis can be determined with a single device, without requiring a plurality of static ring sizers that require individual insertion and placement for the conventional trial-and-error sizing methods.

Abstract: A dual poppet valve assembly for a pump assembly of an implantable penile prosthesis having a suction poppet engagable by a plurality of fingers allowing free travel of the poppet and to prevent vacuum lockup of the pump assembly. The suction poppet can also include an elongated shaft receivable within a corresponding bore of a cylinder poppet to prevent the suction poppet from becoming misaligned during the operation of the pump assembly.

Abstract: An acetabular prosthesis liner for a hip replacement assembly includes a thin shell liner forming a portion of a sphere. The thin shell liner includes an outer surface, an inner surface, and a member formed as one piece integrated with the outer surface and inner surface. The member extends away from the thin shell liner and has a thickness which is much smaller than a width of the flange.

Abstract: A device (1, 100) for repairing an intervertebral disc comprising an anchoring body (2, 102), suitable for being advanced into and secured in one of the vertebrae adjacent the intervertebral disc; and a prosthesis (3, 103, 203, 303) attachable in a secure coupling position to the anchoring body (2, 102) and adapted for retaining or replacing the nucleus pulposus in an interior space of an outer annulus of the intervertebral disc, the anchoring body supporting and arranging in the cited coupling position the prosthesis such that the prosthesis is oriented to in a direction toward and through a hole in the outer annulus, the prosthesis comprising at least one active portion (4) adapted to assume and maintain a first placement shape (A) suitable for permitting the active portion to be inserted into and through the hole in the outer annulus during a placement thereof into the interior space of the outer annulus, and at least a second operative shape (B) suitable for at least partially occluding the hole in the ou

Abstract: A spinal cage includes first and second spinal attachment members attachable to vertebrae, the first and second spinal attachment members articulating with one another by means of an articulation joint, and a wedge element arranged for wedging between the first and second spinal attachment members. An actuator is linked to the wedge element for moving the wedge element axially with respect to the first and second spinal attachment members. The actuator includes a threaded member adjacent the wedge element and a biasing device positioned between at least one of the first and second spinal attachment members and the wedge element. Upon turning of the threaded member, the wedge element is advanced with respect to the articulation joint so that the first and second spinal attachment members are tilted or parallel to each other. The biasing device applies a biasing force on the wedge element to move the wedge element axially.

Abstract: Biomedical implants comprising portions made of disparate materials, such as intervertebral implants and related methods and instruments. In some embodiments, the implant may comprise a base portion comprising a first material and a secondary fastener portion comprising a second material having distinct physical properties relative to the first material. The secondary portion may wholly define a front end wall surface of the implant, and the base portion and the secondary portion may collectively define at least one of an upper surface and a lower surface of the implant.

Abstract: An artificial intervertebral disc with shock absorption includes upper and lower plates disposed about a shock absorbing movable core. The upper and lower plates have an outer surface which engages a vertebrae and an inner bearing surface. The shock absorbing core includes a unitary member of a rigid material having at least one lateral cut between upper and lower surfaces of the core to allow the upper and lower surfaces to move resiliently toward and away from each other. This allows the core to absorb forces applied to it by the vertebrae.

Abstract: An orthopedic device delivers dynamic forces to a desired remote bone region. Dynamically arranged mechanical forces are known to stimulate bone cells (the process of mechanotransduction). The device includes an implantable element configured to couple with a generally accessible and healthy bone area, from which location it's configured to transmit forces to a remote bone area in need of repair, regrowth, or regeneration. Further, the device positions and orients the implantable element where it can be readily acted on by the device's force generator. The force generator is configured to impart dynamic forces that are transmitted through the implantable element and into a desired bone mass including a remote bone area in need of repair. This device promotes fracture healing, treats osteoporotic or other poor quality bone, and promotes vertebral fusion in conjunction with a spinal fusion procedure.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, a method of inserting a lateral implant within an intervertebral space defined between an upper vertebral member and a lower vertebral member includes creating a lateral passage through a subject in order to provide minimally invasive access to the intervertebral space, at least partially clearing out native tissue of the subject within and/or near the intervertebral space, positioning a base plate within the intervertebral space, wherein the base plate comprise an upper base plate and a lower base plate and advancing an implant between the upper base plate and the lower base plate so that the implant is urged into the intervertebral space and the upper vertebral member is distracted relative to the lower vertebral member.

Abstract: An expandable interbody spacer (10) is provided that includes a pair of oppositely facing endplate components (20, 40) and an interior component that includes one or more vertically extending stacks of arranged C-clip members (70) radially surrounding one or more bosses (30) protruding interiorly from one of the endplates, wherein the size and configuration of the bosses and the C-clip members are designed to allow the incremental expansion of expandable interbody spacer.

Abstract: The embodiments provide a spinal implant that is configured for lateral insertion into a patient's intervertebral disc space. The spinal implant may have a body having a tapered anterior portion and one or more apertures. The tapered anterior portion allows for concomitant distraction of soft tissue during insertion of the implant. In addition, at least some of the apertures are designed to permit a predetermined amount of nutation by a fixation element. The fixations dements that allow nutation enable the fixation element to toggle from one position to another, for example, during subsidence of the implant in situ.

Abstract: An expandable intervertebral spacer includes a body, a proximal end, and a distal end. The body includes quadrants that form a substantially cylindrical shape in a first configuration and a substantially cuboidal shape in a second configuration. Each quadrant includes a ramp portion with a ramp and a landing and a sliding portion with a sliding side and a foot. The ramp portion of a first quadrant engages the sliding portion of a second quadrant. The proximal end and the distal end couple with the plurality of quadrants and transfer an actuating force to expand the body from the first configuration to the second configuration.

Abstract: Systems and methods for distracting an intervertebral disc space are provided. The systems use an expandable trial with telescopic stabilizers. The systems and methods of distracting an intervertebral space are provided in a manner that addresses the problem of subsidence. The method includes inserting the trial into the intervertebral space in a collapsed state and, once inserted, the trial is then used for distracting the intervertebral space using an expansion that includes a first stage and a second stage. The first stage includes expanding the trial laterally toward the peripheral zones of the top vertebral plate and the bottom vertebral plate, and the second stage includes expanding the trial vertically to distract the intervertebral space.

Abstract: A tumble-resistant knee joint includes a knee carrier, a main base, and a coupler connected to each other. The knee carrier includes a connection piece and two connection bars to couple to an upper portion of the main base. The coupler includes coupler recesses formed in one side thereof corresponding to extensions of grips to receive push blocks therein and has two coupling bolts extending through a lower portion of the main base to allow the coupler connected to the lower portion of the main base. The main base receives therein an axle, which is provided, respectively and in sequence from a center thereof toward two opposite ends, with two bearings, two one-way bearings, two bushings, and two grips. The grips include extensions that cooperate with the push blocks to selectively grip or release the axle. The one-way bearings constrain the rotation of the axle to be in one direction.

Abstract: Provided are a fixing module and a motion assistance apparatus including the same, the fixing module including a base body, a plurality of side frames provided on both sides of the base body, and a height adjustment assembly provided on the base body, and on which a driving module is mounted to provide a power, wherein a distance between the plurality of side frames may be adjustable.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses relate to treating vessels that have developed an aneurysm or vessels that are expected to develop an aneurysm (e.g., aortic aneurysm). The device may include a conduit having one or more coupling members that serve to couple the conduit and the vessel together. The conduit and coupling member(s) may cooperate to apply an inward radial force (e.g., physical pulling of the vessel wall inward) on the vessel wall, substantially preventing vessel enlargement. In some embodiments, coupling members are disposed at a midpoint region between opposite ends of the conduit, such as regularly along the length of the conduit. When deployed, the device reduces the risk of excessive vessel enlargement which may otherwise lead to undesirable rupture or dissection of the vessel.

Abstract: A stent which improves safety by allowing a living body to be less affected even if a drug is detached. A stent has a strut that is formed in a linear shape, and that defines a cylindrical shape having an opening, a side surface coating member which coats at least a part of at least one of the side surfaces of the strut, the side surface coating member including a drug and a drug loading member which is a polymeric material for loading the drug, and an outer surface coating member which coats at least a part of the outer surface of the strut, the outer surface coating member including the drug without including the drug loading member.

Abstract: A method of forming a surface structure of a component of a medical devices includes forming a fatigue-resistant portion, which entails forming a first layer comprising a transition metal selected from the group consisting of Ta, Nb, Mo, V, Mn, Fe, Cr, Co, Ni, Cu, and Si on at least a portion of a surface of the component, where the surface comprises a nickel-titanium alloy, and alloying the transition metal of the first layer with the nickel-titanium alloy of the surface. The method further includes forming a rough outer surface of the fatigue-resistant portion, where the rough outer surface is adapted for adhesion of a material thereto.

Abstract: A branched stent graft, a convey system comprising thereof and manufacturing method thereof, the branched stent graft includes a main body (100) and a side branch (200), at least a portion of a lowermost stent section of the side branch (200) closest to the main body (100) is not stitched to the cover of the side branch from a lower end to an upper end, the at least a portion of the lowermost stent section is located on a side of the side branch corresponding to a folding direction of the side branch. After deployed, the branched stent graft has an effective supporting force at the base portion of the side branch. In addition, during the deployment of the stent, the side branch can expand to a maximal extent even when the positioning is slightly inaccurate. Further, vascular stenosis or occlusion will not be caused even when subsequent endothelialization occurs.

Abstract: A coated coronary stent, comprising a stainless steel sent framework coated with a p1imer layer of Parylene C, and a rapamycin-polymer coating having substantially uniform thickness disposed on the stent framework, wherein the rapamycin-polymer coating comprises polybutyl methacrylate (PBMA), polyethylene-co-vinyl acetate (PEVA) and rapamycin, wherein substantially all of the rapamycin in the coating is in amorphous form and substantially unifom1ly dispersed within the rapamycin-polymer coating.

Abstract: A stent incorporating flexible, preferably polymeric, connecting elements into the stent wherein these elements connect adjacent metallic stent element(s) across an intervening space and have optimized geometries. In one configuration the metallic elements are the result of forming the stent from a helically wound serpentine wire having intervening spaces between adjacent helical windings of the wire. The polymeric connecting elements are designed to fold within the space between the outer diameter of the stent and the inner diameter of the stent when the stent is subjected to compaction or bending. Other stent forms such as multiple, individual spaced-apart ring-shaped or interconnected stent elements may also be used.

Abstract: The present invention relates to tissue-supporting medical devices and drug delivery systems, and more particularly to tubular flexible stents that are implanted within a body lumen of a living animal or human to support the organ, maintain patency and/or deliver drugs or agents. The tubular flexible stent has a cylindrical shape defining a longitudinal axis and includes a helical section having of a plurality of longitudinally oriented strut members and a plurality of circumferentially oriented hinge members connecting circumferentially adjacent strut members to form a band. The band is wrapped about the longitudinal axis in a substantially helical manner to form a plurality of helical windings. At least one connector member extends between longitudinally adjacent helical windings of the band.

Abstract: A stent which can suppress galvanic corrosion while radiopacity is sufficiently ensured. The stent includes a sintered body of a base material that is formed of a first metal material with a second metal material that is dispersed in the base material. The second metal material has a specific gravity higher than that of the first metal material, and has a corrosion potential expressed by a corrosion potential of the first metal material ±200 mV.

Abstract: A stent 11 includes: wavy-line pattern bodies 13 having a wavy-line pattern and arranged side-by-side in an axial direction LD; and coiled elements 5 arranged between the wavy-line pattern bodies 13 adjacent and extending in a spiral manner around an axis, in which all apices 17 on opposite sides of the wavy-line pattern of the wavy-line pattern bodies 13 that are adjacent are connected by way of the coiled element 15. When viewing in a radial direction RD, a circular direction CD of the wavy-line pattern bodies 13 is inclined with respect to the radial direction RD, and a winding direction of one of the coiled elements 15R located at one side in the axial direction LD with respect to the wavy-line pattern bodies 13 and a winding direction of one other of the coiled elements 15L located at the other side in the axial direction LD are opposite.

Abstract: The present embodiments provide systems and methods for deploying at least a portion of a stent. In one embodiment, the system comprises a cannula having an outer surface, and at least one coiled member having proximal and distal ends and a plurality of turns disposed therebetween. One of the proximal and distal ends of the coiled member is secured to the outer surface of the cannula, and the other of the proximal and distal ends of the coiled member is unsecured relative to the outer surface of the cannula. A portion of a stent is looped around the unsecured end of the coiled member and disposed within spacing between adjacent turns of the coiled member. Rotation of the cannula subsequently causes the portion of the stent to disengage from the coiled member.

Abstract: The device includes: a tubular endoprosthesis with a central axis, and a release system including a capsule defining an inner volume receiving the tubular endoprosthesis in its contracted condition. The capsule is displaceable with respect to the tubular endoprosthesis along the central axis between a position for covering the tubular endoprosthesis and a position for releasing the tubular endoprosthesis. The device includes a mechanism for opening the capsule able to be maneuvered in the covering position in order to have the capsule pass from a closed configuration for retaining the tubular endoprosthesis to an open configuration radially expansed for releasing the tubular endoprosthesis. The tubular endoprosthesis is able to be kept at least partly retracted in the inner volume upon passing of the capsule from its closed configuration to its open configuration.

Abstract: A gastric tube for use in a bariatric surgical procedure includes an elongate tube and a movable component supported on an outer surface of the elongate tube. The elongate tube has a non-circular cross section along at least a portion of a length of the elongate tube. The movable component is movable between an unexpanded configuration and an expanded configuration. In the unexpanded configuration, the movable component is disposed in abutting engagement with the outer surface of the elongate tube. In the expanded configuration, the movable component bows outwardly from the outer surface of the elongate tube.

Abstract: A hinge for an orthopedic device includes a first part having a first end with a gear component, and a second part hingedly attached to the first part. The second part defines a cavity at a first end, and a worm is located within the cavity and engages the gear component. An adjustment element is adapted to regulate the worm relative to the gear component for articulating the first part relative to the second part.

Abstract: A hinge joint for orthopedic knee braces that enable a wearer or medical professional to quickly and efficiently adjust the lateral corrective force placed on the knee joint so as to apply the force at heel strike (full extension) when it is most needed, but will relax the loading during flexion. The hinge joint, for use in a three point pressure system of a knee brace, has a first part that is connectable to a femoral arm of a knee brace and a second part that is mounted to be able to telescope out of the first part as the leg is extended and to telescope back into the first part as the leg flexes.

Abstract: Back support devices for use in supporting a lower back region of an individual in a seated position are disclosed. The back support device can include a flexible, double-ended back support member adapted to provide lumbar support to the user's lower back, and a number of elastic knee straps extending from the ends of the back support member each forming a loop that can be attached to the user's knee when in a seated position. The back support device can be equipped with adjustment mechanisms for adjusting the length of the elastic knee straps and/or the length of the back support member. The back support member may further define an interior pouch that can be configured to receive a thermal pack, vibration element and/or other therapeutic device, and which can be used to store the back support device when not in use.

Abstract: A patient treatment system for treating a patient includes a cervical collar having a first opening located over a trachea of the patient and a second opening located over a carotid artery of the patient. An aid is disposed in the second opening and includes a base having a curved surface; the base is disposed proximal to a neck of the patient over the carotid artery. The aid also includes a first reacting agent and a second reacting agent. The first reacting agent and the second reacting agent create a thermic reaction when mixed. The aid further includes a first container and a second container. The base is part of the first container including the base; the second container is disposed entirely within in the first container.

Abstract: A cervical traction device includes a base assembly having a sled frame and a sled assembly that is adapted to move along the sled frame. The device includes a plurality of unique head support cushions. The sled assembly includes a recess that is adapted to removably receive each of the plurality of head support cushions. The device also includes a shoulder support cushion and a halter assembly having a head halter that is adapted to be removably attached to the head of the patient. A linear actuator is attached between the base assembly and the sled assembly and adapted to move the sled assembly along the sled frame.