Abstract: The invention relates to an orthodontic bracket system, wherein an orthodontic wire is held in an open channel or slot which receives an orthodontic wire without means of any type of applied ligature or any type of moving cover. Disclosed is a static self-ligating orthodontic bracket system for coupling a pre-tensioned arch wire with a tooth, wherein the bracket comprises a bracket body configured to be mounted to a tooth, an arch wire slot configured for receiving a pre-tensioned arch wire therein, the arch wire slot configured with a at least one protruding stop or protuberance on an interior wall surface thereof, the stops spaced apart from one another, and a slot opening for receiving the arch wire into the arch wire slot, the opening having a width less than a diameter of the arch wire slot, wherein the arch wire is configured with a non-spherical cross-section.

Abstract: A dental implant system including an implant and an abutment is disclosed. The implant includes a generally cylindrical body, a central axis, a distal end for anchoring in a patient's bone and a proximal end opposing the distal end. The proximal end includes a roughened lateralized surface that surrounds an abutment-engaging region. The lateralized surface is disposed at a negative slope relative to the central axis. The abutment includes an upper portion for supporting a tooth-like prosthesis and a lower portion for engaging the abutment-engaging region of the dental implant. The diameter of the lower portion of the abutment is smaller than the diameter of the implant at its proximal end. The lower portion includes a first surface with a soft-tissue enhancing material. The first surface and the lateralized surface defining a circumferentially extending recess having a V-shaped cross-section for receiving and attachment to the soft tissue.

Abstract: A 3D virtual model of an intra oral cavity in which at least a part of a finish line of a preparation is obscured is manipulated in virtual space by means of a computer or the like to create, recreate or reconstruct finish line data and other geometrical corresponding to the obscured part. Trimmed virtual models, and trimmed physical models, can then be created utilizing data thus created. The virtual models and/or the physical models may be used in the design and manufacture of copings or of prostheses.

Abstract: A dental crown cementation soft tissue and biologic attachment protective membrane has a dental membrane and a membrane carrier. The dental membrane is attached within the membrane carrier for easy manual manipulation. The dental membrane is used during dental crown installation to prevent dental cement from leaking out from the interior cavity of the dental crown into the gingival sulcus and surrounding soft tissue. The dental membrane is placed atop a dental abutment onto which the dental crown is to be installed. The dental crown is pressed onto the abutment over the dental membrane, causing excess cement to be extruded from the interior cavity onto the dental membrane. The dental crown then has minimal excess cement. The dental crown is then removed as well as the dental membrane, the cement on the exterior crown surface is removed, and the adequately cemented dental crown is again attached to the dental abutment.

Abstract: A foldable and flexible ultrasonic vibration mask for cleaning teeth comprises two upper devices and two lower devices. Each upper device comprises a flexible substrate, coils configured to generate ultrasonic sound and formed on the flexible substrate, coils configured to generate audible sound and formed on the flexible substrate, a resonance chamber attached to the flexible substrate and including a magnetic alloy. Each lower device includes a flexible substrate, coils configured to generate ultrasonic sound and formed on the flexible substrate, and a resonance chamber attached to the flexible substrate and including a magnetic alloy. The flexible substrates of the two upper devices are fixed together. The flexible substrates of each upper device and a corresponding lower device are fixed together. The flexible substrates of the two lower devices are fixed together.

Abstract: A digital face bow system for capturing a patient's dento-facial characteristics by acquiring and registering data defining the tilt or slant of the occlusal or incisal plane of a patient's teeth in three planes of space in relation to the cranium, head and/or face. The system includes a substrate adapted to support bite registration material, and a digital multiple axis inclinometer coupled to the substrate for registering the orientation of the occlusal or incisal plane, where the midline of the patient's horizontal-facial plane is registered. An adjustable mounting platform is adapted to receive the substrate and replicate the inclination registered by the digital multiple axis inclinometer.

Abstract: A safe method for bleaching teeth applies a thin film of a first bleaching composition having a high concentration of a bleaching agent to teeth to be bleached immediately followed by applying a second bleaching composition having a low concentration of a bleaching agent to teeth to be bleached.

Abstract: This document provides vaccine delivery devices and methods for vaccinating an animal (e.g., a mammal). For example, vaccine delivery devices that include a container having one or more openings, a vaccine depot located within the container, and a diffusion barrier located within the container in a manner such that material (e.g., an antigenic vaccine component) within the vaccine depot must pass through the diffusion barrier before reaching one of the openings are provided.

Abstract: Improved methods and apparatuses for treatment of incontinence or pelvic organ prolapse are provided. A neo ligament for increasing the supportive function of the tissues supporting the urethra, bladder neck, or rectum is disclosed. Methods of using such a neoligament to treat incontinence are disclosed. Additionally, a self tensioning elastic tissue bolster for support of the tissues that support the urethra, rectum, and bladder neck are disclosed. A method of treating incontinence by injecting proliferative agents into supportive structures is disclosed. Methods and apparatus for transvaginal and transperitieai pelvic floor bolster treatment of incontinence and bladder pillar systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: The implantable reinforcement prosthesis, in particular for reinforcing the abdominal wall, comprises a reinforcement part (10) forming a netting intended to be incorporated into the inner surface of the wall (1) in order to reinforce said wall and a plurality of flat strips (20; 120) made from textile material extending from the edges of the reinforcement part and intended to be placed in transfixing penetration in the wall to each side of the area to be reinforced. According to a particular provision, the strips (20; 120) comprise anchoring wires (30; 130) intcorporated by interleaving into said strips, and extending along the length of said strips. The strips can be formed from two different segments of strips, depending on the region of the wall in which they are to be positioned.

Abstract: A reinforcement device for reinforcing tissues having one or more structural deficiencies includes a longitudinally-extending reinforcing layer for treating the structural deficiency, a plurality of spiked naps distributed across the reinforcing layer and projecting therefrom for adhering to the tissue, and a dissolvable matrix layer covering at least a portion of the reinforcing layer and a portion of the plurality of spiked naps. The matrix layer increases the time before the spiked naps substantially adhere to the tissue, thereby allowing the practitioner additional time to position the reinforcement device.

Abstract: Implant delivery systems for delivering sheet-like implants include a delivery shaft, an implant expander, a sheath, and a sheet-like implant. In some embodiments, the delivery shaft has a proximal end and a distal end. The implant expander is mounted to the distal end of the delivery shaft. The implant expander includes a central portion and a plurality of leg portions radiating from the central portion. The implant expander is evertable between an unstressed configuration in which a distal surface of the implant expander defines a concave surface, and a first compact configuration in which the distal surface of the implant expander defines a convex surface. The implant expander has a first lateral extent when the implant expander is free to assume the unstressed configuration. The sheath defines a lumen having a lumen diameter. At least a portion of the delivery shaft is slidably disposed in the lumen.

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 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: Various devices are described to provide filtering of flow from the aorta to the left carotid artery and the right carotid artery. The filters can be brought into a desired position through one or more peripheral arteries. A single filter device can provide the desired filtering or a plurality of devices can be used. In particular a single filter device can span between the brachiocephalic artery and the left carotid artery. These filter devices can be used effectively to capture emboli generated during procedures on the heart so that emboli do not travel to the patient's brain where the emboli can cause a stroke or other adverse event. In particular, these filters can be used during percutaneous procedures on the heart, such as endovascular heart valve replacement.

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

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for the endoluminal positioning of an intraluminal prosthesis at a target location within a body lumen. The device may comprise a porous, multi-layer prosthesis that can include stabilization members for stabilizing the placement of the device at the site. Various components can have different densities or pore sizes.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a system and method of knee ligament balancing for knee replacement procedures. The disclosure provides a system of components to implant to achieve ligament balancing. In addition, instruments and methods are provided to achieve the desired balance of the ligaments before final fixation.

Abstract: A tendon repair implant delivery system and methods incorporating a guide member having a temporary fixation member on or adjacent to the distal end. The point of fixation defines a target site for placement of the tendon repair implant which is subsequently affixed to the tendon.

Abstract: A tissue graft fixation device including a body having an upper and lower surface, a first end portion, a second end portion, and an intermediate portion extending between the first and second end portions, the intermediate portion comprising at least two tabs extending transverse to the intermediate portion, the intermediate portion defining at least one hole located between the at least two tabs, and each of the at least two tabs comprising a keel extending transverse to the intermediate portion and including a cutting edge.

Abstract: A bone anchor configured for use in anchoring an implanting portion to an anchor point. A bone anchor can be of particular use in anchoring soft tissue to a bone. A bone anchor can have a wire loop and a suture. The wire loop of the bone anchor can be configured to capture a suture and to pull a portion of the suture through a hole in the anchor body aiding in anchoring an item, such as tissue to a bone. Methods of using the bone anchor with a suture and a wire loop to attach an item are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention will provide a vision correction device which utilizes the movements of the eye to correct the focus of the user without the need of surgical procedures. More specifically, the present invention will detect the movement of the ciliary muscle and adaptively modify the shape of an artificial lens positioned inside or outside of the eye to adjust the focus of the lens. This adjustment will occur very rapidly and coincide with the ciliary muscle's attempt to focus the crystalline lens of the eye.

Abstract: An accommodating intraocular lens (IOL) can be implanted either alone or as part of a two-part lens assembly. The IOL comprises an optic, a flexible membrane and a peripheral edge coupling the optic and the flexible membrane. The peripheral edge comprises an external circumferential surface having a height and a force transmitting area defined along a portion of the height of the external circumferential surface. A closed volume spaces apart the optic and the flexible membrane. The optic is axially displaced and the flexible membrane changes in curvature about a central axis when a radial compressive force is applied to the force transmitting area. A volume defined by the closed volume remains fixed when the optic is axially displaced and the flexible membrane changes in curvature and/or when the radial compressive force is applied to the force transmitting area.

Abstract: An accommodating intraocular lens combination with two optical elements which move versus each other. The optical elements have such a shape that the combination provides variable focusing power at different positions of at least one of the optical elements relative to the other optical element. The lens combination also includes an electricity generator and a functional system, which can be a, micro, mano meter system, or, a micro glucose measurement system, or, a micro intraocular driver system for amplification of accommodation movements. The lens combination includes a wireless connection component to send or receive information from or to, for example, a smart-phone.

Abstract: A surgical apparatus is provided for implantation into organic tissue for use with an implant having one or more stabilizing haptics. The surgical apparatus has a ring-like body for stabilizing organic tissue. The body has an outer surface and one or more abutments extending from the outer surface. The abutment is for engaging the stabilizing haptics of the implant to inhibit movement of the implant within the organic tissue.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for delivering a prosthetic device through the vasculature of a patient includes a radially expandable member coupled to the distal end of an elongate shaft. The expandable member has an open frame configuration and an outer mounting surface for mounting the prosthetic device in a collapsed state thereon. The expandable member expands radially outwards from a first configuration to a second configuration to expand a prosthetic device mounted thereon.

Abstract: Expandable sealing means for endoluminal devices have been developed for controlled activation. The devices have the benefits of a low profile mechanism (for both self-expanding and balloon-expanding prostheses), contained, not open, release of the material, active conformation to the “leak sites” such that leakage areas are filled without disrupting the physical and functional integrity of the prosthesis, and on-demand, controlled activation, that may not be pressure activated.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating regurgitation of blood through a diseased heart valve having at least two leaflets includes a lollipop-shaped body member having a proximal end portion, a distal end portion, and an intermediate portion extending between the end portions. The intermediate portion includes an expandable occluding member having an adjustable diameter so that, during at least a portion of the cardiac cycle, at least one of the heart leaflet coapts with a portion of the occluding member to mitigate or prevent regurgitation of blood through the diseased heart valve. The proximal end portion is physically connected to the occluding member and includes a connecting mechanism for operably mating with an adjustment member for adjusting the position and diameter of the occluding member within the diseased heart valve. The distal end portion includes an anchoring member for securing the apparatus in a heart chamber containing the diseased heart valve.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present disclosure provide a stent-valve for transcatheter implantation to replace a cardiac valve. In some embodiments, the stent valve being compressible to a compressed state for delivery, and expandable to an operative state for implantation. In some embodiments, the stent-valve comprises a stent, a plurality of leaflets for defining a prosthetic valve, an inner skirt, an outer skirt, and a paravalve seal for sealing against surrounding tissue. In some embodiments, the paravalve seal comprising material that swells in response to contact with blood or components thereof.

Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve comprises a radially crimpable and radially expandable, net-like, annular support frame and a valve assembly disposed therein, the valve assembly comprising a conduit tapering from an inlet towards an outlet thereof. Some embodiments or the support frame comprise a proximal portion and a distal portion, a diameter of the proximal portion smaller than a diameter of the distal portion. The proximal portion is dimensioned for deployment in an annulus of a native aortic valve and a distal portion for deployment in an ascending aorta. Some embodiments of the conduit comprise a support construction with a three-cusp, crown-shaped cut line, the support construction sutured to the support frame around a bottom portion thereof and around the cut line. A method for using the prosthetic heart valve to replace a defective native aortic valve uses a minimally invasive procedure.

Abstract: A device for placement in a biological tissue fluid conduit includes an outer frame, multiple stabilizer arms, an inner frame, and a valve. The outer frame circumferentially surrounds a longitudinal axis and defines an interior passageway. The outer frame has an interior side facing the longitudinal axis and passageway, and an exterior side opposite the interior side. The stabilizer arms extend outward from the outer frame. The inner frame is positioned in the passageway and circumferentially surrounds the longitudinal axis with at least a longitudinal portion of the inner frame circumferentially surrounded by the outer frame. The inner frame has an exterior side facing the interior side of the outer frame. The valve is housed by the inner frame and is configured to restrict fluid flow through the passageway in at least one of two longitudinal directions.

Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve (300) for replacing a native valve includes a collapsible and expandable stent (306) having a proximal end (302) and a distal end (304), and a valve assembly (308) including a plurality of leaflets (310), the valve assembly (308) being disposed within the stent. The heart valve (300) further includes a first plurality of elongated legs (320) coupled to the stent (306) and transitionable from an extended configuration to a relaxed configuration. A first sealing portion (322) connected to the first plurality of legs (320) forms a sealing structure (350) when the legs (320) transition to the relaxed configuration to reduce perivalvular leakage between the implanted valve and surrounding tissue.

Abstract: The present invention is a replacement mitral valve suitable for catheter-based deployment. The replacement mitral valve has structure and dimensions that are uniquely suited to engage the annulus surrounding the native mitral valve and to restore normal function to a diseased valve. The invention describes the structures and functions of a replacement mitral valve and methods that are adapted for minimally invasive, catheter-based deployment of the valve.

Abstract: A method of assembling a prosthetic heart valve includes providing a collapsible and expandable stent having an annulus section and an aortic section. The annulus section has a first diameter in a relaxed condition and a second diameter less than the first diameter in a collapsed condition. A constraint is applied to the stent to constrain the annulus section to a predetermined diameter between the first and second diameters. Applying a cuff and/or a plurality of leaflets to the stent in the constrained condition enables less material to be used. The resultant prosthetic valve is therefore able to be collapsed to a smaller diameter for introduction into a patient.

Abstract: A method of making a prosthetic heart valve may include providing an annular stent having a plurality of annularly spaced commissure portions having tips, covering each of the tips with a first fabric cover, covering the first fabric covers and the remainder of the stent with a second fabric cover, covering the second fabric cover with a first tissue membrane, and covering the outside of the first tissue membrane with a second tissue membrane, the second tissue membrane forming leaflet portions that extend inwardly between the commissure portions.

Abstract: An artificial heart valve consists of two or more valve members (10, 20) stacked one upon the other in a housing (40) and having blood flow passages (13, 23) that can be aligned with each other in order to open the valve and allow blood flow through the valve and that can be disaligned to close the valve. The valve members are maintained in continuous rotation and the alignment and disalignment of the valve members is achieved by slowing down and reaccelerating one or more of the valve members using a drive (18, 28) appropriately controlled by a control unit (C).

Abstract: Devices and methods are described for treating a mitral valve defect. The device described includes features that allow the device to conform to the actual pathology of the valve, rather than attempting to replicate a healthy valve (which the patient does not have). In this way, the device allows the patient's actual value to work as well as possible, given the valve's diseased condition. The actual pathology of the valve is accommodated by providing for multiple dimensions of adjustability of the device, including adjustability of the size (e.g., diameter) of the device as well as adjustability of the elevation or inclination of one portion of the device (e.g., the portion supporting the posterior leaflet) with respect to another portion of the device.

Abstract: The invention relates to an implant and a method for improving coaptation of an atrioventricular valve, the atrioventricular valve having a native first leaflet, a native second leaflet and an annulus. The implant comprises a support structure and a flexible artificial leaflet structure mounted to the support structure and shaped to coapt with the native second leaflet.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a novel method for measuring contraction characteristics of engineered heart tissue constructs (16) which is based on the mechanical coupling of the construct (16) to a support element (8) which comprises or is mechanically coupled to a piezoelectric element (10). An apparatus (1) for carrying out the method of the invention is also provided.

Abstract: A male impotence treatment apparatus comprises an adjustable prosthesis device (2) implanted in an impotent patient. The prosthesis device engages the corpus cavernosum or penile tissue of the patient to provide flaccid or erect state of the penis. An implanted adjustment device is adapted to adjust the prosthesis such that the penis can be temporarily erected. The prosthesis is preferably controlled with a remote control and an implanted powered operation device (246), which may include servo means, operates the adjustment device.

Abstract: An implantable medical apparatus comprising a control unit, a bladder containing a fluid, a ram configured to compress the fluid in the bladder, and a pressure sensor configured to detect a pressure of the fluid in the inflatable bladder. The bladder, ram, pressure sensor and control unit are located in a unitary implant configured for placement within a corporeal body.

Abstract: A ceramic component to be securely connected to an additional component in force-locked manner. A joint prosthesis comprising a ceramic sphere (1), a metallic sleeve (2) and a base plate (3) with a cylindrical projection. The connection between the ceramic sphere and the base plate or shaft (7) is secured by a screw (6).

Abstract: An implantable medical device for implantation in a mammal joint having at least two contacting surfaces is provided. The medical device comprises; an artificial contacting surface adapted to replace at least the surface of at least one of the mammal's joint contacting surfaces, wherein the artificial contacting surface is adapted to be lubricated, when implanted in said joint. Furthermore the medical device comprises at least one inlet adapted to receive a lubricating fluid from a reservoir, at least one channel at least partly integrated in the artificial contacting surface in connection with the at least one inlet for distributing the lubricating fluid to the surface of the artificial contacting surface. The medical device could be adapted to be operable by an operation device to receive the distributed lubricated fluid from a reservoir.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a prosthetic component comprises providing crosslinked polymer in a mould and moulding non-crosslinked polymer to a free edge of the crosslinked polymer to form a hybrid component. A portion of the crosslinked polymer and a portion of the non-crosslinked polymer is then removed so as to form a prosthetic component having a full thickness crosslinked wear zone and at least one non-crosslinked edge.

Abstract: A design method for designing a guide tool including a guide channel for use during cartilage repair in a joint is disclosed. The design method includes: selecting a direction along a joint axis indicating placement of the guide tool in the joint; and placing a positioning mark on the guide tool. The positioning mark is designed to be aligned with the center of said guide channel on a determined joint axis direction and thereby indicating a placement direction of the guide tool in relation to the selected joint axis during use of the guide tool. A design method of insert tools and/or an implant comprising positioning marks and also the guide tool, implant and insert tools designed using this method are also disclosed.

Abstract: Implant with multi-directional pivoting has a first component including a first articular surface and a fore-to-aft and side-to-side rotation device; and a second component including a second articular surface for mating with the first articular surface and a rotation device receptacle. The first component can be mated to the second component through cooperation of the rotation device and the rotation device receptacle, and the first component can cooperate with the second component in contact of the first and second articular surfaces and in articulation of the joint when the first component is mated to the second component. The implant can be an artificial joint which generally has natural load transfer capability. In a particular embodiment, the joint is a knee prosthesis; therein, the first and second components are femoral and tibial components, with the first articular surface a femoral condylar surface and the second articular surface a tibial condylar mating surface.

Abstract: A provisional prosthetic system that replicates the characteristics of a corresponding, nonprovisional femoral prosthesis. The provisional prosthetic system may include a frame component and a shell component. The frame component of the provisional prosthetic system may be configured to be attached directly to a resected femur. In one exemplary embodiment, the frame component is impacted onto the resected femur to firmly seat therewith. Once the frame component is secured to the resected femur, a shell component of the provisional prosthetic system may be positioned on and secured to the frame component. In one exemplary embodiment, the frame component is made from a metallic material. This allows for the frame component to maintain the rigidity necessary to facilitate proper trialing. In another exemplary embodiment, the shell component is a plastic.

Abstract: A method of implanting a lateral unicondylar knee prosthesis in a lateral articulating portion of a femur having a lateral condyle for engagement with a tibia, the method including the steps of: bending a patients knee such that the knee is not in full extension; making an incision through the skin, muscle, and other soft tissue until the damaged bone surfaces are exposed; resecting an end portion of the lateral tibia; resecting an end portion of the lateral femoral condyle; attaching a tibial prosthetic component to the resected end portion of the tibia; attaching a lateral femoral condyle prosthetic component to the resected end portion of the lateral femoral condyle; determining the thickness of a mobile bearing member with the knee in full extension; and inserting the mobile bearing member between the tibial prosthetic component and the femoral prosthetic component.

Abstract: Methods and devices are disclosed for joint (e.g., shoulder) arthroplasty. In one aspect, there is provided a device for determining inclination and/or version of a prosthetic head with respect to a prosthetic stem. In another aspect, there is provided a joint (e.g., shoulder) prosthesis. In another aspect, there is provided a method for setting an inclination angle and/or a version angle of a prosthetic head with respect to a stem implanted or to be implanted in a bone of a joint (e.g., shoulder).

Abstract: According to some embodiments, a method for promoting spinal fusion using a spinal implant comprises providing a spinal implant, wherein the spinal implant comprises at least one internal chamber being is adapted to receive at least one graft and/or other fill material. In some arrangements, one or more walls of the spinal implant comprise at least one opening or hole that places the internal chamber in fluid communication with an exterior area or portion of the spinal implant. The method additionally includes positioning the spinal implant between two adjacent vertebrae of a patient and directing at least one graft and/or other fill material into the internal chamber of the spinal implant through the access port.