Abstract: An expandable curved inter-body fusion device is presented. The expandable curved inter-body fusion device can have a first plate, a second plate, and an insert positioned substantially therebetween the first plate and the second plate. The first plate, the second plate, and the insert define an interior cavity. Moving the insert longitudinally with respect to the first and second plates increases or decreases the distance of the first plate with respect to the second plate, effectively expanding the inter-body fusion device and increasing the volume of the interior cavity.

Abstract: An expandable assembly for insertion into an intervertebral space is presented. The assembly, in particular aspects, includes an elongate body comprising an upper portion and a lower portion, wherein the elongate body defines an internal longitudinal channel extending from a proximal opening to a distal cavity. The assembly may include an expander that is sized and shaped for insertion into the distal cavity, thereby selectively expanding the upper portion away from the lower portion. The elongate body may also include one or more bone graft windows a cap that is sized and shaped for insertion into the proximal opening.

Abstract: A bone fusion device provides stability to bones during a bone fusion period. The bones include, for example, the vertebrae of a spinal column. The bone fusion device comprises one or more extendable tabs attached to the bone fusion device by associated rotating means. The bone fusion device is preferably inserted by using an arthroscopic surgical procedure. During arthroscopic insertion of the device, the tabs are pre-configured for compactness. In this compact configuration, the tabs are preferably deposed along and/or within an exterior surface of the bone fusion device. After the bone fusion device has been positioned between the bones, one or more tab(s) are extended. In the preferred embodiment, the position of each tab is related to a positioning element and extending blocks. Typically, the tabs advantageously position and brace the bone fusion device in the confined space between the bones until the bones have fused.

Abstract: An intervertebral disc implant for use in the spine including a first part and a second part, wherein the first part and second part are configured as a joint prosthesis for the spine. The first part includes one of a concave or convex articulating surface and the second part includes one of the other concave or convex articulating surface. One of the concave or convex articulating surfaces is preferably elliptically shaped in at least one direction and does not match and is different than one of the other concave or convex articulating surfaces.

Abstract: This invention improves upon prior art total disc replacements (TDRs) by more closely replicating the kinematics of a natural disc. The preferred embodiments feature two or more fixed centers of rotation (CORs) and an optional variable COR (VCOR) as the artificial disk replacement (ADR) translates from a fixed posterior COR that lies posterior to the COR of the TDR to facilitate normal disc motion. The use of two or more CORs allows more flexion and more extension than permitted by the facet joints and the artificial facet (AF). AF joint-like components may also be incorporated into the design to restrict excessive translation, rotation, and/or lateral bending.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an intervertebral cage including superior and inferior members each including an engagement surface for engaging a corresponding vertebrae. The intervertebral cage also includes a posterior member that extends between a posterior end of the superior and inferior members and spaces them from each other in a superior-inferior direction. The superior and inferior members extend in a posterior-to-anterior direction from the posterior member and define anterior free ends to form a substantially open anterior end between the superior member and the inferior member in a posterior-anterior direction. The engagement surfaces of the superior and inferior members substantially diverge from each other in the superior-inferior direction along the posterior-to-anterior direction. The superior and inferior members each include first apertures extending therethrough in the superior-inferior direction that define a pathway through the intervertebral cage in the superior-inferior direction.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a body extending between a first end and a second end and includes at least one mating element engageable with an interbody implant. A first member is disposed with the body and engageable with the interbody implant to move the interbody implant between a first configuration and a second, expanded configuration. A second member is disposed with the body and engageable with the interbody implant to fix the interbody implant in a selected second configuration. Systems and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: Customized surgical guide for guiding a bone implant to a predetermined location on the bone during a surgical procedure, wherein the guide comprises a body comprising at least one implant contacting surface and at least one patient specific bone contacting surface, wherein the implant contacting surface is arranged to contact the implant for ensuring a unique and stable fit between the guide and the implant, and wherein the bone contacting surface is arranged to contact the bone for ensuring a unique and stable fit of a combination of the guide and the implant on the predetermined location on the bone.

Abstract: A stemless humeral component for replacing the humeral head of a patient's humerus includes a support flange having a number of cantilevered legs extending distally away from a bottom surface thereof. Instruments and methods for surgically installing the stemless humeral component are also disclosed.

Abstract: A femoral component trial for a knee joint of the present invention includes a trial body. The trial body includes a medial condyle and a lateral condyle that are located away from each other on an external surface, a through hole that is located between the medial condyle and the lateral condyle and has an approximately rectangular shape whose long side is an outer edge of an inner wall located along a back-and-forth direction and whose short side is an outer edge of an inner wall located along a right-and-left direction in an external surface view, a first guide slit that is located ahead of and above the through hole and extends in the right-and-left direction, and four second guide slits respectively extending from four corner parts of the through hole and along the long side.

Abstract: A trial implant system and method of trialling are described. A stem prosthetic implant (320) has a neck bearing a taper (324). A protector (330) covers the taper and is removable from the taper. The protector has a side wall (333, 342) and an end wall (335), and the end wall is rigid and an inner surface (346) of the side wall is deformable. A head prosthetic implant (380) has a prosthetic articulating surface (382) and includes a tapered bore arranged to matingly receive the taper therein to form a prosthetic assembly of the stem prosthetic implant and the head prosthetic implant. A head trial implant (310) has a trial articulating surface (312) and including a trial bore (318) arranged to matingly receive the taper covered by the protector therein to form a trial assembly of the stem prosthetic implant and the head trial implant. The trial assembly provides at least a portion of the trial articulating surface coincidental with the prosthetic articulating surface provided by the prosthetic assembly.

Abstract: A trial implant system and method of trialling are described. The trial implant system comprises a stem component (120) having a neck (122) including a free end (124) and a neck longitudinal axis (123). A first trial head (100) has an articulating surface (102) and includes a bore (108) having a bore longitudinal axis (106) and which can receive the free end of the neck with the neck longitudinal axis and bore longitudinal axis coincident. The system includes a first formation (126) and a plurality of second formations (128) angularly disposed around the longitudinal axis. One of the first formation and the plurality of second formations is provided on the neck and the other is provided within the bore. Each of the second formations can matingly engage with the first formation to limit the depth of insertion of the neck into the bore by a different amount.

Abstract: A powered orthotic system, such as an exoskeleton, is employed for rehabilitation purposes by adapting and adjusting to real-time needs in a rehabilitation situation whereby the system can be initially controlled to perform gait functions for a wearer based on a predetermined level of assistance but the predetermined level of assistance can be varied, based on one or more rehabilitation parameters or specific needs of the wearer undergoing therapy, through the application and adjustment of appropriate variables associated with operation of the system.

Abstract: An actuator control system includes a motorized joint having first and second members rotatable relative to one another. An actuator is coupled with the motorized joint and is configured to rotate the first member relative to the second member in response to an input including a voltage, a current, or any combination thereof. A controller is coupled with the actuator and is configured to control the input using a control algorithm. The control algorithm controls the input based upon a mathematical model of biological muscle actuation that models titin as a filament which winds around actin during muscle actuation. In implementations the mathematical model includes mathematical representations of a contractile element, a viscous damping element in parallel with the contractile element, and a spring in series with the contractile element through a pulley and simultaneously in parallel with the contractile element.

Abstract: The invention relates to the control of a passive prosthetic knee joint with adjustable damping in the direction of flexion such that a prosthetic unit attached to the knee joint can be adapted for climbing stairs.

Abstract: A prosthetic suspension-mounting system which employs an improved flathead bolt and socket centering block combination for securement of an amputee-limb enveloping liner within a prosthesis. The liner has a strap fixedly attached on the bottom end of the liner by a flathead bolt. The mounting system also includes a containment socket for seating the liner in the prosthesis using the head of the flathead bolt as a bearing surface against a floor of the socket. The containment socket has a slot there through at a position corresponding to the strap of the liner. The socket is provided with a disk-shaped recess having a flat floor, and the liner is provided with a distal flathead bolt having a flat head to provide a direct bearing surface against the floor of the socket. This provides a delimited bearing surface to keep the liner substantially centered within the prosthesis while still affording a lateral degree of freedom to avoid concentration of lateral forces.

Abstract: A prosthetic limb heating apparatus for use with a prosthetic assembly includes a sleeve having a side wall that defines open upper and lower ends. The upper end is configured to receive an upper limb portion and prosthetic liner into the sleeve. The open lower end is configured to allow the upper limb portion to pass therethrough but not the prosthetic liner such that the prosthetic liner is nested in the interior area. An electrically conductive wire is situated on the sleeve and extends circuitously thereabout, the conductive wire having opposed first and second ends. A battery is coupled to the side wall of the sleeve and electrically connected to the first and second ends of the conductive wire so as to selectively energize the conductive wire. The conductive wire imparts heat to the prosthetic liner when the liner is nested within the sleeve and the conductive wire is energized.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a liner for limb prosthesis (100), characterized by a foam layer (102) comprising a plurality of strips of foam (102) and a plurality of elastic fabric layers (101), wherein the foam layer (102) is sandwiched between the elastic fabric layers (101) wherein the liner for limb prosthesis (100) comprises a cylindrical or cone shape, with an open end and one close end.

Abstract: A prosthesis cooling system may comprise one or more thermoelectric cooling devices embedded in a prosthesis socket, a power source, and a power control circuit. The cooling system may use active or passive cooling, and may use a closed-loop temperature control system.

Abstract: Novel devices and methods for implanting medical stents are provided. A novel apparatus, which may be in a first compressed position, may be inserted into the artery, such as by being positioned over a catheter. The apparatus may be expanded to a second position. In one embodiment, the apparatus is configured to expand away in two substantially opposing directions along a second axis away from the longitudinal axis. The second axis may be perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The apparatus may include markers that are detectable to determine the orientation of the catheter or the apparatus and/or assist in the determination of the type or size of stent to utilize.

Abstract: A generally tubular stent-graft (24) has distal and proximal stent-graft ends (36, 38) and includes a generally tubular support element (30) and a covering element (32).

Abstract: A biodegradable and/or bioabsorbable composite stent includes a bioabsorbable ceramic material coated with a biodegradable polymeric material.

Abstract: An implantable prosthesis can comprise a strut having a lumen, radiopaque particles within the lumen, and a polymer binder. The polymer binder retains the radiopaque particles within the lumen. The strut may have side holes through which a therapeutic agent may pass and through which the radiopaque particles are incapable of passing. The polymer binder may be absent or optional. The radiopaque particles can have sizes that prevent them from escaping out of the lumen through the side holes. The radiopaque particles placed within the lumen can improve visualization of the prosthesis during an implantation procedure.

Abstract: Bioabsorbable scaffolds are disclosed with a rigid polymer component and a rubbery polymer component. The rubbery polymer component is miscible, partially miscible, or immiscible with the rigid polymer component.

Abstract: A tubular prosthesis having a succession of turns around a longitudinal axis includes connectors between adjacent turns distributed around the circumference of the prosthesis. Each turn includes struts interspersed by inflection zones located at the axial ends of each turn such that, when the prosthesis expands radially, gaps open up between adjacent struts of each of the turn. The inflection zones are distributed regularly around the circumference so that the gaps are substantially the same size as each other around the circumference of the turn. The prosthesis may include a turn that exhibits a stagger zone within which the gap between adjacent struts is of an individual size different from that common to the other gaps of that turn. The inflection zones in that turn that lie circumferentially next to the stagger zone are displaced out of facing relationship with corresponding zones of inflection in the adjacent turn.

Abstract: A medical device-includes a scaffold crimped to a catheter having an expansion balloon. The scaffold is crimped to the balloon by a process that includes one or more balloon pressurization steps. The balloon pressurization steps are selected to enhance scaffold retention to the balloon while retaining, at least partially, the original balloon folds as the balloon is pressurized and de-pressurized within a crimper head. By at least partially retaining the original balloon folds, a uniformity of scaffold expansion by the balloon is improved.

Abstract: A positioning anchor is provided for a stent-graft for implantation to treat a damaged body lumen. The positioning anchor is generally tubular surrounding a primary fluid conduit. Arms extend laterally from the generally tubular structure of the anchor surrounding lateral fluid conduits. The form of these arms is preferably custom configured to match a particular patient's luminal geometry. The anchor thus fits within the luminal geometry to remain in a desired fixed position for implantation of the anchor and any stent-graft coupled to the anchor. The anchor is most preferably formed with two walls having a void therebetween which can be filled with fixation media to further secure the anchor at the desired implantation site. A lumen shaper balloon and delivery catheter are also disclosed for proper delivery, expansion and inflation of the positioning anchor and stent-graft elements according to this invention.

Abstract: A medical device-includes a polymer scaffold crimped to a catheter having an expansion balloon. The scaffold is crimped to the balloon by a process that includes inflating the delivery balloon during a diameter reduction to improve scaffold retention. A crimping temperature is maintained at about the onset of glass transition of the polymer material to facilitate more rapid stabilization of mechanical properties in the scaffold following crimping.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a stent is disclosed. The stent includes a minimum crimped diameter such that in the minimum crimped diameter, a pair of stent rings, between which marker support structures reside, do not make contact with the marker support structures. The crimped profile of the stent of the present invention can be as small as the crimped profile of a same stent but without the marker support structures.

Abstract: A stent graft adaptor has an outer graft tube and an inner graft tube with the inner graft tube substantially concentric with and within the outer graft tube. A joining member extends between the inner tube and the outer tube. The joining member can be a continuous fold of graft material extending from a proximal end of the outer tube to a proximal end of the inner tube. The inner tube has at least one self expanding stent on an outer surface thereof and the outer graft tube has at least one self expanding stent on an inner surface. The outer surface of the outer tube provides a sealing surface to engage against the wall of a vessel and the inner tube provides a sealing surface to engage with a corresponding sealing surface of a stent graft deployed through it. The outer sealing surface can include barbs.

Abstract: A variety of passive intragastric implant devices for obesity treatment are disclosed. Such passive devices do not autonomously change shape, but instead react within the stomach to induce satiety. The devices may provide slowed entry into the stomach, thus reducing the intake capacity. Additionally, the devices may contact areas within the stomach, such as the cardia surrounding the esophageal sphincter, to stimulate satiety-inducing nerves. Some devices combine two or more of these satiety-inducing features. Methods of implant are disclosed including compressing the devices within a delivery tube and transorally advancing the devices through the esophagus to be deployed within the stomach. Removal of the devices occurs in the reverse.

Abstract: A medical device includes an outer shell defining a cavity, wherein the shell is movable between a deformed and unstressed state, a magnet disposed within the cavity, and a filler material carried within the cavity conforming to the interior shape of the shell in the unstressed state and being capable of holding its shape in the deformed state. The filler material converts from the deformed state to the unstressed state at a temperature not greater than human body temperature.

Abstract: A duodenum internal covering membrane is disclosed. The covering membrane is made of a biocompatible material and mainly comprises an elastic ampulla and a tubular part, wherein the ampulla is positioned in the duodenal bulb, the tubular part can extend to the jejunum, the ampulla contains a wavy or V-shaped or trapezoidal or city wall-shaped elastic ring which is continuously encircled, the elastic ring is made of a memory or non-memory biocompatible material, peaks, valleys and bent angles of the elastic ring are single-circle coil springs with outward anchor hooks, the single-circle coil springs on the lower edge are penetrated and wound with recovery threads, the upper edge of the ampulla is a wavy or V-shaped or trapezoidal or city wall-shaped elastic membrane, the elastic ring and the ampulla comply with the motion of the duodenum and the bulb as a whole, and the ampulla and the tubular part can be closed up or folded into the shape of a ball or cylinder or capsule or spindle.

Abstract: The invention relates to an ankle-foot flexion device that is configurable to provide both plantar flexion and dorsiflexion support. A leading loop and base loop are adapted to engage the foot and ankle and can be constructed of elastic material. Tension straps provide a pulling force between the base loop and a leg cuff. The tension straps are adjustable and can be positioned according to the needs of a particular user.

Abstract: An improved AFO joint is described herein with improved stability and anti-rotational features. In particular, the AFO joint comprises a body portion with a medial beam for support and improved patient gait. Additionally, the AFO described herein comprises a tensioning member with high strength and a low profile for improved biomechanical effect.

Abstract: A dynamic lumbar realignment system includes a compressive lower body garment that provides abdominal compression and a stabilizing strap that induces thigh rotation in order to produce a therapeutic effect. Pelvic tilt provided by the compressive lower body garment and thigh rotation provided by the stabilizing strap assist the user in maintaining proper posture. The stabilizing strap is arranged and oriented on the compressive lower body garment in a therapeutic orientation path that enables the stabilizing strap to exert a desired therapeutic effect on the user. The therapeutic orientation path is defined by a combination of a plurality of strap-supporting attachment points and a plurality of strap-guiding attachment points on the compressive lower body garment. Numerous variants of the dynamic lumbar realignment system are available to address various issues such as lumbar hyperlordosis and lumbar hypolordosis.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for fixing a test person on a standing surface, wherein at least one rope is tensioned between a hip belt placed on the test person and a retaining plate arranged below the standing surface.

Abstract: Catheter assemblies for draining urine from the urinary system of the user are disclosed herein. The catheter assemblies include an outer sleeve that houses the catheter tube and a deployable flexible container. The container is deployable through a slot in the sleeve wall and can be retracted back into the sleeve after use.

Abstract: An implant that has a tubular interior section for implantation into a patient, an exterior section connected to the interior section and an ingrowth member that includes a three-dimensional porous structure. The three-dimensional porous structure is typically located at the inner circumference of the interior section and has desirable properties to facilitate ingrowth of tissue.

Abstract: A female urination device that allows a woman to urinate while standing includes a fluid collecting body and a sanitary napkin. The fluid collecting body has a concave interior surface and a convex exterior surface that are positioned in between a spout and a rim. The concave interior surface delineates a fluid collecting portion, while the rim delineates a vulval opening. The spout is in fluid communication with the vulval opening through the fluid collecting portion, wherein urine is able to freely pass through the fluid collecting body. The concave interior surface and the convex exterior surface are tapered from the rim to the spout, while the spout is tapered away from the concave interior surface and the convex exterior surface to facilitate the control of the flow of urine. The sanitary napkin is positioned around the rim and assists in adhering the fluid collecting body to the woman's body.

Abstract: A nasal breathing aid comprising the following components: a housing; facial engagement means attached thereto; at least two nostril pieces coupled to the housing. On the housing, there are at least two nasal inlets; at least one vent; and in the housing: a first passage and a second passage, each communicating an inlet with a vent, and fluid-isolated from each other, and restriction means configured to allow free flow of air through each passage from a vent to an inlet, and flow of air through the first passage independently restricted from flow of air through the second passage, from an inlet to a vent.

Abstract: A head-wearable device is disclosed. The head-wearable device includes a headgear support structure, a band structure for securing the headgear support structure to the wearer's head, and a protrusion assembly affixed to the headgear superstructure for hindering the wearer's head from assuming a supine position during sleep. A method of sleeping is also disclosed.

Abstract: A device for reducing snoring includes a ventilation tube having an air passageway therein and a first opening and a second opening at opposite ends of the air passageway, wherein a diameter of the first end is greater than that of the second opening, and a holding member connected to the ventilation tube at an end having the first opening. Put the device of the present invention in mouth may hold a normal shape of the upper respiratory tract while the user is sleeping and ventilate the air without obstruction while the user is breathing, so the user would not snore in sleep to improve the quality of sleep.

Abstract: Systems and methods for securing a person's upper jaw in place relative to the lower jaw. Included are dental mounts affixed to teeth on the upper and lower jaw as well as a support affixed between the mounts to hold the jaw in place. Some embodiments include an extended support having a substantially U-shaped portion for protecting teeth from injury.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for providing localized cooling of a surface are described. Localized cooling devices may include a thermal element configured to generate a temperature gradient in a cooling interface in contact with the surface. Temperature gradient may operate to facilitate conductive heat transfer from the surface, through the cooling interface, and out into the ambient environment. The thermal elements may include thermoelectric cooling elements (TECs), such as Peltier cooling elements. In some embodiments, the localized cooling devices may be configured to treat swelling associated with periorbital edema by providing convenient, efficient, and continuous cooling of the affected area.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, a thermal conditioning system for selectively cooling skin of a subject comprises at least one thermal conditioning device comprising a first side and second side, the second side being generally opposite of the first side. In some embodiments, the system further comprises a heat sink positioned along the second side of the at least one thermal conditioning device, wherein the first side of the at least one thermal conditioning device is configured to be placed in contact with or in close proximity to a skin surface of the subject to selectively cool or heat the skin surface.

Abstract: Apparatus for generating, at a target ice/liquid ratio with a corresponding target temperature, a slush comprising frozen and non-frozen liquid comprises a flow path for recirculation of liquid therethrough, the flow path comprising a heat exchanger having a coolant inlet and a coolant outlet, the heat exchanger being configured for flow therethrough of coolant at a temperature below the target temperature, the apparatus being configured to vary the rate of coolant flow through the heat exchanger between a first rate and a second rate that is lower than the first rate.

Abstract: A sequential compression and temperature therapy blanket with a plurality of air chambers is disclosed. The air chambers are filled and released by a valve assembly that may be separate from or integrated within the blanket. The temperature therapy blanket includes a fluid bladder for delivering hot and/or cold therapy to a patient. The temperature therapy blanket may also include an air bladder for providing compression.

Abstract: A treatment pad for applying heat, cooling or an antiseptic fluid to a subject's body surface incorporates a heat transfer member or a wound treatment member that is adapted to be held in place by application of a vacuum pressure. The heat transfer member may comprise an electrical resistance wire arranged in a serpentine pattern within a housing or, alternatively, may comprise interconnected heat transmissive tubing through which either a heated or a cooled fluid may be made to pass. Alternatively, the pad may contain a gel that can be cooled in a refrigerator or heated in a microwave oven and held in place on the subject's body by application of a vacuum to the assembly. The wound treatment member may comprise a gaseous antiseptic delivery pad held in place on the patient's body by use of a vacuum.

Abstract: A cerebral protection system generally includes an array of cold packs, an insulating cover, and optionally a set of trays. The cold pack contains two reactive materials separated by a rupturable membrane. When the first reactive material and the second reactive material are mixed, an endothermic reaction occurs. The system can be used to induce hypothermia in selected regions of the brain when used.