Abstract: A prosthesis for a vertebral column has an upper part (10) for attachment to an upper vertebrae, a lower part (12) for attachment to a lower vertebrae and a middle part (11) located between the upper and the lower parts, wherein the upper part has a lower surface portion with a first radius of curvature, the middle part has an upper surface portion with a second radius of curvature and a lower surface with a third radius of curvature and the lower part has an upper surface with a fourth radius of curvature. The centre of the radius of curvature for at least two surfaces is offset rearwardly with respect to a central vertical axis (13) through the upper and lower vertebrae and/or the upper and lower parts. Also defined is device for linking bones, in the form of a band with attachment portions having a number of filaments that provide zones conducive to cellular growth as well as a method of modelling a prosthesis and a process for analysing performance of a prosthesis.

Abstract: An orthopedic device for implanting between adjacent vertebrae comprising: an arcuate balloon and a hardenable material within said balloon. In some embodiments, the balloon has a footprint that substantially corresponds to a perimeter of a vertebral endplate. An inflatable device is inserted through a cannula into an intervertebral space and oriented so that, upon expansion, a natural angle between vertebrae will be at least partially restored. At least one component selected from the group consisting of a load-bearing component and an osteobiologic component is directed into the inflatable device through a fluid communication means.

Abstract: An expandable fusion device may include a first endplate and a second endplate. The expandable fusion device may also include first and second ramps configured to mate with both the first and second endplates. An inserter instrument includes an outer shaft having a bore extending longitudinally therethrough and an inner shaft extending through the bore in the outer shaft. The outer shaft is configured to engage the first or second opening in the second ramp, and the inner shaft is configured to engage the corresponding first or second opening in the first ramp to control implant height and/or lordotic angle.

Abstract: An intervertebral fusion device comprising inferior and superior fusion cage devices that provide an ability to correct spondylolisthesis via in-situ adjustment.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer-readable storage media, for surgical alignment using references. In one general aspect, a method includes coupling a guide to a joint, the guide defining an axis and having an outer contour formed to substantially conform to a portion of the joint. The first reference is attached at a fixed position relative to the joint. A positioning system is used to determine a position of the axis relative to the first reference, where the position of the axis is determined based upon the position of the guide while the guide is coupled to the joint. The guide is removed from the joint, and after the guide is removed from the joint, an instrument is positioned relative to the axis based on a position of a second reference relative to the first reference.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, a method of treating a joint of a patient comprises creating a recess in a bone located at or near a targeted joint, wherein the recess includes a generally wedge or truncated cone shape. In one embodiment, the recess in a bone comprises a surface opening along an outer surface of the bone and a bottom opening along the distal end of the recess, such that a diameter of the surface opening is generally smaller than a diameter of the bottom opening. The method additionally comprises providing a joint implant having a wedge or truncated cone shape, wherein a diameter of a top end of the joint implant is generally smaller than a diameter of a bottom end of the joint implant, inserting the joint implant within the recess.

Abstract: An apparatus allows for posterior lumbar interbody fusion to be performed with a stable construct to achieve arthrodesis. A fastener is adapted for connecting the superior vertebra to the inferior vertebra. A receiver for positioning between the superior and inferior vertebrae includes a passage for receiving the fastener. The receiver comprises a first surface for positioning adjacent the first vertebrae and a second surface for positioning adjacent to the inferior vertebrae, and the passage extends at an angle relative to the first and second surfaces. Related tools and methods are also described.

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 modular prosthetic foot includes a keel section and in some cases, an optional heel section. The keel section may also include an optional toe section. The keel section can include separate layers of various stiffnesses, wherein the optional toe section and the optional heel section are composed of varying stiffness layers nested together. The stiffness of the keel section is adjustable by a user without specialized tools. The components of the prosthetic foot are modular and can be removed and exchanged without altering the fit and alignment of the prosthetic foot.

Abstract: The application relates to an orthopedic device comprising a joint and to a method for controlling an orthopedic device, which has an upper part and a lower part supported pivotally thereon, wherein upper connecting means for fixation onto a limb are disposed on the upper part, and a locking device, which prevents a bending motion of the upper part relative to the lower part, wherein the locking device is configured such that it can be actively actuated by the user of the orthopedic device, wherein a control device is associated with the locking device, the control device being attached to the device with at least one sensor and automatically unlocking or locking the locking device as a function of the sensor signal.

Abstract: Driving modules, motion assistance apparatuses including at least one of the driving modules, and methods of controlling at least one of the motion assistance apparatus may be provided. For example, a driving module including a driving source on one side of a user and configured to transmit power, an input side rotary body connected to the driving source and configured to rotate, and a first decelerator and a second decelerator configured to operate using the power received from the driving source through the input side rotary body, wherein a gear ratio from the input side rotary body to an output terminal of the first decelerator differs from a gear ratio from the input side rotary body to an output terminal of the second decelerator, may be provided.

Abstract: A magnetic and electrical interface that may be used with an assistive device. The interface comprises a proximal connector and a distal connector. The proximal connector may be attached to a liner for a residual limb and the distal connector may be attached to a hard socket or other aspect of an assistive device. Other aspects of and uses for the connector interface are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods of treating coronary artery disease (CAD) and a cardiac disease that stimulates enlargement of the epicardial artery with a bioresorbable scaffold in a patient in need thereof are disclosed. Methods of treating CAD and an event that precipitates enlargement of the epicardial artery with a bioresorbable scaffold in a patient in need thereof are disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus including a plurality of stents is provided, each stent having a centre line curving in three dimensions. The plurality of stents includes at least one stent with a centre line having a right handed curvature and at least one stent with a centre line having a left handed curvature.

Abstract: An implantable frame comprises a plurality of corner structures configured to decrease pressure to the vessel wall and define pulsatility enhancing windows of the implantable frame. The corner structures may comprise plurality of neighboring longitudinal struts that extend in a longitudinal direction of the blood vessel when placed to form the vessel wall to a substantially polygonal cross-section and distribute pressure loading of the corner structure among the plurality of neighboring longitudinal struts to improve biocompatibility. The corner structures also allow increased forming of the vessel wall and can provide stretching of the vessel wall to enhance pulsatility of the vessel wall.

Abstract: Various embodiments of radially expandable stents are disclosed. In some embodiments, the stent includes a bond backbone, slot backbone, and a circumferentially extending rail connected with the bond backbone and slidably engaged with the slot backbone. In some embodiments, the stent includes annular support rings that define a plurality of cells. The annular rings can be joined with cross members. A rail member can be connected with one of the cross members and slidably engaged with another of the cross members. In various embodiments, the rail member includes a locking mechanism to facilitate one-way expansion of the stent.

Abstract: A stent graft for placement in a lumen of a patient is disclosed. The stent graft comprises: a main tubular body of a biocompatible graft material having a main lumen, the main tubular body having a proximal end and a distal end; a side arm extending from the main tubular body, the side arm having a side arm lumen, the side arm lumen being in fluid communication with the main lumen through a side arm opening in the main tubular body; and a cannulation pocket. The pocket comprises: an exit aperture positioned opposite the side arm opening; an entry aperture longitudinally spaced from the entry aperture in a direction toward the distal end of the main tubular body; and a wall, the wall laterally spaced from the main lumen so as to provide a guide surface for a cannula fed through the entry aperture.

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 and maintain a relatively uniform arrangement of balloon folds about the inner surface of the crimped scaffold so that the scaffold expands in a uniform manner when the balloon is inflated.

Abstract: Catheter including an inner tubular member, an outer tubular member movable relative to the inner tubular member, and a movable tubular structure coupled to the outer tubular member. A medical device disposed about a distal end portion of the inner tubular member. A proximal stopper is provided having a distal end and disposed proximal to a proximal end of the movable tubular structure. The distal end of the proximal stopper is spaced from the proximal end of the movable tubular structure at least a longitudinal length dimension of the medical device, wherein the outer tubular member and the movable tubular structure are movable in a proximal direction up to engagement of the proximal stopper to deploy the medical device from the inner tubular member.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a delivery system for a self-expanding implant which includes a sheath which surrounds and constrains the implant prior to delivery and a confining element which surrounds the sheath during storage. The confining element preferably includes elongate members running axially along the sheath, which compress the sheath and the stent to reduce hoop stress in the system without promoting undesired adhesion between layers of the sheath.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved delivery system to deliver and deploy a prosthesis in a body lumen, and methods of use thereof. The improved delivery system allows for operation of the delivery system with one hand while maintaining accuracy in delivery and deployment of the prosthesis. An exemplary embodiment of the delivery system includes a first sheath control on a housing so as to be accessible from the exterior of the housing, wherein the first sheath control is operatively engaged with the sheath and controls movement of the sheath axially proximally with respect to the housing, thereby releasing at least a portion of the prosthesis.

Abstract: A system includes an adjustable implant configured for implantation internally within a subject and includes a permanent magnet configured for rotation about an axis of rotation, the permanent magnet operatively coupled to a drive transmission configured to alter a dimension of the adjustable implant. The system includes an external adjustment device configured for placement on or adjacent to the skin of the subject having at least one magnet configured for rotation, the external adjustment device further comprising a motor configured to rotate the at least one magnet and an encoder. Rotation of the at least one magnet of the external adjustment device effectuates rotational movement of the permanent magnet of the adjustable implant and alters the dimension of the adjustable implant. Drive control circuitry is configured to receive an input signal from the encoder.

Abstract: A bariatric device and method of causing at least partial satiety in a recipient includes positioning a body in a recipient, the body having a wall defining a lumen, the wall configured to generally conform to the shape and size of the proximal cardiac portion of the stomach. Force is exerted with the wall on the proximal cardiac portion of the stomach in the absence of food thereby activating receptors located in the proximal cardiac portion of the stomach, thereby influencing a neurohormonal feedback mechanism of the recipient to cause at least partial satiety by augmenting fullness caused by food and simulating fullness in the absence of food.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a compression band intended for being wound around a lower or upper limb, Specifically, the band includes at least one first (1) and one second (2) area having first and second longitudinal elasticities, respectively, the first and second areas being juxtaposed longitudinally, and a retaining means (3, 4) being provided in order to place the ends of said band vertically on lop of one another in an adjustable manner, such as to adjust the compressive stress applied to said member.

Abstract: A knee brace incorporates an upper attachment assembly having an upper cuff with medial and lateral struts extending therefrom and a lower attachment assembly having a lower cuff with lower medial and lateral struts extending therefrom. The upper and lower medial struts are connected proximate a user's knee by a medial hinge assembly and the upper and lower lateral struts are connected proximate the user's knee by a lateral hinge assembly. At least one of the struts includes a mechanism dynamically extending the strut with respect to a rotation point of that strut in the associated hinge upon flexion of the upper and lower attachment assemblies between a flexed position and an extended position.

Abstract: Example embodiments relate to a link assembly and a leg supporting apparatus using the same. A top end of a frame mounted on a user's thigh can move along a downwardly-concave trajectory. A center of weight of the leg supporting apparatus placed on the top end of the frame converges on a lowest point of the downwardly-concave trajectory so that the user's weight can be stably supported.

Abstract: A lower leg and foot cast including foam padding, a stockinette, cast padding, one or more layers of conformable cast tape, a foam pad having a foot bed and left and right malleolar pads, and a foot and ankle positioning device configured to be positioned over the foam pad, the device including an under foot portion and left and right vertically-extending side extensions configured to be positioned covering the left and right malleolar pads of the foam pad.

Abstract: A spinal protective and corrective equipment is disclosed that is equipped with a zipper in front and a garment of resilient material worn on the part of body from the shoulders and to the hip; provided at the outside of the garment wrapping waist region with form of belt. The first elastic band is provided to compress the first lumbar spinous process. The second lumbar elastic band is provided to compress the second lumbar spinous process. The third lumbar elastic band is provided to compress the third lumbar spinous process. The fourth lumbar elastic band is provided to compress the fourth lumbar spinous process. The fifth lumbar elastic band is provided to compress the fifth lumbar spinous process.

Abstract: Medical lifting devices and methods are disclosed. A lifting support device includes a garment configured to be worn by a user and at least one sensory feedback element. The sensory feedback element is coupled to the garment and is configured to provide sensory feedback to the user. The sensory feedback encourages the user to adopt an appropriate posture during a lifting operation. A lifting vest includes a load transfer element, a posture compliance element, a coupling device, and at least one sensory feedback element. The load transfer element is configured to transfer a weight of a load to a point over shoulders of a user and down to a lower torso of the user. The posture compliance element is configured to passively or actively enforce an appropriate back posture. The coupling device is configured to connect the load-transfer element to the postural compliance element.

Abstract: A force distribution apparatus and method are presented. Various embodiments of the disclosed apparatus include a plurality of layers configured and oriented to be deployed on a subject in a manner that disperses forces and lowers peak pressures experienced by the subject when resting on a surface, which tends to minimize risks of deformation and local ischemia. An innovative combination of novel construction methods and material selections produce an apparatus that possesses an inherent three-dimensional shape despite being built from essentially flat components, while also retaining an ability to effectively distribute forces and reduce pressures.

Abstract: A sleep aid apparatus that includes a harness member and a movement limiting node. The harness member includes a body having a first end and a second end, and a closure that couples the two ends together to form a hoop that can be positioned about the body of a user around the region of the waist. The movement limiting node is positionable along the harness member between the first and second ends. A plurality of movement limiting nodes can be provided that are each independently moved along the harness member.

Abstract: A prophylactic device includes a base for receiving a portion of a body, a tip for containing body fluids, and a tubular body in between. The tubular body includes at least one area with a textured pattern, including lines running along the tubular body (e.g., lines running in at least three directions) that form shapes on the tubular body with portions of the lines forming edges of the shapes (e.g., circles, ellipses, polygons, etc.). The textured pattern forms a reinforcing mesh that wraps around the tubular body. A mold can be used for making the prophylactic device, where the mold includes different portions for receiving material(s), and is shaped to form the material(s) into the base, tip, and tubular body of the prophylactic device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sliding-type apparatus for thermo-therapeutic treatment comprising: a body (1100) on which a thermo-therapeutic treatment device (1010) is arranged; a cover (1250) which is slid, and covers said thermo-therapeutic treatment device (1010); and guide grooves which are formed to slide on said body (1100). According to the present invention, if the apparatus for thermo-therapeutic treatment is not used, a lower bed member is slid such that the lower bed member can be overlapped with the body whereby a space can be easily utilized, and if the apparatus for thermo-therapeutic treatment is used, the lower bed member is easily unfolded in a sliding manner.

Abstract: A multi-sectional therapy wrap can include a first wrap section joined to a second wrap section through a specialized junction that allows the wrap sections to overlap. The junction can also be divided into two portions to facilitate fluid flow between one wrap section and the other wrap section.

Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus for performing enhanced visually directed procedures under low ambient light conditions are disclosed. An example method includes acquiring at least one real-time high resolution video signal representing at least one view of an eye in at least one wavelength of light outside of the wavelengths of visible light. The example method also includes converting the at least one view corresponding to the at least one real-time high resolution video signal at the at least one wavelength of light outside of the wavelengths of visible light into at least one wavelength of visible light. The at least one real-time high resolution video signal is acquired after light conditions are low enough such that a pupil of the eye does not constrict substantially from its maximum pupillary diameter.

Abstract: Delivery devices, systems and methods are provided for inserting an implant into an eye. The delivery or inserter devices or systems can be used to dispose or implant an ocular stent or implant, such as a shunt, in communication with a suprachoroidal space of the eye. The implant can drain fluid from an anterior chamber of the eye to a physiologic outflow path of the eye, such as, the suprachoroidal space or other portion of the uveoscleral outflow path. The delivery or inserter devices or systems can be used in conjunction with other ocular surgery, for example, but not limited to, cataract surgery-through a preformed corneal incision, or independently with the inserter configured to make a corneal incision. The implant can be preloaded with or within the in serter to advantageously provide a sterile, easy-to-use package for use by an operator.

Abstract: An eyedropper (2, 102) having improved stability is provided for administering a volume of liquid onto the surface of an eye (57). The eyedropper (2, 102) includes a body (4, 104) having a reservoir body (18, 118), a first foot (14, 114), a second foot (16, 116), and a nozzle (26, 126). The nozzle (26, 126) is in fluid communication with the internal cavity (24, 124) of the reservoir body (18, 118) and projecting from an outer surface (20, 120) of the reservoir body (18, 118) between the first and second feet (14, 16, 114, 116). The first and second feet (14, 16, 114, 116) are separated by a distance that is at least equal to the height of the eyedropper (2, 102). In preferred embodiments, the distance between the first and second feet (14, 16, 114, 116) is greater than the height of the reservoir body (18, 118).

Abstract: A method and system for use in an ocular surgical procedure is provided. The design includes a handpiece having an ultrasonically vibrating tip operational within a plurality of operating modes including a first operating mode and a sensing device, such as a vacuum pressure sensor. A controller is connected to the handpiece and sensing device and is configured to receive data from the sensing device and adjust at least one operational parameter (time/duty cycle of operation, power during operation) associated with the first operating mode and adjust at least one parameter associated with another operating mode based on the data received from the sensing device. Operational modes may include multiple longitudinal or non-longitudinal modes (torsional, transversal, etc.) or combinations of longitudinal and/or non-longitudinal modes.

Abstract: An instrument comprises a handpiece, a boss member, a cylindraceous cam body, a linearly movable member, a cam follower, and a braking member. The cam body is rotatably supported in the handpiece and includes an exterior cam feature. The cam follower couples the linearly movable member with the cam feature of the cam body. The cam feature and the cam follower cooperatively drive the linearly movable member linearly in response to rotation of the cam body within the handpiece. The braking member extends about at least a portion of the exterior of the cam body and is positioned to progressively engage the boss member as the cam body rotates within the handpiece. The braking member and the boss member thus cooperate to provide gradual braking of the cam body. The instrument is operable to deploy a pressure equalization tube in the tympanic membrane of a patient.

Abstract: An instrument comprises a shaft assembly, a handpiece body, and a drive assembly. The shaft assembly comprises a plurality of coaxially arranged shafts and a tympanostomy tube. The shaft assembly further includes a flexible section. The shaft assembly extends distally from the handpiece body. The drive assembly is operable to drive the shafts of the shaft assembly in a predetermined sequence to deploy the tympanostomy tube. One or more of the shafts are configured to translate along the flexible section of the shaft assembly as a part of the predetermined sequence to deploy the tympanostomy tube.

Abstract: An electronic hearing protector includes an ear cup assembly comprising a front exterior microphone that provides a front microphone signal and a rear exterior microphone that provides a rear microphone signal. A processor receives and digitizes the front microphone signal and the rear microphone signal, and provides a front channel signal and a rear channel signal indicative thereof respectively. A filter receives the rear channel signal and has a cut-off frequency value that provides a high-frequency roll-off and a notch at a notch filter frequency value that is less than the cut-off frequency value, where the filter provides a filtered signal. A first signal indicative of the front channel signal and a second signal indicative of the filtered signal are summed, and a signal indicative of the summed signal is provided to a speaker within the ear cup that provides an audio signal within the first ear cup indicative of the summed signal.

Abstract: An energy delivery system for controlling blood loss is provided. The system includes an energy-activated patch configured for placement on tissue. The patch includes an energy-delivering layer configured to deliver energy to the tissue. The system also includes an energy source in operative engagement with the energy-activated patch for energizing the energy-delivering layer.

Abstract: A medical dressing comprising a backing layer and a self-supporting substrate. The backing layers form a perimeter around the self supporting substrate and hold the self supporting substrate in place on a wound.

Abstract: A therapeutic medical garment including a knitted welt proximate one end thereof with a surface adapted for residing against the wearer's skin. The garment includes a ground yarn and a plurality of raised, skin-engaging stabilizer elements, such as elongate bars extending in spaced-apart relation around an inner surface of the welt and along a longitudinal axis of the garment to reduce a tendency of the welt to roll over on itself.

Abstract: Disclosed are solid and frozen haemostatic materials having a rod shape and suitable applicators and plungers for application of such dressings to wounded tissue wherein said dressings consisting essentially of a fibrinogen component and a fibrinogen activator. Also disclosed are methods of treating internal wounded tissue in a mammal by applying one or more of these haemostatic materials and dressings, particularly for the treatment of injured tissue via endoscopic or minimally-invasive surgical techniques.

Abstract: There is provided an oral hygiene swab (10) for a patient. The swab has a stem (12) formed of a first relatively rigid material and a head portion (14) formed of a second relatively softer material overmoulded onto said stem. The second material of the head portion is shaped to provide outwardly protruding cleaning formations (32, 36) for contact with the patient's mouth. The swab may be a suction swab and the stem may have a hollow interior.

Abstract: An absorbent feminine hygiene device for absorbing fluid and odor from vaginal, menstrual, or incontinence discharge. The absorbent feminine hygiene device includes an elongated pad having a pad member connected to a curved member, wherein both members include a first end opposing a second end, an adhesive rear surface, and an absorbent front surface. The pad member is rectangular in shape and can be positioned over a user's vagina, wherein the first end thereof is connected to the second end of the curved member. The curved member extends upwards from the pad member in order to be positioned between a user's buttocks. The front surface of the curved member includes a ridge thereon, which can be placed between the buttocks of the user so as to absorb discharge that can leak towards the user's buttocks when she is lying down or sitting.

Abstract: The invention relates to an infant or adult diaper. More particularly, the invention relates to an infant or adult diaper, wherein the diaper comprises a topsheet and a backsheet and positioned therein between an absorbent core, and a first longitudinally extending elastic cuff and second longitudinally extending elastic cuff, the first and the second elastic cuff being positioned on either longitudinal side of the topsheet and opposing each other.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a web comprising: discrete extended elements having open proximal ends, open or closed dismal ends and side walls; macro apertures arranged in a staggered pattern; first regions comprising a first top plane; and second regions comprising a second top plane having a length less than or equal to about 0.9 mm, wherein each of the first regions is surrounded by four distinctive second regions, the four distinctive second regions being connected by two adjacent macro apertures in the first direction and another two adjacent macro apertures in the second direction which is orthogonal to the first direction, and wherein each of the second regions is surrounded by two adjacent first regions and two adjacent macro apertures located in a third direction or a fourth direction not parallel either to the first direction or to the second direction.

Abstract: A disposable diaper has a disposal bag contained in the diaper, wherein the diaper comprises an outer layer and a pocket in the outer layer, and wherein the pocket contains a disposal bag. The disposal bag can be unfolded to receive a used diaper for easy and sanitary disposal.