Abstract: A tool for implanting an inflatable penile prosthetic cylinder includes a pincher connected to a handle, a suction feature provided on the pincher, and an evacuation feature provided on the handle. The handle is operable to open the pincher a distance to receive the inflatable penile cylinder and operable to close the pincher against opposed sides of the inflatable penile cylinder. The suction feature is operable to couple the inflatable penile cylinder to the pincher. The evacuation feature is operable to provide suction to the suction feature.

Abstract: Radiolucent composite implants. Some embodiments include reconfiguration indicators. Some embodiments include radio-opaque markers, especially along contours. Some embodiments are provided in kit form with accessories such as radiolucent drill guides and/or drives. Some embodiments have fiber reinforcement adapted for various usage scenarios. Some embodiments include metal components, for example, to increase strength. Also described are manufacturing methods.

Abstract: A femoral stem for use in hip replacement surgery, specifically hip replacement surgery in dogs and similar animals but also inclusive to implants used in humans. More particularly, the invention is directed to a femoral stem that includes a lateral bolt or post that protrudes through the cortex or wall of bone opposite the neck of the femoral stem. The lateral bolt or post reduces the occurrence of subsidence in implanted femoral stems. The lateral bolt or post provides an anchor point on the cortex or wall of bone as opposed to relying solely on the compression of the femoral stem against the wall of the bony canal of the femur being implanted.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a joint implant for a joint of a specific patient includes obtaining a three-dimensional image of a bone of the joint of the specific patient from medical imaging scans of the bone of the patient and determining on the three-dimensional image a resection plane for contacting a corresponding planar surface of the joint implant for the specific patient. The method includes determining a three-dimensional image of a porous structure of a bone layer along the resection plane from the medical imaging scans of the patient. The joint implant is manufactured with a layer of a patient-specific porous construct attached to the planar surface of the joint implant. The layer of the patient-specific porous construct substantially replicates the porous structure of the bone layer of the specific patient.

Abstract: Prosthesis, tools and surgical methods treat joint instability by avoiding loosening over time. A shoulder prosthesis includes a humeral member with a humeral joint surface and a humeral fixation member and a glenoid member comprising a glenoid body with a glenoid joint surface, and a glenoid fixation member attaching the glenoid body to a scapula. The glenoid fixation member may be attached orthogonally to the scapula. A dampener may be included to absorb loads that may loosen one or more components of the prosthesis.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a space holder, especially for vertebrae or intervertebral discs for implantation into human or animal organisms, having a cylinder-like body (1) and, at the ends of the cylinder-like body, means (2) provided for connecting to adjacent body parts, said cylinder-like body (1) essentially being formed as a solid cylinder from at least one material that is elastically deformable under the conditions of use, such that the space holder is compressible and extensible in the axial direction and, with reference to means (2) provided at the ends for connecting the space holder to adjacent body parts, can bend about a radial axis of rotation (13).

Abstract: A spinal implant comprises a body including a first vertebral engaging surface and a second vertebral engaging surface. At least one of the surfaces including a posterior linear side and an anterior arcuate side. Systems and methods of use are disclosed.

Abstract: An expandable intervertebral implant is provided for insertion into an intervertebral space defined by adjacent vertebrae. The expandable intervertebral implant includes a pair of outer sleeve portions and an inner core disposed between the outer sleeve portions. Movement of the inner core relative to the outer sleeve portions causes the outers sleeve portions to deflect away from each other, thereby engaging the expandable intervertebral implant with the vertebrae and adjusting the height of the intervertebral space.

Abstract: An enhanced artificial disk for stabilizing a pair of adjacent vertebrae. The enhanced artificial disk include a disk and a stabilizer. The stabilizer includes a substantially keyhole shaped opening for receiving a protrusion. By facilitating movement of the protrusion within the opening, the enhanced artificial disk is capable of exhibiting a normal range of motion associated with a healthy disk while limiting any abnormal range of motion.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to spine surgery and, in particular, to a surgical implant for separating adjacent spinal vertebrae.

Abstract: A fusion cage has a first component that defines an outside surface that is configured to engage a vertebral endplate, and an interior surface. The fusion cage has a second component that defines first and second opposed surfaces. One of the first and second opposed surfaces can mate with the interior surface of the first component. The fusion cage can include vertical and lateral throughholes adapted to enhance fusion.

Abstract: A spinal implant comprises a body including a first vertebral engaging surface and a second vertebral engaging surface. The first vertebral engaging surface is rotatable relative to the second vertebral engaging surface. Systems and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A femoral component instrument includes a rotatable locking mechanism such as a post and is capable of interchangeable use between posterior stabilizing (“PS”) and cruciate retaining (“CR”) femoral component types via the locking mechanism. The instrument further includes a modular pad so that a pad specific to the prosthesis type may be chosen. Each pad of a particular femoral component type is useable with a variety of sizes of that femoral component type. The locking mechanism of the instrument is alternatively useable with a variety of femoral component types. The locking end of the post keys to a pad aperture to rotatably align the post to an appropriate securement position. If a femoral component is not locked to the pad, the post of the instrument moves from an exposed position proximal to the proximal pad surface to a retracted position distal to the proximal pad surface, thereby permitting impaction.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention provides methods and apparatus facilitating an adjustable-stiffness prosthesis or orthosis (including approximations to arbitrarily definable non-linear spring functions). Spring rates may be varied under no-load conditions during a walking gate cycle to minimize power consumption. In another aspect, the invention provides methods and apparatus for outputting positive power from a prosthesis or orthosis, facilitating high-performance artificial limbs. In one embodiment of the invention, the positive power is transferred from a functioning muscle to the prosthesis or orthosis, which mimics or assists a non-functioning or impaired muscle. In another embodiment of the invention, the positive power comes from an on-board power source in the prosthesis or orthosis.

Abstract: The present foot prosthesis includes various structural features that provide the foot with advantageous rollover properties. In certain embodiments, the foot guides rollover toward the medial side. For example, an asymmetrical upper element and a correspondingly shaped resilient ankle member support more of the wearer's weight on the lateral side as the foot rolls over. In another embodiment, stiffeners added to the resilient ankle member increase the stiffness on the lateral side relative to the medial side. In certain other embodiments, the foot provides progressively increasing support from mid stance through toe off. For example, a gap between the resilient ankle member and the lower element closes during the later portion of the wearer's gait. The closing gap increases a contact area between the resilient ankle member and the lower element, providing progressively increasing support. In another embodiment, the foot includes a gap between a lower front edge of an attachment adapter and the upper element.

Abstract: A prosthetic foot includes a heel member and a forefoot member. An ankle member receives the heel member and forefoot member shaft so as to allow the heel member and forefoot member to translate independently of one another.

Abstract: An assistive exoskeleton control system has a controller generating a positive assistance by shaping a closed loop integral admittance of a coupled human exoskeleton system to a desired assistance ratio Ad by modifying a control transfer function using a cut-off frequency of a low pass filter.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a prosthetic cooling liner system for reducing heat and sweat for an individual's residual limb. The prosthetic cooling liner system uses fluid conduit with a prosthetic silicone liner. The fluid conduit allows for cooling fluid to flow across the residual limb, cooling the skin's surface and thereby reducing sweat produced. The cooling fluid is contained in a reservoir in a small backpack worn by the individual. A peristaltic pump is used to pump the cooling fluid from the reservoir through the embedded tubes. Such a system allows the individual to maintain a high level of activity as well as comfort, while wearing the prosthetic.

Abstract: A vacuum assisted suspension system includes an elongate compression transfer element and a pump housing. The pump housing defines an enclosed space to receive a fluid. At least one wall of the housing and at least one movable wall define a fluid compartment and a non-fluid chamber. The at least one movable wall is connected to the compression transfer element. The compression transfer element causes the at least one movable wall of the fluid compartment to reciprocate in the fluid compartment to increase the volume of the fluid compartment in response to a compressive force on the compression transfer element and enables the at least one movable wall to decrease the volume of the fluid compartment in the absence of a compressive force.

Abstract: A tubular prosthetic device for implantation into a body lumen includes a first part including a tubular lumen and a second part including an attachment member. The second part is secured to the first part via various configurations, where the device is capable of being reduced to a diameter less than the diameter of traditional devices, for ease of use during implantation. Methods of using the device are also provided.

Abstract: An artificial blood vessel is a tubular fabric including a fiber layer containing an ultrafine fiber(s) and an ultrafine fiber layer in the inside of the fiber layer, the ultrafine fiber layer being composed of an ultrafine fiber(s) having a fiber diameter(s) of not less than 10 nm and not more than 3 ?m, wherein a quaternary ammonium group-containing polymer having alkyl groups each of a carbon number 10 or less is covalently bound to the ultrafine fiber(s); heparin is ionically bound to the quaternary ammonium group-containing polymer; and the residual heparin activity after washing with physiological saline at 37° C. for 30 minutes is 20 mIU/cm2 or more.

Abstract: An artificial blood vessel promotes intimal formation after indwelling, and is capable of maintaining antithrombogenicity during the intimal formation and maintaining its patency for a long time. The artificial blood vessel is a tubular fabric including a fiber layer containing an ultrafine fiber(s) and an ultrafine fiber layer in the inside of the fiber layer, the ultrafine fiber layer being composed of an ultrafine fiber(s) having a fiber diameter(s) of 10 nm to 3 ?m, wherein an antithrombin agent having a polymer chain other than heparin is covalently bound to the ultrafine fiber via the polymer chain, and the thrombin activity inhibition rate on the fiber surface at 37° C. is not less than 60%.

Abstract: One aspect of the present disclosure can include a frame structure adapted for use with a stent graft. The frame structure can include a scallop region and a Z-form region. The scallop region can have a first end portion, a second end portion, and a perimeter that defines an aperture. The Z-form region can extend from the scallop region and include a plurality of Z-shaped struts, each of which has a first end and a second end that is connected to the scallop region at different points so as to form a central frame structure lumen. The second end portion of the scallop region can include a backstop that is deployable from a first flattened configuration to a second erect configuration. The backstop, in the second erect configuration, is sized and dimensioned to extend into a lumen of an aortic branch vessel.

Abstract: A stent may include a connector having a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion positioned between the first and second portions. The connector may be configured to interconnect axially adjacent stent segments. The connector may be further configured such that the third portion severs in response to a threshold amount of axial force, axial foreshortening, and/or cyclic loading or fatigue, in order to predispose the severance of one or more pre-configured connectors in a controlled manner to minimize any potential harm to the surrounding vasculature of a patient.

Abstract: This stent is a self-expandable stent constituted of an Ni—Ti base alloy or Co—Cr base alloy and formed into a cylindrical shape with mesh openings. The stent has been configured so that the Af point is 22-26° C., the stress-displacement curve has a yield point, and the crystal grains in a cross-section of the stent have an average cross-sectional area, as determined by the area fraction method, of 0.2-50 ?m2.

Abstract: A stent includes a tubular network of struts cut from a bioerodible polymer tube. The tubular network includes a plurality of bands and a plurality of connectors. Each band includes at least nine peaks. Each band being connected to one or more adjacent bands by at least two connectors.

Abstract: A bioresorbable biopolymer stents can be deployed within a blood vessel and resorbed by the body over a predetermined time period after the blood vessel has been remodeled. A ratcheting biopolymer stent can include a ratcheting mechanism that allows the biopolymer stent to be deployed on a small diameter configuration and then expanded to a predefined larger diameter configuration wherein after expansion, the ratcheting mechanism locks the biopolymer stent in the expanded configuration. A folding biopolymer stent can be deployed in a folded, small diameter configuration and then expanded to an unfolded configuration having a larger diameter. The bioresorbable biopolymer can include silk fibroin and blend that include silk fibroin materials.

Abstract: A concentric tube catheter for positioning a polymeric urethral stent implementing resistance heating to make the stent malleable for insertion into a urinary tract. An inflatable bladder is mounted to one end of the concentric tube catheter with the stent positioned around the inflatable bladder. The concentric tube catheter charged with a quantity of fluid. A static pressure control assembly and a variable pressure control assembly are in fluid connection with the concentric tube catheter. The quantity of fluid is pressurized within the concentric tube catheter with the static pressure control assembly in order to expand the inflatable bladder. A heating control system is used to increase the temperature of the stent allowing to become more malleable. The variable pressure control assembly oscillates the quantity of fluid to distribute heat evenly to the inflatable bladder and therefore to the stent. As the inflatable bladder expands, the malleable stent also expands.

Abstract: A weight loss device including at least one peripheral plate that can be fixed to at least one portion of an upper dental arch or lower dental arch by fixing means, in a fixing configuration. The peripheral plate supports, by way of supporting elements, at least one central plate, which is adapted, in the fixing configuration, to rest against the palate or the floor of the mouth in order to limit the movements of the tongue inside the mouth.

Abstract: One or more medical devices may be provided that may be used, for example, in bariatric surgery including a vertical sleeve gastrectomy. The one or more medical devices may include a laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy stapling guide in conjunction with a calibration tube in accordance with one or more examples. According to an example, the calibration tube may be a flared, multi-diameter calibration tube. The flared, multi-diameter calibration tube may have a first diameter along a portion of the tube and a second diameter that may larger than the first diameter along at least another portion of the tube. The calibration tube may be used in conjunction with the stapling guide to align stomach such that it may be stapled along the stapling guide (e.g., to perform the vertical sleeve gastrectomy).

Abstract: This invention describes a multi-point soft flexible ankle foot brace support orthosis apparatus and method for compensating for weakness of the ankle and ankle/foot dorsiflexion resulting in steppage gait of foot drop comprising an ankle cuff that is securely connected to footwear by way of clips and elastic cords, allowing for natural walking motion. The connection of the ankle cuff to the shoe is secure, yet adjustable to accommodate each user's individual need and is easily fastened and unfastened for daily use.

Abstract: This is an apparatus for eliminating pain associated with walking in individuals with knee, lower leg or foot infirmities. The apparatus is comprised of a specially designed cane (14) attached to a brace (10) that encircles the upper leg in the thigh area. The cane freely passes through a positioning loop (36) strapped in the ankle area and extends a couple inches below the arch of the wearers foot. There is a self-locking knuckle joint (30) in the cane at the location of the wearers knee that bends in conformity with it to enable walking with a normal gait. The knuckle joint is designed to be enclosed and self-locked within the upper portion of the cane when weight is put upon the base of the cane and retracted when the leg is lifted. 100% of body weight is off-loaded to the thigh area.

Abstract: A relief orthosis includes a foot part which comprises a sole, a shank part extending away from the foot part in the proximal direction, and at least one fastening element for fastening the orthosis to a user, which fastening element is disposed on the foot part and/or on the shank part, and the foot part is embodied with an adaptable length.

Abstract: A composite moldable splint and method for using the same is described. In some embodiments, the splint has at least a partially fluid-filled inner volume, which in some embodiments may include foam, rubber, water, or pelletized material, surrounded by a thermoplastic layer that is flexible and moldable when heated. The inner volume, which may include a thermoactive adhesive having differing viscosity characteristics at a plurality of temperatures, provides the ability to mold the cushion into a wide range of shapes and contours, such as when forming around a body part. The thermoplastic layer provides the ability of the cushion to be molded when heated, while the inner volume tends to maintain a shape, and allows the thermoplastic layer to stay in its formed shape as the cushion cools. The cushion may be used in a range of medical applications for stabilizing patients and body parts.

Abstract: Provided is a nail deformity correction device for effectively correcting a fingernail/toenail by applying an appropriate correction force. The nail deformity correction device includes: a first body having a plate shape, elastically bent by an external force, and being attachable to the surface of a fingernail/toenail; a second body having a plate shape, overlapping the first body, fixed to the first body, and elastically bending with the first body; a core inserted between the first body and the second body and restored into a memorized shape in accordance with a temperature change; and contact portions formed by bringing portions of the first body and the second body in close contact with each other outside the core, in which the first body, the second body, and the core expand and correct a deformed portion of the fingernail/toenail.

Abstract: An arm retainer for supporting a patient's arm at a desired position on an articulatable support assembly secured to an operating table. The arm retainer includes a rigid arm tray (11) having a connection stud (12) protruding from the bottom side of the tray (11) for connecting the tray to the articulatable support assembly, and the tray (11) is provided with a pair of spaced openings (16) for securement of a disposable arm support liner (10) to the tray. The arm support liner (10) is comprised of a sheet of malleable material (13) with a soft engagement surface (14) for skin contact with the patient and is provided with a predetermined cut configuration for wrapping the malleable liner (10) about the patient's arm for retention of the arm therein. The line (10) has two spaced foldout tabs (17) aligned with the corresponding tray openings (16) for securing the liner to the tray (11) by folding the tabs (17) through respective of the openings (16) and thereafter against the bottom side of the tray.

Abstract: A dental appliance for the treatment of sleep disordered breathing. It addresses vibration and collapse of the soft palate, obstruction of the upper airway by the tongue and problems caused by retro/or micro-gnathia. The device includes upper trays, lower trays, and channels for providing positive or negative air pressure through the device.

Abstract: The micro-balloon vitreous separator generally includes a handle, an elongated shaft coupled to an end of the handle, a tube, and a control device. The tube has an inflatable member and a tip at a distal portion of the tube. The proximal portion of the tube is configured for attachment to an inflation medium. The control device includes a gripping member that is disposed within the handle and engages at least a portion of the tube, and a toggle member that extends through a slot in the handle. The toggle member of the control device may be manipulated by a user to extend and retract the distal portion of the tube. The tip of the tube can be positioned between the vitreous humor and the retina and the inflatable member can be inflated to separate the vitreous humor from the retina.

Abstract: A cannula device for an ophthalmic surgical procedure includes a cannula configured to be inserted through a sclera of an eye and a disk structure configured to apply a force on the sclera to sustain a position of the cannula. A cannula insertion sustaining system for an ophthalmic procedure includes a cannula tube configured to be inserted through a sclera of an eye, an upper tube portion, and a connector tube coupled to the upper tube portion and to the cannula tube. The connector tube is configured to reduce an effective pulling vector force asserted on the cannula tube. A method of sustaining a position of a cannula in a sclera includes inserting the cannula through the sclera and engaging a support structure with the sclera to apply a force on the sclera.

Abstract: Methods and devices for delivering therapeutic substances into the eye. An implant containing the therapeutic substance is implanted at least partially within the optic nerve and the therapeutic substance then elutes from the implant. The implant may have a lumen or it may be solid.

Abstract: A contact lens tool kit for placement of a contact lens on an eye is provided. The tool kit may include a tool housing for engaging a contact lens tool. The contact lens tool may include an annular groove for selectively engaging a contact lens. The tool kit may also include a lens housing for receiving a contact lens, the lens housing selectively engageable with the tool housing. Engagement of the tool housing and the lens housing permits reception of the contact lens by the contact lens tool. The lens housing may include a plug for draining solution through an aperture of the contact lens tool.

Abstract: An ophthalmic phototherapy device and associated treatment methods to expose an eye to selected multi-wavelengths of light to promote the healing of damaged or diseased eye tissue. The device includes a housing having an interior; an eyepiece disposed on the housing and configured and arranged for placement of an eye of the patient adjacent the eyepiece; a first light source producing a first light beam having a first therapeutic wavelength and disposed within the housing; a second light source producing a second light beam having a second therapeutic wavelength and disposed within the housing, where the second therapeutic wavelength differs from the first therapeutic wavelength by at least 25 nm.

Abstract: A wearable ophthalmic phototherapy device and associated treatment methods to expose an eye to selected multi-wavelengths of light to promote the healing of damaged or diseased eye tissue. The device includes a frame having a front piece and two earpieces extending from the front piece; and at least one light source producing a light beam having a therapeutic wavelength and disposed within or on the frame. The devices can include multiple different light sources to produce light with therapeutic wavelengths that differs from each other by at least 25 nm.

Abstract: An ophthalmic irrigator-aspirator has a handpiece with aspiration and irrigation openings through its distal end. A tip component connects to the handpiece and has an aspiration cannula. A flexible sleeve has an annular hub for watertight connection to the handpiece or a base portion of the tip. The sleeve has an intermediate portion that forms a channel for an irrigation fluid along the exterior of the cannula to an irrigation port in the sleeve. The distal end portion of the sleeve is sized for a watertight connection over the distal portion of the cannula. Such distal end portion of the sleeve has an aspiration port in communication with the cannula aspiration port. The sleeve proximate, intermediate, and distal portions are integral with each other and are formed of a resilient material that allows the sleeve to be tightly fitted on the handpiece or tip base portion and the cannula.

Abstract: Provided is a tip for phacoemulsification superior in ability to efficiently and smoothly crush and suck a crystalline lens. A tip (1) of the present invention includes: a shaft (2) having first and second ends (21, 22); a distal part (3) arranged at the first end (21) of the shaft (2) and having an opening (4); and a suction passage (5) extending from the opening (4) of the distal part (3) to the second end (22) of the shaft (2). The suction passage (5) is narrowed in a staircase shape (51) or/and a helical shape (53) from the opening (4) toward the shaft (2). It is preferable that one or a plurality of guide grooves (52) leading from the opening (4) toward the shaft (2) are further formed in an inner wall of the suction passage (5).

Abstract: A surgical system includes a replaceable surgical cassette that is configured to be received by a surgical console, the surgical cassette permitting fluid flow through the cassette, the surgical system controlling the flow of fluid through the cassette via one or more flexible valves actuated by one or more actuation plungers located on the surgical console. The one or more flexible valves of the surgical cassette and the one or more actuation plungers of the surgical console include a positioning feature configured to assist with positioning the one or more actuation plungers to apply uniform and symmetric pressure to the one or more valves during actuation.

Abstract: The disclosure herein provides systems and devices for mechanically cutting and removing lens tissue or cataract from an eye of a patient without use of ultrasonic energy.

Abstract: A method of implanting a treatment device into an eye of a patient comprises inserting a drainage device including a flow system, an inlet tube, and an outlet tube into a subconjunctival space. The inlet tube includes a proximal end coupled to the flow system in the subconjunctival space. The method includes passing a distal end of the inlet tube through a pars plana into a posterior segment of the eye.

Abstract: Described herein is a method of implanting a glaucoma drainage device in an eye having a vitreous chamber and a drainage site. The glaucoma drainage device comprises a tube including a lumen extending from an inlet end to an outlet end, and includes a control element that regulates the amount of fluid flow through the glaucoma drainage device. The method comprises implanting the glaucoma drainage device into pars plana tissue from the vitreous chamber, such that the device extends between the vitreous chamber and the drainage site.

Abstract: A steerable laser probe may include a handle having a handle distal end and a handle proximal end, an actuation control of the handle, a flexible housing tube having a flexible housing tube distal end and a flexible housing tube proximal end, an optic fiber disposed within an inner portion of the handle and the flexible housing tube, and a cable disposed within the flexible housing tube and the actuation control. A rotation of the actuation control may be configured to gradually curve the flexible housing tube and the optic fiber. A rotation of the actuation control may be configured to gradually straighten the flexible housing tube and the optic fiber.