Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve is circumferentially collapsible for less invasive delivery into a patient. The valve re-expands to operating size at the implant site in the patient. A frame structure of the valve includes restraining structure that can help to push one or more of the patient's native heart valve leaflets radially outwardly so that this native leaflet tissue does not interfere with the operation or service life of the prosthetic valve.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to valve replacement devices that are foldable for catheter-based deployment to the site of implantation, as well as systems for the delivery of valve prostheses, including prostheses having the special characteristics of the disclosed valve replacement devices. The devices include highly effective adhering mechanisms for secure and enduring precision implantation. The adhering mechanisms may employ a unique sealing mechanism that includes a cuff that expands slowly whereby the device is not secured in place until the completion of the implantation procedure. The implanted device, optionally together with the cuff, prevents perivalvular leaks and incorporate an appropriate leaflet system for reliable functioning in situ.

Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve includes a stent having a collapsed condition and an expanded condition. The stent has a proximal end, a distal end and a plurality of cells, each cell being formed by a plurality of struts. A valve assembly is secured to the stent and includes a cuff and a plurality of leaflets. The plurality of leaflets are attached to the cuff adjacent an underwire that extends about the perimeter of the cuff.

Abstract: An improved holder and storage system for a tissue-type prosthetic mitral heart valve that constricts the commissure posts of the valve and prevents suture looping. A rod axially movable relative to the holder tensions lengths of attachment sutures that extend between the commissure post tips to create a tent and flex the tips inward, thus helping to prevent looping of any of an array of pre-implanted sutures around the leading tips during delivery of the valve. The holder has a safety mechanism that prevents valve delivery before the rod is deployed. One embodiment automatically deploys the rod upon opening a storage jar. One embodiment permits a delivery handle to directly deploy the rod, while another uses a separate worm screw and coupling. A holder clip that attaches to a packaging sleeve may be formed of flexible members meshed together from which the heart valve and holder are easily pulled free to eliminate a step of decoupling the clip from the sleeve.

Abstract: An annuloplasty prosthesis for a heart valve has a sewing cuff added to the conventional structure. The sewing cuff is preferably an extension of the fabric cover that is provided around the core of the prosthesis. The sewing cuff preferably extends radially outwardly from cross sections of the remainder of the prosthesis. Methods of making such a sewing cuff are also disclosed.

Abstract: Tissue restraining systems and devices as well as methods of using these devices are disclosed herein. According to aspects illustrated herein, there is provided a tissue restraining device that may include a first anchor having one or more contact points along a portion of the first anchor in a spaced relation to one another. The tissue restraining device may also include a second anchor for placement in a substantially opposing relation to the first anchor. A restraining matrix may extend from the contact points of the first anchor to the second anchor.

Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve is provided with a cuff having features which promote sealing with the native tissues even where the native tissues are irregular. The cuff may include a portion adapted to bear on the LVOT when the valve is implanted in a native aortic valve. The valve may include elements for biasing the cuff outwardly with respect to the stent body when the stent body is in an expanded condition. The cuff may have portions of different thickness distributed around the circumference of the valve in a pattern matching the shape of the opening defined by the native tissue. All or part of the cuff may be movable relative to the stent during implantation.

Abstract: A trans-femoral implant includes an anchor assembly and a balloon assembly configured to be separately delivered to an implant site within a heart. Once delivered, the anchor assembly and balloon assembly may be coupled to form an implant within the heart. The balloon anchor may include a fluid inflatable balloon that may be selectively filled via a balloon filling valve. The balloon assembly may further include a latching mechanism that may couple with a distal end of the anchor assembly, such that the length of the implant may be adjusted within the heart.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an external cardiac basal annuloplasty system (ECBAS or BACE-System: basal annuloplasty of the cardia externally) and methods for treatment of regurgitation of mitral and tricuspid valves. The BACE-System provides the ability to correct leakage of regurgitation of the valves with or without the use of cardiopulmonary bypass, particularly when the condition is related to dilation of the base of the heart. This ECBAS invention can be applied to the base of the heart epicardially, either to prevent further dilation or to actively reduce the size of the base of the heart.

Abstract: A bone augment for repairing a bone defect and associated method. The bone augment includes a porous body and a reinforcement member. The porous body defines a plurality of pores and is configured to be intraoperatively shaped to correspond to the bone defect. The reinforcement member is mounted on an exterior surface of the porous body and is configured to be intraoperatively shaped to correspond to the bone defect.

Abstract: A porous surgical implant constructed of a nonbiodegradable polymer that is molded to form an omnidirectional vascularization frame. The frame defines a porous external surface and a plurality of internal longitudinally extending capillaries of a substantially constant porosity throughout the implant. The internal capillaries are in fluid communication with the external porous surface and thereby configured to absorb a fluid adjacent the implant.

Abstract: An implant designed e.g. as a replacement for an articulating surface of a human or animal joint is secured to the bone tissue with the aid of a plurality of fasteners (3). The implant (2) comprises a bone side to be brought into contact with the bone tissue, which bone side is equipped with a plurality of fastening structures restricted to this bone side. The fasteners (3) comprise a distal and a proximal side, wherein the distal side is equipped for being anchored in bone tissue and the proximal side is equipped for being connected with one of the fastening structures of the implant (2). The distal sides of the fasteners (3) are anchored in the bone tissue of the appropriately prepared bone and the implant (2) is then attached to the anchored fasteners (3) by connecting the fastening structures with the proximal sides of the fasteners (3), wherein the implant (2) is pressed against the proximal sides of the anchored fasteners (3).

Abstract: Various embodiments of mosaicplasty constructs and methods for implanting the constructs into anatomical structures. The mosaicplasty constructs may be formed from artificial materials and may include a hard articulating portion and a relatively softer elastic, support portion. The mosaicplasty constructs may include bone ingrowth materials to facilitate ingrowth of bone and other tissues into the construct. The mosaicplasty constructs may also be at least partially formed of hydrogel materials.

Abstract: An artificial hip joint assembly including a ball mounted atop a supporting stem, the stem adapted to being mounted to a reconditioned end of a femur bone, with the ball adapted to seat within an acetabulum socket of a pelvic bone. An intermediate component is mounted between the ball and stem, the intermediate component incorporating force absorbing and redirecting properties at an engagement interface between the ball and stem in response to impact forces generated upon the ball by the pelvic bone. The intermediate component can be constructed of a softer material than either the ball or stem, the intermediate component can further include a sleeve exhibiting a plurality of interior threads and facilitating mounting of an exteriorly threaded end location of the stem.

Abstract: A prosthetic joint is secured to the bones forming the original joint by utilizing strictly mechanical fasteners, for example, a threaded rod engaging a tapped intramedullary canal. Cross locking members may be provided. The need for bone cement is avoided. The prosthetic joint may be used to replace one end of one bone forming the joint, utilizing the naturally occurring end of the other bone. Alternatively, both bone ends may be replaced with prosthetic joint portions. The decision to replace one or both bone ends may be made mid-surgery. The prosthetic joint portions are secured together utilizing ligament reconstruction members made from portions of the patient's tendons or allograft tendons. A bearing forming the interface between the two joint portions is designed to wear in order to protect the remaining components from wear, and to be easily replaced in relatively simple future surgeries.

Abstract: A total knee arthroplasty includes a symmetric femoral prosthesis for articulating with a tibial prosthesis in the left or right leg of a patient. The symmetric femoral prosthesis includes an anterior flange having a symmetric and upwardly diverging, generally V-shaped, double Q-angle trochlear groove formed in an anterior side thereof for accommodating natural Q-angle tracking of a natural or prosthetic patella when the symmetric femoral component is surgically implanted in either the left or right leg of a patient. In a preferred form, the double Q-angle trochlear groove is formed with an angle of + or ? about 10°, for a total groove angle of about 20°.

Abstract: Arthroplasty components include an articular surface and a bone-facing surface. The bone-facing surface includes a concave arrangement of planar surfaces which converge as they approach a middle portion of the articular surface. Instruments and implantation methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the instant invention is a method that includes at least providing a prosthesis that includes at least an implant capable of deformation under pressure; inserting the implant in a void space in a joint; inflating the implant by adding a first amount of a filler to the implant, where the first amount of the filler is X; articulating the joint; releasing a second amount of the filler from the implant through a pressure regulating valve based on a predetermined pressure in the implant, where the second amount of the filler released from the implant is Y; and sealing the implant, where X is greater than Y.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are devices (100), systems and methods of use relating to articulating interbody cages. In one aspect, disclosed is an intervertebral device (100) for use in a human spine including an anterior end (104); a posterior end (102); and at least four peripheral walls (22,24,26). The peripheral walls (26) define an interior volume surrounding a midline of the device and include a superior wall (22), an inferior wall (24) and a pair of opposing, generally trapezoidal-shaped sidewalls. Each of the trapezoidal-shaped sidewalls (26) includes an internal hinge element (60) that is rotatable from a first configuration to at least a second configuration such that the device is expandable in first dimension. Each of the internal hinge elements includes an axis that is coplanar with the midline of the device.

Abstract: A vertebral implant for fusing adjacent vertebrae or for replacing vertebral bodies is disclosed. The implant is a biocompatble metal resorbable or radiolucent implant conforming substantially in size and shape with an end plate of a vertebra. The implant preferably has a wedge-shaped profile to restore disc height and the natural curvature of the spine. The top and bottom surfaces of the implant have areas with a plurality of teeth to resist expulsion and provide initial stability and areas devoid of any protrusions to receive implantation instrumentation. The implant also has a stackability feature. The implant provides initial stability needed for fusion without stress shielding.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided relating to artificial discs. An artificial disc is provided that facilitates simultaneous and independent articulation of flexion/extension, lateral bending, anterior/posterior translation, and axial rotation. The artificial disc provides these four simultaneous and independent articulations by independently addressing each type of articulation in the design of the artificial disc. In one example, an artificial disc is comprised of a bearing disposed between first and second end plates. The bearing is movable relative to each end plate, independent of the other end plate. The end plates are affixed to adjacent vertebrae.

Abstract: An improved artificial disc has a superior and inferior member. The superior member has an upper body portion and a flange portion for positioning and attachment to an upper vertebral body. The inferior member has a lower body portion and a flange portion for positioning and attachment to a lower vertebral body. The upper body portion and the lower body portions, when positioned in a disc space between the upper and lower vertebral bodies and affixed to a respective vertebral body at the flange portion, are independently movable relative to the other along complimentary bearing surfaces on each of the superior and inferior members. The complimentary bearing surfaces are self-aligned by a magnetic attraction force generated by at least one first permanent magnet in either the inferior or superior member.

Abstract: A spinal implant device has a synthetic or metallic or a combination thereof of these materials in an implant body structure and stem cells in a coating, or a sheet, wrap or a membrane wrap applied to surfaces on the implant body structure or alternatively filled with a plug of stem cell laden material. The implant body structure preferably has an aperture or channel. The spinal implant device may include anchoring holes to secure the device to the spinal skeletal structure with fasteners or alternatively can simply be held in place by and between adjacent vertebrae.

Abstract: An insertion instrument for instrumented insertion of a socket inset (4) with a spherical cap (20) into a hip socket (5) of a hip-joint prosthesis, having an impacting instrument (1) with a handle (7), at one end of which a holding tool for the socket inset (4) is located. In order to avoid tilting of the socket inset during insertion, it is proposed that the one end (8) of the impacting instrument (1) has a spherical shape and is part of the holding tool, and the holding tool furthermore comprises an impacting head (2), which is designed as a separate component and received the spherical end (8) of the impacting instrument (1) in an articulated manner, and an insertion aid (3), which is designed as a separate component and serves to hold the socket inset (4) on the outer geometry of the impacting head (2), and the impacting head (2) can be connected to the spherical end (8) to form a ball joint.

Abstract: The invention relates to an intersomatic cage comprising a body (3) and a part (2) that is designed to dilate the intersomatic space between two vertebrae (8, 8?) by rotating the cage so that the cage (1) can be inserted into the space. The body (3) has a prism shape with a substantially planar upper surface (6) which can bear against the superior vertebral endplate (8) and a substantially planar lower surface (6?) which can bear against the inferior vertebral endplate (8?).

Abstract: A powered leg prosthesis includes powered knee joint comprising a knee joint and a knee motor unit for delivering power to the knee joint. The prosthesis also includes a prosthetic lower leg having a socket interface coupled to the knee joint and a powered ankle joint coupled to the lower leg opposite the knee joint comprising an ankle joint and an ankle motor unit to deliver power to the ankle joint. The prosthesis further includes a prosthetic foot coupled to the ankle joint, at least one sensor for measuring a real-time input, and at least one controller for controlling movement of the prosthesis based on the real-time input.

Abstract: A prosthetic joint device includes a foot portion and a main body pivotally coupled to the foot portion at a first joint. A first compliant member is coupled to the main body and foot portion. A first clutch is coupled to the first compliant member. An actuator is coupled to the first clutch to lock and unlock the first clutch and engage and disengage the first compliant member. A control system is coupled to the actuator to control the actuator based on a gait activity. The first clutch is locked to engage the first compliant member. A second compliant member is coupled to the main body and foot portion. A sensor is coupled to the prosthetic joint device to measure a physical state of the prosthetic joint device. The engagement and disengagement of the first compliant member is timed based on the physical state of the prosthetic joint device.

Abstract: Systems and methods for operating autonomous lower limb devices, including at least one adjustable joint and configured for at least supporting a body are provided. A method includes collecting real-time sensor information associated with the autonomous lower limb device. The method also includes receiving, over a communications link, remote data for at least one other lower limb device configured for supporting the body. The method further includes generating control data for transitioning the autonomous lower limb device from a current state in a current finite state model for operating the autonomous lower limb device to a different state in the current finite state model, where the different state is selected based on the real-time sensor information and the remote data.

Abstract: A bioabsorbable polymeric stent with time dependent structure and properties and methods of treating a diseased blood vessel with the bioabsorable polymeric stent are disclosed. The structure and properties of the stent change with time and allow the vessel to be restored to a natural unstented state. The bioabsorbable stent loses mechanical integrity in a controlled manner due to modification of selected structural elements.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling inflation pressure, pressurization rate, and volumetric flow rate of a balloon during deployment of a stent or scaffold is disclosed.

Abstract: A cervical collar having a body with an anterior side, a posterior side, an upper portion and a lower portion is provided. The cervical collar may include a chin support that is formed at the upper portion of the anterior side of the body. The present invention may further include an inflatable pocket formed on the posterior and lateral sides of the body. The cervical collar may be wrapped around a neck of a user so that the chin support aligns and supports the chin of the user. The inflatable pocket may be inflated with a gas or a liquid to further support the neck of the user.

Abstract: An ostomy appliance comprising an adhesive wafer for attachment to the body, the wafer comprising a skin facing surface and a non skin-facing surface, the non skin-facing surface being provided with a backing layer, the skin facing surface of the wafer comprises a central area comprising a substantially non-absorbent protective adhesive, an intermediate area surrounding the central area, said area comprising a substantially non-absorbent soft adhesive, and an edge area surrounding the intermediate area, said edge area comprising a substantially non-absorbent protective adhesive.

Abstract: A system simultaneously applies compression and cooling to a body part. An ice bag has a removable cap for inserting ice and removing water. An air release valve in the cap allows release of air from the ice bag without removing or loosening the cap. A compression wrap is a unitary sheet of elastic material having a central body with straps extending therefrom. A hole in the central body receives the neck of the ice bag, which is positioned over the body part. The unitary body and straps of the sheet apply pressure via the ice bag. Air released into the ice bag from melting ice is removed via the air release valve without disturbing the compression wrap or the cap. The compression wrap contracts to compensate for the volume of the released air, thus maintaining continuous pressure on and thermal contact with the body part.

Abstract: Described herein is an IOP control device for implantation in an eye of a patient, comprising a housing including an inlet port and an outlet port, a fluid flow passageway configured to allow the flow of fluid from the inlet port to the outlet port, and at least one valve anchored within the housing. The at least one valve includes a first side and an opposing second side, and is configured to affect flow through the fluid flow passageway from the inlet port to the outlet port by moving in response to pressure differentials acting on the opposing first and second sides. The at least one valve is remotely adjustable between an active condition increasing resistance to the flow of fluid within the fluid flow passageway and an inactive condition decreasing resistance to the flow of fluid within the fluid flow passageway.

Abstract: A visual prosthesis in the form of a retinal implant, which is distinguished by the least possible space requirement inside the eye, is achieved by a visual prosthesis having an intraocular implant and an extraocular implant, which supplies the intraocular implant with energy and controls it. Virtually all the electronic components, which do not necessarily need to be accommodated with the intraocular implant inside the eye, can be arranged outside the eyeball, for example on the sclera. In this way, the space requirement of the stimulation system inside the eye is reduced and the operative intervention for implanting the stimulation system inside the eye is kept as small as possible. A bidirectional inductive interface between an extracorporeal part of the visual prosthesis and an intracorporeal part, including the intraocular and extraocular implants, via which a current supply and bidirectional data transmission can be carried out is provided.

Abstract: A reduced-pressure, wound closure system is presented that generates a closing force on a surface wound and optionally provides reduced pressure to a body cavity or tissue site. The sealed contracting member, when placed under reduced pressure, generates the closing force. One illustrative system includes a first attachment member and a second attachment member, a sealed contracting member coupled to the first attachment member and the second attachment member, and wherein the closing force is generated between the first attachment member and the second attachment member when reduced pressure is supplied to the sealed contracting member. Other systems and methods are presented.

Abstract: An open-cavity, reduced-pressure treatment device and system for treating a cavity in a patient's body, such as an abdominal cavity, is presented. In one instance, an open-cavity, reduced-pressure treatment device includes a plurality of encapsulated leg members, each having an interior portion with a leg manifold member and formed with fenestrations operable to allow fluid flow into the interior portion, and a central connection member fluidly coupled to the plurality of encapsulated leg members. The central connection member has a connection manifold member. The open-cavity, reduced-pressure treatment devices, systems, and methods allow for, among other things, removal of fluids.

Abstract: Wound dressings and wound inserts comprising a porous film layer and at least a channel, wound inserts of forming wound inserts comprising a porous film layer and at least a channel, and wound-treatment wound inserts.

Abstract: A core forming unit feeds a core to a cutting unit, where a core is wrapped with a core topsheet and backsheet. The core insert is folded and a front wing web and a back wing web are coupled to the folded core. If a pant type diaper is desired, side seams of the front wing web and back wing web are bonded together at side seam regions. Next, portions of the front wing web and back wing web are folded over to create a compact product for packaging and shipment.

Abstract: A feminine hygiene article having a body-facing surface, a first end region and a second end region. The feminine hygiene article is for placement in an undergarment having a crotch portion bounded on opposite sides by portions of curved leg openings, the feminine hygiene article comprising at least one functional enhancement indicator visible from said body-facing surface. The feminine hygiene article can be a sanitary napkin, a pantiliner, or an incontinence pad.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent product extends along a longitudinal dimension and a width dimension. The absorbent product has a backsheet, a topsheet overlaying the backsheet, and an absorbent core that is disposed between the backsheet and the topsheet for absorbing and retaining fluid secreted by a wearer of the absorbent product. The absorbent product also has a first multidirectional stretch material layer, adjacent the backsheet, that defines a first contoured leg opening of the absorbent product adapted to fit around a first leg of the wearer of the absorbent product.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent pant that includes a central chassis and a belt structure is disclosed herein.

Abstract: A disposable diaper using elastic sheet materials so that a contact surface pressure may be locally enhanced and thereby the diaper may be prevented from being noticeably displaced on the wearer's body during used thereof is provided. Of first and second waist regions at least the first waist region is contractible. The first waist region includes waist auxiliary elastic sheets extending in a direction of a transverse axis between opposite side edges of the first waist region and leg auxiliary elastic sheets extending along front peripheral edges of leg-openings. The waist auxiliary elastic sheets and the leg auxiliary elastic sheets overlap one another in areas of the opposite side edges of the first waist region adjacent to the leg-openings respectively. With the diaper put on the wearer's body, these areas come in contact with upper lateral regions of the wearer's iliac bones inclusive of the vicinity thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to absorbent cores having high amounts of superabsorbent polymer material which are immobilized by adhesive. The absorbent cores have reduced peak force when subjected to the Laminate Compression Extension Test Method and also exhibit reduced delamination upon swelling of the superabsorbent polymer material.

Abstract: A patient support including a base; a patient support surface supported by the base; an electrically powered device; a rechargeable power storage device for powering the electrically powered device; and a receiving coil electrically coupled to the rechargeable power supply for inductive coupling with a transmitting coil. The receiving coil is for recharging the rechargeable power supply when the receiving coil is inductively coupled to the transmitting coil.

Abstract: A curved wheelchair ramp for ride vehicles of an amusement park attraction, ride, or other environment is provided. In one embodiment, the wheelchair ramp is maneuverable between a retracted position and an extended position. In the retracted position, the wheelchair ramp may form a door to the ride vehicle. In the extended position, the wheelchair ramp extends, in a curve, between an access opening of the ride vehicle to a station platform. In various embodiments, the ramp may have a first segment, a second segment, and a third segment. The segments may fold together or may nest together.

Abstract: A multi-terrain motorized wheelchair apparatus is disclosed that comprises a seating assembly for supporting a user in a seated position, a track assembly with the seating assembly being pivotable with respect to the track assembly. The track assembly includes a pair of track units positioned on opposite sides of the seating assembly. The apparatus comprises a seating orientation adjustment assembly configured to adjust an orientation of the seating assembly with respect to the track assembly. The apparatus includes at least one drive assembly mounted on the seating assembly and which has at least one drive shaft structure connected to the track units to drive the track units.

Abstract: A personal mobility vehicle comprising a platform (10) on which a user of the vehicle can stand, ground-engaging wheels (14, 15, 16) on which the platform (10) is supported, motor drive means, motor control means (20), a column (11) extending upwards from the platform (10) and a leg or thigh support rest (18) mounted on the column.

Abstract: A patient care bed includes a frame, a side rail, and a side rail mounting assembly. The side rail mounting assembly includes a rail-receiving member defining a passageway configured to releasably receive the side rail and a support rod fixedly engaged to and extending from the rail-receiving member. The support rod is slidable relative to the frame between a storage position, wherein the rail-receiving member is disposed within the frame, and a use position, wherein the rail-receiving member is disposed outside the frame. The support rod is rotatable relative to the frame between a storage orientation, wherein the rail-receiving member is horizontal, and a use orientation, wherein the rail-receiving member is vertical. The side rail mounting assembly is transitionable between a storage condition, corresponding to the storage position and orientation of the support rod, and a use condition, corresponding to the use position and orientation of the support rod.

Abstract: A lift apparatus has a frame with open sides and a web assembly slidably retained along the sides which extends from one end of the frame to the other. While the web assembly is retracted, the frame moves to pass around a mobility-impaired individual and rest against the surface supporting the individual. The web assembly is then extended to move underneath or behind the individual, providing lifting support. The frame is configurable for orientations ranging continuously between horizontal and upright sitting. The web assembly has an upper web contacting the individual, a lower web contacting the support surface, a strength layer carrying the individual's weight, and a roller nose bar assembly which is pulled to extend the web assembly. A hand-held power tool can drive the web assembly, adjustment of inclinations of the back and leg sections of the frame, and vertical motion of the lift arm.