Abstract: A prosthesis secures a replacement valve in a heart. The prosthesis includes a radially expandable inflow section and outflow section, and migration blocker rods. The inflow section has a tapered shape and is implanted within an atrium of a heart adjacent a native valve annulus. The outflow section couples to the inflow section, and is configured to be implanted through the native valve annulus and at least partially within a ventricle of the heart. The migration blocker rods extend circumferentially around at least a portion of the outflow section and hold native leaflets of the heart valve. In a contracted configuration, the prosthesis may be implanted through a catheter into the heart. In an expanded configuration, the tapered shape of the inflow section in the atrium cooperates with the migration blockers in the ventricle to hold the prosthesis against the native valve annulus.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a valve prosthesis includes an inlet portion that is substantially s-shaped and configured to engage the floor of the outflow tract of the native heart atrium. In some embodiments, a valve prosthesis includes a chordae guiding element configured to reduce bending of the chordae to reduce stress on the chordae during the cardiac cycle. In some embodiments, a valve prosthesis includes a central portion having an hourglass shape configured to pinch a native annulus in order to provide axial fixation of the valve prosthesis within a valve site. In some embodiments, a valve prosthesis includes a frame having an outflow end that is flared to provide a gap between an outflow end of the frame and an outflow end of prosthetic leaflets when the prosthetic leaflets are fully opened.

Abstract: A trans-apical implant includes a spacer defining spacer cavity configured to be expanded from a retracted position, a shaft extending from the spacer, the shaft defining an inflation lumen fluidly coupled to the spacer cavity and configured to be fluidly coupled to an expansion medium source, and a spacer valve assembly disposed within at least one of the spacer or shaft, the spacer valve assembly configured to allow selectively allow an expansion medium to flow into the spacer cavity to be selectively expand the spacer from a retracted position to an expanded position.

Abstract: An implantable device for treating mitral valve regurgitation, the device being configured to expand from a compressed state into an expanded state. The device comprises a stent element consisting of (i) an atrial anchoring stent-portion, and (ii) a valve-carrying stent-portion being fixedly connected with one another, and a valve-element. The atrial anchoring stent-portion has a balloon-like shape and the valve-carrying stent-portion has a cylindrical shape, such, that the valve-carrying stent-portion is positioned intra-annular without contacting the annulus of a native mitral valve.

Abstract: A method of using a device to improve the function of a heart valve is disclosed. In one preferred embodiment, the method includes positioning a prosthetic insert member between leaflets of mitral valve. The insert member has an elongated cross-sectional profile for conforming to gap between leaflets of a mitral valve. The device also includes an anchoring member for attachment to heart tissue for maintaining the insert member in the mitral valve. The insert member is used to plug the gap between the leaflets of the mitral valve and thereby reduce undesirable regurgitation while allowing the leaflets to function in a substantially normal manner. An anchoring member secures the prosthetic insert member to a heart wall. The anchoring member preferably includes a plurality of tissue penetrating hooks or prongs.

Abstract: A tool for implanting an inflatable penile prosthetic cylinder includes a pincher and a plunger coupled to a handle of the tool and movable relative to the pincher. The pincher has a spine portion that is movably coupled to a distal end portion of the handle and a first jaw movably coupled to a second jaw along the spine portion of the pincher. The first jaw has a first plunger edge that is spaced a gap distance away from a second plunger edge of the second jaw. The plunger is tapered having a first width at a distal end that is not greater than the gap distance and a second width that is larger than the first width. The second width measured proximal of the distal end of the plunger.

Abstract: An implantable penile prosthetic insert for placement in a corpora cavernosum of a penis and capable of transitioning the penis between a flaccid and an erect state. A body of the insert is made from a bio-compatible material and extends between a proximal end and a distal end. The body includes an exterior surface defining a channel extending longitudinally along the body. The body is configured to transition between a first state corresponding to the flaccid state of the penis and a second state corresponding to the erect state of the penis. The channel is present in both the first and the second state. A method for implanting a penile prosthetic insert and a kit of parts are also disclosed.

Abstract: Revision hip implants and prosthesis systems include femoral heads, cups, screws, bridges, and segmental prostheses for revision surgeries.

Abstract: The present invention mainly relates to knee joint and more particularly to the polymeric composite or nanocomposites based polycentric knee joint.

Abstract: A prosthetic total knee replacement system comprises a distal femoral implant component, a tibial tray implant component and a fixed bearing tibial tray insert. The fixed bearing tibial tray insert is fixed to the tibial tray and articulates with the distal femoral implant component. The fixed bearing tibial tray insert component has a medial-lateral centerline and a stabilizing post. The stabilizing post has a medial-lateral centerline offset laterally from the medial-lateral centerline of the fixed bearing tibial tray insert.

Abstract: An ankle implant for implantation at a distal tibia can include a first sleeve augment, a second sleeve augment, an intramedullary (IM) implant and a connecting peg. The first sleeve augment can have a first cannulated sleeve body comprising a first inner solid metal body portion and a first outer porous metal body portion. The IM implant can have an outer augment mounting structure. The second sleeve augment can have a second cannulated sleeve body comprising a second inner solid metal body portion and a second outer porous metal body portion. The second inner solid metal body portion can include a second sleeve first mating structure. The first and second sleeve augments can be assembled onto the IM implant in a stacked orientation with the connecting peg received by both the first sleeve first mating structure and the second sleeve first mating structure in a keyed relationship.

Abstract: The present application generally relates to orthopedic systems, and in particular, to systems including independent plates and spacers. A plating system can include a spacer and a plate that is independent from the spacer. A number of locking mechanisms can be provided to secure the plate to the spacer. In some cases, the spacer includes a pair of notches that extend on an outer surface of the spacer. The plate can include a pair of lateral extensions that can engage the notches to secure the plate to the spacer. In other cases, the spacer includes an opening including a pair of inlets. The plate can include an enclosed posterior extension that can be received in the pair of inlets to secure the plate to the spacer.

Abstract: Interbody fusion devices, insertion tools, methods for assembling an interbody fusion device, and methods for inserting a medical device between two vertebral bodies are disclosed. The interbody fusion device includes a base member, a top member, and at least one movement mechanism. The base member includes at least one of a pivot cylinder and a hinge channel. The top member includes at least one of a pivot cylinder and a hinge channel. The at least one pivot cylinder of the base member engages the at least one hinge channel of the top member and the at least one pivot cylinder of the top member engages the at least one hinge channel of the base member. The at least one movement mechanism engages the top member and the base member. Also disclosed are a vertebral spacer device and an interbody spacer system including an insertion tool and an interbody fusion device.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for interbody fusion including distracting, in a given direction, and supporting opposing vertebral bodies. A plurality of wafers are consecutively inserted between the vertebral bodies to create a column of wafers. The column of wafers is oriented between the vertebral bodies so as to expand in the given direction as the wafers are consecutively added to the column.

Abstract: An intervertebral implant frame that is configured to be attached to a spacer body can include a pair of arms that extend longitudinally from a support member such that the arms extend substantially around the spacer body. The arms may be configured to expand, crimp, or otherwise engage the spacer body to thereby hold the spacer body to the frame. The spacer body may be made from bone graft.

Abstract: A hybrid spinal implant device, and method of making the same are disclosed. The spinal implant device comprises two facing endplates, each having at least one anchoring wall or pin element, and a plastic spacer anchored to and located between the two endplates. The endplates may be manufactured from titanium. The plastic spacer may be manufactured from a radiolucent, and bio-compatible polymer-based material including polyetheretherketone (“PEEK”), polyetherketone, polyetherketoneketone, and/or fiber reinforced plastic. The endplates made of titanium allow for enhanced bone growth, while the plastic/PEEK spacer element allows for improved load absorption and distribution. The spinal implant device, using titanium endplates and a PEEK spacer, provides excellent radiolucency thereby eliminating the need for X-ray markers either intra- or post-operation. The manufacturing method for the hybrid spinal implant device uses injection molding to insert or back injection mold the spacer between the two endplates.

Abstract: An artificial finger for prosthetics and gripping technology, with a base, a first finger member mounted on the base in articulated manner, at least one secondary member mounted on the first finger member in articulated manner, and a drive for adjusting the secondary member relative to the first finger member and the first finger member relative to the base. At least one reset element is provided for resetting the first finger member and the secondary member, and the first finger member is acted upon with a resetting force which differs from the secondary member.

Abstract: An extravascular protective stent includes a booster, a hollow protective tube and a hollow separator all sequentially arranged, wherein the side wall of the protective tube is provided with a protective notch parallel to the central axis of the protective tube and extending through two ends of the protective tube. During use of the separator and the protective tube when an internal carotid artery is exposed after a common carotid artery bifurcation is separated via a submandibular incision, the separator and the protective tube wrap the internal carotid artery in sequence, allowing the separating notch and the protective notch to face outward, and the closed wall thereof to face inward and directly face the surgery direction, such that a surgeon can thoroughly excise diseased tissue in surgery and avoid hemorrhage caused by accidentally injuring the internal carotid artery during the surgery, and improve the surgical efficacy.

Abstract: In embodiments there is described a cardiovascular tube-shaped lockable and expandable bioabsorbable scaffold having a low immunogenicity manufactured from a crystallizable bioabsorbable polymer composition or blend.

Abstract: Medical devices and medical assemblies that have a lubricant disposed on an inner surface (e.g., balloons to be inflated within a cavity of a patient) are disclosed, along with related methods of use and manufacture. Such devices or assemblies may be passed through an elongate channel (e.g., a catheter channel or the working channel of an endoscope) and deployed distal of the elongate channel to adopt an expanded configuration. The devices or assemblies may then be compacted as they are withdrawn into the elongate channel after deployment. Some medical devices and assemblies comprising a lubricant on an inner surface of a balloon body may be more readily withdrawn into the elongate channel than embodiments that lack such a lubricant.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of an occlusion device that can be delivered into the vascular system of a patient for inducing weight loss. The device can be formed from a body that can expand from a collapsed to an expanded position, where the body can be configured to at least partially occlude a blood vessel. Further, the device can comprise a first and second end joined by a center section. One of the ends can contain a retrieval element for easily removing the device from the patient.

Abstract: Several gastrointestinal surgery procedures are effective as treatments for metabolic disorders such as obesity and diabetes. Minimally invasive procedures including intra-luminal gastrointestinal implants have been proposed to mimic the anatomical, physiological and metabolic changes achieved by these procedures. Many of these designs include long sleeve like elements that prevent contact of food with the walls of the small intestine. It is desirable to have simple delivery systems that can place these implants under endoscopic guidance. However, in order to anchor these sleeve elements safely and reliably, the inventors have previously disclosed anchoring means that anchor the sleeves at the junctions of the stomach and the intestine or the stomach and esophagus.

Abstract: A gastrointestinal implant device is anchored in the duodenum and extends beyond the ligament of Treitz. All food exiting the stomach is funneled through the device. The gastrointestinal device includes an anchor for attaching the device to the duodenum and an unsupported flexible sleeve. The anchor can include a stent and/or a wave anchor and is collapsible for catheter-based delivery and removal.

Abstract: An adjustable limb protective assembly has a main body, a first covering frame and a second covering frame. The main body has a first extending arm, a second extending arm, two holding bases, two operating elements and a jointing connector. Each extending arm has a connecting board. The holding bases are respectively connected to the extending arms adjacent the connecting boards. The operating elements are respectively and securely mounted on the connecting boards, and each one of the operating elements has an operating mount and an operating stem. The jointing connector is connected to the extending arms. The first covering frame is connected to the first extending arm and has a first supporting arm and a first covering base. The second covering frame is connected to the second extending arm and has a second supporting arm and a second covering base.

Abstract: An ankle support is disclosed and described. The ankle support can include a sleeve that can have a non-stretchable bottom portion to extend under a bottom of a foot. In addition, the sleeve can have side portions extending from the bottom portion to at least an ankle joint. The ankle support can also include non-stretchable support straps connected to the bottom portion, and free ends extending therefrom. In addition, the ankle support can have removable coupling features for the free ends of the support straps located on the side portions. The support straps can cross on a top side of the foot. Along with the bottom portion, the support straps can form a non-stretchable support structure for minimizing movement of the subtalar joint of the ankle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus including attachment of a fluid evacuation bag to the feeding port of the G-tube using an adapter fitting disposed between and interconnecting the G-tube and the evacuation bag. The adapter fitting has a proximal end that is sized to fit in and frictionally engage the feeding port of the G-tube, and a distal end that is sized to receive and frictionally engage tube end fitting extending from the evacuation bag. The adapter fitting allows open fluid communication from the G-tube to the evacuation bag so that fluids draining from the G-tube may be safely and conveniently collected and disposed of.

Abstract: Unique cervical collars and patient interfaces for sleep apnea therapy. One cervical collar features a chin-supporting member whose topside is movable relative to a chest-abutting member. The top side is biased upwardly against the underside of the wearer's chin to maintain an erect head position and closed lower jaw position when the user is asleep, while allowing intentional opening of the mouth during consciousness. The chest-abutting member features a support by which a patient interface is carried thereon to avoid or reduce the need for a separate head-worn securing means. A patient interface employs a venturi-like airway configuration to create a vacuum for securing the patient interface to facial or nasal tissue without head straps or the like. Electrical contacts on the cervical collar detect a positional status of the wearer's lower jaw, and are used to control an operational state of a pressurized air source coupled to the interface.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment, a uniform total body cryotherapy method and apparatus operative to allow an individual in a cryotherapy chamber to be subjected to the same cold temperatures on their entire body at the same time. In use, the apparatus allows active dissemination of cold air in a confined space without the undesired consequence of wind shear commonly caused by forced movement of cold air.

Abstract: The eye dropper positioning and guiding apparatus includes a resilient guiding device having a selectively compressible member having a first opening adapted to receive an eye drop applicator and a second opening adapted to position an eye within an area of the second opening to receive a fluid from the eye drop applicator. The selectively compressible member is adapted for selective linear and nonlinear movement in relation to the eye positioned within the area of the second opening. The eye dropper positioning and guiding apparatus can also include a support base and a resilient guiding device including a selectively expandable member having a plurality of concentric loops having an outermost loop and an innermost loop, adapted for selective linear and nonlinear movement, or a support base and a resilient guiding device including a plurality of concentric, interconnected rings adapted for selective linear and nonlinear movement in relation to an eye.

Abstract: The eye dropper positioning and guiding apparatus includes a resilient guiding device having a selectively compressible member having a first opening adapted to receive an eye drop applicator and a second opening adapted to position an eye within an area of the second opening to receive a fluid from the eye drop applicator. The selectively compressible member is adapted for selective linear and nonlinear movement in relation to the eye positioned within the area of the second opening. The eye dropper positioning and guiding apparatus can also include a support base and a resilient guiding device including a selectively expandable member having a plurality of concentric loops having an outermost loop and an innermost loop, adapted for selective linear and nonlinear movement, or a support base and a resilient guiding device including a plurality of concentric, interconnected rings adapted for selective linear and nonlinear movement in relation to an eye.

Abstract: The eye dropper positioning and guiding apparatus includes a resilient guiding device having a selectively compressible member having a first opening adapted to receive an eye drop applicator and a second opening adapted to position an eye within an area of the second opening to receive a fluid from the eye drop applicator. The selectively compressible member is adapted for selective linear and nonlinear movement in relation to the eye positioned within the area of the second opening. The eye dropper positioning and guiding apparatus can also include a support base and a resilient guiding device including a selectively expandable member having a plurality of concentric loops having an outermost loop and an innermost loop, adapted for selective linear and nonlinear movement, or a support base and a resilient guiding device including a plurality of concentric, interconnected rings adapted for selective linear and nonlinear movement in relation to an eye.

Abstract: The eye dropper positioning and guiding apparatus includes a resilient guiding device having a selectively compressible member having a first opening adapted to receive an eye drop applicator and a second opening adapted to position an eye within an area of the second opening to receive a fluid from the eye drop applicator. The selectively compressible member is adapted for selective linear and nonlinear movement in relation to the eye positioned within the area of the second opening. The eye dropper positioning and guiding apparatus can also include a support base and a resilient guiding device including a selectively expandable member having a plurality of concentric loops having an outermost loop and an innermost loop, adapted for selective linear and nonlinear movement, or a support base and a resilient guiding device including a plurality of concentric, interconnected rings adapted for selective linear and nonlinear movement in relation to an eye.

Abstract: The eye dropper positioning and guiding apparatus includes a resilient guiding device having a selectively compressible member having a first opening adapted to receive an eye drop applicator and a second opening adapted to position an eye within an area of the second opening to receive a fluid from the eye drop applicator. The selectively compressible member is adapted for selective linear and nonlinear movement in relation to the eye positioned within the area of the second opening. The eye dropper positioning and guiding apparatus can also include a support base and a resilient guiding device including a selectively expandable member having a plurality of concentric loops having an outermost loop and an innermost loop, adapted for selective linear and nonlinear movement, or a support base and a resilient guiding device including a plurality of concentric, interconnected rings adapted for selective linear and nonlinear movement in relation to an eye.

Abstract: An ophthalmic surgical hand piece comprises a driver coupled to a horn, a venturi pump with an inlet aspiration port and an outlet aspiration port, and a hand piece shell at least partially enclosing the driver, the horn, and the venturi pump. A needle is coupled to an end of the horn. A rigid, non-compliant aspiration path extends between the hollow needle and the outlet aspiration port. An aspiration pressure sensor measures a pressure in the aspiration path.

Abstract: The here described invention generally relates to systems for laser eye surgery. It certain embodiments it discloses systems to perform femtosecond eye surgery without docking between the laser delivery system and the patient's eye as well as certain laser delivery system configurations that allow integration of laser delivery systems into a surgical microscope in specific ways, as well as integration into a slit lamp system.

Abstract: Embodiments of this invention generally relate to ophthalmic laser procedures and, more particularly, to systems and methods for lenticular laser incision. In an embodiment, an ophthalmic surgical laser system comprises a laser delivery system for delivering a pulsed laser beam to a target in a subject's eye, an XY-scan device to deflect the pulsed laser beam, a Z-scan device to modify a depth of a focus of the pulsed laser beam, and a controller configured to form a top lenticular incision and a bottom lenticular incision of a lens in the subject's eye.

Abstract: A method for precise intraocular delivery of an astigmatic intraocular lens in a patient's eye includes recording traceable eye landmarks, recording the corneal astigmatism, registering the recorded astigmatism axis to the recorded traceable eye landmarks, providing a light source for generating a light beam, providing a scanner for deflecting the light beam to form an enclosed treatment pattern that includes a visible registration feature, providing a delivery system that delivers the enclosed treatment pattern to target tissue in the patient's eye to form an enclosed incision therein including the visible registration feature linkable to the recorded traceable eye landmarks registered to the corneal astigmatism axis. Inserting an intraocular lens within the enclosed incision, wherein the intraocular lens has an astigmatism axis registration feature visible to the surgeon to align with the patient's eye visible astigmatism axis registration feature of the enclosed incision.

Abstract: The invention provides an eyeglass-like apparatus and methods that may be used similarly to treat existing postural issues especially FHP and to prevent them in unaffected people. The apparatus may comprise a means for creating an obstruction in a zone within the field of vision of a person which size and position can be adjusted. The obstruction can be mounted in or on a lens, or a pair of lenses, or to a wearable frame without any lenses, or with non-vision-corrective translucent or transparent panes instead of lenses, or may be a small nose-mounted fixture, or may comprise a solid material, an electronic panel, or may be integrated as a component aspect of the shape and manufacture of a lens itself, or may be permanently fixed element in the lens, such as an etching, or it may be removable.

Abstract: A waistband for an absorbent article having a waistband with differential extensibility and/or contraction along the circumference of the waist opening. The waistband may provide a uniform appearance along the circumference of the waist opening. The waistband may have a central zone and at least two outboard zones. The outboard zones of the waistband may be less contracted than the central zone, when the absorbent article is in a relaxed state.

Abstract: Laparotomy sponges comprising one or more closed metal wire loops incorporated into the fabric of the sponge are disclosed. The wire is of a gauge that is detectable by a metal detector. At least 50% of the area of the sponge is circumscribed by the one or more closed metal wire loops.

Abstract: A male incontinence article includes a liquid permeable liner, a liquid impermeable outer cover, and an absorbent core disposed between the liner and the outer cover. The article is configurable from a laid flat configuration to a use configuration. The article has, in the use configuration, an absorbent cup and an upstanding wall that extends upward from the cup. The cup has a closed bottom, a sidewall extending upward from the closed bottom, and an open top. The closed bottom and the sidewall cooperatively define an interior chamber adapted to receive at least a portion of the user's penis. Suitable packaging and methods of manufacturing such an article are also disclosed.

Abstract: An undergarment includes a body portion having an upper edge defining a waistband, two leg openings and a crotch region between the leg openings; an absorbent pad on the inside of the body portion within at least the crotch region, the absorbent pad having an inner region and a peripheral region, wherein the thickness of the absorbent pad in the peripheral region is less than the thickness of the absorbent pad in the inner region; and elastic bonding film lining each of the two leg openings while overlying respective portions of the peripheral region of the absorbent pad thereby to bond the absorbent pad and the body portion. A method of manufacturing an undergarment is provided.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to absorbent articles and in particular to a absorbent articles demonstrating controlled deformation and enhanced fluid wicking in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent articles

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to absorbent articles and in particular to a absorbent articles demonstrating controlled deformation and enhanced fluid wicking in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent articles

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to absorbent articles and in particular to a absorbent articles demonstrating controlled deformation and enhanced fluid wicking in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent articles

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to absorbent articles and in particular to a absorbent articles demonstrating controlled deformation and enhanced fluid wicking in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent articles

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to absorbent articles and in particular to a absorbent articles demonstrating controlled deformation and enhanced fluid wicking in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent articles

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to absorbent articles and in particular to a absorbent articles demonstrating controlled deformation and enhanced fluid wicking in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent articles

Abstract: Patient support apparatuses—such as beds, cots, stretchers, or the like—include a plurality of user controls that allow a caregiver to control the steering and/or driving of one or more wheels from multiple different locations around the patient support apparatus (e.g. head end, foot end, and/or the sides). The control is carried out by force sensors that detect both an orientation of the applied forces and a magnitude of the applied forces. Translational and/or rotational movement is effectuated, depending upon the magnitude and direction of the forces, as well as the physical location of the applied force relative to a reference point on the support apparatus, such as the center. One or more object sensors may also be included in the support apparatus to assist in steering and/or navigating.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a roll-in cot may include a support frame, a pair of front legs, a pair of back legs, and a cot actuation system. The pair of front legs may be slidingly coupled to the support frame. Each front leg includes at least one front wheel. The pair of back legs may be slidingly coupled to the support frame. Each back leg includes at least one back wheel. The cot actuation system includes a front actuator that moves the front legs and a back actuator that moves the back legs. The front actuator and the back actuator raises or lowers the support frame in tandem. The front actuator raises or lowers the front end of the support frame independently of the back actuator. The back actuator raises or lowers the back end of the support frame independently of the front actuator.