Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for monopolar neuromodulation, e.g., via a pulsed electric field. Such monopolar neuromodulation may effectuate irreversible electroporation or electrofusion, necrosis and/or inducement of apoptosis, alteration of gene expression, action potential attenuation or blockade, changes in cytokine up-regulation and other conditions in target neural fibers. In some embodiments, monopolar neuromodulation is applied to neural fibers that contribute to renal function. In some embodiments, such monopolar neuromodulation is performed bilaterally.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for treating hypertension, e.g., via a pulsed electric field, via a stimulation electric field, via localized drug delivery, via high frequency ultrasound, via thermal techniques, etc. Such neuromodulation may effectuate irreversible electroporation or electrofusion, necrosis and/or inducement of apoptosis, alteration of gene expression, action potential attenuation or blockade, changes in cytokine up-regulation and other conditions in target neural fibers. In some embodiments, neuromodulation is applied to neural fibers that contribute to renal function. In some embodiments, such neuromodulation is performed in a bilateral fashion. Bilateral renal neuromodulation may provide enhanced therapeutic effect in some patients as compared to renal neuromodulation performed unilaterally, i.e., as compared to renal neuromodulation performed on neural tissue innervating a single kidney.

Abstract: An ablation device includes an antenna assembly having a radiating portion configured to deliver energy from a power source to tissue. The radiating portion has an outer conductor and an inner conductor. The inner conductor is disposed within the outer conductor. The device also includes an imaging device operably coupled to the radiating portion. The imaging device is configured to generate imaging data corresponding to tissue proximate the radiating portion of the antenna assembly.

Abstract: A method of treating a subcutaneous fat region is provided. The method includes generating electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength of about 1,200 nm to about 1,230 nm and delivering an average power density of less than or equal to about 2.3 W/cm2 of the electromagnetic radiation to the subcutaneous fat region for at least 300 seconds. The method also includes cooling an epidermal region and at least a portion of a dermal region overlying the subcutaneous fat region for at least a portion of the at least 300 seconds. The method further includes causing necrosis of at least one fat cell in the subcutaneous fat region.

Abstract: Embodiments of a balloon biasing laser catheter are provided. In some embodiments, the laser catheter may include a distal tip that extends from the distal end of the catheter from a point near the light guide aperture. The distal tip may be disposed at the periphery of the catheter. In some embodiments, a balloon may be disposed between the light guide aperture and the distal tip, such that the a light guide extending from the aperture may be disposed proximate with the distal tip having the balloon in between. A retaining wire may be coupled with the distal tip and slidably coupled with the light guide. The retaining wire may keep the light guide biased relatively parallel with the distal tip and/or the catheter body when the balloon is inflated. The light guide may include a guidewire lumen the extends to the distal end of the distal tip.

Abstract: A surgical glove has inner and outer surfaces. At least one of the surfaces is treated with a treatment consisting of a non-ionic hydrocarbon solution with a carbon chain in the range of 8-16 and containing a hydrophilic functionality with a pH within the range 4.5-6.5. After treatment, the treated surface or surfaces are dried, the glove packaged and then irradiated. The treatment controls the initial contact angle of the surface to be less than 70 degrees, so that liquid material will spread quickly across the treated surface or surfaces, thereby ensuring that the presence of the liquid, indicative of the glove having been compromised, is visible to the wearer or other observer as quickly as possible.

Abstract: A medical treatment endoscope includes: a flexible sheath capable of a bending operation; a viewing unit for observing the vicinity of the tip relative to the sheath; an arm section protruding from the tip of the sheath and capable of bending operation; an operation section for operating the arm section; and at least a transmission member, connected to the arm section and the operation section, for transmitting the operation of the operation section to the arm section. The transmission member is detachably connected to the operation section.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method, such as a surgical method for assisting a surgeon for placing screws in the spine using a robot attached to a passive structure. The present invention also related to a method, such as a surgical method for assisting a surgeon for removing volumes in the body of a patient using a robot attached to a passive structure and to a device to carry out said methods. The present invention further concerns a device suitable to carry out the methods according to the present invention.

Abstract: An illuminated medical tubing set that provides visual indications of characteristics relating to the type and operating status of the tubing. An illuminated tubing set system generally comprises an optical element, a fluid conduit, and a power source. In general, the fluid conduit is used to transmit fluid in a critical care environment. The power source interfaces with the optical element. The optical element is configured to illuminate the tubing set after being powered by the power source. Optionally, the illuminated tubing set can further comprise a pressure sensor and a microcontroller. Additional sensors, such as to monitor other characteristics of the tubing, fluid, or surrounding environment, can also be included. For example, an occlusion sensor, temperature sensor, or flow sensor, or any combination thereof, can be included.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described for deploying an implantable tool at an implantation location of a blood vessel. The tool is placed at the implantation location in a non-deployed configuration. A plurality of image frames are acquired of the non-deployed tool at the implantation location, during respective phases of the vessel's motion cycle. A stabilized image stream is generated of the non-deployed tool at the implantation location. It is determined based upon the stabilized image stream of the non-deployed tool that, during the vessel's motion cycle, the tool moves from the implantation location by a given distance in a first direction. Movement of the tool by the given distance is accounted for, by deploying the tool at a deployment location that is distant from the implantation location in the opposite direction to the first direction. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods, compositions and tools for repairing, replacing or otherwise treating bone ligaments using devices designed from patient-specific information, including without limitation, surgical alignment instruments that have a surface that conforms to at least a portion of a patient's bone, cartilage or other component of the joint or ligament being treated.

Abstract: An illuminated suction apparatus including a hand-held surgical device combining a high-performance non-fiber optic optical waveguide with suction. This device is useful in a wide array of surgical procedures including open and minimally invasive orthopedics.

Abstract: A method, a system, and a user interface for creating a virtual positioning jig for manufacturing a positioning jig, where the manufactured positioning jig is for use in positioning a manufactured dental restoration at a patient's set of teeth, the method including: obtaining a digital 3D representation of the set of teeth; designing a virtual model of the dental restoration at the digital 3D representation; creating an inner surface and an outer surface of the virtual positioning jig; and defining a through hole of the virtual positioning jig at the implant region.

Abstract: A technique for fabricating a surgical splint for use in correcting a dental condition of a patient. The technique involves obtaining a three-dimensional digital model of lower and upper arch dentitions of the patient having the dental condition. Relative positions of the lower and upper arch dentitions are adjusted with respect to each other in the three-dimensional digital model using a computing device. A relative positioning structure is added to the three-dimensional digital model using the computing device. A physical model of the patient's corrected dentition is then generated from the three-dimensional digital model. The physical model includes the relative positioning structure that connects the lower and upper arch dentitions of the physical model at the adjusted relative position. The surgical splint is then formed using the physical model. A non-surgical splint is also described.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for ejecting a liquid or paste product, including a body (2) having a recess (11) for receiving a product to be ejected, characterized in that it includes a threaded rod (3), which is translatably movable so as to act on the product to be ejected, a bolt (5), which is mounted so as to engage with the threaded rod (3) in order to cause same to translatably move, and a lever (1) acting on the bolt (5) by means of a control means for causing the rotation thereof.

Abstract: There are disclosed methods for the restoration of a decayed portion of a tooth, and dental matrices, dental wedges, interdental matrix stabilizers, dental separator rings, dental curing light devices, and kits that can be used in the methods for the restoration of a decayed portion of a tooth.

Abstract: An implant bite registration jig includes a coupling portion configured to produce a clear impression in bite impression material; a connecting portion that connects the implant jig with a fixture embedded in a patient's gums; and a body that is formed between the coupling portion and the connecting portion. The implant bite registration jig is positioned in an embedded fixture and a bite impression is taken. Reference marks are formed in the bite impression material by the registration jig, which permit accurate location of the fixture. This makes it possible to simultaneously take a dental impression and a bite impression in an implant operation, similar to a natural teeth operation, such that it is possible to reduce the cost and time for manufacturing a prosthesis.

Abstract: The present invention is generally related to implants for compensating bone loss in mammalian body, and to devices and methods for replacing or creating facial bone. The present invention relates to devices and methods for implanting an implantable device in a subject's body. The implantable device embodying features of the present invention include a body formed from a rig or matrix having a trabecular meshwork structure or cells with shapes suitable for a particular anatomical area of interest. The device may be a dental implant serving as a platform for placement of dental crowns.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a dental implant (1) having a post part (2) which can be placed in a jaw bone and having a structural part (4) associated with said post part, to which structural part a denture piece can be attached, the structural part comprising an integrally molded contact pin (8) which can be placed in an associated shaped recess (10) in the post part (2) with a positive fit, it is to be possible on the one hand to suitably index the implant in a simple and reliable manner, on the other hand a particularly high level of mechanical stability against rotation being ensured, even with an overall height which is kept low.

Abstract: An artificial tooth where an occlusal surface is formed by grinding has a reference point that represents a position and an angle of the artificial tooth when an occlusal surface of the artificial tooth is obtained by an occlusal-surface form measuring apparatus. The reference point is a convexed spherical surface or a concaved spherical surface arranged on the occlusal-surface. The spherical surface has three or more reference points. The convexed spherical surface is fit to the concaved spherical surface when the maxillary artificial tooth and mandibular artificial tooth are occluded. The occluding portion of the artificial tooth has a grinding portion.

Abstract: The invention relates to an anterior tooth such as an incisor tooth or canine tooth built up in layers, with a cutting-edge material (30) at least partially covering a dentine material (28). At its occlusal end (38), the dentine material has projections (42) and/or irregularities (42, 46 and 48), which extend in the occlusal direction and correspond to 0.05 to 0.4 times the total length of a tooth.

Abstract: Devices for collecting a fluid sample from the oral cavity, the device including a mouthpiece that includes a chamber, the chamber including front and rear inner walls; and means for collecting the fluid sample from the oral cavity; and methods of collecting and analyzing samples of fluid from the oral cavity, including the steps of placing the device in the oral cavity, collecting the fluid sample and conducting an analysis of the fluid sample.

Abstract: A tooth cleaning device for the disabled eliminates the need for the user to rotate her/his wrist while brushing teeth, and provides approximately the same profile as a standard manual toothbrush. The device is capable of effectively brushing all three sides of all upper or lower teeth simultaneously, and utilizes a commercially available battery powered toothbrush power source to provide the power necessary for effective teeth cleaning action. An open top U-shaped track has a number of distinct operatively connected brush bristle mounting heads reciprocal and retained within the track, with a number of bristles extending up from each of the heads. A device, such as an opening in a central head, a linkage, and a battery powered oscillating shaft, provide back and forth arcuate reciprocal movement of the heads within the track to provide tooth cleaning by the bristles.

Abstract: A removable vena cava filter (10) configured for reduced trauma and enhanced visualization of anchoring hook placement relative to the vessel wall is disclosed. The filter includes a plurality of struts (12a-d), each having an anchoring hook (26) and a stop member (24) proximate the anchoring hook. The stop members are configured to engage the vessel wall to prevent excessive penetration of the anchoring hooks into the vessel wall and to aid in the identification of anchoring hook placement relative to the vessel wall.

Abstract: A urethral support sling implant for treatment of male urinary incontinence is produced in a biocompatible material and comprises a central part intended to form the area supporting the urethra, including an inferior base prolonged into two trans-obturator arms in the same plane and in opposition to each other. The inferior base is prolonged upwards by a section extending beyond the inferior base in the form of two pre-pubic arms. The prolonging arms are made of the same material as the central part, and the arms are produced in the same direction of knit. The pre-pubic arms are configured in a ‘V’ relative to each other, and each of the pre-pubic arms is configured in a ‘V’ relative to the subjacent trans-obturator arm.

Abstract: An implant for the prevention or treatment of a hernia in the proximity of an organ stoma formed in an abdominal wall includes a porous structure having a surface intended to face the abdominal cavity covered by a first film of anti-adhesive material. The porous structure includes a first part intended to be in contact with a stoma organ and having a first thickness, and a second part having a second thickness greater than the first thickness, the first part including a surface intended to face the abdominal wall covered by a second film of anti-adhesive material.

Abstract: A dual-layer hernia mesh can be configured according to a three-dimensional map of a hernia defect(s) and a hernia volume(s) of a patient. The front portion of the mesh can be configured utilizing, for example, a three dimensional map of hernia sac volumes obtained from a CT scan. The front portion of the mesh exactly fits into the hernia sac. The back portion of the hernia mesh is a sheet of mesh material that overlaps over onto the normal muscles and fascia. A “foam” collapsible mesh and/or a flat mesh with expandable hydrogel deposited in variable thickness according to the hernia defect can be utilized as a dual-layer hernia mesh for repair. The hydrogel mesh when combined with water or saline expands and fits into the hernia defect or defects. Both “foam” and hydrogel meshes adhere to the tissues of the hernia sac and then contracts over time. The hernia sac volume slowly disappears, restoring a more normal contour to the abdominal wall.

Abstract: An implantable, pliable knitted silk mesh for use in human soft tissue support and repair having a particular knit pattern that substantially prevents unraveling and preserves the stability of the mesh when cut, the knitted mesh including at least two yarns laid in a knit direction and engaging each other to define a plurality of nodes.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems, methods, devices, and kits for delivering an implant to an anatomical site in a patient. In some instances, a delivery device for delivering an implant includes a receiver with a through-lumen and a transfer pin for associating with the implant and the lumen. In some embodiments, a method for delivering an implant to an anatomical site in a patient comprises transferring the implant or a portion thereof from one section of a delivery device to another.

Abstract: A drug-eluting medical filter having a conically shaped wire frame with a circular base and a plurality of bioabsorbable prongs extending at various positions around the periphery of the base toward a common apex. The prongs have a variable thickness along their length and contain bioactive material, such as heparin or other anti-platelet agent, etc. The bioactive material is varied in concentration along the length of the prongs depending on the need by the patient, and a protective or other coating can be applied on any portion of the frame and/or prongs.

Abstract: An intravascular filter assembly has an expanded state for capturing thrombi in a patient's blood vessel and a collapsed state for removal from the patient's blood vessel. The filter assembly includes a fixed hub defining a tubular portion, a plurality of struts extending from a first axial side of the tubular portion of the fixed hub, and an axially movable hub. The struts have an expanded configuration and a collapsed configuration. The axially movable hub has a first position radially surrounding at least an axial portion of the tubular portion and a second position axially spaced apart from the fixed hub along the struts. The struts are in the collapsed configuration when the movable hub is in the second position. A first coupling member extends from the first axial side from the movable hub; and a second coupling member extends from a second axial side opposite the first axial side.

Abstract: A device for inferior retrieval of a vena cava filter includes an outer sheath with a first radial window closer to the distal end than the proximal end of the outer catheter; an inner sheath generally extending movably inside the lumen of the outer sheath and having a second radial window; and a snare tool having an elongated guide element extending through the inner sheath and a snare loop distally attached to the guide element. The snare loop is extendable outward through the two radial windows.

Abstract: A method of removing an implanted vessel filter by a femoral approach comprising the steps of providing a catheter with a curved tip, inserting a straightening device into the catheter to move the catheter tip from a curved position to a more straightened position, advancing the catheter tip through the femoral vein and past a cranial end of the filter, withdrawing the straightening device to enable the catheter tip to return to the curved condition, and inserting a filter grasping device though the catheter and a curved catheter tip to exit a distal portion to grasp the filter.

Abstract: A high strength porous biphasic polymeric reinforcement material manufactured by a compression and/or sintering process is disclosed. The material results in a network of interconnected collapsed pores, which forces thin overlapping walls and passages to be created. The network provides permeable access for fluid migration throughout the material. The strength and/or permeability are advantageous for medical devices and implants.

Abstract: A medical treatment device (200), for treating reflux from a stomach (201) to an esophagus (202) and for delivering a therapeutic agent to an inner surface of the esophagus (202), comprises a valve member (203), a lining member (204), and a support member (205). The valve member (203) is movable between a closed configuration and an open configuration, in which the valve member (203) facilitates passage of material between the esophagus (202) and the stomach (201). The valve member (203) is biased towards the closed configuration and gradually moves over a period of 4 to 10 secs from the open configuration to the closed configuration. The support member (205) supports the device (200) relative to the esophagus (202) and the stomach (201). The lining member (204) lines part of the inner surface of the esophagus (202) for delivery of a therapeutic agent to the esophagus (202).

Abstract: A medical device for regulating fluid flow within one or more lungs of a patient is disclosed. The medical device includes an elongate tubular member, a first extension, a second extension, and a valve member. The elongate tubular member includes a first plurality of channels extending between a proximal and distal ends. The first and second extensions defines a second and third plurality of channels, respectively, each extending from the distal end of the elongate tubular member and configured for placement in a first and second passageway of a lung. The valve member operably couples to the elongate tubular member and is configured to transition between a first position and a second position. The valve member prevents fluid flow to first set of the first plurality of channels in the first position and prevents fluid flow to second set of the first plurality of channels in the second position.

Abstract: The endovascular prosthesis includes a first expandable framework and a first jacket for the first framework, the first framework and the first jacket forming a first channel when the first framework is in the expanded state. The first framework and the first jacket each have at least one opening, which openings are arranged substantially opposite one another and through which a sleeve is received, the sleeve having a first end and a second end, the perimeter of the first end being attached to the perimeter of the opening of the first jacket, while the second end extends inside the first channel.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a delivery device and screw combination. The combination includes a delivery device comprising a handle and a shaft coupled to the handle, the shaft including a proximal end, a distal end, a non-circular cannulation, and markings along a length of the shaft; an interference screw coupled to the delivery device comprising a proximal end and a distal end, the screw including threads extending in an open helical form from the proximal end to the distal end, a suture bridge located at a distal end of the screw and housed within a slot of the delivery device shaft, and a plurality of runners extending longitudinally along an interior of the screw, the runners housed within grooves of the delivery device shaft; and a suture disposed around the suture bridge, ends of the suture extending through the cannulation of the delivery device shaft.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for nipple and breast formation are described where devices precondition or expand a target nipple tissue to reduce the pressure exerted by the skin on an eventual implant. Generally, the apparatus comprises a mold having a contact surface which is curved in conformance with a breast upon which the mold is positionable, the contact surface having an adhesive for securement upon the breast, and the mold defining a cavity along the contact surface which conforms to a size of a nipple to be formed upon the breast and where the cavity further comprises the adhesive for securement to the nipple. A breast enlargement device comprises a cup larger than the target breast and further defines an inner surface which adheres to the breast when contacted.

Abstract: An ocular stent for insertion in an anterior chamber of an eye is provided. The stent facilitates the restoration of the structure of an irideocorneal angle of the anterior chamber for treating structural changes from ocular aging. The stent includes an annular body sized to fit in the irideocorneal angle of the eye. The body includes: an anterior portion configured to contact a surface of a transition zone between a trabecular meshwork and a corneal endothelium of the eye; a posterior portion configured to contact a peripheral iris of the eye; and a central portion connecting the anterior portion and the posterior portion of the body. A method for stabilizing the iredeocorneal angle of the anterior chamber using a stent is also disclosed herein.

Abstract: A method of inserting and securing a corneal implant in engaging and fluid-flow limiting relation to the posterior cornea, such as to treat edema. The method includes securing a corneal implant in fluid flow limiting relation to the posterior cornea through an incision in the eye and securing it in place by a variety of steps such as corneal insertion or laser bonding, and preferably by inserting a removable corneal implant including a central region and a plurality of retention member(s) disposed on the periphery thereof into the eye so as to releaseably and removably engage a portion of the eye and thereby retain the corneal implant in abutting and engaging relation with the posterior cornea. The retention members of the corneal implant may also comprise haptic leg(s) extending from the central region and having a biasing configuration structured to be disposed in contacting relation with the iris and/or iridocorneal angle in biasing relation of the central region against the posterior cornea.

Abstract: A prosthetic atrioventricular tissue valve comprising a continuous tubular member formed from a first biocompatible material, the tubular member having proximal and distal ends, and at least one valve leaflet formed therein, the distal end of the tubular member including cardiovascular structure engagement means for connecting the tubular member to a cardiovascular structure, the cardiovascular structure engagement means comprising a plurality of elongated members that extend distally from the distal end of the tubular member.

Abstract: A method for percutaneously replacing a heart valve of a patient. In some embodiments the method includes the steps of percutaneously delivering a replacement valve and an expandable anchor to a vicinity of the heart valve in an unexpanded configuration; expanding the anchor to a deployed configuration in which the anchor contacts tissue at a first anchor site; repositioning the anchor to a second anchor site; and deploying the anchor at the second anchor site.

Abstract: Methods and systems for regulating aortic regurgitation during aortic valve replacement or repair procedures utilize a temporary aortic valve (TAV) catheter and a controller. The temporary aortic valve catheter has an expandable occlusion device which can partially occlude the aortic lumen during ventricular diastole with a lesser occlusion during ventricular systole. Exemplary balloon structures include multiple, independently inflatable balloons which are inflated in synchrony with the cardiac cycle by the controller. By controlling aortic regurgitation, the repair or replacement protocols can be conducted with less interference from blood flow.

Abstract: A sequentially deployed prosthetic cardiac valve includes a self-expanding frame having an atrial skirt, a ventricular skirt, and an annular region disposed therebetween. A first anterior tab is disposed on an anterior portion of the frame. A posterior tab is on a posterior portion of the self-expanding frame. The frame may be designed so that any portion may expand sequentially in any desired order. For example, a portion of the first anterior tab and a portion of the posterior tab may partially self-expand first. Next, the first anterior tab may fully self-expand before the posterior tab fully self-expands. The posterior tab may fully self-expand next followed by the ventricular skirt, or the ventricular skirt may self-expand next followed by full expansion of the posterior tab.

Abstract: An artificial urinary sphincter system includes a cuff implantable around a portion of a urethra, an implantable pressure-regulating reservoir, and a deflation assembly attachable between the cuff and the implantable pressure-regulating reservoir. The deflation assembly includes a valve that selectively restricts movement of the fluid from the cuff to the pressure-regulating reservoir, a base and an activation surface opposite the base. The activation surface includes an outer peripheral rim surrounding a pad that is movable to displace the valve to allow the fluid to flow from the cuff to the pressure-regulating reservoir. An entirety of the pad is recessed relative to the outer peripheral rim such that the outer peripheral rim defines a maxima of the activation surface.

Abstract: An endoprosthesis is proved which includes an elongate housing having a drive secured through a threaded drive shaft to an extension shaft therein, the drive operable to cause the extension shaft to move axially with respect to the body, and the extension shaft and housing configured to be securable to a bone to act as a prosthetic replacement for removed bone. An operating system for the endoprosthesis is also provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates, at least in part, to a surgical implant and a method for manufacturing the surgical implant. In one embodiment, the surgical implant comprises a metallic substrate; a tantalum interlayer disposed adjacent to the metallic substrate and comprising ?-tantalum and amorphous tantalum; at least one DLC layer disposed adjacent the tantalum interlayer; wherein the amorphous tantalum has a phase gradient increasing from the metallic substrate side to the DLC side; wherein the DLC layer has a hardness value and an elastic modulus value; and wherein the hardness value has a gradient increasing away from the tantalum side; and wherein the elastic modulus value has a gradient from the tantalum side.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention describe methods, devices and instruments for resurfacing or replacing facet joints, uncovertebral joints and costovertebral joints. The joints can be prepared by smoothing the articular surface on one side, by distracting the joint and by implant insertion. Implants can be stabilized against a first articular surface by creating a high level of conformance with said first articular surface, while smoothing the second articular surface with a surgical instrument with a smooth mating implant surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a package for receiving an adapter sleeve for a hip endoprosthesis, the hip endoprosthesis comprising a ball head which has to be pushed onto the adapter sleeve with a defined pushing-on force. For simplification and secure fastening of the ball head on the adapter sleeve, it is proposed according to the invention that a device for the mounting of the ball head on the adapter sleeve is integrated in the package and this device comprises indicating elements which indicate that the defined pushing-on force has been reached when the ball head is pressed onto the adapter sleeve.