Abstract: An implant is provided with an upper portion in which an internal socket extends. The implant can be tightened by a turning instrument which has first lateral surfaces that can cooperate with corresponding second lateral surfaces in the internal socket. One or more of the first and/or second lateral surfaces is/are arranged completely or partially with friction-enhancing means. The implant and the tool are arranged with interacting parts which extend beyond the first and second lateral surfaces and completely or substantially take up bending moments which act in or on said portion or are directed toward said portion and occur in the event of skewing, or a tendency toward skewing, between the implant and the tool. The arrangement counteracts mechanical stresses in said portion, the latter being able to retain its original shape even in the case of implants with small dimensions.

Abstract: A method for making a denture comprising creating three-dimensional models of top denture base, bottom denture base, and denture tooth molds; fabricating the molds by an additive manufacturing process; joining the bottom denture base mold to the top denture base mold to form a denture base mold cavity; injecting fluid synthetic denture base material into the mold cavity and curing the material to form the denture base; removing the bottom denture base mold from the top denture base mold, while leaving the denture base in the top denture base mold; joining the denture tooth mold to the top denture base mold to form a mold cavity defining the shape of denture teeth; and injecting fluid synthetic denture tooth material into the denture teeth mold cavity and curing the material to form the denture teeth joined to the denture base. An apparatus for making the denture is also disclosed.

Abstract: A process (100) for the formation of dental prostheses (1) and/or support structures therefor comprises making (101) a dental wafer (1) and removing (102) a predefined quantity of material, according to a three-dimensional reference model, from such a dental wafer (1). The making step comprises overlapping (101a) two or more layers of formation (2a), pre-imbued or to be imbued with thermosetting resin or a thermoplastic resin, wherein at least one of the layers of formation (2a) comprises graphene and/or carbon fibre and/or glass fibre; compressing (101b) one layer of formation (2a) against the other to join these and break any micro air bubbles present; heating (101c) the layers of formation (2a) to harden them and form the dental wafer (1) and finish the wafer (1). A process is also described for making dental wafers (1) and a dental wafer (1) that comprises graphene.

Abstract: A blank for manufacturing molded dental components includes a blank body that includes tooth repairing material. A molded dental component is manufactured by removing portions of the tooth repairing material using a tool. The blank is encoded with at least one structure as a carrier of information regarding properties of the blank body. The at least one structure is arranged such that at least one of a position, dimensions, or a type of structure can be determined by sensing or measuring the blank. In this context, the position, the dimensions, or the type of the structure are embodied such that a value acquired during a determination of the above corresponds to information about a property of the blank body.

Abstract: A dental casting billet material includes: Co as a main component; Cr in a proportion of 26% by mass or more and 35% by mass or less; Mo in a proportion of 5% by mass or more and 12% by mass or less; and Si in a proportion of 0.3% by mass or more and 2.0% by mass or less, wherein the billet material is formed from a sintered body of a metal powder, and the billet material has a relative density of 92% or more and 99.5% or less.

Abstract: A dental cleaning apparatus is configured as a hand-held unit. The appliance includes a housing body having an interior housing cavity. The housing cavity includes an upper compartment configured to receive a volume of cleaning composition within or in absence of a container. The container may be permanently fixed in the interior housing cavity of the housing body or may be removable and replaceable through an uncoverable side opening in the housing body The housing cavity also includes a lower compartment configured to receive a pressurized air canister. An elongated hollow nozzle assembly is mounted to an upper end section of the housing body and has a nozzle conduit providing fluid communication between the cleaning composition and a tip section of the hollow nozzle assembly.

Abstract: Due to the low suction strength or an unsuitable positional relationship or distance between the suction feed and the oral cavity, conventional extra-oral intake devices exhibit the problem of not being able to fully suck particulate matter and droplets from teeth, shavings from repair products, saliva, bacteria, blood, rinse water, tooth surface cleaning agents, etc., that are dispersed to outside the oral cavity during practice. In order to improve suction strength, the present invention provides an intake device that is equipped with a protruding airflow-regulating member, the top of which is oriented in the direction in which the fluid flows into the opening part of the suction feed, and that can efficiently suck dispersed particulate matter and droplets within a wide range.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a rotating electric toothbrush comprising: a main body having a receiving space formed therein, a driving means received in the interior of the main body and providing a rotational force, a toothbrush handle having one end detachably coupled to the driving means, and receiving a rotational force of the driving means to be rotated, a support means coupled to the outer peripheral surface of the other end of the toothbrush handle and having plate-shaped support bodies made of a ductile material and radially formed to be spaced apart from each other, and a plurality of toothbrush bristles implanted between the support bodies.

Abstract: A dental appliance case for receiving a dental appliance is provided. In some embodiments, the case may include a power source, a sound device, an occupancy sensor, and a processing unit. The sound device may be configured to create an audible alert sound. The occupancy sensor may be operable to detect the presence of a dental appliance. The processing unit may be in electrical communication with the power source, occupancy sensor, and the sound device. The processing unit may be operable to operate the sound device to create an audible alert in response to an electronic communication from the occupancy sensor.

Abstract: A method of treating pelvic organ prolapse in a female patient by accessing a prolapsed organ trans-vaginally through a vagina is disclosed. The method includes making an incision through a wall of a vagina of the female patient, and providing an implant with a mesh having a mass density of 50 g/m2 or less. The method additionally includes radially confining the implant with a tool, and inserting a portion of the tool and the implant through the incision formed in the wall of the vagina. The method includes releasing the implant from the tool in an area of the prolapsed organ in supporting the vagina of the female patient.

Abstract: An implant and a process for preparing such an implant are disclosed. The implant includes a porous layer including collagen, a non-porous layer including a collagenic constituent, and a reinforcement component. The non-porous layer is joined to the porous layer and the reinforcement member is embedded into the non-porous layer. The porous layer has a three dimensional density ranging from about 20 mg collagen/cm3 to about 200 mg collagen/cm3.

Abstract: Implants are described herein which contain an activated adhesive on at least a portion of the surface of the implant. A release sheet may be positioned over at least a portion of the adhesive. Packages which contain the implants and methods of preparing the implants are also described.

Abstract: Blood flow into vascular tissue is filtered in a manner that can also be useful for trapping particulates while allowing the flow of blood. Consistent with one or more embodiments, a filter apparatus includes a filter, an outer delivery sheath such as a catheter, and one or more shafts that are operable to manipulate the shape of the filter for positioning within vascular tissue. The filter conforms to various types of vascular tissue, and filters blood flow passing through openings in the vascular tissue. In some implementations, the filter is used to trap particulates that have been collected on the filter, and collapses to trap and draw the particulates into the outer delivery sheath.

Abstract: A device for treating acid reflux comprising a sleeve configured and dimensioned for insertion into the esophagus of the patient, the sleeve having a proximal portion, a distal portion and an intermediate portion between the distal and proximal portions. The sleeve includes a an inner member applying a radial force on the sleeve for securement within the esophagus, and a skirt connected to the sleeve to block acid backup from the stomach while not inhibiting passage of food into the stomach.

Abstract: A pancreatic stent includes a main body convertible between a compressed configuration for delivery and an expanded configuration once deployed, the main body including an inner surface defining a stent lumen and an outer surface. A plurality of drainage features are formed within the outer surface of the main body, the plurality of drainage features permitting placement of the pancreatic stent within a patient's pancreas without blocking side branches of the pancreas.

Abstract: Instruments, implants and methods to concomitantly perform unicompartmental knee resurfacing and cruciate ligament reconstruction procedures. Unicondylar knee resurfacing is conducted with concomitant knee ligament reconstruction (such as, for example, GraftLink® All-Inside ACL Reconstruction using TightRope® ABS) and employing retrograde drilling. Retrograde drilling, which starts at the level of the resurfacing implants and travels away from the joint line and resurfacing implants, allows for more precise placement of the drill holes and also the drill trajectory, to avoid undermining the resurfacing implants. Retrograde drills also allow the surgeon to see the drill hole footprint at the joint line and resurfacing implant level more accurately, so the surgeon can place the starting point of the drill hole away from the resurfacing implants.

Abstract: A plate for use in the repair of a torn tendon or ligament and a method for using said plate are provided. The plate includes a plurality of screw holes. The plate also includes a suture anchor point disposed on the plate body. The plate further includes a porous portion configured to allow muscle tissue to migrate through the porous portion and into the bone as the tissue regrows. The method includes the step of securing the plate to a bone by inserting a bone screw and anchor screw(s) through the screw holes. The method proceeds to the step of sewing the sutures to the damaged tendon/ligament and securing the suture to the suture anchor point. Wherein the damaged tendon/ligament is attached to the plate, and wherein muscle tissue may migrate through the porous portion and into the bone as the tissue regrows.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for fixating soft tissue to bone. In one embodiment, a repair device system for fixating soft tissue to bone includes a carrier member, multiple anchors, and a bone anchor. The carrier member includes multiple pad portions and a bone coupling portion. Each of the pad portions are aligned with an adjacent pad portion. The pad portions are configured to be positioned over a side of the soft tissue and the bone coupling portion is coupled to the multiple pad portions. Each anchor is sized and configured to extend through the at least one opening defined in one of the multiple pad portions and through the soft tissue. The bone anchor is configured to be coupled to the bone coupling portion and configured to be secured to the bone.

Abstract: Nanocomposite materials are provided for attaching soft tissue to hard tissue of a mammalian subject. The materials include a biodegradable polymer network suffused with mineral nanoparticles. The nanocomposite materials have a surface structure that promotes the infiltration, adhesion and proliferation of cells such as osteoblasts and fibroblasts, and are useful to reconstruct enthesis tissue, such as a tendon bone insertion. Devices containing the nanocomposites and methods for implantation of the devices at a tendon-bone interface or ligament-bone interface are provided for reconstructive surgery.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for forming pilot holes in bone and deploying a staple therein for fixing a sheet-like implant to the bone. A pilot hole forming trocar assembly including a trocar and a position retention sleeve can be included. The trocar can be releasably coupled to the position retention sleeve and slide in keyed arrangement within the sleeve when uncoupled. The trocar can include a distal portion having a retractable blade and a pair of pilot hole forming spikes extending distally from the trocar shaft. Once the pilot holes are formed, the position retention sleeve maintains the position relative to the pilot holes while the trocar is removed and a staple delivery device can be inserted in the lumen of the position retention sleeve to deploy a staple in the pilot holes.

Abstract: A system for graft fixation including ACL graft reconstruction and fixation is presented. The system may comprise a loop fixation device for retaining a tissue graft. The loop fixation device may comprise a graft retention portion and a cortical fixation portion to allow the loop fixation device to rest on the cortical portion of a bone. A tissue graft may pass through a bone tunnel and engage the loop fixation device preventing withdraw of the tissue graft back through the bone tunnel. The system may also include graft fixation within a bone tunnel using a sleeve, or tube construct, with a fixation member, or screw, to engage a tissue graft within the sleeve.

Abstract: Embodiments of this invention generally relate to systems and methods for optical treatment and more particularly to non-invasive refractive treatment method based on sub wavelength particle implantation. In an embodiment, a method for optical treatment identifies an optical aberration of an eye, determines a dopant delivery device configuration in response to the optical aberration of the eye, wherein the determined dopant delivery device is configured to impose a desired correction to the eye to mitigate the identified optical aberration of the eye by applying a doping pattern to the eye so as to locally change a refractive index of the eye.

Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for vision correction are disclosed. The method, system and apparatus include a toric intraocular element for correcting astigmatism and having a cylinder power, and a depth of focus extender coupled to the toric intraocular element, the depth of focus extender extending a depth of focus. The extended depth of focus may reduce sensitivity of the toric intraocular element to at least one of rotation and selected cylinder power.

Abstract: Valved conduits are provided that include a leaflet construct coupled between two portions of a conduit. Each leaflet has a free edge and a leaflet attachment edge. The leaflet attachment edge is disposed between a first conduit distal end and a second conduit proximal end that are coaxial therebetween defining a junction.

Abstract: A heart valve prosthesis and delivery systems are provided for replacing a cardiac valve. The heart valve prosthesis includes a self-expanding frame includes a portion having a crimp that provides additional flexibility to the self-expanding frame in the collapsed configuration.

Abstract: A delivery device usable to deliver an inverting implant is provided that includes a positioning mechanism that automatically initiates the inversion process once a predetermined length of the implant has exited a delivery catheter. The positioning mechanism allows the implant to be safely and accurately deployed with reduced operator experience and in a greater variety of target locations.

Abstract: A delivery device for a collapsible prosthetic heart valve includes an outer shaft having a first end and a second end, an inner shaft disposed inside the outer shaft and longitudinally movable relative to the outer shaft, and a distal sheath coupled to the inner shaft and movable with the inner shaft to selectively cover and uncover a compartment for housing the valve. The outer shaft includes a plurality of disks each having at least two hinges to allow articulation of adjacent disks relative to one another, and at least one rib for coupling the adjacent disks to one another.

Abstract: An electric handle for delivering an implant is disclosed. The electric handle (1) includes an electric control unit (10), a power-driven transmission mechanism (20), a handle housing (30), an outer tube anchor (40) and an inner tube anchor (50), wherein: the electric control unit (10) is operatively coupled to the power-driven transmission mechanism (20) to actuate the power-driven transmission mechanism (20); the power-driven transmission mechanism (20) is supported within the handle housing (30) and moveable together with the outer tube anchor (40); the inner tube anchor (50) is disposed within the handle housing (30) and is configured to hold an inner tube (3) of a delivery system; and the outer tube anchor (40) is configured to hold an outer tube (2) of the delivery system and is fixed to an end of the outer tube (2). A delivery system used especially for delivery of prosthetic valves is also disclosed, including an outer tube (2), an inner tube (3), an expandable implant (4) and the electric handle (1).

Abstract: Stent-valves (e.g., single-stent-valves and double-stent-valves), associated methods and systems for their delivery via minimally-invasive surgery, and guide-wire compatible closure devices for sealing access orifices are provided.

Abstract: An implantable inflatable penile prosthesis cylinder has a longitudinal axis and includes an inflatable portion. The inflatable portion includes a chamber that defines an inflatable chamber. The chamber wall includes at least one thin wall section and at least one thick wall section. The at least one thin wall section stretches a greater amount than the at least one thick wall section in a plane extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis when the inflatable chamber is transitioned from a deflated state to an inflated state.

Abstract: A pump adapted to be attached between a reservoir and an inflatable penile implant of an implantable penile prosthesis includes a pump body connected between a pump bulb and tubing that is attachable to the reservoir and to the inflatable penile implant. An inlet valve and an exhaust valve are disposed within the pump body between the pump bulb and the tubing. A deflate valve is disposed within the pump body between the inlet valve and the tubing. The deflate valve includes a valve stem connected between a spring stabilizer and a valve surface. An aperture is formed to extend entirely through the deflate valve.

Abstract: A device is described, for fastening a cranial limb to the cranial crown adapted to be positioned both into a craniotomial hole and into a craniotomial cutting, comprising: a cortical supporting riser; first closing means operatively connected to the riser; second closing means to be fastened to the riser to complete its closing; a handle connected to the cortical riser; and a base for a better cooperation with the elastic arms; the first closing means are composed of at least two elastic arms operatively connected to the cortical riser and that end each one in at least one small transverse arm.

Abstract: Methods and devices are disclosed for the optimization of shoulder arthroplasty component design through the use of computed tomography scan data from arthritic shoulders.

Abstract: Methods and devices are disclosed for the optimization of shoulder arthroplasty component design through the use of computed tomography scan data from arthritic shoulders.

Abstract: A method for assembling a total knee prosthesis is described, wherein portions of femoral and tibial implants, which are referred to as common portions and are each attachable in a femur and in a tibia of a knee, respectively, are assembled, and interchangeable portions are selected for adjustable assembly onto said common portions for each implant, respectively, depending on the type of prosthesis desired, some for a first posterior stabilization assembly configuration, and the others for a second rotary hinge assembly configuration.

Abstract: An expandable spinal implant configured for positioning within a space between adjacent vertebral bodies includes an upper body, a lower body, a ratchet mechanism, and a plurality of bone screws. The upper body and lower body are pivotably affixed at a first end and are capable of movement relative to each other. The ratchet mechanism is slidably disposed on one of the upper and lower body and is capable of engaging the opposite one of the upper and lower body thereby permitting movement of the upper and lower body relative to each other in a first direction, but not in a second direction. An insertion instrument capable of being attached to the expandable spinal instrument and a method of performing spinal surgery is also disclosed.

Abstract: An artificial replacement disc includes a pair of substantially parallel plates formed to occupy a space defined by vertebral endplates, each of the plates including a plurality of spikes on a first surface and a concave trough formed on a second surface opposite of the first surface. A mobile core includes a core rim with opposing convex surfaces extending from opposite sides of the core rim, the mobile core being capable of being disposed between the pair of plates to permit the vertebral endplates to move relative to one another. The spikes on each of the plates extend substantially away from the mobile core and the convex surfaces are formed to integrally fit within the concave trough of at least one of the plates. The core rim limits lateral movement of the mobile core relative to the parallel plates. One or more insertion tools for inserting and implanting the replacement disc are also described.

Abstract: This disclosure provides vertebral implants, fastening devices for vertebral implants, and implant instrumentation, and various combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the implant comprises a peripheral wall extending according to a vertical axis between upper and lower surfaces of the implant, with each such surface configured to be placed in contact with a vertebral structure, respectively, at the top and the bottom of the vertebral segment replaced by the implant. Some embodiments comprise fastening means, deployment of which anchors the implant in the lower and upper vertebral structures. Some fastening means may be deployed by sliding parallel to the vertical axis of the implant, and may comprise a plate with at least one part remaining in contact with the peripheral wall of the implant when deployed and a pointed end projecting from one of the upper and lower surfaces of the implant to enter a vertebral structures on completion of deployment.

Abstract: An interbody fusion device for fusion of vertebrae, and methods thereof. The device includes a first piece having upper and lower surfaces configured to engage the endplates of two opposing vertebrae, and a second piece that is adapted to either be inserted into the first piece or to be used independently of the first piece. The interbody fusion device can include a surface treatment, such as a porous surface treatment, to promote fusion between the device and a vertebra. The interbody fusion device may also include one or more depressions. The one or more depressions may be used in combination with a material to promote fusion between the device and a vertebra.

Abstract: A spinal implant has a first member defining a longitudinal axis. A second member includes an axial cavity configured for disposal of the first member. A third member is rotatable relative to the first member and defines a transverse cavity. A locking element is disposable in the transverse cavity and engageable with the first member to fix the third member relative to the first member. Systems and methods of use are disclosed.

Abstract: An orthopaedic impactor includes an elongate member having a first end and a second end; a striking surface connected to the first end; an actuator held by the elongate member; and an impaction assembly held by the elongate member at the second end. The impaction assembly includes a collar that has an opening formed through; an interfacing member that has a threaded end and is split into at least four sections held partially within the opening, the interfacing member having an expansion opening formed to the threaded end that defines a center; and a separator held in alignment with the expansion opening and connected to the actuator. The separator is configured to radially expand the at least four sections away from the center when advanced through the expansion opening by the actuator.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method for removing an acetabular cup from an acetabulum are provided herein. The apparatus includes a handle lever configured to extend from a shaft, the shaft having a longitudinal axis. A first impaction surface is disposed along the longitudinal shaft axis and a second impaction surface is offset from the longitudinal shaft axis. The apparatus includes a coupling portion at a proximal end of the shaft, a pivot element removably coupled to the coupling portion, the pivot element dimensioned to be received within an acetabular cup, and a blade removably coupled to the coupling portion and spaced from the pivot element, wherein when the pivot element is received within the acetabular cup, the blade is disposed externally of the acetabular cup adjacent an outer surface of the acetabular cup.

Abstract: A system and method for improving an actual installed rotation of a prosthesis, particularly prostheses having a preferred rotation with respect to a frame of reference of a patient.

Abstract: An automatic machine for processing a tooth by a graft material includes: a body including a power supply supplying power to a controller, which controls the amount of supply solution and operation of a suction pump and a vibrator, and having a receiving space; a receiving container disposed in the receiving space, having a space for keeping a tooth bone graft material, and including a net and a cover having a handle; a cylinder having a space for keeping the receiving container, and inlets and outlets for supplying and discharging the supply solution; a vibrator fastened to the cylinder and generating vibration of 1 to 100,000 VPM; a supplying container supplying the supply solution to the cylinder; and a suction pump discharging solution in the cylinder to a discharging container.

Abstract: A prosthetic foot comprises a resilient bottom member, a resilient top member, wherein the anterior top end is connected to the anterior bottom end of the resilient bottom member, and wherein the resilient top member is positioned over the resilient bottom member, and an elastomeric bumper member comprising a tapered surface configured to contact the resilient bottom member and attached to an underside of the posterior of the resilient top member. The prosthetic foot may further comprise a toe pad having a spacer coupled to, and creating space between, the bottom member and the top member, and an adhesive bonding one of the bottom member and one end of the top member, where the adhesive is commingled with the spacer between the first bottom end and the first top end.

Abstract: A transdermal intraosseous device includes a transdermal adapter for an external prosthetic device for a bone of a patient and a bone fixator including a distal portion coupled to the transdermal adapter and a proximal portion for anchoring into the bone. The transdermal adapter includes a dome-shaped portion for transcutaneous implantation and an external shaft extending from the dome-shaped portion. A dermal transition structure is configured to include a controlled roughness gradient from the external shaft to the dome-shaped portion and configured for use in infection control at a dermis layer of the patient.

Abstract: A medical stent is provided including a longitudinal member which has an internal space and a side opening that communicates with the internal space; a flap portion which has an extension portion that extends radially outward from a side surface of the longitudinal member and a fixed portion that is fixed to the longitudinal member, being continuous with the extension portion, and is transformable between an open state in which the extension portion radially extends from the side surface and a closed state in which the extension portion extends along a longitudinal axis of the longitudinal member; and a flap radial-expansion prevention portion which prevents a transformation of the flap portion from the closed state to the open state by the flap portion being engaged with an insertion member that extends from the flap portion to the internal space through the side opening and is arranged in the internal space.

Abstract: An endovascular delivery system includes a bifurcated and inflatable prosthesis including a main tubular body having an open end and opposed ipsilateral and contralateral legs defining a graft wall therein between. A tether is disposed securably disposed to the contralateral leg, and the contralateral leg is releasably restrained towards the ipsilateral leg tether to prevent undesirable movement of the contralateral leg. A release wire within the endovascular delivery system releasably retains the tether near the ipsilateral leg.

Abstract: A system for performing angioplasty and a method of utilizing same are provided. The system includes a balloon mounted on a catheter shaft and an expandable constraining structure mounted over the balloon. The expandable constraining structure includes a plurality of axial struts crossing a plurality of radially-expandable rings being for constraining said balloon such that isolated balloon regions protrude through openings in said constraining structure when the balloon is inflated.

Abstract: A pusher guide wire for delivering a stent to a target site includes a core shaft, a coil body that covers a distal end portion of the core shaft, a pusher portion that is fixed to the core shaft at a position proximal to the coil body, and a stent holding portion that is fixed to the core shaft at a position between the coil body and the pusher portion. In the pusher guide wire, frictional resistance between the stent and the stent holding portion is larger at a proximal end portion of the stent holding portion than at a distal end portion of the stent holding portion.