Abstract: A dental powder/liquid material-containing preparation accommodation bag, which suppresses entrainment of air in mixing a powder material and a liquid material for dispensing, is provided. A powder Material 8 is accommodated in a powder material accommodation chamber 3 of a bag body 2, while a liquid material 9 dissolving the powder material 8 and changing into a pasty form, in cooperation with the powder material 8 is accommodated in a liquid material accommodation chamber 4 partitioned from the powder material accommodation chamber 3 by a weakened section 7. The weakened section 7 is ruptured by applying a pressing force to the bag body 2. As a result, the powder material accommodation chamber 3 and the liquid material accommodation chamber 4 communicate, to feed the liquid material accommodated in the liquid material accommodation chamber 4 into the powder material accommodation chamber 3.

Abstract: Embodiments for determining a dental treatment difficulty are described herein. One method embodiment includes receiving an initial and subsequent position of each of a first tooth and a second tooth and calculating a change in position of each of the first tooth and the second tooth. The method embodiment can also include projecting the changes in position of each of the first tooth and the second tooth onto a reference line and calculating a change in position on the reference line for the first tooth and the second tooth. The method embodiment can further include determining the dental treatment difficulty based on the changes in position on the reference line.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides method, computing device readable medium, and devices for dental appliances with repositioning jaw elements. An example of a removable dental appliance includes a shell having a number of tooth apertures configured to receive and reposition a number of teeth of a patient along one jaw of a patient, a repositioning jaw element that extends from a buccal or lingual surface of the shell, the element having a first outer surface oriented to face the tongue of the patient surface and a second outer surface oriented to face the cheek of the patient, and a reinforcement member formed along at least one of the first and second outer surfaces to provide reinforcement of the repositioning jaw element.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a clip device for orthodontic treatment wherein appropriate force is applied to a tooth so as to move the tooth to a desired position, thereby correcting the tooth into a normal tooth alignment, and the clip device comprises: a clip base made of a ceramic material, having a base portion directly joined to a tooth, projecting an inner back portion toward the outside of the base portion, having a wire insertion hole with an opened upper portion formed between the inner back portion and an outer front portion, which is projected at a distance from the inner back portion, for allowing a connection wire to be inserted therein, and having a wire fixing hole and a clip operation hole formed below the wire insertion hole; and an elastic clip having a fixing clip, which is a fixing means made from a metal material, integratedly coupled to the wire fixing hole toward the inner back portion and the clip operation hole toward the outer front portion of which the spaces communicate with ea

Abstract: A first assembly is provided for forming the dental impression and a second assembly for forming the dental model, wherein the first assembly includes an impression post; a first coupler for coupling the impression post with a dental implant affixed within the mouth; and an impression cap for positioning on the impression post. The second assembly includes: a model post; a second coupler for coupling the model post with a dental analog; and the impression cap. The impression cap has a first and second securing means, both for selectively securing the impression cap to the impression post and to the model post.

Abstract: A dental implant is disclosed comprising an anchoring part for anchoring within a bone and comprising a mounting part for receiving a prosthetic build-up construction, wherein the anchoring part and the mounting part are configured integrally of a material comprising zirconia, wherein at least the anchoring part is treated at its outer surface at least partially by a subtractive, removing process, such as by sand blasting or is provided with a coating which facilitates an ossification.

Abstract: An upper and lower tray apparatus for manufacturing a denture of the present invention includes: upper and lower main trays fitted on upper and lower gums in a mouth of a patient; upper and lower auxiliary trays coupled to or separated from occluding portions of the upper main tray and the lower main tray; and a tray adjustment unit disposed between the upper main tray and the lower main tray and adjusting horizontality and height of the upper and lower main trays to fit the patient so that the gums are comfortable around a condyle in the mouth of the patient.

Abstract: Lithium silicate materials are described which can be easily processed by machining to dental products without undue wear of the tools.

Abstract: An artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) system that includes an elastic tube to be wrapped around a urethra and having at least one connector. The elastic tube has a first end to receive and dispatch fluid and a second end to be connected to the at least one connector. The elastic tube receives and dispatches the fluid to expand and contract the elastic tube and to coapt the urethra for continence and open the urethra for voiding.

Abstract: Described are devices, implants and kits for treating incontinence in a male or female. In particular an assembly comprising a multi-piece implant comprising a support portion piece (82) and two extension portion pieces (84) adjustably connected to the support portion piece, and an adjusting tool (92) to allow adjustment of extension portion pieces relative to the support portion piece, is described.

Abstract: In a general aspect, a method of treating urinary incontinence can include slidably interfitting a first push tube into a first dilator tube disposed at an end of a sling assembly and slidably interfitting the first push tube onto an end of a shaft of a delivery device. The method can also include inserting the shaft transvaginally through a vaginal wall and removing the shaft to implant a portion of the sling assembly in periurethral tissue. The method can also include slidably interfitting a second push tube into a second dilator tube disposed at a second end of the sling assembly and slidably interfitting the second push tube onto the end of the shaft. The method can still further include inserting the shaft transvaginally through the vaginal wall and removing the shaft from the patient to implant a second portion of the sling assembly in periurethral tissue.

Abstract: In a method of manufacturing a surgical implant, a flexible areal basic structure having a first face and a second face is provided. At least one linear marking thread is placed, in a floating manner, onto one of the faces of the basic structure and mechanically fixed (e.g. by stitching) to the basic structure at a first location and at a second location which are spaced from each other. Thereafter, the linear marking thread is thermally fixed to the basic structure in an area between the first location and the second location by a melt-fusing process.

Abstract: The invention features intravascular devices, in particular devices for deflecting emboli (100), and elements for connecting such devices to wires. Such connecting elements are configured to limit within a range the relative rotation between device and wire.

Abstract: A stent graft (40) for treating Type-A dissections in the ascending aorta (22) is provided with a plurality of diameter reducing suture loops (56-60) operable to constrain the stent graft during deployment thereof in a patient's aorta. The diameter reducing loops (56-60) allow the stent graft (40) to be partially deployed, in such a manner that its location can be precisely adjusted in the patient's lumen. In this manner, the stent graft can be placed just by the coronary arteries (26, 28) with confidence that these will not be blocked. The stent graft (40) is also provided with proximal and distal bare stents (44,52) for anchoring purposes.

Abstract: A reprogrammable intraocular adaptive lens prosthesis apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a tunable liquid crystal lens (TLCL) encapsulated in the intraocular prosthesis with control electronics and a power source or in the intraocular prosthesis with a control signal receiver while an external control electronics package transmits the control signal. The TLCL is driven in response to a stimulus signal to provide accommodation. The TLCL corrects other visual shortcomings of the natural eye. The intraocular prosthesis has a remote programmable TLCL controller configured to recalibrate the TLCL to compensate for dynamic adaptation of the eye over time.

Abstract: In various embodiments, toric elements shape at least a portion of an outer shell of an implantable intraocular lens to counteract astigmatism aberrations.

Abstract: An intraocular lens (31) which may be used as a posterior lens in a lens train including a converging anterior lens (20) and diverging posterior lens (31) in which the optical/focal axes of the two lenses are not coincident such that the focal point (9) of the lens train is offset from the focal axis of the anterior lens. Light rays (50) incident upon the anterior lens parallel to its focal axis may thus be directed (51) to parts of the retina offset from the fovea where the macula may not have degenerated.

Abstract: A voice prosthesis includes a body carrying a passage, and a magnetic passage sealing mechanism having a ball that can selectively seal/block or open the passage. The voice prosthesis can include an outer skin that covers the body. The voice prosthesis can include a polymer carrying a nanomaterial. The voice prosthesis can be fabricated as a patient specific device in accordance with images of a fistula of a target patient for whom the voice prosthesis is intended.

Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve can include an outer support assembly, an inner valve assembly, which define between them an annular space, and a pocket closure that bounds the annular space to form a pocket in which thrombus can be formed and retained. Alternatively, or additionally, the outer support assembly and the inner valve assembly can be coupled at the ventricle ends of the outer support assembly and the inner valve assembly, with the outer support assembly being relatively more compliant in hoop compression in a central, annulus portion than at the ventricle end, so that the prosthetic valve can seat securely in the annulus while imposing minimal loads on the inner valve assembly that could degrade the performance of the valve leaflets.

Abstract: Expandable sealing means for endoluminal devices have been developed for controlled activation. The devices have the benefits of a low profile mechanism (for both self-expanding and balloon-expanding prostheses), contained, not open, release of the material, active conformation to the “leak sites” such that leakage areas are filled without disrupting the physical and functional integrity of the prosthesis, and on-demand, controlled activation, that may not be pressure activated.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cardiac valve support device adapted for endovascular delivery to a cardiac valve, wherein said support device comprises either a single support element with valve leaflets connected thereto or two interconnected support elements having valve leaflets connected to one of said two elements. The invention further encompasses a two-stage method for implanting a replacement cardiac valve, wherein the first stage comprises delivering a valve support device fitted with one or more valve leaflets to a location near a subject's cardiac valve, such that said valve leaflets fulfill the function previously fulfilled by the native valve.

Abstract: A ceramic component that consists of a shell, a filler material and pore channels that pass through the filler material, and can be used as an implant, particularly as a spacer.

Abstract: In a prosthesis component of a joint endoprosthesis, the prosthesis component comprises a sliding surface that is designed to form a sliding joint with a counter sliding surface of another prosthesis component. The sliding surface may be formed by a sliding surface coating deposited on the body of the prosthesis component, wherein the sliding surface coating has an antimicrobial effect. The sliding surface coating is active against microorganisms in the area of the sliding joint.

Abstract: Acetabular prosthesis comprising an acetabular cup, an acetabular insert, able to be stably coupled inside the acetabular cup and configured to receive an articulation head and a centering unit configured to guide and center the insertion and stable positioning of the acetabular insert in the acetabular cup. The centering unit comprises a centering hole provided in the acetabular cup and a centering pin provided on the acetabular insert and which develops along a centering axis, configured to be inserted in the centering hole. The centering pin is provided with an external lateral surface that has an undulating development along the centering axis.

Abstract: During hip replacement surgery, a practitioner can attach a distal stem to a femur of the patient and can then fixedly attach a proximal body to the distal stem using a bolt. Prior to tightening, the bolt can be heated to an elevated temperature greater than average human core body temperature. The practitioner can tighten the bolt to a specified torque while the bolt is at the elevated temperature. After tightening, the bolt cools to average human core body temperature and experiences a tensile stress due to the effects of thermal expansion. The tensile stress in the bolt produces a compressive force between the distal stem and the proximal body. The compressive force can increase the attachment strength of the bolt to the distal stem and the proximal body, beyond what can be achieved by solely torquing the bolt to the specified level during surgery without first heating the bolt.

Abstract: An osteotomy wedge according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, an asymmetrical body that includes a perimeter established by a continuous, smooth surface. Further, the perimeter includes a concave surface.

Abstract: An artificial implant for a trapeziometacarpal joint is provided. The artificial implant has a joint replacement portion and at least two insertion rods. The insertion rods of the artificial implant can help to decrease the wound area during the implantation of the artificial implant in order to accelerate the speed of tendon reattachment after implanting and to enhance the ability of anti-rotation.

Abstract: A spacer member is provided that is configured to be implanted adjacent an anatomical structure. The spacer member defines a curved bore, a first opening in a side wall of the spacer member and a second opening in one of a top wall and a bottom wall of the spacer member. Each of the first opening and the second opening are in fluid communication with the curved bore. A flexible anchoring member is configured to be inserted through the side opening and through the curved bore of the spacer member such that a distal end portion of the flexible anchoring member extends out of the second opening at an angle relative to the one of the top wall and the bottom wall of the spacer member.

Abstract: An implantable prosthesis that includes a biased coiling member and a conforming coiling member. The biased coiling member may be biased to curve from a substantially linear configuration to a nonlinear configuration. The conforming coiling member may be engaged with and curved by the biased coiling member from the substantially linear configuration to the nonlinear configuration. The biased coiling member may define a longitudinal axis when in the substantially linear configuration. The biased coiling member and the conforming coiling member may move relative to each other along the longitudinal axis. The prosthesis may be implanted in a surgical procedure that minimizes incision sizes and may be considered less invasive than typical implant procedures, especially spinal implant procedures.

Abstract: The instant invention is directed to a tissue engineered intervertebral disc comprising at least one inner layer and an exterior layer, wherein: the exterior layer comprises a nanofibrous polymer support comprising one or more polymer nanofibers; the at least one inner layer comprises a hydrogel composition comprising at least one or more hydrogel materials and/or one or more polymer nanofibers; and a plurality of cells which are dispersed throughout the tissue engineered intervertebral disc. Additionally, the instant invention is directed to methods of making such intervertebral discs and methods of treating intervertebral disc damage.

Abstract: A device for insertion into a gap between adjacent, spaced apart bony elements includes an adjustable length interconnecting member having a distal and a proximal retention plate secured to opposite ends of the interconnecting member. The distal retention plate has a non-rotated position and a plurality of rotated positions. The non-rotated position aligns the distal retention plate with the gap prior to and during insertion of the distal retention plate into the gap. The distal retention plate is rotated after it has exited the gap on a distal side of the gap to prevent its return into the gap. The proximal retention plate is misaligned with the gap so that it cannot enter into the gap. The rotated distal retention plate cooperates with the proximal retention plate to hold bony elements such as adjacent vertebral bodies in a stable relationship to one another when the interconnecting member is shortened.

Abstract: An interbody fusion cage having upper and lower canals for receiving the heads of bone screws that have been pre-installed in opposing vertebral body endplates. The proximal wall of the cage preferably has a vertical slot that communicates with each canal and is adapted to allow access by a screwdriver and tightening of the screws.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for near-simultaneous and integrated delivery of bone graft material during the placement of surgical cages or other medical implants in a patient's spine. The integrated fusion cage and graft delivery device according to various embodiments delivers and disperses biologic material through a fusion cage to a disc space and, without withdrawal from the surgical site, may selectably detach the fusion cage for deposit to the same disc space. The integrated fusion cage and graft delivery device is formed such that a hollow tube and plunger selectively and controllably place bone graft material and a fusion cage in or adjacent to the bone graft receiving area. In one embodiment, the integrated fusion cage is an expandable integrated fusion cage.

Abstract: The present application relates to an endoprosthesis including a first member which is connected to a patient's bone; a second member which is adjustably coupled to the first member by a coupling device; wherein the coupling device configured to generate a movement of the second member relative to the first member. The present application also relates to an artificial joint including such an endoprosthesis and to an endoprosthesis placement system including such an endoprosthesis or artificial joint and a projection device which is configured to project visible light markings, acquired from pre-operational and/or intra-operational patient data, onto the patient and/or the endoprosthesis, thus enabling visible alignment markings of the endoprosthesis to be aligned with respect to projected visible light markings so as to allow a proper adjustment of the endoprosthesis.

Abstract: A spinal implant comprises an implant body extending between an anterior surface and a posterior surface. The implant body includes a first vertebral engaging surface and a second vertebral engaging surface. The implant body includes an outer surface that defines an oblique surface. A wall is connectable with the implant body and translatable relative to the oblique surface. Systems and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: The present application provides an apparatus and method for determining a position of a joint prosthesis using a computer assisted orthopedic surgery system in support of an arthroplasty surgery. The apparatus and method includes attaching a first locatable element to a first bone on one side of a joint, providing a sensor having a second locatable element and moving the sensor in proximity of the joint to locate a plurality of positions of the sensor relative to the first locatable element using a tracking devise. The apparatus and method further includes selecting a generic model of a joint, determining the generic model in response to the plurality of positions located using the tracking device to generate a deformed model, determining a position for a joint prosthesis on the deformed model, and outputting on a display the determined position upon the deformed model.

Abstract: Various systems, apparatuses, and methods for producing a prosthetic foot by an additive manufacturing process are disclosed.

Abstract: An alignment adapter for prosthetic sport feet, such as running feet, includes a male pyramid plate having a male pyramid, a female connector plate having a female connector, and a back plate. For use during alignment of a prosthetic running foot, the male pyramid plate is coupled to the back of a user's socket and the female connector plate and back plate are clamped about the foot. The male pyramid and female connector are coupled and adjusted relative to one another to achieve a desired alignment. The socket and foot are locked in an alignment fixture to maintain the alignment and the male pyramid, female connector, and back plates are removed. A laminated plate is coupled to the socket to maintain alignment during normal use.

Abstract: A suspension liner is adapted to provide an interface between a residual limb and a prosthetic socket. The suspension liner defines an interior surface and an exterior surface forming a liner profile between a closed distal end and an open proximal end. The suspension liner defines a liner body portion formed from an elastomeric material and at least one seal protruding circumferentially about and radially outward a distance from the liner profile, which is defined at areas outside the at least one seal. The at least one seal defines a sealing surface arranged to deflect toward the liner profile and take up a higher pressure when donned on a residual limb and engaged with an interior wall of the prosthetic socket.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a stent is provided for use in blood vessels with blockage near or in a bifurcation. The stent includes a side aperture. The stent is inserted into one of the daughter branches of the bifurcation and positioned with the use of markers. The stent is then expanded so as to support the wall of the blood vessel while allowing the blood to continue to flow to both daughter branches.

Abstract: An anti-migration stent includes a hollow stent body formed by interweaving a superelastic shape memory alloy wire diagonally such that upper and lower wires alternately cross over and under each other, forming multiple diamond-shaped spaces. After placing and holding a rod underneath the wire of the hollow stent body, and heating the stent body, an anti-migration bent part is formed on the wire, protruding vertically to form an outline corresponding to a cross-sectional shape of the rod, which makes stent production easy. The stent is prevented from migrating in a lumen of a human body by the bent part protruding vertically and diagonally from the stent body, and easy to insert into and remove from the lumen, preventing the conventional problem damaging an inner surface of the lumen.

Abstract: Implants and methods used for the treatment of aneurysms are disclosed. More particularly, embodiments of a vascular implant having several helical scaffolds, each helical scaffold including several undulations having short struts connected to long struts at an undulation joint, are disclosed. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.

Abstract: Provided is a stent having a novel structure, the stem simultaneously having both the stability of shape against the action of external force, such as compression force, tensile force, or torsional force, and high flexibility in the direction of twisting of the stem. Connection groups are provided at three or more positions set at circumferentially equally-spaced intervals, the connection groups each including connection sections which are disposed circumferentially close to each other between axially adjacent tubular divided bodies. The connection groups on both sides axially of each of the tubular divided bodies are provided at positions circumferentially offset from each other while at least one turning portion is present between the connection groups.

Abstract: A medical instrument is provided including, an expandable tip which is embedded within a sheath. The expandable tip comprises a plurality of fingers which extend distally from the embedded portion. The plurality of fingers are heat set in a first position so that the distal ends of the fingers define a distal opening, where the distal opening has a smaller diameter than the embedded portion of the expandable tip. The plurality of fingers is reversibly expandable to a second position, creating a larger distal opening to deploy an expandable accessory.

Abstract: An assembly of a retrieving element and a retrievable device of which one is a helical spring having an outer part of a winding which extends away from a main portion of the spring and thus is able to engage a thread of the other of the retrieving element and a retrievable device. The other of the retrieving element and a retrievable device may have an outer or an inner thread. The assembly may be used for retrieving devices temporarily positioned in a blood vessel of a person.

Abstract: A pre-loaded delivery device that facilitates accurate placement of a stent graft assembly in the aorta is disclosed. A stent graft is carried on the delivery device and held in a pre-deployment configuration by a sheath. A split in the sheath facilitates the pre-cannulation of one or more branch arteries extending from the aorta before the stent graft is fully released in the aorta. The stent graft comprises a tubular body having at least one scalloped fenestration formed in one end of the graft material and at least one fenestration formed in the graft material of the main tubular body. A helical internal side branch extends from the fenestration within the lumen of the main tubular body. The helical side branch is configured to curve at least partially around the scalloped fenestration. The assembly further comprises a connection stent graft extending from the fenestration into a branch vessel.

Abstract: Apparatus (4020) comprising a pancreaticobiliary secretion-diversion guide (4030) for use with secretions that enter a gastrointestinal tract at an anatomical entry location. Guide (4030) comprises first and second anchors (4252/4054) which apply pressure to the wall of the tract. A resilient connecting element (2037) is coupled to the anchors. A collection-facilitation tube (2080) is between the anchors and in contact with and around element (2037). Tube (2080) has an inner surface (2045) and an outer surface (2046), the inner surface defining a lumen for passage of food. The outer surface inhibits contact of the secretions with food and defines a space (7) between the outer surface and the tract. A diversion tube (2090) is in fluid communication with the space and passes secretions from the space distally. An intragastric anchor (4152) coupled to the guide maintains the guide in place. Other applications are also described.

Abstract: A traction device for neck physical therapy includes a control unit, a knob unit having a transmission disc, a knob and a force applying cable, and the transmission disc and the knob being pivotally installed at the control unit, and the knob being linked to a transmission shaft, and an end of the force applying cable being fixed to the transmission disc; a body unit; a force indication unit, including a load positioning module, an elastic member, a thrust cable and an indicator, and the load positioning module being installed in the body unit and linked to the force applying cable, and the elastic member having two fixing ends, one being fixed to the load positioning module, and the thrust cable being coupled to the load positioning module and the indicator; and a transfer unit, fixed to the load positioning module and slidably installed on the body unit.

Abstract: A nasal applique and corresponding applicator for placing the applique on the nose of a user. The applique includes a flexible body including a first surface and an opposing second surface with at least one perforation extending from the first surface to the second surface. The first surface includes an adhesive disposed thereon to enable the first surface to be selectively attachable to the nose of the wearer. A metallic element is coupled to the flexible body and is configured to interact with the magnet when the magnet is positioned adjacent the nose of the wearer and the flexible body is attached to the nose of the wearer. The interaction between the metallic element and the magnet imparts a dilating force on the nose of the wearer, which causes the nose of the wearer to dilate.

Abstract: A spine correction and pelvis strengthening apparatus is provided.