Abstract: According to an aspect of the present invention, a stent is provided, which contains at least one filament that has a longitudinal axis and comprises a bioabsorbable polymeric material. Polymer molecules within the bioabsorbable polymeric material are provided with a helical orientation which is aligned with respect to the longitudinal axis of the filament. The stent is at least partially bioabsorbed by a patient upon implantation or insertion of the stent into the patient.

Abstract: Guidewires and thin-film catheter-sheaths, fabricated using vacuum deposition techniques, which are monolayer or plural-layer members having ultra-thin wall thicknesses to provide very-low profile delivery assemblies for introduction and delivery of endoluminal devices.

Abstract: A stent includes an essentially tubular body formed by a web structure that is composed of a plurality of longitudinally adjacent web rings, each including a plurality of web elements that are disposed circumferentially around the longitudinal axis of the stent and that are adjoined one to the other by a junction bend. Each junction bend in a first web ring is coupled to another junction bend in a neighboring ring by a connector having a step-wise configuration, in which a central segment of the connector is disposed essentially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the stent and may become twisted to absorb torque imposed on the stent.

Abstract: Some embodiments are directed to medical devices, and methods for making and using the medical devices. An exemplary endoprosthesis includes an expandable tubular framework having a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen extending therethrough. The tubular framework includes a number of interconnected biostable struts. The tubular framework has a proximal region extending distally from the proximal end to an intermediate location, and a distal region extending proximally from the distal end to the intermediate location. The distal region of the tubular framework is more flexible than the proximal region.

Abstract: A stent for positioning in a body lumen having a cylindrical shape extending along a longitudinal axis surrounded by a stent wall which defines a diameter of an axial passage communicating with openings on two opposite ends of the stent. The wall is configured so as to be elastic under tension whereupon an exertion of a tensile force acting on one of the ends of the stent in a longitudinal direction decreases the diameter of the stent, such that the stent may be removed.

Abstract: A medical assembly for delivering an implant comprising a tubular resilient implant defining an inner lumen, the implant comprising a plurality of engaging members extending proximally an end thereof, the implant having a delivery configuration, and a released configuration, and a delivery assembly for delivering the implant, the delivery assembly comprising an outer tubular member extending through the inner lumen of the implant, the outer tubular member having a plurality of slots receiving therethrough the engaging members, with the implant being disposed in its delivery configuration on an outer surface of the outer tubular member, an inner tubular member coaxially disposed within the outer tubular member and movable relative to the outer tubular member, the inner tubular member having a first axial position that restrains the engaging members, and a second axial position to thereby release the implant from the delivery assembly.

Abstract: A prosthesis implanting system includes a delivery sheath for receiving the prosthesis and delivering it to the treatment site and an alignment device on the sheath visible to a user for indicating a rotational and an axial position of the sheath with respect to the treatment site. The alignment device is part of a delivery assembly slidably disposed in a handle. The delivery assembly has a hollow first lumen for slidably receiving therein a guidewire, a hollow second lumen slidably disposed about the first lumen, a hollow third lumen slidably disposed about the second lumen and having a distal end at which the sheath is connected and is disposed about the first and second lumen. The sheath holds the prosthesis therein prior to implantation and the alignment device is connected to the sheath. A relatively stiff outer lumen is slidably disposed about the third lumen and sheath.

Abstract: A delivery device can include a number of different features including, one or more of, but not limited to, the following. Shuttle and trigger retraction of an outer sheath. Arcuate movement of a trigger. An interlock device to prevent actuation of the trigger. An interlock device that can adjust the position of the outer sheath and the inner shaft. A retraction override switch and lock.

Abstract: Embodiments of the training brace assembly utilize an elastic training portion about a body portion to provide a resistance force to the limbs about the body portions. The elastic training portion may be positioned from attachment points on upper and lower mounting portions to provide the resistance force that influences the movement of the mounting portions and the body portion. In embodiments for a hip joint as the body portion, the training brace assembly provides a progressive resistance force that may assist in neuromuscular training of the hip joint.

Abstract: Shoulder braces for inhibiting secondary anterior shoulder dislocations that are configured to allow for a wide range of motion for mobility and stabilization, include a brace body with a single arm portion configured to reside about a shoulder of a user and a torso portion, a plurality of shoulder straps extending over the single arm portion shoulder, a substantially rigid thermoplastic insert releasably held by the arm portion of the brace body. The insert can have a user-specific custom shape that substantially conforms to shoulder anatomy of the shoulder of the user. The brace can also include at least one adjustable length laterally extending torso strap attached to the torso portion.

Abstract: A support device includes: a force measurement sensor structure which includes a shaft having first and second end sections, an intermediate element movably provided between the first and second end sections, first and second elastic members respectively provided between the first end section and the intermediate element and between the second end section and the intermediate element, a linear potentiometer detecting the one dimensional direction position of the intermediate element, and a gripping unit transmitting a force to the intermediate element in an interlocking manner with movement of upper or lower limb; a drive unit changing a load applied to the intermediate element; a control unit controlling the drive unit; and a wearable unit including a front frame provided on a front side of a user, a rear frame connected to the front frame, provided on a rear side of the user, and supporting the drive unit, and an arm suspending a wire which connects the force measurement sensor structure and the drive unit,

Abstract: A physical rehabilitation device for the treatment of a medical condition of the foot known as plantar fasciitis includes a splint which is connected to the toe and ankle of a patient. The splint can be used in a method for treating plantar fasciitis known as “dynamic splinting”. This device allows the patient to bend the ankle and thus dynamically change the flexion in the foot of the patient. The device itself is unique, but the method of treatment made possible by this device is also unique.

Abstract: We describe fixator (10) comprising an articulated bracelet (12). The bracele comprises a plurality of elements (24,26) arranged in a plurality of rows. The elements have complementary linking means (48,62) to permit linking the rows of elements together in an articulated or fixed relationship. One or more of the plurality of elements comprises means (34) for receiving and engaging at least a portion of a connecting device (16) such that the position of the connecting device can be altered around the bracelet or the limb that it is mounted on. The fixator further comprises an articulated connecting device, a rod and a hinge device.

Abstract: A compression wrap for providing pressure to an injured portion of a joint of a limb is provided. The compression wrap includes flexible body that includes a pressure application portion for applying pressure to the limb of user and a strap portion. The strap portion is connected to the pressure application portion and adjustably secures the compression wrap to the limb. A strap attachment is attached to the flexible body having a first portion that releasably engages the flexible body when the compression wrap is in a large configuration and a second portion that releasably engages the flexible body when the compression wrap is in a small configuration.

Abstract: This application relates to a pessary device. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method of attaching a withdrawal member to a pessary device.

Abstract: An articulating speaker assembly includes a first member including a first driver and a second member including second driver. The first member and the second member are pivotally connected for selectively changing the profile of the speaker assembly. A central housing member is pivotally connected to each of the first member and the second member, wherein the central housing member supports a third driver.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of selecting one or more patient temperature regulation tools is provided. The method comprises: providing a database storing one or more properties of each of a plurality of temperature regulation tools; selecting one or more patient temperature regulation tools from the database; calculating an estimated patient heat balance taking into account one or more of the one or more properties of the selected patient temperature regulation tool(s); providing an indication of the estimated patient heat balance; and providing a visual aid illustrating the one or more selected patient temperature regulation tools regulating the temperature of a patient. The method may be used for selecting one or more patient temperature tools for a patient who is to undergo a medical procedure. Additionally or alternatively, the method may be use as an e-learning tool.

Abstract: Therapy apparatus and method for use on, among others, human infants. In one embodiment, the apparatus provides apryrogenic enhancement of body heat production by external application of heated rubefacient herbs and seeds of the botanical family Crucifererae, in an elastic breathable and flexible fabric belt. Heating of the herbal belt in a microwave of other facility produces radiant heat, which when the apparatus is placed around the abdominal wall of an infant's body, provides therapy. A balance of enhanced body heat combined with the body's dissipation of heat creates a steady warming of the abdomen in conjunction with the relaxing olfactory effects of the herbal scents.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices are disclosed for providing selective and non-selective cooling and warming of a patient. Multiple embodiments of devices are disclosed for performing rapid induction and maintenance of therapeutic hypothermia either in a hospital setting or in the field so that hypothermic treatment can be quickly instituted before significant tissue damage occurs. Methods are also disclosed for targeting brain cooling by irrigating the upper airway, aerodigestive tract, and/or more generalized cooling by irrigating the esophagus and/or stomach.

Abstract: The invention is a device and a method for delivering a dose of a pharmaceutical agent to the eye. The device and method provide a safe and effective way to instill a specified dose of the agent to the eye virtually independent of gravity and posture. The device includes a filter matrix in which the fluid capture and release properties can be modified. The filter matrix is attached to a flexible handle with an impermeable or semipermeable membrane there between.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention may allow each of the surgical steps of a surgical procedure to be defined and associated with a function of the surgical console using a GUI. The defined surgical procedure can then be saved and later invoked by a user of the surgical console to conduct the surgical procedure. When the saved surgical procedure is invoked representations of the defined surgical steps are displayed to the user using a GUI so the user can conduct the surgical procedure by navigating through the representations of the surgical steps such that when a representation of a surgical step is selected the surgical console is configured according to the functionality associated with that surgical step.

Abstract: Injection devices for delivering pharmaceutical formulations into the eye are described. The devices may be integrated to include features that allow safe and atraumatic manipulation of the devices with one hand. For example, accurate placement, including proper angulation, of the device on the eye and injection of a pharmaceutical formulation into the eye can be performed using one hand. The devices may also include improved safety features. For example, the devices may include an actuation mechanism that controls the rate and depth of injection into the eye. Some devices include a dynamic resistance component capable of adjusting the amount of pressure applied to the eye surface. Related methods and systems comprising the devices are also described.

Abstract: An ophthalmic surgical instrument comprises a multi-diameter shaft, a horn fixedly threaded into the shaft, a surgical tip for ophthalmic surgery including a tip end and threadably engaging the horn opposite the shaft, and a plug on the shaft. Weld material holds the plug on the shaft in a selected angular and longitudinal position with an angle-locating recess on the plug's circumference having a predetermined angular clocked relation to a face direction of the tip end. The plug's recess engages an irrigation tube on a subassembled handle with shell and irrigation tube, such that the subassembled handle has a known clocked position relative to the tip end of the tip, thus facilitating use by a surgeon. A related method is also disclosed and claimed.

Abstract: A steerable laser probe may include a handle having a handle distal end and a handle proximal end, an actuation control of the handle, a flexible housing tube having a flexible housing tube distal end and a flexible housing tube proximal end, an optic fiber disposed within an inner portion of the handle and the flexible housing tube, and a cable disposed within the flexible housing tube and the actuation control. A rotation of the actuation control may be configured to gradually curve the flexible housing tube and the optic fiber. A rotation of the actuation control may be configured to gradually straighten the flexible housing tube and the optic fiber.

Abstract: A method for precise working of material, particularly organic tissue, comprises the step of providing laser pulses with a pulse length between 50 fs and 1 ps and with a pulse frequency from 50 kHz to 1 MHz and with a wavelength between 600 and 2000 nm for acting on the material to be worked. Apparatus, in accordance with the invention, for precise working of material, particularly organic tissue comprising a pulsed laser, wherein the laser has a pulse length between 50 fs and 1 ps and with a pulse frequency of from 50 kHz to 1 MHz is also described.

Abstract: A surgical knife handle comprising a handle body (102) and a blade receiving portion (104) defined at a first end of the handle body, which blade receiving portion comprises a blade receiving bore and a blade support (118) extending to a first side of the blade receiving bore. A surgical knife comprising a handle, a blade defined at a first end of the handle and a blade support extending to a first side of the blade.

Abstract: A tympanostomy tube delivery device comprises a shaft assembly, a pressure equalization tube, and a sensor. The shaft assembly comprises a cannula and a pusher operable to translate relative to the cannula. The pressure equalization tube is positioned within the shaft assembly. The pusher is operable to drive the pressure equalization tube out of the shaft assembly. The sensor is operable to detect a physical parameter associated with engagement between the distal end of the shaft assembly and a tympanic membrane. A controller may activate a feedback device to inform an operator that the distal end of the shaft assembly has achieved suitable apposition with the tympanic membrane, based on information from the sensor.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of hemostasis, including methods, compositions, and devices that can be employed to achieve hemostasis at an increased rate. More specifically the present invention relates to hemostatic compositions that achieve a hemostatic effect at a distance from the site of application of the composition, and a method for administering such a composition to effectively reduce localized vascular complications associated with treating a breach or puncture in a vein or artery and reduce the time to achieve hemostasis.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a disposable worn article, including: severing a continuous web W along a cut-off line L1 having a predetermined wave shape, dividing the continuous web W into a first and second divided webs W1, W2; allowing the first and second divided webs W1, W2 to cross each other in a width direction X so as to reverse positions of the first and second divided webs W1, W2 in the width direction X; reversing the second divided web W2 by twisting the second divided web W2 by 180°; rotating a second side panel which is cut off from the second divided web W2 by 180°, thereby producing a second side panel PR in line symmetry with a first side panel PL which is cut off from the first divided web W1; and placing and fastening the side panels PL, PR to the side portions of the body 20.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing absorbent articles includes folding each of the absorbent articles about a fold line generally bisecting the article such that front and back waist regions of the articles are positioned in facing relationship, and simultaneously bonding and one of trimming and weakening the front and back waist regions adjacent each opposing side edge of the article to form a pair of fin seams. A bonding and slitting device adapted to form fin seams in absorbent articles includes a first bonding member; and a second bonding member having a contact element configured to cooperate with the first bonding member to bond a front region of the article to the back region to define the fin seams, and a slitter configured to simultaneously act on material outboard of the bonds from both the front and back regions of the article.

Abstract: A thermoplastic composition that is water-sensitive (e.g., water-soluble, water-dispersible, etc.) in that it loses its integrity over time in the presence of water that can also be injection molded is provided. The composition contains a cellulose derivative, a synthetic water-soluble polymer, and a plasticizer. The desired water-sensitive and moldable attributes of the composition may be achieved in the present invention by selectively controlling a variety of aspects of the composition, such as the nature of the components employed, the relative amount of each component, the manner in which the composition is formed, and so forth.

Abstract: An absorbent article includes a front waist region, a back waist region, and a crotch region extending between the front and back waist regions. The front waist region has a front waist edge and the back waist region has a back waist edge. The front and back waist edges define a waist opening when the absorbent article is in a wear configuration. An elastomeric waist band extends around at least a portion of the waist opening adjacent the front and back waist edges and defines a circumference of the waist opening. Each leg cuff member of a pair of leg cuff members defines a respective leg opening when the absorbent article is in the wear configuration and operatively connected to the waist band such that movement of the waist band results in movement of the leg cuff members.

Abstract: A disposable wearing article includes an absorber having a crotch region that is in contact with a crotch portion of the wearer, and a back region arranged posterior to the crotch region and in contact with the hip portion of the wearer, and in the crotch region, a pair of curving means are provided along the crosswise direction so as to enable the absorber to curve in a convex shape in an inner direction, and outside the widthwise direction of the curving means, a pair of lifting units are provided along the crosswise direction so as to enable the absorber to be lifted up in an inner direction in the back region, and the back ends of the curving means are positioned anterior to the back ends of the lifting units.

Abstract: An expandable diaper having storage for containing wipes, the diaper including a front end and a back end, opposing lateral edges extending between the front end and the back end, each of the opposing lateral edges including an inwardly curved portion configured for engaging a wearer's leg, a liquid impermeable outer layer, a liquid permeable, exposed inner layer, an absorbent material disposed between the outer layer and the inner layer, and a longitudinal fold formed in the inner layer extending between the front end and the back end and between the opposing lateral edges. An adhesive is applied within the fold, and is configured for allowing the fold to be pulled apart when desired for increasing a width of the diaper. A pocket is located about the front end of the diaper for storing a plurality of moist wipes.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing water-absorbing resin particles having high equilibrium swelling capacity, a high water-absorption rate or high initial swelling capacity, and an appropriate particle size that achieves good handling performance; water-absorbing resin particles obtained by the method; and a water blocking material and an absorbent article which include the water-absorbing resin particles. The present invention is a method for producing water-absorbing resin particles, which comprises: preparing a hydrogel polymer by reversed-phase suspension polymerization of a water-soluble ethylenically unsaturated monomer in a hydrocarbon solvent in the absence of an internal crosslinking agent but in the presence of a surfactant with an HLB of 8 to 12; carrying out a post-crosslinking reaction of the hydrogel polymer whose moisture content is adjusted to 30 to 110 mass % based on a water-soluble ethylenically unsaturated monomer component that composes the hydrogel polymer.

Abstract: A wheelchair of the mid-wheel drive type has a chassis frame (10), a pair of front link arms (30) and a pair of rear link arms. The link arms are pivotally connected to the chassis frame. Front caster wheels (32) and drive wheels (53) are fixed to the front link arms. Rear caster wheels (42) are fixed to the rear link arms. Each front link arm (30) is operatively connected to an adjacent rear link arm (40) by a respective coupling (70), which is arranged to transmit pivotal movement of one of the front (30) and rear (40) link arm to an opposite pivotal movement of the other of the front (30) and rear (40) link arm.

Abstract: A patient support system includes a patient support apparatus—which may be a bed or the like—and one or more mobile electronic tags that are positionable in the room and which communicate wirelessly with the patient support apparatus. The electronic tags are attached to one or more of a patient, a medical device, or a caregiver. After detecting the tag(s), the patient support apparatus implements one or more patient care protocols, and provides alerts if the protocols are violated. The implementation may be automatic or require caregiver confirmation. The protocols can be for fall prevention, bed sore prevention, pneumonia prevention, caregiver hand washing, dialysis, and/or other purposes. The patient support apparatus determines the protocol(s) based on one or more of the following: the type of medical device, the specific patient, the presence or absence of the caregiver, and/or information transmitted to, or input into, the patient support apparatus.

Abstract: A gap filler assembly for filling a gap between adjacent sections of a bed. The gap filler assembly has a mattress portion that has an extension at one end thereof that extends between a gap between a first section of the bed and an adjacent second section of the bed. The mattress portion may be a supplemental mattress that is adjacent a side of a main mattress. The mattress portion may also have a hinged slider component on a bottom surface thereof.

Abstract: A user module for a patient support apparatus is provided. The user module has a user interface operably coupled thereto. The user interface includes an input device and an output device. The output device includes a visual display including textual and non-textual elements. The non-textual elements include enhanced, graphical, and animated portions relating to one or more operational features of the patient support or to a person positionable on the patient support. The input device includes one or more touch sensors corresponding to defined regions of the visual display.

Abstract: A method for modelling pressure exposure and/or the risk of pressure ulcer formation includes steps of using pressure sensors to derive pressure exposure or risk values and displaying the pressure exposure or risk values in a graphical manner to a user. Computer-implemented systems includes a pressure-sensing interface mat and components for implementing the steps of the methods.

Abstract: Multi-layer cushion supports are described which may generally comprise a first support having a first contact surface for contacting a portion of a body and a second surface opposite to the first surface, the first support defining a central chamber and a peripheral chamber surrounding the central chamber, wherein the first support is filled with a first gas or liquid and a second support attached to the first support along the first contact surface. The second support may be filled with a second gas or liquid which is relatively more viscous than the first gas or liquid. In particular, the first support may be filled with a volume of air and the second support may be filled with oil which is less than the volume of air.

Abstract: A method of transferring a patient from a first resting surface to a second resting surface includes inserting a corrugated sheet into a channel formed between the patient and the first resting surface, extending a portion of the sheet between the patient and the first resting surface to under the patient's feet, extending a portion of the sheet between the patient and the first resting surface to under the patient's head, and pulling laterally on the sheet to slide the sheet from the first resting surface to the second resting surface thereby transferring the patient.

Abstract: The present invention provides a surgical support debridement platform for extremities of a human or mammal to assist a physician in treating such extremity. The platform generally includes a body member. The body member includes a bottom end and at least one side wall. The body member defines an interior volume for temporarily containing fluid. In operation, the extremity is positioned upon an upper surface of the platform to facilitate the process of debridement and lavage of extremities.

Abstract: The application is directed to devices and methods useful for expanding the range of motion of joints based on principles of stress relaxation and creep. Expanded range of motion is achieved by placing body parts near the joint in positions that stretch tissue around the joint. Even when the device is in any one position, it can impart forces on the body members to urge them to stretch surrounding tissue even further.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for rehabilitating an individual's leg after the individual has undergone a knee replacement. The apparatus reduces the individual's awareness of discomfort produced while increasing the range of motion of the individual's leg. The individual's awareness is decreased by having the individual focus simultaneously on a display screen indicating range of motion and on manually operating the apparatus to increase range of motion of the individual's lower leg.

Abstract: A set of ergonomic handgrips and arm pads make the use of crutches or other walking assist devices more comfortable and less likely to cause repetitive stress injuries. A metacarpal protrusion of the each handgrip is angled outward at about 5 to 25 degrees from front to back when installed to place the user's wrists at a more ergonomic angle (approximately 15 degrees inward rotation). The metacarpal protrusion produces a substantially flat surface with a downward slope. Each handgrip spreads the load out over the hand of the user eliminating pressure. The handgrips can be fitted on crutches, a walker, a cane, or another walking assist device. The arm pad has a pair of protrusions that produce a recess on the side facing away from a user's chest which engages a user's arm and keeps the crutch top positioned correctly while the crutch is in use by the user.

Abstract: There is provided a mounting assembly including a frame portion of a walker apparatus having a first bore and a second bore extending in a direction generally perpendicular to the first bore. The assembly includes a shaft rotatably connected to a wheel fork. The shaft is partially disposed within the first bore. The shaft has a recess for aligning with the second bore. The recess may be annular according to one aspect. The assembly includes a securing member threadably engageable with the second bore. The securing member couples to the frame portion of the walker apparatus. The frame portion may have a closed top according to another aspect within which a first end of the shaft is positioned. The assembly may include a bearing and a female threaded member connected to a second end of the shaft, with the female threaded member situating the bearing in place.

Abstract: A reduced pressure treatment system includes a control unit having a control system and a reduced pressure source. The reduced pressure treatment system further includes a manifold unit in fluid communication with the reduced pressure source and a component module to augment treatment. The component module is configured to communicate with the control system of the control unit, and the component module includes a first mounting region configured to be coupled to a complimentary mounting region of the control unit. The component module further includes a second mounting region identical to the complimentary mounting region of the control unit to allow a second component module to be coupled to the first component module.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a deep pressure therapy system. The system includes an inflatable component and a shell component. The inflatable component can be removably attached to the shell component to form a wearable assembly. The inflatable component is shaped to conform to a portion of a body of an individual, and includes an inflatable bladder having an inlet port and an outlet port for passage of a fluid. The bladder includes a plurality of depressions which are generally evenly-distributed over a portion of the bladder. In some embodiments, the depressions are circular welds. In some embodiments, the depressions are three-dimensional welds. The bladder may additionally include weld strips. The shell component may include one or more stretchable strips which are expandable as safety feature.

Abstract: A massage device mounting system may include a massage ball with a plurality of massage fingers positioned across the ball aligned with the vertices of a pentakis dodecahedron. The massage device mounting system may also include a mounting body removably entrapped between a plurality of massage fingers on the massage apparatus. The mounting body may include a mounting shoulder with a continuous or discontinuous ring. The mounting shoulder may also be circular shaped or polygonal shaped. The mounting body may also include one or two handles coupled to the mounting shoulder. Some mounting bodies may also include a mounting base that can mount to a mounting wall.