Abstract: Superior and/or inferior facets of one or more facet joints may be replaced by superior and/or inferior facet joint prostheses. In one embodiment, a kit of superior or inferior prostheses is provided, in which the prostheses have at least two dimensions that vary among members of the kit independently of each other. Each prosthesis may have a bone engaging surface having a surface that is polyaxially rotatable against a corresponding resection of a vertebra. Each prosthesis may also have an articulating surface shaped such that, after attachment to the spine, the replaced or partially replaced facet joints provide a larger medial-lateral range of motion when the spine is flexed than when the spine is extended. Crosslinks may be used to connect left and right prosthesis together in such a manner that they are stabilized in a position in which they are seated directly against the vertebra.

Abstract: Injection-molded devices and systems for graft or other tissue delivery, methods for their single-use in delivery of an implant, and kits for their sterile delivery to a practitioner are disclosed herein. Systems for implant delivery comprise an injection moldable implant body and an insertion device comprising: an inner and outer shaft that form a locking mechanism that secures an implant body in place and releases it upon placement within a patient. Systems are configured to be manufactured by injection molding, such that they can be cost-effectively manufactured and discarded after a single use to avoid costs and risks associated with re-sterilization and cleaning, but can in some cases optionally also be manufactured by machining to be re-sterilized and reused.

Abstract: System and method for operating a robotic exoskeleton involves using a control system (107) to monitor an output one or more electrical activity sensors (202) disposed on a human operator. The control system determines if an output of the electrical activity sensors corresponds to a predetermined neural or neuromuscular condition of the user. Based on the determining step, the control system automatically chooses an operating mode from among a plurality of different operating modes. The operating mode selected determines the response the control system will have to control inputs from the human operator.

Abstract: An artificial foot and ankle joint consists of a curved leaf spring foot member having a heel extremity and a toe extremity, and a flexible elastic ankle member that connects the foot member for rotation at the ankle joint. An actuator motor applies torque to the ankle joint to orient the foot when it is not in contact with the support surface and to store energy in a catapult spring that is released along with the energy stored in the leaf spring to propel the wearer forward. A ribbon clutch prevents the foot member from rotating in one direction beyond a predetermined limit position. A controllable damper is employed to lock the ankle joint or to absorb mechanical energy as needed. The controller and sensing mechanisms control both the actuator motor and the controllable damper at different times during the walking cycle for level walking, stair ascent, and stair descent.

Abstract: A stent includes a nickel-based alloy that includes 10-35 weight % metal member selected from the group consisting of platinum (Pt), gold (Au), iridium (Ir), osmium (Os), rhenium (Re), palladium (Pd), tantalum (Ta), and combinations thereof; 0-6 weight % cobalt (Co); 17-24 weight % chromium (Cr); 13-15 weight % tungsten (W); 0-3 weight % molybdenum (Mo); 0-5 weight % iron (Fe); and balance nickel (Ni). The nickel-based alloy may be a thin outer shell of a hollow stent. The nickel-based alloy may be used to form at least one of an inner core and an outer shell of a core-shell structure of a stent.

Abstract: A device and method for endovascular repair of a patient's aorta is disclosed. The device includes a frame component that has a balloon-expandable frame and a self-expanding frame secured to the balloon-expandable frame. The device also includes a valve element positioned at the proximal end of the frame component. The device may include another prosthetic component that may be secured to the frame component. The prosthetic component may include at least one conduit configured to receive a covered stent.

Abstract: An intra-vascular aneurysm-treatment stent and a method for lowering pressure within an aneurysm bubble in a blood vessel. A stent coil is insertable into a blood vessel, the coil made of a material sufficiently flexible to move around curves, loops, and corners in the blood vessel. Selected portions of the stent coil, in cross-section, have substantially convex outer surfaces, and either substantially flat, or substantially concave, inner surfaces, plus upstream leading edges and downstream trailing edges. The stent coil is positioned in the blood vessel with selected stent coil portions proximate an opening into either a saccular aneurysm or a fusiform aneurysm. Blood in the lumen of the blood vessel flows past the leading edges and both over the convex outer surfaces, and under the either flat or concave inner surfaces. A portion of the blood inside the aneurysm becomes entrained with the blood flowing over the outer surfaces.

Abstract: Medical devices that include a Ni—Ti ternary alloy and methods for their manufacture. The medical devices described herein include at least one part fabricated from the Ni—Ti ternary alloy. In the Ni—Ti alloys, the ternary alloying element is selected to be compatible with Ni—Ti. Example Ni—Ti ternary alloys include nickel (Ni), titanium (Ti), and one or more of tantalum (Ta), hafnium (Hf), vanadium (V), zirconium (Zr), scandium (Sc), or yttrium (Y). By virtue of their compatibility with Ni—Ti, additions of the ternary alloying element(s) may substitute for titanium in the Ni—Ti phase up to the solubility of the ternary element and the remainder can exist as a second phase whose mechanical properties resemble that of the pure ternary element and whose elastic modulus exceeds that of the Ni—Ti matrix.

Abstract: A catheter for delivering luminal prostheses comprises a catheter body having an expandable member near a distal end. The prosthesis has a side hole, and a guidewire extends beneath a proximal portion of the prosthesis and over the exterior of the expandable member. A distal end of the guidewire is retracted proximally from the closest point on the side opening to reduce possible interference with catheter advancement.

Abstract: A medical treatment device that includes a medical adhesive and a medical device. The medical adhesive is formulated to at least partially physically retain the medical device in a particular form until the medical device is at least partially deployed to a treatment area and/or to at least partially physical connect the medical device to a deployment device until the medical device is at least partially deployed to a treatment area. The medical adhesive can include at least one biological agent.

Abstract: A catheter for delivering a prosthesis to a treatment site in a body lumen comprises an elongate flexible member and a sheath slidably disposed thereover. A plurality of self-expanding tubular prostheses are carried in axially spaced apart locations along the elongate member, within the sheath. The prostheses may be selectively interlocked with one another and are constrained by the sheath in a radially contracted configuration. The prostheses are separately releasable from the sheath when the sheath is retracted relative to the elongate member. The catheter also has a pusher member slidably disposed along the elongate member within the sheath. The pusher is adapted to move past the prostheses in a first direction without displacing the prostheses, while in a second direction the pusher engages a selected prosthesis so as to move the prosthesis with the pusher to interlock the selected prosthesis with a second prosthesis.

Abstract: An ankle contracture boot having an L-shaped splint having an adjustably positionable abduction bar, and a soft boot that attaches to the splint. The ankle contracture boot includes structure for facilitating desired static positioning of the boot, structure for statically positioning the lower leg relative to the boot, and structure for reducing heel pressure.

Abstract: A brace comprises one or more panels having an aperture or slit that is at least partially defined by a first portion and a second portion. Each panel can couple with a lateral support that is configured to wrap around a portion of a wearer's body. One or both of the first and second portions can comprise an arc that is configured to prevent a twisting of the panel when the brace is tightened around a wearer. One or both of the first and second portions can additionally or alternatively comprise a plurality of protrusions configured to interact with a portion of a lateral support to thereby assist in maintaining a vertical position of the lateral support with respect to the panel.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for conforming a support to a body are described in which a portable support assembly may be worn by a bed-stricken individual around particular regions of the body where pressure ulcers tend to form. The portable support assembly may generally include adjustable supports which conform the assembly to the patient's body and which also help to distribute one or more fluid pad assemblies relative to the body.

Abstract: A clasp is configured to permanently interlock around a flexible strip of material and includes first and second interlocking members. Each interlocking member includes two hooks and two recesses. Each of the hooks of the first side are arranged to engage and interlock with one of the recesses of the second side and each of the hooks of the second side are arranged to interlock with one of the recesses of the first side, so as to prevent movement between the interlocking members when interlocked.

Abstract: The Women's Portable Urinal is a molded plastic or metal piece that allows a person to relieve themselves in an emergency situation. It is designed to hold the liquid and allow any spillage while being stored and allows a very quick and easy emptying process. A top lid cover seals the unit so that no liquid can ever be spilled and becomes a very sanitary unit for its purpose.

Abstract: A device for the treatment of bruxism may include an articulation plate worn on one of the upper or lower jaw and coupled to a bite plate worn on the other of the upper or lower jaw. Posts extending from one of the bite plate or articulation plate into housings in the other of the bite plate or articulation plate may couple the bite plate and articulation plate. The posts may include a solid, flexible material to allow for relative movement of the coupled bite plate and articulation plate. First articulating components on one of the bite plate or articulation plate may engage second articulating components on the other of the bite plate or articulation plate to allow for 360 degree articulating motion between the bite plate and articulation plate. A damper may adjust a distance between teeth received in the bite plate and teeth received in the articulation plate.

Abstract: The various embodiments of the present invention provide delivery systems and methods of using the delivery systems. The delivery systems facilitate stabilization of a handle assembly against an endoscope during deployment of an occlusion device.

Abstract: The present application relates to methods for maintaining core body temperature in a subject. Heat is applied to peripheral thermoregulatory control tissue of the subject to increase or maintain perfusion of blood in glabrous tissue of the subject, and a warming stimulus is applied to the glabrous tissue. The application of heat to the peripheral thermoregulatory control tissue occurs discretely and simultaneously with application of the warming stimulus to the glabrous tissue, without application of a heating device or a warming device to tissue other than the tissue subjected to the applied heat or to the applied warming stimulus, thereby maintaining the core body temperature of the subject.

Abstract: A drainage device for discharging a liquid retained in a palpebral fissure to the outside of the palpebral fissure includes a hook portion that is bent into a hook to be hooked on a lid margin or a medical drape and comes into contact with the liquid in the palpebral fissure or overflowing from the palpebral fissure to form a start point of a flow path for the liquid, and a body portion that extends from the hook portion and discharges the liquid guided by the hook portion. The distal end of the hook portion is formed into a spatula shape. The body portion includes an abdominal portion and a tail portion and discharges the liquid after arrival thereof at a surface of the tail portion by making the liquid run along a gap between a lid margin side surface of the abdominal portion and the lid margin or the medical drape.

Abstract: The invention provides an irradiating device and a program which can appropriately set a cross sectional shape of human tissue at a time of incising the human tissue by beam irradiation. For example, when a cornea (100) is incised by an irradiating device which outputs femtosecond laser, a cross sectional shape in an intersecting direction to a direction of advancing to a back surface side from a front surface side of the cornea in an incision (101) is set to a non-rectilinear shape, for example, a circular arc shape. As a result, there can be achieved effects such as suppression of drawing of the incision in the case of inserting the instrument by opening the incision, and self-closing of the incised site.

Abstract: A surgical blade may include a surgical incision guide configured to guide a surgical incision. The surgical incision guide may include one or more surgical incision guide marks. A surgical incision guide mark may be configured to provide information about a surgical incision. For example, a surgeon may compare a location of a surgical incision guide with a portion of a tissue to identify an incision depth. Illustratively, a surgeon may compare a location of a surgical incision guide with a portion of a tissue to identify an optimum incision depth to adjust an orientation of a surgical blade.

Abstract: There is provided a dressing (10) which comprises a cover sheet (20) and an absorbent sheet (30). In one embodiment the cover sheet (20) and absorbent sheet (30) have edges which are coterminous along part of their extent and the cover sheet (20) comprises a portion projecting beyond the edge of the absorbent sheet (30) such that, in use, said portion can overly part of an adjacent dressing. Also provided are methods of using dressings and a kit of parts for forming a patchwork dressing.

Abstract: A long cut line 21 extending along a virtual cutting line D is arranged in a central region A of an adhesive tape 1. The length of the long cut line 21 is made longer than a length of a second adjacent cut line 22 arranged in an adjacent region B and an outer cut line 23 arranged in an outer region C. The adjacent region B and the outer region C of the adhesive tape 1 have a tensile strength that can withstand the tensile stress generated when the adhesive tape 1 is fed out.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing an absorbent article having a first material and a second material includes (A) a holding body that includes a holding surface and that holds the first material with the holding surface and (B) a transfer section that transfers the first material to the second material by moving the holding body, that is holding the first material, to the second material. (C) The first material has a first portion and a second portion, the second portion having a thickness greater than that of the first portion in a thickness direction of the first material. (D) The holding surface has a first region and a second region, the second region being located at a position that is more recessed to an inner side than the first region in a height direction of the holding body. (E) The holding body holds the first material by causing the first portion to be held by suction on the first region and causing the second portion to be held by suction on the second region.

Abstract: In a tampon applicator, an elongated barrel has an interior chamber for housing a tampon therein, a grip region generally adjacent an outer end of the barrel, a tip region generally adjacent an inner end of the barrel, and a central region extending longitudinally between the grip region and the tip region. A plunger extends into the barrel at the outer end thereof and is moveable relative to the barrel to expel the tampon from the barrel at its inner end. The outer surface of the barrel at the grip region has a different coefficient of friction than at the central region of the barrel. In other embodiments the coefficient of friction of the barrel outer surface at the central region is different from the coefficient of friction at the tip region.

Abstract: An absorbent article having improved leakage protection when the wearer of the absorbent article is lying on their side. The absorbent article has a surge layer in liquid communication with a portion of the garment facing region and a portion of a side edge of the absorbent core.

Abstract: An absorbent article includes a first waist region, a second waist region, and a crotch region, wherein the first waist region and second waist region are joined with each other such that a pair of side seams are formed and the absorbent article has two leg openings and a waist opening. At least one of the first waist region or the second waist region include a first graphic zone, a second graphic zone, and a third graphic zone, wherein the first graphic zone, the second graphic zone, and the third graphic zone are disposed at a side seam of the absorbent article.

Abstract: An absorbent article includes a body side liner, a back sheet, an absorbent body positioned between the body side liner and the back sheet, and a body conforming structure positioned in direct facing relation with the body side liner. The body conforming structure length is at least 50% the absorbent body length and is aligned with a longitudinal centerline of the absorbent article. The median anterior portion width of the body conforming structure is greater than the median central portion width of the body conforming structure which is greater than the median posterior portion width of the body conforming structure. The anterior portion includes a well, the central portion includes a channel, and the posterior portion includes a taper. The well transitions into the channel via a first convex transition and a concave transition. The channel transitions into the taper via a second convex transition.

Abstract: An absorbent article is provided to prevent pulp fibers and a superabsorbent polymer that constitute an absorbent body from leaking from openings, even if a top sheet does not cover the side wall portions of the absorbent body at the openings. The absorbent article includes: a liquid-permeable top sheet having openings; a back sheet; and an absorbent body having openings. At the openings of the top sheet and the openings of the absorbent body, the top sheet is detached from the absorbent body. The opening diameters of the openings on the clothing side of the top sheet are smaller than the opening diameters of the openings on the skin side of the absorbent body. An opening diameter of the openings on the clothing side of the absorbent body is no greater than the opening diameter of the openings on the clothing side of the top sheet.

Abstract: An absorbent assembly includes a liquid permeable bodyside liner, a liquid impermeable backsheet, and an absorbent structure disposed between the liner and the backsheet. A pair of laterally opposed containment flaps is integrally formed from the bodyside liner.

Abstract: An absorbent article has a pair of leg cuffs adapted to fit about the legs of a wearer and a pair of containment flaps adapted to provide a barrier to the lateral flow of body exudates. Each containment flaps includes a seam bonding the respective containment flap to the article and at least one elastic member spaced from the seam. A fastening system includes a primary fastening system and a secondary fastening system. The secondary fastening system comprises a pair of secondary first fastening components and a pair of secondary second fastening components. Each of the secondary first fastening components is laterally located relative to one of the containment flaps such that an outboard-most longitudinal edge of the secondary first fastening component is spaced laterally inward from the seam and an inboard-most longitudinal edge of the secondary first fastening component is spaced laterally outward from the elastic member.

Abstract: Portable and disposable apparatus for urinal elimination includes a container with a hydrophilic layer, absorbent fragrance materials, and liquid absorbency materials. The hydrophilic layer, the absorbent fragrance materials, and the liquid absorbency materials absorb all of the urine within the container without any after spillage. Users can use a lid, which is permanently connected with the container from one end, as a privacy shield during urinal elimination process. Once the users are finished with the urinal elimination process, the users can reseal the lid back onto the container so that the container can be disposed at users' convenience.

Abstract: A container (100) is provided with a container body (101) having a base (103) and a plurality of sidewalls (104,105) extending from the base to define a receiving cavity (200). A first container body part (201) is coupled to the container body to pivot between a closed position and an open position. One or more first aid items (203) are disposed within the receiving cavity. A sensor (207) detects the first container body part in or transitioning to open position. A sounder (208), operable with the sensor, emits one or more audible sounds (209) when the sensor detects the first container body part in or transitioning to the radially displaced open position.

Abstract: An apparatus for a wheelchair caddy to be attached to a disabled rider adapted cycle or scooter that may include connectors connecting the caddy and cycle, a rear or double rear axle attached to the base of the caddy frame, a handle for the user to grip while pulling the wheelchair onto the caddy, a rod as an emergency brake, a ratcheting strap or straps and bungee cord for securing the wheelchair in the caddy, walled footwells for the securing the passengers feet, a secured foam rubber middle console, a fitted, padded back rest, thigh restraining straps, lower ribcage restraining straps and other features.

Abstract: A body transfer assembly for moving a user on a bed includes a stand that may be positioned on a support surface. A housing is coupled to the stand. A motor is coupled to the housing. A processor is coupled to the housing. The processor is operationally coupled to the motor. A timer is coupled to the housing. The timer is operationally coupled to the processor so the timer controls a speed of the motor. An actuator is coupled to the housing. The actuator is operationally coupled to the processor. An arm is movably coupled to the housing. The arm is operationally coupled to the motor so the motor alternatively raises and lowers the arm. A rod is coupled to the arm. A bed is coupled to the rod so the bed may support the user. A mattress is positioned on the bed so the user lies on the mattress.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus for supporting a patient in a prone position during a surgical procedure includes a patient support structure incorporating an open fixed frame suspended above a floor and a pair of spaced opposed radially sliding joints cooperating with the frame, each joint including a virtual pivot point and an arc of motion spaced from the pivot point, the joints being movable along the arc providing a pivot-shift mechanism for a pair of pelvic pads attached to the joints. A base supports and suspends the patient support structure above the floor, for supporting a patient during a surgical procedure, the base including a pair of spaced opposed vertical translation subassemblies reversibly attachable to the support structure, a cross-bar, and a rotation subassembly having two degrees of rotational freedom; wherein a location of each vertical translation subassembly is substantially constant during operation of the patient support structure.

Abstract: A vehicle with at least three stable bearing points on the ground, of which at least one at the front and at least one at the rear of the vehicle, comprises an arm fixed to the front of the vehicle, at a free first end of which arm are mounted a steering unit, and a seat situated at the rear of the vehicle. The arm is movable relative to the seat between a first remote and lockable position, relating to a self-support mode, wherein a first distance is provided between the steering unit and the seat in order to receive a person in seated or semi-seated position on the seat, and a second closer and lockable position, relating to a walking assistance mode, wherein a second distance smaller than the first is provided between the steering unit and the seat. The steering unit forming a support means in this second position.

Abstract: There is provided a walker apparatus having a pair of spaced-apart, upright frame members. The walker apparatus includes a seat operatively connected to the upright frame members. The walker apparatus has a backrest cantilevered from the frame members. The backrest has at least one opening extending therethrough for permitting a user's vision past the backrest when the user grips the upright frame members.

Abstract: This invention provides methods of diagnosing and treating syndromes of reversion to fetal consciousness in a neonate.

Abstract: A magnetically coupled slider sex toy apparatus. The apparatus includes a shaft having an interior and an elongated screw having first and second ends. The elongated screw is located within the interior of the shaft. The sex toy apparatus also includes a motor for rotating the elongated screw and an inner magnet coupled to the screw. The inner magnet moves longitudinally between the first and second ends of the screw. An outer magnetic ring is positioned over the shaft and is magnetically attracted to the inner magnet. Limits are located on either end of the shaft to send a signal to the elector motor of the position of the magnets. The electric motor is configured to reverse a direction of rotation of the elongated screw upon receipt of a signal from one of the limits which cause the inner magnet and outer magnet ring to move in an opposite direction.

Abstract: A light therapy and massaging apparatus includes a base and a chair. A first movement imparting mechanism is provided for displacing the chair assembly relative to the base for displacing a user on the chair assembly in a repeated motion. Infrared light sources are provided in the chair assembly for delivering high energy to the user's body. Paddles extend within openings in the chair assembly for massaging the user's buttocks, the paddles being driven by a second movement imparting mechanism. Protrusions are provided transversally on the chair assembly and opposite the user's legs so as to act on the user's legs when the chair assembly is displaced by the first movement imparting mechanism.

Abstract: A method of automatically determining which type of treatment is most appropriate for (or the physiological state of) a patient. The method comprises transforming one or more time domain measurements from the patient into frequency domain data representative of the frequency content of the time domain measurements; processing the frequency domain data to form a plurality of spectral bands, the content of a spectral band representing the frequency content of the measurements within a frequency band; forming a weighted sum of the content of the spectral bands, with different weighting coefficients applied to at least some of the spectral bands; determining the type of treatment (or physiological state) based on the weighted sum.

Abstract: A lockable storage container and delivery device is provided that exposes the access port of liquid medicinal vials (such as for insulin) while maintaining identification, security, organization and inventory data access, for easy and documented administration of such medicine. The container has individual compartments for various types of medication, or variants of a similar medication (such as various types of insulin) in one convenient and secure container that provides optimal, efficient, cost-saving and safe delivery of medicine to patients.

Abstract: A telescopic female drug vial adapter including a spike component telescopically mounted on a skirt component for snap fit on and puncturing a drug vial in an actuated position. The telescopic female drug vial adapter is particularly suitable for implementation in a vented version to avoid wetting of its air filter during aspiration of liquid contents from a drug vial.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical container comprising a pair of containers interconnected with a coupling is described. The containers are intended to contain two components of a pharmaceutical such that when mixed a finished, ready to use, pharmaceutical mixture results. The coupling includes cutting devices that can cut through a frangible membrane when the containers, joined by the coupling are twisted with respect to one another.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for making a pharmaceutical dosage form include making a pharmaceutical composition that includes one or more active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) with one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients by thermokinetic compounding into a composite. Compositions and methods of preprocessing a composite comprising one or more APIs with one or more excipients include thermokinetic compounding, comprising thermokinetic processing the APIs with the excipients into a composite, wherein the composite can be further processed by conventional methods known in the art, such as hot melt extrusion, melt granulation, compression molding, tablet compression, capsule filling, film-coating, or injection molding.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an oral device, or mouthpiece, for delivering a fluid to the mouth or oropharynx of a user. In one embodiment, the oral device includes an intraoral portion, an extraoral portion, and an auxiliary support device that serves to stabilize the oral device. In various embodiments, the auxiliary support device may be configured with ear loops, a support band, a support frame and/or a support member. The intraoral portion generally includes at least one outlet port through which the fluid is delivered to the oral cavity or oropharynx. A method of dispensing a fluid using the oral device is also provided.

Abstract: A stoma dilation device that includes a tubular support defining a continuous pathway through the device; at least one inflatable dilation balloon and at least one inflatable retention balloon located on the tubular support; and inflation lumens for each balloon. The inflatable dilation balloon forms at least a first portion of the device and the inflatable retention balloon forms at least a second portion of the device. The inflatable retention balloon is configured to have a diameter upon full, unrestrained inflation that is greater than the largest diameter of the inflatable dilation balloon upon inflation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dental restorative material which comprises (a) at least one antimicrobially active compound of Formula (I) [AG]m-R1—Z—SP—Y—R2—[WG]p??(I), or a filler that is surface-modified with at least one compound of Formula (I), (b) at least one radically polymerizable monomer and (c) at least one initiator for the radical polymerization. The invention also relates to a use of such dental restorative material for the preparation of an adhesive, primer, cement, coating material or filling material. The invention also relates to a dental material which comprises at least one compound of Formula (I), as well as a use of a compound of Formula (I) for modifying the surface of a substrate selected from ceramic materials, noble and non-noble metals, hard tooth structure, tooth enamel, dentine, collagen, soft tissue, mucous membrane and leather.