Abstract: A fineable dental blank assembly. The assembly can include a blank and a support coupled to the blank to facilitate machining of the blank. The blank can be adapted to be machined to form at least a portion of dental appliance, and can be formed of at least one of a glass, a glass-ceramic, a porcelain, and a ceramic. The support can be formed of at least one of a high melting point metal (or metal alloy) and a ceramic, wherein the blank and the support are separately formed. The assembly can further include a bonding composition positioned between the blank and the support. Other means for coupling the blank and the support can include a direct bond and/or mechanical inter-engagement. The assembly can be configured to withstand temperatures necessary to fire at least a portion of the assembly in a downstream firing process.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for manufacturing a physical dental model. A virtual model is provided representative of at least a portion of the intra-oral cavity including at least one dental implant implanted therein, and the virtual model includes a virtual portion representative of each dental implant. The virtual spatial disposition of each such virtual portion is determined with respect to the virtual model, corresponding to a real spatial disposition of the respective implant with respect to the intra oral cavity. A physical model is then manufactured based on the virtual model, the physical model including a physical analog corresponding to each implant at a respective physical spatial disposition with respect to the physical model corresponding to the respective virtual spatial disposition of the respective virtual portion with respect to the first virtual model as already determined.

Abstract: Implantable prostheses for reinforcing and repairing defects in a muscular or tissue wall and a method for fabricating the prostheses that minimizes wasted mesh material and reduces the labor and time required for fabrication. The prosthesis may include a plug body formed of surgical mesh material having a closed end, a larger open end, and a cavity extending therebetween, and a filler body formed of the surgical mesh material comprising a plurality of petals extending radially outwardly from and spaced laterally about a common base disposed in the plug body with the common base attached to the closed end of the plug body. The plug bodies are cut as circular pieces, and the filler bodies are cut as hour-glass shaped pieces from the same sheet of material so as to leave virtually no wasted mesh material. The filler pieces may be attached to the plug body piece by welding.

Abstract: A removable filter has a hub defining a waist and a longitudinal filter axis; a plurality of primary struts extending from a first axial side of the hub, and a plurality of secondary struts extending from a second axial side of the hub opposite the first axial side. The secondary struts form a radially outward arc extending from the hub over an angle of at least about 180° in the expanded state, preferably between about 190° and about 270°. A retrieval coil with a proximal end fastened to an elongated wire has several longitudinally offset windings. The retrieval coil is preferably more rigid than the primary struts. The coil may preferably have a distal winding with an inner diameter that is greater than the diameter of the hub and smaller than the diameter of the filter in the expanded state.

Abstract: Single filter and multi-filter endolumenal methods and systems for filtering fluids within the body. In some embodiments a blood filtering system captures and removes particulates dislodged or generated during a surgical procedure and circulating in a patient's vasculature. In some embodiments a filter system protects the cerebral vasculature during a cardiac valve repair or replacement procedure.

Abstract: A device for delivering a prosthesis to a damaged body vessel includes first and second generally elongated members joined to each other along a length thereof. A distal end of each of the elongated members is insertable through an outer layer of skin to access the vessel. The distal ends are cooperatively maneuverable between a closed position for retaining the prosthesis during delivery to the vessel and an open position for releasing the prosthesis upon delivery. Each of the elongated members has a prosthesis retaining member disposed at a distal tip. The retaining members are configured for retaining the prosthesis in a constricted condition when the distal ends are in the closed condition for delivery of the prosthesis to the damaged vessel.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods are provided for securing soft tissue to bone. One exemplary embodiment of a surgical soft tissue repair device includes a snare assembly coupled to a soft anchor in which the soft anchor has a first, unstressed configuration that can be used to insert the anchor into bone and a second, anchoring configuration that can be used to fixate the anchor in the bone. The snare assembly can be configured to actuate the anchor from the first configuration to the second configuration, and it can also be used to engage and approximate tissue by drawing the tissue closer to the anchor fixated in the bone. The snare assembly can be used in conjunction with a number of different anchor configurations, and other exemplary systems, devices, and methods for use with soft tissue repair are also provided.

Abstract: A retinal prosthesis system can comprise: a flexible substrate; a nanowire light detector which is placed on the substrate, and comprises one or more nanowires of which the resistance changes according to the applied light; one or more micro-electrodes which are placed on the substrate, are electrically connected to the nanowire light detector, and come in contact with retinal cells; and an electric power supply source for applying electric power to the nanowire light detector and the micro-electrodes. The retinal prosthesis system can be implemented into a very thin and flexible substrate type high resolution retinal system by manufacturing a nanowire light detector on a substrate in which micro-electrodes are implemented.

Abstract: Devices and methods for handling and depositing corneal implants onto corneal tissue. Devices and methods for packaging and storing corneal implants.

Abstract: A wide-angle optical unit for ophthalmological implants in the eye includes a lens system arranged in a rotationally symmetrical manner about an optical axis and further includes at least two lenses that rest one on top of the other in a planar manner and which are made of materials having different optical refractive indices. In addition, the wide-angle optical unit includes an optical decoupling structure and a trailing lens arranged proximally with respect to the interior of the eye. The trailing lens is mounted around the optical decoupling structure.

Abstract: Prosthetic heart valves, which are collapsible to a relatively small circumferential size for less invasive delivery into a patient and which then re-expand to operating size at an implant site in the patient, include a collapsible/expandable stent-like supporting structure and various components of flexible, sheet-like material that are attached to the supporting structure. For example, these sheet-like other components may include prosthetic valve leaflets, layers of buffering material, cuff material, etc. Improved structures and techniques are provided for securing such other components to the stent-like supporting structure of the valve.

Abstract: A medical valve implant (10a, 10b) for implantation in an animal body and/or human body, comprising a base body (12a, 12b) that includes a collar (16a, 16b) extending in circumferential direction (14a, 14b), wherein the collar (16a, 16b) includes at least one first cell structure (18a, 18b) which is provided to form, in the intended end state, an intended inner cross section (24a, 24b) of base body (12a, 12b) that is matched to an intended outer cross section (20a, 20b) of an implant structure (22a, 22b).

Abstract: A device for loading a prosthesis onto a delivery system includes a first housing having a central bore. One or more actuators on the first housing may be actuated radially inward to selectively compress a discrete portion of the prosthesis disposed in the central bore.

Abstract: A valve sizer for determining an appropriate replacement valve size when performing a heart valve replacement procedure is provided. In one version the valve sizer has a hollow shaft with proximal and distal ends. A movable sizing element couples to the distal end of the shaft and is radially expandable between first, contracted and second, expanded positions. An actuator assembly on a handle includes an actuator coupled to a clutch member via a ball-spring-detent clutch. A rod extends through the shaft and maintains a fixed distance between the handle and a distal hub in the sizing element. Movement of the actuator causes axial movement of the shaft, thereby causing radial expansion of sizing petals relative to the hub. The clutch slips when a predetermined reaction force from the surrounding valve annulus is met by the petals.

Abstract: Disclosed is a penile prosthetic including a cylinder and a resorbable suture-engaging component attached to an exterior surface of the cylinder. The suture-engaging component is attachable to a suture to allow a surgeon to pull the cylinder in a distal direction into the penis. During the healing time after the surgery, the resorbable suture-engaging component is resorbed into the tissue of the penis.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods are described for providing orthopedic augments having recessed pockets that receive a fixation material. The orthopedic augments include an outer surface that interfaces with a patient's tissue or bone, and an inner surface that interfaces with an implant, the inner surface comprising a recessed pocket configured to receive a fixation material, a rim around at least a portion of the recessed pocket, and a port in the rim, wherein the recessed pocket extends along the inner surface in at least a direction laterally from the port.

Abstract: A shoulder implant device includes one or more fixation features including an acromial intrusion element and an inflatable humeral balloon portion that receives a fluid through the acromial intrusion element. The intrusion element comprises a valve that can receive multiple needle sticks to add or remove fluid to or from the inflatable humeral balloon. The device is implanted in a subacromial space such that the one or more fixation features at least secure the device to the acromion and the inflatable balloon portion rests against the proximal end of the corresponding humerus. Fluid in the balloon portion maintains separation of the acromion and the humerus to reduce or prevent impingement.

Abstract: A bicruciate retaining tibial implant baseplate includes a tibial baseplate with medial and lateral condylar portions configured to receive bearing inserts. The baseplate includes an anterior bridge connecting the medial and lateral portions. A posterior wall of the anterior bridge may be angled to provide downward force on a correspondingly angled anterior portion of the tibial eminence when the baseplate is implanted. A method of preparing the tibia for implant includes a punch tower and punch guide configured to both cut the anterior tibial eminence and provide protection to the tibial eminence during resection of the proximal tibia.

Abstract: A tibial tuberosity advancement implant and method includes a spacer body made of biocompatible, biodegradable material and having a main section with at least one bony growth orifice therethrough and at least one fin extending from the main section by at least one connector. A metal clip is engageable with of the spacer body main section and includes spaced screw holes for securing the spacer body to the advanced tibial tuberosity and the tibia when the implant is placed in the space between the advanced tibial tuberosity and the tibia.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for coupling soft tissue to a prosthetic is disclosed. Soft tissue attachment pads having porous metal attachment regions and suture accepting holes are selectively positioned onto an implantable prosthetic to provide coupling locations.

Abstract: The present teachings provide a modular glenoid prosthesis for replacing a portion of the anatomy. The prosthesis can comprise a platform having a coupling portion, a base and a central bore that extends from the coupling portion through the base. The central bore can define a tapered region, and the coupling portion can include a plurality of bores. The prosthesis can include a glenoid component having a plurality of pegs. Each of the plurality of pegs can be coupled to a respective one of the plurality of bores. The prosthesis can include a glenosphere including a tapered stem couplable to the tapered region. The glenoid component and the glenosphere are selectively couplable to the platform for replacing the portion of the anatomy.

Abstract: Apparatus for repairing a shoulder joint, including a baseplate having a base portion having a medially-facing surface and a laterally-facing surface, and an opening passing through the medially-facing and laterally-facing surfaces for receiving a screw; and an anterior flange having an anteriorly-facing surface and a posteriorly-facing surface, the anterior flange extending away from, and perpendicular to, the medially-facing surface, the anterior flange having an opening passing through the anteriorly-facing and posteriorly-facing surfaces for accepting a screw; an articulating surface component for mounting to the laterally-facing surface for covering the laterally-facing surface; and an anterior cover for mounting to the anteriorly-facing surface and configured to lock the articulating surface component to the base portion, such that when the anterior cover is mounted to the anterior flange, the articulating surface component is locked to the base portion.

Abstract: A spinal implant including a first component, a second component and a core component is disclosed. The first component includes a first exterior surface configured for engaging a first vertebra and a first interior surface opposing the first exterior surface. The second component includes a second exterior surface configured for engaging a second vertebra and a second interior surface opposing the second exterior surface. The core component is situated between the first and second components and adhered to the first interior surface and the second interior surface, wherein at least one of the first interior surface and the second interior surface includes a concavity such that at the location of the concavity, the core component includes a corresponding convexity. Further, the core component includes a sidewall, wherein the sidewall comprises a concavity.

Abstract: A push-in orthopedic implant having an expandable height. The implant includes an upper member, a lower member, and a blocker pivotally attached to one of the upper and lower members. The blocker is attached proximate one of the proximal and distal ends of the one of the upper and lower members, and is adapted to pivot into cooperative engagement with another of the one of the upper and lower members. The blocker is adapted to hold at least a portion of the upper and lower members apart so as to maintain an increased height of the implant and resist the collapse of the implant to a collapsed implant height when the implant is in a final deployed position.

Abstract: An acetabular cup shell insertion system is provided for a shell having a threaded central opening and a part-spherical inner surface. The system includes an impactor having a strike plate at a first end and a first connection element at a second end. Also provided is a longitudinally extending adapter having a threaded first end adapted to threadably engage the threaded central opening in the acetabular cup. A second end of the adapter has a second connection element for engaging the impactor first connection element. An impaction flange extends radially outwardly of a longitudinal axis of the adapter. The flange has a first contact surface facing the second end of the adapter. A second contact surface surrounding the threaded first end of the adapter contacts the part-spherical inner surface of the acetabular cup surrounding the threaded central opening.

Abstract: An instrument for use in a procedure for inserting a spinal implant between human vertebrae may include a shaft and an end member. The end member may rotate with respect to the shaft. An angle of the end member with respect to the shaft may be varied when the end member is in a disc space between the human vertebrae. The instrument may include a slide for securing the end member at selected angles relative to the shaft. The end member may be separable from the shaft when the end member is in a selected orientation with the shaft. An instrument kit may include a shaft assembly and modular end members for various steps in a surgical procedure, such as disc space preparation, disc space evaluation, and spinal implant insertion.

Abstract: A process for inserting a pivotable interbody spacer including an insertion instrument configured to manipulate a pivotable interbody spacer during insertion, wherein the insertion instrument includes means for coupling the interbody spacer and a means for fixing the angular position of the interbody spacer. According to one method for inserting an interbody spacer in a spinal disk space, the interbody spacer is grasped by the insertion instrument and fixed at a first angular position. The interbody spacer is next inserted into a surgical site. Next, the interbody spacer is released from a first angular position. Then, the insertion instrument is pivoted about a coupling of the interbody spacer such that the interbody spacer is in a second angular position. The angular position of the interbody spacer is then fixed in the second angular position. This insertion process continues until the interbody spacer is positioned in the desired location.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of inserting an implant comprising providing an expandable vertebral implant. The method further may comprise providing an angling inserter tool. The angling inserter tool comprises a handle portion, a base portion, and a tip assembly, the base portion being disposed between the handle portion and the tip assembly. The method further may comprise distally advancing a central shaft of the tip assembly with rotation into an opening in the expandable vertebral implant to secure the angling inserter tool to the expandable vertebral implant. The method further may comprise positioning the expandable vertebral implant in a patient's spine. The method further may comprise for causing the tip assembly to angulate with respect to a longitudinal axis of the angling inserter tool, wherein the internal shaft is coaxial with an outer cylinder of the base portion.

Abstract: Implants and procedures for joint fusion make use of implants comprising cortical bone. The implants have lamellae that are generally aligned. In some embodiments, the implants can have indicia that indicate the alignment of the lamellae within the joint. In some embodiments, the implants comprise a plurality of implant elements, with the implant elements oriented so that the lamellae of the elements are aligned with each other. The implants can be inserted into a joint with the lamellae aligned across the joint to resist compression or deforming forces of the joint and to provide for improved implant strength. In some embodiments, the implants can be inserted into a joint over a pin and/or through a cannula to help guide the implant to the implant site within the joint. In some embodiments, the implants can be desirably formed from bone plugs harvested from long bones.

Abstract: A prosthesis socket is fitted with a viscoelastic memory material. The material can aspirate a fluid to decrease the interior volume of the socket to compensate for residual limb volume decreases, and fluid can be removed from the viscoelastic memory material to increase the interior volume of the socket to compensate for residual limb volume increases.

Abstract: A prosthetic or orthotic system including a magnetorheological (MR) damper. The MR damper may be configured to operate in shear mode. In one embodiment, the MR damper includes a rotary MR damper. A controller is configured to operate the damper. A mobile computing device may be adapted to intermittently communicate configuration parameters to the controller. A method of configuring a prosthetic or orthotic system is also disclosed.

Abstract: Hybrid terrain-adaptive lower-extremity apparatus and methods that perform in a variety of different situations by detecting the terrain that is being traversed, and adapting to the detected terrain. In some embodiments, the ability to control the apparatus for each of these situations builds upon five basic capabilities: (1) determining the activity being performed; (2) dynamically controlling the characteristics of the apparatus based on the activity that is being performed; (3) dynamically driving the apparatus based on the activity that is being performed; (4) determining terrain texture irregularities (e.g., how sticky is the terrain, how slippery is the terrain, is the terrain coarse or smooth, does the terrain have any obstructions, such as rocks) and (5) a mechanical design of the apparatus that can respond to the dynamic control and dynamic drive.

Abstract: The mounting plate system is for use with a prosthetic socket, the socket having at least one aperture in a distal end thereof and in fluid communication with an interior portion of the socket which receives a residual limb. The mounting plate system includes a mounting plate having a top face to interface with the socket, and a bottom face for attachment to lower portions of a prosthetic limb. An opening in the mounting plate extends from the top face to the bottom face thereof, and a valve housing is positioned in the opening and has a channel therein for fluid communication with the interior portion of the socket via the at least one aperture. A one-way expulsion valve is secured between the valve housing and the socket adjacent the aperture and for regulating fluid communication between the interior portion of the socket and the channel in the valve housing. A vacuum reservoir seal plate is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a modular stent graft which is designed for introduction into a blood vessel in a patient and which has a stent connected by means of a graft material; the stent graft has a first stent graft module having a body, a proximal end and a distal end, as well as at least three tubular arms extending longitudinally in the distal direction from the distal end of the first stent graft module, said arms being integrally connected to the body of the first stent graft module; in addition, a second stent graft module is provided which has a second body, a proximal end and a distal end, as well as at least three tubular arms extending longitudinally in the proximal direction from the proximal end of the second stent graft module, said arms being integrally formed with the body of the second stent graft module; in the assembled state a modular stent graft is formed, the modules of which are situated in the same blood vessel.

Abstract: A stent for use in a medical procedure having opposing sets of curved apices, where the curved section of one set of apices has a radius of curvature that is greater than the curved section of the other set of apices. One or more such stents may be attached to a graft material for use in endovascular treatment of, for example, aneurysm, thoracic dissection, or other body vessel condition.

Abstract: A method of a forming a hollow, drug-eluting nitinol stent includes shaping a composite wire into a stent pattern, wherein the composite wire comprises an inner member, a nitinol intermediate member, and an outer member. After the composite wire is shaped into the stent pattern, the composite wire is heat treated to set the nitinol intermediate member in the stent pattern. After heat treatment, the composite wire is processed to remove the outer member and the inner member without adversely affecting the intermediate member. Openings may be provided through the intermediate member and the lumen of the intermediate member may be filled with a substance to be eluted through the openings.

Abstract: An implantable sent comprises a radiopaque marker that provides a structural connection between two parts made of a polymer substrate material. The two parts can be one bending element of one radially expandable ring and another bending element of an adjacent expandable ring. The two parts can be two bending elements of the same radially expandable ring. The radiopaque marker can be in the form of an entire radially expandable ring.

Abstract: In one of its aspects, the present invention relates to an endovascular prosthesis. The endovascular prosthesis comprises a first expandable portion expandable from a first, unexpanded state to a second, expanded state to urge the first expandable portion against a vascular lumen and a retractable leaf portion attached to the first expandable portion. The retractable leaf portion comprises at least one spine portion and a plurality of rib portions attached to the spine portion. Longitudinally adjacent pairs of rib portions are free of interconnecting struts. The endovascular prosthesis that can be unsheathed and re-sheathed for repositioning of the endovascular prosthesis prior to final deployment thereof. There is also described a delivery device that that is particularly well suited to delivering the present endovascular prosthesis through tortuous vasculature in the body.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved stent design for repairing vasculature, the stent having rings including struts defining first peaks and second peaks, selected second peaks of adjacent rings being connected by links. The stent design incorporates non-linear links with undulating portions extending generally perpendicular to or circumferentially with respect to a longitudinal axis of the stent and adjacent first peaks with different longitudinal lengths such that stent flexibility is increased without sacrificing stent compression for delivery.

Abstract: A gradually self-expanding stent is provided with a first region of stent cells. A restraining material is attached to the first region and restrains the first region from expanding to the expanded configuration. Over time the restraining material releases the first region to allow the first region to expand to the expanded diameter. The first region is located longitudinally between two second regions. The second regions expand at a faster rate than the first region.

Abstract: A gradually self-expanding stent is provided with a plurality of stent cells. A restraining material is attached to the stent structure and restrains the stent structure from expanding to the expanded configuration. Over time the restraining material releases the stent structure to allow the stent structure to expand to the expanded diameter. An anti-thrombotic drug is incorporated into the restraining material.

Abstract: Methods for making scaffolds for delivery via a balloon catheter are described. The scaffold, after being deployed by the balloon, provides a crush recovery of about 90% after the diameter of the scaffold has been pinched or crushed by 50%. The scaffold structure has patterns that include an asymmetric or symmetric closed cell, and links connecting such closed cells.

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: Intragastric balloon devices and methods for performing percutaneous gastronomy in the stomach of a patient are disclosed. The intragastric balloon device can include a support catheter, a main balloon member for use in reducing the functional gastric capacity of the patient's stomach, a support balloon member for anchoring the intragastric balloon device to the gastric wall of the patient, and an inflation mechanism for use in selectively inflating the main and support balloon members. In certain embodiments, an optional insertion device can be provided to facilitate percutaneous insertion and implantation of the intragastric balloon device within the patient.

Abstract: A hinge for an orthopedic device includes an upper hinge component, a lower hinge component, a first plate pivotally connected at a first location point to the upper hinge component and connected at a second location point to the lower hinge component, and a second plate pivotally connected at the first location point to the upper hinge component and at the second location point to the lower hinge component. A first rotation stop is connected at a third location point to the first and second plates. A center link is pivotally attached at a fourth location point to the upper hinge component and at a fifth location point to the lower hinge component. The center link has a first stop surface arranged to directly abut the first rotation stop. The hinge components and the center link are arranged between the first plate and the second plate.

Abstract: A shoulder orthosis is utilized to effect relative movement between bones in a body of a patient. The orthosis includes a base section which is connected with a trunk of a patient's body, an upper arm section which is connected with an upper portion of an arm of the patient, and a lower arm section which is connected with a lower portion of the arm of a patient. An interconnection between the base section and upper arm section of the orthosis is disposed beneath an axilla between the trunk and arm of the patient. A main drive assembly is operable to rotate the lower arm section of the orthosis relative to the upper arm section of the orthosis to pivot a humerus bone in the upper arm of the patient relative to a scapula bone in a shoulder of the patient. A secondary drive assembly is operable to move the lower arm section and upper arm section relative to the base section of the orthosis to move the upper arm of the patient into alignment with the shoulder of the patient.

Abstract: A coupling device for an orthopedic brace includes an anchoring member for securing to a frame and protruding therefrom, and a subshell arranged to connect to the frame by the anchoring member. The subshell has a locking element for selectively positioning the subshell on the frame at a plurality of locations. The subshell may include an end portion or contoured edge extending beyond a portion of the frame so as to flex relative to the frame.

Abstract: An ankle foot orthosis includes a leg member, a foot member, and a drive member. The drive assembly includes a link member which may be hingedly secured to the foot member at a hinge location adjacent to the posterior end of the foot member. The drive assembly may be operable to selectively impart pivotal movement between the foot member and the link member about a first pivot axis, and pivotal movement between the foot member and the leg member about a second pivot axis at the hinge location. The leg member and the foot member strut may be selectively movable in a medial-lateral direction relative to a base of the foot member and the drive assembly. The inferior-superior location of the second pivot axis may be selectively adjustable for substantially aligning the second pivot axis with an axis of rotation of an ankle joint of the wearer.

Abstract: An active torso support includes multiple force applying elements for applying force to selected regions of a torso of a subject, to reduce or prevent injury or discomfort, under the control of control circuitry on the torso support. Target regions for application of force are selected by detecting the position of a landmark in or on the torso of the subject relative to a portion of the torso support, and selecting one or more force applying elements closest to the target region. Force can be applied according to spatial or temporal patterns, selected in response to user input or detected motion or activity of the subject. Related devices and methods are described.

Abstract: A spinal brace having a waist or abdominal portion, a dorsal lumbar insert, shoulder straps, and one or more cable tensioning systems that enables a user to tighten the waist or abdominal portion while at the same time tightening the shoulder straps to encourage extension.