Abstract: An improved medical device reduces the loss of longitudinal length during expansion of a stent-graft from a compressed state to an expanded state. For example, the stent-graft is placed over a cover that provides resistance to expansion of the balloon during inflation, which reduces longitudinal compressing forces exerted on the stent-graft.

Abstract: A method of moving a stent device into an outer sheath of a stent device delivery system is disclosed. The stent device is crimped into a collapsed configuration onto the loading mandrel. The loading mandrel is pushed toward the outer sheath as the engaging surfaces resist relative longitudinal movement between the stent device and the loading mandrel to move the stent device into the outer sheath. Upon entering the outer sheath, the stent device expands radially until radially constrained by the outer sheath.

Abstract: The reconstrainment band includes a hollow generally tubular shaped band having proximal and distal ends and having an exterior surface for engaging a stent and an interior surface for engaging a delivery tube. The exterior surface has at least one fin projecting therefrom along the longitudinal axis of the band. The fin has at least one obtusely shaped surface relative to the longitudinal axis and facing one of the ends. The reconstrainment band is included in a delivery device for intraluminally positioning and deploying a radially distensible stent. Reconstrainment of a partially deployed stent is provided by the delivery device.

Abstract: The invention is directed toward an ergonomic hand pillow worn by a user to support the user's hand during repetitive tasks. The wearable device comprises a hand support and an attachment means. The hand support comprises a compressible material and has a first end and a second end. The first end of the hand support is substantially positioned under the wrist of a user when the hand support is worn by a user. The second end of the hand support is substantially positioned under the heads of the metacarpal bones when the hand support is worn by the user. The attachment means removably secures the hand support to the palm of a user's hand. The hand support may be straight or may be tapered in thickness and width.

Abstract: A polycentric hinge for an orthopedic device includes first and second hinge arms, and two cover plates, rather than numerous individual parts and fasteners. The first and second cover plates define a plurality of bearings and a plurality of recesses for receiving the bearings, whereby the hinge arms are mounted about the bearings and are pivotable relative to one another while encased by the first and second cover plates.

Abstract: A patella cup for use with a knee brace includes a main shell secured to a padded liner, and an upper shell disposed above the main shell, and secured at one end to the padded liner. The upper shell may include an extension passing under an upper end of the main shell, so that the upper shell is bendable rearwardly relative to the main shell. A lower strap and at least one upper strap are secured to the padded liner, such that each strap includes an elastic portion to allow each strap to stretch in length when pulled. Loops are secured to the padded liner, on lateral and medial sides of the main shell, with the loops configured to be secured to lateral and medial hinges on either side of a knee brace used with the patella cup.

Abstract: A postpartum compression garment for covering and the application of pressure to the lower torso that includes a back panel and at least three elastic straps originating at the sides of back panel that are sized to extend from a first lateral side to a second opposite lateral side of the back panel to cover the Transverse Abdominis muscles wherein the straps can be releasably attached to provide different tension and overlap one another.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a comfortable, wearable headgear device from individual components. At least two of the components are aligned at a first junction, and are welded together at the first junction using radio frequency welding. Additional components are welded to the partially assembled headgear device to comprise a final, comfortable, headgear device. The radio frequency welding results in junctions that do not chafe or become uncomfortable despite prolonged use.

Abstract: An apparatus for assisting in copulation and preventing discomfort due to testicular retraction or displacement (e.g., retractile testicle) during copulation and other activities is disclosed. The apparatus substantially encompasses, circumferentially, the upper portion of the shaft of a penis without constricting the urethra area at the base of the shaft of the penis. The apparatus further conforms to the torso behind the scrotal sack (i.e., between scrotum and torso) to prevent undesired movement of testicles into the abdomen area. The apparatus has a substantial U-shape, the legs curving inwardly toward respective anchoring nodes. Anchoring nodes may be included at the end of each leg of the apparatus to assist in minimizing movement of the apparatus while in use. The apparatus may rigid or may be slightly flexible and, when in use as a copulation aid, provides pressure to restrict outflow of blood from corpora cavernosa thus assisting to maintain erection.

Abstract: A device for collection waste from a body includes a collecting pouch and an adhesive wafer connected to the collecting pouch for attaching the collecting pouch to the body. The adhesive wafer includes at least one intermediate layer of adhesive, a skin facing layer of adhesive, a first film layer, and a second film layer. The first film layer is formed of backing layer material, and is positioned between the skin facing layer of adhesive and the intermediate layer of adhesive. The second film layer is formed of backing layer material. The second film layer is positioned adjacent to the intermediate layer of adhesive on an opposite side of the intermediate layer of adhesive from the first film layer. The first film layer is configured to reduce a peel force of the adhesive wafer.

Abstract: A lower garment for a female person has a mechanism that engaged, secures the garment to the female person, and a fly opening implemented at a specific position in fabric of the garment, the fly opening comprising a substantially straight slit of a first length covered by a flap of fabric stitched to the fabric of the garment around the slit such that the slit is covered by the flap except for an un-stitched edge of the flap of a length equal to the length of the slit. The specific position in fabric of the garment is a position that enables the female person to engage a tubular portion of an external device through the fly opening, and to move the tubular portion to her vulva and insert same to position of the urethra without disengaging the mechanism that secures the garment to the female person.

Abstract: Bruxism, which is a human medical condition characterized by clenching of the jaw and/or grinding of teeth, leads to conditions such as severe tooth wear and Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorder. Described herein is a biofeedback device that utilizes the human physiological reflex to open the mouth when the nasal airway is obstructed. The device and method blocks the nasal airway while clenching, but allows nasal respiration while not clenching. Clenching of the jaw and breathing through the mouth cannot happen simultaneously while unconscious.

Abstract: Systems and methods for improving or preventing a condition, such as the treatment of pain syndromes and migraine headaches are disclosed. A method for treating pain can include one or more of the steps including identifying a region of the patient comprising glabrous tissue; positioning the region of the patient comprising glabrous tissue into an enclosed chamber; adjusting the relative humidity of the enclosed chamber sufficient to create a physiologic effect. The method need not involve altering the temperature within the enclosed chamber.

Abstract: A therapeutic digit cover according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a tubular sleeve for one or more digits, wherein the tubular sleeve has an opening and a length and is closed along at least part of the length; a thermal pack incorporated in the tubular sleeve, the thermal pack is fully enclosed in the tubular sleeve such that there is no direct contact of the thermal pack with a user's skin when the therapeutic digit cover is worn by the user; a strap with a closed loop, wherein the closed loop is configured to encircle a palm of the hand between an index finger and a thumb of the user when the therapeutic digit cover is worn by the user; and at least one guide loop attachment to hold the strap in place on the user's hand.

Abstract: A transatrial intravascular temperature management catheter has a lower heat exchange segment positionable in the inferior vena cava and an upper heat exchange segment positionable in the superior vane cava, with a connecting segment lying between the two and positionable in the right atrium. A temperature sensor on the distal tip of the upper heat exchange segment provides accurate core body temperature signals for feedback purposes since the blood flowing past the sensor has not yet reached the heat exchange segment.

Abstract: An automated therapy system having an infusion catheter; a sensor adapted to sense a patient parameter; and a controller communicating with the sensor and programmed to control flow output from the infusion catheter into a patient based on the patient parameter without removing fluid from the patient. The invention also includes a method of controlling infusion of a fluid to a patient. The method includes the following steps: monitoring a patient parameter with a sensor to generate a sensor signal; providing the sensor signal to a controller; and adjusting fluid flow to the patient based on the sensor signal without removing fluid from the patient.

Abstract: A device for protecting tissue when treating an eye using a laser beam generated by a laser system and deflected by a scanner system comprises an eye model, a control data module and a processor. The eye model comprises eye data which define dimensions and locations of eye structures. The control data module is configured to register control data which define beam parameters of the laser beam and a scanning pattern for the laser beam. The processor is configured to simulate by computation a light spot moving on or in an eye structure on the basis of the eye data and the control data, to add up, for a plurality of measurement points of the eye structure and continuously, a beam dose emitted at the relevant measurement point by the moving light spot and to generate an emergency signal if a dose limit Dmax is exceeded at one of the measurement points.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a device suitable for delivery of a fluid composition to an eye, especially therapeutic compositions, comprising: a hollow needle with a bore having a proximal end and a distal end, said distal end configured to pass into a passage in a sclera of an eye, said bore configured to function as a conduit for a fluid from said proximal end to said distal end, and a solid separator having a distal tip, configured to move inside said bore of said hollow needle allowing said distal tip of said separator to protrude from said distal end of said needle.

Abstract: An ophthalmological device for the treatment of keratoconus includes a cylindrical reservoir made of a non-conductive material, open at the top and bottom, and formed by two telescopically engaged portions, a lower one open at the bottom and connected to a cylindrical chamber of smaller diameter, also open at the bottom and formed by an external annular chamber that is concentrically arranged around the chamber and is closed at the top, open at the bottom, and adapted to be placed on the eye; a first metallic conductor, housed in the container and connected to a terminal of a DC voltage generator, to the other terminal of which a second metallic conductor is connected; a first conduit provided with a closing device, one end of the first conduit flowing into the annular reservoir, the other end being located externally thereto, whereby vacuum may be applied through the first conduit; and a second conduit provided with a closing device, one end of the second conduit passing through the annular reservoir at its

Abstract: A fluid jet is directed at tissue to erode tissue with a controlled amount of ablative energy of a jet. Embodiments as described herein can provide controlled removal of ocular tissue, and can remove a pre-defined volume having a pre-determined shape, for example. The accurate tissue removal as described herein can have many applications, such as removal of the lens for cataract surgery to more completely remove the cortex and nucleus of the lens and to separate layers of the lens. The length of an ablation depth extending from an opening that releases the jet can be controlled, and the angle and longitudinal position of the opening can be controlled together, in order to ablate a pre-determined volume of tissue having the surface profile.

Abstract: An instrument and method for creating a precise capsulorhexis as a step in cataract surgery is described. The instrument has a curvilinear cutting band attached to a longitudinal support component and cutting band extending on two sides of the support. In an embodiment, the cutting band has a sinusoidal shape. The support is coupled to a supporting structure, and thence to a handle, the supporting structure is shaped to permit it to pass through an incision at a side of a cornea of the eye while positioning the cutting band on an anterior surface of an anterior capsule of a lens of the eye. In an embodiment of the method, the incision in the anterior capsule is formed by pressing the cutting band into the anterior capsule, and capsulorhexis is extended by tearing away the two tabs formed and defined by curvature of the cutting band.

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, and methods are described for selectively generating an aspiration flow within a surgical instrument. Particularly, the disclosure describes example vitrectomy probes operable to selectively generate an aspiration flow in relation to operation of the cutter of the vitrectomy probe.

Abstract: A valve device for use in glaucoma surgery comprises at least one aqueous humor feeding duct (2) having a first end (2a) designed to fit into the anterior chamber of the eyeball, a balancing chamber (3) communicating with a second end (2b) of the feeding duct (2) and having an inner volume ranging from 2 mm3 to 6 mm3, and designed to be introduced into a surgical groove in the sclera, a retainer member (6) placed within the feeding duct (2) to allow fluid transfer from the first end (2a) toward the second end (2b) of the feeding duct (2) and to inhibit fluid transfer in the opposite direction. A plurality of aqueous humor outflow ducts (5) extend from the balancing chamber (3) to allow outflow of aqueous humor from the balancing chamber (3) to an outside space.

Abstract: The present invention provides an illumination chopper which allows a user to operate on the nucleus of a crystalline lens with a small piece while securing visibility through a chopper which is mounted at one end of an illuminator to form a predetermined angle with the illuminator.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods to improve the vision in a person with a macular disease, comprising the purposeful temporary creation of increased corneal optical aberrations. Strategies include corneal treatment patterns that are one or more of asymmetric, decentered or eccentric with respect to the visual axis, which would result in worsening vision in a normal eye but surprisingly become sight enhancing in a patient with the loss of foveal function due to macular disease.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to a goggle with an interchangeable lens. In certain aspects, a goggle system of the invention includes a frame defining and opening and comprising a forward surface that circumscribes the opening. The forward surface includes a groove element along the entirety of the forward surface. The removable lens includes a gasket configured to mate with the grove element of the frame to form a continuous seal between the frame and the removable lens.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mask (1) including a basic structure (2) and at least one screen (3). The basic structure (2) has at least four through-holes (8) in the receiving surface of the screen (3), each hole having, along the length thereof, at least two enlargements spaced apart from one another, forming chambers having a larger cross-sections than the hole, one of the enlargements being located at a greater depth in the hole (8) and the other enlargement being located at a shallower depth in said hole. The screen (3) comprises at least four fingers (12) projecting from the inner surface thereof, which are arranged in alignment with the holes (8) and which comprise a widened portion (12a) suitable for insertion in either said enlargements.

Abstract: A fibrin-coated wound dressing article having a flexible film layer, a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer disposed on the flexible film layer, and a fibrin powder layer disposed on a surface of the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer opposite the flexible film layer. Methods of making and using fibrin-coated wound dressing articles are included.

Abstract: A wound dressing garment is provided. The wound dressing garment includes a wearable garment including a portion having a hole configured to receive a wound dressing therein in combination with the wound dressing. The wound dressing includes a border connecting the wound dressing to the wearable garment where the border extends around the perimeter of the hole to locate the wound dressing therein. The wound dressing may include one or more additional layers including a hydrogel layer. A method for treating wound or preventing bed sores using the wound dressing garment is also provided.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment an ankle blister prevention sleeve comprises a sleeve of elastic material with a contour to reduce the pressure applied to the calcaneus protrusion of the heel of the foot. The ankle blister prevention sleeve provides a means of protecting the skin of the foot from repetitive abrasion and subsequent blisters.

Abstract: This disclosure provides systems and methods for an adjustable reusable diaper. Some systems include a reusable diaper including a sealing apparatus configured keep fluid sealed within the diaper. The sealing apparatus may include one or more elastic members and one or more gussets where one elastic member is threaded through channels of the one or more gussets. Some systems include a reusable diaper and one or more soaker pads configured to be attachable to the reusable diaper. The soaker pads may be of varying sizes and shapes and can be selectively attached to the reusable diaper to effect different absorption volumes and patterns within the diaper. The soaker pads may be received in one or more pockets of the reusable diaper. Some systems include one or more openings to a pocket to allow a user to more efficiently attach and position one or more soaker pads in a reusable diaper.

Abstract: An absorber includes a concave groove-shaped body fluid inflow portion along a longitudinal direction of an incontinence pad and over a range in the longitudinal direction including a body fluid discharge portion of a wearer, and a granular powder superabsorbent resin is arranged at least on a side edge portion of the absorber and over the range in the longitudinal direction including the body fluid inflow portion. Since the body fluid flowing into the body fluid inflow portion is diffused and is absorbed and held in the superabsorbent resin on the side edge portion of the absorber, it is possible to provide an adequate absorbed amount in the absorber despite the concave groove in the absorber. Even when the superabsorbent resin becomes swollen with absorbed body fluid, the body fluid inflow portion is not blocked, with the result that the absorption speed is not reduced.

Abstract: Stretch release articles and fasteners comprising an elastic backing having pressure sensitive adhesive on one side of the elastic backing and bonds or bond elements not formed from pressure sensitive adhesive on the other side of the elastic backing. The pattern of pressure sensitive adhesive on the one side and the pattern of bonds or bonding elements on the other side do not substantially overlap when projected onto a common reference plane that is coplanar with the elastic backing. The stretch release articles and fasteners can be used in a variety of applications, including medical, industrial and consumer products.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a web comprising a fastening material, to a method of manufacturing such a web, to a sonotrode adapted to bond a fastening material to a non-woven material and to the use of such a sonotrode.

Abstract: A single wheelchair selectively mounts at times each of a plurality of different wheelchair seats, one at a time, so as to customize seating upon and within the wheelchair as then best suits the preference of the user-occupant of the wheelchair. Seats support both formal and sport uses of the wheelchair. A detachable sport seat has in particular a deep contour seat base hinged to a deep contour seat back, providing thus substantial lateral support to a seated occupant of the wheelchair.

Abstract: A chair assembly includes a chair portion and an armrest portion coupled to the chair portion movable between an upright position and an extended position. The armrest portion includes a body. A support is attached to the body disposed adjacent to the seat. In the upright position, the support is disposed generally perpendicular to the seat. In the extended position, the support is disposed generally parallel to the seat. A structure includes a rod being pivotably attached to the support. The structure also includes a brace pivotably attached to the rod and the chair portion movable between a storage position and a load bearing position. In the storage position, the rod is disposed generally parallel to the support with the armrest portion in the upright position. In the load bearing position, the rod is disposed generally perpendicular to the support with the armrest portion in the extended position.

Abstract: An ergonomic, power-assisted lifting-lowering unit for lifting or lowering a user, such as a disabled person. The lifting-lowering unit includes a body-holder, adapted to firmly hold/support at least at one body member/section of the torso of the user; a lifting-lowering-mechanism; a motion and force transmitting mechanism; and a power activator. The lifting-lowering-mechanism includes a power actuator that is operatively engaged with the body-holder, at preconfigured locations. The power activator activates the power actuator to thereby set in motion the motion transmitting mechanism that causes the body-holder to move in a path closely approximating to the movement of the femur bones, or a in path parallel thereto, when the user is moving between a standing position and a sitting position, the knees being the proximal center of the pivotal motion of the femur bones of the user.

Abstract: Bed (1) with system for propelling the bed (5) including motorized wheel (7), drive for propelling (37), processor unit (8) and control member. Using the controller (9) connected via the processor unit (8) to the drive for propelling (37) of the motorized wheel (7) it is possible to change the modes of the motorized wheel (7). In the first mode the movement of the motorized wheel (7) is dependent on the drive for propelling (37), whereas in the second mode the motorized wheel (7) rotates independently of the drive for propelling (37). Using the system for propelling the bed (5) it is thus possible to start the bed (1) moving in the selected direction, in manual mode or in braking mode.

Abstract: This invention makes reference to an autonomous, versatile and non-invasive hyperbaric capsule with a new functional and esthetic design for high pressured air or oxygen therapies for one or more people which can be installed vertically to a structure. It has an oscillating effect starting the vertical until the horizontal and features a new bolted gate with a twin closure mechanism of 2 movements and 3 positions. Also, it has all the necessary equipment already built in ready to be operated to the pleasures of the patient inside or by an assistant in the outside.

Abstract: Tabletop section for a surgical table, the tabletop section including a first connector for connecting the tabletop section to a second tabletop section, the first connector having a hook disposed around a space and defining an opening into the space, and a lock pin for locking the connector to the second tabletop section, the lock pin being movable relative to the hook to change a degree to which the lock pin blocks the opening. The tabletop section has a centre of mass between first and second handle portions thereof.

Abstract: For many inversion benches, a user must temporarily lock their ankles into the bench prior to inversion. If the ankles are not properly locked into the bench, the user can slide or fall out of the bench and cause injury. The safety key provides a clear visual indication that the key has been properly inserted regardless of the viewing angle before inversion of the bench begins. The safety key identifies improper insertion and include a spring loaded pin and inner shaft that engages into aligned locating holes in the inversions bench. The safety pin has two wings that fold, extend or tip from the body of key. In addition to the visual appearance, a user who is completely blind can also feel the sides to the key to determine if the key has been properly inserted into the inversion bench.

Abstract: An assisting torque setting apparatus and method, wherein the apparatus is configured to generate a reference gait model by applying body information of a user to a predetermined body model, and set an optimal assisting torque by adjusting an assisting torque provided from a walking assistance apparatus to the user based on the reference gait model is disclosed.

Abstract: A method for retarding or reversing progression of myopia of a viewer includes providing an object in front of the viewer; providing a transparent layer between the viewer and the object; and providing a primary image on the transparent layer, the transparent layer allows the viewer to see the object as a secondary image simultaneously with the primary image, wherein the secondary image is focused in front of the central region of the retina. A method for reducing hyperopia of a viewer includes providing an object in front of the viewer to provide a primary image; providing a transparent layer between the viewer and the object; providing a secondary image on the transparent layer, the transparent layer allows the viewer to see the primary image simultaneously with the secondary image, wherein the secondary image is focused behind the central region of the retina. Other systems are also described herein.

Abstract: A device for the treatment of pathologies related to accumulation of visceral fat and for the treatment of EFP in all its stages, comprising ‘clever’ handles for generation of acoustic waves, vacuum-assisted suction and cooling.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system (1) for accompanying the respiration of a person, comprising: a backrest (2) to receive the back of a person, a pressure application device (3), an actuator comprising a guiding assembly (40) configured to move the pressure application device (3) between the lower part and the upper part of the backrest (3) and a bending assembly (42), configured to move the pressure application device (3) with respect to the backrest (2) along an axis substantially perpendicular to a direction of movement of the guiding assembly (40) between an active configuration, in which the pressure application device is sunk into the backrest, and a passive configuration, in which the pressure application device is retracted.

Abstract: A CPR chest compression machine includes a retention structure configured to retain a patient's body, and a compression mechanism configured to perform automatically CPR compressions to the patient's chest. The CPR machine also includes a camera coupled to the retention structure or to the compression mechanism. The camera has a field of view that spans at least a certain portion of the patient's body, and is configured to acquire an image of what is spanned by its field of view. The image may be stored in a memory, displayed, transmitted, analyzed to diagnose the patient, detect shifting of the patient within the CPR machine, etc.

Abstract: A CPR assistance system comprises a sensor for making a physiological measurement to generate a sensor signal which conveys information concerning the point in time at which venous return is completed. Time points are then determined at which CPR compression cycles should be administered, and output information is provided relating to the determined time points. The output information may be visual or audible advice to a person giving CPR or it may be control information for controlling an automated CPR system.

Abstract: A construction profile for a spa tub base including a top flat surface and an interior top edge extending inward from the top flat surface towards a central plane. An interior engaging surface may extend vertically from the interior top edge down the length of the construction profile. An interior bottom edge extends from the interior engaging surface and outward from the centre plane to a bottom stepped surface which may have an attachment groove. An exterior bottom edge may extend outward from the bottom stepped surface and the central plane. An exterior facing surface may extend up from the exterior bottom edge and engage an exterior top edge extending outward from the exterior facing surface to the top flat surface.

Abstract: A method and a medication organizer tray apparatus for organizing medications and collecting medication adherence information are provided. The medication organizer tray apparatus includes a support frame, multiple medication bins accommodating multiple medications, a bin cover layer with multiple customized bin labels, and a conductive circuit layer. The support frame includes multiple apertures positioned at predefined intervals from each other for placement of the medication bins. The customized bin labels having medical information printed thereon seal openings of the medication bins. The conductive circuit layer includes conductive lines running along one or more of a lower surface of the bin cover layer, around each medication bin, and a lower surface of each medication bin. The conductive circuit layer electrically communicates with a receptacle base to enable detection of removal of each medication bin from the support frame and detection of tampering of the medication bins.

Abstract: Various embodiments are described for a container for storage of a medicament, the container comprising a surface having at least a cavity configured to store at least one dose of the medicament; and a covering disposed over at least the cavity of the surface and comprising at least two adjacent edges and a set of perforations disposed on the covering and spaced apart from the at least two adjacent edges of the covering. A container comprising a sheet of separable units and methods for use are described.