Abstract: A method for performing annuloplasty includes accessing a left ventricle of a heart to provide a discrete plication element to the left ventricle, and engaging the plication element to tissue near a mitral valve of the heart. Engaging the plication element includes causing the plication element to gather a portion of the tissue to create a plication. In one embodiment, accessing the left ventricle of the heart to provide the plication element includes accessing the left ventricle of the heart using a catheter arrangement.

Abstract: A covering for delivering a substance or material to a surgical site is provided. The covering, with substance provided therein, may be referred to as a delivery system. Generally, the covering may be a single or multi-compartment structure capable of at least partially retaining a substance provided therein until the covering is placed at a surgical site. Upon placement, the covering may facilitate transfer of the substance or surrounding materials. For example, the substance may be released (actively or passively) to the surgical site. The covering may participate in, control, or otherwise adjust, the release of the substance.

Abstract: Systems and methods for implant optimization using intra-operative scanning are set forth. According to one embodiment, a method comprising intraoperatively scanning a joint surface, processing the scan and creating a three-dimensional computer model, performing simulations with the three-dimensional computer model, determining an optimal implant attribute from analysis of the simulations, selecting an optimal implant, determining an ideal positioning and orientation of the selected implant relative to scanned anatomical features, rapidly creating a patient-matched guide to facilitate bone surface preparation in order to achieve ideal positioning and orientation of the selected implant, preparing the surface using the patient matched guide, and implanting the optimal implant is set forth.

Abstract: An artificial hip joint stem of the present invention includes a stem body divided into a stem proximal part, a stem distal part, and a stem intermediate part located between the stem proximal part and the stem distal part. The stem body includes a rough surface located at the stem proximal part and having a surface roughness (Ra) of 10-80 ?m, a smooth satin surface located at the stem intermediate part and having a surface roughness (Ra) of 0.1-1.0 ?m, and a shiny surface located at the stem distal part and having a surface roughness (Ra) of less than 0.1 ?m. The present invention also provides an artificial hip joint including the artificial hip joint stem.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for total elbow replacement are provided to allow a surgeon to intraoperatively select a linked or unlinked constraint by utilizing a connection located on the body of the ulnar and/or humeral stem. Additional modularity also allows the selection of a cemented or cementless stem as described herein. The modularity and adjustability provides a number of advantages.

Abstract: A system for replacing a trochlear groove region of a femur. The system includes a prosthesis that includes a bone contact surface and a periphery that defines an outer perimeter. The bone contact surface has a plurality of protrusions and a spatial configuration with respect to one another. Additionally, the system includes a first template that has a plurality of guide holes and a first periphery that defines an outer perimeter that substantially corresponds with the periphery of the prosthesis. Also, included in the system is a second template that has a plurality of guide holes and a second periphery that defines an outer perimeter that substantially corresponds with the periphery of the prosthesis. The plurality of guide holes of the second template are spatially arranged with respect to the second periphery to substantially match the spatial configuration of the plurality of protrusions of the prosthesis.

Abstract: A knee joint prosthesis which comprises a tibial component (4, 6) and a femoral component (2). The femoral component has condyles (14, 16) which act against the tibial component, directly or indirectly, during flexing of the knee. A cam (20) on the femoral component acts against a post (26) on the tibial component at high flex angles. The surface of the post which is contacted by the cam at high flex angles is convex when the post viewed generally perpendicular to the tibial bone contact and bearing surfaces, and the femoral bearing surface which is provided by the cam, where it contacts the convex surface of the post at high flex angles, is locally concave (32) when viewed along the surface of the post which contacts the cam so that the area of contact between the post and the cam is greater at high flex angles than at lower flex angles.

Abstract: A glenoid component having an offset center of articulation and associated systems and methods.

Abstract: Coiled spinal implants for disc, vertebral body, and spinal motion segment replacement or reconstruction comprise a plurality of loops and spaces between the loops, with the loops formed of a hollow material and having a plurality of apertures or a longitudinal gap that extend(s) through the sidewalls of the loops and into the hollow center. The coiled implants include one or more balloons within the hollow center, the spaces between the coil loops, and/or within the central void that the coil surrounds. Filling the balloon expands the loops and thereby increases the height of the coil. Bone graft material or bone cement may be deployed from the apertures or gap.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided relating to artificial discs. An artificial disc is provided that facilitates simultaneous and independent articulation of flexion/extension, lateral bending, anterior/posterior translation, and axial rotation. The artificial disc provides these four simultaneous and independent articulations by independently addressing each type of articulation in the design of the artificial disc. In one example, an artificial disc is comprised of a bearing disposed between first and second end plates. The bearing is movable relative to each end plate, independent of the other end plate. The end plates are affixed to adjacent vertebrae.

Abstract: An interbody spacer includes a connecting portion and a pair of leg portions extending from the connecting portion. The connecting portion and the pair of leg portions define top and bottom surfaces configured and adapted to engage first and second vertebral bodies, respectively, and inner and outer sidewalls extending between the top and bottom surfaces. In particular, the top and bottom surfaces of the leg portions include first projections defining a first angle with the respective top and bottom surfaces of the leg portions. The top and bottom surfaces of the connecting portion include second projections defining a second angle with the respective top and bottom surfaces of the connecting portion. The first and second angles are different.

Abstract: A bone fusion method, apparatus and device for insertion between bones that are to be fused together and/or in place of one or more of the bones, such as, for example, the vertebrae of a spinal column. The bone fusion device comprises one or more extendable plates having a central rib. The bone fusion device includes one or more support channels configured to receive an insertion instrument that is then secured to the bone fusion device via a coupling mechanism. As a result, the coupled device is able to be securely positioned between vertebrae using the insertion instrument with minimal risk of slippage.

Abstract: An apparatus for inserting an implant between vertebrae includes a body having a through bore, a central shaft movable within the through bore, the central shaft having a proximal end and a distal end. The apparatus includes a pair of distractor arms having proximal portions and distal portions, the proximal portions pivotally coupled to the body and distal portions for engagement between the vertebrae. Tracking slots are formed in and extend through surfaces of and along a longitudinal axes of the distractor arms and an attachment tip is operably connected to the central shaft, the attachment tip is configured to grip the implant. The apparatus includes a single guide member projecting outward from the attachment tip and the attachment tip is removably connectable to the central shaft in multiple configurations.

Abstract: An improved mechanism for expanding or lifting a device in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention is a coaxial screw gear sleeve mechanism. In various embodiments, coaxial screw gear sleeve mechanisms includes a post with a threaded exterior surface and a corresponding sleeve configured to surround the post, the corresponding sleeve having a threaded interior surface configured to interface with the threaded exterior surface of the post and a geared exterior surface. A drive mechanism can be configured to interface with the geared exterior surface of the sleeve, causing a device utilizing such a mechanism to expand or lift between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration.

Abstract: The present invention provides an expandable fusion device capable of being installed inside an intervertebral disc space to maintain normal disc spacing and restore spinal stability, thereby facilitating an intervertebral fusion. In one embodiment, the fusion device includes a body portion, a first endplate, and a second endplate, the first and second endplates capable of being moved in a direction away from the body portion into an expanded configuration or capable of being moved towards the body portion into an unexpanded configuration. The fusion device is capable of being deployed and installed in both configurations.

Abstract: The present invention provides an intervertebral implant for implantation in a treated area of an intervertebral space between vertebral bodies of a spine. The implant includes a spacer portion having an inferior and superior surface, wherein the inferior and superior surfaces each have a contact area capable of engaging with anatomy in the treated area, and the inferior and superior surfaces define a through-hole extending through the spacer body. The present invention further provides screw holes extending from a side portion to the inferior and superior surfaces of the spacer portion and a plate portion rigidly coupled to the spacer portion through a coupling means, wherein the plate portion contains screws holes for receiving screws. A screw back out prevention mechanism adapted on the plate portion and prevents the back out of screws from the screw holes.

Abstract: The present invention provides an expandable fusion device capable of being installed inside an intervertebral disc space to maintain normal disc spacing and restore spinal stability, thereby facilitating an intervertebral fusion. In one embodiment, the fusion device includes a body portion, a first endplate, and a second endplate, the first and second endplates capable of being moved in a direction away from the body portion into an expanded configuration or capable of being moved towards the body portion into an unexpanded configuration. The fusion device is capable of being deployed and installed in both configurations.

Abstract: The present invention provides an expandable fusion device capable of being installed inside an intervertebral disc space to maintain normal disc spacing and restore spinal stability, thereby facilitating an intervertebral fusion. In one embodiment, the fusion device includes a central ramp, a first endplate, and a second endplate, the central ramp capable of being moved in a first direction to move the first and second endplates outwardly and into an expanded configuration. The fusion device is capable of being deployed down an endoscopic tube.

Abstract: An orthopaedic surgical instrument for positioning an acetabular prosthetic component in a patient's surgically-prepared acetabulum includes a surgical tool configured to be coupled to the acetabular prosthetic component, and a gravity-based position indicator removably coupled to the surgical tool. The position indicator includes a first marking indicating a first position of the acetabular prosthetic component, and a second marking indicating a second position.

Abstract: A minimally invasive intervertebral implant includes a circuitous body defining a luminal axis extending longitudinally therethrough. The circuitous body includes proximal and distal ends oppositely disposed along a lateral axis of the circuitous body. Each of the proximal and distal ends includes an aperture disposed therethrough such that the circuitous body includes a first configuration wherein the proximal and distal ends are at a maximum separation and a second configuration wherein the proximal and distal ends are closer together than in the first configuration.

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: An intervertebral implant includes an insertion end, an opposing engagement end, and first and second opposed main surfaces configured to contact respective adjacent vertebral endplates. Each of the first and second main surfaces has an anterior edge, a posterior edge, and extends between the insertion and engagement ends. Anterior and posterior walls are formed between the first and second main surfaces and along the respective anterior and posterior edges and converge at the insertion and engagement ends. A slot is formed at the engagement end and extends continuously between and at least partially along the anterior and posterior walls. A post is positioned within the slot, spaced from at least one of the anterior and posterior walls and extending at least partially between the first and second main surfaces. The post includes a plurality of exposed facets and is configured for engagement with a pivotable insertion instrument.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in spinal interbody fusion comprises, in combination, a spinal interbody fusion implant and an inserter releasably attached thereto. The implant comprises a hollow interior through which the inserter extends, the inserter having a tapered distal tip projecting exteriorly beyond the distal end of the implant to initially distract opposing tissue surfaces and to facilitate insertion of the implant into the intradiscal space between the vertebral bodies.

Abstract: Devices for hydrating materials, such as, for example, medical implant materials include a container body defining therein a hydration chamber. A barrier separates the chamber into a material holding area and a hydrating fluid bay and defines at least one aperture and is configured to allow passage of hydrating fluid from the hydrating fluid bay to the material holding area. In some embodiments, devices provided by the present application are operable for use in hydrating and delivering a material.

Abstract: A measurement system for measuring a parameter of the muscular-skeletal system is disclosed. The measurement system comprises a capacitor, a signal generator, a digital counter, counter register, a digital clock, a digital timer, and a data register. The sensor of the measurement system is the capacitor. The measurement system generates a repeating signal having a measurement cycle that corresponds to the capacitance of the capacitor. The capacitor comprises more than one capacitor mechanically in series. Electrically, the capacitor comprises more than one capacitor in parallel. In one embodiment, the capacitor includes a dielectric layer comprising polyimide. A force, pressure, or load is applied to the capacitor that elastically compresses the device. The capacitor is shielded from parasitic coupling and parasitic capacitance.

Abstract: The actuated leg prosthesis comprises a knee member, a socket connector provided over the knee member, an elongated trans-tibial member having a bottom end under which is connected an artificial foot, and a linear actuator. A first pivot assembly allows to operatively connect the trans-tibial member to the knee member. A second pivot assembly allows to operatively connect an upper end of the actuator to the knee member. A third pivot assembly allows to operatively connect a bottom end of the actuator to the bottom end of the trans-tibial member. The prosthesis can be provided as either a front actuator configuration or a rear actuator configuration.

Abstract: Prosthetic liners, prosthetic sockets and prosthetic suspension sleeves, as well as orthotic components, having enhanced thermally conductivity and/or enhanced heat absorption capabilities. Such components may be used in various combinations to create assemblies and systems that are operative to better transfer heat away from and/or absorb heat produced by residual or intact limbs of a user.

Abstract: An expandable, bistable open cell design incorporates the following features: a first relatively stiff portion (152) having first and second ends and a first relatively flexible portion (154) connected to the first and second ends of the first relatively stiff portion, the first relatively stiff portion and the first relatively flexible portion substantially surrounding a first open area (156) of the stent structure; a second relatively stiff portion (158) having first and second ends and a second relatively flexible portion (160) connected to the first and second ends of the first relatively stiff portion, the first relatively stiff portion and the first relatively flexible portion substantially surrounding a second open area (162) of the stent structure; and an opening (110) formed through the first relatively stiff portion and the second relatively flexible portion such that the opening connects the first and second open areas, thereby creating first and second intermediate ends (152a, 152b) of the first r

Abstract: This invention is a stent to reduce blood flow to an aneurysm comprising: (a) an inner member, wherein this inner member is expanded from a first configuration to a second configuration within the parent vessel of an aneurysm, wherein the circumference of the second configuration is larger than the circumference of the first configuration; and (b) an outer member, wherein this outer member is less porous than the inner member, wherein this outer member covers or surrounds a first percentage of the surface area of the inner member when the inner structure is in the first configuration, wherein this outer member covers or surrounds a second percentage of the surface area of the inner member when the inner structure is in the second configuration, and wherein the second percentage less than the first percentage.

Abstract: A stent deployment device (110) is provided for deploying a stent in a lumen of a patient. The device can include a catheter (112), a first balloon (122) positioned near a distal end of the catheter and a second balloon (123) adjacent to the first balloon. Alternatively, the second balloon can be positioned over the first balloon. The device also includes an expandable stent (210) positioned over the first balloon and the second balloon. The first balloon comprises a semi-compliant material, a noncompliant material or a compliant material. Similarly, the second balloon comprises a semi-compliant material, a noncompliant material or a compliant material. The first balloon is expandable to a first diameter, while the second balloon can be expandable to a second diameter.

Abstract: Catheter for delivering an expandable prosthetic device. The catheter has a guidewire channel for delivering a side branch guidewire to a side branch target site. An expandable prosthetic device can be loaded on to the distal end of the catheter.

Abstract: Improved devices and components for securing and retrieving an implantable medical device including at least one of a flanged tip disposed at a distal end of the implantable medical device; a halo retrieval tip disposed at a distal end of the implantable medical device; an external leash disposed at least one of a proximal end, a midportion, and a distal end of the implantable medical device; and an internal leash disposed within an inflatable balloon of the implantable medical device. A method of retrieving an implantable medical device, comprising: securing a retrieval device to at least one of the components described herein; and removing the implantable medical device from a patient.

Abstract: A device for inducing weight loss in a patient includes a tubular prosthesis positionable at the gastro-esophageal junction region, preferably below the z-line. In a method for inducing weight loss, the prosthesis is placed such that an opening at its proximal end receives masticated food from the esophagus, and such that the masticated food passes through the pouch and into the stomach via an opening in its distal end.

Abstract: A method for controlling appetite by means of a satiation device is disclosed. The device, which includes a flexible webbing defining proximal and distal openings and a biasing structure, is attached to the patient's stomach with the proximal opening positioned adjacent and below the patient's gastro-esophageal junction. The biasing structure imparts pressure against the wall of the patient's stomach adjacent the gastro-esophageal junction.

Abstract: An orthopedic device has various frame elements concealed by a sleeve defining pockets into which such frame elements are located. The orthopedic device includes a strap tightening assembly adapted to secure a plurality of straps simultaneously. The frame may include flexible edge features located along a periphery thereof.

Abstract: An orthotic joint stabilizing assembly includes an assembly hinge; a first support and a second support carried by and pivotal with respect to each other about the assembly hinge; a hinge tension adjusting assembly including an eccentric tension adjusting cam carried by the assembly hinge, the tension adjusting cam adjustable between a plurality of tensioning positions; and a cam adjustment knob carried by the tension adjusting cam, the cam adjustment knob selectively engageable and disengageable with respect to the tension adjusting cam and operable to selectively lock the tension adjusting cam in a selected one of the plurality of tensioning positions. A hinge tensioning spring is carried by the first support and the second support and engages the tension adjusting cam of the hinge tension adjusting assembly. The hinge tensioning spring applies tension to the assembly hinge.

Abstract: Finger splints for use in connection with distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint fractures are disclosed. The splints include a ring element at least partially positioned around a finger at a location proximal to the distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint and include an extension member that extends over the DIP joint and attaches to the fingernail.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for use in the selective disruption of lipid-rich cells by controlled cooling. The present invention further relates to a device for use in carrying out the methods for selective disruption of lipid-rich cells by controlled cooling.

Abstract: Methods for cerebral and systemic cooling via a patient's nasopharyngeal cavity are described. In one method, a cooling assembly is inserted into a nasal cavity through a patient's nostril. A substantially dry gas is delivered through a lumen of the catheter onto the surface of the patient's nasal cavity. Evaporative heat loss cools the patient's nasal cavity. If additional cooling is needed, a liquid coolant is delivered through a separated lumen of the catheter. The liquid coolant is nebulized at a plurality of delivery ports on the distal end of the catheter and is delivered onto the surface of the patient's nasal cavity in combination with the dry gas. The dry gas enhances evaporation of the nebulized coolant and additional cooling is provided from the evaporative heat loss of the liquid coolant.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of relieving hot flashes or body overheating or insomnia by applying to the body of a person in need of relief therefrom a cooled elongate flexible pillow filled with pellets having sufficient weight and flow properties to provide a comforting wrapping effect on the back of the neck. A preferred filler is wheat berries. In a particular embodiment, the pillow is draped over the stellate-ganglion area of the neck.

Abstract: A device that is used to reduce the pain of a needle stick to a person, the device having a casing containing a vibratory device and a temperature reducing device, and a method for using the device to reduce the pain of a needle stick by applying both thermal and vibration analgesia to a subject during a needle stick.

Abstract: A method for treating acute coronary syndromes (i.e., unstable angina or non-Q-wave MI) or transient ischemic attacks in a human or animal patient by placing a heat exchange apparatus in the patient's vasculature and using that heat exchange apparatus to cool the patient to a temperature (e.g. 30-36 degrees C.) at which platelet inhibition (i.e., inhibition of platelet activation and/or aggregation and/or adhesion) occurs. Anti-shivering drugs or anesthesia may be administered to patients whose body temperature is cooled below that patient's shivering threshold (typically approximately 35.5 degrees C.). If it is determined that platelet inhibition is no longer desirable, such as when the patient is about to undergo a surgical or interventional procedure wherein bleeding could be problematic, the hypothermia-induced platelet inhibition may be rapidly reversed by using the intravascular heat exchange apparatus to re-warm the patient's body to normothermia or near normothermia.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for treating and/or determining appropriate prescriptions for one or both eyes of a patient are particularly well-suited for addressing presbyopia, often in combination with concurrent treatments of other vision defects. High-order spherical aberration may be imposed in one or both of a patient's eyes, often as a controlled amount of negative spherical aberration extending across a pupil. A desired presbyopia-mitigating quantity of high-order spherical aberration may be defined by one or more spherical Zernike coefficients, which may be combined with Zernike coefficients generated from a wavefront aberrometer. The resulting prescription can be imposed using refractive surgical techniques such as laser eye surgery, using intraocular lenses and other implanted structures, using contact lenses, using temporary or permanent corneal reshaping techniques, and/or the like.

Abstract: A dual blade device comprising an elongate probe having first and lateral second cutting edges and a blunt protruding distal tip, useable for performing an ab interno procedure to remove a strip of trabecular meshwork tissue from a human eye.

Abstract: An ocular implant adapted to be disposed within Schlemm's canal of a human eye with a body extending along a curved longitudinal central axis in a curvature plane, a first strut on one side of the implant and a second strut on an opposite side of the implant, the circumferential extent of the first strut with respect to the plane of curvature being greater than the circumferential extent of the second strut with respect to the plane of curvature. The invention also includes methods of using the implant.

Abstract: An ophthalmological apparatus (1) for treating eye tissue (3) with laser pulses (P) comprises a laser source (100, an optical projection system (20) for projecting the laser pulses (P) onto the eye tissue (30), and a coupling part (12) for attaching mechanically to the optical projection system (20) an ophthalmological patient interface device (27) which is in contact with the eye (3) during treatment. The ophthalmological apparatus (1) further comprises a detector (13) for determining a device identifier (22) associated with the ophthalmological patient interface device (27), and a control module (14) for controlling the ophthalmological apparatus (1) using the device identifier (22). The detector makes it possible to use and detect different types of ophthalmological patient interface devices (27) and to adapt automatically the treatment of the eye tissue (30), depending on the ophthalmological patient interface device (27) that is presently attached to the ophthalmological apparatus (1).

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatuses are presented that involve forming patterns on neo-epithelium that allow increased functionality and may more nearly resemble the original epithelium. In one instance, a patterned neo-epithelium dressing for treating a tissue site having granulation tissue includes an interface member for placing proximate the granulation tissue and a plurality of three-dimensional features formed on a second, patient-facing side of the interface member. Other systems, methods, and apparatuses are disclosed.

Abstract: The displacement mechanism includes: an urging mechanism that urges an anvil roller toward an ultrasonic horn in such a manner that output surfaces and a welding surface move closer in the normal direction thereof; and a pressed member that has guide surfaces against which the outer surface of the anvil roller, positioned within non-welding areas, are pressed by an urging force of the urging mechanism, the pressed member being fixed to a sheet holding roller in a state where a pressed surface is disposed within the width-direction range of a slit. In response to the movement of the anvil roller from a welding area to the non-welding areas, the guide surfaces of the pressed member guide the anvil roller in a direction in which the output surfaces and the welding surface move away from each other.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing an absorbent is provided with a stacking unit which sequentially forms a plurality of stacks S and discharges these stacks in the machine direction separated by gaps, pattern plates respectively having deep recesses so that thick parts are formed around back ends of the stacks in the machine direction, a wrapping unit which wraps the stacks which are sequentially discharged from the stacking unit by a wrapping web to thereby form continuous wrapped stacks, a conveying unit which conveys the continuous wrapped stacks in the machine direction, a pressing unit which presses the conveyed continuous wrapped stacks to stretch the stacks and thereby form connected parts C at which adjoining stacks are connected, and a cutting unit which cuts the continuous wrapped stacks at the connected parts C to thereby form the absorbents into predetermined shapes.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article comprising a first waist region, a second waist region, a crotch region disposed between the first waist region and second waist region; a first waist edge and a second waist edge; the disposable absorbent article comprising a first waistband near the first waist edge and a second waistband near the second waist edge, wherein the Front-to-Back Delta Chassis Contraction is greater than about 9.0%.