Abstract: To provide a prosthetic member that is less likely to degrade its mechanical properties even when using it in the presence of squalene, and a method of producing the same. The prosthetic member in the present invention includes a substrate exhibiting excellent antioxidant properties and including an antioxidant and a polymer material, and a polymer film(s) covering a surface of the substrate and comprising a (meth)acrylate compound. The method for producing the prosthetic member in the present invention includes the steps of: forming a substrate comprising an antioxidant and a polymer material, cleaning a surface of the substrate with a cleaning liquid, and covering the cleaned surface of the substrate with a polymer film(s) comprising a (meth)acrylate compound.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides, among other things, prosthetic joint components having textured surface(s) for improving lubrication and increasing the useful life of the prosthetic joint components. The textured surface includes solid features configured to stably contain a biological fluid or a synthetic biological fluid therebetween or therewithin for a non-zero residence time.

Abstract: Provided are acetabular cup implant assemblies that can be used in hip replacement surgery. Example assemblies comprise a shell and a liner. The liner can be positioned within a shell. Optionally, the liner can be rotated relative to the shell until the liner is seated in the shell in a position where the liner and shell can be secured to one another. Waveform-shaped features of the shell and liner can guide the relative rotation of the liner and shell. Also provided are methods of seating a liner in shell of an acetabular cup implant assembly.

Abstract: Implant apparatus and methods directed toward treating conditions involving the knee joint are disclosed. Full range of motion of the knee joint and tissue integrity are maintained in treatment approaches. In one particular approach, osteoarthritis of the knee joint is addressed by unloading one or more of the lateral and medial compartments.

Abstract: A prosthesis may include a stem, a ball stud, an adaptor, and a head. The stem may include a longitudinal axis and a bore having a central axis that is angled relative to the longitudinal axis. The ball stud may include a cylindrical shaft and a ball end. The cylindrical shaft may be received in the bore of the stem. The adaptor may include a tapered outer surface and a ball socket rotatably receiving the ball end of the stud. The head may be rotatably supported by the adaptor and may include a semispherical articulating surface and a female taper rotatably receiving the tapered outer surface of the adaptor.

Abstract: Methods and devices are disclosed for treating the facet joint. An implant for treating the facet joint is provided comprising a fixation plate having an access surface and a bone facing surface, a spacer configured to be inserted into the facet joint, and at least one hinge between the spacer and the bone facing surface of the fixation plate. A method for treating a facet joint comprising a superior articular process and an inferior articular process is provided comprising the steps of implanting a spacer between the superior articular process and the inferior articular process, positioning a fixation plate over the facet joint, and securing the fixation plate to at least one of the superior articular process and the inferior articular process. Another method comprises the steps of providing an implant comprising a fixation plate having an access surface and a bone facing surface, a spacer, and at least one hinge between the spacer and the bone facing surface of the fixation plate.

Abstract: An expandable implant is disclosed in which the implant includes top and bottom plates having angled inner surfaces that interact with expansion members. The expansion members may be situated on an actuator, and may include at least one vertical projection. In some instances, rotation of the actuator in opposing directions about a longitudinal axis may cause the expansion members to move toward or away from one another, thereby resulting in separation of the top and bottom plates. During such expansion of the implant, the at least one vertical projection of the expansion members may be guided at least partially within a recess formed in the first or second plate. Pins may also be included with the expansion members that ride along respective slots in the plates during expansion. An insertion instrument for implanting the aforementioned implant, and methods of using the same, are also disclosed.

Abstract: An intervertebral scaffolding system is provided having a central beam having a proximal portion having an end, a grafting portion having a top and a bottom, a distal portion having a end, a central beam axis, a graft distribution channel having an entry port at the end of the proximal portion, a top exit port at the top of the grafting portion, and a bottom exit port at the bottom of the grafting portion. These systems can also include a laterovertically-expanding frame operable for a reversible collapse from an expanded state into a collapsed state. The expanded state, for example, can be configured to have an open graft distribution window that at least substantially closes upon the reversible collapse.

Abstract: A method of inserting an intervertebral disc implant into a disc space includes accessing a spinal segment having a first vertebral body, a second vertebral body and a disc space between the first and second vertebral bodies. The method includes securing a first pin to the first vertebral body and a second pin to the second vertebral body, using the first and second pins for distracting the disc space, and providing an inserter holding the intervertebral disc implant. The method also desirably includes engaging the inserter with the first and second pins, and advancing the inserter toward the disc space for inserting the intervertebral disc implant into the disc space, whereby the first and second pins align and guide the inserter toward the disc space.

Abstract: An interbody spacer is provided including a body portion, first orifices, and second orifices. The body portion includes a distal end portion, a proximal end portion, first and second side surfaces that extend between the distal and proximal end portions, and top and bottom surfaces configured and adapted to engage vertebral bodies. The body portion includes a cavity defined through the first side surface and the cavity increases in volume at an interior portion of the body portion. The first orifices are defined through the top surface and the second orifices are defined through the bottom surface. One of the first orifices has a cross-sectional configuration different from that of one of the second orifices. A method of use therefor is also provided.

Abstract: An interbody spacer is disclosed and includes a body portion defining a longitudinal axis. The longitudinal axis includes a distal end portion, a proximal end portion, opposed side surfaces that extend between the distal and proximal end portions, and top and bottom surfaces configured and adapted to engage vertebral bodies. The body portion includes a cavity defined through the top and bottom surfaces that increases in width at a medial position thereof. The cavity is configured to retain biological material therein. A method of performing spinal surgery is also disclosed.

Abstract: A spinal implant is provided and includes a body portion defining a longitudinal axis. The body portion includes a distal end portion, a proximal end portion, opposed side surfaces that extend between the distal and proximal end portions, and top and bottom surfaces configured and adapted to engage vertebral bodies. The top and bottom surfaces have a surface roughness between 3-4 ?m. A cavity extends through the top and bottom surfaces defining a surface area that is at least 25% of a surface area of the top surface or the bottom surface. First orifices are defined through the top surface and second orifices are defined through the bottom surface. The second orifices are connected to the first orifices by a plurality of channel.

Abstract: An interbody spacer is provided including a body portion defining a longitudinal axis. The body portion includes a distal end portion, a proximal end portion, opposed side surfaces that extend between the distal and proximal end portions, and top and bottom surfaces configured and adapted to engage vertebral bodies. The interbody spacer includes first orifices defined through the top surface. The first orifices include orifices having first and second cross-sectional configurations and the first orifices are arranged in rows extending along the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: An interbody endeap comprises at least one member configured for connection with an interbody implant. The at least one member has a thickness that permits bone growth therethrough and a uniform surface configuration that resists and/or prevents egress of bone graft from a cavity of the interbody implant. Systems and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A total ankle replacement system, novel surgical method for total ankle replacement, and novel surgical tools for performing the surgical method are described. The total ankle replacement system includes the calcaneus in fixation of a lower prosthesis body, thereby significantly increasing the amount of bone available for fixation of the lower prosthesis body and allowing the lower prosthesis body to be anchored with screws. The total ankle replacement system further includes a long tibial stem which can also be anchored into the tibia with, for example, screws, nails, anchors, or some other means of attachment. The novel surgical arthroscopic method allows introduction of ankle prostheses into the ankle joint through an exposure in the tibial tubercle. Various novel surgical instruments, such as a telescoping articulating reamer and a talo-calcaneal jig, which facilitate the novel surgical method, are also described.

Abstract: A method for pre-operative orthopedic planning includes obtaining only a high-resolution knee-joint scan of a patient, determining hip rotation center and ankle rotation center from anthropometric data based on personal data of the patient, and determining a mechanical axis of the knee joint based on the anthropometric data. The method also includes preparing at least a two-dimensional image model of the knee joint using the knee-joint scan and the determined mechanical axis, and preparing a pre-operative surgical plan based on the image of the knee joint.

Abstract: A prosthesis impactor assembly is provided having an impactor handle, an adaptor separate from the impactor handle, a connector rotatably secured within the adaptor, and a locking mechanism to lock the adaptor and connector to the impactor handle. The connector has a prosthesis connector member for connecting to the acetabular cup at one end, and a drive connector at an opposing end. The adaptor is received by a receiver of the impactor handle and is locked in place with the locking mechanism. The adaptor and impactor handle further have timing members to properly align the adaptor with respect to the impactor handle.

Abstract: A system and method for allowing any surgeon, including those surgeons who perform a fewer number of a revision procedure as compared to a more experienced surgeon who performs a greater number of procedures, to provide an improved likelihood of a favorable outcome approaching, if not exceeding, a likelihood of a favorable outcome as performed by a very experienced surgeon with the revision procedure.

Abstract: A method of inserting an intervertebral disc implant into a disc space includes accessing a spinal segment having a first vertebral body, a second vertebral body and a disc space between the first and second vertebral bodies. The method includes securing a first pin to the first vertebral body and a second pin to the second vertebral body, using the first and second pins for distracting the disc space, and providing an inserter holding the intervertebral disc implant. The method also desirably includes engaging the inserter with the first and second pins, and advancing the inserter toward the disc space for inserting the intervertebral disc implant into the disc space, whereby the first and second pins align and guide the inserter toward the disc space.

Abstract: An orthopedic damping device with a movably mounted piston and at least one chamber which has a wall and in which a compressible medium is compressed by moving the piston in a first direction and decompressed by moving the piston in an opposite second direction. The chamber is connected to a discharge channel. A closure element is paired with the discharge channel. The closure element is movably mounted on a support. The support is coupled to the piston or is designed as a piston. The closure element is coupled to a contact region which can be moved relative to the support.

Abstract: A human exoskeleton includes a battery. The human exoskeleton also includes an electric motor electrically coupled to the battery and powered by the battery to actuate at least one component of the human exoskeleton in an activated state of the electric motor, the electric motor back-driven during a non-activated state of the electric motor to regenerate power in the battery.

Abstract: The invention describes a stent (1) formed of at least two meander-shaped segments (3a and 3b), which has a supporting structure (8) for an active ingredient in areas of abated flow.

Abstract: A braided self-expandable endoluminal stent comprises a tubular grid formed by connection of a plurality of wave bends in the circumferential direction. Each of the wave bands comprises a plurality of crests and troughs of an elastic wire in the axial direction, and is respectively connected with another wave band. On two sides of each of the wave bands, there is a wave band abutted thereto side by side. There is at least one cross-linking point between every two wave bands abutted side by side. Each of the cross-linking points is formed by intersecting one trough on one of the wave bands abutted side by side with one corresponding crest on the other wave band, and at least one part of the cross-linking points are fixed cross-linking points. Each of the wave bands is further staggered and overlapped with at least another wave band, and a plurality of crossing points (12, 14, 22, 23) are formed between the wave bands which are staggered and overlapped with each other.

Abstract: Biodegradable stent prosthesis are formed as a tubular body comprising a biodegradable polymeric material. The stent prosthesis are expandable from a crimped configuration to an expanded configuration and have a radial strength and a conformability.

Abstract: A stent retractor/distractor includes a radially flexibly enlargeable, pipe-shaped sheath which is divided up in the circumferential direction in at least two sections, namely one stiffening section and one enlarging section with differing radial flexibilities, which are connected with each other in one piece of material. The stent retractor/distractor defined in that way is made on the whole by a laser or water jet cutting procedure, preferably from a pipe blank.

Abstract: Stents or scaffolds made from magnesium or magnesium alloys including additives or barrier coatings that modify the corrosion rate of the stent are disclosed. Methods of forming barrier coatings that modify the corrosion rate of the stent are disclosed.

Abstract: A control system for controlling movement of a medical device delivery system, a stent delivery system and a method for controlling movement of a medical device delivery system are provided. The control system includes a first extendable arm comprising a plurality of first struts interconnected at intermediate points and end points of the first struts. The first arm is movable between a first position and a second position and the first arm is operably connected to one of the first shaft and the second shaft. The control system also includes a first actuator operably connected to the first arm and the first actuator is operable to move the first arm from the first position to the second position. Movement of the first arm moves the first shaft relative to the second shaft to change the position of the second shaft relative to the first shaft.

Abstract: An adjustable support for a pneumatic orthosis is provided. The adjustable support includes an inflatable member and a pod that acts diffuse, concentrate, localize or otherwise direct a force applied to a wearer's body via the inflatable member. Contemplated adjustable supports can be adjustably coupled to any suitable brace panel such that the apex of the inflatable member is movable relative to a midpoint of the panel of the brace as desired.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing external assistance during a throwing motion include a detachable sleeve comprising a torso and an elastomer mesh arm region. The arm region comprises a long sleeve that covers the user's throwing arm to the middle of the forearm. The arm region may include an opening in the elbow portion hereof large enough for the elbow of a user to extend through. In this way, the elastomer mesh of the arm region will not interfere with the rotation of the elbow during a throwing motion. During a throwing motion, the elastomer mesh of the arm region helps prevent an overextension of the UCL and assists the varying muscles in the arm and shoulder that provide stability to the UCL during the forward motion of the arm leading to the release of the ball (or other object thrown).

Abstract: A dorsal foot splint includes a dorsal member having a proximal portion for engaging the dorsal surface of the lower leg and a distal portion for engaging the dorsal surface of the foot. A tension strap is configured to adjust a position between the distal and proximal portions of the dorsal member to vary the tension applied to the plantar fascia and the Achilles tendon of a user.

Abstract: A rehabilitation footwear has a sole, two supporting arms and multiple fastening belts. The sole has two sidewalls formed on and protrude from a top of the sole and facing to each other. The supporting arms are respectively connected to the sidewalls of the sole and each has an inserting tab, multiple supporting tabs, at least two bending segments and multiple belt mounts. The inserting tab is connected to one of the sidewalls of the sole. The supporting tabs are sequentially formed with each other. The at least two bending segments are formed with the supporting tabs, and each bending segment is formed with two adjacent supporting tabs and has a convex inner side and a concave outer side. The belt mounts are respectively mounted on the supporting mounts. The fastening belts are connected to the sole and the supporting arms.

Abstract: A mandible support device comprising a structural member comprising a support component and an adhesive component. The support component is configured to extend from the head or face above the mandible to the region of the gonial angle. The adhesive component is configured such that the structural member can be temporarily attached to the skin.

Abstract: Therapeutic jewelry is provided that can provide a therapeutic heating or cooling effect to a user. The therapeutic jewelry includes a thread, a first therapeutic container portion, a second therapeutic container portion, and a cap. The first therapeutic container portion defines a first internal cavity, includes a receiving member extending across, and has a hollow interior open at opposite sides of the first therapeutic portion to receive the thread there through. The second therapeutic container portion defines a second internal cavity and is connectable to the first container portion forming a jewelry element body such that the first and second internal cavities cooperatively form an interior fluid cavity. At least one of the first or second container portions define a filling aperture open to the interior fluid cavity of the jewelry element body, enabling filling the interior fluid cavity.

Abstract: A wrap has a thermal media laminate containing an array of spaced apart cells of thermal media sandwiched between a plastic film and fabric. Areas in the laminate are provided for attaching electrodes. The laminate is attached to a backing. Apertures in the laminate and backing allow passage of wire leads from the electrodes. Elastic bands with hook fasteners extend from the backing. The hook fasteners releasably attach to loop material of the backing. A TENS unit clips onto one or more of the bands. The leads attach to the TENS unit.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to gloves which provide supplemental heating or cooling to a user's circulating arterial blood.

Abstract: There is provided a cannula that is capable of controlling itself from easily slipping out from an eyeball when a surgical tool or the like is moved, does not damage the eyeball even when the base of the cannula and the eyeball make contact, and controls a pipe from detaching from the base. The cannula is pierced through the eyeball in ophthalmic operations and includes a metal pipe for piercing through the eyeball A; and a base joined to an end side of the pipe and made of a material having flexibility. Moreover, the center part of an eyeball side end surface of the base should be depressed, and the shape of the contact portion of the base should be changed when the base makes contact with the eyeball.

Abstract: A system for ophthalmic surgery on an eye includes: a pulsed laser which produces a treatment beam; an OCT imaging assembly capable of creating a continuous depth profile of the eye; an optical scanning system configured to position a focal zone of the treatment beam to a targeted location in three dimensions in one or more floaters in the posterior pole. The system also includes one or more controllers programmed to automatically scan tissues of the patient's eye with the imaging assembly; identify one or more boundaries of the one or more floaters based at least in part on the image data; iii. identify one or more treatment regions based upon the boundaries; and operate the optical scanning system with the pulsed laser to produce a treatment beam directed in a pattern based on the one or more treatment regions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making improved surgical incisions in corrective eye surgery are provided. It was observed that a uniform elongated AK (or LRI) incision provides a non-uniform corrective effect due to non-uniform post-surgical relaxation of ophthalmic tissue. The method and apparatus leverage this observation to provide for creation of a surgical incision that is structured to be non-uniform along its length in such a manner as to at least partially counteract an expected variation in ophthalmic tissue relaxation to provide overall increased uniformity of corrective effect. An automated laser surgery system includes a laser control system configured to control laser delivery to cause selective ablation of ophthalmic tissue to provide an elongated structured incision that varies along its length in at least one of a depth, a profile, a width, and an angle of attack relative to a surface of the ophthalmic tissue.

Abstract: Contact lenses are provided for ocular iontophoretic therapy. Implementations include a reservoir adapted to contain a charged therapeutic compound, a current source providing iontophoretic current to the charged therapeutic composition to affect delivery of the charged therapeutic composition into an eyeball, and a sensing circuit controlling the current source to maintain a selected pH range of the charged therapeutic composition. Alternate embodiments include active, sacrificial electrodes for generating ions sufficient to provide electromotive repulsive force to the charged compound to effect transport into ocular tissue.

Abstract: A surgical hand piece comprises a shell, a channel having an irrigation conduit, and a sensor housing. The channel is coupled to the shell such that the proximal end of the channel is located at the proximal end of the shell and the distal end of the channel is located near the distal end of the shell. The sensor housing has an irrigation path extending through it. The sensor housing has a seal interface on one end. The seal interface end of the sensor housing is coupled to the proximal end of the channel such that the irrigation conduit of the channel is fluidly coupled to the irrigation path of the sensor housing.

Abstract: Drainage of aqueous from the anterior chamber of the eye can be facilitated by a malleable hollow clip or staple that can be formed to attach to ophthalmic tissue and provide intra-luminal flow of aqueous through the clip. In addition, the clip can be adjusted to modulate the outflow rate of aqueous, both during the initial surgical procedure as well as on a post-procedure basis. Furthermore, an instrument is described in which the forceps of the clip delivery device reside inside the lumen of hollow clip during deployment and manipulation. Features of an instrument are designed to secure the clip to the delivery forceps and prevent tissue blockage of the clip lumens. The clips may be color-matched to the underlying tissue for the purpose of camouflage and may carry pharmaceuticals.

Abstract: An apparatus for treatment of an eye comprises a source of pulsed laser radiation, and a control device for controlling a focus of the laser radiation to generate an incision figure. The incision figure defines a corneal flap, a first auxiliary channel and a second auxiliary channel. The corneal flap is connected to adjoining corneal tissue in a hinge region, and has a flap underside parted-off from adjoining corneal tissue by a bed incision. The first auxiliary channel extends from the hinge region to an outer surface of the eye and is adapted to remove gases that develop during the generation of the bed incision. The second auxiliary channel extends along an edge of the bed incision, is connected to the first auxiliary channel, and extends beyond the hinge region. The control device is configured to generate the second auxiliary channel prior to the bed incision.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for measuring an optical penetration that is triggered in a tissue underneath the tissue surface by means of therapeutic laser radiation which a laser-surgical device concentrates in a treatment focus located in said tissue. The inventive device is provided with a detection beam path comprising a lens system which couples radiation emanating from the tissue underneath the tissue surface into the detection beam path. A detector device generating a detection signal which indicates the spatial dimension and/or position of the optical penetration in the tissue is arranged downstream of the detection beam path.

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

Abstract: A non-woven gauze product and a method and system for manufacturing same. The spunlace device includes a second spunlace machine having a shaping layer on the surface, the shaping layer is provided with pointed projections having tapered tops disposed in a matrix arrangement, each pointed projection has a bottom of rectangular cross-section, the bottom size of each pointed projection is larger than the bottom distance between two adjacent pointed projections. A non-woven cloth having rectangular holes in an array layout is formed by water jetting the fiber-web at the second spunlace machine. The rectangular holes in an array layout are presented in a flat structure having warp and weft, and the dimension of each rectangular hole is larger than the line width of warp and weft. The features of such non-woven cloth are similar to those of gauze, so the non-woven cloth can be a substitute for the current gauze.

Abstract: A wound healing system and a wound care bandage are provided. The wound care bandage has an electronics housing that houses a battery and wound care microcontroller. A bandage layer is provided and it defines a pad recess in which a pad is disposed. The pad has channels to allow for airflow. The wound care bandage at least first and second snap button electrodes, but there may be more snap button electrodes in other preferred embodiments. There are also electrically conductive adhesive strips with one being in contact with each of the first and second snap button electrodes. When current is controllably supplied to the first and second snap button electrodes a plurality of electric current flow paths are generated and that extend across the wound and stimulate the healing of the wound. The wound care bandage can be monitored and controlled wirelessly.

Abstract: Devices, bandages, kits and methods are described that can control or regulate the mechanical environment of a wound to ameliorate scar and/or keloid formation. The mechanical environment of a wound includes stress, strain, and any combination of stress and strain. The control of a wound's mechanical environment can be active, passive, dynamic, or static. The devices are configured to be removably secured to a skin surface in proximity to the wound site and shield the wound from endogenous and/or exogenous stress.

Abstract: A welding unit welds respective side panels pieces of a partly-finished product being conveyed by a conveying unit to each other along a conveying direction. The conveying unit conveys, when the respective side panel pieces are welded to each other by the welding unit, the partly-finished product in a state in which both side portions in the width direction of the portions of the respective side panel pieces to be welded are held for each set of the respective side panel pieces.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for severing a continuous web into discrete pieces, and re-orienting the discrete pieces by turning and placing the discrete pieces onto a moving conveyor for further processing as desired.

Abstract: In an incontinence pad having an absorber 4 interposed between a permeable front surface sheet and a back surface sheet, the absorber is provided with an absorber recessed part, without relying on compression, on a surface of the permeable front surface sheet along an incontinence pad longitudinal direction and over a longitudinal direction range including a body fluid discharge site. By embossing from a front surface of the permeable front surface sheet, an embossed part imparted with an emboss width smaller than a groove width of the absorber recessed part is disposed along the absorber recessed part in the inside of the absorber recessed part.