Abstract: Methods of manufacturing a custom arthroplasty resection guide or jig are disclosed herein. For example, one method may include: generating MRI knee coil two dimensional images, wherein the knee coil images include a knee region of a patient; generating MRI body coil two dimensional images, wherein the body coil images include a hip region of the patient, the knee region of the patient and an ankle region of the patient; in the knee coil images, identifying first locations of knee landmarks; in the body coil images, identifying second locations of the knee landmarks; run a transformation with the first and second locations, causing the knee coil images and body coil images to generally correspond with each other with respect to location and orientation.

Abstract: Methods of manufacturing a custom arthroplasty resection guide or jig are disclosed herein. For example, one method may include: generating MRI knee coil two dimensional images, wherein the knee coil images include a knee region of a patient; generating MRI body coil two dimensional images, wherein the body coil images include a hip region of the patient, the knee region of the patient and an ankle region of the patient; in the knee coil images, identifying first locations of knee landmarks; in the body coil images, identifying second locations of the knee landmarks; run a transformation with the first and second locations, causing the knee coil images and body coil images to generally correspond with each other with respect to location and orientation.

Abstract: Methods of manufacturing a custom arthroplasty resection guide or jig are disclosed herein. For example, one method may include: generating MRI knee coil two dimensional images, wherein the knee coil images include a knee region of a patient; generating MRI body coil two dimensional images, wherein the body coil images include a hip region of the patient, the knee region of the patient and an ankle region of the patient; in the knee coil images, identifying first locations of knee landmarks; in the body coil images, identifying second locations of the knee landmarks; run a transformation with the first and second locations, causing the knee coil images and body coil images to genera correspond with each other with respect to location and orientation.

Abstract: Methods of manufacturing a custom arthroplasty resection guide or jig are disclosed herein. For example, one method may include: generating MRI knee coil two dimensional images, wherein the knee coil images include a knee region of a patient; generating MRI body coil two dimensional images, wherein the body coil images include a hip region of the patient, the knee region of the patient and an ankle region of the patient; in the knee coil images, identifying first locations of knee landmarks; in the body coil images, identifying second locations of the knee landmarks; run a transformation with the first and second locations, causing the knee coil images and body coil images to generally correspond with each other with respect to location and orientation.

Abstract: A tracking system and method using the same is disclosed which is capable of minimizing a restriction of surgical space by achieving a lightweight of the system as well as a reduction of a manufacturing cost through calculating a 3-dimensional coordinates of each of makers using single image forming unit. In the tracking system and method using the same has an effect of reducing a manufacturing cost of the tracking system with small and lightweight, and relatively low restriction of surgical space comparing with conventional tracking system by calculating a spatial position and a direction of the markers attached on a target by using one image forming unit through a trigonometry since a pair of maker images are formed on an image forming unit for each marker by a pair of light sources positioned different to each other.

Abstract: A shape sensing enabled instrument includes a flexible longitudinal body (103) including an outer surface which encapsulates interior features. The interior features include an optical fiber lumen (105) configured to receive one or more optical fibers for optical shape sensing, and a mechanical member (107) forming a hollow extending longitudinally down the body. The mechanical member is configured to receive the optical fiber lumen therein to permit rotation and translation of an optical fiber and to protect the optical fiber.

Abstract: A method for reconstructing 3D shape of a longitudinal device using an optical fiber with optical shape sensing (OSS) properties, e.g. Bragg gratings. By attaching the optical fiber to the longitudinal device, such that the optical fiber follows its 3D shape upon bending, known OSS techniques can be applied to reconstruct 3D shape of the optical fiber, and thus also the longitudinal device, e.g. a medical catheter. E.g. the optical fiber, e.g. placed in a guide wire, can be inserted in a lumen of the longitudinal device. Hereby, one OSS system can be used for 3D tracking a plurality of non-shape sensed catheters or other longitudinal devices. In case the longitudinal device is longer than the optical fiber, the position and shape of the remaining part of the longitudinal device may be estimated and visualized to a user, e.g. based on a known length of the longitudinal device, and based on an orientation of an end point of the optical fiber, e.g.

Abstract: A detection and identification system of instruments for use with a surgical navigation system is described. The navigation system contains an instrument assembly containing a coil (of a receiver) having an interior space, an instrument configured to be removably coupled to the coil, and a prong affixed to the instrument and configured to be at least partially disposed within the interior space of the coil when the instrument is coupled to the coil, where the prong has a length corresponding to physical dimensions of the instrument. The navigation system can also contain a transmitter located within the body of a patient.

Abstract: A wrist mechanism for a surgical instrument is disclosed. In some implementations, a surgical instrument includes an end effector and a unitary wrist mechanism coupled to the end effector, where the wrist mechanism is formed from a single piece of material. The wrist mechanism provides at least one degree of freedom to the end effector, and includes a plurality of link members linked together as well as one or more flexures, where at least one of the flexures includes a chain of a connected plurality of segments. Each flexure connects associated adjacent link members and enables rotational movement of the associated link members relative to each other to provide an associated degree of freedom to the end effector.

Abstract: A medical manipulator includes an insertion portion, an arm portion, a light irradiation section irradiating a luminous flux having an optical axis parallel to an arm axial line, an imaging section imaging a locus of an optical image, a rotational movement portion rotating the arm portion around a reference axial line, and an initialization control unit performing initialization control to aligning the arm portion with the reference axial line, in which the initialization control unit includes: a locus acquisition control section controlling the light irradiation section, the rotational movement portion, and the imaging section to acquire a locus of the luminous flux, a convergence determination section computing a diameter of the locus and determines whether or not the diameter of the locus has converged, a driving amount correction section obtaining a driving amount of the first redundant joint and performs driving, and a convergence operation control section.

Abstract: Teleoperation systems and methods for use during a surgical procedure. The teleoperation system comprises a surgical tool and a master input device for being moved by a user. A slave device is coupled to the surgical tool and responsive to movement of the master input device. The slave device is configured to be operated in a first mode or a second mode. In the first mode, the surgical tool is placed in a desired pose with respect to a target region in response to a manual force applied to the slave device. In the second mode, the surgical tool is manipulated during the surgical procedure in response to movement of the master input device by the user. A visual indicator is coupled to the surgical tool or the slave device to emit light in the second mode to provide visual information to the user in the second mode.

Abstract: An adapter system can include a set of adapters operably adapted to a set of microsurgical tools. Each adapter in the set of adapters can be formed for a complimentary surgical tool in the set of surgical tools. Each adapter can have a setback feature designed to orient a corresponding tool tip at a common tip distance. An adapter receptacle can include a joint or joints having a rotary motion and/or translation mechanism and a setback stop feature.

Abstract: A system for performing a medical intervention in a subject's body includes a medical device (10) having several segments (12, 15) to be navigated through the body lumens; an external magnet; and a control unit connected with the magnet. The magnet generates control signals for the external magnet to generate a magnetic field (B) having a direction (40) to orient a magnetically responsive element (25) in the distal end portion (20) of the medical device (10), especially to cause the distal end portion (20) of the medical device (10) to bend in a given direction (30) for improving navigation. The control unit is configured to limit the generation of control signals for the external magnet that the direction (40) of the magnetic field (B) is limited within a field limiting frame (60) around the longitudinal axis (30) of the distal end portion (20) of the medical device (10).

Abstract: An illuminated microsurgical instrument includes a microsurgical instrument having a distal tip and an optical fiber for delivering a beam of light to a surgical site. The optical fiber includes a proximal end for receiving a light beam from a light source, and a distal end proximate to the distal tip of the microsurgical instrument for emitting the light beam. The distal end includes a beveled end face either oriented toward or oriented opposite from the distal tip of the microsurgical instrument.

Abstract: A system for performing a scanning session of a patient's body, the system comprising: a radiation source; a radiation sensor; a patient positioner for placing the patient between the radiation source and the radiation sensor in a fixed position during each scan; at least one Pseudo-Random Grid (PRG) comprising randomly spaced perpendicular gridlines, the PRG being at least partially radiopaque and positioned between the radiation source and the radiation sensor in a fixed manner with respect to the patient positioner during the scanning session, wherein at least one of said radiation source and said radiation sensor is configured to move independently, and wherein at least one of said radiation source and said radiation sensor is moved to multiple different positions during the scanning session such that energy emitted from the radiation source passes through said PRG and said patient's body and collected by a surface of said radiation sensor.

Abstract: An orthosis according to definition is an external support or other device applied to the body to change the functional or structural aspects of the neuromuscular skeletal system. The device which has been designed and described in detail above is intended to reduce the loads which surgeons have to support on their shoulders and legs during long periods of time during which they are engaged in surgical operations and therefore to reduce the risk that they will suffer lesions such as disc hernias, varicose veins, and pain, among others, through the use of mechatronic systems which facilitate their use and allow greater freedom of movement.

Abstract: A dental air turbine includes a turbine blade, a rotating shaft which is integrally fixed with the turbine blade, and a pair of rolling bearings which rotatably support the rotating shaft with respect to a housing. The pair of rolling bearings are arranged back-to-back while fitting inner rings on the rotating shaft such that a preload is applied thereto. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce the sizes of the rolling bearings and to improve the moment rigidity of the rotating shaft.

Abstract: A crown assistive device includes a plurality of clips adapted to be fitted over teeth, each clip shaped with a curved exterior and an interior with an edge adapted to contact a crown, wherein the clips are spaced apart with openings to receive floss, and the ends of the clips on a first side are connected with a first bar and the ends of the clips on a second side are connected together as a second bar.

Abstract: A method for monitoring the position of the teeth of a patient includes the following steps: a) modeling a target position of the teeth in the form of a target model; b) after a time interval, modeling an updated position of the teeth in the form of an updated model; c) comparing the target and updated models.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for determining suitability of an orthodontic treatment. The method is implemented with at least one computational device and involves posing one or more queries relating to a potential patient. One or more responses to the queries are received and the suitability of the orthodontic treatment is determined based upon the received responses. Advantageously, the potential patient may conveniently perform a self-determination relating to the suitability of the orthodontic treatment prior to arranging a formal assessment with an orthodontist.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment of the invention, an interface attachment device which is customized on one side for placement on a patient's tooth surface and locked on to the bottom or base of a bracket on the other side is disclosed. The combination of the interface attachment device and the bracket is bonded to the surface of a tooth for an orthodontic treatment of the patient. One or more interface attachment devices, with or without brackets, can be precisely placed and bonded to the corresponding surfaces of one or more teeth of a patient using a tooth attachment placement device created for the patient. The locking mechanism between the interface attachment and the bracket can be (a) form-locked, i.e. male/female arrangement, (b) friction-locked (i.e. using spring, magnetism, shape memory phase shift, shrinkage, etc.), (c) combination of (a) and (b), or (d) any other type. The interface attachment can be attached to the tooth surface by any kind of adhesive or composite material.

Abstract: A dental appliance for positioning a patient's teeth includes a removable orthodontic tooth positioning appliance having teeth receiving cavities shaped to directly receive at least some of the patient's teeth and apply a resilient positioning force to the patient's teeth. The appliance includes a hard polymer layer having a hard polymer layer elastic modulus disposed between a first soft polymer layer having a first soft polymer layer elastic modulus and a second soft polymer layer having a second soft polymer layer elastic modulus. The hard polymer layer elastic modulus is greater than each of the first soft polymer layer elastic modulus and the second soft polymer layer elastic modulus. At least one of the first soft polymer layer and the second soft polymer layer has a flexural modulus of greater than about 35,000 psi.

Abstract: The orthodontic alignment of misaligned teeth includes preparing a digital and/or physical overlay model which is the superimposed positioning of the patient's original misaligned dentition with the target or final position. The superimposition of one upon the other creates an open space through which teeth may move in a natural manner, allowing for a treatment plan that takes into account the physical interaction of one tooth with another or the differences in tooth movement rates due in part to differences in underlying bone density or the like. An aligner tray fabricated using the model will likewise represent the before and after tooth positions and will also have the open space to allow tooth movement. Force exerting structures are preferably placed into the aligner tray to impinge upon the patient's teeth in a prescribed manner when the aligner tray is inserted into the patient's oral cavity.

Abstract: Provided is an orthodontic self-ligating bracket in which the second wing formed on the bracket body is formed to be lower than the height of the first wing, and when pushing the wire to the slot to mount the wire to the slot by installing the wire coupling device on the top surface of the second wing, while the plate tip is pushed rearward by the force for pushing the wire, the slop inlet is open, and when the wire is mounted on the slot and the pushing force disappears, the plate tip closes the slot inlet, thereby remarkably shortening the wire mounting time and allowing very convenient wire mounting.

Abstract: An apparatus for replicating a tooth within a user's mouth comprises a threaded insert receivable with a bore in a wearer's jaw, the threaded insert having a first connector associated therewith and a tooth implant having a second connector. The first and second connectors are frictionally engageable with each other to retain the tooth implant within the user's mouth.

Abstract: An osteotome for transcrestal sinus floor elevation includes a working portion and a handle. A notch is provided on the working portion for peeling off maxillary sinus floor mucosa all around to enlarge a lifting scope of maxillary sinus floor. An end surface of the working portion is a plane. The end thickness of the working portion is from 0.3mm to 1.5mm. By the notch, the working portion is changed to be semi-cylindrical or incomplete cylindrical; while lifting the maxillary sinus through the improved osteotome, under the premise of preparing the implanting tooth crypt holes with the same diameter, the osteotome is capable of peeling off the sinus floor mucosa all around after going deep into the maxillary sinus, to enlarge the lifting scope of the maxillary sinus floor, thus the elevation amplitude of the maxillary sinus floor is improved.

Abstract: Dental prostheses are disclosed including a dental prosthesis that can comprise an abutment and a component stabilized with vitamin E. The abutment can be adapted to be secured in a patient's jaw. The component can be adapted to couple the abutment to a dental appliance.

Abstract: A retractor for periodontal surgery includes an elongated handle from which extends a first connection portion and a second connection portion, with a blade extending from the second connection portion. The handle and the first connection portion are positioned at a first angle, the first connection portion and the second connection portion are positioned at a second angle. The first and second connection portions are generally co-planar. The blade is obliquely positioned at a third angle relative to the central axis of the second connection portion. The blade may be easily inserted into an incision in a patient's gum so as to retract the incision.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides for a dental mill blank and a method of forming the dental mill blank. The dental mill blank includes a first layer (102) of a first hard restorative material having a first translucency and a first shade, a second layer (104) of a second hard restorative material having a second translucency and a second shade, where at least one of the following is true: the first translucency is different from the second translucency, the first shade is different from the second shade. The first layer (102) and the second layer (104) form a first interface having a first curve (112) across a first plane of symmetry (114) of the dental mill blank, where the first curve (112) has a different from zero curvature; and a first straight line (122) along the entire length of a second plane (118) of the dental mill blank, the second plane (118) being orthogonal to the first plane of symmetry (114).

Abstract: A dental block for producing a dental prosthesis comprises a green body including zirconia and having a chemical composition including increasing amounts of a chroma component, such as manganese, through a thickness of the green body. The green body is substantially white with a substantially consistent optical characteristic of chroma across the thickness, and is subsequently millable and sinterable to form the dental prosthesis with an optical characteristic of decreasing gray color through a thickness of the dental prosthesis.

Abstract: A portable teeth rinsing machine includes a base and a spray gun. The base includes an air compression device to generate compressed air and a liquid compression device to generate a compressed liquid. The spray gun communicates with the air compression device and the liquid compression device, and includes an air directing passage to get the compressed air, a liquid directing passage to get the compressed liquid, a first depressing portion located in the air directing passage and triggered to output the compressed air, and a second depressing portion located in the liquid directing passage and triggered to output the compressed liquid.

Abstract: An electric toothbrush for use by an operator and capable of being connected to a suction device. The electric toothbrush includes a head with a plurality of bristles, at least one irrigation port, and at least one suction port, and an injection port in fluid communication with the at least one irrigation port. The electric toothbrush also includes a handle with a ventilation port in fluid communication with the at least one suction port, a user interface, and a controller. The ventilation port permits suction from the suction device to the at least one suction port and the controller is configured to actuate at least one of rotation, oscillation, and vibration of the bristles for a preset time period in response to a predetermined feedback from the operator through the user interface.

Abstract: A water pressure driven tooth brush according to embodiments includes a hose to be connected to a faucet, a water pressure power generator to generate rotating force by receiving water pressure through the hose, and rotary tooth brush hairs rotated by the water pressure power generator. The water pressure power generator includes a cylindrical housing serving as a tooth brush handle and having a water supply pipe and a water exhaust pipe at a rear portion thereof, and at least one driving shaft at a front portion thereof, a water turbine installed in a rear chamber formed in the cylindrical housing and rotated by pressurized water, and a reduction module installed in a front chamber formed in the cylindrical housing and coupled to a rotating shaft of the water turbine to transfer reduced rotating force to the driving shaft.

Abstract: A curing light may include a housing sized and configured for placement over a tooth. A first facet positioned within the housing may have a first LED mounted thereon, a second facet positioned within the housing may have a second LED mounted thereon, and a third facet positioned within the housing may have a third LED mounted thereon.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the concurrent treatment of multiple oral diseases and defects while promoting general oral hygiene utilizing electricity are provided for non-human animals. Electrodes are used to deliver an electrical current to the gingival tissues of a mouth in order to achieve a number of therapeutic, prophylactic, and regenerative benefits. These benefits include killing oral microbes, increasing oral vasodilation, reducing oral biofilm, improving oral blood circulation, reversing oral bone resorption, promoting oral osteogenesis, treating gum recession, and fostering gingival regeneration. Other benefits include the treatment of gingivitis, periodontitis, and oral malodor, and other systemic diseases correlated with oral pathogens.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a modular supramolecular bioresorbable or biomedical material comprising (i) a polymer comprising at least two 4H-units and (ii) a biologically active compound. Optionally, the supramolecular bioresorbable or biomedical material comprises a bioresorbable or biomedical polymer as third component to tune its properties (mechanical and bioresorption properties). The supramolecular bioresorbable or biomedical material is especially suitable for biomedical applications such as controlled release of drugs, materials for tissue-engineering, materials for the manufacture of a prosthesis or an implant, medical imaging technologies.

Abstract: Surgical instruments for pevlic repair are disclosed. The surgical instruments have straight portions and helical portions. Surgical methods for treating prolapse and other pelvic disorders are also disclosed, including passing a distal end region of the surgical instruments through pelvic tissue, associating an implant with the surgical instruments, and securing the implant in place to stabilize the vagina.

Abstract: Described are permeable pouches for tissue containment and methods for their use and manufacture. Exemplary pouches include a permeable material formed to create a cavity into which tissue graft material can be placed. Tissue graft material may be enclosed within a sealed pouch or within an unsealed pouch.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a container for an implant, characterized in that the inner shape and/or dimensions of the container are adapted to mirror the outer shape and/or dimensions of the implant. The invention further provides the use of the container in methods for infection control and in methods for the diagnosis of infections of implants. These methods comprise an elution step of the microorganisms from an explanted implant, which is performed by ultrasonic methods using the entire container of the invention with the implant inside. Advantageously, the necessary volume of the solution for eluting the microorganisms form the surface of the implants can be reduced by up to 90% due to the construction of the inside of the container. It will additionally enable a transport between the operating room (OR) and the lab without contamination risk.

Abstract: The invention relates to an artificial vascular graft comprising a primary scaffold structure encompassing an inner space of the artificial vascular graft, said primary scaffold structure having an inner surface facing towards said inner space and an outer surface facing away from said inner space, a coating on said inner surface, wherein a plurality of grooves is comprised in said coating of said inner surface. The primary scaffold structure comprises further a coating on said outer surface. The primary scaffold structure and the coating on said inner surface and on said outer surface are d designed in such a way that cells, in particular progenitor cells, can migrate from the periphery of said artificial vascular graft through said outer surface of said coating, said primary scaffold structure and said inner surface to said inner space, if the artificial vascular graft is used as intended. The invention relates further to a method for providing said graft.

Abstract: Prosthetic augments to improve muscle mechanics are disclosed herein. A prosthetic augment of the present disclosure includes an augment member configured to engage a bone, the augment member having a first face adapted for contacting the bone; and a second face adapted for contacting an underside of a muscle, wherein at least a portion of the second face includes a bulbous surface adapted to alter a wrapping angle of the muscle around the bone, wherein a first thickness is defined between the first face and the second face at a first position on the augment member, wherein a second thickness is defined between the first face and the bulbous surface of the second face, and wherein the first thickness and the second thickness are not equivalent so as to result in the augment member having a non-uniform thickness.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an implantable medical device comprising a hybrid composite material including a first biological component such as an acellular tissue matrix and a second non-biological component for strengthening the device after implantation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a medical support device comprising an essentially flat back wall, a curved front wall, and a pocket defined between the back wall and the front wall for receiving a breast implant and/or tissue, and is characterized in that the area of the back wall is substantially larger than the projected area of the front wall.

Abstract: A method of forming a fluid-filled implant is provided. The method includes: forming a first zone of an elastomeric membrane defining at least one partially enclosed void space; expanding a volume of the void space, thereby expanding a volume enclosed by the first zone; forming a second zone comprising at least one elastomeric middle layer on at least a portion of the expanded first zone; and reducing the volume of the void space, thereby contracting elastomeric layers of the first zone and the second zone. The method also includes forming an adjustable implant from the elastomeric membrane by enclosing the void space to form at least one chamber.

Abstract: Methods and devices for altering the power of a lens, such as an intraocular lens, are disclosed. In one method, the lens comprises a single polymer matrix containing crosslinkable pendant groups, wherein the polymer matrix increases in volume when crosslinked. The lens does not contain free monomer. Upon exposure to ultraviolet radiation, crosslinking causes the exposed portion of the lens to increase in volume, causing an increase in the refractive index. In another method, the lens comprises a polymer matrix containing photobleachable chromophores. Upon exposure to ultraviolet radiation, photobleaching causes a decrease in refractive index in the exposed portion without any change in lens thickness. These methods avoid the need to wait for diffusion to occur to change the lens shape and avoid the need for a second exposure to radiation to lock in the changes to the lens.

Abstract: The invention relates to an intralaryngeal prosthesis which is not at risk of getting blocked and which allows the patient to breathe comfortably. For this purpose, the prosthesis comprises a tubular body pierced by a proximal opening and a convex dome-shaped valve (10), the valve being arranged such that: the distal end (15) of the valve forms a rim (16) which covers a portion of the tubular body (2), and such that a space (17) exists between the distal end (15) of the valve and the tubular body (2) such that air can enter the proximal opening (8) of the tubular body through said space (17).

Abstract: Disclosed herein are representative embodiments of methods, apparatus, and systems used to deliver a prosthetic heart valve to a deficient valve. In one embodiment, for instance, a support structure and an expandable prosthetic valve are advanced through the aortic arch of a patient using a delivery system. The support structure is delivered to a position on or adjacent to the surface of the outflow side of the aortic valve (the support structure defining a support-structure interior). The expandable prosthetic valve is delivered into the aortic valve and into the support-structure interior. The expandable prosthetic heart valve is expanded while the expandable prosthetic heart valve is in the support-structure interior and while the support structure is at the position on or adjacent to the surface of the outflow side of the aortic valve, thereby causing one or more native leaflets of the aortic valve to be frictionally secured between the support structure and the expanded prosthetic heart valve.

Abstract: The present invention provides modular transcatheter valve replacement devices and methods of using the same to treat valvular heart diseases. Disclosed is a bottom module that contains a heart valve replacement, and a top module connected to the bottom module. The top module may be bio-absorbable, or may contain one or more severable joints that allow the top module to be removed after implantation. The removable or absorbable top portion serves to add additional length the structure to add in orientation during implantation, but is removed or absorbed to minimize the metal and other foreign material in a patient's body that could cause thrombosis or other reactions.

Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve, and associated methods therefore, configured to replace a native heart valve, and having a support frame configured to be reshaped into an expanded form in order to receive and/or support an expandable prosthetic heart valve therein. The prosthetic heart valve may be configured to have a generally rigid and/or expansion-resistant configuration when initially implanted to replace a native valve (or other prosthetic heart valve), but to assume a generally non-rigid and/or expanded/expandable form when subjected to an outward force such as that provided by a dilation balloon.

Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve includes a balloon-expandable stent including a plurality of struts and a plurality of commissure posts, each commissure post containing an elongated slot. A plurality of leaflets is made from pericardial tissue and includes flaps. An intermediate polymer sheet is disposed between the stent and the plurality of leaflets. At least one reinforcing polymer core is attached to at least one leaflet and the intermediate polymer sheet using stitches that loop around an end of the at least one leaflet. A plurality of patches covers the elongated slots of the commissure posts, the flaps of the leaflets being attached to the patches. A cuff contacts an exterior of the stent, the cuff and the intermediate polymer sheet sutured to one another so as to cover an axial end of the stent.