Abstract: A prosthesis for monitoring a characteristic of flow includes a first tubular prosthesis having a lumen and a sensor for detecting the characteristic of flow through the lumen. The sensor may be covered with another tubular prosthesis or by a layer of material in order to insulate the sensor from the fluid flow. A pocket may be formed between the tubular prosthesis and the adjacent layer of material or prosthesis and the sensor may be disposed in the pocket.

Abstract: A stent assembly includes support rings each having interconnected circumferentially alternating inner prongs and outer prongs. The inner prongs define an inner diameter around a longitudinal axis. The outer prongs define an outer diameter greater than the inner diameter. A graft engages the support rings and follows a waving peripheral path. The graft may be a billowing graft. A second graft may surround the first graft such that tunnels are defined between the first graft and second graft. A method of making a stent assembly includes diametrically expanding the support rings onto a mandrel, engaging a graft with the support rings, and removing the support rings and graft from the mandrel permitting the stent assembly to contract to a neutral state.

Abstract: A circumferentially constraining suture for an endovascular prosthesis having a tubular body and a plurality of stents coupled to the tubular body includes a first thread coupled at a first end to one of the stents and a first thread loop disposed opposite the first end. The first thread extends only partially around a circumference of the tubular body in a radially expanded configuration. A second thread having a second thread loop is interlocked with the first thread loop and extends from the first thread loop around a remainder of the circumference of the tubular body. Pulling the second thread causes the first thread to circumferentially constrain the tubular body to a reduced diameter configuration. A trigger wire inserted through the first thread loop retains the first thread such that the tubular body is in the reduced diameter configuration after removal of the second thread.

Abstract: A visceral double-barreled main body stent graft and methods for its use, the stent graft comprises, a main body stent graft having distal and proximal ends, the main body stent graft's length ranges from about 100-120 mm and diameter at the proximal end ranges from about 30-45 mm, first and second lumens defined at the main body stent graft's distal end, the first lumen's diameter ranges from about 18-20 mm, the second lumen's diameter ranges from about 16-18 mm, the first and second lumens have about the same length from about 50-70 mm, the first lumen is secured to the second lumen along a shared length, and the main body stent graft defines a tubular wall that is contiguous with the first and second lumens such that any fluid entering the main body must exit through one of the first or second lumens.

Abstract: Devices, systems and/or methods for repairing soft tissue, such as, a lacerated tendon. A repair device includes a frame having a tubular structure with a longitudinal length and struts at least partially defining the tubular structure. The frame includes a first portion and a second portion with an intermediate portion therebetween, each extending along the longitudinal length. The intermediate portion is configured to substantially maintain a fixed position and is configured to be positioned over first and second ends of the lacerated tendon to substantially maintain the first end abutted against the second end. The first portion and the second portion of the frame are configured to be positioned over separate portions of the tendon and configured to move and elongate along a length of the respective first portion and second portion of the frame as the portions of the tendon elongate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a body part shaped mold, for example for creating a test breast, a customized bra or a test body part and a method for using such a mold. The mold is characterized in that it is made of a formstable material having a predetermined shape forming at least one cup. The cup is having a breast like appearance or a body part appearance with a specific size and shape and is adapted to be fitted to a patient's chest or corresponding body part, It is also adapted to be filled with a hardening mixture in a cavity formed between the mold and the chest or corresponding body part. An object of the present invention is to make it possible to try out a suitable size and shape of a breast or other body part, before an implantation is made.

Abstract: Corneal inlays and masks and methods of improving vision of a patient with corneal inlays and masks are provided. Masks with an aperture can improve the vision of a patient, such as by increasing the depth of focus of an eye of a patient. For example, a mask can have an annular portion with a relatively low visible light transmission surrounding a relatively high transmission central portion, such as a clear lens or aperture. This provides an annular mask with a small aperture for light to pass through to the retina to increase depth of focus. The mask may also include nutrient transport structures that provide nutrient flow through mask to prevent nutrient depletion. These nutrient transport structures can be configured to concentrate nutrient transmission near a center region of the mask to provide more nutrient flow near the center region.

Abstract: An implantable intraocular lens and methods of manufacturing them provide a target degree of optical accommodation. In various embodiments, the lens includes at least one internal optic, an outer shell for enclosing at least a portion of the internal optic, and a fluid at least partially filling the outer shell.

Abstract: An intraocular lens including a lens optic having a ring-shaped lens optic portion and/or a light window.

Abstract: An intraocular lens insertion tool including: a cylindrical tool body provided with a placement part at which is placed an intraocular lens having an optical part, and a pair of support parts extending from either side of the optical part; and a plunger for pushing out the intraocular lens; the intraocular lens insertion tool being provided in a state in which the intraocular lens is preset in the placement part, wherein at least one of the front support part extending toward a tip end of the tool body and the rear support part extending toward a rear end of the tool body is pre-deformed by abutting against an abutting projection disposed inside the placement part.

Abstract: Systems and methods for medical interventional procedures, including approaches to valve implant. In one aspect, the methods and systems involve a modular approach to treatment.

Abstract: Systems and methods for medical interventional procedures, including approaches to valve implant. In one aspect, the methods and systems involve a modular approach to treatment.

Abstract: This device includes a hollow support delimiting, in the vicinity of a distal end, a transverse retention opening. It further includes an endoprosthesis which can be deployed between a state retracted against the support and an expanded state. The device further includes a filamentary connection forming a clamping ring surrounding the endoprosthesis and forming a loop engaged in the support through the retention opening. A retention rod mounted to be movable in the support, and the retention rod has a hook for retaining the loop. The displacement of the retention rod from a release position to a retention position brings about the tightening of the clamping ring.

Abstract: A heart size measuring tool includes a tubular body, a flexible measuring cord having length indicia, a measuring cord support mechanism movable between retracted and extended states with respect to the body, and an actuating mechanism to move the measuring cord support mechanism. When in the retracted state the measuring cord support mechanism is positioned within the tubular body with the measuring cord in a collapsed position. When the measuring cord support mechanism is in the extended state the measuring cord extends around a portion of a heart to be measured. A scale on the body can be used in connection with the indicia on the measurement cord to provide a reading of the heart size.

Abstract: An osteoconductive vascularized porous metal implant device and method for implanting the vascularized device are described herein. The vascularized implant device comprises an implant which is porous titanium, tantalum or other metal which is biocompatible with the mammalian body and at least one vascular conduit which connects the porous implant to an animal vasculature, such as a human vascular system.

Abstract: A pelvic implant includes a first surface including a recess configured for receiving a portion of a flange of an acetabular cage and a patient-specific second surface opposite to the first surface. The patient-specific second surface is preoperatively configured from a three-dimensional digital image of a pelvis of a patient to mate and closely conform to a corresponding surface of the pelvis under the flange in only one position.

Abstract: Interlocking acetabular fixation screws having a threaded shaft for threading into cancellous bone and a tapered threaded head for threading into tapered threaded screw holes in a reverse hip acetabular cup. The reverse hip acetabular cup has a central stem and the threaded screw holes are drilled at an angle that allows drilling of the bone of the acetabular cavity, placement of the screws and tightening of the screws without touching the central stem and without interference from the central stem.

Abstract: Hip implant femoral component includes a stem, say, as a flattened, rounded tapered spike having an upper trunnion with a self-holding taper, which may be symmetrical about the same central axis. A neck—say, as a flattened, curved mass having a lower receptacle with a self-holding taper to receive the stem trunnion, and an upper trunnion with a self-holding taper for holding a ball head with a corresponding receptacle—may be attached. A securing screw for threading into a threaded receptacle of the stem trunnion, which may have a truncated inverse cone head, may be employed to further secure the stem and neck together. The component, especially the stem and neck, or stem, neck and screw, may be made with a nonmagnetic cobalt-chromium-molybdenum alloy exhibiting high strength, wear and corrosion resistance, as a wrought powder metallurgy product, which is essentially if not fully 100% dense.

Abstract: A knee prosthesis comprises a femoral component for securement to a femur, the femoral component defining medial and lateral condyles and an intercondylar groove; and a tibial component for securement to a tibia, the tibial component having respective bearing surfaces shaped to engage with said condyles both when the knee, in use, is extended and also over a range of flexion. At least one of the condyles is part-helical in shape and the respective bearing surface of the tibial component is correspondingly part-helical in at least a medio-lateral direction. In addition, the other bearing surface is incongruent with the other condyle in at least the antero-posterior direction so as to allow for antero-posterior movement of the femoral component relative to the bearing surfaces of the tibial component.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention provide an apparatus that (1) delivers a fusion member between two vertebral bodies after at least a portion of the fibrocartilaginous disc between the vertebral bodies has been removed, and (2) affixes the fusion member to the vertebral bodies. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes (1) a fusion member that is delivered and positioned between the vertebral bodies, (2) a delivery member that delivers and positions the fusion member between the vertebral bodies.

Abstract: An interbody endcap includes a wall having a first surface connected to an interbody implant and a second surface including an arcuate portion configured for engagement with a vertebral endplate surface. The second surface extends outwardly from the interbody implant to at least adjacent a perimeter of the vertebral endplate surface. Systems and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: Intervertebral disc prostheses and methods of use. An intervertebral disc prosthesis for installation in a spinal column may include a first intervertebral plate, a second intervertebral plate, and a removable insert core. The first intervertebral plate may engage one or both of the inferior vertebral endplate and the inferior ring apophysis of a superior vertebral body. The second intervertebral plate may engage one or both of the superior vertebral endplate and the superior ring apophysis of an inferior vertebral body. The removable insert core is located between and engages the intervertebral plates. A projection projects from one of the intervertebral plates toward the other intervertebral plate. The removable insert core at least partially surrounds the projection when installed. The removable insert core is removable from between the intervertebral plates and from around the projection while the intervertebral plates and projection remain installed.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for improving the stability, flexibility, and/or proper anatomical motion of a spinal column and more particularly, spinal implant devices are provided for use between adjacent vertebral bones. Intervertebral disc spacer devices may comprise two joined surfaces formed of compressible materials. The surfaces may be convex or any variety of shapes. Certain embodiments of intervertebral disc spacer devices include apertures through which nutrients may pass. Additionally, certain embodiments include a partial enclosure or open region between the two surfaces so as to provide an environment conducive to regrowth or stimulation of natural intervertebral disc material. In certain embodiments, the two surfaces may be attached by one or more springs. Alternatively, intervertebral disc spacer embodiments may be comprised of a coiled wire. Methods of introducing intervertebral disc spacer devices into patients are also provided.

Abstract: An interbody endcap 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: Disclosed are improved spinal implants that are configured to help prevent post-operative migration of the implant. In some embodiments, the implant system includes multi-axial tooth geometry and other geometrical configurations such as but not limited to peripheral curvatures that aid in the prevention of such post-operative migration. Also disclosed are asymmetrical implants having superior and inferior surfaces with different angulations relative to the sagittal midline.

Abstract: Spinal plates with additional features to improve the stability of the interface between the plate and the underlying bone. A bone plate may include one or more sharp ridges along the periphery of its underside. When attached to bone, the ridge digs into the bone and increases stability. A bone plate may alternatively or additionally include one or more holes for optional spikes, which may be inserted once the plate is attached to the bone. By separating the spikes and including them as an optional component, the plate may enhance stability while reducing or eliminating the chance of the spike injuring the patient. Furthermore, bone screws may incorporate alternating notches and ridges into the head of the screw. The notches and ridges may interface with a set screw, thereby preventing rotation and loosening of the screw.

Abstract: A spinal cage includes first and second spinal attachment members attachable to vertebrae, the first and second spinal attachment members articulating with one another by means of an articulation joint, and a wedge element arranged for wedging between the first and second spinal attachment members. An actuator is linked to the wedge element for moving the wedge element axially with respect to the first and second spinal attachment members. The actuator includes a threaded member adjacent the wedge element and a biasing device positioned between at least one of the first and second spinal attachment members and the wedge element. Upon turning of the threaded member, the wedge element is advanced with respect to the articulation joint so that the first and second spinal attachment members are tilted or parallel to each other. The biasing device applies a biasing force on the wedge element to move the wedge element axially.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing deeper knee flexion capabilities. In some instances, such systems and methods include a femoral knee replacement component that includes an articular surface, a first interior surface, and a second interior surface, wherein the first and second interior surfaces run substantially parallel to each other. In some cases, the articular surface includes an anterior condylar extension that is configured to replace an anterior articular cartilage of a femur such that the anterior extension is configured to terminate adjacent to a proximal limit of the anterior articular cartilage of the femur. Other implementations are also discussed.

Abstract: An orthopedic surgical instrument and method for positioning an acetabular prosthetic component in a patient's surgically-prepared acetabulum is disclosed. The orthopedic surgical instrument has a base configured to engage the patient's pelvis, a first linkage pivotally coupled to the base, a locking mechanism operable to lock the first linkage in position relative to the base, and a second linkage removably coupled to the first linkage. The second linkage has an alignment axis corresponding to a desired abduction angle and a desired anteversion angle of the acetabular axis of the acetabular prosthetic component.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for bone preparation with designed areas having accurate tolerance profiles to enable improved initial fixation and stability for cementless implants and to improve long-term bone ingrowth/ongrowth to an implant. A method of preparing a bone surface to receive a prosthetic implant thereon having an articular surface and a bone contacting surface includes resecting the bone surface at a first location to create a first resected region having a first tolerance profile with a first cross-section, resecting the bone surface at a second location to create a second resected region having a second tolerance profile with a second cross-section less dense than the first cross-section, and contacting the bone contacting surface of the prosthetic implant with the first resected region.

Abstract: A method for rinsing and delivering a bone graft. The method includes selecting a delivery syringe containing bone graft material wherein the syringe is coupled to a filter assembly, determining a bone graft:fluid ratio, washing the bone graft material, reconstituting the bone graft material to generate the bone graft with the predetermined bone graft:fluid ratio, and delivering the bone graft to a surgical site.

Abstract: A dynamic trialing method generally allows a surgeon to perform a preliminary bone resection on the distal femur according to a curved or planar resection profile. With the curved resection profile, the distal-posterior femoral condyles may act as a femoral trial component after the preliminary bone resection. This may eliminate the need for a separate femoral trial component, reducing the cost and complexity of surgery. With the planar resection profile, shims or skid-like inserts that correlate to the distal-posterior condyles of the final insert may be attached to the distal femur after the preliminary bone resection to facilitate intraoperative trialing. The method and related components may also provide the ability of a surgeon to perform iterative intraoperative kinematic analysis and gap balancing, providing the surgeon the ability to perform necessary ligament and/or other soft tissue releases and fine tune the final implant positions based on data acquired during the surgery.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a provisional tibial prosthesis system for a set of prosthetic knee joints for implantation in a natural knee, the provisional tibial prosthesis system including a bearing component and a bearing support, the spacing of the bearing component from the bearing support is adjustable to allow for representation of a variety of different sized final tibial prostheses. In this system, only one provisional bearing component corresponding to each level of constraint is needed and shims are used to adjust the spacing of the bearing component from the bearing support. The shims are slidably insertable between the bearing component and the bearing support in an anterior/posterior direction to allow for adjustment of the spacing of the bearing component from the bearing support. The number of provisional components needed during knee surgery is reduced and adjustment of the system only requires the knee joint to be distracted by a distance equal to the height of a particular shim.

Abstract: A prosthetic foot can include a plate-like foot member extending along a longitudinal axis between an anterior end generally corresponding to a toe portion of a foot to a posterior end, and a metatarsal hinge comprising an elongate groove extending between medial and lateral edges of the foot member. The elongate groove can intersect the longitudinal axis of the foot member, and can be positioned along the length of the foot member at a location generally corresponding to a metatarsal region of the foot. The metatarsal hinge can also comprise a plurality of elongate apertures that extend completely through the foot member, or a plurality of recessed channels that extend only partially through the foot member, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: An endovascular stent-graft (20, 120, 180, 220, 320) includes a fluid flow guide (22), and a plurality of structural stent elements (24) attached to at least a portion of the fluid flow guide (22). The stent-graft is configured to define a generally tubular foldable section (30), which comprises first, second, and third subsections (32, 34, 36). The stent-graft is configured to assume a delivery configuration and a deployment configuration. In the delivery configuration, (a) the stent-graft, including the foldable section (30), is in a radially-compressed state, and (b) the foldable section (30) is in a longitudinally-expanded state, in which state the first and the third subsections (32, 36) longitudinally surround the second subsection (34).

Abstract: In at least one embodiment, a stent comprises a plurality of interconnected framework members defining a plurality of cells. A side branch structure comprises a first serpentine ring extending around an inner side branch cell, a second serpentine ring extending around the first serpentine ring and a plurality of side branch connectors. The first serpentine ring comprises a plurality of curved portions including convex curved portions and concave curved portions. The convex curved portions include first convex curved portions and second convex curved portions, wherein the second convex curved portions are located farther away from a side branch center point than the first convex curved portions. Each side branch connector extends between a concave curved portion of the first serpentine ring and a portion of the second serpentine ring.

Abstract: A stent and method of exhibiting radiopaque properties in a stent are disclosed, which includes a stent main body that is made of a metal, and a radiopaque marker that is made of a complete solid solution alloy having a corrosion potential of ±200 mV of a corrosion potential of the metal of the stent main body.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a woven fabric for use in an implantable medical device. The woven fabric comprises shape memory element strands woven with textile strands. At least one of the shape memory element strands has at least one float of at least five textile strands between binding points.

Abstract: An implantable prosthesis includes a scaffold with a plurality of expandable segments axially spaced apart along a substrate, adjacent segments connected by one or more support members when the prosthesis is in a collapsed configuration and disconnected when the prosthesis is in an expanded configuration.

Abstract: In embodiments there is described a cardiovascular tube-shaped lockable and expandable bioabsorbable scaffold having a low immunogenicity manufactured from a crystallizable bioabsorbable polymer composition or blend.

Abstract: In a pusher guide wire, a protective film is suspended with respect to a core shaft with a distal end thereof being fitted in a distal-end holder and a proximal end thereof being fitted in a proximal-end holder. Hence, the frictional resistance generated between the protective film and a stent when the core shaft is rotated is reduced. Thus, the protective film is prevented from coming off the core shaft, the stent is prevented from being damaged, and the transmissibility of rotation of the pusher guide wire is improved. Consequently, the position where the stent is to be released is easily adjustable.

Abstract: Methods and devices for redirecting at least a portion of a fluid from the mesenteric lymphatic system for elimination from the body are disclosed. The fluid may be redirected for elimination through the urinary system or redirected outside the body. The methods and devices disclosed may prevent a portion of a patient's dietary lipids, including cholesterol, from being absorbed, thereby reducing the total caloric load to assist in weight management.

Abstract: A joint-supporting device comprises tensile members extending from a proximal cuff secured to the limb above the joint to a distal cuff secured to the limb below the joint, supplementing the tensile characteristics of the joint's tendons, ligaments, and other structure. The device may also comprise structure for limiting the range of motion and angular velocity of the joint.

Abstract: An orthotic system and method for a knee ankle foot orthosis (KAFO) or ankle foot orthosis (AFO) capable of removing up to 100% of the weight-bearing forces at the knee and tibia and/or ankle and heel. The KAFO and AFO of the present invention utilize a fully adjustable compound closure system and compression liner to circumferentially compress the soft tissue of the thigh or calf to reduce loading forces on the leg at all points distal to the distal border of the compression liner. The degree of reduction in weight-bearing is adjusted by applying the orthosis with the heel of the individual raised above the foot platform, tightening the compound closure system, allowing the tissue to drop down within the compression liner, assessing the position of the heel above the foot platform, and adjusting the compound closure system to maintain the desired degree of elevation of the heel above the foot platform.

Abstract: The present invention provides an athletic brace which is composed of a flexible sleeve and a rigid framed brace. An elastic tubular shaped fabric sleeve is first placed over the elbow or knee joint and has upper front and lower rear raised lips that are used to prevent the rigid and compact framed brace from slipping downwards during usage. The tight fit of the rigid brace inside the raised lip gaps of the sleeve prevents the framed brace from slipping down from the elbow or knee joint during usage. This brace is designed to also be compact in size to allow for everyday wear in both contact and non-contact sports for both elbow and knee protection.

Abstract: An ankle support for controlling motion of an ankle joint of a user, the support including a body portion configured to be positioned on a lower leg of the user adjacent the foot; a reel connected to the support; one or more tensionable members windable onto the reel and extending from the reel; strap portions wrapped about a portion of the foot when the support is installed on the user, the strap portions being connected to the tensionable members. The strap portions are tensioned and secured in the tensioned state to limit movement of the foot by winding the tensionable members onto the reel.

Abstract: A method for promoting contraception by placing a contraceptive device within a uterus without blocking fallopian tubes may involve advancing a distal end of a delivery device through a cervix, advancing the contraceptive device comprising an elongate shape memory member out of the distal end of the delivery device and into the uterus, and limiting inferior migration of the contraceptive device within the uterus. Inferior migration may be limited by allowing the contraceptive device to assume a shape, when subjected to pressure that tends to cause a downward migration of the device within the uterus, in which an expandable middle portion of the device is expanded to contact the inner wall of the uterus and thus limit the downward migration of the device.

Abstract: Occlusion devices and delivery systems are described in which a polymerizing oil is used to protect a hydrogel from premature swelling. In an embodiment, a delivery system includes an occlusion device releasably coupled within a catheter sheath. The occlusion device includes an expandable implant and a hydrogel. An at least partially oxidized polymerizing oil is inside a lumen of the catheter sheath between the distal end of the catheter sheath and the hydrogel.

Abstract: A catheter system for controlling the body temperature of a patient by modifying the temperature of blood flowing within a blood vessel of the patient. The catheter system comprises a catheter body having a heat exchange region in contact with the blood; and a temperature probe having a distal end that extends from the catheter body, thereby monitoring the temperature of blood flowing within the blood vessel.

Abstract: This invention relates to a material for medical use that comprises biocompatible nanoparticles having superparamagnetic properties, where the superparamagnetic properties of said nanoparticles are used to localize their action on a determined space or tissue. In particular, said nanoparticles having superparamagnetic properties are composed of magnetite. The material according to the invention has various applications, both in surgical and in therapeutic treatments.