Abstract: An apparatus and method for inserting prosthesis implants into a patient pocket. The apparatus has three openings including a prosthesis opening, a larger proximal opening, and a small distal opening. The apparatus prevents infection; eases insertion and placement; and reduces complications. In use, the inverse bellow is placed through the patient incision while allowing the bellow to be manipulated to force the prosthesis into a surgical pocket of a patient.

Abstract: Modular IOL systems including a base and a lens, wherein the lens includes fixed and actuatable tabs for connection to the base. The modular IOL allows for the lens to be adjusted or exchanged while leaving the base in place, either intra-operatively or post-operatively. Drug delivery capabilities and/or sensing capabilities may be incorporated into the base. Injector devices may be used to facilitate placement of the base and the lens sequentially or simultaneously into the eye.

Abstract: A heart valve assembly comprises a first prosthesis configured to expand from an unexpanded state to an expanded state at which the first annular prosthesis contacts native tissue of a body lumen. The heart valve assembly also comprises a second prosthesis comprising a valve, and a connection adapter that secures the second prosthesis to the first prosthesis, the connection adapter having a multi-lobed circumference.

Abstract: A collapsible and expandable stent body includes a generally tubular annulus section, one or more prosthetic valve elements mounted to the stent body, and a cuff attached to the stent body. The prosthetic valve is operative to allow flow in an antegrade direction but to substantially block flow in a retrograde direction. The prosthetic heart valve may include paravalvular leak mitigation features in the form of first and second sealing members. The sealing members are attached to the cuff and extend circumferentially around an abluminal surface of the stent body. The sealing members each have an open side facing in a first axial direction and a closed side facing in an opposite second axial direction. Flow of blood in the second axial direction will tend to force blood into the sealing members and cause the sealing members to billow outwardly relative to the stent body, helping to mitigate paravalvular leak.

Abstract: Described is a delivery system for minimally invasive delivery of a self-expandable stent to a body lumen, and particularly delivery of a prosthetic valve to the right ventricular outflow tract. Also described is a method of loading a stent onto such a delivery system, and a method of delivering a self-expandable stent to a desired anatomic site.

Abstract: A venous valve with a frame and a cover on the frame for unidirectional flow of a liquid through the valve.

Abstract: An osteoimplant composite comprising a plurality of particles of an inorganic material, a bone substitute material, a bone-derived material, or any combination thereof; and a polymer material with which the particles are combined. The composite is either naturally moldable or flowable, or it can be made moldable or settable. After implantation, the composite may be set to provide mechanical strength to the implant. The inventive composite have the advantage of being able to fill irregularly shape implantation site while at the same time being settable to provide the mechanical strength required for most orthopedic applications. The invention also provides methods of using and preparing the moldable and flowable composites.

Abstract: A method for ameliorating joint conditions and diseases and preventing bone hypertrophy, including facilitating cartilage regrowth and preventing bone overgrowth to a damaged bone at a treatment site within a body joint to promote healing. The method comprises providing a device having a first section comprising a joint-ward end having an inner surface and an outer surface and fenestrations between the inner and outer surfaces. A second section comprises an opposing leading end and a lateral wall extending between the joint-ward end and the leading end. The leading end is penetrated into the bone to a depth to substantially position: 1) the joint-ward end in a cartilage zone; wherein the outer surface of the joint-ward end is configured to facilitate cartilage regrowth; and 2) the second section in the bone; wherein the inner surface of the joint-ward end is configured to prevent bone overgrowth into the cartilage zone within the body joint when the device is positioned at the treatment site.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus comprising a prosthetic femoral head and a liner. The prosthetic femoral head has a truncated spherical body, a truncated surface, and a stem cavity. The liner has a liner cavity and a rim wherein said liner cavity comprises a greater-than-hemispherical concavity and said rim comprises at least one slot. The slot allows insertion of the prosthetic femoral head into the liner cavity at an insertion orientation and retaining the prosthetic femoral head in the liner cavity at orientations other than the insertion orientation.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the invention relate to sleeves having lengths that allow the sleeve to engage a patient's femoral intramedullary canal in a mid to distal region rather than only proximally. In some embodiments, the sleeve length is between about 60 millimeters to about 150 millimeters. In other embodiments, the sleeve is adapted to extend beyond the lesser trochanter, to or near or beyond a patient's isthmus, and provide diaphyseal fixation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for gender specific medical treatment. The medical treatment system can include gender specific medical devices which are designed to account for the anatomical and physiological differences in the male and female genders. The medical treatment system can also include a medical device identification system which differentiates use for male and female patients. The medical device identification system includes a container adapted to receive a medical device and a gender specifier. The gender specifier is used to identify the gender the medical device in designed for. The gender specifier can be in text form, symbolic form, or color coded.

Abstract: A pressurizable implant, comprising a body and at least one porous arm extending from and interconnected to the body, the at least one porous arm being configured to accommodate a pressure gradient that is created by a device removably connectable to the body.

Abstract: A scapholunate stabilisation implant includes a central part having an elastic deformation capacity enabling the traction movements of the implant, and two end parts having an elastic deformation capacity enabling the torsional movements of the implant, the end parts being provided with at least one hole through which the fixing screw is passed, the central part and the end parts being connected by rods that can withstand the torsional deformations of the implant.

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

Abstract: An expandable implant device (100) for insertion between two vertebrae (400) is disclosed. The device (100) has an upper body (20), a lower body (40) and an external retainer band (60). The external retainer band (60) holds the upper body (20) and lower body (40) and has an inner surface having a plurality or set of upper ratchet teeth (80U) sloped for allowing upward movement and a plurality or set of lower ratchet teeth (80L) for allowing downward movement. The ratchet teeth (80) of the upper body (20) are mated or fitted to the upper teeth (80) of the retainer band (60) and the ratchet teeth (82) of the lower body (40) are mated or fitted to the lower ratchet teeth (82) of the retainer band (60). The height of the device (100) is increased by upward movement of the upper body (20) and downward movement of the lower body (40).

Abstract: An adjustable implant (10, 60, 70, 80, 90) has a base (12) and a displaceable element (16) providing opposing tissue contact surfaces (14, 18). A linkage (20, 26) is pivotally connected to the displaceable element. A linkage mover (38, 40), engaged so as to be displaceable along the base, is associated with the linkage (20, 26) so as to define a displaceable pivot location (24, 30) for pivotal motion of the linkage relative to the base, in certain preferred embodiments, the base (12) has an internally threaded track (42, 44) in which a threaded segment of the linkage mover (38, 40) is engaged, so that rotation of the threaded segment about its central axis advances the linkage mover along the threaded track, thereby displacing the displaceable pivot locations and adjusting a separation between the first contact surface and at least part of the second contact surface.

Abstract: A prosthetic disc for insertion between adjacent vertebrae includes a core having upper and lower curved surfaces, upper and lower plates, and peripheral restraining structure on at least one of the upper plate, the lower plate and the core. Each plate has an outer surface which engages a vertebra and an inner curved surface which slides over the curved surface of the core. The peripheral restraining structure serves to hold the core against a curved surface of at least one of the plates during sliding movement of the plates over the core.

Abstract: A method for inserting an intervertebral disc prosthesis into a space between two vertebrae involves inserting the prosthesis partway into the space under constraint to prevent endplates of the prosthesis from articulating, releasing the prosthesis from constraint, and inserting the unconstrained prosthesis farther into the space. In some embodiments, the method involves grasping the prosthesis with a grasping device to insert the prosthesis partway under constraint, loosing the grasping device to release the prosthesis from constraint, and pushing the prosthesis farther into the disc space using the grasping device and/or one or more separate pusher devices. A system includes a grasping device, at least one separate pushing device, and optionally a vertebral spreading device and/or a vertebral midline indicator device.

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

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

Abstract: A minimally invasive surgical procedure for replacing a hip joint is provided. A main incision is initiated at a point being a projection of a tip of a greater trochanter and extends proximally about a distance in the range of from 1 cm to 8 cm in line with the femoral axis. An inline capsulotomy is performed, while keeping muscles and posterior capsule intact, to expose the hip joint capsule for accessing the hip joint. The femoral canal is prepared for receipt of a femoral implant. The femoral head is resected and removed out of the acetabulum. A step of acetabular preparation is performed using a retractor comprising two tip rails, each tip rail having a plurality of tines. Related tools, devices, systems and methods are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a medical instrumentation, in particular, for implanting an acetabular cup, comprising a medical alignment instrument with a shaped body, which has a patient-specific bone abutment surface facing away from the shaped body and deviating from a spherical surface section, the bone abutment surface being shaped so as to correspond to a bone surface of the patient, wherein the shaped body has at least one viewing edge with a viewing height, and wherein the viewing edge adjoins the patient-specific bone abutment surface, and wherein a transition between the viewing edge and the patient-specific bone abutment surface is tangentially discontinuous.

Abstract: A method for inserting an intervertebral disc prosthesis into a space between two vertebrae involves inserting the prosthesis partway into the space under constraint to prevent endplates of the prosthesis from articulating, releasing the prosthesis from constraint, and inserting the unconstrained prosthesis farther into the space. In some embodiments, the method involves grasping the prosthesis with a grasping device to insert the prosthesis partway under constraint, loosing the grasping device to release the prosthesis from constraint, and pushing the prosthesis farther into the disc space using the grasping device and/or one or more separate pusher devices. A system includes a grasping device, at least one separate pushing device, and optionally a vertebral spreading device and/or a vertebral midline indicator device.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method are provided for performing cartilage allograft implant surgeries. The apparatus comprises an allograft plug kit comprising one or more grafts configured to treat osteochondral defects in various bone joint locations in a patient's body. Each of the grafts comprises a cartilage layer coupled with a bone portion. The cartilage layer comprises a thickness selected to closely match the thickness of existing cartilage at an implant location. The bone portion comprises surface features configured to encourage the patient's bone tissue to grow into the bone portion, thereby accelerating incorporation of the graft into the patient's bone. An instrument kit comprises a multiplicity of instruments configured for implantation of the grafts into the patient's body, including at least a graft inserter, a guidewire, a reamer, and a size gauge.

Abstract: A device for perfusing porous biomaterials with biological liquids includes a tubular body with an axial cavity defining a perfusion chamber for containing a porous biocompatible material, a connector at a distal end of the tubular body for receiving a perfusion liquid, a plunger having a distal end slidably movable in the cavity to withdraw air from the biomaterial, a vent for releasing the air withdrawn from the biomaterial and contained in the chamber, and a filter permitting selective passage of the air contained in the chamber toward the vent, while preventing leakage of the liquid to the outside. An air collector communicates with the chamber and the vent, and a control unit is associated with the plunger and designed to be actuated by the user to control the air flow from the air collector to the vent. A method of perfusing porous biomaterials with biological liquids.

Abstract: A prosthetic hand system may include a plurality of prosthetic fingers and a prosthetic thumb. The prosthetic hand system may include a thumb drive mechanism that may be used to actuate the prosthetic thumb. In some examples, the thumb drive mechanism may be configured to enable the prosthetic thumb to perform a pinching or grasping motion and a release motion. The prosthetic hand system may also include a backlock that enables the prosthetic thumb to maintain pinching or gripping pressure after a motor has been disengaged. The prosthetic hand system may also include a gear lock that may be configured to lock a finger joint. The prosthetic hand system may also include an adaptive gripping joint that may be located on each prosthetic finger. In some examples, the adaptive gripping joint may be configured to passively adapt the plurality of prosthetic fingers to one or more differently shaped objects.

Abstract: According to the embodiments described herein, prosthetic devices can include a prosthetic socket, a vacuum passage, and an evacuation device. The interior of the prosthetic socket can be adapted to receive a residual limb. The vacuum passage can extend through the side wall of the prosthetic socket and into the interior of the prosthetic socket. The evacuation device can include an electrically powered vacuum pump contained within a housing. The housing can be attached to the side wall on the exterior of the prosthetic socket. The electrically powered vacuum pump can be in communication with the vacuum passage. The electrically powered vacuum pump can draw air from the interior of the prosthetic socket, while the residual limb is received within the interior of the prosthetic socket, to evacuate the prosthetic socket.

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

Abstract: An implantable stent includes a plurality of rings. At least a distal end ring has an eased corner feature formed in the polymer substrate at a radially outward, distal-facing corner of the ring while relatively sharp corners of the polymer substrate are maintained in radially inward corners of the ring.

Abstract: Medical appliances may be formed of multilayered constructs. The layers of the constructs may be configured with various physical properties or characteristics. The disposition and arrangement of each layer may be configured to create an overall construct with a combination of the individual properties of the layers. Constructs may be used to create vascular prostheses or other medical devices.

Abstract: A drug eluting stent can include a stent body having a polymeric coating with a lipophilic and/or hydrophilic element. A drug that has a bioactivity that inhibits cell proliferation can be disposed in the polymeric coating. The drug can be present in the polymer at an amount greater than or equal to about 150 ?g/cm2. The polymeric coating and drug are configured to cooperate so as to form a diffusion pathway with tissue when the stent is disposed in a body lumen such that the drug preferentially diffuses into the tissue over a body fluid passing through the body lumen such that a maximum systemic blood concentration of the drug is less than about 40 ng/ml.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus (100) for folding or unfolding at least one medical implant (300) by using at least one tension thread (11, 11?), wherein the apparatus (100) includes a shaft (1) including a reception area (55) for receiving the implant (300), and a tensioning device for altering a shape of the foldable and/or unfoldable implant (300) by the tension thread (11, 11?).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a set comprising at least one expandable and/or decollapsible or unfoldable medical implant wherein at least one implantation device is configured for detachably receiving the implant or a device comprising at least the implant (3), wherein the implant may comprise at least a valve, wherein the valve may configured so as to fulfill a check valve function with one conducting direction (CD) and one blocking direction (BD), in which a blocking element may move for opening and/or closing the valve (50), wherein the valve may be arranged on the implantation device or on the device with at least one conducting side being located at a smaller distance from the distal end or from the distal tip of the implantation device than one blocking side.

Abstract: The invention relates to a stent (12) to be positioned in the bifurcation/branching (14) of a blood vessel (16), wherein the stent (12) is composed of a plurality of meshes (10) and has a distal (18) and a proximal end (20), characterized in that the stent is provided with a retaining element (22) that passes through oppositely arranged meshes (10) at the proximal end (20) of the stent (12).

Abstract: A catheter system includes an introducer sheath and a delivery catheter having an external surface. A sleeve connector is supported on and axially movable relative to the external surface of the delivery catheter. A collapsible sleeve has a first end attached to the external surface of the delivery catheter at a first attachment and a second end attached to the sleeve connector at a second attachment. The catheter system includes a medical device placement configuration in which the delivery catheter is received through the introducer sheath, the sleeve connector is removably attached to the introducer sheath, and the collapsible sleeve is positioned radially between the external surface of the delivery catheter and an internal surface of the introducer sheath.

Abstract: An intra-oral system for facilitating therapeutic treatment of a patient's intra-oral musculature is provided. Also provided are methods of therapeutic treatment for intra-oral musculature. The system and methods employ a mouth piece having two or more pressure cells, such as fluid pressure cells. A patient or user applies pressure to the cells using their tongue. Wireless signals are sent to an external micro-processor, with the signals being indicative of location of pressure, degree of pressure, or both as applied to the pressure cells. A therapist may analyze pressure data as part of a therapeutic regimen.

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

Abstract: Devices and methods of endolumenal formation of gastric sleeves are described. Some embodiments allow templating of a gastric sleeve by a gastric bougie, exposing a selected amount of tissue for suturing access, while maintaining sufficient internal working space for suturing within the template lumen.

Abstract: A shoulder orthosis is utilized to effect relative movement between bones in a body of a patient. The orthosis includes a base section which is connected with a trunk of a patient's body, an upper arm section which is connected with an upper portion of an arm of the patient, and a lower arm section which is connected with a lower portion of the arm of a patient. An interconnection between the base section and upper arm section of the orthosis is disposed beneath an axilla between the trunk and arm of the patient. A main drive assembly is operable to rotate the lower arm section of the orthosis relative to the upper arm section of the orthosis to pivot a humerus bone in the upper arm of the patient relative to a scapula bone in a shoulder of the patient.

Abstract: An orthopedic knee brace comprising first and second pockets made of a non-stretchable material which accommodate respective jointed support rods, a first portion of flexible and stretchable material that extends between the first and the second pockets, a second portion of flexible and stretchable material that extends from the second pocket to a free end, a first attachment member and a second attachment member made of non-stretchable material, which are located at said free end, the first pocket having first and second attachment members which are adapted to be respectively engaged by the first and second attachment members. The knee brace further comprises stabilization members for restricting the extension of the first and/or second portions of flexible and stretchable material.

Abstract: A support device for protecting one or more portions of a user's hand or arm by limiting movement thereof includes a base surface for contacting a floor or other object adjacent to the device, a curved support surface extending from the base surface, and a plurality or orifices formed in the support surface. A user's fingers and thumb can be placed through the orifices to allow the palm of the hand to rest on a portion of the support surface, suspending the heel of the hand above the support device and aligning the user's wrist with the heel. The fingers may remain freely suspended within the device.

Abstract: An ankle foot orthosis includes a leg member, a foot member, and a drive member. The drive assembly includes a link member which may be hingedly secured to the foot member at a hinge location adjacent to the posterior end of the foot member. The drive assembly may be operable to selectively impart pivotal movement between the foot member and the link member about a first pivot axis, and pivotal movement between the foot member and the leg member about a second pivot axis at the hinge location. The leg member and the foot member strut may be selectively movable in a medial-lateral direction relative to a base of the foot member and the drive assembly. The inferior-superior location of the second pivot axis may be selectively adjustable for substantially aligning the second pivot axis with an axis of rotation of an ankle joint of the wearer.

Abstract: A spinal orthosis includes a rear panel, and first and second belt members securing to the rear panel. The first and second belt members each define a first end secured to a first side of the rear panel and a second end having a foldable portion adapted to fold over a first surface of the first and second belt members and secure to the first surface to reduce a length of the first and second belt members. First and second front closures are secured to the second ends of the first and second belt members, respectively, and arranged for removably securing to one another to form a continuously circumferential loop with the rear panel and the first and second belt members. A kit or method may be provided for sizing the belt members with a sizing device for forming a predetermined distance between the first and second belt members.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wearable support structure for at least partly relieving a human body during leaning forward or bending over. The wearable support structure comprises a frame having at least one stay provided with a chest support for bearing upon a chest area, a lumbar support for bearing upon a lumbar area, and a thigh support for bearing upon a front side of a thigh area. The stay is a flexible stay arranged such that it is in a stretched state corresponding with an upright position of a human body when being unloaded. Further, the stay is arranged to be biased back to said stretched state when being bent into a bent state corresponding with a forward leaning position of a human body.

Abstract: Novel composite materials, methods of producing the same and uses thereof. The composite materials which have the shape of three-dimensional object comprise a first component formed by a thermoplastic polymer selected from the group of biodegradable polyesters and mixtures thereof, and a second component formed by particles of a woody material, having a smallest dimension greater than 0.1 mm which reinforce the polyester. The material also has regions of elasticity or softness to provide for objects having properties of flexibility or semi-rigidity in at least one dimension. The material semi-rigid materials can be molded and worked at temperatures below 70° C. and are suitable for splints and circumferential casts.

Abstract: A system for preventing pregnancy and covertly treating erectile dysfunction is used to help the user maintain an erection by constricting the penis of the user. The system includes a condom which, like a traditional condom, is used to capture semen in order to prevent pregnancy. The system includes a first constriction band, a second constriction band, and a constriction ring which each work to constrict areas of the penis to limit blood flow so that an erection may be maintained during sex. The condom includes a tubular body and a length-adjustable head. The tubular body helps to hold the length-adjustable head in place over the head of the penis. The length-adjustable head captures ejaculated semen and also helps to keep the first constriction band in place.

Abstract: An electric blanket is controlled so that it initially provides cozy warmth at low ambient temperature, but on reaching deep sleep phases, temperature is lowered, for as much dissipation of calories as it does not disrupt the sleep.

Abstract: A thermal device comprising a garment (42A) that may be placed against at least a part of the body (10), the garment (42A) defining at least one enclosed compartment (48, 50) defined between an inner wall (65) and an outer wall (66), and an inlet (21) whereby liquid may be introduced into each such enclosed compartment (48, 50). Each enclosed compartment (48, 50) contains dry material (30) comprising water-soluble chemical compounds that dissolve endothermically or exothermically, and also a compressed sponge (62). There may also be an air bleed valve (64) to bleed any air out of the compartment (48, 50) when water is introduced. The device enables a patient's body to be cooled or heated in emergency, needing only addition of water, and incorporating no toxic or hazardous materials.

Abstract: A laser eye surgery apparatus includes: a laser light source configured to emit pulsed laser light; a scanner configured to scan the pulsed laser light emitted from the laser light source; a condenser configured to concentrate the pulsed laser light scanned by the scanner in a tissue of a patient's eye; and a plane-parallel plate which is provided in a region in which the pulsed laser light is converged or diverged on an optical path of the pulsed laser light from the laser light source to the patient's eye. The plane-parallel plate has a light incident plane to which the pulsed laser light is incident, and a light-emitting plane emitting the pulsed laser light incident from the light incident plane, and the light incident plane and the light-emitting plane are parallel to each other, or are the same plane.

Abstract: A method of reversibly separating an imaging assembly from an optical path in a laser surgical system includes generating an electromagnetic beam, propagating the electromagnetic beam from the beam source to a scanner along an optical path, the optical path comprising a first optical element that attenuates the electromagnetic beam, reversibly inserting a confocal bypass assembly into the optical path, diverting the electromagnetic beam along a diversion optical path around the first optical element, wherein the confocal bypass assembly automatically exits the optical path when a power loss occurs to one or more components of the system.