Abstract: A method of securing a prosthesis atraumatically to body tissue can include one or more of the following steps. A prosthesis can be delivered into a patient. The prosthesis may include an expandable frame. The frame can be expanded within a body cavity of the patient. Expansion of the frame can causes respective ends of both proximal prongs and distal prongs to draw closer together to grasp native tissue between the respective ends of the proximal prongs and distal prongs.

Abstract: Implantable in vivo sensors used to monitor physical, chemical or electrical parameters within a body. The in vivo sensors are integral with an implantable medical device and are responsive to externally or internally applied energy. Upon application of energy, the sensors undergo a phase change in at least part of the material of the device which is then detected external to the body by conventional techniques such as radiography, ultrasound imaging, magnetic resonance imaging, radio frequency imaging or the like. The in vivo sensors of the present invention may be employed to provide volumetric measurements, flow rate measurements, pressure measurements, electrical measurements, biochemical measurements, temperature, measurements, or measure the degree and type of deposits within the lumen of an endoluminal implant, such as a stent or other type of endoluminal conduit.

Abstract: Provided herein is a device comprising: a. stent; b. a plurality of layers on said stent framework to form said device; wherein at least one of said layers comprises a bioabsorbable polymer and at least one of said layers comprises one or more active agents; wherein at least part of the active agent is in crystalline form.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of treating a bodily lumen with a stent, the method comprising: disposing a stent within a bodily lumen, the stent comprising a plurality of deformable struts configured to selectively deform in localized regions in the struts upon application of an outward radial force; and expanding the stent by applying the outward radial force, wherein the outward radial force causes selective deformation of the deformable struts in a localized region in the struts.

Abstract: A method for treating an aneurysm can include inserting a medical device partially in a first artery and partially in a third artery. The device can be expanded radially outwardly from a first position to a second position to engage an inner surface of the first artery and an inner surface of the third artery, so as to maintain a fluid pathway through said arteries. Further, the device can be positioned such that, when the device is in the second position, a porous membrane of the device is located at a neck of the aneurysm.

Abstract: The invention relates to an implantable stent which can be used in the region of an arterial constriction said region being expandable by a balloon catheter.

Abstract: A delivery device can provide sequential delivery of a plurality of intraluminal devices or tacks held in a compressed state on the delivery device. Delivery platforms on the delivery device can hold a tack in a compressed position and be positioned between annular pusher bands that may also be radiopaque markers. The annular pusher bands can be made of wire or sections of material to increase flexibility while remaining radiopacity. A post deployment dilation device can be included. The post deployment dilation device can be a plurality of expansion filaments, a bellows, or a balloon. A tack deployment method can include allowing a self-expanding tack to expand, aligning the post deployment dilation device under the tack, and causing the post deployment dilation device to expand radial to push outward on the tack.

Abstract: Distal tips for use with delivery catheters are disclosed that are configured to maintain complete engagement between the distal tip and a distal opening of a sheath component of the delivery catheter so as to prevent separation therebetween and/or to prevent fish-mouthing of a distal leading edge of the sheath component during in vivo use. Distal tips so configured realize one or more of the objectives of safer tracking of the delivery catheter through the vasculature, safe crossing of the delivery catheter through structural components of the vasculature and heart, such as through native valves, and safe removal of the delivery catheter post deployment.

Abstract: An ankle-foot orthosis constructed of composite material to assist a person with a foot infirmity in walking comprising an upper arcuate convex shell to engage the anterior of the lower leg and a lower foot support member to engage and support the foot coupled together by an inverted substantially wishbone or Y-shaped intermediate interconnecting member including an upper elongated substantially vertical interconnecting member integrally formed with the upper arcuate convex shell and a lower arcuate convex lateral interconnecting member extending from the lower end portion of the upper elongated substantially vertical interconnecting member to each side of the lower foot support member.

Abstract: This application relates to a method of covering a pessary device for relief of female incontinence with an overwrap. More particularly, the present invention relates to methods of overwrapping the pessary device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a portable, self-contained, neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) providing heating (or cooling) for the patient by controlled exchange of thermal energy between a transparent enclosure that houses the infant and an internal reservoir. The invention has no requirement for electrical power. The internal reservoir utilizes water that is heated (or cooled) by an external source. The micro-environment inside the transparent enclosure for the infant and the water inside the internal reservoir are thermally and acoustically isolated in order to minimize heat and sound exchange with the ambient environment.

Abstract: A sequential compression and temperature therapy blanket with a plurality of air chambers is disclosed. The air chambers are filled and released by a valve assembly that may be separate from or integrated within the blanket. The temperature therapy blanket includes a fluid bladder for delivering hot and/or cold therapy to a patient. The temperature therapy blanket may also include an air bladder for providing compression.

Abstract: An appliance for application to the human body for injury prevention, rehabilitation, support, to enhance strength, and to improve posture. The claimed invention may provide an applicator of a relatively elastic material having a first portion for attachment to a first insertion point of a muscle and a second portion for attachment to a second insertion point of the muscle to provide support to the injured muscle. Alternatively, the claimed invention may provide a central portion for attachment to an injured area and any number of extension portions for attachment to the surrounding tissue.

Abstract: A compressive patient warming device is provided. The device includes an elastic inner layer that conforms snugly to a shape of an appendage of a patient so that the inner layer wraps around and substantially contacts most of an underlying surface area of the appendage. An outer layer is attached to and covers the inner layer to form a space that holds a heat transfer medium between the inner layer and the outer layer while the inner layer is wrapped around the appendage. The outer layer may be a rigid layer, and a predetermined compressive load may be applied to the outer layer to encourage blood flow in the appendage. A source of heat may be applied to the device to maintain normothermia and/or treat hypothermia.

Abstract: An intravascular heat exchange catheter has serpentine-like supply and return conduits circulating working fluid with a heat exchange system to warm or cool a patient in which the catheter is intubated.

Abstract: A steerable laser probe may include a handle, an actuation structure of the handle, a housing tube, a wire having a pre-formed curve, and an optic fiber disposed within the housing tube and an inner bore of the handle. The housing tube may include a first housing tube portion having a first stiffness and a second housing tube portion having a second stiffness. The second stiffness may be greater than the first stiffness. A compression of the actuation structure may curve or straighten the housing tube. A decompression of the actuation structure may curve or straighten the housing tube.

Abstract: A steerable laser probe may include a handle having a handle distal end and a handle proximal end, a housing sleeve disposed in an inner bore of the handle configured to project a distance from the handle distal end, an optic fiber disposed in the housing sleeve, a shape memory sleeve disposed over a distal end of the optic fiber, and a light source configured to connect to a proximal end of the optic fiber. The shape memory sleeve may be configured to curve the distal end of the optic fiber at an angle, e.g., 90 degrees, when the shape memory sleeve is not contained within the housing sleeve.

Abstract: A steerable laser probe may include a handle having a handle distal end and a handle proximal end, a housing sleeve disposed in an inner bore of the handle configured to project a distance from the handle distal end, an optic fiber disposed in the housing sleeve, a shape memory sleeve disposed over a distal end of the optic fiber, and a light source configured to connect to a proximal end of the optic fiber. The shape memory sleeve may be configured to curve the distal end of the optic fiber at an angle, e.g., 90 degrees, when the shape memory sleeve is not contained within the housing sleeve.

Abstract: A compression device for applying compression to a body part of a wearer has an inflatable bladder defined by first and second bladder layers and a bladder sealing line securing the first and second bladder layers to one another. A conduit is defined by spaced apart, generally opposing conduit sealing lines securing the first and second bladder layers to one another and portions of the first and second bladder layers between the conduit lines. The conduit is fluidly connected to the inflatable bladder for delivering pressurized air to the inflatable bladder. Tubing is not needed for connection to the compression device.

Abstract: The present invention provides a patch package structure, which includes: a package including a first sheet material which is planar and a second sheet material which has been molded, the first and second sheet materials being sealed together in peripheral parts thereof, and a patch disposed in the package, in which the patch contains a backing, a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer laminated on at least one side of the backing, and a release liner which protects a pressure-sensitive adhesive surface of the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer; the second sheet material has been molded so as to have a protrudent part in at least a substantially central area thereof, the protrudent part having a planar outer shape larger than a planar outer shape of the release liner and having at least one recessed part; d is not smaller than T, in which d is the minimum gap distance between the inner surface of the first sheet material and the inner surface of the second sheet material at the recessed part and T is a thickness of

Abstract: A method of applying a patterned coating of a silicone adhesive to a substrate sheet, comprising the steps of pattern coating a silicone precursor composition onto the substrate, followed by thermally curing the precursor composition coated on the substrate. The precursor composition is a viscous fluid, and the pattern coating is performed by suitably modified block printing, intaglio printing or screen printing methods. Also provided are coated substrates obtainable by the methods of the invention, and wound dressings comprising such coated substrates.

Abstract: A system that is clinically and effically sound, consisting of proprietary components that not only address the needs of the clinician but are universally utilized in a concise protocol covering a wide range of indications and conditions.

Abstract: An ointment-containing foot wrap including a base having a top layer and a flexible, waterproof bottom layer, an inner side, an outer side, a front side and a rear side. A center section is longitudinally disposed between the front and rear side. A pouch with an external side and an open internal side is disposed along each of the base outer side, and a portion of the front side. An ointment is continuously disposed within the center section. A cover is continuously removably disposed atop the center section. An adhesive strip is disposed along an outer perimeter of the inner side, a portion of the front side adjacent the pouch, a portion of the rear side, and an inner perimeter of the pouch. A removable backing is continuously disposed atop the adhesive strip.

Abstract: In some embodiments, the present invention is directed to an actuator which includes at least the following: a pre-stretched electro-active polymer film being pre-stretched in a single or biaxial planar directions; at least one first semi-stiff conductor attached to a first surface of the pre-stretched electro-active polymer film, wherein the first surface is parallel to the single or biaxial planar stretch directions; at least one second semi-stiff conductor attached to a second surface of the pre-stretched electro-active polymer film, wherein the second surface is opposite to the first surface; where the semi-stiff conductors are configured to: fix the pre-stretched electro-active polymer film in a pre-stretched state and allow the pre-stretched electro-active polymer film to expand; a pair of mechanical connectors coupled to each end of an active region of the pre-stretched electro-active polymer film.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of providing a disposable product with zero waste ear formation and attaching the ears to a running chassis web. A cut/slip operation is performed on an incoming web carried by a transfer drum, and the cut/slip pieces are further divided and next separated by a second transfer drum and bonded to incoming webs.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article has front and back panels, each having an elastic film layer and each having first and second zones. The first zone of each panel is extensible and retractable and the second zone of each panel is non-extensible and non-retractable. Each of the front and back panels has first and second side edges. An absorbent assembly is secured to the front and back panels. The absorbent assembly has a first end secured to the second zone of the front panel and a second end secured to the second zone of the back panel. A pair of seams join the front and back panels together at the first and second side edges to form a disposable absorbent article having a waist opening and a pair of leg openings.

Abstract: A disposable pull-on diaper having a central inelastic region in at least one of a front waist region and a rear waist region, and a method for manufacturing the same. Front and rear waist regions of a disposable pull-on diaper are respectively of an elastically non-stretchable exterior sheet and elastically stretchable interior sheets. In lateral elastic regions of this waist region, the interior sheets are attached under tension to an interior surface of the exterior sheet and, in a central inelastic region, the interior sheets are spaced apart from each other in a transverse direction and regions of the interior sheets are in an elastically contracted and relaxed state in vicinities of the lateral elastic regions.

Abstract: A disposable wearing article includes a central curving unit that allows the absorber to curve in the inner direction in a convex shape is formed in the center of the absorber, a pair of first curving units along the front-back direction that allow the absorber to curve in the outer direction in a convex shape is formed outboard of the central curving unit of the absorber, a pair of second curving units along the front-back direction that allow the absorber to curve in the inner direction in a convex shape is formed outboard of the first curving unit of the absorber, and a front end of the central curving unit is positioned posteriorly of a front end of a second curving unit.

Abstract: The absorbent article of the present invention comprises: a liquid-pervious surface sheet, a liquid-impervious backside sheet provided at the position opposing said surface sheet, and an absorption body provided between said surface sheet and said backside sheet, wherein the absorbent article comprises an endless compressed groove, surrounding a central part of said absorbent article, which is formed in said surface sheet and said absorption body in the thickness direction, and a plurality of concave parts, provided inside and outside said compressed groove, which are formed in said surface sheet and said absorption body in the thickness direction, and an uncompressed region bordering inner and outer edges of the compressed groove, wherein the closest distance between said compressed groove and the nearest concave parts is greater than the distance between adjacent ones of those same concave parts.

Abstract: A reusable holder for absorbent material for absorbing menstrual flow is made from a liquid permeable inner layer affixed to an outer liquid impermeable layer at the peripheral edges to form a pouch between the two layers. An opening in the inner layer provides access to the pouch so that disposable or reusable absorbent material such as paper or cloth may be placed in the pouch to absorb menstrual flow. After use, the absorbent material may be removed from the pouch via the opening so that the used absorbent material may be disposed of or washed for re-use. Wings extending from the sides of the reusable holder allow the holder to be fastened around an undergarment to keep the holder in place. Alternatively, strings are attached to the reusable holder to allow it to be worn like a g-string.

Abstract: A garment for bandaging a wound on a member of a mammal includes a flexible garment portion, and may take the form of a shirt, shorts, pants, a vest, or the like. At least one perforation in the garment portion defines at least one tear-away bandage comprising an outer surface, an inner surface, two opposing ends and a central section. The inner surface of the central section is adapted for application to the wound, and the two opposing ends are adapted for tying around the member of the mammal. Preferably the at least one bandage comprises a plurality of layers, including a netting material adapted for contacting the wound at the central section. In one embodiment, an absorbent layer of the at least one bandage is sandwiched between the inner surface or an inner layer and the outer surface or an outer layer.

Abstract: A wheelchair has an additional auxiliary drive device that allows the wheelchair to be moved even without using one's hands. Two drive wheels are connected by means of a wheel hub and one wheel is arranged at one side of a wheelchair frame and the other wheel at the opposite side of the wheelchair frame. A seat is arranged between the drive wheels, the seat surface of which is arranged such that it can be tilted along the wheel axis of the drive wheels, wherein the tilting axis of the seat is located centrally between the drive wheels above the wheel axis.

Abstract: An adjustable foundation includes a base frame and an articulating frame movably supported by the base frame for longitudinal movement with respect to the base frame. A mattress platform is positioned on the articulating frame. A concealing assembly is positioned below the mattress platform and at least partially conceals the base frame. The concealing assembly is attached to the articulating frame for simultaneous longitudinal movement therewith.

Abstract: A cantilevered support system is provided. The cantilevered support system comprises a vertical support pole and longitudinally extending upper and lower support arm assemblies that are securable to a wall.

Abstract: A person support device comprises a body support, a first support loop, and a second support loop. The body support is configured to support at least a portion of a person. The first support loop is coupled to the body support and extends there from a first distance. The second support loop is coupled to the body support and is overlappingly coupled along a portion of the first support loop. The second support loop extends a second distance from the body support.

Abstract: An incubator comprising a support and, mounted on the support, a patient-receiving unit provided with a cover, the cover being provided with means such as access openings for treating a patient, and wherein the patient-receiving unit is coupled with a heating element and/or a humidifying element via a conduit or conduits for heated and/or humidified air, which are equipped with a pump, wherein the pump, the heating element and/or the humidifying element are located in a foot of the support, and the conduit or conduits for heated and/or humidified air run between the foot and the patient-receiving unit, and in that the support is located substantially to one side of the patient-receiving unit, so as to leave a free legroom below the patient-receiving unit.

Abstract: A traction bed includes (a) a frame upon which an individual is supportable, (b) a first single-sided lever arm pivotably coupled to the frame at a location proximate both a first end of the frame and a first side of the frame, wherein the first single-sided lever arm is configured to be coupled to an arm of an individual, (c) a second single-sided lever arm pivotably coupled to the frame at a location proximate both a second end of the frame and the first side of the frame, wherein the second single-sided lever arm is configured to be coupled to a leg of an individual, and (d) a control system operable to direct a force onto each of the single-sided lever arms to pivot the single-sided lever arms relative to the frame, wherein the force directed to the first single-sided lever arm is separately variable from the force directed to the second single-sided lever arm.

Abstract: A patient protection device is provided for an operating room table. A rigid support frame extends transversely over a top surface of said table, including a main body with an upper support surface and a pair of support legs that are secured to the table. A receptacle tray to receive medical equipment is securely mounted to the rigid support frame via a removable connection. The receptacle tray includes a first planar surface positioned above a body lying over said top surface of said operating room table. The receptacle tray is slidable, relative to the rigid support frame, along a direction substantially parallel to the upper support surface of the rigid support frame.

Abstract: An electromotive walking assistance device includes a drive unit including a plurality of wheels and a motor for driving at least on portion of the plurality of wheels, a sensor unit sensing a distance from a user, a manipulation unit sensing a user's manipulation, and a controller controlling the motor based on a signal of the distance from the user and a signal of the user's manipulation.

Abstract: In order to inhibit thrombotic processes locally rather than systemically, higher levels of antithrombotic drugs in the deep veins of the legs than in the systemic circulation are obtained using devices and methods that provide venous cannulation in the dorsum of the foot of a patient while applying pressure to the foot proximal to the venous cannulation, potentially as far up the leg as the knee, in an amount sufficient to compress the superficial veins and divert the venous drainage in the deep venous system into the venous plexus.

Abstract: An integrated resuscitation system for use by a rescuer to resuscitate a patient is provided, including: a defibrillation and CPR resuscitation assembly including: a first high-voltage defibrillation electrode; a second high-voltage defibrillation electrode; a compression-sensing element mechanically connected with the first and second electrodes, the compression-sensing element comprising an accelerometer and associated circuitry; and a resuscitation control unit including an internal charge storage capacitor, a microprocessor and associated circuitry configured to be electrically connected to the first and second electrodes and the compression-sensing element and configured to analyze signals generated from the compression-sensing element and at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode to provide resuscitation prompts to the rescuer, wherein the prompts are based at least in part on use of the compression-sensing element by the rescuer.

Abstract: The disclosed device increases the accommodation amount of blister packages and enables smooth dispensing even if a blister package is bent or similar. The device is provided with: a device body (1), a storage container (2) which accommodates blister packages (4) in a stacked state, and a dispensing member (3) which can dispense the accommodated blister package (4). The storage container (2) is provided with an outlet (13), which is formed on the base at one end side thereof, and which is for ejecting the blister package (4), and a biasing means (12) for biasing the accommodated blister packages (4) toward one end side. The dispensing member (3) is provided with a guide part (36) for guiding a side edge part of the blister packages (4), and biases the blister packages (4) toward one end side of the storage container (2).

Abstract: A multi-vial dispensing cassette provides serial dispensement of radiopharmaceutical fluid into a plurality of dispense vials connected in series. Needle holders may be provided for one or more vials in the cassette and at clip may be incorporated into the needle holder. Each dispense vial has a body and a cap with a fill needle and a withdrawal needle. The withdrawal needle of one vial is connected to the fill needle of an adjacent vial.

Abstract: The present invention provides, in at least one embodiment, a loading device, system and method that loads aggregate cells into an encapsulation device for implanting into a patient. The loading system uses negative pressure from a low pressure pump in a closed system to improve safety and cell viability while allowing for even loading of the encapsulation device.

Abstract: A medicine mixing apparatus transfusing a medicine using a syringe includes a medicine cassette holding a medicine container, a lifting unit moving the medicine cassette upward and downward to a middle position or a lower position of a main body while maintaining a horizontal attitude of the medicine cassette, a first holding portion held by the main body, and a second driving unit which drives a plunger of the syringe held by the first holding portion to transfuse the medicine.

Abstract: Provided is a die roll for manufacturing softgels, a softgel, and methods for producing a softgel. The die roll includes a die roll surface and a pocket defined therein. The pocket includes a floor, an interior sidewall surface, a chamfer, and an exterior sidewall surface. The floor is recessed relative to the die roll surface and the interior sidewall surface is connected to the floor and extends above the die roll surface to the chamfer. The pocket also includes a landing surface that is elevated from the die role surface and connects the chamfer to the exterior sidewall surface of the pocket. The landing surface includes a taper (such that the landing surface tapers inwardly towards the pocket floor) and a radius (such that the landing surface is not flat). Also provided is a softgel having a trailing edge thickness that is at least about 40% the thickness of the softgel wall thickness.

Abstract: A bottle includes a transparent flexible display, and a body, the body being configured to contain a liquid, the body including a display unit that selectively shows the liquid in the body and displays content, and that is deformable by an external force, and a controller that controls the content to be displayed on the display unit.

Abstract: A method and device for providing a child in a crib, with self-access to a feeding bottle containing feeding fluid therein with elevated/cooled temperature of the feeding fluid being retained. An open top retaining receptacle, for the feeding bottle, is provided of an inner dimension suitable for accepting and retaining a baby baffle therein for child removal of the bottle by either lining or tilting and dragging it out. Releasable fastening element or elements enable the retaining receptacle to be securely fastened to one or more fixed position crib elements to fixedly hold the retaining receptacle in an upright position at a position in the crib adjacent and accessible to a child placed therein and a separate heatable or coolable insert element with integrated removal facilitating structure is placed within the retaining receptacle, below and/or around the bottle to maintain heating/cooling temperature of the feeding fluid.

Abstract: A container for collecting, storing and dispensing fluid, as in enteral feeding and/or medication deliver to neonatal infants. The container includes a hollow tube with a body, a first end, a second end, and an outer diameter. The hollow tube is configured to receive a movable plunger that advances and retracts therein to define a variable contained volume. The container also includes a sealing head assembly removably mounted at an end of the hollow tube. The sealing head assembly has a diameter or outside dimension that is substantially similar or identical to a corresponding outside diameter or dimension of the hollow tube, so that the container lies flat within the receiver of an enteral feeding pump.

Abstract: Presently described are dental compositions comprising one or more fatty mono(meth)acrylates, methods of use, dental articles, and methods of making dental compositions. It has been found that a relatively low concentration of a fatty mono(meth)acrylate can improve the handling characteristics of a dental composition by reducing the tendency of the composition to stick to a dental instrument and/or by reducing the tendency of a dental composition to string when being manipulated by a dental instrument. In one embodiment, a hardenable dental composition is described comprising a polymerizable resin composition comprising at least one multifunctional ethylenically unsaturated monomer; 0.2 to 10 wt-% of one or more fatty mono(meth)acrylate monomers; and at least 50 wt-% of inorganic oxide filler.