Abstract: The invention provides improved passively fitting, permanent, detachable frameworks for supporting dental restorations on osseo-integrated dental implants, methods for making the frameworks and methods of using the frameworks.

Abstract: A dental floss dispenser having a wicking delivery system with a reservoir for storing a solution of oral care ingredients generally in fluid form. The reservoir includes an absorbent wicking porous pad that extends through at least a portion of the floss dispensing device to deliver the solution to the dental floss. When the floss is pulled through the porous pad holding the oral care ingredient(s), the porous pad activates (e.g., coats, impregnates, saturates) the floss, providing the consumer with new benefits such as enhanced deep cleaning, new flavors, better plaque dissolving capabilities, ease of floss use and maneuverability, whitening, and deposition of therapeutic actives into the gum pockets.

Abstract: A dental ultrasonic drug delivery system capable of accurately cleaning the inside of root canals and killing bacteria in dentin tubules is provided. The dental ultrasonic drug delivery system delivers a drug to a target using an ultrasonic delivery device 800 . The drug is delivered in a mixed state with nanobubbles. A dental therapeutic probe for applying ultrasound is attached to the ultrasonic delivery device 800 . The dental therapeutic probe is selected from: (1) a root canal insertion probe 100 which is configured to be inserted into a root canal and causes ultrasound to propagate in the root canal; (2) a dental caries therapeutic probe which causes ultrasound to propagate in a dental caries portion; (3) a periodontal disease therapeutic probe which applies ultrasound to a periodontal disease portion; and (4) a hyperesthesia therapeutic probe which applies ultrasound to hyperesthesia portion.

Abstract: A method for the delivery of an oral care active agent comprising the following step: applying an active agent(s) between a target oral biological barrier and a magnetic device comprising one or more pairs of displaced dipolar magnetic elements linked by a magnetic return wherein the magnetic return is orientated on the surfaces of the dipole pair distal to the biological barrier.

Abstract: Described are surgical implants that include a central support portion adapted to be positioned to support pelvic tissue, between mesh end portions adapted to be passed through body tissue, wherein edges of the end portions exhibit extensions that are resistant to deformation.

Abstract: A filter, configured to be disposed within a body lumen, such as within the vasculature. The filter may include a plurality of struts, configured to interact with the body lumen wall in order to stabilize the position of the filter and to create a filtering structure. Each strut may have two or more apexes configured to contact the body lumen wall. In some embodiments the filter may be integrally formed form a single tube of material.

Abstract: Embolic protection filtering devices and methods for making and using the same. An example embolic protection filter device may include an elongate shaft. A filter may be coupled to the shaft. The filter may include a filter frame and a filter membrane having a plurality of apertures formed therein attached to the filter frame. The filter may be configured to shift between a first collapsed configuration and a second expanded configuration. The apertures may have a first shape when the filter is in the first configuration and a second shape when the filter is in the second configuration.

Abstract: In a cardiac double stent having an outer netting over an inner scaffolding, a limiting ridge for defining advancement of the outer netting over the inner scaffolding, and locking clips integrated in the outer netting for engaging the scaffolding at the insertion limit, assures definite placement and avoids shifting or movement from retracting of the delivery device. The delivery device further includes restricting ridges limiting advancement of the inner netting to overlie the inner scaffolding a substantially equal portion on the proximate and distal ends of a guide wire such that balloon catheter expands first at the overlying portion outside the inner scaffolding to sealably contact the lumen wall on each side of the scaffolding to prevent contamination.

Abstract: A system and method for making an orthopedic repair by fixing a soft tissue graft to bone, utilizes an implant including a body wedge having first and second outwardly expandable wedge portions, a wing portion having outwardly expandable wings, and a deployment member which is movable distally into the implant to deploy the wedge portions and the wings into an expanded deployed orientation.

Abstract: A reduced weight implantable prosthesis, including an outer surface shell for encapsulating the prosthesis, a gel mixture comprising a mixture of cohesive gel and micro-spheres for filling the shell, one or more inner volumes internal to the shell which do not contain the gel mixture; and wherein the gel mixture contains less than 60% by volume of micro-spheres mixed into the cohesive gel.

Abstract: A scleral prosthesis includes an elongated body configured to be implanted into scleral tissue of an eye. The elongated body includes (i) opposing first and second ends and (ii) multiple first portions that form the first end of the body and part of a remainder of the body between the ends. The first and second ends are wider than the remainder of the body. The first portions of the body are separated lengthwise along the body by empty space such that the first portions meet at a point between the first and second ends of the body and are not connected to each other between that point and the first end. The scleral prosthesis also includes an insert configured to be placed and retained between the first portions of the body. The insert has a length that is at least about half of a length of the elongated body.

Abstract: The invention discloses an artificial valve (10, 20) for implantation in a mammal aorta or heart as an auxiliary aortic valve in addition to an aortic valve. The artificial valve (10, 20) comprises at least a first (12,17) moving part adapted to be able to move to assume an open and a closed position for opening and closing, respectively, of the blood flow through a blood vessel. The artificial valve (10, 20) also comprises a casing (14, 24), and said at least one first (12,17) moving part is movably attached to said casing (14, 24). The artificial valve (10, 20) is adapted to let the at least one moving part initiate its movement to the open position at a level of blood pressure on a blood supplying side of the valve which is at least 5 mm Hg higher than the mammal's diastolic aortic blood pressure on the other side of the valve.

Abstract: A method for replacing a diseased aortic valve includes selecting a prosthetic heart valve based on a measurement of a patient's aortic annulus, the prosthetic heart valve stored in a storage container while in an expanded configuration. The preservative solution is drained from the storage container and the prosthetic heart valve is removed. The prosthetic heart valve is compressed to a contracted configuration and advanced through a patient's vasculature along a distal end portion of a catheter system. The prosthetic heart valve is positioned within the diseased aortic valve and re-expanded to an initial expanded configuration. A deployment mechanism is actuated via an operating handle to further expand the prosthetic heart valve into secure engagement with surrounding tissue until lockout features on the prosthetic heart valve secure the prosthetic heart valve in a final expanded configuration.

Abstract: Heart valve prosthesis recapture devices and methods for recapture are disclosed, which can be used for recapturing a partially deployed heart valve prosthesis. The recapture device comprises a recapture sleeve, configured to envelop and collapse a partially deployed heart valve prosthesis. The recapture sleeve comprises a distal end, configured to be securely attached to a guide wire, and a proximal end, comprising an opening along a longitudinal axis of the recapture sleeve. The opening can be configured to expand as it engages the heart valve prosthesis, and be biased toward a closed configuration. An attachment element can interface with the distal end of the recapture sleeve and be securely attached to a guide wire, such as by crimping. The recapture sleeve can include a support structure comprising at least one spine and a plurality of ribs.

Abstract: A system for treating mitral valve regurgitation includes a tensioning device having a plurality of helical anchors and a tensioning filament. One embodiment of the invention includes a method for attaching a tensioning device to the annulus of a mitral valve in a trans-leaflet configuration, and applying a tension force to the tension filament in order to exert force vectors on the annulus, thereby reshaping the mitral valve annulus so that the coaption of the anterior and posterior leaflets of the mitral is improved during ventricular contraction.

Abstract: Systems and method to affect anatomical structures is disclosed. The systems and method can be used to regenerate bone. The system can comprise a nanofiber mesh configured to substantially conform to an anatomical structure, wherein at least a portion of the nanofiber mesh defines a fillable space. The system can comprise a carrier substance comprising an active agent, such as a bone morphogenetic protein, The carrier substance can be disposed within the fillable space.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method incorporating computer-implemented steps, a computing device, and a computer readable storage medium, for developing manufacturing parameters for manufacturing an orthopaedic implant. The method comprises the computer-implemented steps of being responsive to patient specific information data for deriving patient data, where the patient specific information data is indicative of one or more dynamic characteristics, being responsive to the patient data for calculating design data for the orthopaedic implant, and developing the manufacturing parameters for manufacturing the orthopaedic implant according to the design data.

Abstract: A knee prosthesis includes a femoral component, a tibial component, and a coupling component interconnecting the femoral component and the tibial component. The tibial component includes ball. The femoral component is configured to move relative to the tibial component. The coupling component defines an internal cavity including a first spherical end portion and a second spherical end portion. The internal cavity is dimensioned to receive the ball of the tibial component. The ball is repositioned between the first spherical end portion and the second spherical end portion of the internal cavity upon movement of the femoral component relative to the tibial component.

Abstract: An artificial knee joint (1) is described and comprises a femoral component (10) and a tibial component (30), for attachment to the femur (2) and tibia (3) of a patient (4) respectively. The femoral component (10) comprises a lateral condyle (11) and a medial condyle (12) which extend from the posterior (13) to the anterior (14) of the femoral component (10). A femoral gap (15) is provided between the lateral (11) and medial (12) condyles extending from the posterior (13) toward the anterior (14) of the femoral component (10). The lateral (11) and medial (12) condyles are joined at the anterior (13) of the femoral component (10) to form a patella tracking path or bearing surface (16) which is located at and forms the anterior end of the gap (17). A femoral cam (18) is provided bridging the posterior ends of both the lateral (11) and medial (12) condyles, and forms a posterior end of the gap (19), wherein the femoral cam (18) is structured to have the shape of a section of a ring (20).

Abstract: An orthopedic knee prosthesis includes a tibial bearing and a femoral component configured to articulate with the tibial bearing. The femoral component includes a condyle surface curved in the sagittal plane. The radius of curvature of the condyle surface decreases gradually between early-flexion and mid-flexion. Additionally, in some embodiments, the radius of curvature may be increased during mid-flexion.

Abstract: A knee prosthesis is provided having a femoral component (1) with a pair of laterally spaced condylar formations (2) at one end, and a tibial component (3) having a transverse platform (4) supporting a shock absorbing bumper (5) interposed between the platform and condylar formations with the tibial component supporting a ball (6) of a ball and socket joint. The socket (8) is provided in a generally cylindrical bearing (9) having an axis extending generally parallel to a longitudinal axis of the femoral component. The bearing is held captive in a recess that is between the two laterally spaced condylar formations and is formed in the region of said end of the femoral component. The axis of the bearing is preferably inclined laterally at an angle of about 5° relative to the axis of the femoral component so that it is able to line up with a mechanical axis of a lower limb.

Abstract: A method of implanting a glenoid component includes selecting a metaglene component having a body portion and an augment extending medially from the body based upon a defect in a scapula, inserting the selected metaglene component into the scapula, inserting a portion of a first fastener through a body fastener hole of the body portion into a void defined by the body portion and a portion of the augment, inserting the portion of the first fastener into a first augment fastener hole extending through the augment and aligned with the body fastener hole, and inserting the portion of the first fastener into the scapula.

Abstract: An ankle implant for implantation at a distal tibia can include a first sleeve augment, a second sleeve augment, an intramedullary (IM) implant and a connecting peg. The first sleeve augment can have a first cannulated sleeve body comprising a first inner solid metal body portion and a first outer porous metal body portion. The IM implant can have an outer augment mounting structure. The second sleeve augment can have a second cannulated sleeve body comprising a second inner solid metal body portion and a second outer porous metal body portion. The second inner solid metal body portion can include a second sleeve first mating structure. The first and second sleeve augments can be assembled onto the IM implant in a stacked orientation with the connecting peg received by both the first sleeve first mating structure and the second sleeve first mating structure in a keyed relationship.

Abstract: Implant devices and cutting clamp apparatuses and methods for creating the implants for insertion into a patient's joint to restore anatomic length and assist in final positioning of the bones following removal of cartilage and/or bone in preparation for fusion. A first implant is a biplanar implant having a shape to mimic the normal anatomical shape of the bones the implant is configured to mate with. The first implant may be cut using a cutting clamp and jig having the anatomical shape of the bones the implant will be inserted within or between. A second implant is a cylindrical piece of bone having a convex end and a concave end for mating with bones reamed to have the opposite mating surfaces. The second implant is created using cup and cone reamers having dimensions corresponding to the size of the patient's bones. Surgical methods for inserting the implants within a patient.

Abstract: An artificial implant for a carpometacarpal (CMC) joint used for replacing a CMC joint surface of the first metacarpal bone is provided and has: an insert portion having an inserting end for inserting into a bone marrow cavity exposed from an incision of the first metacarpal bone, and a front end; an articular replacement portion connected to the front end of the inserting portion and disposed outside the incision of the first metacarpal bone, and having an articular profile surface to replace the CMC joint surface of the first metacarpal bone; and an attached flange protruded from a peripheral of the articular replacement portion, attached to an outer bone surface of the first metacarpal bone adjacent to the incision, and having at least one suture hole, through which at least one suture passes for assisting to fix an abductor pollicis longus (APL) to the outer bone surface.

Abstract: An intervertebral spacer in the form of a generally flat four sided disc, with two opposite sides having slightly curved surfaces and two opposite sides having pointed lobes. The disc is configured to be placed between two vertebrae and rotated, with the rotation spreading the vertebrae and moving the pointed lobes into contact with the inner vertebral faces, for holding the vertebrae a fixed distance apart.

Abstract: An implant stabilizes two adjacent bones of a joint, while enabling a natural kinematic relative movement of the bones. Support components are connected to each bone of the joint, and a flexible core is interposed between them. The core and at least one of the support components are provided with a smooth sliding surface upon which the core and support component may slide relative to each other, enabling a corresponding movement of the bones. The surfaces may have a mating curvature, to mimic a natural movement of the joint. The core is resilient, and may bend or compress, enabling the bones to move towards each other, and or to bend relative to each other.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a spinal fusion cage for implantation between two adjacent vertebrae, wherein the total cage has, under a load, a maximum compression that is higher than 0.05% of the original height of the spinal fusion cage and the maximum compression does not change the structural integrity of the cage.

Abstract: An adjustable complex of an artificial cervical vertebra and an intervertebral connector includes: a vertebra body; and two end plates respectively connected to a top end and a bottom end of the vertebra body by spherical joint structures; wherein the vertebra body comprises: an upper vertebra body; and a lower vertebra body; wherein the upper vertebra body is axially connected to the lower vertebra body by a screw thread; a plurality of radial screw holes are correspondingly provided on side surfaces of the upper vertebra body and the lower vertebra body; a length-fixing screw is provided though the radial screw holes of the upper vertebra body and the lower vertebra body; wherein end plate fixing screws are respectively provided on the two end plates. The adjustable complex has a support function of an artificial vertebra and movability of an artificial intervertebral disc.

Abstract: The present invention provides an expandable fusion device capable of being installed inside an intervertebral disc space to maintain normal disc spacing and restore spinal stability, thereby facilitating an intervertebral fusion. In one embodiment, the fusion device includes a body portion, a first endplate, and a second endplate, the first and second endplates capable of being moved in a direction away from the body portion into an expanded configuration or capable of being moved towards the body portion into an unexpanded configuration. The fusion device is capable of being deployed and installed in both configurations.

Abstract: The invention relates to a spinal implant composed of a plurality of parallel plates. The deliberate introduction of contours in the plates allows for the creation of biomechanically advantageous functions and adjustment options. The elasticity of the anchoring elements enables the disclosed implant to be adjusted to the osseous endplates, resulting in uniform force distribution and thus prevention of the risk of compaction or endplate compression fracture. The plate structure allows for the use of production methods in which hook-like undercut contours can be created, thus enabling the implant to be superbly anchored in the bone without causing damage thereto. Furthermore, the plates can be interconnected by an actuator in such a way that the height and/or the angular position can be adjusted. The vertical adjustment can vary along the length of the implant such that the segment can also be angularly adjusted.

Abstract: A surgical method for exposure of the sacroiliac joint using a posterior approach begins with a longitudinal incision over the posterior iliac crest, centered on the posterior iliac spine. Holes which will be used to repair the iliac osteotomy are made obliquely from the medial to lateral to cross the plane of exposure. A cut through the bone is made lateral to the drill holes and centered over the sacroiliac complex with the aid of fluoroscope or radiograph imaging. The medial part of the iliac crest is freed from the back of the sacrum and displaced medially for the sacroiliac joint complex to be inspected, debrided, or curettaged for fusion. The closure and subsequent healing are facilitated by the predrilled oblique holes. These are used to re-attach the medial iliac bone to the remaining lateral ilium.

Abstract: A transcutaneous prosthesis which includes a first component shaped for implantation into a bone, a second component intended for location between the bone and the skin, the second component having a surface treatment for stimulation of fibroblastic cell proliferation and attachment of epithelial cells, and a third component intended for location exterior to the skin surface having a low surface energy which deters bacterial adhesion.

Abstract: A mandrel for supporting a stent and rollers for pressing a radiopaque marker into a stent are disclosed. The mandrel can have a forward portion for carrying the stent and a rear portion for urging the stent forward portion into a gap between the rollers. The mandrel may be pushed or pulled into the gap, which is sized to allow the rollers to press the marker into engagement with the stent. Prior to moving the mandrel into the gap, the marker may be placed on a surface of the stent or partially inside a recess in the stent. Several markers can be efficiently and uniformly pressed onto the stent by moving the mandrel into the gap in one continuous movement in an axial or lateral direction. Markers can also be pressed onto the stent by placing the stent in the gap and rotating the stent about its central axis.

Abstract: An expandable slide and lock stent comprises a tubular member that can be expanded from a collapsed state to an expanded state. The tubular member can comprise a reversing helical backbone and at least one rail member extending from the helical backbone in a circumferential direction. The backbone can have at least one engagement element that can be configured to receive a rail member to form the tubular member. In some embodiments, the reversing helical backbone can comprise a plurality of discrete segments having a variable profile and/or wave form.

Abstract: A reconfigurable delivery system is disclosed having a multi-lumen delivery catheter configuration that permits the delivery and staged release of a self-expanding main vessel stent-graft and a delivery sheath configuration that permits the introduction of various medical devices for the delivery and implantation of various branch vessel stent-grafts that are to be mated with the main vessel stent-graft. A method is disclosed wherein the delivery system is first used in the multi-lumen delivery catheter configuration to deliver and release a main vessel stent-graft that is configured for placement in the abdominal aorta for treatment of short-neck infrarenal, juxtarenal, and/or suprarenal aneurysms and then used in the delivery sheath configuration to facilitate the delivery of branch vessel stent-grafts that are configured to extend from the main vessel stent-graft into a respective renal artery.

Abstract: A vascular device is provided that includes a mesh structure formed of a plurality of spaced members. The structure has (i) a first, collapsed configuration, (ii) a second, expanded configuration, and (iii) a density of the plurality of members. The vascular device further includes an elastic member disposed along a region of the structure, the region having a proximal end and a distal end. The Elastic member is configured to increase the density within the region by drawing at least one of the proximal and distal ends of the region toward the other of the proximal and distal ends when the structure is in the second configuration.

Abstract: A stent delivery system includes a housing that houses a rotary roller, a support body in sliding contact with the outer surface of the rotary roller, and a resilient member composed of a coil spring acting on the support body. If, for any reason, it becomes difficult to axially move a rack member and an operator forcibly rotates the rotary roller, a load of not less than a predetermined value is applied to the rotary roller and the rotary roller moves downward while the support body is being pushed down, and meshing engagement between the rack member and the rotary roller is released. Axial movement of the rack member is thus avoided as there is no transmission of the rotating force of the rotary roller to the rack member. Other embodiments are also disclosed for preventing transmission of the rotating force of the rotary roller to the rack member.

Abstract: A suprapyloric anchor assembly includes an antral cap having at least three stabilizing members configured to reside in an antrum and engage tissue circumscribing a pyloric valve. A duodenal member is configured to reside at least partially in a duodenal bulb, and one or more tethers connect the antral cap to the duodenal member. The tether(s) is/are configured to allow passage of stomach contents through the pyloric valve. Optionally, one or more gastric balloon(s) may attached to the suprapyloric anchor and be inflated with the gastric cavity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an immobilization device for immobilizing a body part, the immobilization device comprising a sheet of a thermoplastic material which has been shaped to conform to the body part to be immobilized. The thermoplastic material contains at least one nano filler material which is exfoliated.

Abstract: An orthotic device includes a resilient portion configured to apply a force in one or more predetermined directions to assist or restrict movement of a part of a wearer's body, and a rigid portion configured to restrict movement of the body part. The rigid portion is removably-couplable to the resilient portion so that it can be removed from, and coupled to, the resilient portion while the device is being worn.

Abstract: This invention is an elastic mechanism that extends and retracts during motions of the knee so that it maintains tension in a generally rearward direction on the area of the head of the tibia throughout the range of motion of the knee. The structure is anchored to a stable superior part of the body, above a height of contour, by an attachment which can be a belt, girdle, garment, suspenders or a combination of these attachments. The elastic mechanism attaches inferiorly to a number of connection mechanisms which connect to both sides of a hinged rigid knee brace near the tibial head, below the hinges of the knee brace.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for limiting plantarflexion of an ankle and thereby maintaining the plantar fascia in a neutral to slight dorsiflection. The device includes a foot assembly, tension members, and a leg strap. The leg strap, is adapted so that a portion of the leg strap is removable and can be engaged above the knee. In some embodiments of the present invention, the leg strap, includes at least one connection member for receiving the tension member wherein the connection member is affixed to the leg strap at or about the knee when the leg strap is engaged to the leg.

Abstract: An ankle brace includes upper and lower members with a hinge therebetween. The hinge is configured to be positioned at a location that corresponds to, or at least approximately corresponds to, a true axis of rotation of an individual's foot relative to the tibia bone in his or her lower leg. That axis of rotation is located below the tibialtalor junction, along which tibia and talus articulate as the foot is moved between dorsiflexion and plantarflexion orientations. A foot orthosis includes an arch support that is configured to support at least a portion of a longitudinal arch of an individual's foot regardless of whether or not a ground reaction force is applied to the arch support or to the foot. Such an arch support and an orthosis of which it is a part may be configured to exert an upward force on the longitudinal arch regardless of whether or not any weight is applied to the foot or to the arch support.

Abstract: High friction scapular retraction straps for application directly to the tops of the respective shoulders of a patient and connected with tension straps to draw the gripper straps and, consequently, the shoulders rearwardly, and including fasteners to fasten to a garment worn by the patient to hold the shoulders rearward.

Abstract: A wafer adapted for use with an ostomy appliance includes a backing layer, an adhesive layer applied to the backing layer and providing an adhesive surface, and a liner system disposed over an entirety of the adhesive surface. The adhesive surface includes a mid-section. The liner system includes a first side liner placed on a first lateral side of the mid-section of the adhesive surface, a second side liner placed on a second lateral side of the mid-section of the adhesive surface, and a third middle liner having folded edge portions and covering the mid-section of the adhesive surface.

Abstract: A fecal drainage system includes a collection bag and a catheter tube connectable to the collection bag. The catheter tube is a multi-layer odor barrier structure. The layers of the catheter tube include one or more thermoplastic elastomer layers and one or more odor barrier layers. For example, the catheter tube may comprise an inner thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) layer, an intermediate odor barrier film layer, and an outer TPE layer. Alternately, the multi-layer catheter tube includes an inner TPE layer sandwiched between outer layers of odor barrier film material.

Abstract: The invention discloses an ostomy accessory (13) for an intestinal stoma of a mammal patient, and comprises an insertion portion (8) for inserting into an intestinal stoma (3) of an ostomy, and also comprises an evacuation portion (9, 9? adapted to evacuate fecal matter from an intestine connected to said intestinal stoma through said insertion portion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an inserter for an intrauterine system comprising a handle (3), and an insertion tube (6) having a first end and a second end, and being arranged in connection with the handle. The inserter is characterized in that the first end of the insertion tube (6) comprises at least one frame slot for receiving a frame of the intrauterine system. The invention also relates to a kit comprising an inserter according to the present invention and an intrauterine system, wherein the intrauterine system (1) comprises a therapeutic component (1b) and a continuous, closed frame (1a), the therapeutic component (1b) being connected to the frame (1a) at least one point, and therapeutic component (1b) of the intrauterine system (1) is at least mainly arranged inside the first end of the insertion tube (6) and the frame (1a) of the intrauterine system (1) is at least mainly arranged outside the first end of the insertion tube (6).

Abstract: A bioresorbable drug eluting intravitreal implant system includes a syringe with a chamber containing a medicinal drug. A balloon is releasably secured to a needle where the needle has a central section chamber in fluid communication with a chamber in the syringe. The needle central section has an opening formed through a wall for transporting the medicinal drug to the interior of the balloon subsequent to insertion of the needle through the sclera of a patient's eye.