Abstract: The present disclosure relates, according to some embodiments, to a device and/or system (e.g., redistributing weight away from a subject's foot), which may comprise (a) a platform, (b) at least one vertical support fixed to the platform and extending upwardly from the platform, and (c) at least one cuff (i) configured to surround and releasably grip at least a portion of a subject's leg other than the foot and (ii) mounted (e.g., adjustably) to the at least one vertical support at a vertical position along the at least one vertical support sufficient to suspend a subject's foot in a non-weight-bearing position above the platform during ambulation, wherein the platform, the at least one vertical support, and the at least one cuff together are configured to bear at least the subject's full weight.

Abstract: A prosthetic foot device (10) having a toe region (11), an ankle region (12) and a heel region (13), said device comprising —an attachment unit (14) configured to be connected to a coupling device and/or to stump of an amputee; —a resilient upper forefoot member (16) extending from the attachment unit (14) through the ankle region (12) towards the toe region (11), said forefoot member (16) comprising at least one elongated curvilinear forefoot leaf spring (17) and at least one longitudinally extending parting slot (20) dividing the toe region (11) in at least two parts: —a resilient heel member (22) extending from the attachment unit (14) through the ankle region (12) towards the heel region (13), said heel member (22) comprising at least one elongated curvilinear heel leaf spring (23); —a resilient lower foot member (25) attached to the forefoot member (16) at said toe region (11) and to said heel member (22) in the heel region (13), wherein said lower foot member (25) is laterally unitary along the longitud

Abstract: A prosthetic ankle module allows for translational and/or rotational movement of a prosthetic foot relative to an adapter. The ankle module can include a four-bar linkage assembly. Links of the linkage assembly can be arranged in various configurations, e.g., parallel or non-parallel and having equal or non-equal lengths, to provide different functions and benefits, e.g., dorsiflexion, plantar flexion, vertical shock absorption, inversion, eversion, and/or rotation about the sagittal axis. Other types of linkage assemblies are also possible. A prosthetic foot can further include a support spring to limit the range of motion of the adapter in use.

Abstract: A prosthetic foot comprises a resilient bottom member, a resilient top member, wherein the anterior top end is connected to the anterior bottom end of the resilient bottom member, and wherein the resilient top member is positioned over the resilient bottom member. The prosthetic foot may further comprise a toe pad having a spacer coupled to, and creating space between, the bottom member and the top member, and an adhesive bonding one of the bottom member and one end of the top member, where the adhesive is commingled with the spacer between the first bottom end and the first top end.

Abstract: A device includes a first member and a second member disposed in series along a longitudinal axis. The device also includes links coupling first joints of the first member to second joints of the second member. The first and second members and the links arranged to define a planar parallelogram linkage. The devices also include a resilient element disposed between the first member and the second member, the first member and the second member preloaded against the resilient element. The first member and the second member are preloaded to provide an arrangement of the first and the second joints in which a motion of the first joints with respect to the second joints is constrained to a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis. The devices further include a sensor for generating a signal indicating a separation between the first member and the second member.

Abstract: A device for treating a damaged tissue includes an expandable scaffold positionable in a portion of a luminal tissue structure of a mammal; and maintained via stent technology, wherein the scaffold is comprised of electrospun fibers composed of a biodegradable compound. The scaffold serves as a temporary template that allows the tissue to be rebuilt.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a tubular medical device having a micropatterned inner surface is disclosed. A glass tube having an optical mask on an outer surface thereof may be placed within a lumen of a tubular medical device, wherein the optical mask forms a pattern of shapes. An ultraviolet light source may be advanced within a lumen of the glass tube. The inner surface, including a photoresist coating, of the tubular medical device may be illuminated with ultraviolet light through the glass tube. The optical mask may block ultraviolet light from passing through portions of the glass tube. The inner surface of the tubular medical device may be etched to create a plurality of protrusions.

Abstract: A bioabsorbable stent comprises a plurality of struts interconnected by a plurality of curved intersections. Each of the plurality of curved intersections defines a crescent shaped opening therethrough. The stent has a manufactured state, a crimped state and an expanded state. The crescent shaped openings each have a width and a length such that in the crimped state the width of the crescent shaped opening is less than the width of the crescent shaped opening in the manufactured state or the expanded state.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a flexible expandable stent for implantation in a body lumen, such as a coronary artery. The stent generally includes a series of metallic cylindrical rings longitudinally aligned on a common axis of the stent and interconnected by a series of links which be polymeric or metallic. Varying configurations and patterns of the links and rings provides longitudinal and flexural flexibility to the stent while maintaining sufficient column strength to space the cylindrical rings along the longitudinal axis and providing a low crimp profile, enhanced stent security and radial stiffness.

Abstract: A delivery system for forming a stent in-situ may comprise an elongate shaft having a proximal end and a distal end and a lumen extending from the proximal end towards the distal end of the elongate shaft. A plurality of apertures may be positioned adjacent to a distal end region of the elongate shaft. The plurality of apertures may extend from an outer surface to an inner surface of the elongate shaft and be in fluid communication with the lumen. A port may be affixed to the proximal end of the elongate shaft and in fluid communication with the lumen.

Abstract: Catheter for delivery of a medical device such as a stent or filter includes an inner tubular member and an outer tubular member movable relative to the inner tubular member. The outer tubular member is disposed at the distal end of the inner tubular member. The inner tubular member includes a fluid lumen defined therein, the fluid lumen having a fluid flow port directed to the exterior surface of the inner tubular member. A pressure chamber is defined by the inner tubular member, the outer tubular member, a proximal seal and a distal seal, and is in fluid communication with the fluid flow port, wherein fluid introduced through the fluid flow port and into the pressure chamber applies a force on the proximal seal to move the outer tubular member in a proximal direction allowing the medical device constrained by the outer tubular member to be released.

Abstract: Medical devices and methods are presented for protecting a limb, e.g., an arm, of a patient during a medical procedure. The medical devices and methods utilize a plurality of longitudinal sealed fluid pockets to thermally insulate and cushion an extremity of a limb. The plurality of longitudinal sealed fluid pockets is incorporated in a protective body that is shaped to wrap around the extremity when the medical device is deployed. The protective body has at least one access opening to provide access through the protective body to one or more corresponding portions of the extremity. Access panels may be formed into the protective body to allow portions of the extremity to be covered or uncovered and used with left or right limbs. Other devices and methods are presented.

Abstract: A powered orthotic device for use with a limb having at least two joints includes at least two brace sub-assemblies. The first brace sub-assembly includes a first powered actuator assembly that receives a first sensor signal from an electromyographic sensor. The first powered actuator assembly applies a first force for driving sections positioned with respect to a first joint to move relative to one another. The second brace sub-assembly includes a second powered actuator assembly that is configured to receive a second sensor signal from a sensor selected from a group consisting of an electromyographic sensor, an inertial measurement unit, and combinations thereof. The second powered actuator assembly applies a second force for driving sections positioned with respect to a second joint to move relative to one another. The second force is based on the first sensor signal or the second sensor signal.

Abstract: There is shown an artificial joint (1), which joint has a first part (11) adapted to be attached at a wearer's first body part or substitute body part, and a second part (12) adapted to be attached to a second body part or substitute body part, wherein the first part (11) and the second part (12) can be rotated relatively each other and are connected to each other by means of at least four shafts (21, 22, 23, 24) and corresponding links (13, 14, 15). The joint (1) is characterised in that it is freely moveable when the joint is unloaded by the wearer, and in loaded position the same joint is geometrically locked.

Abstract: A cervical collar has a height adjustment system between upper and lower parts forming an anterior component for increasing height of the anterior component inclusive of a tracheal opening. The anterior component is arranged to permit the use of known mandibular and occipital supports in the cervical collar to maintain their functionality, comfort and fit, including their anatomical contours and connection to the height adjusted anterior component.

Abstract: A force distribution apparatus and method are presented. Various embodiments of the disclosed apparatus include a plurality of layers configured and oriented to be deployed on a subject in a manner that disperses forces and lowers peak pressures experienced by the subject when resting on a surface, which tends to minimize risks of deformation and local ischemia. An innovative combination of novel construction methods, material selections, and sensors produce an apparatus that possesses an inherent three-dimensional shape despite being built from essentially flat components, while also retaining an ability to effectively distribute forces and reduce pressures. Further embodiments of the disclosed apparatus are adapted to detect and monitor motion and position of the subject, providing retrospective or real-time data for caregivers.

Abstract: An apparatus for preventing hand digit contact with the face is disclosed. The apparatus includes a flexible fabric body that is configured to wrap around a user's elbow. The apparatus allows for some flexure of the elbow permitting the user the ability to perform manual functions that do not require contact with the face. A stop is positioned to span across the crook of the elbow to prevent full flexure of the elbow making it difficult for the user to have sustained contact with the face and its features.

Abstract: A gravity-balance device, which may be an orthotic support, has a support, a lever pivotally mounted on the support, a spring extending from the support to the lever, and a cam mounted on one of the lever and the support. The cam is positioned so that the spring wraps round the cam as the lever pivots, altering the effective point of action of the spring. A thing being supported can hang from the lever. The thing may be a sling supporting a human arm parallel to the lever, so that the spring compensates for the weight of the arm as the arm is raised and lowered. The cam may be a smooth curve, a polygon, or a row of pins at the corners of an imaginary polygon.

Abstract: Methods and materials related to ostomy devices, and particularly to valves for use with continent ostomies (e.g., ileostomies) are provided herein.

Abstract: An airflow intrusive nasal relief and snoring stopping device is applied in an oral cavity. The oral cavity includes an oral opening, an upper tooth, a tongue, a palate and a uvula. The nasal relief and snoring stopping device includes a tooth accommodating member accommodating the upper tooth, and an airflow intrusive member between the uvula and the oral opening The tooth accommodating member includes a left tooth region and a right tooth region that are symmetrical. The airflow intrusive member connects the left tooth region and the right tooth region, and extends from the tooth accommodating member towards the palate. With the airflow intrusive member intruding the airflow inhaled through oral opening, soft tissues in the oral cavity are prevented from the effect of the airflow and hence from vibrations that may cause snoring, thereby improving symptoms of nose congestion and allergies.

Abstract: A condom used by males during sexual intercourse. The first portion includes a semen catch that goes over the tip of the penis. The second portion includes a glans tip cover that goes over the glans. The semen catch spirals down on top of the glans tip cover and stays in place over the glans until ejaculation, wherein the semen catch unfurls. The condom may include a strong comfortable corona ring that goes snuggly around the corona and rests on the circumcision scar.

Abstract: Systems, kits and methods for transferring heat with a portion of a mammal are provided. Aspects of the subject systems include a negative pressure device configured to apply negative pressure to a portion of a mammal, and a temperature modulation device configured to contact the portion of the mammal under negative pressure in a manner sufficient to transfer heat with the contacted portion of the mammal, e.g., either remove heat or introduce heat into the contacted portion of the mammal. The disclosed systems and methods find use in a variety of different applications, including both therapeutic and non-therapeutic applications.

Abstract: A heat exchange assembly can be removably engaged between two cold plates of a heat exchange system for exchanging heat with working fluid from an intravascular heat exchange catheter or an external heat exchange pad. The heat exchange assembly may have a serpentine, winding, tortuous, or sinuous configuration, or it may have one or more curves, turns and/or bends and/or can have a flattened transverse cross-section to facilitate heat exchange with the cold plates.

Abstract: An intravascular temperature management catheter includes a shaft through which working fluid can circulate to and from a proximal location on the shaft. The catheter extends from a connector hub. At least one heat exchange member is supported by a distal part of the shaft or other part of the catheter to receive circulating working fluid from the proximal location. A temperature sensor is supported on the catheter for generating a temperature signal representative of blood temperature to a control system. The temperature sensor includes first and second conductive leads having respective first and second distal segments on or in the catheter shaft. The first and second distal segments are arranged to be in thermal contact with blood flowing past the catheter when the catheter is disposed in a blood vessel of a patient. Also, the temperature sensor includes a joining body connected to proximal segments of the first and second leads.

Abstract: Cold plates through which refrigerant flows define a slot between them that can receive a cassette through which sterile working fluid with a relatively low flow rate flows from an intravascular beat exchange catheter or external pad. The slot may have bulge cavities along the edges to permit the membrane of the cassette to expand and thus establish fluid supply and return passageways.

Abstract: An enclosure or plenum that supports a looped pump tube is hingedly connected to a framed thin-walled heat exchange bag through which working fluid from an intravascular heat exchange catheter flows. The frame with bag can be inserted between cold plates to exchange heat with the working fluid flowing through the bag. With the framed bag between the plates, the looped pump tube from the enclosure or plenum is receivable in the raceway of a peristaltic pump, which pumps working fluid through the system.

Abstract: Systems, methods and devices are disclosed for directing and focusing signals to the brain for neuromodulation and for directing and focusing signals or other energy from the brain for measurement, heat transfer and imaging. An aperture in the skull and/or a channel device implantable in the skull can be used to facilitate direction and focusing. Treatment and diagnosis of multiple neurological conditions may be facilitated with the disclosed systems, methods and devices.

Abstract: A device for a hypodermic needle comprises a connector for connecting to a hypodermic needle, a sheath (22) which in use surrounds the hypodermic needle and a biasing device (24) between the connector and the sheath. The sheath is moveable between a first position into which it is biased by the biasing device and a second retracted position against the force of the biasing device, so that in use, the tip of the hypodermic needle is covered in the first position but a defined length of the hypodermic needle is exposed in the second position. The device also sets the position of the angle of the hypodermic needle and locks the sheath over the needle after use.

Abstract: Described here are systems and methods for accessing Schlemm's canal and for delivering an ocular device, tool, or fluid composition therein. The ocular devices may maintain the patency of Schlemm's canal without substantially interfering with transmural fluid flow across the canal. The fluid composition may be a viscoelastic fluid that is delivered into the canal to facilitate drainage of aqueous humor by disrupting the canal and surrounding trabeculocanalicular tissues. Some systems described here may be configured to cut or tear the trabecular meshwork with the body of an elongate member located within Schlemm's canal. Other tools for disrupting these tissues and minimally invasive methods for treating medical conditions associated with elevated intraocular pressure, including glaucoma, are also described.

Abstract: The device comprises at least an inlet tube for the passage of fluid to be drained, said tube being connected to a chamber wherein said chamber comprises rotating means for adjusting the flow rate in said tube.

Abstract: Devices, methods and kits are described for reducing intraocular pressure. The devices include a support that is implantable within Schlemm's canal and maintains the patency of the canal without substantially interfering with transmural fluid flow across the canal. The devices utilize the natural drainage process of the eye and can be implanted with minimal trauma to the eye. Kits include a support and an introducer for implanting the support within Schlemm's canal. Methods include implanting a support within Schlemm's canal, wherein the support is capable of maintaining the patency of the canal without substantial interference with transmural fluid flow across the canal.

Abstract: A system and method for treating ophthalmic target tissue, including a light source for generating a beam of light, a beam delivery system that includes a scanner for generating patterns, and a controller for controlling the light source and delivery system to create a dosimetry pattern of the light beam on the ophthalmic target tissue. One or more dosage parameters of the light beam vary within the dosimetry pattern, to create varying exposures on the target tissue. A visualization device observes lesions formed on the ophthalmic target tissue by the dosimetry pattern. The controller selects dosage parameters for the treatment beam based upon the lesions resulting from the dosimetry pattern, either automatically or in response to user input, so that a desired clinical effect is achieved by selecting the character of the lesions as determined by the dosimetry pattern lesions.

Abstract: A steerable laser probe may include a handle, and inner bore of the handle, an actuation structure of the handle, a housing tube, and an optic fiber disposed within the inner bore of the handle and the housing tube. 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 surgeon may aim the steerable laser probe by varying a rotational position of the handle and an amount of compression of the actuation structure.

Abstract: A process for performing retinal phototherapy or photostimulation includes generating a laser light that creates a therapeutic effect to retinal and/or foveal tissues exposed to the laser light without destroying or permanently damaging the retinal or foveal tissue. The laser light is applied to a first treatment area of the retina. After a predetermined interval of time, within a single treatment session, the laser light is reapplied to the first treatment area of the retina. During the interval of time between the laser light applications to the first treatment area, the laser light is applied to one or more additional areas of the retina that is spaced apart from the first treatment area and one another. The laser light is repeatedly applied to each of the areas to be treated until a predetermined number of laser light applications to each area to be treated has been achieved.

Abstract: Disclosed are goggles. The goggles are provided so that they comprise: a main body unit worn on the face of a user; a lens unit that is coupled to the main body unit and has a fastening protrusion formed to protrude toward the main body unit; and a fastening unit that has a fastening recess formed therein and is coupled to the main body to lock and unlock the fastening protrusion, wherein the fastening unit includes a body part movably coupled to the main body unit and a guide protrusion for guiding the moving direction of the body part, the main body unit has a guide hole formed at a position corresponding to the guide protrusion, the guide protrusion being received in the guide hole, and the fastening unit further included a protrusion part coupled to the body part to push the fastening protrusion outward such that the lens unit is separated from the main body unit when the fastening protrusion is unlocked according to the movement of the body part into the main body unit.

Abstract: A method for cleaning an isthmus of a Eustachian tube (ET) of a patient includes using an instrument. The instrument includes a proximal portion, a distal portion, and a shaft extending therebetween, and a treatment feature disposed at the distal portion. The method includes directing the instrument into an oro-nasal cavity of the patient and advancing at least the distal portion of the instrument into an opening of the ET. The method further includes further advancing the instrument within the ET so that the treatment feature is disposed past, or is coincident with, the isthmus. The method further includes moving the treatment feature relative to the isthmus to clean the isthmus.

Abstract: Wound care system comprising a single-layer arrangement of mutually parallel capillary membranes with a porous, semi-permeable wall, a lumen and at least one open end, wherein the capillary membranes have an external diameter in the range of 50 to 500 ?m and a wall thickness in the range of 5 to 1000 ?m and, with their open end, are fluidically connected to a common supply line with a wall and a lumen, characterized in that the capillary membranes are connected to one another by means of connection elements to form a mat and are held at a distance from one another by the connection elements, in that the capillary membranes are embedded with their open end so fluid-tightly in the wall of the common supply line that a fluid connection is obtained between the lumen of the supply line and the lumen of the capillary membranes, in that the distance of the capillary membranes from one another in the mat is 1 to 10 times the external diameter of the capillary membranes, and in that the distance of the connection elem

Abstract: A medicated pad for use in a chinstrap holder is provided. The medicated pad includes a non-abrasive user side having a medication. A self-adhering side is arranged opposite the user side. A plurality of reliefs in the medicated pad enables the medicated pad to be shaped to complement the chinstrap holder and be adhered to the chinstrap holder.

Abstract: A medical device is provided that is configured to treat and drain an abscess. The device comprises a catheter having an expandable distal end including a flexible absorbent material. The catheter includes an input port configured to receiving fluid from a syringe, whereby the fluid expands distal end when injected. Upon expansion of the distal end, the absorbent material expands into the abscess cavity.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article may include a chassis that includes a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet; and a leg gasketing system and a waist gasketing element. The leg gasketing system may include an inner cuff and an outer cuff; the inner cuff may include an inner cuff folded edge and an inner cuff material edge and the outer cuff may include an outer cuff folded edge and an outer cuff material edge such that the web of material is folded laterally inward to form the outer cuff folded edge and folded laterally outward to form the inner cuff folded edge. When tested by the Blowout Method Test as described herein, the disposable absorbent article has a Blowout Percent Leakage of less than about 9.0%.

Abstract: An absorbent article includes a liquid permeable top sheet, a liquid impermeable back sheet, an absorbent core being arranged between the top sheet and the back sheet, and an acquisition and distribution layer (ADL) of a nonwoven material being arranged between the top sheet and the absorbent core. The nonwoven material has a basis weight of 20-40 g/m2, 3-20 through holes per cm2, the holes having a diameter in CD and MD of 1-3 mm, and at least 70% by weight of the nonwoven ADL includes fibres having a fibre diameter of 12-22 ?m.

Abstract: A composite material for an absorbent article and a method for manufacturing said composite material, said composite material being obtained by causing an absorbent material to adhere by electrostatic interaction to a substrate material, the surface of the absorbent material being positively or negatively charged in a prescribed solvent selected from among a nonpolar organic solvent, a polar organic solvent, and a water/polar organic solvent mixture; and the surface of the composite material being charged to an electrical charge opposite to that of the surface of the substrate material, in the prescribed solvent. The substrate material has a fiber substrate or a plastic substrate, and a polyelectrolyte layer provided on the surface layer; and/or the absorbent material has an absorbent-particle substrate or an absorbent fiber substrate, and a polyelectrolyte layer provided on the surface layer.

Abstract: A heterogeneous mass comprising a longitudinal axis, a lateral axis, a vertical axis, one or more enrobeable elements and one or more discrete open-cell foam pieces is disclosed. The heterogeneous mass comprises three or more pore-size ranges. At least two of the pore-size ranges are in the foam pieces.

Abstract: A bandage with a raised retention element that generates a compressive force on a wound is provided. The bandage generally comprises a raised retention element disposed on an inner surface of a stretchable material. A pad may also be included on the inner surface of the stretchable material, and the pad may be placed over a wound. Then, a user may wrap the bandage around a portion of the injured person's body such that the stretchable material stretches and wraps upon itself. The raised retention element on the inner surface of the stretchable material has a higher coefficient of friction than the stretchable material, and thus, the raised retention element helps secure the bandage around the portion of the injured person's body to generate a compressive force on the wound.

Abstract: According to the embodiments described herein, a self-actuating cot can include a support frame, a pair of legs, and a hydraulic actuator. The support frame can extend from a front end to a back end. The pair of legs can be in movable engagement with the support frame. The hydraulic actuator can be in movable engagement with the pair of legs and the support frame. The hydraulic actuator can and extend and retract the pair of legs with respect to the support frame.

Abstract: A separable bed includes a bed portion and a wheelchair portion that is combined with the bed portion to compose the separable bed. The wheelchair portion includes a second seat portion, and a second guide portion that supports the second seat portion, the bed portion includes a first bed bottom portion, a first guide portion that supports the second seat portion and the first bed bottom portion, a lifter that performs lifting operation of the first bed bottom portion, and a controller, and the controller lowers the first guide portion to a second lower limit position in a case where separation operation is performed.

Abstract: A wheelchair suspension includes a frame, a drive assembly pivot arm, a drive assembly, a front caster pivot arm, a front caster, and a spring and shock absorbing assembly. The drive assembly pivot arm is pivotally connected to the frame. The drive assembly includes a drive wheel and is mounted to the drive assembly pivot arm. The front caster pivot arm is pivotally mounted to the frame and coupled to the drive assembly pivot arm. The front caster is coupled to the at least one front caster pivot arm. The spring and shock absorbing assembly is pivotally connected to the drive assembly pivot arm at a first pivotal connection and pivotally connected to the front caster pivot arm at a second pivotal connection. The first and second pivotal connections are positioned such that a majority of the force applied by the spring and shock absorbing assembly is applied to the drive wheel when the suspension is on a flat, horizontal support surface.

Abstract: An elevating wheelchair is disclosed. The wheelchair may have a gas cylinder disposed between the seat of the wheelchair and the frame of the wheelchair. By engaging the gas cylinder and pressing against an assistive push bar, the user may translate the seat along at least a portion of a seat travel path, elevating the seat of the wheelchair.

Abstract: The invention relates to an adjustable table for use while laying in a prone position. A bench frame is pivotally attached to a support frame. A post is pivotally connected to the bench frame provides means to adjust the angle between the bench frame and the support frame. A headrest is provided for securing the head while laying face down. A detachable foot platform is also provided.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a base, a patient support, and a lift mechanism wherein the lift mechanism is coupled to the patient support by at least one upper pivot connection. The upper pivot connection includes an elongated slot and a pin captured in the elongated slot to form a sliding pivot axis, with the sliding pivot axis traveling along the elongated slot when the lift mechanism raises or lowers the patient support.