Abstract: A blank for the production of a dental element includes a first side, a second side and at least one main holding surface for holding the blank at a holding device. The holding surface is spaced from the second side, and the blank has a standard holding thickness between the main holding surface and the second side. The blank includes at least one auxiliary holding surface for holding the blank at a holding device, and the auxiliary holding surface is spaced from the second side. The blank has a non-standard holding thickness between the at least one auxiliary holding surface and the second side, and the standard holding thickness is larger than the non-standard holding thickness.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for manufacturing a tooth model aids. The apparatus for manufacturing a tooth model, which is configured to dewax when molding a tooth model so as to manufacture a dental denture, may include an outer housing, an inner container installed in an inside of the outer housing, a flask unit installed in an inner space part of the inner container. The flask unit includes a mounting plate on which a flask is configured to be mounted, and a cover, the mounting plate of the flask unit includes a wax collection hole on a bottom of the mounting plate, and the cover includes a nozzle which is configured to selectively inject hot water or steam to the flask, the nozzle being formed at a location corresponding to a location of the flask.

Abstract: Preparation of a dental prosthesis that includes a gingiva part having retention holes for seating of manufactured teeth, with the retention holes being enlarged relative to the manufactured teeth. Wax in the enlarged retention holes permits adjustments in positioning of the manufactured teeth, and a helper structure preserves this positioning when the wax is removed and a curable gingiva material is filled into the retention holes. Aspects described herein include digital and/or automatic design of the dental prosthesis and its constituent pieces, as well as automated fabrication thereof in whole or in part, such as in a dental CAD/CAM system.

Abstract: Digital design and/or fabrication of a dental prosthesis that includes a gingiva part having retention pockets and corresponding injection channels that extend from the retention pockets to an exterior of the gingiva part. The positioning of a matrix mated to a ball attachment of a dental implant is fixed in the retention pocket by injection of a curable adhesive through the injection channels and into the retention pockets. The location of the retention pockets and the injection channels may be automatically generated by a computer-aided design/computer-assisted manufacturing (CAD/CAM) system. The gingiva part including the retention pockets and injection channels can further be designed and fabricated by the CAD/CAM system.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to denture devices and related technology. A device may include an overdenture including a substructure comprising at least one hinge. The device may further include a dental implant prosthesis configured to be attached to a jawbone and including at least one extensions configured for contacting the at least one hinge of the overdenture to secure the overdenture to the dental implant prosthesis.

Abstract: The present application describes a method for designing and manufacturing an implant-supported denture device for a patient. A method is described for designing a virtual denture and manufacturing an implant-supported functional fitting replica denture from the virtual denture. An apparatus comprising a functional fitting replica denture is prepared having denture teeth having a fit substantially similar to the final denture. The methods and apparatus described herein reduce the number of visits required to manufacture the final denture.

Abstract: A method and system for determining a bite of an edentulous individual. The individual's maxillary and mandibular dental arches are scanned to provide first data for preparing a model of the arches. A pair of trays with bite establishment components positioned on each of the trays are held in the individual's mouth with the arches received within the trays to define a maxillomandibular relationship corresponding to a bite position. The trays include apertures for exposing each of the arches to provide a continuous scanning path between the arches. The arches, and a continuous path between the arches, are each scanned while the trays are held in the individual's mouth to provide second data for preparing a model of relative positions of the arches at the bite position. The first and second data may be combined to prepare a model of the arches with empirical data of the bite position.

Abstract: A device for dispensing a dental paste comprises a first nozzle for delivering the paste and a second nozzle for delivering a gas stream. The device is adapted for simultaneously delivering the gas stream and the paste toward a working area. The invention helps minimizing efforts in a dental treatment and maximizing the quality of that dental treatment.

Abstract: A device for cleaning a dental appliance is disclosed. The device includes a holding container including an upper portion and a lower portion, the holding container adapted to receive at least one dental appliance; an electrolytic cell for generating chlorine dioxide from a chlorine dioxide precursor; and an electrical current supply including a circuit operably connecting the electrical current supply to the electrolytic cell.

Abstract: An oral cavity apparatus (100) includes a body portion (102) having first and second ends (120, 122) and a grip portion (118); an oral tool (108) coupled to the first end (120) of the body portion (102); and a touch-sensitive (TS) sensor (104) which is located on the body portion (102) and outputs a sensor value indicative of a force applied thereto by a user. In addition, a controller (107) is configured to compare the sensor value with at least one threshold value, and to actuate the oral tool (108) based upon the results of the comparison.

Abstract: A storage container for an electric oral-hygiene device has a first casing part and a second casing part mechanically coupled to allow for an open-container state, in which the device can be removed from the container, and a closed-container state, in which the device is secured inside the container. The container further has a charging unit for selectively charging the device, an electrical input connector at an outer side of the first or second casing part for providing energy to the charging unit, and at least one electrical output connector at an outer side of the first or second casing part. The charging unit is arranged for selectively providing the energy received at the electrical input connector via the electrical output connector to an external device.

Abstract: A device for inguinal ligament fixation includes a suspension mesh, wherein the suspension includes: a cervix and anterior vaginal wall sling; wherein a first end of the cervix and anterior vaginal wall sling is connected to a cervix or an anterior vaginal wall; two inguinal ligament suspension arms, wherein a second end of each of the two inguinal ligament suspension arms is connected to a second end of the cervix and anterior vaginal wall sling, and the two inguinal ligament suspension arms are placed in a symmetrical form; and two sacral ligament and posterior vaginal wall suspension arms, wherein a second end of each of the two sacral ligament and posterior vaginal wall suspension arms is connected to the second end of the cervix and anterior vaginal wall sling, and the two sacral ligament and posterior vaginal wall suspension arms are placed in a symmetrical form.

Abstract: An intravaginal insert device for the management of stress urinary incontinence is disclosed. The insert device can provide an insert body shaped for comfortable and secure placement in the vagina at a depth for support of the urethra. The insert body can be formed by a mold overlay on a plastic core that is provides with interstitial gaps to enhance the integration of the overlay with the core. The core can further provide a hitch for attachment of a tether, such as string, to facilitate removal of the insert after use.

Abstract: A method of treating pelvic prolapse is presented herein. Vaginal support device contains flat superior and inferior surfaces to facilitate affixing of mesh to vagina. Vaginal support device may be used as part of a system in conjunction with a manipulation device to support the vaginal walls. Mesh retention system may also include a holding device and retention mechanism such as a catheter or shaft and corresponding catheter balloon to hold mesh in place.

Abstract: A textile vascular prosthesis has reduced leakage of blood through the voids between the fibers. The vascular prosthesis with multi-layer tubular woven structure includes two types of yarns, the yarns being a microfiber multifilament yarn with a monofilament fineness of 0.5 dtex or less as a warp yarn that mainly forms an inner layer to be in contact with a blood flow and a multifilament yarn with a monofilament fineness of 1.0 dtex or more as a warp yarn that mainly forms an outer layer, the inner layer having an apparent cover factor of 2000 or more.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an implant includes a support member configured to be placed within a body of a patient and provide support to a portion of the body of the patient, a tether coupled to an end portion of the support member; and an anchor configured to be disposed within a tissue of the body of the patient to help retain the implant in place within the body of the patient. The tether is coupled to the anchor such that the tether may move with respect to the anchor in a first direction but is retrained from moving in a second direction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an implant conveying device, comprising a pusher (20), a control component (21), a connecting wire (11) and a control wire (4). The pusher (20), of which one end is connected to the control component (21), is provided with a tube cavity (6) and a lock hole (7) communicated with the tube cavity. One end of the control wire (4) is connected to the control component (21), and the other end thereof is driven by the control component to be movably accommodated in the tube cavity (6) of the pusher. One end of the connecting wire (11) is connected to the pusher (20) or to the control component (21), and the other end thereof is used for passing through an implant (1) and then entering the lock hole (7).

Abstract: A blood filter delivery system for delivering a filter into a vein from either a femoral or jugular access. The preferred system includes an introducer and a push-rod with a spline member disposed along the push-rod and a pusher member disposed on a distal end. The spline member has a main body, first and second boss portions spaced apart along the longitudinal axis to provide a gap for retaining anchor members of the filter during delivery via the introducer. In an alternative embodiment, a preferred filter includes first and second filter structures diverging in opposite directions. A link is connected to portions of each of the first and second filter structures so that each filter structure can be independently collapsed into a generally cylindrical shape.

Abstract: An embolic material blocking catheter includes a handle assembly, an elongated element having a lumen, and a deployable embolic material blocking element. The embolic material blocking catheter is configured to accommodate insertion of a treatment catheter into the lumen to position a treatment device distal to the embolic material blocking element for administering a treatment at a treatment site and/or convey embolic material blocked by the embolic material blocking element for extraction from the patient.

Abstract: There is disclosed a porous emboli deflector for preventing cerebral emboli while maintaining cerebral blood flow during an endovascular or open surgical procedure. The device prevents the entrance of emboli of a size able to cause stroke (such as greater than 100 microns) from entering either the right or left common carotid arteries, and/or the right or left vertebral arteries by deflecting emboli downstream of these vessels. The device can be placed prior to any manipulation of the heart or aorta allowing maximal protection of the brain during the index procedure. The deflector has a low profile within the aorta which allows sheaths, catheters, or wires used in the index procedure to pass. Also disclosed are methods for insertion and removal of the deflector.

Abstract: A blood filter delivery system for delivering a filter into a vein includes an introducer and a push rod with a spline member disposed along the push rod. The spline member has a main body, and first and second boss portions spaced apart along the longitudinal axis to provide a gap for retaining anchor member of the filter during delivery via the introducer.

Abstract: A valve insertable into a body lumen includes a body region extending in a distal direction away from a proximal rim. The proximal rim defines an outer perimeter of the valve at a proximal end of the valve. The body region forms a first leaflet and a second leaflet, with the first leaflet in contact with the second leaflet to provide the valve with a closed position. The first leaflet includes a first segment in contact with the proximal rim and a second segment in contact with the second leaflet. The first segment is curved to include a convex exterior surface and a concave interior surface of the valve. The second segment is curved to include a concave exterior surface and a convex interior surface of the valve.

Abstract: A tubular tissue graft device is provided comprising a tubular tissue and a restrictive fiber matrix of a bioerodible polymer about a circumference of the tubular tissue. The matrix may be electrospun onto the tubular tissue. In one embodiment, the tubular tissue is from a vein, such as a saphenous vein, useful as an arterial graft, for example and without limitation, in a coronary artery bypass procedure. Also provided is method of preparing a tubular graft comprising depositing a fiber matrix of a bioerodible polymer about a perimeter of a tubular tissue to produce a tubular tissue graft device. A cardiac bypass method comprising bypassing a coronary artery with a tubular tissue graft device comprising a vein and a restrictive fiber matrix of a bioerodible polymer about a circumference of the vein also is provided.

Abstract: A tendon repair implant for treatment of a partial thickness tear in the supraspinatus tendon of the shoulder is provided. The implant may incorporate features of rapid deployment and fixation by arthroscopic means that compliment current procedures; tensile properties that result in desired sharing of anatomical load between the implant and native tendon during rehabilitation; selected porosity and longitudinal pathways for tissue in-growth; sufficient cyclic straining of the implant in the longitudinal direction to promote remodeling of new tissue to tendon-like tissue; and, may include a bioresorbable construction to provide transfer of additional load to new tendon-like tissue and native tendon over time.

Abstract: Anchoring a tendon to a bone is achieved by forming a tunnel in the bone and employing a self-anchoring integrally formed anchor body. A portion of the tendon is wrapped around the anchor body and then the anchor body is driven into the tunnel to attach the tendon to the bone.

Abstract: An intervertebral connection system wherein the bone anchor has a helical configuration.

Abstract: A self-sealing shell useful as a component of a soft fluid-filled prosthetic implant is provided. The shell is at least partly constructed of a wall made of a colloid of an elastomeric polymer matrix and particles of a water-swellable material distributed therein.

Abstract: A multifocal intraocular lens has an anterior lens surface which includes a first optic of a first radius and a second optic of a different radius. The posterior surface of the lens include an aspheric surface.

Abstract: A two-part accommodating intraocular lens (IOL) device for implantation in a capsular bag of a patient's eye. The IOL device includes a primary lens assembly and a power changing lens. The primary lens assembly includes a fixed lens and a peripherally disposed centration member. The centration member has a circumferential distal edge and a first coupling surface adjacent the circumferential distal edge. The power changing lens has an enclosed, fluid- or gel-filled lens cavity and haptic system disposed peripherally of the lens cavity. The haptic system has a peripheral engaging edge configured to contact the capsular bag and a second coupling surface. The first and second coupling surfaces are in sliding contact with one another to permit movement of the power changing lens relative to the primary lens assembly and also to maintain a spaced relationship between the fixed lens and the lens cavity during radial compression of the power changing lens.

Abstract: An intraocular lens (IOL) device comprising a first lens, a second lens and a circumferential haptic. The first lens comprises a pair of opposing and deformable surfaces and a cavity defined therebetween. The first lens has a first lens diameter. The second lens has a second lens diameter. The circumferential haptic has an outer peripheral edge and couples the first lens and the second lens. A main IOL cavity is defined by the circumferential haptic, the first lens and the second lens. The IOL device is resiliently biased to an unaccommodated state, characterized by the IOL device having a first diameter d1 in the absence of radial compressive forces exerted on the outer peripheral edge. The IOL device actuates to an accommodated state being characterized by a second diameter d2 in response to radial compressive forces exerted on the outer peripheral edge, wherein d1>d2.

Abstract: Devices and methods are configured to allow transcarotid or subclavian access via the common carotid artery to the native aortic valve, and implantation of a prosthetic aortic valve into the heart. The devices and methods also provide means for embolic protection during such an endovascular aortic valve implantation procedure.

Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed for treating mitral valve regurgitation that include members that assist the valve in closing during the cardiac cycle. Such devices may include members configured to alter the shape of mitral valve annulus. In certain embodiments, one or more wires may be anchored on one extremity to an element positioned along the posterior part of the mitral annulus, in the coronary sinus, and on another extremity to an element along the anterior part of the mitral annulus, fibrous trigon. The reshaping of the mitral annulus may be accomplished by pulling the wire or wires. Reducing the length of the wire or wires may provide the displacement of the posterior leaflets towards the anterior, thereby increasing the coaptation surface for the valve leaflets and reducing the regurgitation.

Abstract: This disclosure pertains generally to prosthetic devices and related methods for helping to seal native heart valves and prevent or reduce regurgitation therethrough, as well as devices and related methods for implanting such prosthetic devices. In some cases, a spacer having a single anchor can be implanted within a native heart valve. In some cases, a spacer having dual anchors can be implanted within a native heart valve. In some cases, devices can be used to extend the effective length of a native heart valve leaflet.

Abstract: A cardiovascular prosthetic valve, the valve comprising an inflatable cuff comprising at least one inflatable channel that forms, at least in part, an inflatable structure, and a valve coupled to the inflatable cuff, the valve configured to permit flow in a first axial direction and to inhibit flow in a second axial direction opposite to the first axial direction, the valve comprising a plurality of tissue supports that extend generally in the axial direction and that are flexible and/or movable throughout a range in a radial direction.

Abstract: A prosthetic valve comprising a conical shaped sheet member comprising an extracellular matrix (ECM) composition, the sheet member having a plurality of open slit regions that are disposed uniformly on linear planes that are parallel to the sheet member longitudinal axis, and a proximal annulus engagement end diameter and length ratio in the range of 5:1 to 2:1.

Abstract: A prosthetic valve comprising a conical shaped sheet member comprising an extracellular matrix (ECM) composition, the sheet member having a plurality of ribbons projecting the sheet member proximal end, the distal ends of the ribbons being positioned proximate each other, wherein the sheet member comprises a conical shape.

Abstract: A prosthetic valve comprising a conical shaped sheet member comprising an extracellular matrix (ECM) composition, the sheet member having a plurality of open slit regions that are disposed uniformly on linear planes that are parallel to the sheet member longitudinal axis, a proximal annulus engagement end diameter and length ratio in the range of 5:1 to 2:1 and at least one valve leaflet.

Abstract: Systems and methods for producing biologic tissues are described. For example, this document provides electrospinning systems and culturing techniques to make biologic heart valve leaflets and fibrosa layers of native valve leaflet having nanofibrous substrate layer(s). In some implementations, a tri-layered leaflet with circumferentially, randomly, and radially oriented nanofibers that mimics morphologies of native leaflets.

Abstract: A prosthetic valve comprising a plurality of ribbons comprising an extracellular matrix (ECM) composition, the proximal ends of the plurality of ribbons being positioned circumferentially and proximate each other, the distal ends of the plurality of ribbons also being positioned proximate each other, wherein a conical shaped valve member is formed.

Abstract: In a case of repairing an aortic valve by forming a valve cusp with a biomembrane, the shape and the size of a valve cusp can be determined easily. An instrument including a valve cusp sizer for measuring the size of the valve cusp and a template for scribing lines for the shape of a valve cusp conforming to the measured size of the valve cusp, in which the valve cusp sizer has a plurality of differently-sized sizer blocks attached to each of the top ends of grip members respectively and each sizer block has an arcuate surface formed by cutting each of differently-sized circular cylinders at an angle conforming to the central angle for the commissure portions and, the template is formed with a scribing portion including a substantially semi-circular valve cusp base forming portion.

Abstract: A device for heart valve replacement comprises a valve component having at least two valve leaflets preferably made of pericardium tissue. Each valve leaflet includes at least two tabs. The device further includes a stent component configured to be radially compressible into a compressed state and expandable into a functional state. The stent component comprises a first end, a second end and at least one intermediate section arranged between said first and said second end. The intermediate section has at least two commissural posts generally aligned parallel to an axis spanning from the first end to the second end. The commissural posts are formed in the shape of a wishbone.

Abstract: A prosthetic aortic valve includes an annular, annulus inflow portion that is designed to reside in or near the patient's native aortic valve annulus, and an annular, aortic outflow portion that is designed to reside in the patient's aorta downstream from at least a portion of the valsalva sinus. The annulus inflow portion and the aortic outflow portion are connected to one another by a plurality of connecting struts that are confined to regions near the commissures of the patient's native aortic valve. The connecting struts are designed to bulge out into the valsalva sinus to help anchor the prosthetic valve in place. The valve is circumferentially collapsible to a relatively small diameter for less-invasive delivery into the patient. The valve circumferentially expands to a larger operational diameter when deployed at the implant site.

Abstract: A prosthetic valve comprising a conical shaped sheet member comprising an extracellular matrix (ECM) composition and an internal multi-link support stent structure, the sheet member having a plurality of open slit regions that are disposed uniformly on linear planes that are parallel to the sheet member longitudinal axis, and a proximal annulus engagement end diameter and length ratio in the range of 5:1 to 2:1.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are described herein a prosthesis for implantation within a lumen or body cavity and delivery systems for delivering the prosthesis to a location for implantation. A delivery system can include a plurality of components, including a flexible nose cone, multi-layer sheath, and pre-compressed shaft, which can be moveable relative to each other.

Abstract: A device (100) for supporting a valve annulus is described that includes spaced apart support members (105) and a connecting member (110) extending between and connecting the support members. At least one adjustor (115) is also provided that is engaged with the connecting member and can be actuated to modify a length of the connecting member between two adjacent support members. In addition, each support member may include at least two channels extending through the support members at different heights with respect to an overall thickness of the respective support member. Each channel may receive a portion of the connecting member therethrough, and each support member may further include a passageway between the channels to allow selection of one of the channels. In this way, the device may be adjusted in at least two dimensions to support the valve leaflets and promote sufficient closure of the leaflets.

Abstract: An annuloplasty repair segment for heart valve annulus repair. In one embodiment a multi-stranded cable replaces solid core wire for both the triscuspid and mitral valves. Cable allows for greater deployment flexibility for minimally-invasive surgical (MIS) implant, while still maintaining the required strength and similar tensile properties of solid-core wire. In addition, selective placement of point-welds or other such control points locally control other parameters such as the amount and direction of displacement as the ring undergoes external loading. Cable with well-placed control points result in a MIS annuloplasty ring with sufficient flexibility in the x-y plane to allow a surgeon to squeeze the ring into a small incision, such as for example 1 cm×1 cm, while maintaining structural rigidity under forces exerted on the implanted ring by the cardiac cycle and allowing for asymmetrical deflection to be designed into the product.

Abstract: Systems, devices and methods for securing tissue including the annulus of a mitral valve. The systems, devices and methods may employ catheter based techniques and devices to plicate tissue and perform an annuloplasty.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to laminated sealing members for prosthetic valves and methods of making the same. In a representative embodiment, an implantable prosthetic valve that is radially collapsible to a collapsed configuration and radially expandable to an expanded configuration comprises an annular frame having an inflow end and an outflow end, a leaflet structure positioned within the frame and secured thereto, and a laminate sealing member comprising an encapsulating material. The laminate sealing member has a main portion that encapsulates at least a portion of the frame and an end portion extending from the inflow end of the frame, and the end portion of the laminate sealing member is folded to form a cuff adjacent the inflow end of the frame and secured to the main portion of the laminate sealing member.

Abstract: One aspect provides advancing a distal end of a needle out of a bore of a tool, and capturing a suture in a slot formed through an exterior surface of the needle, with the suture engaged with a penile implant. The method includes retracting the distal end of the needle and a portion of the suture into the bore of the tool, and inserting a shaft of the tool into a corpora cavernosum of a penis and forcing the distal end of the needle and the portion of the suture out of the bore of the tool and through a glans of the penis. The method includes retracting the needle into the bore and retaining the portion of the suture exterior to the glans of the penis. Pulling on the suture pulls the penile implant into the corpora cavernosum of the penis.

Abstract: An acetabular prosthesis is described that includes a shell having an outer surface and an inner surface, the outer surface defining an external shape. There is at least one through bore extending from the outer surface of the shell to the inner surface of the shell. At least one augment is configured to be positioned at least partially within the at least one through bore of the shell such that, in an assembled state, the shell and the at least one augment define a modified external shape.