Abstract: Various embodiments of a sling implant system are provided. Embodiments of the implants can include one or more collapsibility and expandability features or portions adapted to improve introduction and deployment of the implant within the patient. The implants can be folded, collapsed or otherwise reduced in size or construct to fit within a delivery tool or catheter for later expandability upon deployment of the implant.

Abstract: Systems and methods for neuromodulation of a female patient suffering from a pelvic condition, such as incontinence, are disclosed. A mechanical stimulus such as pressure, tension, traction, friction, or vibration for example can be applied to one, two, or more clitoral structures sufficient to cause a physiologic stimulus or inhibition, such as neuromodulation to treat or prevent the pelvic condition.

Abstract: A hernia repair device includes a mesh configured to extend across a tissue defect and a plurality of filaments coupled to the mesh. The filaments are coupled to the mesh in proximity of an outer periphery thereof and extend from a central portion of the mesh. Each filament includes a plurality of barbs disposed along at least a portion of the length thereof. Each filament further includes a needle disposed at a free end thereof.

Abstract: Provided is a device for capturing debris in blood vessels, which enables a filter member to be smoothly recovered, and has a simple structure leading to an easy operation. For this purpose, provided is an elastic steel wire that, in a folded state, extends in a direction toward a base of a slide tube from a fore end part of a holding part in a ringlike elastic wire rod along an outer side of the slide tube.

Abstract: An apparatus for capturing material within a body lumen includes a shaft carrying an expandable basket device on a distal end thereof. The basket device includes a distal basket carried and a proximal basket carried on the shaft such that the proximal basket is proximal to and spaced apart from the distal basket. Each basket includes an open end communicating with an interior of the respective basket and oriented towards one another. In one embodiment, a tubular middle portion extends between the baskets. In another embodiment, the distal basket includes an actuator coupled to the distal basket open end such that movement of the baskets towards one another causes the actuator to direct the distal basket open end inwardly to allow the open end to be received within the proximal basket to facilitate removal of the apparatus after capturing material within the baskets.

Abstract: Single filter and multi-filter endolumenal methods and systems for filtering fluids within the body. In some embodiments a blood filtering system captures and removes particulates dislodged or generated during a surgical procedure and circulating in a patient's vasculature. In some embodiments a filter system protects the cerebral vasculature during a cardiac valve repair or replacement procedure.

Abstract: Embolic protection elements are integrated with a catheter or access sheath for any catheter. A catheter with an integrated embolic protection element comprises a catheter shaft, an embolic filter slidably mounted on a distal portion of the shaft, a proximal stop for limiting the proximal movement of the embolic filter, and a distal stop for limiting the distal movement of the embolic filter. The filter comprises a porous mesh material defining a collection chamber for captured emboli and has a collapsed and a deployed configuration. The filter may be collapsed by an access sheath used with the catheter. An access sheath may comprise a tubular main body and an embolic filter mounted on the distal portion of the tubular main body. The embolic filter may evert into the central lumen of the sheath or may be constrained on the exterior of the sheath with a larger diameter outer tube.

Abstract: Ureteral stent devices having improved drug delivery capabilities are provided. The ureteral stent device includes a ureteral stent comprising two opposed ends, and a drug delivery component associated with at least one end of the ureteral stent. The drug delivery component includes a drug housing defining a drug reservoir containing a drug, wherein the drug housing is configured to release the drug in-vivo.

Abstract: Described are tissue graft constructs that include an extracellular matrix material in combination with added endothelial cells and at least one additional added exogenous cellular population. The additional exogenous cellular population desirably includes muscle cells, such as smooth muscle cells, fibroblasts, or a combination thereof. Tubular constructs seeded with such cell combinations can be beneficially used as vascular grafts. Also described are methods for preparing and using such grafts.

Abstract: A tubular woven implantable graft having a tapered section is provided. The graft comprises a first diameter and a second diameter and has a generally constant number of warp yarns per inch adjacent both the first diameter and the second diameter. A method for producing an implantable woven graft is also provided. The method includes weaving a first section having a first diameter and a tapered diameter tapering from the first diameter to a second diameter. During weaving of the tapered section a number of warp yarns are dropped from the weave and compressive forces are applied to the fabric to narrow the width of the fabric.

Abstract: An endoluminal prosthesis including a radially expandable support member having interior and exterior surfaces and a wall with openings, a first covering member including a biocompatible polymer material at least partially positioned against the interior surface, and a second covering member including a biocompatible polymer material at least partially positioned against the exterior surface. The first covering member attaches to the second covering member at predetermined bonding locations within less than all of the openings thereby leaving unbonded regions.

Abstract: A medical device and tension member for use in a subject enables fixation of tension members and transmission of force from tissues to energy converters or to natural or prosthetic bones or other prostheses. The medical device includes an anchor block having a knob extending from its surface, such knob configured to engage a looped tension member. The tension member includes a looped portion configured to engage the knob, an intermediate portion, and a tissue engaging portion configured to engage tissue in a subject. The looped portion is connected to the tissue engaging portion via the intermediate portion. A system is provided for use in a subject and includes at least one looped tension member, an operational device, and at least one medical device configured to couple the looped tension member and the operational device.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are synthetic silica-based ocular devices fabricated from a composite material comprising silica and a fibrillar protein, together with methods of making and using the ocular devices.

Abstract: Intraocular implants and methods of making intraocular implants are provided. The intraocular implants can improve the vision of a patient, such as by increasing the depth of focus of an eye of a patient. In particular, the intraocular implants can include a mask having an annular portion with a relatively low visible light transmission surrounding a relatively high transmission central portion such as a clear lens or aperture. This construct is adapted to provide an annular mask with a small aperture for light to pass through to the retina to increase depth of focus. The intraocular implant may have an optical power for refractive correction. The intraocular implant may be implanted in any location along the optical pathway in the eye, e.g., as an implant in the anterior or posterior chamber.

Abstract: Prosthetic mitral valves and their methods of manufacture and use.

Abstract: An assembly for collapsing a prosthetic heart valve includes a compression member and a pusher member. The compression member has a first open end with a first diameter, a second open end with a second diameter less than the first diameter, and a tapered wall between the first open end and the second open end. The pusher member has a base adapted to engage an end of the valve. The pusher member and the compression member are movable relative to one another between an initial position in which the base of the pusher member is relatively far from the first open end of the compression member and an operative position in which the base of the pusher member is relatively close to the first open end of the compression member. Movement of the pusher and compression members from the initial position to the operative position radially compresses the valve.

Abstract: A device for percutaneously delivering a stented prosthetic heart valve. The device includes an inner shaft assembly, a delivery sheath assembly, an outer stability tube, and a handle. The sheath assembly is slidably disposed over the inner shaft, and includes a capsule and a shaft. The capsule compressively contains the prosthesis over the inner shaft. The stability tube is slidably disposed over the delivery sheath, and includes a distal region configured to be radially expandable from a first shape having a first diameter to a second shape having a larger, second diameter. In a first delivery state, the distal region assumes the first shape, providing a low profile appropriate for traversing a patient's vasculature. In a second delivery state, the distal region has the expanded diameter second shape, sized to receive the capsule, such as when retracting the capsule to implant the prosthesis.

Abstract: An implantable device is provided for controlling at least one of shape and size of an anatomical structure or lumen. An implantable device has an adjustable member configured to adjust the dimensions of the implantable device. An adjustment tool is configured to actuate the adjustable member and provide for adjustment before, during and after the anatomical structure or lumen resumes near normal to normal physiologic function.

Abstract: Soft body tissue structure can be remodeled by shortening the distance between first and second portions of that tissue structure. First and second anchor structures are respectively implanted in the first and second portions of the tissue structure. These anchor structures are linked by a linking structure, the length of which between the anchor structures can be shortened to pull the tissue structure portions toward one another. Each of the anchor structures may include two screw structures that are driven into the associated tissue structure portion transverse to the linking structure and with a spacer between the two screws. The entire prosthesis can be implanted percutaneously if desired. An illustrative use of the prosthesis is to shorten the annulus of a patient's mitral valve, with at least a portion of the prosthesis implanted in the patient's coronary sinus.

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

Abstract: A bioabsorbable plug implant, suitable for bone tissue regeneration, includes a first portion, and a second portion extending outwardly from the first portion, the first and second portions formed from expandable material. A method for bone tissue regeneration includes providing a bioabsorbable plug implant, wherein the implant has a first portion and a second portion extending outwardly from the first portion. The first and second portions are formed from expandable material. The second portion is inserted into a defect or gap of a bone. The first surface engages the outside contour of the defect or gap. The plug implant is allowed to contact body fluids, thereby expanding the size of the plug implant so that the plug fits into the defect or gap.

Abstract: A total knee replacement system includes a tibial component having a tibial post with a posterior portion, and a femoral component with medial and lateral condylar protrusions forming separated bearing surfaces configured to articulate with the tibial component. In one disclosed embodiment the posterior portion of the tibial post has a concave surface in the sagittal plane and a convex surface in the transverse plane, and the femoral component includes an intercondylar femoral cam mechanism configured to articulate with the posterior surface of the tibial post. The femoral cam mechanism may include an intercondylar bridging structure with distinct bars or interconnected structural elements providing convex and concave distal surfaces in the sagittal plane, and a concave surface in the transverse plane to facilitate rotation of the femoral component relative to the tibial component in the transverse plane.

Abstract: The invention relates to an ankle prosthesis including a talar implant, a tibial implant, and an intermediate implant designed to be mounted to move relative to said talar implant in order to impart mobility to the ankle, said prosthesis further including embedded adjustment structure designed to alternate between a releasing state, in which they allow the intermediate implant to move relative to the tibial implant, and a locking state, in which they hold the prosthesis in the chosen assembly configuration, said prosthesis being characterized in that said adjustment structure can be controlled to be operable while the prosthesis is in the assembled state in vivo.

Abstract: An electronically assisted artificial vertebral disc having an upper disc plate and a lower disc plate is disclosed. An actuator imparts movement to at least one of the upper and lower disc plates. A control device controls the actuator and the amount of movement between the disc plates. The actuator includes a plurality of either linear actuators or rotary actuators that are driven by electric motors in response to the control device. The control device includes at least a first sensor for detecting the position of the actuator and at least a second sensor for detecting the spatial orientation of at least one of the upper and lower disc plates. The control device also preferably includes a microprocessor that calculates the desired positions of the upper and lower disc plates and provides a control signal to the actuator to drive the upper and lower disc plates to their desired positions.

Abstract: An expandable implant is disclosed having an adjustable height for insertion between two adjacent bony structures or joint surfaces, for example between two adjacent spinal vertebrae. The implant includes at least one gear associated with at least one threaded shaft. Rotation of the gear engages the threaded shaft to expand the implant. The implant can be inserted in a collapsed configuration and expanded in situ. The invention also provides methods for using the implant to facilitate arthrodesis or fusion of adjacent joint surfaces or spinal vertebrae.

Abstract: Configurations are described for conducting minimally invasive medical interventions utilizing elongate instruments and assemblies thereof to stabilize and/or fixate a sacro-iliac joint. In one embodiment, a tool assembly may be advanced from a posterior approach into the SI junction and configured to create a defect defined at least in part by portions of both the sacrum and the ilium, the defect having a three dimensional shape defined in part by at least one noncircular cross sectional shape in a plane substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the tool assembly. After a defect is created, the tool assembly may be retracted and a prosthesis deployed into the defect.

Abstract: Disclosed is an expandable interbody fusion implant that is configured to have an initial configuration having a first footprint width suitable for being inserted into an intervertebral space and an expanded configuration having a second footprint width that is greater than the first footprint width. The implant may include a first body member and a second body member that is pivotally coupled to the first body member. The implant may be expanded using an inflatable balloon. The implant may be expanded bilaterally such that both body members rotate relative to the other or the implant may be expanded unilaterally such that one of the body members rotates relative to the other.

Abstract: An intervertebral implant includes a first surface configured to engage a first vertebral body, a second surface configured to engage a second vertebral body, a side wall connecting the first surface and the second surface to define a hollow space of the implant, and a rotatable insert configured to be positioned in the space, wherein an elongate opening extends through the side wall into the space, and wherein the insert comprises a spring portion configured to hold the insert in the space by frictional engagement with the side wall and an engagement portion configured to engage with a tool through the opening when the insert is positioned in the space.

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: In some embodiments, system and/or method may include an intervertebral implant for a human spine including an upper body, a lower body, first and second expansion members, and an expansion mechanism. A superior surface of the upper body may function to engage a first vertebra of the human spine. An inferior surface of the lower body may function to engage a second vertebra of the human spine. The first expansion member may include at least a first angled portion positionable, during use, between the upper body and the lower body. The second expansion member may include at least a second angled portion positionable, during use, between the upper body and the lower body. An expansion mechanism may convey, during use, the first and second angled portions in opposing directions increasing a separation distance between the upper body and the lower body.

Abstract: An implant for therapeutically separating bones of a joint has two endplates each having an opening through the endplate, and at least one ramped surface on a side opposite a bone engaging side. A frame is slideably connected to the endplates to enable the endplates to move relative to each other at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the implant, in sliding connection with the frame. An actuator screw is rotatably connected to the frame. A carriage forms an open area aligned with the openings in the endplates. The openings in the endplates pass through the carriage to form an unimpeded passage from bone to bone of the joint. The carriage has ramps which mate with the ramped surfaces of the endplates, wherein when the carriage is moved by rotation of the actuator screw, the endplates move closer or farther apart.

Abstract: Systems for determining force balance on a knee joint during a surgical procedure are disclosed. A system can include a tibial prosthesis. The tibial prosthesis can include a bearing component, a base component, and a shim component. The bearing component can have a superior articulating surface and an inferior surface. The bearing component can include a top portion, a bottom portion, a frame disposed between the top portion and the bottom portion, and a plurality of sensors disposed between the frame and the bottom portion. The frame can have a plurality of apertures corresponding in size or shape to the plurality of sensors. The base component can have a superior surface and an inferior surface. The shim component can be configured to be slidable between the inferior surface of the bearing component and the superior surface of the base component in an anterior to posterior direction.

Abstract: A tissue prosthesis insertion system includes a first assembly comprising a plurality of nested tubes, one of the tubes being a carrier tube which, in use, receives a component of a tissue prosthesis at a distal end of the carrier tube. A magnetic mount is carried at a proximal end of the first assembly. A second assembly is removably attachable to the first assembly. An attachment device is carried at a distal end of the second assembly, the attachment device being responsive to the magnetic mount of the first assembly, the magnetic mount and the attachment device carrying complementary engaging formations to facilitate hermetic sealing between the magnetic mount and the attachment device.

Abstract: A prosthetic component centering block (10) for mounting and adjustably centering a socket to a prosthetic leg, and for establishing and maintaining proper flexion and offset there between. The centering block (I0) comprises a solid member defined by an upper surface, lower surface, and surrounding sides. Both the upper surface and lower surface define an elongated geometric shape extending from a front end to a rear end, and the upper surface is inclined front-to-rear at a pre-determined flexion angle ? relative to said lower surface.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus to create a more favorable flow regime in a lumen. An artificial shape in the lumen is created to at least one of eliminate flow disturbances and enhance aspects of fluid flow through a treatment site.

Abstract: A prosthesis for intraluminal drug delivery can comprise a plurality of interconnected struts and links that form a tubular structure. The struts and links can have luminal surfaces facing radially inward, abluminal surfaces facing radially outward, and side surfaces connecting the luminal surfaces to the abluminal surfaces. At least some of the struts and links have through-holes in the side surfaces. At least some of the through-holes contain a drug, which can be carried in a polymer matrix.

Abstract: An apparatus for loading material into a stent strut can comprise a cover sleeve. The cover sleeve is elastic so that it can reduce in diameter so as to press against the stent strut, and expand in diameter so as to be spaced apart from the stent strut. The stent strut can include a lumen into which material is injected. When pressed against the stent strut, the cover sleeve seals side openings to the lumen and prevents injected material from leaking out of the side openings during the injection process.

Abstract: A method for generating a lattice cell shape for a stent comprising generating a unit cell model representing a stent cell to be made of a given material, the unit cell model comprising elements each comprising points defining a G2-continuous curve, setting a weighting factor to a same value for each one of the points, the weighting factor representing a contribution of a corresponding one of the points to a curvature of an optimal curve, determining a curvature of the G2-continuous curve as a function of the weighting factors having the same value, and structurally optimizing the unit cell model by iteratively determining a variable value for the weighting factor value using stress-strain characteristics for the given material, determining a new curvature of the G2-continuous curve as a function of the variable value, and minimizing the new curvature, thereby obtaining an optimized curve corresponding to an optimized lattice cell shape.

Abstract: An expandable medical balloon useful for treatment at a vessel bifurcation, the balloon having at least one expanded state, the balloon having at least one inner layer and at least one outer layer, the outer layer having at least one cavity therein through which the inner layer protrudes when the balloon is in its at least one expanded state, and methods of making and using the same.

Abstract: An operating unit in a stent delivery system comprises a displacement body including a first body connected to an outer tube body and a second body which is connected to the first body and meshed with a rotary roller. A first connection surface of the first body is formed with a first convex portion and a first concave portion recessed relative to the first convex portion. The first convex portion engages a second concave portion of the second body and a second convex portion engages the first concave portion. When movement of the displacement body becomes difficult for some reason and the operator forcibly rotates the rotary roller, the engaged state of the second body and the first body is released and the second body is relatively moved, thus preventing movement of the first body in the axial direction.

Abstract: The invention provides a delivery system for a prosthesis, said delivery system comprising a catheter shaft with a distal end, a proximal end and a longitudinal axis, a space for a prosthesis with a distal end and a proximal end, the space being at the distal end of the catheter shaft, a sheath with a proximal end and a distal end, the sheath being disposed at the distal end of the catheter shaft so as to surround the space, a pusher element attached to the distal end of the catheter shaft and arranged at the proximal end of the space for abutting prosthesis, a pull element with a longitudinal axis, the pull element running the length of the catheter shaft and having a distal end attached to the proximal end of the sheath and a proximal end for pulling the pull element proximally, thereby retracting the sheath proximally relative to the prosthesis space, and at least one fixation element having a proximal end and a distal end and being disposed within a flexible portion of the length of the shaft that lies be

Abstract: An exoskeleton designed to be worn by a user is generally configured to support and transfer the load supported by the head, the neck and/or the torso (shoulders, chest and/or back) of the user down to the ground. The exoskeleton is generally passive and comprises at least three interconnected sections: torso, hip, and leg sections. Each of the sections generally comprises of a plurality of interconnected rigid members which form the load-bearing structure of the exoskeleton. When a user wears the exoskeleton, load normally carried by the head, neck and/or torso of the user is at least partially supported and transferred to the ground by the exoskeleton, thereby reducing the load effectively supported by the user itself. The leg sections of the exoskeleton are designed to ensure that the load-bearing final location is located on the inner side of the feet, in accordance with human biomechanics.

Abstract: An orthopedic device in the form of a circumferential walker includes a first member (posterior shell) and a second member (dorsal shell) corresponding to the first member. An outsole or plantar shell portion is attached to, or formed on or with the posterior shell. A hinge mechanism is provided between the posterior and dorsal shells to allow the dorsal shell to be swung away from the posterior shell in order to accommodate an anatomical limb therein. Inflatable bladders having perspiration wicking channels and/or openings are provided within a liner for insertion between the posterior and dorsal shells. Quick-connecting buckle and retaining assemblies can be provided to allow a user to quickly don and doff the orthopedic device.

Abstract: The subject matter described herein includes an apparatus and a clutch for using controlled storage and release of mechanical energy to aid in locomotion. One exemplary apparatus includes a frame including an upper portion configured to mechanically couple to a leg of the subject on a calf side of an ankle joint of the subject and a lower portion pivotally attached to the upper portion configured to mechanically couple to a foot of the subject on a foot side of the ankle joint of the subject. The apparatus include a rotary clutch and an elastic element coupled between the upper and lower portions of the frame to control periods of energy storage and release by the elastic element.

Abstract: A shoulder immobilizer (20) includes a semi-rigid or rigid orthosis, in the form of an arm support (22), which supports the upper arm, elbow, forearm and wrist of a patient. A bolster (24) is positioned between the patient and the arm support (22). A body strap (26) extends around the patient and attaches to the arm support (22) and/or the bolster (24), holding the arm support and bolster in position against the body of the patient. In embodiments, the shoulder immobilizer (20) may utilize a shoulder strap (28), but such a shoulder strap is not necessary for shoulder immobilization of the patient.

Abstract: An orthopedic device is provided for treatment of Hallux Valgus. The orthopedic device includes a main part (3) in the form of an elastic sleeve, intended to exert a restraining force (F1) locally on the metatarsals (M1, M2, M3, M4, M5), a distal part (5) for encapsulating the big toe, and a connecting band (6) between the main part (3) and the distal part (5), intended to be tensioned in order to exert a lateral force (F2) on the big toe that is directed inwards in relation to the axis ? of the human body. A pad (4) is secured to the inner wall of the device, creating a localized increased thickness, and arranged to be positioned against the first metatarsal of the big toe. The pad acts as an anchor during the application of the lateral force, in different positions of the foot, thus allowing the tensile force on the connecting band (6) to be adjusted. The combined restraining and lateral forces serve to re-align the joint during walking.

Abstract: An orthopedic walking boot, comprising a base to support a user's foot, the base having a section configured to support the user's posterior portion of the heel; a support assembly extending from the base to support the user's lower leg; and a heel cushion arranged with said section of the base to engage the user's posterior portion of the heel, the heel portion having a free edge configured to flex.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a cervical spine protection apparatus one or more composite bands attached to provide restraint of one or more motions of the cervical spine of a wearer. The apparatus is designed to protect a wearer from incurring cervical spinal injuries, and/or to reduce the severity of cervical spine injuries without substantially compromising the normal functional range of motion of the wearer's cervical spine.

Abstract: A support and stabilization device for use by patients receiving dialysis comprising modified stabilization glove and a modified support pillow. The stabilization glove is a conventional glove styled hand covering that has a plurality of hook-and-loop fasteners, specifically loop component fastener strips permanently affixed to its palmar side. The modified support pillow is a traditional pillow with an elongated body having fabric outer cover and a removable waterproof inner portion. Opposing hook component fastener strips are permanently affixed to the top surface of the support pillow. As a result, when the opposing fasteners engage a removable attachment between the pillow and glove is created that does not physically restrain the patient in an inappropriate or undesirable manner.

Abstract: A urination assistance device for use with a bowl toilet is provided: A downwardly-extending receptacle collects urine. A stabilizing frame is provided designed to allow the urination assistance device to rest upon a toilet seat or upon the rim of the toilet bowl. The stabilizing frame defines a pair of ends, with each end terminating with a downward oriented elbow. The base member including a downward directed spout in operative communication with the receptacle to discharge any urine collected within the receptacle into the toilet bowl. The spout is in or in near contact with the upper portion of the interior wall of the front of the toilet bowl.