Abstract: Spinal plates with additional features to improve the stability of the interface between the plate and the underlying bone. A bone plate may include one or more sharp ridges along the periphery of its underside. When attached to bone, the ridge digs into the bone and increases stability. A bone plate may alternatively or additionally include one or more holes for optional spikes, which may be inserted once the plate is attached to the bone. By separating the spikes and including them as an optional component, the plate may enhance stability while reducing or eliminating the chance of the spike injuring the patient. Furthermore, bone screws may incorporate alternating notches and ridges into the head of the screw. The notches and ridges may interface with a set screw, thereby preventing rotation and loosening of the screw.

Abstract: Disclosed are improved spinal implants that are configured to help prevent post-operative migration of the implant. In some embodiments, the implant system includes multi-axial tooth geometry and other geometrical configurations such as but not limited to peripheral curvatures that aid in the prevention of such post-operative migration. Also disclosed are asymmetrical implants having superior and inferior surfaces with different angulations relative to the sagittal midline.

Abstract: An instrument (10) for manipulating a prosthetic implant (2) the instrument comprising: an attachment element (20), operable to engage the Implant; an actuation rod (SO), a distal end (50a) of which is connected to the attachment element; and a stem (14), the actuation rod being at least partially moveably received within the stem, wherein the attachment element is bendable between a first position in which the attachment element does not engage the implant and a second position in which the attachment element engages the Implant, the actuation rod being configured so as to selectively bend the attachment element between the first and second positions upon movement of the actuation rod.

Abstract: An orthopaedic surgical instrument and method for positioning an acetabular prosthetic component in a patient's surgically-prepared acetabulum is disclosed. The orthopaedic surgical instrument has a base configured to engage the patient's pelvis, a first linkage pivotally coupled to the base, a locking mechanism operable to lock the first linkage in position relative to the base, and a second linkage removably coupled to the first linkage. The second linkage has an alignment axis corresponding to a desired abduction angle and a desired anteversion angle of the acetabular axis of the acetabular prosthetic component.

Abstract: A system for implanting a bone screw into a vertebra of a vertebral column of a patient to help secure an implant within a joint between the vertebra and an adjacent vertebra may include a bone screw, a bone screw delivery mechanism detachably connected to the bone screw, and a guide tube. The guide tube may have a proximal end, a distal end, a lumen configured to receive the bone screw and the bone screw delivery mechanism, and at least one bend disposed nearer the distal end than the proximal end. The bend in the guide tube may change a trajectory of the bone screw and the bone screw delivery mechanism advancing through the lumen from a first trajectory along a longitudinal axis of the guide tube to a second trajectory that is angled relative to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: An osteoimplant is provided which comprises a coherent aggregate of elongate bone particles, the osteoimplant possessing predetermined dimensions and shape. The osteoimplant is highly absorbent and sponge-like in nature. Also provided herein are a method of fabricating the osteoimplant and a method of repairing and/or treating bone defects utilizing the osteoimplant.

Abstract: Methods of implanting a prosthesis to repair a joint include displacing a first bone from the joint formed by an intersection between the first bone and a second bone. An end portion of the first bone is resected to define a resected end. A concavity is formed into the resected end using a shaping tool. The bone is compacted to form a support layer lining the concavity. The prosthesis is implanted in the concavity against the support layer without attaching the prosthesis to the support layer. The joint is reformed with the prosthesis such that the prosthesis remains unattached to the support layer and the first and second bones articulate about the prosthesis.

Abstract: This disclosure includes bubble actuator arrays and methods for making and using the same. Some bubble actuator arrays include a first flexible layer having a substantially flat first portion and a plurality of second portions that protrude away from the first portion to define chambers, a flexible second layer sealed to the first layer to define a plurality of cells in the chambers and between the layers, and where the array can be coupled to a fluid source such that the internal pressures of the cells can be varied. Some of the present methods include adjusting with a processor and fluid source the pressure in the cells of an array. Others of the present methods include placing sacrificial material into chambers of a molded first layer such that a plurality of cells is formed when a second layer is molded coincident to the first and the sacrificial material is removed.

Abstract: A portable electrical motor-driven exoskeleton ankle joint robot with gear transmission and control system which is intended to provide walking assistance in different speed and walking conditions to persons with disability in walking or muscle weakness or joint problem.

Abstract: An ankle brace for a prosthetic device includes a prosthetic foot and a lower leg piece. The ankle brace may bridge a gap between the prosthetic foot and the lower leg piece. The ankle brace may include a main member which is made of a flexible material and includes a cavity for accommodating the prosthetic device. At least one reinforcement element may be arranged on the main member which may increase the inherent stability of the ankle brace.

Abstract: A device is provided to allow adaptation of a prosthetic or robotic foot in the medial-lateral direction, including pronation and supination of the foot using a series of articulations. Articulations are permitted in the disclosed device due to linkage systems positioned at various locations of the prosthetic foot. In particular, the device includes multiple connected linkage systems each including upper and lower portions with an articulating contact surface designed for load carriage and stability. The point of contact between the contact surfaces of each linkage system comprises the position-dependent instantaneous center of rotation of the upper portion with respect to the lower portion. The device also includes a platform coupled between the linkage systems and a base.

Abstract: An interactive exoskeleton robotic knee system for assist walking and gait training. The system comprises of an exoskeleton framework to be attached to the thigh and shank of the user's leg; electric motor; mechanical lock; motion sensor assembled on the lower limb unit, and a control box. The system provides extension and flexion movement in the knee joint.

Abstract: Integrated closed-loop real-time limb neuro-prosthetic system comprising an artificial limb, a microprocessor, sensors, a signal conditioner, a stimulator, at least one EMG electrode and at least one sensory feedback electrode, characterized by the fact that said sensory feedback electrode is an intraneural electrode which is adapted to be implanted in an intact and healthy portion of a nerve.

Abstract: An adjustable socket system includes a distal portion and proximal portion. An axis extends between the distal and proximal portions. A plurality of struts are connected to the distal portion and distributed circumferentially about the axis. The struts at least in part define a receiving volume adapted to receive a residual limb and are movable between an expanded configuration in which at least some of the struts are moved radially outward relative to the axis to loosen the fit of the adjustable system, and a closed configuration in which at least some of the struts are moved radially inward relative to the expanded configuration to tighten the fit of the adjustable socket system. A tightening system is operatively connected to the struts and arranged to tighten and loosen the fit of the adjustable socket system on one or more areas of the residual limb.

Abstract: A prosthetic device adapted to be worn on a lower limb of a patient is provided. The prosthetic device includes a socket having an inner surface of which contacts the limb of the patient when the prosthetic device is worn by the patient. Pressure sensors are provided on the inner surface of the socket which measure pressure at the socket-limb interface when the prosthetic device is worn by the patient. The prosthetic device also includes a processor and a wireless transceiver. The processor receives data from the pressure sensors and wirelessly transmits the data to a remote wireless device. A system including the prosthetic device and a remote wireless device is also provided. The remote wireless device can display a map of pressure as a function of sensor location at the socket-limb interface and issue a warning to the patient if the pressure at a sensor location exceeds a specified value. Methods of using the prosthetic to monitor pressure at the socket-limb interface are also provided.

Abstract: In embodiments, medical devices, such balloon catheters or stents, can deliver a therapeutic agent to body tissue of a patient. The medical device a therapeutic coating comprising a polydopamine coated therapeutic agent disposed on a surface of the expandable medical device. In some instances, the therapeutic agent may comprise everolimus.

Abstract: In embodiments there is described a cardiovascular tube-shaped lockable and expandable bioabsorbable scaffold having a low immunogenicity manufactured from a crystallizable bioabsorbable polymer composition or blend.

Abstract: Described is an apparatus for transcatheter detachment of a stent from a delivery device. A braided suture with an opening is inserted through a restraining hole in a glide (the opening is secured on one side by a knot or a series of knots) and a release line is inserted through the braided suture opening. The braided suture is thus prevented from pulling through the restraining hole while the release line is through the opening. The braided suture is free to pass through the restraining hole after the release line is pulled out of the opening and thereafter pulled free of stent holes formed through a stent, thereby detaching the stent at a desired location.

Abstract: In a method for re-entry from extraluminal space into the central lumen of a vessel, a guidewire is advanced into the extraluminal space of the vessel, and then a directional catheter is advanced over the guidewire through the extraluminal space. Thereafter, the guidewire is removed from the directional catheter, an ultrasound device is placed through the directional catheter, and the ultrasound device is advanced through the extraluminal space into the central lumen and then activated.

Abstract: A transorally implanted intragastric balloon or treating obesity and for weight control including a variable size balloon with one or interconnected regions acting to exert a pressure on the stomach, to provide a stomach volume occupying effect, and/or to anchor the balloon within the stomach.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device (10) for stabilizing body joints, muscles and tendons comprising: a receptacle body (20), wherein the receptacle body (20) is filled with a dilatant fluid (90) and the receptacle body (20) extends in an elongated shape from a first end (21) towards a second end (22), and a tension body (40) for initiating an external force into the device, wherein a compression body (30), wherein the compression body (30) is arranged in the receptacle body (20) in a relatively movable manner and is connected to the tension body (40), wherein the compression body (30) divides an interior space of the receptacle body (20) into a first chamber (23) and a second chamber (24), wherein between the receptacle body (20) and the compression body (30) a passage is provided, wherein the passage connects the first chamber (23) with the second chamber (24) fluid-technically.

Abstract: A dorsal night splint has dynamic adjustable features that allow the patient to adjust the splint while in use to control the stretching of the plantar fascia and Achilles. A semi-rigid flexible frame is included along with a tightening strap that is anchored to the frame and by which the patient can tension the strap and adjust the structure of the frame to fit the patient's desired therapeutic or prophylactic needs.

Abstract: A stability system is formed from a bottom platform having a top surface configured to receive a sole of a shoe, an interior side and an exterior side. A leg cuff is connected to the exterior side of the bottom platform and comprises a vertical sidewall configured to abut a user's leg when the user's foot is placed on the bottom platform. The leg cuff has an intermediate portion extending around a rear of the stability system and being connected to the bottom platform near an interior side of the bottom platform, to secure the user's heel in place. The stability system is configured such that when a user places a shoe onto the bottom platform, the bottom platform extends beyond a width of the shoe at least on the exterior side and the intermediate portion surrounds the user's ankle. The extra width provides additional stability to a user whose balance is compromised.

Abstract: Variable stiffness devices and methods of their use are provided. In some embodiments, a variable stiffness device comprises an inner member defining a compartment for receiving an actuating fluid; an outer member disposed around the inner member; and a granular medium disposed between the inner member and the outer member; wherein the inner member is being moveable in a radial direction from a relaxed state to an expanded state by introducing the actuating fluid into the compartment of the inner member to compress the granular medium against the outer member to increase the stiffness of the device.

Abstract: The invention relates to an anatomical talotarsal orthosis for immobilising the ankle joint, comprising a plurality of rigid areas (1, 21, 22, 3) lined with a sheath that comes into contact with at least the ankle, and at least one connecting band (4, 5, 6) for attaching the orthosis to the ankle in a detachable and adjustable manner. According to the invention, the purpose of said rigid areas (1, 21, 22, 3) is to immobilise the calcaneus and the cuboid bone.

Abstract: In the context of medical recovery from injury and/or surgery to a lower extremity, a device may be used to provide elevation and support for an ankle along with restraint against knee rotation of a patient. The device may include a generally flat main body, two spaced-apart lateral ridges extending along or near lateral edges of the generally flat main body, and a medial depression between the lateral ridges that provides a support surface on which the ankle may be positioned.

Abstract: A device for facilitating nasal breathing with the mouth closed, including a mouth guard having a maxillary support face and symmetrical two half-arcs on either side of a medial direction (m) and joining one another at a front area of the mouth guard. The mouth guard includes, in its front area an upper anterior edge, wherein it includes a lip protection including an upper part arranged in the extension of the upper anterior edge and extending above the maxillary support face. The upper part including two upper extensions configured so as to form a support area and advantageously to push forward the gingivolabial groove of a user enabling the airway to be increased.

Abstract: A method of forming a user conformable dental guard includes obtaining a storage case with a handle, and inserting a dental guard and an impression tray in which the dental guard is positioned into the storage case. The method includes filling the storage case with water and placing the storage case and its contents into a microwave oven. The storage case and its contents are then subjected to microwave energy for a period of time sufficient to soften the dental guard. The method includes removing the storage case from the microwave over, flushing the storage case with water to slightly cool the dental guard, removing the dental guard and impression tray from the storage case and inserting the dental guard and impression tray into the user's mouth. The dental guard is molded by application of force by the user's teeth.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an apparatus for improved breathing is provided. The apparatus may include an improved oral appliance, an improved mask, an improved coupler to couple an oral appliance to a mask, and/or a combination of these improvements.

Abstract: A fluid emission arresting device is provided. In some embodiments, the fluid emission arresting device may comprise: a barrier layer made of a flexible material which may comprise a generally planar exterior surface and a generally planar interior surface. An adhesive layer may be applied to the interior surface of the barrier layer and may be configured to attach to the glans of the penis to position the barrier layer over the urethra opening to block fluid from exiting the urethra opening. In further embodiments, once the device is attached to the penis over the urethra opening, the barrier layer may prevent fluid from exiting the urethra so that the urethra may function as a fluid reservoir.

Abstract: A method for promoting contraception by placing a contraceptive device within a uterus without blocking fallopian tubes may involve advancing a distal end of a delivery device through a cervix, advancing the contraceptive device comprising an elongate shape memory member out of the distal end of the delivery device and into the uterus, and limiting inferior migration of the contraceptive device within the uterus. Inferior migration may be limited by allowing the contraceptive device to assume a shape, when subjected to pressure that tends to cause a downward migration of the device within the uterus, in which an expandable middle portion of the device is expanded to contact the inner wall of the uterus and thus limit the downward migration of the device.

Abstract: A massaging device includes a housing having a chamber and a mouth communicating with the chamber of the housing for filling a fluid into the chamber of the housing, and a cover engaged with the mouth of the housing for enclosing the chamber of the housing and for retaining the fluid within the chamber of the housing and for preventing the fluid from flowing out of the chamber of the housing. The housing includes a number of peripheral protrusions for forming one or more peripheral recesses. The cover includes one or more depressions for forming a knob. The housing includes a casing extended into the housing, and the casing includes an inner end portion engaged with the cover.

Abstract: Embodiments include methods for cooling a helmet having an embedded cooling array with an external cooling system. Aspects include determining that the helmet has experienced a severe impact, wherein the helmet includes a padding configured to protect a user of the helmet from impacts and connecting the external cooling system to the embedded cooling array of the helmet. Aspects further include activating the external cooling system, wherein activating the external cooling system decreases an internal temperature of the helmet via the embedded cooling array.

Abstract: Embodiments include methods for cooling a helmet having an embedded cooling array with an external cooling system. Aspects include determining that the helmet has experienced a severe impact, wherein the helmet includes a padding configured to protect a user of the helmet from impacts and connecting the external cooling system to the embedded cooling array of the helmet. Aspects further include activating the external cooling system, wherein activating the external cooling system decreases an internal temperature of the helmet via the embedded cooling array.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present disclosure include a container for cooling a portion of a user's body. The container may include an outer shell with an inner cavity configured to accommodate a volume of fluid, the outer shell comprising at least one limb slot configured to accommodate a user's limb and a fill spout extending from the outer shell, wherein the fill spout is configured to provide an opening into the inner cavity into which the fluid can be poured. The fluid may be any suitable fluid that can be cooled using conventional cooling devices.

Abstract: A surgical system uses a surgical tool as a control input. A tracking unit tracks a motion of the surgical tool, and a processing unit for processes the motion of the surgical tool to obtain a temporal spatial information of the surgical tool. The control unit further comprises a control input unit with a number of control commands. The control input unit associates the temporal spatial information of the surgical tool with a corresponding control command.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an ophthalmic treatment device, a control method therefor and a fundus lesion treatment method, the ophthalmic treatment device comprising: a treatment beam generation unit for generating a treatment beam; a beam delivery unit for forming a path through which the treatment beam generated from the treatment beam generating unit is irradiated into a patient's fundus; and a control unit for controlling the beam delivery unit to irradiate the treatment beam into a location adjacent to the lesion area of the fundus.

Abstract: A patient adapter for an eye laser apparatus comprises a first partial adapter unit, including a suction ring portion to be placed on an eye and affixed on the eye by means of suction force, the suction ring portion having a ring axis; and a second partial adapter unit formed separately from the first partial adapter unit, the second partial adapter unit being configured for releasable coupling to the eye laser apparatus and including an eye contact element for shaping the surface of the eye, wherein the two partial adapter units are held together mechanically in a module between a first relative position, in which the eye contact element has a first axial position with respect to the suction ring portion, and a second relative position, in which the eye contact element has a second axial position with respect to the suction ring portion.

Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to provide an injector for an intraocular lens, whereby it is possible to easily set a lens support part to an appropriate position on a lens holder, and to safely carry out insertion work. A lens holder (404) is provided with a base part (441), a release-side guide part (442), and a passing part (443). A concave part (450) for housing the tip of a first lens support part (92) is formed on the release-side guide part (442). The concave part (450) holds the first lens support part (92) above the passing part (443). The release-side guide part (442) guides the first lens support part (92) along the circumference of an optical part (91).

Abstract: An ocular stent device (100) can include an elongate arcuate body portion (102) configured in size and shape to be inserted into the Schlemm's canal. The body portion (102) can be inserted along an arc of at least 100 degrees of the Schlemm's canal. The body portion (102) can include a plurality of through-holes (104) adapted to direct flow of aqueous humor from a trabecular meshwork to episcleral collector channels of the eye.

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

Abstract: An ophthalmic laser surgical system includes a pulsed laser source configured to generate a pulsed laser beam, optics configured to direct the laser beam towards a target region in a lens of an eye, and a processor configured to control the optics to form a regular array of cells in the target region by creating layers of photodisrupted bubbles to generate cell boundaries. The layers are created by causing the optics to scan the pulsed laser according to a curvature of a focal plane of the optics to track a natural curvature of the lens.

Abstract: A pair of goggles includes a flexible body, a lens assembly, and a quick release system configured to removably couple the lens assembly to the flexible body.

Abstract: A welding system includes welding equipment for generating a welding current and voltage, a welding control system for controlling the welding current and voltage, a monitoring system for monitoring a welding parameter, and a welding helmet. The welding helmet includes a main body, a retinal tracking system configured to identify a field of view of a user by tracking movement of the user's eyes, and a visual display system configured to generate a visual image of the welding parameter and further configured to position the visual image within the field of view of the user identified by the retinal tracking system. The retinal tracking system is further configured to receive a welding parameter input from the user based on tracking movement of the user's eyes, and to communicate the welding parameter input to the welding control system to control at least one of the welding current and voltage.

Abstract: An article to be applied against the skin, mucous membranes or a wound, in order to absorb a liquid, such as an exudate, the article including: a distal absorbent layer; one or more visual indicators that change appearance upon contact with the liquid, the visual indicator(s) being in contact with the distal absorbent layer; an interface intended to come into contact with the skin or mucous membranes; at least one proximal absorbent layer located adjacent to the interface between the interface and the distal absorbent layer; and at least one layer forming a water barrier located between the proximal absorbent layer and the distal absorbent layer and provided with at least one passage through which the liquid that has passed through the proximal absorbent layer can reach the distal absorbent layer.

Abstract: A wound dressing, a method of manufacturing a wound dressing, and a method of treating a patient are disclosed. The wound dressing may include an absorbent layer for absorbing wound exudate; and an obscuring element for at least partially obscuring a view of wound exudate absorbed by the absorbent layer in use.

Abstract: A disposable diaper includes a crotch section sheet member that is long in one direction, a belly side sheet member, and a back side sheet member. The crotch section sheet member includes first adhesive sections having first adhesive-coated regions coated continuously in the lengthwise direction of the crotch section sheet member, and the belly side sheet member and the back side sheet member include second adhesive sections having second adhesive-coated regions coated continuously in the widthwise direction of the crotch section sheet member, at sections where the crotch section sheet member is to contact with the belly side sheet member and the back side sheet member. The crotch section sheet member is bonded to the belly side sheet member and the back side sheet member with the first adhesive-coated regions and the second adhesive-coated regions crossing each other.

Abstract: A method for producing a multi-layered absorbent article is disclosed. At least two of the layers include a colored region.

Abstract: A process for forming an absorbent sanitary article of the type including a pad having a direction of main extension, including a step of at least one absorbent core of the absorbent article by layering a corresponding composite web, a step of preparing a succession of hollows in the composite web obtained by removing for each hollow a corresponding portion of the composite web and a step of applying the portions removed on the composite web.

Abstract: The present application relates to absorbent articles, including catamenial devices, such as tampons and sanitary napkins, for the absorption of menses. More particularly, the present invention relates to an absorbent article having a product graphic framing arrangement that frames the central usage area of the absorbent core.