Abstract: An apparatus and associated surgical method for repairing abdominal aortic aneurysms is disclosed. The apparatus includes first and second stent grafts made from a metal form structure in combination with a flexible fabric, and a flexible guidewire detachably attached to the first stent graft. The first stent graft has an upper tubular body which defines an inlet, and a lower bifurcation which includes a first tubular leg defining a first outlet, and a second tubular leg defining a second outlet.

Abstract: A tissue graft attachment device includes a platform member including a first edge and a second edge connected to the first edge by a top side and a substantially curved bottom side. The platform member defines a slot extending between the first edge and the second edge, a first opening between the slot and the first edge, and a second opening between the slot and the second edge. The tissue graft attachment device includes a first filament passing through the first opening, a second filament passing through the second opening, and a graft connecting element passing through the slot to form a loop.

Abstract: The invention relates to an ophthalmologic implant, in particular an intraocular lens. The implant includes at least one marker produced with at least one dye which is a fluorescent dye having a maximum emission outside of the light spectrum visible to humans or an absorbing dye having a maximum absorption outside the light spectrum visible to humans. The said fluorescent or absorbing dye does not substantially influence light transmission of the ophthalmologic implant within the visual spectral range. The invention further relates to a microscopy system and an optical detection process for detecting and/or identifying the disclosed ophthalmologic implant.

Abstract: A prosthetic capsular device configured to be inserted in an eye includes a housing structure and a ring structure. The housing structure includes a first side, a second side opposite the first side, a third side, a fourth side opposite the third side, a posterior side including a refractive surface, an anterior side opposite the posterior side, and a longitudinal axis. The first side, the second side, the third side, the fourth side, the posterior side, and the anterior side at least partially define a cavity configured to contain an intraocular device (e.g., an IOL). The anterior side includes an opening. The ring structure includes a ring structure portion extending radially outward from proximate one of an end of the first side and an end of the second side.

Abstract: A bioelectronic device and method of making is disclosed. The device includes a scaffold formed via 3D printing. The device also includes a biologic and an electronic device formed via 3D printing, the biologic and electronic device being interweaved with or coupled to the scaffold. The electronic component may e.g., include at least one of hard conductors, soft conductors, insulators and semiconductors. The scaffold may be formed of at least one of synthetic polymers and natural biological polymers. The biologic may include at least one of animal cells, plant cells, cellular organelles, proteins and DNA (including RNA).

Abstract: An implant delivery system comprising a catheter including at least one lumen, an implant configured to be received in the lumen, and a latching mechanism configured to be received in the implant. The latching mechanism may be configured to releasably couple the implant to a delivery wire and to transmit a torque through the delivery wire to cause at least a portion of the implant to rotate. The an implant may comprise a shaft, a spacer configured to interact with at least a portion of at least one cusp of a heart valve to at least partially restrict a flow of blood through the heart valve in a closed position, a garage configured to couple the spacer to a first end region of the shaft, and at least one anchor mechanism. The garage may define a cavity configured to receive the latching mechanism and to increase rotational and translational stability of the latching mechanism.

Abstract: An apparatus for cinching an anatomic passage (e.g., the annulus of the mitral valve or another cardiac valve) includes a cinching cord, slotted anchors, and corresponding sliding members disposed in the slots of the anchors. The sliding members are held captive within the slots by a protrusion on one side of the slot and by the presence of the cinching cord in apertures of the sliding members on the other side of the slot, because the cinching cord passes through the aperture in each of the sliding members. In some embodiments, at least one sleeve of material that accepts tissue ingrowth is disposed over the cinching cord. A closed loop of cord may also be used in place of the cinching cord in alternative embodiments, so that subsequent to implantation, the closed loop of cord prevents the anatomic annulus from expanding.

Abstract: A cardiac valve repair device has a membrane assembly and a frame. The frame has a central structure that defines a central separation, a pair of sleeves positioned below the central structure, and a pair of atrial alignment expansion beams. Each atrial alignment expansion beam has a curved section and inner section at each opposite end that defines a scissor-crossing where they overlap each other to form a separate lower expansion clip beam at each of the opposite ends thereof. The cardiac valve repair device also includes a pair of upper expansion clip beams. A V-shaped ventricular expansion curved beam extends below the two sleeves, with the membrane assembly secured to the V-shaped ventricular expansion curved beam. A pair of ventricular alignment stabilizing beams extends downwardly from the two sleeves.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an actuating device for actuating a mechanical adjustment element of surgical implant, said mechanical adjustment element allowing to modify the functional shape and/or the functional size of the surgical implant when actuated, said actuating device comprising transmission means linked with one end to the mechanical adjustment element and able to move the mechanical adjustment element when said transmission means are actuated, connecting means (7) mounted on the other end of the transmission means and able to actuate the transmission means, said connecting means (7) comprising coupling means and driving means (24) comprising complementary shaped coupling means, said driving means (24) being designed to be removable and fitted into the coupling means for moving the mechanical adjustment element by driving into movement a movable part of the connecting means (7).

Abstract: A malleable penile prosthetic device for implantation within a penis of a user includes a columnar body and a plurality of malleable cores within the columnar body. The columnar body has a proximal end, a distal end, and a central axis extending from the proximal end to the distal end. Each of the plurality of malleable cores extends along the central axis, is angularly displaced about the central axis from neighboring malleable cores, and includes a bundle of wires surrounded by a sleeve.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems, devices and methods for optimizing the manufacture and/or production of patient-specific orthopedic implants. The methods include obtaining image data of a patient, selecting a blank implant to be optimized for the patient, and modifying the blank implant utilizing techniques disclosed herein to alter specific features of the implant to conform to the patient's anatomy.

Abstract: The condylar prosthesis (10) for a temporo-mandibular joint includes a mandibular implant (12), which is intended to be rigidly attached to the branch of a mandible, and a joint head (16), which is intended to serve as a replacement mandibular condyle, the mandibular implant (12) including an anchoring stem (14) permitting the use of an intramedullary connection in the summit of the branch of the mandible, and the distal end of the anchoring stem (14) being offset towards the front of the prosthesis (10) with respect to the joint head (16) and in a median plane of the prosthesis (10), the condylar prosthesis (10) being characterized in that the anchoring stem (14) follows a curved profile along its length and in the median plane of the prosthesis, the direction of curvature of the anchoring stem being oriented towards the front of the prosthesis.

Abstract: Ceramic orthopedic implants may have one or more dense inner layers and one or more porous outer layers. Methods for manufacturing the implants may include one or more stages during which the dense inner layer(s) are partially compressed. At least one porous outer layer may include coating particles that are present at a surface of one or more inner layer(s) while pressure is applied to attach the coating particles to the inner layer(s) and to further compress one or more of the inner layer(s). Various layers may be formed until an implant, or other device, is formed having the desired density gradient and/or other properties, as disclosed herein.

Abstract: A surgical method and internal elbow hinge apparatus for minimally invasive treatment of an unstable elbow (with or without humeral/ulnar bone fractures). The method includes surgically installing the internal elbow hinge which includes a humeral plate, an ulnar plate, and a hinge arm pivotally connected to the humeral plate and fixedly connected to the ulnar plate.

Abstract: A tibial support structure includes a platform portion and a medullary portion that are monolithically formed as a single piece. The medullary and platform portions of the augment component are adapted to accommodate and mechanically attach to a tibial baseplate, and are individually shaped and sized to replace damaged bone stock both within the tibia, as well at the tibial proximal surface. The monolithic formation of the tibial support structure provides a strong and stable foundation for a tibial baseplate and facilitates restoration of the anatomic joint line, even where substantial resections of the proximal tibia have been made. The tibial support structure may be made of a bone-ingrowth material which facilitates preservation and rebuilding of the proximal tibia after implantation, while also preserving the restored joint line by allowing revision surgeries to be performed without removal of the tibial support structure.

Abstract: A prosthesis assembly for use with a scapula in one embodiment includes an acromion spacer unit, a first articulation surface on an inferior surface of the acromion spacer unit, a bone contacting surface on a superior surface of the acromion spacer unit, and a bone mounting member extending sideways from the acromion spacer unit and oriented such that when the acromion spacer unit is mounted on a scapula, the acromion spacer unit is positioned at a height above the height of a midpoint of a glenoid fossa of the scapula.

Abstract: An expandable interbody fusion device includes superior and inferior endplates that are configured to receive a sequentially inserted stack of expansion members or wafers in interlocking engagement. The expansion members are formed to each have a generally U-shaped rearward facing opening. The superior and inferior endplates have openings through their outer surfaces in at least partial alignment and communication with the rearward facing openings of the expansion members. The inferior endplate has a fully bounded cavity for telescoping receipt of the superior endplate. The inferior endplate also has a fully bounded channel extending through the rear endwall thereof in direct communication with the rearward facing opening of at least one expansion member for the receipt of bone graft material into the device to promote fusion between opposing vertebral bodies of the spine.

Abstract: An expandable interbody fusion device includes superior and inferior endplates that are configured to receive a sequentially inserted stack of expansion members or wafers in interlocking engagement. The expansion members are formed to each have a generally U-shaped rearward facing opening. The superior and inferior endplates have openings through their outer surfaces in at least partial alignment and communication with the rearward facing openings of the expansion members. The inferior endplate has a fully bounded cavity for telescoping receipt of the superior endplate. The inferior endplate also has a fully bounded channel extending through the rear endwall thereof in direct communication with the rearward facing opening of at least one expansion member for the receipt of bone graft material into the device to promote fusion between opposing vertebral bodies of the spine.

Abstract: An expandable interbody fusion device includes superior and inferior endplates that are configured to receive a sequentially inserted stack of expansion members or wafers in interlocking engagement. The expansion members are formed to each have a generally U-shaped rearward facing opening. The superior and inferior endplates have openings through their outer surfaces in at least partial alignment and communication with the rearward facing openings of the expansion members. The inferior endplate has a fully bounded cavity for telescoping receipt of the superior endplate. The inferior endplate also has a fully bounded channel extending through the rear endwall thereof in direct communication with the rearward facing opening of at least one expansion member for the receipt of bone graft material into the device to promote fusion between opposing vertebral bodies of the spine.

Abstract: An intervertebral fusion implant comprises a body defining a longitudinal axis and extending between a first end and a second end. The body defines a first wall configured for engaging a first vertebral surface and a second wall configured for engaging a second vertebral surface. The first wall is connected to the second wall. The first wall is movable relative to the second wall such that the body is deformable from a first, initial implanted configuration such that the body is disposed between the first vertebral surface and the second vertebral surface for fixation thereof and a second configuration such that the body is deformed relative to the first configuration to adapt to an orientation of the first vertebral surface and the second vertebral surface. Methods of use are disclosed.

Abstract: In some embodiments, an intervertebral implant may include a body including a superior and an inferior surface. The implant may include a first channel extending from an anterior end towards the posterior end of the body. The implant may include a first anchor channel The implant may include a first guide member positionable in the first channel The implant may include a first anchor. When the first guide member moves from a first position to a second position the first anchor may be conveyed through the first anchor channel and couple the body to an adjacent vertebra.

Abstract: An orthopedic device includes a patient-specific acetabular guide that can be used for preparing an acetabulum of a patient to receive an acetabular implant and/or placement of an acetabular prosthesis. The acetabular guide has a body with an outer three-dimensional surface configured to match an acetabulum of a specific patient's hip joint designed from data of the patient's hip joint. The acetabular guide can further include a peripheral annular rim.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for stenting are provided comprising a stent attached to a porous biocompatible material that is permeable to endothelial cell ingrowth, but impermeable to release of emboli of predetermined size. Preferred stent designs are provided, as well as preferred manufacturing techniques. Apparatus and methods are also provided for use at a vessel branching. Moreover, embodiments of the present invention may comprise a coating configured for localized delivery of therapeutic agents. Embodiments of the present invention are expected to provide enhanced embolic protection, improved force distribution, and improved recrossability, while reducing a risk of restenosis and thrombus formation.

Abstract: A stent graft having a tubular body with a ostium in the side wall of the tubular body and a side arm extending from the ostium. The side arm comprising a tube of graft material extending at least partially helically around and longitudinally along the tubular body of the stent graft at least one-fourth the circumference of the tubular body to an open end and has a resilient reinforcing ring attached about and encircling its open end. The resilient reinforcing ring is permanently attached to the tubular body with a tie down arrangement that passes through the graft material of the tubular body and through the side arm and engages the resilient reinforcing ring to permanently hold the open end of the side arm against the tubular body surface. A line of radiopaque markers extends along the length of the side arm from the ostium to the open end.

Abstract: The disclosure of the present application provides devices, systems, and methods for the prevention of stroke. In at least one embodiment of a device of the present application, the device comprises an extension portion sized and shaped to fit within an artery extending from an aortic arch, and a flange portion sized and shaped to prevent the device from advancing into the artery extending from the aortic arch in which the device may be positioned. In at least one embodiment of a system for preventing stroke of the present application, the system comprises a hypotube, a folder coupled to a distal end of the hypotube, a sleeve positioned circumferentially around the hypotube proximal to the folder, and a stent, wherein a first part of the stent may be positioned within the folder, and wherein a second part of the stent may be positioned within the sleeve.

Abstract: Stents and methods of manufacturing a stents with enhanced fracture toughness are disclosed.

Abstract: A medical device includes a polymer scaffold crimped to a catheter having an expansion balloon. The scaffold has a structure that produces a low late lumen loss when implanted within a peripheral vessel and also exhibits a high axial fatigue life. In a preferred embodiment the scaffold forms ring structures interconnected by links, where a ring has 12 crowns and at most two links connecting adjacent rings.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling inflation pressure and pressurization rate of a balloon during deployment of a stent or scaffold are disclosed. The apparatus and method involve a pressure attenuator for controlling an inflation rate of the delivery balloon.

Abstract: A responsive gastrointestinal stimulation device is provided where one or more sensors sense data corresponding to a subject or the gastrointestinal tract of a subject and responds to sensing the data by stimulating, adjusting stimulation, or stopping stimulation of the gastrointestinal tract. A stimulation device is also provided to stimulate the gastrointestinal tract to produce a sensation of satiety or to control hunger or food consumption.

Abstract: A liner support frame is configured to be positioned in a gastrointestinal tract of a human and to support a liner which inhibits nutrient absorption and anchor the liner in place in the gastrointestinal tract, the liner support frame includes a plurality of frame members connected to one another so that the liner support frame possesses a plurality of openings. The liner support frame includes a plurality of frame portions arranged axially and possessing different tapers.

Abstract: Medical advantages are provided by the novel improvements made to the inflatable foot cushion of the present invention to the inflatable foot cushion of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/432,068 and the Inflatable Foot Cushion of U.S. Pat. No. 5,328,445, including better protection of a patient's Achilles' tendon areas; better unloading of the pressures on the patient's heels due to the increased elevation of the patient's heels above substrates; and the prevention of left and right lateral rotation of the ankles of patients wearing the novel inflatable foot cushion of the present invention by its two novel lateral cushions formed by expanding the main chamber of the improved inflatable foot cushion of the present invention there between, which novel lateral cushions cradle and stabilize the improved inflatable chamber of the present invention when it is pivoted under the improved inflatable foot cushion of the present invention.

Abstract: Provided is an incurvated-nails and ingrown-nails correcting device that uses a magnetic force and that is capable of adjusting the space between a magnet and a magnetic sheet that is placed on a nail. The subject device includes a magnetic sheet that is placed on a nail; the device's main part that includes a body that is attached to the magnetic sheet by using an adhesive agent or by using the magnetic force of the magnet, an arm that extends outward from the body, a head that is arranged at the edge of the arm, and a joint by which the arm is rotatably connected to the body and by which the head is rotatably connected to the arm; and a magnet mounted on the head.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for fixing a test person on a standing surface, wherein at least one rope is tensioned between a hip belt placed on the test person and a retaining plate arranged below the standing surface.

Abstract: An ostomy appliance comprising an adaptor having a distal end adapted to be coupled to an ostomy wafer and a proximal end adapted to be coupled to a cap, said distal end having an opening in fluid communication with an opening in said proximal end.

Abstract: An adaptive ostomy appliance includes a collection pouch, a first coupling ring attached to the collection pouch, and a faceplate having a second coupling ring assembly connected to it by a thermoplastic web. The coupling rings couple the faceplate to the pouch. A securing member releaseably, operably couples the second coupling ring with the front surface of the faceplate.

Abstract: Contraceptive and/or sterilization methods and devices are disclosed which may improve the speed of tubal occlusion and mechanisms for anchoring for a contraceptive device. In accordance with some embodiments, improvements may be made to the delivery catheter to induce trauma and create faster tubal occlusion, improvements may be made to the occlusion device to prevent migration and induce trauma, and improvements may be made to the occlusion device to reduce the total volume of in-growth required compared to conventional expansive occlusion devices.

Abstract: A kit for cooling the blood in the carotid arteries includes a cervical immobilization collar and a cooling element. The cooling element may include a body-facing panel attached on a body-facing surface to a lining layer, an outward-facing panel, and cooling material disposed between the body-facing panel and the outward facing panel. The cooling material may comprise urea and Carbamakool™ in an amount sufficient to produce a temperature of 20° F. to 35° F. within a minute of activation when measured on the body-facing surface of the body-facing panel.

Abstract: Vitrectomy probes and system related thereto are disclosed herein. The disclosure describes various example vitrectomy probes having an adjustable cutting port size. Various example features are described for adjusting the size of the cutting port. Further, the disclosure provides examples for adjusting the size of the cutter port while the vitrectomy probe is in operation.

Abstract: Systems, processes, and computer program products may be used to perform retinal surgery. In particular implementations, a system, a process, and a computer program product may include the ability to inject a retina manipulation fluid into an eye through an injection/extraction system and apply negative pressure to the injection/extraction system to facilitate extraction of fluid from the eye. The system, the process, and the computer program product may also include the ability to adjust the applied negative pressure.

Abstract: A pre-stressed pressure device for treating a wound or reduce scarring of a skin of a patient includes a substrate assembly having a first surface, a pressure member having a curve in a central portion, the pressure member being secured to the substrate assembly; a treatment device for exerting a pressure on the wound or the scarring, the treatment device being connected to a first area of the first surface; and an adhesive for applying the pressure bandage to the skin, the adhesive being disposed on a second area of the first surface, the first and second areas being non-overlapping.

Abstract: A wound dressing for managing wound fluids includes a porous contact layer for positioning adjacent a wound. An internal open window extends through the contact layer exposing a distal side of an absorbent member. The absorbent member is disposed in a superimposed relation to the window of the contact layer and is dimensioned to extend laterally beyond the window such that a portion of the absorbent member overlaps and is secured to the contact layer. A drape layer is disposed on a proximal side of the absorbent member, and is adhesively coated to fasten the drape layer to the absorbent member. A cover layer disposed over the drape layer defines an internal open window such that the open window is adjacent the absorbent member. A distal side of the cover layer is adhesively coated to secure the cover layer to the contact layer.

Abstract: A method for obtaining temporary non-stretchability characteristics, mainly in a machine direction, in a non-woven fabric having any level of stretchability, in order to ease converting is disclosed. The non-stretchability characteristics can be then eliminated in order to restore the original characteristics of the non-woven fabric. This technique allows the formation of final products comprising stretchable non-woven fabrics by converting machines.

Abstract: An inflatable device for insertion into a user's nose for controlling nasal exudation has an elongated shaft including at least one lumen for accommodating a fluid (15); an inflatable balloon (25) connected to the shaft, the balloon (25) being in fluid connection to the lumen; and an absorber (19, 33) for absorbing nasal exudates, the absorber (19, 33) being disposed at an outer circumference of the shaft and/or at a distal tip portion (9) of the device. Another inflatable device for insertion into a user's nose for controlling nasal exudation has an elongated shaft including at least one lumen for accommodating a fluid (15); and an inflatable balloon (25) connected to the shaft, the balloon (25) being in fluid connection to the lumen; the balloon (25) containing a cooling agent (29), wherein the cooling agent (29) is configured to cool the balloon (25) when coming into contact with the fluid (15).

Abstract: A disposable diaper includes: a pair of leg stretch units formed along a leg hole openings and being stretchable in at least a product longitudinal direction; and a cushioning unit provided adjacent to each of ends of the leg stretch units in the product longitudinal direction. Each of the leg stretch units is configured from a stretchable sheet member. A ratio of expansion and contraction of each of the cushioning units is lower than a ratio of expansion and contraction of the leg stretch units. At least a part of each of the cushioning units has a dimension in a product widthwise direction greater than a width of the leg stretch units in the product widthwise direction.

Abstract: An absorbent article may comprise a first zone comprising graphics and a second zone comprising graphics, wherein the first and second zones have different elastic properties. Further, the absorbent article may comprise a first absorbent article component and a second absorbent article component having substantially different elastic properties, wherein the first absorbent article component comprises an elastomer. Additionally, the absorbent article may comprise a third absorbent article component overlapping the first and second absorbent article components, wherein the third absorbent article component comprises graphics on at least the portions which overlap the first and second absorbent article components.

Abstract: An absorbent article having a plurality of granular particles placed between two liquid-permeable non-woven fabric sheets, the article including: a high-strength bonded portion formed in a loop-shaped pattern on the article such that the two non-woven fabric sheets are not separated even if the granular particles swell to thereby apply a separating force to a bonded position between the two non-woven fabric sheets; and a low-strength bonded portion formed in an inner area surrounded by the high-strength bonded portion such that the two non-woven fabric sheets are separated from each other at a bonded position when the granular particles swell to thereby apply a separating force to the bonded position between the two non-woven fabric sheets.

Abstract: A rescue basket apparatus having at least one top rail extending longitudinally around the upper edge of the rescue basket defining an opening into the basket cavity, the rescue basket having a head end and a foot end, and at least two transverse crossbars affixed to the at least one top rail so as to extend down a first side, across a bottom and extending up a second side and affixed to the at least one top rail of the rescue basket. There are at least two bottom runner rails running longitudinally along the rescue basket bottom. There are two pairs of bridle attachment members spaced longitudinally apart relative to the top rail, each bridle attachment member has a bridle attachment receiving opening and the bridle attachment members are pivotally mounted to the transverse crossbars near and below the top rail. The bridle attachment members receiving opening extends inwardly into the rescue basket cavity.

Abstract: Bed, comprising a lower frame (1) and an upper frame (2) with a supporting surface for a mattress, and where the upper frame (2) is connected to the lower frame (1) so that the upper frame can be raised and lowered in proportion to the lower frame by means of one or more adjusting means (5, 6) driven by an electric motor. In order to prevent squeezing between the upper and lower frame when the upper frame is lowered, the bed is provided with anti squeezing means. These comprise a light source and a receiver positioned in a corner of the lower frame. The light source sends a light beam which follows the lower frame all the way around and runs just above the top side of the lower frame. When the light beam is interrupted the control unit reacts by cutting off the current for the motors.

Abstract: An electric bed includes a first driver that performs rising and lowering operation of a second frame with respect to a first frame, a controller that controls the first driver, and an input unit that instructs the controller by switch manipulation of a lowering switch of the input unit. The controller controls the first driver to lower the second frame at a basic speed when a bed height is a first predetermined height or more during depression of the lowering switch, and to lower the second frame at a first low speed slower than the basic speed when the bed height is less than the first predetermined height during the depression of the lowering switch, in case where the bed height is a height of an upper surface of the second frame.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present disclosure include a stretching device for stretching and aligning a user's back. The stretching device may include a belt configured to wrap around the user's back and under the user's armpits and a first ring attached to a first end of the belt and a second ring attached to a second end of the belt, wherein the first ring and the second ring may engage with a hook such that the device may hang from a support system, using gravity to stretch and align the user's back.