Abstract: A self-ligating orthodontic bracket includes a bracket body, a slide member, and a resilient member. The slide member is movable relative to the bracket body between an opened position, a first ligating position, and a second ligating position. In the first ligating position and in the second ligating position, a surface of the slide member bounds the archwire slot on a side generally opposite to the base surface to retain the archwire. The resilient member is configured to engage the other of the slide member and the bracket body and has a deformed state for biasing the slide member toward the base surface in at least one of the first and second ligating positions. In the first and second ligating positions, the base surface of the archwire slot and the surface of the slide member are separated by different distances.

Abstract: An aesthetic, partially removable orthodontic appliance is described, including a polymeric body that conforms to the lingual soft tissue and at least one wire member extending from the polymeric body. Each wire member releasably engages with a respective anchor that is, in turn, connected to the lingual surface of a respective tooth when the polymeric body is moved in a generally gingival direction into abutting relationship with the lingual soft tissue. Other features of the appliance include self-guiding magnetic couplings and couplings based on interlocking mechanical structures that provide releasable engagement between the removable section and the anchors, as well as related methods for making and using the same.

Abstract: A functional implant includes: a fixture; an abutment coupled to the upper portion of the fixture using a bolt; and a crown coupled to the abutment coupled to the fixture, the crown having a crown body concave on top thereof, an abutment insertion recess formed inside the crown body to be open on the underside of the crown body, and a coupling guide portion formed on an inner peripheral wall of the abutment insertion recess and having a scratch surface formed on the surface of the inner peripheral wall, a silica layer bonded to the scratch surface, a zirconia primer layer coated onto the silica layer, and a resin bonded to the zirconia primer layer. The crown is detachably coupled to the abutment through press-fitting, thereby allowing easy detachment and smooth repair and correction. The crown is made using milling, thus reducing errors to ensure good fitness and passivity.

Abstract: Fastening system including a screw component (10) and a seating component (20). The screw component has a shaft (12) extending along a longitudinal axis (5) and having a maximum radius R1, said shaft comprising a threaded section (13), said screw component further including, at one end of the screw shaft, a head (14), the head comprising a bottom end (15) having a larger maximum radius R2 than the screw shaft such that an exposed underside (18) of the screw head extends radially beyond the maximum radius of the screw shaft. The seating component includes a screw channel (21) having a planar screw seat (22) having a minimum radius R3 which is equal to or greater than R1.

Abstract: A dental suction tube having a plurality of apertures in a distal portion of the tube is provided. The apertures are provided in a pattern to allow suction performance even when a portion of the distal end of the tube is abutting a portion of the mouth or other item during a dental procedure.

Abstract: An intraoral device includes a flexible body having an upper front flap including evacuation holes and a upper edge; an upper rear flap forming an upper pocket with the upper front flap and including internal channels and a upper edge separated from the upper edge of the upper front flap to form an upper pocket opening, the internal channels terminating in grooves along the upper edge; a lower front flap including evacuation holes and a lower edge; a lower rear flap forming a lower pocket with the lower front flap and including internal channels and a lower edge separated from the lower edge of the lower front flap to form an lower pocket opening, the internal channels terminating in grooves along the lower edge.

Abstract: An electronic register device for recording movements of the lower jaw of a person relative to the upper jaw of the person, the device having a bite fork for recording a position of the upper jaw relative to reference points on the head of the person, wherein the bite fork is designed to receive a plastic compound for recording an impression of the dentition of the upper jaw. The register device further includes a lower-jaw attachment for recording movements of the lower jaw relative to the upper jaw. In addition, the register device has a reference body, wherein the register device is designed so that the reference body can be connected in a fixed position to the bite fork. The bite fork and the reference body connected thereto in a fixed position are designed in such a way that both the impression and also the reference body can be recorded by a scanning procedure. In this way, it is possible to establish a relationship between the scanned impression and the movement data recorded by the register device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a container bag (1) for containing semen for artificial insemination of animals, of the types which are formed by at least two sheets (2.1, 2.2) of sealed thermoplastic material, forming a tubular body (3) with an inner hollow (4) divided by means of a central constriction (5) into first and second contiguous enclosures (7.1, 7.2) communicated by means of a cannula (6) secured in said constriction (5), which bag comprises a closure plug (10) for closing said cannula (6) secured to the bottom (13) of the second enclosure (7.2) of the inner hollow (4), means for securing the cannula (6) to the central constriction (5), and means for securing the closure plug (10) to the bottom (13) of the second enclosure (7.2).

Abstract: A system for supporting the urethra using an introducer needle, the ends of which are flattened and which have openings therethrough, a handle having a latch mechanism which engages the opening in the flattened portion of the first end of the introducer needle, an implant, and a connector joining the end of the implant to the flattened portion of one of the ends of the introducer needle. These components are used to draw the implant into position, either through vaginal or abdominal incisions, to form a U-shaped loop beneath the urethra. The ends of the implant are adjusted to provide proper support for the urethra. The implant can have slits that open under applied tensile force.

Abstract: A system for supporting the urethra using an introducer needle, the ends of which are flattened and which have openings therethrough, a handle having a latch mechanism which engages the opening in the flattened portion of the first end of the introducer needle, an implant, and a connector joining the end of the implant to the flattened portion of one of the ends of the introducer needle. These components are used to draw the implant into position, either through vaginal or abdominal incisions, to form a U-shaped loop beneath the urethra. The ends of the implant are adjusted to provide proper support for the urethra.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a tissue product comprising a tissue sheet. The sheet can be formed from a plurality of tissue matrix fragments. The fragments can have a length between about 5 ?m and 300 ?m, wherein the tissue matrix fragments are joined to one another to form the tissue sheet. In addition, methods of producing the tissue products and products made by the methods are provided.

Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed for providing access to a central compartment of a hip joint. The devices can access the central compartment by distracting all or a portion of the labrum. The labrum can be distracted by advancing a device underneath the bottom edge of the labrum, and using the device to further distract the labrum. Some devices can move underneath the labrum to provide a gap for other devices to access the central compartment.

Abstract: A vascular graft with trim lines is described, the trim lines providing a guide for precision shaping of the cuff. The trim lines may be printed or otherwise disposed on a surface of the cuff or included on a template designed for disposition over the cuff. The trim lines may also be disposed on a side of a pocket into which the cuff is positioned for trimming. Also described is an apparatus and method for precise trimming of a vascular graft.

Abstract: An acellular dermal graft is provided. The acellular dermal graft may be useful in minimizing side effects caused after transplantation since an environment favorable for formation of new blood vessels and proliferation of autologous tissues is provided by forming a multi-penetration structure in an acellular dermal tissue, removing a basement membrane layer and/or subjecting corners to slope cutting, and transplantation is stably performed within a short transplantation time due to improved extensibility and flexibility of tissues. The acellular dermal graft may be useful in reducing a time required to recover tissues after transplantation since the transplantation is stably performed due to improved grafting reaction with a host tissue by enhancing uptake of fibroblasts and promoting angiogenic activities.

Abstract: Absorbable implants for breast surgery that conform to the breast parenchyma and surrounding chest wall have been developed. These implants support newly lifted breast parenchyma, and/or a breast implant. The implants have mechanical properties sufficient to support a reconstructed breast, and allow the in-growth of tissue into the implant as it degrades. The implants have a strength retention profile allowing the support of the breast to be transitioned from the implant to regenerated host tissue, without significant loss of support. Three-dimensional implants for use in minimally invasive mastopexy/breast reconstruction procedures are also described, that confer shape to a patient's breast. These implants are self-reinforced, can be temporarily deformed, implanted in a suitably dissected tissue plane, and resume their preformed three-dimensional shape. The implants are preferably made from poly-4-hydroxybutyrate (P4HB) and copolymers thereof.

Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve is designed to be circumferentially collapsible for less invasive delivery into the patient. At the implant site the valve re-expands to a larger circumferential size, i.e., the size that it has for operation as a replacement for one of the patient's native heart valves. The valve includes structures that, at the implant site, extend radially outwardly to engage tissue structures above and below the native heart valve annulus. These radially outwardly extending structures clamp the native tissue between them and thereby help to anchor the prosthetic valve at the desired location in the patient.

Abstract: A vascular implant for replacing a native heart valve comprises a self expanding stent supporting a valve body having leaflets. The stent preferably comprises an anchoring structure configured to prevent the implant from passing through the valve annulus. For delivery, the implant is compacted within a delivery device and secured at one end. During delivery the implant is partially released from the delivery device, and positioning of the implant can be verified prior to full release. The implant can be at least partially resheathed and repositioned if desired.

Abstract: Embodiments of a prosthetic heart valve comprise an annular main body, an atrial cap extending radially outwardly from the atrial end of the main body, and a plurality of ventricular anchors extending outwardly from the ventricular end of the main body. Each ventricular anchor can have a proximal end portion connected to the ventricular end, an intermediate portion extending away from the atrial end and then back toward the atrial so as to define a first bend, and a free distal end portion that extends from the intermediate portion. The distal end portion can comprise a first section, a second section, and a second bend between the first and second sections, the first section extending from the intermediate portion in a direction toward the atrial end and radially away from the main body.

Abstract: A delivery device for a prosthetic heart valve includes a proximal sheath and a distal sheath. The proximal sheath has a distal end disposed at an oblique angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the proximal sheath, and the distal sheath has a proximal end disposed at an oblique angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the distal sheath. The distal end of the proximal sheath and the proximal end of the distal sheath mate so that rotation of the distal sheath relative to the proximal sheath causes the distal sheath to deflect from coaxial alignment with the proximal sheath. Deflection of the distal sheath relative to the proximal sheath enables the prosthetic valve to be axially aligned with the native valve annulus for deployment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatus and methods for endovascularly delivering and releasing a prosthesis, e.g., an aortic prosthesis, within and/or across a patient's native heart valve, referred to hereinafter as replacing the patient's heart valve. In some embodiments the delivery system comprises a plurality of first actuatable element adapted to engage a plurality of second elements in a first configuration to capture the implant within the delivery system, and wherein the plurality of first actuatable element are adapted to engage the plurality of second elements in a second configuration and to release the implant from the delivery system.

Abstract: Methods for delivering a medical device loaded onto a catheter include positioning a first tube relative to a second concentric tube such that sheathing material having a first end affixed to the first tube and a second end affixed to the second tube forms an inner layer and an outer layer having at least one inversion point, such that no portion of the first tube is between any portion of the inner and outer layers of the sheathing material. Upon positioning the catheter at a desired target site the first tube can be moved relative to the second tube so that the inversion point moves to expose the medical device, thereby permitting expansion of the medical device at the target site.

Abstract: A device 10 for repairing mitral valve leaflets 2, 3 includes a jaw mechanism 15 that may be positioned adjacent a mitral valve leaflet 2, 3. The jaw mechanism 15 may move between an open position and a closed position by pivoting a first jaw relative 16 to a second jaw 18. The first jaw 16 may include a rivet 28 that may move from a stored position to an application position projecting away from the first jaw 16 when the jaw mechanism 15 is moved from the closed to the open position. Closing the jaws 16, 18 about a valve leaflet 2, 3 causes the rivet 28 to pierce the leaflet. The jaw mechanism 15 may then be rotated to wind the leaflet 2, 3 thereabout and again pierce the leaflet. The rivet 28 may then be released from the jaw mechanism 25 and the device 10 removed from the patient.

Abstract: Systems, methods and compositions useful for treatment of traumatic bone injuries are provided. In one embodiment, a bone reconstruction system comprising a space maintaining composition comprising porous polymethylmethacrylate; and an osseous generating construct comprising a polymethylmethacrylate chamber that comprises one or more osseous generating materials is provided. Associated compositions and methods are also provided.

Abstract: Methods for the prevention, or delayed onset or progression of, bone marrow edema or bone marrow lesion, and subchondral treatment to prevent the progression of osteoarthritis of a joint are disclosed. The methods involve treating the subchondral bone, while preserving, as much as possible, the joint's articular and cartilage surface. The methods could be performed before, during, or after an initial arthroscopic surgery to repair the joint. Associated devices and instruments for treatment of the subchondral bone are also disclosed.

Abstract: A parallel kinematically redundant device includes a base body portion and a movable portion. The movable portion includes first, second, and third joints. A first actuator is coupled to the first joint of the movable portion and to the base body portion. A second actuator is coupled in parallel with the first actuator between the second joint of the movable portion and the base body portion. A linking member is rotationally coupled to the third joint of the movable portion to provide an output for the first and second actuators. A housing is coupled to the base body portion and fits onto a user. A prosthetic joint device includes a base portion and a movable portion. An actuator is rotationally coupled to the movable portion and base portion. A compliant element is coupled in parallel with the actuator between the movable portion and base portion.

Abstract: A device for ameliorating joint conditions and diseases comprising a) a first section comprising a joint-ward end, an opposing mating end, and a lateral wall, a peripheral column partially forming the lateral wall of the first section, a central column, and three or more than three struts extending between and connecting the peripheral column and the central column, and each strut thereby supporting the central column, the joint-ward end further comprising a plurality of fenestrations formed by a confluence of the peripheral column, the central column and two adjacent struts of the three or more than three struts, and first section further comprising a central aperture within and formed by the central column, and configured to mate with a driver, b) a second section comprising a mating end, an opposing leading end, and a lateral wall, the lateral wall of the second section comprising threads.

Abstract: A modular knee prosthesis system includes a femoral component having a stem, a plurality of different sizes of sleeves mountable on the stem, and a plurality of different sizes of augments mountable on the femoral component. The system is modular, and provides the surgeon with the option of distally offsetting the joint line by selecting the size of sleeve that will provide the desired joint line. The different sizes of sleeves have different axial lengths but share a common geometry along a substantial part of their lengths so that the same bone cavity will accept multiple sizes of sleeves.

Abstract: A reverse shoulder orthopaedic implant includes a glenosphere component having a lateral bearing surface configured to articulate with a humeral cup of a humeral prosthesis. A metaglene component includes a platform configured to receive glenosphere component.

Abstract: Apparatus and method used to reduce the movement between vertebrae or fractured bones. The implantable device can be deformed from its shape-set configuration for ease of deployment and return to a pre-set shape upon completion of deployment. The apparatus can serve to stabilize fractured bones or as a distraction device and support structure between vertebrae. Device may be made of a material with shape memory and superelastic properties which facilitate the method of implantation. The pre-set shape of the device may include dimensions/geometries which are similar to the natural curvature of the human spine or bone without the use of hinging or connection between multiple pieces. Once deployed, the device can serve to constrain the flow of bone growth material between the inside and outside of the device.

Abstract: An intervertebral cage includes a thin main wall having two return parts at opposite ends of the wall. The wall has an approximately constant thickness. The return parts are extended by facing end parts having a gap between them. The wall, the return parts and end parts delimit an inner cavity. The gap extends parallel to the wall and has a length between 50% and 100% of the cavity length. The gap length is preferably between 70% to 90% of the cavity length.

Abstract: A bone fusion device for insertion between bones that are to be fused together, such as, for example, the vertebrae of a spinal column. The bone fusion device comprises at least one extendable tab and one or more tab extension assemblies. Each tab extension assembly is able to be adjusted in order to individually control the extension or contraction of a side of the tab thereby enabling adjustment of the height and/or angle of the tab with respect to the body of the bone fusion device. Each tab extension assembly is able to be individually adjusted such that the side controlled by each assembly is raised or lowered until the desired tab angle is achieved. The tab is advantageously positioned and angled to correspond to the vertebrae to help brace the device until the bone has fused.

Abstract: A laterally deflectable asymmetric implant for implanting into a body may comprise a deflectable piece having distal and proximal ends and assuming a straightened insertion state. The backbone may abut or interconnect with said deflectable piece at the distal end of the deflectable piece. In a fully deflected state the implant may define an asymmetric shape, e.g. a D-shaped loop, defining an at least partially enclosed volume. The deflectable piece may comprise a sequence of segments interconnected at effective hinges. Longitudinal pressure applied to the proximal end of the deflectable piece (or applied to the backbone in an opposite direction) may cause relative longitudinal movement between the backbone and the proximal end of the deflectable piece and may generate outward horizontal movement of the deflectable piece away from the backbone. In one embodiment, the implant is implanted using lateral access into an anterior zone of a vertebra and deployed posteriorly.

Abstract: In one form, a system for use in percutaneous surgical procedures includes a cannula having an elongate body extending along a longitudinal axis between a proximal end and a distal end and including a working channel dynamically expandable from a first, unexpanded configuration. The system also includes a device that is positionable in and engageable with the working channel to expand the working channel from the first configuration as the device is moved through the working channel. In response to disengagement of the device with the working channel, the working channel returns to the first, unexpanded configuration. In one aspect of this form, the device includes an interbody spinal implant that is deliverable to a surgical site through the working channel of the cannula. In another form, a method for performing a percutaneous surgical procedure is provided. However, different forms and applications are envisioned.

Abstract: A prosthetic foot structure includes a primary foot member and a heel member. The primary foot member has a heel portion, a toe portion with a pair of toe sections separated by a gap, and an elongated intermediate portion configured as an arch extending downward from the heel portion toward the toe portion. The heel member includes a hollow cylindrical spring wall extending downward from the heel portion of the primary foot member. The primary foot member and the heel member are portions of a unitary body of material formed by additive manufacturing.

Abstract: A collapsible prosthetic heart valve includes a stent and a valve assembly. The stent includes an annulus section and at least one foldable section. The stent is movable between an unfolded condition in which the foldable section is longitudinally spaced from the annulus section, and a folded condition in which the foldable section is at least partially positioned radially adjacent the annulus section. The valve assembly is positioned within the annulus section of the stent in the folded condition of the stent.

Abstract: Various embodiments of stents with radiopaque markers disposed within depots in the stent, are described herein.

Abstract: A Y-Lock tracheal stent system consisting of a stent device, for emplacement in the larynx, and a stent delivery system. A method for employing the stent delivery system to emplace the stent device.

Abstract: An implantable expandable medical device in which selected regions of the device are in a martensite phase and selected regions are in an austenite phase. The martensitic regions exhibit pseudoplastic behavior in vivo and may be deformed without recovery under in vivo body conditions. In contrast the austenitic regions exhibit superelastic behavior in vivo and will recover their pre-programmed configuration upon deformation or release of an applied strain.

Abstract: A delivery system for a medical implant and a method of delivering the medical implant. The delivery system includes an inner catheter and an outer catheter. The inner catheter includes a wire coil disposed between an inner tube and an outer tube, the wire coil having gaps between turns of the coil at a proximal and a distal region thereof. The outer catheter is disposed about the inner catheter. The system includes a flow path for liquid from a proximal end to a distal end thereof, the flow path including a radially extending portion through the gaps. The method includes inserting the delivery system into a body lumen, injecting visualizing fluid into the proximal end of the system, the visualizing fluid moving through the flow path and exiting the distal end of the system, and retracting the outer catheter to release the medical implant.

Abstract: A bariatric device for use in inducing weight loss, comprising a cardiac element, a pyloric element, and a connecting element between the two other elements, wherein the connecting element provides structure between the cardiac and pyloric elements, keeping them largely in place and at least intermittently touching and applying pressure to the stomach's cardiac, adjacent fundic and pyloric regions, respectively, which produces a satiety signal to the user, giving the recipient a feeling of fullness and reducing his or her hunger feelings.

Abstract: A tensioning system for articles of footwear and articles of apparel is disclosed. The tensioning system includes a tensioning member that is tightened or loosened using a motorized tensioning device for winding and unwinding the tensioning member on a spool. The motorized tensioning device includes a torque transmitting system that allows for incremental tightening, incremental loosening and full loosening of the tensioning member.

Abstract: A high density actuator, comprising a housing assembly composed of a first housing element containing a motor stator and a second housing element containing a gear reduction mechanism, a rotational core positioned at the center of the housing assembly, the rotational core being composed of a motor rotor and a transmission input operatively connected to the motor rotor, a transmission output positioned between the transmission input and the housing assembly, the transmission output forming an actuator output, a torque transfer output operatively connected to the actuator output and a center shaft connected to the torque transfer output in its center and in rotational contact with the first housing element, the center shaft passing through the transmission output, rotational core and second housing element to ensure proper radial and axial alignment.

Abstract: A patellofemoral brace or support has a main substrate, a hinge located on at least one of the lateral and medial sides, and a support system coupled to the main substrate and the hinge. The support system has a compression element removably securable over the main substrate and a cable having a first end anchored to a pivoting element connected to the hinge and a second end anchored to the compression element. The cable engages the hinge such that articulation of the hinge from an extension position to a flexion position pulls the compression element toward the hinge to exert a generally medial force over the main substrate.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are apparatuses for supporting a person in an upright position while sleeping or resting in a bed such that the person can avoid sliding down into a horizontal position as a result of natural forces of gravity and normal movement during sleep. According to an aspect, an apparatus includes a harness configured to hold a person, an anchor to secure the harness to a bed, and a tether having one end connected to the harness and another end connected to the anchor. The anchor can include a support member and an insert extending from the support member such that the upper surface of the insert comes into contact with a mattress and the lower surface of the insert comes into contact with a bed-base. The insert can be positioned underneath the mattress and on top of the bed-base.

Abstract: A voice enhancement device including an earpiece configured to be positioned in an ear canal of a user. A microcontroller is operatively coupled to the earpiece. The microcontroller is configured to selectively provide at least multitalker babble. An accelerometer is located within the earpiece and operatively coupled to the microcontroller. The accelerometer is configured to detect speech by the user and communicate with the microcontroller to provide the multitalker babble to the earpiece during the detected speech by the user. A method of making the voice enhancement device, and a method for increasing vocal loudness in a patient using the voice enhancement device are also disclosed.

Abstract: An extracorporeal blood cooling or heating circuit includes an intravenous catheter for withdrawing a patients blood coupled to a combined pump/heat exchanger device. One or more sensors are provided upstream and/or downstream of the pump/heat exchanger device for measuring pressure, temperature, fluid flow, blood oxygenation, and other parameters. A controller is operatively coupled to the pump/heat exchanger device and the one or more sensors to control the speed of the pump inside the pump/heat exchanger device and regulate the blood temperature by controlling the operation of the heat exchanger. The combined pump/heat exchanger device includes a housing having at least one inlet and at least one outlet, a pump portion defining a blood circuit inside the housing, and a heat exchanger portion contained within the housing for selectively heating or cooling the blood.

Abstract: NMES systems and methods for stimulating muscle tissue, and in some embodiments deep muscle tissue. The impedance near the surface of the skin is controllably increased to increase the percentage of energy delivered to a subject that stimulates muscle tissue.

Abstract: An in-ear stimulation device for administering caloric stimulation to the ear canal of a subject includes (a) first and second earpieces configured to be insertable into the ear canals of the subject; (b) at least first and second thermoelectric devices thermally coupled to respective ones of the first and second earpieces; (c) a first heat sink thermally coupled to the first thermoelectric device opposite the first earpiece and a second heat sink thermally coupled to the second thermoelectric device opposite the second earpiece; and (d) a controller comprising a waveform generator in communication with the first and second thermoelectric devices, the waveform generator configured to generate a first control signal to control a first caloric output to the first thermoelectric device and a second control signal to control a second caloric output to the second caloric device.

Abstract: The invention relates to ovary apparatus for regulating the temperature of the ovary; and shielding it from radiation. The main function of the device is to preserve fertility of women treated with chemotherapy by lowering the ovary temperature while the toxic medications circulate in the patients' blood. The current invention utilizes shielding of the ovary to protect it from radiation, and temperature decrease to further limit the toxic effect of radiation.

Abstract: The present invention comprises an implant for placing inside the eye such that the implant comes into contact with the interior tissue of the eye such that it conforms to the inner globe geometry of the eye. Implants of the present invention may also be used to alter the focal length of the eye thereby providing a treatment method for the correction of myopia and hyperopia. The device may consist of several possible configurations, an open mesh structure, a solid metal ring, a solid polymer shape, a mesh polymer shape or combination of these. The shape may be a curve, a sphere, a ring or a combination thereof that are specifically shaped to approximate a desired portion of the interior globe of the eye in order to treat myopia or hyperopia.