Abstract: The present invention extends to a dental appliance having a set of rigid flanges conforming to a patient's mandibular bone structure and a stabilizer for securing and resisting movement of the dental appliance once set. The stabilizer reduces movement of a lower denture. The stabilizer extends perpendicularly from a flange of the lower denture and reduces denture movement during chewing. The stabilizer has one surface making contact with the bottom of the tongue and another surface making contact with the Genioglossus muscle when a user is chewing. The stabilizer does not require a dental implant for maintaining lower denture stability.

Abstract: Tooth whitening device for whitening teeth using sonochemistry includes a body, and an ultrasonic transducer provided in the body. The ultrasonic transducer is configured for producing ultrasonic waves in the range of 20-100 kHz, and good results have been achieved with ultrasonic waves at a frequency of 40 kHz. There is an ultrasonic horn provided on the body, and the ultrasonic horn is operatively connected with the ultrasonic transducer. A liquid retaining element is provided on the ultrasonic horn, and the liquid retaining element is configured for retaining a liquid tooth whitening composition against a user's teeth. The liquid retaining element may be a sponge or a replaceable pad, such as a foam pad.

Abstract: The invention includes a device for inserting a medicament within a body cavity of a mammal, and a cartridge for containing the medicament within the device, where the cartridge includes a housing, a retractable chamber for containing medicament disposed within the housing, and a substantially stationary member disposed within the barrel of the retractable chamber, where upon activation of the device, the retractable chamber is retracted about the substantially stationary member, thereby depositing medicament within the body cavity.

Abstract: A dental prosthesis for cattle, and method for mounting it, that includes mounting fastening members in the animals incisor, away from the central nerve and towards in the inner side of the incisor. Tying the incisors individually with surgical wire and to a support plate with through holes to immobilize the relative movement of the incisor with respect to each other. A malleable metallic overdenture is then mounted over the teeth and metallic infrastructure conforming to the incisors to define a conforming overdenture. An adhesive bonding agent is used to mount the overdenture to the incisors and the anchorage structure with retention fastening members that transversally pass through the overdenture and between the incisors to further secure the overdenture to the cured boding agent.

Abstract: An incontinence treatment device and method of treating urinary incontinence in a person includes fabricating an artificial urethra to have a flow diameter formed inside of a circumferential wall and a closure device attached directly to a portion of an outer surface of the circumferential wall of the artificial urethra. The artificial urethra is sized to be spliced to a natural urethra for alignment of the flow diameter of the artificial urethra with a lumen of the natural urethra. A pump is provided for moving liquid out of a reservoir and into the closure device to push the outer surface of the circumferential wall into the flow diameter of the artificial urethra, which operates to close the flow diameter of the artificial urethra.

Abstract: Vascular filters and deflectors and methods for filtering bodily fluids. A blood filtering assembly can capture embolic material dislodged or generated during an endovascular procedure to inhibit or prevent the material from entering the cerebral vasculature. A blood deflecting assembly can deflect embolic material dislodged or generated during an endovascular procedure to inhibit or prevent the material from entering the cerebral vasculature.

Abstract: The systems and methods described herein related generally to a device that enables the directional control of flow through an anatomical tract of the body. More particularly, the device described herein includes a valve from a plurality of projections. In some implementations, the projections are configured as flaps, posts, or any combination thereof. In some implementations, the device is implanted into a patient's esophagus to prevent gastroesophageal reflux disease. The plurality of projections allow flow into a patient's stomach while substantially preventing a backflow of undesired fluids from the patient's stomach to the patient's esophagus.

Abstract: A cardiovascular valve assembly is disclosed including a housing assembly comprising a first portion and a second portion removably attached to the first portion. A valve may be positioned within the housing assembly. The valve, which may be a mechanical valve, a biological tissue valve, or a polymeric valve, may be structured to allow fluid to flow through the housing assembly in a single direction. In certain embodiments, the valve assembly may further include at least one coupling structure provided on the second portion and at least one aperture defined in the first portion, with the aperture structured to receive the coupling structure to couple the first portion to the second portion. Corresponding systems incorporating cardiovascular valve assemblies are also disclosed.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to radiopaque implantable structures (e.g., stents) formed of cobalt-based alloys that comprise cobalt, chromium and one or more platinum group metals, refractory metals, precious metals, or combinations thereof. Platinum group metals include platinum, palladium, ruthenium, rhodium, osmium, and iridium. Refractory metals include zirconium, niobium, rhodium, molybdenum, hafnium, tantalum, tungsten, rhenium, and precious metals include silver and gold. In one embodiment, the one or more included platinum group or refractory metals substitute at least partially for nickel, such that the alloy exhibits reduced nickel content, or is substantially nickel free. The stents exhibit improved radiopacity as compared to similar alloys including greater amounts of nickel.

Abstract: Metal foils, wires, and seamless tubes with increased mechanical strength are provided. As opposed to wrought materials that are made of a single metal or alloy, these materials are made of two or more layers forming a laminate structure. Laminate structures are known to increase mechanical strength of sheet materials such as wood and paper products and are used in the area of thin films to increase film hardness, as well as toughness. Laminate metal foils have not been used or developed because the standard metal forming technologies, such as rolling and extrusion, for example, do not lend themselves to the production of laminate structures. Vacuum deposition technologies can be developed to yield laminate metal structures with improved mechanical properties. In addition, laminate structures can be designed to provide special qualities by including layers that have special properties such as superelasticity, shape memory, radio-opacity, corrosion resistance etc.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes a stent-graft comprising a first portion that is configured to engage a vessel wall, a second portion that is configured not to engage the vessel wall, and a perfusion window that is configured to permit blood flow. The stent-graft may further comprise a transition portion between the first portion and the second portion, and the perfusion window may be formed in the first portion, the second portion, and/or the transition portion. In a variety of embodiments, one of the first and the second portion may have a smaller diameter than the other. Similarly, in a variety of embodiments, the transition portion may be frustoconically shaped.

Abstract: An intraocular lens (IOL) has an optic, a peripheral rim, and a reduced thickness region connecting the optic to the peripheral rim. The peripheral rim has a continuously curving outer edge that it does not include any tangents parallel to the optical axis either along its length or at the intersection of the outer edge with the anterior or posterior surfaces of the IOL.

Abstract: A valve stent includes a plurality of crown elements arranged coaxially one behind the other, each formed by several u-shaped bends with at least one base and two ends. The bases of one crown element are connected to the ends of another crown element via connection bars. To produce this valve stent, 3D droplet dosing technology is used to form a thin-walled sandwich structure. A device, suitable for application of a stent is provided with positioning wires having clamps at their ends which can be connected to the fixing hooks at the ends of the crown elements in force-locking manner.

Abstract: Heart valve assembly systems and methods configured for medical interventional procedures. In one aspect, the methods and systems involve a modular approach to treatment.

Abstract: A medical device delivery system includes an inner shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, a support shaft having a proximal end and a distal end and an articulating assembly disposed between the inner shaft and the support shaft. The support shaft is sized for insertion into the circulatory system of a patient. The articulating assembly includes a first portion at the distal end of the inner shaft and a second portion at the proximal end of the support shaft. The first portion is pivotable relative to the second portion to change orientation of the support shaft relative to the inner shaft.

Abstract: A delivery device usable to deliver an inverting implant is provided that includes a positioning mechanism that automatically initiates the inversion process once a predetermined length of the implant has exited a delivery catheter. The positioning mechanism allows the implant to be safely and accurately deployed with reduced operator experience and in a greater variety of target locations.

Abstract: A method of implanting a medical device includes implanting an artificial sphincter around a portion of a urethra in a patient, implanting a reservoir in an abdomen of the patient, coupling a deflation assembly to the artificial sphincter and to the reservoir, and implanting the deflation assembly between transversalis fascia and an exterior surface of a pelvis of the patient.

Abstract: An orthopedic implant for filling voids in bones, and methods of using the same. The orthopedic implant comprises an open porous metal component, having pores for promoting bone regeneration, and a resorbable bone growth promoting component which is resorbed into new bone. The orthopedic implant and methods of the present disclosure provide structural support for the bone as well as osteoconductive and/or osteoinductive matrix for promoting bone re-growth within bone void. Advantageously, the orthopedic implants and methods disclosed herein are useful in filling critically sized bone voids.

Abstract: A prosthetic joint includes: (a) a first member comprising rigid material and having a perimeter flange defined by an undercut groove, the flange defining a wear-resistant first contact surface having a protruding rim; (b) a second member comprising rigid material and having a perimeter flange defined by an undercut groove, the flange defining a wear-resistant, second contact surface having a protruding rim; and (c) a third member comprising rigid material positioned between the first and second members, the third member defining opposed wear-resistant third and fourth contact surfaces; (d) wherein the first and second contact surfaces bear against the third and fourth contact surfaces, to transfer loads through the member, while allowing pivoting motion between the first and second members; (e) wherein the flanges can deform elastically such that the first and second contact surfaces conform to the third and fourth contact surfaces.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for hardware protection of a virtual machine monitor (VMM) runtime integrity watcher is described. A set of one or more hardware range registers that protect a contiguous memory space that is to store the VMM runtime integrity watcher. The set of hardware range registers are to protect the VMM runtime integrity watcher from being modified when loaded into the contiguous memory space. The VMM runtime integrity watcher, when executed, performs an integrity check on a VMM during runtime of the VMM.

Abstract: A method of locating an acetabular cup implant (100) in a pelvis comprises locating a plurality of reference points on the pelvis, defining a target location of the implant relative to the reference points, and placing the implant at the target location. A method of locating a femoral head implant (102) is also disclosed, together with associated guidance systems.

Abstract: Various embodiments of femoral trochlea prostheses useable in a knee joint. The knee joint includes a patella and a distal femur with a femoral trochlea, or patello-femoral groove. In one embodiment, a femoral trochlea prosthesis includes a distal tail. In another embodiment, a femoral trochlea prosthesis includes a wing or extension portion. In yet another embodiment, a set of femoral trochlea prostheses includes a plurality of prostheses having differing thicknesses. In still another embodiment, a femoral trochlea prosthesis includes a porous medium on various portions of the prosthesis.

Abstract: An orthopedic prosthesis includes a tibial implant and a tibial insert. The tibial implant includes an upper surface, a medial side, a lateral side and a first locking structure provided on the upper surface where the medial side and the lateral side of the tibial implant are defined by a medial-lateral midline. The tibial insert includes a second locking structure provided on its bottom surface. The first and second locking structures are configured for engaging each other along an engagement direction vector when the tibial insert is inserted into the tibial base towards the posterior side. The engagement direction vector is angled away from the medial-lateral midline of the tibial implant towards the medial side of the tibial implant by a predetermine angle.

Abstract: An adjustable humeral implant includes a humeral tray and a humeral coupler. The humeral tray includes a humeral coupler receiving portion. The humeral coupler includes a humeral tray mating portion and a stem portion extending from the humeral tray mating portion along a first axis. The humeral tray mating portion is translatable within the humeral coupler receiving portion in a direction transverse to the first axis.

Abstract: An expandable spinal implant configured for positioning within the intervertebral space between adjacent vertebral bodies is disclosed. The spinal implant includes a first body, a second body, a ratchet, and a locking mechanism. The first and second bodies are pivotably affixed to each other on respective first ends thereof and are capable of movement relative to each other in a medial-lateral direction with respect to the adjacent vertebral bodies. The ratchet is pivotably supported within a slot defined in the first body and is capable of engaging the second body thereby permitting movement of the first and second body relative to each other in a first direction, but not in a second direction that is different than the first direction. A method of performing spinal surgery is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an intervertebral disc prosthesis comprising at least three pieces including an upper plate, a lower plate, and a movable core at least in relation to a plate, wherein it also comprises two anatomic adaptation elements of which each has, on one hand, a surface in contact with a surface of a vertebra and, on the other hand, a face of which at least a part has a surface in contact with at least a part of the plate opposite to which the anatomic adaptation element is mounted, the anatomic adaptation elements being fixed onto the plates via fixation means.

Abstract: An intervertebral prosthesis includes: a body; a first aperture extending from within the body and opening; a first anchoring element disposed within the first aperture and including a shaft having proximal and distal ends, where the proximal end of the first anchoring element includes a first portion of a first articulation mechanism; and a drive mechanism having: (i) a threaded shaft defining a longitudinal axis thereof and a head at a proximal end of the threaded shaft, (ii) a translator element having a threaded bore in threaded engagement with the threaded shaft.

Abstract: The embodiments provide a spinal implant that is configured for midline insertion into a patient's intervertebral disc space. The spinal implant may include structural guidance features to facilitate the angular approach of fixation elements into the apertures. The spinal implant may also be a configured with a tactile or visual feedback response feature to allow the user to know when the fixation elements are fully seated within the apertures.

Abstract: An expandable spinal implant configured for positioning within a space between adjacent vertebral bodies includes an upper body, a lower body, and first and second pins. The lower body is adapted to slidably receive the upper body. Grooves are disposed on opposing side surfaces of the upper body, and grooves are disposed on an inner surface of a bore defined through the lower body. Corresponding first and second apertures are defined through an end surface of the lower body thereby permitting advancement of the first and second pins within the first and second apertures, grooves of the lower body, and a corresponding pair of grooves of the upper body to secure the position of the upper body relative to the lower body. A method of performing spinal surgery is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides an expandable fusion device capable of being installed inside an intervertebral disc space to maintain normal disc spacing and restore spinal stability, thereby facilitating an intervertebral fusion. In an exemplary embodiment, the present invention provides an intervertebral implant. The intervertebral implant may be configured to transition from a collapsed configuration having a first height and a first width to an expanded configuration having a second height and a second width.

Abstract: Structural allograft fusion devices containing a single integral piece of cortical bone in combination with one or more pieces of cancellous bone, wherein the cortical and cancellous pieces are pinned together.

Abstract: A method and system for percutaneous fusion to correct disc compression is presented. The method has several steps, for instance, inserting a percutaneous lumbar interbody implant; positioning guide wires for each facet screw to be implanted; performing facet arthrodesis in preparation for the facet screws; fixating the plurality of facet screws; and optionally performing foramen nerve root or central decompression. The system includes an implant, an elongate cannulated insertion tool, and an elongate lockshaft positioned within the insertion tool.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing deeper knee flexion capabilities. In some instances, such systems and methods include a resection block for resectioning a popliteal surface of a femur. In some cases, the resection block is configured to be seated on a distal portion of a femur. Additionally, some implementations of the resection block define a first slot that is sized and shaped to receive a cutting device. In some implementations, the first slot is defined in the resection block such that the first slot substantially aligns with a first portion of a popliteal surface of the femur when the resection block is seated on the distal portion of the femur. Other implementations are also discussed.

Abstract: A template operable to reestablish the center of rotation of a native femoral head at the head of an implanted prosthesis. The template includes a first member with a marking passage and optional cutting guide and a second member with a target. The first member of the template can be placed on a femur and the second member can be moved in the proximal-distal, medial-lateral and anterior-posterior directions to fix the center of the target at the center of rotation of a femoral head. The head of a prosthesis can be manipulated to come in contact with the target to reestablish the center of rotation of the native femoral head.

Abstract: Provided is a motion control device. The device comprises one or more frames which supports an exoskeleton of a body; a string which connects the frames with each other; a pulley which is disposed between the frames and connected to one end of the string; and a motor which is connected to the other end of the string to control the string, wherein the pulley rotates the string according to control of the motor.

Abstract: Described is a system for controlling a torque controlled prosthetic device given motor intent inferred from neuroimaging data. The system includes at least one torque controlled prosthetic device operably connected with one or more processors. Further, the system is configured to receive neuroimaging data of a user from a neuroimaging device and decode the neuroimaging data to infer spatial motion intent of the user, where the spatial motion intent includes desired motion commands of the torque controlled prosthetic device represented in a coordinate system. The system thereafter executes, with a prosthesis controller, the motion commands as torque commands to cause the torque controlled prosthetic device to move according to the spatial motion intent of the user.

Abstract: A suspension liner is provided for use as an interface between a residual limb and a prosthetic socket. The liner has an elongate, generally conical liner body formed from at least one material segment that is at least radially elastically extensible from a relaxed non-extended condition and including proximal and distal end areas, and a seal component connected to the liner body and having an exterior surface defining at least one exterior seal protruding from the exterior surface and extending radially outwardly from the seal component relative to a longitudinal axis of the liner body. The at least one interior seal is located along an interior surface of the seal component and defines at least one blade extending obliquely toward the liner body. A portion of the seal component carrying the interior seal extends freely and is movable relative to the liner body.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a preform by means of an electrospinning process. The present invention also relates to the use of the present preform as a substrate for growing human or animal tissue thereon. The present invention furthermore relates to a method for growing human or animal tissue on a substrate, wherein the present preform is used as the substrate.

Abstract: A bioresorbable vascular implant for implantation in a bodily lumen has a tubular framework and includes one or more annular support members. Each of the one or more annular support members includes a plurality of struts interconnected by a hinge region. Each of the plurality of struts also includes a mid-section. The vascular implant also includes at least one viscoelastic material that enables transition of the vascular implant between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration. Each of the plurality of struts and the hinge region defines a cross-section. The moment of inertia increases from the mid-section towards the hinge region to accommodate the transition and resist a radial load applied to the vascular implant in the expanded configuration.

Abstract: Sealable and repositionable implant devices are provided with features that increase the ability of implants such as endovascular grafts and valves to be precisely deployed or re-deployed, with better in situ accommodation to the local anatomy of the targeted recipient anatomic site, and/or with the ability for post-deployment adjustment to accommodate anatomic changes that might compromise the efficacy of the implant. A surgical implant includes an implant body and a selectively adjustable assembly attached to the implant body, the assembly having adjustable elements and being operable to cause a configuration change in a portion of the implant body and, thereby, permit implantation of the implant body within an anatomic orifice to effect a seal therein under normal physiological conditions.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for controlling and indicating the deployed length of an interventional element on an interventional catheter. The interventional element may be a stent or series of stents, a balloon, or any other interventional element for which length control is necessary or desirable. Devices for controlling the length of the interventional element include gear driven actuators, motors, and other mechanisms. Devices for indicating length of an interventional element to the user include sensors, detents, visual displays and other mechanisms providing visual, audible, and tangible indications of length to the user. The control and indication devices preferably work in tandem to enable highly precise adjustment of interventional element length.

Abstract: There is provided a stimulus generation apparatus including a stimulus generation section which provides a stimulus for promoting fat burning for fat or a satiety center inside a body cavity.

Abstract: Devices and methods for gastrointestinal bypass are described. A gastrointestinal bypass device includes a gastrointestinal cuff and a gastrointestinal sleeve. The cuff may be configured to be attached in the esophagus, and may be sufficiently flexible to expand and collapse to conform with the inside of the esophagus to allow the esophagus to function substantially normally. The sleeve is configured to be coupled to the cuff, and may be made of a material that is floppy or flaccid but does not substantially expand radially.

Abstract: The pyloric obesity valve includes a tubular valve body having proximal and distal ends. The valve body has an intermediate section which is between the proximal and distal ends. The proximal end is enlarged transversely relative to the intermediate section. The valve body has an inner surface and a lumen. The inner surface which is within the intermediate section has a cross-sectional area which is smaller than a cross-sectional area of the inner surface which coincides with the proximal end to resist a flow through the lumen of the valve body from the proximal end to the intermediate section.

Abstract: A nasal strip for opening nasal passageways having an external portion formed from a plastic material that extends throughout the length of the nasal strip. The external portion has a central section and opposing end sections with the central section having the same or a smaller width as compared to the nasal strip width at each end section. An adhesive coating covers each of the end sections and the central section does not have an adhesive coating. A non-adhesive tab extending from either or both end sections provides a novel means for the easy removal of the nasal strip from the user's nose.

Abstract: This is a device that is provided or used as prosthesis in supporting the penis of a wearer, during intercourse. One embodiment is of a prosthesis is to aid the ability for a fully or partially impotent man to be able to perform sexual intercourse. Another embodiment of the prosthesis is that it will be able to mount on a penis that is partially erect. One embodiment of the prosthesis is of a type having a rigid body that is tubular in shape that the non erect or partially erect penis is mounted onto the penis in order to simulate a physical male erection (11) which is constructed with a slot (12) to mount the prosthesis during sexual intercourse and it holds the bottom of the penis in place and exposed while and during the act of intercourse. This exposes the sensitive area of the penis (which is behind the head of the penis) is exposed and allows for pleasure and orgasm. The cone (10) allows the insertion of the prosthesis into the sex canal of the partner without discomfort.

Abstract: A patient temperature control system and method are provided for automated temperature control according to a programmed protocol. In one aspect, at least one programmed protocol may be established for each of a plurality of patient thermal therapy phases. In turn, the temperature of a thermal exchange medium may be controlled, based at least in part, upon the programmed protocol, during each of the phases. In another aspect, a plurality of programmed protocols may be established, wherein a selected one of the protocols (e.g. selected by a user at a user interface) may be utilized for automated temperature control during patient thermal therapy. The protocol(s) may include a target patient temperature and/or a set duration for one or more of the phase of thermal therapy. Further, the protocol(s) may be user-definable and modifiable during therapy.

Abstract: A portable moist heat delivery system comprising a water vapor generating portion comprising a water vapor source and a heat source; a water vapor-air regulating portion, said water vapor-air regulating portion comprising a water vapor-air mixing layer, and a water vapor-air distribution layer; said water vapor generating portion and said water vapor-air regulating portion being in fluid communication; and said water vapor-air regulating portion having a latent heat delivery surface disposed adjacent said water vapor-air regulating portion which delivers moist heat at a preselected temperature range wherein about 15% to about 95% of the moist heat is latent heat of condensation. Methods include delivering improved pain relief, blood flow, relaxation, and reduced cardiac workload.

Abstract: A cold therapy system including a cooling bath; a therapy pad in fluid communication with the cooling bath; a pump positioned and arranged to pump water from the cooling bath to the therapy pad and back to the cooling bath; and a control unit controlling the pump, the control unit programmed to operate the pump according to a cycle in which the pump is operated at less than maximum to cause the therapy pad temperature to be raised and to conserve a cooling resource within the cooling bath.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for automatically switching different aspiration levels to an ocular probe are disclosed herein. The probe may be a phacoemulsification probe. A first aspiration level, supplied by a first pump, may be applied to the probe simultaneously with ultrasonic energy. A second aspiration level, supplied by a second pump, may be automatically switched from the first aspiration level. Control feed back of the pumps may be varied according to set thresholds.