Abstract: A method of controlling a prosthetic hand having at least one motorised component is provided. The method comprises the steps of providing the hand with a first wireless transceiver and a controller in communication with one another, storing at least one manipulation instruction relating to the at least one component, and assigning a code relating to the at least one manipulation instruction to at least one second wireless transceiver. The at least one second transceiver is placed in a location at which the at least one manipulation instruction is to be given, and the controller manipulates the at least one component in accordance with the at least one manipulation instruction when the first transceiver communicates to the controller that the at least one second transceiver is within a predetermined distance of the first transceiver. Related methods and systems for controlling a prosthetic hand are also provided.

Abstract: A model-based neuromechanical controller for a robotic limb having at least one joint includes a finite state machine configured to receive feedback data relating to the state of the robotic limb and to determine the state of the robotic limb, a muscle model processor configured to receive state information from the finite state machine and, using muscle geometry and reflex architecture information and a neuromuscular model, to determine at least one desired joint torque or stiffness command to be sent to the robotic limb, and a joint command processor configured to command the biomimetic torques and stiffnesses determined by the muscle model processor at the robotic limb joint. The feedback data is preferably provided by at least one sensor mounted at each joint of the robotic limb. In a preferred embodiment, the robotic limb is a leg and the finite state machine is synchronized to the leg gait cycle.

Abstract: An endovascular prosthesis and method of constructing said prosthesis device for implantation into the lumen of a body vessel. The endovascular prosthesis comprises a fenestration in the device surrounded by an inner edge, and the inner edge further surrounded by an outer edge of larger diameter. A shaped protrusion of semi-rigid graft material spans the distance between the inner edge and the outer edge connecting the two edges. The shape protrusion has a surface area larger than the plane of the tubular body between the edges and therefore will have excess material. This excess material allows the inner edge and the fenestration to move within the circumference of the outer edge. The shaped protrusion may also form a semi-rigid dome.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a stent and a method for manufacturing the same. The stent includes: a first hollow cylindrical body portion formed by weaving a metal wire; a second hollow cylindrical body portion formed by weaving a metal wire, and configured to surround the first body portion; an expanded portion configured to form two adjacent ends of the first body portion and the second body portion integrally; and a membrane inserted between the first body portion and the second body portion, and configured to surround the outside of the first body portion. According to the present invention, there is no risk of the film being torn when the stent is bent, an additional connection wire is not required, the process of manufacturing the stent is simple, and the costs required for the manufacture of the stent are not high.

Abstract: This disclosure provides design, material, preparation methods, and use alternatives for medical devices. An example stent includes an expandable framework and a plurality of tubular members disposed along the expandable framework. Each of the plurality of tubular members include a lumen extending therein. The example stent also include a coating, wherein the coating is applied directly to both the plurality of tubular members and the expandable framework.

Abstract: This disclosure provides design, material, manufacturing method, and use alternatives for medical devices. An example medical device includes a stent having a plurality of longitudinally extending filaments. The stent also has an inner surface and an outer surface and a plurality of tubular members extending along the stent. Each of the plurality of tubular members is coupled with one or more of the plurality of longitudinally extending filaments and each of the plurality of tubular members is configured to accept a radioactive element, a spacer or both.

Abstract: A scaffold strut is shaped to improve hemocompatibility. The scaffold is made from a tube having variable wall thickness. Methods are disclosed for modifying the thickness of the tube in such a way as to achieve a reduced hemodynamic profile, but without significantly affecting strength properties in areas where stress concentrations exist when the scaffold is loaded.

Abstract: Methods of fabricating a polymer scaffold with increased radial strength including steps of elongation or strain of a biaxially oriented tube and annealing or thermal processing of the strained tube at a constant strain are disclosed. The steps of elongation and thermal processing increase axial direction chain orientation and lamellar crystal growth, increase radial strength, and decrease the thickness of the tube. The method allows fabrication of a scaffold with thinner struts which provide sufficient radial strength.

Abstract: Guidewires and thin-film catheter-sheaths, fabricated using vacuum deposition techniques, which are monolayer or plural-layer members having ultra-thin wall thicknesses to provide very-low profile delivery assemblies for introduction and delivery of endoluminal devices.

Abstract: An endograft delivery device assembly is disclosed. The assembly comprises: a tip; a guide wire cannula, the guide wire cannula; a pusher disposed around the guide wire cannula, the pusher having a sheath assembly receiving portion at a proximal end thereof and a main portion extending distally from the sheath assembly receiving portion to a distal end, the sheath assembly receiving portion having at least one longitudinally extending groove; and a sheath assembly slidably mounted to the sheath assembly receiving portion of the pusher. The sheath assembly has a sheath portion, mountable over a endograft, and slide connecter portion. The slide connector portion has at least one inwardly projecting key, the key keying with the groove. The sheath assembly is slidably movable from an extended position over the endograft to a retracted position in which the endograft is uncovered.

Abstract: A tubular implant delivery system includes a delivery catheter having a distal marker and a proximal marker; and a tubular implant loaded in the delivery catheter, the tubular implant having a delivery length when in a collapsed, delivery configuration, and an implanted length shorter than the delivery length when in an expanded, implanted configuration, wherein a distance between the proximal marker and the distal marker on the delivery catheter is based upon a nominal implanted length of the tubular implant.

Abstract: A plurality of scents that produce a particular effect on an individual's appetite are identified. The plurality of scents are delivered to produce the particular effect on the individual's appetite. The particular effect may include one of suppression of the individual's appetite and enhancement of the individual's appetite. Identifying a plurality of scents that produce a particular effect on an individual's appetite may include delivering a second plurality of scents to the individual, detecting a response of the individual to each respective one of the second plurality of scents, and identifying the plurality of scents that produce the particular effect on the individual's appetite based on the responses detected. A schedule for delivery of scents may be generated based on data relating to the individual's responses, and the plurality of scents may be delivered in accordance with the schedule.

Abstract: The present invention provides a low-risk, unobtrusive and noninvasive method and device for treatment of obesity and eating disorders. In embodiments, the device is a gastric device suitable for placement in a stomach of a subject. The device may be composed of a sponge material which absorbs fluid upon implantation and expands in volume, thereby functioning as a space occupying device in the stomach to cause early satiety.

Abstract: A garment for providing orthopedic support or therapy to a human body may include a tubular flexible element and a tension strap. The tubular flexible element may be disposed around at least some portion of a human body and include flexible and a touch fastener portions. The flexible portion may be at an exterior of the tubular flexible element and cover a first portion of the body. The touch fastener portion may be at the exterior of the tubular flexible element and cover a second portion of the body. The tension strap may include first and second ends, where the first end includes a first touch fastener to be coupled with the touch fastener portion at a first location, and the second end includes a second touch fastener to be coupled with the touch fastener portion at a second location, thereby applying tension between the first and second locations.

Abstract: An appliance for application to the human body for injury prevention, rehabilitation, support, to enhance strength, and to improve posture. The claimed invention may provide an applicator of a relatively elastic material having a first portion for attachment to a first insertion point of a muscle and a second portion for attachment to a second insertion point of the muscle to provide support to the injured muscle. Alternatively, the claimed invention may provide a central portion for attachment to an injured area and any number of extension portions for attachment to the surrounding tissue.

Abstract: An ankle/foot orthosis includes an orthosis boot that is attached to an adjustor unit that positions a sole offset from the orthosis boot. The adjuster unit provides angular adjustments of an inclination of the sole relative to the orthosis boot to accommodate a specific condition of the user's foot by rotation of wedged rotary plates to provide corrective alignment of the user's foot relative to a support surface during walking.

Abstract: A disposable tape kit and method for use by athletes or others requiring immobilisation of the wrist. The tape kit includes a first strip with a palm anchor, an anterior wrist portion, and an anterior forearm anchor, along with a second strip that includes a back anchor, a wrist anchor starting end, a wrist anchor central portion, and a wrist anchor finishing end. When applied to a wearer's hand, wrist, and forearm, tension along the first strip on the anterior side of the wrist resists extension of the wrist, while tension along the second strip on the posterior side of the wrist resists flexion of the wrist. The combination of the first tension and second tension tends to immobilize the wrist against both flexion and extension.

Abstract: A hand cover includes a protective housing secured to an adjustment mechanism. The protective housing inhibits contact between the hand and the external environment. The adjustment mechanism secures the hand cover to the user. An optional upper access aperture provides air circulation and access to the hand. An optional lateral access aperture also provides access to the hand. An optional positioning mechanism helps maintain the hand cover in place. Attachment anchors for restraints or exercise bands may be provided and devices for orienting and securing IV lines may be provided.

Abstract: A sleeve-like support member can be used to enhance the comfort and wearability of a convention sling. A conventional sling includes a pouch adapted for receiving a user's arm to be immobilized. The sleeve-like support member is shaped to fit around a user's shoulder, and further is adapted to attach to the sling pouch by one or more straps secured to and extending away from the pouch. An axillary strap can be secured to a bottom portion of the sleeve-like support member to secure the sleeve-like support member around a user's upper arm. By securing to a user's shoulder, the sleeve-like support member removes pressure ordinarily applied by conventional slings to a user's neck, and provides an anchor point opposite the arm or shoulder to be immobilized.

Abstract: This invention relates to a fluid collecting system for collecting fluid downstream from a patient via a fluid collection line. The system comprises a fluid collecting bag (12) and an overflow device (14). The bag comprises an inlet tube (20) connectable to a bladder of a patient and to the interior of the bag (18), and an overflow tube (26) connected to the inlet tube (20) adjacent a top of the bag (12) and to an optional overflow device (14) to drain the bag if overflow occurs, in use. The overflow device (14) comprises a housing (30) having chamber (32), an inlet port (34) to the chamber connectable to the overflow tube (26), and a resiliently flexible member (36) located in the chamber. The member (36) is displaceable between a storage configuration, in which the overflow member is located in the chamber (32), and a filling configuration, in which the overflow member (36) extends from the chamber with fluid received from the overflow tube (26) held therein.

Abstract: The present invention provides a negative pressure generator comprising a vacuum pump having an intake end and an exhaust end, a soundproofing module having a compartment for accommodating the vacuum pump, the soundproofing module being configured to insulate noise and vibration generated when the vacuum pump is in operation, and a silencing tube module comprising a flexible intake tube having one open end communicating with the intake end of the vacuum pump and a flexible exhaust tube having one open end communicating with the exhaust end of the vacuum pump, the silencing tube module being configured to reduce noise generated at the intake end and/or the exhaust end of the vacuum pump when the vacuum pump is in operation. The negative pressure generator can provide a vacuum source to an oral interface device to favorably create a negative pressure environment in a user's oral cavity so that the patency of the user's upper airway is maintained.

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

Abstract: A condom in the form of a sheath is described which is closed at one end and open at the opposite end, the opposite end being surrounded by a bead having a minimum inner diameter of at least 32 mm and a wall thickness of greater than 2 mm. A method of manufacture is also described.

Abstract: In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, a flexible and non-absorbent vaginal insert device shaped to be held securely in place in a vagina when inserted, so as to improve symptoms associated with pelvic organ prolapse or urinary incontinence or both, is provided. The device is designed to be relatively easy to insert and remove. An applicator may be used to aid with insertion. The vaginal insert device comprises an upper portion, having a cone-shaped body, having a circular transverse cross-section throughout its length, having a wall with an interior side and an exterior side, an upper open end, a lower end, and a hollow interior, wherein the upper open end of the upper portion is the innermost portion of the device during insertion, and wherein the wall of the upper portion can be squeezed to make the upper portion more compact for easier insertion of the device, and wherein after insertion the wall expands back to its original shape.

Abstract: A silver-nano electronic-ink print heating element separation-type electric thermotherapy apparatus includes two or more silver-nano electronic-ink print heating elements that emit heat using a power source applied from a power source unit. The electric thermotherapy apparatus includes a control unit which receives the power source from the power source unit to output a power source on-off signal and a temperature control signal for controlling the two or more silver-nano electronic-ink print heating elements, and the silver-nano electronic-ink print heating elements emitting heat depending on the power source and/or a temperature applied using the control unit, whereby an integral heating element, such as an electric mat, an electric mattress, an electric cushion, a hot-water mat, and an electric carpet, includes two or more divided parts, and thus it is easy to separately use the parts of the heating element and to independently control the temperature for the heating parts.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and devices for treatment of migraines or other headaches. In various aspects, one illustrative method may include steps of applying a contact tip of a device to an external tissue in an area of the skull of a subject, and administering a low temperature stimulation for a period of time. The contact tip of the device may be operably connected with a case and a low temperature stimulation module such that the contact tip provides low temperature stimulation. Various other features may also be included.

Abstract: A smart thermal patch for adaptive thermotherapy is provided. In an embodiment, the patch can be a stretchable, non-polymeric, conductive thin film flexible and non-invasive body integrated mobile thermal heater with wireless control capabilities that can be used to provide adaptive thermotherapy. The patch can be geometrically and spatially tunable on various pain locations. Adaptability allows the amount of heating to be tuned based on the temperature of the treated portion.

Abstract: The present application relates to systems and methods for maintaining reduced core body temperature in a subject having a reduced core body temperature. Heat is applied to peripheral thermoregulatory control tissue of the subject to increase or maintain perfusion of blood in glabrous tissue of the subject. A cooling stimulus is applied to the glabrous tissue thereby maintaining a reduced core body temperature in the subject.

Abstract: A dry eye treatment device is provided having a mask defining a treatment cavity which is positionable on a face of a user over the eyes. A temperature altering pack such as a gel pack is positionable within the treatment cavity and a fabric cover my surround the gel pack and have medication absorbed or placed upon the fabric material.

Abstract: A device for warming or rehabilitating a muscle for maintaining muscle readiness in sporting events or for retaining body heat. The disclosure identifies a device for warming or rehabilitating a muscle that includes a muscle wrap using a nylon layer and an insulation material. The muscle wrap works in combination with at least one fastener band to offer an athlete the ability to conform the device to a body for heat retention while minimizing blood flow restriction. The nylon layer retains internal body moisture to deter evaporative cooling while repelling external moisture to deter temperature reduction in the muscle.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to thermal contrast therapy systems, and automated thermal contrast therapy devices configured to interact with such systems and to perform customized thermal contrast therapy treatment sequences. Treatments may be prescribed by a treatment provider or selected by a user of a thermal contrast therapy device associated with such a system. In some embodiments, a thermal contrast therapy device may be configured to receive an indication from one or more temperature sensors and/or flow meters and to effect a desired measure of heat transfer during treatment, for example, by automatically adjusting the temperature and/or flow rate of the heat transfer fluid. In some embodiments, a thermal contrast therapy device may be configured to receive an indication of one or more physiological parameter values and to perform a customized thermal contrast therapy treatment sequence based, at least in part, on the one or more physiological parameter values.

Abstract: A catheter system for controlling the body temperature of a patient by modifying the temperature of blood flowing within a blood vessel of the patient. The catheter system comprises a catheter body having a heat exchange region in contact with the blood; and a temperature probe having a distal end that extends from the catheter body, thereby monitoring the temperature of blood flowing within the blood vessel.

Abstract: Vascular pressures and oximetry are optimized through administration of fluids and other support prior to manipulating temperature in a therapeutic hypothermia procedure. Temperature and active hemodynamic management are utilized, through measurement and adjustment of temperature and hemodynamic parameters through the use of an internal cooling device, such as endovascular catheter, and/or an external temperature-altering device, to ensure that temperature management is optimized, and hemodynamics and tissue resuscitation are optimized prior to and during temperature manipulation.

Abstract: A device for inducing production of tears may include a body extending from a proximal end to a distal end. The body may be configured for insertion through a puncta of a subject. The device also may include a stimulus delivery mechanism positioned between the proximal end and the distal end and an induction coil operably coupled to the stimulus delivery mechanism. Further, the device may include an external controller wirelessly coupled to the induction coil for inductively transferring energy to the induction coil.

Abstract: Assemblies and methods for modifying an intraocular pressure of a patient's one or both eyes are disclosed. The assemblies and methods can be used to treat, inhibit, or prevent ocular conditions such as glaucoma, high intraocular pressure, optic disc edema, idiopathic intracranial hypertension, zero-gravity induced papilledema, and other optic pressure related conditions. An assembly can include a goggle including at least one cavity, a pump in fluid communication with the at least one cavity, and a control mechanism. The control mechanism can be operatively coupled to the pump and can maintain a target pressure or target pressure range in the at least one cavity, which, when the assembly is worn by a patient, is the area between a patient's eye(s) and wall surfaces of the goggle. Controlling the pressure over the outer surfaces of the patient's eye(s) can drive a desired change in the intraocular pressure of the eye(s).

Abstract: An arrangement including an air conveying device and a suction device guiding an air flow across a site for a duration of a process. The direction of air flowing towards the surface and a tangent to the surface at the ablation site intersect at an angle. A flow velocity of the air flow is controlled. A direction of air flowing away from the surface and the tangent at the site intersect. The flow velocity is selectable, within a specified range. A flow velocity is variable.

Abstract: Deconvolution systems and methods based on cornea smoothing can be used to obtain an ablation target or treatment shape that does not induce significant high order aberrations such as spherical aberration. Exemplary ablation targets or treatment shapes can provide a post-operative spherical aberration that is equal to or below a naturally occurring amount of spherical aberration.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a photocoagulation device and a method to produce a light beam of a predefined wavelength using the photocoagulation device. The device comprises at least one light source, non-imaging light collimator (NILC), at least one first and second condenser, a ball lens and at least one galvo-mirror. The light source is one of light emitting diode (LED) and organic LED (OLED), which emits light of a predefined wavelength. The NILC collimates the light emitted by the at least one light source, the at least one first condenser produces a focused light beam using the collimated light. The at least one second condenser produces light spots, with a diameter in terms of microns, using the focused light beam from the at least one first condenser. The ball lens collimates the light spots, which is steered by the galvo-mirror to focus on a target area.

Abstract: A steerable laser probe may include a handle having a handle distal end and a handle proximal end, an actuation control of the handle, a flexible housing tube having a flexible housing tube distal end and a flexible housing tube proximal end, an optic fiber disposed within an inner portion of the handle and the flexible housing tube, and a cable disposed within the flexible housing tube and the actuation control. A rotation of the actuation control may be configured to gradually curve the flexible housing tube and the optic fiber. A rotation of the actuation control may be configured to gradually straighten the flexible housing tube and the optic fiber.

Abstract: Protective eyeshields have two lenses, which are interconnected at their proximal ends by an adjustable nose-bridge and are releasably connectable at their distal ends by two conjugate connecting straps. The lenses have a longitudinal convex curvature so that they follow the contours of the wearer's face. They are substantially trapezoidal in shape, tapering from the proximal end to the distal end. The lenses are made of a light-weight semi-rigid plastic, such as plexi-glass, and may be clear transparent or tinted. Plastic foam padding is provided along the longitudinal edges of the lenses to cushion the area of contact between the lenses and the wearer's face. The weight of the lenses is support from below by four support struts, two of which are nose supports and two which are cheek supports. Each of the support struts integrally comprises a stem element and a contact pad element.

Abstract: Described are methods of reshaping a cartilage structure. One such method comprises creating a virtual three dimensional image of the cartilage structure; manipulating the virtual three dimensional image of the cartilage structure so as to obtain a virtual three dimensional image of a desired final shape of the cartilage structure; creating a virtual prototype of a device to hold the cartilage structure in the desired final shape of the cartilage structure; manufacturing the device; lasing the cartilage structure; and fitting the manufactured device to the cartilage structure (e.g., ear).

Abstract: Systems, methods and devices are provided for use in a negative pressure wound therapy system for healing a wound in a patient. Various aspects may include an ester-based material adapted to be directly applied to the wound, such as a smooth muscle fistula, without substantially damaging tissue in the wound during dressing changes. The ester-based material may have an affinity for the wound bed surface and/or wound fluid. In addition various aspects may include a device adapted to close the wound, such as a smooth muscle fistula.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a quick application bandage for medical applications to prevent instant loss of blood or other bodily fluid. The bandage does not require any adhesive, straps or other attachment applications for quick attachment to the living appendage. The bandage is constructed of deformable metal members or bands embedded in padded bandage materials to enable compression around the injured area or bodily member. The snap compression bandage is adaptable for reuse and will return to its original shape after each application. The bandage is especially useful for first responders or military personnel such in naval or army operations where injuries may require immediate urgent attention.

Abstract: A wound care tape includes a sterile high-stretch strip of woven material having a first face and an opposed second face. A sterile adhesive is on the first face in a discontinuous pattern, whereby a set of spaced apart adhesive-covered portions of the first face are covered by the adhesive, and a set of spaced apart adhesive-free portions of the first face are free of the adhesive.

Abstract: An adhesive pressure bandage for treating a wound or reduce scarring of a skin of a patient, the pressure bandage including a pressure member made of an elastic material. The pressure member comprising a curved central portion and two end portions. The pressure member also having two sides, an inner surface facing towards the patient and an outer surface facing away from the patient, and between the inner surface and the skin of the patient is an adhesive to attach the pressure member to the skin of the patient. Between the inner surface of the pressure member and the skin of the patient is a treatment device that is in contact with the wound, after the adhesive pressure bandage is applied to the skin of the patient, this treatment device is located between a central portion of the pressure member and the wound.

Abstract: An elastic venous compression orthosis has a top part and a leg part, the top part and the leg part having a top part knit thread and leg part knit thread, respectively, defining a network of knitted meshes, and a top part weft thread and leg part weft thread, respectively, the orthosis being characterized in that the top part has a reinforcement thread with an elongation at break, measured according to DIN 53834, of below 40% and a linear density of over 30 dTex.

Abstract: A method for determining a size grid, the method comprising following steps: a) determination of N morphological parameters, N being ?2; b) acquisition of a set of values of the parameters for a sample of a targeted population of individuals, each individual being associated with an individual point supplying, for each parameter, a value of the parameter; c) independently of steps a) and b), determination of rate of coverage of sample to be covered by the grid; d) determination of a set of coverage zones, each coverage zone being a set of individual points relating to a set of individuals for which a same orthesis according to the model is adapted and thus corresponding to a size adapted to set of individuals; the number of coverage zones being determined such that percentage of individual points included in at least one coverage zone is ?the desired coverage rate.

Abstract: An elastic venous compression orthosis having a top part and a leg part, the top part and the leg part having a top part knit thread and leg part knit thread, respectively, defining a network of knitted meshes, and a top part weft thread and leg part weft thread, respectively, each weft thread having a core which is covered by means of a covering thread, the orthosis being characterized in that the core of the top part weft thread and the one or more covering threads of the top part weft thread are made of elastane, and the core of the top part weft thread has a linear density of less than 0.7 times that of the core of the leg part weft thread.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article having barrier cuffs is disclosed herein. The disposable absorbent article has improved pad curl characteristics which can facilitate application of the disposable absorbent article.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article having barrier cuffs is disclosed herein. The disposable absorbent article has improved pad curl characteristics which can facilitate application of the disposable absorbent article.