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: The invention relates to medical devices and methods of using them. The devices are prostheses which can be percutaneously deliverable with (or on) an endovascular catheter or via other surgical or other techniques and then expanded. The prostheses are configured to have a lattice resistant to dilation and creep, which is defined by a plurality of openings. The prosthesis may also optionally have a stent disposed proximal to the lattice. In exemplary embodiments, the fluoropolymer is expanded polytetrafluoroethylene. The composite materials exhibit high elongation while substantially retaining the strength properties of the fluoropolymer membrane. In at least one embodiment, the lattice is made of a composite material that includes a least one fluoropolymer membrane including serpentine fibrils and an elastomer. A lattice including a generally tubular member formed of a composite material including a least one fluoropolymer membrane containing serpentine fibrils and an elastomer is also provided.

Abstract: Intravascular devices and systems useful for blocking the opening of an aneurysm or a vessel branch are disclosed. In some aspects, the disclosure provides arrangements that align a covering material of a stent graft with an opening in the vessel wall before, during, and/or after expansion of the stent graft within the vasculature of a patient. In some instances, systems and devices include a sheath with a side aperture arranged to align a portion of the sheath and/or a portion of a stent graft contained within the sheath with the mouth of an aneurysm. Similarly, the present disclosure also provides embodiments in which the stent graft comprises an aligning member arranged to align the stent graft and/or a sheath with the mouth of an aneurysm. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A medical device including an artificial contractile structure, which may be advantageously used to assist the functioning of a hollow organ, is provided. The medical device includes an artificial contractile structure including at least one contractile element adapted to contract an organ in such a way that the contractile element is in a resting or in an activated position; at least one actuator designed to activate the contractile structure; and at least one source of energy for powering the actuator. The actuator includes an electromotor and a transmission element linking the electromotor to the contractile element, the transmission element being configured to transmit to the contractile element a force induced by the electromotor.

Abstract: A breast implant device product that mimic the natural pectoral fat pad of the breast and is characterized by an incomplete pyramid with isosceles triangular base and wedge-shaped edges and sloping faces that meet at acute angles with variable degree located medially, laterally and on the top and a footprint characterized by a semicircular lower portion and an oval paraboloid upper portion and a center of gravity located closer to the base than to the profile, the said footprint is advantageously converging and moving towards the underlying surface as the chest wall with a method of manufacturing and a method of use of the said implant including a breast pyramid sizing system.

Abstract: A nipple implant assembly and method for implanting the nipple implant are provided. The nipple implant assembly comprise of nipple skeleton with or without areola made of metallic or non-metallic memory-shape bio-compatible material. The nipple implant assembly may consist of holes to allow growth of natural breast tissue into the implant for improved holding better attachment of the implant into the human's tissue. The nipple implant assembly may be coated by or cast in a polymeric coating.

Abstract: An intraocular lens for insertion into the capsular bag of an eye contains an optic, an outer periphery, and an outer support structure. The optic has a periphery and centered about an optical axis. The outer periphery is disposed about the optic and configured to engage an equatorial region of the capsular bag of an eye. The outer support structure is disposed along the periphery and spaced from the optic with voids outer support structure and the optic. The intraocular lens further comprises a first intermediate member and a weakened region disposed along the outer periphery between the outer support structure and the first intermediate member. The first intermediate member operably couples the optic and the outer support structure. The weakened region is attached to, and configured to provide relative motion between, the outer support structure and the first intermediate member in response to the ciliary muscle of the eye.

Abstract: A medical device handle for percutaneous delivery of a medical device implant may include an elongated handle housing having a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis extending from the proximal end to the distal end; a rotatable collar disposed about the proximal end of the handle housing; and a rotatable control knob disposed about a proximal portion of the rotatable collar. The rotatable collar may include a first internally-facing longitudinal slot extending less than a full length of the rotatable collar and terminating proximally at a distally-facing wall of an internally-facing circumferentially-oriented slot. The rotatable control knob may be configured to actuate the medical device implant between a delivery configuration, a deployed configuration, and a released configuration.

Abstract: Apparatus for regulating blood flow of a subject is provided, the apparatus comprising a prosthetic valve (20) that comprises a tubular element (22), shaped to define a lumen (23) therethrough, and a valve member (24), configured to be coupled to the tubular element (22) and to be disposed within the lumen (23). The prosthetic valve (20) has (1) a compressed configuration in which the lumen (23) has a compressed width, the valve member (24) is generally cylindrical, and the prosthetic valve (20) is configured to be percutaneously delivered into the subject, and (2) an expanded configuration in which the lumen (23) has an expanded width that is greater than the compressed width, and the valve member (24) is generally disc-shaped, is coupled to the tubular element (22), and is disposed within the lumen (23). Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: The present relates to a method of making a prosthetic valve that can take a first form wherein the valve is open and a second form wherein the valve is closed, the valve comprising a leaflet, a supporting element, and a stent to which the leaflet and supporting element are attached, the leaflet having a free margin that can move between a first position wherein the valve takes the first form and a second position wherein the valve takes the second form, the method comprising:—providing a woven textile structure,—forming the leaflet and the supporting element from this textile structure, such that a selvedge of the textile structure forms the free margin of the leaflet, and—forming the valve therewith, wherein the textile structure has a single layer thickness of between 40 to 150 ?m and comprises yarn comprising polymeric filaments, the yarn having a linear density of less than 120 dtex and an elongation at break of 10% or less, and wherein the leaflet is attached to the stent by making stitches through at l

Abstract: A cardiac stent-valve (1), preferably a mitral stent-valve, comprising a stent component (2) 14 and a valve component (3), wherein the stent component (2) comprises an inflow end (4) and an outflow end (5) and a wall between the inflow (4) and the outflow end (5), and wherein the valve component (3) is made of one single leaflet (6); the periphery of said single leaflet (6) being partially attached or attachable to the stent component (2) along at least fixation lines (7?, 7?), characterized in that said two fixation lines (7?) are at least partially inclined with respect to an annular plane of said valve perpendicular to a flow direction (A) through the stent-valve (1) and wherein the third fixation line (7?) runs parallel with respect to said plane.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a stent for the positioning and anchoring of a valvular prosthesis in an implantation site in the heart of a patient. Specifically, the present invention relates to an expandable stent for an endoprosthesis used in the treatment of a narrowing of a cardiac valve and/or a cardiac valve insufficiency. So as to ensure that no longitudinal displacement of a valvular prosthesis fastened to a stent will occur relative the stent in the implanted state of the stent, even given the peristaltic motion of the heart, the stent according to the invention comprises at least one fastening portion via which the valvular prosthesis is connectable to the stent. The stent further comprises positioning arches and retaining arches, whereby at least one positioning arch is connected to at least one retaining arch.

Abstract: The invention relates to a prosthetic valve comprising a leaflet assembly having at least one leaflet (3) attached to a supporting element (2), which leaflet has a free margin that can move between a first position wherein the free margin is flexed away from a closure surface (700) to allow body fluid to flow through the valve, and a second position wherein the free margin abuts the closure surface to close the valve, and wherein the leaflet, without pulsatile load on the valve, can form a coaptation height H of more than 0.1 mm along the length of the free margin. Such prosthetic valve provides good performance during prolonged time, and can be made using various materials for the leaflets. The invention also relates to a leaflet assembly for use in a prosthetic valve, and to methods of making the prosthetic valve, including making the leaflet assembly.

Abstract: A compressible and expandable stent assembly for implantation in a body lumen such as a mitral valve, the stent assembly including at least one stent barrel that is shaped and sized so that it allows for normal operation of adjacent heart structures. One or more stent barrels can be included in the stent assembly, where one or more of the stent barrels can include a cylinder with tapered edge.

Abstract: A method of making a prosthetic heart valve may include providing an annular stent having a plurality of annularly spaced commissure portions having tips, covering each of the tips with a first fabric cover, covering the first fabric covers and the remainder of the stent with a second fabric cover, covering the second fabric cover with a first tissue membrane, and covering the outside of the first tissue membrane with a second tissue membrane, the second tissue membrane forming leaflet portions that extend inwardly between the commissure portions.

Abstract: Medical devices and delivery systems for delivering medical devices to a target location within a subject. In some embodiments the medical devices can be locked in a fully deployed and locked configuration. In some embodiments the delivery systems are configured with a single actuator to control the movement of multiple components of the delivery system. In some embodiments the actuator controls the independent and dependent movement of multiple components of the delivery system.

Abstract: A delivery apparatus for implanting a radially compressible and expandable prosthetic heart valve in a native heart valve of the heart includes a handle portion and an elongated shaft extending from and movable relative to the handle portion. The shaft includes a proximal end portion coupled to the handle portion and a distal end portion configured to mount a prosthetic heart valve in a radially compressed state. The handle portion includes a control member movable longitudinally with respect to the handle portion, the control member engaging a gear assembly operable to convert longitudinal motion of the control member to rotational motion of the gear assembly. The gear assembly engages the elongated shaft such that rotational motion of the gear assembly causes corresponding longitudinal motion of the elongated shaft relative to the handle portion.

Abstract: A delivery system and method for delivery of an annuloplasty implant for a patient are disclosed. The delivery system comprises a commissure locator device for locating a commissure, comprising; an extension member, a catheter, and wherein the extension member is extendable relative the catheter for location of at least one commissure of a cardiac valve, and a coronary sinus contractor for temporary insertion into the coronary sinus (CS) and having a displacement unit being temporarily transferable to an activated state in which the shape of the annulus of the heart valve is modified to a modified shape to be retained by said annuloplasty implant.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a monocusp prosthetic valve comprising a flap made of biocompatible material, and a stent made of biocompatible or bio-absorbable material, said stent having meshes defining holes with profile represented by any closed curve or polygonal shape, wherein in said prosthetic valve the flap is sewn on said stent by means of pairs of suture points that are longitudinally extended along opposite surfaces of said flap.

Abstract: An apparatus for repairing a heart valve and methods of use thereof are provided. The apparatus includes a radially expandable body and a blood-permeable member attached to the body at a first end and having at least one cord at a second end. The length or tension of the at least one cord is adjustable when the apparatus is implanted in a heart such that that the extent of atrial displacement of the heart's mitral leaflets during ventricular contraction can be adjusted. To implant the apparatus in a heart, the apparatus is inserted into a retaining sheath and the retaining sheath is then inserted into the heart. The retaining sheath is retracted from the apparatus and the apparatus is positioned inside the heart. The length or tension of the at least one cord is adjusted to adjust the extent of atrial displacement of the heart's mitral leaflets during ventricular contraction.

Abstract: A penile prosthetic includes an insertion tool contained inside of an inflatable bladder of a penile implant. The penile implant is sized for insertion into a dilated corpora cavernosum of a penis. The penile implant has a proximal tip that is insertable into the crus penis, with the inflatable bladder connected to the proximal tip. The inflatable bladder has a first column strength and includes a distal tip that is insertable into the glans penis. The insertion tool provides the inflatable bladder with an effective column strength that is greater than the first column strength.

Abstract: A hip joint apparatus is described. The apparatus has an acetabular cup designed for both seated engagement within a patient's acetabulum, and articulatory reception of a matingly shaped femoral component, wherein the dome of the acetabular cup has holes configured for accepting wires and variable angle locking screws to facilitate attachment of the acetabular cup to the acetabulum, and wherein the rim of the acetabular cup has holes configured for accepting wires to provide provisional stability to the acetabular cup. The apparatus also has an insertion handle with a graspable portion and a mating portion, the mating portion attached to the graspable portion and configured for engaging with the rim of the acetabular cup, thereby coupling the insertion handle to the acetabular cup.

Abstract: A blade-like stem of a hip joint prosthesis for anchoring in the femur, including a prosthesis neck portion and a femur-anchoring portion extending therefrom and having a proximal end and a distal end, the femur-anchoring portion including a proximal arcuate portion extending from a location adjacent the proximal end and having a radius of curvature that changes in a distal-to-proximal direction, and the femur-anchoring portion further including a distal tapered portion extending from the proximal arcuate portion toward the distal end.

Abstract: This application describes an implantable device for tissue repair comprising at least two fabrics with interconnecting spacer elements transversing, connecting, and separating the fabrics, forming the device. Some embodiments have fixation points which can be an extension of at least one of the fabrics. The implantable device allows modification of the two fabrics having varying constructions, chemistries, and physical properties. The spacer elements create a space between the two fabrics, which can be used for the loading of biological materials (peptides, proteins, cells, tissues), offer compression resistance (i.e. stiffness), and compression recovery (i.e., return to original dimensions) following deformation and removal of deforming load. The inclusive fixation points of the fabrics are designed to allow for fine adjustment of the sizing and tension of the device to promote integration with the surrounding tissues as well as maximize the compressive resistance.

Abstract: The invention is a subtalar implantable to expand after implantation. The subtalar implant has two or more expansion segments or wings. In all forms, the expansion wings are hinged on the distal portion of the subtalar implant which causes only the proximal portion of the wing to expand relative to the midplane of the implant. The expansion wings and the entire subtalar implant are threaded to prevent the implant from backing out of the sinus tarsi once implanted. In one form, the subtalar implant includes an integral expansion screw that, when rotated, expands the expansion wings. In another form, the subtalar implant includes a separate expansion screw that, when rotated, expands the expansion wings. The integral and the separate expansion screw includes a socket that accepts a like driver tool for rotating the expansion screw and expanding the expansion wings.

Abstract: Orthopedic implants described herein are used for fractures, inter-digital fusion of the fingers, toes, and other small bones of the body, as well as other procedures. Each implant has first and second drive ends for insertion into bone. The drive ends may be on the same or separate implant component(s) and include external threading. In one form, a single component includes the first and second drive ends, while in another form, a first component has the first drive end and a second component has the second drive end. In the two component version, a head of one component receives an end of the other component to provide coupling or joining of the two components.

Abstract: An implant for insertion between vertebral bodies of the spinal column, with a main body which is formed along a longitudinal axis and at least one end of which an attachment plate with a contact surface for attachment to an adjacent vertebral body is disposed, which plate is mounted on main body pivotably about a pivot axis, arranged substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and which can be fixed at an angle relative to it or relative to the longitudinal axis. The main body is assigned at least one clamping element. The attachment plate has a clamping surface on a side facing the main body, and the clamping element is movable between a pivot configuration, in which the attachment plate is pivotable, and a clamping configuration, in which the angle and thereby the attachment plate are fixed by an interaction of the clamping element with the clamping surface.

Abstract: An intervertebral prosthetic implant having a first endplate having a first surface configured to substantially engage with a first vertebral body and a second surface having an extension with a concave contact surface, the concave contact surface being spaced apart from the second surface. A second endplate is provided with a first surface configured to substantially engage with a second vertebral body and a second surface comprising a convex contact surface, and the second endplate having a securing element positioned along and above the second surface defining a first and second window on opposing sides of the second surface. The securing element extends along the width and length of the lower endplate and configured with an access hole. An extension portion extends from the first surface of the first endplate through the access hole of the securing element and contacts the second surface of the second endplate.

Abstract: Instruments, kits, and methods are disclosed for installing an implant spacer through an incision and down a surgical corridor. The instruments also serve to align a drill guide and align and insert a spacer stabilizer for stabilization of adjacent bone portions. An inserter instrument comprises an elongated guide bar body having a guide portion for aligning instruments with said spacer and for introducing a stabilizer to secure the spacer in a predetermined position between the bone portions. In preferred embodiments a stabilizer implant portion comprising a base wall separated by a retaining member by a web wall is introduced into a pre-bored hole in a bone and secured with a stabilizer anchor extending through a central bore. Included is a retractable graft block for securing graft material within an aperture of a spacer during insertion of the spacer.

Abstract: A system and method for allowing any surgeon, including those surgeons who perform a fewer number of a revision procedure as compared to a more experienced surgeon who performs a greater number of procedures, to provide an improved likelihood of a favorable outcome approaching, if not exceeding, a likelihood of a favorable outcome as performed by a very experienced surgeon with the revision procedure.

Abstract: A system and method for allowing any surgeon, including those surgeons who perform a fewer number of a replacement procedure as compared to a more experienced surgeon who performs a greater number of procedures, to provide an improved likelihood of a favorable outcome approaching, if not exceeding, a likelihood of a favorable outcome as performed by a very experienced surgeon with the replacement procedure.

Abstract: A method for estimating an orientation for placement of a prosthetic implant comprises receiving information indicative of a first virtual axis established between estimated positions of two anatomic landmarks in the anatomical area of interest. The method also comprises calculating an orientation of a first virtual plane, the first virtual plane being perpendicular to the first virtual axis. The method further comprises receiving information indicative of a second virtual axis established between at least one of the estimated positions of the first two landmarks and a third anatomic landmark in the anatomical area of interest. The method also comprises calculating an orientation of a second virtual plane based, at least in part, on the first virtual axis and the second virtual axis. The method further comprises estimating an angle between the orientation sensor and at least one of the first virtual plane or the second virtual plane.

Abstract: A method for estimating an orientation for placement of a prosthetic implant comprises receiving information indicative of a first virtual axis established between estimated positions of two anatomic landmarks in the anatomical area of interest. The method also comprises calculating an orientation of a first virtual plane, the first virtual plane being perpendicular to the first virtual axis. The method further comprises receiving information indicative of a second virtual axis established between at least one of the estimated positions of the first two landmarks and a third anatomic landmark in the anatomical area of interest. The method also comprises calculating an orientation of a second virtual plane based, at least in part, on the first virtual axis and the second virtual axis. The method further comprises estimating an angle between the orientation sensor and at least one of the first virtual plane or the second virtual plane.

Abstract: A method for estimating an orientation for placement of a prosthetic implant comprises receiving information indicative of a first virtual axis established between estimated positions of two anatomic landmarks in the anatomical area of interest. The method also comprises calculating an orientation of a first virtual plane, the first virtual plane being perpendicular to the first virtual axis. The method further comprises receiving information indicative of a second virtual axis established between at least one of the estimated positions of the first two landmarks and a third anatomic landmark in the anatomical area of interest. The method also comprises calculating an orientation of a second virtual plane based, at least in part, on the first virtual axis and the second virtual axis. The method further comprises estimating an angle between the orientation sensor and at least one of the first virtual plane or the second virtual plane.

Abstract: A force sensing module for measuring performance parameters associated with an orthopedic articular joint is disclosed. The force sensing module includes a housing having a substantially concave articular surface and an implant surface, the substantially concave articular surface and the implant surface defining a compartment therebetween. The force sensing module also includes a first set of sensors disposed within the compartment, which are mechanically coupled between the substantially concave articular surface and the implant surface. The first set of sensors is configured to detect information indicative of a first portion of a force present at a first area of the substantially concave articular surface. The force sensing module also includes a second set of sensors disposed within the compartment, which are mechanically coupled between the substantially concave articular surface and the implant surface.

Abstract: A force sensing module for measuring performance parameters associated with an orthopedic articular joint is disclosed. The force sensing module includes a housing having a substantially concave articular surface and an implant surface, the substantially concave articular surface and the implant surface defining a compartment therebetween. The force sensing module also includes a first set of sensors disposed within the compartment, which are mechanically coupled between the substantially concave articular surface and the implant surface. The first set of sensors is configured to detect information indicative of a first portion of a force present at a first area of the substantially concave articular surface. The force sensing module also includes a second set of sensors disposed within the compartment, which are mechanically coupled between the substantially concave articular surface and the implant surface.

Abstract: A force sensing module for measuring performance parameters associated with an orthopedic articular joint is disclosed. The force sensing module includes a housing having a substantially concave articular surface and an implant surface, the substantially concave articular surface and the implant surface defining a compartment therebetween. The force sensing module also includes a first set of sensors disposed within the compartment, which are mechanically coupled between the substantially concave articular surface and the implant surface. The first set of sensors is configured to detect information indicative of a first portion of a force present at a first area of the substantially concave articular surface. The force sensing module also includes a second set of sensors disposed within the compartment, which are mechanically coupled between the substantially concave articular surface and the implant surface.

Abstract: A knee balancing system for measuring performance parameters associated with an orthopedic articular joint comprises a force sensing module and one or more inertial measurement units. The force sensing module comprises a housing that includes an articular surface having a medial portion and a lateral portion, each of which is substantially mechanically isolated from the other. The force sensing module also includes first and second sets of sensors disposed within the housing. The first set of sensors is mechanically coupled to the medial portion of the articular surface and configured to detect information indicative of a first force incident upon the medial portion of the articular surface. The second set of sensors is mechanically coupled to the lateral portion of the articular surface and configured to detect information indicative of a second force incident upon a lateral portion of the articular surface.

Abstract: A knee balancing system for measuring performance parameters associated with an orthopedic articular joint comprises a force sensing module and one or more inertial measurement units. The force sensing module comprises a housing that includes an articular surface having a medial portion and a lateral portion, each of which is substantially mechanically isolated from the other. The force sensing module also includes first and second sets of sensors disposed within the housing. The first set of sensors is mechanically coupled to the medial portion of the articular surface and configured to detect information indicative of a first force incident upon the medial portion of the articular surface. The second set of sensors is mechanically coupled to the lateral portion of the articular surface and configured to detect information indicative of a second force incident upon a lateral portion of the articular surface.

Abstract: An adjustable, temporary device that exerts spacing force through a pair of identical lattices to increase the distance between the distal femur and proximal tibia. Pairs of lattices are connected to a femoral and a tibial base plate by connections to lift anchors. A pair of connector rods joins the lattices; the drive rod that includes a travel block functionally joins the connector rods. The threaded length of drive rod engages the threaded chase of the travel block and the smooth second end engages the smooth chase of the static block. The chases are aligned at a right angle to the anchor rods. Rotating the anchor rod moves the travel block so that a forces is exerted on the lattices. Rotating the drive rod increases the length of the lattices and the distance between the femur and tibia which is expressed as increased tension on the ligaments and soft tissue of the knee. The device may include a measuring tape housing with a flexible tape.

Abstract: A prosthetic device including an internal frame assembled from multiple longitudinal members and multiple transverse members, wherein each member is substantially planar and defines peripheral slots, and wherein the longitudinal members and transverse members are arranged to mate with one another to join the longitudinal members with the transverse members. In certain embodiments, a first group of longitudinal members is radially arranged relative to a central axis extending through the transverse members, and a second group of longitudinal members is tangentially arranged relative to the central axis, preferably with lateral edges of the second group of longitudinal members extending between two different longitudinal members of the first group of longitudinal members to provide enhanced torsional rigidity. An outer shaping member, which may be tubular in shape, may be arranged to cover at least a portion of the internal frame.

Abstract: Example embodiments relate to a control method of a motion assistance apparatus including a fixing module attached to a user, a driving module fixed to the fixing module to generate rotation power, a supporting module configured to support a portion of a body of the user and driven by the driving module, a force sensor configured to measure a magnitude of force applied to the fixing module, and a controller configured to control the driving module, the method including generating, by the driving module, a driving torque to drive the supporting module, measuring a direction and a magnitude of force indicated by the force sensor, calculating a compensation torque to minimize the measured magnitude of force, and driving the driving module by adding the compensation torque to the driving torque.

Abstract: A motion assistance apparatus including a fixing module attached to a user, a driving module fixed to the fixing module to generate rotation power, a supporting module configured to support a portion of a body of the user and driven by the driving module, a sensor configured to measure a width of the fixing module, and a controller configured to adjust the rotation power of the driving module based on the measured width.

Abstract: A compression stabilized prosthetic device for a patient having an amputated limb includes a first socket portion for contacting a patient's limb, and a second portion for the attachment of a prosthetic component. The first socket portion has compression portions configured for compressing portions of the patient's limb, and relief portions for receiving other portions of the patient's limb which bulge upon the compression applied by the compression portions. The relief portions may be formed as openings or as enlarged radius portions of the first socket portion.

Abstract: An implantable prosthesis can comprise a strut having a lumen, radiopaque particles within the lumen, and a polymer binder. The polymer binder retains the radiopaque particles within the lumen. The strut may have side holes through which a therapeutic agent may pass and through which the radiopaque particles are incapable of passing. The polymer binder may be absent or optional. The radiopaque particles can have sizes that prevent them from escaping out of the lumen through the side holes. The radiopaque particles placed within the lumen can improve visualization of the prosthesis during an implantation procedure.

Abstract: Transoral obesity treatment devices and related methods for operation thereof are described which occupy space within a stomach and/or stimulate the stomach wall. The transoral obesity treatment devices and related methods are intended to assist a patient in maintaining a healthy body weight. Features of the devices include insertion transorally and without invasive surgery, without associated patient risks of invasive surgery, and without substantial patient discomfort. The life span of these devices may be material-dependent upon long-term survivability within an acidic stomach, but is intended to last one year or longer. The devices have the capacity to vary in size and are desirably self-actuating in that they change shape and/or volume using internal motors or actuators. The changing character of the devices helps prevent the person's stomach from compensating for the implant, such as sometimes happens with static intragastric devices.

Abstract: A prosthesis (14) that is useful as an anti-reflux device or an anti-obesity device within a gastro-intestinal tract of a living organism, such as a human, comprises an elastic portion including a helical elastic spring (15) embedded in a biocompatible material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for intermittently obstructing a bodily opening, such as a gastric opening, and includes a proximal member connected to a distal member by a tether. The proximal member includes an apron member surrounding a first occluding member, which is formable from an elongated and narrower configuration to a contracted or expanded but wider configuration. When employed in the stomach, the device of the present invention is arranged transluminally, with the distal member disposed in the duodenum and the proximal member disposed against the pyloric valve, intermittently occluding the pyloric valve and preventing or delaying the flow of gastric contents through the pyloric valve. In certain embodiments, a reservoir may be included for releasing a substance of interest, for example for releasing insulin from a reservoir disposed in the distal member. Sensors, actuators, and data transmission devices may also be included.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices are described for providing a brace having an inflation control. The control directs fluid flow from an inflation component to one or more inflatable cells of the brace. The inflatable cells are independently inflated and deflated by the inflation component through the control. The control allows a user to create a fluid path between the inflation component and one of the inflatable cells by positioning the control in an orientation corresponding to the desired inflatable cells. Each inflatable cell is independently inflated and deflated in various orientations of the control.

Abstract: A medical or surgical brace apparatus (100) for treating a neuropathy and protecting the course of a nerve in a limb of the body. The apparatus comprises a sleeve baselayer (1) formed to fit, or configured to conform to fit, a portion of the limb around a joint and to grip the limb, such that a portion of the sleeve baselayer is proximal to the joint and a portion is distal of the joint; and a deformable exoskeleton (3) configured to fit around the joint of a body such that a portion of the exoskeleton is proximal to the joint and a portion is distal of the joint, the exoskeleton comprising a spine (10) and a plurality of ribs (9) coupled to the spine; wherein the exoskeleton is coupled to the sleeve baselayer such that when the sleeve baselayer is worn fitted on the limb, the spine of the exoskeleton is aligned with, and arranged to follow, at least part of the course of the nerve, and the ribs are aligned transverse to the course of the nerve to bridge across the nerve to protect it.