Abstract: System, including methods and apparatus, for replacing an end of a bone, such as a radial bone, with a prosthesis. In exemplary embodiments, the prosthesis is a radial head prosthesis having a stem portion and a head portion. The head portion may be configured to be (a) placed onto the stem portion by movement of the head and stem portions relative to one another transverse to a longitudinal axis of the stem portion, and then (b) rotated with respect to the stem portion to produce friction that firmly attaches the head portion to the stem portion.

Abstract: Shoulder arthroplasty systems and configurations for components thereof are described. For example, implant systems for a total should arthroplasty (TSA), hemi shoulder arthroplasty, and reverse should arthroplasty (RSA) are described. In addition, exemplary configurations for baseplates, glenoid components, glenosphere components, humeral components, humeral head components, humerosocket components, connectors, and adaptors, are described.

Abstract: A prosthesis that mechanically couples with both cancellous bone and cortical bone of a glenoid includes a head portion comprising a rear surface and an articular surface, an anchor member, and a plurality of deformable fins extending radially outward from the anchor member. The anchor member includes a distal end and a proximal end connected to the rear surface of the head portion. The plurality of deformable fins extend radially outward from the anchor member and includes at least a first proximal fin adjacent to the rear surface of the head portion positioned to engage with the cortical bone. The anchor member may also include at least one distal fin located proximate the distal end of the anchor member positioned to engage with the cancellous bone.

Abstract: Implant includes a body and a utile feature, for example, a smooth articulating surface. A transverse rail stem system with a plurality of rails is provided, spaced apart from the utile feature, which is adapted for transverse insertion into a bodily substrate, for example, resected bone. A surgical template—for example, to assist in sawing, drilling with a drill bit and drill guide, and broaching with a broach—along with such bone removal tools can help prepare the bone for receipt of the implant.

Abstract: A spinal implant comprises an implant body extending between an anterior surface and a posterior surface and includes a first vertebral engaging surface and a second vertebral engaging surface. The implant body includes an inner surface that defines at least one cavity that is oriented to implant a fastener oblique relative to a lateral axis of a subject body and adjacent an intervertebral space of the subject body. At least one indicia is disposed with the implant body to facilitate orientation of the implant body with the subject body. Systems and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: An instrumented distractor includes a force sensor for measuring a force exerted by opposing surfaces of adjacent vertebrae pressing against fixed and adjustable arms on the distractor. The force on the distractor may be measured by a data acquisition system (DAS). An instrumented cage including at least one force sensor may be inserted into the same intervertebral space as the distractor and a measurement of force on the cage made by the DAS. A size and shape of the instrumented cage are preferably selected such that the magnitude of force on the cage is less than or equal to the magnitude of force measured with the distractor. In some embodiments, a first DAS is included in the instrumented distractor and a second DAS is included in the insertion handle, and the two data acquisition systems may communicate measured force values with one another.

Abstract: A spine stabilization and fusion system includes a lateral cage and a lateral block plate. The lateral cage is configured to be placed between an upper vertebra and a lower vertebra, and a face of the lateral cage includes one or more first holes configured to receive fasteners and a first shaft bore configured to receive a shaft. The lateral block plate includes one or more second holes extending from a lateral face of the lateral block plate to a medial face of the lateral block plate and configured to receive the fasteners. The one or more second holes are configured to align with the one or more first holes of the lateral cage. The lateral block plate also includes a second shaft bore configured to receive the shaft, where the second shaft bore is configured to align with the first shaft bore of the lateral cage.

Abstract: An implant for therapeutically separating bones of a joint has two endplates each having an opening through the endplate, and at least one ramped surface on a side opposite a bone engaging side. A frame is slideably connected to the endplates to enable the endplates to move relative to each other at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the implant, in sliding connection with the frame. An actuator screw is rotatably connected to the frame. A carriage forms an open area aligned with the openings in the endplates. The openings in the endplates pass through the carriage to form an unimpeded passage from bone to bone of the joint. The carriage has ramps which mate with the ramped surfaces of the endplates, wherein when the carriage is moved by rotation of the actuator screw, the endplates move closer or farther apart.

Abstract: An implant for therapeutically separating bones of a joint has two endplates each having an opening through the endplate, and at least one ramped surface on a side opposite a bone engaging side. A frame is slideably connected to the endplates to enable the endplates to move relative to each other at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the implant, in sliding connection with the frame. An actuator screw is rotatably connected to the frame. A carriage forms an open area aligned with the openings in the endplates. The openings in the endplates pass through the carriage to form an unimpeded passage from bone to bone of the joint. The carriage has ramps which mate with the ramped surfaces of the endplates, wherein when the carriage is moved by rotation of the actuator screw, the endplates move closer or farther apart.

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

Abstract: A spinal construct includes a first endplate that is configured to engage a first vertebral surface. An expandable member is connected with the first endplate and includes a mating element. A second endplate is configured to engage a second vertebral surface and includes an in-situ guide surface engageable with the mating element to connect the member with the second endplate. Systems and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: Systems, methods and devices for spinal fusion are disclosed. In particular, certain disclosed embodiments are configured to permit the addition of lordosis to a spinal fusion cage after implantation through the use of various expansion mechanisms to spread arms of the spinal fusion cage. Disclosed embodiments may include the use of a threaded wedge to expand the arms, the use of a keel within a series of detents, the use of supplemental fixation screws, and the use of a rotating cam.

Abstract: An intervertebral implant is configured to be fixed in an intervertebral space defined by a first vertebral body and a second vertebral body. The intervertebral implant includes an implant body sized to be inserted into an intervertebral space, and a fixation assembly configured to be attached to the implant body. The fixation assembly includes a housing that defines a first vertebral body facing surface and a second vertebral body facing surface spaced from the first vertebral body facing surface along a transverse direction. The fixation assembly further includes at least one fixation member supported by the housing and movable from a retracted position to an extended position, whereby in the extended position the fixation member extends out from the housing and into one of the vertebral bodies.

Abstract: A resorbable tissue scaffold fabricated from bioactive glass fiber forms a rigid three-dimensional porous matrix having a bioactive composition. Porosity in the form of interconnected pore space is provided by the space between the bioactive glass fiber in the porous matrix. Strength of the bioresorbable matrix is provided by bioactive glass that fuses and bonds the bioactive glass fiber into the rigid three-dimensional matrix. The resorbable tissue scaffold supports tissue in-growth to provide osteoconductivity as a resorbable tissue scaffold, used for the repair of damaged and/or diseased bone tissue.

Abstract: A spinal cage with a wall extending in a longitudinal direction defining an interior space is disclosed. There is also provided a deployable element in movable relation to the spinal cage.

Abstract: A device for use in placing a prosthesis in a patient during joint replacement surgery is disclosed. The device may comprise a body formed using medical imaging data corresponding to an anatomic structure of the patient and a final installation position of the prosthesis. The body may extend between a lower surface and an upper surface and may have an aperture extending therethrough. The body may also have an anatomic alignment member extending outward from an outer surface of the body and include an inner surface opposite the outer surface. The inner surface may define at least part of the aperture. The prosthesis alignment member may extend from the inner surface and the prosthesis alignment member may include a prosthesis alignment surface configured to align with a prosthesis in the final installation position.

Abstract: The invention relates to an orthopedic knee joint, comprising an upper part (2), on which upper connecting means (20) are disposed, a lower part (3) pivotally supported on the upper part (2), connecting means for orthopedic components (4), and a stop ( ) for delimiting an extension movement, wherein the stop (7) is configured displaceably and coupled to an adjusting device (64), which is coupled to a control device (6), which actuates the adjusting device (64) as a function of sensor data and changes the position of the stop (7).

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

Abstract: Embodiments of a modular prosthetic socket for a residual limb of a lower extremity of a patient are provided. Modular components include a base, multiple strut connectors, and multiple longitudinal struts. The base is selected from a collection of bases. The multiple strut connectors are selected from a collection of strut connectors, each strut connector being adjustably connectable to the base along the periphery of the base. The multiple longitudinal struts are selected from a collection of struts, each strut including a thermoplastic-fiber composite material, each strut being connectable to the base along the base periphery via one of the strut connectors. At least one of the component collections includes at least one of multiple sizes or multiple shapes of bases, struts or strut connectors, respectively. The prosthetic socket circumscribes a proximally-open internal space configured to conform to the residual limb of the patient.

Abstract: The various embodiments described herein include methods for fabricating thin- film flow diversion apparatuses. In one aspect, a method includes: (1) creating a plurality of trenches using photolithography and deep reactive ion etching on a substrate; (2) depositing a metal sacrificial layer on the substrate; (3) forming a Nitinol layer with a plurality of fenestrations by depositing Nitinol on the metal sacrificial layer; (4) forming a thin-film of Nitinol by removing the metal sacrificial layer; (5) crystallizing the thin-film of Nitinol; and (6) elongating the thin-film of Nitinol.

Abstract: The invention is related to a biodegradable stent for vascular placement comprising, a tubular biodegradable metal structure, a biodegradable organic layer covering the surfaces of the structure, and optionally a biodegradable polymer coating covering the organic surface layer. The organic layer is a derivative of a monomer vapor injected plasma and is applied in a plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition process. Thereby the biodegradable organic layer is an organosilane layer and the biodegradable polymer coating contains a therapeutic drug.

Abstract: Methods and systems of fabricating a polymeric stent are disclosed herein.

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

Abstract: A medical device-includes a scaffold crimped to a catheter having an expansion balloon. The scaffold is crimped to the balloon by a process that includes one or more balloon pressurization steps. The balloon pressurization steps are selected to enhance scaffold retention to the balloon while retaining, at least partially, the original balloon folds as the balloon is pressurized and de-pressurized within a crimper head. By at least partially retaining the original balloon folds, a uniformity of scaffold expansion by the balloon is improved.

Abstract: A metal balloon catheter having a main tubular body, a metal balloon proximate a distal end of the main tubular body, a central annulus extending along an entire longitudinal aspect of the catheter for accommodating a guidewire therethrough and an inflation annulus adjacent the central annulus which extends along the longitudinal axis of the main tubular body and terminates in fluid flow communication with an inflation chamber of the metal balloon. The metal balloon catheter may be either unitary integral metal catheter in which the main tubular body and the balloon are fabricated of metal, or it may consist of a polymeric main tubular body and a metal balloon.

Abstract: Assembly for endoscopically securing gastrointestinal tissue folds, comprising a first tissue anchor and a second tissue anchor, a first suture thread part and a second suture thread part, each of the first and second thread parts having a connected end and a free end opposite the connected end. The first thread part and the second thread part are tied to each other through a sliding knot, such that the first thread part firms a post of the sliding knot along which the sliding knot is arranged to slide during tightening of the assembly and such that the second thread part wraps around the post to create the sliding knot. The first thread part extends from the first anchor to past the sliding knot where the first thread part's free end forms a post free end, and the second thread part extends from the second anchor to past the sliding knot where the second thread part's free end is free, such that the sliding knot is interposed between the first and second anchors.

Abstract: A knee brace for assisting the extension or flexing of a limb comprises substantially rigid upper and lower frames connected by a hinge, the upper frame being secured to the leg by an upper strap. A stabilizing strap for fixing the lower frame to the user's leg comprises an inelastic band, cord or other flexible securing member for circumscribing the user's leg having a fastening element for fixing the securing member in a set position. The securing member is affixed to the arms of the lower frame, slidably extending through at least one strap support provided by at least one of the arms of the lower frame. When the brace is in position on a user's leg the stabilizing strap is able to move through at least one strap support in a generally horizontal direction while supporting the lower frame in the vertical direction.

Abstract: A device for supporting a body part, the device including a sleeve adapted to support the body part, the sleeve containing a chamber that is configured to have substantially all of the air contained therein evacuated, the device further including a flexible radiofrequency surface receive coil disposed within the chamber.

Abstract: A jersey adapted to be worn on a user's upper body comprising a torso portion having a first opening adjacent to the user's waist, a second opening adjacent to the user's neck, a third opening adjacent to the user's left arm, and a fourth opening adjacent to the user's right arm. The jersey also comprises a pocket sling disposed on the torso portion of the jersey and defining in part a hand opening and an arm opening. The pocket sling is adapted to receive and removably retain the user's arm. A method for stabilizing a user's arm and shoulder comprising providing a jersey, wearing the jersey on the user's upper body, and removably retaining the user's arm in the pocket sling.

Abstract: A device for regulating body temperature includes a case with an opening in the base, a plate made of highly thermally conductive material with a complementary shaped protrusion at the opening and that is inserted therein, at least a Peltier cell, an electronic circuit board for managing the functions of the device, a heat sink, a display, a battery to power the electronic circuit board, the Peltier cell and the display, a temperature sensor to measure the temperature of the skin at the surface of the case and of the plate that is in contact with the skin, a strap which is secured to said concave case, a lid for closing said case, and at least one command button operatively connected to the electronic circuit board.

Abstract: A device for heating a predetermined surface area of a human body, including but not limited to a person's wrist, neck and back, in accordance with the present invention includes a pouch for heating a predetermined surface area of a person's body; at least one heating element specified to heat the predetermined surface area of the person's body to a predetermined temperature; and a band or strap for securing the pouch to the predetermined surface area of the person's body, whereby, the pouch having at least one heating element inserted therein is secured upon the predetermined surface area of the person's body to ultimately heat the predetermined surface area to a predetermined temperature.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a microneedle that defines a lumen therethrough. The microneedle has a proximal end portion a distal end portion and a hub portion between the proximal end portion and the distal end portion. The proximal end portion is configured to be coupled to a medicament container, such as, for example a syringe. The portion of the lumen within the proximal end portion has a first diameter. The distal end portion is configured to pierce a target tissue. The portion of the lumen within the distal end portion has a second diameter smaller than the first diameter. The hub portion includes a surface configured to contact the target tissue when the distal end portion is disposed with the target tissue.

Abstract: The invention relates to a stainless steel device for permanent insertion into the sclerocorneal limbus, with different drainage and anchorage systems, enabling the aqueous humour to discharge through one or more virtual spaces from the anterior chamber to an intrascleral space in cases of simple glaucoma or to the equatorial episclera in cases of complex glaucoma, such as neovascular glaucoma. The space is virtual, not real, as in the case of the tubular device. It enables the aqueous humour to discharge slowly and continuously, minimizing the possibility of the chamber being flat or of germs penetrating through the device. Furthermore, the anchorage system is less aggressive, thus reducing the possibility of bleeding.

Abstract: Eyewear is disclosed that can have multiple ventilation states providing different amounts of ventilation through the eyewear. The eyewear can include a lens and a frame. In some embodiments, the lens can be movable with respect to the frame to provide the multiple ventilation states. In some embodiments, the eyewear can include a gasket that removably attaches to the frame. In some embodiments, the gasket can be movable with respect to the frame to provide the multiple ventilation states.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a cost-effective earplug device that delivers minimally distorted sound, offers sound protection, can fit most users, and can protect human hearing from dangerously-high acoustic levels without the cost or inconvenience of a custom earplug.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to de-tension or unload the sciatic or other major nerve or muscle group compressing a nerve of a user.

Abstract: A kit that includes a bandage adapted for mucosal membrane hemostasis, and instructions using the bandage is disclosed. The bandage can include a liquid permeable pouch, and at least one sheet of absorbent material within the liquid permeable pouch. The instructions can include rolling and/or folding the bandage, placing the rolled and/or folded bandage proximate the site of the bleeding, and applying pressure to the bandage. Methods of utilizing the bandage and the kit are also disclosed.

Abstract: A sanitary absorbing construction to be used by children and infants to hold and restrain liquid and solid dejections, which article is conventionally called napkin, of a single-use or disposable kind, made by combining different raw synthetic or natural materials, comprising apple waste materials, being industrially transformed into composite sub-layers which are assembled together to form articles having different shapes depending on technical or aesthetical requirements, and being biodegradable either before or after their use, when released into the environment, and being compostable or able to be transformed to into organic amending materials, when properly collected and separated or mixed with other organic domestic waste materials and then let into the compost cycle, per se or together with organic waste materials either from foodstuff or not.

Abstract: A bodily fluid absorbent matrix adapted to restrict a wet feeling against the wearer's skin after the absorbent matrix in a bodily fluid absorbent wearing article having absorbed bodily fluids and a method for manufacturing the absorbent matrix. A bodily fluid absorbent wearing article has an absorbent matrix formed of aggregate of bodily fluid absorbent material between a liquid-permeable first sheet and a liquid-impermeable second sheet. The member includes hydrophilic fibers as the bodily fluid absorbent material. Density of the absorbent matrix changes so as to increase from the first sheet toward the second sheet in thickness direction of the absorbent matrix. A planar orientation index of the hydrophilic fibers also changes so as to increase in the thickness direction of the absorbent matrix.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making specific absorbent structures with an absorbent layer with absorbent material with therein substantially longitudinally extending strips that are free of absorbent material, using or having thereto a moving endless surface with receptacle(s) with specific longitudinally extending rods; and specific absorbent structures obtained therewith, suitable for absorbent articles, such as diapers and sanitary napkins.

Abstract: A disposable diaper having features that improve its ability to lay open in a flat configuration is disclosed. The diaper may include fastening members having a minimum basis weight, and a minimum width and a minimum surface area relative the chassis dimensions, along with other features that tend to cause the diaper to lay open in a flat configuration, for the convenience of the caregiver during application of the diaper to a baby.

Abstract: A method for producing an absorbent structure for absorbent sanitary articles, comprising the steps of: advancing a first non-woven layer at a first speed, with a first surface of said first non-woven layer facing a suction chamber, distributing superabsorbent granular material on a second surface of said first non-woven layer opposite to said first surface, volumizing said first non-woven layer by means of a toothed portion that penetrates into said first non-woven layer through said second surface and movable with respect to said first non-woven layer with a speed difference.

Abstract: An absorbent article including a wearer-facing topsheet, a backsheet and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet, characterized in that the absorbent core includes: a first absorbent layer comprising a first substrate, a layer of first superabsorbent polymer particles deposited on the first substrate, and a fibrous layer of thermoplastic adhesive material covering the layer of first superabsorbent polymer particles; a second absorbent layer, the second absorbent layer comprising a second substrate and a mixed layer deposited on the second substrate, the mixed layer comprising a mixture of second superabsorbent particles and cellulosic fibers, the first absorbent layer and the second absorbent layer being combined together such that at least a portion of the fibrous layer of thermoplastic adhesive material of the first absorbent layer contacts at least a portion of the mixed layer of the second absorbent layer, and wherein the first absorbent layer is placed closer to the topsheet tha

Abstract: A convertible transport system including a seat portion and a wheeled portion that is couplable to the seat portion. The seat portion is reclinable whether or not coupled to the wheeled portion.

Abstract: A robotic assistant, associated software and methodology for operating the same. The described robotic assistant includes: a motorized base having at least two motor driven wheels controlled by a first control platform; a dual arm robot mounted on the motorized base, the dual arm robot having a first arm and a second arm controlled by a second control platform; a remote sip and puff mouth controller having three degrees of operational freedom; and a computer system that receives command signals from the remote sip and puff mouth controller, and includes an algorithm that translates the command signals into a first type of control signal for directing the motorized base to move, and a second type of control signal for directing the dual arm robot to move.

Abstract: Disclosed is an intelligent wheel chair control method based on a brain computer interface and an automatic driving technology.

Abstract: The invention relates to a backrest assembly for a wheelchair with a backrest frame pivotally connected to a seat or seat frame, a carrying means provided by or attached to the backrest frame, a rotating means rotatable secured to the carrier means, a first sliding means slidable connected to the backrest frame on the rear side of the backrest assembly and connected to the rotating means via a first mechanical link, a second sliding means slidable secured to the backrest frame on the front of the backrest assembly and connected to the rotating means via a second mechanical link, and an actuator for adjusting the backrest assembly between an upright and reclined position with the actuator being connected to the first sliding means for driving the second sliding means via the rotating means to perform a sinusoidal movement.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus comprises a fluidization therapy bed. The fluidization therapy bed includes a fluidization space and a fluidizable medium positioned in the fluidization space. The patient support apparatus receives a flow of pressurized air from an air supply that fluidizes the fluidizable medium to provide an air fluidized therapy to a patient supported on the patient support apparatus.

Abstract: The portable defecation assistive equipment comprises a collecting receptacle, a guiding cover, and a pump motor. The collecting receptacle has an opening and a handle. The guiding cover is connected to the collecting receptacle and has a guiding hole. The guiding hole communicates with the opening of the collecting receptacle. The pump motor is connected to the collecting receptacle. The portable defecation assistive equipment has a wing radially formed around the guiding cover, such that the wing and guiding cover can seal the buttock of the user to maintain the negative pressure condition and avoid the reduction of attraction force. The portable defecation assistive equipment adopts a pump motor having smaller attraction. So the portable defecation assistive equipment has no need to adopt an additional pressure regulator valve, the structure is simplified, and the risk of the breakdown of the pressure regulator valve is avoided.

Abstract: An adjustable-position support arm for a medical table, the adjustable-position support arm comprising: a plurality of tubular elements connected to one another in series at a plurality of joints; a locking mechanism disposed at each joint so that a first portion of the locking mechanism is secured to a first tubular element of that joint and a second portion of the locking mechanism is secured to the second tubular element of that same joint, wherein the locking mechanism is normally configured in a locked condition so as to prevent rotation of the first tubular element relative to the second tubular element, and further wherein the locking mechanism may be selectively reconfigured in an unlocked condition so that the first tubular element is rotatable relative to the second tubular element; and an actuator for simultaneously reconfiguring all of the locking mechanisms from their locked condition to their unlocked condition, whereby to permit the plurality of tubular elements to be rotated about the plura