Abstract: Expandable elements having drug-delivery features and associated systems and methods are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a drug-eluting stent includes a radially expandable cylindrical frame having a plurality of struts. The frame is transformable between a low-profile delivery state and an expanded deployed state. A plurality of drug-delivery features are carried by one of the struts and configured to deliver a drug to a treatment site within the patient or piercing through the tissue wall to break the constricting of the vessel wall inwardly. When the frame is in the expanded state within a body lumen of the patient, the drug-delivery features extend radially outwardly away from the strut and are configured to engage and, in some arrangements, pass through a wall of the body lumen.

Abstract: Preferred embodiments of a stent with a high degree of flexibility are shown and described. The stent can include a continuous helical winding having interconnected struts joined at vertices, and having bridges connecting sections of the helical winding to each other. An annular ring can be provided at one or both ends of the helical winding, and the annular ring can have extensions extending to connect to the helical winding. One of the extensions can connect to a bridge and another extension can connect to a vertex. The struts at the ends of the helical winding can have strut lengths that differ from the strut lengths of the struts in a central portion of the winding between the ends of the winding.

Abstract: Provided is a flexible stent in which a free end strut does not tend to project outside when the stent is bent and shortening can be suppressed at the time of expansion of the stent. The flexible stent includes annular bodies having a wavy line pattern and connection elements that connect the annular bodies. The wavy line pattern is formed by V-shaped elements, in which two leg parts are joined by an apex part, being connected in a state where the apex parts alternately face opposite directions in an axial direction. A bending direction of one end part of the connection element and a bending direction of another end part thereof are opposite to one another. The end part of the connection element is connected to a portion other than the apex part of the V-shaped element of the adjacent annular body with the end part of the connection element being extended in a direction different from the direction in which the leg part extends.

Abstract: A wedge wire for maintaining the patency of an opening to a branch vessel while installing a stent in a main branch of a narrowed bifurcated vessel is provided. The wedge wire has a wedge portion that is larger than the rest of the body of the wedge wire and this wedge portion is used to maintain patency of the branch vessel when a balloon catheter is used to expand a stent in the main branch across the opening of the second branch.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides one or more sleeves for positioning a stent on a stent delivery system, such as a balloon catheter. The sleeve wraps around the catheter. One or two sleeves are positioned adjacent to one or both ends of the stent without overlapping with the stent. The profile of the stent delivery system is not increased by the sleeves.

Abstract: Methods for delivering a vascular prosthesis to a treatment site of a subject include advancing the vascular prosthesis, rotating a proximal handle in a first direction about a handle body, shifting the position of a first locking component securing the proximal handle to the push rod from a first position to a second position, rotating the proximal handle in a second direction, releasing the proximal end of the prosthesis from the apex delivery device, shifting the second locking component to disengage the push rod from the handle body; and withdrawing the push rod and the guidewire catheter from within the prosthesis, thereby delivering the vascular prosthesis to the treatment site.

Abstract: A handheld tool includes a handle for holding by a user, an attachment arm extending from the handle that is configured to connect to a user-assistive device, a first inertial measurement unit (“IMU”) mounted to the attachment arm to acquire measurements of one or more of a motion or an orientation of the user-assistive device and to generate feedback data indicative of the measurements, an actuator assembly coupled to manipulate the user-assistive device via the attachment arm in at least two orthogonal dimensions, and a motion control system coupled to receive the feedback data from the first IMU and coupled to provide commands to the actuator assembly to provide auto-leveling of the user-assistive device to a frame of reference while the user manipulates the handheld tool.

Abstract: A fixation device comprises a first clamping member having an adjustable clamping collar and a first curved support portion attached to the adjustable clamping collar. The first clamping member is adapted to receive a digit. The first curved support portion is adapted to support an inferior surface of a proximal phalanx of the digit. A distal member is adjustably attachable to the first clamping member. The distal member has a second curved support surface adapted to support an inferior surface of a distal phalanx of the digit and a curved distal end adapted to apply a compressive force in a proximal direction to a distal end of the distal phalanx.

Abstract: A drop foot assistive device for stabilizing a drop foot condition of a user is provided. The user has a leg, a foot, and toes with the foot encased in a shoe and the shoe having shoelaces. The drop foot assistive device comprises a shin wrap with a securing mechanism releasably securing the shin wrap around the leg. A drop foot band having a first end and a second end is connected to the shin wrap. The second end of the drop foot band is positioned between the shoe and the shoelaces and connected to the shoelaces closest to the toes such that during a walking motion of the user, the drop foot band creates a pulling action on the toes of the user, stabilizing the foot and achieving a natural walking motion.

Abstract: A nasal breathing assist device includes one or two open-ended tubular elements each extending along a central tube axis between a relatively large first end and a relatively small second end, and at least one non-resilient tab extends from the first end toward the second end of the tubular element. In embodiments with two tubular elements, a coupler element extends between the first ends of the tubular elements. Each tubular element may further include a liner-shaped filter having a liner portion extending along a central axis between a relatively large end and a relatively small end, and a filter medium spanning at least one of the relatively large end and the relatively small end. The filter is adapted to snap-fit in the tubular element. The tubular element may further include at least one stiffening element affixed to the tubular element.

Abstract: A urinary receptacle includes an elongate, tubular main body having a closed upper end and an open lower end; a tubular port in fluid communication with the main body, the tubular port being configured to receive a user's penis therein in a fluid-tight manner; a urine collection receptacle connectable to the lower end of the main body which receives and stores the urine therein; and a fastener which secures at least one of the main body and the urine collection receptacle to the user or a garment worn by the user. The apparatus is simple to use, and is manually accessible for handling though modified side pockets of a pair of pants or other such conventional garment worn by the user. The main body, tubular port, and storage receptacle are formed of flexible, waterproof material and are configured to collapse flat against a user's body when not in use.

Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a method for suppressing snoring, based on which snoring is suppressed by adjusting an angle of a smart bed, specifically including following steps: acquiring sound in a room; judging whether the sound is snoring sound of the human body or not; keeping, if the sound is not snoring sound of a human body, a bed board at an existing angle, and returning to the step of acquiring the sound in the room; and adjusting the angle of the bed board in a pre-set way if the sound is snoring sound of a human body, and returning to the step of acquiring the sound in the room when the angle of the bed board is being adjusted or after the angle of the bed board is adjusted.

Abstract: A device sized and shaped for alleviating organ prolapse when inserted into a vagina, comprising: (a) an adjustably flexible, substantially planar ring; (b) a telescoping locking mechanism extending in a central axis, but within the plane of the ring, from a first side of the ring to a second side of the ring, comprising, (i) a first element extending from a side of the ring including an elastic diamond shaped snap, and, (ii) a second element extending from a second side of the ring, opposite the first element, including at least one window configured as a counterpart to the snap, wherein the device is configured to be in an expanded, treatment rendering state when the snap is released into the window and a reduced profile state when the snap is not in the window.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method of use for securing an object to a human body comprising: a first belt, wherein the first belt further comprises a central portion; a second belt, wherein the second belt further comprises a pouch for holding an associated ice pack; and, an associated ice pack; wherein the central portion of the first belt comprises insulating material with a first bolster and a second bolster; and, wherein the first and second belt further comprise a fastening means to secure the first belt and second belt to a human body.

Abstract: Relatively non-invasive devices and methods for heating or cooling a patient's body are disclosed. Devices and methods for treating ischemic conditions by inducing therapeutic hypothermia are disclosed. Devices and methods for inducing therapeutic hypothermia through esophageal cooling are disclosed. Devices and methods for operative temperature management are disclosed.

Abstract: Relatively non-invasive devices and methods for heating or cooling a patient's body are disclosed. Devices and methods for treating ischemic conditions by inducing therapeutic hypothermia are disclosed. Devices and methods for inducing therapeutic hypothermia through esophageal cooling are disclosed. Devices and methods for operative temperature management are disclosed.

Abstract: According to certain embodiments, a method for laser cutting treatment of a human eye comprises: determining position information of a pupil center of the eye in relation to a point of minimal corneal thickness in an undeformed state of the eye; locating the point of minimal corneal thickness in a flattened state of the eye, in which the eye is deformed by contact with a patient adapter of a laser device; and aligning a pulse firing pattern for laser radiation pulses of the laser device, based on a position of the located point of minimal corneal thickness and the determined position information. In embodiments, the pulse firing pattern represents, for example, a lenticular or doughnut-shaped intracorneal tissue volume which is to be removed from the cornea of the eye.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a component having a shape memory material. The shape memory material has a first shape including a substantially elongate segment. The shape memory material has a second shape including a helix having a first ring and a second ring configured to exert a compressive force on a membrane interleaved between the first ring and the second ring and lying in a plane substantially perpendicular to an axis of the helix, the shape selectable based on an external stimulus.

Abstract: Injection devices for delivering pharmaceutical compositions into the eye are described. Some devices include a resistance component for controllably deploying an injection needle through the eye wall. The resistance component may be disposed on a removable injector attachment or on a portion of the injection device housing. Other devices may include a filter for the removal of air, infectious agents, and/or other particulate matter from the composition before the composition is injected into the eye. Related methods and systems comprising the devices are also described.

Abstract: A method for applying a photocoagulation procedure includes capturing a baseline image of a first location within a surgical site. The method further includes applying a photocoagulation treatment at the first location within the surgical site, the photocoagulation treatment using a laser tool having a set of operating parameters. The method further includes capturing an operation image of the first location within the surgical site at a point in time after the photocoagulation treatment has started. The method further includes, with a control system, performing a comparison of the operation image and the baseline image to determine whether a treatment objective has been achieved. The method further includes, with the control system, in response to determining that the treatment objective has not been achieved, adjusting the set of operating parameters to create a set of adjusted operating parameters and continuing the photocoagulation treatment with the set of adjusted operating parameters.

Abstract: A protective mask for the eyes for sporting use, including a frame having at least one internal surface delimiting at least one opening, an optical system, configured as a lens, associable to the frame for closing the opening, and equipped with at least one first wall and at least one second wall spaced apart from one another and reciprocally connected, wherein the frame includes retaining members configured to engage and internally retain, by means of shape coupling, at least one peripheral portion of the at least one first wall and of the at least one second wall of the optical system.

Abstract: Provided herein are examples of headworn supports, such as eyewear, configured to provide passive venting by providing pathways between a lens and a frame and/or by providing a smooth anterior profile to allow a laminar flow of air on an anterior surface of the lens. The pathways through the frame and lens of the eyewear can be configured such that they do not provide a direct path to the eye of a wearer. The headworn supports provided herein can provide venting while reducing or preventing unwanted light, particles, or other debris from contacting the eye of the user. The headworn supports can also be configured to exhibit excellent ballistic performance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improved fastening tabs, in particular to fastening tabs for disposable absorbent articles such as diapers or sanitary napkins.

Abstract: A patient transport loading and unloading apparatus for an emergency vehicle includes at least one support configured for mounting at the access opening of the vehicle and a stationary mount. The support is deployable relative to the stationary mount between a stowed position (in which the support cannot support the patient transport apparatus) and a loading position. Further, the support is configured to remain stationary when the patient transport apparatus is loaded onto the support and while the patient transport apparatus is moved into the vehicle through the access opening.

Abstract: Electric locomotion apparatus comprising: a dynamically stabilized vehicle having two wheels; said vehicle comprising a bar to allow said vehicle to steer on the basis of its rotation; characterized in that it comprises first and second support means of an ergonomic seat that are fixed to said vehicle; said first means being connected to said bar, so that a user's body movements to the right or to the left correspond to torsions of said bar and consequently allow said vehicle to steer.

Abstract: An adjustable wheelchair is disclosed which adjusts to changes in a user's size and weight which includes a scissor-type foldable mechanism which connects two side frames. Wheels for the wheelchair are attached to each of the side frames. An adjustable seat and adjustable back support are a flexible material which span from one side frame to the other. These are designed to unroll and lengthen or roll up and shorten the width of the seat and the back support between the side frames. The scissor-type foldable mechanism includes a tube which slides within a tube, a threaded rod and a threaded stop which function to allow pre-adjustment of the width of the foldable mechanism such that it may be folded and opened to the pre-adjusted width. The frames may be supplemented with reinforcements to accommodate a change in the user's weight.

Abstract: Equipment for raising of a lying person. The equipment comprises: a seat (1), a backrest (2), which from a first position can be passed to a second position behind the back of the person, and a chassis (3) with an upper end to which the seat is connected and a lowermost end adapted to rest on a surface such as a floor. The equipment is to be placed on the surface positioned to the person such that the seat is placed under the behind of the person and from this first position the equipment with the person can be passed to a second position in which the chassis with its lower end rests on the surface such that the seat and backrest is raised relative to the surface e.g. to take a chair-like posture or a catapult position i.e. an upright position in which the person will be assisted to a standing position.

Abstract: The transfer assistance device includes a bogie, an arm tiltably supported by the bogie, a holding part that is supported by the arm and holds a torso of a person being assisted. The holding part includes at least a low pressure cell group and a high pressure cell group configured to respectively face different parts of a front surface of the torso of the person being assisted. The transfer assistance device further includes air pressure adjuster configured to individually adjust air pressure of the low pressure cell group and air pressure of the high pressure cell group.

Abstract: A pressured hybrid-construction hyperbaric chamber and method of using same are disclosed. The present invention provides for the fabrication and building of hybrid-construction, solid or semi-flexible wall, exoskeleton reinforced, hybrid hyperbaric chambers suitable for office and/or home use in providing oxygen rich therapies.

Abstract: An orthosis for increasing range of motion of a body joint. The orthosis includes a rotational linkage mechanism having a driving link and a driven link configured for rotation about a joint axis. The driven link is selectively attachable to a body part to rotate the body part about the joint axis. A dynamic force mechanism is operatively connected between the driving link and driven link to impart a dynamic force upon the driven link when the driving link rotates relative to the driven link and the driven link resists rotation with the driving link due to a resistance force imparted on the driven link by the body part reaching a maximum range of motion. The dynamic force is transferred through the driven link to the body part.

Abstract: A method for gathering information relating to the use of a continuous passive motion device can comprise receiving usage information from a continuous passive motion device processing unit. The usage information can comprise at least one duration of time that the continuous passive motion device was used. The method can also comprise storing the usage information such that the usage information is available within a historical dataset. Additionally, the method can comprise displaying at least a portion of the usage information from the historical dataset on a graphical user interface.

Abstract: The present invention provides an orthosis for stretching tissue around a joint of a patient between first and second relatively pivotable body portions. The orthosis includes a first member affixable to the first body portion and including a first extension member extending therefrom. A second member affixable to the second body portion is also included and has a second extension member having an arcuate shape extending therefrom. The second extension member is operatively connected to the first extension member and travels through the first extension member along an arcuate path when the second arm member is moved from a first position to a second position relative to the first arm member.

Abstract: A spine mobilization apparatus having embodiments configured to support a spine segment to allow posteroanterior or rotational mobilization of one or more vertebra of the spine.

Abstract: A foldable rollator is disclosed, including a folding device, a first rollator body and a second rollator body both of which are arranged in a mirror mode with respect to each other and movably connected with each other through the folding device, wherein each of the first and second rollator bodies includes a gripping part, a drawing device and a supporting fastener, the gripping part includes a supporting bar, the drawing device is arranged on the supporting bar and positioned at one end away from the supporting fastener, and the gripping part is rotatably connected to the supporting fastener. The secondary folding of the foldable rollator can be implemented by a user who is in standing through operating the drawing device fixed on the gripping part with the user's fingers so that the gripping part rotates about the supporting fastener, to avoid the requirement of the user to bend down and squat to do the similar operations, which spends too much physical power.

Abstract: Advanced compression garments and their methods of use, including garments with compression applying straps, and associated sensors that are able to sense the compression applied to an underlying body tissue by the straps. Pressure and/or temperature information from the sensors may be conveyed to a wearer of the garment and/or to another party.

Abstract: Determining whether a compression garment is worn by a wearer of the garment by analyzing a pressure signal waveform indicative of a fluid pressure in an inflatable and deflatable bladder of the compression garment. Variance detected in the pressure signal waveform during the analysis is indicative of a change in condition of the compression garment. In one aspect the change in condition is verified using confirmatory analysis. In another aspect, the variance is one of a pressure rise and a pressure impulse. In yet another aspect, the variance is an oscillating amplitude as a function of time representative of a pulse of the wearer.

Abstract: A mutual sexual stimulation device includes a body including two offset channels originating as two separate orifices, each channel sized to accept male genitalia, wherein the channels are aligned such that, when male genitalia is located within each channel, at least a portion of each of the male genitalia is in contact with the other.

Abstract: A device for sexual stimulation of the human body, the device including a phallus-shaped stimulation body. The thickness and/or the length of the stimulation body is variable in regions. The stimulation body has a preferably exchangeable stimulation element to permit the regional variation of the thickness, and the stimulation element is movable in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the stimulation body and/or in the circumferential direction of the stimulation body. The stimulation element expediently has at least one magnetic holding device, preferably a permanent magnet, and at least one magnetic carrier for the stimulation element is arranged movably inside the stimulation body.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a garment to be worn by a patient and a plurality of mechanical percussors carried by the garment. The plurality of mechanical percussors provide percussive forces onto a patient's thorax in order to dislodge mucous buildup in the airways and encourage expectoration of the mucous. The apparatus further includes a controller connected to the garment. The apparatus also includes an electrically operated nebulizer unit that removably attaches to the controller. The controller commands the operation of the mechanical percussors and provides power to the nebulizer unit.

Abstract: An alignment device for coupling a liquid drug cartridge with a longitudinal cartridge axis and a constricted neck portion with a cap and a piercable septum distal from the neck portion with an adapter is presented. The septum is perpendicular to the cartridge axis. The device comprises an adapter cannula with a longitudinal cannula axis to pierce the septum and a proximal cartridge engagement structure for axial aligned engagement with a distal end section of cartridge body. The device further comprises a distal adapter engagement structure for axial aligned engagement with the adapter. A coupling of the cartridge with the adapter is enabled via the alignment device. The adapter and the cartridge are, during the coupling, aligned by the cartridge engagement structure and the adapter engagement structure, respectively relative to each other such that the longitudinal cartridge axis and the longitudinal cannula axis form a common longitudinal axis.

Abstract: An article is described including an article surface and a coating set comprising a tie coating or layer of SiOxCy or Si(NH)xCy applied to the article surface, a barrier coating or layer of SiOx, and a pH protective layer of SiOxCy or Si(NH)xCy. The respective coatings or layers can be applied by chemical vapor deposition of a polysiloxane or polysilazane precursor in the presence of oxygen. Examples of such an article are a prefilled thermoplastic syringe or thermoplastic pharmaceutical vial with a coated interior portion containing a pharmaceutical preparation or other fluid with a pH of 4 to 8, alternatively 5 to 9. The barrier coating or layer prevents oxygen from penetrating into the thermoplastic syringe or vial, and the tie coating or layer and pH protective coating or layer together protect the barrier layer from the contents of the syringe or vial.

Abstract: There is described a package for the reconstitution and administration of fluid medicinal or nutritional substances which are infused or instillable within the body of a patient, comprising a flexible casing containing a vial of a medicinal or nutritional substance in a coupling position to a coupling and perforation device inserted into a mixing tube for the connection with a bag of liquid diluent. The casing comprises a connector provided with an openable and hermetically closable cap, adapted to introduce a mixture of sterilizing gas and oxygen into said casing.

Abstract: A container is provided that includes a top cover, a bottom cover, a body portion configured to engage the top cover and the bottom cover to substantially enclose an internal space defined by the body portion, wherein the body portion includes an intermediate wall that divides the internal space into a first compartment and a second compartment, and a spittoon disposed within the second compartment.

Abstract: Provided are dental articles, and methods of making articles, having an aesthetic inorganic coating based on zirconia at least partially stabilized with yttrium oxide, calcium oxide, cerium oxide, or magnesium oxide. Stabilized zirconia coatings were found to provide a smooth, low friction surface having high abrasion resistance. These coatings are particularly applicable to orthodontic appliances. While virgin stabilized zirconia coatings can often have an undesirable color cast, it was discovered that this color cast can be substantially eliminated by heat treating the coated appliance in an oxygenated environment. The combination of depositing a stabilized zirconia coating and subsequently heat treating to decolorize the coating provides a surprisingly robust, stable, low-friction coating that is also aesthetic.

Abstract: The present application relates to sunscreen formulations, including foamable sunscreen formulations, that comprise zinc oxide and titanium dioxide particles, suitably in the size range of about 1-100 nm. The compositions suitably produce a minimal residual whitening effect when applied to a skin surface.

Abstract: A composition for application to mammalian skin. The composition can include an emulsion comprising an oil phase. The oil phase can include (a) an acrylate polymer in an amount of from about 0.25 wt % to about 10 wt %, and (b) a silicone resin in an amount of from about 0.5 wt % to about 15 wt %; wherein (a) and (b) are dissolved in a non-volatile emollient oil.

Abstract: Disclosed are oral care compositions, for example dentifrice compositions, comprising an oral care composition comprising an orally acceptable vehicle, metal oxide particles having an average particle size of no greater than a dentin tubule and at least one amino acid capable of chelating the metal oxide. The composition may comprise a polymeric adherent material for adhering the metal oxide particles in the dentin tubule. The metal oxide particles have a median particle size of 5 microns or less, and may comprise zinc oxide.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention provides a method of inhibiting, protecting against, or treating UVR-induced skin damage in a mammal at risk of developing UVR-induced skin damage. The method includes the step of topically administering a pharmaceutical or cosmetic composition including an effective amount of a Syk kinase inhibitor to said mammal. The Syk kinase inhibitor inhibits the UVR-induced skin damage in the mammal. Another aspect of the invention provides a method of treating a disease or disorder associated with a change of Syk kinase expression in the skin in a mammal. The method includes the step of topically administering to said skin of said mammal a pharmaceutical or cosmetic composition including a therapeutically effective amount of at least one Syk kinase inhibitor, thereby reducing Syk kinase expression in the skin of the mammal and treating the disease or disorder.

Abstract: Cosmetic compositions in the form of an oil-in-water emulsion, including: a) at least one monoglycerol fatty acid ester A, b) at least one first polyglycerol di-fatty acid ester B, c) at least one second polyglycerol di-fatty acid ester C different from the first polyglycerol di-fatty acid ester B, d) at least one fatty acid ester of the general formula (I) where the R1 and R2 groups independently of one another stand for a saturated or unsaturated alkyl groups having 16 to 26 carbon atoms, e) at least one thickener, and f) at least one cosmetically active substance. Methods are included for using these compositions.

Abstract: Cosmetic compositions in the form of an oil-in-water emulsion include: a) at least one monoglycerol fatty acid ester A, b) at least one first polyglycerol difatty acid ester B, c) at least one second polyglycerol difatty acid ester C which differs from the first polyglycerol difatty acid ester B, d) at least one fatty acid ester of the general formula (I) the residues R1 and R2 mutually independently denoting a saturated or unsaturated alkyl residue with 16 to 26 carbon atoms, and e) at least one organic UV filter. Methods of using such a composition is also disclosed.