Abstract: Various embodiments of a mesh or implant systems are provided. The implants can include one or more anchors, arms and the like. The anchors can include hingeable or patterned finger extension to facilitate tissue penetration and retention. Various tensioning and adjustment mechanisms, devices and methods are further provided for the implant systems.

Abstract: A unitary or homogeneous patterned implant is provided. The implant is constructed of patterned cells formed by way of a molding, die casting, laser etching, laser cutting, extruding, and the like. Portions of the implant can be formed into sinusoid or other waveform strut members. One or more undulating anchor arms or rods extend out from the implant for tissue fixation, with the one or more undulating anchor arms including one or more arcuate bends.

Abstract: A vascular filter includes filtration struts formed between a hub and a supporting stent structure including stent struts. The hub and the filtration basket are formed from a material that is more biodegradable that the material from which the supporting stent structure is formed. The vascular filter is laser cut from an intermediate tube.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides for a double cone filter and a delivery apparatus for deploying the filter within the body. The filter may have superior and inferior rings connected to each other by a plurality of connectors. The rings may have a first degradation rate, and the connectors may have a second degradation rate. The second degradation rate may be faster than the first degradation rate, such that the connectors degrade faster than the rings. In this way, the filter has a filtering state when the connectors are present. After the connectors degrade or partially degrade, the rings may relax against the vessel wall in an open state. After a sufficient length of time, the rings also degrade such that the filter is completely removed from the body.

Abstract: A conductive porous fabric can be formed, such as by using a template material. The porous fabric can be conductive, such as thick enough to be self-supporting, or supported such as by another structure. The porous fabric can be used in implantable or percutaneous applications, such as to provide an immunoisolation barrier. In another example, the fabric can be coupled to an electric potential, such as to facilitate gas evolution when the porous fabric is located in an aqueous medium. Such gas evolution can be used for various purposes, such as to maintain living cell viability by providing oxygen, or for self-cleaning. Illustrative examples of porous fabric materials include gold, platinum, palladium, iridium, niobium, or a form of carbon such as graphene.

Abstract: Disclosed is a ureteral stent having a body and a tail. The body of the stent has a renal section intended to be placed in a kidney of a patient, a ureteral section intended to be placed in at least part of a ureter of the patient, and a proximal section arranged at a proximal end of the body of the stent. The tail has at least one thread intended to end in the bladder of the patient. The proximal section (16) has a flexibility greater than the flexibility of the ureteral area of the stent.

Abstract: A device includes a first end portion, a second end portion, an intermediate portion between the first end portion and the second end portion, and a graft material coupled to at least the intermediate portion. The first end portion has a first end diameter. The second end portion has a second end diameter larger than the first end diameter. The intermediate portion tapers between the first end portion and the second end portion. A method of diverting fluid flow from a first passage to a second passage comprising deploying the device in a third passage between the first passage and the second passage, expanding the first end portion against sidewalls of the first passage, and expanding the second end portion against sidewalls of the second passage.

Abstract: An eye implant with an optical implant region for correcting an imaging error of the eye, wherein starting with biometrically determined data of optically effective components located in front of the retina of the eye, respectively data obtained through wave front measurement, the optical implant region is adjusted for a monofocal vision with a visual acuity of at least 0.7 (70%) within a field of focus depth of at least 2 diopters.

Abstract: Described are implants for placing in a body, tools for delivering the implants, and systems and methods for using implants and tools for placing in a body and more particularly to nasal implants, tools for delivering nasal implants, and systems and methods for using such implants and tools. A tool may include a hand-held implant delivery device that holds, moves, orients, inserts, or shapes an implant. An implant may be a biodegradable, longitudinal implant that may be oriented for implantation by an implant delivery device.

Abstract: A catheter (4) based medical system (1) and medical procedure for reducing cardiac valve regurgitation are disclosed. The system comprises a resilient curvilinear shaped annuloplasty implant (3) for reducing the size of a dilated annulus (18) of said valve for reducing said regurgitation having resilient anchoring elements (300), and a delivery device (2) for said annuloplasty implant (3) having a distal curvilinear shaped portion (200) that is hollow to mount said annuloplasty implant (3) and has an annular opening (201) arranged to be in apposition against an annulus (18) of said cardiac valve. The annuloplasty implant (3) is arranged to be releasable in said hollow and has said resilient anchoring elements (300) arranged in a restrained spring loaded delivery conformation in said hollow, and wherein said resilient anchoring elements (300) when released are arranged in a tissue engaging conformation protruding out of said opening.

Abstract: An embodiment includes an apparatus comprising: a hollow needle with a narrowed inner diameter in a distal third of the needle; and a flexible chord coupled to proximal and distal conduits; wherein the distal conduit is in the needle and distal to the narrowed inner diameter and the proximal conduit is in the needle and proximal to the narrowed inner diameter; wherein: (a)(i) long axes of the proximal and distal conduits are substantially parallel to a long axis of the needle when the proximal and distal conduits are in the needle, and (a)(ii) the proximal and distal conduits are configured to rotate when deployed from the needle such that their long axes are not parallel to a long axis of the chord when the chord is fully extended. Other embodiments are described herein.

Abstract: Mitral valve prolapse and mitral regurgitation can be treating by implanting in the mitral annulus a transvalvular intraannular band. The band has a first end, a first anchoring portion located proximate the first end, a second end, a second anchoring portion located proximate the second end, and a central portion. The central portion is positioned so that it extends transversely across a coaptive edge formed by the closure of the mitral valve leaflets. The band may be implanted via translumenal access or via thoracotomy.

Abstract: Systems and methods for implanting a spinal implant between two vertebral bodies are provided. The spinal implant may include a main body adapted to rest between and adjacent to the two vertebral bodies, the main body having a cavity therein adapted to hold a filler and a cap adapted to connect to the main body where the cap is connectable after the main body has been inserted between the vertebral bodies and after the filler has been inserted into the cavity of the main body. The cap is securable to the main body by means of a securement member providing for a permanent connection between the main body and the cap.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for repairing a defect in an anatomical feature, the defect having a surface that defines a volume. The method includes receiving imaging data obtained using a medical imaging technique. The imaging data represents the anatomical feature. In one example, the method further includes creating a three-dimensional (3D) model of a mold for an implant based on the imaging data. The mold includes a cavity that replicates the volume of the defect. In another example, the method further includes creating a 3D model of an implant based on the imaging data. The implant is configured to fill the volume of the defect. In various implementations, the mold, the implant, and/or a replica of the implant are formed based on the 3D model of the mold or the 3D model of the implant. Guides and implants corresponding to the method are also disclosed.

Abstract: A unicompartmental knee prosthesis for implantation in a knee joint between a femoral condyle and a corresponding tibia plateau is provided including a generally elliptical body having opposed femoral and tibial face, the body having an anterior end and a posterior end. A keel is provided on the tibial face having a generally anterior-posterior orientation, the keel having an anterior end and a posterior end, where the keel posterior end includes a distal posterior portion that extends farther toward the body posterior end compared with a proximal posterior portion of the keel posterior end.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a shoulder prosthesis. The shoulder prosthesis includes a glenoid component, a humeral component, and an articulation component. The glenoid component includes a glenoid body having a proximal side and a distal side, the distal side shaped to engage with a resected portion of a glenoid cavity. The humeral component includes a humeral body having a proximal side and a distal side, the distal side shaped to engage with a resected portion of a humerus. The articulation component is positionable between the proximal side of the glenoid component and the proximal side of the humeral component, the articulation component configured to be maintained between the glenoid and humeral components, after implantation, by at least one of a deltoid muscle and a rotator cuff.

Abstract: An expandable spinal implant is provided having a frame with a distal wall for retaining an expansion plug such that bone growth promoting material may be introduced to a proximal portion of the implant after expansion. Various implants, systems and methods are disclosed.

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

Abstract: 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 includes: making a first incision in a patient defining a first lateral direction to a first lateral side of the patient's spine; inserting an intervertebral prosthesis through the first incision and into an intervertebral space of the spine in the first lateral direction; locating the intervertebral prosthesis between an endplate of a first vertebral bone of a spine, and an endplate of an adjacent, second vertebral bone of the spine; closing the first incision; making a second incision in the patient defining a second lateral direction to a second lateral side of the patient's spine, opposite to the first direction and the first lateral side; reversing the locating of the intervertebral prosthesis from the endplate of the first vertebral bone of the spine, and from the endplate of the adjacent, second vertebral bone of the spine; removing the intervertebral prosthesis from the intervertebral space of the spine from the second lateral direction and out through the second incision; and closing the sec

Abstract: An orthopaedic surgical instrument system that includes an orthopaedic surgical instrument adapted to be positioned on a proximal end of a patient's tibia, and a tibial bearing trial assembly, and a tibial evaluation component, and a tibial base trial component configured to be coupled to the orthopaedic surgical instrument. A tibial evaluation component includes a base plate and a generally Y-shaped posterior buttress extending upwardly from a superior surface of the base plate, such that the posterior buttress of the insert component is configured to be received in the opening of the tibial bearing trial assembly to prevent rotation of the tibial bearing trial component relative to the tibial base trial component.

Abstract: An orthopaedic surgical instrument system that includes an orthopaedic surgical instrument adapted to be positioned on a proximal end of a patient's tibia, and a tibial bearing trial assembly, and a tibial evaluation component, and a tibial base trial component configured to be coupled to the orthopaedic surgical instrument. A tibial evaluation component includes a base plate and a generally Y-shaped posterior buttress extending upwardly from a superior surface of the base plate, such that the posterior buttress of the insert component is configured to be received in the opening of the tibial bearing trial assembly to prevent rotation of the tibial bearing trial component relative to the tibial base trial component.

Abstract: Embodiments herein are generally directed to vertebral implants and implant trials for use with vertebral implant assemblies. In some embodiments, these implants and implant trials may be used in conjunction with corpectomy procedures.

Abstract: Catapult ankles and related methods are disclosed. An example ankle prosthesis for operation in a swing phase and in a stance phase includes a motor, wherein the motor is configured to store energy with a first spring during the swing phase and plantarflex the ankle prosthesis during a push off portion of the stance phase.

Abstract: Connector between a prosthetic socket and a prosthetic limb, the prosthetic socket including an open proximal end intended to receive a sleeve, and a closed distal end, the prosthetic limb including a fastener provided with a threading, the connector including: a base; an upper wall extending from the base, and configured to receive the distal end of the prosthetic socket; a tapping formed in the base, and configured to cooperate with the threading of the fastener of the prosthetic limb; wherein the upper wall forms an enclosure configured to envelop the distal end of the prosthetic socket, and wherein the enclosure is off-centered with respect to the base.

Abstract: An adjustable seal system includes a suspension liner having a liner body and an outer surface. A plurality of seal bands are located along a height of the liner body. A seal component is arranged for removably securing to the liner body. The seal component includes open upper and lower ends defining an opening therethrough and an internal surface arranged to frictionally engage at least one of the seal bands and secure on the outer surface of the liner. The seal component also includes an upper portion descending to at least one seal, and a lower portion.

Abstract: A stent and method for treating an end of a pre-woven stent is provided. The method includes providing a pre-woven stent including a plurality of sharp ends. A pair of wire portions that extend in opposite helical directions around the stent are bent and woven into the stent to define a pair of overlapping crown portions. When the wires are woven into the stent a double weave portion of the stent is defined. The wires can be cut to define tail portions that are removed from the stent, leaving a single crown portion. The sharp ends can be alternatively treated by curving the ends to define rounded looped ends.

Abstract: This disclosure provides for a medical device to be implanted in the vasculature and a method for treatment in the vasculature. The device has an outer layer of a first material and an inner layer of a second material attached to the outer layer. The inner layer further has a plurality of elastomeric tensioners. If the device experiences relaxation, resulting in a decreased radial force against the vessel wall, the elastomeric tensioners may provide a contraction force to the inner layer and the outer layer, resulting in a maintained radial force on the vessel wall.

Abstract: A scaffold includes a marker connected to a strut. The marker is retained within the strut by a tongue-and-groove connection. The marker is attached to the strut by a process that includes pressing a non-circular marker into a rectangular hole of the scaffold strut. The strut sidewalls are restrained to produce the tongue and groove connection.

Abstract: A medical device retrieval system can include an elongate core member and an expandable member coupled to a distal portion of the elongate core member. The expandable member can move between collapsed and expanded states. The expandable member has an exterior having barbs positioned therealong. The expandable member can be expanded to contact and engage a portion of a medical device positioned within the vasculature of a patient in order to retrieve and remove the medical device therefrom. When the expandable member moves to the collapsed state, it can move the medical device from a higher profile configuration to a lower profile configuration to facilitate retrieval.

Abstract: A coated medical device (10) including a structure (12) adapted for introduction into a passage or vessel of a patient. The structure is formed of preferably a non-porous base material (14) having a bioactive material layer (18) disposed thereon. The medical device is preferably an implantable stent or balloon (26) of which the bioactive material layer is deposited thereon. The stent can be positioned around the balloon and another layer of the bioactive material posited over the entire structure and extending beyond the ends of the positioned stent. The ends of the balloon extend beyond the ends of the stent and include the bioactive material thereon for delivering the bioactive material to the cells of a vessel wall coming in contact therewith. The balloon further includes a layer of hydrophilic material (58) positioned between the base and bioactive material layers of the balloon.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a system for implanting membrane, a system and method for implanting a membrane and a stent respectively. The system for implanting membrane comprising: a body guide wire, a guide core, movably sleeved on the body guide wire, and a catheter, for releasably holding a membrane, the catheter is movably sleeved outside of the guide core, wherein the system for implanting membrane is provided with an adjusting mechanism for adjusting the axial position of the membrane released by the catheter, and the adjusting mechanism is detachably connected with the membrane. The adjusting mechanism detachably connected with the membrane according to the present invention can not only adjust the axial position of the released membrane, but also causes no influence on the normal work of the blood vessel of a patient after the adjustment and improves the implanting efficiency and effect of the membranous stent.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for inducing weight loss using blood flow control are described herein. The apparatus and methods operate by controlling blood flow to the stomach and/or small bowel.

Abstract: A mechanism for removing a fluid-filled object such as an intragastric balloon from a patient. The apparatus includes a delivery tube having a lumen and a retrieval tool able to slide within the lumen that can both puncture and grasp the intragastric balloon. The retrieval tool may have sharpened graspers with either a sharp tip and/or knife-like edges. Alternatively, the delivery tube itself may have sharpened cutting blades that deploy outward to puncture the intragastric balloon. One embodiment utilizes a suction cup tip on the delivery sheath and a sharpened puncture rod that extends past the distal tip of the lumen, for rapid deflation of a balloon. Various embodiments hasten the deflation process and simplify the manipulation required by the surgeon.

Abstract: A leg lift walking aid for assisting a person with limit leg functionality is provided. The leg lift walking aid comprises a waist band suitable for wearing around a use and a foot plate capable of being placed under a foot of the user. A pair of straps between the waist band and foot plate are provided wherein each strap comprises at least one flexible portion and at least one non-flexible portion. A central band, suitable for wearing on a leg below a knee of a user comprises at least one guide wherein the guide receives at least one strap and preferably slidably.

Abstract: A fully conformable, full contact orthopedic cast is shown for an affected area of a patient such as a limb or appendage requiring immobilization. A method for installing the cast on a patient is also shown. The cast includes an initially flexible bladder which is filled with a curable compound. The bladder may be conformably installed on the limb to be immobilized. Once the bladder is conformed to the limb, the curable compound is cured, as by the use of LED light, or UV-irradiation. The cast is easy to remove simply by unzipping a cross-linked closure strip, eliminating the need to use a saw to remove the cast.

Abstract: A device promotes triple flexion of the hip, knee and ankle. The device includes a belt, knee cuff, ankle wrap, foot wrap and two pairs of adjustable bands. The device is configured to promote triple flexion in the hip, knee and ankle of the user during the swing phase of walking when the user has the belt wrapped around the user's waist, the knee cuff wrapped around the user's knee, the ankle wrap wrapped around the user's ankle and the foot wrap wrapped around the user's foot.

Abstract: A customizable knee brace for use in the treatment of osteoarthritis is provided. The customizable knee brace includes a lateral upright. The lateral upright includes at least a first semi-rigid support, a second semi-rigid support, and a hinge physically coupling the first semi-rigid support and the second semi-rigid support. The customizable knee brace further includes a thigh cuff constructed of formable material and coupled to the first semi-rigid support. The customizable knee brace further includes a shin cuff constructed of formable material and coupled to the second semi-rigid support. The customizable knee brace further includes an elastomeric web framework coupled to the lateral upright and configured to secure an area of a knee of a patient when wearing the customizable knee brace. The customizable knee brace further includes at least one tensioning element configured to adjust a tension of the elastomeric web framework.

Abstract: The present invention teaches a back support system for providing posture and orthopedic benefits to the user, comprising, in combination, a frontal support member, a rear support member, and at least one adjustable triple ply belting or strap formed to provide with an intermediary member a triple ply construction.

Abstract: A remotely operated snore-stopping pillow includes a pillow, a wired controller, and a wireless controller. The pillow includes a body receiving a bladder. The wired controller includes a wireless receiver, a high/low controller for the pillow, and a control valve. The wireless receiver is connected to the high/low controller. The control valve is connected to an air pump and a sound sensor. The sound sensor is connected to a snore-stopping function controller. The high/low controller is connected to the control valve. The control valve is connected to the bladder of the pillow via an air tube. The wireless controller includes a wireless transmitter, a high/low adjustment signal generator connected to the wireless transmitter, and a snore-stopping function signal generator.

Abstract: A mask is provided to cover the face of a person. The mask can be attached to a person's face through an adhesive strip, which is connected along an interior surface of the mask. An oral region on the mask is defined by a lip, opening, and an elastic tongue sleeve. A power source is placed in the mask to support electrical components. Possible electrical components include an electrical contact for generating sensual shocks, a vibrator for increasing pleasure of sexual acts such as cunnilingus, and an illumination source for adjusting ambient lighting. Such components may be controlled through an interface placed on the mask, or remotely via a wireless component that communications with a control module placed within the mask.

Abstract: Treatment systems, methods, and apparatuses for improving the appearance of skin and other treatments are described. Aspects of the technology are directed to improving the appearance of skin by reducing a vascular structure. A non-invasive cooling device can cover and cool the vascular structure to affect the blood vessels of the vascular structure.

Abstract: A method and an article of manufacture are disclosed for exchanging heat with a human body part to reduce fever, reduce localized swelling, warm up feet, cool down the body, increase body core temperature, and the like. A double walled water-tight article of clothing, such as a boot or a glove, may include a fluid inlet and outlet. A single walled but water-tight article of clothing may be used around a body part and allow the water to contact the skin inside the article of clothing for more rapid and direct heat exchange. Pumps, heating or cooling elements, thermometers or other devices may be included with the article of clothing. The article of clothing may be compartmentalized to concentrate the fluid around a particular body part. The fluid may continuously enter through an inlet and exit from an outlet in the article of clothing, or be a fixed amount.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an assembly for controlling a temperature of at least a part of a person, comprising an esophagus catheter to be inserted into the esophagus of the person for controlling the temperature. The esophagus catheter extends along a longitudinal axis and comprises a proximal heat exchanger defining a first flow direction having a first axial component relative to the longitudinal axis, and a distal heat exchanger defining a second flow direction having a second axial component relative to the longitudinal axis. The esophagus catheter further comprises a plurality of coolant channels each in fluid communication with at least one of the proximal heat exchanger and the distal heat exchanger, and a coolant pump connected or connectable to at least one of the plurality of coolant channels. The assembly is configured to cause simultaneously a coolant flow through the proximal heat exchanger and the distal heat exchanger.

Abstract: A contact lens applicator for use in the application and removal of contact lenses, is disclosed. The contact lens applicator comprises a hollow cylindrical tube defining a curved portion at one end having a straight portion attached to a suction bulb at the distal end. The end tip surface of the curved portion defines a generally solid concave-shaped cup surface having a center hole surrounded by an outer edge circular ring of smaller diameter holes for allowing air to pass in and out of the cylindrical tube through the cup surface. The diameter of the cylindrical tube and cup surface are slightly greater than the diameter of a contact lens. In use, the contact lens applicator temporarily grasps using air pressure a soft contact lens for applying the soft contact lens to a user's eye and for removing a soft contact lens therefrom without discomfort to the user or damage to the lens.

Abstract: The present invention comprises an implant for placing inside the eye such that the implant comes into contact with the interior tissue of the eye such that it conforms to the inner globe geometry of the eye. Implants of the present invention may also be used to alter the focal length of the eye thereby providing a treatment method for the correction of myopia and hyperopia. The device may consist of several possible configurations, an open mesh structure, a solid metal ring, a solid polymer shape, a mesh polymer shape or combination of these.

Abstract: A goggle having a lens changing system is disclosed that includes a sliding lever that is traversable between a closed and opened position. The sliding lever, in the opened position, allows the lens to be released from the frame so that the user can either switch out the lens to a different lens that would be more appropriate for the current lighting conditions or to replace the current lens which may be defective. Additionally, the lens changing system has a nub and hole combination that further secures the lens to the frame so that the lens does not inadvertently dislodge off of the frame during active sports.

Abstract: An approach to notifying a person who is hard of hearing of audible events based on a configurable device. The device has microphones and associated buttons mounted on its surface. The user programs the device by depressing a selected button longer than a preconfigured time to place the device in listen mode. The user generates the desired audible event and the device records the audible event. The selected button is depressed again to instruct the device to associate the audible event with a visual alarm indicator of colored/flashing lights and/or a text projection. The device listens for the audible event and activates the visual alarm indicator when the device detects the audible event.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an earplug including a body having a first end, a second end and a longitudinal axis extending from the first end to the second end, a bore defined within the body and extending from the first end to the second end along the longitudinal axis of the body, and a pressure regulator positioned within the bore and providing an air flow rate of 3.4×10?6 to 7.8×10?5 cc/sec through the bore.

Abstract: Some embodiments relate to a wound dressing, packages containing such dressings and methods of their manufacture. Such wound dressings may comprise: a cohesive bandage having a length and a width, the length being substantially greater than the width; and an absorbent pad affixed to the bandage near to but spaced from a terminal end of the bandage so as to form a tail portion between the pad and the terminal end of the bandage.