Abstract: Systems and method for monitoring gait dynamics are disclosed. The performance of an orthotic or prosthetic device or other device associated with a limb may be measured based on the resistance of a bending sensor. Data from the sensors is gathered or processed, particularly for purposes of alignment, safety, failure, usage, selection, and artificial proprioception. Information relating to the device may be outputted visually or auditorily to an individual.

Abstract: A haptic feedback device (10) for a prosthetic body part (2) or a sensorially deficient body part (2?) comprises a sensor interface (12) configured to be arranged on the prosthetic or sensorially deficient body part (2,2?), equipped with a contact sensor (21) to generate a contact signal (23) according to a contact condition with an object (6); a tactile stimulation unit equipped with a transducer (13,13?) to generate a tactile stimulation (33); a support (15) wearable on a sensorially sound body part (5), on which the tactile stimulation unit is arranged, so as to receive the stimulation (33); a control unit (14) for receiving the contact signal (23) from the contact sensor (21) and comprising a program means (41) configured to cause a control signal (29) to be produced for actuating the transducer, responsive to the contact signal (23), and for cyclically comparing the contact signal (23) with a contact threshold value (Ti,j); for producing the control signal (29) and actuating the transducer (13,13?) when

Abstract: In some embodiments, a stent includes an elongate member and a distal retention member. The elongate member is configured to be disposed within a ureter of a patient and has a first portion, a second portion and a plurality of beads bonded together. The plurality of beads define a plurality of spaces between the plurality of beads. The plurality of spaces are configured to allow fluid to flow from the first portion of the elongate member to the second portion of the elongate member. The distal retention member is configured to help maintain a portion of the stent within a kidney of the patient.

Abstract: An x-ray marker for an endoprosthesis and an endoprosthesis with an x-ray marker are provided. The endoprosthesis includes a hollow cylinder made of a first radiopaque metal and a marker element, which is fixedly connected to the hollow cylinder and which is arranged inside the hollow cylinder and consists of a second radiopaque metal. The marker element can be a metal powder or in the form of metal particles which is/are embedded in the electrically non-conductive material.

Abstract: Medical devices and methods for making and using a medical device are disclosed. An example medical device may include an implantable endoprosthesis. The implantable endoprosthesis may include a cylindrical body having a proximal end, a distal end, and an axial bonding region extending between the proximal end and the distal end. The cylindrical body may include one or more winding filaments and a plurality of discrete axial bonds disposed along the axial bonding region. The discrete axial bonds may secure together edge regions of the one or more winding filaments.

Abstract: Medical devices that include a tubular member with a plurality of braided filaments, each filament crossing another of the filaments at a respective crossing point forming sidewall and a plurality of pores in the sidewall that are sized to inhibit flow of blood through the sidewall into an aneurysm to a degree sufficient to lead to thrombosis and healing of the aneurysm when the tubular member is positioned in a blood vessel and adjacent to the aneurysm, the pores have an average pore size that is less than or equal to about 500 microns when the tubular member is in an expanded state, the filaments possessing antithrombogenic surfaces to increase antithrombogenicity of the medical device with pores substantially free of webs formed by antithrombogenic material, such that fewer than 5% of the crossing points have webs formed by antithrombogenic material thereby permitting the pores to be substantially free of webs.

Abstract: Implantable medical devices and methods for making and using the same are disclosed. An example implantable medical device may include a stent having a first configuration and a second expanded configuration. The stent may define a plurality of nodes. The stent may have a cover member disposed adjacent the nodes. The cover member may be configured to cover at least some of the nodes when the stent is in the expanded configuration.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a ureteral stent (10) having a body (11) and a tail (12). The body (11) of the stent has a renal section (13) intended to be placed in a kidney (R) of a patient, a ureteral section (14) intended to be placed in at least part of a ureter of said patient, and a proximal section (15) arranged at a proximal end of the body of the stent. The tail (12) has at least one thread (16) intended to end in the bladder (V) of said patient. This stent is characterized in that said proximal section (15) has a flexibility greater than the flexibility of the ureteral a section (14) of the stent. The tail (12) is integral with said ureteral section and/or said proximal section (15) and extends beyond the proximal section (15).

Abstract: Delivery devices and vascular devices are described for addressing a target site within a body lumen. The delivery device includes one or more ultrasound transducers positioned to transmit and receive ultrasound signals so as to provide an image of an interior of the patient's blood vessel within which the vascular device is disposed in real time, as the procedure is taking place. Using the images provided by the ultrasound transducers, the longitudinal and rotational position of the delivery device (and the vascular device constrained therein) may be adjusted to align the vascular device with the patient's vasculature. In some examples, the vascular device being delivered includes fenestrations, whereas in others the vascular device integral branch grafts.

Abstract: A crimper device can facilitate sheathing of a stent frame for vascular delivery. The device can include first and second components that rotate relative to each other to drive radial movement of one or more compression members of the device. The one or more compression members can direct and balance a compressive force within an aperture of the device. In use, the stent frame can be positioned within the aperture and be compacted by actuation of the compression members.

Abstract: Systems and methods for addressing the percutaneous intervention related trauma to the vessels that arise from type-III hostile aortic arches, from uncontrolled prolapse of sheaths, embolic protection devices and stent delivery systems, by stabilizing the systems while stenting of the left and right carotid arteries. Guide wires to stabilize catheters used to access the left or right carotid arteries (CA) for carotid percutaneous intervention of the vessels originating from a tortuous aortic arch are disclosed. A bifurcated catheter for stabilizing the catheters is also disclosed. The bifurcated catheter has a main catheter that divides into two separate catheters forming a “Y” shape. One leg of the catheter has a smaller diameter with a smaller working lumen (inner diameter) to carry the stabilizing wire and the other leg of the catheter has a larger working lumen for arterial stenting operations.

Abstract: The use of bifurcated catheter is disclosed for stabilizing working catheters for carotid percutaneous intervention of vessels originating from a tortuous aortic arch, which uses guide wires that used to enable the catheters accessing the left or right carotid arteries (CA). Also disclosed is the use of two independent catheters or a catheter and snare wire within a single sheath, as well as the implementations, associated problems and corrective solutions to the identified problems. Further additional uses of the bifurcated catheter/dual catheter, for access to and treatment of other exemplary tortuous locations where stability of the procedural catheter would make a difference are also disclosed in the current application.

Abstract: A method of crimping a stent on a balloon of a catheter assembly is provided. A polymeric stent is disposed over a balloon in an inflated configuration. The stent is crimped over the inflated balloon to a reduced crimped configuration so that the stent is secured onto the balloon. The balloon wall membrane is wedged or pinched between the strut elements of the stent for increasing the retention of the stent on the balloon.

Abstract: A stent delivery catheter including a catheter tubing defining a lumen therethrough, a balloon disposed near a distal end of the catheter tubing and moving between deflated and inflated states, and proximal and distal balloon control bands concentrically arranged around respective proximal and distal end portions of the balloon. The proximal balloon control band has a proximal end located proximally of a proximal end of the balloon and a distal end located adjacent a proximal end of a received unexpanded stent. The distal balloon control band has a proximal end located adjacent a distal end of the received unexpanded stent and a distal end located distally of a distal end of the balloon. The balloon control bands each have a diametric cross-section larger than the balloon in an uninflated state and the unexpanded stent received over the balloon to impede axial movement of the unexpanded stent off of the balloon.

Abstract: In one aspect, a gastric balloon structure includes multiple isolated non-concentric inflatable chambers and a valve system for introducing fluid into each chamber, where the structure assumes, upon inflating, a curved shape conforming to a natural three-dimensional kidney shape of the gastric cavity.

Abstract: An intestinal barrier sleeve and corresponding treatments using the sleeve are provided herein. The sleeve generally includes an expanding section coupled to a tubular section at an interface there between. The expanding section is expandable from at least a first collapsed position to at least one expanded position, where the expanding section has a conical shape that when expanded retains the sleeve in the subject gastrointestinal tract. The expanding section may further include a plurality of petallike elements extending radially from the narrow end of the conical shape and the petal-like elements may be interconnected with a webbing to form the conical shape.

Abstract: An auxiliary elastic device for a joint protector is capable of producing auxiliary elasticity for human joints. The device includes a connecting body connected to a multiple of serially and pivotally coupled pivots, a through slot penetrated through the connecting body, and at least one stripe elastic rib movably installed in the through slot and capable of providing an elastic supporting force and an elastic restoring force when human joints are bent, so as to achieve the effect of reducing the burden of the joints.

Abstract: A method of making a hinge assembly includes selecting a defined motion path of a hinge assembly comprising a first hinge arm including a first gear having a first plurality of teeth, and a second hinge arm including a second gear having a second plurality of teeth arranged to interact with the first teeth. The defined motion path includes a variable translation of the second hinge arm. The method involves determining a first profile of the first gear along the first teeth and a second profile of the second gear along the second teeth based on the defined motion path. The method involves connecting the first hinge arm to the second hinge arm such that as the second hinge arm rotates relative to the first hinge arm the interaction between the first and second teeth along the first and second profiles translates the second hinge arm along the defined motion path.

Abstract: An articular support for supporting bones connected to one another by joints, includes at least one support splint, which is structured in at least two segments. The support splint has at least one guide per segment to receive a reinforcing element for longitudinal coupling of the at least two segments and coupling means for transverse coupling of this support splint to at least one additional neighboring support splint.

Abstract: A nasal dilator device comprises a substantially U-shaped body including a central portion arranged to span a septum of a nose when worn by a user and first and second leg members extending from the central portion in a first plane. The device further comprises a first cantilever rib member extending outward from the U-shaped body in a second plane and a second cantilever rib member extending outward from the U-shaped body in a third plane, wherein the first and second cantilever rib members extend away from each other. The device further comprises a first intermediate section connecting an end of the first leg member to a proximal end of the first cantilever rib member, wherein the first intermediate section extends between the first plane and second plane and a second intermediate section connecting an end of the second leg member to a proximal end of the second cantilever rib member, wherein the second intermediate section extends between the first plane and the third plane.

Abstract: A urine collection assembly for collecting urine from a user includes a harness that may be worn. A receptacle is coupled to the harness and the receptacle may insertably receive a penis when the harness is worn. Thus, the receptacle may collect urine. A container is provided and the container may be worn. The container is in fluid communication with the receptacle and the container stores the urine.

Abstract: A glove for preventing the wearer from sucking a thumb or one or more fingers comprises a glove body made out of fabric that has a hand portion which receives the hand and a digit portion which receives the thumb and fingers. The digit portion comprises a tubular, open ended digit receiving member for each digit. Some of these are configured as affected members for receiving the affected digits, those being the digits the wearer normally sucks. The affected members extend substantially the entire length of their respective digit. At least one anti-sucking component, preferably an elongated tube, extends along the length of the affected member, but not completely to its open end. The channel defined by the anti-sucking component prevents the wearer from achieving a vacuum against the affected member, thereby preventing suction. The glove has a securing mechanism that prevents the wearer from easily removing the glove.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the invention comprises a pliable enclosure containing a Phase Change Material (PCM) that maintains a nearly constant predetermined temperature while transmitting heat during phase change. The predetermined temperature is maintained which the PCM absorbs heat from the body of the patient, thus maintain the patient's body temperature at a nearly constant predetermined temperature for as long as the PCM material is transitioning phase. The pliable enclosure, which in an embodiment forms an enclosed volume, may be comprised of a shell which contains the PCM. The shell may be fabricated from polyethylene, polyurethane, or any other pliable material and may further comprise graphene covering on at least one of its surfaces to provide a tough exterior that is resistant to puncture by, for example, hypodermic needles, suture needles, scalpels, or other sharp instruments.

Abstract: A system for heating tissue in a subject, has an alternating current (AC) source coupled to a coil; a magnetically permeable passive magnetic concentrator, and positioned to alter an intensity distribution of the field;. The system has a processor with a computer model of coil and concentrator, the memory with code for simulating magnetic fields and configured to generate an intensity map describing the intensity distribution of the AC magnetic field. A method of providing an alternating current (AC) magnetic field to magnetic nanoparticles includes: providing a source of alternating current coupled to a coil; positioning the coil in a vicinity of the nanoparticles; positioning a passive concentrator near the nanoparticles; and energizing the coil to generate the AC field, the field shaped by the concentrator and heats the nanoparticles. A particular embodiment simulates the magnetic field and compares the field to parameters to verify adequate heating of the nanoparticles.

Abstract: A laser-assisted method for fully or partially separating tissue such as collagen containing tissue is provided. In one embodiment, the method pertains to a capsulorhexis whereby the laser-assisted method is applied to the lens capsule. A light-absorbing agent is added into or onto the tissue. A light beam with a wavelength capable of being absorbed by the light absorbing agent is then directed at the tissue to cause a thermal effect at the tissue following a predetermined closed curve with the goal to avoid irregularity or potential tears in the resulting rim of the tissue.

Abstract: Embodiments of this invention relate to a system and method for performing laser ophthalmic surgery. The surgical laser system configured to deliver a laser pulse to a patient's eye comprises a laser engine that includes a compressor configured to compress laser light energy received, the compressor comprising a dispersion or spectrum altering component provided on a computer controlled stage connected to a computing device. A user providing an indication of a desired pulse width received by the computing device causes the computing device to reposition the stage and the component provided thereon, resulting in a different pulse length being transmitted by the laser engine.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing a surgical procedure is provided. The surgical procedure may be a phacoemulsification procedure but other procedures may employ the techniques disclosed. The design includes sensing, within the surgical site, for a material change in fluid flow relative to a predetermined threshold. Upon sensing the fluid flow materially differs from the predetermined threshold, the design temporarily increases aspiration vacuum pressure to the surgical site above a predetermined upper threshold toward a maximum vacuum level. The design applies electrically generated disruptive energy, including but not limited to laser and/or relatively low power ultrasonic energy, to the surgical site from a first point in time measured from when aspiration vacuum pressure is above the predetermined upper threshold to a second point in time where pressure falls below a predetermined lower threshold.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for creating an aqueous flow pathway in the trabecular meshwork, juxtacanalicular trabecular meshwork and Schlemm's canal of an eye for reducing elevated intraocular pressure. Some embodiments described apparatus and methods useful in photoablation of tissues. In some embodiments, a photoablation apparatus is used to perforate a tissue, forming an aperture into a space behind the tissue. Gases formed during a photoablation process can be used to pressurize the space behind the tissue to enhance patency of the space. In some embodiments the tissue is the trabecular meshwork of the eye and a wall of Schlemm's canal, and the space behind the tissue is a portion of the lumen of Schlemm's canal. In some embodiments, the method is useful in the treatment of glaucoma by improving outflow from the anterior chamber of the eye into Schlemm's canal, reducing intraocular pressure.

Abstract: Several embodiments disclosed herein relate to the delivery of therapeutic nucleic acids to an ocular tissue in order to provide a therapeutic effect to reduce symptoms of or otherwise alleviate an ocular disorder. In particular embodiments, plasmid DNA is delivered to the cells of the trabecular meshwork in order to ameliorate increasing intraocular pressure. Devices and systems to accomplish this delivery are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method for increasing the amplitude of accommodation and/or changing the refractive power of lens material of a natural crystalline lens is provided. Generally, there is provided methods and systems for delivering a laser beam to a lens of an eye in a plurality of patterns results in the increased accommodative amplitude and/or refractive power of the lens. There is further provided a system and method of treating presbyopia by increasing both the flexibility of the human lens and the depth of field of the eye.

Abstract: A method of dilating a first Eustachian tube (ET) and a second ET of a patient using a dilation catheter includes directing the dilation catheter into the mouth of the patient and advancing the dilation catheter into a first ET on one side of the patient's head while a proximal portion of the dilation catheter is disposed in the mouth of the patient. The method further includes expanding the expandable member to thereby dilate the first ET. The method may further include repositioning the dilation catheter relative to a second ET on another side of the patient's head and advancing the dilation catheter into the second ET while a proximal portion of the dilation catheter is disposed in the mouth of the patient. The method may further include expanding the expandable member to thereby dilate the second ET.

Abstract: A dilation catheter includes a shaft and an expandable element. The shaft includes a proximal portion and a distal portion. The distal portion includes a tip and a bend. The tip is sized and configured to pass through an isthmus of a Eustachian tube (ET). The bend is proximal to the tip. The bend is formed at an angle configured to provide insertion of the tip into the isthmus of the ET via an ear canal associated with the ET. The expandable element is disposed at the distal portion of the shaft. The expandable element is configured to transition between a non-expanded state and an expanded state. The expandable element in the non-expanded state is configured for insertion into the ET via the isthmus. The expandable element in the expanded state is configured to dilate the ET.

Abstract: A novel earplug is disclosed. The earplug comprises an elastomeric insert and a metal casing. The elastomeric insert is substantially cylindrical in shape and has a first end and a second end. The metal casing is substantially cylindrical in shape and comprises a circular outer wall, an internal cavity disposed within the circular outer wall, and a first end and a second end disposed the opposite end of the first end. The first end has a substantially flat base covering the first end and the second end has an opening into the internal cavity. The first end of the elastomeric insert is disposed through the second end of the metal casing and is secured with an adhesive within the internal cavity of the metal casing. The second end of the elastomeric insert extends outward from the metal casing.

Abstract: An item of clothing for treating skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders, includes a tubular body with at least one relatively inelastic part having an inner layer defining an inner face of the inelastic part, the inner layer including a plurality of protruding spaced apart elements. A relatively elastic part extends from a first axial end to an opposite axial end of the tubular body and connects a first edge of the inelastic part to a second edge of the inelastic part. The item further includes: a flap which is relatively inelastic and has an inner layer defining an inner face of the flap, the inner layer including a plurality of protruding spaced apart elements, the flap being secured to at least part of the first edge of the inelastic part, and a device for reversibly attaching the flap to at least part of the second edge of the inelastic part.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an advanced postoperative compression binder including at least two overlapping stretchable bands. The bands are connected by stitches located within an overlapping portion of the bands. The stitches are spaced from first and seconds ends of the bands to allow individual compression-adjustments of the binder to allow compression to be adapted to the type of surgery or trauma performed and to a level of comfort desired by the patient. The invention provides for wound inspection and care without the need to open the total compression binder, which will maintain a degree of support during wound inspection and care, decrease pain and increase comfort for the patient.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an absorbent article, comprising a fluid permeable topsheet, a backsheet, an absorbent element disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet wherein the absorbent article has a caliper expansion measured at 5 minutes of at least 275%. The present invention also relates to an absorbent article, comprising a fluid permeable topsheet, a backsheet, an absorbent element disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet wherein the absorbent article has a dry caliper of 4.5 mm or less and wherein the absorbent article has a caliper expansion, measured at five minutes of at least 75%. The present invention also relates to an absorbent article, comprising a fluid permeable topsheet, a backsheet, an absorbent element disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet wherein a ratio of the caliper expansion measured at 5 minutes to the dry peak stiffness is at least 0.5%/N.

Abstract: An absorbent structure comprising a single stratum exhibiting a Capillarity Work Potential greater than the Capillarity Work Potential trade-off Boundary.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an absorbent article, comprising a fluid permeable topsheet, a backsheet, an absorbent element disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet wherein the absorbent article has a caliper expansion measured at 5 minutes of at least 275%. The present invention also relates to an absorbent article, comprising a fluid permeable topsheet, a backsheet, an absorbent element disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet wherein the absorbent article has a dry caliper of 4.5 mm or less and wherein the absorbent article has a caliper expansion, measured at five minutes of at least 75%. The present invention also relates to an absorbent article, comprising a fluid permeable topsheet, a backsheet, an absorbent element disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet wherein a ratio of the caliper expansion measured at 5 minutes to the dry peak stiffness is at least 0.5%/N.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for minimizing waste and improving quality and production in web processing operations in a high speed, small footprint environment. In particular, the invention is directed to aligning cuff webs, affixing no-waste ear webs to the cuff webs, and attaching the combination of back ears and cuff webs to a top sheet.

Abstract: A catamenial device is disclosed. The device having a topsheet, a backsheet joined to said topsheet, and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet. The absorbent core has a perimeter, a longitudinal centerline, and a transverse centerline. The catamenial device further having a visible pattern having at least one circle and at least two or more slots that are visible when viewing the topsheet.

Abstract: Absorbent articles that include elastics in multiple layers are disclosed herein.

Abstract: An absorbent structure comprising a heterogeneous mass comprising one or more enrobeable elements and one or more discrete open cell foam pieces wherein at least one of the discrete open cell foam pieces comprises a first vacuole and a second vacuole wherein the first vacuole has a first cross sectional area, wherein the second vacuole has a second cross sectional area, wherein the first vacuole enrobes a first enrobeable element, wherein the second vacuole enrobes a second enrobeable element, wherein the first enrobeable element and the second enrobeable element exhibit different surface properties.

Abstract: An Absorbent article comprising a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core comprising an absorbent structure, wherein the absorbent structure exhibits a Cross Direction bending rigidity between 0.3 gf*cm?2/cm and 1.6 gf*cm?2/cm and a Machine Direction bending rigidity between 1.5 gf*cm?2/cm and 14 gf*cm?2/cm.

Abstract: An absorbent product comprising a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core, the absorbent core comprising an absorbent structure comprising one or more stratum comprising one or more enrobeable elements, wherein a smooth transition zone is exhibited between an acquisition portion of the absorbent structure and a storage portion of the absorbent structure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an absorbent article, comprising a fluid permeable topsheet, a backsheet and an absorbent element disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet wherein the absorbent article has a caliper expansion, measured at 1 minute of at least 150%. The present invention also relates to an absorbent article, comprising a fluid permeable topsheet, a backsheet and an absorbent element disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet wherein the absorbent article has a ratio of dry caliper to the caliper expansion measured at 1 minute of 3 mm/% or less.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an absorbent article, comprising a fluid permeable topsheet, a backsheet and an absorbent element disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet wherein the absorbent article has a ratio of the acquisition rate to the dry peak stiffness is at least 0.5 ml/Ns.

Abstract: An absorbent core structure comprising two or more layers wherein the upper layer is a heterogeneous mass layer comprising a longitudinal axis, a lateral axis, a vertical axis, one or more enrobeable elements, and one or more discrete open-cell foam pieces wherein the open-cell foam pieces.

Abstract: The invention relates to a laminate (1) comprising at least one support element (2), for example a nonwoven fabric, in particular an SMS nonwoven, and at least one nonwoven loop fabric (3), in particular a carded nonwoven, secured to the support element (1), in particular by means of calendaring with the first nonwoven fabric, characterised in that the curve representing the force required to stretch the laminate along a given axis (e.g. the MD axis or the CD axis of the laminate) as a function of elongation, comprises a segment in which, starting from a zero elongation value, the force increases from zero up to a maximum force, corresponding in particular to the rupture of the laminate, and the curve comprises an inflection point (Pi) on said segment.

Abstract: A method for evaluating the bunched compression of an absorbent structure is described. The method includes placing an absorbent structure in a tensile tester comprising a first end and a second end, moving the first end and the second end of the tensile tester toward each other such that they compress the absorbent structure along its width, lowering a loading probe that compresses the absorbent structure perpendicular to the absorbent structure, and raising the loading probe and decompressing the absorbent structure perpendicular to the absorbent structure. The loading probe acquires data.

Abstract: An ambulance cot platform system allows variably raising a cot platform to many different positions to accommodate patients with varying weights. After a cot with a patient is placed on the cot platform, the weight of the patient is determined, and a desired position of multiple defined positions of the cot platform is determined from the patient's weight. The multiple defined positions may be a function of air pressure in air bladders, or the physical location of the platform itself. The air bladders are then inflated or deflated until the desired position of the cot platform is achieved. The result is a cot platform that has different positions to accommodate patients of different weights, thereby providing a ride with comfort that is optimized according to the weight of the patient being transported.