Abstract: There is disclosed a system and method for dispersing sterile water from a circulating high-purity water system to a processing field containing allograft tissue. One embodiment includes a fluid inlet that is fluidly coupled with and configured to receive sterile water from the water system. The dispersion system also includes at least first and second fluid outlets that are selectively operable to deliver respective first and second fluid streams into different areas of the processing field. At least one of the first and second fluid outlets may be associated with a regulator valve configured to provide an adjustable flowrate to conserve water pulled from the circulating water system to meet the needs of the application taking place within the processing field. Other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of trialing an intervertebral disc space, comprising the steps of : a) creating the disc space, b) inserting a trial into the disc space, the trial having i) a distal head having an upper surface and a lower surface connected by a pair of side walls, the side walls defining planes, and ii) a proximal rod, wherein the head and rod form an obtuse angle, and wherein the rod extends through at least one of the planes defined by the side walls of the head.

Abstract: A prosthetic foot, comprising a core, on which a proximal fastening device for fastening the prosthetic foot to a lower-leg tube or to a lower-leg shaft is arranged and which is surrounded by a foot casing. The foot casing forms a cavity, in which the core is inserted. A slot-shaped recess is formed in a front foot region of the foot casing, into which slot-shaped recess a tongue arranged on the core is inserted. The front foot region has a stiffness that deviates in comparison with the rest of the foot casing.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described, including identifying a subject as suffering from hypertension. In response to the identifying (a) a radius of curvature of a first set of at least three regions of an arterial wall of the subject is increased at a given longitudinal location, while (b) allowing the first set of regions of the arterial wall to pulsate. A device is implanted inside the artery at the longitudinal location such that the device applies pressure to the arterial wall at a second set of at least three regions of the artery, but does not contact the first set of regions, the first set regions and the second set of regions alternating with each other. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: An implantable biocompatible expander suitable for implantation into a urinary duct, comprises an elongated sinusoidal ring comprising at least two proximal prongs and at least two distal prongs, wherein the expander is resiliently deformable from a relaxed radially expanded orientation to a radially contracted orientation suitable for transluminal delivery through the urinary duct. The expander is configured to exert an outward radial force against a wall of the urinary duct when in-situ within the urinary duct. In particular, the expander is suitable for treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia and configured for implantation into the prostatic urethra between, and substantially spanning the prostatic urethra between, the bladder neck and external sphincter.

Abstract: A stent is formed of at least a cobalt-based alloy. The cobalt-based alloy may include 10-35 weight % metal member selected from the group consisting of platinum (Pt), gold (Au), iridium (Ir), osmium (Os), rhenium (Re), tungsten (W), palladium (Pd), tantalum (Ta), and combinations thereof; 16-21 weight % chromium (Cr); 9-12 weight % molybdenum (Mo); 0-25 weight % nickel (Ni); and balance cobalt (Co). The cobalt-based alloy may be a thin outer shell of a hollow stent. The cobalt-based alloy may be used to form at least one of an inner core and an outer shell of a core-shell structure of a stent. The cobalt-based alloy may be used to form an end of a wire for forming a stent.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods to precondition, arterialize, and/or occlude a mammalian luminal organ. In an exemplary embodiment of a device, the device comprises a frame comprising a plurality of struts and configured for expansion, and a covering surrounding at least an external perimeter of the frame, the covering comprising an impermeable material, wherein the device is configured for expansion without requiring the introduction of a gas and/or a liquid therein.

Abstract: For percutaneous minimally-invasive intervention in vessels originating from other tortuous vessels, such as the tortuous aortic arch, guide wires/catheters are used to enable procedural catheters to access the vessels where an interventional procedure is needed. Two new methods for fixing a stabilization wire/catheter and providing the needed tension and stabilization without a second percutaneous access are disclosed (1) using a micro-anchor and pin and (2) using a modified Fogarty Balloon. These methods are also usable for access to and treatment of peripheral embolisms in tortuous vessels as well as renal and other visceral interventions.

Abstract: Stent delivery systems and methods for making and using the same are disclosed. An example stent delivery system may include an inner member. A deployment sheath may be disposed about the inner member. A stent may be disposed between the inner member and the deployment sheath. The deployment sheath may include a translucent reinforcing member that allows for visualization of the stent during stent deployment.

Abstract: A medical device according to the present invention is to be arranged in a lumen of a gastrointestinal tract. The medical device includes: at least one cylindrical part which is opened at least one end thereof; and at least one attachment part which is arranged on at least one portion of the cylindrical part and is configured such that the medical device is attachable to the lumen of the gastrointestinal tract. The cylindrical part is configured to be arrangeable along at least one portion of the gastrointestinal tract, and at least one portion of a side surface of the cylindrical part is configured to be followable to a shape of an inner wall of the gastrointestinal tract.

Abstract: A reduced absorption device may include a proximal anchor and a distal sleeve including a frame and a membrane. The membrane may include a plurality of porous regions, and each porous region may be configured to align with a corresponding region of an intestine configured to absorb nutrients.

Abstract: A device for treatment of plantar fasciitis is provided. The device includes a foot strap, a thigh strap and a resistance band. The foot strap includes an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface of the foot strap is sized to secure around a foot of a user in between the ankle and toes. The thigh strap also includes an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface of the thigh strap is sized to secure around a thigh of the user. The resistance band includes a first end attached to the foot strap and a second end attached to the thigh strap. To treat the plantar fascia, the user bends their foot downwards and curls the toes against the resistance of the resistance band.

Abstract: A walking apparatus is provided that includes a sole having an adjustable length, the sole comprising a heel portion, a forefoot portion operatively coupled to the heel portion, the forefoot portion configured for adjustment from a first position to at least one other position relative to the heel portion, wherein a length of the sole is configured to adjust from a first length to a second length when the forefoot portion is adjusted from the first position to the at least one other position.

Abstract: The invention comprises an elastomeric athletic or orthopedic brace, support for a joint complex and is an elastomeric sleeve having a distal portion and a proximal portion that surrounds and supports one or more joints and with fenestrations or cut-outs and optional supplemental supports or framework so as to provide an external anatomically configured network which augments the effects of the ligaments. The brace can be used prophylactically or therapeutically.

Abstract: A wrist and thumb brace comprised of: a wrist brace portion for stabilizing a user's wrist, the wrist portion having a first aperture adapted for a user's right thumb when the brace is on a user's right hand, and a second aperture adapted for a user's left thumb when the brace is on a user's left hand, the first and second apertures configured to facilitate ambidextrous use of the brace; and a thumb brace portion for stabilizing a user's thumb, the thumb brace portion removeably attachable to the wrist brace portion at a first location adjacent to the first aperture when the brace is on a user's right hand, the thumb brace portion removeably attachable to the wrist brace portion at a second location adjacent to the second aperture when the brace is on a user's left hand.

Abstract: An ankle stretch orthosis includes a foot assembly having a ball support assembly adjustably mounted on a foot plate. The foot assembly includes an adjustment mechanism for selectively adjusting a position of ball support assembly relative to the foot plate to align the ball support assembly with a ball portion of a foot that is one of supinated and pronated.

Abstract: Provided is a supporter in which it is possible to prevent floating of the supporter from the back portion of a wearer of the supporter in an upper side and a lower side of a back-contact section having a wide width and reliably support the waist portion of the wearer. The supporter 100 comprises: a band-shaped body section 10 provided with a back-contact section 11 which is brought into contact with the back portion of a wearer, and protruding sections 12 protruding to the right and left from both sides of the back-contact section 11; a pair of right and left auxiliary band sections 31 and 32 fixed so as to intersect one another in the vicinity of an upper side 11a of the back-contact section 11; a pair of right and left adjustment band sections 51 and 52 loosely inserted into annular rings 41 and 42 respectively disposed at the auxiliary band sections 31 and 32; and a band-shaped support band section 70 fixed to the vicinity of a lower side 11b of the back-contact section 11.

Abstract: This invention relates to an emergency splint for supporting injured limb comprising of a large part and a small part wherein the large part comprising of a plurality of longitudinal strips and the small part comprising of a plurality of transverse strips joined together such as herein described.

Abstract: A method of securing a patient onto an operating table when the patient is in the Trendelenburg position and apparatus therefor including a kit. A viscoelastic pad is used to support and hold a patient on a medical procedure table during a medical procedure performed while the table, and thus the patient lying thereon, is in an inclined position, such as the Trendelenburg position. The viscoelastic pad has characteristics which promote a minimization of pressure forces on the patient's body, as well as promote a secure cushioning and holding of the patient in a desired position on the table, in order to minimize injury to the patient.

Abstract: A flexible, elastic, theraputic, pressure device for men. Two flexible bars are affixed to a flexible soft containment apparatus using superficial pressure meaning toward or at the body surface laterally, along two sides of the penile shaft longitudinally. The device does not reach as far as the glans corona at its distal edge.

Abstract: The colostomy balloon plug has three parallel conduits with a combined charcoal and hydrophobic filter at one end of the largest central first conduit. The largest central first conduit is open at one end and has the combined charcoal and hydrophobic filter at its other end, for elimination of bowel gas. A shorter parallel second conduit terminates on one end in a first balloon and on a second end in a first one-way valve. A shortest parallel third conduit terminates on one end in a second balloon and on a second end in a second one-way valve. A syringe and extension conduit is selectively attached to the two one-way valves. Air, saline solution or sterilized water can be introduced from the syringe through the one-way valves of the extension conduit to inflate the two balloons about the largest central first conduit. The one-way valves prevent deflation of the balloons unless the shorter or shortest parallel conduits are cut to allow the fluid from the two balloons to exit and deflate the balloons.

Abstract: An undergarment including a main body having a back panel and a pair of front panels extending from opposite sides of the back panel with the front panels interconnectable to one another such that the main body defines a continuous structure. A pair of shoulder straps extend from an upper edge of the main body with each shoulder strap including a rear strap portion and a front strap portion which are interconnectable to one another such that the shoulder straps define an arm hole on each side of the undergarment. Each armhole has a lowermost point along the main body. An underbust band extends along a lower edge of the main body. Each strap front portion has a length from a free end thereof to the lowermost point which is approximately equal to a total height defined by a height of the main body at the lowermost point plus a height of the underbust band.

Abstract: An ostomy appliance having a releasable receptacle for concealing an ostomy bag where the receptacle is asymmetrical and includes an enlarged cavity portion and expandable portion located below the stoma which provides additional area into which the bag may unroll as waste collects therein. In an alternate embodiment there is no bag and waste collects directly into the receptacle.

Abstract: In an adjuster for an airway securing device, a base member fixed to one of an upper jaw side attachment body and a lower jaw side attachment body is provided with a base member side half tube part and a slide member fixed to the other of the upper jaw side attachment body and the lower jaw side attachment body is provided with a slide member side half tube part. The base member side half tube part and the slide member side half tube part form a tube part in which an adjusting bolt is disposed on its inner peripheral side. A base member side flange part is formed at a base end of the base member side half tube part and a slide member side flange part shape is formed at a base end of the slide member side half tube part.

Abstract: A sleep apnea oral appliance in which a pair of appliance trays are worn over respective orthodontic trays. The appliance trays are adjustable in order to allow them to be used with a series of orthodontic trays.

Abstract: There is provided a method for controlling a flow of fluid in the vas deferens in order to obtain a controlled male contraception. The method comprises gently constricting (i.e., without substantially hampering the blood circulation in the tissue wall) at least one portion of the tissue wall to influence the flow vas deferens, and stimulating the constricted wall portion to cause contraction of the wall portion to further influence the flow in the vas deferens. The method can be used for restricting or stopping the flow in the vas deferens, or for actively moving the fluid in the vas deferens, with a low risk of injuring the organ.

Abstract: This disclosure provides an ophthalmic thermal therapeutic apparatus including: a handheld housing; and a thermal therapeutic apparatus provided on the housing, the thermal therapeutic apparatus including: a therapeutic member to be brought into contact with an affected area; an electrothermal conversion circuit including an electrothermal conversion element configured to generate temperature change in the therapeutic member; a temperature control apparatus configured to hold a temperature of the therapeutic member to be a desired value; a power switch; and a power source, wherein a surface of an extremity portion of the therapeutic member to be brought into contact with the affected area is formed of a convex curve having a minimum radius of curvature from 2 mm to 8 mm, preferably from 4 mm to 6 mm.

Abstract: A therapeutic apparatus includes a housing (40), a circuit module (20) mounted in the housing, an electric heating element (10) mounted in the housing and electrically connected with the circuit module, an air delivery and regulating unit (30) mounted in the housing and electrically connected with the circuit module, and a control unit (50) mounted on the housing and electrically connected with the circuit module, the housing and the air delivery and regulating unit. Thus, the therapeutic apparatus has a sterilization effect and has the effect of blood circulation and cell activation.

Abstract: The present invention provides devices, systems and methods for delivering one or more thermal waveforms to the vestibular system and/or the nervous system of a patient. In some embodiments, the present invention provides a vestibular stimulation device configured both to generate a prescription for delivering one or more thermal waveforms and to deliver the prescribed thermal waveforms.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to warming systems and methods of using such warming systems. The warming systems include a heating pad and a controller. The heating pad includes a pouch having a substrate contained therein and a heating element disposed on the substrate. The heating element may include conductive ink, it may be a polymeric sheet doped with one or more metals, or it may be a fabric impregnated with one or more metals. The heating pad may also include thermocouples, pressure sensors, and temperature change sensors.

Abstract: A method for generating cut surfaces in the cornea of an eye in order to correct ametropia using an apparatus. The method includes providing the apparatus including a laser unit, which focuses pulsed laser radiation into the cornea and moves the focused radiation in the cornea to generate cut surfaces, and a control unit, which controls the laser unit for generating cut surfaces. The method includes forming at least two mutually spaced apart cut surfaces as opening cuts by application of the pulsed laser radiation from the laser unit, each opening cut extending from an anterior corneal surface into the cornea and forming a further cut surface as a relieving cut by application of the pulsed laser radiation from the laser unit, which relieving cut extends from the anterior corneal surface into the cornea. The position and shape of the relieving cut is selected such that the relieving cut contributes to the correction of the ametropia of the eye.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are drug delivery devices and methods for the treatment of ocular disorders requiring targeted and controlled administration of a drug to an interior portion of the eye for reduction or prevention of symptoms of the disorder. The devices are capable of controlled release of one or more drugs and may also include structures which allows for treatment of increased intraocular pressure by permitting aqueous humor to flow out of the anterior chamber of the eye through the device.

Abstract: A steerable laser probe may include a handle, an actuation structure of the handle, a housing tube, an optic fiber, and an optic fiber sleeve. The housing tube may have a first housing tube portion having a first stiffness and a second housing tube portion having a second stiffness. The second stiffness may be greater that the first stiffness. The optic fiber may be disposed within an inner bore of the handle, the optic fiber sleeve, the actuation structure, and the housing tube. The optic fiber sleeve may enclose at least a portion of the optic fiber and the optic fiber sleeve may be disposed within the actuation structure and the housing tube. A compression of the actuation structure may be configured to curve the housing tube and the optic fiber.

Abstract: A laser probe with replaceable optic fibers may include a handle, an optic fiber fixture, and a replaceable optic fiber. The replaceable optic fiber may include an optic fiber having an optic fiber distal end and an optic fiber proximal end. The optic fiber may be disposed in a first transitory connector having a first transitory connector distal end and a first transitory connector proximal end wherein the optic fiber distal end extends a fixed distance from the transitory connector distal end. The optic fiber may be disposed in a second transitory connector having a second transitory connector distal end and a second transitory connector proximal end wherein the optic fiber proximal end extends a fixed distance from the second transitory connector distal end. The first transitory connector may be inserted in the handle and the second transitory connector may be inserted in the optic fiber fixture.

Abstract: A goggle lens is revealed. The goggle lens includes a first surface, a second surface opposite to the first surface, and a protective film connected to either the first surface or the second surface. The protective layer is a multi-layer structure formed by a silica composite film layer, a first zirconium dioxide film layer, a first silica film layer, an indium tin oxide (ITO) film layer, a second zirconium dioxide film layer and a second silica film layer in turn. Thereby harmful light such as blue light, infrared light, etc. is blocked by the protective film and ultraviolet light is also absorbed by the protective film for protecting user's eyes from damages.

Abstract: An eye mask for a person includes a forward portion adapted to cover the person's eyes and having a malleable nose bridge, and two side straps each fixed with the forward portion and terminating at strap ends each having at least one part of a first two-part mechanical fastener. At least one of the side straps may include a first part of a second two-part mechanical fastener for attachment to a seat retention strap adapted to encircle a portion of a seat. Other adjustable attachment means that include a plurality of different straps for encircling the seat or headrest of a seat are included for retaining the person's head against the seat. Each side strap may include a pocket formed therein for holding an ear plug.

Abstract: In some illustrative examples, a medical drape suitable for treating a tissue site may include an adherent surface including first adherent force profile oriented along a first axis and a second adherent force profile oriented along a second axis. The first adherent force profile may have an average force less than an average force of the second adherent force profile. Other apparatuses, systems, and methods are also provided.

Abstract: A breathable orthopedic cast having a variable width along its length is provided. The cast is formed of a breathable netting impregnated with a moisture activated hardener. Along the length the cast has a reduced width portion to aid in conforming over a joint such as an ankle.

Abstract: A pad-shaped absorbent article includes a liquid-permeable topsheet, a backsheet and an absorbent body between the top- and backsheets. The topsheet, the backsheet and the absorbent body respectively have an extensibility in the longitudinal direction. The extensibility of at least one of the topsheet and the backsheet is an elastic extensibility. The sheets have first regions extending across the absorbent body in the transverse direction to express an elastic extensibility and second regions having an elastic extensibility in the longitudinal direction lower than that of the first regions.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a recycling apparatus for recycling a heated gas, such as heated air, the apparatus comprising a Venturi nozzle. The present disclosure also relates to process for recycling a heated gas, the process comprising regulating the flow of gas by a Venturi nozzle.

Abstract: This absorbent article has sufficient pliability even when an absorbent body is bonded to a transport material, a wrap material, etc., and is pleasant to wear. In this absorbent article (1), an absorbent body (4) includes at least a hydrophilic fiber-containing hydrophilic fiber layer (5) having multiple non-through slits (8), and in the surface opposite of the surface having the slits (8), the hydrophilic fiber layer (5) has multiple recesses (9) in positions corresponding to the multiple non-through slits (8) in the thickness direction of the absorbent article (1).

Abstract: A disposable diaper, having a longitudinal direction and a lateral direction, an absorbent main body having an absorbent body, a back waist part located on one end of the absorbent main body, and an abdominal waist part located on another end of the absorbent body, the absorbent body having side parts in the lateral direction provided with a pair of embossed lines formed by embossing from a skin side of the absorbent body, and the embossed lines each including a protrusion point, protruding inward in the lateral direction, located in a center of the disposable diaper in the longitudinal direction in a midsection of the disposable diaper or on a back waist part side with respect to the center, and a back line, linear or curved outward, extending outward in the lateral direction from the protrusion point, as a starting point, toward the back waist part in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: Disposable pull-on diapers of the present disclosure may have optimized waist circumferential length and leg opening length.

Abstract: Provided is an absorbent article in which the shape of projections formed in a predetermined region of a topsheet can be maintained. In this absorbent article: a nonwoven fabric that has a skin-side surface having projections formed thereon is used as a topsheet; and an absorbent body has formed therein a through hole that penetrates the absorbent body in the thickness direction.

Abstract: An absorbent core for use in an absorbent article is provided and comprises a core wrap enclosing an absorbent material, the absorbent material comprising superabsorbent polymer particles. The core wrap comprises a top side and a bottom side. The absorbent core comprises one or more area(s) substantially free of absorbent material through which the top side of the core wrap is attached to the bottom side of the core wrap (i.e. core wrap bond(s)), so that when the absorbent material swells, the core wrap forms one or more channel(s) along the area(s) substantially free of absorbent material. The superabsorbent polymer particles have a value of Effective Capacity (EFFC) of at least 27 g/g. The Effective Capacity (EFFC) is calculated via the formula below: EFFC=(CRC+AAP)/2. The Centrifuge Retention Capacity (CRC) is measured according to the Centrifuge Retention Capacity (CRC) test method and the Absorption Against Pressure (AAP) is measured according to the Absorption Against Pressure (AAP) test method.

Abstract: An absorbent core for use in an absorbent article is provided and comprises a core wrap enclosing an absorbent material, the absorbent material comprising superabsorbent polymer particles. The superabsorbent polymer particles represent less than 85% by weight based on the total weight of the absorbent material. The core wrap comprises a top side and a bottom side, the absorbent core comprises one or more area(s) substantially free of absorbent material through which the top side of the core wrap is attached to the bottom side of the core wrap, so that when the absorbent material swells the core wrap forms one or more channel(s) along the area(s) substantially free of absorbent material. The superabsorbent polymer particles have a value of Absorption Against Pressure (AAP) of at least 22 g/g according to the Absorption Against Pressure Test Method and a bulk density of at least 0.5 g/ml according to the Bulk Density Test Method.

Abstract: As absorbent article for absorbing urine includes a topsheet which is a nonwoven fabric that has a skin-side surface having projections formed thereon. The content by percentage of fibers oriented in the thickness direction in each projection of the nonwoven fabric is greater than the content by percentage of fibers oriented in the thickness direction in sections of the nonwoven fabric other than the projections. The thickness of the nonwoven fabric when wet is greater than or equal to 85% the thickness of the nonwoven fabric when dry. The nonwoven fabric includes a first fiber layer and a second fiber layer. The first fiber layer is constituted by durable hydrophilic fibers, and the second fiber layer is constituted by durable hydrophilic fibers and non-durable hydrophilic fibers.

Abstract: [PROBLEM] To prevent an overlapping portion formed by overlapping the side portions of an enveloping sheet for enveloping an absorber from opening, and to enable a fluid to smoothly diffuse in the absorber. [SOLUTION] An incontinence pad (1) includes a permeable front-side sheet (3), a back-side sheet (2), an absorber (4) enveloped by an enveloping sheet (5) and disposed between the permeable front-side sheet and the back-side sheet, and bilaterally-symmetric embossments (10) formed in a front surface of the permeable front-side sheet (3). An overlapped portion (9) is formed on a front side of the absorber (4) along a longitudinal direction by overlapping the side portions of the enveloping sheet (5).

Abstract: A multilayer wrapper film for a hygiene product has a first outer layer, a second outer layer, and a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer between the first outer layer and the second outer layer and forming therewith respective adhesive bonds. The adhesive bond between the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer and the first outer layer is stronger than the adhesive bond between the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer and the second outer layer. An overall thickness of the first and second outer layers with the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer arranged therebetween is between 20 ?m and 80 ?m.

Abstract: A male undergarment that holds an absorbent pad has a waistband and first and second pant portions and a centered hole. A trapezoidal flap is placed over a front panel where the first and second sides of the trapezoidal flap are sewn into the garment, such that the sewn portion of the trapezoidal flap covers the hole. The unattached first and second sides of the trapezoidal flap are releasably secured to the garment via complimentary snaps and snap holders, such that when the snaps are engaged to the snap holders a pouch is formed by the trapezoidal flap and the garment.