Abstract: A penis erection stimulation system comprises one or more infusion needles disposed within and implanted along with one or more housings adjacent the patient's left and right corpora cavernosa. A reservoir and a pump are also implanted inside the patient's body to supply the infusion needle with infusion liquid. A drive unit also adapted for implantation inside the patient's body is arranged for advancing and retracting the tip end of the infusion needle such that it penetrates the housing at least in two different penetration areas either simultaneously or in immediate time succession, thereby injecting drugs along with the infusion liquid into the patient's body for stimulating penis erection.

Abstract: Systems and methods for magnetic induction of a penile prosthesis are disclosed. The magnetic induction system includes a wand that has a coil arrangement covered with a thermal and electrical insulator sheath operable to generate an alternating magnetic field. The coil arrangement of the sheath is configured to receive the length of the penile prosthesis therein. The penile prosthesis may be made from a shape memory material such that application of alternating magnetic fields generated by the magnetic induction system induces eddy currents that raise the temperature of the penile prosthesis to a temperature above the austenitic transformation temperature that allows the penile prosthesis to achieve an erect state.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a multilayer film for covering a bone defect site. The film comprises at least one substantially completely bioresorbable covering layer, and the at least one covering layer is placed on a thermally deformable and substantially completely bioresorbable molding layer. The at least one covering layer is connected to the molding layer thermally and/or mechanically, preferably in a compressed manner, wherein—mandrel-like protrusions are arranged on the molding layer, the protrusions being pressed into the at least one covering layer by the placement of the at least one covering layer on the molding layer and/or pushed through the at least one covering layer, and/or—substantially completely bioresorbable connection devices, preferably rivets or pins, are pushed through the molding layer and the at least one covering layer.

Abstract: A locking implant is provided for a long bone. The locking implant comprises a head portion, a stem portion extending from the head portion, and an anchor disposed at an end of the stem portion for engagement within a resected long bone. The anchor defines at least one locking feature, such as a cam, configured to engage an interior of the resected long bone upon rotation of the implant, thereby locking the head portion to the long bone. The implant may comprise a two component modular design. Methods of locking the implant to a long bone structure are also provided.

Abstract: A surgical navigation module comprising: (a) a microcomputer; (b) a tri-axial accelerometer; (c) a tri-axial gyroscope; (d) at least three tri-axial magnetometers; (e) a communication module; (f) an ultrawide band transceiver; and, (g) at least four ultrawide band antennas.

Abstract: The implants of the invention relate to improved implants formed using additive manufacturing techniques, the implants including a hemispherical cup portion, and an ischium flange, a pubic ramus flange and an ilium flange, each flange extending outwardly from the perimeter of the hemispherical cup portion, wherein the implant surface includes an area of integrally formed three dimensional scaffold on the bone apposition surfaces of the cup portion and on a bone apposition surface of at least one of the flanges of the implant. The invention also relates to implants with different surface texture and alignment features, together with methods for the manufacture of patient-specific implants of the invention.

Abstract: A kit for use in arthroplasty. The kit including a shell which has a shell locking section. The kit further including a liner adapted to be inserted into the shell. The liner includes an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein the inner surface is generally concave. The outer surface is adapted to engage the shell, and includes a liner locking section and a curved section. The curved section has a radius. The shell locking section and the liner locking section are adapted to engage one another. The shell locking section and the liner locking section are self-locking tapers. The curved section extends tangentially from the liner locking section at a first transition point.

Abstract: Surgical methods and tibial implants for accommodating the anterior cruciate ligament during unicompartmental or bi-unicompartmental knee arthroplasty procedures.

Abstract: An orthopaedic implant comprises an articulation head comprising a bearing surface and a reverse surface and a securement disk. The securement disk comprises an attachment surface attached to at least a portion of the reverse surface of the articulation head, a securement surface opposite the attachment surface and adapted for coupling to a fixation plate secured to a bone, and at least one opening formed in the securement surface of the securement disk and adapted to accept fasteners therein. The securement disk comprises a porous material.

Abstract: An apparatus can include a base plate. A glenosphere can be configured to be mountable to the base plate. The glenosphere can be adapted to operate with a complementary humeral component. The base plate can include a removable taper member on a side of the base plate facing the glenosphere. The taper member can be configured to mount the glenosphere to the base plate.

Abstract: Ankle prosthesis (400) comprising a tibial component (100), a talar component (200) and an intermediate component (300) interposed between said tibial component (100) and said talar component (300). The prosthesis has an anatomical shape and enables restoration of articular functionalities. Also described are a tool for the shaping of a talus, which shaping is aimed at the implant of the talar component (200) of said prosthesis (400), and a surgical tool for enabling a shaping of the tibia aimed at the implantation of the tibial component (100).

Abstract: A scaphoid prosthesis comprises a body bounded by an outer surface, wherein the outer surface is substantially corresponding to a patient's scaphoid. The body of the scaphoid prosthesis comprises a tubular base element including a first end portion and a second end portion and a plurality of protruding portions. A passage is provided in the tubular base element for a fixation means for fixing the scaphoid prosthesis in its position. The passage is configured as a curved passage.

Abstract: According to some embodiments of the invention, an intervertebral disc replacement includes a first layer having a lower surface for contacting a first vertebral bone, a second layer coupled to the first layer, the second layer comprising a plurality of compressible column springs, and a third layer coupled to the second layer, the third layer having an upper surface for contacting a second vertebral bone. Each of the plurality of compressible column springs comprises a plurality of stacked coils, and each of the plurality of stacked coils has a spring constant (K). At least one of the plurality of compressible column springs includes a first coil having a first spring constant and a second coil comprising a second spring constant, wherein the first spring constant is different from the second spring constant.

Abstract: Intervertebral implants for implanting into an intervertebral space are provided. The implants can comprise one or more layers that are operably attached to one another. An implant can comprise a first layer having a first mating surface that mates with a second mating surface of a second layer. The first mating surface and the second mating surface can have features that allow them to complement each other. The implants can include one or more bore holes for receiving a fixation member. The bore holes can be horizontal, vertical or diagonal. In some cases, the bore holes will be blind bore holes.

Abstract: A laterally deflectable asymmetric implant for implanting into a body may comprise a deflectable piece having distal and proximal ends and assuming a straightened insertion state. The backbone may abut or interconnect with said deflectable piece at the distal end of the deflectable piece. In a fully deflected state the implant may define an asymmetric shape, e.g. a D-shaped loop, defining an at least partially enclosed volume. The deflectable piece may comprise a sequence of segments interconnected at effective hinges. Longitudinal pressure applied to the proximal end of the deflectable piece (or applied to the backbone in an opposite direction) may cause relative longitudinal movement between the backbone and the proximal end of the deflectable piece and may generate outward horizontal movement of the deflectable piece away from the backbone. In one embodiment, the implant is implanted using lateral access into an anterior zone of a vertebra and deployed posteriorly.

Abstract: The invention encompasses devices and methods for treating one or more damaged, diseased, or traumatized intervertebral discs to reduce or eliminate associated back pain. Specifically, the invention encompasses intervertebral nucleus and annulus implants that are resistant to migration in and/or expulsion from an intervertebral disc space. The invention further encompasses kits including the implantable devices of the invention and associated delivery tools to treat annular and nuclear tissue.

Abstract: An expandable spinal implant configured for positioning within a space between adjacent vertebral bodies includes an upper body, a lower body, a ratchet mechanism, and a plurality of bone screws. The upper body and lower body are pivotably affixed at a first end and are capable of movement relative to each other. The ratchet mechanism is slidably disposed on one of the upper and lower body and is capable of engaging the opposite one of the upper and lower body thereby permitting movement of the upper and lower body relative to each other in a first direction, but not in a second direction. An insertion instrument capable of being attached to the expandable spinal instrument and a method of performing spinal surgery is also disclosed.

Abstract: An adjustable spinal fusion intervertebral implant including upper and lower body portions each having proximal and distal surfaces at proximal and distal ends thereof. The implant can include a proximal wedge member disposed at the proximal ends of the respective ones of the upper and lower body portions, and a distal wedge member disposed at the distal ends of the respective ones of the upper and lower body portions. First and second linkages can connect the upper and lower body portions. Rotation of an actuator shaft can cause the distal and proximal wedge members to be drawn together such that longitudinal movement of the distal wedge member against the distal surfaces and the longitudinal movement of the proximal wedge member against the proximal surfaces causes separation of the upper and lower body portions.

Abstract: A spinal insert provides for a method of spinal adjustment to adjust inter-vertebral spacing and alignment of vertebral bodies relative to a pre-determined reference line determined from measurement including but not limited to the pelvic incidence, pelvic tilt, and C7 plumb line. The device includes an upper arm and a lower arm extending outwardly from a base section defining a frame. An adjustment member is positioned between the upper arm and the lower arm. The adjustment member has a plurality of distinct lengths measured straight through a center of the adjustment member. The adjustment member is rotatable wherein an angle between the upper arm and the lower arm is selectively adjustable by rotation of the adjustment member. Spacing of vertebral endplates using a plurality of the frames described permits adjustment of the vertebral bodies to a desired angle relative to the pelvic orientation of an individual patient.

Abstract: The intervertebral implant is in the form of a three-dimensional structure (10) comprising (a) a top side (1) and an underside (2) which are designed to rest against the end plates of two adjacent vertebras, (b) a left side face (3) and a right side face (4), (c) a front face (5) and a rear face (6), (d) a horizontal center plane situated between the top side (1) and the underside (2), (e) a vertical center plane (8) situated between the left side face (3) and the right side face (8) and (f) a plurality of boreholes (9) passing through the implant structure (10) that are designed to receive longitudinal affixation elements (20), the axes (19) of said elements intersecting the horizontal center plane (7). At least one of the boreholes (9) is designed in a manner that the affixation element (10) received in it can be rigidly connected to the intervertebral implant. Said connection is implemented using a thread or by matching conical surfaces.

Abstract: Tissue spacer implants and surgical methods for inserting the implants are disclosed. The implants may include a first cylindrical body with an outer surface, an axially extending hole, and a first end, a second cylindrical body with an outer surface and an axially extending hole, and an adjustment member with an outer surface, an axial hole, and at least one helical slot. The adjustment member axial hole may be adapted to receive the first cylindrical body and the adjustment member may be configured to be inserted into the axially extending hole of second cylindrical body. The implants may also include a travel mechanism for engaging the first cylindrical body, adjustment member, and second cylindrical body along the at least one helical slot to maintain a space between two bodies of tissue.

Abstract: Methods and devices are disclosed for manipulating alignment of the foot to treat patients with flat feet, posterior tibial tendon dysfunction and metatarsophalangeal joint dysfunction. An inflatable implant is positioned in or about the sinus tarsi and/or first metatarsal-phalangeal joint of the foot. The implant is insertable by minimally invasive means and inflatable through a catheter or needle. Inflation of the implant alters the range of motion in the subtalar or first metatarsal-phalangeal joint and changes the alignment of the foot.

Abstract: A tool and method for locating a proper position for a portal incision for hip arthroplasty, the tool being a tubular body having a first portion defining a first axis, a second portion defining a second axis non-parallel to the first axis, the second portion having a directional tool and a lead coaxially aligned, wherein when the tubular body is placed adjacent to an acetabulum with the directional tool aimed at the acetabulum and perpendicular to a plane of the face of the acetabulum, the lead points to location on the skin that would be the proper location for the portal incision. The lead may have a blunt tip, a cutting instrument, or an opening through which a flexible tool can be inserted to forge a path towards the proper location for the portal incision.

Abstract: Instruments, kits, and methods are disclosed for installing an implant spacer through an incision and down a surgical corridor. The instruments also serve to align a drill guide and align and insert a spacer stabilizer for stabilization of adjacent bone portions. The instrument comprises an elongated guide bar body, an inserter face at a distal end of said guide bar body for abutting an instrument attachment portion of a spacer, a connection tip portion for securing a spacer against an inserter face, and a guide portion of said elongated guide bar body for aligning instruments with said spacer and for introducing a stabilizer to secure the spacer in a predetermined position between the bone portions. Included is a retractable graft block for securing graft material within an aperture of said spacer during insertion of the spacer.

Abstract: The present invention involves systems and related methods for performing surgical procedures and assessments, including the use of neurophysiology-based monitoring to: (a) determine nerve proximity and nerve direction to surgical instruments employed in accessing a surgical target site; (b) assess the pathology (health or status) of a nerve or nerve root before, during, or after a surgical procedure; and/or (c) assess pedicle integrity before, during or after pedicle screw placement, all in an automated, easy to use, and easy to interpret fashion so as to provide a surgeon-driven system.

Abstract: The present invention involves systems and related methods for performing surgical procedures and assessments, including the use of neurophysiology-based monitoring to: (a) determine nerve proximity and nerve direction to surgical instruments employed in accessing a surgical target site; (b) assess the pathology (health or status) of a nerve or nerve root before, during, or after a surgical procedure; and/or (c) assess pedicle integrity before, during or after pedicle screw placement, all in an automated, easy to use, and easy to interpret fashion so as to provide a surgeon-driven system.

Abstract: In some embodiments of a prosthetic or orthotic ankle/foot, a prediction is made of what the walking speed will be during an upcoming step. When the predicted walking speed is slow, the characteristics of the apparatus are then modified so that less net-work that is performed during that step (as compared to when the predicted walking speed is fast). This may be implemented using one sensor from which the walking speed can be predicted, and a second sensor from which ankle torque can be determined. A controller receives inputs from those sensors, and controls a motor's torque so that the torque for slow walking speeds is lower than the torque for fast walking speeds. This reduces the work performed by the actuator over a gait cycle and the peak actuator power delivered during the gait cycle.

Abstract: There is provided a motion reproducing system and a motion reproducing apparatus that store human motions and reproduce them. The motion reproducing system includes a data acquiring apparatus acquiring body motion data representing a motion of a subject during the motion, and transmitting the body motion data, a data managing apparatus receiving the body motion data from the data acquiring apparatus, the data managing apparatus including a memory storing the body motion data, and a motion reproducing apparatus receiving the body motion data stored in the memory from the data managing apparatus, and allowing a reproducer to reproduce the motion of the subject using the body motion data, the motion being performed at the time of acquisition of the body motion data.

Abstract: An intra-frame positioning sling may be disposed internally within a prosthetic socket frame. The sling may include one or more proximal suspension portions adapted to suspend from a proximal aspect of the frame and a tensioning system. The sling may include a first longitudinal side with one or more proximal suspension portions and an opposite longitudinal side that includes the residual limb interfacing or force application portion of the sling. When the tensioning system is tensioned, the sling is pulled toward the first longitudinal side of the prosthetic socket frame. A set of two positioning slings may be rigged in a transfemoral prosthetic socket frame; one sling applies force on a medial side of a hosted residual limb, and the other sling applies force on the lateral side.

Abstract: A liner for a prosthesis includes an inner face and an outer face, at least one flow channel with at least one inlet opening and at least one outlet opening extending between the inner face and the outer face, and a one-way valve arranged in the course of the at least one flow channel in such a manner that a fluid can flow through it only from the at least one inlet opening towards the at least one outlet opening.

Abstract: A transtibial prosthetic socket frame may include a distal base assembly having a base plate, a carriage configured to support a socket suspension arrangement, and a distal prosthetic component connector. The distal base assembly supports a set of struts that includes two anterior struts and a single posterior strut. The set of struts and distal base assembly collectively define a prosthetic socket cavity having a central longitudinal axis and a residual limb hosting volume. The distal prosthetic component connector has a connecting adapter that is rotatable with respect to the prosthetic socket, and moveable with respect to the base plate between being aligned with the prosthetic socket's central longitudinal axis and a position offset therefrom.

Abstract: An expandable stent for implantation in a body lumen, such as an artery, is disclosed. The stent consists of a plurality of radially expandable cylindrical rings generally aligned on a common longitudinal stent axis and interconnected by one or more interconnecting links placed so that the stent is flexible in the longitudinal direction. The link pattern is optimized to reduce strain on the links and enhance longitudinal flexibility and security of the stent. The stent includes a distal end ring and a proximal end ring that have a length that is shorter than the length of the body rings.

Abstract: Stents can become twisted during deployment within tortuous vessels such that proper expansion against the vessel wall is inhibited. Stents can be twisted prior to deployment in a direction opposite the direction of twisting during deployment to facilitate full expansion of the stent against the vessel wall along the stent's entire length.

Abstract: A variety of passive intragastric implant devices for obesity treatment are disclosed. Such passive implants do not autonomously change shape, but instead react within the stomach to induce satiety. The implants may take up volume within the stomach, thus reducing the digestive capacity. Additionally, the implants may contact areas within the stomach, such as the cardia surrounding the esophageal sphincter, to stimulate satiety-inducing nerves. Also, a number of implants slow gastric emptying by blocking or otherwise impeding flow through the pyloric sphincter. Other implants delay digestion by providing a duodenal sleeve. A number of implants combine two or more of these satiety-inducing features. Methods of implant are disclosed including compressing the implants within a delivery tube and transorally advancing the implants through the esophagus to be deployed within the stomach. Removal of the implants occurs in the reverse.

Abstract: Devices and methods for forming and securing tissue folds and elongated invaginations in stomach tissue are used as a treatment for obesity. In a first embodiment, a plurality of tissue folds is formed in the fundus region of the stomach. In methods for surgically altering stomach tissue to change gastric emptying, plications are formed in the stomach to speed up or slow down gastric emptying, depending on the number and locations of applications used.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an article and more specifically, to a garment with support strips such as kinesiology tape and related methods of manufacturing.

Abstract: The present wrist brace includes an adjustable panel and an advantageous lacing configuration that provides a cast-like compression on a patient's forearm, wrist, and hand. Pulling the lacing mechanism equilibrates lace tension along the length of the wrist brace in a way that applies consistent compression to the patient's forearm and wrist.

Abstract: Example embodiments of the brace assembly utilize an elastic cross strap attached to mounting facilities about a joint to provide progressive resistance to the extension, flexion or other movement of body parts about the joint. In some embodiments for a knee joint, the brace assembly provides a progressive resisting force to resist hyperextension of the knee. Some embodiments of the brace assembly further comprise adjusting facilities to accommodate different joints, different size wearers of the assembly and different tension settings such as for athletes during competition. Some embodiments of the brace assembly may be used bilaterally and can be made without metal bracing to comply with the requirements of some sports.

Abstract: An embodiment can include a pectus carinatum device for providing an adjustable compressive force to a subject's sternal protrusion. A pectus carinatum device can extend around a subject's torso, and chest cavity and apply a dynamic compressive pressure directly to a subject's sternal protrusion. A pectus carinatum device can include a strap removably attached to a clasp, a cinching device, a compression plate, and a protective padding. A cinching device and compression plate can apply a dynamic compressive force to a subject's sternal protrusion. A strap applies tension around a subject's torso, but allows the subject to freely move, and breath while keeping a constant dynamic compressive force on a subject's sternal protrusion. A protective padding can be removably attached to a compression plate, and an enclosure can be configured to surround a strap and to receive anti-migration, and antimicrobial material.

Abstract: Provided is a spine immobilization device that is able to suppress the sense of discomfort felt when worn to a low level. A spine immobilization device is an immobilization device that immobilizes a person's spine and is provided with a sheet part and a core part. The sheet part has a sheet-like shape and is configured to be stuck to the body surface. The core part is fastened to the back surface of the sheet part. The core part is configured to extend along a spine. In this state, the core part laterally supports the spine.

Abstract: The present wrist brace includes an advantageous lacing configuration that provides a cast-like compression on a patient's forearm, wrist, and hand. Pulling the lacing mechanism equilibrates lace tension along the length of the wrist brace in a way that applies consistent compression to the patient's forearm and wrist.

Abstract: A nasal dilator comprises a laminate of vertically stacked layers each comprising at least one member or component. The layers form a unitary, or single body, truss. The truss features horizontal regions adapted to engage outer wall tissues of first and second nasal passages and to traverse the bridge of a nose therebetween. The dilator acts to stabilize and/or expand the nasal outer wall tissues and prevent said tissues from drawing inward during breathing. Dilator members, including components thereof, are configured to dimensional criteria suitable to engage and provide effective dilation to nasal passages, that create lateral and longitudinal registration of dilator members or components during manufacture, and that facilitate manufacture with minimal material waste. Methods of manufacture further include progressive steps that fabricate and assemble components into finished devices, including user assembly thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatus and methods for correcting nasal valve collapse comprising a device configured for suspending a nasal valve, the device comprising a body portion comprising a proximal end, a distal end, and a plurality of barbs, wherein the body portion is configured to be inserted through or underneath the upper lateral cartilage of a patient and wherein the plurality of barbs are configured to engage a soft tissue overlying a bony tissue proximal to the upper lateral cartilage, and a head portion coupled to the proximal end of the body portion wherein the head portion is configured to engage the upper lateral cartilage of the patient when the plurality of barbs are engaged with the soft tissue overlying the bony tissue proximal to the upper lateral cartilage.

Abstract: An ostomy appliance includes a filter construction coupled to an ostomy bag. The filter construction has a pre-filter defined by an outside perimeter, a first cut-out formed through the pre-filter and a separate second cut-out formed through the pre-filter with the second cut-out separated from the first cut-out by a portion of the pre-filter. A deodorizing filter is inserted into the first cut-out.

Abstract: A container for collecting liquid for transport, comprising: a web of flexible porous material defining at least a portion of a chamber in which liquid can be collected for transport. The chamber is configured to receive a tube in a position within the chamber that enables the tube to transport liquid from the chamber while the liquid collects within the chamber upon being drawn through the web when a partial vacuum is applied within the chamber via the tube. The porous material comprises a web of spun plastic fibers, such as spun polyester fibers. In one embodiment, the web of spun plastic fibers is configured to define an elongated portion of the chamber. In another embodiment, a backing of non-permeable material covers a portion of the web and is so combined with the web as to further define the chamber.

Abstract: Disclosed is an ostomy wafer comprising a central peristomal area surrounding a stoma receiving hole, from which a plurality of petals are extending radially. The outline of the wafer is at least partly provided with an embossed pattern of lines, facilitating better fit to curved body parts. The wafer is suitable for application to especially demanding skin 5 surface conditions, such as in ostomist's suffering from hernia.

Abstract: A medical device support system comprises an adjustable waist strap adapted to be worn around the waist of a patient; a first adjustable shoulder strap adapted to be worn across a first shoulder of the patient, a second adjustable shoulder strap adapted to be worn across a second shoulder of the patient, said first and second shoulder straps attached to the waist strap on the front side and the back side of the patient; and a pouch portion attached to the waist strap below the shoulder straps and suspended downwards from the waist strap, said pouch portion having a back layer, a pocket attached to the back layer, an opening at the pocket's upper end for receiving a medical device, and a front layer that covers the pocket and attached to the back layer.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are mandibular advancement devices comprising an upper splint and a lower splint, where the upper splint comprises one or more upper fins, where each upper fin is located at a distance UD from back of the upper splint; the lower splints comprise one or more lower fins, where each lower fin is located at a distance LD from back of the lower splint; where the position of the upper and lower fins is unchangeable. Also disclosed are methods of reducing partial constriction of airway during sleep for a patient, the method comprising identifying a patient in need thereof; and administering to the patient the disclosed mandibular advancement device. Also disclosed are methods of manufacturing a mandibular advancement device, the method comprising obtaining measurements from a patient's dentition; digitally designing a mandibular advancement device; and milling the mandibular advancement device.

Abstract: Described herein is a head cooling system comprising: a source of compressed breathable gas; a vortex tube comprising an inlet, a hot gas outlet and a cold gas outlet, the inlet operably connected to the source of compressed breathable gas; and an interface for delivering cooled gas to a nasopharyngeal cavity in fluid communication with the cold gas outlet. The head cooling system may be used in a method to reduce neurodegeneration in a subject, for example neurodegeneration from ischemia, anoxia, cardiac arrest, trauma or neurodegenerative disease. The head cooling system may also be used in a method to prophylactically protect a subject at risk of neurodegeneration, for example neurodegeneration from ischemia, anoxia, cardiac arrest, trauma or neurodegenerative disease.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention encompass systems and methods for generating a vision treatment target for an eye of a patient. Exemplary techniques can involve obtaining a wavefront measurement for the eye of the patient, processing the wavefront measurement, using a low pass filter, to obtain an ocular wavefront, and generating the vision treatment target based on the ocular wavefront. In some cases, the wavefront is processed by applying a Fourier transform to the wavefront measurement to obtain a Fourier spectrum of the wavefront, convolving, in the Fourier domain, the Fourier spectrum of the wavefront and the low pass filter to obtain a Fourier spectrum convolution result, and applying an inverse transform to the convolution result to obtain the ocular wavefront.