Abstract: Systems and methods involving an intraocular implant with input and/or output electronics are described. In some embodiments, the system includes an intraocular lens having at least one optic operably coupled to a haptic, one or more input electronics on the haptic and/or the optic; and one or more output electronics on the haptic and/or the optic for receiving and/or transmitting data.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an intraocular lens delivery system with a multi-segment plunger. More particularly, the present invention relates to an intraocular lens delivery device that includes a disposable plunger tip segment that can be attached and removed from a reusable plunger base segment.

Abstract: A medical implant device includes a prosthesis adapted to replace at least a portion of a bone. The prosthesis includes a drug-eluting polymer adapted to deliver a drug to at least a portion of an area surrounding the prosthesis.

Abstract: Mitral valve prosthesis are disclosed that include a frame or support structure having an inflow portion, a valve-retaining tubular portion and a pair of support arms. The inflow portion radially extends from a first end of the valve-retaining tubular portion and the pair of support arms are circumferentially spaced apart and radially extend from an opposing second end of the valve-retaining tubular portion. The inflow portion is formed from a plurality of struts that outwardly extend from the first end of the valve-retaining tubular portion with adjacent struts of the plurality of struts being joined, wherein each strut of the plurality of struts has a substantially s-shaped profile and at least one twisted area.

Abstract: A prosthetic valve comprising a stent frame, a valve structure, and a baffle structure. The stent frame defines a lumen. The valve structure is disposed within the lumen, and defines an inflow side and an outflow side. An outflow track is established within the lumen downstream of the outflow side and along which fluid flow from the valve structure progresses. The baffle structure is connected to the stent frame downstream of the outflow side and is configured to induce vortical flow, for example including a vortex ring. In some embodiments, the prosthetic valve is a transcatheter prosthetic mitral valve having three leaflets.

Abstract: An implantable prosthetic valve, according to one embodiment, comprises a frame, a leaflet structure, and a skirt member. The frame can have a plurality of axial struts interconnected by a plurality of circumferential struts. The leaflet structure comprises a plurality of leaflets (e.g., three leaflets arrange to form a tricuspid valve). The leaflet structure has a scalloped lower edge portion secured to the frame. The skirt member can be disposed between the leaflet structure and the frame.

Abstract: A device for gathering tissue of a heart valve leaflet may include an outer tube extending in an elongated direction, a capture tool moveable in the outer tube between a contained position and a use position, and a tissue securing component disposed at a distal end of the outer tube and adapted to be applied to tissue captured by the capture tool and to hold the captured tissue in a gathered configuration. The capture tool may include two grasping members that are moveable relative to one another in the elongated direction. Each grasping member may have a proximal portion and a plurality of fingers or barbs. The grasping members may be operable to capture tissue of the heart valve leaflet therebetween and to draw the captured tissue into the outer tube in the gathered configuration.

Abstract: A transcatheter atrio-ventricular valve prosthesis for functional replacement of an atrio-ventricular heart valve in a connection channel, the prosthesis comprising a radially expandable tubular body extending along an axis, and a valve arranged within and attached to the tubular body. The tubular body is provided with an outer circumferential groove which is open to the radial outside of the tubular body, whereby the tubular body is separated by the outer circumferential groove into first and second body sections. The tubular body is provided with a first plurality of projections which extend from the first or second body section in an axial direction of the tubular body and each of which has a free end arranged to overlap the outer circumferential groove. An elongate outer member may be disposed at the exterior of the connection channel wall structure at a level of the circumferential groove.

Abstract: A method of delivering a prosthetic heart valve to the aortic valve annulus while a patient's heart is beating. The method includes accessing the left ventricle through an intercostal incision and forming a puncture in the left ventricle. A guidewire is advanced into the left ventricle and through the native aortic valve. An introducer sheath is passed over the guidewire and into the left ventricle. A prosthetic heart valve is advanced over the guidewire and through the introducer sheath using a delivery catheter. After positioning the prosthetic heart valve in the native aortic valve, the prosthetic heart valve is radially expanded in the aortic valve annulus for replacing the function of the native aortic valve.

Abstract: The devices and methods relate to surgical and percutaneous repair of heart valve regions. The devices may be structured to conform to the desired shape of a specific patient. The devices may include a frame and an artificial body onto which leaflets of the valve may coapt or rest.

Abstract: A method is provided, including positioning an annuloplasty structure along an annulus of an atrioventricular valve of a subject, the annuloplasty structure including a sleeve having a lumen. The annuloplasty structure is fastened to the annulus. Thereafter, an elongate member is advanced into the lumen, such that an elongate contraction-restricting element of the elongate member occupies a longitudinal contraction-restricted portion of the sleeve. Thereafter, a contractible portion of the sleeve is contracted, while the contraction-restricting element restricts contraction of the contraction-restricted portion of the sleeve.

Abstract: This document provides systems and methods for testing of various kinds of valves. For example, this document provides systems and methods for accelerated life testing of prosthetic heart valves.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for accelerated wear testing of prosthetic heart valves apply non-sinusoidal pressure waveforms. The waveforms may maintain a threshold reverse pressure for a desired duration while limiting a peak reverse pressure. Apparatus may include a fluid impeller such as a bellows or a piston driven by an actuator having a position controlled by a motion control system. The apparatus may include a pressure control system comprising one or more bypass channels and bypass valves controlling a resistance of the bypass channels to fluid flow. The bypass valves may be controlled in real time.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein include devices, systems, and methods for reducing the distance between two locations in tissue. In one embodiment, an anchor may reside within the right ventricle in engagement with the septum. A tension member may extend from that anchor through the septum and an exterior wall of the left ventricle to a second anchor disposed along a surface of the heart. Perforating the exterior wall and the septum from an epicardial approach can provide control over the reshaping of the ventricular chamber. Guiding deployment of the implant from along the epicardial access path and another access path into and through the right ventricle provides control over the movement of the anchor within the ventricle. The joined epicardial pathway and right atrial pathway allows the tension member to be advanced into the heart through the right atrium and pulled into engagement along the epicardial access path.

Abstract: A male impotence prosthesis apparatus comprises an operable penile prosthesis (4) implanted in an impotent patient's corpus cavernosum to provide flaccid or erect states of the patient's penis. An energy transmission device (10) for wireless transmission of energy from outside the patient's body to inside the patient's body is provided body for use in connection with the operation of the penile prosthesis.

Abstract: A patient-specific porous metal prosthesis and a method for manufacturing the same are provided. The orthopedic prosthesis may be metallic to provide adequate strength and stability. Also, the orthopedic prosthesis may be porous to promote bone ingrowth.

Abstract: A sinterable and/or fusible ceramic mass is disclosed, having a long-term stable compound of crystalline phases of apatite, wollastonite, titanite and optionally cristobalite, which is stabilized by a glass phase, and a production process therefor. The ceramic mass can be obtained by sintering a mixture comprising at least the constituents SiO2, CaO, P2O5, MgO, CaF2 and TiO2, on their own or in combination with at least one alkali oxide, the alkali oxide being chosen from NaO2 and K2O. The invention further relates to uses of the sintered material in the form of shaped articles for strengthening, cleaning, roughening or polishing surfaces of medical implants or as a final prosthesis.

Abstract: An implant for a femoral head of a patient. The implant includes a shell implantable on the femoral head of the patient and correcting a defect of the femoral head. The shell is designed preoperatively to have a patient-specific first surface for articulation with the patient's acetabulum and a patient-specific periphery mateable with a periphery of the defect. The shell caps the defect and the first surface of the shell is continuous to a remaining healthy surface of the femoral head. The defect can be a bone defect, a cartilage defect or a combination thereof.

Abstract: A knee prosthesis has a femoral component with a medial condyle defining a constant bearing spacing relative to a central sagittal component plane SP, and a lateral condyle defining divergent bearing spacing from the central sagittal component plane along an extension-to-flexion path. High congruence between the medial articulation surfaces creates a pivot point for external rotation at the medial contact area, while lower congruence in the lateral articulation surfaces allows the lateral femoral condyle to track anteriorly and posteriorly during flexion. The amount of lateral condyle bearing spacing divergence is calculated to produce a substantially linear anteroposterior motion profile of the lateral femoral condyle upon the lateral tibia articular surface throughout a wide range of flexion.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to a resilient interpositional arthroplasty implant for application into a knee joint to pad cartilage defects, cushion a joint, and replace or restore the articular surface, which may preserve joint integrity, reduce pain and improve function. The implant may endure variable joint compressive and shear forces and cyclic loads. The implant may repair, reconstruct, and regenerate joint anatomy, and thereby improve upon joint replacement alternatives. Rather than using periosteal harvesting for cell containment in joint resurfacing, the walls of this invention may capture, distribute and hold living cells until aggregation and hyaline cartilage regrowth occurs. The implant may be deployed into debrided joint spaces, molding and conforming to surrounding structures with sufficient stability to avoid extrusion or dislocation.

Abstract: An orthopedic prosthesis (20, 100) including an implant body (22, 24, 26, 122) defining a number of suture anchor attachment locations (30, 120), and a plurality of suture anchors (40) each including one or more suture (S) extending from an anchor portion (42) that is engaged with a select one of the suture anchor attachment locations (30, 120) to selectively attach a corresponding one of the suture anchors (40) to the implant body (22, 24, 26, 122). A method of using the orthopedic prosthesis (20, 100) is also provided.

Abstract: Thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) joint implants include a trapezium implant defining an articulating surface and a cooperating first metacarpal implant with a base portion of the first metacarpal defining an articulating surface. The first metacarpal base articulating-surface is configured to articulate against the trapezium implant articulating surface.

Abstract: A fusion implant and fusion members for fusing target bones of an upper extremity. The fusion implant including internally threaded apertures of a first thread lead, and the fusion members including threading of the first thread lead and threading of a second thread lead that is less than the first thread lead. The fusion implant and a targeting instrument being configured to couple to one another in a predefined orientation. The predetermined orientation resulting in alignment of aspects of the fusion implant with aspects of the targeting instrument. A guide clamp for facilitating forming of an implant cavity in adjacent bones for implantation of the fusion implant therein. A surgical method for facilitating fusion of adjacent target bones utilizing a fusion implant, fusion members, a targeting instrument and a guide clamp to reduce space between the adjacent bones such that they at least abut one another.

Abstract: A medical device (10) includes an implant body (20) with a number of segments (30) hingedly interconnected so as to assume a straightened state for delivery and a flexed or roughly curved deployed state. Implant body may have engagement elements on at least two different segments, for example on a majority of segments. An elongated locking element anchored at the distal segment of the implant body may have projections for at least each engagement element. Tension applied to the locking element biases the implant body from the straightened state to the flexed deployed state. When the locking element is deflected to reach the curved deployed state, flexing segments of the implant body lock by matching engagement elements of the implant body with projections of the locking element. A very secure lock may be formed to prevent opening after deployment.

Abstract: An expandable intervertebral implant includes a front wall, a back wall spaced apart from the front wall, and two side walls connecting the front wall and the back wall at their respective ends. The walls define a space. The implant further includes a bottom face, a top face, at least one engagement member with an engagement surface for engagement with the end plate of a vertebral body, a first adjusting element and a second adjusting element which are supported by a first support member and a second support member, respectively, and which cooperate with the respective support member such that the engagement member is reciprocally movable between a first end position and a second end position. In the first end position, the engagement surface does not project beyond the bottom face or the top face and in the second end position, the engagement surface at least partially projects outwardly beyond the bottom face or the top face. The first and the second support members are coupled by a coupling mechanism.

Abstract: An expandable fusion device may include a first endplate and a second endplate. The expandable fusion device may also include first and second ramps configured to mate with both the first and second endplates. An inserter instrument includes an outer shaft having a bore extending longitudinally therethrough and an inner shaft extending through the bore in the outer shaft. The outer shaft is configured to engage the first or second opening in the second ramp, and the inner shaft is configured to engage the corresponding first or second opening in the first ramp to control implant height and/or lordotic angle.

Abstract: A separate nub component between the plate and an intervertebral fusion cage, wherein the nub is attached to the plate. The nub lessens the undesired pivotal movement of the plate. It is believed that when the nub fits snugly between the endplates of the adjacent vertebral bodies, it acts as a stop against the undesired pivotal movement of the plate.

Abstract: A spinal implant is provided that comprises a first vertebral engaging surface and a second vertebral engaging surface. A wall extends between the surfaces. A lattice is disposed adjacent the wall and extending between the surfaces. Systems and methods of use are disclosed.

Abstract: A tissue prosthesis insertion system (80) includes a first assembly (10) comprising a plurality of nested tubes (12), one of the tubes being a carrier tube (14) which, in use, receives a component (16) of a tissue prosthesis at a distal end of the carrier tube (14). A magnetic mount (44) is carried at a proximal end of the first assembly (10). A second assembly (82) is removably attachable to the first assembly (10). An attachment device (92) is carried at a distal end of the second assembly (92), the attachment device (92) being responsive to the magnetic mount (44) of the first assembly (10), the magnetic mount (44) and the attachment device (92) carrying complementary engaging formations to facilitate hermetic sealing between the magnetic mount (44) and the attachment device (92).

Abstract: A method is used for aligning an acetabular cup insertion instrument by taking a single lateral view pre-operative digital x-ray of a standing patient's pelvis. The natural pelvic tilt angle is determined by locating an anterior pelvic plane (APP) which is defined by first, second and third points on the anterior of the pelvis and determining the angle between the APP and a coronal plane perpendicular to the surface on which the patient is standing. The patient is then placed on a surface of an operating room table in a supine position. A position tracking device is placed on the patient's pelvis to track movement. Thereafter an operating room navigation or orientation system is used to relocate the APP defined by the first, second and third points. A cup insertion instrument having a position tracking device thereon is oriented using the navigation or orientation system.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for interfacing with nerve fibers, such as axons. Embodiments provide multiple micro-channels, into which individual fascicles of a nerve may be placed, one fascicle per micro-channel. Each micro-channel has an associated set of micro-wire electrodes that penetrate the fascicle in the micro-channel. The micro-wire electrodes are thinner than prior art photolithographed micro-electrode arrays. Consequently, more micro-wire electrodes may interface with a single fascicle, and each micro-wire electrode interfaces with fewer axons, than in the prior art. Multiple rows of micro-channels may be stacked to construct two-dimensional arrays of micro-channels. These embodiments thereby facilitate finer motor control in prosthetic devices, and more granular sensory feedback from prosthetic devices to central nervous systems, than is achievable in the prior art.

Abstract: An implantable medical device that is fabricated from materials that present a blood or body fluid or tissue contact surface that has controlled heterogeneities in material constitution. An endoluminal stent-graft and web-stent that is made of a monolithic material formed into differentiated regions defining structural members and web regions extending across interstitial spaces between the structural members. The endoluminal stent-graft is characterized by having controlled heterogeneities at a the blood flow surface of the stent.

Abstract: A medical device includes a polymer scaffold crimped to a catheter having an expansion balloon. The scaffold has a morphology resulting from a biaxially expanded tube arranged to provide a more balanced, or less anisotropic axial and radial mechanical properties. The scaffold has improved mechanical properties suited for use as a balloon expandable scaffold implanted in a peripheral vessel of the body.

Abstract: A nonmodular endograft system for treating aortic aneurysms involving bilateral renal arteries can include a main fabric cover that is sealedly coupled, or integral, with first and second branch fabric covers. The system can be configured so that after the main cover is expanded in the aorta, and after the two branch covers are respectively expanded in the renal arteries such that (i) the first cover ostium is substantially aligned with the first renal ostium, and (ii) the second cover ostium is not substantially aligned with the second renal ostium, then aortic blood flows from the main cover into each of the branch covers.

Abstract: An artificial blood vessel is a tubular fabric including a fiber layer containing an ultrafine fiber(s) and an ultrafine fiber layer in the inside of the fiber layer, the ultrafine fiber layer being composed of an ultrafine fiber(s) having a fiber diameter(s) of not less than 10 nm and not more than 3 ?m, wherein a quaternary ammonium group-containing polymer having alkyl groups each of a carbon number 10 or less is covalently bound to the ultrafine fiber(s); heparin is ionically bound to the quaternary ammonium group-containing polymer; and the residual heparin activity after washing with physiological saline at 37° C. for 30 minutes is 20 mIU/cm2 or more.

Abstract: An intra-vascular aneurysm-treatment stent and a method for lowering pressure within an aneurysm bubble in a blood vessel. A stent coil is insertable into a blood vessel, the coil made of a material sufficiently flexible to move around curves, loops, and corners in the blood vessel. Selected portions of the stent coil, in cross-section, have substantially convex outer surfaces, and either substantially flat, or substantially concave, inner surfaces, plus upstream leading edges and downstream trailing edges. The stent coil is positioned in the blood vessel with selected stent coil portions proximate an opening into either a saccular aneurysm or a fusiform aneurysm. Blood in the lumen of the blood vessel flows past the leading edges and both over the convex outer surfaces, and under the either flat or concave inner surfaces. A portion of the blood inside the aneurysm becomes entrained with the blood flowing over the outer surfaces.

Abstract: A handle for delivering a medical device comprises a housing having therein a wheel, a rack, and a catheter member. The wheel comprises a pinion gear that selectively engages gear teeth on the rack. The rack is selectively engaged and disengaged from the pinion gear in order to reduce the force necessary to manually pull the rack.

Abstract: A stent delivery system wherein, in a gap between an inner tube body and an outer tube body, a sealing member is arranged on the proximal side relative to a distal opening of a lumen, which extends from the proximal end of the inner tube body, and a guide wire leading-out hole. The inner circumferential surface of the sealing member is fixed to the outer circumferential surface of a first proximal tube of the inner tube body, and the outer circumferential surface of the sealing member is in sliding contact with the inner circumferential surface of a second proximal tube of the outer tube body. When blood or the like enters into the stent delivery system via the distal ends of the inner tube body and the outer tube body, progress of the blood or the like toward an operating unit side is inhibited by the sealing member.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a deployment system for an endoluminal device. The deployment system includes a confining sheath placed around a compacted endoluminal device. A deployment line is provided in the system that is an integral extension of the sheath. As the deployment line is actuated, the sheath retracts from around the compacted endoluminal device. As the sheath retracts from around the endoluminal device, material from the sheath may be converted into deployment line. Once the sheath is retracted from around the compacted endoluminal device, the endoluminal device expands in configuration and repairs vascular or cardiac structures of an implant recipient. Any remaining sheath material is removed from the implantation site along with the deployment line.

Abstract: An attachment mechanism for coupling a stent to a delivery system is disclosed. The attachment mechanism is configured to pivot relative to an inner shaft assembly of the delivery system in order to release the stent from the delivery system. Methods of deploying the stent with the delivery system are also disclosed.

Abstract: Devices and methods for treating obesity are provided. More particularly, intragastric devices and methods of fabricating, deploying, inflating, monitoring, and retrieving the same are provided.

Abstract: Feedback systems and methods enhance obstructive and other obesity treatments by presenting feedback regarding patients' actual eating. An ingestion restricting implant body can be deployed along the gastrointestinal tract. In some embodiments, ingestion alters the implant body, which, in turn, generates signals. The generated signals can be used to inhibit unhealthy ingestion by the patient. In other embodiments, the implant body can be altered by signals so as to selectable change the restriction imposed on the gastrointestinal tract, optionally in response to ingestion events, an eating schedule, or the like. The implant body may comprise a gastric band. Sensor signals may be processed to identify ingestion and/or characterize ingestion material, and the results may be displayed on a screen for a patient or coach to view.

Abstract: A penile tension system features a semi-hard, semi-flexible cylindrical rod having a first handle and a second handle. The system features a soft, flexible noose member located on a cylindrical rod side wall. The system features an elastomeric linear fastening member. The system features a series of markings located on the rod side wall.

Abstract: The present invention is a press molded custom foot plate, a method of making said plate, and a method of making a shoe using said press molded plate wherein said press molded foot plate is formed of a piece of press molded material that is incorporated and used as the insole of a shoe and where an outsole and uppers are attached to the press molded custom foot plate.

Abstract: Closed loop heat exchange catheters having bi-directional flow heat exchange regions and their methods of manufacture and use. The heat exchange region may be formed of expandable or non-expandable tubular conduit(s) that are configured in a series of loops or coiled configuration defining a supply flow path and a return flow path through which heat exchange medium is circulated. The individual loops of convolutions of the coiled configuration may be the same or different size. In some embodiments, the tubular conduit(s) may be passed through generally transverse bore holes formed in a catheter shaft so that the loops or convolutions of protrude from the catheter shaft.

Abstract: A medical treatment device for treating glaucoma includes a spherical portion formed in a partially spherical shape configured to align with the curve of an eyeball; and at least one puncture portion protruding from a concave side of the spherical portion.

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

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein are directed to negative pressure treatment systems and wound dressing systems, apparatuses, and methods that may be used for the treatment of wounds. In particular, some embodiments are directed to improved wound dressings comprising an obscuring layer that may hide fluid contained therein. Some embodiments may further comprise one or more viewing windows disposed therethrough so as to enable monitoring or examination of fluids contained therein.

Abstract: Provided is a patch for treating skin diseases or alleviating symptoms of the skin diseases involving an exudation of blood proteins, or for absorbing blood proteins exuded to the skin.

Abstract: Improved fastening systems are described. More particularly, improved fastening systems for disposable absorbent articles are described.