Abstract: An intravascular stent and method of making an intervascular stent having a hybrid pattern a. The hybrid pattern comprises a plurality of circumferentially self-expansible members comprising a plurality of interconnected, geometrically deformable closed cells, adjacent self-expansible members interconnected by a plurality of bridge members linking a first interconnection between two closed cells in a first self-expansible member to a second interconnection between two closed cells in a second self-expansible member, wherein the second interconnection is circumferentially offset and non-adjacent to the first interconnection.

Abstract: Medical device loading apparatuses, systems, methods and kits are described. A loading apparatus comprises a main body having a proximal end defining a proximal opening, a distal end defining a distal opening, and a passageway extending between the proximal and distal openings. The passageway defines a proximal chamber having a first inner diameter, a distal chamber having a second inner diameter, and a transition chamber disposed between the proximal and distal chambers. The transition chamber has an inner diameter that transitions from the larger second inner diameter to the smaller first inner diameter. The main body has a separable connection that divides the main body between proximal and distal portions when disrupted.

Abstract: A delivery system for delivering and deploying stent grafts having a proximal stent includes a first lumen and a stent capture device including a capture portion fixedly connected adjacent a first lumen distal end. An outer catheter has a catheter distal end and a catheter inner diameter. A second lumen having a second distal end is slidably disposed about the first lumen and within the outer catheter. A stent graft sheath has a sheath proximal end connected to the second distal end and disposed about the first lumen. The sheath has a sheath distal end and a sheath inner diameter greater than the catheter inner diameter for holding a compressed stent graft. A distal nose cone has a cone proximal end connected to either the capture portion or the first distal end. The nose cone and the capture portion are movably adjustable to selectively capture the sheath distal end therebetween.

Abstract: A device for delivering and deploying a radially expandable prosthesis is disclosed and comprises a proximal prosthesis release mechanism having a first resistance and a distal prosthesis release mechanism having a second resistance. The device further comprises an actuation mechanism for actuating the distal and proximal release mechanisms in a single coordinated movement and a biasing compensator for regulating the relationship between the first resistance and the second resistance. Additional aspects of the invention include devices and methods for delivering and deploying a radially expandable prosthesis.

Abstract: A medical device includes a polymer scaffold crimped to a catheter having an expansion balloon. A sheath pair is placed over the crimped scaffold after crimping to reduce recoil of the crimped polymer scaffold and maintain scaffold-balloon engagement relied on to hold the scaffold to the balloon when the scaffold is being delivered to a target in a body. The sheath pair is removed by a health professional before placing the scaffold within the body.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes treatment of the vasculature of a patient with an expandable implant. The implant is constrained to a reduced delivery profile for delivery within the vasculature by at least one sleeve. The implant may be constrained to other diameters, such as an intermediate configuration having a diameter larger than the delivery profile and smaller than the deployment diameter. The sleeves may be expanded, allowing for expansion of the diameter of the expandable implant, by disengaging a coupling member from the sleeve or sleeves from outside of the body of the patient. The expandable implant may comprise a number of side branch fenestrations or fenestratable portions.

Abstract: An intestinal implant includes a proximal anchor self-expandable from a radially compressed position to a radially expandable position for engagement with a wall of the intestinal lumen and a flexible sleeve coupled to the anchor. The sleeve is implanted with the anchor downstream from the pylorus and the sleeve extending further downstream through the intestinal lumen.

Abstract: A control device for controlling a rigidity of an orthosis, includes a sensing circuit for sensing a falling motion, a signal generating circuit which generates a sensing signal based on the sensing of the falling motion, and a rigidity control mechanism which controls a rigidity of the orthosis based on the sensing signal.

Abstract: An orthopedic device for limiting the movement of a joint arranged between a first and a second body region. The orthopedic device comprises at least a receptacle that can be fastened to the first body region and a pull-out body that can be fastened to the second body region and can be moved in relation to the receptacle, wherein a passage cross-section filled with a dilatant fluid is provided perpendicularly to a pull-out direction between the receptacle and the pull-out body, wherein at least one passage-limiting element is provided for changing the passage cross-section.

Abstract: A frame assembly includes a first longitudinal member, a second longitudinal member spaced apart from the first longitudinal member, and a plurality of distance maintaining members connected between the first longitudinal member and the second longitudinal member, and configured to maintain a distance between the first longitudinal member and the second longitudinal member.

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: An earhook anti-snoring device is disclosed. The earhook anti-snoring device includes a casing, a base plate, a control unit, a sound-receiving device, a sound-generating device and a vibrating device. The base plate is arranged in the casing, and the control unit and the sound-receiving device are positioned on a side of the base plate. The position of the sound-receiving device corresponds to a hollow pipe arranged on the casing. The sound-generating device and the vibrating device are positioned on another side of the base plate and the sound-generating device is opposite to the sound-receiving device. The position of the sound-generating device corresponds to another hollow pipe arranged on the casing, and the sound-generating device is directed to an ear canal of a user along the hollow pipe.

Abstract: An oral appliance for managing a person's airway and for a more efficient breathing is disclosed. The oral appliance provides greater comfort by maintaining an open air passage through the mouth and by preventing the tongue from blocking the windpipe during sleep. The appliance has a mouthpiece that includes partial tooth trays capable of adjustable multidirectional movements relative to each other. The disclosed oral appliance maximizes the space available for forward and side to side movements of the tongue.

Abstract: A patient temperature control system and method are provided for automated temperature control according to a programmed protocol. In one aspect, at least one programmed protocol may be established for each of a plurality of patient thermal therapy phases. In turn, the temperature of a thermal exchange medium may be controlled, based at least in part, upon the programmed protocol, during each of the phases. In another aspect, a plurality of programmed protocols may be established, wherein a selected one of the protocols (e.g. selected by a user at a user interface) may be utilized for automated temperature control during patient thermal therapy. The protocol(s) may include a target patient temperature and/or a set duration for one or more of the phase of thermal therapy. Further, the protocol(s) may be user-definable and modifiable during therapy.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to medical databases, remote monitoring, diagnosis and treatment systems and methods. In one particular embodiment, a system for remote monitoring, diagnosis, or treatment of eye conditions, disorders and diseases is provided. This method generally includes administering a stream of droplets to the eye of a subject from an ejector device, and storing data related to the administration in a memory of the ejector device. The data may then be monitored and analyzed.

Abstract: Methods and systems for tracking a position and torsional orientation of a patient's eye. In one embodiment, the present invention provides methods and software for registering a first image of an eye with a second image of an eye. In another embodiment, the present invention provides methods and software for tracking a torsional movement of the eye. In a particular usage, the present invention tracks the torsional cyclorotation and translational movement of a patient's eye so as to improve the delivery of a laser energy to the patient's cornea.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for automatically switching different aspiration levels to an ocular probe are disclosed herein. The probe may be a phacoemulsification probe. A first aspiration level, supplied by a first pump, may be applied to the probe simultaneously with ultrasonic energy. A second aspiration level, supplied by a second pump, may be automatically switched from the first aspiration level. Control feed back of the pumps may be varied according to set thresholds.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus for insertion in an eye of a patient for aspirating material from the eye in the treatment of an ocular condition, the apparatus comprising a needle disposed at a distal end of the apparatus, an aspiration channel extending from a distal aperture of the needle to a proximal end of the apparatus, and an irrigation sleeve coaxially disposed about the needle. The aspiration channel comprises a proximal portion having a first diameter, a bypass portion having a second diameter and at least one bypass port, and a distal portion having a third diameter. The second diameter is larger than the first diameter. The irrigation sleeve and the needle form an annular irrigation passageway therebetween. The bypass port is shaped and configured to establish fluid communication between the irrigation passageway and the aspiration channel.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for automatically switching different aspiration levels to an ocular probe are disclosed herein. The probe may be a phacoemulsification probe. A first aspiration level, supplied by a first pump, may be applied to the probe simultaneously with ultrasonic energy. A second aspiration level, supplied by a second pump, may be automatically switched from the first aspiration level. Control feed back of the pumps may be varied according to set thresholds.

Abstract: A steerable laser probe may include a handle having a handle distal end and a handle proximal end, an actuation control of the handle, a housing tube having a housing tube distal end and a housing tube proximal end, a first housing tube portion having a first stiffness, a second housing tube portion having a second stiffness, an optic fiber disposed within an inner portion of the handle and the housing tube, and a cable disposed within the housing tube and the actuation control. A rotation of the actuation control may be configured to gradually curve the housing tube and the optic fiber. A rotation of the actuation control may be configured to gradually straighten the housing tube and the optic fiber.

Abstract: A steerable laser probe may include an actuation structure, a nosecone fixed to the actuation structure by one or more links and one or more link pins, a flexible housing tube, and an optic fiber disposed in the flexible housing tube and the actuation structure. A compression of the actuation structure may be configured to gradually curve the flexible housing tube and the optic fiber. A decompression of the actuation structure may be configured to gradually straighten the flexible housing tube and the optic fiber.

Abstract: A system for treating a tissue site includes a reduced-pressure source to apply reduced pressure, a manifold in fluid communication with the pressure source to provide reduced pressure to the tissue site, and a drape for adhering to the tissue site to cover the tissue site and the manifold. The drape includes an adhesive layer for sealing the drape to the tissue site to create a sealed space having the manifold therein, and a non-adhesive layer formed from a portion of the adhesive layer. A method for manufacturing a medical drape includes providing a sheet of adhesive material and treating a side of the sheet of adhesive material to form a non-adhesive layer and an adhesive layer. The method laminates a release liner adjacent the adhesive layer.

Abstract: A closable compression garment comprises a first end, a second end, and a main body. The first end contains an opening sized and shaped to receive a lower extremity such as a foot, ankle, or leg within an interior portion. The main body contains a closure system which allows for the compression garment to traverse between a first insertion/removal position and a second closed position.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for moving and/or transferring discrete articles are described. In particular, the methods and apparatuses relate to flexible arrangements to move and/or transfer discrete articles that vary in size and/or shape with minimal to no change in equipment.

Abstract: The present invention provides machinery used to create products (for instance disposable products). The machinery is operated at high speed, with the machine occupying a small footprint. Materials can be fed into the manufacturing process vertically (from above or below), using assembly stations to feed completed components into the system at appropriate stations. Additionally, restocking of raw components can be accomplished by robotic means of transferring the raw material from staging areas into infeeding or splicing stations, without the need for human operators.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a method of transferring discrete articles from or to a moving carrier member using a transfer assembly. The transfer assembly comprises a frame defining a rotation axis and a transfer member comprising a transfer surface configured to receive one of the discrete articles. The method comprises rotating the transfer member about the rotation axis and maintaining the transfer surface at a substantially constant minimum distance away from the moving carrier member at the point of discrete article transfer.

Abstract: An inner liner device for battling wetness and odors of feminine discharges from a vagina is provided. The inner liner device comprises a feminine pad insertable into the vagina. The feminine pad is constructed from an absorbent material and provides optimal protection for a fresh, clean feeling.

Abstract: A nonwoven extending in a machine direction and a perpendicular cross-machine direction and having fibers bonded by a pattern of thermal bonds. The thermal bonds comprise larger bonds having an individual area of at least 1.0 mm2, in particular at least 1.5 mm2; and smaller bonds having an individual area of less than 1.0 mm2, in particular from about 0.10 mm2 to about 1.0 mm2. There are at least as many smaller bonds as larger bonds, the ratio of the number of smaller bonds may be in particular about two.

Abstract: A nonwoven comprising a pattern of thermal bonds with anti-fuzz properties according to at least three and preferably all four of the following conditions: a) the pattern comprises thermal bonds disposed in parallel rows having a pitch angle (P) of from 0.5° to 15° relative to the machine direction or the cross-machine direction; and/or b) the bonding area of all the thermal bonds ranges from 17% to 30% of the area of the nonwoven, and/or c) the pattern comprises larger bonds and smaller bonds having different individual area, and/or d) the pattern comprises elongated bonds having different major directions.

Abstract: An absorbent article having a wearer-facing side and garment-facing side, the article comprising: —a nonwoven topsheet on the wearer-facing side, wherein the topsheet has a first color which is not white and comprises thermal bonds; a backsheet on the garment facing-side; an absorbent core between the topsheet and the backsheet; optionally an acquisition layer; and a visual signal disposed on the topsheet or a layer of the article under the topsheet; wherein the visual signal comprises a first portion having a first appearance and a second portion having a different second appearance. The topsheet has an opacity index of at least 28% as measured by the opacity index test as described herein and the visual signal is visible on the wearer-facing side of the article.

Abstract: An absorbent article can include a body facing liner, a back-sheet coupled to the body facing liner, and an absorbent body. The absorbent article can also include a fluid acquisition layer. The fluid acquisition layer can include a plurality of apertures and at least one channel. The channel can include a length and a depth. The length can be defined in a horizontal plane by a distance between a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end can be connected to a first aperture and the depth can extend from a body facing surface of the fluid acquisition layer to a garment facing surface of the fluid acquisition layer.

Abstract: A packaging unit for hygiene articles, the unit being formed from a sheet of material having a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction. The sheet has an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface includes an edge portion being provided with a resealable adhesive for closure of the packaging unit. Furthermore, the sheet has at least one transversely extending folding axis dividing said sheet into a first region and a second region. The sheet is provided with at least one sync mark for indication of a positioning of the sheet of material during manufacturing of the packaging unit, the sync mark being provided on the outer surface. A blank and a method for forming the packaging unit are also provided.

Abstract: A packaging unit for hygiene articles, the unit being formed from a sheet of material having an inner surface, said inner surface comprising an edge portion being provided with a resealable adhesive for closure of the packaging unit. The sheet has a longitudinal center line and at least one transversely extending folding axis dividing the sheet into a first region and a second region. A tab is arranged at an edge portion of the first region. The tab extends in a longitudinal direction from said edge portion so that an extension of the tab along or parallel to the center line from a tab base to an outer edge of the tab is 0.5 cm or more. A method of forming the packaging unit is also provided.

Abstract: A wound care product is provided. It comprises a sealed chamber in which a wound care article is arranged around a support member in such a manner that a curved portion of the wound care article is in contact with the support member. The curved portion interconnects two other portions on opposite sides of the support member.

Abstract: A geared wheel system for minimizing backlash is functionally coupled to a wheelchair and disclosed herein.

Abstract: A method for electrically assisting with the propulsion of a rolling system comprising a driving wheel driven by an electric motor, the torque applied by the motor being a function of a propulsion torque transmitted by a user to the driving wheel, wherein the method comprises: a preliminary step of storing in memory an unknown input model representing the weighted system, which is a function of the geometry and of the mass of the weighted system, and having as output data the rotational speed of the driving wheel; a step of estimating unknown input being the total torque applied to the wheel, influencing the rotational speed, the total torque being estimated from the rotational speed by calculating the inverse model; the propulsion torque transmitted by the user being deduced from the total torque estimated on the basis of the other known torques that make up the total torque.

Abstract: A mobile transport device is provided which has leg-like mobility fittings and a useful surface. The useful surface is in particular a seat unit of a motor vehicle which can transport a person seated on the seat unit out of a motor vehicle to a destination by means of the leg-like mobility fittings and without any climbing.

Abstract: A wheelchair includes a pivotable mechanism. The pivotable mechanism allows for a pivoting movement about an axis defined by an interface between adjacent components. These components may be (a) a seat member and a back member, (b) a seat member and a footrest, (c) a foot rest and a footplate support, (d) a baseplate and a footplate, or (e) a back member and a headrest.

Abstract: An apparatus for turning and positioning a patient includes a sheet having a top and a bottom surface, a first handle coupled to the sheet proximate a first side edge, and a second handle coupled to the sheet proximate a second side edge, opposite the first side edge. A first portion of the sheet is configured to be placed underneath a patient and a second portion of the sheet is configured to be wrapped on top of the patient. The first handle and the second handle are longitudinally offset such that when the first handle and the second handle are pulled across one another, the first side edge is positioned beneath the second handle and the second side edge is positioned beneath the first handle. Pulling the first handle across the second handle and across the top of the patient rolls the patient onto the second portion.

Abstract: A system for directing fluid flow in a mattress is disclosed. The mattress comprises a base support layer which is configured to spatially locate at least one insert support layer. The insert layer comprises a conduit to allow fluid flow.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus for supporting a patient in a prone position during a surgical procedure is provided, including an open fixed frame suspended above a floor and a pair of spaced opposed radially sliding joints cooperating with the frame, each joint including a virtual pivot point and an arc of motion spaced from the virtual pivot point, the joints being movable along the arc providing a pivot ship mechanism for a pair of pelvic pads attached to the joints. A base for supporting and suspending a patient support structure above the floor, for supporting a patient during a surgical procedure, the base including a pair of spaced opposed vertical translation subassemblies reversibly attachable to a patient support structure, a cross-bar, and a rotation subassembly having two degrees of rotational freedom; wherein a location of each vertical translation subassembly is substantially constant during operation of the patient support structure.

Abstract: A surgical table for supporting a patient during a surgical procedure and including a patient support structure, a first support structure, and a second support structure. The patient support structure is configured to support the patient during the surgical procedure and may be operably coupled at a first end to the first support structure and at a second end to the second support structure. The first support structure includes a first column and a first displacement apparatus operably coupling the first column to the first end of the patient support structure.

Abstract: A positioning pad for positioning a patient on an operating table includes a body, and a sheet configured to be coupled to the body. The body has a first end and a second end. The sheet is configured to be coupled to the body and is bifurcated to define a first portion and a second portion. The sheet includes a fastening member disposed on the first portion and a fastening member disposed on the second portion. The first portion is configured to be wrapped over an arm of a patient and the second portion is configured to be wrapped under an arm of a patient to secure the fastening member of the first portion to the fastening member of the second portion and secure the sheet to the arm of the patient.

Abstract: The chiropractic device includes an elongated flat base, and a front stopping block and a back stropping block at the base's two ends. The front and back stopping blocks have a semi-circular cylindrical shape, with 45-degree slant support face on one end and a vertical face on the other end. Between the front and back stopping blocks, there are a main block and a number of stopping plates of different lengths. Along a top edge of the front and back stopping blocks, the main block, and the stopping plates, an end-to-end trough is provided. The chiropractic device is able to adapt its length so that users of different heights may lie on the chiropractic device for spinal relaxation and correction to the spine.

Abstract: A power-driven neck clamping mechanism for physical traction therapy includes a rail platform disposed on a base and a head rest member disposed on the rail platform. A clamping mechanism for retaining a user's neck includes a power-driven drive device, a transmission member, and two displacement members. The power-driven drive device is connected with the transmission member. The displacement members are movably disposed on the transmission member. The displacement members are disposed at two sides of the neck rest portion. The power-driven drive device drives the transmission member to actuate. The displacement members are controlled by the transmission member to displace. The displacement members can be moved to approach the user's neck to clamp and retain the neck, or the displacement members can be moved away from the user's neck to release the neck. The user can control the force to clamp the neck conveniently and finely.

Abstract: A power-driven traction device for neck physical therapy includes a rail platform disposed on a base and a traction mechanism used for drawing a user's neck disposed on the platform. The traction mechanism includes a neck rest portion and a drive portion. The neck rest portion is coupled with the drive portion. The drive portion is slidably disposed on the rail platform and connected with a power-driven drive device. The power-driven drive device is connected with the drive portion to bring the neck rest portion to slide backward and forward on the rail platform in a longitudinal direction. It is convenient for the user to operate the power-driven traction device by himself. The force to draw the user's neck can be controlled finely and well.

Abstract: A frame assembly including a first longitudinal member, a second longitudinal member spaced apart from the first longitudinal member, a third longitudinal member configured to diagonally connect the first longitudinal member and the second longitudinal member, a plurality of first distance maintaining members configured to connect the first longitudinal member and the second longitudinal member, and a plurality of second distance maintaining members configured to connect the second longitudinal member and the third longitudinal member is disclosed.

Abstract: Embodiments of a walker are shown, the walker including two patient-load bearing support tubes each having a padded underarm support for seating in the armpit of a patient, an adjustable-height load bearing tube and a rubber tip. Connected to each of the patient-load bearing tubes are two L-shaped legs with a wheel disposed at the end of the leg and a grip disposed on the leg for a patient to grip when the walker is in use. A main tube is connected between the two legs and defines the width of the walker. The height of the patient-load bearing tubes may be adjusted from an extended position in which the padded underarm support is seated in the armpit of the patient to a retracted position in which the padded underarm support does not interfere with the patient's use of the walker.

Abstract: We disclose methods and medical device systems for selectively recruiting a nerve fiber type within a cranial nerve, a peripheral nerve or a spinal root. Such a method may comprise applying a first pressure, a heating, and/or a cooling to a second location of the nerve, the pressure, heating, or cooling sufficient to substantially block at least one of activation or conduction in at least one fiber population through the second location of the nerve for a blocking time period; and applying an electrical signal to a first location during the blocking time period.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a rehabilitation system (10) for a patient (22) suffering from a damaged muscle and/or nerve, said system (10) comprising: a stimulation unit (12) for stimulating the damaged muscle and/or nerve; a display (16) for displaying a representation (30) of an affected body part of the patient (22) in which the damaged muscle and/or nerve is arranged; and a control unit (14) for controlling the display (16) to display, concurrently with a stimulation provided by the stimulation unit (12), a visual cue (28, 28?) depicted in the representation (30) of the affected body part, wherein said visual cue (28, 28?) visually indicates the stimulation of the damaged muscle and/or nerve.