Abstract: The invention relates to a film clamping element, in particular for carrying out dental treatment in the mouth area of a patient, comprising a vestibular ring (14) and a lip ring (12), between which and optionally beyond which a film (16) extends. The film is held in a stretched manner by the rings, and the film (16) and the rings are elastically deformable, in particular the film and the rings can be pressed together into a substantially oval shape. The invention is characterized in that the vestibular ring (14) has a recess on at least one circumferential point, the width of said recess being greater than the width of a frenulum and smaller than the radius of the vestibular ring (14).

Abstract: Disclosed is an archwire with a varied cross section which is formed integrally with a hook. The archwire includes a customized archwire body corresponding to a setup model of patient's teeth, and the hook which is formed integrally with the archwire body. The archwire body is formed in such a way that at least one region has a cross section different from that of other region.

Abstract: A dental apparatus for achieving molar distalization, comprising a bracket for mounting on opposing molar teeth of a dental arch, and a dental arch wire. One end of the arch wire passes through one of a first bracket and the other end of the arch wire passes through the other of a second bracket. A worm gear adjustably fixes the position of each end of the arch wire within the bracket.

Abstract: A ceramic implant which has a ceramic, endosseous surface region that is intended to be embedded into the bone tissue and that is made of a ceramic material. The surface region has at least one first zone having a surface modification, in which first zone the surface is roughened or porous, and at least one second zone, in which the surface is not roughened or porous.

Abstract: A dental plant that facilitate insertion and can be used in all bone types. The implant includes a body having a coronal end, and an apical end opposite the coronal end. A tapered region may be adjacent the apical end. On the apical part one or more taps are provided so the tap is cutting when rotating clockwise and counter-clockwise. The implant can have at least one variable profile helical thread that extends along the tapered region. The implant can have also micro-threads below the main threads, a gradual compressing tapered core, a self drilling apical end and a narrow coronal region.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining surface topology of a portion of a three-dimensional structure is provided, that includes a probe, a light emitter, focusing optics, a detector, and a processor.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing custom crown coping and infrastructures is provided. A metal portion (base) of an abutment is located in a model of a patient's mouth and the model is scanned. The data from the scan is then utilized to manufacture the ceramic portion of the abutment and the coping. In one embodiment, the coping and infrastructure is designed by first determining the shape and orientation of the final crown, subtracting a thickness for the crown from the shape to determine the shape and orientation of a coping, and subtracting a thickness for the coping to form the shape and orientation of an abutment.

Abstract: Dental compositions and methods provide a flowable ceramic powder of a powdered component, wherein the compositions and methods comprise at least one dental glass, glass ceramics, metal oxide, mixed oxide selected from metal oxides and/or a mixture comprising at least two of said components, a printable dental ink. Moreover, the compositions and methods produce dental prosthetic form bodies.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composite material which can be used as a dental prosthesis device (crown, bridge), and specifically, relates to a composite material including a curable resin and a fiber material, and more specifically relates to a block-like composite material for dental cutting and processing characterized by having a multilayered structure including at least two layers having different transparencies. There are no technical information relating to a color tone and a transparency of the fiber material. To provide a block-like composite material for dental cutting and processing, wherein the block-like composite material has a multilayered structure including at least two layers having different transparencies, and the each layer includes a curable resin and a fiber material.

Abstract: This invention relates to a birthing sensor (1) for mounting on the tail of a pregnant animal. The birthing sensor comprises a casing (3) and an adjustable strap (5) for securing the casing to the tail of the pregnant animal. The casing houses monitoring equipment, communication equipment and a power supply. There is provided a padding insert (7, 37, 47) for location between the casing, the strap and the animal's tail. The padding insert comprises a sheet of resiliently deformable material, such as rubber, having a plurality of ventilation passageways formed therein. The ventilation passageways allow passage of air over the cow's tail underneath the sensor and further allow escape of urine and faeces from under the sensor. The passageways may be formed by having a plurality of upstanding bosses (9) on the surface of the padding insert and the passageways are the spaces between these upstanding bosses (9).

Abstract: The straw comprises a tube (11) extending between a first end and a second end and comprises a gas-permeable, liquid-tight plug, said plug being arranged in the tube (11) in the vicinity of the first end of same and extending between a first end turned towards the first end of the tube (11) and a second end turned towards the second end of the tube (11). Said plug comprises an element (14) impregnated with multivalent cations (22) at least in the vicinity of a first end turned towards the second end of the tube (11). The system comprises the straw and a liquid medium provided to produce, by mixing, in predefined conditions, the liquid substance (21). The medium contains an alginate (23) in solution.

Abstract: A anal incontinence disease treatment apparatus comprises an operable restriction device implanted in a patient and engaging the colon or engaging the rectum to form a restricted fecal passageway in the colon or the rectum. A source of energy external to the patient's body and a control device for releasing wireless energy from the source of energy from outside the patient's body are provided, wherein the released wireless energy is used in connection with the operation of the restriction device.

Abstract: A surgical device is provided. The surgical device includes a housing adapted for mounting on a finger of a user; and at least one guide tube attached along a length of the housing. The guide tube is configured for guiding a tissue repair implant from a proximal opening to a distal opening thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and devices for minimally invasive mastopexy, or other soft tissue suspension, which may be accomplished with our without augmentation.

Abstract: Implantable medical devices that contain at least one region that is selectively degradable by electrolytic corrosion are provided. The electrolytic corrosion of the medical device is initiated by the formation of an electrolytic cell that can be activated wirelessly at a designated point in time. The medical device incorporates at least one section or region that is designed to be predisposed to structural failure. The medical device contains a cathode region, a sacrificial anode region, which will undergo degradation, and an antenna region. Electrolytic degradation of a sacrificial anode region may cause a de-anchoring of the medical device or a reconfiguration of the medical device from a first configuration to a second configuration. Alternatively, electrolytic degradation may precipitate the absorption of the medical device. In another embodiment, electrolytic protection may be employed to preserve an implanted device until such a time that its corrosion and subsequent absorption is desired.

Abstract: A method of augmenting a bladder including incising a native bladder to form an incised native bladder, implanting a tissue flap, comprising a bladder-expansion portion connected to a tubular portion; and suturing the bladder-expansion portion to an edge of the incised native bladder. The method forms an augmented bladder with a volume capacity that is 100%-250% larger than a volume capacity of the native bladder. The tissue flap may be a modified ileal segment or a biologically compatible tissue flap. The biologically compatible tissue flap having a biocompatible scaffold comprising a collagen mesh, which is coated by a biochemical factor, a cell derived matrix, and/or a synthetic biocompatible polymer. The biologically compatible tissue flap is configured with the bladder-expansion portion and a tubular portion.

Abstract: A urological device includes a valve support stem, a bladder retainer, and a urological valve. The valve support stem is adapted for placement in a urethra of a user and extends between a proximal end and a distal end. The bladder retainer is adapted for placement in a bladder of the user. The bladder retainer is connected to the valve support stem at a support stem location between the proximal end and the distal end of the valve support stem. The bladder retainer is formed as a wall of material extending radially outwardly from the valve support stem, with a proximal surface of the wall forming an acute angle relative to the valve support stem. The urological valve is disposed in the bladder retainer at a location proximal to the support stem location and proximal to the proximal surface of the wall.

Abstract: A venous anchor device operably coupled by graft material to form an anastomotic connector is provided. The venous anchor device includes a tubular main body having a metal frame structure and including a distal end and a proximal end, the distal end including a plurality of barbs thereon wherein said distal end has an outer diameter greater than the proximal end. The venous anchor device is fluidly connected by a graft to form an anastomotic connector.

Abstract: An arterial anchor device operably coupled by graft material to form an anastomotic connector is provided. The arterial anchor device comprises a generally tubular main body including a distal end and a proximal end, the distal end defining a plurality of flanges integrally formed with the tubular main body and being movable from a first loaded position to a second expanded position. The arterial anchor device is fluidly connected by a graft to form an anastomotic connector.

Abstract: Devices and methods for tendon to bone healing are disclosed. In one embodiment, a tendon fixation method for tendon to bone healing includes anchoring suture anchors to a bone region. Sutures may be securely engaged to associated suture anchors and the sutures may be fastened to a fixation device. The fixation device may include a base with a plurality of openings to securely receive the sutures and one or more fastening members and/or fastening surfaces. The fixation device may be secured to a tendon thereby increasing a resistance to rotation or axial motion. In this respect, the contact area between the tendon and the bone region may be increased such that a compression force may be evenly distributed from the base of the fixation device along a tendon region of the tendon.

Abstract: The invention provides a description of a method and a device suitable for producing a cell suspension spray with living cells, and the produced cell preparation, suitable for grafting to a patient. In contrast to other methods, the spraying is performed through a disposable needle which is inserted into a disposable air tube; which provides a cell distribution avoiding spray nozzles. Small suspension droplets are provided instead of cell nebulization. By using medical grade sterile Luer-lock disposables from medical routine praxis, biocompatibility and easy application is addressed. In applying the method and/or in using the device, cells suitable for grafting to a patient are dispersed in a solution and sprayed with the device for distribution over the recipient graft site.

Abstract: Embodiments of this invention generally relate to systems and methods for optical treatment and more particularly to non-invasive refractive treatment method based on sub wavelength particle implantation. In an embodiment, a method for optical treatment identifies an optical aberration of an eye, determines a dopant delivery device configuration in response to the optical aberration of the eye, wherein the determined dopant delivery device is configured to impose a desired correction to the eye to mitigate the identified optical aberration of the eye by applying a doping pattern to the eye so as to locally change a refractive index of the eye.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an intracorneal lens (1), comprising a circular main body having a convex front surface and a convex rear surface, characterized in that the convex front surface has a single uniform radius of curvature (Rcv) and the concave rear surface has a radius of curvature (Rcci). The radius of curvature of the concave rear surface is greater than the average radius of the cornea by 0.1 mm to 2 mm, preferably 0.2 to 1.5 mm, in particular preferably 0.5 to 1 mm. The present invention further relates to a kit, comprising a storage unit (15) and a pre-load unit (P) inside the storage unit (15). The storage unit (15) is made of a watertight material and can be closed watertight by means of a plug (16). The pre-load unit (P) is fitted with the intracorneal lens according to the invention.

Abstract: A wide range depth of focus vortex IOL or other optical device or element and processes for manufacturing same.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for improving overall vision in patients suffering from a loss of vision in a portion of the retina (e.g., loss of central vision) by providing an enhanced toric lens which redirects and/or focuses light incident on the eye at oblique angles onto a peripheral retinal location. The intraocular lens can include a redirection element (e.g., a prism, a diffractive element, or an optical component with a decentered GRIN profile) configured to direct incident light along a deflected optical axis and to focus an image at a location on the peripheral retina. Optical properties of the intraocular lens can be configured to improve or reduce peripheral errors at the location on the peripheral retina. One or more surfaces of the intraocular lens can be a toric surface, a higher order aspheric surface, an aspheric Zernike surface or a Biconic Zernike surface to reduce optical errors in an image produced at a peripheral retinal location by light incident at oblique angles.

Abstract: Methods of compressing a stented prosthetic heart valve are disclosed. The method including inserting a stented prosthetic heart valve having a self-expandable stent frame into a container, initiating a cooling element in the container, transferring heat through a thermal conductor to cool an interior of the container, reducing a temperature of the self-expandable stent frame while located within the container to a critical temperature of not greater than 8° C., and compressing an outer diameter of the stented prosthetic heart valve while the stented prosthetic heart valve is at the critical temperature.

Abstract: Artificial heart valve structures and methods of their fabrication are disclosed. The heart valve structures may be fabricated from a biocompatible polymer and include one or more heart valve leaflet structures incorporated within a conduit. The valve structures may incorporate one or more conduit sinuses, as well as a gap between the lower margin of the valve leaflets and the interior of the conduit. In addition, the valve structures may include one or more valve sinuses created in a space between the valve leaflets and the conduit inner surface. Computational fluid dynamics and mechanical modeling may be used to design the valve leaflets with optimal characteristics. A heart valve structure may also incorporate a biodegradable component to which cells may adhere The incorporated cells may arise from patient cells migrating to the biodegradable component, or the component may be pre-seeded with cells prior to implantation in a patient.

Abstract: A method of reinforcing or repairing a bioprosthetic tissue for use as a prosthetic valve leaflet. The method includes evaluating a bioprosthetic tissue, identifying a defect in the bioprosthetic tissue, and selectively applying an adhesive to a surface of the bioprosthetic tissue at the defect prior to implantation in a patient.

Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve is provided with a cuff having features which promote sealing with the native tissues even where the native tissues are irregular. The cuff may include a portion adapted to bear on the LVOT when the valve is implanted in a native aortic valve. The valve may include elements for biasing the cuff outwardly with respect to the stent body when the stent body is in an expanded condition. The cuff may have portions of different thickness distributed around the circumference of the valve in a pattern matching the shape of the opening defined by the native tissue. All or part of the cuff may be movable relative to the stent during implantation.

Abstract: A self-expanding wire frame for a pre-configured compressible transcatheter prosthetic cardiovascular valve, a combined inner frame/outer frame support structure for a prosthetic valve, and methods for deploying such a valve for treatment of a patient in need thereof, are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatus and methods for endovascularly delivering and releasing a prosthesis, e.g., an aortic prosthesis, within and/or across a patient's native heart valve, referred to hereinafter as replacing the patient's heart valve. In some embodiments the delivery system comprises a plurality of first actuatable element adapted to engage a plurality of second elements in a first configuration to capture the implant within the delivery system, and wherein the plurality of first actuatable element are adapted to engage the plurality of second elements in a second configuration and to release the implant from the delivery system.

Abstract: A delivery device for percutaneously delivering a stented prosthetic heart valve includes a capsule assembly, a handle, and an outer stability shaft. The capsule assembly includes a capsule and a proximal shaft coupled to the capsule. The capsule includes an expanded configuration wherein the capsule has a first outer diameter, and a collapsed configuration wherein the capsule has a second outer diameter smaller than the first outer diameter. The outer stability shaft defines a lumen and is coupled to the handle and configured to receive the proximal shaft within the lumen of the outer stability shaft. The outer stability shaft has an inner diameter, wherein the first outer diameter of the capsule is greater than the inner diameter of the outer stability shaft and the second outer diameter of the capsule is smaller than the inner diameter of the outer stability shaft.

Abstract: A method is provided including introducing into a heart atrium, an annuloplasty structure having a sleeve with an elongated tubular side wall, anchoring a first section of the sleeve by deploying a first tissue anchor through the first section and into a first portion of annulus tissue, and anchoring a second section of the sleeve by deploying a second tissue anchor through the second section and into a second portion of annulus tissue. A longitudinal portion of the tubular side wall is disposed between the first and second tissue anchors and has first and second lateral parts. The first lateral part is closer to the annulus than the second lateral part is to the annulus, and the second lateral part is opposite the first lateral part and has a larger degree of tension than a degree of tension of the first lateral part.

Abstract: Implantable valve for treating venous insufficiency having a self-expanding frame encased in polymer having a distal section for blood in-flow, a bulbous center section and a proximal section for blood out-flow. Polymeric leaflets have proximal ends forming a valve outlet which opens and closes in response to venous blood flow and distal portions integral with the inner polymer surface of the distal end of said bulbous section. The leaflets define a predominantly biomimetic sinus region with the bulbous section. Opening of the valve induces flushing of blood from the sinus region for smooth non-traumatic blood flow through said valve.

Abstract: An orthopaedic implant includes: an implant body having an outer surface; and a textured porous material attached to the outer surface and having a plurality of pores and a plurality of islands extending away from the outer surface, the plurality of islands being configured to shear biological tissue during implantation.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods are provided for orthopedic implants. The implants may include a base member, such as an acetabular shell or an augment, that is configured to couple with an augment, flange cup, mounting member, or any other suitable orthopedic attachment. An implant may include a base member that has at least two projections with a gap between the projections. The gap between the projections allows the implant to fee implanted around another implanted component, such as around a bone screw of an acetabular shell. The implant may include a fixation element, such as a screw or a cement trough, on one or more projections to couple the implant to an implanted acetabular shell. The implant may also include timing marks to facilitate alignment with corresponding marks on another implanted component.

Abstract: A method for treating arthritis of a joint includes identifying a bone lesion in a bone adjacent to the joint; and implanting in the bone a reinforcing member in or adjacent to the bone lesion. A kit for conducting the method includes: (a) at least one reinforcing member having a proximal face adapted to face the joint, a distal face adapted to face away from the joint, and a wedge-shaped edge adapted to pierce bone, wherein the at least one reinforcing member is planar and sterile; and (b) a container adapted to maintain the at least one reinforcing member sterile. Another kit includes: (a) a sterile fluid; (b) a syringe for injecting the fluid into a bone; (c) a curing agent adapted to cure the fluid to polymerize and/or cross-link; and (d) a container adapted to maintain the sterility of contents of the container.

Abstract: A prosthesis (100, 200) comprising a bone attachment component (106) having one or more fixation structures (124, 224), wherein the prosthesis is configured to be selectively convertible between a mobile bearing prosthesis, in which a barrier (120) is secured to the bone attachment component (106) using the fixation structures, and a constrained bearing prosthesis, in which a bearing component (204) is secured to the bone attachment component (106) using the fixation structures (124, 224).

Abstract: Disclosed is an assembly for foot arthroplasty, including a plurality of successively larger implants (10, 20, 30, 40) and a single drill (60); each implant includes, relative to a central portion (11), a proximal pin (12, 22, 32, 42) and a distal pin (13, 23, 33, 43) that is shorter than the proximal pin, the pins and the drill being tapered by 2 to 6°.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cage apparatus for minimal invasive surgery. The cage apparatus includes: a first main body inserted between a first vertebra and a second vertebra adjacent to the first vertebra; a second main body inserted between the first vertebra and the second vertebra to face the first main body; a torsion prevention unit fixed to each of both edges of each of the first and second main bodies and disposed between the first and second main bodies; and a locking unit forwardly/reversely rotatably mounted between the first and second main bodies to suppress movement of the torsion prevention unit between the first and second main bodies. Thus, when the surgery is performed, the cage apparatus may be easily inserted between a vertebra and an adjacent vertebra to previously prevent damage due to torsion from occurring.

Abstract: A device and methods for intervertebral spinal fusion of adjacent intervertebral bodies. An intervertebral spacer is positioned within a narrow disc space between adjacent intervertebral bodies of a patient. The spacer is arranged with upper and lower guides. The guides are adapted to simultaneously guide the deployment of upper and lower anchors of an anchoring device into their respective intervertebral bodies. The spacer is also adapted to lock the upper and lower anchors to the spacer in the deployed position.

Abstract: An expandable interbody fusion device includes superior and inferior endplates that are configured to receive a sequentially inserted stack of interlocking expansion members or wafers. The like-configured wafers include features on their top and bottom surfaces that interlock the wafers in multiple degrees of freedom so that the wafer stack is not disrupted when the fusion device is fully expanded. One of the interlocking features includes a plurality of prongs projecting from an upper surface of the wafers and into a recess defined in the lower surface of an adjacent previously inserted like-configured wafer. The prongs and recesses are configured to prevent retrograde movement of each new wafer in a direction opposite the direction of insertion. Other interlocking features prevent movement in the direction of insertion, transverse to the insertion direction and vertically within the stack.

Abstract: A system and method for improving assembly, preparation, and installation of a prosthesis. Devices include prosthesis installation tools, prosthesis assembly tools, site preparation systems, and improved power tools used in implant site preparation.

Abstract: A metering delivery apparatus for injecting bone graft cement includes a body portion, a material containment vessel, an actuator, and a control unit. The body portion includes a drive housing that supports an actuator drivetrain and receiver end that supports the material containment vessel. The actuator has a first end connected to the actuator drivetrain and a second end that supports a moveable portion of the vessel to dispense material in the vessel and a retracting movement that relieves pressure applied to the material. The control unit receives actuator parameter inputs and includes a sensor to detect a signal of at least one of a pressure level and a time period. The sensor provides the detected signal to the control unit such that the control unit operates the actuator between the dispensing and retracting movements based on the detected signal and the actuator parameter inputs.

Abstract: In the use of devices and methods for measuring applied pressure on an article, such as a patella construct during a surgical procedure, differently sized and configured clamp bushing adapters can be interchangeably employed with, and removably secured to, a clamp stem to adapt to the relative sizes of objects being clamped. Embodiments of an installation cap can also be provided to assist with proper setup and operation by, for example, removably covering spike elements associated with a working surface of embodiments of the device.

Abstract: A system and method for improving installation of a prosthesis. Devices include prosthesis installation tools, prosthesis assembly tools, site preparation systems, and improved power tools used in implant site preparation.

Abstract: A system and method for improving installation of a prosthesis. Devices include prosthesis installation tools, prosthesis assembly tools, site preparation systems, and improved power tools used in implant site preparation.

Abstract: A system and method for improving installation of a prosthesis. Devices include prosthesis installation tools, prosthesis assembly tools, site preparation systems, and improved power tools used in implant site preparation.

Abstract: A system and method for improving installation of a prosthesis. Devices include prosthesis installation tools, prosthesis assembly tools, site preparation systems, and improved power tools used in implant site preparation.

Abstract: A system and method for allowing any surgeon, including those surgeons who perform a fewer number of a replacement procedure as compared to a more experienced surgeon who performs a greater number of procedures, to provide an improved likelihood of a favorable outcome approaching, if not exceeding, a likelihood of a favorable outcome as performed by a very experienced surgeon with the replacement procedure. Force sensing is included to aid in quantifying installation of an implant, particularly a cup into a pelvic bone.