Abstract: A dental arch model fabricated by a 3-D printing process is covered by conforming a liquid-dissolvable sheet of material onto a portion of the dental arch model to physically isolate material from which the dental arch model has been fabricated from material which will be used to fabricate an intra-oral device. The sheet material is a barrier which renders the material of the dental arch model and the material of the intra-oral device immune to chemical reaction with each other. After the device has been removed from the model, liquid is applied to the liquid-dissolvable material on the model. Instead of using a sheet as a barrier, a conditioning coating may be applied to the arch model, and a release coating is applied over the conditioning coating.

Abstract: An orthodontic bracket for coupling an archwire with a tooth. The orthodontic bracket including a ceramic injection molded (CIM) bracket body including an archwire slot that is configured to receive the archwire therein. The CIM bracket body including a polycrystalline ceramic. A coating of alumina or silicon dioxide is in continuous and direct contact with at least the surfaces of the archwire slot. The orthodontic bracket is characterized by unexpectedly high torque strength. The ceramic injection molded (CIM) bracket body may include a polycrystalline ceramic having a grain size distribution characterized by an average grain size in the range of larger than 3.4 ?m to about 6 ?m such that the orthodontic bracket is also characterized by unexpectedly high fracture toughness. A method of making the orthodontic bracket includes injection molding a bracket using a ceramic powder, sintering the molded bracket, and coating the ceramic injection molded bracket.

Abstract: The scan body for a dental impression includes a hollow member having a mounting recess configured for mounting onto a head portion of an impression coping positioned in a dental impression. The mounting recess can have an internal threaded bore for receiving a fastener to secure the scan body onto the impression coping. The scan body can have an exterior peripheral wall extending between opposing first and second ends. The peripheral wall has a first flat surface and a second flat surface. The first flat surface and the second flat surface have different dimensions.

Abstract: A dental implant screw for holding an abutment on a dental implant includes a head and a shaft. A proximal end of the shaft is coupled to the head. The shaft includes a threaded section, an outwardly tapered section leading into a recessed section, and a stop section directly between the outwardly tapered section and the recessed section. The recessed section is directly between the head and the stop section. The threaded section is directly adjacent a distal end of the shaft and is configured to engage threads of an internally threaded bore in the dental implant to hold the abutment on the dental implant.

Abstract: Systems and processes for the duplication of dentures from existing dentures. The interior and exterior of the dentures are scanned and a best fit procedure is used to create a fully digitized denture. The denture teeth are selected from a library that is the closest fit to the original denture teeth. The library teeth are offset a preset distance to compensate for the best fit. The teeth are then subtracted from the digitized denture. The margins of the denture are then cleaned after subtracting the teeth. The denture base is then ready for manufacturing. The teeth are then installed onto the denture base and provided to the patient.

Abstract: A dental restoration method that eliminates time-consuming, labor-intensive steps conventionally needed to fabricate molds, and thereby facilitates dental restorations in a shorter time, while reducing the discomfort and embarrassment sometimes associated with provisional restorations involves scanning an existing dental structure to generate a three-dimensional digital model of the existing dental structure, generating a three-dimensional digital model corresponding with a planned dental structure, and using an additive manufacturing process and apparatus (e.g., a 3-D printer) to fabricate the planned dental structure directly on the existing dental structure.

Abstract: A disposable dental flossing device is provided for improved handling, comprised of a floss segment with two tightly rolled paper handles at each end. The floss runs the entire length of the device and is anchored at each end by cutting and heating the floss. A section of exposed floss separates the two handles.

Abstract: A hybrid dental tool is disclosed herein. The hybrid dental tool includes a flosser having a flossing head. The flossing head can include a filament stretching between the first arm and a second arm. The flossing head can include a pick receptacle. The hybrid dental tool can further include a pick that has a first end and a second end. The pick can be sized and shaped to fit within the pick receptacle such that the first and second ends are protected. The pick can releasably connect with the flossing head to allow the separation of the pick from the flossing head.

Abstract: A dental implant cleaning or chemotherapeutic treatment device includes an elongated hollow stem, and bristles operably attached to the elongated hollow stem adjacent a first end of the elongated hollow stem and projecting from the elongated hollow stem nonparallel to the elongated hollow stem.

Abstract: A non-custom dental treatment device includes a moisture-resistant barrier layer that is flexible so as to conform to a plurality of differently-sized and shaped dental arches during use. The moisture-resistant barrier layer comprised of wax, paraffin wax and/or polyolefin. The dental treatment device also includes a substantially solid dental treatment composition adapted so as to be initially substantially dry to the touch and so as to become sticky and adhesive to dental tissue when moistened. The substantially solid dental treatment composition includes at least one tissue adhesion agent and at least one active agent, such as a dental bleaching agent.

Abstract: A surgical tool adapted for identifying an incision site is disclosed. The surgical tool includes an intra-urethral probe and a transmitter. The intra-urethral probe has a distal end opposite of a proximal end. A distal end portion of the intra-urethral probe is insertable into a urethra of a patient and is sized and configured to prevent the distal end of the intra-urethral probe from entering a bladder of the patient. The transmitter is located at the distal end portion of the intra-urethral probe and is configured to transmit a signal from inside of the urethra to an exterior surface of skin of the patient where the signal is sensed. The signal transmitted is one of a magnetic field, a vibratory pulse, a sound, or light in a visible wavelength.

Abstract: A medical device includes an artificial contractile structure which may be advantageously used to assist the functioning of a hollow organ, an artificial contractile structure including at least one contractile element (100) adapted to contract an organ, in such way that the contractile element (100) is in a resting or in an activated position, at least one actuator designed to activate the contractile structure, and at least one source of energy for powering the actuator. The ratio “current which is needed to maintain the contractile element in its activated position and in its resting position/current which is needed to change the position of the contractile element” is less than 1/500, preferably less than 1/800, and more preferably less than 1/1000. The medical device further includes elements for reducing corrosion of the medical device.

Abstract: Surgical articles, implants and components suitable creating composite slings are described. Novel procedures for assembling and utilizing composite slings are also detailed.

Abstract: An incontinence treatment device includes a support and a system of anchors connected to the support. The system of anchors includes a first anchor having a first strand that is captured between a collar and a body of the anchor and is secured to the support, and a second anchor having a second strand attached between the second anchor and the support. The second anchor has first and second protrusions extending outward in a radial direction perpendicular to a long axis of the second anchor, a tissue engaging fin integrated with a leading end portion and oriented in a direction perpendicular to the radial direction of the first and second protrusions, and a gripping tab removably attached to the tissue engaging fin.

Abstract: Various embodiments of an adjustable pessary device are provided. The device can include an elastic ribbon or band, such as Nitinol, encapsulated in a soft or flexible structure, such as a rubber shell. In addition to providing a conforming, comfortable shape, the rubber layer can have additional structures to interface and fit with the anatomical structures within the vagina.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are medical products with a layer of dehydrated modified basement membrane preparation formed thereon. The basement membrane has been modified before dehydration of remove low molecular weight components. Methods of making and using the products also are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel medical apparatus for treatment of obesity, diabetes, and/or other obesity-associated health problems. The apparatus is used to impede absorption of nutrients within the gastrointestinal tract, i.e., substantially isolating nutrients from a portion of the gastrointestinal tract. The apparatus can be implanted using minimally invasive techniques, such a transesophageal approach under visualization. More specifically, the apparatus is used to impede absorption of nutrients within the gastrointestinal tract, i.e., substantially isolating nutrients from a portion of the gastrointestinal tract. The apparatus may include a sleeve and at least one anchoring component attached to the sleeve with a releasable component. The sleeve may have different properties along its length or there may be multiple sleeves having different properties.

Abstract: An endovascular apparatus is provided for treating the effects of vascular disease including aneurysms and arterial blockages using a percutaneous, minimally invasive technique. In one embodiment the endovascular apparatus includes a tubular sleeve having a cranial end, a first caudal branch, and a second caudal branch such that the tubular sleeve is shaped like an upside down “Y.” The apparatus further—includes at least one expandable attachment device attached to the tubular sleeve for securing the endovascular apparatus to an interior wall of a vessel. The at least one expandable attachment device includes a plurality of telescoping segments similar to the telescoping segments of a presentation pointer. Accordingly, during percutaneous insertion of the endovascular apparatus into a patient the attachment device can be collapsed into a small profile. Once positioned at the site of the aneurysm the telescoping attachment device can be expanded to hold the endovascular apparatus in place.

Abstract: The present invention has multiple aspects relating to a bone-tendon-bone graft and components thereof. Embodiments of the present invention comprise an intermediate bone block that is used to adjustably secure soft tissue (e.g., tendon) in a patient. The present invention further relates to an assembled bone-tendon-bone graft suitable for implantation in humans comprising the intermediate bone block and a length of soft tissue. In a preferred embodiment, a bone-tendon-bone graft comprises a length of soft tissue (e.g., tendon) extending from a first assembled bone block to a second bone block and then doubles back to said first assembled bone block. Depending upon the embodiment, the second bone block fixedly or slideably attaches to the length of soft tissue and facilitates it doubling back to the first assembled bone block.

Abstract: Using the simplified placement system and method for a tissue graft anchor of the present invention, a surgeon may introduce one or more sutures into a hole in a boney tissue, apply a precise amount of tension to the sutures to advance a soft tissue graft to a desired location, and then advance the anchor into the bone, preferably while maintaining the requisite pre-determined suture tension and without introducing spin to the suture. Particularly preferred embodiments of the present invention relate to multi-anchor constructs. Multi-anchor constructs of the present invention may employ threaded implants exclusively, push-in implants exclusively, or a combination of threaded and push-in implants.

Abstract: A scleral prosthesis includes an elongated body configured to be implanted into scleral tissue of an eye. The elongated body includes (i) opposing first and second free ends and (ii) multiple first portions that form the first end of the body and part of a remainder of the body between the first and second ends. The first and second ends are wider than the remainder of the body. The first portions are separated by empty space such that the first portions meet at a point between the first and second ends and are not connected to each other between that point and the first end. The first end projects beyond one or more sides of the remainder of the body and angles back towards the second end. The second end projects beyond the one or more sides of the remainder of the body and angles back towards the first end.

Abstract: An accommodating intraocular artificial lens with variable optical power, comprising two optical elements which are adapted to mutually shift in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis wherein the optical elements have such a shape that the optical elements exhibit, in combination, different optical powers at different relative positions. Flanges are adapted to position the anterior section of the haptics in the sulcus of the eye or, alternatively, the ciliary body is enclosed by a combination of anterior and posterior flanges. Also disclosed are methods to provide for an accommodating intraocular lens which is adjustable post-implant to ensure emmetropia of the eye.

Abstract: An ossicular prosthesis is adjustable in length and temporarily and resiliently adjustable in angular orientation. The prosthesis includes a head for contacting a tympanic membrane, and a resilient sleeve is mounted within the head. An elongate shaft extends through the sleeve, and includes a distal end adapted to engage a footplate or stapes. The sleeve forms a resilient joint that allows the shaft to undergo an angular motion relative to the sleeve when subject to a non-axial force, and then subsequently return to its original position after the force is removed. The sleeve may also be longitudinally displaceable within the head of the prosthesis such that the shaft can undergo a damped linear motion. Also as a result of the arrangement of the sleeve, the prosthesis is adjustable to a very short length.

Abstract: A prosthetic apparatus for implantation in a native mitral valve includes a main body for placement within the native mitral annulus. The main body is compressible to a radially compressed state for delivery into the heart and is self-expandable from the compressed state to a radially expanded state for implantation. A valve structure is mounted within a lumen of the main body and preferably forms three leaflets made of pericardium. An atrial sealing member is disposed along an atrial portion of the main body and ventricular anchors are coupled to a ventricular portion of the main body. The atrial sealing member impedes the flow of blood between the main body and the native annulus. The ventricular anchors are positioned outside the main body for capturing native mitral valve leaflets between the main body and the ventricular anchors.

Abstract: A personalized prosthetic valve for implantation at a native valve treatment site includes a self-expanding mesh and a plurality of valve leaflets coupled to the mesh. The mesh may be delivered to the native valve in a collapsed configuration, and in an expanded configuration the mesh engages the native valve. The mesh in the expanded configuration is also personalized to match the treatment site, such that the outer mesh surface substantially matches the treatment site shape and size. The self-expanding mesh forms a central lumen configured to allow blood or other body fluids to pass therethrough. In the open configuration, blood passes through the prosthetic valve, and in the closed configuration, the plurality of leaflets are closer together and blood is prevented from flowing upstream through the prosthetic valve.

Abstract: A collapsible prosthetic heart valve includes a collapsible and expandable stent and a collapsible and expandable valve assembly. The stent has a proximal end and a distal end. A plurality of commissure points is disposed on the stent. The valve assembly is disposed within the stent and includes a plurality of leaflets. Each leaflet has a free edge. An end portion of the free edge of each leaflet is folded and sutured to a corresponding one of the plurality of the commissure points.

Abstract: A delivery system and method for delivering a prosthetic heart valve to the aortic valve. The system includes a delivery catheter having a steering mechanism thereon for delivering a balloon-expandable prosthetic heart valve to the aortic valve through an introducer passing into the left ventricle through its apex. The introducer may have a more floppy distal section than a proximal section to reduce trauma to the heart wall while preserving good operating field stability. The delivery catheter includes a deflecting segment just proximal to a distal balloon to facilitate positioning of the prosthetic heart valve in the proper orientation. A trigger in a catheter handle may be coupled to a deflection wire that actuates the deflecting segment, while a slider in the handle controls retraction of a valve pusher. The prosthetic heart valve may be installed over the existing calcified leaflets, and a pre-dilation valvuloplasty procedure may also be utilized.

Abstract: Heart valve delivery systems and methods of delivering and implanting heart valves using delivery catheters are disclosed. The delivery systems can include a handle assembly which can include a first control mechanism, a second control mechanism, and a decoupling mechanism. The delivery systems can also include a delivery catheter extending from the handle assembly. The delivery catheter can include an outer shaft, which can be controlled by the first control mechanism; a prosthesis containing capsule comprising a proximal capsule portion connected to the outer shaft, and a distal capsule portion releasably coupled to the proximal capsule portion. After deploying a valve prosthesis, the capsule can be closed by activating the decoupling mechanism in the handle to rapidly close the distal and proximal capsule portions together. The delivery system can also include a centering element to guide the distal and proximal capsule portions together.

Abstract: A package for receiving an adapter sleeve for a hip endoprosthesis, the hip endoprosthesis comprising a ball head which has to be pushed onto the adapter sleeve with a defined pushing-on force. For simplification and secure fastening of the ball head on the adapter sleeve, it is proposed according to the invention that a device for the mounting of the ball head on the adapter sleeve is integrated in the package and this device comprises indicating elements which indicate that the defined pushing-on force has been reached when the ball head is pressed onto the adapter sleeve. Preferably the package has indicating elements.

Abstract: An orthopedic prosthesis for use in a hip replacement surgery includes an implantable stem component. The implantable stem component includes a core and a shell extending over the core. The shell includes a polymeric material and is configured to receive a femoral head component. Metal foam may extend over a portion of the shell.

Abstract: A prosthetic device for a knee joint includes a body portion and a first keel. The body portion attaches to a bone of a knee joint. The body portion can have a bearing surface configured to replace at least a portion of the bone and an implantation surface configured to face the bone upon implantation. The first keel can be configured to be inserted into a corresponding first keel void formed in the bone. The first feel can be configured to project outwardly from the implantation surface by an amount sufficient to inhibit movement of the body portion relative to the bone in both medial and lateral directions upon insertion into the first keel void. The first keel can extend along a longitudinal direction of the body portion and is offset from a longitudinal centerline of the body portion. Methods of implanting and removing the prosthetic device are also provided.

Abstract: A radiocarpal wrist joint replacement includes a radial member configured to be affixed to a portion of an end of the radial bone proximal to the wrist including a fixture to be affixed over a longitudinal aspect of the radial bone and a radial resurfacing plate having a substantially concave surface configured to be located at the end of the radial bone. A carpal capitate bone insert configured to be inserted and affixed into the carpal capitate bone. A bulbous component includes a first convex head and a second convex head, substantially opposite each other and connected by a neck defining an annular groove between the first convex head and the second convex head. The carpal capitate bone insert is configured to be flexibly coupled to the first convex head of the bulbous component. The radial resurfacing plate of the radial member with the concave surface is configured to be operably coupled to the second convex head of the bulbous component so as to allow radial freedom of motion in the joint replacement.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention provide an apparatus that (1) delivers a fusion member between two vertebral bodies after at least a portion of the fibrocartilaginous disc between the vertebral bodies has been removed, and (2) affixes the fusion member to the vertebral bodies. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes (1) a fusion member that is delivered and positioned between the vertebral bodies, (2) a delivery mechanism that delivers and positions the fusion member between the vertebral bodies, and (3) an anchoring member that affixes the fusion member to the vertebral bodies.

Abstract: An implant includes a first plate and a second plate, a first wedge member and a second wedge member spaced from the first wedge member that couple the first and second plates together. The first and second wedge members configured to translate along the first and second plates from a first contracted configuration into a second separated configuration. The implant includes an actuation member coupled to the first wedge member and the second wedge member. The actuating member defines a flange extending toward the first and second plates. The actuation member configured to move the first and second wedge members from the first contracted configuration into the second separated configuration so that the first and second plates separate from each other.

Abstract: An intervertebral implant for insertion into an intervertebral disc space between adjacent vertebral bodies or between two bone portions. The implant includes a spacer portion, a plate portion operatively coupled to the spacer portion and one or more blades for securing the implant to the adjacent vertebral bodies. The blades preferably include superior and inferior cylindrical pins for engaging the adjacent vertebral bodies. The implant may be configured to be inserted via a direct lateral trans-psoas approach. Alternatively, the implant may be configured for insertion via an anterior approach.

Abstract: Implantable devices for the treatment of degenerative facet joint disease, and more specifically to implantable devices for the immobilization or fusion of degenerated facet joints, particularly of the cervical spine are provided. The devices may be easily inserted into the facet joint, promoting fusion and initiating a natural healing response. Also provided are methods of treating degeneration of a facet joint using these implantable devices.

Abstract: A method of inserting and positioning an intervertebral spacer is provided. The spacer includes a longitudinal axis, an on-axis interface coincident with or parallel to the longitudinal axis, and an off-axis interface angled to the longitudinal axis. The spacer's front end may be curved. The method may include inserting the spacer into the disc space utilizing a tool to engage an on-axis interface and then to engage one or more of the off-axis interfaces, which may be used for further modification of the spacer. The tool is moved substantially along a single insertion direction, which may be substantially parallel to a posterior-anterior axis of the disc space. The method may result in the longitudinal axis of the spacer being perpendicular to the insertion direction, or substantially parallel to a medial-lateral axis of the disc space. The spacer may also be positioned in an anterior aspect of the disc space.

Abstract: A spinal fusion device that is expandable. The device features a top and bottom surface for engaging adjacent vertebrae, a hollow center for stacking of bone or bone growth material, and a slidable mechanism with grooves for expanding or unexpanding the device.

Abstract: A lower limb prosthesis system and a method of controlling the prosthesis system to replace a missing lower extremity of an individual and perform a gait cycle are disclosed. The prosthesis system has a controller, one or more sensors, a prosthetic foot, and a movable ankle joint member coupled to the prosthetic foot. The movable ankle joint member comprises a hydraulic damping system that provides the ankle joint member damping resistance. The controller varies the damping resistance by providing volumetric flow control to the hydraulic damping system based on sensor data. In one embodiment, the hydraulic damping system comprises a hydraulic piston cylinder assembly, hydraulic fluid, and a valve to regulate the fluid. In one embodiment, the controller alters the damping resistance by modulating the valve to vary the hydraulic fluid flow within the hydraulic piston cylinder assembly of the movable ankle joint member based on sensor data.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provides for one or more processors receive image data of an object selected by a user and determine image attributes of the object selected, based on image analytics on the image data. One or more processors determine whether the image attributes of the object selected match an identified object of a knowledge base, in which an identified object includes image attributes and manipulation data corresponding to the identified object, and responsive to determining that the object selected by the user of the prosthetic device matches an identified object of the knowledge base, one or more processors transmits manipulation data corresponding to the identified object matching the object selected by the user, to a mobile controlling device communicatively connected to the prosthetic device, wherein the mobile controlling device applies the manipulation data corresponding to the identified object to the prosthetic device.

Abstract: An expandable, bistable open cell design incorporates the following features: a first relatively stiff portion (152) having first and second ends and a first relatively flexible portion (154) connected to the first and second ends of the first relatively stiff portion, the first relatively stiff portion and the first relatively flexible portion substantially surrounding a first open area (156) of the stent structure; a second relatively stiff portion (158) having first and second ends and a second relatively flexible portion (160) connected to the first and second ends of the first relatively stiff portion, the first relatively stiff portion and the first relatively flexible portion substantially surrounding a second open area (162) of the stent structure; and an opening (110) formed through the first relatively stiff portion and the second relatively flexible portion such that the opening connects the first and second open areas, thereby creating first and second intermediate ends (152a, 152b) of the first r

Abstract: A stent has one or more redundant crests for a ring. The redundant crest is located at a Y-crown for a peak-to-valley type stent pattern in one example. The stent may also have frangible bridges for connecting links. The stent's radial stiffness decreases when a redundant crest fractures and its axial and bending stiffness decreases when a frangible bridge breaks.

Abstract: Polymeric composite stents reinforced with fibers for implantation into a bodily lumen are disclosed.

Abstract: A stent graft (40) for treating Type-A dissections in the ascending aorta (22) is provided with a plurality of diameter reducing suture loops (56-60) operable to constrain the stent graft during deployment thereof in a patient's aorta. The diameter reducing loops (56-60) allow the stent graft (40) to be partially deployed, in such a manner that its location can be precisely adjusted in the patient's lumen. In this manner, the stent graft can be placed just by the coronary arteries (26, 28) with confidence that these will not be blocked. The stent graft (40) is also provided with proximal and distal bare stents (44,52) for anchoring purposes.

Abstract: A stent device delivery system and method of making. The stent device delivery system includes a stent device, an outer sheath overlaying the stent device in a radially compact, delivery configuration of the stent device, and a pull member. The outer sheath may include a first layer and a reinforcement layer that are laminated together, a portion of the pull member captured radially between the first layer and the reinforcement layer. At least a partial length of the captured portion of the pull member may be formed with a varying radial profile.

Abstract: Medical systems and related methods are disclosed. In some embodiments, the medical systems include an inner tubular member defining an aperture and an outer tubular member at least partially surrounding the inner tubular member. The inner and outer tubular members can be arranged such that an implantable medical endoprosthesis can be disposed therebetween.

Abstract: A handle assembly for a delivery device the sequential release of trigger wires from a prosthesis to release the prosthesis from the delivery device. The handle assembly has two handles, one of which is a rotating handle. The rotating handle has a first and second trigger wire release mechanisms which operate to sequentially release a first and second trigger wire, respectively, and a locking mechanism. The other handle has a locking mechanism that prevents that operation of the second trigger wire release mechanism until the first trigger wire has been released.

Abstract: The present invention refers to medical devices. Particularly it relates to stent devices and balloon catheter devices. In the most particular aspect of the invention it relates to balloon catheter devices carrying stents (2) with the medical balloon (3) comprising an inner layer (4) having a lower compliance rate and/or burst pressure than the outer layer (5) and an outer layer (5) having on the outer surface (6a) a higher adhesion strength than the inner layer (4), and its use in a variety of medical procedures to treat medical conditions in animal and human patients.

Abstract: Methods and devices for treating obesity. Pressure is applied to gastric walls in at least one segment of a stomach such that the pressure distends the gastric walls and induces satiety. A hollow capsule can be used to distend the gastric walls. Alternatively, a doughnut-shaped ring may be inflated to an amount sufficient to create intragastric tension and induce satiety. A c-ring including at least one balloon may be placed at a segment of the stomach, where the balloon inflates to a size that creates tension at the segment. A biocompatible material can be injected into the fundus and antrum of the stomach to stiffen the gastric wall to create a fullness feeling.

Abstract: A liner support frame is configured to be positioned in a gastrointestinal tract of a human and to support a liner which inhibits nutrient absorption and anchor the liner in place in the gastrointestinal tract, the liner support frame includes a plurality of frame members connected to one another so that the liner support frame possesses a plurality of openings. The liner support frame includes a plurality of frame portions arranged axially and possessing different tapers.