Abstract: Prosthetic heart valve devices and associated methods for percutaneous or transcatheter heart valve replacement are disclosed herein. A heart valve prosthesis configured in accordance herewith includes a frame having a valve support and a plurality of support arms extending therefrom. The plurality of support arms may include a main support arm configured to extend from the valve support for capturing at least a portion of a valve leaflet of a native heart valve therebetween when the valve prosthesis is in an expanded configuration and deployed within the native heart valve. In addition, the plurality of support arms may include multiple supplemental support arms disposed about the circumference of the valve support that when deployed in the expanded configuration are configured to at least partially engage subannular tissue at the native heart valve.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an anchoring device (1) designed for anchoring a prosthetic heart valve inside a heart, comprising an extraventricular part (2) designed to be positioned inside an atrium or an artery and a ventricular part (3) designed to be positioned inside a ventricle, wherein the ventricular part comprises a double wall composed of an outer wall (4) and an inner wall (5) spaced apart at the level where the prosthetic heart valve is intended to be inserted, and wherein the anchoring device further comprises a predefined V-shaped groove (8) formed between the extraventricular part (2) and the ventricular part (3). The present invention also relates to an anchoring system (11) for anchoring a prosthetic heart valve inside a heart, comprising said anchoring device (1), a prosthetic heart valve support (12) and a prosthetic heart valve (13) connected to the prosthetic heart valve support (12).

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices and methods for improving the function of a defective heart valve, and particularly for reducing regurgitation through an atrioventricular heart valve—i.e., the mitral valve and the tricuspid valve. For a tricuspid repair, the device includes an anchor deployed in the tissue of the right ventricle, in an orifice opening to the right atrium, or anchored to the tricuspid valve. A flexible anchor rail connects to the anchor and a coaptation element on a catheter rides over the anchor rail. The catheter attaches to the proximal end of the coaptation element, and a locking mechanism fixes the position of the coaptation element relative to the anchor rail. Finally, there is a proximal anchoring feature to fix the proximal end of the coaptation catheter subcutaneously adjacent the subclavian vein. The coaptation element includes an inert covering and helps reduce regurgitation through contact with the valve leaflets.

Abstract: A medical device apparatus may include a medical implant including an anchor member configured to actuate between a delivery configuration and a deployed configuration operatively connected to a delivery system, the delivery system including an outer sheath and an inner catheter disposed within the outer sheath, and a sheathing aid connecting the delivery system to the medical implant, the sheathing aid being configured to guide the medical implant into the outer sheath upon relative closing movement therebetween. The sheathing aid may include a plurality of tethers extending from the inner catheter to a proximal end of the anchor member, and a release mechanism slidably disposed within a coupler ring coupled to a distal end of the inner catheter. The plurality of tethers may be releasably coupled to the release mechanism.

Abstract: A catheter (4) based medical system (1) and medical procedure for reducing cardiac valve regurgitation are disclosed. The system comprises a resilient curvilinear shaped annuloplasty implant (3) for reducing the size of a dilated annulus (18) of said valve for reducing said regurgitation having resilient anchoring elements (300), and a delivery device (2) for said annuloplasty implant (3) having a distal curvilinear shaped portion (200) that is hollow to mount said annuloplasty implant (3) and has an annular opening (201) arranged to be in apposition against an annulus (18) of said cardiac valve. A plurality of suction units allows for a atrial approach and symmetric implantation of said implant.

Abstract: Implants or systems of implants and methods apply a selected force vector or a selected combination of force vectors within or across the left atrium, which allow mitral valve leaflets to better coapt. The implants or systems of implants and methods make possible rapid deployment, facile endovascular delivery, and full intra-atrial adjustability and retrievability years after implant. The implants or systems of implants and methods also make use of strong fluoroscopic landmarks. The implants or systems of implants and methods make use of an adjustable implant and a fixed length implant. The implants or systems of implants and methods may also utilise an adjustable bridge stop to secure the implant, and the methods of implantation employ various tools.

Abstract: A system for treating a heart includes a catheter that is advanceable into a chamber of the heart and that is repositionable within the chamber between a septal wall and an external wall to enable penetration of the septal and external walls via a needle that is disposed within a lumen of the catheter. A first guidewire is deliverable through the penetration of the septal wall so that a distal end of the first guidewire is disposed within another chamber of the heart. A second guidewire is deliverable through the penetration of the external wall so that a distal end of the second guidewire is disposed externally of the external wall. The first guidewire is connectable to the second guidewire to join or form a path within the chamber that extends between the septal wall and the external wall.

Abstract: A bone graft containment device includes a body extending longitudinally from a first end to a second end. The body is defined via a strut framework sized and shaped to correspond to an outer surface of a target bone. The strut framework defines an interior space configured to receive a bone graft or bone graft substitute material. The device also includes a first grasping structure and a second grasping structure extending from an exterior of the body. The first and second grasping structures are configured to receive a bone fixation plate therebetween.

Abstract: A bone graft containment device includes a body formed via one or more helical structures extending about a longitudinal axis of the body from a first end to a second end to define a channel extending longitudinally therethrough. The channel is configured to receive a bone graft or bone graft substitute material therein, the one or more helical structures formed of a material permitting the body to be one of expanded, compressed and curved to fill a target space of a target bone.

Abstract: In various embodiments, an implant for interfacing with a bone structure includes a web structure including a space truss. The space truss includes two or more planar truss units having a plurality of struts joined at nodes and the web structure is configured to interface with human bone tissue. In some embodiments, a method is provided that includes accessing an intersomatic space and inserting an implant into the intersomatic space. The implant includes a web structure including a space truss. The space truss includes two or more planar truss units having a plurality of struts joined at nodes and the web structure is configured to interface with human bone tissue.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an orthopedic implant device comprising a porous structure, approximating the shape of a bone, and having modulus of elasticity similar to that of said bone. In one embodiment, further disclosed herein is a method of treating injuries or diseases affecting bones or muscles comprising providing an orthopedic implant device, wherein the orthopedic implant device comprising a porous structure, approximating the shape of a bone, and having a modulus of elasticity similar to that of bone, and using the orthopedic implant device to treat injuries and diseases affecting bones and muscles in a mammal. In another embodiment, disclosed herein is a method of manufacturing an orthopedic implant device using an additive manufacturing (AM) method.

Abstract: An orthopaedic hip prosthesis system is disclosed. The orthopaedic hip prosthesis system comprises a femoral head component configured to articulate with a natural or prosthetic acetabulum of a patient, the femoral head component having a tapered bore formed therein, a femoral stem component having a tapered trunnion configured to be received in the tapered bore of the femoral head component, and a shell positioned over the tapered trunnion of the femoral stem component. The shell includes a frame extending over the tapered trunnion, and a protective coating applied to the frame and the tapered trunnion. A method of performing an orthopaedic surgery is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of joint arthroplasty includes obtaining an image of at least a portion of the tibial plateau. An outer periphery of at least a portion of the tibial plateau is derived based, at least in part, on the image. An implant is provided for the tibial plateau, the implant having a periphery that includes an outer edge that substantially matches the derived outer periphery of the tibial plateau.

Abstract: A cemented tibial prosthesis having a bone-contacting surface with a porous outer rim. With the bone-contacting surface seated against a resected proximal tibia, bone cement or another suitable adhesive will travel into the pores of the porous outer rim to enhance the connection between the tibial prosthesis and the tibia.

Abstract: Prostheses that address stress shielding are disclosed. For instance, a knee prosthesis includes a monolithic femoral component having medial and lateral condylar elements for confronting and engaging a natural tibia or a bearing member of a tibial component, an intercondylar notch between the condylar elements for confronting and engaging a natural patella or a patellar component, and an anterior flange extending proximally from the medial and lateral condylar elements and the intercondylar notch. The femoral component defines a bone-facing surface and a bearing surface, the bearing surface including medial and lateral condylar articular surfaces defined by the medial and lateral condylar elements, respectively, and an intercondylar articular surface defined by the intercondylar notch. A slot extends through the femoral component from the bearing surface to the bone-facing surface, the slot starting at an edge of the femoral component and ending at a location within the anterior flange.

Abstract: A first prosthetic ankle component (10) comprising: a first bearing surface (12) configured to engage a second bearing surface (22) of a second prosthetic ankle component (20); and a protrusion (16) or slot (26) on the first bearing surface, the protrusion or slot being configured to engage a respective slot (26) or protrusion (16) in the second bearing surface of the second prosthetic ankle component, wherein the protrusion or slot is further configured such that the interaction with the respective slot or protrusion permits the first and second prosthetic ankle components to slide with respect to one another in an interface plane defined by the interface between the first and second bearing surfaces, and wherein the protrusion or slot is further configured to restrict the first and second prosthetic ankle components moving away from one another in a direction with a component perpendicular to the interface plane.

Abstract: An ankle implant for use in ankle arthroplasty in total ankle replacement is provided. The implant includes an upper prosthesis anchored to the tibia and a lower prosthesis anchored to the talus. The lower prosthesis is operable associated with the upper prosthesis. The implant also includes a stem which is rigidly removably connected to the second member. The stem includes a portion for attachment to the calcaneous. The stem is be adapted to be in a first position in the calcaneous when the stem is in a first relative position with respect to the lower prosthesis, and to provide for a second position in the calcaneous when the stem is in a second relative position with respect to the lower prosthesis.

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

Abstract: A device and method for a minimally invasive surgical implantation to reduce radicular symptoms by inserting an expandable cervical distraction implant in the facet joint and distracting the adjacent cervical vertebrae to increase the foraminal dimension. The implant, when positioned in the cervical facet joint, expands to via delivery of an inflation medium to increase the space between the vertebrae, thereby increasing the foraminal area or dimension, and reducing pressure on the nerves and blood vessels of the cervical spine.

Abstract: A geared cam expandable spinal implant. Rotational motion of a rotating portion is translated into linear motion of a yoke, which moves geared cams at the distal end of the implant to mate with, and walk along, teeth of corresponding racks. The walking of the gear cam teeth along the rack teeth creates a regular rate of implant expansion, reduces initial excessive expansion force applied to the implant, and provides fine adjustment of the expansion rate and force.

Abstract: An implantable orthopedic support device and methods of using the device are disclosed. The device can have rigid structural components that can translate longitudinally with respect to each other, and in so doing can change the vertical height of the device. The structural components can be driven by a drivescrew mechanism to change the vertical height of the device.

Abstract: A method of tailoring a spinal implant to correspond to a specific patient's needs includes: pre-operatively evaluating a patient to determine a desired spinal segment response; and modifying one or more features of flexures of an implant to provide the desired spinal segment response. Modifying one or more features of flexures of the implant can include modifying one or more of a thickness, width, length and/or shape of the features of the flexures. Various systems for executing the methodologies taught herein are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an intervertebral disc prosthesis comprising at least three pieces including an upper plate, a lower plate, and a movable core at least in relation to a plate, wherein it also comprises at least one elongated movable osseous anchor comprising an insertion end disposed at a first longitudinal end of the anchor and a retention end disposed at a second longitudinal end of the anchor and a plate-like body disposed between the insertion end and the retention end.

Abstract: An expandable medical implant is provided with an implantable cage body. The proximal and distal ends of the cage body may each be provided with a tapered or cam portion. The implant may further include a proximal flexure, a distal flexure, a proximal plug member having a tapered portion configured to mate with the tapered portion of the proximal end of the cage body, and a distal plug member having a tapered portion configured to mate with the tapered portion of the distal end of the cage body. The proximal plug member may be configured to move longitudinally such that the distal flexure moves and the circumference of the proximal end of the cage body resiliently expands. The distal plug member may be configured to move longitudinally such that the proximal flexure moves and the circumference of the distal end of the cage body resiliently expands. Methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: Expandable vertebral body implants, systems, instruments, and methods of assembly and using the implants, systems, and instruments are disclosed. The vertebral body implant includes a body with a first end and a second end, a first rotating member rotatably coupled to the first end, wherein an end includes a plurality of first notches inset into the first rotating member, a second rotating member rotatably coupled to the second end, wherein an end includes a plurality of second notches inset into the second rotating member, a first extension member moveably coupled to the first end, and a second extension member moveably coupled to the second end. The expandable cage system comprises a vertebral body implant and an insertion instrument. Methods for assembling and using the vertebral body implants and instruments are also disclosed.

Abstract: An expandable implant includes a body portion, a carriage portion, a deployment assembly, and an expandable portion. The deployment assembly and the expandable portion are attached to the carriage portion, and portions of the carriage portion are moveable out of and into the body portion. When the expandable implant is inserted into a disc space, the expandable portion is expandable to push the upper vertebral body and the lower vertebral body away from one another.

Abstract: In one embodiment a method of implanting a prosthetic includes implanting a first member including a concave articulation surface portion defined by a first radius of curvature in a first bone, implanting in a second bone a second member including a first convex articulation surface portion defined by a second radius of curvature and a second convex articulation surface defined by a third radius of curvature, wherein the second convex articulation surface is defined by the lemon portion of a spindle torus and each of the second radius of curvature and the third radius of curvature has a length that is different from the length of the first radius of curvature by less than 0.

Abstract: The present teachings provide one or more surgical implements for repairing damaged tissue, such as in the case of a spinal fixation procedure. A cross connector system for use during a spinal fixation procedure is provided. The system includes at least one bridge defining a coupling bore and having a pair of downwardly extending arms for coupling to a first fastener. The system includes a contoured bar having a first end offset from a second end, and a bore having a central axis. The system includes an expansion ring received within the bore, and a locking device received through the expansion ring and the coupling bore. The locking device is operable in a first state in which the contoured bar is movable about the central axis of the bore and in a second state in which the contoured bar fixed relative to the central axis of the bore.

Abstract: Transfemoral rotator. The transfemoral rotator includes an inner cylinder that nests within a cavity of a base shell. A spring clip mechanism operated by a push button serves to lock and unlock the transfemoral rotator to allow sitting cross-legged.

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

Abstract: Linings for fitting an object to a body part, and their use, are provided. The lining may include a flexible sheet having a fluid impenetrable outer portion enclosing an internal volume and the lining may include barriers forming a number of compartments substantially secured in place within the internal volume. The barriers may be permeable to gas and/or liquid, yet may be impermeable to the conformable material and the gas and/or liquid may be supplied to or aspirated from one or more compartments within the internal volume. Aspiration of gas and/or liquid from the internal volume may limit both deformation of the conformable material and shape adjustment of the flexible sheet.

Abstract: A liner is arranged for use in prosthetic and orthopedic devices. The liner defines first and second end portions, and inner and outer surfaces. The liner includes an inner layer having a frictional component and forms at least part of the periphery of the inner liner surface. The inner layer defines a plurality of apertures. A porous element is in communication with the inner liner surface and is connected to the inner layer such that the apertures permit a transfer of air from the inner surface to the porous element. A base layer adjoins the porous element and extends between the first and second end portions of the liner.

Abstract: A sleeve for mounting a prosthetic unit on a limb is formed in a knitted fabric comprising elastic yarns to allow circumferential extension of the sleeve to grip the limb. Adherent fibres are integrated within the fabric and exposed on the internal surface of the sleeve to provide additional grip. Such fibres can be silicone or silicone based yarns. An end of the sleeve is adapted to couple with a prosthetic unit. The knitted fabric may include yarns of restricted elasticity to limit longitudinal extension of the sleeve, and the elastic yarns and the yarns of restricted elasticity are typically located in discrete sections (2, 4, 6) of the sleeve. Such discrete sections will normally extend longitudinally in the sleeve. The knitted yarns at the end of the sleeve are normally bonded directly to a coupling element (8, 10, 12) for attachment to a prosthetic unit.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to devices configured to assist the flow of fluids in the body. The device comprises a covering for placing on the skin of a patient having protrusions which can contact the skin. The protrusions have a base proximal to a surface of the covering and an outer edge distal to the surface of the covering. Protrusions can be configured in an array, in a line perpendicular to desired fluid flow or in a spiral configuration, such that fluid flow is enhanced in the appropriate direction. The device can be configured as a prosthesis, an orthotic, a liner for a prosthesis or orthotic, or a wrap or covering that is positioned around a body part. The body part can be part of a lower limb, part of an upper limb, or other body part.

Abstract: A stent is formed from a wire having an outer member, a radiopaque core member disposed within a portion of the outer member, and an annular lumen between the radiopaque core member and the outer member. A substance is disposed in the annular lumen to be eluted through at least one opening disposed through the outer member. A plurality of radiopaque core members are disposed within portions of the outer member and are separated by lumens defined by the inner surface of the outer member. The lumens and annular lumens are in fluid communication with each other. In a method for making the stent, a composite wire including an outer member, an intermediate member, and a core member is shaped into a stent pattern and processed to remove the intermediate member and portions of the radiopaque core member, without damaging the outer member.

Abstract: Methods for securing strand ends of devices configured for insertion into an anatomical structure, and the resulting devices.

Abstract: The invention relates to medical devices and methods of using them. The devices are prostheses which can be percutaneously deliverable with (or on) an endovascular catheter or via other surgical or other techniques and then expanded. The prostheses are configured to have a lattice resistant to dilation and creep, which is defined by a plurality of openings. The prosthesis may also optionally have a stent disposed proximal to the lattice. In exemplary embodiments, the fluoropolymer is expanded polytetrafluoroethylene. The composite materials exhibit high elongation while substantially retaining the strength properties of the fluoropolymer membrane. In at least one embodiment, the lattice is made of a composite material that includes a least one fluoropolymer membrane including serpentine fibrils and an elastomer. A lattice including a generally tubular member formed of a composite material including a least one fluoropolymer membrane containing serpentine fibrils and an elastomer is also provided.

Abstract: Provided is an operation handle capable of shortening an entire length and enhancing operability. The slide mechanism (S) comprises a rotating body (4) that rotates in conjunction with a rotation of the thumbwheel (3) as the rotating wheel and a slide body (5) that engages with the rotating body (4), slides. The slide body (5) is configured by a 1st divided body (6) formed with a 1st engaging part (6A) engaged with the rotating body (4) in the initial state, and a 2nd divided body (7) formed with a 2nd engaging part (7A) engaged with the rotating body (4) in the initial state and not engaged with the rotating body (4) in the position where the rotating body (4) and the 1st engaging part (6A) is not engaged with each other. A power transmitting means (T) that transmits a driving force of the 1st divided body (6) to the 2nd divided body (7), to integrally slide the 1st divided body (6) and the 2nd divided body (7), is provided.

Abstract: An endovascular delivery system an elongate outer tubular sheath, an elongate inner tubular member releasably disposed within the elongate outer tubular sheath and an elongate crossover guidewire slidably disposed within the elongate outer tubular sheath.

Abstract: An operating unit constituting a stent delivery system is provided with a first rotary roller having a first gear and a second rotary roller having a second gear. The first gear is meshed with a first tooth portion of a rack member and the second gear is meshed with a second tooth portion of the rack member. The first gear is formed to have a large diameter relative to the second gear and at the time of releasing a stent, after positioning a distal end of an outer tube body close to the stent through the rack member with the rotation of the first rotary roller of the operating unit, it is possible to move the outer tube body toward a proximal side at a lower speed than that in the previous state with the rotation of the second rotary roller.

Abstract: A stent-delivery assembly that includes a catheter; an expandable stent that is movable, relative to the catheter, from a first position to a second position; and a guidewire assembly extending through a longitudinal passage of the catheter and a longitudinal passage of the stent, the guidewire assembly being movable, relative to the catheter, from a third position to a fourth position. While the expandable stent is in the first position and while the guidewire assembly is in the third position, the stent-delivery assembly has an a-traumatic shape. While the expandable stent is in the second position and while the guidewire assembly is in the fourth position, the guidewire assembly is capable of passing through the stent to allow for retrieval of the stent-delivery assembly. Methods of use and manufacture are also included.

Abstract: The present embodiments provide systems and methods for deploying at least a portion of a stent. In one embodiment, the system comprises a cannula having an outer surface, and an auger having a plurality of turns coupled to the outer surface of the cannula. A stent has a portion dimensioned to be disposed within a valley of the auger. Rotation of the cannula and the auger advances the portion of the stent in a predetermined longitudinal direction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices, systems and methods for implanting a radially expandable endoluminal stent. In certain aspects, the devices, systems, and methods of the present invention include a radially expandable endoluminal stent mounted on a delivery tube and having a distal end and a proximal end. A first retention element is also mounted on the delivery tube at or adjacent to the distal end of the expandable endoluminal device, and a second retention element is mounted on the delivery tube at or adjacent to the proximal end of the expandable endoluminal device. Expansion of the first and/or second retention elements reduces or prevents migration of the stent during and immediately after stent deployment.

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

Abstract: An injured musculoskeletal structure is mobilized relative to a juxtaposing support structure surface to isolate the injured musculoskeletal structure from forces transferred from adjoining musculoskeletal structures in order to alleviate pain, discomfort, inflammation, and further injury associated with such transferred forces.

Abstract: An ankle-foot varus deformity alignment device to improve leg, foot and ankle alignment of a person suffering from an ankle-foot varus deformity comprising an elongated spiral configured interconnecting member extending between an upper calf cuff including a medial region adapted to engage the medial side of the upper portion of the calf and a lower foot support including a lateral ankle cuff adapted to engage the lateral side of the ankle and a medial foot restraint adapted to engage in medial side of the foot to improve leg, ankle and foot alignment.

Abstract: An ankle stirrup has an ankle holder, a positioning unit, and multiple mounting belts. The ankle holder has a leg portion comprising a hole formed through the leg portion, and a foot portion. The positioning unit is mounted in the hole of the ankle holder, and has a body being elongated and having a longitudinal direction and a rotatable portion formed on a front side of the body, inserted through, engaging, and being rotatable relative to the hole. The positioning unit further has a limiting portion detachably mounted in the rotatable portion to keep the rotatable portion from detaching from the hole.

Abstract: An ankle support, comprising a rear-entry ankle cuff adapted to be worn adjacently above lateral and medial malleoli of an ankle, and an open-heel, open-malleoli and open-toe midfoot member extending forwardly and downwardly from the ankle cuff.

Abstract: A brace for aligning and protecting a patella. The brace includes a mounting component for mounting the brace to the leg of the user. The brace also includes a first attachment component attached to the mounting component and a second attachment component superposed on the first attachment component. An alignment component for aligning the patella is releasably attached to the mounting component by the first attachment component. A cushioning component for cushioning the patella is releasably attached to the mounting component by the second attachment component. A cryotherapy or thermal therapy component can alternatively be releasably attached to the mounting component by the second attachment component instead of the cushioning component depending on the needs of the user.

Abstract: A knee orthosis provides varying levels of support to a patient during a stance phase and a swing phase of a gait cycle. The orthosis comprises an upper auxiliary support, a lower auxiliary support, an actuator, a sensor configured to detect a plurality of leg movements during the gait cycle and to output a plurality of detection signals corresponding to the detected leg movements, and a processor configured to determine whether the knee is in the stance phase or the swing phase of the gait cycle, to control the actuator to apply pressure on the lower auxiliary support when the knee is in the stance phase, and to release pressure when the knee is in the swing phase.