Abstract: The present embodiments provide systems and methods for facilitating deployment of a stent. In one embodiment, the system comprises an inner cannula, and at least one trigger wire extends at least partially within a lumen of the inner cannula and has an exposed portion extending radially outside of the lumen of the inner cannula. The exposed portion of the at least one trigger wire engages an associated portion of a stent in a delivery state. An outer cannula is sized for longitudinal movement over a portion of the inner cannula. Selective distal retraction of the outer cannula permits partial deployment of the stent to an extent of slack provided by the at least one trigger wire, and selective proximal advancement of the outer cannula incrementally urges the exposed portion of the at least one trigger wire radially inward to constrain the associated portion of the stent.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include methods of treating, preventing, and/or ameliorating a vascular disease and/or disorder in a diabetic or pre-diabetic patient. The methods include implanting a stent in a vascular region in a diabetic or pre-diabetic patient, and prior to and/or during the implantation procedure, delivering a lubricant formulation to the vascular region. The stent may be a bare metal stent, or a drug eluting stent, such as a metal stent with a coating including a drug, such as everolimus or sirolimus.

Abstract: A medical device for combating overweight or obesity in humans by achieving a more rapid feeling of satiety utilizes a bite raiser which can be connected to the human maxilla and/or mandible and which covers at least some of the occlusal surface of the masticatory teeth. A splint adapted to tooth crowns equips at least some of the masticatory teeth with an occlusal elevation for reducing the size of the masticatory surface. The occlusal elevation overlies the cusp tips of a masticatory tooth in order to link the bite elevation to a spanning of the masticatory relief of the covered masticatory tooth.

Abstract: An apparatus for regulating the functioning of a patient's organ or duct includes an elongated member having a first end and a second end. A fastener is disposed on the first end of the elongated member. The fastener is configured to engage the second end of the elongated member so that the elongated member forms a loop around the organ or duct. A tension element is disposed for movement within the elongated member. A drive element is associated with and engages the tension element for causing the tension element to control the tension applied by the elongated member against a patient's body organ or duct. A tension release mechanism is associated with the tension element.

Abstract: A reconfigurable knee brace which is particularly suitable for cold therapy. The brace includes a large wrap which fits over the front of the leg and wraps around the knee. Two or more securing straps are provided to hold the wrap in place. Once in position, an internal air bladder can be inflated to secure the fit. The user inflates the air bladder using an included squeeze pump and selectively deflates the bladder using a release button. One or more removable stays are positioned on the left and right lateral sides of the knee. When the stays are in position, the knee is held in place and cannot flex or extend. However, the stays are made removable. Once the stays are removed, the knee is able to flex and extend (though it is still stabilized by the encircling wrap).

Abstract: A physical rehabilitation device for the treatment of a medical condition of the foot known as plantar fasciitis includes a splint which is connected to the toe and ankle of a patient. The splint can be used in a method for treating plantar fasciitis known as “dynamic splinting”. This device allows the patient to bend the ankle and thus dynamically change the flexion in the foot of the patient. The device itself is unique, but the method of treatment made possible by this device is also unique.

Abstract: A lower back support system (LBSS) that provides increased support to a person's lower spine and back muscle group. The LBSS includes a first belt, a second belt, a quick release buckle and an adjustable belt glide. Additionally, a back rack that consists of a first shoulder support, a second shoulder support as well as other yoke, front and side supports can also be utilized. Substantially centered and attached by an attachment device to the front of the first belt is an abdominal support brace. Substantially centered and attached to the rear of the first belt is a back support brace which is specially designed and dimensioned to provide maximum support to a typical person's lower back. When wearing the LBSS a person is more protected against strain and injury by supporting his/her lower back when lifting, carrying or wearing an object(s) or being physically jarred. The LBSS shifts load from a person's single spine to their two legs.

Abstract: A cover for an ostomy pouch comprises a flexible waterproof material and an opening sealable in a waterproof manner through which the ostomy pouch may pass. An aperture in the front side is sized to closely surround an orifice of the ostomy pouch. A flange extends outward from the aperture and is sized to cover any portion of the ostomy pouch which projects through the aperture. An adhesive layer contacts the flange and adheres removably to the skin of the wearer. In an embodiment, a resilient ring surrounds the aperture. Reusable and disposable versions of the cover are provided.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an Intra Uterine Ball (IUB) device useful for a gynecological procedure or treatment. The aforesaid device comprises a hollow sleeve for at least partial insertion into the uterine cavity; and, an elongate conformable member with at least a portion comprised of shape memory alloy. The elongate member is adapted to be pushed out from said sleeve within said uterine cavity. It is the core of the invention that the elongate member is adapted to conform into a predetermined three dimensional ball-like configuration within said uterine cavity following its emergence from said sleeve, such that expulsion from said uterine cavity, malposition in said uterine cavity, and perforation of the uterine walls is prevented.

Abstract: An injection device for injecting a product into an eye, said device comprising an injection needle and a support on which the injection needle is fixed, said device being characterized in that it comprises a locating mark disposed in such a way that the latter can be placed in contact with a defined bearing region of the surface of the eye, before any contact of the injection needle with said surface, and can then be kept in contact with said bearing region during a stage of penetration of said injection needle through said surface of the eye.

Abstract: Disclosed is an ocular device including a first structure formed of a first material providing a first shape to the ocular device prior to positioning the ocular device on the surface of the eye, a second structure formed of a second, different material having a tubular structure and a lumen through which the first structure extends, and at least one therapeutic agent is dispersed within the second material of the second structure. The first shape of the ocular device conforms to a second, different shape after positioning the ocular device on the surface of the eye. Upon being removed from the eye, the ocular device retains the second shape or changes to a third shape different from both the first shape and the second shape. Related apparatus, systems and method are described.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods include a hand-held instrument with an aspiration conduit extending therethrough and with an aspiration needle arranged to aspirate fluid from a surgical site. A vacuum limiter is associated with the aspiration conduit. The vacuum limiter includes an opening formed in a wall of the aspiration conduit, an actuator disposed in the opening, and a biasing element biasing the actuator to a closed position that prevents passage of fluid through the opening. The biasing element is arranged to permit the actuator to displace from the closed position to a relief position so that fluid passes through the opening when a threshold vacuum is reached within the lumen. The actuator can further displace to an override position that prevents passage of fluid through the opening.

Abstract: Ocular surgery may be performed by a variety of systems, processes, and techniques. In certain implementations, a system and a process for ocular surgery may include the ability to draw ocular fluid into a channel of a hand-held pump system and separate the fluid into multiple compressible channels to create multiple flows. The system and the process may also include the ability to peristaltically pump the fluid through the compressible channels.

Abstract: Electric vitrectomy handpieces are provided. The handpiece includes a motor, a clutch mechanism, an oscillating drive mechanism, a cutting tip and a handle. The motor is attached to the clutch, and the clutch is attached to the oscillating drive mechanism. When the motor is operational, the clutch expands to engage the oscillating drive mechanism and the oscillating drive mechanism converts the rotational motion of the clutch to the reciprocating motion of the cutting tip. When the motor is at rest, the clutch retracts to allow aspiration.

Abstract: A system for ophthalmic surgery on an eye includes: a pulsed laser which produces a treatment beam; an OCT imaging assembly capable of creating a continuous depth profile of the eye; an optical scanning system configured to position a focal zone of the treatment beam to a targeted location in three dimensions in one or more floaters in the posterior pole. The system also includes one or more controllers programmed to automatically scan tissues of the patient's eye with the imaging assembly; identify one or more boundaries of the one or more floaters based at least in part on the image data; iii. identify one or more treatment regions based upon the boundaries; and operate the optical scanning system with the pulsed laser to produce a treatment beam directed in a pattern based on the one or more treatment regions.

Abstract: A closing dressing bolster and assembly for use with a system for treating a linear wound on a patient includes a bolster body formed from a flexible closing bolster material having closing members that are operable to develop an inward closing force when the closing dressing bolster is placed under reduced pressure. In one aspect, when the closing dressing bolster is under reduced pressure, the system, dressing, or assembly develops an inward force realized at the linear wound and a compression force. A wicking-material holder and wicking material may be used as well. The member components may all be see-through to allow visual inspection of the wound without requiring removal of the dressing.

Abstract: A combination protective carrier and mechanical coupling system for utilization in association with manufacturing of a bandage. The protective carrier includes a base with opposing sidewalls, cooperatively defining a channel. The protective carrier is elongated and structurally configured to be rolled onto itself. The mechanical coupling system has a base with a plurality of gripping structures. The gripping structures remain within the channel defined by the protective carrier. The mechanical coupling system is positioned within the protective carrier, and rolled onto itself.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tubular compressive orthosis having an upper edge defining a first knitted compression zone, and comprising, close to said upper edge, at least one grip element facilitating the process of putting on the orthosis. Characteristically, the grip element is a second knitted gripping zone arranged beneath the upper edge and having a mesh density higher than the mesh density of the first compression zone.

Abstract: A device for transforming a continuous and controlled flow of absorbent material in granules into an intermittent flow for providing the material to a receiving member movable along a direction X, including a feed manifold, an outlet and a main body, placed between the feed manifold and the outlet, configured to cause the absorbent material to flow along a direction (Y?-Y?) coinciding with the respective axes of symmetry of the feed manifold, the outlet nozzle and the main body; wherein within the main body a movable element is housed, capable of moving alternately between a first and a second working position, such that when the movable element is in the first position, it forms a first accumulation chamber of the material, and a first discharge duct of the material, and when the movable element is in the second position, it forms a second accumulation chamber and a second discharge duct.

Abstract: In a method for making absorbent sanitary articles, each absorbent article includes a pair of side tabs fed from a single continuous tape divided by oblique cuts into first and second series of side tabs oriented in opposite directions. The side tabs of the first and second series are then fed along a first path and along a second path, respectively and are first rotated by 180° and then combined and transferred separately along a third, common path along which each tab of the first series has a respective tab of the second series placed alongside it to form a pair of side tabs. At least one of the side tabs of each pair is moved sideways such that each pair of side tabs is applied to a continuous web of material at a predetermined spacing.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods and apparatuses for monitoring substrates advancing along a converting apparatus in a machine direction. The apparatus may include an analyzer connected with a line scan camera through a communication network. The analyzer may be configured as a field programmable gate array, an application specific integrated circuit, or a graphical processing unit. In addition, the line scan camera may include a linear array of pixel data and define a linear field of view, wherein the line scan camera is arranged such that the linear field of view extends in the machine direction. The apparatus may further include an illumination source that illuminates the linear field of view. In operation, the substrate is advanced in the machine direction such that a portion of the substrate advances through the linear field of view. In turn, the apparatus may be configured to perform various monitoring and/or control functions.

Abstract: A method for producing a wearing article includes conveying a front-abdominal-portion forming strip and a rear-dorsal-portion forming strip; dividing the front-abdominal-portion forming strip being conveyed, along a dividing line parallel to a width direction thereof; holding a relative positional relationship between two segments of the front-abdominal-portion forming strip on both sides of the dividing line; within a period of implementation of the step of holding, detachably attaching a first attaching-detaching member to the front-abdominal-portion forming strip in such a manner as to cover the dividing line, thereby restricting a relative displacement between the segments of the front-abdominal-portion forming strip on both sides of the dividing line; joining the front-abdominal-portion forming strip and a front region of a crotch portion together; and joining the rear-dorsal-portion forming strip and a rear region of the crotch portion together.

Abstract: Described here are body liners and methods for treating accidental bowel leakage using one or more body liners. The body liners may be formed from one or more liner layers and in some instances may comprise one or more adhesive regions to connect the body liners to the skin of a wearer. The body liners may be configured to absorb fluid, and may selectively distribute fluid relative to the body liner.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing nonwoven/film laminates for personal hygiene articles, from an initial film web consisting of a thermoplastic polymer and an initial nonwoven web. According to said method, the initial film web and the initial nonwoven web, whose melting point lies above the crystallite melting point of the polymer, are heated to a temperature that exceeds the crystallite melting point of the polymer and lies below the melting point of the initial nonwoven web. The laminate is then guided through a cooled nip and is cooled to a temperature that lies below the crystallite melting point of the initial film web. The invention also relates to laminates that can be produced by said method.

Abstract: An absorbent article is disclosed. The article includes a first portion having at least two target strips located on opposite ends of the first portion, at least one visual sizing indicator positioned on the first portion of the article between the at least two target strips, the visual sizing indicator including indicia for indicating that the article is too large for a wearer, a middle portion contoured inwards such that an hourglass shape is formed, and a second portion having at least two fasteners located on opposite edges of the second portion. The absorbent article is formed of several layers including a moisture-impervious outer layer, an inner layer substantially co-extensive with the outer layer, and a filler interposed between the inner layer and the outer layer.

Abstract: An absorbent article (20) having an absorbent core comprising at least about 80% of superabsorbent polymers (SAP) by weight of its absorbent material. An acquisition-distribution system (ADS) (50) is at least partially disposed between the absorbent core and the topsheet. The ADS extends in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent article at least from a point A1 disposed at a distance D from the front edge to a point A2 disposed at a distance D from the back edge of the article, D being equal to 32% of the length L of the article. The ADS has a basis weight which may be at least 20% lower at the point A2 than at the point A1.

Abstract: An adhesive cover and method of use in which the cover is well-suited to effectively cover a temporary tattoo utilized in radiation therapy treatments. The cover includes a transparent, flexible layer with an optional rigid layer releasably adhered thereto. The first, flexible layer has a lower adhesive surface, an upper low-adhesion surface and a predefined peripheral edge. The second, rigid layer has a lower surface releasably adhered to the upper low-adhesion surface of the first layer, an opposing upper exposed surface, and a peripheral edge cooperative with the predefined peripheral edge of the first layer to preserve the integrity of the first layer during handling and application. The second layer is removed from the first layer only after the first layer is adhered to a patient's skin.

Abstract: A rigid tube extending along an axis is provided with a rectangular cross-section having enlarged centrally disposed arcuate sections for receiving tubular structural portions of walk assist devices such as canes or crutches. The rigid tube is provided with patterns of threaded mounting holes that accept locking machine bolts extending through mounting holes in a mounting plate; the mounting plate is provided with an arcuate groove for contacting and clamping a structural portion of a wheelchair or walker.

Abstract: Height adjustable beds involve the risk for the patient to fall out of the bed. In order to prevent this to happen, the bed is furnished with a device which observes whether a nursing person is within a proximity zone of the bed. When the nursing person leaves the proximity zone and the bed is adjusted to a height implying potential danger for the person in the bed, a message (sms) is sent to a mobile unit carried by the nursing person. The indication warns the nursing person, making it possible for him to prevent the potential dangerous situation by height adjustment of the bed to a safe height for leaving the bed. Hereby personal injury is prevented or minimized as much as possible.

Abstract: A conforming support comprising a central portion, a first side portion attached to the central portion, and a second side portion attached to the central portion opposite to the first side portion each having chambers in fluid communication with one another such that a pressure applied upon the central chamber reconfigures the support assembly from a flattened configuration to an angled configuration in which fluid or gas within the central portion is urged into the first and/or second portions such that the side portions pivot to a predetermined height and angle relative to the central portion and form a conforming channel sized to support a region of a patient body.

Abstract: A method of securing a patient onto an operating table when the patient is in the Trendelenburg position and apparatus therefor including a kit. A viscoelastic pad is used to support and hold a patient on a medical procedure table during a medical procedure performed while the table, and thus the patient lying thereon, is in an inclined position, such as the Trendelenburg position. The viscoelastic pad has characteristics which promote a minimization of pressure forces on the patient's body, as well as promote a secure cushioning and holding of the patient in a desired position on the table, in order to minimize injury to the patient.

Abstract: An accessory flat-top panel for use with a surgical table includes a board adapted to support a patient, a left attachment pylon coupled to the board, and a right attachment pylon coupled to the board. The left and right attachment pylons are each formed to include channels sized to receive a rail included in a surgical table. The width of the board between a left side and a right side of the board is greater than the width of a pair of rails included in a surgical table to support portions of a patient wider than pair of rails included in the support top.

Abstract: A guitar-shaped urn suitable for holding and/or displaying the ashes of a guitar player or guitar-enthusiast. The urn may comprise a generally guitar-shaped body, a heart-shaped chamber within the body, an opening into the chamber, and a cover for the opening, such that when the cover is in place, the chamber is generally sealed. The urn may have typical guitar features, such as strings, a fret board, and a bridge. The urn may be functional only as an urn, with the guitar features merely decorative, or the urn may be functional additionally as a guitar.

Abstract: A tilting inversion exerciser includes a foot support attached to an extension of a table, a carrier attached to the extension, a spindle attached to the extension, and a foot retaining device includes a lever having an oblong hole for slidably engaging with the spindle, a stem slidably attached to the lever, a pin attached to the stem and slidably engaged in a curved channel of the carrier biased to engage with the carrier, and the lever is engageable with the pin for retaining the pin to the carrier and for preventing the pin from being disengaged from the carrier when the extension of the table is inverted to an up-side-down position, and for giving some security to the user while conducting the inversion exercises.

Abstract: A system for stimulating the release of satiety hormone in a subject comprises a stimulus device (1) having a tissue engaging portion (2) intended to be placed in contact with a target tissue (3) of a gastrointestinal system of the subject, a movement device (15) linked with the tissue engaging portion (2) and operable to move the tissue engaging portion (2), thereby mechanically stimulating the target tissue (3), and an anchoring device for permanently fastening the stimulus device (1) in a target location at the gastrointestinal system such that the tissue engaging portion (2) engages the target tissue (3).

Abstract: A method for performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) includes elevating the heart of an individual to a first height relative to a lower body of the individual. The lower body may be in a substantially horizontal plane. The method may also include elevating the head of the individual to a second height relative to the lower body of the individual. The second height may be greater than the first height. The method may further include performing one or more of a type of CPR or a type of intrathoracic pressure regulation while elevating the heart and the head. The first height and the second height may be determined based on one or both of the type of CPR or the type of intrathoracic pressure regulation.

Abstract: Syringes for providing fluid communications are provided. The syringes include a connector body section having a tip portion and a gravity-assisted valve, and a barrel section. One or more syringes include a configuration of the gravity-assisted valve to allow bidirectional fluid communications between the tip portion and a fluid reservoir when the syringe is pointed downward. One or more syringes include a configuration of the gravity-assisted valve to prohibit fluid communication from the fluid reservoir to the tip portion when the syringe is pointed upward. One or more syringes include a gas pathway extending from an interstitial space of the connector body section to an interior volume of the plunger defining a gas reservoir.

Abstract: A system, method, apparatus, and computer program product are provided for interim volume verification. A system may include a first fluid container defining a first cavity, a second fluid container defining a second cavity, and a third fluid container defining a third cavity. Systems may include a pneumatic valve, where the pneumatic valve may be in pneumatic communication with the second cavity of the second fluid container. A controller may be configured to control the pneumatic valve. Systems may include a display configured to present a volume measurement to a user. A target volume of fluid may be caused by the controller to be drawn from the first cavity of the first fluid container into the second cavity of the second fluid container in response to the first cavity of the first fluid container being in fluid communication with the second cavity of the second container and the pneumatic valve causing a vacuum to be applied to the second cavity of the second fluid container.

Abstract: To provide an infant drinking device with a more reliable aerator, the infant drinking device comprises a teat, a reservoir for holding a liquid, a connector for detachably connecting the reservoir to the teat, and an aerator. The aerator (e.g., a duckbill valve) includes a deformable opening (e.g., a slit) whereby internal/external pressure differential during use of the device is reduced in an open position of the opening by allowing air to enter through the opening into the reservoir and such that leakage of fluid from an inside of the drinking device to an outside of the drinking device is hindered in a closed position of the opening. During assembly of the teat, connector and reservoir, a minimally defined deformation of the opening of the aerator is enforced by at least one of a geometrical property and a material property of the teat or the connector.

Abstract: A feeding tube aperture supported and aligned with a feeding tube opening in an abdominal wall of a patient, including a base having a first end surface transverse to an axis of the base and a feeding tube, a second opposed end surface, a central feeding tube passage extending between the first and second end surfaces, a plurality of vent passages around the feeding tube passage and extending between the first and second end surfaces, a hollow, cylindrical feeding tube support extension centered on and extending outwardly from the feeding tube passage to support and align the feeding tube aperture, and a plurality of spaced apart resilient spacers extending outwards from the second end surface. The plurality of spaced apart resilient spacers resiliently space the second end surface from the abdominal wall and form a plurality of air passages to allow a flow of air around the abdominal wall and the feeding tube opening.

Abstract: A wet wipe is provided including at least a first flexible layer and a second flexible layer made of a nonabsorbent material and having a liquid entrapped therebetween, wherein at least one of the first and second flexible layers is provided with a plurality of pores configured to allow the liquid to pass therethrough.

Abstract: A cleansing bar comprising at least one member chosen from clay and talc, wherein a total amount of clay and talc is present in an amount that is greater than any other material in the cleansing bar, at least one cleanser chosen from soap and surfactant, and a binder present in an amount to structure the cleansing bar into a bar.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an emulsion concentrate containing water-insoluble oil components (A), hydrophilic non-ionic emulsifiers (B), lipophilic co-emulsifiers (C), polyols (D) and water; which comprises less than 50% by weight of water-insoluble oil component (A), based on the total weight of the concentrate, and comprises components (A), (B) and (C) and (D) in a ratio by weight A:B:C:D=1:(0.25-0.6):(0.25-0.6):(0.45-0.65). The invention further relates to the use of these emulsion concentrates, and also to preparations and paper products, non-woven products or textile products for body care and personal cleansing, which comprise water-insoluble oil components (A), hydrophilic non-ionic emulsifiers (B), lipophilic co-emulsifiers (C), and polyols (D) in a ratio by weight A:B:C:D=1:(0.25-0.6):(0.25-0.6):(0.45-0.65).

Abstract: A droplet for delivering toothpaste to a user can be provided. The droplet can include a dissolvable outer membrane defining a volume with toothpaste inside the volume. The outer membrane can be formed from dissolvable film strip technology and include a tail or corner portion, which is configured to be embedded into the bristles of a toothbrush. In one aspect of this embodiment, the outer membrane of the droplet can form a pillow-like shape. The droplet further can include one or more extensions coupled to the outer surface of the outer membrane, where the one or more extensions can have a triangular shape, a barb shape or the like. In one aspect of this embodiment, the droplet further can include a logo, a cartoon character, a word or the like printed on the outer membrane. The plurality of extensions can form irregularities on the outer surface of the body section of the outer membrane.

Abstract: Provided are compositions, e.g., oral and personal care products, comprising (i) a tetrabasic zinc-amino acid or trialkyl glycine-halide complex, and (ii) cysteine in free or in orally or cosmetically acceptable salt form, together with methods of making and using the same.

Abstract: Methods of making personal care compositions including microcapsules and methods of enhancing the efficacy of the microcapsules in said personal care compositions.

Abstract: A composition containing minerals from aloe rind, and more particularly to compositions containing minerals derived from aloe rind by ashing or fermentation, and methods of preparing and using the compositions is disclosed. Formulations can includes aloe rind minerals and one or more additional active on inactive ingredients, and can be suitable for topical or oral administration. Method of maintaining or improving tissue health, for example, maintaining or improving bone health, maintaining or improving cardiovascular health, or improving the appearance or texture of skin by administering the aloe rind minerals are also disclosed.

Abstract: The subject of the invention is the use of an extract of Stevia in combination with a salt, for masking the bitterness of bitter compounds in cosmetic or dermatological compositions. This mixture of sweetener with a second gustatory agent makes it possible to mask the bitterness of the compound permanently without changing the nature of the fragrance or the colour of the composition.

Abstract: A personal care composition comprising: at least a first phase and a second phase wherein said first phase comprises a) an aqueous structured surfactant phase comprising STnS where n is between about 0 and about 2.5; b) ; c) a structuring system comprising i. optionally, a non-ionic emulsifier; ii. optionally, from about 0.05% to about 5%, by weight of said personal care composition, of an associative polymer; iii. an electrolyte; and said second phase comprises a) a benefit phase comprising from 1% to about 50%, by weight of said personal care composition, of a hydrophobic benefit agent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a source of green light for activating L-amino acid oxidase in the presence of at least one substrate of this enzyme in order to stimulate the energy metabolism of the cells of the skin, to stimulate their replacement and thus to improve the appearance of the skin and hair, in particular to prevent and/or treat cutaneous signs of ageing of the skin and hair.