Abstract: A dental prosthesis is disclosed includes a prosthetic tooth element comprising ceramic and a veneer located on a surface of the prosthetic tooth element, the veneer comprising cured dental composite. The prosthetic tooth element can be fixed to a mount in a patient's mouth using the same dental composite used for the veneer. A method of forming a prosthetic tooth element is disclosed including filling a mould that is formed at least partially from flexible polymeric material with a dental mixture comprising ceramic, and applying pressure to the filled mould to form a prosthetic tooth element comprising ceramic with a roughened surface.

Abstract: A full hands-free automatic toothbrush is disclosed for brushing all user's teeth simultaneously without holding by hands, thereby enabling the user to engage in other activities while brushing teeth, is more effective cleaning and shorten time for brushing. The full hands-free automatic toothbrush includes an jaw mould which be structured to hold the brushing bristle wires inside and can cover all the user's teeth when closing two sets of teeth. The full hands-free automatic toothbrush includes a handle which contain a source of energy and an electric motor. In some embodiments the full hands-free automatic toothbrush includes the brushing bristle wires for easy rotating around its axes and replacement. In some embodiments includes a handle for easy insertion and removal. Other embodiments include a button (two levels) or small lever (either direction) on the handle for driving bi-directional (forward and backward) to the motor.

Abstract: An object is to provide a polymerization apparatus for dental technique with which both of preliminary polymerization and final polymerization can be carried out by one apparatus. The apparatus includes a plurality of light sources whose light axes run at least in two directions; a cover that covers the light sources, forms a polymerization space inside thereof and switches a formation and closure of an opening that communicates inside and outside the polymerization space; a sensor that detects the formation and closure of the opening by the cover; a controller that receives signals from the sensor, and based on the formation and closure of the opening, turns on some of the light sources having two or more directions of light axis with the opening closed, and turns on some of the light sources having fewer directions of light axis than with the opening closed, with the opening open.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of dentistry and is used for reinforcing composite materials to eliminate various defects of dental hard tissues of carious and non-carious origin in the process of direct/indirect and reinforced/non-reinforced composite restorations. The claimed method includes vibrational mechanical activation of composite materials by vibrationally acting upon portions of composite material shaped by manual mechanical activation (e.g., roll/ball) and applied layer-by-layer to the region of a defect.

Abstract: A dental usage monitoring system having a dental appliance, a sensor unit having at least one sensor attached to the dental appliance, a power supply attached to the dental appliance, and an analyzer. The at least one sensor attached to the dental appliance is configured to collect data related to usage of the dental appliance. An analyzer in communication with the sensor and is configured to determine usage of the dental appliance based upon the collected data. The dental usage monitoring system can include a base module configured to receive collected data, transmit data to the analyzer, and recharge the sensor unit. The base module can be further configured to calibrate the collected data. The sensor unit can be embedded in the dental appliance or coupled to the dental appliance. The sensor unit may be encased in a protective coating.

Abstract: A plurality of bodies that attract one another are provided for implanting in a patient, specifically around a body passage of the patient. For example, the body passage may be the urethra, and the plurality of bodies may be implanted around the outside of the urethra, and the bodies being substantially coaxial with the urethra. The attraction between adjacent bodies may be provided by a magnetic or a mechanical force.

Abstract: Systems, method, and devices related to surgically implantable supportive slings are presented herein. More specifically, in various embodiments, the systems, devices and methods relate to a surgically implantable supportive sling adapted to anchor in patient tissue.

Abstract: Receiver (1), in particular an implantable receiver (1) for transmitting energy to an implant, with a multi-layer circuit board comprising a plurality of electrically conductive layers (11-16), wherein the circuit board comprises an outer coil area and a multi-layer inner area enclosed by the coil area, a coil which is integrally incorporated at least partially in the layers (11-16) of the circuit board in the coil area, wherein the number of the layers (11-16) of the circuit board is smaller within this inner area than in the coil area.

Abstract: An example medical device is disclosed. The example medical device includes a tubular scaffold. The scaffold includes a longitudinal axis, an inner surface and an outer surface. The medical device also includes a flexible valve extending radially inward from the inner surface of the scaffold. The valve includes an annular chamber extending circumferentially around the inner surface of the scaffold and is configured to shift from a closed configuration to an open configuration.

Abstract: An endoluminal prosthesis may include a tubular main graft body including a sidewall and proximal and distal ends. A first stent may be positioned near the proximal end of the main graft body. A second stent may be positioned adjacent to and distal of the first stent. An opening in the sidewall may be positioned longitudinally between a peak of the first stent and a valley of the second stent. A tubular branch may be disposed in the opening. The branch may include first and second end openings. The branch may be flexibly orientable between a retrograde configuration in which the first end opening is oriented toward the distal end and the second end opening is oriented toward the proximal end and an antegrade configuration in which the first end opening is oriented toward the proximal end and the second end opening is oriented toward the distal end.

Abstract: A stent for use in a medical procedure having opposing sets of curved apices, where the curved section of one set of apices has a radius of curvature that is greater than the curved section of the other set of apices. One or more such stents may be attached to a graft material for use in endovascular treatment of, for example, aneurysm, thoracic dissection, or other body vessel condition.

Abstract: An adjustable construct for fixation of a tendon or ligament graft in a tunnel. The construct comprises a flexible, adjustable loop connected to tissue (for example, graft, ligament or tendon). The adjustable loop may be integrated with an additional tissue supporting device (for example, a wedge or a plug). The tissue is secured within a bone socket/tunnel by adjusting the length of the flexible adjustable loop.

Abstract: An intraocular lens comprises a flexible optic and at least one haptic connected to the optic. The at least one haptic comprises a rigid structure.

Abstract: There is provided an intraocular lens insertion device capable of appropriately regulating the motion of a rear supporting portion during a process of moving an intraocular lens, and reducing the possibility of reoperation being required after the intraocular lens is inserted into an eye. An intraocular lens insertion device 1 comprises a main body 2, and a slider 3 and a plunger 4 that are attached to the main body 2. Further, the intraocular lens insertion device 1 is of a preset type in which an intraocular lens 5 is placed inside the main body 2 in advance. The slider 3 includes a first abutting portion 21 for pushing up a supporting portion 7 (rear supporting portion 7a) arranged on a rear side of an optical part 6 with respect to a lens advancement axis A, and second abutting portions 22a, 22b abutting against an outer edge of a rear portion of the optical part 6.

Abstract: There is provided an intraocular lens insertion device capable of appropriately regulating the motion of a rear supporting portion during a process of moving an intraocular lens, and reducing the possibility of reoperation being required after the intraocular lens is inserted into an eye. An intraocular lens insertion device 1 comprises a main body 2, and a slider 3 and a plunger 4 that are attached to the main body 2. Further, the intraocular lens insertion device 1 is of a preset type in which an intraocular lens 5 is placed inside the main body 2 in advance. The slider 3 includes a first abutting portion 21 for pushing up a supporting portion 7 (rear supporting portion 7a) arranged on a rear side of an optical part 6 with respect to a lens advancement axis A, and second abutting portions 22a, 22b abutting against an outer edge of a rear portion of the optical part 6.

Abstract: An ophthalmic device including an ophthalmic lens having anterior and posterior surfaces and at least one diffraction grating is described. The diffraction grating(s) are on the anterior and/or posterior surface(s). The diffraction grating(s) include zones. A first zone is at a first distance range from a center of the lens. A second zone is at a second distance range further from the center than the first distance range. A repeat zone is at a third distance range further from the center than the second distance range. The first zone includes echelette(s) having a first step height and a first radius of curvature. The second zone includes echelette(s) having a second step height and a second radius of curvature. The repeat zone includes echelette(s) having at least one of the first step height and the first radius of curvature.

Abstract: An example medical device is disclosed. The device includes a tubular member having a lumen defined therein and a distal end portion, the distal end portion defining a guidewire port. The medical device also includes an expandable frame disposed along the distal end portion of the tubular member, the expandable frame being designed to shift between a first configuration and an expanded configuration. The frame includes a base, an end region and a plurality of struts extending between the base and the end region, the struts defining a plurality of apertures along the frame. The medical device also includes a cover attached to a portion of the frame and the cover is configured to cover one or more of the plurality of apertures such that the frame will align the guidewire port with an opening in a heart valve when the frame is positioned within a body lumen.

Abstract: Embodiments of prosthetic valves for implantation within a native mitral valve are provided. A preferred embodiment of a prosthetic valve includes a radially compressible main body and a one-way valve portion. The prosthetic valve further comprises at least one ventricular anchor coupled to the main body and disposed outside of the main body. A space is provided between an outer surface of the main body and the ventricular anchor for receiving a native mitral valve leaflet. The prosthetic valve preferably includes an atrial sealing member adapted for placement above the annulus of the mitral valve. Methods and devices for delivering and implanting the prosthetic valve are also described.

Abstract: The present invention provides an intracardiac device suitable for minimally-invasive delivery, wherein said device comprises a device body and one more stabilizing elements attached to said device body. The stabilizing elements may be selected from the group consisting of: stabilizing wings having at least one portion with a thickness greater than that of the device body, wings comprising one or more auxiliary support arms, wings having a metal wire coil wound around them, wings having a leaf spring attached thereto, polymer-coated stabilizing wings, and mechanical stabilization elements comprising a rotatable jaw-like structure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a heart valve prosthesis including a heart valve a main body for supporting the heart valve. The heart valve includes a terminating material selected from material and configured to at least partially close a paravalvular leak by controlled thrombus development.

Abstract: Implantable devices including conduits that have markings along the length of the conduit are described herein.

Abstract: A method of crimping an implantable prosthetic valve can include placing protective material over at least a portion of the implantable prosthetic valve. The protective material can be configured to occupy space between open cells of a frame of the implantable prosthetic valve to prevent damage to a leaflet structure of the implantable prosthetic valve. The method can also include crimping the implantable prosthetic valve with the protective material on the implantable prosthetic valve, and removing the protective material from between the frame and the leaflet structure of the implantable prosthetic valve.

Abstract: A delivery catheter for implanting a self-expanding implant such as a cardiovascular implant. An outer catheter shaft is formed as an implant capsule for encasing the implant during delivery. A flexible distal support element having a substantially truncated cone-shaped portion, which tapers in the proximal direction, is attached, directly proximally of the implant, in a fixed position to a first, inner catheter shaft, and/or a flexible proximal support element having a substantially truncated cone-shaped portion, which tapers in the proximal direction, is inserted at the proximal end of the implant capsule into the second, outer catheter shaft in a fixed position.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for use at a native valve of a heart of a subject. The apparatus includes a delivery tube, transluminally advanceable to the heart; and a prosthetic valve support, configured to support a prosthetic valve at the native valve, and comprising an upstream support portion. The upstream support portion has a working configuration in which it is generally annular and has (1) a tissue-contacting side configured to be placed against an atrial surface of the native valve, and (2) an opposing side, and defines an opening therebetween. The upstream support portion also has a delivery configuration in which the upstream support portion is rolled up to define a channel, and is disposed within the delivery tube. The upstream support portion is configured to be transitioned from the delivery configuration to the working configuration by being exposed from the delivery tube, and unrolled.

Abstract: A device for gathering tissue of a heart valve leaflet may include an outer tube extending in an elongated direction, a capture tool moveable in the outer tube between a contained position and a use position, and a tissue securing component disposed at a distal end of the outer tube and adapted to be applied to tissue captured by the capture tool and to hold the captured tissue in a gathered configuration. The capture tool may include two grasping members that are moveable relative to one another in the elongated direction. Each grasping member may have a proximal portion and a plurality of fingers or barbs. The grasping members may be operable to capture tissue of the heart valve leaflet therebetween and to draw the captured tissue into the outer tube in the gathered configuration.

Abstract: Numerous delivery devices for delivery of a stented prosthesis, such as a stented prosthetic heart valve. Various delivery devices include a capsule that is advanced proximally to retain the stented prosthesis, which is secured over an inner shaft assembly of the delivery device. The delivery device further includes a bumper or bumper assembly to provide a smooth transition of the capsule over the stented prosthesis. In some alternate disclosed embodiments, the bumper further serves to connect various elements of the inner shaft assembly. Additional embodiments include a bumper assembly arranged and configured to longitudinally expand and contract to substantially fill any open space as the capsule is retracted from the stented prosthesis, which prevents kinking in the capsule. Additional embodiments include proximal and/or distal bumpers for temporarily covering and smoothing the ends of the stented prosthesis as part of a delivery device that does not include a capsule.

Abstract: An annuloplasty prosthesis and delivery system for implanting the prosthesis adjacent an annulus of a heart valve having leaflets for adjusting the annulus to improve valve function includes a ring prosthesis made of shape memory material and having tissue attachment members which attach to the annulus in the atrium and commissural legs extending from the ring between the leaflets and secure against the underside of the valve in the ventricle. The prosthesis is carried via an orientation loop and attaches to the heart tissue such that when the prosthesis is manipulated and relaxed the annulus is adjusted to reduce or eliminate regurgitation.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to a collapsible atrioventricular valve prosthesis. The valve includes an annulus wire frame having at least two prongs extending therefrom. At least one catch is formed between each of the prongs and leaflets are attached with the frame, catch, and prongs form the valve. The prongs project a first direction and the catch projects in a direction away from the prongs. The valve is collapsible to provide for easy delivery to an atrioventricular junction or other desired location within a heart. Once deployed, the valve can expand with the catches acting to hold the annulus frame secure on an atrioventricular junction, at a ventricular side or at an atrial side of a heart.

Abstract: This document provides systems and methods for testing of various kinds of valves. For example, this document provides systems and methods for accelerated life testing of prosthetic heart valves.

Abstract: Porous biocompatible structures suitable for use as medical implants and methods for fabricating such structures are disclosed. The disclosed structures may be fabricated using rapid manufacturing techniques. The disclosed porous structures each have a plurality of struts and nodes where no more than two struts intersect one another to form a node. Further, the nodes can be straight, curved, and can include portions that are curved and/or straight. The struts and nodes can form cells that can be fused or sintered to at least one other cell to form a continuous reticulated structure for improved strength while providing the porosity needed for tissue and cell in-growth.

Abstract: An implant assembly for a long bone is adapted to support an exo-prosthesis. The assembly includes a stem, a subdermal component and a percutaneous post. The stem has a proximal end that is adapted to be received in a surgically prepared medullary canal of the long bone, and a distal end having a surface that is adapted to promote bone ingrowth. The subdermal component includes a proximal portion that is adapted for attachment to the distal end of the stem, and a fixation surface that is adapted to promote soft tissue fixation. The percutaneous post has a proximal end that is adapted to be attached to the subdermal component.

Abstract: Lamina plate assemblies, systems, and methods thereof. A lamina plate assembly may be configured to provide lamina support following laminectomy, for example, in cervical and lumbar cases. The lamina plate assembly may include a generally elongate body having a first free end, a second free end, and a posterior portion disposed between the first free end and the second free end. Different embodiments of securing portions are used to secure the lamina plate assembly to a vertebra.

Abstract: The invention relates to a knee joint prosthesis comprising a femoral component (1) and a tibial component (2), each having a front face constituting the joint and a rear face (4) facing the bone, and a polyethylene (PE) liner (3). In order to allow the knee joint prosthesis to be implanted without metal and without cement, the femoral component (1) and the tibial component (2) consist of a full ceramic material and both components (1, 2) have integrated porous osseointegrative rear faces (4) facing the bone.

Abstract: Provided is a method for forming an implant with an autonomous manufacturing device. The method includes accessing a first computer-readable reconstruction of a being's anatomy; accessing a second computer-readable reconstruction of an implant; accessing a third computer-readable reconstruction comprising the first computer-readable reconstruction superimposed with the second computer readable reconstruction; generating at least one computer-readable trace from a point cloud; and forming an implant with an autonomous manufacturing device, wherein the autonomous manufacturing device forms the implant into a shape defined by at least one dimension of the computer-readable trace.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for hardware protection of a virtual machine monitor (VMM) runtime integrity watcher is described. A set of one or more hardware range registers that protect a contiguous memory space that is to store the VMM runtime integrity watcher. The set of hardware range registers are to protect the VMM runtime integrity watcher from being modified when loaded into the contiguous memory space. The VMM runtime integrity watcher, when executed, performs an integrity check on a VMM during runtime of the VMM.

Abstract: A prosthetic joint is secured to the bones forming the original joint by utilizing strictly mechanical fasteners, for example, a threaded rod engaging a tapped intramedullary canal. Cross locking members may be provided. The need for bone cement is avoided. The prosthetic joint may be used to replace one end of one bone forming the joint, utilizing the naturally occurring end of the other bone. Alternatively, both bone ends may be replaced with prosthetic joint portions. The decision to replace one or both bone ends may be made mid-surgery. The prosthetic joint portions are secured together utilizing ligament reconstruction members made from portions of the patient's tendons or allograft tendons. A bearing forming the interface between the two joint portions is designed to wear in order to protect the remaining components from wear, and to be easily replaced in relatively simple future surgeries.

Abstract: A knee prosthesis is provided for use in knee arthroplasty. In one exemplary embodiment, the present invention provides a tibial prosthesis having a tibial baseplate with a fixed medial bearing component and a mobile lateral bearing component. In one exemplary embodiment, the lateral bearing component is secured to the lateral portion of the tibial baseplate utilizing at least one prosthetic ligament. Additionally, in one exemplary embodiment, a stop is provided to limit anterior or posterior movement of the lateral bearing component relative to the tibial baseplate. For example, the stop may be defined by cooperating shoulders formed on the lateral bearing and the tibial baseplate.

Abstract: A prosthetic knee with an artificial ACL/PCL. The prosthetic knee includes a femoral component and a tibial component. The artificial ACL/PCL connects the femoral component and the tibial component and includes an anterior cruciate ligament portion connecting an anterior anchor point on the tibial component to a posterior anchor point on the femoral component, and a posterior cruciate ligament portion connecting a posterior anchor point on the tibial component to an anterior anchor point on the femoral component. The artificial ligament may be provided as single length of material and may be pre-assembled into an ACL/PCL module having portions that may be inserted into at least one of the femoral component or the tibial component.

Abstract: A prosthetic device that may be utilized as an artificial meniscus is disclosed. The prosthetic device can restore shock absorption, stability, and function to the knee after the damaged natural meniscus is removed and replaced with the prosthetic device. In some embodiments, the meniscus includes an integral fixation anchor and additional features that minimize the requirement for modification of the implant for proper fit during surgery.

Abstract: A system for modifying a talocalcaneal spatial relationship in a foot in a body, including a subtalar spacer having an articulating surface and implanted in the sinus tarsi of the foot and a fastener that fastens the subtalar spacer to a bone surface in the foot, in which the articulating surface of the subtalar spacer directs relative movement between the calcaneus and the talus of the foot.

Abstract: Lamina plate assemblies, systems, and methods thereof. A lamina plate assembly may be configured to provide lamina support following laminectomy, for example, in cervical and lumbar cases. The lamina plate assembly may include a generally elongate body having a first free end, a second free end, and a posterior portion disposed between the first free end and the second free end. Different embodiments of securing portions are used to secure the lamina plate assembly to a vertebra.

Abstract: A prosthetic disc for insertion between adjacent vertebrae includes a core having upper and lower curved surfaces, upper and lower plates, and peripheral restraining structure on at least one of the upper plate, the lower plate and the core. Each plate has an outer surface which engages a vertebra and an inner curved surface which slides over the curved surface of the core. The peripheral restraining structure serves to hold the core against a curved surface of at least one of the plates during sliding movement of the plates over the core.

Abstract: An electronically assisted artificial vertebral disc having an upper disc plate and a lower disc plate is disclosed. An actuator imparts movement to at least one of the upper and lower disc plates. A control device controls the actuator and the amount of movement between the disc plates. The actuator includes a plurality of either linear actuators or rotary actuators that are driven by electric motors in response to the control device. The control device includes at least a first sensor for detecting the position of the actuator and at least a second sensor for detecting the spatial orientation of at least one of the upper and lower disc plates. The control device also preferably includes a microprocessor that calculates the desired positions of the upper and lower disc plates and provides a control signal to the actuator to drive the upper and lower disc plates to their desired positions.

Abstract: An intervertebral disc prosthesis is disclosed comprising at least two plates, namely first and second plates, articulated about each other by means of a curved surface, namely articulation, of at least one of the plates, each of the plates comprising a surface known as a contact surface, intended to be in contact with a vertebral plate of one of the vertebrae between which the prosthesis is intended to be inserted, this contact surface for each of the plates comprising a geometrical centre at equal distance from at least two diametrically opposite points located on the periphery of the plate, in which the geometric centres of the plates are not vertically aligned, this off-setting of the geometrical centres of the plates engendering an off-setting of the edges of the plates in at least one direction perpendicular to the vertical axis of the spinal column.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure includes a system for a corpectomy cage for use during a corpectomy procedure. The system may include a central core and endcaps attached to the central core. The endcap may include a first surface to be attached to the first end or the second end of the central core, and a second surface to be in contact with a vertebra above or below the patient's intervertebral cavity space. Additionally, a cavity may be formed within the endcap, such that the cavity has a cavity floor proximate to the first surface and an opening at least partially surrounded by the second surface to contain bone material to be fused with the vertebra.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure include a method for implanting a corpectomy cage within a patient's intervertebral cavity space during a surgical corpectomy procedure. The method may include removing a diseased vertebra of a patient from a target incision site to create an intervertebral cavity space within a vertebral column. The method may also include selecting a central core with a height suited to be securely fitted within the intervertebral cavity space to restore the height of the vertebral column. In some embodiments, the method proceeds to selecting a first endcap that matches the patient's existing spinal configuration and anatomy to attach to a first end of the central core. Next, the corpectomy cage may be assembled by attaching a first surface of the first endcap to the first end of the central core. In some embodiments, the method may proceed to packing bone material into a cavity formed within the first endcap, the cavity having a cavity floor to contain the bone material.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure includes an endcap to be attached onto a corpectomy cage. The endcap may include a first surface configured to attach to a central core of the corpectomy cage. In some instances, the endcap may also include a second surface configured to engage with a vertebra at one end of the intervertebral cavity space. Additionally, a cavity may be formed within the endcap of the cavity floor to contain bone material that may be fused with the vertebra. The cavity may have an opening at least partially surrounded by the second surface.

Abstract: This present invention concerns a transforaminal intersomatic cage for an intervertebral fusion graft, and an instrument and method for implanting the cage, an embodiment of the cage having a body in the shape of a circular arc and comprising a lateral concave surface, a lateral convex surface, a straight upper surface, a straight lower surface and an end wall having at least one hole, called the end hole, designed to receive a rod of an instrument for implanting the cage between the vertebrae, wherein: the end hole has an orientation that is more or less tangential to the circular arc described by the body; the extremity opposite to the end wall of the body includes a return part extending the body toward the centre of the circle on which the circular arc described by the body lies.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for interbody fusion including distracting, in a given direction, and supporting opposing vertebral bodies. A plurality of wafers are consecutively inserted between the vertebral bodies to create a column of wafers. The column of wafers is oriented between the vertebral bodies so as to expand in the given direction as the wafers are consecutively added to the column.

Abstract: A system for delivering bone graft material into an interbody fusion device (IBFD) in an intradiscal space of a spine, the IBFD having an open-frame with a hollow interior and an opening through its proximal end communicating with the interior. Included is an elongate channel having a lumen extending therethrough, the distal end being in engagement with the IBFD to align the lumen with the opening through the proximal end of the IBFD. An adjustable block is movably attached to the channel, the block having plural chambers containing bone graft material, the chambers being individually sequentially alignable with the lumen. A plunger pushes graft material from each chamber, through the lumen and into the IBFD. A distal end of a tamper is configured to be inserted through each chamber and the lumen and into the IBFD interior for tamping graft material deposited into the interior of the IBFD.