Abstract: A surgical tray system is disclosed. The system includes a tray for use in an operating room environment. In various embodiments, the tray includes an indentation having a bowl shape. A vacuum sealed bag is fitted over the tray and form fitted to the tray when the air is removed from within the bag. The tray optionally includes an light source for illuminating an area under the tray, a magnification element, and pouches for storing items used during a surgical procedure. The tray is optionally substantially transparent to allow light to pass through the tray. The tray is ideally positioned over a patient bed. It may be mounted via an arm to a bed frame member, a monitor station, or a ceiling fixture.

Abstract: A surgical item counting station for providing organization and efficiency in counting items and communicating information. The surgical item counting station comprises a top plate having a diameter forming a table top surface and being adjacent and perpendicular to a display screen mounted on an adjustable column mounted on a base terminating at feet. The display screen is adapted to receive and display information about at least one item and general communications. A shelf having a substantially equal diameter to the top plate and being located below and in parallel to the top plate is provided. The shelf includes shelf side walls with a mounting means adapted for mounting at least one container device below the top plate. Preferably the container device is a sponge count bag. Preferably the shelf is a rotational shelf while the top plate or table top is non-rotational.

Abstract: A telescoping control mechanism for controlling a medical instrument, the medical instrument includes a telescoping axis which intersects a patient at a work point, the telescoping control mechanism includes: a first rotary module disposed on a base, and including a first axis which extends through the work point; a second rotary module disposed on the base and including a second pivot which is pivoted to the base and has a second axis perpendicular to the first axis; a linkage module including a proximal linkage assembly disposed on the second pivot and parallel to the telescoping axis, and a distal linkage assembly for mounting of the medical instrument; and a telescoping module disposed on the proximal linkage assembly to drive the distal linkage assembly to reciprocate along the proximal linkage assembly, which consequently causes movements of the medical instrument along the telescoping axis.

Abstract: A medical observation device includes: an imaging device; a support unit that supports the image-capturing unit and includes arms and joints rotatably connecting the arms; a motor that applies power to at least one of the joints, and rotates two of the arms connected at the joint relative to each other; a gear mechanism that includes two intermeshing gears and is disposed in a power transmission path from the motor to the at least one joint; an operation receiver that receives a user operation; and a controller that performs first control for causing the motor to rotate in accordance with the user operation received by the operation receiver and performs second control after the first control is completed and rotation of the motor is stopped.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for facilitating insertion of an endotracheal tube and/or for verifying the position of the endotracheal tube within an airway of a patient with respect to an anatomical landmark of a patient are disclosed. Systems, methods, and devices for facilitating removal of debris from the distal airways of a patient under direct visualization are also disclosed.

Abstract: In a method for printing an RFID tag on an object, a deposition mask is applied to the surface of an object. With the deposition mask on the surface of the object, RFID materials are deposited on at least one portion of the surface exposed by aperture(s) in the deposition mask. In particular embodiments, RFID tags can be deposited on medical instruments.

Abstract: A device for irrigating a canal during a root canal treatment or retreatment provides a fluid reservoir in fluid communication with at least one pump for delivering an irrigant under pressure. A hand-held wand has a proximal end for receiving the irrigant under pressure, permitted to flow through the wand head by an actuator. An irrigant delivery needle which affixed to the working end of the wand delivers irrigant through at least one irrigant dispersion orifice at a selected delivery angle and pressure. Aspirating means and/or shielding may optionally be provided.

Abstract: A dental crown consisting essentially of stabilized zirconia. The dental crown is particularly suited for pedodontic and veterinary applications and most preferably for pedodontic applications. The zirconia crown may be formed by one of several manufacturing processes. The formed crown exterior can be polished and fine polished and can be covered, preferably only partially, with a porcelain glaze to produce an aesthetic outer surface mimicking a natural tooth. Also disclosed is a method for providing and placing a dental crown upon a natural tooth.

Abstract: A removable orthodontic correction device includes a first correction unit, a second correction unit, and several elastic members. The first correction unit is configured to be removably worn on the anterior teeth of the maxillary or mandibular dental arch of a patient and has several first connection parts formed thereon. The second correction unit is configured to be removably worn on the posterior teeth of the same maxillary or mandibular dental arch of the patient and has several second connection parts formed thereon. The elastic members couple the first connection parts to the second connection parts. Thus, the elastic force of the elastic members drives the first correction unit to retract toward the second correction unit, to achieve en masse retraction and intrusion of the anterior teeth during space closure in the treatment of dental protrusion.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods, devices, and systems for adjusting a tooth position. A system for adjusting a tooth position can include an attachment configured to be attached to a tooth to be moved, a dental appliance including a guide slot configured to receive the attachment and to define an adjustment trajectory of the tooth, and an adjustment band to generate force on the tooth to move the tooth along the adjustment trajectory.

Abstract: Provided is a medical device including a porous portion and a dense portion, wherein an arithmetic average roughness of a surface of the porous portion is 2.0 ?m or greater but 20 ?m or less, and wherein an arithmetic average roughness of a surface of the dense portion is less than 2.0 ?m.

Abstract: A dental implant system for supporting a cosmetic tooth prosthesis includes an elongated body adapted to be disposed in a jaw bone of a patient. The elongated body includes a distal end and a proximal end and extends along a longitudinal axis. The elongated body includes a tapered outer surface that tapers along the longitudinal axis distally from the proximal end of the elongated body. The outer surface of the tapered elongated body includes a plurality of barbs for securing the elongated body in the jaw bone of the patient.

Abstract: A dental abutment coping or ring for securing a dental prosthesis to dental abutments. The coping or ring includes a body for insertion into a dental prosthesis, and a cavity or space sized to accept a head of the dental abutment. The interior surface of the cavity includes an interface region sized and shaped to accept the dental abutment in a retentive interface fit or a passive fit, depending on an angle of the interface surface. The exterior surface can have channels configured to contain a cement bonding the exterior surface to the dental prosthesis. A dental prosthesis system including the dental copings provides a retentive interference fit between the prosthesis and the dental abutments, even where the dental abutments are not parallel. A plurality of copings and abutments enables a retentive fit to varying degrees depending on the degree of interference fit in each coping and abutment.

Abstract: A dental implant system includes a dental implant, an abutment adapted to be inserted in an axial hole of the dental implant, and a locking screw adapted to be inserted in an axial through-hole of the abutment and to be screwed into the axial hole of the dental implant. The axial through-hole defined in the abutment includes a frustoconical portion configured to come into contact with a correspondingly frustoconical portion of the locking screw, wherein the median circumference of the frustoconical contact surface between the abutment and the tightening screw is configured to be disposed under the crest/connection line.

Abstract: A dental tray impression system, including at least one of a top denture and a bottom denture, and methods of use thereof. A top denture may include (a) a top dental impression tray including an upper trough on a palatal side and configured such that the upper trough fits adjacent to a top alveolar ridge of a patient's mouth and (b) a top tooth portion configured to removably attach to a cavity side of an anterior end of the top dental impression tray. A bottom denture may include (a) a bottom dental impression tray comprising a lower trough on a mandibular side and configured such that the lower trough fits adjacent to a bottom alveolar ridge of the patient's mouth and (b) a bottom tooth portion configured to removably attach to the cavity side of the anterior end of the bottom dental impression tray.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for digitally designing a dental restoration, wherein a 3D representation of at least a part of the upper or lower jaw is obtained. The 3D representation represents at least a target site for placing the final restoration and at least one antagonist tooth opposing the target site. Furthermore a digital anatomy design of the restoration is provided. The digital anatomy is based at least on a dynamic occlusion and a relative offset of the planned restoration position. Accordingly, a restoration may be designed that does not interrupt the natural occlusion.

Abstract: A method and device for developing. a geometry of a superstructure and/or mesostructure for dental prostheses. According to one aspect of the invention a method of developing a geometry of a mesostructure for a dental prosthesis includes the following steps: receiving first 3D data defining a 3D installation space for a mesostructure, receiving second 3D data defining possible positions for attaching the mesostructure, receiving third 3D data defining possible positions or regions for attaching the dental prosthesis to the mesostructure, and developing an optimized geometry of the mesostructure by means of an optimization technique, wherein starting from the 3D installation space the possible positions for attaching the mesostructure and the possible positions or regions for attaching the dental prosthesis to the mesostructure, the geometry of the mesostructure is optimized by means of applying the physical laws.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the preparation of a blank of a ceramic material, wherein a first ceramic material and then a second ceramic material of different compositions are filled into a die and wherein the materials are pressed and after pressing are sintered. A layer of the first ceramic material is thereby filled into the die and a first cavity formed in the layer, the second ceramic material is then filled into the first open cavity and the materials pressed together and then heat-treated.

Abstract: A denture is manufactured in a single visit using a pre-formed thermoplastic acrylic dental template chosen from a plurality of different sized dental templates, based on the size of a patient's alveolar edentulous ridge. The dental template includes a base thermoplastic acrylic with prosthetic teeth attached thereto. A viscous material such as an acrylic is added to the selected dental template and the dental template with the added viscous material is placed on the patient's alveolar edentulous ridge. The viscous material is then allowed to solidify to form a rigid or semi-rigid material with the template in proper position in three planes and properly border molded. After solidification a denture is formed that consists of a first base thermoplastic acrylic portion in conterminous relation with a second portion formed of the solidified material that had been added as a viscous material, and with teeth joined to the base thermoplastic acrylic portion.

Abstract: A method of making a dental restoration has the step of providing a precursor of the dental restoration. The dental restoration has at least a first and a second surface portion which are delimited by a physical boundary structure. The method further has the steps of applying a first coloring solution associated with the first surface portion onto the first surface portion, sintering the dental restoration precursor, and removing the physical boundary structure.

Abstract: A curing light device includes a body with a tip portion that has a plurality of elements for providing electrical energy to the distal end of the tip and for removing heat from the distal end of the tip. A light engine includes at least one light emitting element operable for emitting light and is positioned on the distal end of the tip portion. A power supply is positioned in the body and is rechargeable and includes at least one ultracapacitor element. Spring electrical contacts are positioned in the body and electrically coupled with the ultracapacitor element. The spring electrical contacts are spaced along the length of the body and configured for electrically engaging the tip portion along its length for delivering power to the light engine and for provide a spring alignment of the tip portion in the body.

Abstract: An elongated prophy paste container has a length at least twice the width to receive a prophy cup therein and facilitate the loading of prophy paste thereon for use in a prophy operation. The elongated container can be formed with optional detent members at the opposing ends of the container to engage indents in a corresponding support member to retain the container in engagement with the support member during use of the container. The support member can be configured to mount onto a dental instrument or to incorporate a stand that can sit on a flat surface. The configuration of the support member for mounting on a dental instrument can have a dual receiver configuration to engage dental instruments with different diameters. The configuration of the support member incorporating a stand can be formed with an elongated neck to permit positioning thereof between the fingers of the dental hygienist.

Abstract: The present invention provides an artificial insemination apparatus and methods for use with livestock that maintains the sterility of the semen until it is deposited at an optimum location in the reproductive tract of the animal without the maneuvering or tissue injury problems associated with prior art devices. Embodiments of the present invention comprise a uniquely shaped opening that is provided at the tip of a sheath that is used with an artificial insemination gun, and a movable or deformable plug or diaphragm that fits into and covers this opening. The plug or diaphragm has a rounded (convex) exterior surface, and may be made of a rigid or rubberized material that completely covers the opening at the tip of the sheath, and seals it closed in a smooth, flush engagement to prevent contaminants from collecting upon the tip, or entering into the sheath during the trip through the reproductive tract of the animal.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for the use of thin-film cuffs on endovascular grafts. A method includes forming a fenestrated thin-film Nitinol sheet, expanding the fenestrated thin-film Nitinol sheet to expand the fenestrations, and attaching the expanded thin-film Nitinol sheet to a longitudinal end of a cover for an endovascular graft to form a cuff for the endovascular graft. The method may further include implanting the endovascular graft into a blood vessel. An endovascular graft may include a cover having a proximal and distal end, a proximal thin-film mesh cuff extending from the proximal end, and a distal thin-film mesh cuff extending form the distal end.

Abstract: An implantable medical device that is fabricated from materials that present a blood or body fluid or tissue contact surface that has controlled heterogeneities in material constitution. An endoluminal stent-graft and web-stent that is made of a monolithic material formed into differentiated regions defining structural members and web regions extending across interstitial spaces between the structural members. The endoluminal stent-graft is characterized by having controlled heterogeneities at the blood flow surface of the stent.

Abstract: A composite containing a fabric and a polyampholyte hydrogel is provided. In the composite, the polyampholyte hydrogel is a hydrogel of a polymer containing randomly dispersed cationic and anionic repeat groups and at least a part of the fabric is coated with the polyampholyte hydrogel. A method of preparation of the composite involves steps (a) to (c): (a) providing a monomer mixture for preparation of a polyampholyte hydrogel; (b) immersing a fabric in the monomer mixture solution; and (c) polymerizing monomers in the monomer mixture solution to obtain a precursor of the composite.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the repair of disruptions between bones. The apparatus defines a combination of sleeves, strands and crimps are provided to secure the bones, using a dual sided drill guide to prepare the bones for installation of the apparatus, which is adjusted upon installation to suit the appropriate alignment and tension of the apparatus. The method includes the preparation of the bones, the installation of the apparatus and the adjustment of the apparatus to properly align and tension the apparatus for repair of the bone.

Abstract: A three-dimensional fabric structure in a form of a pocket for use in a breast reconstruction surgical procedure such as single-stage or two-stage breast reconstruction. The silk scaffold employs a knit pattern that substantially prevents unraveling and preserves the stability of the mesh or scaffold device, especially when the mesh or scaffold device is cut. An example scaffold device employs a knitted mesh including at least two yarns laid in a knit direction and engaging each other to define a plurality of nodes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of implants. In particular, the present invention relates to an implant for tissue reconstruction which comprises a scaffold structure that includes a void system for the generation of prevascularized connective tissue with void spaces for cell and/or tissue transplantation. Moreover, the present invention relates to a method of manufacturing such an implant, to the internal architecture of such an implant, to a removal tool for mechanical removal of space-occupying structures from such an implant, to a kit comprising such an implant and such a removal tool, to a removal device for the removal of superparamagnetic or ferromagnetic space-occupying structures from such an implant, as well as to a guiding device for providing feedback to a surgeon during the procedure of introducing transplantation cells into the void spaces generated upon removal of space-occupying structures from such an implant.

Abstract: A prosthetic capsular device configured to be inserted in an eye includes a housing structure and a ring structure. The housing structure includes a first side, a second side opposite the first side, a third side, a fourth side opposite the third side, a posterior side including a refractive surface, an anterior side opposite the posterior side, and a longitudinal axis. The first side, the second side, the third side, the fourth side, the posterior side, and the anterior side at least partially define a cavity configured to contain an intraocular device (e.g., an IOL). The anterior side includes an opening. The ring structure includes a ring structure portion extending radially outward from proximate one of an end of the first side and an end of the second side.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides intra ocular implants and methods of using same to treat various refraction errors in a patient's eye.

Abstract: A lens configured for implantation into an eye of a human can include an optic including transparent material. The optic can have an anterior surface and a posterior surface. Each of the anterior surface and the posterior surface can have a surface vertex. The optic can have an optical axis through the surface vertices. The lens can also include at least one haptic disposed with respect to the optic to affix the optic in the eye when implanted therein. The anterior and posterior surfaces can include aspheric surfaces. The posterior surface can have an aspheric shape that comprises a biconic offset by perturbations comprising an aspheric higher order function of radial distance from the optical axis. The posterior surface can have an absolute value of ratio Rx/Ry between 0 and 100 and an absolute value of ratio kx/ky between 0 and 100.

Abstract: Lenses and methods are provided for improving peripheral and/or central vision for patients who suffer from certain retinal conditions that reduce central vision or patients who have undergone cataract surgery. The lens is configured to improve vision by having an optic configured to focus light incident along a direction parallel to an optical axis at the fovea in order to produce a functional foveal image. The optic is configured to focus light incident on the patient's eye at an oblique angle with respect to the optical axis at a peripheral retinal location disposed at a distance from the fovea, the peripheral retinal location having an eccentricity between ?30 degrees and 30 degrees. The image quality at the peripheral retinal location is improved by reducing at least one optical aberration at the peripheral retinal location. The method for improving vision utilizes ocular measurements to iteratively adjust the shape factor of the lens to reduce peripheral refractive errors.

Abstract: A system and method for inserting an intraocular lens in a patient's eye includes a light source for generating a light beam, a scanner for deflecting the light beam to form an enclosed treatment pattern that includes a registration feature, and a delivery system for delivering the enclosed treatment pattern to target tissue in the patient's eye to form an enclosed incision therein having the registration feature. An intraocular lens is placed within the enclosed incision, wherein the intraocular lens has a registration feature that engages with the registration feature of the enclosed incision. Alternately, the scanner can make a separate registration incision for a post that is connected to the intraocular lens via a strut member.

Abstract: An accommodating intraocular lens for providing a range of accommodative vision contains an optic and a haptic. The optic is disposed about an optical axis and includes an anterior surface and a posterior surface defining a clear aperture of the optic. The haptic is at least partially disposed inside the optic and includes an inner structure, an outer structure, and a plurality of arms disposed between and connecting the inner structure and the outer structure. The inner structure is circumferentially disposed about the optical axis, while the outer structure is circumferentially disposed about the inner structure and has an outer face. Each arm has proximal portion adjacent the inner structure and a distal portion adjacent the outer structure that is bifurcated in a radial direction from the proximal portion. The intraocular lens also has an outer surface defined by outer surfaces of the plurality of arms and an outer surface of the outer structure.

Abstract: An IOL includes a fluid optic body having a cavity defined by a sidewall, a deformable optical membrane intersecting the sidewall around an anterior circumference of the sidewall, and a posterior optic intersecting the sidewall around a posterior circumference of the sidewall. The posterior optic includes a central protrusion extending anteriorly into the cavity and the deformable optical membrane includes a ring-shaped protrusion extending posteriorly into a space between the sidewall and the central protrusion. A second optic body is spaced apart from the fluid optic body and coupled thereto via a plurality of struts. Axial compression causes the plurality of struts to deform the sidewall in a manner that increases the diameter of the cavity, modifying a curvature of the deformable optical membrane is modified. Contact between the ring-shaped protrusion and the central protrusion defines a maximum modification to the curvature of the deformable optical membrane.

Abstract: An exemplary ocular implant insertion system includes a case and a preloaded ocular implant insertion apparatus. The apparatus includes first and second movable structures that move the ocular implant in a predetermined sequence. The respective configurations of the case and the ocular implant insertion apparatus are such that the ocular implant insertion apparatus is not removable from the case when the ocular implant insertion apparatus is in the pre-use state and is removable after the first movable structure has moved at least a portion of the optical implant.

Abstract: Canisters are provided that include a cylindrical body and a cap welded to the body to define a cavity filled with carbon dioxide or other fluid. The canisters may be loaded into a medical device, e.g., to provide an energy source for operating the device. Methods for making such canisters are also provided.

Abstract: A delivery cylinder for a prosthetic implant can include a first tubular portion and a second tubular portion. The second tubular portion has a plurality of strut members coupled to the first tubular portion that define a volume for containing the prosthetic implant in a radially compressed state. The strut members can include respective flex regions configured such that application of force to the strut members causes deformation of the flex regions and corresponding radially inward or outward movement of the strut members relative to a longitudinal axis of the delivery cylinder between an expanded configuration and a contracted configuration.

Abstract: Sensor-integrated prosthetic valves that can comprise a variety of features, including a plurality of valve leaflets, a frame assembly configured to support the plurality of valve leaflets and define a plurality of commissure supports terminating at an outflow end of the prosthetic valve, a sensor device associated with the frame assembly and configured to generate a sensor signal, for example, a sensor signal indicating deflection of one or more of the plurality of commissure supports, and a transmitter assembly configured to receive the sensor signal from the sensor device and wirelessly transmit a transmission signal that is based at least in part on the sensor signal.

Abstract: Stented prosthetic heart valves comprising a stent frame having a compressed arrangement for delivery within a patient's vasculature and an expanded arrangement for deployment within a native heart valve. The stented prosthetic heart valves including a paravalvular leakage prevention or mitigation wrap that encircles a stent frame and is formed of a flexible material having a variable diameter defined by a greatest distance between the wrap and the stent frame. The wrap further includes a first end coupled to the stent frame and an opposing second end that is not coupled to the stent frame, wherein the wrap can selectively enlarge its diameter in situ via movement of the second end. Devices for and methods of selectively deploying the wrap are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments and methods provide solutions for coupling and decoupling of a delivery device from a stented prosthetic heart valve with one or more release mechanisms. In situations when one or more sutures get tangled or caught upon attempted retraction of the delivery device and sutures after deployment of the stented prosthetic heart valve, a secondary release mechanism can be provided to sever the suture(s) or release the suture(s) from the delivery device. Exemplary secondary release mechanisms include high resistance inserts, cutters and balloon expandable devices. Methods of releasing the sutures from the delivery device or severing the suture(s) are also disclosed.

Abstract: An implant structure includes a contracting mechanism, including a rotatable structure for contracting the implant structure, and a locking mechanism. A rotation tool is configured to engage and rotate the rotatable structure. A longitudinal guide member is removably coupled to the contracting mechanism, configured to guide the rotation tool to the rotatable structure, and includes a distal force applicator. The rotation tool is axially moveable with respect to the guide member. The contracting mechanism is arranged such that the locking mechanism is (a) unlocked when the guide member is coupled to the contracting mechanism in a first state, thereby allowing the rotatable structure to rotate, and (b) locked when (i) the guide member is coupled to the contracting mechanism in a second state, thereby restricting the rotation of the rotatable structure, and (ii) the guide member is not coupled to the contracting mechanism, thereby restricting the rotation of the rotatable structure.

Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve for treatment of a diseased heart valve having native anterior and posterior leaflets that move between an open configuration and a closed position to regulate blood flow through the heart valve during a cardiac cycle of a heart. The prosthetic heart valve having a crescent shaped stent, at least one prosthetic leaflet mounted on an inner surface of the stent, and at least one prong structure coupling a portion of the at least one prosthetic leaflet to a lower ventricular portion of the stent frame. The prosthetic heart valve further having systems for anchoring the upper flared portion of the stent to a posterior portion of the native valve annulus.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for use in the transcatheter treatment of mitral valve regurgitation, specifically a coaptation assistance element for implantation across the valve; a system including the coaptation assistance element and anchors for implantation; a system including the coaptation assistance element and delivery catheter; and a method for transcatheter implantation of a coaptation element across a heart valve.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (12) for treating a body tissue presenting a prolapse. The device comprises: at least two arms (14, 16), each arm having a distal end (40) for gripping the tissue, a proximal maneuvering end (42) opposite the distal gripping end, and an elongate portion (44) comprised between the distal gripping end and the proximal maneuvering end, each elongate portion extending along a main direction (X). Furthermore, each arm is rotatable between an angular catching position (a1, a2) and an angular clamping position (e1, e2) around a rotation axis (A1, A2) substantially parallel to the main direction, and the device comprises a guide member (25) able to limit the transverse movement of the arms relative to one another along a direction perpendicular to the main direction.

Abstract: Synthetic chord devices and methods for using the same for connecting tissues are provided. Aspects of the synthetic chord devices include a first flexible connector having first and second ends. Located at the first end is an attachment element that includes a tissue piercing member coupled to a securing member. The securing member includes an elongated shape memory coil that is present in a removable sheath configured to maintain elongation of the shape memory coil. A reinforcing element is located at the second end. The devices and methods of the invention find use in a variety of applications, such as cardiac valve, e.g., mitral valve, repair.

Abstract: A device for assisting the operation of a natural heart is provided. A supporting jacket shaped to surround at least a portion of a heart has an expandable membrane attached to the inside wall of the jacket so that the membrane faces the heart. An inflatable cavity is formed between the jacket and the membrane. The cavity is connected to an expandable fluid reservoir via a length of flexible tubing. Pumps are used to pump fluid back and forth between the cavity and the reservoir. The cavity if inflated as the heart contract to aid the heart in pumping blood. The cavity is deflated as the heart relaxes to allow the heart to refill with blood. The cycle of pumping fluid is synchronized with the cardiac cycle.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided that includes a tissue anchor, which (a) includes a helical tissue-coupling element which has a distal tissue-penetrating tip at a distal end of the tissue anchor, and which is configured to be advanced into soft tissue, and (b) is shaped so as to define a longitudinal channel extending to the distal end of the tissue anchor. The apparatus further includes a depth-finding tool, which includes a radiopaque bead that is axially moveable along the channel so as to serve as a marker indicating a depth of penetration of the tissue-coupling element into the soft tissue.

Abstract: A male sexual impotence treatment apparatus comprises an operable restriction device (56) implanted in a patient and engaging the penile tissue (58) or the prolongation thereof to form a restrictable blood flow passageway through which blood flow leaves the penis. The restriction device is operable by an implanted operation device (60) to change the restriction of the blood flow passageway. A control device (62 and 64) is provided for controlling a source of energy, which may or may not be implanted, from outside the patient's body, to release energy for use in connection with the operation of the restriction device, i.e. to power the operation device. The patient uses the control device to restrict the blood flow leaving the penis to achieve erection.