Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a dental prosthesis, wherein the dental prosthesis comprises a prosthesis base and a plurality of prosthesis teeth, wherein the method is carried out making use of a virtual three-dimensional dental prosthesis model of the physical dental prosthesis which is to be produced, and wherein the virtual three-dimensional dental prosthesis model comprises virtual prosthesis teeth and a virtual prosthesis base, with the steps: from the external form of the vestibular surfaces and/or occlusal surfaces of the virtual prosthesis teeth, and from the external form of the vestibular surface of the virtual prosthesis base of the virtual three-dimensional dental prosthesis model, a virtual model of a template is calculated, such that a region of the virtual surface of the virtual template is formed by a negative of the vestibular surfaces and/or occlusal surfaces of the virtual prosthesis teeth and of the virtual prosthesis base, wherein the location and the orientation of the

Abstract: A method for digital archiving and manufacturing of dental prosthetics and a prosthesis, and teaching and training for same are provided. The method mainly includes the following steps: preoperative scanning: creating a first digital model file; optical positioning and turning treatment: creating a second digital model file from a turning process; physical model calculation: creating reversely an autologous crown model file of a patient; and fixed denture manufacturing: manufacturing, according to the second digital model file and the autologous crown model file, a fixed denture that meets needs of the patient, so that an inner layer structure of a crown of the fixed denture can be tightly bound to an abutment, and it may be decided to retain an original crown contour according to needs. A tooth model based on a teaching digital model file can be used for teaching and training of a trainee with the foregoing method.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device (1) for editing a virtual 3-D model (2) of teeth (2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4) positioned in a dental arch (9, 11) by means of a virtual tool (21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 50). The tool (21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 50) can be used on a first tooth (2.1, 2.3) of the 3-D model (2), whereby the corresponding application is carried out on a second mirrored tooth (2.2, 2.4), contralateral to the first tooth with respect to a plane of symmetry (12), that is, on the tooth on the other side of the plane of symmetry (12), which is positioned as a mirror image of the first tooth (2.1, 2.3) with respect to the plane of symmetry (12).

Abstract: The present application describes an implant-supported denture device and a method for designing and manufacturing an implant-supported denture device for a patient. A method is described for designing a virtual denture and manufacturing an implant-supported functional fitting replica denture from the virtual denture. An apparatus comprising a functional fitting replica denture is prepared having denture teeth having a fit substantially similar to the final denture. The methods and apparatus described herein reduce the number of visits required to manufacture the final denture.

Abstract: One or more oral devices having interdental anchors configured to elastically deform and engage with an interdental gap between adjacent teeth. One or more medical devices can then be secured to the oral device via a securing portion, allowing the medical device to be secured relative to the patient.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a comb-shaped toothpick structure includes cutting a wooden block by a rotary cutter having a plurality of dies to form a plurality of toothpick shapes arranged in a row. Each toothpick shape includes a top edge formed by a cutter groove between two dies. Each toothpick shape further includes at least one stepped portion formed by at least one stepped cutting portion of one of the dies. The bottoms of the toothpick shapes are connected to each other. A bottom groove is located between two adjacent toothpick shapes and is formed by a blade of one of the dies. The toothpick shapes is further cut by partial cutting at an end of the toothpick shapes to form a front end of each toothpick shape. The toothpick shapes are cut from the wooden block to obtain a toothpick structure including a plurality of toothpicks.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for determining the relative arrangement of patient's jaws in a bite position when the patient's occlusion is not defined by natural teeth alone, where the method comprises a step of obtaining a digital 3D representation comprising both surface data relating to dental tissue in one of the patient's jaws and surface data relating to a scan appliance arranged in relation to the jaw, where the scan appliance is configured for at least partly defining the patient's occlusion.

Abstract: The invention relates to devices, systems and methods exploiting capacitive means for monitoring and analysing teeth-related parameters in a subject, such as the dental occlusion profile and/or the load/force applied upon clenching. The device comprises a body such as a bite fork or bite splint, capacitive sensor(s) incorporated within a soft substrate reversibly deformable once bitten by a subject and a micro-controller unit. The teeth contact points and forces applied upon occlusion are measured via the sensors, delivered to and re-elaborated by the micro-controller unit and possibly sent and visualized in a graphical/numerical fashion on e.g. a display screen.

Abstract: Fourth toe processing apparatus and methods for the processing the fourth toes of a bird are disclosed.

Abstract: A surgical spacer equipped to measure important parameters for determining the optimal placement of a surgically-implanted sling.

Abstract: A medical product comprises a biodegradable filament and a non-biodegradeable coating. The biodegradable filament forms a stent body having a first end portion, a middle portion, and a second end portion opposite the first end portion. The middle portion extends between the first and second end portions. The non-biodegradeable coating encapsulates the at least one biodegradable filament along the middle portion of the stent body. The non-biodegradeable coating forms a barrier such that the non-biodegradeable coating prevents degradation of the at least one biodegradable filament along the middle portion. The first and second end portions are uncoated. After implantation, the end portions of the stent may biodegrade. The middle portion will not biodegrade due to its encapsulation by the non-biodegradeable coating.

Abstract: An improved embolic filter frame is provided. The filter frame provides enhanced longitudinal compliance, improved sealing, low profile delivery, and a short deployed length. The looped support struts have high “radial” stiffness with low “longitudinal” stiffness. When deployed, the frame exerts a relatively high stress onto a vessel wall to maintain an effective seal, yet remains longitudinally compliant. Minor displacements of the support wire or catheter are therefore not translated to the filter. The looped support struts elongate when tensioned and assume a compressed and essentially linear form. When the delivery catheter constraint is removed, the struts “snap open” and assume a looped configuration, exerting a high degree of force onto the vessel wall, creating an enhanced filter to vessel wall seal.

Abstract: An embolic protection device includes an expandable and contractible filter that can be supported by one or more struts. The struts can be connected to the filter or interwoven into the filter, so as to assist in the expansion and contraction of the filter. In one embodiment, the proximal ends of the struts connect to a joint that is fixed in position relative to a delivery wire, while the distal end of the filter connect to a joint that slides relative to the delivery wire.

Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed for providing access to a central compartment of a hip joint. The devices can access the central compartment by distracting all or a portion of the labrum. The labrum can be distracted by advancing a device underneath the bottom edge of the labrum, and using the device to further distract the labrum. Some devices can move underneath the labrum to provide a gap for other devices to access the central compartment.

Abstract: A device for maintaining or achieving soft tissue expansion applicable to any body region already temporarily expanded including: an adhesive element deformable and capable of adapting to the shape of this body region, and which can then itself become mechanically rigid enough to resist tendency of the expanded tissue to recoil or to which a second material can be applied to form a stent adapted to the shape of the body area to provide the necessary structural rigidity to prevent recoil of the expansion and thereby induce its retention of its expanded shape after the stent is removed.

Abstract: A blood vessel dissecting device is disclosed, which includes a dissecting device configured to be inserted into a living body along a blood vessel to dissect tissue surrounding the vessel from tissue surrounding the vessel in a direction along a longitudinal extent of the blood vessel; and a cutting device configured to fee inserted into the living body along the longitudinal extent of the blood vessel to cut the tissue surrounding the blood vessel so the direction of longitudinal extent of the blood vessel.

Abstract: An introduction arrangement for a fenestrated or branched stent graft (13) intended for deployment into the lumen of a vessel having a blind vessel extending from it. The introducer (1) has a distal end intended to remain outside a patient in use and a proximal end with a nose cone dilator (11) and an arrangement to retain the branched stent graft distally of the nose cone dilator. A sheath (15) on the introducer extends over the branched stent graft to the nose cone dilator. An indwelling catheter (21) extends from the distal end of the introducer and enters the fenestration or side arm and through to the nose cone dilator, the indwelling catheter has a guide wire (29) extending through it. The guide wire can be extended beyond the nose cone dilator in use before the sheath is withdrawn from the branched stent graft so that it can be snared from the contra-lateral artery.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for anchoring a ligament or tendon to bone. In general, various inserter tools are provided for simultaneously delivering an expandable sheath and an expander into bone. With both components of the implant mounted on the same tool, the sheath and a ligament can be advanced into a bone hole and the expander, which trails behind the sheath during delivery of the sheath, can be advanced into the sheath to expand the sheath and anchor the sheath and ligament within the bone hole.

Abstract: A bearing component 2 for a joint replacement prosthesis comprises a first bearing element 4; a second bearing element 6, and a linking element 8, operatively connecting the first and second bearing elements 4, 6 and permitting relative motion there between. The flexible linking element 8 prevents dislocation of mobile bearings in a total knee replacement prosthesis. The invention also relates to a bridging element which retains the linking element 8 with some play, which acts as a ligament support 2051, and which causes a deflection of the line of action of a ligament 1018. A joint replacement prosthesis is also disclosed comprising a biasing element 1140 or a tensioning element 1220 operatively coupled to the artificial ligament 1018. The biasing element 1140 or tensioning element 1220 may be housed in the stem of a tibia tray 1006.

Abstract: A method of making a self-sealing patch for a tissue expander implant includes providing a first sheet having a first sheet outer perimeter and a first sheet inner edge defining a first central opening, providing a second sheet having a second sheet outer perimeter and a second sheet inner edge defining a second central opening, aligning the first and second sheet outer perimeters and the first and second sheet inner edges, capturing an outer washer between the first and second sheet outer perimeters for attaching the first and second sheets together, and capturing an inner washer between the first and second sheet inner edges for attaching the first and second sheets together. The method includes spacing an inner perimeter of the outer washer from an outer perimeter of the inner washer to form a sealed annular space between the attached first and second sheets, and disposing a hydrophobic material within the sealed annular space.

Abstract: A keratoprosthesis includes an anterior collagen layer made of transparent synthetic collagen, and a hydrophobic posterior layer, an anterior surface of the posterior layer being posterior of an anterior surface of the collagen layer.

Abstract: Eyewear is provided including a frame, and a camera connected with the frame, in which the camera is configured to be controlled by a remote controller. The camera may be configured to capture video and/or a photo. The eyewear may include data storage, and the camera may be connected to the data storage. A wrist watch may be configured to act both as a time piece and a controller of the camera. The eyewear may also include a heads up display and/or a video file player. The eyewear may also include an electro-active lens.

Abstract: An expansible ear canal insert for treating TMJ disorders and headaches which acts directly on the TMJ and associated ligament and muscle structures to reduce stress and loads placed on the articulator disc located between the temporal bone and the mandible, as well as supportive muscles and ligaments near the TMJ. The insert is adapted to expand by application of body heat. In the expanded condition, the insert provides support to the TMJ and associated ligament and muscle structures.

Abstract: A method for delivering a platform for reinforcing an annulus of a mitral valve: Passing a catheter having a sheath covering a tube formed from a metal into the left atrium, the tube including: an annular portion defining at least one opening, a plurality of upper elements attached to an upper perimeter of the annular portion and extending axially, and a plurality of lower elements attached to a lower perimeter of the annular portion. Inserting the tube into the annulus of the mitral valve; withdrawing the sheath, but leaving the sheath covering the annular portion and the upper elements; bending the lower elements until the lower elements extend radially so as to be positioned beneath the mitral valve; then withdrawing the sheath from covering the annular portion and the upper elements; bending the upper elements until the upper elements extend radially so as to be positioned above the mitral valve.

Abstract: Implants, implant systems, and methods for treatment of mitral valve regurgitation and other valve diseases generally include a coaptation assist body which remains within the blood flow path as the leaflets of the valve move, the valve bodies often being relatively thin, elongate (along the blood flow path), and/or conformable structures which extend laterally from commissure to commissure, allowing the native leaflets to engage and seal against the large, opposed surfaces on either side of the valve body during the heart cycle phase when the ventricle contracts to empty that chamber of blood, and allows blood to pass around the valve body so that blood flows from the atrium to the ventricle during the filling phase of the heart cycle. Separate deployment of independent anchors near each of the commissures may facilitate positioning and support of an exemplary triangular valve body, with a third anchor being deployed in the ventricle.

Abstract: A method for percutaneously replacing a heart valve of a patient. In some embodiments the method includes the steps of percutaneously delivering a replacement valve and an expandable anchor to a vicinity of the heart valve in an unexpanded configuration; expanding the anchor to a deployed configuration in which the anchor contacts tissue at a first anchor site; repositioning the anchor to a second anchor site; and deploying the anchor at the second anchor site.

Abstract: A method of making a replacement heart valve device whereby a fragment of biocompatible tissue material is treated and soaked in one or more alcohol solutions and a solution of glutaraldehyde. The dried biocompatible tissue material is folded and rehydrated in such a way that forms a two- or three-leaflet/cusp valve without affixing of separate cusps or leaflets or cutting slits into the biocompatible tissue material to form the cusps or leaflets. After the biocompatible tissue material is folded, it is affixed at one or more points on the outer surface to the inner cavity or a stent.

Abstract: Embodiments hereof relate to a transcatheter valve prosthesis including a tubular fabric body, a first or inflow tubular scaffold attached to a first end portion of the tubular fabric body, and a second or outflow tubular scaffold attached to a second end portion of the tubular fabric body. A prosthetic valve component is disposed within and secured to an intermediate portion of the tubular fabric body that longitudinally extends between the first and second end portions of the tubular fabric body. The intermediate portion is unsupported such that neither of the first and second tubular scaffolds surrounds the intermediate portion of the tubular fabric body. The intermediate portion may include one or more windows for coronary access and may include one or more commissure reinforcement members coupled thereto to provide support for the prosthetic valve component.

Abstract: An intravascular cuff acts as a lining between a native vessel and an intravascular prosthetic device. During deployment, the ends of the cuff curl back upon themselves and are capable of trapping native tissue, such as valve leaflet tissue, between the ends. The cuff creates a seal between the vessel and the prosthetic, thereby preventing leakage around the prosthetic. The cuff also traps any embolic material dislodged from the vessel during expansion of the prosthetic.

Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve includes a collapsible and expandable stent and a plurality of commissure features disposed on the stent. A collapsible and expandable valve assembly includes a plurality of leaflets connected to the plurality of commissure features, each commissure feature including a body having a proximal end and a distal end. A plurality of eyelets is arranged in rows and columns on the body for distributing load from the plurality of leaflets.

Abstract: This invention relates to a delivery apparatus and method for deployment of a mitral valve replacement.

Abstract: A method is provided for implanting a valve having at least one valve leaflet within the cardiovascular system of a subject. One step of the method includes preparing a substantially dehydrated bioprosthetic valve and then providing an expandable support member having oppositely disposed first and second ends and a main body portion extending between the ends. Next, the substantially dehydrated bioprosthetic valve is attached to the expandable support member so that the substantially dehydrated bioprosthetic valve is operably secured within the main body portion of the expandable support member. The expandable support member is then crimped into a compressed configuration and placed at a desired location within the cardiovascular system of the subject. Either before or after placement at the desired location, fluid or blood re-hydrates the substantially dehydrated bioprosthetic valve.

Abstract: A rod (508) is transfemorally advanceable to the heart. An implant (460) comprises (i) a first frame (462), compressed around a first longitudinal site of a distal portion of the rod, (ii) a second frame (464), compressed around a third longitudinal site of the distal portion, (iii) a valve member (50), disposed within the second frame, and (iv) a flexible sheet (466), coupling the first frame to the second frame, and disposed around a second longitudinal site of the distal portion, the second longitudinal site being between the first longitudinal site and the third longitudinal site. An extracorporeal controller (569) is coupled to a proximal portion of the rod, and is operably coupled to the distal portion of the rod. Operating the controller bends the distal portion of the rod causing articulation between the frames. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: An annuloplasty repair segment for heart valve annulus repair. In one embodiment a multi-stranded cable replaces solid core wire for both the tricuspid and mitral valves. Cable allows for greater deployment flexibility for minimally-invasive surgical (MIS) implant, while still maintaining the required strength and similar tensile properties of solid-core wire. Stranded cable provides a MIS annuloplasty ring with sufficient flexibility in the x-y plane to allow a surgeon to squeeze the ring into a small incision, such as being able to pass through an 18 Fr or smaller catheter, while maintaining structural rigidity under forces exerted on the implanted ring by the cardiac cycle. The particular shape of the annuloplasty ring is fixed using a heat setting process.

Abstract: A vascular device for treating vein valve insufficiency including an elongated member, a first retention portion movable from a first elongated insertion position to an expanded position and a second retention portion movable from a first elongated insertion position to an expanded position. An intermediate looped portion is positioned between the first portion and the second portion. The valve is supported by the intermediate looped portion and is movable between an open position to allow blood flow therethrough and a closed position to inhibit blood flow therethrough. The intermediate looped portion is adjustable to loops of different diameters dependent on an inner diameter of the vessel wall.

Abstract: A stent for percutaneous vertebroplasty is described having a substantially tubular body that can be transitioned from a compressed state into an expanded state. The wall of the tubular body has a plurality of openings ensuring the expansion both in the longitudinal direction and in the peripheral direction of the stent. The stent has a cross-sectional shape deviating from the circular shape at least in the expanded state.

Abstract: Method for manufacturing a bone pin for connection to a bone, particularly for fixing an implant to a bone, the bone pin having an implant contacting part arranged to contact the implant in connected situation and a bone contacting part arranged to engage the bone in connected situation, wherein the method comprises the steps of:—providing bone information which is indicative for the bone which the bone contacting part is arranged to engage;—providing a bone contacting part which is customized on the basis of the bone information for engaging said bone;—providing an implant contacting part; and—assembling the bone contacting part and the implant contacting part for manufacturing the pin.

Abstract: This invention relates to and orthopaedic implant having an expansion means adapted to increase the external surface area of the implant, the expansion means positioned to correspond to voids or depressions in the anatomy of a patient. Also described are method for the design and manufacture of such implants.

Abstract: The invention relates to a resurfacing prosthesis for the natural femoral head, having a spherical outer surface and an inner receiving space that has an inner surface facing the bone. In order to be able to make the resurfacing prosthesis without using metals, combine the advantages of bone-preserving surgery with those of a biocompatible material, keep wear of the sliding pair low, and anchor the prosthesis in an excellent and long-term stable manner in the bone, the resurfacing prosthesis is characterized by an integrated porous osseointegrative inner surface and by an entirely ceramic design of the resurfacing prosthesis.

Abstract: A system of prosthetic implants for a total knee replacement procedure is provided. The system includes a tibial component of a knee joint implant, a tibial insert configured to be positioned against the superior side of the platform of the tibial component, a first femoral component of a knee joint implant, and a second femoral component of a knee joint implant.

Abstract: An orthopaedic knee prosthesis is provided including a tibial baseplate component having a distal, bone-contacting surface with one or more fixation structures extending distally therefrom, in which the fixation structures are asymmetrically arranged within the baseplate periphery.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to a resilient interpositional arthroplasty implant for application into a knee joint to pad cartilage defects, cushion a joint, and replace or restore the articular surface, which may preserve joint integrity, reduce pain and improve function. The implant may endure variable joint compressive and shear forces and cyclic loads. The implant may repair, reconstruct, and regenerate joint anatomy, and thereby improve upon joint replacement alternatives. Rather than using periosteal harvesting for cell containment in joint resurfacing, the walls of this invention may capture, distribute and hold living cells until aggregation and hyaline cartilage regrowth occurs. The implant may be deployed into debrided joint spaces, molding and conforming to surrounding structures with sufficient stability to avoid extrusion or dislocation.

Abstract: In an artificial knee joint implant, an increase in constraint force of a femur component and a tibia component in the anterior-posterior direction and the left-right direction of a patient is enabled, and an increase in an allowable degree of medial pivot motion is enabled. An artificial knee joint implant has a femur component to be fixed to a distal portion of a femur of a patient, and a tibia component to be fixed to a proximal portion of a tibia of the patient. Femur sliding faces of the femur component and tibia sliding faces of the tibia component each include a region in which the curvature radius varies in a predetermined direction.

Abstract: A prosthesis may include a stem, a ball stud, an adaptor, and a head. The stem may include a longitudinal axis and a bore having a central axis that is angled relative to the longitudinal axis. The ball stud may include a cylindrical shaft and a ball end. The cylindrical shaft may be received in the bore of the stem. The adaptor may include a tapered outer surface and a ball socket rotatably receiving the ball end of the stud. The head may be rotatably supported by the adaptor and may include a semispherical articulating surface and a female taper rotatably receiving the tapered outer surface of the adaptor.

Abstract: An expandable spinal implant assembly for insertion between two adjacent vertebral bodies includes a first body with a first superior endplate and a first inferior endplate, which are connected together. A strut is comprised by said first body and connects with one of said endplates, said strut including a first threaded through bore with a central axis. The spinal implant assembly further includes a substantially hollow second body having a second superior endplate and a second inferior endplate, and is engaged within said first body. At least one track is arranged on a second top inside face of said second superior endplate and/or on a second bottom inside face of said second inferior endplate, said track being oriented at an acute angle relative to the central axis of said first threaded through bore when said substantially hollow second body is at least partially engaged with said first body.

Abstract: A spacer for separating bones of a joint, the spacer includes a first endplate configured to engage a first bone of the joint; a second endplate configured to engage a second bone of the joint; tissue engaging projections, wherein the tissue engaging projections are moveable from a retracted position to a deployed position; and an actuation subassembly that extends between the first endplate and the second endplate, wherein the actuation subassembly comprise a drive nut, a drive screw coupled to the drive nut, and a cam frame coupled to the drive screw, wherein the cam frame is disposed between the first endplate and the second endplate to engage the tissue engaging projections.

Abstract: An intervertebral spinal spacer that can include a substantially annular body that can include an upper surface, a lower surface, an outer surface, and an inner surface. The inner surface of the substantially annular body can define an internal cavity. The annular body can include a plurality of outer apertures and a plurality of inner apertures connected by a plurality of fluid passages that can draw fluid into the internal cavity.

Abstract: An implant or endoprosthesis suitable to be implanted in human or animal tissue includes two (or more than two) parts to be joined in situ. Each one of the parts includes a joining location, the two joining locations facing each other when the device parts are positioned for being joined together, wherein one of the joining locations includes a material which is liquefiable by mechanical vibration and the other one of the joining locations includes a material which is not liquefiable by mechanical vibration and a structure (e.g. undercut cavities or protrusions) suitable for forming a positive fit connection with the liquefiable material. The joining process is effected by pressing the two device parts against each other and by applying ultrasonic vibration to one of the device parts when the two parts are positioned relative to each other such that the two joining locations are in contact with each other.

Abstract: The invention refers to the area of control of a limb device in the form of an artificial limb for a human or a robot limb.

Abstract: A body-powered articulated prosthetic hand where each of the segments of the digits, the palmer plate, the thumb pivot plate and the wrist are individually sizeable. This allows for both a proportionately scalable hand as well as individual customization of geometric configurations tailored to specific use patterns. The hand is crushable since it has flexible and pivotable connections between digits along the length and width of the hand. It has a hollow member construction that imparts a strong lightweight design. It is modular so individual parts can be replaced for quick repair. From an aesthetics point, it is visually pleasing and can be offered in different colors, and with custom digit sleeves for specific applications. Fingers can be operated individually or in groups via pairs of cables which allow operation in either voluntary open or voluntary closed modes of control.