Abstract: Surgical device including a hollow cylinder, a clamp having of two jaws, including an outer surface and an inner surface, pivotably mounted relative to an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of said hollow cylinder between an open position and a closed position, wherein the clamp is arranged extending from the distal end of said hollow cylinder and two hollow tubes, partially housed inside said hollow cylinder, wherein said jaws each have a passage from said outer surface to said inner surface, said passages being arranged facing each other when said clamp is in the closed position and in that each of said hollow tubes is associated respectively with one of the jaws in such a way that said hollow tube opens into said passage.

Abstract: An orthopedic prosthesis and a method for rapidly manufacturing the same are provided. The orthopedic prosthesis includes a solid bearing layer, a porous bone-ingrowth layer, and an interdigitating layer therebetween. A laser sintering technique is performed to manufacture the orthopedic prosthesis.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention provide implants for augmentation, stabilization, or defect reconstruction of bone tissue, comprising a scaffold portion structured to provide shape to the implant, the scaffold portion comprising one or more of the following: one or more polylactic acid isomer; one or more polyglycolic acid isomer; and/or allogenic bone material, or similar compound.

Abstract: A device, for example a medical implant, and a method of making the same, the device having a metal or metal alloy substrate, for example CoCr, and a diffusion hardened metallic surface, for example a plasma carburized surface, contacting a non-diffusion hardened surface or a diffusion hardened surface having a diffusion hardening species different from that of the opposing surface.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems, methods, devices and surgical techniques for joint arthroplasty, including implant components that facilitate the position and implantation of a hip replacement using cutting guides and various femoral implant arrangements.

Abstract: The invention relates to prosthetic knee joint comprising an upper part, which has an upper connecting means, and a lower part, which is pivotably mounted on the upper part and which has a lower connecting means. A vacuum pump with an inlet and an outlet, said pump being driven by the relative movement of the upper part to the lower part, is associated with the prosthetic knee joint.

Abstract: Arthroplasty components include an articular surface and a bone-facing surface. The bone-facing surface bears at least one anchoring element adapted for an oblique implantation trajectory. The articular surface includes a larger radius of curvature in the superior-inferior direction than in the anterior-posterior direction. An inferior chamfer may be present on the articular surface. Instruments and implantation methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A subtalar joint prosthesis that is adapted to replace the natural subtalar joint that exists between a patient's talus and calcaneus bones includes talar and calcaneal components. Each of these is configured to have a shape that is herein defined as being a portion of the boundary surface of a frustum. Meanwhile, these components' inner surfaces are configured to: (a) generally follow the anatomic contour of the original joint surface to which each component is to be attached, and (b) minimize each components's average thickness, consistent with providing sufficient strength and rigidity for the components, so as to require minimum bone resection for the implantation of these components.

Abstract: The present invention provides a spinous process implant and associated methods. In one aspect of the invention, the implant includes a spacer that is connectable to two extensions. One of the two extensions is connectable to the spacer at a first end and coupled to the spacer by a rotational connection. The other of the two extensions is movably connectable to the second end of the spacer and translatable over the outer surface of the spacer from the second end.

Abstract: An expandable vertebral body device, system, instrument, and methods of assembly and using the device, system, and instrument are disclosed. The vertebral body device includes a body with a first end and a second end, a first rotating member rotatably coupled to the first end, a second rotating member rotatably coupled to the second end, a first extension member moveably coupled to the first end, and a second extension member moveably coupled to the second end. The expandable cage system comprises a vertebral body device and an insertion instrument. Methods for assembling and using the vertebral body device and instrument are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system comprising a fusion cage and at least one engagement member is provided. The fusion cage includes a first member and a second member. The engagement member is configured to retain the first and second members in an expanded state while simultaneously fixing the fusion case to adjacent vertebrae.

Abstract: A spinal interbody device fabricated of fully resorbable bioactive glass materials is used to maintain the intervertebral spacing in a fusion of adjacent vertebrae. The spinal interbody device can include regions of porous material having various levels of bioactivity so that fusion through ingrowth of bone tissue can be provided while regions of the spinal interbody device can continue to maintain the intervertebral space.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cage which is inserted between vertebral bodies of a cervical vertebra or spine during an operation for treating a cervical disc disease, myelosis, or fracture of the cervical vertebra or spine, and more particularly, to a cage with spikes, including upper and lower spikes which are attached to a clip inserted into a main body of the cage, unfolded upward and downward from the main body, and locked to vertebral bodies of a cervical vertebra or spine positioned at the top and bottom of the cage such that the cage is fixed and locked between the vertebral bodies.

Abstract: In one aspect, an instrument for placing a graft, implant and/or graft material at a target site for enhancing posterolateral fusion between two or more vertebrae is provided which includes a housing and an actuable trigger associated with the housing. A curved rigid access tube extends from the housing, the access tube terminating at a distal end. A sheath is disposed about, and moveable relative to the access tube, and a transmission is disposed in the housing. In an initial state, the sheath extends distally past the distal end of the access tube, a space being defined within the sheath distally of the distal end of the access tube to accommodate the graft, implant and/or graft material. The transmission is configured to cause an incremental displacement of the sheath relative to the distal end of the access tube upon an actuation of the trigger.

Abstract: A prosthetic inserter includes an inserter head having at least first and second bosses, at least one of the bosses movable from a first position to a second position, that couple the inserter to a femoral provisional component via a pair of corresponding apertures, such as drill holes, within the articulating surfaces of a selected one of a series of femoral provisional components. Each provisional component of the series is capable of having different aperture distances measured between a respective pair of apertures. The bosses of the inserter are biased into an engagement position in which the inserter can be secured to a femoral provisional component to eliminate the need for an external engagement force to be supplied to the inserter.

Abstract: Systems and methods for joint replacement are provided. The systems and methods include a surgical orientation device, a reference sensor device, and at least one orthopedic fixture. The surgical orientation device, reference sensor device, and orthopedic fixtures can be used to locate the orientation of an axis in the body, to adjust an orientation of a cutting plane or planes along a bony surface, or otherwise to assist in an orthopedic procedure(s).

Abstract: A prosthetic joint system for users comprising a housing having an interior cavity, a center axis in said interior cavity, and an attachment means for fixedly connecting said housing to said user; an inner cylinder disposed in said housing interior cavity wherein said inner cylinder rotates around said center axis of said housing; an appendage attached to said inner cylinder; a sensor system attached to said appendage; and a dampening system, having a power source, in communication with said sensor system, said inner cylinder, and said housing for controlling dampening of the rotation of said inner cylinder around said center axis of said housing.

Abstract: A wearable robot may comprise: a robot unit including machinery configured to assist a wearer's muscular strength; at least one first sensor provided on the wearer's knees and configured to detect the wearer's motion of pressing the wearer's knees; and/or a controller configured to judge whether or not the wearer intends to stand up based on information detected using the at least one first sensor, and configured to transmit a control signal to assist corresponding muscular strength to the robot unit upon judging that the wearer intends to stand up.

Abstract: A prosthesis is disclosed for placement at an Os opening from a main body lumen to a branch body lumen. The prosthesis includes a radially expansible support at one end, a circumferentially extending link at the other end and at least one frond extending axially therebetween. The support is configured to be deployed in the branch body lumen, with the circumferentially extending link in the main lumen and the frond extendable across the Os.

Abstract: Provided herein is a drug delivery system comprising: a. substrate; b. a plurality of components combined with the substrate to form the drug delivery system; wherein at least one components comprises a bioabsorbable polymer and at least one other component comprises one or more active agents; wherein at least part of the active agent is in crystalline form.

Abstract: The described invention provides an endovascular stent device comprising a tubular structure comprising a circumference; wherein a flow-diverting portion of the circumference is covered by a flow-diverting material; a length (l) from a proximal end to a distal end; and an inner diameter (d); wherein the flow-diverting portion of the circumference comprises a length (l?); and the flow-diverting portion of the circumference covers at least 1% to at least 100% of the endovascular stent device. According to some embodiments, the flow-diverting material is adapted to increase blood vessel wall adherence and minimize risk of an endoleak.

Abstract: A wire stent assembly that has a first ring defining one end of the stent assembly, a second ring defining the second end of the stent assembly. Each ring is formed of wire. The wire of each ring also has a second section that extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of the wire stent assembly and perpendicular to the rings. Each of the rings has a loop that is parallel to the longitudinal axis and parallel to the rings. The stent assembly may form the support structure for a stent graft.

Abstract: An implant delivery system including a catheter having a delivery lumen; a pusher member slidably disposed in the catheter delivery lumen; a retaining member coupled to a distal end portion of the pusher member, the retaining member configured to retain an expandable implant in a collapsed configuration on the pusher member for delivery of the implant through the catheter delivery lumen; and an expandable actuator coupled to the distal end portion of the pusher member and operatively associated with the retaining member, wherein expansion of the actuator causes the retaining member to disengage from an implant carried on the pusher member, to thereby allow the implant to expand from the collapsed configuration.

Abstract: A stent delivery system can include an elongate core member sized for insertion into a blood vessel. The core member can be configured to advance a stent toward a treatment location in the blood vessel. The core member can include a longitudinally extending tube having a helical cut extending along the tube. The helical cut can have an axial length of at least 50 cm and be continuous along the axial length.

Abstract: A hand support device and method for somatosensory input to the palm comprises a support portion and an attachment portion. The support portion forms a rounded surface that supports a hand of a user. The attachment portion attaches to a structure. The device activates purposeful motor movement with accurate motor control for users with Dyspraxia when employed in conjunction with evidence-based developmental pedagogy in high stimulating tasks such as music education per the Rancer Method (Kupferstein & Walsh, 2015). In one example, the hand support device attaches to a piano and clamps to the keyslip allowing the user to rest their hand while playing the piano. In another example, the hand support device is adapted to attach to a surface of a laptop or desk with a base surface that is disposed above the laptop, allowing the user to rest their hand while typing on the keyboard.

Abstract: A gastric calibration tube includes a flexible elongate member, a pushing member, and a balloon member. The flexible elongate member has a proximal end portion, a distal end portion, and an outer surface that extends between the proximal and distal end portions. The outer surface defines a side opening. The flexible elongate member defines a lumen that is in communication with the side opening. The pushing member has a proximal portion and a distal portion. The distal portion is advanceable through the lumen of the flexible elongate member and out of the side opening of the flexible elongate member. The balloon member is secured to one or both of the flexible elongate member and the pushing member. The balloon member is inflatable to fix the gastric calibration tube within a patient's stomach.

Abstract: An ankle brace has a stirrup with a flat bottom portion and a first and second upright leg. Each of the first and second upright legs has an upper end and a lower end, the upper end having a circular opening therethrough and the lower end attached to the flat bottom portion. First and second pivot legs, each having a circular opening therethrough, are releasably and rotatably connected to the first and second upright legs respectively. When connected, the circular openings in the pivot legs overlap the respective circular openings in the upright legs, and each pivot leg is rotatable about an axis through and perpendicular to the pivot leg circular opening. The circular openings in the first and second upright legs are positioned and sufficiently large to allow at least a portion of the malleolus bone of an ankle to protrude therethrough.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present disclosure include a splint for resolving the symptoms of trigger finger/thumb. The splint may include a t-shaped main body, wherein a stem of the Tshape is rigid and includes a support bar configured to at least partially immobilize a user's finger and a top of the T-shape is rigid with a flexible portion configured to wrap around the finger. The splint may further include a securement strap extending from the top of the T-shape, the securement strap configured to engage with the top of the T-shape to secure the top of the Tshape around the finger. In embodiments where the splint is used on a thumb, the splint may further include a thumb securement strap configured to wrap around the user's hand/wrist to secure the splint in place.

Abstract: A nasal dilator comprises magnets. The nasal dilator is a set comprising two bodies. Each of the two bodies has a first leg having at a distal portion thereof a magnet; and a second leg connected to the first leg via a bridge comprising flexible material. Each of the two bodies are designed so as to allow said body to be clamped to an ala nasi of a human nose between the distal portions of said first leg and said second leg. The magnets of the bodies are aligned such that with a body clamped to the ala nasi of a nose, the magnet is oriented at an angle to a plane defined by the ala nasi area clamped between said two distal portions of said first leg and second leg. Thanks to the repelling action of the magnets, the alae nasi are pushed apart, resulting in improved ease of breathing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preventing sleep apnea employs an external clamp that has a first pad that engages the upper lip beneath the nose and a second pad that engages the lower jaw on its underside, behind the mandibular symphysis. The pads are connected to each other by a flexible member, or brace. Preferably the second pad is rounded on that portion that contacts the lower jaw. The clamp is held in place by one or more straps, braces or springs that pass about the patient's head. The first pad is held such that it presses against the upper lip while the second pad closes the lower jaw and pulls it forwardly and upwardly using relatively small forces.

Abstract: An assembly for preventing and treating skin dermatitis includes an air flow conditioning module positioned in the output air flow increasing or decreasing the temperature of the generated air flow as received from the fan responsive to a received control signal, a temperature sensor positioned in the output air flow sensing a current temperature of the output air flow as conditioned by the air flow conditioning module, an air flow conditioning control module is coupled to the air flow conditioning module and the temperature sensor for generating the control signal, and air flow conditioning control module that has a definable temperature range of the output airflow and for receiving the sensed current temperature from the temperature sensor, comparing the current temperature to the defined temperature range, and generating the control signal to provide the generated air flow at the nozzle is within the defined temperature range.

Abstract: Methods for cerebral cooling are described. Cooling assemblies include elongate tubular members, a reservoir containing a pressurized fluid, and a manifold connecting the reservoir and elongate tubular members. After insertion of the elongate tubular members into the patient's nostrils, a pressurized fluid is delivered onto a surface of the patient's nasal cavity through a plurality of ports in the elongate tubular members. The delivery of the fluid causes cooling by direct heat transfer through the nasopharynx and hematogenous cooling through the carotids and the Circle of Willis.

Abstract: A vitrectomy apparatus is provided, including a pressure source, a cut valve connected to the pressure source, the cut valve configured to be turned on and off to provide pressure to selectively extend and retract a vitrectomy cutting device, a plurality of sensors provided at a plurality of points between the pressure source and the vitrectomy handpiece, and a controller configured to employ a function correlating a desired cut rate with a pressure source duty cycle and employ a different function when one sensor of the plurality of sensors senses a pressure outside a predetermined pressure range.

Abstract: An exemplary surgical device includes a shaft with a lumen defined therethrough and an element movable from a stored position to a deployed position in which a larger portion of the element extends out of the distal end of the lumen; wherein motion from the stored position to the deployed position causes a first leg of the element to advance distally relative to the distal end of the shaft, and causes a second leg of the element to move proximally relative to the distal end of the shaft.

Abstract: A steerable laser probe may include an actuation structure, a nosecone fixed to the actuation structure by one or more links and one or more link pins, a flexible housing tube, and an optic fiber disposed in the flexible housing tube and the actuation structure. A compression of the actuation structure may be configured to gradually curve the flexible housing tube and the optic fiber. A decompression of the actuation structure may be configured to gradually straighten the flexible housing tube and the optic fiber.

Abstract: A steerable laser probe may include a handle, and inner bore of the handle, an actuation lever of the handle, a housing tube, and an optic fiber disposed within the inner bore of the handle and the housing tube. The housing tube may have a first housing tube portion having a first stiffness and a second housing tube portion having a second stiffness. The second stiffness may be greater than the first stiffness.

Abstract: An earplug dispenser is provided which dispenses earplugs directly into a user's hand upon turning of a knob in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. The earplug dispenser is designed for quick and efficient replacement of an empty container with a container full of earplugs. The internal delivery components are particularly designed to prevent earplug jamming or sticking and aid in the quick delivery of a desired number of earplugs directly into the user's hand. The design also allows the earplugs to be delivered without relying on a separate opening or port apart from the impeller thereby eliminating the need to use two hands to deliver or dispense the desired earplugs.

Abstract: A wound barrier pad is provided having a housing with a housing opening. The housing has a truncated conical shape. A base plate with an opening is disposed in the housing, and the housing is filled with a fluid or padding. The wound barrier pad may also be embodied to have a cylindrical shape, a rectangular shape or other shape. The wound barrier pad may be incorporated into a garment. In another embodiment the wound barrier pad includes a ring and an adhesive such that the wound barrier pad may be directly adhered to the patient, thus eliminating the need for the garment. In another embodiment there is a wound barrier device having a pad assembly and an anti-sheer member. The anti-shear member reduces frictional forces on the skin of a patient. In another embodiment a wound barrier assembly is provided for applying a negative pressure to a wound.

Abstract: A method for mechanically deforming a substrate assembly. The substrate assembly may advance at a first velocity toward a bonder apparatus. The bonder apparatus may rotate about an axis of rotation and include a support surface between a first member and a second member. The first and second members may rotate at the first velocity and may be separated by an initial angle. The first member may receive a leading portion and the second member may receive a trailing portion of the substrate assembly. The first member may decelerate to a second velocity, and, subsequently, the second member may decelerate to the second velocity. The first member and the second member may be separated by a process angle, which may be different than the initial angle. A central portion of the substrate assembly may be relaxed while the leading and trailing portion may be held at a process tension. The substrate assembly may then undergo one or more processes.

Abstract: A method for mechanically deforming, such as by bonding, a substrate assembly. The substrate assembly may be advanced at first velocity toward a bonder apparatus. The bonder apparatus may rotate at a second velocity, which is less than or equal to the first velocity. The bonder apparatus may include a support surface and a process assembly. The substrate assembly may be contracted prior to advancing onto the bonder apparatus. A first process assembly may receive a leading portion of the substrate assembly and a subsequent process assembly may receive a trailing portion. The leading portion and the trailing portion define a product arc length, which is less than or equal to a process product pitch. One or more processes may be performed on the substrate assembly.

Abstract: A signal layer for an absorbent article provided to absorb menstrual fluid includes a pattern of capillary channels allowing capillary action such that discharged menstrual fluid that comes across one of the openings in the capillary channels enters into the capillary channels and is retained therein due to the capillary force. The color of the retained menstrual discharge dyes or colors the pattern for signaling purpose, and the pattern is directly or indirectly visible to an observer.

Abstract: An object of the present disclosure is to provide an absorbent article without a sticky feel on the top sheet and with a smooth top sheet, not only when a large amount of menstrual blood has been absorbed, but even when a small amount of menstrual blood has been absorbed. The absorbent article of the present disclosure is as follows. An absorbent article comprising a liquid-permeable top sheet, a liquid-impermeable back sheet and an absorbent body between the liquid-permeable top sheet and liquid-impermeable back sheet, wherein the liquid-permeable top sheet comprises a blood slipping agent having a kinematic viscosity of 0.01 to 80 mm2/s at 40° C., a water holding percentage of 0.01 to 4.0 mass %, and a weight-average molecular weight of less than 1,000, on at least the projection in an excretory opening contact region.

Abstract: The present application discloses and claims an individually packaged, absorbent article of enhanced length, and including at least two sets of wings, which article is folded into a compact package form, and which package in being unfolded by a consumer, results in less operation steps by the consumer for donning of the article, and for disposal of the package.

Abstract: The various embodiments disclosed herein relate to wheelchair systems for transporting a mobility-challenged passenger onto an aircraft and transfer that passenger into an aircraft seat. The implementations include systems with lift systems, belt systems, and/or transfer ramps.

Abstract: The convertible wheelchair is similar to a conventional wheelchair, but includes a reclining back support and an additional leg support plate. As the back support is pivoted, with respect to the seat, into a reclining position, the leg support plate is driven to pivot upward. When the back support is pivoted into a fully reclining position, the seat, the back support and the leg support plate are positioned parallel and co-planar with respect to one another. Similar to a conventional wheelchair, the convertible wheelchair includes a frame, the seat, which is secured to an upper end of the frame, the back support, which is secured to a rear end of the frame and is pivotally coupled to the seat, a pair of rear wheels rotatably secured to the rear end of the frame, and a pair of front wheels rotatably secured to the front end of the frame.

Abstract: A power add-on device for powering a manual wheelchair includes a motorized component including dual electric motors and a power source electrically coupled to the electric motors, wherein each of the motors is configured to turn a respective one of a set of drive wheels. The power add-on device can include a latching mechanism adapted to attach the power add-on device to the camber tube of the manual wheelchair; and a controller, reachable by a person sitting in the manual wheelchair, that controls the latching mechanism, the motors, and a swing arm that allows the rear wheels of the manual wheelchair to be lifted off the ground. The front wheels of the manual wheelchair are allowed to be lifted several inches off the ground to avoid obstacles, or can be lifted by the user leaning back.

Abstract: The present invention relates to wheelchair improvements and, in particular, to a wheelchair including a monocoque structural skin according to one aspect, and a suspension assembly according to another aspect.

Abstract: A lift chair includes a lift mechanism that maintains a continuous seating position during forward and elevated movement by supporting the occupant's seat, arms and back. The mobile section of the chair will also lower the occupant to the normal seating height. The gel cushion seating surface is attached at least to the moveable section of the lift chair. The gel cushion seating surface of the chair has a plurality of gel cushion cylinders arranged in a grid that provide a rhythmically changing support area at multiple points on the occupant's buttocks and thighs. This provides a comforting massage which reduces stress on the body associated with prolonged seating.

Abstract: A person support apparatus includes a frame and a support surface cooperating with the frame to support a person. The person support apparatus also has a sensor coupled to one of the frame and the support surface. The sensor detects at least one characteristic associated with the person. A controller is coupled to the sensor. In response to at least one of a condition of the frame, a condition of the support surface, a position of the person, or a condition of the person, the controller operates to control the sensor by at least one of changing a gain of the sensor and changing a manner in which a signal from the sensor is filtered. In some instances, the controller turns the sensor off.

Abstract: A chair includes a base, a seat coupled to the base, and a back coupled to the seat and/or the base. The seat includes a front portion positioned on a first side of the base, and a rear portion positioned on a second side of the base. A seat angle defined between the front portion and the base is substantially fixed between approximately 85 degrees and approximately 90 degrees. The back extends generally upward from the rear portion of the seat.