Abstract: Bioprosthetic components based on, or comprising, biological materials for implants, preferably biological heart valves, in particular biological heart valve leaflets, which have only been chemically or thermally stabilized (partly crosslinked) at mechanically stressed points and therefore have zones having different mechanical properties, and to a method for the production thereof.

Abstract: A heart valve assembly has a heart valve assembly that has an anchor section, a generally cylindrical valve support section, and a neck section that transitions between the anchor section and the valve support section. A plurality of supports extend radially outwardly in an annular manner about an upper end of the valve support section, and the anchor section has an annular flange that extends radially therefrom, so that an annular space is defined between the annular flange and the annular supports for receiving or capturing the native annulus when the heart valve is deployed. The heart valve assembly also includes a leaflet assembly having a plurality of leaflets that are stitched to the valve support section and which are positioned on an inflow side of the neck section.

Abstract: Valve delivery catheter assemblies including components that limit trauma to the expanded prosthetic valve and body channels as the distal tip of the catheter is withdrawn through the expanded valve and thereafter from the body. Catheter assemblies according to the present invention can include a handle assembly, an introducer sheath, and a distal tip assembly. The handle assembly can include a fixed main handle and two or more rotating handles that allow a user to control the distal tip assembly of the catheter. A safety button can be included on the handle assembly to allow for precise and consistent positioning of the prosthetic valve in the body. A valve retaining mechanism can be included to assist in retaining the prosthetic valve prior to deployment.

Abstract: Cardiomyopathy may be treated by distributing space-occupying agent within the myocardium in a pattern about one or more chambers of the heart, such that the space-modifying agent integrates into and thickens at least part of the cardiac wall about the chamber so as globally to reduce wall stress and stabilize or even reduce chamber size. Some patterns also cause a beneficial global reshaping of the chamber. These changes occur quickly and are sustainable, and have a rapid and sustainable therapeutic effect on cardiac function. Over time the relief of wall stress reduces oxygen consumption and promotes healing. Moreover, various long-term therapeutic effects may be realized depending on the properties of the space-occupying agent, including combinations with other therapeutic materials. Specific cardiac conditions treatable by these systems and methods include, for example, dilated cardiomyopathy (with or without overt aneurismal formations), congestive heart failure, and ventricular arrhythmias.

Abstract: A device for containing bone graft material comprises a body including an inner sleeve extending longitudinally from a proximal end to a distal end and an outer sleeve surrounding the inner sleeve and extending longitudinally from a proximal end to a distal end such that a bone graft collecting space is formed therebetween.

Abstract: Implants for prevention of cold welding, corrosion and tissue overgrowth on surfaces between medical implant components include a first medical implant component having a first implant contact surface, a second medical implant component having a second implant contact surface positionally interfacing with the first implant contact surface of the first medical implant and a separation coating material on at least one of the first implant contact surface and the second implant contact surface. Methods for prevention of cold welding and/or corrosion between and/or tissue/bone overgrowth on implant components and methods of sealing an interface between a first implant component and a second implant component in a prosthesis system are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for replacing a joint surface, which includes resecting a first portion of the joint surface to create a wall surface and inner resected surface. The wall surface (2006) separates the inner resected surface and a non-resected portion of the joint surface. Further included in the method is cutting a concave groove having a first radius into the wall surface, and engaging the concave groove with a periphery of a joint prosthesis. The periphery includes a second radius that is substantially the same as the first radius of the concave groove.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing deeper knee flexion capabilities, more physiologic load bearing and improved patellar tracking for knee prosthesis patients. Such systems and methods include (i) adding more articular surface to the antero-proximal posterior condyles of a femoral component, including methods to achieve that result, (ii) modifications to the internal geometry of the femoral component and the associated femoral bone cuts with methods of implantation, (iii) asymmetrical tibial components that have an unique articular surface that allows for deeper knee flexion than has previously been available, (iv) asymmetrical femoral condyles that result in more physiologic loading of the joint and improved patellar tracking and (v) modifying an articulation surface of the tibial component to include an articulation feature whereby the articulation pathway of the femoral component is directed or guided by articulation feature.

Abstract: A glenosphere includes a body and a flange. The body includes a first body surface and a spherical second body surface, and includes an engagement feature to engage with an attachment structure attachable to a bone. The flange extends radially outward from the body and includes a first flange surface contiguous with a first body surface and a second flange surface contiguous with the second body surface. The flange has a flange length extending from a first end and a second end such that an angle defined by a first line from a center of the body to the first end and a second line from the center of the body to the second end is less than 180 degrees.

Abstract: Methods for altering the natural history of degenerative disc disease and osteoarthritis of the spine are proposed. The methods focus on the prevention, or delayed onset or progression of, subchondral defects such as bone marrow edema or bone marrow lesion, and subchondral treatment to prevent the progression of osteoarthritis or degenerative disc disease in the spine and thereby treat pain.

Abstract: An implant is insertable in the joint space to separate bones of the joint. The implant has two endplates each configured to engage a separate articulating bone of the joint, and a threaded member positioned between the two endplates and configured to increase the space between the two endplates when the threaded member is rotated. A rotatable gear is engaged with the threaded member, and is engageable with a rotating gear of a connected implantation tool, so that rotation of the gear on the tool causes rotation of the threaded member and expansion of the implant to separate the bones. Connector portions on the tool and the implant may be rotated together to securely engage the implant and the tool so that the gears of the tool and the implant can be rotated using an actuator outside of the body, when the implant is inside the body.

Abstract: A device (1, 100) for repairing an intervertebral disc comprising an anchoring body (2, 102), suitable for being advanced into and secured in one of the vertebrae adjacent the intervertebral disc; and a prosthesis (3, 103, 203, 303) attachable in a secure coupling position to the anchoring body (2, 102) and adapted for retaining or replacing the nucleus pulposus in an interior space of an outer annulus of the intervertebral disc, the anchoring body supporting and arranging in the cited coupling position the prosthesis such that the prosthesis is oriented to in a direction toward and through a hole in the outer annulus, the prosthesis comprising at least one active portion (4) adapted to assume and maintain a first placement shape (A) suitable for permitting the active portion to be inserted into and through the hole in the outer annulus during a placement thereof into the interior space of the outer annulus, and at least a second operative shape (B) suitable for at least partially occluding the hole in the ou

Abstract: Vertebral body replacement apparatuses, systems, and methods are provided. In various examples, an implantable device is configured to be inserted between a first vertebral body and a second vertebral body. The implantable device includes a first endplate configured to contact a superior endplate of the first vertebral body. A central member is pivotably coupled to the first endplate. A second endplate is configured to contact an inferior endplate of the second vertebral body. The implantable device includes a first insertion configuration and a second load-bearing configuration. The first insertion configuration includes the central member at a first angular position with respect to the first endplate. The second load-bearing configuration includes the central member at a second angular position with respect to the first endplate and the second endplate in a load-bearing position.

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: Disclosed is an assembly and method for implant installation between adjacent vertebral bodies of a patient. The implant has a support body and a rotatable insert therein and the support body is curved for installation between adjacent vertebral bodies transforaminally. An installation instrument is also disclosed for removable attachment to implant and engagement with the rotatable insert to selectively permit rotation between the insert and the support body. The installation instrument extends along a longitudinal tool axis and when the installation instrument is in a first position the insert is rotationally fixed with respect to the support body and when the installation instrument is in a second position the support body may rotate with respect to the insert.

Abstract: A spinal implant comprises a first vertebral engaging surface and a second vertebral engaging surface. A wall extends between the surfaces. The wall includes an inner bone growth resistant layer and an outer layer. Systems and methods of use are disclosed.

Abstract: A method of inserting an expandable intervertebral implant is disclosed. The implant preferably includes first and second members capable of being expanded upon movement of first and second wedges. The first and second wedges, while being capable of moving with respect to each other and the first and second members are also preferably attached to the first and second members. In addition, the first and second wedges are preferably capable of moving only in a first direction, while movement in a second direction is inhibited. The first and second wedges are also preferably prevented from torsionally moving with respect to the first and second members.

Abstract: A method of inserting an intervertebral disc implant into a disc space includes accessing a spinal segment having a first vertebral body, a second vertebral body and a disc space between the first and second vertebral bodies. The method includes securing a first pin to the first vertebral body and a second pin to the second vertebral body, using the first and second pins for distracting the disc space, and providing an inserter holding the intervertebral disc implant. The method also desirably includes engaging the inserter with the first and second pins, and advancing the inserter toward the disc space for inserting the intervertebral disc implant into the disc space, whereby the first and second pins align and guide the inserter toward the disc space.

Abstract: An apparatus for joining two members, comprising a central assembly within a first housing, the central assembly comprising a rotor or rotational member, a pin attached at one end to the rotor or rotational member, a base circumferentially disposed about the pin and attached thereto, a resistance member in connection with the pin, at least one compression member in connection with the resistance member, at least one intermediary member disposed between the at least one compression member and the base, a second housing in connection with the pin and first and second arm mechanisms attached at opposing distal ends of the pin.

Abstract: A fairing can be attached to a prosthetic limb or over a brace to alter the appearance of the prosthetic limb or brace. The outer surface of the prosthetic limb can be a mirror image of an intact limb and the outer surface of the brace can have an outer surface that corresponds to an injured limb. Because the fairing fits closely around the prosthetic limb or brace, the interior surface of the fairing has a surface that corresponds to a mirror image of an intact limb or an outer surface of an injured limb.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for controlling walking of a wearable robot, which provide walking assistive power as if something were pulling the wearer of the robot from the front or pushing the wearer from the back, by applying the force of a virtual spring, whereby the wearer may comfortably walk. The systems for controlling walking of the robot include: a walking mode determination unit configured to determine whether the robot is walking; a virtual spring force calculation unit configured to calculate the force of a virtual spring of which one end is connected to the robot and the other end is connected to a target point in front of the robot based on the walking direction; and a joint driving unit configured to drive each joint of the robot using torque calculated based on the force of the virtual spring, which is calculated by the virtual spring force calculation unit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a socket system for a prosthesis. The socket system including a prosthesis socket which has a proximal opening for receiving a residual limb and a distal end and which is made, at least partially, of a first fiber-reinforced plastic. The socket system also includes an adapter element which is arranged on the distal end of the prosthesis socket and is designed in such a manner that a distal prosthesis element can be secured to the adapter element. The adapter element includes a base body which is made, at least partially, of a second fiber-reinforced plastic.

Abstract: The invention provides a system (1) and method for manufacturing a stent. A spraying device (14) sprays a polymeric suspension (16) onto a mandrel (4). During spraying of the polymeric suspension (16) onto the mandrel (4), the mandrel (4) is manipulated by a micromanipulator (8) to produce a continuous coating on the mandrel (4) having a nonuniform thickness. The polymeric coating is allowed to cure on the mandrel (4) to form the stent, which is then removed from the mandrel (4). The method can comprise embedding a filament (2) in the polymeric coating and incorporating one or more drugs in the stent.

Abstract: A medical stent mold includes a tube having an interior passage sized and dimensioned to receive a stent assembly disposed at least partially about a central portion of a stent balloon. The medical stent mold may also include a housing forming a chamber through which the tube extends. The tube may include a thermally conductive material and may have a body portion that extends within the chamber and an end portion that is proximate the body portion and that extends away from the housing. Forced convection may be used to quickly heat and cool the tube. Methods of increasing retention of an expandable stent assembly on a stent balloon and of detecting a leak in a stent balloon are also included.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for autoretroperfusion.

Abstract: An intravascular stent is provided to be implanted in coronary arteries and other body lumens. The transverse cross-section of at least some of the stent struts have a ratio of polar and bending moments of inertia, which results in optimal resistance to stent twisting. This resistance to twisting ratio for the stent struts minimizes out of plane twisting of the struts or projecting edges of the struts when the stent is expanded from a compressed diameter to an expanded diameter in a coronary artery.

Abstract: A method of affixing a stent jacket to a stent, comprising aligning the stent jacket coaxially with the stent, placing a portion of the stent within a portion of the stent jacket, wherein a central axis of the stent is aligned with a central axis of the stent jacket, and affixing the stent jacket to the stent with a plurality of stitches, wherein the plurality of stitches form a plurality of consecutive loops that pass through one or more holes in the stent jacket and through an outer surface of the stent.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes treatment of the vasculature of a patient with an expandable implant. The implant is constrained to a reduced delivery diameter for delivery within the vasculature by at least one sleeve. The implant can be constrained to other diameters, such as an intermediate diameter. The sleeves can be expanded, allowing for expansion of the diameter of the expandable implant, by disengaging a coupling member from the sleeve or sleeves from outside of the body of the patient. The expandable implant can comprise a steering line or lines which facilitate bending and steering of the expandable implant through the vasculature of a patient.

Abstract: Described here are devices and methods for crimping self-expanding devices. The crimping devices may be useful for crimping a variety of different self-expanding devices (whether such devices are biodegradable or bio-durable). The crimping devices may have crimping members to engage the self-expanding device to reduce the device from an expanding configuration to an unexpanded configuration. The crimping member may comprise or include a suture, wire, ribbon, guiding hoop, pusher, prong, holding bar, balloon, jaws, combinations thereof, or the like. The crimping devices may also include or comprise a holding structure to hold the self-expanding device in an unexpanded or expanded configuration.

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 (22) 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: An elbow-forearm anti-rotation support system and process that do not require a hardenable material. The system includes an orthopedic support such as a wrist-hand orthosis, wrist-hand-thumb orthosis, or cast, joined to a bottle-shaped forearm wrap with opposed flaps formed into a clamshell. Proximal elbow flaps include a center elbow region that extends from the proximal end of the forearm wrap. A U-shaped reinforcement stay is disposed on the center elbow region and attaches to the forearm flaps. Cross straps extending from the proximal elbow flaps attach to the forearm flaps, and a closure strap secures the two flaps together. Hook and loop fasteners extending from the distal edge of the forearm wrap attach the forearm wrap to the orthopedic support.

Abstract: A full body elevator includes an inflatable upper body elevator having a sloped backrest panel and a generally flat, horizontal butt rest panel extending from the backrest panel; and an inflatable lower body elevator having a leg portion with a leg support panel sloping from the butt rest panel and a foot portion with a foot support panel selectively inflatable and extendable with respect to the leg portion.

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

Abstract: An adjustable fastener for a urinary catheter bag includes a slide bar, a movable jaw attached to the slide bar, a grip assembly having a passageway that is adapted to accommodate the slide bar, a fixed jaw affixed to the grip assembly, a biasing assembly attached to the grip assembly and slide bar in such a manner so as to apply a prescribed biasing pressure between the jaws to temporarily adhere them to a structural member in the vicinity of a patient who is using the catheter bag, and a hook that is pivotably attached to an end of the slide bar and configured to set the angular orientation of the hook so that the secure hanging of the catheter bag from the fastener is promoted.

Abstract: A sinus passage expansion device includes a pair of protruding tubular members connected to a base member. Each tubular member is split into hollow half portions each providing outwardly bulging forms which emulate an inner profile of a nasal cavity. The members are preferably made using a material having shape changing temperature sensitive properties. The base provides screen-covered apertures.

Abstract: The invention relates to chastity devices, particularly to size-adjustable male chastity devices that may permanently affixed to the scrotum and penis of the user and are substantially non-removable.

Abstract: An intraocular implant for use in a surgical procedure such as a cataract operation, or in a refractive-lens exchange surgery procedure, has a main portion and a peripheral portion peripheral to the main portion. The main portion is plate-like in shape and may be a lens or a plug for closing an aperture in the capsule of the eye. The implant has two or more lugs extending from the peripheral portion in a direction substantially perpendicular to a plane of the main portion. The lugs extend either from haptics, which protrude from the main portion, or from a short extension of the edge of the main portion. A method for fixing the implant into the eye involves making two or more voids in the capsule wall, offering up the implant to the capsule, so that the lugs lie adjacent to the voids, and inserting the lugs into the voids.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a catheter guide tool. More particularly, the catheter guide tool is a bi-stable device used for the insertion and advancement of a catheter. The catheter guide tool includes a gimbal. A guide axis runs through the gimbal. A catheter advancement mechanism is coupled to the gimbal and configured to advance the catheter along the guide axis. The guide tool also includes a pivot assembly coupling the gimbal to a support platform. The pivot assembly is configured to pivot the guide axis from a first position perpendicular to a target surface to a second position tangential to the target surface along a single primary plane of rotation of the gimbal.

Abstract: The invention relates to an implant for reducing ocular hypertension. Said implant can be used in particular to prevent and treat glaucomas that are emerging or occur. In particular, the implant is an implant (10) for the Schlemm's canal, which comprises a bridge (20), which has a first end point (22) and a second end point (24) and a first support region (26), a second support region (28), and a connecting piece (30), the bridge (20) extending along a first line (L1) from the first end point (22) to the second end point (24) across the first support region (26), the connecting piece (30), and the second support region (28) and the connecting piece (30) having a first cross-sectional area on average along the first line (L1) and the first support region (26) having a second cross-sectional area on average along the first line (L1) after the implantation, characterized in that the second cross-sectional area is at least 50% larger than the first cross-sectional area.

Abstract: A steerable laser probe may include a handle having a handle distal end and a handle proximal end, a housing sleeve disposed in an inner bore of the handle configured to project a distance from the handle distal end, an optic fiber disposed in the housing sleeve, a shape memory sleeve disposed over a distal end of the optic fiber, and a light source configured to connect to a proximal end of the optic fiber. The shape memory sleeve may be configured to curve the distal end of the optic fiber at an angle, e.g., 90 degrees, when the shape memory sleeve is not contained within the housing sleeve.

Abstract: A steerable laser probe may include a handle, an actuation structure, an optic fiber, and a housing tube. The housing tube may include 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. The optic fiber may be disposed within the housing tube and within an inner bore of the handle. A compression of the actuation structure may be configured to gradually curve the optic fiber. A decompression of the actuation structure may be configured to gradually straighten the optic fiber.

Abstract: A goggle having a removable noseguard, comprising a flexible goggle frame having a nose region that extends over the bridge of the user's nose, the goggle frame comprising an engagement region that extends from the front of the goggle frame and having a plurality of locking tabs, and a flexible noseguard comprising a channel to receive the engagement region to position the noseguard on the frame and a plurality of notches sized and positioned to receive the plurality of locking tabs to firmly attach the noseguard to the goggle frame.

Abstract: A kit is provided comprising a stent, an introducer and a bender. The stent is constructed for insertion into a Eustachian tube of a human. The stent includes a member having a preinsertion form that includes opposing exterior surfaces, means for immobilizing the stent within the Eustachian tube, and means for providing fluid communication between the opposing surfaces to effect pressure equilibration therebetween. The introducer includes a guide, an engager, and a sliding mechanism. A Eustachian tube method is also provided. The method involves using the above-described kit.

Abstract: A ventilation device includes a hollow body having a main portion, at least one distal member coupled to a distal end of the main portion and at least one proximal member coupled to a proximal end of the main portion. The at least one distal member is formed of a shape memory material. The hollow body includes a deployed state for maintaining an opening in an anatomical structure and an undeployed state. The shape memory material forms the at least one distal member into a deployed position. The shape memory material is reversibly deformed from the deployed state into the undeployed state such that at least the distal member changes in shape to an undeployed position, while the main portion of the hollow body remains unchanged.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus suitable for use in the negative-pressure therapy of the open abdomen, including a first bandage ply (11, 21, 31) having a first and a second side, as organ-protecting layer, the first side being intended for application to a wound base (3), more particularly exposed internal organs or the greater omentum, a second bandage ply (12, 22) provided separately from the first bandage ply and having a first and a second side, the first side of the second bandage ply (12, 22) being intended for application to the second side of the first bandage ply, a joining means by means of which the second bandage ply (12, 22), after application of the first ply (11, 21, 31) to exposed internal organs or to the greater omentum, can be joined to the first bandage ply (11, 21, 31), making it possible to avoid movement of the first bandage ply (11, 21, 31) with respect to the second bandage ply (12, 22) as far as possible during the therapy and/or facilitating simultaneous removal of first (11,

Abstract: A fiber-microsphere composite scaffold including a first layer of material selected from one of a layer of bioresorbable microspheres and a layer of bioresorbable fibers; and a second layer of material selected from the other of the layer of bioresorbable microspheres and the layer of bioresorbable fibers. A fiber-microsphere composite scaffold reduced pressure tissue treatment apparatus is also included as well as methods for making fiber-microsphere composite scaffolds.

Abstract: A hydrogel structure which has: (a) a one way penetrating polyurethane film layer; (b) a hydrophobic pressure sensitive adhesive layer; (c) a multi-directional elastic meltblown nonwoven; (d) an interpenetrating polymer network; and (e) a hydrogel; wherein the meltblown nonwoven and the hydrogel are laminated by UV curing to form the interpenetrating polymer network, part of fibers of the meltblown nonwoven are exposed and fit stably with the pressure sensitive adhesive film. The hydrogel structure can make dressings multi-directional elastic for multiple traumas. The hydrogel structure can provide an environment suitable for wound healing, shorten the healing time, antiseptic and reduce the chances of being infected for the wound dressing.

Abstract: A wetness sensor includes a substrate that carries a tuned RF circuit. The circuit includes a conductive pattern applied to the substrate, a capacitor, and a jumper all disposed on a same side of the substrate. The conductive pattern includes an inductive coil, and an inner and outer terminus. The jumper electrically couples the inner terminus to the outer terminus. The jumper also includes a frangible link which, when contacted by a target fluid, produces a drastic change in the operation of the RF circuit. The drastic change can be interpreted by a remote reader as a “wet” condition. Contact of the frangible link by the target fluid may change the impedance or resistance of the RF circuit by at least a factor of 5, 10, 100, or more, and/or may cause the frangible link to disintegrate to produce an open circuit, and/or may substantially render the RF circuit inoperative.

Abstract: An apparatus for fluid detection comprises a fluid sensor positioned near a patient's body, an alarm connected to the fluid sensor, a closeable casing having a size that allows it to maintain the alarm within a space that is defined by the closeable casing, and a fastener coupled to the closeable casing. The fluid sensor provides a signal whenever the fluid sensor detects fluid. The alarm includes one or more status indicators that are responsive to the signal. The closeable casing allows the patient to see, hear, or otherwise sense, the alarm through the closeable casing. The fastener is affixed to: the patient's body, the patient's clothing, or both. The casing can be opened and closed, and optionally, the alarm can be removed and replaced in the space the casing defines.

Abstract: An absorbent article includes: a sheet-type leakage-preventing body; absorbent body, at least one layer arranged on the leakage-preventing body top, which absorb fluids; pair of left and right floating leg gathers on the absorbent body top, extending in longitudinal direction from the main body front end of the absorbent article to the rear end, traversing a front body section, crotch part, and rear body section. Each floating leg gathers have a top and trailing parts adjoining the top part. Front and rear ends of the floating leg gathers are joined respectively to the vicinity of the front and rear end of the absorbent article main body. Trailing parts trail downwards from top parts towards the absorbent body. At least one part of the trailing parts of the left and right floating leg gathers is mutually connected in the lower end area forming a channel for bodily fluids inside trailing parts.