Abstract: Embodiments herein are generally directed to expandable spinal implants, systems, apparatuses, and components thereof that can be used in spinal fusion and/or stabilization procedures, as well as methods of installation. The expandable spinal implants may be configured for lateral insertion.

Abstract: A cup and a temporary insert are respectively configured to be tightly press fitted into each other along their periphery. The temporary insert includes a through hole communicating outside with a free space between the outer surface of the temporary insert and the inner surface of the cup. In the through hole can be engaged the threaded end of an impactor, for manipulating the cup when it is being set. A syringe can be engaged, enabling a liquid under pressure to be injected into the free space, thus separating the temporary insert from the cup without any risk of damaging the inner surface of the cup. Thus, the cup can be securely manipulated when it is being set without any risk of damaging the inner surface of the cup.

Abstract: The invention relates to a gripping device, such as an automated hand, comprising a plurality of metacarpal members, each metacarpal member having a first end attached to a support frame via a universal joint and having a second end attached to a gripping member, wherein the metacarpal members are able to pivot upwardly, downwardly and laterally. Where adjacent metacarpal members together form a palm of the hand, the ability of the metacarpal members to move up, down and laterally helps the palm to grip an object and also helps the palm to withstand at least some forces from above, below and from the side.

Abstract: An aid device for the motor disabled, suitable for allowing walking of transfemoral amputees, having: a lower-limb prosthesis of an amputated limb; a lower-limb orthosis suitable to be worn at a sound contralateral lower-limb; an orthotic pelvis module connecting the prosthesis to the lower-limb orthosis; and a control unit for the operational coordination of movements of the prosthesis and the lower-limb orthosis.

Abstract: An improved prosthetic device with a vacuum system for maintaining a negative pressure seal between the socket and the residual limb. The vacuum system includes a vacuum surge chamber which maintains seal vacuum and increases the time between recharging a Li ion battery, allowing the battery to be recharged-up to 500 times. The system is small, lightweight, and concealable within the prosthetic device so that it neither impedes use of the device nor detracts from a cosmetically accurate limb.

Abstract: A prosthesis includes a socket for receiving a residual limb, the socket having a socket wall defining a limb-receiving surface; a heat pipe including a working fluid and a wicking structure, the heat pipe having a socket section and a heat sink section, the heat pipe extending along its length through the socket wall proximate to or exposed at the limb-receiving surface, wherein the working fluid has a boiling point of from about 0° C. to 90° C. such that the working fluid is adapted to evaporate to form vapor under the influence of the heat of a residual limb in the socket thus drawing heat from and cooling the residual limb. A heat sink section of the heat pipe passes through the heat sink, the heat sink reducing the temperature of the working fluid.

Abstract: A stent that includes a plurality of quill filaments. Each quill filament includes filament material, a surface, and a plurality of quills. Each quill has a tip, a body, and a base where the body extends from the base to the tip. The quill filaments can be interwoven to form the stent or the quill filaments can be engaged to the framework of a stent.

Abstract: A balloon expandable anchor for a medical device. The anchor barb is contained within the device compacted delivery profile and is balloon expanded to rest outside of the expanded device profile.

Abstract: A stent includes a plurality of rings which form a tubular scaffold. The rings include an elongation mechanism which allows for further expansion of the stent.

Abstract: Sealable and repositionable implant devices are provided to increase the ability of endovascular grafts and valves to be precisely deployed or re-deployed, with better in situ accommodation to the local anatomy of the targeted recipient anatomic site, and with the ability for post-deployment adjustment to accommodate anatomic changes that might compromise the efficacy of the implant. A surgical implant includes a self-expanding stent of a shape-memory material set to a given shape. The stent has a wall with a portion having a first thickness and a second portion having a thickness greater than the first. The second portion defines a key-hole shaped longitudinal drive orifice. The implant includes a selectively adjustable assembly having adjustable elements and being operable to force a configuration change in at least a portion of the self-expanding stent. The adjustable elements have a part rotatably disposed within the longitudinal drive orifice.

Abstract: A positioning anchor is provided for a stent-graft for implantation to treat a damaged body lumen. The positioning anchor is generally tubular surrounding a primary fluid conduit. Arms extend laterally from the generally tubular structure of the anchor surrounding lateral fluid conduits. The form of these arms is preferably custom configured to match a particular patient's luminal geometry. The anchor thus fits within the luminal geometry to remain in a desired fixed position for implantation of the anchor and any stent-graft coupled to the anchor. The anchor is most preferably formed with two walls having a void therebetween which can be filled with fixation media to further secure the anchor at the desired implantation site. A lumen shaper balloon and delivery catheter are also disclosed for proper delivery, expansion and inflation of the positioning anchor and stent-graft elements according to this invention.

Abstract: Medical devices and methods for making and using the same. An example medical device may include an elongate tubular member, an endosurgery stent disposed on the outer surface of the tubular member, a push tube slidably disposed along the outer surface of the tubular member, and a push member slidably disposed in a lumen formed in the tubular member. The push member may be coupled to the push tube.

Abstract: An adjustable band or clamp or non-adjustable clamp is placed about the greater curvature of the stomach in a vertical orientation. The band or clamp completely compartmentalizes the stomach between a small vertical pouch and the fundus and body of the stomach. The fundus and body of the stomach are excluded from nutrients and are separated from a long narrow channel where the food travels. A small passage at the level of the antrum allows gastric juices to empty from the fundus and body of the stomach. The clamp may be applied during open surgery in laproscopic surgery or using a single port technique, or through any natural orifice in NOTES (Natural Orifice Transluminal Endoscopic surgery) or using a hybrid surgical technique.

Abstract: An orthopedic device has a rigid or semi-rigid frame element defining opposed first and second sides, and is adapted to extend about at least a portion of a limb. The device includes straps formed from a variety of segments having stretchable and substantially inelastic segments. The straps adjustably secure to the frame element, and stretch relative thereto. The device also includes a central strap pad arranged to connect two straps together such that a first strap of the two straps is movable relative to a second strap, and the first and second straps are maintained diagonal relative to one another.

Abstract: A method of reducing pain and induce/enhance the stem cell growth/differentiation reaction includes identifying a pair of related Noxipoints on an identified muscle/organ and applying a chemical/electrical stimulation to the pair of Noxipoints.

Abstract: A medical device is disclosed. The medical device may include an elongate member having a lumen extending at least partially between a proximal end and a distal end of the elongate member. The medical device may also include a plurality of legs coupled to a distal portion of the elongate member, and a distal end piece connected to each of the plurality of legs and located distally to the distal end of the elongate member. The medical device may also include an actuating member coupled to the distal end piece and extending between the plurality of legs and through the lumen. The reciprocal movement of the actuating member may be configured to reversibly move the plurality of legs from a first position to a second position. The medical device may also include a stopping member coupled to the actuating member and configured to limit a movement of the actuating member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a femtosecond laser ophthalmological apparatus and method that creates a flap on the cornea for LASIK refractive surgery or for other applications that require removal of corneal and lens tissue at specific locations, such as in corneal transplants, stromal tunnels, corneal lenticular extraction and cataract surgery. The femtosecond laser is transferred from the main cabinet to a hand piece module via a rotating mirror set module. In the hand piece, the femtosecond laser beam is scanned and guided to the patient's eye. The ablation pattern is based on dividing the area of the ablation area into a matrix grid made up of cells. Predetermined ablation pattern is completed in an individual cell before moving on to the next cell until ablation is complete in the entire matrix grid mapped on the ablation area.

Abstract: Deconvolution systems and methods based on cornea smoothing can be used to obtain an ablation target or treatment shape that does not induce significant high order aberrations such as spherical aberration. Exemplary ablation targets or treatment shapes can provide a post-operative spherical aberration that is equal to or below a naturally occurring amount of spherical aberration.

Abstract: Systems and methods for removing an epithelial layer disposed over a stromal layer in a cornea irradiate a region of the epithelial layer with a pulsed beam of ablative radiation. The ablative radiation is scanned to vary the location of the beam within the region in accordance with a pulse sequence. The pulse sequence is arranged to enhance optical feedback based on a tissue fluorescence of the epithelial layer. The penetration of the epithelial layer is detected in response to the optical feedback. The use of scanning with the pulse sequence arranged to enhance optical feedback allows large areas of the epithelium to be ablated such penetration of the epithelial layer can be detected.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for attaching a bump cap to a welding headgear. The system includes a bump cap, and an attachment member. The attachment member is configured to attach the bump cap to a welding headgear.

Abstract: A nitric oxide gas-releasing conduit configured for surgical implantation through a patient's tympanic membrane. The nitric oxide gas-releasing conduit comprises a gas-permeable cured resin material configured for releasably sequestering therein gas. The gas-permeable cured resin material is charged with nitric oxide gas. The nitric oxide gas-releasing conduit may be optionally coated with an antimicrobial gas-releasing composition. The gas-releasing coating composition may be configured to release nitric oxide.

Abstract: A device insertable in the ear canal for substance delivery to and/or extraction from the tympanic cavity is described that includes a stationary body having a distal surface, a proximal surface; a movable body having a distal surface and a proximal surface, disposed within the stationary body and free to move relative to the stationary body in response to a pressure difference created in the ear canal; and at least one piercing element having a distal end and a proximal end, disposed in the movable body.

Abstract: A selective attenuating earplug is provided. In an exemplary embodiment, a selective attenuating earplug includes a switch adjustable between a first position and a second position, and the switch includes at least one cantilever spring arm.

Abstract: In a method for producing bandages such as support bandages for knee and elbow joints, an elastic fabric material layer is provided on which reinforcement elements are placed and an uncured elastomer is applied to the fabric material in several layers or sprayed onto the fabric material layer so as to completely cover and embed the reinforcement elements which are firmly engaged thereby with the fabric material layer and form three-dimensional stabilizing structures projecting from the surface of the fabric material layer.

Abstract: According to an illustrative embodiment, a system for treating a wound at a tissue site of a patient comprising a reduced-pressure source to supply reduced pressure, a drape adhering to the tissue site to cover the wound where possible leak passages between the drape and the tissue site may occur, and a seal disposed between the drape and the tissue site, is disclosed. The seal is adapted to react with a fluid to form a sealant substantially filling the passages in response to air leaking through the passages from outside the drape when reduced pressure is applied to the wound. According to another illustrative embodiment, a method for sealing a drape to a tissue site for treating a wound at the tissue site comprising applying the drape to cover the tissue site whereby passages are formed between the drape and the tissue site, positioning a seal between the drape and the tissue site wherein the seal is adapted to react with a fluid to form a sealant for substantially filling the passages, is also disclosed.

Abstract: A separating device separates liquid absorbent fibers from a material including the liquid absorbent fibers of an absorbent article and impurities. The separating device includes: a case; an insertion port for inserting the material into the case on an airflow; a rotation member in the case for agitating and opening the material; and a discharge port for discharging the liquid absorbent fibers from inside the case on an airflow. The rotation member has a revolving axis with an axial direction along a predetermined direction from the insertion port to the discharge port, and a shaft member rotating around a rotating axis that has been set with an axial direction along the predetermined direction, while revolving around the revolving axis. The shaft member has protruding sections protruding outward and intersecting with an axial direction of the shaft member.

Abstract: A device and a method for manufacturing said device, the device comprising an applicator member and a flexible retention web (1) intended to be introduced into a vaginal cavity (17), said web being equipped with a means (7) for removal and being made from an a traumatic material whereof the dimensions are adapted so as to be able to retain and/or slow down bodily discharges of small quantity, characterized in that: —the applicator member comprises a body (8) that is at least partially hollow defining an internal storage volume (9), said body having a proximal end (10) on the one hand, and on the other hand, a distal end (11) intended to be inserted into the vaginal cavity of a user, said distal end having an open section emerging in the internal volume, —the web comprises a central zone (13) housed in the internal volume, and at least one peripheral zone (14) protruding from the body so as to cover at least the distal end of the body.

Abstract: Generally, a vaginal insert device used to treat urinary incontinence is disclosed. The vaginal insert device includes a support portion, a stabilizing portion, a removal device, and at least one fluid passageway extending though the support portion. The substantially cylindrical support portion has a distal end and a proximal end. In addition, the support portion has a plurality of foldable areas extending from the distal end to the proximal end. Desirably, the plurality of foldable areas helically curve as the plurality of foldable areas extend from the distal end to the proximal end. The largest outer circumference of the support portion has an insertion diameter when the plurality of foldable areas are compressed and foldable inward and an in-use diameter wherein the plurality of foldable areas are extended outward into a maximum in-use diameter position. Desirably, the in-use diameter is larger than the insertion diameter.

Abstract: A surgical container has more than one surgical sponge, more than one dispensing containers containing respectively the more than one surgical sponge, and more than one disposal containers each proximate to and visually associated respectively with the more than one dispensing containers to receive a used surgical sponge, wherein a selected surgical sponge is visible in one of the dispensing container or the corresponding disposal container.

Abstract: A feminine care absorbent article includes an absorbent structure configured for disposition adjacent a female wearer's vaginal region to absorb bodily fluids discharged by the wearer. A shell is provided for supporting the absorbent structure at the vaginal region. The shell has a body-facing surface and a garment-facing surface. The body-facing surface has an adhesive thereon for adhering the shell directly to the wearer's body. The adhesive has a non-uniform adhesive pattern.

Abstract: A pull-on diaper for younger baby has a transverse direction and a longitudinal direction, front and waist regions, a crotch region, and rear waist regions and leg cuffs extending along respective laterals of the crotch region. Each of front and rear waist panels is sectionalized into a first elastically contractible region and a second elastically contractible region wherein a dimensional ratio in the longitudinal direction between the first elastically contractible region and the second elastically contractible region is in a range of 1:1.6 to 1:2.2 and an elongation ratio of waist elastics attached to the first elastically contractible region is lower than an elongation ratio of the waist elastics attached to the second elastically contractible region and the elongation ratio of the waist elastics attached to the second elastically contractible region is lower than an elongation ratio of leg cuff elastics.

Abstract: The present invention relates to fluid-absorbent articles, comprising a fluid-absorbent core comprising at least 60% by weight of fluid-absorbent polymer particles and not more than 40% by weight of cellulose based fibers and an acquisition-distribution layer comprising at least 90% by weight of synthetic non-cellulose based fibers and not more than 10% by weight of cellulose based fibers. The thickness deviation of the bi-folded fluid-absorbent article in longitudinal direction is less than 10%. More particularly, the present invention relates to folding and packaging of disposable fluid-absorbent articles such as diapers, training pants.

Abstract: A vehicle lift for a load, such as a wheelchair. The whole lift is movable between a retracted position and an extended position that comprises a support pillar, a platform, and a lifting device. The platform is connected pivotably to the support pillar and has a horizontal pivot axis such that the platform is pivotable about the horizontal axis. The lifting device is hingedly connected to the support pillar and is configured for lifting and lowering the support pillar with the platform between the retracted position and the extended position. The support pillar is one piece and has a curved configuration along the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: The lateral movement wheelchair is a device adapted for use with wheelchairs. The lateral movement wheelchair is a spring loaded device that is attached to the tipping levers of a wheelchair. When the lateral movement wheelchair is lowered to the ground, the wheelchair can be tipped back allowing a first wheel and a second wheel to move the wheelchair laterally for the purpose of positioning the wheelchair precisely for loading and unloading (for example a passenger vehicle). The lateral movement wheelchair comprises a frame, a first wheel, and a second wheel.

Abstract: Various implementations of a patient monitoring assembly may be useful in preventing pressure ulcers, monitoring of air cushion inflation, estimating physical activity and energy expenditure and managing body weight of a patient seated on the assembly. The patient monitoring assembly may be installed on a manual or powered wheelchair, for example, and continuously monitors and provides feedback to the patient and/or caregiver about whether the patient is engaging in pressure relief activities while seated on a cushion of the assembly, whether the patient's activities are in accordance with clinical guidelines for pressure relief, the amount of calories expended over a period of time and the weight and weight distribution of the patient seated on the assembly. The feedback may be provided in substantially real time via an interface on the wheelchair and/or via a remotely located computing device.

Abstract: A medical rehabilitation bed is disclosed, relating to the technical field of self-help rehabilitation bed structures in medical instrument products. The medical rehabilitation bed comprises a bed head, a bed tail and a bed board. A pull rod is arranged at the bottom of the bed board; one end of the pull rod is mechanically connected to a bed head gearbox arranged at the bed head, and the other end of the pull rod is mechanically connected to a bed tail gear device arranged at the bed tail. Transmission systems having the same structure and capable of controlling the bed head and the bed tail to ascend and descend are arranged in the bed head and the bed tail, respectively. The transmission systems are mechanically connected to the bed head gearbox and the bed tail gear device, respectively. The medical rehabilitation bed has a compact structure and comprehensive functions.

Abstract: Apparatus for selectively supporting a section (9) of an articulated bed platform in a raised position relative to a frame of the bed includes a stay (11) having engagement member (13) which is able to reciprocate in a guide (15) provided on the frame. Locking means allow the engagement member (13) to be selectively engaged, such that the engagement member (13) either reciprocates in the guide (15), or is prevented from doing so. When the engagement member (13) is engaged, the stay (11) can support the bed section (9) in the raised position.

Abstract: This invention, pertaining to hospital bed, is a new concept development for automation of services for bedridden patients in the variety of environments. The novelty introduced here is the use of robotic arms affixed on hospital type bed that operates by an electric keypad on the bed side or virtually from a remote location, i.e. a nursing station in the case of a hospital stay. The best mode of operation for this invention would be hospitals, home health care or other health care facilities and settings. This invention is a ground-breaking solution for healing the shortage of trained staff in the health care system.

Abstract: According to certain arrangements, a conditioner mat for use with a bed assembly includes an upper layer comprising a plurality of openings, a lower layer being substantially fluid impermeable, at least one interior chamber defined by the upper layer and the lower layer and a spacer material positioned within the interior chamber. In one embodiment, the spacer material is configured to maintain a shape of the interior chamber and to help with the passage of fluids within a portion of interior chamber. The conditioner mat can be configured to releasably secure to a top of a bed assembly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mattress system in which a ultra low pressure plenum is positioned within the mattress system. In one embodiment, the ultra low pressure plenum is a bladder which is sandwiched between layers of a foam material. A plurality of ultra low pressure plenums formed as columns extending longitudinally or laterally along the length of the mattress system can be used.

Abstract: A lifting apparatus and associated methods for raising a user in a body of water. The lifting apparatus includes a platform configured to receive a wheelchair. The apparatus is reconfigurable between a raised configuration; a lowered configuration; and a storage configuration. The apparatus is configured to maintain the platform in a substantially horizontal orientation in the raised, lowered and storage configurations.

Abstract: A lifting device may include a main body member and a top member that is detachably connectable to portions of the main body member. The top member may include a top and a hoist assembly that is connected to and extends outwardly from the top. The lifting device may be used to assist in lifting a patient from a seated or a prone position. The main body member is moveable between a collapsed position that is defined as side support member of the main body member being positioned adjacent to a support connecting member of the main body member, and the opened position is defined as a side support members of the main body member being positioned substantially perpendicular to the support connecting member.

Abstract: A circulating hot water nursing machine includes a main unit and a working head, wherein a water tank support, a clean water tank, a small water pump and a PTC heater are arranged on the main unit; a heating tank is arranged at a lower part of the water tank support, the clean water tank is arranged at an upper part of the water tank support, a shunt valve is arranged on the water tank support, a water inlet of the shunt valve is connected with the heating tank and the clean water tank, and a water outlet of the shunt valve, the small water pump, the PTC heater and the heating tank are connected successively; a control system and a main power supply are arranged on the main unit, and the small water pump, the PTC heater and the shunt valve are connected with the main power supply.

Abstract: A system for securely positioning a cervical spine during surgery includes a donut-shaped frame to receive and hold a patient's head, straps integrated into the donut-shaped frame to securely hold a patient's head within the harness at least one of a patient's chin and forehead, a rubber bladder can integrated with the harness locatable beneath a patient's neck, and a pump to provide air into the rubber bladder. Air pumped into the rubber bladder by the pump can cause a patient's neck to be lifted into an arch in preparation for and during cervical spine surgery. A release valve can be provided to release air from the rubber bladder and lower a patient's neck during and after surgery. Rods can be integrated into the donut-shaped frame at each side of the rubber bladder. The rods can affix the harness to an operating table.

Abstract: A massage apparatus includes a sheet member attachable to a skin of a body, and a pressure unit that presses the skin from the sheet member. The sheet member is elastic and thermoplastic such that the sheet member is hardened at a temperature of the skin and is softened at a predetermined temperate different from the temperature of the skin. The sheet member has one or more indications indicating an area of the skin to which the sheet member is to be attached. The pressure unit applies a pressure to the skin so as to provide a predetermined pressure distribution in which positions of the pressure distribution are defined with reference to one or more positions on the body in a situation in which the sheet member is attached to the area.

Abstract: A hip traction device, system, and associated methods are disclosed. Such a device may include a base having a proximal end and a distal end, a guide coupled to the base, a carrier configured to move along the guide upon receiving a force from a tensioner to move the carrier toward the distal end of the base, causing a leg to be put in tension, and a single body coupling mechanism either removably attachable or permanently attached to the carrier and configured to securely attach to a lower portion of a leg, such that the portion of the leg moves with the carrier during operation of the tensioner.

Abstract: An arcuate tactile sidewalk tile arrangement includes a connector tactile sidewalk tile including a wedge-shaped main body and one or more connector flanges that adjoin one or more longitudinal sides of the wedge-shaped main body. One or more rectilinear tactile sidewalk tiles overlap the one or more connector flanges. A plurality of truncated domes projects upwardly in a vertical direction from an upper surface of the wedge-shaped main body, as well as an upper surface of each one of the one or more rectilinear tactile sidewalk tiles.

Abstract: A self-disinfecting medication vial cap assembly for a medication vial includes a needle-penetrable assembly base configured for attachment to the medication vial; an assembly cap carried by the assembly base, the assembly base and the assembly cap having a cap interior and the assembly cap positional between closed and open positions; a rupturable antiseptic pouch attached to the assembly base and the assembly cap in the cap interior; and an antiseptic contained in the antiseptic pouch. The antiseptic pouch remains intact in the closed position of the assembly cap. The antiseptic pouch ruptures and the antiseptic is discharged onto the assembly base upon movement of the assembly cap from the closed position to the open position.

Abstract: People can damage their medicines by taking them outside in hot or cold weather. On the other hand, some people need to carry their medicines with them wherever they go (even if the weather is extremely hot or cold). Specially constructed storage systems can protect medicines from damage due to hot and cold weather without requiring bulky structures or expensive components that consume electricity to regulate temperature.

Abstract: An attachment arrangement has a housing and a needle located within the housing. The arrangement allows administration ports of different sizes to be inserted into and secured within the housing. In certain embodiments, compliant retainers secure the administration port within the housing. In certain other embodiments, the administration port is secured within the housing when the housing is compressed against the administration port by a housing compression element. Once the administration port is secured within the housing, a fluid-tight seal is formed between the attachment device and the administration port.