Abstract: A surgical cleaning tool and method of cleaning a surgical tool. The surgical cleaning tool includes a shaft, a handle and an end portion. The shaft has a distal end and a proximal end. The handle is attached to the distal end of the shaft The end portion is connected to the proximal end of the shaft, wherein the end portion has an outer surface, an inner cavity, an inner surface, at least one cleaning element connected to at least a portion of the inner surface, and an opening in a wall portion of the end portion, wherein the opening allows access to the cleaning element in the inner cavity of the end portion.

Abstract: Apparatus for identifying a patient, said apparatus comprising: a medical device for implantation into the patient; an optical identifier affixed to the device; wherein at least a portion of the optical identifier is radiopaque, whereby to generate a scannable X-ray image of the optical identifier when the medical device is imaged using X-ray.

Abstract: A medical device identification system includes an attachment feature including a plurality of spaced-apart elongate members configured for removable attachment to a medical device. The system also includes an identification feature connected to the attachment feature and having a surface for receiving identifying indicia related to the medical device.

Abstract: A device for removing a dental covering having: (a) an engagement portion, having a first plate portion which is substantially flat, that is configured to contact a portion of the dental covering along only one of a facial side or a lingual side of the dental covering; (b) a load applying portion, connected to the engagement portion and having a second plate portion which is substantially flat, which is adapted to rest upon an adjacent surface relative to the dental covering; and (c) an intermediate portion which is integral with and adjacent to both the engagement portion and the load applying portion; and wherein the first plate portion is parallel to the second plate portion. The device may be a dental covering removal tool which may find particular use in removing dental coverings, such as temporary and permanent crowns.

Abstract: Systems, methods, electronic devices and computer-readable media for charting dental information are described. The method includes generating or retrieving a dental data set including separately-modifiable parameters defining dental information relative to a base parametric model, the parameters providing information for generating signals for displaying a three-dimensional (3D) representation of at least a portion of a dentition represented by the dental data set; receiving an input via the 3D representation; and based on the received input, adjusting at least one of the parameters.

Abstract: An orthodontic anchor system may include an anchor system having an anchor system distal end and an anchor system proximal end. The anchor system may include an aligner receptacle, an aligner housing, an anchor mechanism, and an elastic band receptacle. The aligner housing may be configured to house an aligner. The anchor mechanism may be configured to house an elastic band. The aligner housing may be configured to house the aligner without requiring a modification of the aligner.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a maxillary skeletal expander device and methods of making and using the same.

Abstract: Method for determining a position and an orientation of a dental implant includes scanning a surface of a scan body connected to the implant wherein a plurality of data points is determined which correspond to positions of points that are located on the surface of the scan body. The method further included reconstructing at least three planes based on the data points, reconstructing intersection information of the reconstructed planes, where the intersection information includes the reconstruction of straight intersection lines and of intersection points, and determining the position and the orientation of the implant based on the reconstructed intersection information.

Abstract: A narrow diameter dental implant with multi-unit abutment is surgically inserted for osseointegration into the jawbone of a patient, in order to attach a crown or tooth prosthetic. The dental implant includes an implant shaft, a threading extrusion, and an attachment abutment. The implant shaft is inserted within the jawbone during osseointegration surgery. The threading extrusion is connected along the implant shaft in order to secure the dental implant within the jawbone. The attachment abutment is connected to the implant shaft, such that the attachment abutment extrudes out from the patient's gum. Therefore, the attachment abutment is accessible for the dentist to attach a crown or tooth prosthetic.

Abstract: A dental implant includes a body and a threaded surface. The body has an upper portion, a middle portion, and a lower portion. The upper portion of the body includes a generally cylindrical region. The lower portion of the body includes a generally inwardly tapered region. The middle portion of the body includes an outwardly extending bulge. A maximum outer diameter of the bulge is greater than (i) a maximum outer diameter of the upper portion and (ii) a maximum outer diameter of the lower portion. The threaded surface is on the body within at least the upper portion of the body, the bulge, and the lower portion of the body.

Abstract: A holder for safely securing a gauze pad for use in a post-surgical area in the intraoral cavity of a patient in order to allow a blood clot to form in safe, hygienic and sanitary conditions. The holder provides a holding cavity wherein the gauze pad is secured and held. It also requires a handle section that allows the external control of the gauze pad by the patient. Embodiments having holding sections with different ergonomic shapes according to the particular position of the intraoral surgical area requiring placement of the gauze pad are described.

Abstract: Systems and method for optical imaging of an animal include a body conforming animal mold, which is shaped and sized to hold an animal in an immobilized and geometrically defined position and a gantry, which can include multiple optical mirrors to provide for simultaneous imaging of multiple different views of an animal within a body conforming animal mold.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for inserting prosthesis implants into a patient pocket. The apparatus has three openings including a prosthesis opening and two implant insertion openings. The apparatus prevents infection; eases insertion and placement; and reduces complications. In use, the first implant insertion end of the bellow is placed through the patient incision while allowing the bellow to be manipulated to force the first implant into a surgical pocket of a patient. Then the bellow is rotated 180 degrees so that the second implant insertion end becomes the opening through which the second implant is inserted into the second incision while allowing the bellow to be manipulated to force the second implant into a surgical pocket.

Abstract: A tethered vena cava filter configured for temporary prophylaxis of pulmonary embolism.

Abstract: A central access vena cava filter catheter having a multi-lumen catheter body with plural longitudinally extending parallel lumens within the single catheter body, a vena cava filter member disposed at a distal end of the catheter body and an outer sheath concentrically disposed about the multi-lumen catheter body and the vena cava filter member. The vena cava filter member may be removably coupled to the multi-lumen catheter for temporary placement and retrieval under recommended indications.

Abstract: An implant delivery system can be used to deliver an implant into a body. The implant delivery system can include an inflation tube and a tubular member surrounding the inflation tube. The inflation tube can be used to provide an inflation medium to the implant. The tubular member can have a distal tip and an opening spaced from the tip to allow the implant to be released through the opening into an anatomical structure within the body.

Abstract: An embodiment in accordance with the present invention provides an apparatus and method for inserting a lens into pocket in the cornea. The apparatus includes a handle, a plunger extending movably through the lumen of the handle, and a first and a second actuators. In particular the plunger includes a distal segment which extends beyond the distal end of the handle and the first and second actuators are coupled to the plunger configured in such a way to provide different ranges of motion and synchronized movement of a bottom, middle, and top tines of the plunger for improved and safer lens insertion into the corneal pocket.

Abstract: A protective cap having finger grips, a window, and port. The protective cap may also have one or more clips (or snaps), one or more relief slots, and/or one or more guides. Protective cap 200 may also have a fill indicator and/or a material relief. An insertion system having a handpiece, a pushrod assembly, a cartridge, and a cap with a window and a port. The cap is configured and dimensioned to couple with the distal end of the cartridge. The insertion system may also have a pushrod with a plunger having a marker configured and dimensioned to indicate axially translation of the pushrod assembly within the handpiece.

Abstract: An intraocular lens has central lens body with a first and second, opposite posterior and anterior surfaces, the posterior and anterior surfaces meeting in a rounded peripheral side surface. The lens further has at least a pair of haptics extending from the peripheral side surface of the central lens body, each of the haptics having an arcuate configuration so that a radially distal end of each haptic is engageable within the ciliary sulcus of the eye. The haptics engageable with the ciliary sulcus for stabilizing the central lens body at a location posterior, or rearward, of both the lens capsule anterior and posterior portions, such that the central lens body seals the anterior and posterior portions together proximal to a capsulotomy in each of the anterior and posterior portions.

Abstract: A novel phakic intraocular lens implantation without viscoelastics and an instrument thereof. The special designed instrument is employed to achieve a purpose of maintaining an anterior chamber only with a perfusion liquid in the surgery, so as to get rid of the influence of the viscoelastics completely. The viscoelastics are not used, so that there is no need to inject the viscoelastics or remove the viscoelastics as in traditional methods, the surgery time is shortened such that total time of surgical procedures from incision construction to incision hydration can be reduced to only 1˜3 minutes, and viscoelastic-related complications, such as postoperative high intraocular pressure and lens opacity, are completely avoided.

Abstract: A replacement heart valve can have an expandable frame configured to engage a native valve annulus. A valve body can be mounted onto the expandable frame to provide functionality similar to a natural valve. The valve body has an upstream end and a downstream end, and a diameter at the downstream end is greater than a diameter at the upstream end.

Abstract: A replacement heart valve can have an expandable frame configured to engage a native valve annulus. A valve body can be mounted onto the expandable frame to provide functionality similar to a natural valve. The valve body has an upstream end and a downstream end, and a diameter at the downstream end is greater than a diameter at the upstream end.

Abstract: Stented prosthetic heart valve crimping tools and methods, and transcatheter delivery systems for delivering a crimped prosthetic heart valve. Methods of the present disclosure include crimping or compressing a stented prosthetic heart valve via spherical compression to a spherically compressed shape, and then delivering the so-shaped prosthesis to a target site. Delivery systems carrying a spherically-compressed prosthesis have a reduced length profile as compared to conventional, elongated configurations, providing increased maneuverability and positioning.

Abstract: A method of delivering a prosthetic mitral valve includes delivering a distal anchor from a delivery sheath such that the distal anchor self-expands inside a first heart chamber on a first side of the mitral valve annulus, pulling proximally on the distal anchor such that the distal anchor self-aligns within the mitral valve annulus and the distal anchor rests against tissue of the ventricular heart chamber, and delivering a proximal anchor from the delivery sheath to a second heart chamber on a second side of the mitral valve annulus such that the proximal anchor self-expands and moves towards the distal anchor to rest against tissue of the second heart chamber. The self-expansion of the proximal anchor captures tissue of the mitral valve annulus therebetween.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides unique medical devices for treating prolapsing valves, as well as associated methods of forming and using those devices. The present disclosure provides cardiac valve implants configured to attach to or brace against patient tissue within the atrium.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a resorbable, macroporous bioactive glass scaffold comprising approximately 15-45% CaO, 30-70% SiO2, 0-25% Na2O, 0-17% P2O5, 0-10% MgO and 0-5% CaF2 by mass percent, produced by mixing with pore forming agents and specified heat treatments.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for producing artificial osseous tissue comprising: a client computer acquiring an image information of a subject bone tissue from an imaging unit that picks up an image of a subject bone tissue of a patient to generate a 3D image information; a server computer identifying the subject bone tissue based on the image information of the subject bone tissue received from the client computer, generating a 3D image information of at least one therapeutic bone tissue model corresponding to the subject bone tissue, and transmitting the 3D image information of the at least one therapeutic bone tissue model to the client computer; and a machining unit for fabricating an artificial bone tissue based on the 3D image information of the therapeutic bone tissue model determined from the server computer.

Abstract: A device for containing bone graft material includes an outer sleeve including a first proximal longitudinal split extending along a length thereof and a first distal longitudinal split extending along a length thereof and an inner sleeve connected to the outer sleeve via at least one strut so that a bone graft collecting space is defined therebetween, the inner sleeve including a second distal longitudinal split extending along a length thereof in combination with an interstitial mesh extending circumferentially between the inner and outer sleeves to hold graft material in the bone graft collecting space, the interstitial mesh including a third longitudinal split extending along a length thereof so that a distal side of the device may be spread open to open the distal longitudinal slot from the outer sleeve, through the interstitial mesh and the inner sleeve to a space radially within the inner sleeve.

Abstract: Osteoconductive synthetic bone grafts are provided in which porous metallic matrices are loaded with an osteoinductive protein. In certain embodiments, the grafts include porous ceramic granules deposited within the matrices.

Abstract: A system and method for improving mechanical assemblies, such as prosthetic implants, intended to be installed in living tissue such as bone. Force-imparting devices are adapted and may include angularity, which may be introduced with specialized additive manufacturing, which may impart congruent cross-sections while providing variable stiffness. In some cases, the variable stiffness may be “stretchy” in a longitudinal direction and “rigid” in a radial directional which may provide an assembly bias. Additive manufacturing may allow the material of a prosthesis to be varied (e.g., density/porosity) to create variable stiffness over a length.

Abstract: A method for treating arthritis of a joint includes identifying a bone lesion in a bone adjacent to the joint; and implanting in the bone a reinforcing member in or adjacent to the bone lesion. A kit for conducting the method includes: (a) at least one reinforcing member having a proximal face adapted to face the joint, a distal face adapted to face away from the joint, and a wedge-shaped edge adapted to pierce bone, wherein the at least one reinforcing member is planar and sterile; and (b) a container adapted to maintain the at least one reinforcing member sterile. Another kit includes: (a) a sterile fluid; (b) a syringe for injecting the fluid into a bone; (c) a curing agent adapted to cure the fluid to polymerize and/or cross-link; and (d) a container adapted to maintain the sterility of contents of the container.

Abstract: A spacer for a knee replacement prosthesis. The spacer may have a lower surface with a locking component adapted to interlock with a tibial tray, an upper surface optionally with a tibial post and a pair of smooth-surfaced and slightly concave condyle support platforms disposed on opposite sides of the tibial post, and a substantially hollow body with an internal reservoir that can be filled with antibiotic material. The reservoir may be accessible from a port on the hollow body that leads into the internal reservoir, and which permits refilling of the reservoir. In some embodiments, the reservoir may be refillable from this port without removal of the spacer from the patient; for example, a percutaneous needle may be inserted into the port. The spacer may dispense antibiotic from this reservoir to the surrounding area in order to treat an infection.

Abstract: A method of implanting a shoulder prosthesis in a scapula of a patient includes the step of placing a guide over a primary glenoid component previously implanted within the scapula of the patient. The method further includes the steps of removing the primary glenoid component from the scapula and preparing the scapula for implantation of a secondary glenoid component, wherein the removing and preparing steps occur simultaneously.

Abstract: An implant configured for fusing a first bone segment and a second bone segment during an operative procedure and constructed in accordance to one example of the present disclosure includes an implant body, a first bone interfacing portion and a second bone interfacing portion. The implant body can extend longitudinally between an insertion end and an opposite end. The first bone interfacing portion can be provided on the implant body and be configured to be implanted relative to the first bone segment. The second bone interfacing portion can be provided on the implant body and be configured to be implanted relative to the second bone segment. The first and second bone interfacing portions can be inserted dorsally into the first and second bone segments, respectively.

Abstract: A method of determining disc space geometry with the use of an expandable trial having endplate-mapping capabilities. An expandable trial is inserted into the disc space and its height is adjusted to obtain the desired decompression and spinal alignment (which is typically confirmed with the use of CT or Fluoroscopic imaging). The endplate dome/geometry dome is then determined by one of the following three methods: a) direct imaging through the trial, b) balloon moldings filled with flowable in-situ fluid (for example, silicon, polyurethane, or PMMA) from superior/inferior endplates or c) light-based imaging through superior & inferior balloons.

Abstract: A prosthetic implant for engagement between first and second vertebrae. The implant includes a first plate configured for attachment to the first vertebrae and defining a first interbody connection member and a second plate configured for attachment to the second vertebrae and defining a second interbody connection member. An interbody component includes a body with a first end defining a first plate connection member configured for connection to the first interbody connection member and a second end defining a second plate connection member configured for connection to the second interbody connection member. A method of inserting the implant is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides an expandable fusion device capable of being installed inside an intervertebral disc space to maintain normal disc spacing and restore spinal stability, thereby facilitating an intervertebral fusion. In one embodiment, the fusion device includes a central ramp, a first endplate, and a second endplate, the central ramp capable of being moved in a first direction to move the first and second endplates outwardly and into an expanded configuration. The fusion device is capable of being deployed down an endoscopic tube.

Abstract: A spinal fusion bone scaffold having a first member including a first base plate and a first plurality of struts each having a first end engaging the first base plate and a second, free end. The first plurality of struts is configured to form at least part of a hyperbolic curve such that said bone scaffold includes an overall optimized hyperboloid shape having an outer diameter and an inner waist diameter. The scaffold may include a second member including a second plurality of struts each having a first end and a second end, each of the second plurality of struts being configured to form at least part of the hyperbolic curve. The scaffold includes connecting means for connecting said second member to said first member, which are aligned so as to complete the hyperbolic curve while generating hyperboloid geometry of the bone scaffold.

Abstract: A bone graft delivery system can include an elongate tube, a handle having a trigger, and a tip. The trigger is actuated to deliver bone graft material through the tube. The tip has one or more openings to deliver the bone graft material to a desired location and includes a surface suitable to act as a rasp for decorticating bone. A method for delivering bone graft material to a desired surgical location includes providing a bone graft delivery device, positioning the device adjacent the surgical location, decorticating bone, and delivering bone graft material to the surgical location.

Abstract: A system for distracting uncinate joints of a cervical spine segment includes two tapered elements and an actuator configured to couple with the tapered elements and change distance between the tapered elements, to insert the tapered elements into the uncinate joints, respectively, from the intervertebral disc space of the cervical spine segment.

Abstract: A method for stabilizing a cervical spine segment includes inserting a respective uncinate joint stabilizer into each uncinate joint along a medial-to-lateral direction starting from intervertebral disc space of the cervical spine segment, and securing each uncinate joint stabilizer to the respective uncinate joint. A system for stabilizing a cervical spine segment includes a pair of uncinate joint stabilizers, each (a) elongated along a lengthwise dimension and configured for placement in the respective uncinate joint with the lengthwise dimension substantially oriented along an anterior-to-posterior direction of the cervical spine segment, (b) having height configured to define spacing of the respective uncinate joint, (c) and including a tapered portion for interfacing with superior and inferior surfaces of the respective uncinate joint and to enable insertion of the uncinate joint stabilizer into the respective uncinate joint from intervertebral disc space of the cervical spine segment.

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 lower body supporting robot system includes a lower body mechanism being worn on a user's lower body, the lower body mechanism including a plurality of joints and links and a drive device, a distance calculator for measuring a first distance that is a vertical distance to an object located therebelow and a second distance that is a vertical distance to a ground surface, a memory for storing a limit distance that is a vertical distance between the distance calculator and the ground surface when the lower body mechanism is in a lowest sitting posture, and a controller for calculating a tolerance distance that is a difference between the second distance and the limit distance, comparing the first distance with the tolerance distance, and controlling the drive device so that the distance calculator moves by the first distance when the first distance is less than the tolerance distance.

Abstract: Described herein are methods that result in less cell death resulting from myocardial infarction than would otherwise occur in an individual who has suffered myocardial infarction. Also described are compositions useful in reducing cell death post myocardial infarction.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for customizing an elution profile of a stent after manufacture of the stent has been completed. The stent includes a plurality of side ports for eluting a drug formulation within a lumenal space of a hollow strut that forms the stent. An effective diameter of at least one side port of the plurality of side ports of the stent is modified in order to customize an elution profile of the stent. In an embodiment hereof, the plurality of side ports are completely blocked or plugged with a filler material during the manufacture of the stent and at least a portion of the filler material is removed to increase an effective diameter of at least one side port of the plurality of side ports of the stent in order to customize an elution profile of the stent.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for customizing an elution rate of a stent. The stent includes a hollow strut that forms the stent, the hollow strut defining a lumenal space, a drug formulation disposed within the lumenal space of the hollow strut, and at least one side port for eluting the drug formulation in vivo. When the stent is in the radially expanded configuration the hollow strut is deformable from a first configuration that has a first elution rate for the drug formulation to a second configuration that has a second elution rate for the drug formulation. The second elution rate is faster than the first elution rate. The hollow strut deforms from the first configuration to the second configuration upon application of an applied pressure above a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A bidirectional twistable stent is disclosed. The stent comprises a cylinder-shaped stent body having a plurality of axially arranged rows of struts encircling a central lumen and a plurality of flex connectors that connect at least two adjacent rows of struts in such a manner that allows the stent to be twisted clockwise or counter clockwise without causing deformation of any struts in the stent body. Also disclosed are the method of making the stent, method of using the stent, and a kit containing the stent.

Abstract: Systems and methods are adapted for treating the carotid artery. The systems include interventional catheters and blood vessel access devices that are adapted for transcervical insertion into the carotid artery. Embodiments of the systems and methods can be used in combination with embolic protection systems including blood flow reversal mechanisms, arterial filters, and arterial occlusion devices.

Abstract: In some examples, a medical device includes a balloon inflatable to an inflated configuration. The balloon includes an outer layer coextruded on an inner layer. The outer layer has a maximum radial ratio that is lower than that of the inner layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of medicine, specifically to neurology, and more specifically to devices for therapeutic gymnastics. A device consists of a combination of a loading system and an unloading system. Covers/pockets for pneumatic chambers of the unloading system are positioned longitudinally, in pairs and continuously, along a front surface and a rear surface of a load-bearing membrane. Support elements of a knee brace, made of two front portions and of two rear portions, interconnected by means of straps, are positioned in five sub-levels, wherein the two front portions of the brace are connected at the centers thereof by means of a linking component which is provided with an additional cushioning layer and with a half-ring in the center thereof, said half-ring serving for securing and changing the trajectories of elastic tensile components. A foot brace is removable and contains one longitudinal strap under the foot and three transverse straps which are connected to the longitudinal strap.