Abstract: An arrangement and an implant are provided for increasing the stress resistance of the implant arranged in an upper jaw bone. The implant has access via parts to the sinus cavity. At these parts, the implant is arranged with a convex or rounded front surface which, upon access, lifts the sinus mucous membrane, without piercing the latter, and thus forms a closed space between the parts and the underside of the mucous membrane. The implant is provided, at least at these parts, with growth-stimulating substance or substances which interact with cell-containing body fluid which penetrates or has penetrated into the space, so that new bone is formed around these parts of the implant.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dental implant fixture for implanting a correction tooth as a dental implant into alveolar bone. Particularly, the dental implant fixture has self-vertical drilling, self-horizontal drilling, self-cutting, self-condensing, and self-direction changing functions. The dental implant fixture can increase primary stability and penetration performance, has good ability to correct implantation errors, and can minimize the need for drilling that increases the probability of error or failure.

Abstract: A modular apparatus for installation of multiple dental prostheses being adapted to connect and join various cylindrical stumps protruding from the maxillary or mandibular bone of a patient.

Abstract: An implant fixture that is inserted into a bone tissue formed of a cortical bone and a cancellous bone while rotating on a central axis to thereby form an artificial tooth root, the implant fixture including a first portion that is inserted into the cortical bone and includes a first screw thread having first peaks and first roots alternating with one another on an outer surface of the first portion; and a second portion that is disposed below the first portion and inserted into the cancellous bone.

Abstract: Dental retention systems which facilitate the adjustment or removal of an oral appliance, e.g., a crown or bridge, from a reconfigurable abutment assembly are described. The adjustable abutment assembly may be secured to an anchoring implant bored into the bones within the mouth. The abutment assembly has a projecting abutment portion with one or more shape memory alloy compression plates or elements extending along the projecting abutment portion. Each of the plates has a length with one or more straightened portions and with at least one curved or arcuate portion. Energy may be applied to the elements such that the arcuate portion self-flattens to allow for the oral appliance to be placed thereupon while removal of the energy allows the elements to reconfigure into its curved configuration thereby locking the oral appliance to the abutment. Removal of the oral appliance may be effected by reapplication of energy to the elements.

Abstract: Disclosed is a template for forming a veneer on a tooth using a composite resin material that is curable by radiation. The template includes a tooth-contacting portion having a smooth concave surface for contacting the composite, the smooth concave surface having a shape that is complementary to a desired natural tooth shape. The tooth-contacting portion is formed of a material capable of transmitting the radiation such that the composite is curable through the tooth-contacting portion to form a veneer having a surface shape that conforms to the desired natural tooth shape. Also disclosed is a kit including a plurality of such templates and a method of using the templates to form a veneer.

Abstract: Pre-surgical planning for cranial and facial reconstruction includes preparing a computer generated jaw or skull model for determining a locational position for a dental implant, a surgical bone implant to repair missing bone in the cranium, install ear prostheses, and/or install nose prostheses. The computer generated jaw or skull model is made from medical imagery and computer aided design. A surgical guide is prepared with oversize holes in registration with analogs for the dental or surgical bone implants to be inserted in the jaw or cranial skull model. The surgical guide is fitted atop each analog, and bonded to the jaw or skull model at a predetermined angle of the analog in the jaw or skull. The surgical guide is removed and attached to the jaw or skull of a patient for accurate drilling for insertion of the implants into the jaw or skull of the patient.

Abstract: Disclosed are devices, systems and methods for treating periodontal disease and/or other oral wounds using particularized oral appliances and associated negative pressure systems. The various oral appliances include one or a plurality of surfaces for engagement with various anatomical structures within the oral cavity, where the engagement can include sealing engagement with soft tissue (gingival) surfaces of the upper and/or lower dental arches. Additional features disclosed can further promote healing of regions affected by periodontal pocket formation.

Abstract: The present invention provides an advanced water flosser utilizing a direct water source, such as, but not limited to, an attachment to a shower head, that also may embody a reservoir and/or compartment capable of introducing other desirable substances designed to enhance the teeth cleaning process, such as, but not limited to fluoride, antibiotics, mouthwash, whiteners and the like.

Abstract: Devices, system and methods for deforming body channels are disclosed herein. At least some embodiments described may be used to deform a body channel so as to decrease or prevent the normal intrachannel flow of material within the body channel. Such deformation may be used to treat such maladies as Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a mesh or implant system are provided. In certain embodiments, a tissue fixation device is included. The tissue fixation device can include an eyelet structure having an opening and one or more teeth adapted to grasp tissue to secure the implant in place.

Abstract: Apparatus for carrying out a medical procedure at a site in a patient's blood circulatory system, including a device to be implanted in the circulatory system, a sheath surrounding device and having a first diameter; a hollow tube having a second diameter and having a pressure transducer at its proximal end, and a filter that is collapsible into the sheath and is expandable out of the sheath for blocking debris and passing blood in the circulatory system.

Abstract: A stent graft (18) for deployment in a curved lumen such as the aortic or thoracic arch (130) comprises a constraining mechanism at its proximal end. A stent (4?) provided at the proximal end of the stent graft (18) includes loops of material (11) that co-operate with restraining wires (42) that extend between a central guide wire carrier (24) and a restraining wire cannula (8). The constraining mechanism acts to maintain the proximal stent (4?) constrained at three points around its circumference at both the proximal and distal ends of the proximal stent (4?). The proximal stent (4?) is thus allowed to expand after expansion of the remainder of the stent graft (18) during deployment. In an embodiment, the constraining mechanism acts to constrain two adjacent struts of the proximal stent (4?) at three points radially therearound, at the proximal end of the stent (4?) and at the distal end of the stent (4?).

Abstract: The present embodiments provide stent-grafts. In one embodiment, a stent has proximal and distal ends, a plurality of strut segments disposed between the proximal and distal ends that enable expansion of the stent from a compressed state to a deployed state, and a series of distal apices disposed at the distal end of the stent. At least a portion of a first distal apex overlaps with graft material. First and second sutures are each coupled between a portion of the first distal apex and the graft material. The first and second sutures are positioned at different longitudinal zones that lack an axial overlap with one another.

Abstract: A system may include an endoluminal prosthesis and a guide wire. The prosthesis may include a tubular body including a graft material wall, a proximal end opening, a distal end opening, and a lumen extending longitudinally therein. The prosthesis may include first and second fenestrations in the graft material wall. The first and second fenestrations may be spaced from one another circumferentially about the tubular body. The guide wire may have a first end and a second end both extending from a region proximal of the proximal end opening. The guide wire may enter the proximal end opening, exit the first fenestration, partially traverse an exterior surface of the prosthesis, enter the second fenestration, and exit the proximal end opening. No portion of the guide wire may extend distally beyond the distal end opening.

Abstract: A wall, for example the wall of a vascular graft, has multiple channels within it. The channels may be used to hold drugs or reinforcing fibers. The channels may have a predetermined roughness. The channels may be formed by coextrusion using a soluble material, for example, to define the channels and then dissolving them to open the channels in the extrudate.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing fixation of soft tissue (for example, ligament) to bone by employing a novel multi-piece device. The novel multi-piece device is a ligament fixation system consisting of a larger collar that is initially impacted into a bone aperture, and a smaller plug/bullet-shaped part that is impacted into the larger collar. During ligament repair/reconstruction, the graft is inserted into a bone tunnel with sutures from the graft extending outside the tunnel. The sutures are passed through a collar of the multi-part device and the collar is then inserted into the bone tunnel. The graft suture strands may be tensioned. Subsequently, the smaller plug/bullet-shaped part is impacted into the collar thereby maintaining the tension on the graft sutures. The plug/bullet-shaped part is tightened after the desired tension on the suture is achieved.

Abstract: A graft retention device has an elongated body with a first and second ends and a midpoint therebetween. A pair of elongated slots formed through the body defines a tang therebetween. A graft retention loop is disposed over the tang and is slidable therealong. A trailing line connects to the body adjacent the slots and extends therefrom through the graft retention loop toward the first end. Tension applied to the trailing line thus tends to urge the graft retention loop away from the first end and toward the midpoint.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for coating an implantable lens. The apparatus, system and method may include at least one coating layer applied to at least one surface of the optic of the implantable lens, wherein the coating layer at least partially protects the optic at least during the implantation, and wherein the coating layer is removable following implantation. The coating layer may include a lubricant and/or medication and may be in the form of a biodegradable polymer and/or a film.

Abstract: Generally, an intraocular implant and methods for treating an ocular condition. In particular, an intraocular implant which implanted between an intraocular lens and the surface of the posterior capsule of the eye inhibits migration of residual lens epithelial cells after cataract surgery by providing structural barriers to reduce posterior capsule opacification of the eye.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a posterior chamber intraocular lens (IOL), comprising: an optic consisting of an effective optical area and an effective optical area edge; at least two haptics connected to the optic, wherein a posterior surface of the effective optical area is a convex surface, and a basic spherical surface thereof has a radius of curvature in a range of 6.6 mm-80.0 mm.

Abstract: Accommodating intraocular lenses containing a flowable media and their methods of accommodation.

Abstract: The intraocular lens insertion tool includes a nozzle main body having a nozzle portion 15, a stage portion capable of disposing the intraocular lens 2 in the nozzle main body, and a plunger 60 that presses the intraocular lens 2 set in the stage portion by a leading end, thereby releasing the intraocular lens 2 into an eyeball. The leading end portion 10a of the nozzle portion 15 is obliquely cut so that, as it goes to the front side from the optical axis rear side of intraocular lens 2, the position of the end surface is located on the front side, and at the leading end 61d of the plunger 60, a protruding portion 61e is provided which protrudes to the front side so as to be able to place the surface of the optical axis rear side of the intraocular lens 2.

Abstract: An apparatus for deploying an intraocular lens into an eye including a fluid delivery device that includes a fluid passageway extending to a proximal end of the fluid delivery device, the fluid passageway adapted to allow a fluid to flow therethrough from the proximal end of the fluid delivery device to within the fluid passageway, and a side vent that is not an intraocular lens delivery port, the side vent disposed proximal to an intraocular lens and adapted to vent air when fluid flows through the fluid passage, wherein the side vent is adapted to resist the flow of a viscoelastic material therethrough.

Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve includes a collapsible stent extending from an inflow end to an outflow end, and a cuff having an inflow end an outflow end. The stent includes first and second circumferential rows of cells defined by first and second pluralities of struts, respectively. The second circumferential row is positioned closer to the outflow end of the stent than the first circumferential row. At least one cell in the second circumferential row includes by a first strut opposed to a fourth strut and a second strut opposed to a third strut. A bridging feature in at least one cell in the second circumferential row includes first and second supplemental struts extending across an intermediate portion of the cell. The outflow end of the cuff is coupled to the stent along the bridging feature.

Abstract: Described embodiments are directed toward centrally-opening leaflet prosthetic valve devices having a leaflet frame and a mechanically coupled leaflet. The described leaflet frames have projections that are configured to couple with apertures located within the leaflet attachment region of a leaflet. Some embodiments are further directed toward pulmonary valved conduits incorporating such leaflet and leaflet frame constructs. Methods of making and using such prosthetic valve devices are also described amongst others.

Abstract: A device for the transvascular implantation and fixation of prosthetic heart valves having a self-expanding heart valve stent (10) with a prosthetic heart valve (11) at its proximal end is introducible into a patient's main artery. With the objective of optimizing such a device to the extent that the prosthetic heart valve (11) can be implanted into a patient in a minimally-invasive procedure, to ensure optimal positioning accuracy of the prosthesis (11) in the patient's ventricle, the device includes a self-expanding positioning stent (20) introducible into an aortic valve positioned within a patient. The positioning stent is configured separately from the heart valve stent (10) so that the two stents respectively interact in their expanded states such that the heart valve stent (10) is held by the positioning stent (20) in a position in the patient's aorta relative the heart valve predefinable by the positioning stent (20).

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for regulating aortic regurgitation are provided. A catheter shaft is advanced through vasculature so that a flexible occluding membrane coupled to the catheter shaft is positioned within the aorta, typically the ascending aorta above the Sinus of Valsalva and coronary ostia. Blood flow in the aorta causes the flexible occluding membrane to alternate between an expanded occluding configuration while in diastole and a collapsed lesser occluding configuration is systole. There flexible occluding membrane thereby acts as a temporary aortic valve. The flexible occluding membrane is generally conical in shape, with the tip of the cone disposed closer to the aorta than the proximal rim. In diastole, blood flow expands the flexible occluding membrane so that the proximal rim apposes the inner wall of the aorta. The flexible occluding membrane will have one or more openings to allow perfusion of the coronary arteries in diastole.

Abstract: A penile prosthetic includes an insertion tool contained inside of an inflatable bladder of a penile implant. The penile implant is sized for insertion into a dilated corpora cavernosum of a penis. The penile implant has a proximal tip that is insertable into the crus penis, with the inflatable bladder connected to the proximal tip. The inflatable bladder has a first column strength and includes a distal tip that is insertable into the glans penis. The insertion tool provides the inflatable bladder with an effective column strength that is greater than the first column strength.

Abstract: Photodynamic devices for stabilizing a joint are provided. In some embodiments, a photodynamic joint spacer is provided that includes an expandable member configured for attachment to a bone having an excised region; a formable bar configured for attachment to the bone along at least a portion of the expandable member; and a light-sensitive liquid passed into the expandable member to expand the expandable member, wherein the expandable member is shaped by the formable bar to a shape resembling the excised region of the bone, and wherein the light-sensitive liquid is curable upon exposure to light energy to set the expandable member in the shape resembling the excised region to form a photodynamic joint spacer.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to arthroscopic resurfacing techniques for treating diseased bone. The techniques include passing a graft into a joint and fixating the graft against an articulating surface of a bone of the joint. A method for resurfacing a bone according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, sizing a graft based on a replicate of a bone, arthroscopically positioning the graft against an articulating surface of the bone, and securing the graft to the bone using at least one suture anchor.

Abstract: Modular prosthesis components having first and second relief patterns, the first relief pattern being complementary to the second relief pattern such that a component having the first relief pattern may seat fully on and in register with a component having the second relief pattern.

Abstract: A skeletal replacement system may be utilized to replace bones in a patient. The skeletal replacement system has least one skeletal replacement linkage, each skeletal replacement linkage having a first member, a second member, and a hinge. The first and second members are hingedly coupled by the hinge. Multiple skeletal replacement linkages may be coupled end to end through a shaft on the second member of a first linkage being inserted into a bore in the first member of a second linkage. Each linkage is configured to replace at least a portion of each of two bones and a joint in a patient's body. Multiple linkages may be used to replace more bones and joints as required.

Abstract: Technologies are generally provided for a spinal fusion device to achieve interbody fusion and maintain intervertebral spacing. The spinal fusion device includes at least two wedge-shaped intervertebral implants (IVIs) configured to be inserted between adjacent vertebrae, such that a thin end of each IVI is positioned toward a midline of the vertebrae, and a thick end of each IVI is positioned substantially flush with outer surfaces of the vertebrae. A lower surface of a superior vertebral body and an upper surface of an adjacent inferior vertebral body are resected to accommodate the IVIs, and a portion of an intervertebral disc (IVD) is also removed to facilitate insertion of the IVIs. The IVIs are inserted in substantially opposite positions to each other between the vertebrae, and an interconnecting member is inserted to connect the IVIs. The interconnecting member passes through residual IVD to stabilize the IVIs in position between the vertebrae.

Abstract: An interbody spacer for the spine is provided. The interbody spacer includes a polymer cage and a plurality of bone screws configured to anchor the cage between two vertebrae of the spine. The cage includes a screw receiver configured to receive a metallic plate screw for attaching a plate to cover the proximal ends of the bone screws to prevent them from backing out over time with respect to the cage. The screw receiver has deflectable extensions that snap into cage to retain the screw receiver to the cage. The screw receiver also includes a transverse flanges that provide anti-rotation and alignment to the screw receiver relative to the cage and; furthermore, the screw receiver further includes a self-locking feature that increases purchase on the plate screw providing a secured cover plate for anti-backout protection for the bone screws.

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 system and method for use during hip surgery includes a position frame that is removably secured to the patient's femur. The system further includes a tracking unit and navigation engine that establish a pelvic coordinate system and, with the patient's leg placed in a predetermined orientation, capture the location of the femoral position frame within the pelvic coordinate system. The system further includes an image generator configured to display one or more images for directing the surgeon to return the patient's leg to the predetermined orientation following a trial reduction based upon the previously captured position. A leg change determination engine compares the current, post-reconstruction position of the femoral position tracking frame with the previously captured, pre-reconstruction position to derive leg length, offset, and anterior-posterior change values. The change values are then provided to the surgeon for evaluating the suitability of the trial reduction.

Abstract: An intracorporeal portion of a percutaneous device for a joint disarticulation prosthesis or joint replacement prosthesis, the intracorporeal portion having an extracorporeal portion or having means for rigidly coupling directly to an extracorporeal portion, the extracorporeal portion being for location exterior to the skin, the intracorporeal portion having an articulating component for articulating with an articulating surface, wherein the articulating component is intracorporeal when installed in a human or animal subject.

Abstract: A post-operative residual limb support assembly includes an upper frame configured to extend about at least a portion of a residual limb; and a lower frame coupled to the upper frame and configured to receive an end of the residual limb. The upper frame and the lower frame are adjustable relative to one another in at least one of a linear and rotational manner.

Abstract: An improved endoprosthesis with an embodiment that includes a generally cylindrical graft portion that extends along a longitudinal axis to define a flow passage and a plurality of stent hoops. The plurality of stent hoops are connected to the graft portion and disposed in a spaced apart relationship along the longitudinal axis. There is at least a first suture disposed along on the outer surface of the main body. The first suture connects at least two of the spaced apart stent hoops together. The first suture also includes unidirectional barbs (or multidirectional barbs) configured to reduce movement of the main body with respect to a direction of blood flow in an artery.

Abstract: A biodegradable stent prosthesis formed from a degradable material, having a plurality of luminal, abluminal, and side surface regions, wherein a surface portion extending between the abluminal and luminal surface region of at least some structural elements is convex.

Abstract: The invention relates to a medical device for inserting into a hollow organ of the body. The device has a compressible and expandable lattice structure made of webs, which are integrally connected to each other by web connectors and which bound closed cells of the lattice structure, wherein the web connectors each have a connector axis extending between two cells which, in a longitudinal direction of the lattice structure, are adjacent to each other. During the transition of the lattice structure from the production state to a compressed state, the web connectors rotate in such a way that an angle between the connector axis and a longitudinal axis of the lattice structure changes, in particular increases, during the transition of the lattice structure from a completely expanded production state to a partially expanded intermediate state.

Abstract: A system for treating a bifurcation includes a first radially expandable stent and a second radially expandable stent. The first stent has a side hole and a plurality of lateral elements extending from the side hole. The second stent has a plurality of axial elements extending away from the proximal end of the second stent. The axial elements of the second stent interdigitate with the lateral elements of the first stent when both stents have been expanded.

Abstract: A stent includes a wavy-shaped member extending circumferentially, and expandable and contractable in the radial direction of the stent. The wavy-shaped member includes a pair of straight parts, an apex part and an opening. The ends of the apex part are connected to the straight parts. The opening is positioned at least in the apex part. The apex part has a link part at the outer circumference side of the opening, and a base part at the inner circumference side of the opening. The base part has a curved inner circumference and the link part lies across a vertex of the base part. The width of the link part in relation to the circumferential direction of the stent is smaller than the width of the base part in relation to the circumferential direction of the stent, at the vertex of the base part.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes an endoprosthesis delivery system comprising an elongate member, such as a catheter, an endoprosthesis, a covering member disposed about the endoprosthesis, and at least one flexible element situated between the endoprosthesis and the covering member. The covering member can extend beyond an end of the endoprosthesis. In operation, as the covering member is removed, the flexible element can guide the covering member over the end of the endoprosthesis to prevent entanglement between the end of the endoprosthesis and the covering member.

Abstract: A device for assisting with plantar flexion includes a calf component that secures to the lower leg, two attachment points located on the calf component, a heel and or forefoot attachment point, and a strap extending from an attachment point on the calf component to the heel and or forefoot attachment point. The strap of the device produces tension between the calf and the heel of the foot to assist with plantar flexion by either pulling the heel upwards or limiting forward tibial progression in stance to provide stance stability for that leg.

Abstract: A spinal orthosis includes: a pair of waist mounting members (2) fixed to both side surfaces of the waist; and a chest pressing member (3) installed to each waist mounting member. The chest pressing member includes: an arched arm (4) pivotally supported by pivots provided on both side surfaces of the waist mounting members and capable of swinging; a chest pressing body (4a) provided at an upper end portion of the arm; a pressing force giving portion (5, 6) provided at a middle part of the arm and giving a pressing force for pressing the chest pressing body to a chest.

Abstract: A waste management system includes a waste transport device and a waste collection device. The waste transport device includes a collection member with a distal end opening having a first cross-sectional area and a proximal end opening having a second cross-sectional area less than the first cross-sectional area, a retention cuff disposed about an outer surface of the collection member, and a first section having a lumen in fluid communication with a lumen of the collection member.

Abstract: Methods and devices comprised of a collapsible insert member and shaping member for treating obstructive sleep apnea are described. The insert member is placed in the tongue or other tissue forming the airway of the patient and has a lumen to accommodate the shaping member. The shaping member is inserted into the insert member by the patient just prior to sleep and removed upon waking. A variety of shaping members are available to treat patients on an individual basis, i.e., to match their particular anatomic condition that is causing their apnea or snoring. The shaping member can be made from nitinol, stainless steel, or any other known biocompatible implant material capable of providing a change in the tissue response to stress.

Abstract: A method of interrupting the life cycle of sperm that includes subjecting a user to a first and a second treatment session in a male birth-control cycle. The first treatment session including a mature-sperm inhibition step of emitting, through at least one transducer, an amount energy for a predetermined period of time that is directed to the entire male reproductive system including but not limited to at least one of an epididymal tubules and an ejaculation ducts of the user, via a constant coupling configuration of the transducer with the user, to render a plurality of sperm transported therein to be immotile. The second treatment session includes subjecting the user to the mature-sperm inhibition step before a sperm-maturation time whereby sperm carried by the user are in a mature state.