Abstract: The present invention provides a novel split barbed fixation device for tenodesis, soft tissue reattachment of tendons and ligaments to bones. The insertion device is adapted for an entirely arthroscopic approach while achieving fixation strength with ultimate pullout resistance comparable to interference screws. The device includes an integrated tendon grasper that provides for easy manipulation of the tendon arthroscopically while eliminating the need for external whip stitching of the tendon, thereby reducing preparation time. The device further includes elements that prevent the fixation implant from being destabilized or rotating during deployment and manipulation, including: a depth limiting sheath, a first implant retainer, a first implant retaining step, a tendon grasping needle tube, and an implant keyway for mating the implant to the tube.

Abstract: An accommodating intraocular lens construction includes a lens of fixed optical power to correct refractive error and a lens of variable power to restore accommodation of the eye, which variable lens can have two optical elements which either shift perpendicular to the optical axis, or which variable lens can have two elements which move along the optical axis. The accommodating intraocular lens has at least one haptic to provide transfer of movement to at least one of the optical elements and at least one additional haptic for sulcus fixation to provide limitation of movement of at least one component of the lens along the optical axis. The movement of the additional haptic is largely independent from the haptic for movement.

Abstract: An IOL inserter for delivering an intraocular lens (IOL) into the eye of a subject, has a handpiece with a generally tubular barrel, a nosepiece coupled to the distal end of the handpiece; and a plunger having a spiral groove. The plunger translates longitudinally within the barrel and passes through a piston with an O-ring that frictionally engages an inner surface of the barrel. The spiral groove interacts with a pin or tooth in the bore of the piston. The plunger may have a drive cap and a cover fixed on the proximal end of the drive cap. The distal end of the plunger may engage having an enlarged head that receives the distal end of the plunger. The distal end of the pushrod may have a bifurcated tip capable of contacting and urging an IOL from the inserter during the implant procedure.

Abstract: Various systems, apparatuses, and processes may be used for intraocular lens surgery. In particular implementations, a system for intraocular lens surgery may include an intraocular lens insertion cartridge and an intraocular lens interface adapted to engage an intraocular lens for advancement through the intraocular lens insertion cartridge. The system may also include a bracket that is detachably attached to the intraocular lens insertion cartridge and that facilitates securing the intraocular lens interface relative to the intraocular lens insertion cartridge.

Abstract: An intraocular lens insertion device includes: a plunger that extrudes a deformable intraocular lens into an eye along an extrusion axis, the deformable intraocular lens including an optical part and one or a plurality of support parts extending outward from a periphery of the optical part; an installation part in which the intraocular lens is installed in a state where at least one support part is placed closer to a proximal end side of the extrusion axis than the optical part; and an off-axis movement part that presses the support part of the intraocular lens installed in the installation part from a direction different from the extrusion axis to deform and move the support part.

Abstract: A cardiac valve with a first anchor frame and a cover on the first anchor frame for unidirectional flow of a liquid through the valve.

Abstract: Cardiac repair prostheses, sets, and methods for implanting in an aorta are disclosed. Cardiac repair prosthesis sets can include a radially expandable support supporting a unidirectional valve that is configured for implantation into the aortic valve region of a patient and a second radially expandable support for a substantially blood impervious stent having a size and shape for implantation into the ascending aorta of said patient where the unidirectional valve and stent are configured for integration within the patient by at least one joining element. Cardiac repair prostheses can include a radially expandable support supporting a unidirectional valve configured for implantation into the aortic valve region of a patient and a second radially expandable support for a substantially blood impervious stent having a size and shape for implantation into the ascending aorta of said patient where the unidirectional valve and stent are joined by at least one joining element.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods employ an implant that is sized and configured to attach to the annulus of a dysfunctional heart valve annulus. In use, the implant extends across the major axis of the annulus above and/or along the valve annulus. The implant reshapes the major axis dimension and/or other surrounding anatomic structures. The implant restores to the heart valve annulus and leaflets a more functional anatomic shape and tension. The more functional anatomic shape and tension are conducive to coaptation of the leaflets during systole, which, in turn, reduces regurgitation. The implant improves function to the valve, without surgically cinching, resecting, and/or fixing in position large portions of a dilated annulus, or without the surgical fixation of ring-like structures.

Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatus for methods for endovascularly replacing a patient's heart valve. The apparatus includes an expandable anchor with leaflet engagement elements on the proximal end of the anchor and a replacement valve. The leaflet engagement elements can be used to prevent distal migration and insure proper positioning of the apparatus.

Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve provided herein can include at least two leaflets being secured together along aligned edges thereof by a stitch of a single thread. The stitch includes at least one loop extending through a first aperture, around the aligned edges, and back through the first aperture.

Abstract: An improved holder and storage system for a tissue-type prosthetic mitral heart valve that constricts the commissure posts of the valve and prevents suture looping. A rod axially movable relative to the holder tensions lengths of attachment sutures that extend between the commissure post tips to create a tent and flex the tips inward, thus helping to prevent looping of any of an array of pre-implanted sutures around the leading tips during delivery of the valve. The holder has a safety mechanism that prevents valve delivery before the rod is deployed. One embodiment automatically deploys the rod upon opening a storage jar. One embodiment permits a delivery handle to directly deploy the rod, while another uses a separate worm screw and coupling. A holder clip that attaches to a packaging sleeve may be formed of flexible members meshed together from which the heart valve and holder are easily pulled free to eliminate a step of decoupling the clip from the sleeve.

Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve can include a valve frame having a wireform portion and a stent portion. The wireform and stent portions can be undetachably coupled together via a plurality of upright struts so as to form a one-piece prosthetic heart valve frame. Alternatively, a self-expanding wireform portion and a balloon-expandable stent portion can be coupled together via one or more leaflets and a subassembly having a flexible leaflet support stent and a sealing ring. The wireform portion can include cusps and commissures configured to support a plurality of leaflets. The prosthetic valve can be radially collapsible for minimally invasive and/or transcatheter delivery techniques. Disclosed embodiments can also provide flexion of the wireform portion (e.g., of the commissures) in response to physiologic pulsatile loading when the valve is implanted in a patient's native valve annulus. Methods of making and using prosthetic heart valves are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of treating a mitral valve without open-heart surgery is disclosed. An expandable prosthesis comprises an anchoring portion and an occluding member coupled to the anchoring portion. The prosthesis is loaded into a distal end of a delivery catheter and advanced through a femoral vein and through a pre-made puncture in an atrial septum. The occluding member is then positioned in the mitral valve and the anchoring portion is positioned in the left atrium for maintaining the occluding member between the leaflets of the mitral valve. After deployment, the occluding member prevents blood from flowing from the left ventricle to the left atrium during systole.

Abstract: An implantable penile prosthetic has a fluid distribution manifold connected between and in fluid communication with a cylinder and a base. Both of the cylinder and the base are expandable by liquid inflation.

Abstract: A dental bone implant constituted of: a superstructure sized and shaped to fit tightly to a periodontal alveolar bone, the superstructure constituted of: a first face arranged to face a surface of the periodontal alveolar bone; a second face, opposing the first face; and a plurality of perforations extending from the first face to the second face, and non-solidified bone augmentation material deposited within the plurality of perforations, wherein the perforations are of a size sufficient to secure the non-solidified bone augmentation material deposited within the plurality of perforations.

Abstract: Planar alloplastic bone replacement material and methods comprise at least one plate for augmentation of bone defects, whereby the bone replacement material consists of a biocompatible plastic material, a biocompatible metal and/or a biocompatible metal alloy, whereby the at least one plate comprises a planar structure and comprises a plurality of pins extending outwards from the planar structure of the at least one plate, whereby the pins each comprise at least one connecting element, whereby the pins are deformable elastically and are arranged sufficiently close to each other such that pressing the surfaces of multiple plates onto each other causes the connecting elements of different plates to interlock with and/or snap into each other and the mutually interlocked and/or snapped-in plates form an open-pored body of mutually interlocked and/or snapped-in plates.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides knee prostheses that replicate at least a portion of the function of an individual patient's anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). An exemplary knee prosthesis includes a femoral component configured to be implanted on the distal end of the patient's femur and a tibial component configured to be implanted on the proximal end of the patient's tibia. In extension, the femoral component and the tibial component may cooperate to limit anterior movement of the tibial component relative to the femoral component. In flexion, the femoral component may be free to rotate relative to the tibial component.

Abstract: A reverse knee prosthesis for use in knee replacement surgery having a femoral component and a trochleal component. The femoral component comprises a stem, which is affixed in a femur, and a femoral cup having a generally concave portion which is sized to articulate on the trochleal component. The femoral cup also comprises a posterior lip and an anterior lip wherein the anterior lip is longer than the posterior lip. The trochleal component is affixed to a tibial tray which in turn is affixed to the tibia and has a transverse curved body with a narrowed waist. The generally concave portion of the femoral cup has a ridge extending outwardly therefrom, the ridge being sized to articulate on the narrowed waist.

Abstract: An instrument for locating a femoral mechanical axis and identifying the locations of at least three points in space in relation to the center of a femoral head, the instrument including a base member, an extension arm clamp translationally and pivotally attached to the base member, an extension arm translationally and pivotally attached to the extension arm clamp, a swiveling arm pivotally attached to a distal end of the extension arm, the swiveling arm including a lateral locator member at a proximal end and a medial locator member at a distal end, a bracket pivotally attached to the swiveling arm, and a locating arm removably attached to the bracket, the locating arm including a middle locator member.

Abstract: Prostheses that address stress shielding are disclosed. For instance, a knee prosthesis includes a monolithic femoral component having medial and lateral condylar elements for confronting and engaging a natural tibia or a bearing member of a tibial component, an intercondylar notch between the condylar elements for confronting and engaging a natural patella or a patellar component, and an anterior flange extending proximally from the medial and lateral condylar elements and the intercondylar notch. The femoral component defines a bone-facing surface and a bearing surface, the bearing surface including medial and lateral condylar articular surfaces defined by the medial and lateral condylar elements, respectively, and an intercondylar articular surface defined by the intercondylar notch. A slot extends through the femoral component from the bearing surface to the bone-facing surface, the slot starting at an edge of the femoral component and ending at a location within the anterior flange.

Abstract: A knee joint prosthesis which comprises a tibial component (4, 6) and a femoral component (2). The femoral component has condyles (14, 16) which act against the tibial component, directly or indirectly, during flexing of the knee. A cam (20) on the femoral component acts against a post (26) on the tibial component at high flex angles. The surface of the post which is contacted by the cam at high flex angles is convex when the post viewed generally perpendicular to the tibial bone contact and bearing surfaces, and the femoral bearing surface which is provided by the cam, where it contacts the convex surface of the post at high flex angles, is locally concave (32) when viewed along the surface of the post which contacts the cam so that the area of contact between the post and the cam is greater at high flex angles than at lower flex angles.

Abstract: The invention relates to a knee prosthesis with a tibial part (1) that has concave or plane condylar bearing surfaces (2, 3). According to the invention, the lateral condylar bearing surface (2) merges into a preferably convex end portion (4) that falls away in the dorsal direction.

Abstract: An orthopedic tibial prosthesis includes a tibial baseplate with an asymmetric periphery which promotes proper positioning and orientation on a resected tibia, while also facilitating enhanced kinematics, soft-tissue interaction, and long-term fixation of the complete knee prosthesis. The asymmetric baseplate periphery is sized and shaped to substantially match portions of the periphery of a typical resected proximal tibial surface, such that proper location and orientation is evident by resting the baseplate on the tibia. The baseplate periphery provides strategically positioned relief and/or clearance between the baseplate periphery and bone periphery, such as in the posterior-medial portion to prevent deep-flexion component impingement, and in the anterior-lateral portion to avoid undue interaction between the anatomic iliotibial band and prosthesis components.

Abstract: An orthopaedic surgical instrument system for use during a surgical procedure to implant an orthopaedic knee prosthesis includes a tibial base trial component adapted to be positioned on a surgically-prepared proximal end of a patient's tibia and an insert component shaped to be received in an opening defined in the tibial base trial component. The insert component has a base plate and a central post extending upwardly from a superior surface of the base plate. A superior surface of the central post has a ramp surface defined therein, with the ramp surface inclining superiorly in the anterior-to-posterior direction.

Abstract: A medical device includes an implant anchor comprising first and second opposing end portions. The implant anchor may also include a fixation element to configured to couple the implant anchor to an implant, and an anchor element configured to couple the implant anchor to bone. At least a portion of the implant anchor has a porous structure.

Abstract: An endoprosthetic device for replacement of a diseased or damaged scapular glenoid fossa. The device includes a glenosphere or a glenosocket member, or provides the option of mating a glenosphere or glenosocket member via a Morse taper. The device also features opposing fixation plates that grip resected scapular area anteroposteriorly to fixate the device through use of a plurality of setscrews. An Oblique setscrew that engages the scapular body inferiorly may be added for improved fixation. A porous mesh surface treatment on the inner faces of the fixation plates may be utilized to improve osteoconductivity.

Abstract: An expandable medical implant is provided with an implantable cage body. Methods for stabilizing and correcting the alignment of a spine with an expandable medical implant are provided. The proximal and distal ends of the cage body may each be provided with a tapered or cam portion. The implant may further include a proximal flexure, a distal flexure, a proximal plug member having a tapered portion configured to mate with the tapered portion of the proximal end of the cage body, and a distal plug member having a tapered portion configured to mate with the tapered portion of the distal end of the cage body. The proximal plug member may be configured to move longitudinally such that the distal flexure moves and the circumference of the proximal end of the cage body resiliently expands. The distal plug member may be configured to move longitudinally such that the proximal flexure moves and the circumference of the distal end of the cage body resiliently expands.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, a method of inserting a lateral implant within an intervertebral space defined between an upper vertebral member and a lower vertebral member includes creating a lateral passage through a subject in order to provide minimally invasive access to the intervertebral space, at least partially clearing out native tissue of the subject within and/or near the intervertebral space, positioning a base plate within the intervertebral space, wherein the base plate comprise an upper base plate and a lower base plate and advancing an implant between the upper base plate and the lower base plate so that the implant is urged into the intervertebral space and the upper vertebral member is distracted relative to the lower vertebral member.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of performing a minimally invasive posterior spine fusion. More specifically an apparatus with a handle and a forked head on the distal end of the handle is used to grasp implant material and introduce the material to an implant site. The shaft of the apparatus is shaped so as to allow the affixation of a drill guide and drill while simultaneously holding the implant material in the implant site. After removal of the boring tools and assembly of the fusing element, the apparatus can be selectively removed from the implant site. A method of achieving facet joint fusion with near simultaneous fixation is also disclosed.

Abstract: An intervertebral insert member and an instrument for positioning the insert in a space between vertebral bodies in vivo. The insert member is advanced by the instrument into a prepared site located between adjacent vertebral bodies. Upon reaching the appropriate insertion point, the sleeve is retracted and a pivotal motion is imparted to the insert. The insert member is pivotally attached to the distal end of the delivery instrument such that it can be articulated about a pivot point that is located on the insert member until it is properly positioned. The positioning instrument is then released from the insert member and removed from the space between the vertebral bodies. An adjustment screw is available to expand the surfaces of the insert member by displacement of a wedge member within the insert.

Abstract: A surgical instrument and method are provided for removal of a spinal implant from the intervertebral disc space. The instrument includes a carriage body for interfacing with the implant, a housing for interfacing with the vertebrae, and a handle portion having a first portion rotatably coupled with a proximal end of the housing and a second portion rotatably engageable with a proximal attachment portion of the carriage body. A central passage of the housing extends between the proximal end and a distal engagement surface of the housing. The central passage is dimensioned to mate with the carriage body. Rotation of the handle portion about an axis causes translational movement of the carriage body along the axis. A modular inserter/distractor apparatus and method and an anchor remover and method are also provided.

Abstract: A gripping device that comprises a first moveable jaw and a second fixed jaw is disclosed. The gripping device has a handle operatively engaged to the first moveable jaw and a connecting link operatively engaged to the first moveable jaw. The connecting link is positioned in at least one of a first position or a second position. The change in the position of the connecting link allows the gripping device to have either a default closed position or a default open position, which can be defined by voluntarily-open or voluntary-close modes of operation, respectively. The first moveable jaw moves in either of the modes of operation. The change in the mode of operation is accomplished through use of a connecting link that is passed through a singularity during the switching process to achieve the different output positions and directions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a prosthetic grip unit (1) having a base body (2) on which connection means (3) are disposed for fastening said grip unit to an upper extremity, at least two extensions (10, 20) protruding from said connection means, a first extension (10) being movable relative to the second extension (20) from a protruding position into a flush position, wherein the pivot axis (14) has a perpendicular orientation to the base body (2) and the first extension (10) is motor driven.

Abstract: Provided are a walk-assistive robot and a method of controlling the same. The method of controlling the walk-assistive robot includes: obtaining ground information that is information regarding ground a walking direction; determining control patterns of the walk-assistive robot by analyzing the obtained ground information; and controlling the walk-assistive robot based on the determined control patterns.

Abstract: Disclosed is an implantable end pad. The end pad includes a bone attachment portion having a recess configured to receive an amputated bone of a residual limb. The end pad further includes an end portion having a contour corresponding to at least a portion of a socket of an artificial limb such that the end pad can be at least partially received in the socket of the residual limb. Further disclosed is a method wherein the end pad is implanted into a residual limb by way of a surgical procedure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a stent graft and to an insertion system for the stent graft according to the invention. The stent graft includes a stent graft portion with a self-expanding stent having successive rings of meandering supports and a first prosthesis material secured on the rings. On at least one of its rings, the stent graft portion has two loop-shaped fixing elements which are attached via a common fixing area and which are attached to the supports of the rings in such a way that, due to the fact that they are guided in opposite directions around the hollow cylindrical body, the latter is compressible. Furthermore, the insertion system according to the invention also has a pin element with which the loop-shaped fixing elements can be threaded on.

Abstract: A method for treating a patient diagnosed with a cardio-renal disease or disorder, the method comprising selecting a span of a renal artery having a first internal diameter, an artery wall; selecting a self-expanding stent having a cylindrical outer surface, the stent being configured to have a first external diameter in an unexpanded condition and being capable of expanding to have a second external diameter; implanting the stent in the span of the renal artery, and applying pressure to the at least one renal nerve with the stent, thereby at least partially modulating a function of the at least one renal nerve; then, reducing an elastic modulus of the stent when the stent has the second external diameter.

Abstract: An endograft includes a main body having a wall separating interior and exterior surfaces and adapted to be inserted within the vessel. The main body is characterized by a single proximal opening and two distal openings and at least one aperture extending through the wall. At least one stent is secured to the main body that upon expansion pressure fits the main body into the vessel. An open tunnel is secured to the interior surface of the main body around the main body aperture and secured somewhere along the tunnel length to provide fluid communication between the interior and exterior surfaces of the main body through the aperture and with the vascular branch in proximity to the main body aperture. The insertion of a sleeve positioned partly within the tunnel and extending beyond the exterior surface of the main body into the vascular branch assures to the vascular branch.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses of stents with likely reduced rates of tissue perforation are provided. Some embodiments include reducing the profile of a portion of the stent using a wire profile reduction electropolishing bath and/or other wire profile reduction means.

Abstract: A thin-walled scaffold includes a radiopaque marker connected to a link. In a first example, the marker is retained on the strut by a head at one or both ends by swaging. In a second example of a thin-walled scaffold the link is modified to avoid interference during crimping. In a third example a distal end of the thin-walled scaffold is modified to improve deliverability of the thin-walled scaffold. These features are combined in a fourth example.

Abstract: A method of laser machining a polymer construct to form a stent that includes a bioresorbable polymer and an absorber that increases absorption of laser energy during laser machining. The laser cuts the tubing at least in part by a multiphoton absorption mechanism and the polymer and absorber have a very low absorbance or are transparent to light at the laser wavelength.

Abstract: A method of treating a patient suffering from pain in the lower limb or a lower limb musculoskeletal disease is provided. The method includes placement of at least two calibrated, differential disturbances or protuberances under the patient's feet.

Abstract: A cervical orthosis comprises a main body supporting member having an occipital region supporting part; and a plurality of belt-like members for fixing the main body supporting member to a human body. An occipital region receiving member is fixed inside the occipital region supporting part at the positions near a temporal part at a predetermined interval from a curved surface of the occipital region supporting part, whereby the occipital region receiving member is deformed according to the shape of an occipital region and a pressure is distributed when the patient is in the supine posture.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a drainage bag support apparatus that has a trunk belt, one or more support straps, and additional means to connect the trunk belt and the support straps together, to adjust the support strap, and to attach a drainage bag. The apparatus of the present invention allows one to adjust and lock the length of the support strap, to change the positions of the trunk belt and the support straps, and to use one or more drainage bags. Methods of using the drainage bag support apparatus include securing the trunk belt around an individual and securing one or more drainage bags to the drainage bag support apparatus. Kits that provide the components of the drainage bag support apparatus to be used along with at least one drainage bag are also described herein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for the removal and containment of human waste products from the effected area of incontinent patients. The apparatus and process encapsulates the areas of the body where urine and fecal matter are excreted. In particular, the present invention is directed to an apparatus for the containment and removal of human waste products, comprising: a receptacle; a vacuum connection to apply force for attaching the receptacle to the patient; and a vacuum dispersion membrane to provide mechanical support to the skin so as to minimize tensile force applied to the skin.

Abstract: A system and method for simultaneously (i) treating a patient's malocclusion by repositioning teeth from an initial tooth arrangement to a final tooth arrangement and (ii) treating Obstructive Sleep Apnea (“OSA”) by forcing the mandible forward comprises a plurality of (e.g., 10-30) sets of individual appliances. The appliances are configured to be placed successively on the patient's upper and lower dental arches and to incrementally reposition the teeth and forcing the jaw forward, during sleep. The system of appliances is preferably configured at the outset of treatment so that the patient may progress through treatment without the need to have the treating professional perform each successive step in the procedure.

Abstract: As apparatus for storing and dispensing condoms is provided. The apparatus comprises a body includes a base for receiving a stack of condom wrappers, and an opening for accessing a condom wrapper, the opening including a guide for adjacent a side of the opening. The apparatus also includes a cutting assembly having a blade configurable in an extended position for cutting an edge of the condom wrapper as the condom wrapper is pulled through the opening. The guide configured to deform and/or displace a condom within the condom wrapper laterally away from the blade so that the blade does not cut the condom as the condom wrapper is pulled through the opening, wherein the guide has a gap with a gap height less than a thickness of a rolled condom and wherein at least a portion of the gap is closer to a center of the opening than the blade.

Abstract: Methods for the synthesis and use of several variations of styrene maleic acid-based polymers and the hydrogel tissue bridges that can be formed from such polymers. Specifically, a method is disclosed for synthesizing a styrene maleic acid-based polymer that can be dissolved in DMSO and injected into the vasa deferentia of male subjects, creating a hydrogel tissue bridge. This hydrogel tissue bridge can occlude the vas deferens, thus forming an effective male contraceptive. Additionally, this male contraceptive can be reversed by injecting the lumen of the vas deferens with a basic buffer solution to dissolve and remove the hydrogel tissue bridge.

Abstract: A plug (1) for use in occluding a fallopian tube hysterescopically, said plug comprising: an elongate body (2) having an external thread (3), characterized in that: said body is fenestrated (6,17; 7,18; 8,19).

Abstract: An apparatus which includes a closure member and delivery systems for closing vessels in the body of a patient is disclosed. In one embodiment, the closure member is a hemostatic closure member having a cylindrical shape and an expandable volume on contact with fluids. The hemostatic member includes a functional passageway through the length of the member so that it may be mounted over a delivery catheter or wire guide for delivery against a vessel puncture or into another vacuslar environment, such as to fill an aneurysm sac. In another embodiment the closure member is a fallopian tube closure member which is deployed into the fallopian tube over a guide wire to prevent conception. The fallopian tube member includes a loop-shaped frame having barbs, a first layer of material, a binding wire, a second layer of material, and an expandable volume on contact with fluids.