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

Abstract: The invention relates surgical abdominal methods of treating obesity in a patient by implanting a volume filling device that, when implanted in a patient, reduces the food cavity in size by a volume substantially exceeding the volume of the volume filling device. Also disclosed is a laparoscopic instrument for providing a volume filling device to be invaginated in the stomach wall of a human patient to treat obesity.

Abstract: A bariatric device for use in inducing weight loss, comprising a cardiac element and a fixation element wherein the fixation element attaches the cardiac element to the upper stomach to allow the cardiac element to apply at least intermittent pressure to the upper stomach which produces a satiety signal to the user, giving the recipient a feeling of fullness and reducing his or her hunger feelings. The device may also contain an esophageal element which is connected to the cardiac element by a connecting element.

Abstract: A shoulder and arm orthosis assembly for supporting at least one of a shoulder, arm, wrist and hand of a user. The orthosis assembly provides a sling with a shoulder strap, a wrist/hand orthosis, and a pillow support to hold the arm of the user away from the body. The sling has attached inner and outer portions that are configured to be detached and reattached with one another. The wrist/hand orthosis may be supported by the sling when the sling is closed and may be permitted to exit the sling when the sling is opened.

Abstract: A system for treating obstructive sleep apnea includes a first element implantable in a tongue and a second element implantable between muscle planes of an inframandibular region. The second element has a first end coupled with the first element and a second end coupled with a hyoid bone for preventing the base of the tongue from collapsing against an opposing pharyngeal wall during sleep. The first and second implantable elements have outer surfaces that are substantially impermeable to tissue in-growth to allow for post-surgical adjustment or removal, if necessary. The first implantable element is elongated and includes a first end, a second end, and a center section located between the first and second ends. The center section is implantable in the tongue, and the first and second ends of the first implantable element are advanceable beneath the tongue for being coupled with the anterior end of the second implantable element.

Abstract: Apparatus for connecting a sterile drape to an actuator of a surgical slush machine. The apparatus is an agitator that includes a support member and a latch. The sterile drape is attached to one surface of the support member and the latch extends from the opposite surface of the support member. The support member is configured to flex and bend when the agitator is operated by the actuator and the drape contains a solution to be made into slush. In one embodiment the support member has paddles extending from a central position. In another embodiment the support member is a disk that has an area of weakness that allows the support member to flex and bend. In one such embodiment the area of weakness is an annular section of reduced thickness.

Abstract: A sequential compression and temperature therapy blanket with a plurality of air chambers is disclosed. The air chambers are filled and released by a valve assembly that may be separate from or integrated within the blanket. The temperature therapy blanket includes a fluid bladder for delivering hot and/or cold therapy to a patient. The temperature therapy blanket may also include an air bladder for providing compression.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a cassette capture mechanism for uniting a cassette with a console to prevent jamming or damage to the console and/or cassette. The cassette capture mechanism comprises a cassette receptacle, an axial translation linkage, a first sensor apparatus, and a second sensor apparatus. The cassette receptacle is configured to couple with a cassette having a positioning surface. The axial translation linkage is configured to couple the cassette with the cassette receptacle. The first sensor apparatus is configured to detect alignment of the cassette in a horizontal plane with respect to the cassette receptacle when the cassette is initially coupled with the cassette receptacle; and the second sensor apparatus is configured to detect activation of the first sensor apparatus and detect alignment of the cassette in a vertical plane with respect to the cassette receptacle.

Abstract: Methods are provided for using an intraocular shunt deployment device to deploy an intraocular shunt from the device and into an eye.

Abstract: A steerable laser probe may include a handle having a handle distal end and a handle proximal end, a plurality of actuation controls of the handle, a housing tube having a housing tube distal end and a housing tube proximal end, and an optic fiber disposed within an inner bore of the handle and the housing tube. An actuation of an actuation control of the plurality of actuation controls may gradually curve the housing tube. A gradual curving of the housing tube may gradually curve the optic fiber. An actuation of an actuation control of the plurality of actuation controls may gradually straighten the housing tube. A gradual straightening of the housing tube may gradually straighten the optic fiber.

Abstract: An apparatus for dissecting an eye for the introduction of a photosensitizer into tissue of an eye, a cannula device for introducing the photosensitizer, a system comprising the apparatus and the cannula device, and a method for dissecting an eye for the introduction of a photosensitizer are provided. The apparatus comprises a source for laser radiation, a system for guiding and focusing the laser radiation with respect to the tissue of an eye, and a computer for controlling said system.

Abstract: A device for generating at least one continuous slit-like incision (42) from the posterior surface (48) as far as the anterior surface (46) of the cornea (44) of an eye, comprising a laser device for generating at least one part of the incision with focused pulsed laser radiation, the laser device including controllable components for setting the location of the focus, a control computer for controlling these components, and also a control program for the control computer. The control program contains instructions that are designed to bring about, upon execution by the control computer, the generation of at least one part of the incision (42) originating from the posterior surface (48) of the cornea, the cross-sectional contour of the incision—when observed in the direction from the anterior surface to the posterior surface—deviating from a straight line (60) perpendicular to the surface of the eye.

Abstract: A device and a method for controlling a laser system for the treatment of the eye lens by means of laser-induced disruptions. The laser system includes a femtosecond laser and a deflection unit for directing the laser beam and a detection device for detecting a value characteristic of the occurrence of disruptions being provided. The detection device is connected to the control device and the control device is adapted to determine a pulse energy for the laser system from the characteristic value and to actuate the laser accordingly.

Abstract: Wound bed preparation in a skin wound area can be carried out by using a hydrogel sheet, wherein the hydrogel sheet is prepared by spreading a hydrogel containing a water-soluble polymer, glycerin, and water on a two-layered laminated film consisting of a polyurethane film and a hydrophobic fiber and the moisture permeability of the hydrogel sheet is 200-2000 (g/m2/24 h).

Abstract: A wound dressing, a method of manufacturing a wound dressing, and a method of treating a patient are disclosed. The wound dressing may include an absorbent layer for absorbing wound exudate; and an obscuring element for at least partially obscuring a view of wound exudate absorbed by the absorbent layer in use.

Abstract: An inline storage-and-liquid-processing pouch for use with body fluids from a patient is presented that involves introducing body fluids into a first chamber in the storage-and-liquid-processing pouch and flowing air through a second chamber. The chambers are separated by a high-moisture-vapor-transfer-rate member. The air flow in the second chamber enhances liquid removal from the first chamber across the high-moisture-vapor-transfer-rate member. Other systems, devices, and methods are disclosed herein.

Abstract: An adhesive dressing for application to the skin or a wound, the dressing comprising a backing layer having a skin facing surface and a non-skin facing surface, the skin facing surface being provided with substantially parallel adhesive lanes arranged with a distance in between such that the adhesive lanes are spaced from each other's by a portion of uncoated backing layer. The configuration of the dressing provides improved flexibility and permeability of the dressing.

Abstract: A hydrogel formulation is provided for use with a film. The hydrogel formulation includes a medical-grade hydrogel and an antimicrobial substance. This hydrogel formulation may be coated onto one or more surfaces of a medical-grade transparent film suitable for a wound dressing. The antimicrobial material may be a silane quaternary ammonium salt. The silane quaternary ammonium salt may comprise 3-(trimethoxysilyl) propyldimethyloctadecyl ammonium chloride. The 3-(trimethoxysilyl) propyldimethyloctadecyl ammonium chloride may constitute about 72% by weight of the silane quaternary ammonium salt. The medical-grade hydrogel may comprise a colloidal gel in which the particles are dispersed in water. Further, the hydrogel formulation may include about 0.01% to about 60% by weight of the antimicrobial substance. The transparent film may further include a release liner applied over the coated side(s) of the transparent film. The transparent film may comprise polyurethane.

Abstract: A breathable structural web includes a layered structure having at least a layer of a non-woven material. The layered structure includes a base layer portion that has opposite first and second sides, a plurality of hollow protrusions that are disposed at the first side and that protrude and that are tapered from the base layer portion in a first direction, and a plurality of indented portions that are disposed at the second side, that extend from the base layer portion in a second direction opposite to the first direction, and that respectively define a plurality of recesses which open in the first direction. The hollow protrusions are scattered among the indented portions.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tampon pledget with one or more of the following properties: increased absorbency rate; high absorbent capacity and fluid retention; rapid expansion potential; and ease of ejection of the pledget from the applicator. Surprisingly, the one or more properties are achieved by using a modified dual cross-pad, folded, compressed tampon pledget design.

Abstract: A reusable shield and liner for use by a woman during menstruation is disclosed. The liner is octagonal in shape and comprises two or more layers. The shield contains one water-resistant layer.

Abstract: A washable diaper having an outer article and an inner liner system detachably coupled to the outer article is disclosed. The inner liner system may include front and back ends and a liner member about a washable article with an absorbent pad positioned therein. The outer article may include front and back ends with opposing side edges extending therebetween. The outer article may include an inner surface with substantially liquid impervious compartments at the front and back ends. The outer article and the inner article may include fastening mechanisms configured to removably couple the inner liner system to the outer article such that at least the front and back ends of the washable article of the inner liner system are substantially secured within the front and back liquid impervious pockets, respectively, when the outer article and inner liner system are assembled.

Abstract: A fastening member having a reinforced region is disclosed. The fastening member may have a first layer formed of a nonwoven and a second layer at its reinforced region formed of either a polymeric film or another nonwoven, bonded to the first layer by a plurality of bond sites arranged in a pattern. The polymer(s) forming the fibers of the first layer and the polymer(s) forming the film or fibers of the second layer may be of like chemistry to enhance thermal bonding between the layers at the bond sites. The fastening member may be imparted with enhanced appearance and tear resistance attributes and may be suitable for use as a fastening member of a wearable article such as a disposable diaper.

Abstract: A fastening member has inboard and outboard ends, a panel region, an end region, and a stiffening element. The panel region is disposed adjacent to the inboard end and has first and second layers. The first and second layers are joined in a face-to-face orientation. The end region is disposed adjacent to the outboard end and has a fastening element zone and an intermediate zone. The intermediate zone is disposed between the fastening element zone and the panel region adjacent an interface between the panel and end regions. The stiffening element is disposed in the end region and has a stiffness of greater than about 200 N/m. A portion of the stiffening element is disposed between the first layer and the second layer and is joined to the first layer and the second layer. The portion is disposed adjacent to the interface between the panel region and the end region.

Abstract: The present invention provides a wheelchair transfer handrail for use in connection with a wheelchair and a door striker on a vehicle pillar. The invention includes a clamp assembly connected to the wheelchair, and a handrail tube extending from the clamp assembly to the door striker.

Abstract: A fail-safe release mechanism for use with patient positioning support apparati having a base structure and a patient support structure, to prevent collapse of the patient support during disconnection of the patient support structure from the base structure.

Abstract: The patient transfer acts as a combined sling and bed cover and includes a substantially rectangular sheet portion of a size to fit over a standard bed mattress and to which are attached a plurality of straps for coupling to a hoist. The patient transfer sheet is preferably made of a single-layered material which is breathable, strong and soft. The patient transfer sheet can act as a sling for transportation/repositioning of a patient as well as a replacement bed covering to replace conventional bed linen. The patient can thus be transported onto a bed without needing to remove the patient from the sling.

Abstract: A patient lift including a lifting member and a hoist assembly connected to the lifting member. The hoist assembly has an enabled state to move the lifting member between a raised position and a lowered position, and a disabled state wherein the hoist assembly cannot move the lifting member between the raised and lowered positions. An elongated switch member descends from the hoist assembly such that the switch member is reachable by an operator. Urging the switch member in a first direction in an axial sense along the length of the elongated switch member or a rotational sense about the length of the elongated switch member, places the hoist assembly in the enabled state or the disabled state. Urging the switch member in a second direction different from the first direction places the assembly in the other of the enabled state and the disabled state.

Abstract: Adapter plane (1?) for surgical table, comprising a main portion (2?) and a secondary portion (3?) which define—at the top part—a surface (4?) for supporting the patient, said secondary portion (3?) being arranged for supporting at least one pelvis portion of the patient, said adapter plane (1?) being rigidly couplable above said surgical table with the main portion (2?) overlapping the surgical table and the secondary portion (3?) projecting with respect to the surgical table, at least the secondary portion (3?) of said adapter plane (1?) being made of radiotransparent material.

Abstract: A compression therapy apparatus for applying therapeutic compression to a limb includes a bandage having a trunk, a first end, a second end, and a compression line between the first end and the second end. The apparatus also includes a plurality of compression control members disposed on the trunk along the compression line. Each compression control member defines a compression zone and is adapted to independently control a therapeutic compression associated with the compression zone. The plurality of compression control members are configured to provide a substantially continuous compression profile along the compression line.

Abstract: A device for improving the mobility of a user, the device having a main support structure such as a shaft or pole and a number of support appendages such as rings or cuffs attached to the main support structure such that the support appendages extend on various sides of the support structure. The support appendages provide support to the forearm, wrist, or other point of contact on the user's body when the user grasps the main support structure.

Abstract: A walker having a folded position and an unfolded position, wherein the walker comprises a structural frame with a first upright portion, a second upright portion, a folding mechanism between the first upright portion and the second upright portion, ground engaging elements on each of the first upright portion and second upright portion, and a foldable basket with first and second opposed ends secured by one or more fasteners to the first upright portion and the second upright portion, respectively. In another embodiment, walker comprises a structural frame with a first end, a second end, and sides between the first end and the second end, a handle or handles on the structural frame at the first end of the structural frame, ground engaging elements at the first end and the second end of the structural frame, and a suspension system integrated with the structural frame.

Abstract: An intercourse assistance device for reducing the length of a penis that enters a vagina. The intercourse assistance device has a support body with a front side and a rear side. The support body is made of resistantly-rigid material. The device includes a region of deformably-soft material monolithically positioned centrally within the support body. The deformably-soft material is adapted to deform when in contact with the penis. The device also includes a reflexively-closable opening cut out from the region of reflexively-deformable material. The opening is adapted to removably receive the penis.

Abstract: A massaging shoe; switchable on and off, powered by battery or other power supply and using various possible means to provide massaging including; vibration, roller balls, bearing balls and various other methods. One example would include a hard bottom core or sole made of rubber or other material in order to allow motors to be securely attached; then a gel layer that will encase the various different massaging units; there will then be an additional layer above that formed of a ‘comfortable to the user’ fabric or other material, which will allow movement from below to affect the wearer's feet.

Abstract: A system and method for directing vibrational oscillating sonic waves toward a target tissue in the body of a person, to thereby influence a phenotypic differentiation of the target tissue at a cellular level, requires the use of an epidermal or implantable patch. Mounted on the patch is a sonic generator for generating sonic energy that entrains cellular functions of the target tissue for a desired phenotypic response. Also included is a unit for titrating the target tissue to monitor for changes in an expression level of the target tissue resulting from phenotypic differentiation.

Abstract: Provided is a tissue retrieval bag. The bag is made primarily of a first material, the bag having a region defining an opening; a pleated fold intersecting the opening. The bag has at least one porthole on at least one side of the bag. The at least one porthole is covered by a second material, the second material being different from the first material. The bag also includes a first hem circumferentially formed around the opening, the first hem forming insertion points adapted to receive a first draw string.

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

Abstract: An automatic or semi-automatic preparation system and process is provided for forming a medicament solution from a vial containing one of a liquid and a non-liquid material.

Abstract: [Object] To achieve a compact construction while making it possible to dispense a medicine certainly one by one. [Solution] A medicine dispensing unit for dispensing a medicine retained is disposed. The medicine dispensing unit comprises a first rotator having a circular face rotatably disposed at a slant state to a horizontal plane; a second rotator having a ring face rotatably disposed over the horizontal plane at an outer peripheral side of the first rotator; and a guide member having a guide face, the guide face being disposed above the circular face of the first rotator while extending radially with respect to the circular face, being positioned at a downstream side in a rotational direction of the first rotator towards a periphery in a radial direction, and being capable of contacting with the medicine placed on the first rotator due to rotation of the first rotator.

Abstract: The invention addresses the problem of providing a medication cassette, which in addition to being capable of smooth automated dispensing despite being capable of storing large amounts of medication, allows accurate ascertainment of whether the medication has run out or is jammed. This medication cassette is provided with: a cylindrical body in which the medication is stored; a first rotating body capable of reciprocating movement inside the cylindrical body in the direction of the shaft center thereof; a second rotating body disposed on the outer circumference of the cylindrical body; a conveyed medication-detecting element for detecting medication that has been conveyed by the second rotating body; and a control for moving the first rotating body upward when a medication detection signal is not output from the conveyed medication-detecting element.

Abstract: Dental material, which contains an ene compound with two or more C—C multiple bonds and a thiol according to general Formula (1) or an oligomer based on such a thiol, wherein n, p and m are chosen such that the thiol has a total of at least 3 SH groups.

Abstract: A consumer product comprises: (a) a porous dissolvable solid structure, and (b) a hydrophobic coating comprising a benefit agent. The hydrophobic coating is applied to the porous dissolvable solid structure and the hydrophobic coating has an average thickness and/or maximum thickness of less than about 1000 microns. A method of forming an aqueous treatment liquor comprises the steps of: (a) providing a consumer product, (b) providing an aqueous solution, and (c) dissolving the consumer product in the aqueous solution to form an aqueous treatment liquor comprising a hydrophobic portion and an aqueous portion.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a cosmetic composition for use in protecting the human skin against infrared (IR) radiation. The cosmetic composition includes a first plant extract mixture of Green Coffee Seed Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Pongamia Pinnata Seed Extract, Angelica Archangelica Root Extract and Citrus Aurantium (Bitter Orange) Peel extract; a second mixture of vitamins E and C and derivatives thereof; a third mixture of particular materials of ruby powder, mica and titanium dioxide, the ruby powder having a particle size of d90<10 ?m; and cosmetic auxiliaries. The composition shows a synergistic effect because of a significantly higher degree of protection than the single groups of substances.

Abstract: The present application provides a packaged aqueous oral care composition comprising a container and a composition wherein the composition comprises at least one water-soluble source of Sn2+ ions and the container comprises an inner surface being at least partially formed from a linear polymer, wherein the linear polymer is a homopolymer or a copolymer of monomers having the structure: wherein R1 and R2 are the same or different and are independently selected from a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, an alkenyl group, a halogen atom and a nitrile group.

Abstract: The present invention therefore relates in particular to an aqueous cosmetic composition comprising one or more fatty substances in a content ranging from 40% to 80% by weight, relative to the total weight of the cosmetic composition, one or more oxyethylenated fatty alcohols having a number of oxyethylenes less than or equal to 10, one or more alkylpolyglucoside-type surfactants; the present invention also relates to using the cosmetic composition in an oxidative coloring or bleaching method for keratin fibers, particularly human keratin fibers such as hair.

Abstract: The invention includes a dentifrice composition that comprises a zinc ion source, a polvphosphate ion source, an anethole, and a silica. The silica has a mean particle size of about 5 to about 12 microns, an Einlehner hardness of about 1 to about 20, and an oil absorption of about 40 to less than about 100 cc/100 g. The composition contains zinc ions and polyphosphate ions in a weight ratio of about 0.71:1 to about 10:1 and has a RDA value of about 100 to about 200 and a PCR value of about 75 to about 110. Related methods are also included.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions utilizing a zwitterionic ester ammonioalkanoate surfactant according to Formula 1 and an ingredient selected from the group consisting a surfactant other than said zwitterionic ester ammonioalkanoate surfactant, emulsifiers, conditioning agents, emollients, moisturizers, humectants, thickeners, lubricants, chelating agents, fillers, binding agents, anti-oxidants, preservatives, active ingredients, fragrances, dyes, buffering agents, exfoliates, pH adjusters, inorganic salts, solvents, viscosity controlling agents and opacifying agents, wherein the composition is substantially free of alkylamidoamine and aminoalkylamine.

Abstract: A solid personal care composition comprising at least 60 wt % of one or more solid surfactants of which at least 10 wt % comprises one or more compounds of formula (I) wherein R1 represents a C4-36 substituted or unsubstituted hydrocarbyl group; each of R2, R3, R4 and R5 independently represents a hydrogen atom or a C1-4 alkyl group and wherein at least one of R2, R3, R4 and R5 is not hydrogen; and M+ represents a cation.

Abstract: There is provided a cleansing composition for skin or hair which can provide a good durability of foam and rinse feel, enhance combing property of the hair during rinsing to impart softness to the hair, and impart a refreshing feeling upon application to the skin without causing stickiness. A cleansing composition for skin or hair contains the following (A) and (B): (A) an internal olefin sulfonate having 12 or more and 24 or less carbon atoms; and (B) an anionic surfactant having no sulfate group except the internal olefin sulfonate (A) and an anionic surfactant having two or more carboxylic acid groups.

Abstract: Provided are an internal olefin sulfonate composition which is capable of sufficiently enhancing foamability, light foam quality, and instantaneous foam dissipation property, and a cleansing composition containing the internal olefin sulfonate composition. The internal olefin sulfonate composition comprises (A) an internal olefin sulfonate having 12 carbon atoms and (B) an internal olefin sulfonate having 14 carbon atoms, wherein a content mass ratio of the component (A) to the component (B), (A/B), is from 10/90 to 90/10, and a total content of the component (A) and the component (B) in the internal olefin sulfonate is from 60 to 100% by mass.