Abstract: Methods of preparing and porcine cells, organs and tissues that have reduced immunogenicity, e.g., for transplant into humans, e.g., for the treatment of burn injuries.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multi-lens intraocular lens system having an accommodation material between the lenses. The system comprises an posterior lens attached to the posterior surface of the capsular bag and an anterior lens attached to the anterior surface of the capsular bag. The anterior and posterior lenses have different optical properties providing different degrees and types of correction. An accommodation material is placed between the anterior and posterior lenses. The accommodation material may comprise of one or more macromers, which, when polymerized, adjust the properties of the accommodation material.

Abstract: A replacement heart valve assembly has a stent frame and a replacement valve. The replacement valve has a plurality of leaflets and a valve frame. The leaflets are attached to the valve frame. Further, the assembly has a plurality of suspension struts attached to the stent frame and the valve frame. The valve frame is suspended within the stent frame via the suspension struts. In some embodiments, the assembly further has a sealing member attached to the stent frame to prevent leakage around the replacement heart valve assembly.

Abstract: A transapical introducer (100) includes a housing (140) near a proximal end of the introducer, a first valve (160) in the housing, a proximal tube (130) coupled to the housing, and a distal tube (110) coupled to a distal end of the proximal tube.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided, including a plurality of helical tissue anchors and an intracardiac annuloplasty structure defining a plane for placement on a heart valve annulus. The annuloplasty structure includes a plurality of compressible subunits, and a plurality of anchor mounts alternately disposed with respect to the plurality of compressible subunits. Each anchor mount (a) defines at least one opening for passage therethrough of a respective helical tissue anchor, (b) defines a path for passage therethrough of the helical tissue anchor, the path being aligned along an axis that is at a non-zero angle with respect to the plane of the annuloplasty structure, and (c) provides a structural element in the path for corkscrewing a distal portion of the helical tissue anchor therearound. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A surgical implant, which in use, provides a barrier between layers of tissue such that tissue on one side of the implant does not adhere to tissue on the other side, the implant being made of suitably anatomically shaped surgically acceptable sheet material.

Abstract: An intervertebral disc is provided having an upper plate, a lower plate, and a core. The upper and lower plates include outer vertebral body contacting surfaces which are provided with attachment enhancing features to ensure bone integration. The attachment enhancing features shown include one or more fins, serrations and teeth. An opposite surface of the plates from the vertebral body contacting surfaces is formed with a recess which serves as a bearing surface for the core. In order to form an intervertebral disc with a lower disc height, at least one of the recesses is provided opposite a corresponding dome shaped portion on the vertebral body contacting surfaces. This allows the plates to be formed with a thinner profile for a smaller overall disc height. In addition to providing a lower overall height to the artificial disc, the dome shaped portion of the plates also provides a more anatomically shaped outer vertebral body contacting surface.

Abstract: A composite article (e.g., prosthesis) and method of preparing the article is provided. An article may include a body having a matrix of a first hardness having a plurality of particles of a second hardness embedded in the matrix in fixed locations, the second hardness being harder than the first hardness, and the matrix having an external wear surface with a portion of the particles being proximal to or exposed at the external wear surface. The matrix with the particles may improve the life and durability of the article.

Abstract: Implant apparatus and methods directed toward treating conditions involving the knee joint and the patella specifically are disclosed. Full range of motion of the knee joint and tissue integrity are maintained in treatment approaches involving implanting a joint surface load reducing implant proximate the joint to change the direction of the tendons or muscles exerting forces on the joints.

Abstract: An orthopaedic assembly. The orthopaedic assembly includes a first member adapted to be coupled to a bone and an adjustable connector assembly including an adjuster having a threaded end and a tapered end. The assembly also includes an articulation component including a bearing surface and adapted to be coupled to the tapered end of the adjustable connector assembly. The threaded end is adapted to engage the fixation plate.

Abstract: An intervertebral implant for being implanted between adjacent vertebrae is provided. The implant includes a generally elongate implant body having a length extending between opposite longitudinal ends thereof, a superior face and an inferior face. The superior face and inferior face include cortical teeth adjacent to the implant body longitudinal ends. Additionally, the superior and inferior faces include longitudinally central teeth intermediate the cortical teeth and have bone engaging ends. The central teeth have a sharper configuration than that of the cortical teeth bone engaging ends for biting into the softer central bone material of the vertebrae. The cortical teeth are arranged in a first density per unit area and the central teeth are arranged in a second density per unit area that is less than the first density.

Abstract: An intervertebral implant component of an intervertebral implant includes an outer surface for engaging an adjacent vertebra and an inner surface. A keel extends from the outer surface and is designed to be disposed in a slot provided in the adjacent vertebra. This keel extends in a plane which is non-perpendicular to the outer surface; and preferably there are two of the keels extending from the outer surface which are preferably offset laterally from one another. In another embodiment, an anterior shelf is provided at an anterior end of the outer surface, and this anterior shelf extends vertically away from the inner surface in order to help prevent bone growth from the adjacent vertebra towards the inner surface. Further in accordance with disclosed embodiments, various materials, shapes and forms of construction of the component and/or keel provide various benefits.

Abstract: Intervertebral implants and methods of delivering the intervertebral implants include delivering an implant through the Kambin's triangle from a posterolateral approach. The intervertebral implants can include a first body portion having an open configuration and a closed configuration. The intervertebral implants can also include a second body portion having an open configuration and a closed configuration. The first body portion removably connects to the second body portion.

Abstract: A spinal construct includes a first endplate that is configured to engage a first vertebral surface. An expandable member is connected with the first endplate and includes a mating element. A second endplate is configured to engage a second vertebral surface and includes an in-situ guide surface engageable with the mating element to connect the member with the second endplate. Systems and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: An intervertebral scaffolding system is provided having a laterovertically-expanding frame operable for a reversible collapse from an expanded state into a collapsed state, the laterovertically-expanding frame having a stabilizer, one or more tensioners, or a combination of the stabilizer with one or more tensioners. The stabilizer slidably engages with the distal region of the laterovertically-expanding frame and both the stabilizer and the one or more tensioners are configured for retaining the laterovertically-expanding frame from a lateral movement that exceeds the expanded state. The expanded state, for example, can be configured to have an open graft distribution window that at least substantially closes upon the reversible collapse.

Abstract: A medical imaging device takes one or more images of the local anatomy of a patient undergoing a surgical procedure. A surface model generator receives the one or more images and generates a 3-D surface model of the patient's anatomy. A fabrication device utilizes the 3-D surface model to fabricate a template custom designed to match the surface of the patient's anatomy. Attached to the template is a directional guide vane. The fabrication device is configured to create a template and directional guide vane such that, when the template is fitted to the patient's anatomy, the directional guide vane points along a predefined orientation relative to the patient's anatomy. A physician uses the directional guide vane as a visual guide or cue for installing an implantable prosthetic component during a surgical procedure.

Abstract: A minimally invasive intervertebral implant includes a circuitous body defining a luminal axis extending longitudinally therethrough. The circuitous body includes proximal and distal ends oppositely disposed along a lateral axis of the circuitous body. Each of the proximal and distal ends includes an aperture disposed therethrough such that the circuitous body includes a first configuration wherein the proximal and distal ends are at a maximum separation and a second configuration wherein the proximal and distal ends are closer together than in the first configuration.

Abstract: Devices and methods for the controlled over-expansion of a body conduit and controlled constriction or expansion of a vessel in a patient are disclosed. The devices and methods can employ a bio-corrodible expandable support structure and an implant coaxially adjacent the support structure. The support structure can have a delivery diameter and an expanded supporting diameter. The implant can have a collapsed deformed diameter, an undeformed neutral diameter and an over-expanded deformed diameter. Contraction of the implant can occur when the support structure is bioabsorbed.

Abstract: A luminal prosthesis comprises a plurality of radially expandable prosthetic stent segments arranged axially. Two or more of the prosthetic stent segments are separable upon expansion from the remaining prosthetic stent segments and a coupling structure connects at least some of the adjacent prosthetic stent segments to each other. The coupling structure permits a first group of the adjacent prosthetic stent segments to separate from a second group of the prosthetic stent segments upon differential radial expansion of the first group relative to the second group and the coupling structure maintains or forms an attachment between the adjacent prosthetic stent segments in the first group which have been expanded together. A delivery system and methods for deploying the multiple coupled prosthetic stent segments are also disclosed.

Abstract: A stent delivery device has a handle and a sliding body, the sliding body is slidable with respect to the handle. The handle has a grip and a guide. The sliding body has at least two flange portions extending from the sliding body. The flange portions are offset from one another along the length of the sliding body. The operator can thereby deploy a relatively long stent by first gripping the nearest flange portion and pulling the sliding body toward the handle; subsequently, the operator can reposition his/or finger on the next-nearest flange portion and continue deployment of the stent by pulling the sliding body further toward the handle.

Abstract: A device (10) for treating a blood circulation conduit is provided. The device (10) includes an implant (20) intended to be placed in the conduit (3). The implant includes a tubular endoprosthesis (22) and an insertion member (24). The device (10) includes a tool (26) for deploying the implant (20), able to occupy a configuration for introducing the implant (20) into the conduit. It includes an actuation member (28) of the insertion member (24), able to be actuated from a proximal end (85A) of the deploying tool (26) in order to have the insertion member (24) pass from an inactive position to an active position. The insertion member (24) is freely movable with respect to the endoprosthesis (22) between its inactive position and its active position.

Abstract: A vascular intervention device delivery system includes a handle comprised of a first shell connected to a second shell. A thumbwheel, which includes a radially outward thumb surface and a spool, is rotatably mounted in the handle. A catheter has a proximal end attached to the handle and a distal carrier segment for mounting a vascular intervention device thereon. A retractable sheath is movable from a first position covering the distal carrier segment to a second position retracted proximally uncovering the distal carrier segment. A pull extends between the thumbwheel and the retractable sheath. A rim of the pull and an internal surface of the first shell define a pull avoidance volume. The first shell includes a plurality of ribs positioned in the pull avoidance volume and oriented transverse to a pull pathway around an idler wheel, and the ribs block entry of the pull into the pull avoidance volume.

Abstract: A medical device includes an expandable element for location in a blood vessel. The expandable element is movable between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration. In the expanded configuration, at least a part of a longitudinal axis of the expandable element is curved in three-dimensional space. The medical device can be stent deployment device which includes an elongate catheter shaft and an inflatable balloon.

Abstract: An operating unit constituting a stent delivery system is provided with a first rotary roller having a first gear and a second rotary roller having a second gear. The first gear is meshed with a first tooth portion of a rack member and the second gear is meshed with a second tooth portion of the rack member. The first gear is formed to have a large diameter relative to the second gear and at the time of releasing a stent, after positioning a distal end of an outer tube body close to the stent through the rack member with the rotation of the first rotary roller of the operating unit, it is possible to move the outer tube body toward a proximal side at a lower speed than that in the previous state with the rotation of the second rotary roller.

Abstract: Provided are systems and methods relating to a modular orthosis system for an orthosis of the lower extremity, which modular orthosis system simplifies an individual fit to the respective patient and his loss of function, and, during the course of the therapy, can be fitted with direct consultation of the patient to changed circumstances in an interdisciplinary manner. A particular exemplary advantage of the orthosis system is that the therapist, together with the patient, can test the position of the support spring (dorsal vs ventral, medial vs lateral) and also different spring strengths. Thus, the orthosis can be fitted to the patient in a simple manner.

Abstract: An ostomy appliance comprising an adaptor having a distal end adapted to be coupled to an ostomy wafer and a proximal end adapted to be coupled to a cap, said distal end having an opening in fluid communication with an opening in said proximal end.

Abstract: An ostomy device comprises an ostomy bag; a peristomal pad with a body-side adhesive surface and at least one belt attachment means interposed between the ostomy bag and the bag-side surface of the peristomal pad, wherein the device comprises at least one skin protection means.

Abstract: A urinal includes a urinal body, a urine receiving reservoir and a spout extending therefrom for receiving urine. A supplemental urinal spout is provided and comprises both an inlet portion and a retention portion, the supplemental urinal spout being attachable to the spout of the urinal to form a leak prevention seal. Opposing tabs are provided to aid in attaching the spout to the urinal. The supplemental urinal spout comprises a funnel-shaped element that is integrally formed with a cylindrical sidewall. The urinal body is preferably made of a plastic material and the supplemental urinal spout is made from a low durometer elastomeric material. The urinal and the supplemental urinal spout may be disposable.

Abstract: A pressurized garment has cuffs for encircling a human subject, each cuff having ports for cooling and grounding unit controlling the pressure and temperature of the coolant, where the pressurization and cooling may use common or separate cuff ports. The cuff has a coolant circulating having a temperature and pressure selected to provide therapy to a subject in need thereof. The cuffs may be applied to the upper arms and upper thighs of a subject in need of improved vitality.

Abstract: An injector apparatus comprises an elongate structure having one or more openings positionable near a penetrable barrier of an implantable device so as to receive fluid of the implantable device. The apparatus comprises a needle and a sheath extending over at least a portion of the needle. The elongate structure may comprise a distal tip to penetrate tissue and the penetrable barrier, and a distal opening near the tip to release therapeutic fluid into the implantable chamber. In many embodiments the distal tip, the distal opening, and the plurality of openings are separated from a stop that engages a tissue of the patient and limit penetration depth such that the distal opening and the plurality of openings are located along an axis of the implantable device to increase an efficiency of the exchange.

Abstract: Glaucoma can be treated by implanting an intraocular shunt into an eye. The eye has an anterior chamber and sclera. A shunt can be placed into the eye to establish fluid communication from the anterior chamber of the eye through the sclera.

Abstract: A change in the response of the cornea to ultrasonic energy directed into the cornea is monitored during irradiation of the cornea to bring about corneal crosslinking. Because the change in ultrasonic response is correlated with the degree of crosslinking achieved, a desired degree of crosslinking can be achieved by terminating the irradiation when the change reaches a threshold. The change in ultrasonic response can be determined by taking a baseline measurement before irradiation and additional measurements during irradiation using the same ultrasonic transducer (47). The transducers may be carried on a device (30) resembling a contact lens which overlies the eye and which transmits the light used in the irradiation step to the eye.

Abstract: The object of the invention is a laser device for eye surgery used by ophthalmologists in the treatment with capsulotomy and iriditomy, and a device for selective laser trabeculoplasty. The essence of the ophthalmic laser combined device of the invention lies in that it has one single laser with one optical axis for both wavelengths; the basic wavelength of 1064 nm and the frequency doubled wavelength of 532 nm. Switching between both wavelengths is carried out by a polarization orientation switch. Frequency doubling is inactive at the wavelength of 1064 nm and it is active for the wavelength of 532 nm. At the wavelength of 532 nm additional optical elements for attenuating and collimating the laser pulse are switched on.

Abstract: Eye protection goggles for protecting a person undergoing treatment from electromagnetic radiation comprise two eye protection caps. Each eye protection cap comprises a basic protective body with a free edge for protecting from electromagnetic radiation and a cover protective body detachable from the respective basic protective body for protecting from frontal electromagnetic radiation. The free edge is designed for placing on the face of the person undergoing treatment. The eye protection goggles also have a connecting web connecting the cover protective bodies. The cover protective bodies are connected non-detachably in one piece to one another. The connecting web comprises an in particular rectangular first cross section (2a) extending longitudinally in a width direction of the eye protective goggles for displacing the connecting web relative to the eye protection caps essentially perpendicular to a line of vision of the eye protective goggles in a vertical direction thereof.

Abstract: A movement and expression sensor has a plurality of fiber Bragg gratings (FBG) disposed along the length of an optical fiber, and the optical fiber is placed in contact with a subject's skin surface. The sensors are interrogated for reflected wavelength, which is converted into a temperature or a strain. A series of such measurements can be made to determine the movement or position of the sensor location. A garment may be formed using the sensors and an elastomeric material, such that the sensors may be worn and removed, and the movements of the elastomer in the areas of sensors measured as a wavelength shift to characterize movement or estimate location. The elastomeric garment may be formed as a mask, or a sock, such as for use with a face, or foot.

Abstract: A process for preparing a disinfecting wound dressing for the protection of wounds, such as burn wounds, ulcers and cuts, the process comprising the steps of providing a yarn-based substrate, subjecting a surface of the substrate to a plasma environment, thereby providing non-leaching and biocidal features to the substrate surface by exposing the substrate surface to an antimicrobial active compound reaction.

Abstract: A tampon has two pledgets or one pledget with an absorbent layer and a leak shield located therebetween. The pledgets or pledget with the absorbent layer and the leak shield are folded such that the leak shield covers a portion of the surface of at least one of the pledgets. Both pledgets or the one pledget with the absorbent layer have absorbencies that are each greater than an absorbency of the leak shield. In another embodiment of the tampon, the leak shield comprises a fluid impervious or fluid repellent material(s). In another embodiment of the tampon, the leak shield comprises of an absorbent or hydrophilic material. Yet in another embodiment, the leak shield comprises of multiple layers of materials that are hydrophilic, hydrophobic, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: A disposable diaper 10 includes a sheet-like elastic element 100 provided in a rear waistline portion 30. The sheet-like elastic element 100 has a stretching portion 105 that can be stretched in a product width direction W. An absorber 40 includes a low rigidity portion 110, where the basis weight is lower than those in the other parts of the absorber 40 or an absorber core 40a does not exist, and a non-stretching portion 45 that is unstretchable in the product width direction W. The non-stretching portion 45 is provided at a crotch portion side from the stretching portion 105, and the stretching portion 105 overlaps at least a part of the low rigidity portion 110 in the plan view of the disposable diaper 10, and the width of the low rigidity portion 110 in the product width direction W widens towards the end at the side of the rear waistline portion 30 in a product longitudinal direction L.

Abstract: A diaper insert has specifically configured contours on an inside surface to trap and contain bowel movements delivered within the diaper. An upper rear portion of the insert provides a protruding section of absorbent padding being contoured to match a lower lumbar region of the wearer. An upper front portion of the insert is provided with an additional absorbent pad to abut the abdominal area of the wearer. When a user, wearing a diaper equipped with the insert experiences a bowel movement, the padding sections contain the bowel movement within the diaper, and prevent the bowel movement from being secreted from a waist area of the diaper. In at least one (1) embodiment the insert is manufactured to be an integral portion of a diaper. In at least one (1) embodiment unitary rear and front barriers are removably added to a diaper.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to docking systems for poles or other devices that can hold medical and/or accessory equipment, typically in a clinical or hospital environment, and can include associated docking systems for various devices such as beds, wheelchairs, walkers, wagons, and the like.

Abstract: A seat back linking mechanism includes a base frame having a pivot portion; a back frame pivotally connected to the base frame; an actuation member slidably coupled to the back frame; a linkage having a first link and a second link pivotally coupled together, the first link and the second link being respectively pivotally coupled to the pivot portion of the base frame and the actuation member, and a driven slot; and a drag member having a drag pin adapted for dragging the driven slot of the linkage.

Abstract: Laminar-flow operating theatre that comprises a support (4) that defines a horizontal plane, on which the patient (2) rests, which has a main longitudinal direction, on which support (4) there is, in addition, an operating region (R), laminar-flow-emitting unit (5) and an air-absorption unit (6), wherein the laminar-flow-emitting unit (5) emits the laminar flow in a horizontal direction which is oblique with respect to the longitudinal position of the support (4) such that said direction of incidence of the flow reaches the operating region (R) for the patient (4), and the air-absorption unit (6) is in a horizontal absorption direction which is oblique with respect to said longitudinal direction of the patient's support (4).

Abstract: A cremains container includes a container body (10), a cover (20) mounted on the container body, and a determined amount of filling powder (30) provided in the container body and the cover. The container body is made of transparent material. The container body has an interior formed with a receiving space (12) and has a periphery provided with a hollow portion (111) receiving the filling powder. The cover is made of transparent material and has an interior provided with a hollow portion (21) receiving the filling powder. Thus, the filling powder in the container body and the cover conceals the receiving space of the container body to prevent the receiving space of the container body from being viewed directly by a person outside of the container body.

Abstract: A massage device is provided with a pouch containing a liquid medium and a massage prong for imparting massage pressure on the person's body during a massage. The pouch is configured for application to the body such that it covers an area on the body substantially larger than the massage prong. The massage prong operates and applies a force to the body through the wall of the pouch. The massage prong is permitted to move within at least a portion of the area without substantial movement of the pouch relative to the body. A lubricating layer sealed present massager can provide a relaxing and therapeutic heated or cooled massage over a large area of the body while reducing pinching and friction between the skin and the massage prong.

Abstract: A motorized stretching machine for enabling a user to perform stretches targeting areas throughout their body includes a metal base frame with an integral slide track on which a motor driven foot rest apparatus is mounted, a plurality of hand grip frames that enables many different hand grips, and a plurality of foot stands. A plurality of push buttons are disposed in various locations on the right side and left side to allow the user to control the operation of the motor driven foot rest apparatus. The varied positioning of the push buttons facilitates full control during stretches and full stability because the user can hold onto other parts of the machine to assist with balance while actuating the motor control buttons. Advantageously, the overall design helps users engage selected muscle groups without losing balance or flexing any other muscles so the user can enjoy a full stretch.

Abstract: A mechanism and method for securing a removable tray to a walker frame. The mechanism comprises a removable spacer wherein the spacer is adapted to frictionally engage the walker tray with a walker handle. The method of attaching the removable walker tray to the walker frame comprises securing a first spacer to a first cutout in the walker tray; securing a second spacer to a second cutout in the walker tray; inserting a first walker handle into the first cutout in the tray; inserting a second walker handle into the second cutout in the tray; and where upon inserting the walker handles into the cutouts, the tray is positioned on top of the walker frame and the tray secured in a substantially level position on the walker frame by frictional engagement of the spacer between the tray and the walker handles.

Abstract: The present cane and grabber device can comprise a cane component and a grabber component. The grabber component can be housed within the cane component or can be unsheathed from the cane component and utilized to grab one or more objects. In an embodiment, the cane component can provide support to a user both while housing the grabber component and while the grabber component has been unsheathed. In an alternative embodiment, one or more grabber components can be housed by a walker or other similar support providing device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a standing bag type container and aims to increase a visibility of the residual liquid volume in accordance with the progress of infusion process. The standing bag type container includes a bag 10 made of soft resin films and forming at its one end a base member 20 and an outlet port 18 at the other end of the bag. A suspension of the bag 10 is done in a manner that the base member 20 is located at the top. Marks for indication of residual liquid volume are printed on the surface of the bag. An infusion liquid is charged to the bag while an air gap 109? is left, so that a residual liquid volume is verified from the liquid level. Under the suspended condition, the base member 20 has a value of width which is unchanged from the when the bag is under upright condition. The base member 20 is not collapsed and maintains its width even when the residual liquid volume is zero.

Abstract: Fluid transfer systems are disclosed that can be configured to transfer precise amounts of fluid from a source container to a target container. The fluid transfer system can have multiple fluid transfer stations for transferring fluids into multiple target containers or for combining different types of fluids into a single target container to form a mixture. The fluid transfer system can include a pump and a destination sensor, such as a weight sensor. The fluid transfer system can be configured to flush remaining fluid out of a connector to reduce waste, using air or a flushing fluid.

Abstract: Pacifier holder comprises of a cup, a rubber insert, a lid, a rotating handle designed to hold and safe-keep one pacifier, collect saliva, vent for nibble drying and entertain baby by animal shapes of other means, including vivid color and pictures. It eliminates the customary lanyard design and prevents pacifier contamination. It is dishwasher safe and may incorporate evaporative sanitizing or medicating means. It can be attached to bassinet, stroller, cribs, swing, chair, tables and wall using a rubber or nylon belt or a bar. It can also be secured by sticky tape or Velcro or magnet. Its attachment handle rotates full turn.