Abstract: A tibial component placement guide for use in a knee arthroplasty procedure involving a knee joint comprising a tibia, a patella, and a femur, the guide comprising an overlay configured to be overlaid a resected tibia, the overlay including at least one of an indicia and an opening indicative of at least one of an orientation and a position of at least one of a first axis of the femur, a second axis of the femur, and a first axis of the patella.

Abstract: A delivery instrument for placing an interbody implant into an intervertebral space of a patient comprises a plurality of elongated plates disposed adjacent one another. Each elongated plate has a proximal portion and a distal portion. The distal portion is sized and shaped to fit into the intervertebral space, and is configured to engage a vertebral body in the intervertebral space. An expandable member is coupled to the plurality of elongated plates so as to form an enclosed tube that is sized and shaped to receive the interbody implant. The expandable member allows for translation of the plurality of elongated plates relative to one another as the interbody implant passes through the tube.

Abstract: A prosthetic device control apparatus includes at least one sensor worn by a user. The sensor(s) determines a user's movement. A control module is in communication with the sensor(s). The control module communicates movement information to a prosthetic. A method for controlling a prosthetic device includes sensing a user's movement, communicating the movement through a control module to a prosthetic device; and controlling the movement of a prosthetic device.

Abstract: The invention is related to an above-knee prosthesis knee-joint mechanism that is connected with a stump which enables the above-knee amputees to walk. The invention is a threaded prosthesis knee-joint or knee-joint prosthesis which has a moving cylinder joint that enables the movement of the tibia prosthesis that is matched with the femur that is connected with the shoe having a horizontal-angle thread and threads above the femur and the shoe.

Abstract: A technology for a prosthetic above-knee device is provided. A socket may be used to attach the device to a residual limb, and may have a rigid body coupled to the socket. The device may include a first link with a first link end coupled through the rigid body to the socket and a second link end coupled to the rigid body. The second link of the device may have a third link end attached to the rigid body, and a fourth link end coupled to a housing. The device may include a hydraulic cylinder with a piston and a hydraulic cylinder link coupled between the rigid body and the piston of the hydraulic cylinder. The stability adjustment nut may adjust a travel distance of the hydraulic cylinder link with respect to the hydraulic cylinder to provide an adjustment of an instant center for stability modification.

Abstract: A stent delivery system includes a distal-side tube, a proximal-side tube, a fixing tube, a stent containing tubular member, a stent in the stent containing tubular member, and a pulling wire for moving the stent containing tubular member to the proximal side. The distal-side tube includes a distal-side priming slit provided in a side wall in proximity to a stent proximal end lock section and a proximal-side priming slit provided in a side wall on the proximal side of the distal-side tube. The slits are opened by injecting liquid, with the distal opening or the rear end opening of a guide wire lumen of the distal-side tube closed.

Abstract: A hand-held actuator device for releasing into the body from a delivery system a medical prosthesis, like a stent, comprising a frame that acts as a housing, a reel for receiving a wire, a manually operable slider mounted to the frame and a one-way connection between the slider and the reel. Actuating the slider causes the reel to wind up the wire and release the medical prosthesis.

Abstract: A device for repositioning an implant within a lumen of a subject including (a) a catheter having forward and rearward ends and a collapsible and expansible stop element mounted adjacent the forward end of the catheter, the stop element being adapted to engage a wall of the lumen when expanded and to provide one or more passages extending from a rear side of the stop element to a forward side of the stop element when the stop element is expanded and engaged with the wall of the lumen and (b) one or more snares, each snare having engagement features, the stop element and the snares being constructed and arranged so that the snares can be positioned extending through the one or more passages with their engagement features forward of the stop element.

Abstract: A medical device deployment assembly includes a retractable sheath and a catheter positioned inside the retractable sheath. A medical device is compressed between an outer surface of the catheter and an inner surface of the retractable sheath. A spring is positioned inside the retractable sheath, and a pusher band is positioned inside the retractable sheath between the medical device and the spring. The spring biases the medical device deployment assembly toward a deployment configuration in which a distal tip of the retractable sheath is proximal to a proximal tip of the medical device.

Abstract: A stent delivery system can include a core wire and a self-expanding member disposed along the core wire. The self-expanding member can be used to facilitate expansion of a stent or other implantable device within the vasculature of a patient. The self-expanding member can include first and second end portions that are each axially slidable along the core wire and be able to expand from a collapsed configuration to an expanded configuration upon axial convergence of the first and second end portions.

Abstract: A system of medical devices implantable in the human body using transabdominal gastroscopy surgery to repair failing sphincters and to prevent obesity. An intragastric suspended balloon can be sutured into the stomach to cut appetite. The balloon can be roughly the shape of a pepper and take up room in the stomach without closing it off.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for limiting absorption of food products in specific parts of the digestive system is presented. A gastrointestinal implant device is anchored in the pyloric portion of the gastrointestinal system and extends beyond the ligament of Treitz. All food exiting the stomach is funneled through the device. The gastrointestinal device includes an anchor for anchoring the device in the pyloric portion and a flexible sleeve that extents into the duodenum. The anchor is collapsible for endoscopic delivery and removal.

Abstract: Composite fiber reinforced orthoses are described with respect to fiber orientation of layers making up the laminate and with respect to load to strength ratios, safety zones, loading zones and relationships between these zones. Orthoses involved are such as ankle-foot orthoses, which include the subset of knee ankle-foot orthoses.

Abstract: An expansion band includes a first layer, a second layer, a shrinking layer for shrinking the first layer and the second layer, a bond line for sealing the first layer and the second layer to form an inner space therein and dividing the inner space into a plurality of air passages which communicate with each other, and an air nozzle communicate with the air passage. The shrinking layer includes a third layer overlapped on the second layer and a plurality of elastic bands extended between the second and third layers.

Abstract: A traction device for neck physical therapy includes a control unit, a knob unit having a transmission disc, a knob and a force applying cable, and the transmission disc and the knob being pivotally installed at the control unit, and the knob being linked to a transmission shaft, and an end of the force applying cable being fixed to the transmission disc; a body unit; a force indication unit, including a load positioning module, an elastic member, a thrust cable and an indicator, and the load positioning module being installed in the body unit and linked to the force applying cable, and the elastic member having two fixing ends, one being fixed to the load positioning module, and the thrust cable being coupled to the load positioning module and the indicator; and a transfer unit, fixed to the load positioning module and slidably installed on the body unit.

Abstract: Spinal distraction systems including methods of use.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention relate to methods of making an external nasal dilator amenable to continuous and automated manufacture. For example, in one embodiment of the method, a roll of a three-layered material is used as the starting material, the three layers consisting substantially and respectively of (1) a resilient sheet, (2) an adhesive-protecting sheet, and (3) an adhesive layer between the resilient sheet and the adhesive-protecting sheet. A series of dies are used to cut the three-layered material into the appropriate shape and (when necessary) to impress grooves in the resilient sheet.

Abstract: A nasal dilator comprises a laminate of vertical layers each consisting of one or more members or components. The laminated layers form a unitary, or single body, truss featuring horizontal regions adapted to engage outer wall tissues of first and second nasal passages and to traverse the bridge of a nose therebetween. When in use the dilator acts to stabilize and/or expand the nasal outer wall tissues and prevent said tissues from drawing inward during breathing. The dilator includes means to direct its resilient properties comprising one or more interior or exterior material separations, or discontinuity of shape of material, formed in at least one region of the truss and extending through at least one layer of the dilator. Said material separation or discontinuity of shape may comprise an opening, relief cut, slit or notch, and which may be configured to separate or vertically protrude, in part, from the truss when the dilator is in use on the nose of a wearer.

Abstract: A nasal dilator is constructed as a single body truss having a resilient member structure comprising a plurality of overlaid, island-placed, or overlapping resilient members. Methods of mass producing dilator devices, individual resilient members, and overlapped, overlaid, and island-placed resilient member structures are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a protrusion splint comprising an upper support area configured to provide a defined abutment of a maxilla area, and a lower support area configured to provide a defined abutment of a mandible area. The method includes fixing the maxilla area and the mandible area in a first position so that the mandible area is shifted forward relative to the mandible area. A three-dimensional image data set of an air passage in a region of a trachea is created in the first position. The air passage is checked whether an opening value of the air passage corresponds to a target value. A second position of the maxilla area and of the mandible area to each other is defined depending on the checking. The protrusion splint is manufactured so that the mandible area is held relative to the maxilla area in the second position.

Abstract: A system for a closed circuit forced hot air warmer of patient beds and blankets with improved sterility has a patient mattress or blanket microprocessor controlled warmer that circulates heated air in a closed system without releasing warmed air into the area surrounding the patient or into the operating room. The system helps to avoid the exposure of patients and hospital workers in the operating room to possible infecting microbes carried in unsterile turbulent air currents related to the release of air from non-closed systems. The machinery and flexible hoses of the system are initially sterilized by a microprocessor controlled antimicrobial mist generator. The system does not discharge jets of warmed air due to the closed circuit arrangement. Turbulent air flow previously produced in the vicinity of the patient by high velocity air jets is eliminated. An ambient, quiescent condition accorded by closed circuit heating prevents infection of patients and operating room personnel by microbe migration.

Abstract: A steerable laser probe may include an actuation structure, a nosecone fixed to the actuation structure by one or more links and one or more link pins, a flexible housing tube, and an optic fiber disposed in the flexible housing tube and the actuation structure. A compression of the actuation structure may be configured to gradually curve the flexible housing tube and the optic fiber. A decompression of the actuation structure may be configured to gradually straighten the flexible housing tube and the optic fiber.

Abstract: An ophthalmic laser treatment apparatus includes: an irradiation optical system including an optical scanner for two-dimensionally scanning spots of a treatment laser beam and an aiming beam on eye tissue; a control unit to control the irradiation optical system to irradiate the treatment beam to a spot position based on an irradiation pattern of spots for treatment beam irradiation and based on an aiming rule associated with the irradiation pattern to irradiate the aiming beam to indicate the treatment beam spot position; and a movement unit to move an irradiation position of each beam. The control unit irradiates the treatment beam to a sequence of spots from a n-th position to a m-th position in association with the irradiation pattern, and then controls the movement unit and irradiates the aiming beam based on the aiming rule to a position different from the spot position just irradiated by the treatment beam.

Abstract: Provided is a method for feeding a granular powder from a granular powder feeding hopper onto an upper surface of a sheet material. A feeding passage is disposed so as to extend downward from an outlet of the granular powder feeding hopper so that the lower end of the feeding passage faces the upper surface of the sheet material moving beneath the feeding passage. The feeding passage is opened and closed by the open-close means so that the granular powder is intermittently fed from the granular powder feeding hopper onto the sheet material.

Abstract: A protective device for insertion into the crevice adjacent to the anus, and cover adjacent portions of the derriere. The protective device cover includes a solid sheet of material with an adhesive on one side which can be used to apply the cover directly onto the portion directly around and adjacent to the anus after it has been inserted into the crevice. The cover also includes slits or holes through which evacuated material may pass through. The cover may also be made from a “plastic-wrap” type material that adheres to human skin when pressure is applied. In an alternate embodiment, a wiping pad is provided between two layers of the cover, which traverses the hole opening when a string is pulled to effect at least partial cleaning in the anus area. This almost eliminates the need for toilet paper, keeps the body clean, and avoids excessive contamination.

Abstract: A patient monitor apparatus utilizing a base member holding a moisture sensor to form a moisture sensor unit. The moisture sensor unit includes a plurality of perforations to permit passage of urine. The moisture sensor unit generates a signal upon the presence of urine. A tilt sensor is also mounted to the base member and generates a signal upon the absence of turning movements of the patient. The moisture sensor is covered by a porous sheet which prevents premature alarms from moist skin.

Abstract: This absorbent article has sufficient pliability even when an absorbent body is bonded to a transport material, a wrap material, etc., and is pleasant to wear. In this absorbent article (1), an absorbent body (4) includes at least a hydrophilic fiber-containing hydrophilic fiber layer (5) having multiple non-through slits (8), and in the surface opposite of the surface having the slits (8), the hydrophilic fiber layer (5) has multiple recesses (9) in positions corresponding to the multiple non-through slits (8) in the thickness direction of the absorbent article (1).

Abstract: A disposable pant type undergarment includes a ventral member, a dorsal member and a crotch member that bridges the ventral member and the dorsal member. A crotch edge of the ventral member and the dorsal member each includes right and left edge lines, right and left tilted lines and a central line. The edge lines are approximately parallel in a waist-around direction. Nearer the central line, a distance between a waist opening of the undergarment and the tilted lines of the ventral member is shorter, and a distance between the waist opening and the tilted lines of the dorsal member is longer. Tilted portions of a leg-surrounding elastic body extend in a leaving direction from the crotch edge of the ventral member and extend into an area overlapped with the ventral member and the crotch member.

Abstract: Described herein are systems and apparatuses for enhanced comfort through contact pressure reduction. In particular, the systems and apparatuses disclosed herein prevent or otherwise mitigate pressure by actively orienting a patient over an anatomy-specific pressure-mitigating contact surface on which the patient rests. A pressure-mitigating contact portion of the contact surface includes a plurality of independently pressurized chambers configured in a specific geometric pattern that is designed to mitigate contact pressure between a support surface (e.g., bed or chair) and a specific anatomic region of a patient's body when the specific anatomic region of the patient's body is oriented over an epicenter of the geometric pattern. Additionally, a plurality of elevated side support portions and a wedge interconnected on the base material are configured to actively orient the specific anatomic region of the patient's body over the epicenter of the geometric pattern.

Abstract: A mass produced absorbent article having an image of a quality that is commercially acceptable. The image is produced by ink jet printheads applying ink to a web moving at high speed under the jets in the course of manufacturing the article. The image is printed at low resolution but is characterized in part by a higher coverage area ratio and brightness.

Abstract: An absorbent article that includes: a liquid-permeable topsheet; a liquid-impermeable backsheet; and an absorbent sheet which is arranged between the topsheet and the backsheet and which has a pulp. A plurality of hole portions passing through from the topsheet side to the backsheet side are formed in the absorbent sheet. The topsheet is arranged so as to cover the hole portions of the absorbent sheet. The absorbent sheet has: a plurality of first regions which are bonded with the backsheet at a periphery of the hole portions; and a second region between the plurality of first regions. At least a part of the second region is spaced from the backsheet, and is arranged at the topsheet side more significantly than the first region.

Abstract: A disposable diaper with concealed baby wipes enclosure ensures that absorbent baby wipes are readily available when the diaper needs to be changed. The diaper is made to contain plurality of baby wipes or other foldable, not bulky diaper changing accessories. The concealed compartment is made accessible by pulling on a tab that tears the enclosure open.

Abstract: The present invention addresses the problem of providing an absorbent article that is provided with a liquid-permeable layer, said liquid-permeable layer having convex portions that are hollow inside, has an improved ability to transfer menstrual blood from the liquid-permeable layer to an absorbent body and can reduce the amount of the menstrual blood remaining in the liquid-permeable layer (in particular, the internal cavities in the convex portions). To solve this problem, provided is a sanitary napkin provided with a liquid-permeable top sheet, a liquid-impermeable back sheet and an absorbent body that is interposed between the top sheet and the back sheet, wherein convex portions, said convex portions being hollow inside and formed in an excretion orifice contact region of the top sheet, are coated with a blood lubricity-imparting agent that has a kinetic viscosity of 0.01-80 mm2/s at 40° C., a water retention rate of 0.01-4.0 mass % and a weight-average molecular weight of less than 1,000.

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting a portion of an immobilization cast to facilitate removal of the cast from a body part of a patient may comprise a handle structure for being held by the hand of a user, a cutting device extending from the handle for cutting the cast material, with the cutting device including a blade and a blade movement device configured to cause ultrasonic movement of the blade, and a shielding structure configured for at least partially positioning between the cast and a part of the patient's body part such that a portion of the shield extends between the blade and the body part to shield the body part from the blade.

Abstract: An emergency lighting and first aid storage device for storage of emergency lighting and first aid materials includes a panel that is rigid. A plurality of compartments is coupled to a front of the panel. Each compartment is differentially configured for storage of emergency lighting and first aid materials. A coupler is coupled to the panel. The coupler is configured to couple the panel to a vertical substrate. A plurality of hooks is coupled to the front proximate to a bottom of the panel. The hooks are configured for hanging of keys and key sets from the panel.

Abstract: A wheelchair (100) includes a chassis (101) defining a seat (102), a backrest (103), one or more armrests (104,105), and an undercarriage (106). One or more front caster wheels (118,119) are coupled to, and selectively detachable from, the undercarriage. One or more rear wheel assemblies (120,121) each include a rear wheel (125), an axle (127), and a mounting post (129) extending distally from the axle at a substantially orthogonal angle relative to the axle. One or more quick release devices (130,131) couple each mounting post of each rear wheel assembly to the undercarriage such that the each the one or more rear wheel assemblies is selectively detachable from the undercarriage.

Abstract: A sensor for attachment to an inflatable air cell cushion designed to detect optimal immersion of the cushion user into the in the inflatable cushion. The immersion depth of a user positioned on the cushion is determined by sensing air pressure in the cushion. The sensor accurately reads changes in pressure as air exits the cushion to allow an algorithm to determine optimal internal cushion pressure for a user.

Abstract: A lifting assembly includes a cart that includes a first section, a second section and a third section. Each of the first section, the second section and the third section are removably coupled together. The first section may be rolled along a support surface. A lifting unit is coupled to the cart and the lifting unit is positioned on the second section. The lifting unit selectively urges the third section upwardly with respect to the support surface. The third section may be gripped by a user thereby facilitating the third section to lift the user from a seated position.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention thus define a system and methods for moving a patient into a medical treatment/imaging apparatus. By appropriate use of relatively narrow guides, a bed can be held securely both prior to movement onto the apparatus and while on the apparatus. By use of relatively wide guides, the bed is allowed a degree of lateral play to ensure a smooth transition on to the apparatus.

Abstract: A combination massage table with one or more resistance bands (“combination table”) is disclosed. This combination table may include: a massage table; the one or more resistance bands; and a means for attaching the one or more resistance bands to the massage table; such that a client using the combination table receives at least one improved health benefit as compared against massage therapy without any resistance band use. Methods for using the combination table are also disclosed. Such methods may include: preparing the combination table for use; preparing the client so the client is laying on top of the combination table; and massaging the client while the client at least intermittently engages the one or more resistance bands that are attached to the combination table; wherein this results in the at least one improved health benefit to the client.

Abstract: A mobile patient bed may be used for moving a patient between at least two locations during a medical procedure. The mobile patient bed may comprise an interface configured to selectively couple the mobile patient bed to at least one medical system and at least one processor configured to receive a medical system command via the interface and process the medical system command when the mobile patient bed is coupled to the at least one medical system, receive and process a user command when the mobile patient bed is not coupled to the at least one medical system, and refrain from processing the user command when the mobile patient bed is coupled to the at least one medical system. The mobile patient bed may also comprise a seat and a plurality of motors configured to independently position the seat along a plurality of axes.

Abstract: An appliance for use in supporting a woman during the first stage of labor including: a seat portion; a generally horizontal ledge portion is located at a height which is higher than the seat portion and extends across the width of the seat portion; a footrest is located at either side of the ledge portion; and wherein the footrests are located beneath the ledge portion.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a device for circumduction of a limb having a base, a vertical support operably coupled to and extending away from the base, a rotary member operably connected to the vertical support, a limb support member operably connected to the rotary member, and a motor drivingly engaged with the rotary member. The vertical support may be a rigid plate member, bracket, or frame. The bracket and/or frame may include at least one vertical member and at least one horizontal member. The rotary member is operably connected to the vertical support such that rotary member is free to rotate. Limb support member receives and supports the limb to be treated and is operably coupled to rotary member at a radial distance from a center of rotation thereby resulting in a circular motion of a limb when the motor is operated.

Abstract: A prosthesis for insertion in an ear to reduce pain resulting from TMJ disorders. The ear insert has a predefined shape conforming to the shape of the ear canal when the jaw is in an open position. The ear insert supports the TMJ and associated secondary musculature to reduce strain in the TMJ area, including the muscles, ligaments, nerves, and the temporo-mandibular joint itself. The insert is hollow in the inside to permit hearing and is made of a rigid material which retains the shape of the ear canal. A scalloped indenture extends across a surface of the ear insert positioned behind the tragus.

Abstract: A muscle-stretching apparatus, which comprises a frame that incorporates a first and a second group of rods, wherein the frame is in turn made up of two parts mutually linked by said rods through fastening means; and the second group of rods is longer than the first group of rods; the parts being flat in nature and having a similar geometry, and being adapted for resting on the ground; and in use, the parts are arranged symmetrically to one another, relative to a plane perpendicular to the ground; the variable height of the second group of rods relative to the ground in their arrangement between the parts determining the useful height H of the frame relative to the ground.

Abstract: A therapy tool for treating muscular and/or myofascial pain comprises a shaft having rotatedly mounted thereon at least two roller wheels. At least one of the roller wheels has a polarity of projections evenly spaced around the wheels' periphery by in which the projections are generally flat at their outer surface and have a round edge. In one embodiment at least one of the roller wheels has a smooth peripheral edge which may be used to identify the presence of trigger points and adhesions.

Abstract: An erotic stimulator device comprising a mat including an inner surface and an outer surface, a hook and loop fastening system wherein a hook portion of the system is secured to one mat surface and a loop portion of the system is secured to the opposite mat surface and a sleeve having an open end and a closed end wherein the sleeve is placed on the inner surface of the mat with the open end of the sleeve extending outside the perimeter of the sleeve, the mat is rolled up into a cylindrical shape with the sleeve inside and the hook and loop fastening system is engaged to maintain the shape of the mat and the open end of the sleeve is extended from the inner surface to the outer surface of the mat.

Abstract: A portable apparatus for providing chest therapy to a user may include a wearable pack. A chest band may be coupled to the wearable pack. The chest band may include one or more chest band segments and may be configured to be worn around a chest of the user. A plurality of vibrating elements may be coupled to the one or more chest band segments. The plurality of vibrating elements may provide a vibrational force to the chest of the user when the chest band is worn around the chest of the user. The portable apparatus may further include a nebulizer treatment component, which may also be coupled to the wearable pack. A user input component may be electrically coupled to the plurality of vibrating elements and the nebulizer treatment component.

Abstract: An intelligent massage bathing system applied for a massage bathing equipment is disclosed herein, which comprises a plurality of attached devices, a massage bathing control unit, an operating panel unit and a master control device. The attached devices includes at least one first attached devices and at least one second attached devices, wherein the at least one first attached devices is configured as at least one slave control device. The master control device establishes a master-slave connection with the at least one slave control device, and commands to directly control the at least one slave control device to actuate relatively to the massage bathing equipment, according to an instruction generated from the operating panel unit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for opening a medical blister package which is easy and convenient to open for people of all level of ability and dexterity. Its design allows for selective access to the blisters by following a predetermined opening sequence, therefore minimizing involuntary wrong up taking of medicine due to patient errors as wrong sequential opening is not achievable by involuntary mistakes.