Abstract: In some embodiments, a revision implant includes a body extending between a first planar surface and a second planar surface and a head extending from the first planar surface of the body. The head is configured to couple the revision implant to at least one additional component of a multi-component prosthesis. At least one coupling mechanism is configured to couple the body to a first bone.

Abstract: An orthopedic device for implanting between adjacent vertebrae comprising: an arcuate balloon and a hardenable material within said balloon. In some embodiments, the balloon has a footprint that substantially corresponds to a perimeter of a vertebral endplate. An inflatable device is inserted through a cannula into an intervertebral space and oriented so that, upon expansion, a natural angle between vertebrae will be at least partially restored. At least one component selected from the group consisting of a load-bearing component and an osteobiologic component is directed into the inflatable device through a fluid communication means.

Abstract: Implantable devices for the treatment of degenerative facet joint disease, and more specifically to implantable devices for the immobilization or fusion of degenerated facet joints, particularly of the cervical spine are provided. The devices may be easily inserted into the facet joint, promoting fusion and initiating a natural healing response. Also provided are methods of treating degeneration of a facet joint using these implantable devices.

Abstract: A bi-directional fixating transvertebral (BDFT) screw/cage apparatus is provided. The BDFT apparatus includes an intervertebral cage including a plurality of internal angled screw guides, a plurality of screw members, and a novel screw locking mechanism which consists of leaf springs which mechanically interact with BDFT screws which have ratcheted screw heads. The small leaf springs allow the ratchet teeth of the screw heads to rotate only in the penetrating direction. Due to the geometric orientation of the ratchet teeth vis-a-vis the adjacent spring leaf, rotation of the screw head in the opposite direction is prevented by the insertion of the string leaf in the space between the ratchet teeth (trough) of its final rotation. The uni-rotational interaction between the screw head-ratchet teeth/troughs and adjacent leaf spring is the mechanical basis for this novel locking mechanism.

Abstract: An implant for therapeutically separating bones of a joint has two endplates each having an opening through the endplate, and at least one ramped surface on a side opposite a bone engaging side. A frame is slideably connected to the endplates to enable the endplates to move relative to each other at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the implant, in sliding connection with the frame. An actuator screw is rotatably connected to the frame. A carriage forms an open area aligned with the openings in the endplates. The openings in the endplates pass through the carriage to form an unimpeded passage from bone to bone of the joint. The carriage has ramps which mate with the ramped surfaces of the endplates, wherein when the carriage is moved by rotation of the actuator screw, the endplates move closer or farther apart.

Abstract: An intervertebral prosthesis or disk prosthesis comprising a front side, a rear side, an upper side which can be placed on the base plate of vertebral body, a lower side which can be placed on the base plate of a vertebral body, a right side, a left side, a cavity which can receive a fluid hydraulic osteocementum, an opening in the cavity and several outlets out from the cavity. The total of the transversal surfaces of the outlets SV on the front side, the total of the transversal surfaces of the outlets SH on the rear side, the total of the transversal surfaces of the outlets SR on the right side and the total of the transversal surfaces of the outlets on the left side satisfy the following conditions: SL>SR or SR>SL or SH>SV or SV>SH.

Abstract: A prosthesis system comprises plates that can be positioned against vertebrae and a selected resilient core that can be positioned between the plates to allow the plates to articulate. The selected resilient core can be chosen from a plurality of cores in response to patient characteristics, such as age and/or intervertebral mobility, such that the prosthesis implanted in the patient is tailored to the needs of the patient. The plurality of cores may comprise cores with different resiliencies, and one of the cores can be selected such that the upper and lower plates articulate with the desired shock absorbing resiliency and/or maximum angle of inclination when the one selected core is positioned between the plates.

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 cup and a temporary insert are respectively configured to be tightly press fitted into each other along their periphery. The temporary insert includes a through hole communicating outside with a free space between the outer surface of the temporary insert and the inner surface of the cup. In the through hole can be engaged the threaded end of an impactor, for manipulating the cup when it is being set. A syringe can be engaged, enabling a liquid under pressure to be injected into the free space, thus separating the temporary insert from the cup without any risk of damaging the inner surface of the cup. Thus, the cup can be securely manipulated when it is being set without any risk of damaging the inner surface of the cup.

Abstract: Provided is an artificial limb structure having a magnetic lock device. The artificial limb structure includes: an artificial limb coupled to a magnetic lock device; and a socket liner unit detachably coupled to the magnetic lock device, wherein the socket liner unit includes an attachment and detachment member attachable and detachable to/from the magnetic lock device by a magnetic force, and the magnetic lock device includes: permanent magnets; a magnetic flux control unit provided on the permanent magnets and transmitting the magnetic force generated by the permanent magnets to the attachment and detachment member or interrupting a transmission of the magnetic force; a magnetic force interrupting unit provided at the magnetic flux control unit and interrupting magnetic forces between permanent magnets arranged at opposite sides of the magnetic force interrupting unit; and a switch unit adjusting an arrangement of the permanent magnets with respect to the magnetic force interrupting unit.

Abstract: A lower limb prosthetic device (10) adapted to be connected to an attachment section such as a sleeve, configured to attach to the limb, or a socket to receive the limb, of an amputee, wherein the prosthetic device (10) comprises (a) a leaf spring member (12), said upper leaf spring member (12) having a proximal, upper, end (14), which proximal end (14) can be fixedly and/or adjustably attached to the attachment section, the leaf spring (12) member further comprising a distal, lower, end (16), which distal end (16) can be fixedly and/or adjustably attached to a foot member (30).

Abstract: A prosthetic system includes first and second parts rotatable relative to one another about a joint. The first and second parts are adapted to form at least part of a weight bearing connection between a prosthetic foot and a socket. A pump system includes a pump mechanism operatively connected to the first and second parts. Rotation of the first part and/or the second part about the joint moves the pump mechanism between an original configuration in which the volume of a fluid chamber defined by the pump mechanism is zero or near-zero, and an expanded configuration in which the volume of the fluid chamber is increased.

Abstract: Wearable devices for spinal deformities, including a wearable brace configured to be worn about a patient's torso, at least one inflation bladder carried directly or indirectly by an inner surface of the brace, and positioned such that inflation of the bladder with a fluid applies a pressure to generate a force on the patient at a targeted location, at least one force sensor carried directly or indirectly by a surface of the brace, to measure the force independent of the bladder, and the force sensor adapted to output a signal indicative of a force applied on the sensor.

Abstract: A vacuum pump may be used to attach a prosthetic and/or orthotic device to a residual limb. The vacuum pump may be in line below a socket of a residual limb. The socket may be a portion of the prosthesis that accepts the residual limb. The vacuum pump may generate a vacuum condition between the prosthesis and the residual limb. Generally, a vacuum condition may be generated between a socket and the residual limb. The residual limb may be covered with a sock, elastomeric liner, or sheath covering the limb. The vacuum condition may positively attach the prosthesis to the residual limb without the need for straps, retaining pins, or suction type vacuum which do not use a vacuum pump.

Abstract: A prosthesis socket casting device having a housing and a flexible membrane for receiving a residual limb, the housing and the membrane defining a cavity for containing a fluid. Within the housing are means that are a function of the patient's weight for altering the distribution of the reactive fluid pressure applied when the residual limb is received within the membrane. In a preferred embodiment, the altering means comprise a movable piston that is provided at a lower end of the housing.

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

Abstract: The invention relates to an intraluminal vascular prosthesis, preferably for implanting in the aortic arch. The prosthesis has a hollow cylindrical body with a first end and a second end; a first vascular prosthesis portion; a second vascular prosthesis portion; and a stent portion which is provided between the first and the second vascular prosthesis portion and which is rigidly connected to said vascular prosthesis portions, said stent portion being free of prosthesis material.

Abstract: A braided stent system includes an expansion ring attached to internal and external surfaces of a lumen. A frame of the ring may impart an outwardly expanding radial force to the lumen, the frame including a plurality of elongate members joined at a coupling and at first and second intersections opposite the coupling. A clip can extend from the intersections and can be operable to slidably secure the frame to the inner and outer surfaces of the lumen.

Abstract: Endovascular treatment of, for example, delayed cerebral vasospasm involves the placing of a microcatheter in the affected vessels followed by the teachings of the instant disclosure, which is clinically improved with comparison to slow infusion of a vasodilating compound. Systems, processes and self-expanding designed stents and stent-like members are featured and highlighted. The stents and stent-like members being retrieved, nothing is left in the vessel. Drug-eluting stents, resorbable stents and angiographically imageable coatings, including tantalum brushes over part or all of subject system components are also disclosed.

Abstract: A composite stent graft has a balloon expandable stent portion, a tubular graft material portion inside or outside of the balloon expandable stent portion and self expanding stents associated with the tubular graft material portion. Part of the balloon expandable stent portion can extend beyond the proximal end of the tubular graft material portion. The tubular graft material can be polytetrafluoroethylene, dacron, polyamide, sub intestinal mucosa or any other suitable biocompatible material. A method of deploying which includes flaring a part of the balloon expandable stent portion is also discussed.

Abstract: Provided herein are implantable devices, such as vascular grafts and access port for hemodialysis, that include a microporous sheath layer having a corrugated outer surface, and use therefore for reducing the risk of infection or stenosis.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods for a medical implant with improved durability and strength. An implant structure having a mesh, wherein struts of the mesh vary in width as a function of length, where one or more segments are defined by one or more corresponding equations that define strut width. Connecting elements may be optionally included and may further optionally vary in width and shape. Strut tapering functions may be one or more segments of piecewise linear equations. Implant mesh structures may be symmetric, asymmetric, or may vary in segments along the length and/or circumference of the mesh. The mesh may be of a self-expanding or balloon expandable material suitable for medical use.

Abstract: An endoprosthesis constraining sleeve includes a single sheet of material forming at least two folds, and a common bond line constraining the single sheet of material to maintain the at least two folds and to form at least two discrete lumens. A first lumen of the at least two lumens is configured to receive a constrained endoprosthesis therein. A second lumen of the at least two lumens is configured to receive a control feature therethrough.

Abstract: A composite material 10 for forming custom fitted orthopedic and other products. The composite material is easily formable when heated to temperatures of about two hundred degrees Fahrenheit for a time of at least six to eight minutes and then is rigid at temperatures of about one hundred thirty degrees. The composite material can be sewn and formed in complex shapes when initially heated to about two hundred degrees. Closure attachments 60 can be secured to the composite material as needed on site rather than at the manufacturing facility. The composite material can be custom fitted to a patient in situ.

Abstract: Some aspects of the present disclosure describe an orthopedic brace for a portion of a user's upper extremity distal to the elbow. The orthopedic brace includes a body configured to surround said portion of the user's upper extremity. The body includes a first region configured to stabilize said portion of the user's upper extremity. The orthopedic brace includes a second region coupled to the first region. The second region has sufficient elasticity to enable the body to adjust circumferentially to fit said portion of the user's upper extremity.

Abstract: An apparatus that includes a composite fuselage and motion control system designed to protect the human leg from knee pain and muscular fatigue created by repetitive vertical movement or extended periods of squatting. Fuselage panels and frame encapsulate the leg and functionally integrate with hard shell boots to create a rigid exoskeleton structure that resists radial displacement of the knee or ankle. The fuselage ‘open clamshell’ leg harness utilizes wide composite body panels that disperse pressure across a large surface area, allowing the harness to provide body mass support and device securement without restriction of the body's circulatory system.

Abstract: Wearable devices for Noxipoints stimulation have a wearable member containing a grid of electrodes. The device is configured by a computer software to identify at least a pair of Noxipoints for applying one or more voltages to stimulate the Noxipoints.

Abstract: A neck brace includes a brace assembly and a strap assembly. A brace assembly can include a continuous main body configured to wrap around a wearer's neck. The main body can have first and second main body ends, left and right side portions, a chin portion, and a rear portion. A strap assembly includes a continuous lateral strap configured to laterally wrap around the wearer's head, and a longitudinal strap having first and second strap ends, the longitudinal strap being attached to the lateral strap at respective first and second connection points. The first and second main body ends are configured to connect to each other to secure the main body around the wearer's neck, and the first and second strap ends are configured to respectively attach to the first and second side portions.

Abstract: The present utility model discloses a novel cervical vertebra tractor in which Velcro hook sides are attached respectively to left and right ends of a cervical collar support, Velcro loop sides are provided respectively at two ends of an inner side of a traction belt, and the Velcro loop sides and the Velcro hook sides are adhered to each other. A first cushion is provided at the middle portion of the inner side of the traction belt. Multiple vent holes are provided at the middle portion of the traction belt. A balloon is provided inside the traction belt. One end of an inflation tube is connected to the balloon, and the other end of the inflation tube is provided with a connector.

Abstract: An integrated thermoformable splint and heater and method for manufacturing same includes a thermoplastic material and an oxygen activated heater operatively associated with the thermoplastic material. The integrated thermoformable splint and heater are sealed within an oxygen impermeable housing. Oxygen is allowed to activate the heater either by removing the assembly from the sealed housing, or, by displacement of a removable seal that will allow oxygen to penetrate a porous region in the housing, and, in turn, come into contact with the heater.

Abstract: An apparatus for enhancing erection of a penis includes an expandable first member that partially encircles an upper portion of the penis and partially constricts at least a first vein of the penis to reduce the volume of blood carried away from the penis via the first vein. A second member is mounted to the first member includes left and right shoulder sections configured to contact the penis shaft along the left and right sides the urethra. A contoured section is formed between and extends outwards away from the shoulders so that, when the shoulder sections contact the penis shaft and the first member encircles at least partially encircles the upper portion of the penis, the contoured section extends over and does not constrict the urethra.

Abstract: An adhesive flange extender for an ostomy flange comprises a flexible arcuate membrane having a radial inner edge, a radial outer edge, and an adhesive surface for securing the membrane simultaneously to the skin of an ostomate and to an ostomy flange. The membrane includes at least two independently movable tab portions at the radial outer edge of the membrane. The membrane further includes a central region and a border region that is thinner than the central region to provide increased flexibility at the periphery of the flange extender.

Abstract: A stoma dressing for use by ostomy patients comprising an underlying fluid impermeable layer having an adhesive edge; a highly absorbent core fixedly superimposed on the underlying fluid impermeable layer and totally encircled by the adhesive edge; a groove running the entire outer perimeter of the middle highly absorbent core; and a bead of skin healing/skin protecting cream or ointment filling the groove. In use, the stoma dressing is placed over the stoma in a manner that the top of the highly absorbent core and the adhesive edge of the impermeable layer face the skin and stoma of the patient. When lightly pressed against the skin such that the adhesive edge adheres to the patient's skin, the bead of cream or ointment in the groove spreads on the patient's skin around the outer perimeter of the middle absorbent core, to create a skin area that is protected from the stoma effluents without interfering with the adhesive properties of the adhesive edge of the dressing.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for snore disrupting and prevention are disclosed. One apparatus includes: an inflatable bladder assembly configured to inflate and deflate to move a head of a user; a conduit connected to the bladder assembly and configured to extend at a distance from the bladder assembly; an air inflator connected to the conduit for inflating the bladder assembly through the conduit, the air inflator being at the distance from the bladder assembly when in use to minimize noise, radiation or discomfort for the user a controller in communication with the air inflator to actuate the air inflator to inflate the bladder assembly; and an audio processor in communication with the controller, the audio processor being configured to detect sound waves and transmit control commands to the controller to trigger cyclical actuation of the air inflator upon a trigger event.

Abstract: A facial integrity oral appliance is provided. The appliance includes a lower member formed to fit over lower teeth and an upper member formed to fit over upper teeth. The lower member and the upper member each include a plurality of tooth impressions for receiving respective teeth of a dentition. The members may further include a facial surface on one side thereof and a lingual surface on the opposite side thereof. A connector connects the upper and lower members together. The connector has a rubber elasticity.

Abstract: A method of adjusting a snoring mouthpiece includes the steps of: reading a first medical image, establishing a first respiratory tract model, performing a first respiration simulation, reading a second medical image, establishing a second respiratory tract model, performing a second respiration simulation, calculating an adjustment distance, and adjusting the snoring mouthpiece. The method is so designed that tomographic images of a patient's respiratory tract are read at two separate times in order to establish models, perform respiration simulations, and thereby provide the correct distance by which to adjust the snoring mouthpiece. This allows the snoring mouthpiece to be adjusted rapidly and correctly and work effectively.

Abstract: An inserter is provided which includes a handle having an upper cover and a bottom cover, the upper cover having a longitudinal opening, a proximal end and a distal end; a mounting member extending from an inner surface of the bottom cover of the handle, the mounting member having a through-hole; an inner tube having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end of the inner tube attached to the mounting member; an insertion tube movably coupled to the inner tube with a longitudinal axis essentially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the inner tube; a switch coupled to a proximal end of the insertion tube and arranged in the opening; and a string having a proximal end removably coupled near the proximal end of the opening, a distal end of the string coupled to a device to be inserted inside a human anatomy.

Abstract: A cryotherapy system can include an erectable apparatus that can be at least partially inflatable, and configured to extend at least partially around a treatment area adapted to contain at least both vaporized cryogen and at least a portion of a user's body to be cryogenically treated; and a cooling system configurable to provide vaporized cryogen to the treatment area.

Abstract: An assembly for cold therapy to a joint of a person or an animal has a panel formed of a foam material, and a plurality of ice packs positioned within the foam material of the panel in a location between an inner side and an outer side of the panel. The panel is adapted to wrap around at least a portion of the joint. The assembly further includes a wrap extending across the outer side of the panel. This wrap has a length suitable for wrapping around the joint. The plurality of ice packs are arranged in rows and columns within the panel. The foam material is a polyurethane open cell foam material. The wrap is formed of an elastomeric material. The wrap has a fastener thereon that is adapted to affix one end of the wrap to an outer surface of the wrap.

Abstract: Catheter devices and methods for intravascular heating and/or cooling of human or veterinary patients. The catheter devices generally comprise catheters having inflow and outflow lumens and at least one curvilinear balloon connected to the inflow and outflow lumens such that heat exchange fluid may be circulated through the balloon(s). The catheter is inserted into the vasculature and heated or cooled fluid is circulated through the balloon(s) to heat or cool blood flowing in heat-exchange proximity to the balloon(s), thereby effecting heating or cooling of all or a portion of the patient's body.

Abstract: A method and system provide a surgical system including a cassette, a console and an interferometric pressure sensing system coupled with the console. The cassette is for exchanging material with a patient and includes a wall and a reflector. The wall undergoes a deflection in response to a nonambient internal cassette pressure. The console is coupled with the cassette. The interferometric pressure sensing system is coupled with the console. The interferometric pressure sensing system includes a light source and a detector. The light source provides a first portion of light that is reflected off of the reflector and a second portion of light that bypasses the reflector. The first portion and the second portion of light are recombined to form an interference pattern. The deflection corresponds to a shift in the interference pattern detectable by the detector.

Abstract: Systems are provided for delivering a calibrated ultraviolet radiation pulse at a treatment plane during a laser-ablation treatment of a patient's eye. Exemplary systems include an ultraviolet radiation source, and a fluorescent plate positioned to receive an initial ultraviolet radiation pulse produced by the ultraviolet radiation source. The fluorescent plate generates a visible light pulse in response to the initial ultraviolet radiation pulse.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a laser surgery apparatus for contact laser surgery and to a method of using the laser surgery apparatus. The laser surgery apparatus (1) comprises a contact laser scalpel (3) for contact laser surgery, the contact laser scalpel (4) comprising an optical fiber (4) of IR laser radiation transmissive material and terminating at an optical fiber tip (5) having an exposed core region, and support means for holding said fiber and for positioning said scalpel (3). Said fiber tip (5) is tapered and disposed at a distal end of the scalpel (3) for contacting a tissue to be cut and comprises an uncoated contact surface (6) for transmit ting laser radiation and a guiding surface that is at least partially reflective to laser radiation and provided such that laser radiation guided by said optical fiber (4) to said fiber tip (5) will be at least partially reflected by said guiding surface and emitted through said uncoated contact surface.

Abstract: Eye masks and associated processes are disclosed herein. These masks and associated processes may involve positioning a mask over the eyes and nearby glands of a user and applying heat and/or moisture. This treatment may provide therapeutic benefits, including therapy of Meibomian gland disease and other sources of dry eye. Other physical benefits can also include mechanically gently holding eyelids closed and promoting relaxation and reduction of stress.

Abstract: An aim assisting system for assisting user's while aiming. The device includes a band and a retractable eye patch. The eye patch is designed to cover a non-dominant eye of the user thus improving accuracy and aim while shooting. A user may also use the device as an ear warmer.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for automatically forming an incision in a tympanic membrane of an ear and placing a tympanic membrane pressure equalization tube into the incision. The systems include a housing with a shaft extending therefrom. A mechanism is disposed within the housing. A distal end of the shaft is placed against a tympanic membrane, and the mechanism is triggered to causes the tympanic membrane to be automatically incised and dilated and a tympanic membrane pressure equalization tube to be placed in the dilated incision.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for applying graduated pressure to an underlying surface. An exemplary device is a graduated compression device or a graduated pressure bandage, that is able to apply graduated pressure to a limb, with higher pressure being applied at one end of the device, e.g. near the ankle in use, and gradually applying less pressure at the other end of the device, e.g. such that the lowest pressure is applied to the end of the stocking closest to the thigh in use.

Abstract: A thermoplastic cast according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a structure having a mesh form and a thermoplastic property, an outer cover provided on an outer surface of the structure, a buffer pad provided on an outer surface of the outer cover and having elasticity, and a finishing material provided on an outer surface of the buffer pad and configured to come into contact with a user's body. Melting points of the outer cover, the buffer pad, and the finishing material are higher than that of the structure. The finishing material has a porosity different from that of the buffer pad.

Abstract: This invention provides a novel solution for a nursing pad that is configured to provide direct access to an absorbent insert, resists slippage while worn inside a bra or a shirt, and effectively wick leaking breast fluid via an undergarment pad assembly comprising a receptacle with a pocket, at least one absorbent insert wherein the at least one absorbent insert is retained and semi-enveloped within the pocket of the receptacle, and may include at least one non-slip surface on a backside of the receptacle.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and apparatus for detecting moisture or fluid using a processing unit and a sensor pad comprising interdigitated conductive leads connected to a coupling unit. The processing unit and coupling unit may be connected wirelessly or via wires. The presence of moisture or fluid may be determined as a function of at least one aspect of the complex impedance as determined by a signal analysis unit.