Abstract: A total knee replacement whose bearing surfaces are derived from an anatomically representative femur and a modified baseline tibial surface. The contacting femoral and tibial bearing surfaces include the inter-condylar as well as condylar regions. The modified baseline tibial surface is generated by modifying a baseline tibial surface. For example, the baseline tibial surface can be flattened mathematically to generate the modified baseline tibial surface.

Abstract: An implant system includes a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion. The first portion includes a hydrogel. The second portion includes a porous material and the hydrogel in pores of the porous material. The third portion includes the porous material. The first portion is free of the porous material. The third portion is free of the hydrogel. Methods of making and using the implant system.

Abstract: A tibial augment for use with a knee joint prosthesis, composed of annular members of different stock sizes, each size being configured to fit within a cavity formed in a human tibia. The augment may include a stepped distal surface. A provisional (temporary) tibial augment used to ensure a proper fit for the permanent augment is also provided. The provisional may include grooves configured to cooperate with a set of ribs on a tong-like holder used for removing the provisional from the cavity. A pusher for use implanting the tibial augment is also provided. In addition, a system for creating a cavity in a human tibia is also described. The system preferably includes a guide with a slot therein and a set of osteotomes that are inserted within different portions of the slot.

Abstract: This tibial implant (2) comprises a tibial base (3) intended to be fastened to a resected proximal end of a tibia of a patient, the tibial base (3) comprising a medial bearing portion (7) and a lateral bearing portion (8); and a tibial insert (4) shaped to be mounted on the tibial base (3), the tibial insert (4) comprising a medial insert portion (17) including a concave medial bearing surface (18) intended to cooperate with a medial condyle of a femoral component or of a femur, and a lateral insert portion (19) including a concave lateral bearing surface (21) intended to cooperate with a lateral condyle of the femoral component or of the femur. The lateral insert portion (19) has, at its postero-lateral edge (24), an insert notch (26) for the passage of the tendon of the popliteus, and/or the lateral bearing portion (8) has, at its postero-lateral edge (12), a base notch (13) for the passage of the tendon of the popliteus.

Abstract: A scapholunate stabilisation implant includes a central part having an elastic deformation capacity enabling the traction movements of the implant, and two end parts having an elastic deformation capacity enabling the torsional movements of the implant, the end parts being provided with at least one hole through which the fixing screw is passed, the central part and the end parts being connected by rods that can withstand the torsional deformations of the implant.

Abstract: A flexible chain implant for insertion into an interior volume of a vertebral body. The implant may be implanted in an insertion position for sliding through a cannula and is flexible for packing into the interior volume in an implanted configuration. The implant randomly separates in the implanted configuration. The implant includes a top member and a bottom member, wherein the top and bottom members are coupled to one another at a coupled portion. The top and bottom members preferably each include an inner surface such that the inner surfaces include a plurality of alternating projections and recesses so that the projections are received within the recesses in an insertion position. Alternatively, the implant may include a plurality of substantially non-flexible bodies and a plurality of substantially flexible links interconnecting the bodies. The non-flexible bodies include a plurality of facets and/or abutment surfaces.

Abstract: An intervertebral prosthetic implant having a first endplate having a first surface configured to substantially engage with a first vertebral body and a second surface having an extension with a concave contact surface, the concave contact surface being spaced apart from the second surface. A second endplate is provided with a first surface configured to substantially engage with a second vertebral body and a second surface comprising a convex contact surface, and the second endplate having a securing element positioned along and above the second surface defining a first and second window on opposing sides of the second surface. The securing element extends along the width and length of the lower endplate and configured with an access hole. An extension portion extends from the first surface of the first endplate through the access hole of the securing element and contacts the second surface of the second endplate.

Abstract: A vertebral insert may include a first linkage, a second linkage, and a third linkage. The first, second, and third linkages may at least partially defining a cavity. The insert may be movable between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration, and the movement of the first and second linkages with respect to one another may be configured to reciprocally move the insert between the collapsed and expanded configurations.

Abstract: A unitarily formed expandable spinal implant for insertion in a disc space between two adjacent vertebrae. The unitarily formed expandable spinal implant is moveable from an unexpanded configuration to an expanded configuration, and can be manufactured by a 3-dimensional printer. The unitarily formed expandable spinal implant includes an upper portion, a lower portion, a proximal wall, a first distal wall portion, a second distal wall portion, and a separator connected by at least one point of attachment to the spinal implant. A separation tool breaks the separator free from the at least one point of attachment, and moves the separator within the implant to force expansion thereof from the unexpanded configuration to the expanded configuration.

Abstract: An oblique expanding fusion cage device including a body with a superior portion and an inferior portion. The superior portion and the inferior portion have a proximal end and a distal end. The fusion cage device also includes a pathway, an opening, and an expanding member. The pathway travels from the proximal end to the distal end of the device between the superior and inferior portions. The opening in the proximal end of the body enables access to the pathway. The expanding member may be removably inserted into the opening and is moveable toward the distal end of the body, wherein the expanding member engages the superior portion and the inferior portion as the expanding member moves distally within the pathway.

Abstract: An implant is provided for performing spinal fusion. The implant includes an implant body having a leading side and a trailing side at opposing ends along a longitudinal axis. Between the leading side and trailing side are an upper surface, a lower surface, an anterior side, and a posterior side. At least one keel structure is provided extending from the implant body for penetration into an adjacent vertebral body. A trial sizer and keel cutter may be utilized to form keel channels within the vertebral body to receive the keel structure.

Abstract: The present invention provides an expandable fusion device capable of being installed inside an intervertebral disc space to maintain normal disc spacing and restore spinal stability, thereby facilitating an intervertebral fusion. In one embodiment, the fusion device includes a central ramp, a first endplate, and a second endplate, the central ramp capable of being moved in a first direction to move the first and second endplates outwardly and into an expanded configuration. The fusion device is capable of being deployed down an endoscopic tube.

Abstract: A self-drilling bone fusion screw apparatus is disclosed which includes at least first and second sliding boxes. A first screw member having a tapered end and a threaded body is disposed within the first sliding box, and a second screw member having a tapered end and a threaded body disposed within the second sliding box. An adjuster adjusts the height of the sliding boxes. The screw members are screwed into vertebral bodies in order to fuse the vertebral bodies together. A plurality of the self-drilling bone fusion screw apparatuses may be attached together and/or integrated via a plate or cage. Also disclosed is a cervical facet staple that includes a curved staple base and at least two prongs attached to the bottom surface of the curved staple base.

Abstract: A prosthetic foot has a plate-like foot member with a core section substantially defined by one or more layers comprising a first material fiber, an upper section disposed above the core section, the upper section substantially defined by one or more layers comprising a second material fiber, and a lower section disposed below the core section, the lower section substantially defined by one or more layers comprising a third material fiber, where the upper, lower and core sections together define a total thickness of the plate-like elongate foot member. An idealized ratio of the cross sectional area of each section can be determined such that under an applied load provided to the hybrid layup, the ratio of maximum stress of a given section over the flexural strength of that given section is approximately equal for all sections of the hybrid layup. The hybrid layup arrangement can be configured to have a greater strength, but generally the same stiffness, as a similar foot member made of carbon fiber.

Abstract: A stable shock absorbing prosthetic foot that transfers energy between heel strike and toe-off. A toe plate is separated from one or more other plates by a bumper assembly located at each of the toe end and heel end of the foot. Certain embodiments of the shock absorbing foot of the present invention are designed for use with a prosthetic ankle. A torsion adapter may also be used to attach a prosthetic foot of the present invention to the remainder of a prosthesis.

Abstract: A prosthesis socket having a proximal end and a distal end, an opening at the proximal end for the insertion of a stump, a receiving device for a prosthesis component at the distal end, and at least one splint, which includes a dimensionally stable material and which, in the area of the distal end, comprises a circular receiver. The splint is embedded in a flexible matrix of plastic or silicone. The matrix of plastic or silicone forms a hollow profiled. At least one flexible and tensionally rigid limiting element is arranged on the splint.

Abstract: An apparatus including a plurality of stents is provided, each stent having a center line curving in three dimensions. The plurality of stents includes at least one stent with a center line having a right handed curvature and at least one stent with a center line having a left handed curvature.

Abstract: A prosthesis comprising a graft having a tubular body with a wall defining an external surface of the graft and a pouch. The graft further comprises a strip with at least one fenestration, wherein the strip is at least partially contained within the pouch. A window may be formed within the wall, wherein the fenestration is at least partially aligned with the window, thereby forming a channel through the fenestration and the window.

Abstract: A radially-expandable stent (20) is shaped so as to define one or more tether interfaces (50), a lower-securement portion (56), and a higher-securement portion (64). The lower-securement portion (56) extends (a) along at least a contiguous lower-securement axial segment (58) of the stent (20) and (b) circumferentially around a contiguous lower-securement circumferential portion (60) of the stent (20), which lower-securement axial segment (58) and lower-securement circumferential portion (60) include the one or more tether interfaces (50). The higher-securement portion (64) extends (a) along at least a contiguous higher-securement axial segment (65) of the stent (20) and (b) circumferentially around between 215 and 330 degrees of a circumference (C), at all circumferential locations other than those of the lower-securement circumferential portion (60).

Abstract: An implantable prosthesis can comprise a strut having a lumen, radiopaque particles within the lumen, and a polymer binder. The polymer binder retains the radiopaque particles within the lumen. The strut may have side holes through which a therapeutic agent may pass and through which the radiopaque particles are incapable of passing. The polymer binder may be absent or optional. The radiopaque particles can have sizes that prevent them from escaping out of the lumen through the side holes. The radiopaque particles placed within the lumen can improve visualization of the prosthesis during an implantation procedure.

Abstract: Controlled deployable medical devices that are retained inside a body passage and in one particular application to vascular devices used in repairing arterial dilations, e.g., aneurysms. Such devices can be adjusted during deployment, thereby allowing at least one of a longitudinal or radial re-positioning, resulting in precise alignment of the device to an implant target site.

Abstract: This invention gives physicians in situ control to create differences in wall porosity between different areas of a stent wall. This enables a physician to customize the stent within a blood vessel to selectively block blood flow to an aneurysm with a low-porosity area of the stent wall, but allow blood flow to nearby branching vessels through one or more high-porosity areas of the stent wall. The method comprises inserting a stent into a blood vessel and, in situ, expanding the stent in a non-uniform manner, thereby causing one or more areas of the stent wall to have a lower post-expansion porosity than the rest of the stent wall. With this invention, physicians can selectively block blood flow into an aneurysm while maintaining blood flow into nearby branching vessels, even in tortuous and complex vessel configurations.

Abstract: A medical device includes a polymer scaffold crimped to a catheter having an expansion balloon. The scaffold, after being deployed by the balloon, provides a crush recovery of about 90% after the diameter of the scaffold has been pinched or crushed by 50%. The scaffold has a pattern including an asymmetric closed cell connecting links connecting the closed cells.

Abstract: A system for implanting a prosthesis includes a prosthesis delivery device having a handle, an inner lumen, a nose cone, an intermediate lumen, a prosthesis sheath at the distal end of the intermediate lumen for holding therein a prosthesis to be implanted, and an outer lumen fixedly connected to the handle. The system can include a lumen control assembly operable to move the intermediate lumen with the prosthesis sheath between a retracted position and an extended position.

Abstract: The ankle brace includes a calf body defining lateral and medial frontal sides spaced by a frontal opening, and first and second straps depending from the first and second frontal sides of the calf body, respectively. The first and second straps are arranged to extend juxtaposed across the opening and secure to the second and first frontal sides, respectively. The brace also includes opposed lateral and medial ankle struts pivotally attached to the calf body, and a footplate connected to the ankle struts. The medial ankle strut has greater rigidity than the lateral ankle strut. The calf body medial section has greater rigidity than the calf body lateral section.

Abstract: A care unit can include a base member and a plurality of petal members. Each petal member can extend from a first end, engaged with the base member, to a second end, spaced from the base member. Inward-facing surfaces of at least two petal members and the base member can collectively define a cavity for receiving at least a portion of the patient. The care unit can further include one or both of a therapy component, configured to provide a treatment to the patient, or a sensor component, configured to monitor a condition of the patient. The therapy component can be coupled to, or integrated with, one or both of the base member or a petal member and can include an optical light source, a thermal energy source, an oxygen or air source, a sound wave source, a sound wave-cancelling source, or a pulsating source, for example.

Abstract: A stoma guard for ostomy patients that is applied directly to the ostomy pouch. The guard prevents blunt force trauma, helps the user conceal protruded stoma and protects against daily impacts that can harm stoma region. The stoma guard has no sharp corners to prevent leakage and to increase maneuverability. The stoma guard is comprised of a rigid semi circular dome shaped guard and a crescent shaped applicator that secures the guard directly to the ostomy pouch. The guard has a convex shape facing outward that protects the stoma area once secured to the ostomy pouch. The stoma guard is sized to conform around the upper part of the ostomy pouch where the stoma is located. The stoma guard includes an opening at the base permitting flow of waste material. The stoma guard does not need to be removed when emptying waste from the ostomy pouch.

Abstract: An articulation aid with seats for upper and lower teeth for positioning between the upper central incisors and the lower central incisors respectively, or upper lateral incisors to lower lateral incisors as the case may be resulting in a generally vertical orientation of the article prizing the jaw in an open position. The slender aid permits a user or voice therapist to discern the instant position of the tongue when the user is speaking.

Abstract: A contraceptive intrauterine device having a support structure configured for transcervical implantation in a uterus, an active element coupled to the support structure, the active element having a core including copper that is at least partially coated with an outer layer including gold or gold alloy. A contraceptive intrauterine device having a support structure configured for transcervical implantation in a uterus, an active element coupled to the support structure, the active element including a copper core that is at least partially plated or coated with an outer layer including gold or gold alloy, wherein the copper core is configured to release copper ions after the device is implanted in a uterus, and wherein the gold or gold alloy outer layer is configured to control the release rate of copper ions release by the core. Methods for preventing conception by implanting said contraceptive intrauterine devices.

Abstract: Systems and methods directed to the art of therapeutic thermal compression are provided. A therapeutic device capable of providing various therapeutic stimuli, including thermal energy transfer and applied pressure. The therapeutic device has a heating/cooling system, a temperature moderating system, a compression system, and a control system which controls the amount of pressure applied, the degree of temperature applied, and the duration of each application of therapeutic stimuli.

Abstract: Medical devices, systems, and methods for pain management and other applications may apply cooling with at least one probe inserted through an exposed skin surface of skin. The cooling may remodel one or more target tissues so as to effect a desired change in composition of the target tissue and/or a change in its behavior, often to interfere with transmission of pain signals along sensory nerves. Alternative embodiments may interfere with the function of motor nerves, the function of contractile muscles, and/or some other tissue included in the contractile function chain so as to inhibit muscle contraction and thereby alleviate associated pain. In some embodiments, other sources of pain such as components of the spine (optionally including herniated disks) may be treated.

Abstract: Described is a medicament delivery device comprising a body adapted to be placed on the eye and a reservoir formed in the body containing a medicament. The body has a first surface adapted to contact at least a portion of the eye and be centered around a cornea. At least one projection is formed on the first surface. The projection includes a channel adapted to create a fluid flow path for the medicament from the reservoir to a terminal end of the projection.

Abstract: An ophthalmic shunt includes a seal or septum through which multiple injections of the therapeutic agent can be made as needed, thereby avoiding repeated injury to the sclera. The therapeutic agent is temporarily carried in a tube connected to the septum. The therapeutic agent release may be rapid or sustained over a period of time.

Abstract: A motion-compensated cutting system includes a hand-held tool body, and an actuator connected to the tool body. A shaft of the actuator is movable relative to the tool body so that a distal end of a cutting implement attached to the shaft is axially movable relative to the tool body. An optical coherence tomography system includes an optical fiber with a distal end fixed relative to the distal end of the cutting implement. The system includes a control unit that can determine a position of the distal end of the cutting implement relative to a reference surface based on input from the optical coherence tomography system. The control unit can control the cutting implement to compensate for relative motion between the tool body and the reference surface, and can maintain a predetermined depth of the distal end of the cutting implement with respect to the reference surface.

Abstract: A delivery system is disclosed which can be used to deliver an ocular implant into a target location within the eye via an ab interno procedure. In some embodiments, the implant can provide fluid communication between the anterior chamber and the suprachoroidal or supraciliary space while in an implanted state. The delivery system can include a proximal handle component and a distal delivery component. In addition, the proximal handle component can include an actuator to control the release of the implant from the delivery component into the target location in the eye.

Abstract: A device and method for applying light to the cornea of the eye as, for example, to promote crosslinking of collagen in the cornea for vision correction. The device may include a structure having form and size similar to a conventional contact lens. The structure may include an optically dispersive element such as a mass of an optically dispersive material that may be contained in a cavity of a reflective element. Light applied to the dispersive mass as, for example, by an optical fiber connected to the structure is dispersed in the structure and passes into the cornea. The patient may blink or close the eye during the procedure, which increases patient comfort and aids in maintaining hydration of the cornea.

Abstract: A tympanostomy tube for insertion into and residence in a tympanic membrane of a mammal, is disclosed. The tympanostomy tube includes a body including a first end portion, a second end portion, a central portion dispensed between the first and second end portions. An axially extending passageway has a first open end disposed adjacent the first end portion, and a second open end disposed adjacent the second end portion, and an axis extending between the first open end and second open end. The first end portion includes a relatively enlarged diameter, generally radially extending flange. The central portion includes a reduced diameter portion sized for extending through and residing in tissue of the tympanic membrane. The second end portion includes a relatively enlarged diameter second flange disposed adjacent the second end portion.

Abstract: The invention is a tympanic membrane pressure equalization tube. The tube has a distal end and a proximal end and a tube lumen. A medial flange is located at the distal end of the tube and has 2 or more retention elements and a space between each retention element. A lateral flange is located at the proximal end of the tube. The outside diameter of the medial flange is greater than the outside diameter of the lateral flange and the diameter of the medial flange is between about 2.0 and 5.0 mm and the diameter of the lateral flange is between about 1.75 mm and 4.0 mm.

Abstract: A method for repairing a perforation in a tympanic membrane comprising attaching a single patch to an undersurface of the tympanic membrane covering the perforation.

Abstract: Wound dressing articles comprising a nonwoven web comprising a plurality of fibers having grafted pendant hydrophilic groups, methods that use high energy irradiation for making a plurality of fibers having grafted pendant hydrophilic groups, useful for making wound dressing articles.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are several embodiments of a negative pressure appliance and methods of using the same in the treatment of wounds. Some embodiments are directed towards wound dressings comprising a liquid and gas permeable transmission layer, an absorbent layer for absorbing wound exudate, the absorbent layer overlying the transmission layer, a gas impermeable cover layer overlying the absorbent layer and comprising a first orifice, wherein the cover layer is moisture vapor permeable. Some embodiments are directed to improved fluidic connectors or suction adapters for connecting to a wound site, for example using softer, kink-free conformable suction adapters.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for securing to and removing adhesive tapes from substrates, e.g., delicate substrates such as skin, are described. The methods include providing an adhesive tape comprising an adhesive layer and a support layer in contact with the adhesive layer. A first adhesion level between the adhesive layer and the support layer is, or can be controlled to be, less than a second adhesion level between the adhesive layer and the substrate. The methods further include applying the adhesive tape to the substrate by contacting the adhesive layer to the substrate while the support layer remains in contact with the adhesive layer; and removing the support layer from the substrate by separating the support layer from the adhesive layer.

Abstract: A method of dispensing adhesive onto a stretched elastic strand includes applying a first volume of adhesive onto a first portion of the elastic strand, applying a second volume of adhesive onto a second portion of the elastic strand, and applying a third volume of adhesive onto a third portion of the elastic strand. The second volume is less than the first and third volumes. When the elastic strand is adhesively secured to a substrate to form a personal disposable hygiene product, the first and third portions of the elastic strand define opposing ends of the elastic strand, which are adhered with a larger amount of adhesive capable of limiting movement of the strand at the opposing ends, thereby maintaining the integrity of the bond between the substrate and the elastic strand.

Abstract: The present invention provides machinery used to create products (for instance disposable products). The machinery is operated at high speed, with the machine occupying a small footprint. Materials can be fed into the manufacturing process vertically (from above or below), using assembly stations to feed completed components into the system at appropriate stations. Additionally, restocking of raw components can be accomplished by robotic means of transferring the raw material from staging areas into infeeding or splicing stations, without the need for human operators.

Abstract: A sensor system for detecting a property of or within an absorbent article may comprise an absorbent article and an auxiliary article. The absorbent article may comprise a garment facing layer and an absorbent assembly. The auxiliary article may comprise a sensor. The sensor may be oriented externally adjacent the garment facing layer when the auxiliary article is fitted over the absorbent article. The sensor may not be physically attached to the absorbent article. The sensor may be configured to sense a change in condition within the absorbent article.

Abstract: The subject of the invention is a wound care article for extraction and control of wound fluids, comprising at least one first fluid-absorbing structure (1; 10; 36), which is surrounded by a liquid-permeable, first enclosure (2), and a liquid-permeable, second enclosure (3) comprising two enclosing surfaces (13.1, 13.2). The wound care article is thus characterized in that the first enclosure (2) is covered or supported on at least one of its flat sides (4.1, 4.2) by at least one fluid-absorbing material layer (6.1, 6.2; 6.3), which is arranged (FIG. 1a) between the first enclosure (2) and one of the enclosing surfaces (13.1, 13.2) of the second enclosure (3).

Abstract: In one embodiment, an array of packages may comprise two or more different sizes of disposable absorbent articles. The Product Length-to-Waist Silhouette of a second absorbent article may be equal to or less than a Product Length-to-Waist Silhouette of a first absorbent article. And the Product Length-to-Waist Silhouette of a third absorbent article may be equal to or less than a Product Length-to-Waist Silhouette of a second absorbent article. And, an Array Average Product Length-to-Waist Silhouette of first and second packages of the array may be from about 1.1 to about 0.3. In another embodiment, a disposable absorbent article may have a Product Length-to-Waist Silhouette from 1.0 to about 0.3.

Abstract: A disposable diaper includes: a first inflected unit formed in an absorber and extending along a product widthwise direction; a second inflected unit formed in the absorber, extending along the product widthwise direction, and positioned towards a rear waistline unit from the first inflected unit; and a crotch unit formed between the first inflected unit and the second inflected unit. The size of the crotch unit along the product longitudinal direction is 30 mm or more and 150 mm or less in the natural state of the disposable diaper.

Abstract: Described here are body liners and methods for treating accidental bowel leakage using one or more body liners. The body liners may be formed from one or more liner layers and in some instances may comprise one or more adhesive regions to connect the body liners to the skin of a wearer. The body liners may be configured to absorb fluid, and may selectively distribute fluid relative to the body liner.

Abstract: A seated vehicle comprises a frame, one or more first wheels at a first position relative to the frame, one or more second wheels at a second position relative to the frame, and a wheel-positioning system. The wheel-positioning system includes one or more arms pivotally coupled to the frame, and an adjustment mechanism operatively coupled to a first position of the one or more arms. The one or more first wheels are operatively coupled to a second position of the one or more arms. The adjustment mechanism moves the one or more arms between a first position and a second position so that the one or more first wheels are in a first position relative to the one or more second wheels when the one or more arms are in the first position and are in a second position relative to the one or more second wheels when the one or more arms are in the second position.