Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for processing and storing acquired data relating to one or more dental conditions. The methods can include acquiring a first oral feature in a first data acquisition using a data acquisition device, determining a first oral feature first reference point from the first data acquisition, diagnosing a first dental condition upon confirming that the first oral feature first reference point is associated with the first dental condition, acquiring the first oral feature in a second data acquisition using the data acquisition device, determining a first oral feature second reference point from the second data acquisition, and tracking the progression of the first dental condition by determining a discrepancy between the first oral feature first and second reference points.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the production of a dental prosthetic moulded part, such as a partial or total prosthesis, which is produced in a multilayered manner from a generatively produced solid body model of at least one prosthetic tooth or of a prosthetic dental arch, wherein, inside, tooth neck-sided, the prosthetic teeth have a lumen, in which a dentin-hued, polymerisable composition is filled. The composition is subsequently polymerised in at least one step. The at least one prosthetic tooth with dentin-hued composition is arranged, with its cervical side, on the tooth-sided surface of the denture base and compacted. Subsequently, the partial or total prosthesis obtained is completely cured in a light curing device. The prosthetic moulded parts obtainable according to the method according to the invention are also a subject matter of the invention.

Abstract: A crown prosthesis preparing system includes a data generator and a cutting device including a retainer, a cutting mechanism, and a controller. The cutting mechanism includes a first processing tool that cuts a workpiece to form a processed workpiece, a second processing tool that polishes the processed workpiece, a driver detachably holding at least one of the first processing tool and the second processing tool and controlling its position. The controller includes a first control section causing the first processing tool to cut the workpiece retained by the retainer based on three-dimensional data, to form the processed workpiece, and a second control section causing the second processing tool to polish a surface of the processed workpiece retained by the retainer based on the three-dimensional data.

Abstract: An oral care system for a defined oral care cleaning cycle comprising a base module 100, a head module 150 comprising a toothbrush-bristle brush 165 disposed on a bristle-retaining surface of the head module, and a tail module 151. A multi-input/multi-display counter 149 is disposed on a base-module main body 110 of the main body 100. The multi-input/multi-display counter 149 independently displays first and second count-states, and includes first and second independently-operable user inputs that are respectively associated with the first and second count-states such that: (a) in response to user engagement of the first user input, the first count state is incremented or decremented; and (b) in response to user engagement of the second user input, the second count state is incremented or decremented.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with a toothbrush, in particular an electric or otherwise driven toothbrush having a rotatable head, wherein the head incorporates arrays of bristle tufts, at least some of which extend substantially radially of the axis of rotation.

Abstract: An animal splint for immobilizing a leg of an animal receives the back and sides of the injured leg and is angularly adjustable to the normal angle of the upper and lower part of the injured leg prior to sustaining the leg injury. The splint includes a lower leg assembly, an upper leg assembly, an adjustment member configured for setting the angle between the lower leg assembly and the upper leg assembly, and a leg retaining means that extends across the lower leg open front and the upper leg open front where the lower leg assembly and the upper leg assembly receives the back and sides of the injured leg.

Abstract: Described are various embodiments of surgical procedures, systems, implants, devices, tools, and methods, useful for treating pelvic conditions in a male or female, the pelvic conditions including incontinence (various forms such as fecal incontinence, stress urinary incontinence, urge incontinence, mixed incontinence, etc.), vaginal prolapse (including various forms such as enterocele, cystocele, rectocele, apical or vault prolapse, uterine descent, etc.), and other conditions caused by muscle and ligament weakness, the devices and tools including devices and tools for anchoring an implant to tissue.

Abstract: An applicator instrument for dispensing surgical fasteners includes an elongated shaft having a proximal shaft section and a distal shaft section. The proximal shaft section includes an outer sheath and the distal shaft section includes a segmented member moveable between straight and articulated configurations. A handle is secured to the proximal shaft section, and an actuator is provided on the handle that is coupled with the outer sheath. An articulation band is disposed within the outer sheath and extends from the handle to the segmented member. The articulation band has a proximal end coupled with the actuator and a distal end attached to the segmented member. The actuator is moveable in a first direction for retracting the outer sheath, exposing the segmented member, and applying tension to the articulation band for moving the segmented member into the articulated configuration.

Abstract: The disclosure is generally directed to assemblies and methods that include (1) strips or cords of material configured to lift, restrain, or hold whole body organs (e.g., of a human patient) or parts of body organs in desired positions via tissue anchors (e.g., barbs, hooks, or cones), (2) an introducer device that facilitates the introduction of such strips or cords into a patient, and (3) the process of inserting such strips or cords of material into a patient (e.g., using an introducer device).

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a system for manufacturing of vascular patches in the form pre-operative surgical planning prototypes providing optimized patient specific 3-D patch geometries. The present disclosure relates more particularly to a patch generation device for manufacturing of vascular patches in the form pre-operative surgical planning prototypes providing optimized patient-specific patch geometries, said patch generation device comprising a processing unit effectuating processing of the optimized patient-specific patch geometries.

Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to provide a low-profile stent graft which has a Type-III endoleak suppression effect, avoiding the problem with a stent graft which uses an extra-thin graft incurring enlarged needle holes or needle hole parts in a suture part. A stent graft according to the present invention comprises a proximate end, a distal end, and a lumen which is positioned between the proximate end and the distal end. The stent graft is formed by coupling a cylindrical graft to a stent with a suture. The cylindrical graft is formed from a fabric having a thickness of 10-90 ?m. The elastic modulus of the suture is 40 cN/dtex or less.

Abstract: The present embodiments provide stent-grafts. In one embodiment, a stent has proximal and distal ends, a plurality of strut segments disposed between the proximal and distal ends that enable expansion of the stent from a compressed state to a deployed state, and a series of distal apices disposed at the distal end of the stent. At least a portion of a first distal apex overlaps with graft material. First and second sutures are each coupled between a portion of the first distal apex and the graft material. The first and second sutures are positioned at different longitudinal zones that lack an axial overlap with one another.

Abstract: An endoluminal prosthesis with a main tubular body and an auxiliary body surrounding the main tubular body to create a cavity between the main tubular body and the auxiliary body. At least one dividing wall attached to the main tubular body and the auxiliary body divides the cavity into at least two chambers, one of which has an outlet opening to the exterior of the prosthesis. Each chamber is in fluid communication with the main tubular body through fenestrations in the main tubular body and with each other.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein are directed to switchable lens devices, systems, and methods that include determining relative tilt and/or vergence rotation of a subject's eyes and focusing one or more lenses based on the determined vergence rotation.

Abstract: A device for reducing heart valve regurgitation including a plug for placing between natural heart valve leaflets, the plug shaped so that, upon systole, the natural heart leaflets coapt upon the plug, a frame attached to the plug by a bridging element, for supporting the plug between the natural heart valve leaflets, the frame having at least one dimension in a plane of the heart valve annulus which is wider than the diameter of the heart valve annulus, and a plurality of anchors attached to the device, for preventing the device from being swept upstream of the heart valve annulus upon systole. Related apparatus and methods are also described.

Abstract: The invention is a method for reducing regurgitation through a mitral valve. The device and method is directed to an anchor portion for engagement with the heart wall and an expandable valve portion configured for deployment between the mitral valve leaflets. The valve portion is expandable for preventing regurgitation through the mitral valve while allowing blood to circulate through the heart. The expandable valve portion may include apertures for reducing the stagnation of blood. In a preferred configuration, the device is preferably configured to be delivered in two-stages wherein an anchor portion is first delivered and the valve structure is then coupled to the anchor portion. In yet another embodiment, the present invention provides a method of forming an anchor portion wherein a disposable jig is used to mold the anchor portion into a three-dimensional shape for conforming to a heart chamber.

Abstract: In various embodiments, provided herein are methods, devices and systems to optimize annular orientation of transcatheter valves and thereby facilitate transcatheter aortic valve replacement in the setting of challenging cardiovascular anatomy. These methods, devices and systems are used to treat patients with valvular diseases. To solve these problems, described herein is a Device to Optimize aNnUlar orientation of Transcathether valves (DONUT). DONUT can correct large differences between a native valve's anatomical dimensions and the external dimensions of a transcatheter valve stent frame.

Abstract: A heart valve prosthesis includes a downstream first axial end (6) and an upstream second axial end (8) and a stitching ring (10) extending in an arcuate manner for stitching in a blood vessel. The arcuate course of the stitching ring (10) is formed by three arcs (12) and three transition regions (14). At each end of two of the arcs (12) transition into each other. The stitching ring (10) has a movable tab (18) at at least one of the three transition regions (14). The movable tab (18) can be selectively directed toward the first axial end (6) or folded over toward the second axial end (8).

Abstract: An implantable valved stent for a patient's heart is formed by a stent supporting a cloth structure. The valved stent includes an upper mounting portion and a lower valved portion. The upper mounting portion has an upper side and a lower side supporting a plurality of hooks extending downwardly from the lower side whereby the implantable valved stent is mounted to the heart when heart tissue is captured between the hooks and the lower side. The lower valved portion extends downwardly from the upper mounting portion and includes a check valve that allows downward flow of the blood and checks upward flow of blood.

Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve includes a valve frame (2), on which a plurality of valve leaflets (8) are fixed, and a fastening area for fastening in a blood vessel, which axially adjoins the valve frame (2). A stabilizing ring (14) is arranged in the fastening area. The stabilizing ring (14) defines a predetermined shape and a predetermined diameter of the fastening area and has at least one predetermined expansion point (22), whereby it is possible to expand the stabilizing ring (14) by an action of radial force on an inner circumference.

Abstract: An implantable prosthetic valve that is radially collapsible to a collapsed configuration and radially expandable to an expanded configuration includes an annular frame including a plurality of angled strut members, and a skirt member secured to the frame. The skirt member includes a plurality of extension portions wrapped around at least one strut member adjacent the extension portions. The prosthetic valve further includes a cord member threaded through at least a portion of the plurality of extension portions to secure the skirt member to the at least one strut member.

Abstract: This invention relates to the design and function of a single-tether compressible valve replacement prosthesis which can be deployed into a beating heart without extracorporeal circulation using a transcatheter delivery system. The design as discussed combats the process of wear on anchoring tethers over time by using a plurality of stent-attached, centering tethers, which are themselves attached to a single anchoring tether, which extends through the ventricle and is anchored to a securing device located on the epicardium.

Abstract: A delivery device for a collapsible prosthetic heart valve includes an operating handle and a catheter assembly. The operating handle may include a housing defining a movement space therein, a carriage assembly moveable in a longitudinal direction within the movement space, a deployment actuator coupled to the housing and rotatable relative to the housing, and a coupling assembly rotationally fixed to the deployment actuator. The catheter assembly may include a first shaft around which a compartment is defined and a distal sheath operatively connected to the carriage assembly. Movement of the carriage assembly in the longitudinal direction in the movement space may move the distal sheath between the closed condition and the open condition. The coupling assembly may have an engaged position in which rotation of the deployment actuator moves the carriage assembly, and a disengaged position in which rotation of the deployment actuator does not move the carriage assembly.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described herein for use in the delivery and deployment of a prosthetic mitral valve. In some embodiments, after a prosthetic valve has been at least partially delivered from a delivery sheath into the left atrium of a heart, a valve positioning device can be used to engage with and position the prosthetic valve within the mitral annulus. The valve positioning device can include an alignment member configured to engage with a prosthetic valve such that the alignment member can control the distal, proximal, lateral and/or rotational movement of the prosthetic valve. The prosthetic valve can include a tether that can be inserted or threaded through the alignment member such that the alignment member can be moved along the tether into engagement with the prosthetic valve.

Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve reinforcement ring is disclosed for reinforcing a natural heart valve with leaflets. The prosthetic ring includes a ring body sized and dimensioned to fit around the annulus of the heart valve. The ring body has an inner surface with a plurality of grooves on the inner surface of the ring body, where each of grooves is configured to grasp a suture. A method of reinforcing a natural heart valve is also disclosed. Sutures are provided around an annulus of a natural heart valve with leaflets. A prosthetic ring is selected that is sized to fit around the annulus. The prosthetic ring is attached to the annulus by inserting sutures into the grooves until the leaflets are properly closed. The fit of the prosthetic ring is adjusted by individually manipulating the sutures in the grooves. The sutures are tied, securing the prosthetic ring in place.

Abstract: A venous valve with a frame and a cover on the frame for unidirectional flow of a liquid through the valve.

Abstract: A method of implanting a penile prosthetic in a patient includes opening a proximal space inside of a crus penis and a distal space inside of an external portion of a penis of the patient. An implantable penile prosthetic is provided having a cylinder and a base, with the base adapted to be coupled to a reservoir and a pump and including an inflatable bladder. Inflation of the inflatable bladder of the base with liquid from the reservoir expands an outer diameter of the base to stabilize the implantable penile prosthetic within the penis of the patient.

Abstract: A bone implant system to correct bone abnormalities and/or change bone morphology includes a bone implant and one or more bone anchors. The bone implant may be generally wedge shaped, and may be formed of one or more conjoined crescent shapes. The bone anchor slidingly engages the bone implant and the bone to provide fixation.

Abstract: Compositions comprising a cartilage sheet comprising a plurality of interconnected cartilage tiles and a biocompatible carrier are provided. Methods of manufacturing cartilage compositions comprising a cartilage sheet comprising a plurality of interconnected cartilage tiles are also provided.

Abstract: Methods for the prevention, or delayed onset or progression of, bone marrow edema or bone marrow lesion, and subchondral treatment to prevail the progression of osteoarthritis of a joint are disclosed. The methods involve treating the subchondral bone, while preserving, as much as possible, the joint's articular and cartilage surface. The methods could be performed before, during, or after an initial arthroscopic surgery to repair the joint. Associated devices and instruments for treatment of the subchondral bone are also disclosed.

Abstract: Reversed glenoid implants, and related kits and methods, are described that include an anchor member having a proximal head and a baseplate having a distal end with a first aperture sized to accept the proximal head of the anchor member. The proximal head is inserted along an un-threaded length thereof from the distal end into the first aperture, and the anchor member is restrained against axial translation with respect to the baseplate but is permitted to rotate with respect to the baseplate.

Abstract: The improved glenoid fossa prosthesis for repair of a scapular deficient patient includes a base with a fixed flange, and a separable flange. A conical taper on the base and a complimentary locator edge positively orient the separable flange when joined with the base for affixation by screw. A plurality of flange fixation screws penetrates the scapular tissue between the flanges for affixation of the flanges thereto. The flange thickness is variable to approximate the topography of the scapular tissue in the affixation area to minimize tissue trimming during fitment. A cutting mask attaches to the deficient scapula in the glenoid fossa area to guide the physician in trimming scapular tissue for fitment. A cortical screw further fixates the base to the scapular tissue. A second conical taper on the base serves as a mount for a glenoid sphere (reverse shoulder) or socket (standard shoulder) repair configuration.

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: An intervertebral implant is disclosed. The implant can be made of Titanium or alloys thereof. A kit of intervertebral implants can be included having different lordotic profiles or having no lordotic profile. The intervertebral implants of the kit have endplates with thicknesses suitable to prevent the titanium endplates from being too stiff. The intervertebral implants can have apertures that extend through the endplates, but sufficient surface area at the outer surfaces of the endplates to avoid subsidence into the respective vertebral body.

Abstract: The present invention provides a spinous process implant and associated methods. In one aspect of the invention, the implant includes a spacer that is connectable to two extensions. One of the two extensions is connectable to the spacer at a first end and coupled to the spacer by a rotational connection. The other of the two extensions is movably connectable to the second end of the spacer and translatable over the outer surface of the spacer from the second end.

Abstract: An expandable prosthetic implant for engagement between vertebrae includes a first member having a first end, a second end, a plurality of extensions and and a hollow interior portion extending from the first end to the second end, wherein the plurality of extensions extend from the first end to the second end. A second member includes a first end, a second end, a hollow interior portion extending from the first end to the second end, and a plurality of extensions extending from the second end to the first end. The plurality extensions of the first member are configured to coaxially interdigitate with the second member, and the plurality of extensions of the second member are configured to coaxially interdigitate with the first member. The first member of the implant is moveable relative to the second member along a longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A unique, universal Zero-Profile Expandable Intervertebral Spacer (ZP-EIS) device for fusion and distraction throughout the entire spine is provided which can be inserted via anterior, anterolateral, lateral, far lateral or posterior surgical approaches dependent on the need and preference. Multiple ZP-EIS embodiments each with unique mechanisms of calibrated expansion are provided. Two of these embodiments incorporate bi-directional fixating transvertebral (BDFT) screws and five other embodiments do not incorporate BDFT screws. A tool for implantation into the intervertebral device and calibrated device expansion is also disclosed.

Abstract: An expandable intervertebral fusion implant including an inferior component, a superior component arranged to telescopingly engage the inferior component, and a port arranged in the inferior or superior component. When a first material is introduced through the port, the inferior and superior components are displaced vertically. Each of the inferior and/or superior components can include telescoping components which allow the inferior and/or superior components to be expanded along the length and/or width of the implant before the inferior and superior components are displaced vertically. The expandable intervertebral fusion implant can be expanded with, and locked in place, hydraulic and/or hardenable material. Alternatively, the expandable intervertebral fusion implant can be expanded using a mechanical implement and then hardenable material can be introduced into the implant to maintain the implant in the expanded position.

Abstract: An expandable implant includes a body portion, a carriage portion, a deployment assembly, and an expandable portion. The deployment assembly and the expandable portion are attached to the carriage portion, and portions of the carriage portion are moveable out of and into the body portion. When the expandable implant is inserted into a disc space, the expandable portion is expandable to push the upper vertebral body and the lower vertebral body away from one another.

Abstract: An implant containing a structurally encoded region, the implant comprising an implant body defining adjacent first and second encoded regions, the first encoded region comprising a first series of shaped inclusions in a first pattern of relatively differing opacity figures, and the second encoded region comprising a second series of shaped inclusions in a second pattern of relatively differing opacity figures, the first and second encoded regions being disposed such that, when the first encoded region and second encoded regions are viewed by reading illumination from a position wherein the first pattern and second pattern overlap, a third pattern is revealed by the reading illumination, the third pattern being different than the first and second patterns, and comprising shape or surface characteristics representing structurally encoded data. The invention further comprises systems and methods of manufacturing, using and reading the same.

Abstract: An intervertebral implant frame that is configured to be attached to a spacer body can include a pair of arms that extend longitudinally from a support member such that the arms extend substantially around the spacer body. The arms may be configured to expand, crimp, or otherwise engage the spacer body to thereby hold the spacer body to the frame. The spacer body may be made from bone graft.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer-readable storage media, for surgical alignment using references. In one general aspect, a method includes coupling a guide to a joint, the guide defining an axis and having an outer contour formed to substantially conform to a portion of the joint. The first reference is attached at a fixed position relative to the joint. A positioning system is used to determine a position of the axis relative to the first reference, where the position of the axis is determined based upon the position of the guide while the guide is coupled to the joint. The guide is removed from the joint, and after the guide is removed from the joint, an instrument is positioned relative to the axis based on a position of a second reference relative to the first reference.

Abstract: A prosthetic foot assembly is disclosed. The assembly includes a pivoting ankle joint with a hydraulic system, a prosthetic foot connected to the distal side of the ankle joint, and, at the proximal side, the ankle joint includes a transducer with pyramid adaptor for attaching to a pylon. The ankle joint sensor provides data collection during the stance and optionally, the swing, phases of walking using, for example, strain gages and accelerometers. Also disclosed are methods for real-time feature extraction. Key parameters are captured to which are applied linear, fuzzy logic, neural net, or generic algorithms to determine current state (walking flat, uphill, downhill etc.) in real time and execute changes to the angle between the ankle and foot almost instantaneously based on those parameters.

Abstract: A walking assistance apparatus and a method of controlling the walking assistance apparatus are disclosed. The method may include measuring a movement of a hip joint of a user wearing the walking assistance apparatus and a movement of another portion of a body of the user, correcting movement information of the hip joint based on movement information of the other portion of the body, and controlling a torque to be applied to the walking assistance apparatus based on the corrected movement information of the hip joint.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of identifying a parameter of a characteristic of a muscle, and walking assistance apparatuses and method based on the method. The method of identifying a parameter of a characteristic of a muscle includes estimating a first torque of a joint based on an electromyogram (EMG) signal, estimating a second torque of the joint based on motion data, and identifying a parameter of a characteristic of a muscle associated with the joint based on the first torque and the second torque.

Abstract: A stent is disclosed, which is capable of preventing connection sections from overlapping with each other in a radial direction when a force is applied inadvertently thereto by adjusting distribution of the connection sections with respect to a direction of helix of the strut. A link portion of the stent includes connection sections provided integrally with one helical portion and other helical portions adjacent to each other, and disposed in positions overlapped with each other at least partly along an axial direction of a cylindrical shape in a state of opposing to each other, and a biodegradable material connecting connection sections by being interposed between the connection sections.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a stent, the method using a jig in which detachable protruding pins are installed at all respective location points at which circumference division lines and length division lines intersect each other, the method forming cells through intersection of wire by setting any one of the location points as a start point and repeatedly bending and moving the wire from the start point upward and downward to pass over the protruding pins located in diagonal directions, wherein a first stent woven such that intersection portions formed through the intersection of a wire are spaced apart from each other in a diagonal direction and arranged one for each length division line and a second stent woven to maintain the structural stability of the first stent and to prevent the first stent from being twisted can be provided as a single stent.

Abstract: Methods and devices for increasing flow in the left atrial appendage (LAA) include a conduit directing blood flow from a pulmonary artery into the LAA and/or a conduit drawing blood from the LAA by a Bernoulli effect. In one embodiment, a method comprises implanting a conduit in a pulmonary vein, expanding an inlet portion such that the conduit becomes anchored within the vein and directs blood through an outlet portion of the conduit into or toward the left atrial appendage.

Abstract: A biodegradable metallic vascular stent includes: a base body which is tubular with a lumen along a longitudinal axis, wherein the base body has a plurality of circumferential support structures which are successively positioned along the longitudinal axis. The circumferential support structures are each composed of a sequence of repeat units and has two or more connectors, wherein two adjacent circumferential support structures are joined together by at least one of the connectors, and each of the connectors is attached to one of arched elements in the repeat units of the two adjacent circumferential support structures to be connected. The biodegradable metallic vascular stent possesses suited radial pressure, flexibility and fatigue strength. Furthermore, the stent is design for peripheral vascular disease and coronary artery disease treatment as well.

Abstract: A safe sleeve gastrectomy reduces gastric volume of a patient's stomach as a weight loss treatment. The safe sleeve gastrectomy utilizes a safety pocket created by a surgeon to increase safety and guide division of the stomach. An instrument tunnel is created to facilitate division of the stomach into a pouch and a sectioned portion. In this manner, over or complete mobilization of the stomach is avoided. The sectioned portion may be lifted for increased visibility to facilitate its mobilization and removal from the patient.