Abstract: A tubular mesh implant is provided for fracture fixation. The implant has a rest length between first and second opposite ends, and a central opening defining a rest inner diameter. The diameter of the central opening is reducible over a bone by elongation of the implant and securable to maintain fracture reduction. A method of setting a fractured bone comprises providing the tubular implant having a rest length and a central opening defining a rest inner diameter, introducing the fractured bone through the central opening in the implant, elongating the implant and reducing the inner diameter about the fractured bone, and securing the first and second ends of the implant to the fractured bone.

Abstract: The invention features bone screws having a threaded screw body and a screw head attached to one end of the screw body, the bone screw further including: a) an interior channel extending longitudinally through the screw head and through at least a portion of the screw body, wherein the interior channel has a width of less than 5.0 millimeters; and b) a plurality of radially-disposed delivery channels connecting the interior channel to the exterior of the screw body, each delivery channel having exterior openings. The invention further features devices that include a bone screw and a delivery manifold detachably attached to the screw head of the bone screw. In addition, the invention features methods of treating a patient having a bone defect by using a bone screw described herein.

Abstract: A surgical system including an expandable device is provided, including an inflatable body, an inner shaft and an outer shaft. The inflatable body has at least one folded segment, which are housed in a distal portion of the outer shaft. The inflatable body is tethered to a portion of the outer shaft. The inner shaft is affixed to a portion of the inflatable body, and is configured to control an axial and/or a radial inflation pattern of the folded inflatable body.

Abstract: A bone positioning guide may include a main body member, a shaft, and a bone engagement member. The shaft can be movably connected to the main body member and have the bone engagement member rotatably coupled to its distal end. The bone engagement member can have a surface configured to engage a bone. The main body member can also include a tip opposite the bone engagement member for engaging a second bone. In use, the bone engagement member may be positioned in contact with a medial side of a first metatarsal while the tip is positioned in contact with a lateral side of a different metatarsal, such as a second metatarsal. The shaft can then be moved to advance the bone engagement member toward the tip, causing realignment of the first metatarsal.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an alignment guide apparatus, system, and method. The alignment guide apparatus includes a body, a fixation insert, a guide pin, and a screw. The body may include an arm with a first end and a second end, an attachment portion at the first end, and an alignment portion at the second end. The fixation insert may be configured to pass through the attachment portion and the guide pin may be configured to pass through the alignment portion. The screw may be configured to engage the guide pin. The alignment system may include a bone plate, an alignment guide, a screw, at least one first fastener, and at least one second fastener. A method for moving a joint is also disclosed.

Abstract: A medical device including elongate probe defining proximal and distal ends and a thermally-transmissive region at its distal end, the elongate probe including a first fluid supply line in fluid communication with the thermally-transmissive region. A second fluid supply line is provided in fluid communication with the thermally-transmissive region, the second fluid supply line being connected to the elongate probe separately from the first fluid supply line. An exhaust line in fluid communication with the first and second fluid supply lines.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes an outer shaft defining a passageway. An inner shaft is disposed within the passageway and defines a lumen. An expandable structure has a first end coupled to a second end of the outer shaft and a second end coupled to a second end of the inner shaft. The expandable member defines a chamber. A delivery shaft includes a first end positioned within the passageway and a second end positioned within the chamber. The delivery shaft defines a channel configured to deliver a coolant out of an opening in the second end of the delivery shaft and into the chamber to move the expandable structure from an unexpanded configuration to an expanded configuration. A variable exhaust valve is in communication with the passageway and is configured to regulate pressure within the chamber. Systems and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a medical system, including a catheter defining an injection lumen, a chamber in fluid communication with the injection lumen, and an exhaust lumen in fluid communication with the chamber; a first temperature sensor positioned in the exhaust lumen proximal to the chamber; a second temperature sensor positioned in the chamber; and a console in electrical communication with the first and second temperature sensors, the controller modifying coolant flow through the medical device based at least in part upon a signal received from the first and second temperature sensor. The system may further include a thermally-conductive element circumscribing a substantial portion of the exhaust lumen proximal to the chamber, where the first temperature sensor is mounted to the thermally-conductive element, and the thermally-conductive element may include at least one of a braid, coil, and band.

Abstract: A catheter-based medical device including controlled refrigerant dispersion is disclosed. The device includes a fluid injection tube that carries refrigerant from a coolant supply to the distal portion of the device. A fluid dispersion unit is disposed on the distal end of the fluid tube to control the angle of distribution for refrigerant that is expelled from the fluid injection tube. Controlling the angle of distribution for the refrigerant facilitates dispersion of the fluid in a predetermined spray pattern. The disclosure further relates to cryoablation treatment systems incorporating such a catheter, and to cryoablation treatment methods for tissue treatment to address various conditions suitably treatable with cryoablation.

Abstract: Devices and methods for controlling ablation therapy are provided herein. In one embodiment, an ablation device is provided that includes an elongate body having proximal and distal ends, and an inner lumen extending therethrough. The inner lumen can be configured to receive fluid therein and to deliver fluid to the distal end of the elongate body. The device can also include an ablation element positioned at a distal end of the elongate body that is configured to heat surrounding tissue, and a heater element disposed within the inner lumen adjacent to a distal end of thereof, the heater element being configured to heat fluid flowing through the inner lumen.

Abstract: A therapeutic treatment apparatus includes a first heat transfer unit, a second heat transfer unit, a first heat generating element, a second heat generating element, a temperature acquisition unit which acquires a first temperature of the first heat generating element and a second temperature of the second heat generating element, a control unit and an electric power input unit. The control unit determines a first control value and a second control value concerning the electric power input to the first and second heat generating element based on a lower one of the first temperature and the second temperature. The electric power input unit inputs an electric power to the first and second generating element based on the first and second control value.

Abstract: A medical system for delivering treatment or therapy to a patient has a kill switch for interrupting the delivery. The kill switch, which can disrupt the delivery directly or can cause an error message to be generated that disrupts the delivery, can be activated by the operator or remotely. In an ablation catheter system, a kill switch mechanism immediately and abruptly terminates delivery of ablation treatment or therapy.

Abstract: An energy-delivery device suitable for delivery of energy to tissue includes an antenna assembly, a chamber defined about the antenna assembly, and a cable having a proximal end suitable for connection to an electrosurgical energy source. The energy-delivery device also includes a flexible, fluid-cooled shaft coupled in fluid communication with the chamber. The flexible, fluid-cooled shaft is configured to contain a length of the cable therein and adapted to remove heat along the length of the cable during delivery of energy to the antenna assembly.

Abstract: A method, system and device for shortening hair with the method including generating a plurality of laser pulses overlapping in time; focusing the laser pulses into spatially separated focal spots having a peak power density at least equal to a first threshold at which a laser induced optical breakdown phenomenon occurs in the hair and below a second threshold at which a laser induced optical breakdown phenomenon occurs in skin. Generating the plurality of laser pulses includes an act of generating the plurality of laser pulses to reach the first characteristic threshold value after a start of each corresponding laser pulse in a time span of less than half of the pulse duration; and positioning the respective at least three focal spots into respective target positions within a single hair such that only one of the plurality of laser pulses occur in each of the at least three focal spots.

Abstract: Catheter devices for ablation and removal of occlusions from blood vessels and methods of using the same are provided. Catheter devices are useful to ablate, cut, dislodge, and otherwise remove occlusions within a blood vessel that may limit or prevent proper circulation. Distal features of the catheter devices comprise arrangements of laser ablative or mechanical cutting features that generally provide enhanced surface areas and cutting functions. Spiral or helical arrangements are provided to aid in cutting operations.

Abstract: A patient support for use with a foundation frame is disclosed. The foundation frame includes a first column and a second column. The patient support includes a base beam, a leg support, and a guide. The base beam is coupleable to the foundation frame to be supported by the first column and the second column. The leg support has a first end pivotably coupled to the base beam and a second end spaced apart from the first end. The, guide is coupled to the base beam and to the second end of the leg support. The guide is configured to guide the second end of the leg support along an arcuate path when the leg support pivots relative to the base beam.

Abstract: A force transmission includes an input axle having an input axis of rotation that receives a rotational input. An input capstan is fixed to the input axle. An output capstan is fixed to a main tube bushing. The output capstan and main tube bushing have an output axis of rotation that is at an angle to the input axis of rotation. A cable couples the rotation of the input capstan to rotate the output capstan and the main tube bushing. At least one of the input capstan and the output capstan is tapered such that the overall path length of the cable remains substantially the same throughout the range of motion of the capstans.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides methods and devices for controlling movement of an end effector, and in particular for causing mimicked motion between an input tool and an end effector during a surgical procedure. In an exemplary embodiment, a surgical system is provided having a master assembly with an input tool and a slave assembly with an end effector. The master assembly and the slave assembly can be coupled together by a mechanical assembly that is configured to mechanically transfer mimicked, rather than mirrored, motion from the input tool to the end effector. A floating frame is also provided and can be utilized with the surgical system. The floating frame can have a counterbalance that allows the surgical system to “float” above a patient and provide a weightless feel to movement of the surgical system. In addition, the floating frame can provide a number of additional degrees of freedom for ease of movement of the surgical system around the patient and/or the operating room.

Abstract: A torque-limiting assembly for a surgical powertool has an input shaft and an output shaft. Two relatively rotatable parts of the assembly are configured to be locked against relative rotation by at least one shearable piece for torque transfer between the input shaft and the output shaft up to a torque limit. The assembly further comprises at least one shear off structure rotationally fixed to one of the two relatively rotatable parts for shearing off a portion of the at least one shearable piece above the torque limit so as to unlock the two relatively rotatable parts for relative rotation.

Abstract: A device for simultaneously identifying a plurality of surgical instruments or instrument groups includes a first detecting device having a first detection technology for detecting instruments and, if applicable, related instrument-specific information. The device also includes a second detecting device having a second different detection technology for detecting instruments and instrument information. Moreover, the device includes a comparing device for comparing the detection results of the two detecting devices. The comparing device outputs a positive evaluation regarding the correctness of the detected instruments if the two detection results are matching.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for providing FEA analysis of at least a portion of at least one bone in a patient, the method comprising steps of: providing at least one image of at least a portion of a bone; selecting at least a portion of the bone; automatically performing an FE analysis of the selected portion of the bone; and displaying at least one result of the FE analysis. Bone selection and display of the bone, the selected portion thereof, and the results of the FE analysis occur via a hand-held device, with processing and data storage performed remotely.

Abstract: A surgical robot comprising an articulated arm, the arm having a terminal portion comprising: a distal segment having an attachment for a surgical instrument; an intermediate segment; and a basal segment whereby the terminal portion is attached to the remainder of the arm; a first articulation between the distal segment and the intermediate segment, the first articulation permitting relative rotation of the distal segment and the intermediate segment about a first axis; and a second articulation between the intermediate segment and the basal segment, the second articulation permitting relative rotation of the intermediate segment and the basal segment about a second axis; wherein: the intermediate segment comprises a third articulation permitting relative rotation of the distal segment and the basal segment about third and fourth axes; and the first, second and third articulations are arranged such that in at least one configuration of the third articulation the first and second axes are parallel and the thir

Abstract: A surgical controlling system comprising: a location estimating means to real-time locate the 3D spatial position of surgical tools, a movement detection means and movement database in communication with the location estimating means and with a control database and controller to control the position of surgical tools. The movement database stores 3D spatial positions of the surgical tools at the present time and at at least one previous time; movement has occurred if a present position is different from a previous position. In the control database are rules identifying tool movement as allowed or restricted, selected from: most used tool rule, right or left tool rule, field of view rule, no fly zone rule, route rule, environmental rule, operator input rule, proximity rule, collision prevention rule, history-based rule, tool-dependent allowed and restricted movement rule, preferred volume zone, preferred tool, movement detection rule, tagged tool rule, and change of speed rule.

Abstract: A system and a method of controlling a surgical tool of a robotic system during autonomous movement of the surgical tool are provided. A path of movement for the surgical tool is determined. At least one acceptable orientation of the surgical tool with respect to the path is generated. The surgical tool autonomously moves along the path in the at least one acceptable orientation. Forces applied to the surgical tool are sensed. An altered orientation is identified based on the sensed forces. The surgical tool autonomously moves along the path in response to comparing the altered orientation to the at least one acceptable orientation.

Abstract: A medical drape includes a patient drape (100) and a radial drape attachment (200). The radial drape attachment can be coupled to the patient drape by way of an adhesive coupling (202). The radial drape attachment includes defines one or more fenestrations (205) or apertures through which a central line may be inserted. Some or all of the radial drape attachment (200)can be transparent or pellucid. Portions of the radial drape attachment can be opaque as well. A support layer can be configured to be absorptive, fluid impenetrable, or both. A tourniquet (1801) may be integrated with the radial drape attachment, as can one or more tool-less removal features (209). Pouches (901,902) can be added to catch fluids or hold medical implements during a procedure.

Abstract: A biopsy device includes a lateral member; a gun mount configured to support a biopsy gun, the gun mount being connected to the lateral member and movable along a first axis with respect to the lateral member, and a sensor which detects a position of the gun mount along the first axis with respect to the lateral member and generates positional data which is provided to an interface module. The gun mount can also be reconfigured in orientations which are offset in a dimension which is orthogonal to the first axis, orientations rotationally offset about the first axis or an axis parallel to the first axis. The lateral member can be in right hand and left hand orientations. Various sensors detect these reconfigurations and provide corresponding data to the interface module for additional calculations and display.

Abstract: A dental handpiece and a dental cleaning procedure are disclosed. The dental handpiece includes an inner barrel for rotatably retaining an ultrasonic insert, the inner barrel configured for contacting the ultrasonic insert with a cooling fluid in the inner barrel, a coil unit arranged and disposed to apply an alternating magnetic field to the ultrasonic insert when positioned in the inner barrel, at least one contact retention clip that contacts a drive coil of the contact unit, an outer sheath extending around at least a portion of the coil unit. The dental handpiece includes flow regions permitting steam, chemicals, and heat to flow into the inner barrel and out of the inner barrel during a sterilization technique. The dental cleaning procedure includes operating the dental handpiece and autoclaving the dental handpiece.

Abstract: A removable, thin-shell tooth positioning appliance having a plurality of tooth-clasping elements for removably engaging attachments bonded onto selected teeth, with flexible curved interconnecting elements connecting the tooth-clasping elements on nearby teeth.

Abstract: An oral appliance may be used to stabilize a subject during radiation therapy. The body of the oral appliance may be configured to be secured within the subject's mouth in an as-used position. A handle of the oral appliance may extend from the subject's mouth during use. The body may comprise a first portion configured to engage maxillary teeth, a second portion configured to engage mandibular teeth, a tongue positioning component, and/or other components. The tongue positioning component may be configured to receive the subject's tongue when the oral appliance is in the as-used position and to facilitate positioning the subject's tongue in a predetermined location and/or orientation with respect to the oral appliance when in use. One or both of the first portion or second portion may be configured to displace corresponding mandibular teeth or maxillary teeth away from the body and/or tongue positioning component in the as-used position.

Abstract: A method and system for generating a color-textured three-dimensional dental model is specific to a patient is disclosed. According to one embodiment, a three-dimensional dental model that is deficient of volumetric data for a three-dimensional anatomical landmark is obtained. A two-dimensional anatomical landmark of a two-dimensional intra-oral photograph that corresponds to the three-dimensional anatomical landmark of the three-dimensional dental model is identified. The two-dimensional intra-oral photograph is projected onto the three-dimensional dental model. The three-dimensional anatomical landmark is calculated from the projection of the two-dimensional anatomical landmark of the two-dimensional intra-oral photograph.

Abstract: A dental instrument and method for imaging the three-dimensional topography of one or more teeth in the oral cavity of an individual is provided. The instrument includes a probe insertable into the oral cavity to receive the image of these surfaces which can then be processed. Combined with the probe is an auxiliary which projects an air stream toward the surface to be imaged by the probe and acts to evaporate and remove from these surfaces a liquid film coating formed by saliva and other fluids present in the oral cavity, to render these surfaces dry and to enhance their reflectivity and in doing so, provide clearer images.

Abstract: A three-dimensional model of an object is employed to aid in navigation among a number of images of the object taken from various viewpoints. In general, an image of an object such as a digital photograph is displayed in a user interface or the like. When a user selects a point within the display that corresponds to a location on the surface of the object, another image may be identified that provides a better view of the object. In order to maintain user orientation to the subject matter while navigating to this destination viewpoint, the display may switch to a model view and a fly-over to the destination viewpoint may be animated using the model. When the destination viewpoint is reached, the display may return to an image view for further inspection, marking, or other manipulation by the user.

Abstract: Methods for obtaining data and for manufacturing a dental component and a physical dental model of at least a part of a dental structure are provided which can improve processing times and provide sufficient manufacturing accuracy. An embodiment of the method can comprise obtaining a first data record for manufacturing the dental component and a second data record for manufacturing the physical dental model. The first data record can comprise data based on a portion of a digital dental model. The second data record can comprise data based on at least the portion of the digital dental model. In this regard, the data upon which the first and second data records are based can be obtained using first and second scanning resolutions in order to improve processing times and provide sufficient accuracy.

Abstract: An axially elongate dental machining portion includes a machining region machinable by a dental machining device, and a fixing region for fixing the axially elongate dental machining portion to a holder of the dental machining device. In the fixing region is a fixing projection oriented transversely relative to a longitudinal axis. In a condition of the machining portion being mounted in the holder, the fixing projection bears against a holding nose positioned in complementary relationship on the holder. The machining region has a machinable surface which has a maximum spacing relative to the longitudinal axis, measured normal to the longitudinal axis, and the fixing projection has a maximum spacing relative to the longitudinal axis, measured normal relative to the longitudinal axis, that is greater than the maximum spacing of the machinable surface relative to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: This disclosure proposes a technique for finding and treating areas of tooth decay primarily below the gum line using protuberances provided in a length of modified dental floss. The length of modified dental floss is provided with protuberances which can be used to detect areas of tooth decay by the roughness and sensitivity felt as the length of modified dental floss glides over the area of tooth decay. Specially designed posts are used to anchor the ends of the length of modified dental floss in order to be able to apply greater force during flossing, and free up fingers that would normally have the dental floss wrapped around them, to guide the floss to the right locations for flossing.

Abstract: Embodiments are described wherein a system for brushing the teeth of a person comprises a master input device; a flexible teeth tray configured to at least partially encapsulate one or more of the teeth in a flexible substrate material, the flexible teeth tray comprising one or more vibratory transducers removably coupled to one or more brushing panels; and a controller operatively coupled to the master input device and the one or more vibratory transducers; wherein subject to an input from the master input device, the controller is configured to cause reciprocating brushing motion of the one or more brushing panels against a surface of the one or more encapsulated teeth, to clean the one or more teeth.

Abstract: An electric toothbrush comprises a toothbrush handle (1), a toothbrush rod (2) and a toothbrush head. The toothbrush head comprises a left-rotating hairbrush and a right-rotating hairbrush (3, 3?), which are oppositely and rotatably fixed on a toothbrush shaft (4). The right end of the toothbrush shall (4) is arranged in a shaft hole at the upper end of the toothbrush rod (2) and is axially positioned on the shaft hole through the right-rotating hairbrush (3?) and a shaft cap arranged at the right end of the toothbrush shaft (4); and the bristles of each of the left-rotating hairbrush and the right-rotating hairbrush (3, 3?) comprise an inner ring of bristles and an outer ring of bristles (6, 6?, 7, 7?).

Abstract: A delivery device for inserting a prosthesis to repair a muscle wall defect has platen and a handle attached to the platen. The platen is collapsible to a reduced configuration. A prosthesis is formed with a pocket to receive the platen and can be maneuvered in to position with the handle. After the prosthesis is secured, the platen is removed.

Abstract: An implant, insertion tool, combinations, and associated methods, that involve placement of a self-fixating tip at tissue of the pelvic region, wherein an insertion tool includes one or more of an aperture for engaging a guide and an extension guard, the method optionally allowing for initial placement of a self-fixating tip at tissue of the pelvic region and adjustment of the location of the self-fixating tip. A threading guide is provided to assist in threading the guide through the aperture. An anchor also provided to with a retaining member to retain the anchor in tissue.

Abstract: A packaging assembly for storing a bioprosthetic heart valve without a liquid preservative solution is provided. The packaging system includes a holder, a cage, a storage tray and an insert sized to provide a cap over the cavity of the storage tray. The holder comprises a shaft and an engagement structure configured for removably attaching a bioprosthetic heart valve. The cage comprises an upper end, the cage configured to at least partially enclose the bioprosthetic heart valve. The storage tray comprises a cavity for housing the cage. The insert comprises a slot having a closed central end and an open outer periphery, the shaft of the holder being non-rotatably retained at the closed central end. The insert defines a flat, generally planar disc comprising at least one of outward projections and flow passages. The packaging assembly does not comprise a liquid preservative solution.

Abstract: Ureteral stents include a tubular body defining a lumen and have (i) a distal kidney section to be placed in or near a patient's kidney, (ii) a proximal bladder section to be placed within or near the patient's bladder, and (iii) a ureter section between the distal and proximal sections to be placed within the patient's ureter. A first anti-migration feature may be provided at the proximal bladder section and may include one or more projections extending outward from the tubular body. The first anti-migration feature may extend less than a total length of the proximal bladder section, and may be configured to not enter the patient's bladder. Furthermore, a second anti-migration feature may be provided at the distal kidney section, the proximal bladder section, or both.

Abstract: Devices and methods for fixating a graft tendon in a bone tunnel for a ligament reconstruction or repair procedure are provided. In general, the described implantable tissue fixation device includes first and second elongate, substantially rigid support members that are discrete elements separated from each other, and at least one flexible member connecting the rigid support members. The tissue fixation device can have changeable dimensions such that it has at least one dimension that is smaller in a delivery configuration than in a deployed configuration. In both delivery and deployed configurations, the first and second rigid support members are positioned in a non-intersecting orientation with respect to one another. A graft retention loop coupled to the tissue fixation device has the graft tendon coupled thereto and extending into the bone tunnel so as affix the graft into the bone.

Abstract: A method of corneal lenslet implantation with a cross-linked cornea is disclosed herein.

Abstract: The invention provides an intra ocular lens assembly comprising an intra ocular lens structure (IOL) for placement in the capsular bag and securing the IOL in an opening in an anterior part of a capsular bag, with an anterior capsular bag flap surrounding said opening, and a secondary intraocular lens (S-IOL) comprising fixing parts for attaching said S-IOL to said IOL.

Abstract: Heart valve prostheses are provided having a self-expanding frame that supports a valve body comprising a skirt and a plurality of coapting leaflets. The leaflets are constructed with four commissure points to reduce the stress and strain applied to the commissure points and to efficiently distribute and transmit forces along the leaflets and to the frame.

Abstract: Devices and methods to enhance the implantation, retrievability, or repositionability are provided. Embodiments of devices include pivotable sections providing the ability to maintain the device's engagement with a delivery system during implantation where the deliver system approaches an opening of the septum at an angle. Embodiments of devices also include configurations that allow for improved retrieval into a delivery system in the event that a malfunction or a problem with the patients physiology is detected.

Abstract: Described embodiments are directed toward centrally-opening leaflet prosthetic valve devices having a leaflet frame and a non-sewn mechanically coupled leaflet. The described leaflet frames have projections that are configured to couple with apertures located within the leaflet attachment region of a leaflet. Some embodiments are further directed toward pulmonary valved conduits incorporating such leaflet and leaflet frame constructs. Methods of making and using such prosthetic valve devices are also described amongst others.

Abstract: A crimping tool and method for reducing an external dimension of a compressible prosthetic device, the crimping tool comprising a first member comprising a first control surface collapsible between a first state and a second state, the first member having a first open end configured for introducing the prosthetic device when the first control surface is in the first state, and a second open end configured for allowing locking of the prosthetic device when introduced into the first member; an engagement portion that moves the first control surface from the first state to the second state; and an actuator portion for moving the first member along the longitudinal axis allowing the engagement portion to interact with the first member.

Abstract: A system for replacing a deficient native aortic valve includes an implantable prosthetic valve having a self-expandable frame and a valve assembly formed with three valve leaflets. The self-expandable frame includes a plurality of support beams, each support beam having a plurality of preformed bores for allowing the valve assembly to be anchored to the frame at least in part by stitching that extends through the leaflets and through the preformed bores of the support beams. The system also includes a restriction tube adapted for insertion into a patient's body. The prosthetic valve is capable of being crimped for insertion into the restriction tube and capable of self-expansion upon release from the restriction tube for deployment in the deficient native aortic valve.

Abstract: A method comprises implanting an aortic ring externally on the outer surface and around the aortic root to form a closed-perimeter flexible structure only around the subvalvular region externally of the aortic root, generally adjacent the nadir portion of the valve annulus and below the attachment points of the coronary arteries; and constraining the aortic root with the closed-perimeter structure to an anatomically representative geometry that improves coaptation of the leaflet free margins in the diastolic phase of the cardiac cycle.