Abstract: A mask is provided that is configured to increase the depth of focus of a patient. The mask can include an aperture configured to transmit along an optical axis substantially all visible incident light. The mask can further include a portion surrounding at least a portion of the aperture. The portion may be configured to be substantially opaque to visible electromagnetic radiation and be substantially transparent to electromagnetic radiation transmitted from an ocular examination device (e.g., substantially transparent to at least some non-visible electromagnetic radiation with a wavelength between about 750 nm and about 1500 nm).

Abstract: Accommodating intraocular lenses containing a flowable media and their methods of accommodation.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to systems and methods for performing ossicular reconstructions. An exemplary ossicular reconstruction system may include one or more adjustable prosthetic devices and micro-measuring devices. The adjustable prosthetic devices may be adjusted in terms of length, angulation, or both.

Abstract: Embodiments hereof relate methods of delivering a valve prosthesis to an annulus of a native valve of a heart. A valve delivery system is introduced into a ventricle of the heart via a ventricular wall of the heart. The valve delivery system has a displacement component at the distal portion thereof. The valve prosthesis is in a delivery configuration and the displacement component is in a delivery state in which the displacement component has a first outer diameter. While the valve prosthesis is in the delivery configuration, the displacement component of the valve delivery system is radially expanded into an expanded state in which the displacement component has a second outer diameter greater than the first outer diameter. The valve delivery system is advanced towards the annulus of the native valve of the heart with the displacement component in the expanded state to displace chordae tendineae.

Abstract: An assembly for treating a native valve in a human heart includes a prosthetic heart valve having an expandable frame and a valvular structure. The assembly also includes a tubular sleeve and a valve catheter disposed within the sleeve. A plurality of metal extension arms are coupled to the valve catheter for holding the prosthetic heart valve. The extension arms are configured to radially expand with the prosthetic heart valve during expansion of the prosthetic heart valve at a treatment site. A plurality of metal rods extend distally from the valve catheter. The rods are axially movable relative to the extension arms. A plurality of release members are provided for releasing the prosthetic heart valve from the extension arms upon movement of the metal rods.

Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve can include a valve frame having a wireform portion and a stent portion. The wireform and stent portions can be undetachably coupled together via a plurality of upright struts so as to form a one-piece prosthetic heart valve frame. Alternatively, a self-expanding wireform portion and a balloon-expandable stent portion can be coupled together via one or more leaflets and a subassembly having a flexible leaflet support stent and a sealing ring. The wireform portion can include cusps and commissures configured to support a plurality of leaflets. The prosthetic valve can be radially collapsible for minimally invasive and/or transcatheter delivery techniques. Disclosed embodiments can also provide flexion of the wireform portion (e.g., of the commissures) in response to physiologic pulsatile loading when the valve is implanted in a patient's native valve annulus. Methods of making and using prosthetic heart valves are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of treating a mitral valve without open-heart surgery is disclosed. An expandable prosthesis comprises an anchoring portion and an occluding member coupled to the anchoring portion. The prosthesis is loaded into a distal end of a delivery catheter and advanced through a femoral vein and through a pre-made puncture in an atrial septum. The occluding member is then positioned in the mitral valve and the anchoring portion is positioned in the left atrium for maintaining the occluding member between the leaflets of the mitral valve. After deployment, the occluding member prevents blood from flowing from the left ventricle to the left atrium during systole.

Abstract: Described embodiments are directed toward prosthetic heart valve leaflets of particular shapes that control bending character. In accordance with an embodiment, a prosthetic heart valve comprises a leaflet frame having a generally tubular shape with attached film. The leaflet frame defines a plurality of leaflet windows. The film defines at least one leaflet extending from each of the leaflet windows. Each leaflet attachment zone on the leaflet frame has substantially the shape of an isosceles trapezoid having two leaflet sides, a leaflet base and a leaflet free edge opposite the leaflet base. The two leaflet sides diverge from the leaflet base, wherein the leaflet base is substantially flat.

Abstract: A heart valve system, the system including a radially self-expandable tubular body, a valve, and a tubular fabric. The tubular body having an inflow end and an outflow end. The valve being coupled to the tubular body and including a plurality of valve leaflets. The valve leaflet being supported by only two beams of the plurality of beams, and connection points linking the inflow end of the tubular body and the plurality of beams. A number of connection points being equivalent to a number of the valve leaflets. Additionally, each beam of the plurality of beams being directly connected to an adjacent beam so that the plurality of beams extends the entire circumferential length of the tubular body at the outflow end.

Abstract: A heart valve system, the system including a radially self-expandable tubular body, a valve, and a tubular fabric. The tubular body having an inflow end and an outflow end and including a plurality of struts with at least one motion buffer component integrated in the tubular body. The valve being coupled to the tubular body and including a plurality of valve leaflets. The fabric being disposed over an outer surface of the tubular body and over an outer surface of the motion buffer component. Additionally, when the outflow end of the tubular body moves radially inward from movement of the valve leaflets, the motion buffer component being configured so as to not move radially inward with the outflow end of the tubular body.

Abstract: A heart valve system, the system including a radially self-expandable tubular body, a valve, and a tubular fabric. The tubular body having an inflow end and an outflow end. The valve being coupled to the tubular body and including a plurality of valve leaflets. The fabric being disposed on an outer surface of the tubular body, and the fabric having an inflow end and an outflow end. Furthermore, the outflow end of the fabric being directly connected to an outer circumferential edge of the valve.

Abstract: A heart valve system, the system including a radially self-expandable tubular body and a valve. The tubular body having an inflow end and an outflow end such that the outflow end includes a proximal section and a plurality of beams. The plurality of beams being disposed distally of the proximal section in an outflow direction. Additionally, the tubular body including struts with peaks and valleys at the inflow end of the tubular body such that the proximal section of the outflow end is disposed distally of the peaks and valleys in the outflow direction. Furthermore, the tubular body being configured such that movement of the proximal section of the outflow end radially inward causes the inflow end to flare radially outward, and an arrangement of the struts being configured such that movement of the peaks radially inward causes the valleys to flare radially outward.

Abstract: A heart valve system, the system including a radially self-expandable tubular body and a valve. The tubular body having an inflow end and an outflow end, and the tubular body including a proximal-most end at the inflow end and a distal-most end at the outflow end. The tubular body including a plurality of arched beams at the outflow end of the tubular body such that the arched beams form the distal-most end of the tubular body. Connection points linking the inflow end of the tubular body and the arched beams, a number of connection points being equivalent to a number of the valve leaflets. Each arched beam being directly attached to an adjacent arched beam such that the arched beams are continuous along the entire circumference of the tubular body at the outflow end. The valve being coupled to the tubular body and including a plurality of valve leaflets.

Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatus for methods for endovascularly replacing a patient's heart valve. The apparatus includes an expandable anchor with leaflet engagement elements on the proximal end of the anchor and a replacement valve.

Abstract: An improved holder and storage system for a tissue-type prosthetic mitral heart valve that constricts the commissure posts of the valve and prevents suture looping. A rod axially movable relative to the holder tensions lengths of attachment sutures that extend between the commissure post tips to create a tent and flex the tips inward, thus helping to prevent looping of any of an array of pre-implanted sutures around the leading tips during delivery of the valve. The holder has a safety mechanism that prevents valve delivery before the rod is deployed. One embodiment automatically deploys the rod upon opening a storage jar. One embodiment permits a delivery handle to directly deploy the rod, while another uses a separate worm screw and coupling. A holder clip that attaches to a packaging sleeve may be formed of flexible members meshed together from which the heart valve and holder are easily pulled free to eliminate a step of decoupling the clip from the sleeve.

Abstract: A valve delivery system including a valve prosthesis, a first catheter, and a second catheter. The valve prosthesis comprises a first frame and a second frame. The first frame is configured to attach to the second frame. The first frame is releasably disposable at the distal end of the first catheter. The second catheter is slidably disposable over the first catheter. The second frame is releasably disposable at a distal end of the second catheter.

Abstract: A medical device delivery system can include a dilator including a tip having a taper in a distal direction, a coupler, and a flap that radially protrudes from the tip. The flap can be configured to bend against a body lumen to cover at least a portion of the delivery system when the dilator is tracked through the body lumen. A medical device delivery system can include a dilator including a tip having a lumen and a coupler having a lumen. The coupler can be configured to securely connect to the tip such that the lumen of the tip is aligned with the lumen of the coupler to allow a guide wire to pass therethrough. Methods for loading a medical device into a delivery catheter are also disclosed.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide a prosthetic valve (e.g., prosthetic heart valve) and a valve delivery apparatus for delivery of the prosthetic valve to a native valve site via the human vasculature. The delivery apparatus is particularly suited for advancing a prosthetic heart valve through the aorta (i.e., in a retrograde approach) for replacing a diseased native aortic valve. The delivery apparatus in particular embodiments is configured to deploy a prosthetic valve from a delivery sheath in a precise and controlled manner at the target location within the body.

Abstract: A device, kit and method may employ an implantable device (e.g., annuloplasty implant) and a tool to implant such. The implantable device is positionable in a cavity of a bodily organ (e.g., a heart) and operable to constrict a bodily orifice (e.g., a mitral valve). Tissue anchors are guided into precise position by an intravascularly deployed anchor guide frame and embedded in an annulus. Constriction of the orifice may be accomplished via a variety of structures, for example by cinching a flexible cable or anchored annuloplasty ring, the cable or ring attached to the tissue anchors. The annuloplasty ring may be delivered in a generally elongated configuration, and implanted in an anchored generally arch, arcuate or annular configuration. Such may move a posterior leaflet anteriorly and an anterior leaflet posteriorly, improving leaflet coaptation to eliminate mitral regurgitation.

Abstract: An interventional curvature device for temporarily adjusting the structure of a heart during a heart valve repair procedure in order to enhance the effectiveness of the heart valve repair procedure. The curvature device is adjustable between a collapsed configuration with a profile suitable for delivery of the device to a coronary sinus and great cardiac vein of a patient, and an expanded configuration for lodging of the device at the coronary sinus and great cardiac vein. The curvature device has a distal section that anchors within the great cardiac vein, and a proximal section that anchors within the coronary sinus. A tether is coupled to the distal end of the device and extends through the device and past the proximal end. An increase in tension in the tether increases the curvature of the device.

Abstract: The present teachings generally relate to translation catheter systems and method of using thereof in treating defective mitral valves. Specifically, a translation catheter system includes a catheter configured to move substantially laterally along the mitral annulus and the lateral movement of the catheter is substantially continuous and substantially adjustable. Accordingly, a method of using such a translation catheter includes advancing a first wire across the mitral annulus at a first treatment location, delivering a catheter at or near the first treatment location, moving the catheter substantially laterally to a second treatment location, and advancing a second wire across the mitral annulus, where the distance between the first and second treatment locations is substantially adjustable and optionally visualized.

Abstract: The invention is a gauge for the reconstruction of a cusp of an aortic valve, with the gauge (10) being made from a material that can be deformed in a plastic fashion using manual force.

Abstract: A surgical implant, which in use, provides a barrier between layers of tissue such that tissue on one side of the implant does not adhere to tissue on the other side, the improvement comprising that the implant is made of suitably anatomically shaped surgically acceptable sheet material.

Abstract: Anatomically shaped augments that are configured for implantation in a bone and which have one or more reliefs. A distal end of an outer portion of the augment can have a shape that is configured to generally conform to the shape of a metaphyseal-diaphyseal junction of an intramedullary canal of a bone. A proximal end of the outer portion can have a shape that is configured to generally conform to a shape of the metaphyseal region of the intramedullary canal. The reliefs can be configured to reduce a size of the augment and enhance the degree of freedom in the implant positioning and/or sizing of the augment. Further, such reliefs may contour the augment so as to prevent cortical bone contact and/or prevent contact with the implant device that may be associated with misalignment between an intramedullary canal and metaphyseal or diaphyseal regions of the bone.

Abstract: The present disclosure pertains to ankle prostheses. In an example embodiment, the ankle prosthesis comprises an adjustable and replaceable intermediate implant that is disposed between a tibial implant and a talar implant. The intermediate implant is adjustable relative to the tibial implant and can be interlocked therewith once adjusted. Methods of using, fitting, and adjusting the device are also described. Still other embodiments are described.

Abstract: A device and method for inserting a liner into an acetabular cup. The device includes a first portion configured to engage the liner and a rim of the acetabular cup to align a pole of the liner and a pole of the cup along an axis of the device prior to insertion of the liner into the cup. The device also includes a second portion for pushing the liner into the cup. The second portion includes a guide arrangement for engaging a rim of the liner. The second portion is coupled to the first portion for movement of the second portion with respect to the first portion along said axis.

Abstract: A tibial support of an artificial knee joint, comprising a main tibial support body and a tibial support platform, wherein the main tibial support body is wing-shaped, a central axis thereof being vertical to the tibial support platform. A plurality of hollow screw holes is provided at the upper part of the main body. The tibial support platform is located above the main tibial support body. The surface of the tibial support platform is an organic polymer material layer matching a tibial liner. The hollow screw holes in the tibial support are sealed by the polymer material layer. Because a tibial support of an artificial knee joint adopts a high-biocompatibility organic polymer material, physical machining is allowed in an operation, and meanwhile, the surface corrosion of the tibial support is reduced. Hollow screw holes are sealed by means of a polymer material layer, thereby inhibiting joint liquid from entering the holes, and reducing the transportation of particles.

Abstract: An orthopaedic surgical instrument system for use during a surgical procedure to implant an orthopaedic knee prosthesis includes a tibial base trial component adapted to be positioned on a surgically-prepared proximal end of a patient's tibia and an insert component shaped to be received in an opening defined in the tibial base trial component. The insert component has a base plate and a central post extending upwardly from a superior surface of the base plate. A superior surface of the central post has a ramp surface defined therein, with the ramp surface inclining superiorly in the anterior-to-posterior direction.

Abstract: Disclosed are various apparatus and systems by which a ball and socket Joint s interposed between prosthetic medial and lateral femorotibial articulations, permitting multidirectional movement and rotation as well as weight-bearing characteristics. Some embodiments have fixed components, while others are modular or quasi-modular in nature. Modifications to traditional designs for embedding a prosthetic tibial component into a tibia are also taught.

Abstract: A prosthetic system for use as a partial unicompartmental artificial knee replacement system. In one form, an artificial femoral bearing component is implanted along with a floating meniscus component that is configured to cooperate with the femoral bearing component to move through a plurality of translational and rotational positions as the knee rotates through a variety of angles. In another form, an artificial tibial bearing component is implanted along with a floating meniscus component that is configured to cooperate with the tibial bearing component to move through a plurality of translational and rotational positions as the knee rotates through a variety of angles.

Abstract: A system for implanting an interbody device between adjacent vertebrae comprises an interbody device having a plurality of lobes extending outwardly from a longitudinal rib, and having a relaxed shape approximating the shape of the disc being replaced. An insertion guide has a bore therein from a proximal end to a distal end thereof to accept the interbody device in an unrelaxed shape. The distal end is shaped for insertion into an intervertebral space. The insertion rod may be positioned within the bore of the insertion guide whereby the interbody device is positioned within the intervertebral space by advancing the insertion rod into the insertion guide.

Abstract: A method for implantation of an intervertebral implant for fusing vertebrae is disclosed. The implant may comprise a body constructed of a radiolucent material and having a thickness between a superior and an inferior face greatest at a middle portion of the body and tapered toward each end, and two vertical through-channels extending through the body from the superior to the inferior face, the channels being spaced from one another in a way to define a wall extending between the channels from the superior to the inferior face; and at least three radiopaque markers extending substantially through the body from the superior to the inferior face and disposed in the body so as to be enclosed in the radiolucent material of the body from the superior to the inferior face to indicate implant location and size in postoperative spinal scans.

Abstract: Various embodiments of an intervertebral implant comprise a body extending longitudinally along a primary axis, a baseplate, a plurality of elongated arms having a vertebral support surface, the arms being articulated such that the implant has a folded-back position in which the arms are close to each other, and a deployed position in which the arms are moved away from each other, and expansion means between the folded-back and deployed positions, comprising at least two branches pivotably mounted relative to each other and attached to the elongated arms by guide means such that translation of the expansion means parallel to the primary axis causes pivoting of the branches and moves the arms away from each other.

Abstract: A separate nub component between the plate and an intervertebral fusion cage, wherein the nub is attached to the plate. The nub lessens the undesired pivotal movement of the plate. It is believed that when the nub fits snugly between the endplates of the adjacent vertebral bodies, it acts as a stop against the undesired pivotal movement of the plate.

Abstract: The present invention provides an intervertebral implant for implantation in a treated area of an intervertebral space between vertebral bodies of a spine. The implant includes a spacer portion having an inferior and superior surface, wherein the inferior and superior surfaces each have a contact area capable of engaging with anatomy in the treated area, and the inferior and superior surfaces define a through-hole extending through the spacer body. The present invention further provides holes extending from a side portion to the inferior and superior surfaces of the spacer portion and a plate portion rigidly coupled to the spacer portion, wherein the plate portion contains holes for receiving screws. A fastener back out prevention mechanism adapted on the plate to prevent the back out of the fasteners from the holes and to secure the spacer to the plate of the intervertebral implant.

Abstract: A vertebral body expanding device includes a bolt, a first nut, a second nut, a first supporting member, a second supporting member, a third supporting member, a fourth supporting member, a first expanding member and a second expanding member. The first nut and the second nut engage the bolt by two opposite screw threads. The first and third supporting members are pivoted to upper and lower ends of the first nut respectively, and the second and fourth supporting members are pivoted to upper end and lower ends of the second nut respectively. The first and second supporting members are pivoted to a lateral surface of the first expanding member, and the third and fourth supporting members are pivoted to a lateral surface of the second expanding member. The first and second nuts move toward or away from each other to retract or expand the first and second expanding members.

Abstract: A cage for facilitating fusion of bones, such as vertebrae, or fusion of adjacent bone surfaces is disclosed. In one form, the cage includes a plurality of spaced apart walls comprising a biodegradable polymeric material (e.g., polycaprolactone); an osteoconductive mineral coating (e.g., a calcium compound) on at least a portion of the walls; and a bioactive agent (e.g., a bone morphogenetic protein) associated with the polymeric material and/or the coating. The bioactive agent is present in amount that induces ossification between the bones or adjacent bone surfaces. The cage may also include a fixation plate connected to at least one of the walls.

Abstract: A positioning device for acetabular procedures is provided. The positioning device for acetabular procedures includes a base plate, a central pin guide hole, a first positioning hole, and a second positioning hole. The central pin guide hole is provided through a central portion of the base plate and configured for guiding a center pin to be disposed in a specific portion of an acetabulum of a patient. The first positioning hole is provided through a first edge portion of the base plate and configured for guiding a first stabilizing pin. The second positioning hole is provided through a second edge portion of the base plate and configured for guiding a second stabilizing pin. The positioning device further includes a third positioning hole provided through a third edge portion of the base plate and configured for guiding a third stabilizing pin.

Abstract: A surgical operating instrument includes a handle, a first driving shaft operably connected with the handle, a second driving shaft, and a gear assembly. The gear assembly includes a first gear member received on the first driving shaft, a second gear member slidably received on the second driving shaft, and a lever member. The lever member is operable to place the second gear member into engagement with the first gear member thereby coupling the second driving shaft with the first driving shaft to provide a first operating mode wherein the handle operates to rotate both the first and second driving shafts, and place the second gear member out of engagement with the first gear member thereby decoupling the second driving shaft from the first driving shaft to provide a second operating mode wherein the handle operates to rotate solely the first driving shaft.

Abstract: A variable gain impedance controller for use in a control system for controlling a motorized prosthetic or orthotic apparatus provided with a joint. The controller comprises a sensor input for receiving a signal indicative of an interaction between the apparatus and the ground, a torque sensor input for receiving a signal indicative of the torque at the joint, and a variable gain scheduler in communication with the sensor input to receive data therefrom thereby providing a variable torque gain. The variable gain impedance controller adjusts its control on the apparatus based on the variable torque gain and the indicated torque to increase the joint resistance to motion when the signal received from the sensor input indicates an interaction between the apparatus and the ground, and decrease the joint resistance to motion when the signal received from the sensor input indicates an absence of interaction between the apparatus and the ground.

Abstract: A foot prosthesis having a lower-leg connection part, a foot part, a connecting element with a joint function which connects the lower-leg connection part to the foot part, and a release device, which controls movement of the foot part in relation to the lower-leg connection part. The release device includes an inhibiting device that is designed in such a way that a dorsal extension motion of the foot part in relation to the lower-leg connection part in an angular range from a maximal plantar flexion position to a zero position is inhibited less intensely than a dorsal extension motion of the foot part from the zero position.

Abstract: Systems and devices for use as lower leg prosthetic devices that include a foot portion having anterior and posterior ends and a first surface having a protrusion that protrudes therefrom adjacent the posterior end of the foot portion, has a semispherical or hemispherical surface with a passage therethrough extending laterally relative to the foot portion. The systems and devices further include a toe portion pivotally coupled to the anterior end of the foot portion, and a plate portion configured to couple to an attachment device and thereby be functionally secured to a user. The plate portion has a recess configured to couple with the protrusion of the foot portion. A cylindrical rod is located within the lateral passage of the protrusion and has ends protruding therefrom on oppositely-disposed of the protrusion. The plate portion is pivotally coupled to the ends of the rod on oppositely-disposed lateral sides of the protrusion.

Abstract: A method for controlling a change of resistance in an artificial joint of an orthosis, an exoskeleton or prosthesis of a lower extremity. The artificial joint has an upper part and a lower part which are secured on each other so as to be pivotable about a pivot axis, a damper unit is secured between the upper part and the lower part in order to provide a resistance to flexion or extension of the artificial joint, and the damper unit is assigned an adjusting mechanism via which the resistance is changed when a sensor signal of a control unit assigned to the adjusting mechanism activates the adjusting mechanism. The resistance is changed as a function of the position and/or length of the measured or calculated leg tendon and/or the time derivatives thereof.

Abstract: An illustrative stent may comprise an elongated tubular member having a first end and a second end and an intermediate region disposed therebetween. The elongated tubular member may include at least one barb attached thereto. The barb may be configured to be tucked under a filament of the stent during delivery of the stent and protrude radially from the stent, when the stent is deployed.

Abstract: A stent and method of making incorporating flexible, preferably polymeric, connecting elements into the stent wherein these elements connect element(s) across an intervening space. The polymeric connecting elements are designed to fold within the space between the outer diameter of the stent and the inner diameter of the stent.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to controlled extension medical stents, and more particularly to controlled extension devices positioned in the body to stent the ureter and facilitate drainage from the kidney to the bladder.

Abstract: A stent includes a hollow wire formed into a stent pattern. The hollow wire includes an outer member, a lumen extending longitudinally within the hollow wire, at least one opening extending from an outer surface of the outer member to the lumen, and a surface area component within the hollow wire. The surface area component increases the amount of surface area available for tissue in-growth within the hollow wire. More than one surface area component may be utilized. Each surface area component may be disposed within the lumen or the at least one opening of the hollow wire. A pharmacologically or biologically active agent may be disposed within the lumen.

Abstract: A stent delivery system provided by the present application comprises: a radiopaque tip located at the distal end of the stent delivery system; a beads component comprising at least one expandable part; a funnel component comprising a distal flare structure and a proximal collapsed end, wherein the cross-section of the flare structure gradually increases from its minimum diameter to its maximum diameter along the proximal-to-distal direction; and a core wire located at the proximal end of the stent delivery system; and wherein the distal end of the beads component is fixed on the radiopaque tip and the proximal end of the beads component is fixed on the core wire; wherein the funnel component is coupled with the beads component and the core wire, and is fixed on the core wire through the collapsed end. The present application also provides a flow diversion device and an assembly method of the flow diversion device.

Abstract: A medical device retrieval system can include an elongate core member and an expandable member coupled to a distal portion of the elongate core member. The expandable member can move between collapsed and expanded states. The expandable member has an exterior having barbs positioned therealong. The expandable member can be expanded to contact and engage a portion of a medical device positioned within the vasculature of a patient in order to retrieve and remove the medical device therefrom. When the expandable member moves to the collapsed state, it can move the medical device from a higher profile configuration to a lower profile configuration to facilitate retrieval.

Abstract: A stent combined with a positioning apparatus to effectively place the stent at a precise deployment site within a narrowed vascular region such as an artery. The stent is maneuvered through the vessel and is guided by a guiding catheter up the vessel to where the narrowing is located. Upon exiting the guiding catheter and approaching the deployment site within the coronary artery, a deployment site locator expands to contact the vascular structure and, thereby, effectively position the stent at the deployment site within the narrowed vessel. This system apparatus and method is particularly useful for stent placement at an ostium (origin) of a vessel.