Abstract: Provided is a joint mechanism including two spur gears and; a support member that supports the two spur gears and so as to be rotatable about two joint shafts and that are disposed in a skew-lines positional relationship with a space between each other; and a rotational-force transmitting mechanism that transmits a rotational force between the spur gears and, wherein the rotational-force transmitting mechanism is provided with a transmission member formed of a rigid piece that is supported so as to be movable only in a direction parallel to a line of intersection between planes and that are respectively orthogonal to the two joint shafts and cam mechanisms or linkage mechanisms that are disposed between the transmission member and the two spur gears and, respectively, and that convert rotational motions of the spur gears and to a linear motion of the transmission member.

Abstract: Various exemplary methods, systems, and devices for controlling a motor of a robotic surgical system are provided.

Abstract: An envelope for housing a medical device includes a body including first and second panels connected to one another along an edge thereof to define an interior space sized and shaped to house a medical device sealed within a packet and a first opening arrangement including a perforation extending about the body along the first and second panels to define a break portion breakable from a remaining portion of the body to open the envelope along with a second opening arrangement including a tab extending from a portion of the body such that pulling the tab in a direction away from the body tears a portion of the perforation extending along the first panel to open the envelope.

Abstract: An ophthalmic illumination apparatus can include a body sized and shaped for grasping by a user. The apparatus can also include a cannula coupled to the body and configured to be positioned within an eye of a patient. The apparatus can further include a first optical fiber disposed within the cannula. The first optical fiber can be configured to transmit light having a first angular profile. The apparatus can also include a second optical fiber disposed within the cannula. The second optical fiber is configured to transmit light having a second angular profile. A method of surgical illumination can include illuminating an eye of a patient with light having a first angular profile. The method can also include illuminating the eye of the patient with light having a second angular profile. The different angular profiles can be transmitted by different optical fibers disposed within a cannula positioned within the eye.

Abstract: An apparatus, device, methods, computer program product, and system are described that provide a graphical illustration of a first possible outcome of a use of a treatment parameter with respect to at least one body portion, the first possible outcome based on at least one dataset associated with at least one predictive basis, and apply a filter criteria to the at least one dataset to provide a modified graphical illustration of a second possible outcome of the use of the treatment parameter.

Abstract: A laser patterning apparatus for a three-dimensional object includes a laser generator, a beam expander configured to adjust a size of a laser beam generated by the laser generator, a dynamic focusing module configured to adjust a z-axis focus position of the laser beam passing through the beam expander, a scan head configured to adjust x- and y-axis focus position of the laser beam passing through the beam expander, a shape recognizer configured to recognize a shape of a three-dimensional object, and a controller configured to extract x-, y-, and z-axis data of the three-dimensional object and to control the scan head and the dynamic focusing module, in order to pattern the three-dimensional object with the laser beam.

Abstract: A shield is disclosed for protecting a user from radiation emitted during X-ray imaging. The shield includes a lead layer for absorbing the radiation. The shield comprises first and second opposing flaps configured to position a first portion of the shield around an upper part of the user's head in a deployed configuration, whereby the portion, a component having first and second ends that are attached to the first and second opposing flaps, respectively, wherein the component is adapted to expand to enable the first portion of the shield to adjust to fit around the upper part of the user's head, and third and fourth opposing flaps configured to position a second portion of the shield around a lower part of the user's head.

Abstract: A system and method for providing a surgery table or bed adapted to encapsulate a patient to provide a sterile environment during surgery. The apparatus is configured to include an enclosure that is filled with an inert and sterile gas prior to surgery. The patient is accessed through internally extending gloves for use by the surgical staff.

Abstract: A heat sterizable, independent dental water supply apparatus has a hand piece control head and a water supply container removably connected to the control head. The apparatus in connectible with a dental, hand piece, an air source and a controller such as a dental foot pedal. In use, the apparatus supplies sterile irrigation water at the hand piece under the control of a dental practitioner. The apparatus is particularly useful of oral surgeons, prosthodontists and other dental specialists. Methods of making and using the apparatus are also disclosed.

Abstract: A dental water jet provides a pressurized water stream for cleaning gums and teeth. The embodiment includes a base unit defining a cavity. The cavity contains a pump, which may move pressurized water from a reservoir to a tip in fluid communication with the pump. A flow control knob may be turned to selectively adjust the water pressure supplied by the tip between a minimum and a maximum value. Fluid may flow from the reservoir and ultimately into the tip to provide oral irrigation and/or cleaning of the teeth, gums, and tongue.

Abstract: The invention concerns a dental surgery device (1), comprising a punching member (15) having a cutting end part (16) suitable for removal of tissue on a jaw bone of a patient, and a guiding sleeve (7) for guiding the punching member (15) during a punching operation. The guiding sleeve (7) has a first side (8) intended to face away from the jaw bone and a second side (9) intended to face towards the jaw bone during a punching operation, and a guiding through-hole (101) extends from the first side (8) to the second side (9). The punching member (15) is adapted to fit into the guiding through-hole (101) such as to allow guidance by the guiding sleeve (7) when the punching member (15) is moved in an axial direction through the guiding through-hole (101).

Abstract: A dental implant site preparation tool (10) includes a shaft (12) and a working end (14). The working end includes a cutting surface (16) that includes cutting features. The working end (14) also includes a substantially smooth tip (18) that may have a convex shape. A method of preparing a dental implant site includes working the tool (10) so as to create a shape that matches that of an implant.

Abstract: A pen-like dispenser for dispensing a dental material has a handle and a cover which are attached for rotation relative to each other about a longitudinal axis of the dispenser, and a cartridge for holding the dental material and a screw plunger for extruding the dental material from the cartridge by screwing action. The cartridge and the cover in combination form a rotary slide valve which is operable by rotation about the longitudinal axis between a storage position, in which the cover closes a dispensing outlet of the cartridge, and a dispensing position, in which an opening in the cover opens the dispensing outlet of the cartridge. A relative rotation between the screw plunger and the handle about the longitudinal axis is restricted, and a relative rotation between the cartridge and the cover about the longitudinal axis is enabled within a predetermined rotation angle and restricted otherwise.

Abstract: Cheek and lip expansion devices including an upper frame portion configured to extend about an upper dental arch, and a lower frame portion configured to extend about a lower dental arch. The upper and lower frame portions may each include first and second side members, each with anterior and posterior regions. An upper connecting member may extend between the anterior regions of the upper side members. A lower connecting member may extend between the anterior regions of the lower side members. The posterior regions of the upper and lower side members on respective sides of the frame are joined to one another to form a bendable radius that resists bending at a distinct point. The bendable radius on opposed sides permits the frame to be collapsed top to bottom. The frame may be collapsible side-to-side. A posterior crossbar may be provided extending between the posterior regions of the side members.

Abstract: An inclined abutment for a cemented prosthesis in dental implantology. The abutment has a supragingival portion having a substantially truncated-cone shape with an elliptical base and having a longitudinal axis, an emergence surface coinciding with the elliptical base of the supragingival portion, and a transmucosal portion which has an elliptical base coinciding with the emergence surface and a longitudinal axis which ends at the apex with an antirotational connection for the insertion of the abutment in use. The volume of the supragingival portion remains essentially constant upon variation of the angle defined by the longitudinal axis of the supragingival portion and the longitudinal axis of the transmucosal portion, when the dimensions of the emergence surface and the height of the supragingival portion remain unchanged with respect to the longitudinal axis thereof.

Abstract: Anatomical healing abutments, kits and methods for promoting healing of gingival tissue around a subgingival void of a given tooth position. The abutment includes a cuff body having an anatomical subgingival portion extending from an implant end to the gingival margin of the patient, and an emergent crown portion extending occlusally from the subgingival portion beyond the gingival margin. A directional alignment body may be disposed on the cuff body and configured to extend bucally beyond an outer perimeter of the cuff body when the cuff body is anatomically aligned relative to the void. The subgingival portion has an asymmetric cross-section and is occlusally flared to anatomically fill the void and support gingival tissue around the void to minimize slump of tissue into the void. The crown portion has a mesial-distal width that spans a width of the gingival margin and an occlusal height to extend beyond the gingival margin.

Abstract: The invention relates to an occlusion determination device (10), with a bite frame (34) and an extraoral bracket (12) which are connected together, wherein a reference element has at least one vertical leg (19, 21) and at least one horizontal leg (14, 16) and is connected by way of a bipupillar linkage (24) to the bite frame (34). The reference element is designed as an extraoral bracket (12) which extends vertically offset from the bite frame (34).

Abstract: Improved dental models for use in dental procedures are provided. In one aspect, a unitary dental model of an intraoral cavity of a patient having a dental implant comprises a physical surface representative of gingival tissue of the patient. The model can comprise a channel shaped and oriented to receive an abutment corresponding to a physical abutment to be connected to the dental implant, in which the channel extends to an opening in the physical surface. The channel can comprise a first portion shaped to receive and constrain a corresponding structure of the abutment to a position and orientation and a second portion shaped to receive a fastener to couple the abutment to the unitary dental model. In many embodiments, the first portion comprises a shoulder shaped to receive the corresponding structure of the abutment in order to position the abutment along the channel.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for endodontic treatment of teeth provide effective cleaning of organic material (such as pulp and diseased tissue) from the root canal system. In an embodiment, a compressor system generates high pressure liquid (e.g., water) that flows through an orifice to produce a high-velocity collimated jet of liquid. The high-velocity jet is directed toward a surface of a tooth, for example, an exposed dentinal surface, and impingement of the jet onto the surface generates an acoustic wave that propagates throughout the tooth. The acoustic wave effectively detaches organic material from dentinal surfaces and tubules. The detached organic material is flushed from the root canal system by the liquid jet and/or by additional irrigation.

Abstract: A teeth whitening device includes a generator configured to generate a teeth whitening fluid that whitens teeth and humidified gas, a mouthpiece configured to supply the teeth whitening fluid and the humidified gas, and a coupling part that couples the generator and the mouthpiece with each other. The mouthpiece includes a first supply port through which the teeth whitening fluid is supplied, and a second supply port through which the humidified gas is supplied, the second supply port being separated from the first supply port. The mouthpiece further includes a first supply passage configured to guide the teeth whitening fluid to the first supply port, and a second supply passage configured to guide the humidified gas to the second supply port, the second supply passage being separated from the first supply passage.

Abstract: An endoscopic system for winding and inserting a mesh into an abdominal cavity of a patient is provided. The endoscopic system includes an introducer having an elongated shaft extending distally therefrom. The shaft includes a split portion that defines an opening therealong. The split portion is configured to support the mesh within the opening. A furler defining a lumen is engageable with the split portion of the shaft and configured to exert a radial force onto the mesh that is supported by the split portion. Rotation of one of the furler and introducer with respect to the other winds the mesh inside the furler to a diameter smaller than a diameter of the lumen of the furler.

Abstract: A method for mechanically capturing and removing a thrombus from a blood vessel includes advancing a guidewire into the thrombus. A self-expanding body is allowed to expand in the blood vessel, wherein the self-expanding body is fixed to a distal end portion of an elongate catheter. The self-expanding body preferably includes a tapered proximal end portion and an open distal end while in the expanded configuration. The self-expanding body forms a mesh structure adapted for allowing blood to pass therethrough. The thrombus is captured by the self-expanding body and then retrieved into an aspiration catheter. Aspiration is preferably applied during and after retrieval of the thrombus into the aspiration catheter. A thrombolytic drug may be delivered into the blood vessel before capturing and retrieving the thrombus. In preferred methods of use, the thrombus is captured and removed for reducing health problems associated with a stroke.

Abstract: The embolic protection device (10) has an expandable tubular structure supporting a filter mesh material (12). The embolic protection device is compressed to a small diameter for insertion into a patient's aorta, then expanded within the aorta with the filter mesh material positioned to allow blood to enter sidebranch vessels connected to the aorta and to prevent embolic material from entering the sidebranch vessels. The filter mesh material may be configured with waves or undulations (26) for increased surface area and/or with two layers of mesh material to provide additional protection against embolization and to prevent inadvertent occlusion of the sidebranch vessels.

Abstract: An endoscopic stent for implantation in a patient after sleeve gastrectomy or biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch or biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch comprising a stent portion, the stent portion comprising a proximal end portion, the proximal end portion defined by a length of about 50 mm to about 200 mm, an enlarged middle portion, a middle portion having an enlarged diameter relative to the proximal end portion and the distal end portion and defined by a length of about 20 mm to about 80 mm, and a distal end portion and a polymeric sleeve portion engaged to and extending distally from the distal end portion of the stent.

Abstract: A buckle useful for cortical fixation has a graft retention loop slidably affixed thereto for movement from a first position adjacent a first end of the buckle to a second position at about the midpoint of the buckle. The buckle, with a graft over the loop, is drawn up lengthwise through a bone tunnel through a tibia and then flipped sideways to rest against the surface of the bone with the loop and graft depending back into the tunnel. The sliding attachment of the loop permits flipping of the buckle minimizes the flipping distance, which is the excess amount of the loop which must be pulled free of the tunnel to allow the buckle to be flipped sideways.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for improving overall vision in patients suffering from a loss of vision in a portion of the retina (e.g., loss of central vision) by providing a dual optic intraocular lens which redirects and/or focuses light incident on the eye at oblique angles onto a peripheral retinal location. The intraocular lens can include a redirection element (e.g., a prism, a diffractive element, or an optical component with a decentered GRIN profile) configured to direct incident light along a deflected optical axis and to focus an image at a location on the peripheral retina. Optical properties of the intraocular lens can be configured to improve or reduce peripheral errors at the location on the peripheral retina. One or more surfaces of the intraocular lens can be a toric surface, a higher order aspheric surface, an aspheric Zernike surface or a Biconic Zernike surface to reduce optical errors in an image produced at a peripheral retinal location by light incident at oblique angles.

Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve (100) includes a flexible anchoring member (110) at least partially surrounding and coupled to an inner valve support (120). The device can further include a prosthetic valve (130) coupled to, mounted within, or otherwise carried by the valve support. The valve support includes a plurality of posts (122) connected circumferentially by a plurality of struts (124), where the posts extend along an axial direction generally parallel to the longitudinal axis (101) and the struts extend circumferentially around and transverse to the longitudinal axis. The posts extend an entire longitudinal height HI of the valve support 120. The device also includes one or more sealing members (140) and tissue engaging elements (170) like spikes.

Abstract: An implant and method for repairing and/or replacing functionality of a native mitral valve are in various embodiments configured to reduce or eliminate mitral regurgitation and residual mitral valve leakage. A coiled anchor with a central turn that reduces in size upon implantation is used to approximate the amount of reduction in the size and the reshaping of the native mitral annulus to reduce valve leakage. A clip can be further applied to the native valve leaflets to reduce the size of the native mitral annulus and leakage therethrough. A prosthetic heart valve can be implanted in the coiled anchor to replace and further improve functionality of the valve. In some cases, the prosthetic valve can be implanted in a clipped valve, where the clip is detached from one of the native valve leaflets to provide space for the prosthetic valve to expand.

Abstract: A transcatheter valve prosthesis includes a stent having a compressed configuration for delivery within a vasculature and an expanded configuration for deployment within a native heart valve and a prosthetic valve component disposed within and secured to the stent. A compartment is coupled to the stent, and a filtered opening into the compartment is configured to permit blood flow there-through and to trap emboli in the blood flow within the compartment.

Abstract: A stented valve including a generally tubular stent structure that has a longitudinal axis, first and second opposite ends, a plurality of commissure support structures spaced from the first and second ends and extending generally parallel to the longitudinal axis, at least one structural wire positioned between each two adjacent commissure support structures, and at least one wing portion extending from two adjacent commissure support structures and toward one of the first and second ends of the stent structure. The stented valve further includes a valve structure attached within the generally tubular stent structure to the commissure support structures.

Abstract: A device for loading a prosthesis onto a delivery system includes a first housing having a central bore. One or more actuators on the first housing may be actuated radially inward to selectively compress a discrete portion of the prosthesis disposed in the central bore.

Abstract: According to one representative embodiment, a method of treating aortic insufficiency comprises delivering a support structure to a position around the leaflets of a native heart valve. The support structure comprises an annular body defining an interior and at least one projection extending radially inwardly from the annular body. An expandable prosthetic heart valve can be advanced into the native heart valve and into the interior of the annular body. The prosthetic heart valve can be expanded into contact with the leaflets of the native valve, thereby causing the leaflets of the native valve to be frictionally secured between an inner surface of the annular body and an outer surface of the prosthetic heart valve and causing the at least one projection and a portion of one of the leaflets contacted by the at least one projection to extend into an opening of the frame of the prosthetic valve.

Abstract: A heart correction net according to the present invention is attached to an exterior of a heart. The heart correction net includes a first area that is a partial area included in a right ventricle side area of an entire area surrounding exteriors of ventricles; and a second area that is an area surrounding the first area in the right ventricle side area and a left ventricle side area. The first area in the heart correction net is configured to provide a lower contact pressure against a heart during a cardiac diastole than the second area.

Abstract: Tissue implants prepared for the repair of tissues, especially avascular tissues such as cartilage. One embodiment presents an electric potential capable of receiving and accumulating desirable factors or molecules from surrounding fluid when exposed to dynamic loading. In another embodiment the implant promotes tissue conduction by retarding, restricting and controlling cellular invasion through use of gradients until competent tissue forms. Further embodiments of the tissue implants may be formed into a multi-phasic device that provides deep tissue mechanical stimulus by conduction of mechanical and fluid forces experienced at the surface of the implant.

Abstract: The present invention is a spinal implant that can be inserted into a surgically created cavity of one or more regions of the mammalian spine. Among other things, the biocompatible implant and end cap or biocompatible implant, end cap and spacer combinations can assist with the restoration of the normal anatomic spinal alignment and spinal stability.

Abstract: A spinal insert provides for a method of spinal adjustment to adjust inter-vertebral spacing and alignment of vertebral bodies relative to a pre-determined reference line determined from measurement including but not limited to the pelvic incidence, pelvic tilt, and C7 plumb line. The device includes an upper arm and a lower arm extending outwardly from a base section defining a frame. An adjustment member is positioned between the upper arm and the lower arm. The adjustment member has a plurality of distinct lengths measured straight through a center of the adjustment member. The adjustment member is rotatable wherein an angle between the upper arm and the lower arm is selectively adjustable by rotation of the adjustment member. Spacing of vertebral endplates using a plurality of the frames described permits adjustment of the vertebral bodies to a desired angle relative to the pelvic orientation of an individual patient.

Abstract: An implant to be surgically positioned between two adjacent vertebrae made of a biocompatible material having two distinct areas of geometry—a front/anterior distracting portion and a second stabilizing back end/posterior portion. The device is inserted into the disc space on its side—in a first position—up until a point and then the device is rotated 90 degrees along a z-axis—into a second position—and then pushed the remainder of the way into the disc space. As viewed from the bottom of the device (in the second position—the position of the implant after rotation, the device is L-shaped, about L-shaped, or an angled dual leg configuration. A base member forms an angle anywhere between 30 to 150 degrees with a connected extended member.

Abstract: Embodiments herein are generally directed to spinal implants, systems, apparatuses, and components thereof that can be used in spinal fusion and/or stabilization procedures, as well as methods of installation. The spinal implants may include an intervertebral spacer and a plate member.

Abstract: A bone fusion device for insertion between bones that are to be fused together, such as, for example, the vertebrae of a spinal column. The bone fusion device comprises at least one extendable tab and one or more tab extension assemblies. Each tab extension assembly is able to be adjusted in order to individually control the extension or contraction of a side of the tab thereby enabling adjustment of the height and/or angle of the tab with respect to the body of the bone fusion device. Each tab extension assembly is able to be individually adjusted such that the side controlled by each assembly is raised or lowered until the desired tab angle is achieved. The tab is advantageously positioned and angled to correspond to the vertebrae to help brace the device until the bone has fused.

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: Systems and methods for providing deeper knee flexion capabilities. In some instances, such systems and methods include a femoral knee replacement component that includes an articular surface, a first interior surface, and a second interior surface, wherein the first and second interior surfaces run substantially parallel to each other. In some cases, the articular surface includes an anterior condylar extension that is configured to replace an anterior articular cartilage of a femur such that the anterior extension is configured to terminate adjacent to a proximal limit of the anterior articular cartilage of the femur. Other implementations are also discussed.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in spinal interbody fusion comprises, in combination, a spinal interbody fusion implant and an inserter releasably attached thereto. The implant comprises a hollow interior through which the inserter extends, the inserter having a tapered distal tip projecting exteriorly beyond the distal end of the implant to initially distract opposing tissue surfaces and to facilitate insertion of the implant into the intradiscal space between the vertebral bodies.

Abstract: An apparatus registers a patient's pelvis during surgery by establishing a patient-specific, supine pelvic reference plane. The apparatus may include an elongated support arm having three legs, at least two of which may be moveable along the arm. The first leg may contact the patient's right anterior superior iliac spines (ASIS), the second leg may contact the left ASIS, and the third leg may contact an anterior aspect of the ischium of the patient's pelvis below the acetabulum of the hip being operated on. The distances between the first leg and the second and third legs may be determined preoperatively so that the legs dock to the desired points. The apparatus may further include a direction indicator configured to point in a desired orientation for inserting an acetabular cup component in the patient's acetabulum.

Abstract: A shoulder arthroplasty system in one embodiment includes a combination device including a base portion defining a distal plane, a cavity extending proximally from the base portion, the cavity configured to receive a mounting portion of a humeral base component, a convex outer surface, the convex outer surface sized to replicate at least in part an outer bearing surface of a humeral head component, and a bore extending between the cavity and the convex outer surface, and a guide pin sized to fit within the bore.

Abstract: There is disclosed a biomechanically driven prosthetic thumb assembly. Embodiments include an H-shaped rocker and a distal ring configured to receive a user's residual thumb, the distal ring and the rocker each independently and rotatively coupled between a coupling tip and a proximal anchor plate configured for affixing to a hand strap secured to a user. The coupling tip is articulated in response to a pulling force of the H-shaped rocker. Additional embodiments include a bidirectional thumb assembly including a ring mounted upon an adjustable ring tendon that is rotatively coupled between a coupling tip and a proximal anchor plate, which is rotatively coupled with a hand strap attached to the user. Vertical movement of the residual thumb within the ring actuates the coupling tip within a vertical plane. Lateral movement of the residual thumb within the ring actuates the coupling tip within a lateral plane. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Described herein are systems and methods for a powered ankle/foot prosthesis and controller that utilizes piecewise emulated passive impedances to provide for walking at various cadences and on various slopes and for ground slope adaptive standing. A powered prosthesis using these systems and methods is capable of emulating any physical behavior provided by the healthy joint, and additionally describes a control system that utilizes the sensing and actuation system on the prosthesis to provide appropriate ankle joint impedances. Further, the control system incorporates a finite-state-based structure, and within each state, emulates the behavior of the healthy joint with strictly passive impedance functions.

Abstract: Pushing a self-expanding stent from one of its ends, during release of the stent at a stenting site in a bodily lumen, by proximal withdrawal of a surrounding sheath, can impose unacceptably high stresses on parts of the strut network of the stent. For location of stents in a bodily lumen, it is customary to equip the end annulus of a stent with radiopaque markers. The present invention involves arranging the markers so that they share with non-marker portions of the end annulus the stresses imposed in the stent by the end pushing, whereby the high stresses are shared more equally by all the struts of the stent in the end annulus.

Abstract: A stent delivery system includes a handle and an elongate catheter extending from the handle, and defining a leading end and a trailing end, and having a longitudinal axis. The elongate catheter includes an inner member, an outer member mounted about the inner member and adapted for longitudinal movement relative to the inner member from an extended position to a retracted position and a stent mounted about the inner member. The stent delivery system also includes a thumbwheel mounted to the handle and operatively connected to the outer member, and a lock member releasably mountable to the handle. The thumbwheel is adapted for rotational movement to cause corresponding movement of the outer member from the extended position to the retracted position.

Abstract: The present embodiments provide delivery systems. In one embodiment, the delivery system includes a cannula having proximal and distal regions and a lumen extending therebetween. An atraumatic tip is coupled to the proximal region of the cannula. A proximal region of a housing component is disposed at least partially within a cavity of the atraumatic tip and secured to the atraumatic tip, and a distal region of the housing component extends at least partially distally beyond the atraumatic tip. A proximal region of a trigger wire is housed within the distal region of the housing component in a delivery state.

Abstract: A method includes providing an inflatable implant formed of a flexible polymer material suitable for residence in the body. The implant includes a slit valve provided in its wall. The slit valve includes an elastomeric valve body with an open internal chamber being in fluid communication with a proximal opening of the valve, a concave section at its distal end, and a normally closed slit in a solid portion of the valve body connecting the concave section and the distal end of the valve body. An inflation tube having an injection tip with a distal end and an insertion stop is provided. The injection tip is inserted into the internal chamber of the slit valve until the insertion stop positively engages the proximal opening. Then, the implant with the inflation tube is delivered to a body cavity. Once delivered, fluid is introduced through the inflation tube and into the implant.