Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve includes a collapsible and expandable stent extending from an inflow end to an outflow end and a plurality of prosthetic valve leaflets coupled to the stent. The prosthetic heart valve may also include a sealing ring coupled to the inflow end of the stent, the sealing ring comprising a tube extending circumferentially around the inflow end of the stent. The tube may be formed from a wire coiled into a repeating shape, such as a rectangle or a diamond, so that the tube is collapsible. A covering may at least partially surround the tube. The sealing ring may include a first filler positioned within the tube and/or a second filler positioned between the tube and the covering.

Abstract: Systems and methods for modifying a heart valve annulus in a minimally invasive surgical procedure. A helical anchor is provided, having a memory set to a coiled shape or state. The helical anchor is further configured to self-revert from a substantially straight state to the coiled state. The helical anchor is loaded within a needle that constrains the helical anchor to the substantially straight state. The needle is delivered to the valve annulus and inserted into tissue of the annulus. The helical anchor is then deployed from the needle (e.g., the needle is retracted from over the helical anchor). Once deployed, the helical anchor self-transitions toward the coiled shape, cinching engaged tissue of the valve annulus.

Abstract: Catheter based systems and methods for securing tissue including the annulus of a mitral valve. The systems and methods employ catheter based techniques and devices to plicate tissue and perform an annuloplasty.

Abstract: An adjustable prosthetic anatomical holder system may include an adjustable annuloplasty ring, a ring holder, and a positioning handle. The adjustable annuloplasty ring holder facilitates placement and adjustment of the annuloplasty ring during a cardiac surgical procedure. An optional positioning handle holds the adjustable annuloplasty ring during placement and suturing of the ring. The ring holder is constructed from two members that are slidably fit together in telescopic arrangement to accommodate adjustment of the ring size.

Abstract: Devices and systems including implants (which may be removable) and methods of using them for reducing ventricular volume. The implants described herein are cardiac implants that may be inserted into a patient's heart, particularly the left ventricle. The implant may support the heart wall, or may be secured to the heart wall. The implants are typically ventricular partitioning device for partitioning the ventricle into productive and non-productive regions in order to reduce the ventricular volume.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for osteodistraction are provided. The systems and devices comprise ellipsoidal cams for providing controlled distraction of adjacent bone structures using a rotational force to produce displacement of the bone structures. An implantable distraction cam system is provided, along with instruments for achieving progressive osteodistraction with reduced risk to a patient.

Abstract: A covering for delivering a substance or material to a surgical site is provided. The covering, with substance provided therein, may be referred to as a delivery system. Generally, the covering may be a single or multi-compartment structure capable of at least partially retaining a substance provided therein until the covering is placed at a surgical site. Upon placement, the covering may facilitate transfer of the substance or surrounding materials. For example, the substance may be released (actively or passively) to the surgical site. The covering may participate in, control, or otherwise adjust, the release of the substance.

Abstract: A glenoid component for coupling to a scapula of a subject includes a body. The body includes an articulation surface adapted to articulate with a humeral component, and the body further includes a distal surface adapted to face the glenoid of the scapula. The distal surface includes a base surface portion adapted to face a first portion of the glenoid. The distal surface further includes an augmented surface portion adapted to face a second portion of the glenoid. The base surface portion and the augmented surface portion define an obtuse angle therebetween.

Abstract: An inter-vertebral disc prosthesis intended for percutaneous deployment comprises an expandable annular enclosure and an expandable nuclear enclosure. The expandable annular enclosure incorporates a reinforcing annular band along its periphery and is filled with in-situ curable rubber. The expandable nuclear enclosure is filled with a gas. The nuclear prosthesis further incorporates a novel, integrally molded sealing valve assembly and is stretchable and collapsible into a minimal profile for ease of insertion into a specially designed delivery cannula, and is inflation-assisted expandable into an inter-vertebral disc in which complete percutaneous nuclectomy has been performed.

Abstract: Spinal tissue distraction devices that include a member which has a pre-deployed configuration for insertion between tissue layers and a deployed configuration in which the member, by change of configuration, forms a support structure for separating and supporting layers of spinal tissue.

Abstract: An interbody spacer is provided including a body portion defining a longitudinal axis. The body portion includes a distal end portion, a proximal end portion, opposed side surfaces that extend between the distal and proximal end portions, and top and bottom surfaces configured and adapted to engage vertebral bodies. The interbody spacer includes first orifices defined through the top surface. The first orifices include orifices having first and second cross-sectional configurations and the first orifices are arranged in rows extending along the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: An implant for therapeutically separating bones of a joint has two endplates each having an opening through the endplate, and at least one ramped surface on a side opposite a bone engaging side. A frame is slideably connected to the endplates to enable the endplates to move relative to each other at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the implant, in sliding connection with the frame. An actuator screw is rotatably connected to the frame. A carriage forms an open area aligned with the openings in the endplates. The openings in the endplates pass through the carriage to form an unimpeded passage from bone to bone of the joint. The carriage has ramps which mate with the ramped surfaces of the endplates, wherein when the carriage is moved by rotation of the actuator screw, the endplates move closer or farther apart.

Abstract: A bone graft compaction pliers with removable inserts defines a bone graft harvesting and deployment system applicable to a wide variety of bone graft sized for use with bone anchors such as those employed in ACL repair. Cannulated bone anchors for encouraging bone regrowth employ an anchor with a axial cannulated bore and a plurality of fenestrations surrounding the bore to facilitate bone regrowth. A variety of sizes of single use inserts corresponding to a bone graft shape, or diameter, engage a single compaction pliers for forming various sized bone grafts from a single tool. A transparent transfer tube and corresponding base receives the formed bone graft for length adjustment, and engages protrusions on the recipient bone anchor for aligning the transfer tube to the anchor for disposing the bone graft into the cannulated bore of the anchor.

Abstract: The hydraulic ankle joint includes a main member having a fluid supply chamber storing a hydraulic fluid, a first pressure regulating chamber, a second pressure regulating chamber, and a space connecting the chambers. The space houses an axle element rotatably joined to the main member. The main member is rotatably mounted on a U-shaped hinge seat. An extension piece is extended radially from the circumference of the axle element. A fluid block penetrates through the main member and into the space. The extension piece and the fluid block jointly partition the space into a front chamber and a back chamber. The first and second pressure regulating chambers adjust the back and front chambers' pressure so that impact from walking may be effectively buffered. The fluid supply chamber automatically refills hydraulic fluid into the front and back chambers so as to reduce user maintenance overhead.

Abstract: A prosthetic system includes a prosthetic foot with a foot member defining a first end portion, a second end portion, and an intermediate portion defining a curvature and extending between the first and second end portions. A pump mechanism is coupled to the foot member. The pump mechanism includes a housing defining a cavity, and a membrane situated in the cavity. The pump mechanism is movable between an original configuration and an expanded configuration. A movable member includes a first portion coupled to the membrane and a second portion arranged to slidably engage the foot member. Relative movement between the first and second end portions moves the first portion of the movable member relative to the housing and slides the second portion along a length of the foot member to shift the pump mechanism between the original and expanded configurations.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for checking ceramic ball heads (3) for hip-joint prostheses which have a receiving space (8) with a conical side face with a clamping cone angle ? and a cone inlet (7) and are subjected to a pressure in order to check areas of the receiving space (8). To ensure that all the checked ball heads (3) also remain functionally ready for relevant, oblique in vivo load situations without suffering damage, it is proposed that only the area of the cone inlet (7) is subjected to a radial force perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the ball head (3).

Abstract: An intermixed particulate bioresorbable material including cathodic particles and anodic particles bound to each other, wherein the anodic and cathodic particles are made respectively of an anodic and a cathodic material, the anodic and cathodic materials forming a galvanic couple. The anodic and cathodic particles are present in a predetermined ratio and the anodic particles, cathodic particles and predetermined ratio are such that bioresorption of said stent is promoted by galvanic corrosion between said anodic and cathodic materials. Also, a medical device, such as a stent, manufactured using the bioresorbable material and a method of manufacturing the bioresorbable material and the medical device.

Abstract: An intraluminal vascular prosthesis assembly, having a hollow cylindrical body with a first end and a second end is provided. The assembly includes, at its first end, a first vascular prosthesis portion, and at its second end, a second vascular prosthesis portion which has only a prosthesis material. The vascular prosthesis assembly has a stent portion which is provided between the first vascular prosthesis portion and the second vascular prosthesis portion, the stent portion being free of prosthesis material to allow fluid flow therethrough and received within the aortic arch and spanning the brachiocephalic artery, left common carotid artery, and left subclavian artery when placed within the aortic arch of a patient.

Abstract: A flexible stent graft for deployment in a body vessel at a treatment site that includes a tubular body of graft material having circumferential crimps with alternative troughs and crests along its length, and a stent system comprising a plurality of circumferential turns which are attached at the crest.

Abstract: An endoprosthesis includes a stent structure having an elongate member longitudinal portions of which overlap to define the crossover structures. The stent structure may also include loop structures, which are contiguous with the crossover structures, through which a filament extends. A guard structure is secured to the stent structure and located adjacent to the crossover structures to obstruct displacement of the filament between the longitudinal portions of the elongate member of the crossover structures. A method for operating the endoprosthesis includes displacing the loop structures toward one another along the filament to displaced positions relative to the suture structure for reducing the respective profiles of the stent structure and patch structure.

Abstract: An implantable medical device, such as a stent, with a coating region for controlling erosion of the substrate region is disclosed.

Abstract: Medical appliances may be formed of multilayered constructs. The layers of the constructs may be configured with various physical properties or characteristics. The disposition and arrangement of each layer may be configured to create an overall construct with a combination of the individual properties of the layers. Constructs may be used to create vascular prostheses or other medical devices.

Abstract: A tool for removing non-visually, urinary tract stents placed within the urinary tract of a patient, comprising a distal end, a longitudinally-extending stem, and a handle. The distal end has a conical head with a groove for hooking a stent, stent string or similar stent configuration. The snare head may have a channel for advancing the tool through a urethra over a guide wire. The snare head has a narrow conical front end for dilating urethral strictures. The stem connects the snare head to the snare handle and is made to be flexible or bend on encountering resistance.

Abstract: A stent delivery system includes an expandable stent, a catheter, and a sheath. The expandable stent includes proximal and distal ends, and a first interlock structure. The catheter includes an elongated member having a second interlock structure displaceably arranged about an outer surface thereof for engaging the first interlock structure of the stent. The sheath is mounted on the elongated member and is positionable in a transport position in which the sheath covers the stent mounted on the elongated member and a deploy position in which the stent is exposed.

Abstract: Variable stiffness devices and methods of their use are provided. In some embodiments, a variable stiffness device comprises an inner member defining a compartment for receiving an actuating fluid; an outer member disposed around the inner member; and a granular medium disposed between the inner member and the outer member; wherein the inner member is being moveable in a radial direction from a relaxed state to an expanded state by introducing the actuating fluid into the compartment of the inner member to compress the granular medium against the outer member to increase the stiffness of the device.

Abstract: A protective shield having a tubular shape is used for protecting a wound on a limb of an animal. The protective shield includes a first sleeve half, a second sleeve half, and a hinge connecting the first and second sleeve halves for enabling the protective shield to move between open and closed positions. A first splint overlies the inner surface of said first sleeve half, and a first splint attachment strip is secured to the inner surface of the first sleeve half and extends between upper and lower ends of the first sleeve half. The first splint attachment strip has a plurality of splint mounting positions provided thereon for enabling the first splint to be secured to the first sleeve half at different locations between the upper and lower ends of the first sleeve half. A second splint overlies the inner surface of the second sleeve half, and a second splint attachment strip is secured to the inner surface of the second sleeve half and extends between upper and lower ends of the second sleeve half.

Abstract: Disclosed are computer-based systems and media for providing an interactive ostomy treatment guide, and methods of using the same, the guide comprising: a software module configured to receive ostomy assessment information, the assessment information comprising one or more of: condition of skin adjacent an ostomy, topographical location of any peristomal lesion, stoma type, pouching surface type, stoma devices present, and stoma complications; a software module configured to apply a treatment algorithm to the ostomy assessment information to generate an output; and a software module configured to display one or more ostomy management options based on the output.

Abstract: Intrauterine systems and components thereof. The systems include an intrauterine device (IUD), an insertion device or applicator for inserting the IUD into the cervix of a female patient. The insertion device includes an elongated sheath; an elongated inner member positioned within a lumen of the elongated sheath; a handle with one or more elongated guides; and a moveable sheath slider. Additionally, methods related to the insertion procedure, and methods of manufacture for the insertion device.

Abstract: A number of user interface device embodiments are disclosed that provide for increased cooling of the skin covered by the mask and/or increased flushing of gasses, including CO2, from the mask.

Abstract: An intraocular implant for placement in the eye, e.g. as part of a cataract operation or crystalline lens extraction refractive operation, has at a peripheral portion of the implant a groove which engages with the lip of a single capsulotomy only formed in the lens capsule of the eye. The implant will normally be a lens, but may instead be a bung or plug for occluding an opening made in the capsule. The groove may be a continuous groove around the periphery of the implant, or there may be a series of individual spaced-apart grooves formed as projections protruding from the periphery. Instead of a single groove, a pair of axially spaced-apart grooves may be provided, which engage with respective capsulotomies formed in an anterior and a posterior part of the capsule. The posterior groove is preferably of a smaller mean diameter than the anterior groove.

Abstract: A control arrangement for an ophthalmic surgical system for phacoemulsifying a lens wherein the system includes an aspiration line for drawing off fluid and shattered lens particles of the eye lens and a phaco handpiece having a needle. The aspiration line runs within the needle and is configured to impart ultrasonic energy to the phaco handpiece for shattering the eye lens via a longitudinal vibration of the needle. The control arrangement includes a transmitter configured to irradiate electromagnetic radiation via the aspiration line and a receiver configured to receive at least a part of the radiation; and, a control unit configured to control an absolute value of a parameter of the ophthalmic surgical system in dependence upon the amount of the received electromagnetic radiation.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention encompass systems and methods for customized vision treatments that account for effects associated with corneal flap creation.

Abstract: A machine for making absorbent sanitary articles, where each article includes components progressively positioned relative to each other and assembled along a production line. The machine includes a programmable electronic controller device having a shift register, at least one optical inspection system connected to the programmable electronic controller device, and an operator interface connected to the electronic controller. The programmable electronic controller device generates a machine sync signal, a trigger signal for activating the optical inspection system in phase with the sync signal and a shift register shift command. The optical inspection system receives the trigger signal and has a defined maximum response time which produces at least one band of uncertainty. The operator sets with the operator interface the instant of activating the shift register shift command outside the band of uncertainty and between two consecutive sync signals defining a machine step.

Abstract: A tampon pledget is made by assembling one or more pads in a pad compression configuration, radially compressing the pad compression configuration in a traverse direction into a cylindrical form, and axially compressing the cylindrical form in a direction along a vertical axis to form the tampon pledget. In one embodiment, the axial compression is performed as a pressure is applied to at least one of a first and a second end of the cylindrical form. In one aspect of the present invention, the formed tampon pledget has an absorbent capacity as measured by the syngyna test of between about 6.0 grams to 9.0 grams and a density of about 0.4603 grams/cubic centimeter. In another aspect of the invention, the formed tampon pledget has an absorbent capacity as measured by the syngyna test of between about 9.0 grams to 12.0 grams and a density of about 0.4755 grams/cubic centimeter.

Abstract: A moisture-sensitive device is provided that includes a fluid-sensitive battery. Exposure of the battery to urine or some other fluid causes the battery to provide a voltage that can be used to power a transmitter. The transmitter can then provide a wireless transmission indicative of the battery having been exposed to the fluid. This moisture-sensitive device can be provided in a diaper and transmissions produced by the device can be detected using a smart phone or other device and used to indicate to a user that the diaper has been soiled. By powering the transmitter using the fluid-sensitive battery and storing the battery in a dry state, such a device can be stored for a protracted period of time before use.

Abstract: An article having as a component a section of nonwoven web formed predominately of polymeric fibers is disclosed. The section of nonwoven web may have a pattern of consolidating bonds impressed on the surface. The bonds may have at least one bond shape; and the bond shape may have a perimeter with a greatest measurable length and greatest measurable width. The perimeter may have a convex portion and an aspect ratio of length/width of at least 2.5. Other features may be imparted relating to the density and orientations of the bonds relative machine and cross directions of the web. The bond shape reflects the shape of a corresponding bonding protrusion on a bonding roller. It is believed that the shape, density and/or orientation of the bonding protrusions affect air flow through the bonding nip in a way that may be utilized to enhance loft of the resulting bonded nonwoven web.

Abstract: An absorbent article such as disposable diaper, training pant, and adult incontinence undergarment comprising superabsorbent polymer particles able to absorb and contain body exudates having improved absorption properties and, therefore, reduce leakage, especially at the first gush, i.e. when the article starts to be wetted.

Abstract: A patient transport loading and unloading apparatus for an emergency vehicle includes at least one support configured for mounting at the access opening of the vehicle and a stationary mount. The support is deployable relative to the stationary mount between a stowed position (in which the support cannot support the patient transport apparatus) and a loading position. Further, the support is configured to remain stationary when the patient transport apparatus is loaded onto the support and while the patient transport apparatus is moved into the vehicle through the access opening.

Abstract: A power lift system and method are disclosed. In one particular exemplary embodiment, the power lift system and method may be realized as a power lift and transfer system. The power lift and transfer system may move, stow, and carry a mobility device for a user with a disability. The power lift and transfer system may further transport the mobility device in and out of a vehicle from a position adjacent to a user or on top of the vehicle to passenger or driver areas of the vehicle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a powered wheelchair for transporting a person, comprising a seat frame for supporting the person, a pair of opposing main wheel assemblies, including a first main wheel assembly and a second main wheel assembly connected to the seat frame, and a third main wheel assembly arranged spaced apart from the pair of opposing main wheel assemblies and connected to said seat frame. The powered wheelchair further comprises a support wheel arrangement for supporting the powered wheelchair, said support wheel arrangement having a main beam and a front support wheel unit capable of being applied to a ground surface. The main beam is rotatably connected to said third main wheel assembly at a third connection point and connected via a guiding mechanism to the first main wheel assembly at a first connection point.

Abstract: A method for electrically assisting with the propulsion of a rolling system comprising a driving wheel driven by an electric motor, the torque applied by the motor being a function of a propulsion torque transmitted by a user to the driving wheel, wherein the method comprises: a preliminary step of storing in memory an unknown input model representing the weighted system, which is a function of the geometry and of the mass of the weighted system, and having as output data the rotational speed of the driving wheel; a step of estimating unknown input being the total torque applied to the wheel, influencing the rotational speed, the total torque being estimated from the rotational speed by calculating the inverse model; the propulsion torque transmitted by the user being deduced from the total torque estimated on the basis of the other known torques that make up the total torque.

Abstract: A footplate structure of a wheelchair is provided. The wheelchair includes a support frame unit, a rear wheel assembly mounted on the support frame unit, a front wheel assembly mounted to the support frame unit, a seat unit arranged at a central portion of the support frame unit, a footplate unit arranged at a front end of the support frame unit, and a footplate control unit operable to control the footplate unit. With the footplate control unit set beside the footplate unit, the footplate control unit may control a footplate of the footplate unit to be in an upright position or a horizontal position so as to improve operation performance of the wheelchair.

Abstract: An adjustable bed foundation comprises an outer support structure including a head rail, a foot rail, and two parallel side rails. A first pair of cross members extends perpendicularly between the parallel side rails, while a second pair of cross members extends perpendicularly between the first pair of cross members. An articulating frame, which includes a stationary section and a rotating head section pivotally connected to the stationary section, is secured to the second pair of cross members such that the rotating head section extends towards the head rail. The adjustable bed foundation also includes a platform secured to the articulating frame. Adjustable bed assemblies are further provided and include a mattress positioned atop the platform of the adjustable bed foundation.

Abstract: An operating table base for an operating table is disclosed. The operating table base comprises at least two transport rollers that are moveable between a retracted position, in the base, and an extracted position, extending from the base. The operating table rests on at least one support element of the operating table when the rollers are in the retracted position. The operating table is movable on the transport rollers when the rollers are in the extracted position. The operating table base includes a first mechanical adjusting unit for moving the first transport roller between the retracted position and the extracted position and a second mechanical adjusting unit for moving the second transport roller between the retracted position and the extracted position. Both the first and the second adjusting units are actuatable by a first drive unit which is connected to the first and the second adjusting units via a mechanical connecting means.

Abstract: A device for attaching a digital device to a hospital bed side rail. The device includes a connector for attaching to the side rail, an arm connected to the connector, and an electronic device holder at an opposite end of the arm. The electronic device holder is configured to receive a digital device, such as a tablet, laptop computer, phone, or other electronic device. The arm is, in embodiments, articulating, flexible, rotatable, and/or otherwise configurable to allow positioning of the electronic device holder in a desired position relative to the patient. Thus, after the connector is attached to the side rail, the arm can be moved to position and support the electronic device holder relative to a patient.

Abstract: A bedpan assembly for women in post op, women confined to a bed, and generally for elderly female patients is provided. The bedpan assembly includes a bedpan tray to which a pillow is attached at a proximal end of the bedpan tray. The bedpan tray provides a funnel at its distal end that is connected to a collection bottle for urine collection. The bedpan is constructed and arranged to allow for urine flow into the bedpan tray and proceed into the collection bottle between the legs of a patient. The bedpan assembly offers greater dignity and comfort to the patient, and greater convenience and time savings for medical personnel.

Abstract: A connection system for an inner coffin and an outer coffin, the inner coffin comprising a bottom and side walls extending from the bottom, wherein the outer coffin comprises a load bearing frame construction near the bottom of the inner coffin. The load bearing frame construction comprises movable support pins embodied for insertion in openings that are provided in an inner coffin's wall near the bottom thereof, for carrying the inner coffin.

Abstract: A method and apparatus provides a body worn apparatus having a plurality of activation elements arranged in at least one bundle, and a substrate supporting the plurality of activation elements. The method also places the body worn apparatus onto the body of a person, and activates the at least one bundle.

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus for automatically lengthening a calf muscle in order to relax fatigue and tension of a calf muscle of a worker who works standing up for a long time or a woman wearing high heels. Accordingly, a calf muscle can be naturally relaxed itself by lengthening a length of the calf muscle that is tense by a repetitive and continuous damage, so that it is possible to reduce a chronic muscle unbalance and a muscular pain of a worker who works standing up for a long time or a young woman wearing high heels and it is possible to improve quality of life and work efficiency in an industrial site.

Abstract: In a hand exoskeleton device, according to a three-layered sliding spring mechanism, the motion of the device is changed by a single drive mechanism to transmit power to the metacarpophalangeal, proximal and distal interphalangeal joints of a human finger, thereby enabling support of the daily activity motions of the finger. According to the hand exoskeleton device, when compared with a conventional device, there can be realized a device which is small in size and weight and is capable of supporting the gripping motions of the human finger. The hand exoskeleton device is characterized in that the three joints of the finger can be bent and extended by the single drive mechanism and it can transmit large drive power. Further, the device body is flexible, thereby enabling safe movement.