Abstract: A stretchable electronic device for artificial skin and a method of manufacturing the same are disclosed. The stretchable electronic device for artificial skin includes a first encapsulation layer, a heater disposed on the first encapsulation layer, a second encapsulation layer disposed on the heater, a first sensor array layer disposed on the second encapsulation layer, and a third encapsulation layer disposed on the first sensor array layer.

Abstract: Methods of adjusting an intraocular lens after implantation. In some embodiments the methods include positioning an accommodating intraocular lens within an eye, the intraocular lens comprising an optic portion in fluid communication with a peripheral chamber, wherein movement of a fluid between the peripheral chamber and the optic portion in response to ciliary muscle movement changes the optical power of the lens, and reducing a power of the intraocular lens by causing the fluid to move between the optic portion and the peripheral chamber, wherein the reduction in power of the intraocular lens is not in response to ciliary muscle movement, and wherein the positioning step occurs prior to reducing the power.

Abstract: Apparatus for regulating blood flow of a subject is provided, the apparatus comprising a prosthetic valve (20) that comprises a tubular element (22), shaped to define a lumen (23) therethrough, and a valve member (24), configured to be coupled to the tubular element (22) and to be disposed within the lumen (23). The prosthetic valve (20) has (1) a compressed configuration in which the lumen (23) has a compressed width, the valve member (24) is generally cylindrical, and the prosthetic valve (20) is configured to be percutaneously delivered into the subject, and (2) an expanded configuration in which the lumen (23) has an expanded width that is greater than the compressed width, and the valve member (24) is generally disc-shaped, is coupled to the tubular element (22), and is disposed within the lumen (23). Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: The present disclosure concerns embodiments of implantable prosthetic devices, and in particular, implantable prosthetic valves, and methods for making such devices. In one aspect, a prosthetic device includes encapsulating layers that extend over a fabric layer and secure the fabric layer to another component of the device. In particular embodiments, the prosthetic device comprises a prosthetic heart valve, and can be configured to be implanted in any of the native heart valves. In addition, the prosthetic heart valve can be, for example, a transcatheter heart valve, a surgical heart valve, or a minimally-invasive heart valve.

Abstract: An electric handle for delivering an implant is disclosed. The electric handle (1) includes an electric control unit (10), a power-driven transmission mechanism (20), a handle housing (30), an outer tube anchor (40) and an inner tube anchor (50), wherein: the electric control unit (10) is operatively coupled to the power-driven transmission mechanism (20) to actuate the power-driven transmission mechanism (20); the power-driven transmission mechanism (20) is supported within the handle housing (30) and moveable together with the outer tube anchor (40); the inner tube anchor (50) is disposed within the handle housing (30) and is configured to hold an inner tube (3) of a delivery system; and the outer tube anchor (40) is configured to hold an outer tube (2) of the delivery system and is fixed to an end of the outer tube (2). A delivery system used especially for delivery of prosthetic valves is also disclosed, including an outer tube (2), an inner tube (3), an expandable implant (4) and the electric handle (1).

Abstract: Implant apparatus and methods directed toward treating conditions involving the knee joint are disclosed. Full range of motion of the knee joint and tissue integrity are maintained in treatment approaches. In one particular approach, osteoarthritis of the knee joint is addressed by unloading one or more of the lateral and medial compartments.

Abstract: A prosthetic total knee replacement system comprises a distal femoral implant component, a tibial tray implant component and a fixed bearing tibial tray insert. The fixed bearing tibial tray insert is fixed to the tibial tray and articulates with the distal femoral implant component. The fixed bearing tibial tray insert component has a medial-lateral centerline and a stabilizing post. The stabilizing post has a medial-lateral centerline offset laterally from the medial-lateral centerline of the fixed bearing tibial tray insert.

Abstract: An orthopaedic knee prosthesis includes a femoral component which exhibits enhanced articular features, minimizes removal of healthy bone stock from the distal femur, and minimizes the impact of the prosthesis on adjacent soft tissues of the knee.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to restoring joints by deploying a resilient interpositional arthroplasty implant. Such implants function to pad cartilage defects, cushion, and replace or restore the articular surface, which may preserve joint integrity, reduce pain and improve function. The implant may endure variable joint compressive and shear forces and cyclic loads. The implant may repair, reconstruct, and regenerate joint anatomy, and thereby improve upon joint replacement alternatives. The walls of this invention may capture, distribute and hold living cells until aggregation and hyaline cartilage regrowth occurs. The implant may be deployed into debrided joint spaces, molding and conforming to surrounding structures with sufficient stability so as to enable immediate limb use after outpatient surgery. Appendages of the implant may repair or reconstruct tendons or ligaments, and menisci by interpositional inflatable or compliant polymer arthroplasties that promote anatomic joint motion.

Abstract: Methods of selecting and implanting prosthetic devices for use as a replacement meniscus are disclosed. The selection methods include a pre-implantation selection method and a during-implantation selection method. The pre-implantation selection method includes a direct geometrical matching process, a correlation parameters-based matching process, and a finite element-based matching process. The implant identified by the pre-implantation selection method is then confirmed to be a suitable implant in the during-implantation selection method. In some instances, the during-implantation selection method includes monitoring loads and/or pressures applied to the prosthetic device and/or the adjacent anatomy. In some instances, the loads and/or pressures are monitored by a trial prosthetic device comprising one or more sensors. Methods of implanting meniscus prosthetic devices are also disclosed.

Abstract: An artificial knee joint includes a femoral component (11), provided with a medial condyle (13), a lateral condyle (14) and a front flange (50). The medial condyle (13) and the lateral condyle (14) are joined together in proximity with the rear end of the intercondyle groove (19) by a femoral cam (17), and separated by the intercondyle groove (19) in the remaining part of their extension. A tibial component includes a tibial plate and a tibial insert (12). The tibial insert (12) is configured to support the medial condyle (13), and the lateral condyle (14), and is provided with a tibial post (18). The femoral cam (17) is asymmetrical and comprises a distal surface (20) shaped like a drum which articulates with the tibial post (18).

Abstract: An implant is provided for use in an ankle joint between reconditioned end surfaces established on a distal end of an upper tibia bone and an opposing lower talus bone. The implant comprises a substantially porous rigid component adapted to be anchored against the upper tibia reconditioned end surface and the lower talus reconditioned end surface. The component defining an opening therethrough. An intramedullary nail is configured to pass through the opening in the component when the nail is driven through the talus and into the tibia.

Abstract: An apparatus is designed to attach an implant to bone in a manner that permits rotational adjustment of the implant about multiple axes prior to securement via the apparatus. The apparatus includes separate rotational and translational fasteners that can be individually locked to independently restrict rotation and translation of the implant relative to the bone. The rotational fastener includes an interpositional member, an expandable engagement member, and a rotational locking member that urges the expandable engagement member to advance along the interpositional member. The resulting expansion of the engagement member causes it to engage the implant. The rotational fastener is slidable along a fixation member implanted in the bone until the translational fastener is applied to restrict relative translation between the rotational fastener and the bone.

Abstract: A method for reducing prosthetic loading failure including the steps of providing a prosthesis for a vertebral column comprising at least an upper part for attachment to an upper vertebrae and a lower part for attachment to a lower vertebrae, the upper part having a lower curved surface and the lower part having an upper curved surface, wherein the upper and lower curved surfaces have a center of radius of curvature offset rearwardly with respect to a central vertical axis through the upper and lower vertebrae, and positioning the centroid of at least one of the upper and lower parts substantially on the same vertical axis of the center of radius of curvature.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, a method of inserting a lateral implant within an intervertebral space defined between an upper vertebral member and a lower vertebral member includes creating a lateral passage through a subject in order to provide minimally invasive access to the intervertebral space, at least partially clearing out native tissue of the subject within and/or near the intervertebral space, positioning a base plate within the intervertebral space, wherein the base plate comprise an upper base plate and a lower base plate and advancing an implant between the upper base plate and the lower base plate so that the implant is urged into the intervertebral space and the upper vertebral member is distracted relative to the lower vertebral member.

Abstract: An intervertebral device comprises a plurality of struts that are rotatably associated with each adjacent strut to form a modifiable inner volume V for bone graft containment.

Abstract: Lumbar and cervical interbody or intervertebral devices for implantation between adjacent vertebrae of a spine and/or within intermediary canals of long bones are characterized by a body defining a superior end and an inferior end whose surfaces have serrations or teeth thereon forming anti-backout structures that allow implantation of the body but inhibit removal or backing out therefrom. The one-way structures may extend from the anterior end to the posterior end. The one-way structures may take different shapes but are always configured to allow insertion of the interbody device in an anterior-first manner while preventing and/or inhibiting the interbody device from backing out posteriorly. The various interbody devices may be further characterized by a body defining a cavity that is in communication with the superior and inferior ends of the body and at least one lateral side thereof via openings in the body.

Abstract: An intervertebral prosthesis includes: a body including first and second spaced apart major surfaces defining a longitudinal axis extending substantially normal to said surfaces and at least anterior and posterior sidewalls extending therebetween, the first and second major surfaces for engaging endplates of first and second vertebral bones of a spine; an aperture extending from within the body, transversely to the longitudinal axis, and opening at a major surface; an anchoring element disposed within the aperture and including a threaded shaft; and a gear disposed adjacent to and in meshed, threaded communication with the threaded shaft of the anchoring element such that rotation of the gear causes rotation of the anchoring element, and a driving rotational force on the gear causes the anchoring element to rotate, deploy from the body, and thread into a vertebral bone transverse to the longitudinal axis of the body.

Abstract: An elongate inserter has a distal end releasably connected to an expandable device for expanding body tissue and a proximal end including a trigger actuator. The expandable device comprises a superior endplate and an inferior endplate that are movable in an expansion direction relative to each other between opposing tissue surfaces of a body. The inserter includes a lifting platform comprising ramp surfaces that upon operation of the trigger actuator cooperatively engage complementary surfaces of expansion structure within the device to cause the superior and inferior endplates to move relatively away from each other. A driver is supported by the inserter for pushing an insert between the superior and inferior endplates after expansion of the device.

Abstract: A system includes a cutting guide and a cutting template. The cutting guide has a body including a plurality of sides that together define a cavity that is accessible via an opening defined by a first side of the plurality of sides. A second side of the plurality of sides defines at least two elongate slots. The second side is disposed adjacent to the first side and at a distance from an opposed third side. Each of the at least two slots is in communication with the cavity and disposed at a different location along the second side. The cutting template has a body defining at least one elongate slot. The cutting template is configured to be engaged with the cutting guide such that the at least one elongate slot of the cutting template aligns with at least one of the at least two elongate slots of the cutting guide.

Abstract: A system for cleaning bone that includes a base unit with a motor, a cleaning head with a cleaning element and a mill head with a mill element. Both the cleaning head and the mill head are designed to be coupled to the base unit. Both the cleaning element and mill element have features that facilitate their coupling to the motor. When the cleaning head is attached to the base unit, a motor in the base unit rotates the cleaning element to remove soft tissue from the bone so as to clean the bone. The mill element is placed on the base unit and the cleaned bone placed in the mill head. The actuation of the base unit motor results in the actuations of the mill element. The actuation of the mill element converts the cleaned bone into bone chips.

Abstract: A trial implant system including a trial implant configured to be temporarily inserted into an intervertebral space defined by a superior vertebral body and an inferior vertebral body is disclosed. The trial implant may include a superior plate and an inferior plate coupled to the superior plate. The superior plate may have a first mating portion that defines a first articulating interface and the inferior plate may have a second mating portion that defines a second articulating interface. The second articulating interface may be configured to interact with the first articulating interface of the superior plate such that at least one of the superior plate and the inferior plate is capable of movement relative to the other. The first and second articulating interfaces may be primary or auxiliary articulating interfaces. For example, the first and second articulating interfaces may be corresponding curved surfaces or they may be corresponding engagement features.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to the field of prosthetics, more specifically to a pinless anthropomorphic hinge or joint, and a digit comprising one or more phalanges connected by and articulating around pinless joints, whereby the joints provide compliant movement in more than one plane. This disclosure also relates to modular prosthetic systems comprising multiple digits, in particular for partial-hand replacements.

Abstract: A prosthetic attachment for a prosthetic limb. A base is attached to the prosthetic limb. The base has a magnet that is surrounded by base valleys and base peaks. An attachment piece is attached to the prosthetic attachment. The attachment piece also has a magnet that is surrounded by attachment piece valleys and attachment piece peaks. The magnetic force between the base magnet and the attachment piece magnet attracts the prosthetic attachment to the prosthetic limb so that the base peaks and valleys mates with the attachment piece peaks and valleys for a secure removable attachment. In a preferred embodiment a locking device is used to further secure the prosthetic attachment to the prosthetic limb. In a preferred embodiment the prosthetic attachment is a prosthetic hand and the prosthetic limb is a prosthetic arm.

Abstract: A stent delivery system can include a core member, a stent engagement member, and a stent. The core member can have a distal segment. The stent engagement member can have a generally tubular body positioned about the core member distal segment and can be rotatably coupled to the core member. The engagement member can include an inner layer that has a first durometer and an outer layer that has a second durometer less than the first durometer. The stent can extend along the core member distal segment such that an inner surface of the stent is engaged by the engagement member outer layer for facilitating rotation of the stent relative to the core member.

Abstract: The present invention comprises articles and methods for atraumatic removal of a chronically implanted medical device, such as a vascular graft. Specifically, the invention comprises a thin, lubricious and durable tubular cover that aids in protecting the indwelling implant during implantation while also acting as an atraumatic removal aid.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating obesity and reflux disease of an obese patient has a volume filling device to be invaginated by a stomach wall portion with the outer surface of the volume filling device resting against the stomach wall, such that the volume of the food cavity is reduced in size by a volume substantially exceeding the volume of the volume filling device. An implantable movement restriction device to be invaginated by the stomach fundus wall has an outer surface to be rested against the stomach wall in a position between the patient's diaphragm and the lower part of the invaginated stomach fundus wall, such that movement of the cardiac notch of the patient's stomach towards the patient's diaphragm is restricted, to thereby prevent the cardia from sliding through the patient's diaphragm opening into the patient's thorax.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a support device for a gastrointestinal implant. The support device may include a lumen configured to extend through a submucosal tunnel and a mouth located at a proximal end of the lumen and in fluid communication with the lumen. The mouth may be configured to face proximally within a gastrointestinal tract to receive GI contents, and the mouth may be configured to direct the GI contents into the lumen. The support device may further include a support structure, where the lumen extends through the support structure, and where the support structure is configured to apply an outward radial force on an inner wall of the gastrointestinal tract. An artificial tunnel may extend distally from the support structure, may form at least a portion of the lumen, and may be configured to extend through the submucosal tunnel.

Abstract: Apparatus for manipulating and securing tissue are described herein. In creating tissue folds within the body of a patient, a tissue manipulation assembly may generally have an elongate tubular member, an engagement member slidably disposed through the tubular member and a distal end adapted to engage tissue via a helical member, tissue stabilizing members positioned at the tubular member distal end which are adapted to stabilize tissue therebetween, and a delivery tube pivotable about the tissue stabilizer. The stabilizing members can be adapted to become angled relative to a longitudinal axis of the elongate tubular member. Moreover, one or all the articulation controls and functions can be integrated into a singular handle assembly connectable to the tissue manipulation assembly via a rigid or flexible tubular body.

Abstract: A reinforced support strap and method of application on a joint provides lateral and medial support to a joint and limbs. The support strap comprises, in some embodiments, a resilient body portion having a generally elongated V-shape that encapsulates the joint and is manipulated through rotation or axial movement along the joint and limbs for an enhanced fit. The body portion comprises a base end, an open end, and a pair of termini. The body portion further includes a mount surface that overlays the joint, and an exterior surface. The mount surface adheres to the joint through the use of a fastening mechanism. A reinforcement member, having less resilience than the body portion, may integrates into the body portion through stitching, to provide enhanced stability.

Abstract: A knee traction apparatus may include an upper frame provided to be worn on a thigh region and including an upper fraction member disposed in an end of the upper frame, and a lower frame provided to be worn on a lower leg region and including a lower traction member that is disposed in an end of the lower frame and is to rotate in mesh with the upper traction member. The upper traction member and the lower traction member may be in contact with each other in front of a knee joint.

Abstract: Kits, devices, and methods for treating clubfoot are provided. The devices have two platforms that are attached to a bar. The platforms define slots to allow therapeutically preferred orientations of the platforms when attached to the bar. The kits and devices are simple to use and adjust, with a limited amount of possible settings.

Abstract: “Vest to Provide Decompression and Traction for Spine and Method of Use” consists of (1) a thoracic top belt (2) a waist bottom belt, each belt having provision of independent tightening (3) an elastic band connecting both belts, thus making a single vest and ((4) a turn buckle mounted in the back of wearer parallel to sine.) The turn buckle integrally but detachably positioned against the top belt and bottom belt provides upward lifting force to the thorax via the top belt and the downward force to the lumbar via the bottom belt, providing the decompression and traction to the spine.

Abstract: An adjustable wrist orthotic suitable for the treatment of wrist fractures and similar injuries. The orthotic preferably includes a top panel joined to a bottom panel. The top and bottom panels are preferably joined by a radius connector which spans a “radius gap” between the top and bottom panel. An “ulna gap” may optionally be provided between the top and bottom panels as well. If an ulna gap is present, then an ulna connector is preferably provided to span this gap. A radius lace assembly is provided for adjusting the closure of the radius gap. The radius lace assembly is secured by placing a radius tab attached to a radius lace in a desired position on the exterior of the orthotic. Varying the placement position of the radius tab varies the taper of the radius gap so that the orthotic can accommodate wide variations in forearm geometry.

Abstract: A stoma extender includes a first end for insertion into a stoma for diverting stomal effluent into the stoma extender before the effluent exits the stoma; a second end for remaining external of the stoma, for providing a discharge exit for stomal effluent; and a conduit portion coupled between the first and second ends for communicating stomal effluent through the stoma extender, wherein the length of the conduit portion is adjustable stably, to permit adaptation of the stoma extender to an individual's stoma.

Abstract: A collecting bag for human body wastes having a barrier film (20a, 20b) covered by a comfort layer (15) attached to the barrier film in an attachment zone wherein the comfort layer is a textile material that is attached to said barrier film in one or more zones of attachment such that not all of the fiber filaments of the textile material in the attachment zone(s) are embedded in the barrier film material.

Abstract: A portable heating/cooling device for clinical hypo/hyperthermia with cuffs especially designed for arterial cooling/heating for raising or lowering the body temperature of a patient is operable by battery power or a wide range of available external power, and is usable in the field or in medical transport where such external power sources are not available. The small size, weight, and robust nature of the device allows it to be transported with the patient without the need for additional conveying devices.

Abstract: The cooling system for patients with fever is a mechanical, fluid-based system for cooling patients suffering from fever. The cooling system for patients with fever includes a reservoir for containing a cooling fluid, which is maintained at a desired temperature. A temperature sensor is received in the reservoir. The temperature sensor is immersed in the cooling fluid for measuring the temperature thereof. A chiller is also received in the reservoir for selectively cooling the cooling fluid when the temperature thereof, measured by the temperature sensor, is above a pre-set temperature threshold. The reservoir communicates with a cooling pad, which is formed from a padded layer having at least one channel embedded therein. At least one pump and tubing is provided for circulating the cooling fluid through the reservoir and the cooling pad. In use, the cooling pad is applied to the skin of a patient with a fever.

Abstract: A catheter includes a working fluid supply path communicating with a source of working fluid. The catheter also includes a working fluid return path communicating with the working fluid supply path to return working fluid from the supply path to the source of working fluid. At least one of the paths is contained in a distal heat exchange region of the catheter, where the distal heat exchange region includes first and second helical paths and is made of a shape memory material.

Abstract: A surgical instrument has a surgical tool that has a proximal end and a distal end, and an optical sensor that has at least a portion attached to the surgical tool. The surgical tool has a portion that is suitable to provide a reference portion of the surgical tool, and the optical sensor has an end fixed relative to the reference portion of the surgical tool such that the reference portion of the surgical tool can be detected along with tissue that is proximate or in contact with the distal end of the surgical tool while in use.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods of and for an ophthalmic surgical system are disclosed. An example ophthalmic surgical system may include a body sized and shaped for grasping by a user. The body may include a lumen and a vent in fluid communication with the lumen. The vent may be located and arranged to be selectively occluded, such as when a user places a finger over the vent, and selectively unoccluded, such as when the user removes the finger from over the vent. Fluid pressure within the lumen may be increased when the vent is occluded and decreased when the vent is unoccluded. A piston within the may be displaced in response to the fluid pressure changes within the lumen.

Abstract: A non-woven gauze product and a method and system for manufacturing same. The spunlace device includes a second spunlace machine having a shaping layer on the surface, the shaping layer is provided with pointed projections having tapered tops disposed in a matrix arrangement, each pointed projection has a bottom of rectangular cross-section, the bottom size of each pointed projection is larger than the bottom distance between two adjacent pointed projections. A non-woven cloth having rectangular holes in an array layout is formed by water jetting the fiber-web at the second spunlace machine. The rectangular holes in an array layout are presented in a flat structure having warp and weft, and the dimension of each rectangular hole is larger than the line width of warp and weft. The features of such non-woven cloth are similar to those of gauze, so the non-woven cloth can be a substitute for the current gauze.

Abstract: Disclosed is a wound dressing material comprising a substrate, about 2.5% to about 8% by weight of a bicarbonate, and a film-forming agent, the film-forming agent serving as a binder for said bicarbonate to said substrate, the film-forming agent and the bicarbonate being present in a ratio of between 1:2 and 2:1 with respect to one another. Also disclosed are a method for preparing a wound dressing material and a method for treating a wound.

Abstract: A wound dressing member is provided for use in a vacuum bandage connected to a vacuum source. The wound dressing member is also provided for use with a wound having a wound surface. The wound dressing member includes a wound facing surface adapted to be in contact with and generally conform to the wound surface and a plurality of discrete holes formed in the wound facing surface. The member further includes a port configured to communicate with the vacuum source and with each hole formed in the wound facing surface. The wound dressing member further includes a stand-off having interconnected portions coupled to the wound facing surface and configured to provide a space between the wound facing surface and the wound surface.

Abstract: A method is described for making an elasticized absorbent article having a waist opening and a pair of leg openings. First, multiple distributions of elastics are applied on a moving material sheet to form a moving web of an elastic composite. Then, each of a core section and a second material sheet is periodically applied onto the moving web to define a finished web of discrete elastic composite bodies. In subsequent steps, discrete absorbent pants articles are shaped from the finished web.

Abstract: Nonwoven materials having discrete three-dimensional deformations therein forming protrusions that extend outward from the first surface of the nonwoven material and wide base openings adjacent to the second surface of the nonwoven material are disclosed. The nonwoven materials include multiple fibers that extend from the base of the protrusions to the distal end of the protrusions, and contribute to form a portion of the sides and cap of a protrusion. Such fibers may at least substantially surround the sides of the protrusions.

Abstract: Nonwoven materials having discrete three-dimensional deformations therein forming protrusions that extend outward from the first surface of the nonwoven material and wide base openings adjacent to the second surface of the nonwoven material are disclosed. The nonwoven materials are made of at least two layers that include at least a first nonwoven layer and a second nonwoven layer. Portions of the fibers in each layer form part of the undeformed first region, the side walls of the protrusions, and the distal ends of the protrusions. There may be differences in the concentration of fibers, or other properties, within at least one of the first and second layers in each of these parts of the deformed nonwoven material.

Abstract: An absorbent structure having a first open cell foam associated with a second open cell foam.

Abstract: An array of absorbent article packages for multiple baby stages of development displayed via a merchandise display system may comprise multiple packages. Each package may comprise articles having absorbent article configurations appropriate for the stage of development of an infant, newborn, or toddler. Each article or package may also comprise indicia representative of the appropriate stage of development of the infant, newborn, or toddler. And, absorbent article configurations may differ between packages having overlapping size ranges.

Abstract: A wound care product is provided. It comprises a sealed chamber in which a wound care article is arranged around a support member in such a manner that a curved portion of the wound care article is in contact with the support member. The curved portion interconnects two other portions on opposite sides of the support member.