Abstract: A unitary flexible sheet is folded to define: (i) a panel, defining a plane, and having a first side facing in a first direction away from the plane, (ii) a first tab, disposed on the first side of the panel, and protruding in the first direction away from the panel, and (iii) a second tab, disposed on the first side of the panel, and protruding in the first direction away from the panel. Between the first tab and the second tab are secured (i) a first-leaflet commissural portion of a first prosthetic leaflet, and (ii) a second-leaflet commissural portion of a second prosthetic leaflet. At the first tab, the sheet is folded to define a first cushion at a downstream edge of the first tab. At the second tab, the sheet is folded to define a second cushion at a downstream edge of the second tab.

Abstract: Embodiments of an expandable sheath can be used in conjunction with a catheter assembly to introduce a prosthetic device, such as a heart valve, into a patient. Such embodiments can minimize trauma to the vessel by allowing for temporary expansion of a portion of the introducer sheath to accommodate the delivery apparatus, followed by a return to the original diameter once the prosthetic device passes through. Some embodiments can include a sheath with inner and outer layers, where a folded portion of the inner layer extends through a slit in the outer layer and a portion of the outer layer overlaps the folded portion of the inner layer. Some embodiments include an elastic outer cover positioned outside the outer layer. Embodiments of the present expandable sheath can avoid the need for multiple insertions for the dilation of the vessel, thus offering advantages over prior art introducer sheaths.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method of repairing a heart valve accesses an interior of a patient's beating heart minimally invasively and inserts one or more sutures into each of a plurality of heart valve leaflets with a suturing instrument. The suture ends of the sutures are divided into suture pairs, with each pair including one suture end from a suture inserted into a first valve leaflet and one suture end from a suture inserted into a second valve leaflet. One or more tourniquet tubes is advanced over the suture pairs to the leaflets to draw the sutures together to coapt the leaflets and then the sutures are secured in that position.

Abstract: The present invention includes a fluid interface system for use in medical implants. The fluid interface system of the present invention can include one or more fluid interface channels disposed within an implant. The fluid interface systems can optionally include fluid redirection channels, fluid interface ports and a corresponding instrument to transfer fluid in or out of the fluid interface ports.

Abstract: The three-dimensional lattice structures disclosed herein have applications including use in medical implants. Some examples of the lattice structure are structural in that they can be used to provide structural support or mechanical spacing. In some examples, the lattice can be configured as a scaffold to support bone or tissue growth. Some examples can use a repeating modified rhombic dodecahedron or radial dodeca-rhombus unit cell. The lattice structures are also capable of providing a lattice structure with anisotropic properties to better suit the lattice for its intended purpose.

Abstract: The methods disclosed herein of generating three-dimensional lattice structures and reducing stress shielding have applications including use in medical implants. One method of generating a three-dimensional lattice structure can be used to generate a structure lattice and/or a lattice scaffold to support bone or tissue growth. One method of reducing stress shielding includes generating a structural lattice to provide sole mechanical spacing across an area for desired bone or tissue growth. Some examples can use a repeating modified rhombic dodecahedron or radial dodeca-rhombus unit cell. Some methods are also capable of providing a lattice structure with anisotropic properties to better suit the lattice for its intended purpose.

Abstract: A prosthesis for spinal surgery includes a spacer adapted to be secured into the bone and attached to one of a plurality of configuration plates. The configuration plates are interchangeable and each one is configured to utilize a different combination of bone screws, anchors or both. The prosthesis may further include a retaining mechanism to prevent bone screws and/or anchors from backing out.

Abstract: Methods are provided for modifying a porous surface of an implantable medical device by subjecting the porous surface to a modified micro-arc oxidation process to improve the ability of the medical device to resist microbial growth, to improve the ability of the medical device to adsorb a bioactive agent or a therapeutic agent, and to improve tissue in-growth and tissue on-growth of the implantable medical device.

Abstract: The three-dimensional lattice structures disclosed herein have applications including use in medical implants. Some examples of the lattice structure are structural in that they can be used to provide structural support or mechanical spacing. In some examples, the lattice can be configured as a scaffold to support bone or tissue growth. Some examples can use a repeating modified rhombic dodecahedron or radial dodeca-rhombus unit cell. The lattice structures are also capable of providing a lattice structure with anisotropic properties to better suit the lattice for its intended purpose.

Abstract: The three-dimensional lattice structures disclosed herein have applications including use in medical implants. Some examples of the lattice structure are structural in that they can be used to provide structural support or mechanical spacing. In some examples, the lattice can be configured as a scaffold to support bone or tissue growth. Some examples can use a repeating modified rhombic dodecahedron or radial dodeca-rhombus unit cell.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are an implant with a suture passage and a method of attaching sutures to the same. The implant may include a suture pocket having a first pocket, a second pocket, and a suture hole disposed therebetween. The first pocket may have a first wall segment, the second pocket may have a second wall segment, and the suture hole may have a first sidewall segment extending from a first opening to a second opening. The first wall segment, the second wall segment, and the first sidewall segment may form a contiguous wall. A method of attaching a suture to the implant may include placing a tip of a suture needle on the first wall segment, sliding the suture needle into the first opening and pushing the suture needle through the suture hole.

Abstract: A spinal implant system includes a spinal implant template configured to provide three dimensional coordinates of a selected implant configuration. An implant bending device includes work surfaces engageable with a spinal implant to manipulate the spinal implant to the selected implant configuration and an implant contact sensor. Surgical instruments, spinal constructs, implants and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A system for repairing a glenoid defect of a specific patient can include a patient-specific punch and a patient-specific shaping block. The patient-specific punch can form a patient-specific glenoid implant from a bone puck. The patient-specific shaping block can shape the patient-specific glenoid implant to match and fill a glenoid defect of a specific patient.

Abstract: Implementations described and claimed herein provide an arthroplasty system and methods for positioning an acetabular cup implant. In one implementation, the system includes a shape-match hip guide having a patient specific mating region that is a negative of the surface contour of the inside surface of the patient's acetabular cup, and a directional rod that extends generally along the axis of the patient's femoral head and femoral neck. They system can additionally include an outrigger or silo device to aid in the alignment of surgical tools for preparing and implanting of the prosthetic acetabular cup in the patient's acetabular cup. Related methods are also disclosed herein for generating a shape-match guide and implanting an acetabular cup with the guide.

Abstract: A radial head assembly is provided that includes a stem, a collar, a locking ring, and an articular member. The stem has a convex articular head on one end thereof. The locking ring has a ring wall, which has a ring opening. The ring wall has an angular outer surface and a slot configured to permit the ring wall to radially expand. The angular outer surface engages an angular portion of an interior surface of the collar. The articular member and the locking ring define an articular space within the collar. The articular space is configured to receive the convex articular head.

Abstract: Systems, kits and methods for long bone arthroplasty that include arrays of humeral head prosthesis components, each having on a first side a bone articulation surface that has an overall generally hemielliptical convex shape defined by a major axis and a minor axis, the bone articulation surface having an apex and a base that each has an non-circular elliptical cross sectional shape, the prosthesis components having on an opposite side, adjacent the base, a bone contact surface. The humeral head prosthesis components in the arrays vary from having a base with a more circular cross sectional shape to a more elongated elliptical cross sectional shape with increasing size.

Abstract: A humeral head assembly is provided that includes an articular body and a coupler. The articular body includes a coupling portion disposed on a side of the articular body opposite an articular surface. The coupling portion includes a continuous zone of eccentricity adjustment. The coupler portion optionally includes one or more than one discrete position site. The coupler includes a first portion and a second portion opposite the first portion. The first portion is configured to mate with the coupling portion and the second portion is configured to mate with another member of a joint prosthesis. A coupling portion with the continuous range of eccentricity adjustment can be provided on a bone anchor and the eccentricity of another component can be selected by motion of a coupler, such as a tray for reverse humeral assemblies, along the coupling portion of the anchor.

Abstract: An interbody implant comprises one or more elongate members that have superior and inferior surfaces with a height, and medial and lateral surfaces having a width. The height is set so the implant fits into the intervertebral space. The width is less than the height. The interbody implant has a first configuration, a second configuration, and a third configuration. The interbody implant is inserted into the intervertebral space in the first configuration such that medial and lateral surfaces contact the vertebral bodies, and the interbody implant is then actuated into the second configuration such that superior and inferior surfaces engage the vertebral bodies. Actuation of the implant from the first configuration to the second configuration distracts the vertebral bodies. The implant is actuated into the third configuration where the width of the implant is greater than width of the implant in the first or the second configuration.

Abstract: Biomedical implants comprising portions made of disparate materials, such as intervertebral implants and related methods and instruments. In some embodiments, the implant may comprise a base portion comprising a first material and a secondary fastener portion comprising a second material having distinct physical properties relative to the first material. The secondary portion may wholly define a front end wall surface of the implant, and the base portion and the secondary portion may collectively define at least one of an upper surface and a lower surface of the implant.

Abstract: An expandable cage which is placed between the vertebrae, is moveable when preferred, closes the opening between the vertebrae upon being moved, and hence can be integrated in any intervertebral opening. The expandable cage has at least one body with at least one space and at least one rib; at least one moveable part which is located inside the body and has at least one bearing area, at least one base, and at least one nail, the moveable part being moved unilaterally by the balloon; at least one balloon which applies the force required to be applied on the base of the moveable part for ensuring unilateral movement of the moveable part; at least one hole through which the balloon can pass; and at least one compression element which supplies the required fluid to the balloon.

Abstract: A mobile cage system for restoring motion kinematics of the spine featuring a pair of opposing caps that form a cavity and a nucleus disposed in the cavity. The system allows for motion of the caps relative to the nucleus. The mobile cage system provides sufficient support so as to eliminate the need for incorporation of a metal plate or rod and pedicle screws that may be used for spinal fusions. The mobile cage system of the present invention also prevents vertical collapse of the vertebrae and complete bone fusion, and the mobile cage system helps preserve intervertebral motion of the spine.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for implanting an acetabular prosthetic component is disclosed, wherein the surgical instrument includes a modular head. A plurality of locking pins extends from the modular head. A locking arm extends from the modular head and is movable between an open position and a closed position. A surgical handle extends from the modular head. The modular head is removably coupled to the surgical handle. The surgical handle engages a first locking pin to lock the modular head to the surgical handle. A linkage assembly engages a second locking pin to actuate the locking arm.

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 tunable implant, system, and method enables a tunable implant to be adjusted within a patient. The tunable implant includes a securing mechanism to secure the implant in the patient, a actuation portion that enables the implant to move and an adjustment portion that permits adjustment of the implant after the implant has been positioned within the patient. The method of adjusting the tunable implant includes analyzing the operation of the implant, determining if any adjustments are necessary and adjusting the implant to improve implant performance. The implant system includes both the tunable implant and a telemetric system that is operable to telemetrically receive data from the tunable implant where the data is used to determine if adjustment of the tunable implant is necessary. The system also includes an instrument assembly that is used for performing spinal surgery where the instrument assembly includes a mounting platform and a jig.

Abstract: The disclosure provides apparatus and methods of use pertaining to a prosthetic finger assembly. In one embodiment, the assembly includes a coupling tip and a distal ring coupled with the coupling tip. The assembly further includes a proximal ring coupled with the distal ring. A rocker formed in an H-shape with a first end forming a first split prong and a second end forming a second split prong may extend between the coupling tip and the proximal ring. The coupling tip, distal ring, proximal ring, and H-shaped rocker may all be hingedly connected such that movements of the residual finger within the proximal ring articulate the distal ring together with the rocker to articulate the coupling tip. Other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: A breast prosthesis is provided for women who have undergone a double (or single) mastectomy. The prosthesis comprises a breast form that substantially resembles a human breast and a back panel to which the breast form can be coupled. The breast form has at least one magnet adjacent a wearer's chest when the prosthesis is worn. The back panel also has at least one magnet that faces outwardly from the chest when the prosthesis is worn. When a wearer wishes to don the prosthesis, she places the back panel against her chest in a desired location, with the magnets facing outwardly. A garment may then be placed over the panel before the breast form is placed over the garment. The back panel and the breast form may then be coupled to one another via their magnets (which attract one another) so that the prosthesis is secured in a desired position.

Abstract: A valve includes a case comprising a pin bore, a pin configured to move axially in the pin bore, wherein the pin seals the pin bore, a first channel in communication with the pin bore, a second channel in communication with the pin bore, wherein the second channel comprises a restrictor at a location offset from the first channel, a third channel in communication with the pin bore, wherein the third channel comprises a check valve, and the second channel and third channel are in communication with each other. The valve can be a miniature valve that is used in the control of hydraulic fluid in prosthesis, such as a prosthetic ankle joint.

Abstract: An artificial joint for lower extremities, comprising an upper part, which has mechanisms for attaching to a user, and a lower part mounted thereon in a pivotal manner about a joint axis. The lower part can be bent in from an extended position into a flexed position. A force accumulator is associated with the joint and is loaded via a force transmission mechanism through a flexing movement of the upper part relative to the lower part and supports an extension movement of the lower part relative to the upper part at least over a part of the extension movement. The force transmission device exerts a maximum moment of extension at a bending angle between 45° to 80°.

Abstract: The artificial body part control system using ultrasonic imaging includes of an ultrasonic transducer coupled with an ultrasonic image analyzer which may be adapted to transmit a control signal to an artificial body part.

Abstract: A scaffold includes a radiopaque marker connected to a strut. The marker is retained within the strut by one or more of a mechanical interference fit, a polymer coating or melt, and/or by friction. The marker can take the form of a bead, rivet or snap-in marker, or a tube deformed when attached to the strut. The strut is made from a tube. The strut has a thickness of about 100 microns.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to the field of stents for body lumen drainage. In particular, the present disclosure relates to systems and methods for forming a fluid channel between tissue walls of varying thickness using a stent.

Abstract: A system for treating a body lumen including a first stent configured to be positioned in a body lumen and a second stent configured to be positioned in the lumen of the first stent prior to removing the first stent from the body lumen. The first stent includes a liner disposed radially inward of the tubular scaffold of the first stent to permit tissue ingrowth within a tissue ingrowth region defined between the liner and the tubular scaffold. The retrieval stent is configured to be expanded within the previously implanted first stent to cause tissue to recede from the tissue ingrowth region to facilitate removal of the first stent from the body lumen.

Abstract: A prosthesis is disclosed including an expandable frame having a first region and a second region coupled to one another. The first region includes a transition segment and a flex segment. The stent members of the transition segment have proximal and distal apices arranged in a peak-to-peak relationship with one another. At least a portion of proximal and distal apices of the transition segment remains uncoupled to one another. The flex segment includes a stent member having proximal and distal apices arranged in a peak-to-valley relationship with the transition segment. Longitudinal tie bars are intermittently coupled between apices the flex segment and the transition segment at coupling joints. The coupling joint is located where the proximal and distal apices of the stent members of the transition segment remain uncoupled to one another. The transition and flex segments may form an alternating pattern. A flareable proximal portion may be included.

Abstract: Described herein are flexible implantable occluding devices that can, for example, navigate the tortuous vessels of the neurovasculature. The occluding devices can also conform to the shape of the tortuous vessels of the vasculature. In some embodiments, the occluding devices can direct blood flow within a vessel away from an aneurysm or limit blood flow to the aneurysm. Some embodiments describe methods and apparatus for adjusting, along a length of the device, the porosity of the occluding device. In some embodiments, the occluding devices allows adequate blood flow to be provided to adjacent structures such that those structures, whether they are branch vessels or oxygen-demanding tissues, are not deprived of the necessary blood flow.

Abstract: The device is suitable for use in medicine for precise and quick positioning of a coronary stent in case of simple and complicated anatomical lesions of the coronary bed as well as for stenting renal, visceral arteries. The device comprises a body, a screw rotation wheel, a screw, a slider, a wedge comprised of a number of members, a spring and a lock button arranged in the body. In preparation to use the device, the coronary stent on the delivery system is first successively introduced into the device whereafter the coronary stent on the delivery system is manually advanced to the affected area of the coronary artery, the delivery system is locked in the device and the stent is positioned within the coronary artery by means of the rotation wheel.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to delivery devices for transcatheter stented prosthesis loading, delivery and implantation. The delivery devices provide a loaded delivery state in which the stented prosthesis is loaded and compressed over the delivery device. The compression of the stented prosthesis can be adjusted with one or more elongate tension members, which extend around the stented prosthesis and proximately to an actuation and release assembly that can be provided as part of a handle assembly. The delivery device can be manipulated to adjust tension in the tension members to permit the stented prosthesis to compress, self-expand, and ultimately release from the shaft assembly. In some embodiments, the tension in one or more tension members is adjusted with one or more actuation and release assemblies.

Abstract: Devices and methods for preventing reperfusion injuries when an occlusion balloon is deflated. A catheter having an infusion lumen exiting the catheter distal of a stent balloon and/or occlusion balloon allows a therapeutic agent to be introduced to a target location to establish desired temperatures and pressures prior to deflation of the balloon such that negative effects of reperfusion are minimized.

Abstract: One preferred embodiment includes a stent delivery system including a retractable sheath and an outer stability sheath. The stability sheath freely rotates relative to the retractable sheath, relieving compression forces caused by twisting of stability sheath in when in a tortuous conformation.

Abstract: A tool for use in loading a transcatheter valve prosthesis within a delivery catheter includes a body portion, a pivotable element and a biasing element. The body portion includes a central passageway extending form a proximal end to a distal end of the body portion. The central passageway is configured to receive a distal portion of a delivery catheter therethrough. The pivotable element is attached to the body portion and is configured to secure a tether during loading of a transcatheter valve prosthesis within the delivery catheter. The biasing element compresses the pivotable element against the body portion such that the pivotable element holds a second end against the delivery catheter and secures the tether thereto. The pivotable element may be two or more pivotable elements.

Abstract: A device for providing assistance to a person comprises a data input for obtaining person related data representing data obtained by monitoring the person, a data processing unit for processing the obtained person related data to determine the person's mental state and/or cognitive level from the obtained person related data, to detect if the person has limited or no ability to perform a desired task and to generate assistance data in case of detection that the person has limited or no ability to perform the desired task and/or if the person's current mental state and/or cognitive level is below a threshold or out of a distribution or value range required to perform the desired task, said assistance data representing data directed to supporting the person in performing the desired task by adapting the number of functions of an appliance accessible and controllable by the person according to the person's current mental state and/or cognitive level, and a data output for providing said assistance data for suppo

Abstract: Certain configurations of removable oral devices are described. In some instances, the removable oral device includes a palatal element. In certain configurations, the palatal element may comprise a variable hardness at different areas, e.g., edges can be softer than other areas of the removable oral device. In other instances, the removable oral device may comprise two or more individual palatal elements which together can form the palatal element and permit user adjustment of the oral volume. Various materials used in the palatal element are described. Sensors and other on-board devices are also described.

Abstract: Certain configurations of methods of using removable oral devices are described. In some examples, a removable oral device can be used in weight loss, weight management, athletic performance or in other applications to monitor or alter a user's behavior or monitor one or more physiological conditions. If desired, the removable oral device can be used in combination with a storage case, a mobile device, application software or other components.

Abstract: Provided is a motion transmission mechanism 30 of a limb motion support device 1A configured so as not to transmit the movements of a pair of braces 10R and 10L attached to right and left legs to spring members 20R and 20L in a state where the bending degrees of the right and left legs are smaller than a predetermined bending degree in the case where both of the right and left legs equipped with the braces 10L and 10R are bent from a stretched state and configured to transmit the movements of the braces 10L and 10R to the spring members 20L and 20R via a wire 31 after the bending degrees of the legs increase to be larger than the predetermined bending degree.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cuff for orthotic treatment of joint or muscle pains in the region of joints of the human or animal body, which as a cross cuff has a first cuff part (1) for application on a first body part below the joint and a second cuff part (2) for application on a second body part above the joint, wherein the two cuff parts are joined to one another by means of a connection region (3) and in each case are formed from a belt that is provided with fastening means and may be laid around the respective body part, wherein the connection region (3) between the two cuff parts on placement of the cuff on the body in the region of the inside of the joint impedes extension of the first body part with respect to the second body part, in that the connecting region is displaced under tensile stress. According to the invention, at least one partial region (4) of the second cuff part (2) above the joint is made to be stretchable (FIG. 1).

Abstract: A joint mechanism pivotably connecting first and second links respectively to be fitted on first and second body parts of a user which are connected to each other via a joint, the joint mechanism including: a first slide member connected to the first link and provided with a first slide track having an arc shape that is convex away from the joint in side view; an intermediate slide member provided with a second slide track having an arc shape that is convex away from the joint in side view, and connected to the first slide member to be slidable along the first slide track; and a second slide member connected to the intermediate slide member to be slidable along the second slide track, and connected to the second link, wherein the first and second slide tracks track have different centers of curvature.

Abstract: A waist fixation device includes a back piece, a first elastic band, a second elastic band, and a wing piece. The first elastic band and the second elastic band are respectively arranged at the two sides of the back piece. When in use, the shape of the back piece is matched with the posterior side of the waist of the patient. The first elastic band and the second elastic band are respectively adhered on the two sides of the waist of the patient. The fixation device is fixed around the waist of the patient for supporting and fixing the waist.

Abstract: An orthopedic brace for the correct anatomical locking and support of the backbone includes a semi-rigid dorsal structure with a vertical extension, closed inside a casing, having a conformation corresponding to a backbone, allowing the trend thereof to be followed and the spine itself to be supported. The lower part of the dorsal structure is connected to a lumbar strap that can be fastened at the front to a constraint in turn connected to the upper part of the dorsal structure. The dorsal structure and the lumbar strap are associated with each other through a rotary junction configured for retaining and mutual rotation on one plane of the dorsal structure relative to the lumbar strap.

Abstract: A spinal orthosis includes posterior panels arranged with a flat spinal curvature to create a reverse three-point pressure system to the spine. The reverse three-point pressure system relieves pressure on the posterior side of the vertebrae beneficial for certain indications. Various arrangements allow for securing the posterior panel to the spinal orthosis. The spinal orthosis includes a belt member length adjustment system including belt members having end portions reducible in length and a belt panel adapted to secure to the end portion of the belt member reduced in length to form at least in part a belt circumference of the spinal orthosis.

Abstract: An external device for fixation of cervical vertebrae includes a waistcoat-shaped main body. The waistcoat-shaped main body includes a left part, a right part and polyurethane slurry. The left part and the right part respectively includes of two layers of knitting cloth and a cavity between the two layers of knitting cloth. The left part and the right part are filled with the polyurethane slurry. The left part and the right part are respectively provided with corresponding adjustable connecting structures. The external device for fixation of cervical vertebrae rapidly shapes according to human bodies and keeps the cervical vertebrae of patients in a proper position.

Abstract: A digit immobilizing splint is provided. The splint includes a first support portion operable in use to abut and support an underneath face of a digit on a first side of a joint of the digit, a second support portion operable in use to abut and support the underneath face of the digit on a second side of the joint, first and second fixing portions operable in use to respectively abut opposing side faces of the digit. The first and second fixing portions each extend between the first support portion and the second support portion. The first and second fixing portions are operable to be moved between a first, open, position wherein the first and second fixing portions do not abut the digit when the first and second support portions are abutting the digit, and a second, closed, position wherein the first and second fixing portions abut opposing sides of the digit such as to immobilize the digit and hold the splint in position around the digit.