Abstract: The invention relates to an implant for the transforaminal intracorporeal fusion of lumbar vertebral column segments. At least some sections of the surface areas that are in direct contact with the spinal column are provided with an anti-dislocation mechanism (1) while an attachment part (4) for a positioning instrument (10) is provided in or on the implant and holes (6) or hollow spaces are disposed in the implant for filling purposes. According to one embodiment of the invention, the attachment part is configured as a revolute joint. In a further embodiment, the implant member has the shape of a sickle, the curvature of which is oriented ventrally and the interior of which is oriented dorsally. The attachment part is located at one end of the sickle while the opposite end of the sickle has a beak-type, tapering shape (5). At least one filling hole is provided between the sickle walls.

Abstract: Intervertebral devices and systems, and methods of their use, are disclosed having configurations suitable for placement between two adjacent vertebrae, replacing the functionality of the disc therebetween. Intervertebral devices and systems contemplated herein are implantable devices intended for replacement of a vertebral disc, which may have deteriorated due to disease for example. The intervertebral devices and systems are configured to allow for ample placement of therapeutic agents therein, including bone growth enhancement material, which may lead to better fusion between adjacent vertebral bones. The intervertebral devices and systems are configured for use in minimally invasive procedures, if desired.

Abstract: An expandable fusion device may include a first endplate and a second endplate. The expandable fusion device may also include first and second ramps configured to mate with both the first and second endplates. An inserter instrument includes an outer shaft having a bore extending longitudinally therethrough and an inner shaft extending through the bore in the outer shaft. The outer shaft is configured to engage the first or second opening in the second ramp, and the inner shaft is configured to engage the corresponding first or second opening in the first ramp to control implant height and/or lordotic angle.

Abstract: A tooling system and method is disclosed for removing a head portion of a modular implant from a stem portion of the implant. The tooling system can include first and second tools configured to releasably mate together when the upper and lower tools are in an assembled position, and a holder configured to releasably secure the first and second tools in the assembled position. The first and second tools can be inserted between the head portion and an adaptor of the stem portion. When the first and second tools are rotated in opposite directions, the first tool can exert pressure on the head portion of the implant sufficient to release the head portion from locked engagement with the adaptor. The first and second tools can include mating features that disengage from each other as the tools are rotated in opposite directions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to surgical instruments and methods for the manufacture thereof, for facilitating the positioning of an implant in a socket of a ball-and-socket joint, by positioning an alignment element such as a pin, wire, screw or drill.

Abstract: An orthopaedic impactor includes an elongate member having an interface end; an impact head connected to the elongate member; an implant interface held at the interface end that is configured to connect to an acetabular cup; and a securing mechanism attached to the elongate member that includes an actuator and a pressing member at least partly covering the implant interface. The pressing member is connected to the actuator and slidable relative to the implant interface. The actuator is configured to slide the pressing member along the implant interface.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for use in an orthopaedic arthroplasty procedure includes a shaft having a first end, a second end, and a longitudinal axis extending through a center of the shaft between the first and second ends. The surgical instrument further includes a spine extending outwardly from the first end of the shaft in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, wherein the spine has a longitudinal extent that is parallel to the longitudinal axis. When the surgical instrument is in contact with a tibial implant component, the spine is adapted to be positioned within an intercondylar notch of a femoral component.

Abstract: A bone fusion method, apparatus and device for insertion between bones that are to be fused together and/or in place of one or more of the bones, such as, for example, the vertebrae of a spinal column. The bone fusion device comprises one or more extendable plates having a central rib. The bone fusion device includes one or more support channels configured to receive an insertion instrument that is then secured to the bone fusion device via a coupling mechanism. As a result, the coupled device is able to be securely positioned between vertebrae using the insertion instrument with minimal risk of slippage.

Abstract: A control method for an arm prosthesis having at least one powered joint and at least one inertial measurement sensor (IMS) includes determining a motion and an orientation of the arm prosthesis relative to the inertial reference frame based at least on an output of the IMS and generating control signals for the at least one powered joint based on the motion and the orientation of the prosthetic arm.

Abstract: An adjustable prosthetic socket includes proximal and distal ends and an axis extending between the proximal and distal ends. A distal base is adapted to support a distal portion of a residual limb and is located at the distal end of the socket. At least one spine extends upwardly from the distal base toward the proximal end. The at least one spine defines at least part of a circumference of the socket about the axis. A proximal support is located at or near the proximal end of the socket and extends from the at least one spine. The proximal support is arranged to distribute pressure from the at least one spine over a portion of the residual limb. A tensioning system is operatively connected to the at least one spine and arranged to selectively adjust the circumference of the socket.

Abstract: A composite implantable prosthesis including a scaffold with a plurality of axially spaced apart sections connected by one or more bridges, each bridge including one or more hinges, and methods of making the prosthesis. The material of the bridges may be generally distinct from the material of the scaffold.

Abstract: Methods and devices for a non-foreshortening, axial tension constrainable stent are illustrated such that a length of the stent in a collapsed state is about equal to the length of the stent in an expanded state which provides for better stent placement, easier repositioning and removal, and reduced stent migration.

Abstract: A stent includes a first section and a second section. The first section and the second section each include a plurality of expandable modules and a plurality of bridging modules. Each expandable module includes a plurality of strut elements that join together at a plurality of apices, and each bridging module includes bridging elements that connect an apex of a first module with an apex of a second module. In some aspects, the first section is more flexible along the longitudinal axis of the stent than the second section and is configured to be placed in a specific region of a vessel that requires flexibility to accommodate surrounding anatomy. In some aspects, the first section is more radially stiff than the second section and is configured to be placed in a specific region of the vessel that requires radial stiffness to counteract crushing force caused by surrounding anatomy.

Abstract: A delivery device system for delivering a low profile prosthesis and a method for releasably retaining a prosthesis on the device are described. The delivery device comprises a prosthesis disposed about the proximal end of the inner cannula. In a first configuration the prosthesis is releasably secured to the inner cannula in a radially inwardly contracted low profile delivery configuration and in a second configuration the prosthesis is at least partially radially outwardly deployed. First and second trigger wires extend longitudinally and circumferentially about the prosthesis in helical configurations. The first trigger wire is helically wound in a clockwise direction and the second trigger wire is helically wound in a counter-clockwise direction. When the first and second helical trigger wires are in a tensioned condition, the prosthesis is releasably secured to the inner cannula in a radially inwardly contracted low profile delivery configuration.

Abstract: Flared stents are disclosed, and apparatus and methods for delivering such stents into a bifurcation between a main vessel and a branch vessel. The stent includes a first tubular portion a second flaring portion that may be flared radially outwardly to contact the ostium. The stent may include variable mechanical properties along its length. The stent may be delivered using a catheter including proximal and distal ends, the stent overlying first and second balloons on the distal end. During use, the catheter is advanced through an ostium into the branch to place the stent within the branch. The first balloon is expanded to flare the stent to contact a wall of the ostium, thereby causing the stent to migrate partially into the ostium. The second balloon is expanded to fully expand the stent within the ostium and branch.

Abstract: A coil-reinforced medical device delivery mechanism including a stiff proximal end for enhanced pushability and a soft distal end, including a free floating tip portion, for increased maneuverability and decreased breakage. The system utilizes a non-compliant balloon mounted on a flexible, single lumen shaft device with a support mandrel construction.

Abstract: A stent delivery system can include a core member, an introducer sheath, and a microcatheter. The core member can have a first section and a second section distal to the first section. The second section can have a bending stiffness per unit length that is less than a bending stiffness per unit length of the first section. The introducer sheath can have a lumen configured to receive the core member therethrough. The introducer sheath can have a length of at least about 80 cm. The microcatheter can have a lumen and a proximal end configured to interface with a distal end of the introducer sheath for delivering the core member into the microcatheter lumen.

Abstract: An stent delivery system may include a delivery device and a tubular body having a lumen sized to slidably fit about an outer diameter of the delivery device and a drainage stent having an anchoring mechanism, wherein the delivery device includes a constraining member configured to engage an external portion of the tubular body at the proximal end of the delivery device. A method of delivering a stent may include inserting a tubular body into the port of an endoscope, inserting a stent delivery device and a stent having an anchoring mechanism into the tubular body, wherein the delivery device includes a constraining member configured to engage and retain the tubular body at the proximal end of the delivery device, advancing the drainage stent distally through the tubular body, sliding the tubular body proximally, and engaging an external portion of the tubular body with the constraining member.

Abstract: A support for the trunk or a limb or joint of a human or animal comprises a first band having first and second end portions with respective fasteners which can be fastened together to fix the band in a loop around the trunk or a limb or joint and at least one pad located inwardly of the first band for engaging a surface portion of the trunk or a limb or joint. The second band has a portion located inwardly of the first band and supports said at least one pad for movement independently of the first band when the first band is fixed to apply pressure to said surface portion. An adjustment means is connected to the second band and extends from an inner side to an outer side of the first band to allow operation outwardly of the first band when the first band is fixed for adjusting the position of said at least one pad.

Abstract: A tendon strap for engaging adjacent a joint of a user including a flexible tubular member (10) of a length with first and second ends (12, 14) sufficient to completely encircle the joint of the user at a point immediately adjacent to the joint with sufficient additional length to allow for adjustment. A buckle (16) connected adjacent the first end (12) of the tubular member (10). The buckle (16) for adjustably receiving the second end (14) of the tubular member (10) in interlocking relationship to secure the tendon strap to the joint. A fastener (18) and a securing member (22) for securing the tubular member (10) to the buckle (16) with the first and second ends (12, 14) inserted through the buckle (16). The first and second ends (12, 14) reversibly folded over a central portion of the tubular member (10) to encircle opposite sides of the buckle (16).

Abstract: An ankle brace having a brace body, first reinforcement strips, second reinforcement strips, and a closure mechanism provides medial-lateral support. The ankle brace may be custom or pre-fabricated.

Abstract: A custom or pre-fabricated ankle foot orthosis provides tri-planar control of the ankle foot structure. The ankle foot orthosis includes a brace body made from a polyolefin elastomeric material, foam material and a closure mechanism.

Abstract: A wrist and forearm sleeve is adjustable to provide varying amounts of compression and support at different positions along the wrist and forearm. Among other things, the sleeve might include an elastic internal sleeve, an adjustable cuff, and an adjustable sheath. In addition, a method of supporting a wrist and forearm includes donning the wrist and forearm sleeve.

Abstract: Leg braces configured to assist in straightening of a user's leg are shown and described. Each of the leg braces includes an anterior brace configured to be braced against an anterior portion of the leg proximal to the knee joint, having a selectively expandable and contractible bladder and an anterior brace attachment mechanism for attaching the anterior brace to a posterior brace. In some examples, each of the leg braces further includes the posterior brace configured to be braced against a posterior portion of the leg, the posterior brace having a rigid elongate base, an upper posterior brace attachment mechanism, and a lower posterior brace attachment mechanism for attaching the posterior brace to the leg below the knee joint.

Abstract: A moldable rigid ankle brace is disclosed. The rigid stabilizing ankle brace includes a heat-moldable multi-layer housing having an opening for receiving a user's ankle, a footplate attached to the housing, and a closure mechanism. The multi-layer housing includes a middle layer, which is substantially stiff at a temperature below about 130° F. and moldable at temperatures between about 130° F. and 275° F. A method of stabilizing an ankle is also disclosed. The method may include providing a rigid stabilizing ankle brace, having a heat-moldable multi-layer housing having an opening for receiving a user's ankle, and a footplate removably attached to said housing, heating the ankle brace to between about 130° F. to about 275° F., and applying said heated ankle brace to the ankle of a patient in need thereof.

Abstract: A compression belt encircles a selected portion of a patient's body and provides temporary compression of the selected portion. The compression belt comprises an elongated belt having first and second free ends free, a tensioning cord, a handle attached to the end of the tensioning cord, closing mechanism providing a mechanical advantage, a one-way tension mechanism and a selective release mechanism. Pulling the handle causes the closing mechanism to pull the first and second free ends closer together so as to compress the selected portion of the patient's body, the one-way tension mechanism maintains compression of the patient's body, even in the absence of continued pulling of the handle, unless the selective release mechanism is activated, and activating the selected release mechanism releases the compression of the patient's body.

Abstract: A substrate based skin contact material formed from a hydrocolloid having a silicone based component extending over regions of the substrate surface. The adhesive is formed non-continuously over the substrate to provide areas devoid of adhesive to allow appreciable moisture transfer between the skin and substrate and improve the skin friendliness of the material during use and allow convenient removal with avoidance of skin irritation.

Abstract: A device and a method for creating and/or maintaining an obstruction free upper respiratory passages. The device is configured to fit under the chin of a subject adjacent to the subject's neck at an external location corresponding approximately with the subject's internal soft tissue associated with the neck's anterior triangle. The device is capable of exerting negative pressure on the surface of a subject's neck, displacing the soft tissue forward and enlarging the airway.

Abstract: A new and improved hybrid “framed-frameless” copper-releasing contraceptive device (IUD) which is a combination of a plastic retention arm of reduced dimensions to adapt to uterine cavities of smaller size, particularly regarding their transverse width at the fundal level of the uterus, and whose retention arm has a centrally located extension of varying length to be connected with hollow copper tubes which functions as the frameless stem of the IUD, and which consists of loosely connected hollow tubes, threaded on a length of suture, or a thin plastic or metallic stem, or a thin polymeric drug eluting stem, allowing release of copper ions, from the outside and from the inside of the tubes, in the uterine cavity thereby enhancing the contraceptive effect, and of which the bottom tube, is crimped onto the lower end of the stem, including a separate metallic ion-releasing fiber, holding all copper tubes together.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for applying radiation to a target region within a subject. An introduction element (12) like a brachytherapy catheter is inserted into the subject and a radiation source (10) is moved within the introduction element such that it is located within or close to the target region. The target region is heated, wherein the movement of the radiation source within the introduction element is controlled depending on the temperature along the introduction element. The susceptibility of the subject for the radiation emitted by the radiation source at a respective location along the length of the introduction element can depend on the temperature at the respective location such that by controlling the movement of the radiation source depending on the temperature along the length of the introduction element the application of the radiation can be optimized.

Abstract: An ophthalmological apparatus includes a base station having a light source generating light pulses, and an application head mountable on an eye having a light projector for focussed projection of the light pulses for punctiform breakdown of eye tissue. The application head has movement drivers moving the light projector in a feed direction and a first scanning direction. A scanner in the base station deflects the light pulses in a second scanning direction. The ophthalmological apparatus includes an optical transmission system transmitting deflected light pulses from the base station to the application head, and superimposing the light pulses deflected in the second scanning direction onto the movement of the light projector in the first scanning direction. Light sources with high light pulse rates, for example femtosecond lasers may be used, without impractical enlargement of the size of the application head.

Abstract: An apparatus for ophthalmic procedures contains a source of aiming and treatment laser beams, folded mirrors and lens arrays to cause the formation of a static pupil on a delivery mirror for observation and treatment by an operator of the apparatus.

Abstract: Ultra-short pulsed laser radiation is applied to a patient's eye to create a row of bubbles oriented perpendicular to the axis of vision. The row of bubbles leads to a region of the eye to be ablated. In a second step, a femtosecond laser beam guided through the row of bubbles converts it to a channel perpendicular to the axis of vision. In a third step, a femtosecond laser beam is guided through the channel to ablate a portion of the eye. Using a femtosecond laser with intensity in the range of 1011-1015 W/cm2 for the second and third steps facilitates multi-photon ablation that is practically devoid of eye tissue heating. Creating bubbles in the first step increases the speed of channel creation and channel diameter uniformity, thereby increasing the precision of the subsequent multi-photon ablation.

Abstract: A scanning device for focusing a beam of rays in defined regions of a defined volume, comprising an input optics wherein the beam of rays penetrates first, having at least one first optical element; a focusing optics for focusing the beam of rays exiting from the input optics; and a deflecting device arranged between the first optical element and the focusing optics, for deflecting the beam of rays after it has passed through the first optical element, based on a position of the focus to be adjusted in lateral direction. In order to adjust the position of the focus of the beam of rays in the direction of the beam of rays, and optical element of the input optics can be displaced relative to the deflecting device.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices used to treat eyelids, meibomian glands, ducts, and surrounding tissue are described herein. In some embodiments, an eye treatment device is disclosed, which includes a scleral shield positionable proximate an inner surface of an eyelid, the scleral shield being made of, or coated with, an energy-absorbing material activated by a light energy, and an energy transducer positionable outside of the eyelid, the energy transducer configured to provide light energy at one or more wavelengths, including a first wavelength selected to heat the energy-absorbing material. Wherein, when the eyelid is positioned between the energy transducer and the scleral shield, the light energy from the energy transducer and the heated energy-absorbing material of the scleral shield conductively heats a target tissue region sufficiently to melt meibum within meibomian glands located within or adjacent to the target tissue region.

Abstract: Zero parallax visual axis glasses for corneal pre-marking include a target light, an alignment light, a polarized lens and a short pass filter. In some embodiments the targeting light and/or alignment light are LEDs and/or configured to blink. In some embodiments the target light is red. In certain embodiments the alignment light is white. The polarized lens can be placed on a user's non-dominant eye and block light originating from the target light and/or alignment light. The short pass filter can be configured to allow light from the target light to only pass through in one direction.

Abstract: Goggles are providing having a lens arrangement having two side end regions, a frame, a head holding arrangement, and two coupling arrangements for the releasable connection thereof to one another. Each coupling arrangement includes a first coupling device arranged on the lens arrangement and a respective second coupling device, which is arranged on the head holding arrangement and has a head holding arrangement part receiver to partly receive the respective first coupling device and a pivotable holding body with a holding device. Each holding body and each first coupling device of the respective coupling arrangement, in the assembled state of the goggles, have an articulated connection to one another by at least one joint projection.

Abstract: Methods and systems for treating a wound using targeted delivery of magnetically-tagged active agents in combination with negative pressure wound therapy are presented. In particular, a magnetically-active wound insert may be used to attract magnetically-tagged stem cells to a wound site to treat the wound.

Abstract: A head and neck covering is cut from a flat sheet of foam material to form a body portion of the head and neck covering. The foam material has a first surface cut to form an eye region, mouth region and neck region. The foam material has a second surface opposite the first surface which is continuous other than an opening for intubation. The foam material is compliant so that the body portion conforms to contours of the head and neck of the anesthetized patient. A closure mechanism is attached to the body portion for securing the head and neck covering around the anesthetized patient. The foam material reduces a potential for trauma to the head and neck of the anesthetized patient. A plurality of channels is formed in the foam material. Warm fluid is circulated through the channels to reduce heat loss for the patient.

Abstract: Connection pads for coupling fluid-instillation and negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) apparatuses to wound dressing, and methods and wound dressings for breaching a drape after coupling a wound dressing to a fluid-instillation and/or NPWT apparatus.

Abstract: A removable covering for an object includes an adhered section that is adhered to the object (e.g., adhered to a receiving surface of the object via an adhesive layer) and a free section that is not adhered to the object. The removable covering is sufficiently flexible to allow at least partial removal of the adhered section from the object by application of a force to the removable covering. Typically, the removable covering is adhered to the object such that resistance to removal of the covering from the object varies at different zones of attachment between the removable covering and the object. The resistance variation may be achieved, for example, by employing tabs, loops, folds, varying-strength adhesive strips, textures and/or release coatings. Exemplary packaging systems (e.g., containing removable coverings and/or objects) include features such that resistance to removal of the packaging system from an object varies at different phases of removal.

Abstract: A disposable diaper, having a longitudinal direction and a lateral direction, an absorbent main body having an absorbent body, a back waist part located on one end of the absorbent main body, and an abdominal waist part located on another end of the absorbent body, the absorbent body having side parts in the lateral direction provided with a pair of embossed lines formed by embossing from a skin side of the absorbent body, and the embossed lines each including a protrusion point, protruding inward in the lateral direction, located in a center of the disposable diaper in the longitudinal direction in a midsection of the disposable diaper or on a back waist part side with respect to the center, and a back line, linear or curved outward, extending outward in the lateral direction from the protrusion point, as a starting point, toward the back waist part in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: In an underpants-type disposable diaper including a waist edge portion in which pleats extend straight and which has excellent fit, the inner layer and the outer layer at the waist edge portion of an outer body are joined by an adhesive arranged intermittently or a welding process performed intermittently in the width direction and continuously in a direction crossing the width direction, thereby forming sheet joined sections, waist edge portion resilient and elastic members are sandwiched between the inner layer and the outer layer and fixed to at least one of the inner layer and the outer layer at positions intersecting with the sheet joined sections, and the diaper includes an area not being joined and not having resilient and elastic member at an end portion of the outer body on the waist opening side in the waist edge portion, the area not having sheet joined sections nor the waist edge portion resilient and elastic members, and a vertical range being wider than spacing between the waist edge portion res

Abstract: An absorbent article is provided with a central elastic material for positioning in a state in which it is extended in the front/rear direction in the outer direction in relation to an absorbent body, and an elastic material cover sheet which abuts the outer direction side surface of the central elastic material. The elastic material cover sheet covers an extension region where the central elastic material is positioned in an extended state, and a non-extension region where the central elastic material is positioned in a non-extended state. An adhesive agent for fixing in the extended state is coated onto the central elastic material of the extension region. An adhesive agent is coated onto at least the non-extension region of the outer direction side surface of the elastic material cover sheet, and the adhesive agent coated onto the outer direction side surface penetrates to the inner direction side surface of the elastic material cover sheet.

Abstract: An absorbent article comprising a top sheet, a back sheet and an absorbent core provided therebetween; wherein flap sheets having a center region, end regions and intermediate regions positioned therebetween are provided on both sides of the top sheet in a width direction, the flap sheet has a base part facing to the top sheet and a rising part extending from the base part and formed by folding the flap sheet at an inner edge of the base part in the width direction, the center region and the end region of the base part are joined to the top sheet and/or the back sheet at an inner position, in the width direction, of that the intermediate region of the base part is joined to the top sheet and/or the back sheet, and the rising part is joined to the base part at the end region.

Abstract: A three-dimensional film for use as a transfer layer in an absorbent article has a continuous surface and a discontinuous surface disposed generally parallel to and spaced from said continuous surface; both the continuous surface and the discontinuous surface have large scale apertures defined by sidewalls originating on the surface and extending outwardly therefrom and sized to permit acquisition of fluids by gravity, and optionally each surface also includes small scale apertures sized to acquire fluids by capillary action.

Abstract: An array of disposable absorbent articles comprising a sequence of graphic designs corresponding to a wearer's stage of development.

Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to provide a nonwoven for a top sheet of an absorbent article that is unlikely to stick after having absorbed menstrual blood, that is smooth and dry, and in which the absorbed menstrual blood is unlikely to diffuse on the nonwoven. This nonwoven has the following configuration. A nonwoven for a top sheet of an absorbent article, having a lengthwise direction and a crosswise direction, wherein the nonwoven has a plurality of ridge parts and a plurality of groove parts extending in the lengthwise direction and disposed in alternating fashion in the crosswise direction, the nonwoven being characterized in that the ridge parts and the groove parts have a plurality of through-holes, and the ridge parts have a region containing a blood lubricity-imparting agent that contains a predetermined blood lubricity-imparting agent.

Abstract: Techniques and devices for securing a medical device to a patient-carrying device, such as a mechanical CPR device to a stretcher, are described herein. In one aspect, a medical device stabilization strap may include a first removable attachment shackle connected to a first end of a first strap. An adjustable quick release buckle may be disposed between a second end of the first strap and a proximal end of a second strap. A second removable attachment shackle may be connected to a distal end of the second strap. The first and second removable attachment shackles may each include a U-shaped bracket for removably engaging a medical device. The adjustable quick release buckle may adjust a length of the second strap, for example, to secure the medical device to the patient-carrying device.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a caster wheel assembly (1) for a wheelchair, comprising: a caster housing (3), a central body (9) having a radially outwards extending flange (9a), which central body (9) is configured to be received by the caster housing (3), a spindle shaft (23) configured to be rotationally locked relative to the central body (9), a first bearing (11) having an inner bearing race (11b) configured to be rotationally locked relative to the spindle shaft (23), a friction member (13; 11a) configured to be rotationally locked relative to the caster housing (3), and a resilient member (15) configured to be arranged between the flange (9a) and the friction member (13), and configured to provide a force between the flange (9a) and the friction member (13) to thereby create friction torque between the caster housing (3) and the spindle shaft (23).