Abstract: The present invention relates to an implant (10), and particularly to an intraluminal endoprosthesis, comprising a body and at least one abluminal layer (3) disposed on the body, the abluminal layer preferably containing at least one pharmaceutically active substance. In order to protect the abluminal layer (3) from delamination or shearing, the abluminal layer (3) is additionally fastened to the implant body at least in a transition region (7) by way of at least one anchoring layer (5) disposed on the abluminal layer (3). In addition, methods for producing such an implant are described.

Abstract: Stent, as well as a method and device for fabricating the stent, wherein the stent has a tubular lattice structure comprising individual struts and at least one strut of which at least one longitudinal section runs with at least one directional component in the radial circumferential direction of the stent, wherein the surface of the longitudinal section facing the outside of the stent is curved only about the longitudinal axis of the stent. According to the invention, the surface of longitudinal section of the strut, which surface faces the inside of the stent, has such a curvature that the strut cross section is fluidically optimized.

Abstract: A reconfigurable delivery system is disclosed having a multi-lumen delivery catheter configuration that permits the delivery and staged release of a self-expanding main vessel stent-graft and a delivery sheath configuration that permits the introduction of various medical devices for the delivery and implantation of various branch vessel stent-grafts that are to be mated with the main vessel stent-graft. A method is disclosed wherein the delivery system is first used in the multi-lumen delivery catheter configuration to deliver and release a main vessel stent-graft that is configured for placement in the abdominal aorta for treatment of short-neck infrarenal, juxtarenal, and/or suprarenal aneurysms and then used in the delivery sheath configuration to facilitate the delivery of branch vessel stent-grafts that are configured to extend from the main vessel stent-graft into a respective renal artery.

Abstract: A vascular intervention device delivery system, such as for implanting a self expanding stent, includes a thumbwheel rotatably mounted in a handle. The thumbwheel includes a radially outward thumb surface and a radially inward ratchet surface of a ratchet. A catheter has a proximal end attached to the handle, and a distal carrier segment for mounting a vascular intervention device thereon. A retractable sheath is movable from a first position covering the distal carrier segment to a second position retracted proximally uncovering the distal carrier segment. A pull extends between the thumbwheel and the retractable sheath. A ratchet pawl is mounted in the handle and has a catch in contact with the ratchet surface. The ratchet holds the thumbwheel against rotation in a forward direction, and the retractable sheath moves responsive to rotation of the thumbwheel in a reverse direction.

Abstract: A device and method for loading an implant into a delivery system are disclose which are capable of simplifying operations required in interventional surgery using the implant. The device includes a guide cap (1), a guider (2) and a guiding tube (3). The guide cap (1) has a conical section (101) and a straight or conical tube (103) in communication with a small open end (102) of the conical section, and the conical section has a large open end (104) that flares outward, thereby forming a flange (105) facing the tube (103). The guider (2) has tapered sections (9, 10) that are tapered along an axis of the guider and thus form large and small open ends (8, 11). The small open end (11) has a diameter greater than a diameter of the small open end (102) of the conical section of the guide cap (1).

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for implanting prostheses in the body lumens rely on tacking or anchoring the prostheses with separately introduced fasteners. After initial placement, a fastener applier system is introduced within the expanded prostheses to deploy a plurality of fasteners to at least one prosthesis end. The fasteners are usually helical fasteners which are releasably restrained on the fastener driver, and are delivered by rotation of the fastener driver. The fasteners may be applied singly, typically in circumferentially spaced-apart patterns about the interior of at least one end of the prosthesis. A lumen extension or lumens may be coupled to the prosthesis to extend the reach of the prosthesis within the implantation site. Fasteners may also be applied to the lumen extensions.

Abstract: A sheath is placed over a crimped scaffold to reduce recoil of the crimped polymer scaffold and maintain scaffold-balloon engagement relied on to hold the scaffold to the balloon when the scaffold is being delivered to a target in a body. The sheath has an opening spanning the length of the sheath. The opening spans an arc length of about 90 degrees with respect to the circumference of the scaffold or balloon. The sheath may be removed from the scaffold by pinching the sheath between a thumb and forefinger, or bending or peeling back the sheath from the edges of the opening using fingertips.

Abstract: A stent graft is disclosed and can include a stent and a graft engaged with the stent. The graft can include an inner surface and an outer surface. Further, at least one of the inner surface and the outer surface can include a plurality of protrusions as viewed in cross section extending through a longitudinal axis.

Abstract: Described herein is a system for inducing weight loss in a patient, which comprises an extragastric space occupier positionable in contact with an exterior surface of a stomach wall to form an inward protrusion of wall into the stomach, and a retention device positionable in contact with the wall to retain the inward protrusion and to thereby capture the extragastric space occupier within the protrusion.

Abstract: A brace for application to a body joint, the brace including a substantially rigid brace substrate and a tensioning system for imparting tension to the substrate for adjusting the contour or angulation of the substrate.

Abstract: A device includes a receptacle body, wherein the receptacle body is filled with a dilatant fluid and the receptacle body extends in an elongated shape from a first end towards a second end, and a tension body for initiating an external force into the device, wherein a compression body, wherein the compression body is arranged in the receptacle body in a relatively movable manner and is connected to the tension body, wherein the compression body divides an interior space of the receptacle body into a first chamber and a second chamber, wherein between the receptacle body and the compression body a passage is provided, wherein the passage connects the first chamber with the second chamber fluid-technically.

Abstract: A foot and ankle support system using one or more pressure-flexed support bars made of resilient material, each of which can be adjustably positioned and removably attached to selected positions along the medial, lateral, or posterior heel sides of an article of footwear. One end of the support bar is affixed to the base portion of the article of footwear and the other end is affixed to the collar or ankle portion causing the resilient support bar to flex into a bow-like position. Each support bar stores energy and returns resistance when engaged by various directional movements of the foot during walking, running, sports activities or rehabilitation. A plurality of pressure-flexed support bars work in tandem to provide additional support and control of foot inversion and eversion, pronation and supination. An alternative embodiment uses a pressure-flexed bladder type support bar filled with air, gas, liquid gel or other material.

Abstract: An ankle stirrup has a base, an ankle holder, a holder extender, and four combination structures. The ankle holder is pivotally combined with the base. The holder extender is pivotally combined with the ankle holder and located over the ankle holder. The four combination structures are disposed on the base, the ankle holder, and the holder extender to combine with the base, the ankle holder, and the holder extender. The ankle stirrup can achieve a fixing effect for an ankle of a user.

Abstract: Methods and systems for passively supporting the upper body of a human user working at or near the ground are described herein. In one aspect, an upper body support system braces the torso of a human user against a surface of the work environment. This frees the hands and arms of the human user that would otherwise be occupied supporting the human torso. This enables a human user to comfortably use both hands to execute a particular work task. The upper body support system performs the support functionality described herein without the use of active devices. The upper body support system includes one or more passive upper body support assemblies each coupled to a harness assembly worn by the human user. Each passive upper body support assembly includes an extensible body support limb that extends toward the surface of the working environment and supports the human user compliantly.

Abstract: The invention contemplates use of remote ischemic conditioning in the treatment of erectile dysfunction.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sleep apnea prevention includes a clamp that has an upper clamp segment having a distal end and a hinge end, the distal end being is adapted to engage the patient's upper lip adjacent the nose and a lower clamp segment having a distal end and a hinge end, the distal end being adapted to engage the patient's lower jaw behind the mandibular symphysis. A hinge connects the upper and lower segments at the hinge ends. The upper and lower segments apply force to the patient's face and jaw such that the lower jaw is moved upwardly and forwardly. Adjustable force can be applied by elastic members connected to the upper and loser segments. Alternatively, the hinge can be held in a desired position by a hand-adjustable nut and bolt. The distal end of the upper clamp segment can include portions that project laterally and upwardly in order to apply compressive force to a patient's face on either side of the patient's nose.

Abstract: A system and method for treating target tissue including a light source for generating a beam of light, a plurality of optical fibers, a deflection device configured to selectively deflect the light beam into the input ends of the optical fibers, one optical fiber input end at a time, and a probe having a tip with the output ends of the optical fibers and configured for insertion into target tissue. The probe tip is configured to sequentially project spaced apart spots of the light beam from the output ends as the deflection device deflects the light beam into the optical fibers. One or more moving or static deflecting optics at the probe tip can be used to statically or dynamically deflect the beam exiting the optical fibers.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a Laser therapy system and a method for treatment of a sclera/conjunctiva of an eye, comprising: a dispenser for a photosensitizer agent; a 3D imaging unit; an image processing unit being adapted to recognize the collagen tissue structure and to determine a thickness thereof; a UVA light source being adapted to a crosslinking of the collagen tissue; a second Laser light source being adapted to be absorbed mainly by varicose blood vessels; an optical system for deflecting and focusing the UVA light and the second Laser light on a focus point within the sclera/conjunctiva; a processing and control unit being adapted to determine a target thickness and a thickness deviation; a pattern for an application of the UVA light energy; a UVA light energy to effect a growth of the collagen tissue structure until the target thickness is achieved.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide methods and systems for determining an ablation treatment for an eye of a patient. The systems and method may involve determining an ellipsoid shape corresponding to an anterior corneal surface of the patient's eye. The ellipsoid shape may include an anterior portion, a major axis, and an apex, where the major axis intersects the anterior portion at the apex. The systems and method may also involve determining a tilted orientation of the eye, such as when the patient fixates on a target during a laser ablation procedure. The systems and method may further involve determining the ablation treatment based on the ellipsoid shape and/or the tilted orientation.

Abstract: A treatment method and apparatus for surgical correction of defective-eyesight in an eye of a patient, wherein a laser device is controlled by a control device, said laser device separating corneal tissue by irradiation of laser radiation to isolate a volume located within a cornea, wherein the control device controls the laser device to focus the laser radiation, by providing target points located within the cornea, into the cornea, wherein the control device, when providing the target points, allows for focus position errors which lead to a deviation between the predetermined position and the actual position of the target points when focusing the laser radiation, by pre-offsets depending on the positions of the respective target points to compensate for said focus position errors.

Abstract: Treatment validation techniques include generating a modified treatment target from an original treatment target using a modification process, and comparing induced aberrations provided by the original and modified treatment targets, so as to verify the modified treatment target or the modification process. In some cases, a modification process may include a deconvolution process, a low pass filter process, a scaling process, or an adjustment process. The induced aberrations may include high order aberrations, such as spherical aberration.

Abstract: A steerable laser probe may include a handle, an actuation structure, an optic fiber, and a housing tube. The housing tube may include a first housing tube portion having a first stiffness and a second housing tube portion having a second stiffness. The second stiffness may be greater than the first stiffness. The optic fiber may be disposed within the housing tube and within an inner bore of the handle. A compression of the actuation structure may be configured to gradually curve the optic fiber. A decompression of the actuation structure may be configured to gradually straighten the optic fiber.

Abstract: Modular eye protection may include a frame, temples, and a frame, which may comprise temples and a top bar. The modular eye protection may also include a modular headband with a forehead pad, lens, and elastic band. Both embodiments of the modular eye protection may be assembled with eye shield lenses or face shields lenses. Dispensing units may also dispense the various components of the modular eye protection. The modular nature, method of assembly, and dispensers allow for minimal physical contact with objects, mitigating contact with pathogens in areas such as surgical rooms where cleanliness is important. The modular eye protection may also be disposable to further prevent spreading of pathogens.

Abstract: The electro-optical glare protection filter includes a liquid crystal cell, which is a laterally extended liquid crystal cell defining a volume between two laterally extended sides. The volume containing liquid crystals and having, in a vertical direction perpendicular to lateral directions, a thickness being smaller than an extension of the volume in any lateral direction. The FFS cell includes a first electrode structure and a second electrode structure, which are arranged to change an orientation of the liquid crystals in the volume when a voltage is applied between them. Both the first and the second electrode structure are present at the same laterally extended side of the volume. The first electrode structure may include a plurality of electrically separate electrodes, and the second electrode structure may include a plurality of electrode lines.

Abstract: A method of preparing an occlusive wound dressing involves preparing a slurry of an occlusive composition with a hydrophobic compound and a bacteriostatic agent, applying the occlusive composition on a fabric to produce a coated fabric, disposing the coated fabric in packaging, adding water onto at least one of the coated fabric and the packaging, sealing the packaging containing the coated fabric, and irradiating the sealed package to sterilize and produce the occlusive wound dressing. The occlusive wound dressing has from about 60 wt % to about 75 wt % hydrophobic compound, from about 2 wt % to about 5 wt % bacteriostatic agent, from about 2 wt % to about 5 wt % water, and from about 5 wt % to about 36 wt % fabric.

Abstract: This disclosure relates generally to adhesive articles and particularly to adhesive articles comprising a reversible adhesive layer and a non-reversible adhesive layer. The adhesive article may further comprise a backing material. The adhesive article may further comprise a dressing material. Such adhesive articles may be particularly suitable for treatment of damaged sensitive tissue, for example wounds formed on a fragile skin.

Abstract: Provided is a crusher capable of omitting a device for feeding a pulp sheet from outside into inside of a casing or suppressing a driving force of this device to be small and an absorber-manufacturing device provided with the same. A pulp sheet (P) is guided to a contact position (m) where the pulp sheet (P) and crushing edges (9b) of a cutter (9) come into contact from a position upstream of a virtual line (L3) orthogonal to a tangent line (L2) of a rotational path (R1) of the crushing edges (9b) at the contact position (m) and passing through the contact position (m) in a rotational direction (Y2) by a guiding section (5a) provided in a casing (5) and configured to guide the pulp sheet (P) from outside into inside of the casing (5).

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods and apparatuses for assembling disposable pant diapers having contoured elastic belts. During the assembly process, opposing end regions of chassis are connected with the elastic belts in the form of first and second continuous elastic laminates. The chassis are then folded to place the elastic laminates into a facing relationship. The inner longitudinal edges of one or both the elastic laminates are then cut to define a contoured shape. Discrete pieces of trim material may be removed from one or both the elastic laminates, and the first and second continuous elastic laminates are cut in the cross direction to form discrete pant diapers. In some configurations, a single knife both removes the trim material and cuts the elastic laminates in cross direction. And in some configurations, a first knife removes the trim material and a second knife cuts the elastic laminates in cross direction.

Abstract: A tampon for feminine hygiene, having an insertion end, a recovery end, a recovery tape, and a longitudinal axis. The tampon is made of compressed fibrous material and has an outer surface that is at least partially provided with spirally shaped, pressed longitudinal grooves. The grooves define spirally shaped longitudinal ribs. Also disclosed is a method for producing the tampon.

Abstract: An apparatus for delivering a discrete cord having a supply path comprising a fluid flow, a deployed cord supply, a transfer member having a first surface comprising one or more orifices capable of receiving the deployed cord supply, and a cutting apparatus comprising a cutting implement enabled to sever the deployed cord supply to form a discrete cord. The fluid flow directs the deployed cord supply towards the transfer member first surface. The transfer member first surface abuts the cutting apparatus.

Abstract: An absorbent article that has an exterior body. In the exterior body is an edge part which is forming a part of the leg opening unit. A rear end of the absorber is positioned in the crotch region so as not to overlap with a waistline elastic member. In an absorber disposition region in which the absorber is disposed, an end in a widthwise direction of the exterior body is positioned inside in the widthwise direction more significantly than an end in the widthwise direction of the absorber, and a part of a leg-holes elastic member is disposed.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a roll-in cot may include a support frame, a pair of back legs, a pair of front legs, and a cot actuation system. The pair of back legs and the pair of front legs can be slidingly coupled to the support frame. Each of the pair of front legs can include a front wheel and an intermediate load wheel. The intermediate load wheel is offset from the front wheel by a load wheel distance. A front actuator can raise the pair of front legs such that the front wheel and the intermediate load wheel of each of the pair of front legs are aligned along a loading level. The intermediate load wheel of each of the pair of front legs can be offset from the pair of back legs by a loading span. The load wheel distance can be greater than the loading span.

Abstract: A person-support apparatus comprises a frame configured to support a person thereon, and an endboard assembly configured to be removably coupled to the frame. The endboard assembly includes an endboard assembly including an endboard body and a plurality of support members that are configured to removably couple the endboard body to the frame in a use position and cooperate to maintain the endboard body in an upright orientation when the endboard assembly is uncoupled from the frame and in a storage position.

Abstract: A patient support includes a cover defining an interior region, an air permeable first layer located in the interior region within the cover, a first air supply coupled to the first layer to provide air flow through the first layer, air bladders including a head zone and a seat zone located beneath the first layer, a first sensing assembly located beneath the head zone, a second air supply coupled to the air bladders to selectively inflate and deflate the air bladders, and a controller. The controller is coupled to the first and second air supplies to control inflation and deflation of the air bladders and to control air flow through the permeable layer. The controller also receives a signal from the first sensing assembly, determines whether the patient support is occupied, and adjusts air flow through the first layer based on the signal from the first sensing assembly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electric wheelchair incorporating a lifting mechanism which makes it possible to transfer a disabled or dependent person from the wheelchair itself to any desired surface, such as a bed, a toilet, a hospital bed, etc. and vice versa from said surface to the wheelchair, and armrests comprising an anchoring device for fixing a patient support sling.

Abstract: A method of securing a patient onto an operating table when the patient is in a position such as the trendelenburg position and apparatus therefor including a kit. A viscoelastic pad is used to support and hold a patient on a medical procedure table during a medical procedure performed while the table, and thus the patient lying thereon, is in an inclined position, such as the Trendelenburg position. The viscoelastic pad has characteristics which promote a minimization of pressure forces on the patient's body, as well as promote a secure cushioning and holding of the patient in a desired position on the table, in order to minimize injury to the patient.

Abstract: A method for use with a casket arrangement having a first configuration and a second configuration includes moving the casket arrangement while in the second configuration, changing the casket arrangement from the second configuration to the first configuration, and moving remains of a deceased disposed within the casket arrangement while in the first configuration. The casket arrangement includes a bottom panel and intrinsically formed side panels and end panels. The side panels and end panels include upper portions that extend upward and connect in the first configuration, and which extend in a direction other than upward in the second configuration.

Abstract: A therapeutic apparatus, which treats fatigue of the whole body, is provided. A plurality of speakers/sensors which apply an oscillating pressure to a subject are provided. An airtight chamber and a vacuum pump unit, which change the subject into the state of a negative pressure from the atmospheric pressure, are provided. A control unit adjusts distribution of the oscillating pressure by the output of each speaker/sensor is provided. Further, the control unit adjusts each speaker/sensor, in order that the oscillating pressure of a same extent is applied to a plurality of parts of the body, simultaneously. Thereby, the whole body of the subject can recover from fatigue.

Abstract: A main body frame 40 of a walking assist device 1, which is to be fixed to the waist of a user, has first frames 41 to be fixed to the waist of the user, second frames 42, and connection mechanisms 43, which connect the first frames 41 and the second frames 42 such that the relative positions of the second frames 42 with respect to the first frames 41 change according to the motions of the legs of the user.

Abstract: A walking assistance apparatus for preventing offset occurring in between a rotating axis of a hip joint of a user and a rotating shaft of the walking assistance apparatus may be provided. The walking assistance apparatus includes a waist fixing apparatus configured to be fixed to a waist of a user, a connecting guide mounted at the waist fixing apparatus and configured to slide in an extension direction of the waist fixing apparatus and rotate on a rotating shaft extending in a vertical direction perpendicular to the extension direction, a rail unit mounted at one side of the connecting guide, the rail unit extending in a vertical direction, and a hip joint configured to slide along the rail unit.

Abstract: Multipurpose tactile warning panels (TWPAs) for use in pedestrian walkways, and in particular tactile warning panels that are designed and built with multifunction/multipurpose capabilities that serve the visually impaired and enable the deployment of smart city technology. The TWPAs integrate tactile warning systems and subsurface enclosures that can withstand pressures of five (5) tons up to and exceeding sixty (60) tons and incorporate small cells, beacons, sensors, Fog Computing, electric energy generation, rechargeable power supplies, wireless M2M communication and a plethora of other smart city technologies.

Abstract: Multipurpose tactile warning panels (TWPAs) for use in pedestrian walkways, and in particular tactile warning panels that are designed and built with multifunction/multipurpose capabilities that serve the visually impaired and enable the deployment of smart city technology. The TWPAs integrate tactile warning systems and subsurface enclosures that can withstand pressures of five (5) tons up to and exceeding sixty (60) tons and incorporate small cells, beacons, sensors, Fog Computing, electric energy generation, rechargeable power supplies, wireless M2M communication and a plethora of other smart city technologies.

Abstract: An improved walking cane device adapted to be used by a blind person to aid in walking and navigating upon any walking surface, use information pre-programmed upon a computer module, use information gathered by a receiver member in an elongated shaft, and send information through a speaker member in the elongated shaft and the wireless earpiece to the blind person for aiding in walking and navigating upon any walking surface.

Abstract: An end effector is capable of being used to stimulate a portion of skin at a stimulation frequency. The end effector includes a base portion that is couplable to a motor and an end portion having a plurality of contact points at which the end effector is configured to contact the portion of skin. The plurality of contact points are located at a target distance from each other that is based on an inverse of the stimulation frequency. The end effector is configured such that, when the base portion is coupled to the motor and the motor is operating, the end effector has a resonant frequency based on the stimulation frequency. When the motor is operating and a force is applied to bias the end effector toward the portion of skin, a cyclical stimulus is produced within the portion of skin at about the stimulation frequency.

Abstract: A manometer with a cadence indicator includes a housing and a gas pressure indicator interfaced to the housing. An input port of the housing is for connecting the manometer to a source of gas pressure, such that the gas pressure at the input port is reflected in the gas pressure indicator, providing a pressure reading. A cadence module is interfaced to the housing such that cadence is provided concurrently with the local of the gas pressure indicator in two cadence pulse frequencies, one for timing of chest compressions and one for timing of administration of breaths. Cadence is provided visually or audibly.

Abstract: Various embodiments of systems, devices, components, and methods for providing external therapeutic vibration stimulation to a patient are disclosed and described. Therapeutic vibration stimulation is provided to at least one location on or adjacent to a patient's skin (such as through clothing or a layer disposed next to the patient's skin), and is configured to trigger or induce resonance or high amplitude oscillations in a cardiovascular system of the patient. Inducing such resonance can aid in training autonomic reflexes and improve their functioning.

Abstract: The present invention administers fluid therapy and chromotherapy to the head of a user for stimulatory purposes. Particularly, the invention comprises a portable device for administering fluid therapy using pressurized water and/or other therapeutic fluids and/or substances to massage and relax the head and scalp of the user while simultaneously allowing the use of craniofacial chromotherapy thus providing a generally relaxing and refreshing stimulative experience for the head.

Abstract: A container for storing and/or applying a substance is provided. The container includes a glass body having a substantially hollow cylindrical shape and enclosing a cavity, as well as a distal end with a first opening and a proximal end with a second opening. One or more connecting elements are attached to the glass body at the distal end and are made of a plastic material. The plastic material is a thermoplastic or thermosetting plastic material and the glass body and the or each connecting element are connected to each other by use of a joint. The connecting element arranged at the distal end includes a passage channel communicating with the first opening. The first and second openings are enclosed by end faces and immediately adjacent surfaces of the glass body and the connecting element(s) is/are attached to the glass body via the end faces and the immediately adjacent surfaces.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for enabling hospitals or clinics to administer a dose of a drug to patients in need thereof while avoiding steps of manipulation, dilution, reconstitution, dispensing, sterilization, transfer, handling or compounding before intravenous administration. The present invention further relates to a perfusion system comprising different sets of perfusion containers, each container comprising a ready-to-infuse, stable, sterile, aqueous perfusion solution of a drug, wherein the set of perfusion containers alone or in combination provides for direct intravenous administration of a desired dose of the drug to a patient in need thereof, such that the delivered dose is equal to or within ±5% of the calculated dose.

Abstract: A sealing arrangement is for a container (1) and/or container part, such as a closure cap placed onto the container (1). The interior of the container (1) is used to accommodate a medium, particularly a fluid bottled in a sterile manner, which can be removed from the container (1) by a removal device such as a syringe needle. The removal device penetrates sealing material (9) connected to the container. The sealing material (9) is fixedly connected to the outside (7) of the container (1) and/or container parts facing the environment by a fused and/or adhesively bonded connection.