Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a spinal implant. The spinal implant may be used for lateral insertion into an intervertebral disc space. For example, the spinal implant may include a spacer body to which a plate is fixed. The intervertebral spacer body may include a pair of opposite sides having a pyramid-shaped teeth to fuse to bone. The plate defines at least one upper and lower borehole that each receives a screw. Each screw attaches the plate to a vertebral body between which the intervertebral spacer body is inserted. The boreholes may include locking threads that are adapted to lock the screws into place by engaging complementary locking threads of head of the screw.

Abstract: ALIF spine implants, ALIF installation instruments/tools, and ALIF procedures using the present ALIF implants and present ALIF installation instruments for an anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) surgical procedure are provided. The ALIF implants are characterized by an ALIF cage and anchoring members. The ALIF installation instruments are characterized by a shaft having an inserter on one end that receives and holds an ALIF cage and anchoring members. The installation instrument allows insertion of the ALIF cage into a vertebral space, the anchoring members to be received in the ALIF cage, and then into vertebral bone. The ALIF cage is preferably, but not necessarily, 3-D printed having a central cavity, an end configured to accept a plurality of anchoring members and direct a portion of the anchoring members up and out of the cavity, a cutout configured to receive an anchoring member retention component, and an anchoring member retention component.

Abstract: A spine implant for a TLIF surgical procedure is configured to be steered into place during implantation in conjunction with a complementary insertion instrument. The cage of the implant is constrained to a limited range of rotation about a post carried by the cage. The insertion instrument is configured to hold the post while controllably rotating the cage relative to the post in order to angularly position the implant during implantation. Range of rotational motion is controlled by the configuration of a groove in the post. A retaining pin of the implant extends from the cage into the groove of the post to rotationally connect the cage to the post.

Abstract: An expandable implant is disclosed in which the implant includes top and bottom plates having angled inner surfaces that interact with expansion members. The expansion members may be situated on an actuator, and may include at least one vertical projection. In some instances, rotation of the actuator in opposing directions about a longitudinal axis may cause the expansion members to move toward or away from one another, thereby resulting in separation of the top and bottom plates. During such expansion of the implant, the at least one vertical projection of the expansion members may be guided at least partially within a recess formed in the first or second plate. Pins may also be included with the expansion members that ride along respective slots in the plates during expansion. An insertion instrument for implanting the aforementioned implant, and methods of using the same, are also disclosed.

Abstract: An expandable housing for an interbody fusion system has movable tapered external helical threaded members that travel along tracking to operably engage against the top and bottom shell members, urging them apart to cause expansion in the height of the housing. In an embodiment, the tapered members are disposed in a dual arrangement such that independent engagement of the tapered members along lateral portions of the top and bottom shells cause an angular tilt to the exterior surface of the housing when the tapered members are moved to different degrees. This function permits adjustment in the angular relationship between adjacent vertebrae and assists the lordotic adjustment of the patient's spine. When the functions of the device are used in combination by the surgeon, the device provides an effective tool for in situ adjustment when performing lateral lumbar interbody fusion.

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

Abstract: A vertically expandable intervertebral cage, deployment devices, and methods for using the same. The intervertebral cage can include a circuitous body at least partially enclosing an interior volume. The intervertebral cage can also include a front panel which can be formed into a wedge for facilitating implantation of the intervertebral cage into an intervertebral space. The intervertebral cage can be converted from an undeployed configuration, wherein the height of the intervertebral cage is reduced, to a deployed configuration, wherein the height of the intervertebral cage is increased to support end plates of the vertebrae. The intervertebral cage can be converted from the undeployed configuration to a deployed configuration by using a deployment device such as an implantation device and a guide wire. The deployment device can be used to impart a force upon the cage.

Abstract: A lateral spine implant has a lateral spine cage and an associated lateral spine plate with one or more folding vertebral attachment arms, each arm configured for attachment to vertebral bone. The ability of the one or more arms to fold allows the lateral spine plate to be inserted/implanted at a lower profile height than traditional lateral spine plates. The lateral spine plate is meant to be used at times of intended or unintended compromise of the anterior longitudinal ligament (ALL) to prevent interbody cage migration, but may be adapted for any lateral plating application. Once expanded, each attachment arm is configured to receive a bone screw for securing the attachment arm to a vertebra, the bone screw retained by rotating cam lock nuts of the attachment arm.

Abstract: A graft material injector device and method are disclosed. The injector device includes an elongated injector tube and a side loading aperture for receiving graft material. A graft material loader and a cover for the side loading aperture may optionally be included.

Abstract: Provided herein are devices, systems, apparatus and methods for accessing the cervical spine via an anterior approach and implanting a spinal fixation member between two vertebrae of the cervical spine in the disc or intervertebral joint space, such as in an ACDF procedure. The delivery device includes a distal end that can be anchored to the spinal fixation member. Once anchored to the spinal fixation member, the delivery device is operable to both advance and attach the spinal fixation member within a cervical disc joint space.

Abstract: An insertion instrument for expandable spinal implants includes an elongate member, a shuttle, and a worm gear. The elongate member includes a handle portion of a proximal end and an end effector on a distal end, wherein the end effector is configured to be releasably engaged to an expandable spinal implant. The shuttle is slidably disposed within a cavity defined within the end effector and includes a wedged shaped distal end configured to engage an expandable spinal implant. The worm gear is rotatably disposed within the cavity defined in the end effector and is in mechanical communication with the shuttle, such that rotation of the worm gear effectuates movement of the shuttle. Distal movement of the shuttle effectuates articulation of an expandable spinal implant. A method of performing surgery is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electronic artificial hand including a power section, a tendon section, and a restoring line section for joint movement of a finger group which is capable of preventing unnecessary driving of the power section using tension of the tendon section caused by the joint movement of the finger group and implementing a gripping force similar to a gripping force of a person through a physical configuration using the tension of a spring section and the tendon section and which is easily implemented due to a simplified configuration and has low manufacturing costs.

Abstract: Hybrid terrain-adaptive lower-extremity apparatus and methods that perform in a variety of different situations by detecting the terrain that is being traversed, and adapting to the detected terrain. In some embodiments, the ability to control the apparatus for each of these situations builds upon five basic capabilities: (1) determining the activity being performed; (2) dynamically controlling the characteristics of the apparatus based on the activity that is being performed; (3) dynamically driving the apparatus based on the activity that is being performed; (4) determining terrain texture irregularities (e.g., how sticky is the terrain, how slippery is the terrain, is the terrain coarse or smooth, does the terrain have any obstructions, such as rocks) and (5) a mechanical design of the apparatus that can respond to the dynamic control and dynamic drive.

Abstract: A fixation assembly for attaching a prosthetic leg and foot combination directly to an external ring fixation assembly via a protective socket, and yet allow full adjustment of length and offset, protection of the residual stump when in use, and quick-disconnect of the socket when not in use. The device is meant for use with any existing external fixation ring assembly for fixation to a femur or tibia, and any prosthetic leg/foot combination. The fixation assembly generally includes a molded concave socket having a mounting base at its apex for mounting the prosthetic leg/foot, an articulating ring adjustably attached to the socket, and a plurality of struts there between. Each strut has a first locking pivot joint at one end pivotally attached to the articulating ring and a second locking pivot joint at an opposing end pivotally attached to the rim of the socket. The articulating ring is removably attached to the external ring fixation assembly by a plurality of detent pins for releasable attachment.

Abstract: The current document is directed to a two-way, by-passable, overrunning clutch incorporated within a mechanical prosthetic knee that provides functionality similar to a biological knee or incorporated in another articulated device, such as a robotic or orthotic articulated device or member. The currently disclosed two-way, by-passable, overrunning clutch allows for two-way free rotation when disabled, but, when enabled, prevents rotation in one direction while allowing free rotation in the other direction. In the mechanical prosthetic knee, the two-way, by-passable, overrunning clutch is enabled by application of a mechanical force and disabled by removal of the mechanical force.

Abstract: An adjustable socket system includes first and second shell components and first and second longitudinal supports connected to a base. The socket system is movable between an open configuration to loosen the fit of the socket system, and a closed configuration to secure the fit of the socket system on residual limb received therein. A tightening system includes a tensioning unit having a handle defining a moment arm rotatable about a rotation axis, and a tensioning element operatively coupled to the handle via a movable connection point located and protected between the first shell component and the first support and to the shell components via a control point. Rotation of the handle displaces the movable connection point and the tensioning element relative to the control point to move the socket system to the closed configuration.

Abstract: The subject invention is directed to devices and methods for producing devices for regulating blood flow in the venous system. In particular, the invention provides for artificial valves designed to regulate the flow of blood in human vessels, wherein such artificial valves include superior properties including fatigue resistance, biocompatibility, and ease of manufacture.

Abstract: A medical implant (20) includes first and second ring members (22, 24), each including a resilient framework (26) having a generally cylindrical form. A tubular sleeve (28) is fixed to the first and second ring members so as to hold the ring members in mutual longitudinal alignment, thereby defining a lumen (32) passing through the ring members. A constricting element (30) is fit around the sleeve at a location intermediate the first and second ring members so as to reduce a diameter of the lumen at the location.

Abstract: A tack device for holding plaque against blood vessel walls in treating atherosclerotic occlusive disease can be formed as a thin, annular band of durable, flexible material. The tack device may also have a plurality of barbs or anchoring points on its outer annular periphery. The annular band can have a length in the axial direction of the blood vessel walls that is about equal to or less than its diameter as installed in the blood vessel. A preferred method is to perform angioplasty with a drug eluting balloon as a first step, and if there is any dissection to the blood vessel caused by the balloon angioplasty, one or more tack devices may be installed to tack down the dissected area of the blood vessel surface, in order to avoid the need to install a stent and thereby maintain a ‘stent-free’ environment.

Abstract: Prostheses and methods of making the same are provided. The prosthesis has an internal branch configuration. A trough or branch opening is at least partially defined by a trough wall extending into a main lumen from a sidewall of the prosthesis. The internal branch extends from the trough within the main lumen towards one of the outflow end of the graft body in a helical, retrograde arrangement. Other arrangements are described. The prosthesis may include a scalloped fenestration having a width larger than the trough. The trough may be positioned along a tapered region of the prosthesis. The trough and internal branch may be made from the same graft material. The trough and internal branch, in addition to the main graft body, may be made from the same graft material.

Abstract: A method of making a medical device includes forming a precursor medical device using additive manufacturing. The precursor medical device includes a first portion, a second portion, a first connector, and a second connector. The first connector connects the first portion to the second portion and is configured to remain. The second connector connects the first portion to the second portion and are configured to be removed. The second connector is formed such that the second connector is less ductile than the first portion, the second portion, and the first connector. The precursor medical device is processed to remove the second connector without adversely affecting the first portion, the second portion, and the first connector.

Abstract: A medical device having a first portion, a second portion, and at least one connector connecting the first and second portion is formed using additive manufacturing. The method includes forming a plurality of layers of a first portion of the medical device, placing a first removable masking plate over the first portion with an opening of the masking plate aligned with a point of the first portion, forming at least one layer of a first connector on the first portion, wherein the first connector is formed in the opening of the removable masking plate, forming a plurality of layers of a second portion of the medical device, wherein a first layer of the plurality of layers of the second portion is formed partially on the first connector and partially on the removable masking plate, and removing the first removable masking plate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a catheter device for transporting an expandable prosthesis to a target site in a body lumen of a patient. The catheter device has rotatable catheter tip. The catheter tip is rotatably connected to a distal end of an inner shaft such that the catheter tip can be rotated about a longitudinal axis in at least one direction of rotation with respect to the inner shaft.

Abstract: The invention relates to a balloon catheter, in particular for the widening of stents in fenestrations, being provided with a first inner balloon (4), a second outer balloon (5), with said second balloon (5) completely enclosing the first balloon (4), separate supply lines in the catheter (2) leading to the first (4) and second balloon (5), which allow the balloons (4, 5) to be pressurized independently of one another, a central lumen (3) for a guidewire, wherein in the expanded state, both balloons (4, 5) in the proximal region (P) have a diameter which is enlarged in relation to that of the distal region (D).

Abstract: The present disclosure describes medical devices comprising implantable expandable implants, such as stent-grafts. Such devices can comprise a constraining line. The constraining line can surround the proximal end of the expandable implant, and assist in positioning and deployment of the expandable implant within the body of the patient.

Abstract: An oral weight control device that inhibits the mastication and swallowing of food is provided. The oral weight control device is a dental appliance that includes upper and lower retainers, where each retainer covers the lingual, palatal and buccal side of the teeth to inhibit mastication of food. The dental appliance further includes left and right flexible food barriers extending from the upper retainer to the lower retainer on the lingual side of the teeth to prevent food that a user may attempt to masticate between the upper and lower retainers from being passed to the tongue of the user to ingest. The upper and lower retainers may be customized to fit on each user and may cover all the upper and lower teeth of the wearer on the lingual, palatal and buccal sides of the teeth. The retainers may be removable or semi-permanently secured to the teeth.

Abstract: Methods and devices are disclosed that provide therapeutic benefit and treatment for a variety of neurologic and physiologic conditions that include obesity, urinary incontinence, and sensory system disorders.

Abstract: A gastric restriction device for treating excessive weight or obesity in mammals. The gastric restriction devices includes a skirt having a left portion, a right portion, a top edge with a first indentation located at a center of the top edge, and a bottom edge with a second indentation located at a center of the bottom edge. The skirt has a narrow surface located between the first indentation and the second indentation and a broad surface formed from the left portion connecting to the right portion. The skirt is configured to envelop and fit a stomach of a mammal. The gastric restriction devices includes a first attachment device and a second attachment device. The second attachment device is adapted to engage the first attachment device so that the skirt envelops and fits the stomach of the mammal.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for supporting a head of a user, e.g., while the user inclines their head downward, leans forward, and the like, for extended periods of time. In an exemplary embodiment, a harness is provided that is configured to be worn on a body of a user, the harness including a shoulder harness configured to be worn over or around one or both shoulders of the user, and a head support. The head support may include a support bracket including a first end mounted to the harness, and a rest member coupled to a second end of the support bracket such that the rest member extends across a forehead of the user and/or at least partially around the user's head when the harness is worn for supporting the user's forehead.

Abstract: A wrist brace for providing temporary comfort to sufferers of wrist pain. The wrist brace ovates the carpal tunnel through a pair of crisscrossing guylines each independently anchored on a wrist strap. One guyline hooks to the pinky finger and the other guyline hooks to the thumb. The guylines overlap at an “X” that is offset from the wrist strap over the palm. The anchor points of the guylines can be independently moved to change the tensions there along. The guylines can be used in conjunction with popular wrist-worn devices and jewelry or a dedicated wrist strap fitted with a hook-and-loop faster system.

Abstract: A plurality of orthotic systems are provided. One bi-layer system is constructed from a single sheet of fabric that is molded into two layers. One tri-layer system includes a base layer; a mid-layer; and an upper layer. The upper layer is joined to the mid-layer and the mid-layer is joined to the base layer. The coupling of the base layer, the mid-layer and the upper layer create a rear spring section, a mid-spring section and a front spring section in which the upper layer is suspended over the mid-layer and the heel portion is suspended on the proximal heel end of the base layer.

Abstract: A dynamic infant head support for preventing, or correcting, the abnormal shape of a head of an infant, and a method of using the support for treating deformational plagiocephaly. The support is an oval-shaped pillow, with a central opening to receive the head of the infant to be treated. Spaced barriers divide the interior of the pillow into a plurality of compartments. A ring-like manifold passes through the interior of the pillow and communicates with each compartment. A plurality of valves is operatively associated with the manifold; one valve is located in each compartment. The valves allow fluid, such as pressurized air, in the manifold, to inflate individual compartments. The manifold is pressurized by a pump, at a remote location; a heater warms the pressurized air. A remote controller is connected to the valves by electrical leads. The controller governs the sequence of operation of the valves, and regulates the duration of time that each valve is open.

Abstract: A system, comprising a support adapted to be worn on a head and support a light source to administer an effective amount of light to a nose of the head sufficient to treat a nasal disorder.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein are directed to vent adaptor assemblies including a vent adaptor, methods of making such vent adaptor assemblies, method of using such vent adaptor assemblies, and urinary drainage bag systems including such vent adaptor assemblies. In an embodiment, a vent adaptor assembly includes a filter that is configured to permit gas (e.g., air) to flow therethrough, while simultaneously at least partially preventing fluid present within the vent adaptor assembly (e.g., urine) from flowing therethrough.

Abstract: A novel type of upper jaw- and lower jaw-mouthpieces are provided. The mouthpieces are two separate upper jaw- and lower jaw-mouthpieces (1, 2). The upper jaw- and lower jaw-mouthpieces (1, 2) are bonded and fixed with at least one adhesive piece (3, 31 to 36), and the adhesive piece (3, 31 to 36) allows the upper jaw- and lower jaw-mouthpieces (1, 2) to be movable within a limited range. The limited range is, for example, movement of the upper jaw- and lower jaw-mouthpieces (1, 2) upward, downward, forward, rearward, leftward, and rightward within a range of 1 to 8 mm.

Abstract: A technique for fabricating a surgical splint for use in correcting a dental condition of a patient. The technique involves obtaining a three-dimensional digital model of lower and upper arch dentitions of the patient having the dental condition. Relative positions of the lower and upper arch dentitions are adjusted with respect to each other in the three-dimensional digital model using a computing device. An electronic model of a splint is generated based on the adjusted relative positions of the lower and upper arch dentitions. A splint is then generated in a physical form from the electronic model of the splint.

Abstract: A method and system of reducing the likelihood of an inflammatory disease developing by providing a mucosal adhesive strip to a subject, with the strip provided with at least one of a plurality of agents effective to hinder the growth of spirochetes bacteria in a subject's oral cavity. In certain embodiments, an effective amount of Prevotella intermedia is provided to decrease the incidence of periodontitis and to reduce the progression of Alzheimer's disease. In still other embodiments, the likelihood that a subject will suffer from Alzheimer's disease is reduced by administering via local gingival application to a subject that has been diagnosed with periodontitis an effective amount of an antibiotic effective to kill spirochetes bacteria residing on the subgingival tooth area of the subject.

Abstract: A contraceptive drug delivery system is provided in the form of a controlled release, bioerodible pellet for subdermal implantation. The pellet is bioerodible, and provides for the sustained release of a contraceptive agent over an extended time period. Bioerosion products are water soluble, bioresorbed, or both, obviating the need for surgical removal of the implant. Methods of using the drug delivery system, including in female contraception, are also provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure is related to methods of using an intrauterine system (insertion device) including an intrauterine device (IUD), an insertion device or applicator for inserting the IUD into the cervix of a female patient, methods related to the insertion procedure, and methods of manufacture for the insertion device.

Abstract: The invention relates to heat products for single treatment and/or as self-therapy in the event of acute, recurrent and/or chronic states of pain, comprising heat-generating materials arranged in annular form.

Abstract: A head cap for securing a cooling pad for conducting medical cooling of the head and neck of a patient is provided.

Abstract: A balloon catheter for the endovascular temperature control of blood, with a catheter tube and at least one heat exchanger balloon which is convertible from an expanded operational state into a compressed insertion state. A temperature-control fluid can flow through the heat exchanger balloon, wherein the catheter tube includes at least one occlusion balloon which is arranged in series with the heat exchanger balloon.

Abstract: A single-piece patient interface device (PI) for coupling an patient's eye to an ophthalmic surgical laser system, which includes a rigid shell, a flexible suction ring joined to a lower edge of the shell, an applanation lens, and a flexible annular diaphragm which joins the applanation lens to the shell near the lower edge of the shell. The flexible diaphragm allows the applanation lens to move relative to the shell, including to shift in longitudinal and lateral directions of the shell and to tilt. In operation, the surgeon first secures the PI to the patient's eye by hand, and then couples the laser system to the PI by lowering the laser delivery head into the PI shell. During the lowering process, the laser delivery head presses the applanation lens down relative to the PI to applanate the cornea of the eye.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are drug delivery devices and methods for the treatment of ocular disorders requiring targeted and controlled administration of a drug to an interior portion of the eye for reduction or prevention of symptoms of the disorder. In several embodiments, the devices are capable of controlled release of two or more drugs, the release of each drug into a different ocular space (e.g., an ocular compartment versus an ocular fluid outflow pathway).

Abstract: An ocular irrigation device and method are provided including an ocular lens having selected structural features that facilitate flow of irrigation fluid to the eye through the ocular lens introduced by a source of irrigating fluid. The selected structural features achieve one or more objectives with respect to control of irrigation fluid so that selected portions of the eye and eyelids may be more effectively irrigated and treated. Control of the irrigation fluid by the invention includes variables of fluid flow characteristics to include control of flow velocity, flow volume, flow direction, and flow turbidity. Selected structural features of the ocular lens may address one or more of these variables alone or in selected combinations to provide an optimal method for treating a patient.

Abstract: An integral laser imaging and treatment apparatus, and associated systems and methods that allow a physician (e.g., a surgeon) to perform laser surgical procedures on an eye structure or a body surface with an integral laser imaging and treatment apparatus disposed at a first (i.e. local) location from a control system disposed at a second (i.e. remote) location, e.g., a physician's office. In some embodiments, communication between the integral laser imaging and treatment apparatus and control system is achieved via the Internet®. Also, in some embodiments, the laser imaging and treatment apparatus includes a dynamic imaging system that verifies the identity of a patient, and is capable of being used for other important applications, such as tracking and analyzing trends in a disease process. Further, in some embodiments, the laser imaging and treatment apparatus determines the geographical location of the local laser generation unit of the system using GPS.

Abstract: A corneal marking system, and methods for its use, has a tilt-detecting device attached to a corneal marker, adapted to produce a signal when the corneal marker is in a horizontal position. Use of measurement devices may be coordinated between the marker and a level-measuring device positioned on a patient's head. Devices capable of measuring one, two or three axes are used and processors are provided to evaluate the data produced by the devices and provide a physician with a signal that the positions of the patient's head and the marker are such that an accurate marking procedure can be performed.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved bilateral compression device for post-operative surgical site, the bilateral compression device including a central cavity presented by an outerwall and a circumscribing sidewall, the central cavity in receipt of a post-operative pillow further comprising an outer membrane separated from an inner membrane for exerting a central compressive force towards the post-operative surgical area which varies from a surrounding compression force.

Abstract: The present invention relates to goggles and a method for manufacturing the same. The goggles include: a lens portion (3) configured to be integrated with a lens frame; side frames (7) configured to be integrated with both sides of the lens portion (3), and to come into tight contact with both sides of a face; folding members (8) configured to be disposed on the side frames (7), and to enable the side frames (7) to be selectively folded and unfolded; an elastic member (9) configured to be coupled to the rims of the lenses (3) and to come into contact with the face and prevent moisture; goggle supports (13) configured to be mounted on the lens portion (3), and to support the goggles; and nose pads (11) configured to be provided below the goggle supports (13), and to be supported on the tops of noses.

Abstract: A sporting-goods device capable of removably attaching to eyewear, specifically swimming goggles, and another object to prevent loss of the eyewear.