Abstract: A method for treating orthodontitis (i.e., gingivitis caused by malpositioned teeth). The process includes evaluating improper morphologies of alveolar bone in the horizontal dimension (i.e., orthodontosis) caused by displaced root(s) of a tooth, uprighting the root of the malpositioned tooth utilizing an orthodontic bracket system thereby causing the alveolar bone to be restored, which in-turn alleviates the orthodontitis. An orthodontic bracket is provided for use with an arch wire to apply corrective forces to a tooth. The bracket includes a vertical member having a slot formed therein for receiving the arch wire and a wide base horizontal member connected to the vertical member. The vertical member is positioned gingivally with respect to the horizontal member. The horizontal member includes opposing first and second ends that extend away from the vertical member and define a pair of spaced-apart wire engaging points engageable with the arch wire during treatment.

Abstract: A method for treating orthodontitis (i.e., gingivitis caused by malpositioned teeth). The process includes evaluating improper morphologies of alveolar bone in the horizontal dimension (i.e., orthodontosis) caused by displaced root(s) of a tooth, uprighting the root of the malpositioned tooth utilizing an orthodontic bracket system thereby causing the alveolar bone to be restored, which in-turn alleviates the orthodontitis. An orthodontic bracket is provided for use with an arch wire to apply corrective forces to a tooth. The bracket includes a vertical member having a slot formed therein for receiving the arch wire and a wide base horizontal member connected to the vertical member. The vertical member is positioned gingivally with respect to the horizontal member. The horizontal member includes opposing first and second ends that extend away from the vertical member and define a pair of spaced-apart wire engaging points engageable with the arch wire during treatment.

Abstract: Dental implant with a base body made of ceramic anchorable in a jawbone and an implant superstructure attachable to the base body using a screw, wherein in an assembled state of the dental implant, a threaded portion of the screw engages with an inner thread formed in a blind hole of the base body, wherein the implant superstructure is by the screw pressed against the base body and wherein the engagement between the threaded portion of the screw and the internal thread of the blind hole occurs only in a lower half of the base body facing away from the implant superstructure.

Abstract: Disclosed is a material for a denture base containing a polymer component having a weight average molecular weight of 1,200,000 or more and containing an acrylic resin.

Abstract: An arrangement (1) including at least one workpiece (2) for sintering, more particularly a dental workpiece, and having at least one support material (3), and including a sintering apparatus (4) for sintering the workpiece (2), wherein the sintering apparatus (4) has at least one gas inlet duct (5) for protective gas and at least one base surface (6), and the workpiece (2) lies on the base surface (6) on the support material (3) and protrudes at least partially beyond the support material (3), wherein the protective gas can be supplied to the workpiece (2) preferably exclusively through the support material (3).

Abstract: Implant delivery systems are disclosed. In general overview, an exemplary system includes any number of the following: a delivery device, a sling assembly, guide members, and connectors that interconnect the above. Embodiments of all the above components and their combinations are disclosed. Methods of using the above system in suprapubic, prepubic, transvaginal, trans-obturator and other approaches are also disclosed.

Abstract: Novel mesh implant positioning systems for use in laparoscopic body wall defect repairs, such as hernia defects, are disclosed. The systems utilize one or more bar members combined with surgical sutures and needles to position a mesh implant adjacent to a body wall defect without the need for stay sutures. Also disclosed are assemblies of the positioning systems with surgical mesh repair implants, and methods of repairing body wall defects such as hernias with the assemblies.

Abstract: An intravascular filter (10) has a main filter portion (12) and an anchor portion (14). The main filter portion is made up of a number of struts (16), which form a first and a second biodegradable filter sections (26,28). The first and the second biodegradable filter sections biodegrade at different rates. The anchor portion secures the filter within a blood vessel and also has a collar (32). The first and the second biodegradable portions may have a different thickness and may be comprised of different materials. The collar may be formed from a resiliently deformable material.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a filter apparatus and method of filtering in a body vessel. The filter apparatus comprises a filter unit and an expandable introducer designed to deliver the filter unit to the target filtering site. The filter unit attaches to the expandable introducer via a plurality of anchors on the filter unit. The expandable introducer delivers and presses the anchors to the vessel wall during implantation. After implantation, the filter unit exerts minimal or about zero radial force against the vessel wall.

Abstract: Systems and methods utilize semipermeable nanotubes in conjunction with application of controlled electrical potentials across semipermeable nanotube walls allow selective transport of charged impurities (e.g., charged impurities, ions, etc.) from a fluid into these nanotubes. Impurities collected in these nanotubes can then be removed from the fluid, (e.g., blood) as a waste stream. A collection of semipermeable nanotubes each carrying a waste stream can be aggregated and merged into a ureter for excretion thereby providing an artificial kidney system. Sensors that detect/measure various impurities may be included in the system to feed information to a microprocessor to inform on concentrations of impurities, and thereby control electrical potentials applied to the system.

Abstract: An indwelling device for insertion in a biological tubular structure comprising an elongated device having a body and opposing ends. The body has a bending stiffness transverse to a longitudinal axis that is greater than a stiffness of the biological tubular structure. An atraumatic tip member, having a proximal end and a distal end, extends from the end of the elongated device. The proximal end has a first bending stiffness transverse to a longitudinal axis and the distal end has a second bending stiffness transverse to the longitudinal axis, wherein the second bending stiffness being less than the first bending stiffness.

Abstract: A soft tissue fixation system, most typically applicable to orthopedic joint repairs, such as anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) knee repair procedures, comprises an implant which is placeable in a tunnel disposed in a portion of bone, wherein the tunnel is defined by walls comprised of bone. A first member is deployable outwardly to engage the tunnel walls for anchoring the implant in place in the tunnel, and a second member is deployable outwardly to engage tissue material to be fixed within the tunnel. The second member also functions to move the tissue material outwardly into contact with the tunnel walls to promote tendon-bone fixation. Extra graft length is eliminated by compression of the tendon against the bone at the aperture of the femoral tunnel, which more closely replicates the native ACL and increases graft stiffness. The inventive device provides high fixation of tendon to bone and active tendon-bone compression.

Abstract: An eye-mountable device is provided that includes a battery or other local power source and that can wirelessly power one or more intraocular devices using power from the battery. The eye-mountable device could be provided as a contact lens. The eye-mountable device could provide power to an intraocular device by emitting radio frequency energy, time-varying electrical fields through the conductive medium of the eye, or optical energy. The intraocular device could include an electronic lens configured to provide a controllable optical power to the eye. The intraocular device could include sensors configured to detect accommodation forces exerted by muscles of the eye; such detected forces could be used to control an electronic lens of the intraocular device or an electronic lens of the eye-mountable device. The battery could be rechargeable and the eye-mountable device could include instrumentation for receiving power to recharge the battery.

Abstract: Systems and methods for medical interventional procedures, including approaches to valve implantation. In one aspect, the methods and systems involve a modular approach to mitral valve therapy.

Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve includes a collapsible and expandable stent, a cuff attached to an annulus section of the stent, and leaflets attached to the cuff between a first location and a second location distal to the first location in a flow direction. The stent may include struts shaped to form a plurality of cells connected to one another in annular rows around the stent. The cuff may have top and bottom edges and may occupy a first group of the cells, such that cells above the top edge are open cells at least partially devoid of the cuff. The cuff may have a landing zone extending at least one-third of a length of the stent in the flow direction between the bottom edge of the cuff and a proximal end of a most proximal cell of the open cells when the stent is in an expanded use condition.

Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve (300) for replacing a native heart valve includes a collapsible and expandable stent (306) extending in a length direction between a proximal end (302) and a distal end (304), the stent (306) including a plurality of struts (320) defining a plurality of cells (330), the plurality of cells (330) forming an aortic section (310), an annulus section (314) and a subannular section (316) of the stent (306). A valve assembly is disposed within the annulus section (314) of the stent (306), the valve assembly including a plurality of leaflets. In an expanded condition of the stent, each of the plurality of cells of the subannular section (316) has a width greater than its length, and each of the plurality of cells of the annulus section (314) has a length greater than its width.

Abstract: A valve prosthesis can be configured to be deployed within a native heart valve and prevent axial flow of fluid around an exterior of the prosthesis. The prosthesis can include an expandable frame configured to radially expand and contract for deployment within the native heart valve, a flap assembly positioned around an exterior of the expandable frame, a proximal end of the flap assembly being positioned at or proximate a proximal end of the expandable frame. In some embodiments, the flap assembly can extend outward from the frame and have an expanded configuration configured to create a barrier to fluid flow exterior to the frame when deployed within the native heart valve.

Abstract: A connector for coupling a distal sheath to an inner shaft of a medical delivery device includes a wedge defining a lumen for accepting the inner shaft of the medical delivery device and a cylindrical ring sized to mate with the wedge. The wedge may be welded or otherwise fixed to the inner shaft. The wedge and the ring are configured to be pressed together and lock a portion of the distal sheath therebetween.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an orthopedic implant device comprising a porous structure, approximating the shape of a bone, and having modulus of elasticity similar to that of said bone. In one embodiment, further disclosed herein is a method of treating injuries or diseases affecting bones or muscles comprising providing an orthopedic implant device, wherein the orthopedic implant device comprising a porous structure, approximating the shape of a bone, and having a modulus of elasticity similar to that of bone, and using the orthopedic implant device to treat injuries and diseases affecting bones and muscles in a mammal. In another embodiment, disclosed herein is a method of manufacturing an orthopedic implant device using an additive manufacturing (AM) method.

Abstract: A temporo-mandibular joint prosthesis comprising: a first part for attaching to a temporal bone; a second part for attaching to a mandible bone; and a mechanism linking the first part and the second part. The mechanism defines a range of motion of the first part relative to the second part for when the first and second parts are attached to a temporal bone and a mandible bone, respectively. The mechanism includes a rotary joint providing a rotational range of motion of the first part relative to the second part; and a first slider joint providing a first translational range of motion of the first part relative to the second part.

Abstract: Presented are methods and systems for determining, monitoring, and displaying the relative positioning of two rigid bodies during surgery. In particular, the present disclosure relates to methods and systems for positioning a prosthesis relative to a bone during a surgery as well as to systems and methods for verifying resulting relative positioning of adjacent bones.

Abstract: A subtalar joint implant (20) is disclosed for replacing a natural subtalar joint existing between the talus (102) and calcaneum (104) bones of a patient. In an embodiment the implant comprises talar (22) and calcaneal (24) portions that are configured to slide over each other in the implanted state. The implant is shaped so that the sliding is constrained to trajectories that involve pivoting of the talar portion relative to the calcaneal portion about a pivot point (36) or a line (38) of pivot points.

Abstract: A bone implant, particularly but not necessarily, for fixing bones of the foot is provided having body in the form of a crescent or arced shaped wedge, or a wedge in the shape of a crescent or arc. The crescent shaped wedge has bone screw bores that are each configured to hold a bone screw at a particular angle for receipt in a bone, eliminating the need to also use a plate. The crescent shape provides a graft area that allows introduction and retention of bone graft material to promote bone fusion. One or both tapered sides of the crescent shaped wedge may also have teeth, serrations or the like.

Abstract: The present method includes the following steps: removing a portion of a previously implanted spinal arthroplasty device; and attaching a revision component to a remaining portion of the previously implanted spinal arthroplasty device to alter a biomechanical characteristic of the implanted arthroplasty device. Another aspect of the invention provides a method of limiting motion between adjacent vertebrae including the steps of accessing an implanted spinal arthroplasty device comprising a cephalad component fixed to a first vertebra and a caudal component fixed to a second vertebra inferior to the first vertebra, the cephalad and caudal components having a range of motion between them, and attaching a revision component to the cephalad and caudal components to reduce the range of motion. The invention also includes revision devices for revising the biomechanics of implanted spinal arthroplasty devices.

Abstract: A method for stabilizing a cervical spine segment includes implanting a respective uncinate joint stabilizer into each uncinate joint of the cervical spine segment to stabilize the uncinate joints and thereby stabilize the cervical spine segment, wherein each uncinate joint stabilizer has threads and the step of implanting includes threading each uncinate joint stabilizer into the respective uncinate joint along an anterior-to-posterior direction using the threads.

Abstract: A spinal distractor and stabilizer has resilient, conformable bone contacting sections which are separated by an expandable chamber that extends from one of the sections, and which forms a ratchet with the section, ensuring that once expanded by being filled with a substance, cannot contract absent intervention by a medical practitioner. The stabilizer may be filled with a material which solidifies, after which some or all of the device may biodegrade. The device may also be provided in separable portions to facilitate implantation. The conformable sections distribute the distraction and stabilizing force evenly over the bone surface, reducing the incidence of disruption to the integrity of the bone.

Abstract: A joint spacer for therapeutically maintains separation of bones of a joint. A frame defines a longitudinal axis extending between distal and proximal ends. A carriage is slideably retained within the frame and has at least one ramped surface and a threaded portion. An actuator screw is threadably engaged with the threaded portion, and bears against said frame to cause the carriage to slideably move within the frame when the actuator screw is rotated. A first endplate engages a bone of the joint, and has at least one ramped surface that is mateable with the ramped surface of the carriage.

Abstract: An interbody fusion device includes a base member, a top member, and an expansion mechanism for moving the top member relative to the base member. The expansion mechanism may include a connector drive rod assembly, a gear, a threaded rod, and a support means. The gear ring is coupled to the threaded rod and is rotatable. The expansion mechanism may also include at least one load head coupled to the threaded rod. An alternative interbody fusion device is also disclosed and includes a bottom member, a superior member, and an expansion mechanism for moving the superior member relative to the bottom member. The expansion mechanism includes a first expansion assembly for moving a first end of the superior member relative to the bottom member, a second expansion assembly for moving a second end of the superior member relative to the bottom member, and a connector drive rod assembly.

Abstract: Described here are deformable, monolithic, stabilization implants suitable for use within bone and between bones to fuse vertebral bodies, to repair herniated discs, or to repair spinal compression fractures. The implants are introduced into a chosen site at a first, smaller height and then plastically deformed to achieve a second, but unique, pre-selected, larger height. Variations of the device provide one or more specific larger heights. The devices are suitable as intervertebral spinal fusion implants for the immobilization of adjacent vertebral bodies. Methods of and instruments for deployment of the implants are also described. Also described are variations of the device suitable as sizing instruments.

Abstract: An improved mechanism for expanding or lifting a device in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention is a coaxial screw gear sleeve mechanism. In various embodiments, coaxial screw gear sleeve mechanisms includes a post with a threaded exterior surface and a corresponding sleeve configured to surround the post, the corresponding sleeve having a threaded interior surface configured to interface with the threaded exterior surface of the post and a geared exterior surface. A drive mechanism can be configured to interface with the geared exterior surface of the sleeve, causing a device utilizing such a mechanism to expand or lift between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration.

Abstract: Various features for improving the performance of prosthetic sport feet are provided. A fairing for a prosthetic sport foot can include foam components that are coupled to the foot and an elastane cover. The fairing is configured to alter the cross-sectional profile of the foot to produce a more aerodynamic shape. A prosthetic sport foot can include a hollow foot member that can be lighter weight and provide improved performance. A prosthetic sport foot can include an adjustable tension strap extending between and coupled to two portions of the foot member. A prosthetic sport foot, such as a prosthetic running foot or prosthetic cycling foot, can include an aerodynamic fairing and a cover. A prosthetic sport foot can have a varying-width profile such that a mid-section of the foot is narrower and a toe portion flares outward.

Abstract: A radially-expandable stent for implantation in a bodily passageway, being expandable from an initial unexpanded state to an expanded state, having an outer surface with a geometric pattern covering said outer surface to minimize migration after implantation is provided. Also provided is a method of manufacturing such a stent.

Abstract: A stent is disclosed that has an elongated body having a proximal end, a distal end, at least one open spiral channel formed on the exterior surface of the body to provide fluid communication between the proximal end and the distal end. The stent also has a central lumen open at the proximal and distal ends of the stent for the passage of a guide wire. A method for using the stent and a kit containing the stent are also disclosed.

Abstract: An endoprosthesis includes an expandable tubular framework having a first end, a second end, and a lumen extending therethrough along a longitudinal axis. The expandable tubular framework includes a plurality of interconnected struts. The interconnected struts include a radially outward face which includes a plurality of anti-migration grooves defining anti-migration teeth formed therebetween. The anti-migration teeth are configured to engage tissue to resist migration of the endoprosthesis within a body lumen.

Abstract: An endoluminal device can be configured for precise positioning during deployment within a vessel. The endoluminal device can be a tack, stent, vascular implant or other type of implant. The endoluminal device can have circumferential member with an undulating configuration having multiple inward and outward apexes and struts extending therebetween. Two of the struts can be used to establish a foot for the precise positioning of the device during deployment. A method of placing the endoluminal device can include withdrawing an outer sheath such that a portion of the endoluminal device is expanded prior to the rest of the endoluminal device.

Abstract: A stent of the present disclosure has a variable radial force along the longitudinal length of the stent. In particular, the radial force of the center is greater than the radial force of the ends of the stent. Without being bound by theory, the radial force is affected by the strut angle ?, the wall thickness t, the number of strut pairs, and combinations thereof. In one aspect of the present disclosure, the stent has a variable strut angle ?, a variable wall thickness t, and a variable number of strut pairs. By adjusting the strut angle ?, the wall thickness t, and the number of strut pairs of the serpentine bands, the stent will have a variable radial force without the need for additional processing steps.

Abstract: Implantable medical devices may be utilized to locally delivery one or more drugs or therapeutic agents to treat a wide variety of conditions, including the treatment of the biological organism's reaction to the introduction of the implantable medical device. These therapeutic agents may be released under controlled and directional conditions from a stent having reservoirs so that the one or more therapeutic agents reach the correct target area, for example, the surrounding tissue. Features may be incorporated into the walls and bases of these reservoirs to improve securement of the drug construct.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes treatment of the vasculature of a patient with an expandable implant. The implant is constrained to a reduced delivery diameter for delivery within the vasculature by at least one sleeve. The implant can be constrained to other diameters, such as an intermediate diameter. The sleeves can be expanded, allowing for expansion of the diameter of the expandable implant, by disengaging a coupling member from the sleeve or sleeves from outside of the body of the patient. The expandable implant can comprise an apposition line or lines which facilitate bending of the expandable implant to improve conformation of the expandable implant to the vasculature of the patient.

Abstract: Inflation devices for inflating intragastric devices and associated systems and methods are disclosed herein. In several embodiments, an inflation device can include a tube, an inner detent, and an outer detent. The tube can extend from a proximal portion of the inflation device to a distal portion of the inflation device, and can include a handle at the proximal portion and a barb at the distal portion. The barb can have a cross-sectional dimension greater than a cross-sectional dimension of a corresponding inflation port of an intragastric device. The inner detent can be positioned over the barb and can include a mating interface. The outer detent can be positioned over the inner detent, and can be configured to attach over a proximal cap of the intragastric device. The tube can be longitudinally advanceable relative to at least one of the inner and outer detents.

Abstract: An ankle support is disclosed and described. The ankle support can include a sleeve that can have a non-stretchable bottom portion to extend under a bottom of a foot. In addition, the sleeve can have side portions extending from the bottom portion to at least an ankle joint. The ankle support can also include non-stretchable support straps connected to the bottom portion, and free ends extending therefrom. In addition, the ankle support can have removable coupling features for the free ends of the support straps located on the side portions. The support straps can cross on a top side of the foot. Along with the bottom portion, the support straps can form a non-stretchable support structure for minimizing movement of the subtalar joint of the ankle.

Abstract: In accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiment, a cervical collar includes a semi-rigid collar substantially conforming to the back of a neck, an occipital locking mechanism coupled to the semi-rigid collar, configured to generally conform to and engage with the base of a skull at the occipital or mastoid region without engaging the temporomandibular joint, jaw or chin of the skull and a traction mechanism coupled to the semi-rigid collar, the at least one traction mechanism configured to provide cervical traction through the occipital locking mechanism of the semi-rigid collar against the base of the skull without pressure against the temporomandibular joint, jaw and chin.

Abstract: An apparatus that includes a composite fuselage and motion control system designed to protect the human leg from knee pain and muscular fatigue created by repetitive vertical movement or extended periods of squatting. Fuselage panels and frame encapsulate the leg and functionally integrate with hard shell boots to create a rigid exoskeleton structure that resists radial displacement of the knee or ankle. The fuselage ‘open clamshell’ leg harness utilizes wide composite body panels that disperse pressure across a large surface area, allowing the harness to provide body mass support and device securement without restriction of the body's circulatory system.

Abstract: A back brace is designed to custom fit a wearer in a multitude of different configurations. First, the back brace could have a lumbar support that is split into upper and lower sections that are connected to a flexible joint, allowing the lumbar support to bend towards the spine of the user. The lumbar support is also generally split into left and right sections that are drawn towards one another while the joint bends towards the lumbar curve. This allows the back brace to conform to the lumbar curve of the wearer as a custom fit. Second, the brace could have optional extenders that alter the support length, width, and height of lumbar and lateral supports about the wearer. Third, the brace could have reinforcement support mechanisms that alter the rigidity of various lumbar and lateral supports about the wearer.

Abstract: Devices and methods for treating penile aberrations include the use of traction devices. For example, this document describes devices and methods for applying longitudinal and/or contralateral penile traction forces to treat anatomical aberrations related to Peyronie's disease and other conditions.

Abstract: A female urination aid to enable a female to urinate from a standing position. The invention, in one embodiment, has a disposable funnel, typically made of paper or similar material, which fits into a reusable holder, which enables the funnel to be held against the body. The funnel may include an attached pad of wiping paper. In a second, reusable or multi-use embodiment, the funnel portion of the apparatus is of a reusable material such as plastic. A fluid container for holding a cleaning solution conveniently snaps onto the funnel, forming an easy to carry kit. Wiping paper may be attached to the funnel, so as to form a readily usable kit.

Abstract: An oral device for temporary placement in a patient's oral cavity includes a base and a tongue pocket. Partial vacuums are separately drawn through vertically oriented, tooth facing ports on the base and the tongue pocket in order to advance and control the position of the tongue in order to clear the patient's airway to reduce sleep apnea or treat other conditions.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a drug-delivery device includes one or more reservoirs that may each contain a therapeutic agent for delivery to a patient.

Abstract: An injector folding and injecting a flexible intraocular lens into the eye of a patient is described. The injector is configured to be loaded with the intraocular lens, and optionally, an aqueous solution, before the injector and lens are sterilized. The injector includes a lens compartment that is configured to prevent leakage of the aqueous fluid from the lens compartment caused by autoclaving/sterilization.

Abstract: Several embodiments disclosed herein relate to the delivery of therapeutic nucleic acids to an ocular tissue in order to provide a therapeutic effect to reduce symptoms of or otherwise alleviate an ocular disorder. In particular embodiments, plasmid DNA is delivered to the cells of the trabecular meshwork in order to ameliorate increasing intraocular pressure. Devices and systems to accomplish this delivery are also disclosed.

Abstract: Providing neuroprotective therapy for glaucoma includes generating a micropulsed laser light beam having parameters and characteristics, including pulse length, power, and duty cycle, selected to create a therapeutic effect with no visible laser lesions or tissue damage to the retina. The laser light beam is applied to retinal and/or foveal tissue of an eye having glaucoma or a risk of glaucoma to create a therapeutic effect to the retinal and/or foveal tissue exposed to the laser light beam without destroying or permanently damaging the retinal and/or foveal tissue and improve function or condition of an optic nerve and/or retinal ganglion cells of the eye.