Abstract: A set of rules to design an orthodontic appliance for generating an aesthetic smile is maintained in a computational device, where the set of rules is associated with an application that executes in the computational device. At least one measured value is computed from one or more features extracted by processing dental information of a patient. The application generates a parameter to design an orthodontic appliance based on the at least one measured value and the set of rules for generating the aesthetic smile.

Abstract: Method and system for managing multiple impressions of a patient's jaw for an orthodontic treatment is provided. The method includes scanning at least a first impression and a second impression of same jaw for the orthodontic treatment; determining if the first jaw impression and the second jaw impression have distortion in different areas; selecting the first jaw impression or the second jaw impression as a base impression; and replacing a distorted tooth data from the base impression with data for the same tooth from a non-base impression. The method also includes scanning at least a first jaw impression for the orthodontic treatment; scanning a bite impression for the orthodontic treatment; matching the scanned first jaw impression with the scanned bite impression; comparing bite information with a tooth occlusal surface; and determining if reconstruction is to be performed on the tooth occlusal surface.

Abstract: Described is an orthodontic aligner implement that can ensure the accuracy and efficiency of clear aligner orthodontic therapies as well as increase patient compliance by reducing discomfort and combining functionality into a breath-freshening medium. The implement includes a consumable mass having at least two channels disposed on opposite sides of the mass and traversing the width of the mass. The channels are adapted to seat between opposing anterior or incisor teeth.

Abstract: A crimp stop is made of a metal formed member having a U-shaped cross-section. The metal formed member has a size and shape configured to receive an orthodontic archwire into the U-shaped cross-section and configured to be crimped onto the orthodontic archwire so as to maintain position of the metal formed member after being crimped on the orthodontic archwire by friction. The metal formed member has a curved portion and a pair of legs attached to the curved portion; the legs are not parallel to each other and diverge at an angle.

Abstract: A dental implant system includes a dental implant, an abutment adapted to be inserted in an axial hole of the dental implant, and a locking screw adapted to be inserted in an axial through-hole of the abutment and to be screwed into the axial hole of the dental implant. The axial through-hole defined in the abutment includes a frustoconical portion configured to come into contact with a correspondingly frustoconical portion of the locking screw, wherein the median circumference of the frustoconical contact surface between the abutment and the tightening screw is configured to be disposed under the crest/connection line.

Abstract: A 3D virtual model of an intra oral cavity in which at least a part of a finish line of a preparation is obscured is manipulated in virtual space by means of a computer or the like to create, recreate or reconstruct finish line data and other geometrical corresponding to the obscured part. Trimmed virtual models, and trimmed physical models, can then be created utilizing data thus created. The virtual models and/or the physical models may be used in the design and manufacture of copings or of prostheses.

Abstract: Our method applies a continuous pressure to an exterior of a denture setup during the polymerizing and shrinking of the plastic material forming a portion of our denture. The direction from which shrinkage occurs is controlled using a constant pressure of water. Application of at least 300 pounds per square inch (psi) of water pressure during polymerization continually forces a critical inside denture surface being formed against a master model surface to allow the major shrinkage to take place on a less critical outside denture surface, thereby reducing distortion to the interior (fitted) portion of the denture. This pressure reduces the size of the air bubbles to maximize the density of the polymerized denture material, thereby lowering oral fluid sorption into our denture. Thus our denture overall is a stronger, better fitting, durable product that addresses the esthetic, health and hygiene issues presented by conventional dentures.

Abstract: Examples of the present disclosure relate to an apparatus and method for storing and dispensing dental floss. In some examples, there is provided an apparatus for housing and dispensing dental floss, the apparatus comprising: a first compartment integrally formed with a second compartment; wherein the first compartment is configured, in use, to house dental floss; wherein the second compartment is configured, in use, to provide user access to a length of the stored dental floss for dispensement therefrom; wherein at least the second compartment is closed by a sealing member; and wherein at least a portion of the sealing member is configured to be detachable to provide user access to the interior of the second compartment so as to provide, in use, access to the length of the stored dental floss for dispensement.

Abstract: A low profile intraluminal medical device includes first, second and third wire members that define arcuate paths having only a single sigmoidal curve. Connectors join the wire members. The medical device can be used by itself or as a component in a medical device that includes other components, such as a prosthetic valve, occluder, or filter.

Abstract: This document provides vascular filtering devices and methods for their use. In some embodiments, the vascular filtering devices include an elongate member having a wall with one or more apertures and a lumen. The vascular filtering devices can also include a porous membrane bag portion with multiple elongate extensions that extend through the apertures of the elongate member and through the lumen of the elongate member, exiting the lumen at the proximal region of the elongate member.

Abstract: Provided are porous, biocompatible implant bodies and materials. These materials suitably comprise a population of randomly arranged and entangled thermoplastic constituents, with at least some of the constituents being bonded to one another The implant bodies are capable of being manipulated at room temperature from a first shape to a second shape, and of maintaining the second shape at about internal body temperature. Also provided are related methods of fabricating such implants and installing the implants into a subject.

Abstract: A graft ligament anchor includes a tubular body having a bore therethrough and proximal and distal ends. A flange is attached to the tubular body at the proximal end thereof and extends radially outwardly beyond the tubular body. A deformable wall is disposed in the tubular body bore and defines, at least in part, a chamber for retaining the graft ligament therein. An expansion device is configured for insertion into the tubular body axially of the tubular body, and for impinging upon the deformable wall to press the deformable wall, and hence the graft ligament received in the chamber, toward a wall of the bore, whereby to fix the graft ligament in the tubular body.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for improving overall vision in patients suffering from a loss of vision in a portion of the retina (e.g., loss of central vision) by providing a piggyback lens which in combination with the cornea and an existing lens in the patient's eye redirects and/or focuses light incident on the eye at oblique angles onto a peripheral retinal location. The piggyback lens can include a redirection element (e.g., a prism, a diffractive element, or an optical component with a decentered GRIN profile) configured to direct incident light along a deflected optical axis and to focus an image at a location on the peripheral retina. Optical properties of the piggyback lens can be configured to improve or reduce optical errors at the location on the peripheral retina.

Abstract: Disclosed is an artificial valved conduit that is a composite valved graft comprising double sewing cuffs, which can be easily used in aortic root replacement. The composite valved graft comprises a valve and a conduit part connected to the valve. The conduit part comprises a sewing cuff positioned on the outer circumference thereof. The sewing cuff comprises a first sewing cuff and a second sewing cuff positioned below the first sewing cuff. Accordingly, a double suture is easily performed, so that it is possible to prevent the loss of blood after a surgery and to reduce surgical time at the same time.

Abstract: A heart valve prosthesis configured to be implanted at cardiac valve annulus located at an interface between a ventricle (LV) and an atrium (LA), the heart valve prosthesis including: a first portion configured for enclosing a plurality of chordae tendineae (CT) in the ventricle (LV) and native valve leaflets (NVL) to which said chordae tendineae are connected, and a second portion including a radially expandable annular member and a prosthetic heart valve anchored to said radially expandable annular member, wherein said first portion is configured to be implanted in the ventricle (LV), and wherein said second portion is configured to be implanted and coupled to the first portion at the cardiac valve annulus.

Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve 300 may include a collapsible and expandable stent 306 having a proximal end 302, a distal end 304, an annulus section adjacent the proximal end, and a plurality of cells connected to one another in annular rows around the stent, a cuff 312 attached to the stent, and a sealing member 322 attached to the cuff and extending from a proximal end 313 of the cuff to a free edge 323. The sealing member 322 may be movable between an extended condition in which the free edge 323 is located proximally of the proximal end 302 of the stent 306, and an inverted condition in which the free edge is located distally of the proximal end of the stent and a first surface 324 of the sealing member confronts an outward-facing surface of the cuff. Various mechanisms for moving the sealing member 322 are also described.

Abstract: A prosthetic mitral valve includes an anchor assembly, an annular strut frame, and a plurality of replacement leaflets secured to the annular strut frame. The anchor assembly includes a ventricular anchor, an atrial anchor, and a central portion therebetween. The annular strut frame is disposed radially within the anchor assembly. An atrial end of the annular strut frame is attached to the anchor assembly such that a ventricular end of the annular strut frame is spaced away from the anchor assembly.

Abstract: A heart valve annulus repair device having a tissue engaging member and a plurality of anchors. The tissue engaging member includes a loop of wire. Each of the anchors has a pointy front end and a back end and a slot that runs in a front-to-back direction. The anchors are distributed about the loop of wire with the front ends of the plurality of anchors facing the heart valve annulus and with the loop of wire passing through the slots. The device further includes means for implanting the anchors into the heart valve annulus tissue so that the tissue engaging member becomes affixed to the heart valve annulus.

Abstract: A venous valve prosthesis includes a frame and a prosthetic valve coupled to the frame. With the venous valve prosthesis implanted in a vein, the prosthetic valve includes a closed configuration wherein an outer surface of the prosthetic valve is in contact with a wall of the vein around a circumference of the prosthetic valve to prevent blood from flowing past the prosthetic valve between the wall of the vein and the outer surface of the prosthetic valve. The prosthetic valve is configured to move to an open configuration such that at least a portion of an outer wall of the prosthetic valve partially collapses away from the wall of the vein in response to antegrade blood flow through the vein to enable blood flow between the outer surface of the prosthetic valve and the wall of the vein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to customized implants for bone replacement that are prepared from poly(ether ketone ketone) or PEKK, and to a computer-based imaging and rapid prototyping (RP)-based manufacturing method for the design and manufacture of these customized implants. The PEKK customized implants made using rapid prototyping demonstrate biomechanical properties similar (if not identical) to that of natural bone even when prepared without the use of processing aids such as carbon black and aluminum powder.

Abstract: A design method for designing a guide tool including a guide channel for use during cartilage repair in a joint is disclosed. The design method includes: selecting a direction along a joint axis indicating placement of the guide tool in the joint; and placing a positioning mark on the guide tool. The positioning mark is designed to be aligned with the center of said guide channel on a determined joint axis direction and thereby indicating a placement direction of the guide tool in relation to the selected joint axis during use of the guide tool. A design method of insert tools and/or an implant comprising positioning marks and also the guide tool, implant and insert tools designed using this method are also disclosed.

Abstract: A medical implant apparatus for total elbow arthroplasty is provided. The apparatus includes: a first rod member comprising a first nut, an eye hook, a first end, and a second end, wherein the first nut is disposed at the first end and the eye hook is disposed at the second end; a second rod member rotatably coupled to the first rod member, the second rod member comprising a first linear portion, a second linear portion, and an arcuate portion disposed between the first linear portion and the second linear portion, the arcuate portion being configured to form a predetermined angle between the first rod member and the second rod member; a positioning nut coupled to the first linear portion of the second rod member; and an aperture disposed in the eye hook.

Abstract: Shoulder arthroplasty systems and configurations for components thereof are described. For example, implant systems for a total should arthroplasty (TSA), hemi shoulder arthroplasty, and reverse should arthroplasty (RSA) are described. In addition, exemplary configurations for baseplates, glenoid components, glenosphere components, humeral components, humeral head components, humerosocket components, connectors, and adaptors, are described.

Abstract: The invention relates to a prosthesis for implantation into a long bone during joint arthroplasty, particularly Total Shoulder Arthoplasty and Total Hip Arthroplasty, and a method for use of the implant.

Abstract: A method for fusing spinal bone is provided. The method comprises placing a sac between two or more adjacent sections of the spine to be fused, inserting a cage into the sac, and filling the sac with bone tissue. The surfaces of the sac abutting the sections of the spine comprise porous material for allowing bone to grow between the spine and the sac. Surfaces of the sac not abutting the sections of the spine are nonporous to bodily fluids and thereby prevent premature deterioration of the bone tissue inside the sac. The cage maintains the sac in an expanded state upon filling. A kit comprising the sac and cage is also provided. In other embodiments of the invention, the method comprises placing an inner sac inside the inventive sac and filling the sacs with bone tissue for fusion of spinal bone.

Abstract: An inflatable and implantable balloon for treatment of degenerative disc disease, bones, lesions, spinal deformities and spinal motion segment instabilities. The balloon is comprised of adjustable and expandable volumes. Further disclosed are methods of forming, inserting, expanding, and implanting the multi-volume balloon for proper placement and stabilization of the spinal lesion or disease. Still further disclosed are kits for aligning and stabilizing elements of the spine.

Abstract: A particulate composition for stimulating nucleus pulposus regeneration has a particulate composition made of vertebral end-plates having an osseous component wherein the composition is milled, ground or particulized into particles from 10 to 1000 microns in size. At least a part of the composition can be non-demineralized or demineralized or a mixture of demineralized and non-demineralized particles from the vertebral end-plates. Preferably, the non-demineralized part is not subjected to harsh chemical treating. To possibly enhance the release of growth factors and other similar substances from the osseous layer of the end-plate, the material may be treated with hydrochloric acid, ethylene diamine or other demineralizing agents or regimens.

Abstract: The invention relates to an implant (1) for sealing a defect (7c) in the annulus fibrosus (7a) of an intervertebral disc (7), comprising a retaining portion (3) for introducing into the defect (7c), a flexible sealing element which is connected to an inner end of the retaining portion, and a securing element (2) which is connected to the outer end of the retaining portion and which can be fixed to a vertebra (8) adjoining the intervertebral disc in order to hold the retaining portion (3) in a fixed position. According to the invention, this is achieved in that a securing limb (2), which is angled relative to the longitudinal axis of the retaining portion, is arranged on the outer end of the retaining portion (3), said securing limb being designed for laterally contacting a bony structure of a vertebra adjacent to the intervertebral disc and being securable on the vertebra by means of a fixing element which can be moved relative to the securing limb. The sealing element has inner reinforcements.

Abstract: Spinal disk including a shell, first endplate, second endplate and core. The shell includes sidewalls, back wall, front wall, top wall, and bottom wall defining a compartment. The first endplate includes a first base, first top and first attachment. The first base is retained in the compartment. The first top is disposed about a first opening in the top wall to form a top contact surface. The first attachment extends from the first top portion. The second endplate includes a second base, second top and second attachment. The second base is retained in the compartment. The second top is disposed about a second opening in the bottom wall to form a bottom contact surface. The second attachment extends from the second top portion. The core includes a material injectable into a constrained space in the compartment between the first base and the second base.

Abstract: An interbody fusion device includes a top member, a base member, and an expansion member. The top member includes a first bone-engaging side and a threaded opening. The base member is received by the top member and includes a second bone-engaging side and an open cavity aligned with the threaded opening of the top member. The expansion member is disposed within the open cavity for rotation about an axis. The expansion member includes a threaded portion threadably engaged with the threaded opening. Rotation of the expansion member translates the first bone-engaging side away from the second bone-engaging side along the axis.

Abstract: A corpectomy implant comprises a height/length-adjustable (expandable) cage and plate. The plate is mounted to the cage once height of the cage has been set. The cage has a first component and a second component that is movable with respect to the first component in order to increase height of the cage. The first and second components have cooperating structure that provides discreet cage height increments. The first component has a superior end configured to grip a superior vertebral body, while the second component has an inferior end configured to grip an inferior vertebral body, the superior end attached to the superior end of the plate, and the inferior end attached to the inferior end of the plate. The plate has holes for anterior fixation of the plate to superior and inferior vertebral bodies. Plates of incremental sizes accommodate differing heights of the cage.

Abstract: A system and a method for performing a spinal procedure configured to minimize the size of the surgical corridor so as to reduce recovery time is provided. The system and method include an implant and a guide. The guide is configured to be disposed within a surgical corridor formed by an instrument. The instrument is removed wherein the muscles may contract onto the guide so as to reduce the surgical corridor, wherein the implant is slid down the surgical corridor between a pair of guide members.

Abstract: The present application generally relates to orthopedic systems, and in particular, to systems including independent plates and spacers. A plating system can include a spacer and a plate that is independent from the spacer. A number of locking mechanisms can be provided to secure the plate to the spacer. In some cases, the spacer includes a pair of notches that extend on an outer surface of the spacer. The plate can include a pair of lateral extensions that can engage the notches to secure the plate to the spacer. In other cases, the spacer includes an opening including a pair of inlets. The plate can include an enclosed posterior extension that can be received in the pair of inlets to secure the plate to the spacer.

Abstract: An expandable fusion device may include a first endplate and a second endplate. The expandable fusion device may also include first and second ramps configured to mate with both the first and second endplates. The first ramp may include a mating feature having a first angle relative to a vertical axis, and the second ramp may include a mating feature having a second angle relative to the vertical axis such that the first angle is different from the second angle. In particular, the first and second ramps may be configured to provide for symmetrical expansion of the first and second endplates.

Abstract: In a powered actuator for supplying torque, joint equilibrium, and/or impedance to a joint, a motor is directly coupled to a low-reduction ratio transmission, e.g., a transmission having a gear ratio less than about 80 to 1. The motor has a low dissipation constant, e.g., less than about 50 W/(Nm)2. The transmission is serially connected to an elastic element that is also coupled to the joint, thereby supplying torque, joint equilibrium, and/or impedance to the joint while minimizing the power consumption and/or acoustic noise of the actuator.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides medical devices, systems and methods and in particular to devices and methods useful for anchoring graft materials to bodily structures.

Abstract: A method of treating vascular disease in a patient is disclosed that comprises deploying a bioabsorbable polymer scaffold composed of a plurality of struts at a stenotic segment of an artery of a patient, wherein after the scaffold supports the segment at an increased diameter for a period of time the polymer degrades and is progressively replaced by de novo formation of malleable provisional matrix comprising proteoglycan, wherein as the scaffold becomes more malleable and becomes disconnected as it degrades, wherein following coverage of the struts by a neointima layer and loss of mechanical support provided by the scaffold, the scaffold is pulled outward by positive remodeling of the vessel wall of the scaffolded segment.

Abstract: A thin-walled scaffold includes a radiopaque marker connected to a link. In a first example, the marker is retained on the strut by a head at one or both ends by swaging. In a second example of a thin-walled scaffold the link is modified to avoid interference during crimping. In a third example a distal end of the thin-walled scaffold is modified to improve deliverability of the thin-walled scaffold. These features are combined in a fourth example.

Abstract: The monolithic device comprises a plurality of scaffolding members and a mesh patterned members webbed between the scaffolding members; the mesh patterned member webbed between the scaffolding members surround a lumen and generally expands from a contracted state to an expanded state; and mesh patterned members including a plurality of openings traversing the thickness of the mesh patterned member, and the mesh patterned members including a surface on which a pattern of openings is formed.

Abstract: A guide wire may include a core shaft and an external coil body covering a distal portion of the core shaft. The external coil body includes a first coil portion and a second coil portion that is distal to the first coil portion. An outside diameter of the second coil portion is smaller than an outside diameter of the first coil portion. Similarly, the guide wire may include a core shaft, a first external coil body, and a second external coil body. An outside diameter of the second external coil body is smaller than an outside diameter of the first external coil body. The external coil body or first and second external coil bodies enable the performance of a pushing-out operation and a drawing-in operation of the stent; yet, the flexibility of the guide wire is maintained.

Abstract: A stent graft has a tubular body with a first bifurcation with first and second legs extending from the bifurcation. One of the legs has a further bifurcation to define a side arm. The stent graft can be deployed into the vasculature of a patient with the tubular body being in an aorta of the patient, a first leg extending down an iliac artery, a second leg being directed towards a contralateral iliac artery and the side arm directed to an internal artery of one of the iliac arteries. One of the legs can include a valved aperture to enable the placement of an indwelling catheter therethrough.

Abstract: A balloon for medical treatments such as percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA), delivery of a vascular stents or stent grafts, employs reinforcement materials that are patterned so as to promote consistent folding of the balloon. Methods and apparatus for biocidal treatment using such a balloon, including balloons with fiber fabric reinforcements.

Abstract: Disclosed are a joint protection apparatus and a control method thereof. The joint protection apparatus includes a support unit, to which different support frames are coupled via a hinge, a fastening adjustment unit coupled to the support unit to provide fastening force required to fasten the support unit to a human body, a sensing unit configured to sense motion of the different support frames, and a controller configured to decide a motion region in which the motion sensed by the sensing unit is included and to decide the fastening force of the decided motion region.

Abstract: A wrist brace for use by athletes or others requiring protection and support of the elbow. The wrist brace includes a base and two external straps for fastening the base to the wrist of a person, and a third strap located either on the inside or the outside of the base for pulling a support splint into the wrist when worn.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices are described for providing a fluid control for an inflation system. The control directs fluid flow from an inflation component to one or more inflatable cells of the brace. The inflatable cells are independently inflated and deflated by the inflation component through the control. The control allows a user to create a fluid path between the inflation component and one of the inflatable cells by positioning the control in an orientation corresponding to the desired inflatable cells. Each inflatable cell is independently inflated and deflated in various orientations of the control.

Abstract: A dynamic tension system connects to an orthopedic device having a frame and a hinge connected to the frame. The dynamic tension system includes a cable, an adjustment mechanism connected to the cable and arranged to incrementally wind or release the cable, and a tension control device connected to the adjustment mechanism and arranged to limit the adjustment mechanism from winding of the cable past a predetermined tension level.

Abstract: An adjustable length spinal brace includes an elongate belt and an adjustment plate having spaced apart belt passage slits through which the belt is passed and belt engagement members that are pivotally adjustable relative to the plate to engage or disengage the belt. The belt engagement members are engaged with the belt to maintain a desired length of the brace, and are disengaged from the belt to permit adjustment of the length of the brace.

Abstract: An adjustable lumbar support system with independent lacer guides and a hinged portion. An adjustable lumbar support system having phase change material and/or removable stays. An adjustable lumbar support system having one or more panels, with or without perforations, to provide for improved adjustability for patient comfort and compliance. An adjustable lumbar support system having a pleated or quilted central portion.

Abstract: The splint kit provides a sealed splint, bandaging, and a water source for setting the splint. Different kits may be needed depending upon the size of the user to which the splint will be applied. The kits may also vary according to the body part to be set. The size of each splint is based upon the size of the user and the size of the body part(s) to be splinted to eliminate the need for the user to size the splint. The splint is self-contained in its own packaging to maintain the integrity of the splint. The fiberglass/hardening material is encased by a foam material and/or felt to further simplify the process of applying and setting the splint.

Abstract: A method, device, or system for treating eye disorders or conditions, comprising restoring or increasing blood flow or blood flow rate in an artery that supplies blood to or in the eye, thereby increasing the amount of nutrient(s) that reaches the eye or a portion thereof. The invention also includes methods, devices, or systems for treating eye disorders or conditions which use reverse flow or retrograde flow structures and systems during the treatment of the eye disease.