Abstract: A transcatheter stent-valve having replacement leaflets that are attached along their free edges. The stent-valve frame has supports that extend distally of the replacement leaflets to two fastening sites. The replacement leaflets are attached along a leaflet base forming a linear attachment to the stent-valve frame. The free edges of the leaflets have cords attached; the cords attach the free edges of the leaflets to the fastening sites located on the supports. The stent-valve can be a single component stent-valve or it can be a second component of a dual component stent-valve.

Abstract: An artificial heart valve stent including: a tubular stent body having an inflow side end and an outflow side end, the inflow side end and the outflow side end being opposite to each other; an inflow side skirt surrounding the external wall of the stent body; and an outflow side skirt surrounding the external wall of the stent body. In a spread state, free ends of the inflow side skirt and the outflow side skirt extend toward the inflow side end; and the inflow side skirt cooperates with the outflow side skirt to clamp heart valve tissues. The artificial heart valve stent can be steadily arranged on heart valve tissues, prolong the service life of an artificial heart valve and reduce the risk of another artificial heart valve replacement for the patient.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a stent (10) for the positioning and anchoring of a valvular prosthesis (100) in an implantation site in the heart of a patient. Specifically, the present invention relates to an expandable stent for an endoprosthesis used in the treatment of a narrowing of a cardiac valve and/or a cardiac valve insufficiency. So as to ensure that no longitudinal displacement of a valvular prosthesis (100) fastened to a stent (10) will occur relative the stent (10) in the implanted state of the stent (10), even given the peristaltic motion of the heart, the stent (10) according to the invention comprises at least one fastening portion (11) via which the valvular prosthesis (100) is connectable to the stent (10). The stent (10) further comprises positioning arches (15) and retaining arches (16), whereby at least one positioning arch (15) is connected to at least one retaining arch (16) via a first connecting land (17).

Abstract: The invention relates to prosthetic heart valves comprising a stent frame with valve support disposed or inverted at least partially within the stent frame, wherein the valve support is at least partially within the interior of the stent frame. The inverted configuration comprises a maximum number of layers of material in cross section where the stent frame and valve support overlap. The maximum number of cross-sectional layers of material structure may be reduced to, e.g., two layers of material to reduce outer diameter during delivery by everting the valve portion to a position located outside of the stent portion, followed by inverted reconfiguration back to the inverted anchoring structure after delivery from the lumen of the delivery catheter to the heart chamber.

Abstract: Prosthetic devices and frames for implantation at a cardiac valve annulus are provided that include an annular frame (having an inflow end and an outflow end) and a plurality of axial frame members that bridge two circumferentially extending rows of angled struts. The axial frame members can include a plurality of axially extending leaflet attachment members and a plurality of axial struts in a 1:1 ratio. Along each of the two rows, the frame can have at least three angled struts between adjacent axial frame members.

Abstract: A stentless support structure capable of being at least partly assembled in situ. The support structure comprises a braided tube that is very flexible and, when elongated, becomes very long and very small in diameter, thereby being capable of placement within a small diameter catheter. The support structure is preferably constructed of one or more thin strands of a super-elastic or shape memory material such as Nitinol. When released from the catheter, the support structure folds itself into a longitudinally compact configuration. The support structure thus gains significant strength as the number of folds increase. This radial strength obviates the need for a support stent. The support structure may include attachment points for a prosthetic valve.

Abstract: A method of repairing a defective heart valve is disclosed comprising directing an implant delivery catheter to form a first curve of the implant delivery catheter around chordae of the heart valve on a ventricular side of the heart valve, inserting the implant delivery catheter through the heart valve to an atrial side thereof, forming a second curve of the delivery catheter along an annulus of the heart valve on the atrial side, and ejecting an annuloplasty implant from the delivery catheter while retracting the delivery catheter such that the annuloplasty implant is arranged along the first and second curve on the ventricular and atrial side.

Abstract: An implantable controllable fluid flow valve structure for location within an anatomical tube such as a vein or artery, or between apertures in the walls of a vein and artery, is described. The structure has a relatively rigid tubular housing 1 with a tubular elastic cylindrical member 2 within it where the ends of the cylindrical member 2 are attached to the interior wall of the tubular housing 1. The space between the housing wall and the elastic cylindrical member can be increased, for example by pumping fluid 8 under pressure into it, which causes the elastic cylindrical member 2 to distend and thus reduce the flow cross-section of the valve. Mechanical means may be used to effect such distention. The valve structure is particularly useful for use as a valve to control flow through an arteriovenous fistula made surgically, and can also be used as an artificial sphincter.

Abstract: A vascular device for treating vein valve insufficiency including an elongated member, a first retention portion movable from a first elongated insertion position to an expanded position and a second retention portion movable from a first elongated insertion position to an expanded position. An intermediate looped portion is positioned between the first portion and the second portion. The valve is supported by the intermediate looped portion and is movable between an open position to allow blood flow therethrough and a closed position to inhibit blood flow therethrough. The intermediate looped portion is adjustable to loops of different diameters dependent on an inner diameter of the vessel wall.

Abstract: Sacroiliac (SI) joint implants for promoting SI joint fusion and methods of their delivery are described herein. The SI joint implant has a spacer operatively coupled to a planar member having tapered holes to receive fastening elements. When placed in the SI joint, the spacer engages the articular surfaces of the SI joint while the plate traverses the SI joint. The implant is held in place fastening elements, which are inserted through the tapered holes in the planar member. The implant is delivered via an inferior inlet MIS procedure, wherein the SI joint is accessed through an inlet inferior to the SI joint.

Abstract: Methods and devices are disclosed relating improved articular models, implant components, and related guide tools and procedures. In addition, methods and devices are disclosed relating articular models, implant components, and/or related guide tools and procedures that include one or more features derived from patient-data, for example, images of the patient's joint. The data can be used to create a model for analyzing a patient's joint and to devise and evaluate a course of corrective action. The data also can be used to create patient-adapted implant components and related tools and procedures.

Abstract: Systems (500, 1000) and methods (1700) for fabricating a soft tissue implant (100, 400). The methods generally involve: receiving implant data representative of the target implant; determining a planned weaving path for forming the soft tissue implant; and communicating the planned weaving path to an output device.

Abstract: An implant is provided for use in an ankle joint between reconditioned end surfaces established on a distal end of an upper tibia bone and an opposing lower talus bone. The implant comprises a substantially porous rigid component adapted to be anchored against the upper tibia reconditioned end surface and the lower talus reconditioned end surface. The component defining an opening therethrough. An intramedullary nail is configured to pass through the opening in the component when the nail is driven through the talus and into the tibia.

Abstract: A bi-directional fixating transvertebral (BDFT) screw/cage apparatus including an intervertebral cage for maintaining disc height, and a method of inserting the same is provided. The intervertebral cage includes a first internal screw guide and a second internal screw guide, a first screw member and a second screw member, and a central screw locking lever coupled to the intervertebral cage, wherein the central screw locking lever prevents the first screw member and the second screw from pulling-out of the first internal screw guide and the second internal screw guide. The central screw locking lever includes a rotatable handle and stem portion, or a screw locking horizontal bracket. A pliers device for inserting and removing the bi-directional fixating transvertebral (BDFT) screw/cage apparatus, a posterior cervical and lumbar facet joint staple, and a staple gun for a posterior cervical and lumbar facet joint staple also are provided.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to devices and methods for treating one or more damaged, diseased, or traumatized portions of the spine, including intervertebral discs, to reduce or eliminate associated back pain. In one or more embodiments, the present disclosure relates to an expandable interbody spacer. The expandable interbody spacer may comprise a first jointed arm comprising a plurality of links pivotally coupled end to end. The expandable interbody spacer further may comprise a second jointed arm comprising a plurality of links pivotally coupled end to end. The first jointed arm and the second jointed arm may be interconnected at a proximal end of the expandable interbody spacer. The first jointed arm and the second jointed arm may be interconnected at a distal end of the expandable interbody spacer.

Abstract: The disclosure claims a lumbar interbody fusion cage for treating lumbar spondylolisthesis via a lateral approach.

Abstract: A pivoting wedge expandable spinal implant. An upper portion and a lower portion are pivotally connected together. The implant, in a collapsed position, is inserted into a disc space. A driving screw engages and applies a force to a pushing portion, driving the pushing portion toward the implant's distal end. The pushing portion engages and drives a wedge toward the implant's distal end. The wedge pivots upward against an inner surface of the lower portion. The wedge continues to pivot along an inner surface of the upper portion, translating the force to the upper portion, pivoting and expanding the upper portion to an expanded position.

Abstract: An expandable implant includes a first plate and a second plate spaced from each other along a first direction. The first plate defines a first bone-contacting surface configured to contact a superior vertebral body and the second plate defines a second bone-contacting surface opposed to the first bone contacting surface along the first direction. The second bone contacting surface is configured to contact an inferior vertebral body. The implant includes an actuation member at least partially disposed between the first and second plates with respect to the first direction. The actuation member defines a first axis, a first end and a second end spaced from the first end along a second direction along the first axis. The second direction is perpendicular to the first direction.

Abstract: Surgical instrumentation may be used to insert a spinal implant into a vertebral space while in a contracted condition and then deploy the spinal implant into an expanded condition.

Abstract: An intervertebral prosthesis for insertion between adjacent vertebrae includes upper and lower prosthesis plates locatable against respective vertebrae and having opposing, concavely curved recesses therein, and a core located between the plates. The core has opposed, convexly curved surfaces received in the recesses of the plates to allow the plates to slide in articulated manner over the core. The opposed surfaces of the core and the recesses of the plates have cooperating spherical curvatures. The recess of each plate surrounds a locating peg projecting centrally from the base of the recess and is bounded by an annular rim, such that the annular rims of the plates are arranged to contact one another at a predetermined limit of sliding movement of the plates over the core. The peg locates loosely in an opening located centrally in a curved surface of the core, whereby the plates can slide over the core in all directions while the peg holds the core captive.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an intervertebral cage including superior and inferior members each including an engagement surface for engaging a corresponding vertebrae. The intervertebral cage also includes a posterior member that extends between a posterior end of the superior and inferior members and spaces them from each other in a superior-inferior direction. The superior and inferior members extend in a posterior-to-anterior direction from the posterior member and define anterior free ends to form a substantially open anterior end between the superior member and the inferior member in a posterior-anterior direction. The engagement surfaces of the superior and inferior members substantially diverge from each other in the superior-inferior direction along the posterior-to-anterior direction. The superior and inferior members each include first apertures extending therethrough in the superior-inferior direction that define a pathway through the intervertebral cage in the superior-inferior direction.

Abstract: A locking grip extraction tool has plier handles with jaws having sharp beveled edges for moving in a direction so that an axis perpendicular to the plane of movement is oriented at an acute angle to the handles; the axis intersecting the plane of jaw movement at a point midway between the jaws. A locking link coupled to the handles is adapted to releasably lock the jaws onto an orthopedic implant. A connection rod can be threaded into a hole in one of the handles near the jaws, so that a force applying tool such as a slap hammer can be connected to the rod to apply force to remove the implant. The rod is in alignment with the axis, which alignment makes it easier to remove the implant.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an interspine cage inserting device, and more particularly, to an interspine cage inserting device capable of stably and easily inserting a cage inserted between spines. Disclosed is an interspine cage inserting device. The interspine cage inserting device includes: a support unit including an internal hollow portion and accommodating an internal rod coupled with a cage inserted between spines; a first moving unit formed on one side of the support unit and pushing the cage in connection with one side of the cage; a second moving unit formed on the other side of the support unit and connected with the other side of the cage to be connected to move backward when the first moving unit moves forward; and an adjustment unit connected to the support unit so as to adjust a rotational amount of the cage by adjusting movement of the first moving unit and the second moving unit.

Abstract: An insertion instrument for inserting an implant in an intervertebral space is provided. The instrument includes a housing with an inner shaft with a device holder on the distal end and a locking lever on a shaft pin on the proximate end. The device holder has a gripping surface that engages the implant through an actuating mechanism through the locking lever. The instrument is operable to insert the implant into a vertebral space through impaction and is extracted without disturbing the placement of the implant.

Abstract: An elongate inserter has a distal end releasably connected to an expandable device for expanding body tissue and a proximal end including a trigger actuator. The expandable device comprises a superior endplate and an inferior endplate that are movable in an expansion direction relative to each other between opposing tissue surfaces of a body. The inserter includes a lifting platform comprising ramp surfaces that upon operation of the trigger actuator cooperatively engage complementary surfaces of expansion structure within the device to cause the superior and inferior endplates to move relatively away from each other. A driver is supported by the inserter for pushing an insert between the superior and inferior endplates after expansion of the device.

Abstract: A vertical suspension system for a prosthetic foot includes a first member operatively coupleable to an amputee's residual leg. The suspension system can also include a second member coupleable to a prosthetic foot. One or more upper leaf springs and one or more lower leaf springs extend between and are attached to the first and second members such that at least one of the ends of each leaf spring is rotationally fixed to the first or second members, where the upper an lower leaf springs are spaced apart from each other.

Abstract: A prosthetic foot comprising a vacuum system configured to attach to a vacuum attachment apparatus and a residual limb. The prosthetic foot may comprise a resilient bottom member, a resilient top member, and a vacuum system. The resilient bottom member may comprise a front end and a rear end. The resilient top member may comprise a front end and a rear end and the front end of the resilient top member may be connected to the front end of the resilient bottom member. The vacuum system may be coupled to an underside of the rear end of the top member. The vacuum system may comprise a compressible member, a chamber located within the compressible member, a valve system received within the compressible member, a passageway connecting the valve system and the chamber, and an air return coupled to the valve system and the vacuum attachment apparatus.

Abstract: A method of treatment of nasal conditions comprising: delivering an expandable structure in a crimped configuration to a nasal lumen; expanding the expandable structure within the nasal lumen to a stable expanded configuration; removing the structure from the nasal lumen, after a time period, where removing comprises causing the structure to self-crimp. The expandable structure optionally comprises: a first shape memory (SM) portion which is in a strain-induced state; and a second portion which resists expansion of said structure due to said first portion, over a plurality of different expansion states of said first portion. Optionally, the properties of the second portion vary over its cross section. For example an outer surface and/or peripheral layer may have desirable environmental resistance properties and/or a frame may have desirable mechanical properties, for example a high creep resistance.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an intraluminal support device having a groove formed therein, and a method of making such a support device. The device has an improved architecture in which the ring-shaped segments are joined by connectors that are spaced at even intervals from the groove in order to maintain a consistent radial force profile and stabilize the device.

Abstract: A biodegradable stent prosthesis formed from a degradable material, having a plurality of luminal, abluminal, and side surface regions, wherein a surface portion extending between the abluminal and luminal surface region of at least some structural elements is convex.

Abstract: Devices and methods for transforming a covered retrieval device from a deployed position to a delivery position for re-use are disclose herein. A retractor device may include, for example, a tubular structure defining a channel and configured to slidably receive a retrieval device. A method for transforming a retrieval device may include, for example, (a) positioning a retrieval device in a deployed position within a channel of a retractor device, (b) securing a part of the cover against a surface of the retractor, and (c) while securing the cover, advancing the retrieval device distally through the tubular structure to expose a capture structure of the retrieval device.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an intraluminal support device including a closed cell design on at least one end of the device. In such a device, the closed cell structure is formed by connecting all peaks of an ultimate ring to all peaks of a penultimate ring, and all valleys of the ultimate ring to all valleys of the ultimate ring. The support device expands evenly due to this structure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a double stent comprising 2 coaxially arranged stents, wherein a first membrane is arranged between a first inner stent and a second outer stent and a second membrane is arranged on the second stent and wherein the membrane ends of the first and second membrane are brought together at the ends of the stents and are folded over onto the inside of the first stent and clamped under flexible tongues of the first stent.

Abstract: A medical device, deployment systems and methods of use thereof are provided. The medical device includes at least one anchor element coupled to a stent frame. The anchor element has a first configuration disposed about an anchor axis and configured to pierce a body tissue wall. In a second configuration, the anchor elements have an enlarged shape, and in response to a temperature rise in the anchor element, the pierced body tissue wall is drawn closer to the stent frame. The anchor element maintains alignment substantially with the anchor axis to inhibit tearing of the pierced body tissue wall by the anchor element. The system may include balloons for targeting the radial pressure of the anchor elements into the body vessel wall. The anchor elements may be made of shape memory materials capable of localized heating due to an induction device.

Abstract: A delivery system for delivering an endovascular prosthesis is disclosed. A handle assembly is disposed at the distal end of the delivery system. The handle assembly includes a main handle and a second handle disposed at least partially on the main handle and rotationally moveable relative to the main handle. A trigger wire release mechanism is operatively coupled to the second handle. A sheath is operatively coupled to the second handle, such that rotation of the second handle relative to the main handle retracts the sheath in a distal direction. Rotation of the handle also moves the trigger wire release mechanism from a first position to a second position to retract one or more trigger wires.

Abstract: Systems and methods for treating eating disorders using electro-physiologically active transducer intragastric balloon system (“EAT system”) are described herein. The EAT System includes an intragastric balloon that is configured to operate in a typical fashion and further modified to include an integrated electro-physiological stimulation unit. The stimulation unit is configured to generate impulses using a transducer that are suitable for stimulating sensory receptors located around the stomach. In particular, transducer transmits mechanical waves through the fluid within the IG balloon and its outer shell to any receptors of the vagus nerve system that are located in the vicinity of the IG balloon. Controlled stimulation of the vagus nerve fibers using the stimulation unit can effectively produce appetite controlling sensations of satiety beyond the typical efficacy period of an unmodified IG balloon.

Abstract: This invention relates to new apparatuses for draining material from a stomach and infusing fluid into the stomach comprising a tubing connector, a housing unit, and a one-way valve. In an embodiment the connector can have a first port, a second port, a third port and a branched lumen that extends through each of the first, second and third ports. The housing unit can have a housing lumen that is sized and shaped to receive the third port and the housing unit is sized and shaped to receive the connector. The one-way valve can be sized and shaped to be received in the housing lumen.

Abstract: An elbow joint boost device has first and second frames to be attached to the forearm and lower arm of a patient. A guide mounted on the first frame extends generally along the respective one of the forearm and upper arm. A link is mounted on the guide for sliding movement along the guide, and a spring acts in tension between the sliding link and a point on the second frame remote from the patient's elbow. As the patient straightens and bends the elbow, the link can slide along the guide, varying the leverage of the tension spring.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for supporting an arm of a user that includes a harness configured to be worn by the user, and an arm support coupled to the harness and including an arm rest to support an arm of the user. The arm support is configured to accommodate and follow movement of the arm without substantially interfering in such movement. The arm support may at least partially offset a gravitational force acting on the arm as the user moves and the arm support follows the movement of the user's arm. For example, the arm support may transfer at least a portion of the weight of the user's arm to the torso or other region of the user's body and/or may apply an opposing force to at least partially offset the gravitational force acting on the arm.

Abstract: A knee brace for use by athletes or others requiring protection and support of the knee. The knee brace includes a base and a spider member. The base is comprised of elastic material and configured to closely fit around portions of the knee and adjacent leg portions. A spider member having upper and lower pairs of tensioning straps is fastened to the interior surface of the base, with the tensioning straps extending through upper and lower apertures in the base for detachable attachment to the exterior surface of the base.

Abstract: Orthosis device and related methods for controlling the device to counteract a gravitational force exerted on the person without directing the orthosis device in a pre-determined pattern of motion.

Abstract: A support garment assembly for supporting a lower back includes a belt that may be worn around a waist thereby facilitating the belt to extend along a lower back. The belt is comprised of a resiliently stretchable material to support the lower back thereby treating symptoms of a lower back injury. A strap is removably coupled to the belt and the strap extends beneath a crotch. In this way the strap inhibits the belt from riding upwardly on the waist.

Abstract: A spinal traction device is disclosed. In one embodiment, the device includes an elongated base having a first end and a second end, a first upright support member coupled to the first end and extending substantially perpendicularly from the base, the first upright support member comprising a first lifting mechanism and a first underarm support, and a second upright support member coupled to the second end and extending substantially perpendicularly from the base, the second upright support member comprising a second lifting mechanism and a second underarm support.

Abstract: Corrector for double chin and cervical vertebrae, including a hoop that is placed around the patient's neck and a positionable articulated device formed by a bridge and a shaft with a stop element therebetween to prevent same from rotating inwards towards the neck, and an extendable telescopic arm supporting an element used to support the lower jaw. The moving elements are secured using screws.

Abstract: A method for accessing matter within an intestine, includes creating an opening extending through an abdominal wall of an abdominal cavity, accessing an intestinal end segment of an intestine within the abdominal cavity, positioning the intestinal end segment of the intestine in registration with the opening extending through the abdominal wall, attaching the intestinal end segment to cutaneous tissue surrounding the opening to establish fluid communication between a lumen of the intestine and the opening through the abdominal wall, securing an access device adjacent the opening through the abdominal wall and connecting a receptacle to the access device configured to be in fluid communication with the lumen of the intestine to collect matter within the intestine.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a biocompatible device that integrates electromagnetic and mechanical elements and allows the combination of different mechanisms for voluntary closing of the intestinal lumen. The device can be used either with a stoma to control intestinal transit to the outside and avoid the use of collection pouches, or without a stoma to regulate intestinal transit for another medically necessary reason.

Abstract: A coupling assembly for fastening an adhesive wafer to an ostomy appliance device, the coupling assembly including a captive connection between the adhesive wafer and ostomy appliance that permits captive relative displacement between the entire adhesive wafer and the entrance aperture of the appliance, to facilitate access to the wafer from the non-body-contacting side. The coupling assembly further comprises a fixation coupling for fixing the adhesive wafer in the operative position.

Abstract: A mandibular advancement device (26) includes a lower part (28), a lower flange (34), an upper part (30) and an upper flange (32). The lower part (28) is releasably attachable to at least a portion of a lower jaw (24). The lower flange (38) has a lower engagement surface extending upwardly from the lower part (28). The upper part (30) is releasably attachable to at least a portion of an upper jaw (22). The upper flange (32) has an upper engagement surface extending downwardly from the upper part (30). The lower flange (34) is connected to the lower part (28) by a lower one way ratchet means configured to only allow uni-directional posterior movement of the lower flange (34) relative to the lower part (28) and/or the upper flange (32) is connected to the upper part (30) by an upper one way ratchet means configured to only allow uni-directional anterior movement of the upper flange (32) relative to the upper part (30).

Abstract: A condom assembly includes at least one of a condom, patch or glove made of at least one of natural latex, synthetic latex or the mixture of natural latex and synthetic latex. The natural latex, synthetic latex or the mixture of natural latex and synthetic latex contain prodrugs of nitric oxide and/or other active ingredients.

Abstract: A device and method for the treatment of a patient by means of manual therapy through a hand held device along with simultaneous thermal treatment and electrical stimulation. The device is comprised of a handle with a finger grip, a shaft with removable applicator tips that can be heated or cooled as necessary. An electrical connection on the device handle allows for the incorporation of commercially available transcutaneous electrical stimulation units with the device to provide electrical stimulation in combination with manual and thermal therapy.