Abstract: An impression taker captures an impression of preparation cut in abutment teeth. The impression taker includes; a rigid body supporting a first arm and a second arm. The first arm has a first longitudinal end configured to take an impression of a preparation cut in a first abutment tooth, and the second arm has a second longitudinal end configured to take an impression in a second abutment tooth. In addition, a reinforcement combination supports a dental bridge and an elongate proximal bar supports a dental bridge. The impression taker and the reinforcement bar combination can be used to produce a direct dental bridge.

Abstract: A method for digitally designing a digital restoration design and a digital reduction coping design, the method includes obtaining a digital 3D representation of the upper jaw and the lower jaw of the patient, the digital 3D representation includes a digital 3D preparation representing at least one preparation targeted for receiving a restoration; digitally determining a reduction surface intersecting the digital 3D preparation, the reduction surface arranged order to meet a minimum thickness requirement for the digital restoration design; and digitally designing the digital restoration design and the digital reduction coping design based at least on the reduction surface and the digital 3D preparation. This allows designing the reduction coping and the restoration at the same time and thereby reduces chair time and visits by the patient.

Abstract: An oral care device for providing oral-cavity information to a user or a manager includes: a liquid supply unit; a mouthpiece connected to the liquid supply unit and including a spatial portion configured to accommodate at least one of an upper tooth side and a lower tooth side when the mouthpiece is inserted into an oral cavity; a pump connected to the mouthpiece and configured to suction liquid from the liquid supply unit and introduce the liquid into the spatial portion and to suction fluid from the spatial portion; a storage unit connected to the pump and configured to store or discharge fluid suctioned from the spatial portion; and a measuring unit connected to the storage unit and configured to measure a state of fluid stored in the storage unit, wherein liquid is introduced to the spatial portion from the liquid supply unit only by suction force of the pump.

Abstract: This invention provides a toothbrush device comprising: a plurality of bristle tuft assemblies, every the bristle tuft assembly comprises a support member and a bristle tuft, the bottom of which is flexibly configured within the support member; a base, a plurality of assembly holes are configured on the base, support members of the plurality of bristle tuft assemblies are flexibly configured in the plurality of assembly holes respectively; a supportive rotating axis, fixedly connecting with an axis hole in the back of the base and driving the base rotate back and forth; a back shell, a housing chamber matching in size with and accommodating the base is configured on the back shell, the supportive rotating axis is rotationally connected with the back shell.

Abstract: A coupling mechanism for an electric toothbrush includes a handle coupling portion and a refill coupling portion structured and configured to engage one another, thereby providing a secure connection between the handle and the refill. The handle coupling portion has a coupling stem disposed at one end of the handle and a coupling pin protruding from the stem. The coupling stem has outer walls terminating at a free end thereof. The refill coupling portion has a tubular structure having refill walls and an interior space for receiving therein the coupling stem, and a pair of mutually opposite and resiliently deformable cantilevered arms disposed in the interior space, each of the arms terminating with a coupling surface for engaging the coupling pin of the handle coupling portion.

Abstract: An electric toothbrush, including a refill connectable to a handle via a coupling device. The handle has a drive mechanism, and the refill has a brush head and a motion transmitter functionally connected to the brush head for driving it. The handle has a coupling stem terminating with a free end and including a coupling pin extending from the stem. The refill includes a generally tubular portion formed by refill walls defining an interior space for accepting the coupling stem of the handle. The coupling device comprises a pair of mutually opposite and resiliently deformable cantilevered arms disposed adjacent to the refill walls in the interior space of the refill. Each of the cantilevered arms terminates with a coupling surface for engaging the stem's coupling pin for secure and disengageable connection between the handle and the refill.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for monitoring either or both the performance of an orthodontic appliance for repositioning a patient's teeth and/or the user compliance in wearing the appliance using a biosensor. The apparatuses described herein may include one or more sensors, including biosensors, electrical sensors, or both, configured to generate sensor data related to user compliance and/or repositioning of the patient's teeth by an orthodontic appliance.

Abstract: A hernia repair device, comprising: an inflatable balloon having an inflation tube, the inflation tube having a proximal end attached to said balloon and a distal end adapted to be extracted from the body, separately from the balloon, via an opening which is smaller than a laparoscopic opening, and a mesh removably attached to said balloon, wherein the inflation tube passes through the mesh.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for inserting prosthesis implants into apatient pocket. The apparatus has three openings including a prosthesis opening and two implant insertion openings. The apparatus prevents infection; eases insertion and placement; and reduces complications. In use, the first implant insertion end of the bellow is placed through the patient incision while allowing the bellow to be manipulated to force the first implant into a surgical pocket of a patient. Then the bellow is rotated 180 degrees so that the second implant insertion end becomes the opening through which the second implant is inserted into the second incision while allowing the bellow to be manipulated to force the second implant into a surgical pocket.

Abstract: A peripheral vascular filter according to some aspects of the invention includes a filter body forming a cavity therein, the filter body having a proximal end and a distal end in a length-wise direction of the peripheral vascular filter, the filter body having an opening in the proximal end thereof; a spring system arranged proximal to the filter body and in mechanical connection with the filter body and with a filter wire, the spring system being stretchable along the length-wise direction; a plurality of retractor wires, each retractor wire having a distal end connected to the filter body, and a proximal end connected to spring system. In a deployed configuration, the spring system absorbs forces applied to the filter wire proximal to the filter body to prevent the peripheral vascular filter from becoming dislodged from a position in a peripheral vasculature.

Abstract: An aspiration system includes a pump and a control system in communication with the pump. The control system includes a microcontroller, an antenna configured to receive a signal, and a pump control board in communication with the microcontroller. The antenna is in communication with the microcontroller. Upon receiving the signal, the pump control board operates the pump to create negative pressure according to the signal.

Abstract: In some aspects, a graft device can include a biodegradable inner layer, an outer layer, a first end portion, a second end portion, and a lumen therebetween. The biodegradable inner layer typically includes an inner surface and an outer surface. The outer layer typically includes a fiber matrix surrounding the outer surface of the inner layer. The graft device can include a reinforced end portion. At least 10% or at least 50% of the graft device can remain after 90 days of implantation. In some cases, at least 10% or at least 50% of the graft device can remain after 180 days of implantation. The graft device can include a kink-resisting element. The graft device can include at least one layer with a dynamic compliance less than or equal to at least one of: 20%/100 mmHg or 5%/100 mmHg.

Abstract: An artificial blood vessel includes a nanofiber base film and a nanofiber external film connected to the nanofiber base film. The nanofiber base film comprises a plurality of polymer nanofibers aligned according to a first single-direction aligning pattern. The nanofiber external film comprises a plurality of polymer nanofibers aligned according to a second aligning pattern that is perpendicularly different from the first aligning pattern.

Abstract: Provided are systems for applying a polymer fiber matrix to a tubular conduit to create a graft device. The system comprises a polymer solution comprising at least one polymer and at least one solvent; a polymer delivery assembly constructed and arranged to receive the polymer solution and to deliver the polymer fiber matrix to the tubular conduit; a rotating assembly constructed and arranged to rotate at least one of the tubular conduit or the polymer delivery assembly; and a controller constructed and arranged to control the polymer delivery assembly and the rotating assembly. The system is constructed and arranged to reduce the amount of the solvent in the graft device. Methods of applying a polymer fiber matrix with reduced solvent are also provided.

Abstract: A tendon reinforcement assembly includes a rivet having a female portion having a female free end, a female connecting end, and a female portion axial passage extending therethrough. A male portion has a male free end, a male connecting end adapted to be inserted into the female free end, and a male portion axial passage extending therethrough. The male portion axial passage extends coaxially with the female portion axial passage. A suture extends through the male portion axial passage and the female portion axial passage. The suture has a first suture end extending outwardly of the male free end and a second suture end extending outwardly of the female free end.

Abstract: Knowledge of the anatomical, post-operative position and orientation influences not only the selection of the IOL to be implanted but also the result of the refractive operation on the eye. In the method for selecting an IOL to be transplanted into an eye on the basis of the prediction of the anatomical, post-operative position (ALP) and orientation thereof, based on pre-operative measuring values such as, for example, anterior chamber depth (VKT), lens thickness (LD) and axial eye length (AL), the invention additionally or exclusively uses the curvature(s) of the eye lens or measuring values derived therefrom. The proposed method is used to predict the anatomical, post-operative position (ALP) and orientation of an intraocular lens (IOL) to be transplanted into an eye.

Abstract: An intraocular lens system may include a base that may include an annular body, an opening extending through the annular body in an axial direction of the annular body, and a recess extending circumferentially about the opening. The system also may include a lens that may be insertable into and removable from the recess. The lens may include a central optic, a first tab protruding radially away from the central optic, and a second tab protruding radially away from the central optic. The second tab may be more resistant to compression in a radial direction than the first tab. The first tab may include a first arm protruding radially away from the central optic, a second arm protruding radially away from the central optic and extending away from the first arm, and a third arm extending from the first arm to the second arm. Movement of one or more of the first, second, and third arms may result in deformation of the first tab.

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems and methods for providing improved ophthalmic lenses, particularly intraocular lenses (IOLs), include features for reducing dysphotopsia effects, such as haloes and glare. Exemplary ophthalmic lenses may include a central zone with a first set of two echelettes arranged around the optical axis, the first set having a profile in r-squared space. A middle zone includes a second set of two echelettes arranged around the optical axis, the second set having a profile in r-squared space that is different than the profile of the first set. A peripheral zone includes a third set of two echelettes arranged around the optical axis, the third set having a profile in r-squared space that is different than the profile of the first set and the profile of the second set, the third set being repeated in series on the peripheral zone.

Abstract: A prosthetic capsular device configured to be inserted in a natural capsular bag of an eye after removal of a lens includes a housing structure capable of containing an intraocular device. The housing structure includes a posterior side, an anterior side opposite the posterior side, lateral sides extending between the posterior side and the anterior side, and a cavity at least partially defined by the posterior side, the anterior side, and the lateral sides. The posterior side includes a refractive surface and an opening radially outward of the refractive surface. The anterior side includes an aperture capable of allowing at least one of insertion, removal, and replacement of an intraocular device. The cavity is capable of containing an intraocular device.

Abstract: Modular IOL systems including a base and a lens, wherein the lens includes tabs for connection to the base. The modular IOL allows for the lens to be adjusted or exchanged while leaving the base in place, either intra-operatively or post-operatively.

Abstract: A device, including an implantable microphone, including a transducer, and a chamber in which a gas is located such that vibrations originating external to the microphone based on sound are effectively transmitted therethrough, wherein the transducer is in effective vibration communication with the gas, wherein the transducer is configured to convert the vibrations traveling via the gas to an electrical signal, the chamber and the transducer correspond to a microphone system, wherein the chamber corresponds to a front volume of the microphone system, and the transducer includes a back volume corresponding to the back volume of the microphone system, and the implantable microphone is configured to enable pressure adjustment of the front and/or back volume in real time.

Abstract: A prosthesis for implantation at a native semilunar valve site of a subject can include a support structure configured such that in a first rotational disposition of the prosthesis with respect to the native semilunar valve, a tactile feedback sensation is provided to a user implanting the prosthesis.

Abstract: A mitral valve prosthesis is percutaneously and/or transapically deployed in at least two stages. In a first stage, a mitral annular ring platform adapted for percutaneous delivery is delivered to and anchored in the mitral valve annulus. In the second stage, a valved-stent mitral valve prosthetic device adapted for percutaneously delivery is delivered to the mitral valve annulus for mounting in the mitral annular ring platform. This approach provides a consistent platform for accepting valved-stent mitral valve prosthetic devices from different vendors to be used.

Abstract: A prosthesis for a cardiac valve including prosthetic leaflets which are intended to functionally replace the native leaflets of a cardiac valve following the implantation of the cardiac prosthesis. The prosthesis also including a prosthetic member on which there are mounted the prosthetic leaflets and which is intended to take up a stable, predetermined functional configuration in which the prosthetic member and the prosthetic leaflets reproduce the functionally correct configuration for the purpose of the physiological replacement of the native cardiac valve. The prosthetic member is preconfigured so as to move gradually from an altered, temporary functional configuration, in which the prosthetic member has a deformed geometry with respect to the stable, predetermined stable functional configuration, to said stable, predetermined functional configuration.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are expandable introducer sheaths and methods of making and using the same. The sheaths minimize trauma to a patient's vasculature by allowing for temporary expansion of a portion of the sheath to accommodate passage of a delivery system for an implant, then return to a non-expanded state after the passage of the device. The sheath includes a foldable inner member having a detached flap structure at its distal tip that facilitates expansion of the sheath lumen to increased diameters, and an elastomeric distal end that reduces push and retrieval forces therethrough. The sheath can include a hemostasis seal on its proximal end to prevent the leakage of blood out of the sheath and prevent ballooning of outer layer of the sheath.

Abstract: Devices and methods for providing localized pressure to a region of a patient's heart to improve heart functioning, including: (a) a jacket made of a flexible biocompatible material, the jacket having an open top end that is received around the heart and a bottom portion that is received around the apex of the heart; and (b) at least one inflatable bladder disposed on an interior surface of the jacket, the inflatable bladder having an inelastic outer surface positioned adjacent to the jacket and an elastic inner surface such that inflation of the bladder causes the bladder to deform substantially inwardly to exert localized pressure against a region of the heart.

Abstract: A medical product (100), preferably for use in treating, in particular filling and/or closing a bone cavity, wherein the product (100) comprises a plurality of interconnected members (110), wherein each member (110) has a peripheral boundary (120) and the boundaries (120) of adjacent members (110) engage with one another. Also, a method for producing the medical product (100) and a medical kit that comprises the medical product (100) and a securing element for securing the product (100) in a bone cavity and to a method for filling a bone cavity.

Abstract: Disclosed are prosthesis systems and methods that provide ways by which the articulating surfaces of the implant can be exchanged such that the anatomic surfaces can be converted to reverse surfaces, while not exchanging the fixation components. Also disclosed herein are methods by which the surgeon can implant an inset anatomic articulating glenoid implant whereby at a later date, can remove the anatomic articulating surface and replace it with a reverse articulating surface such that the primary means of fixation remains well fixed in the glenoid fossa at the moment of articular exchange.

Abstract: A prosthetic device for replacing at least part of one vertebral body, the prosthetic device being expandable from a fully collapsed state to a fully expanded state and comprising an upper endplate, a lower endplate and an expandable support structure extending between the two endplates, said expandable support structure being configured to displace the two endplates relative to one another along a longitudinal axis of the prosthetic device and to hold the two endplates at a minimum axial distance that corresponds to the height of at least one intervertebral disc and half a vertebral body, wherein the expandable support structure includes an anterior post and a posterior post, wherein the length (L1/L2) of each post is individually adjustable and is lockable independently from one another to hold the two endplates with an inclination of 0° to 40° relative to each other.

Abstract: A structurally encoded implant comprising a pair of endplates movably secured at the posterior end via a slip joint and a wedge component. The wedge component is inserted between the pair of endplates to increase implant height and change the lordotic angle. The pair of endplates may be manufactured together as one integral component using additive manufacturing techniques. During this additive manufacturing process, water-soluble support material may be positioned around the slip joint. Once the pair of endplates is formed, the support material may be dissolved away, allowing the pair of endplates to move independently from one another, but to still remain movably attached via the slip joint, such that the pair of endplates allow for height expansion and lordotic angle change.

Abstract: An artificial replacement disc includes a pair of substantially parallel plates formed to occupy a space defined by vertebral endplates, each of the plates including a plurality of spikes on a first surface and a concave trough formed on a second surface opposite of the first surface. A mobile core includes a core rim with opposing convex surfaces extending from opposite sides of the core rim, the mobile core being capable of being disposed between the pair of plates to permit the vertebral endplates to move relative to one another. The spikes on each of the plates extend substantially away from the mobile core and the convex surfaces are formed to integrally fit within the concave trough of at least one of the plates. The core rim limits lateral movement of the mobile core relative to the parallel plates. One or more insertion tools for inserting and implanting the replacement disc are also described.

Abstract: Devices and methods for orthopedic support are disclosed. The device can have a first rigid section hingedly attached to a second rigid section. The device can be curved or rotated around obstructions along an access path to a target site. The device can be delivered to an intervertebral location in a patient.

Abstract: Intervertebral devices and systems, and methods of their use, are disclosed having configurations suitable for placement between two adjacent vertebrae, replacing the functionality of the disc therebetween. Intervertebral devices and systems contemplated herein are implantable devices intended for replacement of a vertebral disc, which may have deteriorated due to disease for example. The intervertebral devices and systems are configured to allow for ample placement of therapeutic agents therein, including bone growth enhancement material, which may lead to better fusion between adjacent vertebral bones. The intervertebral devices and systems are configured for use in minimally invasive procedures, if desired.

Abstract: The present invention provides artificial disc prostheses, methods and instrumentation for implantation and revision thereof. Each prosthesis may comprise superior and inferior end plates and a nucleus positioned between articular surfaces of the end plates. The end plates may have planar bone engagement surfaces with a plurality of self-cutting teeth. The articular surfaces of the end plates may be planar or include a flattened portion. The nucleus includes superior and inferior articular surfaces which may comprise flattened portions such that when the articular surfaces of the nucleus and the end plates are placed in cooperation in a preferred orientation, the flattened and/or planar portions are aligned. Each prosthesis may provide flexion/extension, anterior/posterior translation, lateral bending, and/or axial rotation degrees of freedom.

Abstract: A radiolucent intervertebral prosthesis is implanted in an environment that has been prepared in a manner which enhances radiopacity of the prosthesis and/or the environment. A liquid, powder, or other fluid radiopaque (RO) material, such as iohexol, is introduced into an implantation site, either by directly introducing the material into the site and/or by applying the material to a surface of the implant. The presence of the RO material in the implantation site provides contrast with the material of radiolucent prosthesis while the implantation site is being radiographically imaged, e.g. during fluoroscopic visualization while the prosthesis is being implanted. During implantation, the RO material helps the physician view and manipulate the implant, and after the implantation is complete, the RO material will be resorbed or otherwise lost from the implantation site so that the area returns to a radiolucent condition to facilitate subsequent radiographic imaging when needed.

Abstract: Disclosed is an expandable interbody fusion implant that is configured to have an initial configuration having a first footprint width suitable for being inserted into an intervertebral space and an expanded configuration having a second footprint width that is greater than the first footprint width. The implant may include a first body member and a second body member that is pivotally coupled to the first body member. The implant may be expanded using an inflatable balloon. The implant may be expanded bilaterally such that both body members rotate relative to the other or the implant may be expanded unilaterally such that one of the body members rotates relative to the other.

Abstract: Disclosed is an intervertebral cage for arthrodesis, where at least part of an upper and/or lower contact zone is made of a porous titanium material with a thickness of at least 1 mm and with a porosity of between 50% and 90%, where the diameter of the pores (DP) is between 200 ?m and 1 mm, and where the pores have an aperiodic distribution.

Abstract: A stand-alone ALIF implant that comprises a cage and a rotatable plate attached to an anterior portion of the cage by a fastener mechanism. The plate may also be integrally formed with the cage, and both are typically manufactured using additive manufacturing techniques. Support material may be added during the additive manufacturing process to lend support to the implant, and may be positioned around the fastener mechanism during manufacturing of the implant. Once formed, the support material may be dissolved away, thereby allowing the plate to rotate independently from the cage, but still remain movably attached via the fastener mechanism. The cage may further comprise webbing thereon to promote bone growth.

Abstract: The present application is generally directed to implantable systems, devices and related methods pertaining to spinal surgery. In particular, the present application discloses a frame and spacer system for inserting into a disc space. The frame and spacer system is of low profile. The frame can receive different fixation devices, including threaded and non-threaded fixation devices.

Abstract: The preferred embodiment of the present invention is described as an expandable spinal implant. Generally, the inventor intends for the expandable spinal implant to function as an implant that translates compressive force into anterior-posterior and vertical force to enable the implant to both distract and expand between two endplates of adjacent vertebral bodies, optionally into a lordotic profile.

Abstract: A stem for fixating a prosthesis to a bone can include a first stem portion and a second stem portion. The first stem portion can extend substantially along a longitudinal axis. The first stem portion can include a distal portion. The second stem portion can extend substantially distally from the distal portion of the first stem portion along the longitudinal axis. The second stem portion can be securable to the bone independent of the first stem portion, and the second stem portion can include a distal portion couplable to a compress assembly.

Abstract: A method for producing a prosthesis socket in which a 3D-dataset is produced of an outer contour of a stump on which a prosthesis socket is to be mounted, and a base socket is produced from a first material in a 3D printing method using said 3D dataset, wherein an inner contour of the base socket corresponds to the outer contour of the stump, and at least one stabilising element consisting of a second material is laminated onto the base socket.

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: This disclosure provides for a medical device to be implanted in the vasculature and a method for treatment in the vasculature. The device has an outer layer of a first material and an inner layer of a second material attached to the outer layer. The inner layer further has a plurality of elastomeric tensioners. If the device experiences relaxation, resulting in a decreased radial force against the vessel wall, the elastomeric tensioners may provide a contraction force to the inner layer and the outer layer, resulting in a maintained radial force on the vessel wall.

Abstract: A stent includes linear struts that form an outer periphery of a cylindrical shape in which a gap is formed between adjacent struts. Each strut has a first convex portion that protrudes inward in a radial direction R in at least a portion in a cross section along an axial direction of the cylindrical shape, and, in a state in which the stent is indwelled in a lumen in a living body, the first convex portion has a vertex that is formed to be positioned more on an upstream side of blood flow than a downstream side of blood flow and an upstream curved portion that curves and extends to protrude inward in the radial direction from the vertex toward the upstream side.

Abstract: A stent including linear struts forming an outer periphery of a cylindrical shape in which a gap is formed, a link portion connecting the struts to each other in the gap, and a connection extension portion extending along a connection direction of the link portion. The link portion includes a first curved portion provided on one end in the connection direction, and curves to protrude inward in the radial direction, and a second curved portion provided on the other end of the connection direction, and curves to protrude inward in the radial direction. The connection extension portion includes a first gradually decreasing portion gradually decreasing from the first curved portion toward an edge on one end of the connection direction, and a second gradually decreasing portion gradually decreasing from the second curved portion toward an edge on the other end of the connection direction.

Abstract: This invention is directed to an expandable stent for implantation in a body lumen, such as an artery, and a method for making it from a single length of tubing. The stent consists of a plurality of radially expandable cylindrical elements generally aligned on a common axis and interconnected by one or more links. A Y-shaped member is comprised of a U-shaped member and a link having a curved portion and a straight portion to improve the flexibility and thereby improve the fatigue performance of the Y-link junction.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for a micro-patterned thin film Nitinol (TFN) that is used as a cover for an expandable stent structure, and has elongation/expansion properties that are configured to match the elongation/expansion properties of the expandable stent structure is presented.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a rolled up radially self-expanding stent comprising at least one transverse expandable member of non-shape memory alloy sheet or wire loops laminated in a polymer and rolled up in a configuration that stores elastic energy and retains flexibility, arranged on a longitudinal axis used to improve the lumen patency of non-vascular body lumens. The radial expansion of the stent is caused by unrolling of the rolled up transverse expandable member during deployment in the body lumen.

Abstract: A guide cap and a loading system for loading an implant into a delivery system are disclosed which are capable of simplifying operations required in interventional surgery using the implant. The guide cap has a lumen passing therethrough and includes: a conical section; a straight or conical tube in communication with a small open end of the conical section; and a flange, wherein a large open end of the conical section flares outward and thereby forms the flange. The loading system includes a guider and the guide cap. During the process of loading the implant into the delivery system, the guide cap enables the valve prosthesis to be coupled to the connector of the delivery system and allows the valve prosthesis to be compressed so as to be entirely capsuled in the delivery system with relatively easy and quick operations, thereby reducing surgery time during its clinical use.