Abstract: The present disclosure relates to stents and methods of delivering and deploying the same. The stents include fasteners about their periphery and when the stent is radially compressed, the fasteners come into alignment such that a device may be placed through openings in the fasteners to hold the stent in the radially compressed configuration. When the device is removed from the openings, the stent may expand.

Abstract: Apparatus (20) is provided for use with a guidewire (12). The apparatus includes a guide tube (22) having a guidewire-engaging portion (122) and a slit (28) extending proximally along a wall of the guide tube, from a distal end (32) of the tube, a proximal end (29) of the slit being located distally to a proximal end (30) of the tube. A first stent (52) surrounds the tube and is advanceable together with the tube into a lumen of a subject, the first stent being slidably advanceable off the distal end of the tube; and a second stent (54), proximal to the first stent, surrounding a proximal portion of the tube, and advanceable off the distal end of the tube into the lumen, and placed alongside the first stent subsequently to advancement of the first stent off the distal end of the tube. Other applications are also described.

Abstract: An stent delivery system may include a delivery device and a tubular body having a lumen sized to slidably fit about an outer diameter of the delivery device and a drainage stent having an anchoring mechanism, wherein the delivery device includes a constraining member configured to engage an external portion of the tubular body at the proximal end of the delivery device. A method of delivering a stent may include inserting a tubular body into the port of an endoscope, inserting a stent delivery device and a stent having an anchoring mechanism into the tubular body, wherein the delivery device includes a constraining member configured to engage and retain the tubular body at the proximal end of the delivery device, advancing the drainage stent distally through the tubular body, sliding the tubular body proximally, and engaging an external portion of the tubular body with the constraining member.

Abstract: An intraluminar method of treating obesity of a patient, having a stomach with a food cavity, is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of creating a pouch made of a stomach wall portion of the patient, closing the pouch by sutures, staples or a fixation device, and placing a volume filling device in the pouch before or after closing the pouch, and thus investigating the volume filling device in the pouch such that an outer surface of the volume filling device rests against an outer surface of the stomach wall.

Abstract: Intragastric volume-occupying devices and methods for treating obesity are provided. The devices, which are inflated by carbon dioxide, include an aluminum or silicon oxide barrier layer providing carbon dioxide retention and an alkylene vinyl alcohol polymer layer providing structural integrity in vivo.

Abstract: A system includes an adjustable implant configured for implantation internally within a subject and includes a permanent magnet configured for rotation about an axis of rotation, the permanent magnet operatively coupled to a drive transmission configured to alter a dimension of the adjustable implant. The system includes an external adjustment device configured for placement on or adjacent to the skin of the subject having at least one magnet configured for rotation, the external adjustment device further comprising a motor configured to rotate the at least one magnet and an encoder. Rotation of the at least one magnet of the external adjustment device effectuates rotational movement of the permanent magnet of the adjustable implant and alters the dimension of the adjustable implant. Drive control circuitry is configured to receive an input signal from the encoder.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fastening device for implant device, the fastening device comprising at least two fastening sections, where a first fastening section is arranged with a through hole, a second fastening section is arranged with a protruding part, and where said protruding part is in place in said through hole in a fastening device locking state, where the protruding part on the second fastening section is arranged with a through channel having an inlet and an outlet, said through channel being arranged to receive an implant device feed member, said inlet and outlet being accessible from the exterior of the fastening device in said fastening device locking state, wherein the first fastening section is securely locked to the second fastening section when, in said fastening device locking state, said implant device feed member is in place in the through channel and protrudes from both the inlet and the outlet of said through channel.

Abstract: Gastrointestinal implants can be used to secure thin-walled sleeves, restrictor plates, and other devices within the gastrointestinal tract. An example implant includes three elements: a stomach anchor to resist distally oriented forces; a duodenal anchor to resist proximally oriented forces; and a connector element to keep the stomach anchor fixed relative to the stomach anchor. The implant is inserted into the gastrointestinal tract with a delivery device that holds the implant in a compressed state for minimally invasive delivery until the implant is positioned properly. Upon releasing from the delivery device, the implant expands to a relaxed state across the pylorus, allowing prongs that extending outward from the stomach and duodenal anchors to engage tissue in the gastrointestinal tract. The deployed implant may also include a thin-walled sleeve that extends into the intestine from the stomach anchor, duodenal anchor, or connector element.

Abstract: A structure assembled by first and second stackable layers having properties allowing for the first and second stackable layers to be shaped into at least first and second different shapes, and at least one fastener to releasably secure the first and second stackable layers together in one of the at least first and second shapes in a semi-rigid or rigid, and unitary construction. The first and second stackable layers are secured into one of the at least first and second shapes by the at least one fastener to form a semi-rigid or rigid, and unitary construction.

Abstract: A device for managing patellofemoral pain includes a wearable anchor structure configured to be positioned adjacent to the knee joint of a user. A spring mechanism is attachable, during use, to the anchor structure at first and second attachment positions located laterally and medially of the knee joint, respectively. An attachment component is coupled to the spring mechanism and has an attachment surface configured to be removably attached, during use, to the skin over the patella of the user such that the spring mechanism applies a tension force on the attachment component in an anterior direction. Methods for managing patellofemoral pain and realigning the patella and a patellofemoral pain management kit are also disclosed.

Abstract: A medical device for repositioning tissue within an animal has a main body with a first end portion, a second end portion, and a middle portion. The first end portion defines a series of passageways and the second end portion defines a bulbous shape, a slot, and a tab portion. Methods of treating obstructive sleep apnea are also described.

Abstract: An oral appliance for treating sleep apnea while repositioning the teeth of a subject including an upper dental tray and a lower dental tray, the upper dental tray having a downwardly extending projection in an anterior portion of the upper dental tray. The distal end of the projection extends below the incisal surface of the lower dental tray such that the anterior surface of the projection is adjacent to an anterior lingual surface of the lower dental tray when the appliance is worn by the subject, thereby limiting the anterior movement of the upper dental tray with respect to the lower dental tray and alleviating snoring and/or apnea.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for use in the selective disruption of lipid-rich cells by controlled cooling. The present invention further relates to a device for use in carrying out the methods for selective disruption of lipid-rich cells by controlled cooling.

Abstract: The disclosure concerns an improved system for administering moisture therapy to a patient, the system including: a conventional moisture therapy compress, and a therapeutically adaptive cover configured to contain the conventional moisture therapy compress and further adapted to communicate a therapeutic delivery of hot or cold moisture through a fluid permeable material to a treatment site of a patient. The therapeutically adaptive cover communicates hot or cold moisture therapy while isolating the compress from the treatment site, allowing for re-use of the compress by way of replacing the cover, or washing the cover prior to subsequent use for maintaining optimum sterility and cleanliness. Other features and advantages are disclosed in the appended detailed description of the preferred embodiments.

Abstract: A thermal wrap having identical side portions, each having a pocket formed therein for receiving thermal material such as gel packs or instant/single use chemically activated thermal packs. The side portions are made of an expandable material and connected at the top by at least two independently attached non-elasticated side straps or loop straps which slide through buckles and attach to two adjacent hook pieces, and at the bottom by a pair of cooperating chin straps made from the same material as the main structure that connects the two pouches which further ensures that the pockets allow for even application as well as increased pressure of thermal energy to the head, neck, or face including the mandibular region of the face according to the users desirable fit and pressure. The pockets are sized to receive standard sized gel packs with dimensions relative to the region of the body being treated.

Abstract: A therapeutic mask system for treatment of the eyes, including a mask portion for attachment to the head of a patient and an eye coverage pod that is detachably coupled to the mask portion. The mask portion can include an eye coverage portion comprising a receiver in which the pod is releasably secured. The pods can also be directly secured to a mask strap. The pod includes material for delivering thermal, moisture and/or medication therapy and treatment to the eye. The system can also include a heat-transmissive treatment pad positioned between the pod and the eye of the user.

Abstract: There are provided a connectable catheter system, device and methods of use thereof. The connectable catheter system, comprising: an intermediary catheter and a reconnectable indwelling stent wherein the intermediary catheter and the indwelling stent are configured to connect, within a subject body to form a continuous fluid conduit between the intermediary catheter and the reconnectable indwelling stent and to further allow controlled release of substances and/or heating of internal target regions.

Abstract: There is provided a device for insertion into a body cavity, the device includes an insertion member configured to be inserted into the body cavity, an expandable member coupled to the insertion member, the expandable member capable of being expanded to apply pressure onto tissue within the body cavity, a first member configured for storing a first endothermic reactant therein, and a second member configured for storing a second endothermic reactant therein. In particular, the first and second members are configured to, in a state of the device (e.g., compressed state), allow the first and second endothermic reactants to cooperate to effect an endothermic reaction to generate an endothermic product. Furthermore, the expandable member is configured to receive at least one of the first or second endothermic reactant and the endothermic product through a channel within the insertion member. There is also provided a method of fabricating a device for inserting into a body cavity.

Abstract: The present invention provides devices to access the suprachoroidal space or sub-retinal space in an eye via a minimally invasive transconjunctival approach. The devices may also be used after a partial dissection, for example after dissection of the outer scleral layer of the eye, and using the device within the dissection to access the suprachoroidal space or the sub-retinal space.

Abstract: Surgical instruments for use in membrane peeling in treatments of different macular surface diseases are disclosed herein. Membrane forceps may include a forceps extension and forceps jaws extending from a distal termination of the forceps extension. The forceps jaws may include a first jaw and a second jaw. Each of the first jaw and the second jaw may include a gripping tip that abuts one another when the forceps jaws are in a closed configuration so as to grasp a membrane The first jaw and the second jaw may each include a coating at a distal end of the forceps jaws configured to increase a frictional force between the membrane and the forceps jaws.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a system and method for managing patient data during ophthalmic surgery. The systems and methods include an ophthalmic surgical device operable to receive data from a RFID chip. Data from the RFID chip is transmitted to a RFID read-write module operably coupled to the ophthalmic surgical system. A processor identifies the RFID chip based on the received data and determines whether the data stored to the RFID chip varies from data received from a surgical microscope by more than a predetermined percentage. The processor can generate a warning when the data stored to the RFID chip varies from data received from a surgical microscope by more than a predetermined percentage.

Abstract: The present disclosure discloses systems and methods for actuating a cutter of a vitrectomy probe. The systems and methods involve applying fluidic pressure to a fluidic amplifier or a fluidic oscillator of the vitrectomy probe to cause oscillatory movement of a component of the cutter to perform a cutting action.

Abstract: Devices and methods for treating intraocular pressure are disclosed. The devices include shunts for draining aqueous humor from the anterior chamber to the uveoscleral outflow pathway, including the supraciliary space and the suprachoroidal space.

Abstract: A pair of electric goggles is disclosed. The goggles include a conductive lens mounted onto a frame adapted to be electrically connected to an electric socket in order to raise the temperature of the lens, when powered. The goggles are provided with a strap for attaching to a helmet, the strap has a strap clip designed to have the electric socket attached thereto. The electric socket is meant to be electrically connected to a power supply via a power cable. With the combination of a strain relief clip located below the electric socket, the power cable can be positioned in a predetermined configuration which unencumbers the user from the power cable when detaching or removing the goggles.

Abstract: An apparatus for use with an item of personal protective equipment, where the item of personal protective equipment includes a sensor configured to detect when the personal protective equipment is being worn properly by the user. The apparatus is housed within a hand-held power tool that includes a power circuit. The apparatus includes an electrical isolation device configured to prevent current flow in at least one conductor included in the power circuit; a wireless communication device configured to wirelessly couple to a wireless communication device included in the personal protective equipment. The wireless communication device is configured to receive a wireless signal transmitted from the wireless communication device included the personal protective equipment, the wireless signal providing information concerning whether the user is wearing the item of personal protective equipment properly.

Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to provide an absorbent sheet capable of sufficiently absorbing exudates exuding from an area of a lesion and exhibiting a powerful deodorizing effect for illness-associated odors. The invention relates to an absorbent sheet with deodorizing functions having an absorbent region and a deodorizing region situated to at least one side of the absorbent region, wherein the absorbent region contains cellulosic fibers, an absorbent polymer and a thermal adhesive resin, and the deodorizing region contains cellulosic fibers, a deodorizing agent and a thermal adhesive resin.

Abstract: Herein is disclosed a composition for application to a wound comprising: a first layer comprising a skin adhesive, wherein the first layer has a wound-facing side and a non-wound-facing side and, in a first area, apertures extend through the first layer from the wound-facing side to the non-wound-facing side; and a second layer disposed on a non-wound-facing side of the first layer, the second layer comprising a polymeric film that is continuous in that it extends over and covers each of the apertures of the first layer, the second layer having a moisture vapour transmission rate (MVTR) of at least 500 g/m2/24 hours, measured in accordance with BS EN 13726-2:2002, wherein the composition further comprises a third layer disposed between the first layer and second layer, the third layer being a supporting layer for the first layer, the third layer having apertures therethrough, substantially corresponding to the apertures in the first layer. A method of making such a composition is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a compression stocking (10) which is divided into at least two parts, making it easier to put the stocking on and to take it off. A first part (12) has a foot portion (16), an ankle portion (18) which extends above the malleolus 14, and a first overlap portion (24) which is above the ankle portion, and is so formed as to exert in use a pressure which is reduced compared to a pressure exerted by the ankle portion. A second part (30) is tubular and has a second overlap portion (32) and a leg portion (34) which extends in use up the leg from the overlap portion to surround at least part of the lower leg. In use the first overlap portion is able to be placed within the second overlap portion, the compression stocking providing a pressure which reduces progressively up the leg.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an adjustable mastoid dressing that is adjustable to provide a secure fit of a mastoid portion to a patient's skull. The adjustable mastoid dressing includes an adjustable upper band and an adjustable lower band that together compress the mastoid region. The upper band and lower band include posterior portions that optimally engage the patient's occipital bone when tightened via manually operable tension adjusters.

Abstract: A menstrual device having a storage volume. The menstrual device has a frame and a fluid barrier seal layer attached to the exterior surface of the frame. The menstrual device has an expanded configuration that includes an at rest configuration and a deployed configuration. The menstrual device has a compact configuration where the menstrual device is confined to a size, shape and/or geometry smaller than an expanded configuration such that it can be more easily inserted into the body. The menstrual device in a compact configuration is contained within an applicator, where the applicator assists in ejecting the menstrual device into the body.

Abstract: THIS INVENTION IS A NOVEL PRACTICAL WAY OF ADMINISTERING PHARMACEUTICAL FORMULATION COMPRISING CONJUGATED ESTROGEN CREAM IN VARIOUS DOSAGES, TO BE GIVEN VAGINALLY THROUGH INSERTION OF A DISPOSABLE TAMPON FOR THE TREATMENT OF VULVOVAGINAL ATROPHY, VAGINAL DRYNESS AND SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION IN POSTMENOPAUSAL WOMEN.

Abstract: An absorbent article may have a Product Hip-to-Side Silhouette from about 2.3 to about 6, and a Product Waist-to-Side Silhouette from about 2.3 to about 6. An array of absorbent articles may have an Array Average Product Hip-to-Side Silhouette from about 2.3 to about 6, and an Array Average Product Waist-to-Side Silhouette from about 2.3 to about 6.

Abstract: An absorbent article may have a Product Length-to-Side Silhouette from about 1.8 to about 6. An array of absorbent articles may have an Array Average Product Length-to-Side Silhouette from about 1.8 to about 6.

Abstract: An absorbent article may have a Product Length-to-Hip Silhouette from about 0.5 to about 0.85 and a Product Length-to-Waist Silhouette from about 0.5 to about 0.9. An array of absorbent articles may have an Array Average Product Length-to-Waist Silhouette from about 0.5 to about 0.9.

Abstract: An absorbent article may have a Product Hip-to-Side Silhouette from 0.5 to about 1.8 and a Relaxed Product Side Length that is greater than about 65% of the Relaxed Product Length. An array of absorbent articles may have an Array Average Product Hip-to-Side Silhouette from about 0.5 to about 1.8.

Abstract: A belted disposable article including a chassis having first and second end portions and a central portion extending therebetween, the article having a body-oriented surface facing the user during use and a garment-oriented surface facing away from the user in use, the article further including a pair of belt portions attached to the chassis so that a first belt portion and a second belt portion extending on each side of the first end portion of the chassis for securing to each other around a waist of a wearer of the article to form a belt having an exterior surface. In addition, a belt-opening trigger zone is disposed adjacent a free end of at least one of the first and second belt portion. Further, the first and second belt portions are folded over the chassis to form a folded belt configuration prior to use of the article.

Abstract: An absorbent article having a longitudinal axis extending in a longitudinal direction and a transversal axis extending in a transversal direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The absorbent article comprises a fluid-permeable topsheet, a lotion on the topsheet having a lotion pattern covering a lotion pattern area, a fluid-impermeable backsheet, and an absorbent core between the topsheet and the backsheet. The core wrap defines a core footprint in a plane parallel to the longitudinal direction and transversal direction. The article comprises an intermediate layer between the topsheet and the absorbent core, the intermediate layer comprising at least one longitudinally-extending channel, preferably at least a pair of longitudinally-extending channels disposed symmetrically on each side of the longitudinal axis. The topsheet is depressed in the channel(s). The lotion-to-channel overlap ratio ranges from 0% to 20% of the area of the channel(s).

Abstract: An absorbent article having a longitudinal axis extending in a longitudinal direction and a transversal axis extending in a transversal direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The absorbent article comprises a fluid-permeable topsheet, a lotion on the topsheet having a lotion pattern covering a lotion pattern area, a fluid-impermeable backsheet, and an absorbent core between the topsheet and the backsheet. The core wrap defines a core footprint in a plane parallel to the longitudinal direction and transversal direction. The ratio of the lotion pattern area relative to the area of the footprint of the absorbent core ranges from 5% to 25%.

Abstract: Disposable absorbent articles suitable for absorbing and containing body exudates are disclosed. These articles include an apertured nonwoven topsheet having a body surface and an opposing garment surface; a backsheet; an absorbent core; and a surface modifying composition disposed on the topsheet. The composition includes hydrophobic particles and a hydrophobic binder.

Abstract: Disposable absorbent articles suitable for absorbing and containing body exudates are disclosed. These articles include an apertured nonwoven topsheet having a body surface and an opposing garment surface; a backsheet; an absorbent core; and a surface modifying composition disposed on the topsheet. The body surface exhibits a static water contact angle of 120 to 160 degrees and a contact angle hysteresis of from about 10 to 30 degrees.

Abstract: Disposable absorbent articles suitable for absorbing and containing body exudates are disclosed herein. These articles include an apertured nonwoven topsheet having a body surface and an opposing garment surface; a backsheet; an absorbent core; and a surface modifying composition disposed on the topsheet, wherein the composition comprises hydrophobic particles and a hydrophobic binder in a ratio of binder to particles of 4:1 to 1:4 and wherein, post insult, the article has a Topsheet Stain Area of less than 30 mm2.

Abstract: A nonwoven fabric for an outer sheet of an absorbent article has a liquid-impermeable sheet having moisture vapor permeability, the nonwoven fabric having a thickness direction and a planar direction, and a first surface and a second surface, the nonwoven fabric including thermoplastic resin fibers, and cellulosic fibers that are cellulosic fibers of which at least a portion form a plurality of fiber masses, the nonwoven fabric comprising a plurality of gaps that are adjacent to first regions of each of the plurality of fiber masses that are facing the first surface, wherein each of the plurality of fiber masses are not joined with the thermoplastic resin fibers.

Abstract: An absorbent article having a longitudinal direction, a width direction, and a thickness direction that intersect with one another, the absorbent article includes: an absorbent body that absorbs liquid; a back sheet disposed on a wearer's non-skin side of the absorbent body, the back sheet made of a nonwoven fabric; and an anti-displacement adhesive portion formed with an adhesive, the adhesive provided on a non-skin side of the back sheet, the back sheet including a compressed region that is compressed in the thickness direction, the absorbent article including a portion where the anti-displacement adhesive portion overlaps the compressed region.

Abstract: A feminine hygienic tool disposal bag is an apparatus that is used to securely contain and deodorize discarded feminine hygiene products. The apparatus includes a container, an elastic rim, and a deodorizing strip. The container is used as a structural unit to mount all of the aforementioned components. The container inverts to ensure a clean exterior for temporary storage of disposed products. The elastic rim widens to enable items to enter the container, to allow the container to invert, and to help secure items in place. The deodorizing strip encircles the container, so that when the user inverts the container, the deodorizing strip is proximal to odors and smells from disposed hygienic articles.

Abstract: An array of disposable absorbent articles comprising a sequence of graphic designs corresponding to a wearer's stage of development.

Abstract: One of challenges to be overcome is providing short-fiber nonwoven and loop component with appropriate balance of air-permeability and softness. One of solutions is loop component for mechanical fastener including top layer comprising short-fiber nonwoven and substrate layer comprising short-fiber nonwoven, wherein ratio [average fineness (denier) of the top layer] against [average fineness (denier) of the substrate layer] is 1.5-30, softness of the substrate is less than 60 mm in MD direction and less than 50 mm in CD direction by 45 degree cantilever method, and air permeability of the substrate is 10 to 100 cm3/sec*cm2 by Frajour type method.

Abstract: A feminine hygiene pad having adhesive side extensions with enhanced longitudinal flexure and structural integrity is disclosed. Each adhesive side extension may be provided with a supplementary structure that creates an outboard supplemented zone of greater basis weight and/or flexural rigidity, than an inboard, lower basis weight and/or more flexible longitudinal flexure zone. The longitudinal flexure zone may be of a limited width such that in combination with the supplemented zone, longitudinally-oriented flexure effectively limited to the flexure zones, and reliably neat wrapping of the side extension about the inner leg edge of the user/wearer's underpants, is promoted, while chances of unwanted crumpling, bunching and/or misfolding of the side extension are reduced. Additional features described may enhance comfort and convenience for the user/wearer.

Abstract: Provided is a method for efficiently recovering pulp fiber from used hygiene products that include pulp fiber and a polymer absorbent. This method is characterized by including a step for introducing the used hygiene product into a treatment tank in which an aqueous solution with ozone dissolved therein has been introduced, and a step for treating the used hygiene product while infusing water into the treatment tank at a first flow rate, extracting the aqueous solution from the treatment tank at a second flow rate and introducing a gas containing ozone into the aqueous solution in the treatment tank, thereby decomposing the polymer absorbent, lowering the molecular weight thereof, and making the same dissolvable.

Abstract: This disclosure provides a system that combines together a wheelchair ramp and lift. The system starts inside the vehicle interior so that the ramp, when deployed, only protrudes several inches from the edge of the vehicle rather than several feet. This increases flexibility in the entry and egress of a wheelchair to and from a vehicle.

Abstract: A hospital bed may include a support structure, a controller, a pressure source coupled to the controller, and a hospital bed mattress carried by the support structure. The hospital bed mattress is carried by the support structure and has first and second ends, and first and second sides extending between the first and second ends. The hospital bed mattress may include a base foam layer, and transverse bladder pairs extending over the base foam layer and being coupled to the pressure source. The transverse bladder pairs may extend between the first and second sides and may be configured to provide longitudinal pressure differential and lateral pressure differential. The hospital bed mattress may have a multi-layer removable encasement surrounding the base foam layer and the transverse bladder pairs.