Abstract: A medical device for treating a heart valve insufficiency, with an endoprosthesis which can be introduced into a patient's body and expanded to secure a heart valve prosthesis in the patient's aorta. In an embodiment, the endoprosthesis has a plurality of positioning arches configured to be positioned with respect to a patient's aorta and a plurality of retaining arches to support a heart valve prosthesis. The endoprosthesis includes a first collapsed mode during the process of introducing it into the patient's body and a second expanded mode when it is implanted.

Abstract: Catheter apparatuses and methods are provided for repairing heart valves, particularly mitral valves. The method includes providing a catheter having an elongate, flexible body, with a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end can be transluminally advanced from the left atrium through the mitral valve and along the left ventricular outflow tract into the ascending aorta. A valve repair device is deployed to permanently connect leaflets at a mid-section of a mitral valve while permitting medial and lateral portions of the natural leaflets to open and close. The valve repair device detachably connects the distal and proximal ends of the catheter.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are described herein to provide improved steerability for delivering a prosthesis to a body location, for example, for delivering a replacement mitral valve to a native mitral valve location. Disclosed are a number of features that can improve steerability or release of the prosthesis into the body location.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are described herein to provide improved steerability for delivering a prosthesis to a body location, for example, for delivering a replacement mitral valve to a native mitral valve location. The steerable delivery system can contain a steerable rail configured for multi-plane bending to direct a distal end of the delivery system.

Abstract: A device, kit and method may employ an implantable device (e.g., annuloplasty implant) and a tool to implant such. The implantable device is positionable in a cavity of a bodily organ (e.g., a heart) and operable to constrict a bodily orifice (e.g., a mitral valve). Tissue anchors are guided into precise position by an intravascularly deployed anchor guide frame and embedded in an annulus. Constriction of the orifice may be accomplished via a variety of structures, for example by cinching a flexible cable or anchored annuloplasty ring, the cable or ring attached to the tissue anchors. The annuloplasty ring may be delivered in a generally elongated configuration, and implanted in an anchored generally arch, arcuate or annular configuration. Such may move a posterior leaflet anteriorly and an anterior leaflet posteriorly, improving leaflet coaptation to eliminate mitral regurgitation.

Abstract: An exemplary valve repair device for repairing a native valve of a patient includes a coaption element and a pair of paddles. The coaption element and/or the pair of paddles can be made from a fabric, such as a braided metal fabric. The pair of paddles are connected to the coaption element. The paddles are movable between an open position and a closed position. The valve repair device is configured to attach to the native valve of the patient.

Abstract: An exemplary implantable prosthetic device has a coaption element and a pair of paddles. The coaption element has a first end portion and a second end portion. The pair of paddles is connected to the second end portion of the coaption element. The coaption element narrows as the copation element extends from the first end portion to the second end portion. The paddles are movable between an open position and a closed position. The paddles are configured to attach to the native valve of the patient.

Abstract: According to an aspect, an implant includes a sheath defining a lumen, a cable member disposed within the lumen defined by the sheath, and a tensioner. The tensioner is configured to engage the cable to apply tension to the sheath.

Abstract: For an orthopaedic implant, an insert body of a non-metallic material is arranged in a socket of an originally metallic material. The insert body consists of a ceramic based on zirconium dioxide, aluminum oxide or a mixed oxide ceramic, whereas the socket is preferably produced of pure titanium or a titanium alloy, for example Ti-6Al-4V, provided with a plurality of small holes and preferably embodied as a mesh or net structure. The titanium net structure is firstly imparted with ceramic properties with the aid of a silicate glass solder solidified or hardened in a ceramic firing, the subsequent connecting or joining between the ceramic insert body and the now also “ceramic” titanium socket is achieved by means of a glass solder which is based on silicon dioxide (SiO2) and which connects or joins the two components with one another.

Abstract: A prosthetic hip joint is disclosed. The prosthetic hip joint includes a femoral component, which further includes a femoral head with a femoral head cavity and an acetabular component. The acetabular component includes an acetabular cup and an acetabular cup insert. The acetabular cup insert and the acetabular cup each has a through hole, where the through holes overlap a location of a native femoral head ligament.

Abstract: A periprosthetic fracture repair solution that provides a variety of fracture fixation options should a fracture occur after total hip, knee, or especially a total shoulder arthroplasty, and provides associated methods and apparatus for application of provided fixation. The ability to pre-engineer fracture fixation contingent solutions into humeral components provides for a distinct clinical advantage in the planning and execution for periprosthetic fracture fixation. Said methods and apparatus include targeting devices which allow for intimate association of fixed angle locking screws in pre-drilled holes in an existing prosthetic or other components including additional fixation components. Such apparatus and methods further include the use of alignment devices and other components to allow for ease of repair of periprosthetic fractures utilizing the pre-engineered solutions.

Abstract: A method of replacing a nucleus pulposus material wherein curable nucleus pulposus material is injected into a balloon in an intervertebral space

Abstract: A bodiless bone fusion method, apparatus and device for insertion between bones that are to be fused together and/or in place of one or more of the bones, such as, for example, the vertebrae of a spinal column. The bodiless bone fusion device comprises one or more extendable plates, one or more extending blocks in communication with the extendable plates, one or more positioning elements for adjusting the extendable plates by manipulating the extending blocks, and one or more support panels for holding the positioning elements and guiding the extendable plates. The plates are able to be advantageously positioned in the confined space between the vertebrae to help brace the device until the bone has fused.

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

Abstract: The present invention provides a next generation, closed profile, total disc replacement device with mechanical features designed to sustain, restrain and guide the larger motions required to preserve normal mechanical motion, while at the same time, providing a flexion component to guide and restrain the finer motions reached at the extremes of the mechanical motion preservation components.

Abstract: An implant stabilizes two adjacent bones of a joint, while enabling a natural kinematic relative movement of the bones. Support components are connected to each bone of the joint, and a flexible core is interposed between them. The core and at least one of the support components are provided with a smooth sliding surface upon which the core and support component may slide relative to each other, enabling a corresponding movement of the bones. The surfaces may have a mating curvature, to mimic a natural movement of the joint. The core is resilient, and may bend or compress, enabling the bones to move towards each other, and or to bend relative to each other.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for restoration of human or bone anatomy, which may include introduction, into a bone of an expansible implant capable of expansion in a single determined plane, positioning the expansible implant in the bone in order to correspond the single determined plane with a bone restoration plane and opening our the expansible implant in the bone restoration plane. A first support surface and a second support surface spread tissues within bone. The embodiments of the invention may also include injecting a filling material around the implant.

Abstract: An expandable intervertebral fusion cage is independently expandable vertically and laterally. The fusion cage includes a cage body that can receive an expansion member that causes the fusion cage to expand vertically. The cage body is responsive to a compressive force to move to an expanded lateral position, whereby the fusion cage defines a substantially circular annular profile.

Abstract: A spinal implant for insertion between adjacent upper and lower vertebral endplates, the device including a first upper surface and a second opposing lower surface for contacting the upper and lower vertebral endplates respectively. The first and second opposing surfaces are connected by at least one external side wall. The at least one external side wall includes at least one entry aperture fluidly connected to at least one exit aperture on the upper and/or lower surfaces and/or internal or external side walls of the implant. The entry and exit apertures are fluidly connected by a conduit.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides various surgical instruments and delivery systems to properly implant spinous stabilization devices, such as for example, interspinous, interlaminar stabilization devices, in a less invasive manner than what is currently performed. The delivery system may be a tubular delivery system through which instruments and devices can pass. Methods for using these surgical instruments and delivery systems are also provided.

Abstract: An expandable fusion cage system includes an expandable fusion cage having an upper portion, a lower portion, and a hinge portion coupling the lower portion and the upper portion at their distal ends. Positioned between the upper and lower portions is an expansion element that when moved in the proximal direction causes the cage to expand at its proximal end. The system can also include inserter instruments, expandable distraction instruments, and bone funnels.

Abstract: A bone fusion method, system and device for insertion between bones that are to be fused together and/or in place of one or more of the bones, such as, for example, the vertebrae of a spinal column. The bone fusion device comprises one or more extendable tabs having a central rib. The bone fusion device includes one or more support channels configured to receive an insertion instrument that is then secured to the bone fusion device via a coupling mechanism. As a result, the coupled device is able to be securely positioned between vertebrae using the insertion instrument with minimal risk of slippage.

Abstract: A spinal implant comprises an implant body extending between an anterior surface and a posterior surface. The implant body includes a first vertebral engaging surface and a second vertebral engaging surface. The implant body includes an outer surface that defines an oblique surface. A wall is connectable with the implant body and translatable relative to the oblique surface. Systems and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A dilation introducer for orthopedic surgery is provided for minimally invasive access for insertion of an intervertebral implant. The dilation introducer may be used to provide an access position through Kambin's triangle from a posterolateral approach. A first dilator tube with a first longitudinal axis is provided. A second dilator tube may be introduced over the first, advanced along a second longitudinal axis parallel to but offset from the first. A third dilator tube may be introduced over the second, advanced along a third longitudinal axis parallel to but offset from both the first and the second. An access cannula may be introduced over the third dilator tube. With the first, second, and third dilator tubes removed, surgical instruments may pass through the access cannula to operate on an intervertebral disc and/or insert an intervertebral implant.

Abstract: A system and method for validating an orthopaedic surgical plan includes a data tag associated with a patient-specific orthopaedic surgical instrument and a data reader to read the data tag to obtain surgical procedure parameters from the data tag. A display module may display the surgical procedure parameters and/or identification data to validate the patient-specific orthopaedic surgical instrument. Additionally, the system may include a sensor module to generate joint force data indicative of a joint force of a patient's joint. The display module may be configured to display the joint force data in association with the surgical procedure parameters.

Abstract: The implant comprises a body having at least one end. The body is elongate as it is arranged to substantially mimic a portion of a skeletal bone. The embodiment of the implant is designed to be implanted in the leg of a patient, as a partial replacement for the femur bone of a patient. The at least one end which includes a stepped portion is arranged to, in use, prevent migration of the implant into the bone of a patient. At least part of the stepped portion is covered by a physiologically inert substance, such as niobium for example, to reduce the possibility of infection or an immune reaction at the site at which the implant contacts the flesh of the patient's leg.

Abstract: A prosthesis socket vacuum device includes a base formed with a first chamber formed with a discharge channel and a vacuum relief channel and a second chamber provided, on an underside thereof, with a locking assembly, which includes a position-constraining block. A positioning assembly having sealing gaskets fit thereto includes a locking pin extending through a positioning member and formed with a recess. In setting the positioning assembly into the base, the positioning member compresses and expels internal air of the first chamber to the outside through the discharge channel in a soundless manner to form a vacuum condition. The locking pin drives the locking assembly to displace until the recess and a closure hole are fixed relative to each other so as to have the locking assembly closes the vacuum relief channel. A gap is provided between the closure hole and the recess to provide an effect of cushioning.

Abstract: A stent composed by a bioabsorbable network of polymer fibers that can be rearranged upon expansion, accommodating for diameter enlargement without the need of a strut or strut pattern and providing temporary support to a biological duct, is provided. Additionally, a stent is provided where the rearranged fibrous network of its expanded state can act as a scaffold for cell infiltration and promote autologous tissue formation.

Abstract: Medical appliances may be formed of multilayered constructs. The layers of the constructs may be configured with various physical properties or characteristics. The disposition and arrangement of each layer may be configured to create an overall construct with a combination of the individual properties of the layers. Constructs may be used to create vascular prostheses or other medical devices.

Abstract: Device, system and method for fabricating a stent, the device including a reservoir that provides a supply of particles; an appliance having a high pressure generator that generates a particle beam from the supply of particles; a transport conduit that transports the particle beam; and a nozzle connected to the transport conduit that jets the particle beam outward from the device, where the nozzle is configured for insertion into a stent.

Abstract: A delivery device can provide sequential delivery of a plurality of intraluminal devices or tacks held in a compressed state on the delivery device. Delivery platforms on the delivery device can hold a tack in a compressed position and be positioned between annular pusher bands that may also be radiopaque markers. The annular pusher bands can be made of wire or sections of material to increase flexibility while remaining radiopacity. A post deployment dilation device can be included. The post deployment dilation device can be a plurality of expansion filaments, a bellows, or a balloon. A tack deployment method can include allowing a self-expanding tack to expand, aligning the post deployment dilation device under the tack, and causing the post deployment dilation device to expand radial to push outward on the tack.

Abstract: A stent delivery system can include a core member, an introducer sheath, and a microcatheter. The core member can have a distal segment. The stent engagement member can have a generally tubular body positioned about the core member distal segment and can be rotatably coupled to the core member. The engagement member can include an inner layer that has a first durometer and an outer layer that has a second durometer less than the first durometer. The stent can extend along the core member distal segment such that an inner surface of the stent is engaged by the engagement member outer layer for facilitating rotation of the stent relative to the core member.

Abstract: An intragastric implant for obesity treatment is disclosed. The device delays digestion by providing a duodenal sleeve, and may also slows gastric emptying by limiting flow through the pyloric sphincter. The implant includes an elongated axially-compressible duodenal sleeve having a non-tissue-piercing anchor on a proximal end sized to lodge within the duodenal bulb. The anchor may have oppositely-directed anchoring flanges to resists migration in both directions. The sleeve may also have barbed ribs to resist proximal movement back up into the stomach. A method of implant includes collapsing/compressing the device and transorally advancing it through the esophagus to be deployed within the duodenum. A dissolvable jacket may constrain the implant for delivery and naturally dissolve upon implant. Removal of the implant may occur in the reverse.

Abstract: A navel retainer and related techniques are disclosed. The retainer may be configured to be deployed within a navel such that its body portion interfaces with tissue therein. In some embodiments, the retainer may include an adjustment mechanism configured to expand and collapse the size and, optionally, geometry of the body portion. In some embodiments, the retainer may be a resilient element, allowing it to be temporarily compressed and subsequently allowed to expand in size, in some cases also optionally changing its geometry. In either manner, the retainer may be adjusted in size and/or geometry to buttress the tissue of the navel, minimizing or otherwise reducing opportunity for navel contracture during a healing process. After a desired navel size and shape are achieved, a separate maintenance device optionally may be deployed within the navel. The retainer optionally may be configured to host or otherwise serve as a navel adornment.

Abstract: A finger brace is configured for disposition about a lengthwise portion of a human finger between a brace proximal and distal ends. When installed for bracing, the proximal end is anchored at least partially about the outer side of the finger at a location behind the PIP joint. The distal end includes a shank configured for coextension along a lengthwise portion of the outer side of the finger between the PIP joint and the finger nail. Situated between and connecting the support proximal and distal ends is a PIP-joint support that at least partially encircles and supports the PIP joint. In various configurations, a finger brace is incorporated into each glove finger of a sports glove to define a larger overall finger support system. The shanks may be articulated to promote finger bending while preventing rearward hyperextension.

Abstract: A joint for an orthopaedic device, in particular an orthosis or prosthesis, wherein the joint has a first element, at least one spring element and a second element, which is mounted so as to pivot on the first element against a force applied by the at least one spring element in at least one direction. The at least one spring element has at least two helical springs which in each case are wound from a spring strip having a longer cross-sectional side upright with respect to the spring axis and are screwed into one another in such a way that the longer cross-sectional side of at least one of the helical springs has an angle different from 90° relative to the spring and that the spring strips butt against one another.

Abstract: Apparatus for distracting the hip joint of a patient, said apparatus comprising: a perineal post for engagement with a leg of the patient, said perineal post comprising a first portion and a second portion, wherein said first portion is configured for mounting to a table, and further wherein said second portion is movable relative to said first portion so as to change the geometry of the perineal post relative to a patient supported on the table.

Abstract: A pessary and associated methods for preventing a preterm birth includes a pessary body having a first end and a second end offset from one another. The first end defines a first opening that is configured to receive a cervix. The pessary body has an exterior wall that extends from the first end towards the second end. The exterior wall has an outer surface, and an inner surface opposite the outer surface, the inner surface enclosing a channel that extends between the first and second ends and that is in fluid communication with the first opening. The pessary body further has an interface surface that extends between the first end and the second end. The interface surface is configured to engage the cervix so as to secure the pessary to the cervix.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting the onset and conclusion of a hot flash is described. The system is configured to automatically operate a cooling device to minimize the discomfort and effects of the hot flash on a user. The system includes a wearable device and a power control device. The wearable device measures conductance across the skin to detect hot flashes. When detected, the wearable device communicates with the power control device to activate a cooling device. The cooling device is deactivated when conductance readings detect the ending of the hot flash. The automatic operation of the cooling device allows the user to get better rest by minimizing the effects of the hot flash.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a heat transfer vest. The vest is configured to mount a plurality of heat transfer packs on its interior surface. In the preferred embodiments the appropriate portions of the interior surface are covered in a hook-compatible material. In these versions, the thermal transfer packs include one or more hook panels that are used to attach the packs to the interior surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to therapeutic articles comprised of carbonaceous blend textile materials comprising yarns having about 25 to 100 weight % carbonaceous fiber and about 0 to 75 weight % fiber made of polyester, nylon, rayon, lyocell, cellulose, wool, silk, linen, bamboo, m-aramid, p-aramid, modacrylic, novoloid, melamine, regenerated cellulose, polyvinyl chloride, antistatic fiber, poly(p-phenylene benzobisoxazole) (PBO), polybenzimidazole (PBI), polysulphonamide (PSA), and combinations thereof, or other fibers not listed that are capable of being made into yarn and textile fabrics that are knit, woven, or nonwoven, and wherein the fabric has a weight from about 3 oz/yd2 to about 20 oz/yd2.

Abstract: Ophthalmic treatment systems and methods of using the systems are disclosed. The ophthalmic treatment systems include (a) a light source device; (b) at least one optical treatment head operatively coupled to the light source device, comprising a light source array, and providing at least one treatment light; and (c) a light control device, which (i) provides patterned or discontinuous treatment light projection onto an eye (e.g., the cornea and/or sclera of an eye); or (ii) adjusts intensity of part or all of the light source array, providing adjusted intensity treatment light projection onto an eye (e.g., the cornea and/or sclera of an eye). The at least one treatment light promotes corneal and/or scleral collagen cross-linking.

Abstract: Ophthalmic treatment systems and methods of using the systems are disclosed. The ophthalmic treatment systems include (a) a light source device; (b) at least one optical treatment head operatively coupled to the light source device, comprising a light source array, and providing at least one treatment light; and (c) a light control device, which (i) provides patterned or discontinuous treatment light projection onto an eye (e.g., the cornea and/or sclera of an eye); or (ii) adjusts intensity of part or all of the light source array, providing adjusted intensity treatment light projection onto an eye (e.g., the cornea and/or sclera of an eye). The at least one treatment light promotes corneal and/or scleral collagen cross-linking.

Abstract: Provided herein are systems, methods, and apparatuses that include a vitrectomy tip having port features for improved severing of vitreous fibers in a vitrectomy procedure. The vitrectomy tip may include one or more filaments traversing a port formed in the vitrectomy tip. The one or more filaments separate the port into a plurality of openings. When the vitrectomy tip is ultrasonically vibrated, the filaments impact the vitreous fibers causing them to sever. In this way, the filaments serve as severing elements to separate the vitreous fibers from the eye, thereby providing or improving the ability of the vitrectomy tip to perform the vitrectomy procedure.

Abstract: A cartridge of a surgical device is disclosed that includes a capsulotomy device and a shell structure. The capsulotomy device includes a suction cup, a chamber configured to provide suction to the suction cup, and a cutting element that can be put into contact with a lens capsule of an eye to excise a portion of tissue of the lens capsule. Both the suction cup and cutting element are collapsible. The shell structure is configured for housing the capsulotomy device. The housing of the shell structure can contain the suction cup, the chamber, and the cutting element of the capsulotomy device to protect the device before it is used in performing a capsulotomy.

Abstract: Methods and systems for performing laser-assisted surgery on an eye form a layer of bubbles in the Berger's space of the eye to increase separation between the posterior portion of the lens capsule of the eye and the anterior hyaloid surface of the eye. A laser is used to form the layer of bubbles in the Berger's space. The increased separation between the posterior portion of the lens capsule and the anterior hyaloid surface can be used to facilitate subsequent incision of the posterior portion of the lens capsule with decreased risk of compromising the anterior hyaloid surface. For example, the layer of bubbles can be formed prior to performing a capsulotomy on the posterior portion of the lens capsule.

Abstract: A contact lens for corrective corneal crosslinking has a lens part and reservoir part. The lens part is constituted of a UV transmitting material, and provided, on a side thereof being in contact with the cornea of a patient's eyeball, with a pressing region configured to project in a convexly curved shape at a position for pressing the corneal dome center, and a relief region including an annular concave part whose cross section has a concavely circular arc shape that surrounds the pressing region's outer circumference. The reservoir part is disposed seamlessly and integrally therewith on the lens' outer side in a thickness direction in the pressing region, the reservoir part is provided with a communication hole for communication between the inside of the reservoir part and the pressing region, and a working electrode that has the same polarity as that of the riboflavin solution in the reservoir part.

Abstract: A digital image depicting a digital representation of a scene is captured by an image sensor of a vehicle. An identification system recognizes a real-world object from the digital image as a target object based on derived image characteristics and identifies object information about the target object based on the recognition. The identification provides the object information to the vehicle data system of the vehicle so that the vehicle data system can execute a control function of the vehicle based on the received object information.

Abstract: The present invention is an ear cleaner designed to have limited insertion into the ear canal so as not to impact ear wax, also known as cerumen, or damage the ear drum. The ear cleaner has several possible form-factors. All form-factors are designed to be fit over the user's finger. The user's finger is the limiting factor in how far the ear cleaner is inserted. The ear cleaner has a limited surface area. The ear cleaner can have one or more features to entrap ear wax. The ear cleaner is made from a coarse woven fabric to entrap ear wax. The ear cleaner is impregnated with an antimicrobial agent, a lubricant, and a stiffener.

Abstract: The invention relates to a compression dressing comprising a first cushion layer (1) and second support layer (2), wherein the two layers (1,2) are connected to each other in the unstretched state by means of stitch-bonding processes via an elastic sewing thread, the stitch length being 1.5 to 3 mm/U at a sewing thread tension of at most 4 cN.