Abstract: An arthroplasty device is provided having an interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) hydrogel that is strain-hardened by swelling and adapted to be held in place in a joint by conforming to a bone geometry. The strain-hardened IPN hydrogel is based on two different networks: (1) a non-silicone network of preformed hydrophilic non-ionic telechelic macromonomers chemically cross-linked by polymerization of its end-groups, and (2) a non-silicone network of ionizable monomers. The second network was polymerized and chemically cross-linked in the presence of the first network and has formed physical cross-links with the first network. Within the IPN, the degree of chemical cross-linking in the second network is less than in the first network. An aqueous salt solution (neutral pH) is used to ionize and swell the second network. The swelling of the second network is constrained by the first network resulting in an increase in effective physical cross-links within the IPN.

Abstract: A fixation device for a knee replacement. The fixation device includes a stem configured to be fixedly attached to one of a tibial component of the knee replacement and a femoral component of the knee replacement. The stem has a continuously tapered outer surface and has a distal end that is distal to said one of the tibial component and the femoral component. The stem is configured so that the continuously tapered outer surface engages a patient's bone when the stem is inserted into a bone canal within the patient's bone. In addition, the continuously tapered outer surface of the stem at the distal end is configured to mechanically fix the knee replacement to the patient's bone by being wedged within the bone canal.

Abstract: The exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are described and illustrated below to encompass methods and devices for designing patient specific prosthetic cutting jigs and, more specifically, to devices and methods for segmenting bone of the knee and the resulting cutting guides themselves. Moreover, the present disclosure relates to systems and methods for manufacturing customized surgical devices, more specifically, the present disclosure relates to automated systems and methods of arthroplasty cutting guides, systems and methods for image segmentation in generating computer models of knee joint.

Abstract: An orthopedic implant in the form of a hip joint endoprosthesis consists of a head, which is set onto an anchoring shaft, which itself is insertable into a bone and anchorable therein. The head comprises an inner blind-hole-type recess, and the anchoring shaft is provided with a tenon for inserting into this recess. A sleeve provided with an approximately central through-bore is soldered into the recess of the head, via which sleeve the head is setable or mountable on the tenon. The head consists of a ceramic based on zirconium dioxide, aluminum oxide or a mixed ceramic, while the sleeve consists of a high strength titanium material. The connection between the head and the sleeve is produced by a silicate ceramic solder that solidifies or hardens in a ceramic firing, as well as by a subsequently applied glass solder, of which the excess can exit via the through-bore into a hollow space existing between the sleeve and the tenon.

Abstract: A fixation device for a knee replacement. The fixation device includes a stem configured to be fixedly attached to one of a tibial component of the knee replacement and a femoral component of the knee replacement. The stem has a continuously tapered outer surface and has a distal end that is distal to said one of the tibial component and the femoral component. A tapered projection is positioned on the continuously tapered outer surface and is tapered in the same direction as the continuously tapered outer surface. The stem and the tapered projection are configured so that the continuously tapered outer surface and the tapered projection engage a patient's bone when the stem is inserted into a bone canal within the patient's bone. In addition, the continuously tapered outer surface of the stem at the distal end of the stem and the tapered projection are configured to mechanically fix the knee replacement to the patient's bone by being wedged within the bone canal.

Abstract: Devices and methods of correcting vertebral misalignment, including, e.g., spondylolisthesis, are disclosed. In one embodiment, a vertebral implant may include an assembly configured to be secured to a first vertebral body, wherein the assembly includes a frame made of a first material and at least one end plate made of a second material different than the first material; a reducing plate configured to be slidably received over the central portion, wherein the reducing plate is configured to be secured to a second vertebral body; and an actuator configured to move the reducing plate relative to the frame.

Abstract: A spinal implant is provided that includes a body extending in direction at least substantially along a body axis, between a first end portion and a second end portion. The spinal implant also includes a first bearing surface disposed relative to the first end portion, and defining a first relief pattern that is configured to inhibit movement of the spinal implant relative to one or more vertebrae in at least substantially all directions. A method for manufacturing the spinal implant involves use of selective laser sintering.

Abstract: An electronically assisted artificial vertebral disc having an upper disc plate and a lower disc plate is disclosed. An actuator imparts movement to at least one of the upper and lower disc plates. A control device controls the actuator and the amount of movement between the disc plates. The actuator includes a plurality of either linear actuators or rotary actuators that are driven by electric motors in response to the control device. The control device includes at least a first sensor for detecting the position of the actuator and at least a second sensor for detecting the spatial orientation of at least one of the upper and lower disc plates. The control device also preferably includes a microprocessor that calculates the desired positions of the upper and lower disc plates and provides a control signal to the actuator to drive the upper and lower disc plates to their desired positions.

Abstract: Arcuate fixation members with varying configurations and/or features are provided, along with additional components for use therewith in provided fixation systems and intervertebral implant systems. The arcuate fixation members may be of varying lengths, cross sectional geometries, and/or cross sectional areas, and may be configured with various features such as heads configured to accept other fixation system components, tabs to allow arcuate fixation member-in-arcuate fixation member or fixation anchor-in-arcuate fixation member configurations. Applications of fixation systems and intervertebral implants systems utilizing arcuate fixation members are particularly suitable when a linear line-of-approach for delivering fixation members is undesirable.

Abstract: Devices and methods for the removal of bone implant tips from within a bony structure in a body. The device or method includes a shaft with an internal grasping feature capable of being inserted while remaining in an un-expanded, un-deployed state. This permits a surgeon or operator to insert the device while in a small profile state, avoiding or reducing damage to adjacent bone tissue during insertion. Upon insertion of the shaft to the proper position within a patient's bone, the grasping feature may then be expanded or deployed from the distal end of the shaft by a surgeon or operator using an actuator in a handle attached to the proximal end of the shaft. Following deployment, the grasping feature may be used to manipulate and/or remove a bone implant tip from a patient's bone tissue. Embodiments of the grasping feature include one or more hooks, wires, articulating fingers, and/or net-based designs formed of metal, polymer, composite, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: A patient specific shoulder guide is provided that includes a hub and a plurality of peripheral members. Each of the peripheral members has a peripheral member height dimension between the patient specific contact surface and a side of the peripheral member opposite the patient specific contact surface. At least one of the peripheral members is a low profile peripheral member in which the peripheral height dimension is less than the peripheral height dimension of at least one other of the peripheral members or is less than the hub height.

Abstract: A stemless humeral component for replacing the humeral head of a patient's humerus includes a support flange having a number of cantilevered legs extending distally away from a bottom surface thereof. Instruments and methods for surgically installing the stemless humeral component are also disclosed.

Abstract: A prosthetic system includes a prosthetic foot defining an upper surface and having a flexible configuration and a pump system attached to the prosthetic foot. The pump system includes a pump mechanism defining a fluid chamber having variable configuration and an actuating part. The actuating part is arranged to selectively engage with and separate a distance from the upper surface of the foot plate to move the pump mechanism between a first position in which a volume of the fluid chamber is zero or near-zero and a second position in which the volume of the fluid chamber is expanded relative to the first position. The volume of the fluid chamber increases when the actuating part moves away from the upper surface of the foot plate.

Abstract: A foot prosthesis that includes at least one spring element, an attachment member, and a heel member. The at least one spring element has a toe end portion, a heel end portion, an upper surface, and a lower surface. The attachment member is mounted to the upper surface and is configured to connect the foot prosthesis to a lower limb prosthesis component. A position of the attachment member is adjustable along a length of the at least one spring element. The heel member is mounted below the lower surface of the at least one spring element, and a position of the heel member is adjustable along the length of the at least one spring element.

Abstract: A stent is disclosed that has an elongated body composed of a bioabsorbable polymer having a proximal end, a distal end, two open spiral channels formed on the exterior surface of the body to provide fluid communication between the proximal end and the distal end. The stent also has a central lumen open at the proximal and distal ends of the stent for the passage of a guide wire. A method for using the stent and a kit containing the stent are also disclosed.

Abstract: A ureteral stent comprises an internal portion, which comprises a first polymer, and an external portion, which comprises a second polymer. The external portion surrounds the internal portion and has a plurality of radial projections that extend along the length of the ureteral stent. The second polymer has a Shore D hardness of 20-40 Shore D. The first polymer has a Shore D hardness that is at least 10 units greater than the Shore D hardness of the second polymer.

Abstract: A luminal stent includes a first tubular body and a second tubular body sleeved on the first tubular body, and at least one end of the second tubular body is sealingly connected to an outer surface of the first tubular body. In a radial support section of the luminal stent, the first tubular body includes at least one first radial support structure arranged in a circumferential direction thereof, and the second tubular body includes at least one second radial support structure arranged in a circumferential direction thereof and a coating film covering the second radial support structure. The second radial support structure has greater radial deformability than the first radial support structure. After implantation, the luminal stent can form a semi-closed gap between the first tubular body and the second tubular body or between the second tubular body and a lumen wall.

Abstract: The invention relates to an implantable endoluminal prosthesis and a method of using such devices for treatment of a valve dysfunction involving ascending aneurysm. The prosthesis is designed for deployment from the aortic annulus to the aorta. It comprises a self-expandable braided framework able to expand from a radially compressed state in a delivery configuration to a radially expanded state. This framework is formed of braided wires and has a proximal end configured to extend toward the heart and a distal end configured to extent toward away from the heart. The self-expandable braided framework extends along an axis. The framework has a main tubular body of cylindrical form of circular cross-section and at a distal end, a neck the diameter of which is smaller than the one of the self-expandable braided framework, and a transition portion extending between the proximal end of the main tubular body and the distal end of the neck.

Abstract: Provided is a synthetic resin stent with which it is possible to improve the resistance to pressure applied radially from the outside in a state of expanded diameter even when the fibers are thinned.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an endoluminal device for implantation in a body lumen, such as a pancreatic duct. The device is provided with a distal end region having greater flexibility than that of a medial region of the device.

Abstract: A percutaneous transluminal angioplasty device includes a catheter defining one or more lumens. A filter is coupled to the catheter adjacent a distal end of the catheter, and the filter is movable between an unexpanded and expanded configuration via a filter activation wire that extends through a lumen. An expandable balloon is coupled to the catheter proximally of the filter, and a stent is disposed over at least a portion of the balloon. To deploy the stent to a target site, the filter is first moved into its expanded position via the filter activation wire. Then, the stent is expanded, and the balloon is inflated to expand the stent further radially. The balloon is then deflated, the filter is contracted, and the catheter, balloon, and filter are removed from the body.

Abstract: A transcatheter insertion system for the insertion of an intracorporeal device using an insertion device, wherein the system includes an outer sheath arranged and configured to form a passageway for the intracorporeal device and/or the insertion device and the outer sheath includes for guiding the insertion device. The present disclosure also relates to an outer sheath and an insertion device for use with the system.

Abstract: A fabric-based soft actuator includes a first fabric layer, a second (material) layer, a bladder, and a fluid pump. The first fabric layer has anisotropic or isotropic stretch properties. The second layer is a fabric layer with anisotropic or isotropic stretch properties and/or a strain-limiting layer. The bladder is disposed between or integrated with the first fabric layer and the second layer, while the fluid pump is in fluid communication with and configured to inflate the bladder.

Abstract: The present arch-support brace includes an advantageous strapping configuration that alleviates the painful symptoms of posterior tibial tendon dysfunction by applying consistent compression to the patient's foot, ankle, and lower leg. The arch-support brace includes a tibial-tendon support strap and a repositionable arch pad that lifts and rolls the patient's arch and inwardly rolls the patient's heel.

Abstract: A posture alignment system improves posture by posture modification and spinal alignment. A back plate for positioning along a user's back provides a rigid structural foundation from approximately the user's head down vertically to at least to the user's hip region. A separation plate hingedly couples to the posture alignment system. A spinal mold 20 mechanism includes a spinal mold 20 positioned on the spinal mold 20 plate and has a length equal to at least approximately the length of the user's spine for interfacing and providing posture modifying support and alignment force to the user's spine. The spinal mold 20 includes posture alignment guide rails for guiding posture modification and spinal alignment according to a posture alignment goal.

Abstract: A finger support assembly for treating symptoms of a finger injury and disease includes a tube that has a finger selectively extended therethrough. The tube is comprised of a rigid material to restrain the finger thereby treating symptoms of a finger injury. A pad is coupled to the tube to enhance comfort of the finger in the tube.

Abstract: A wearable neck brace uses, for example, only three actuators but provides natural motion of the head and neck. This is achieved despite the fact that the head has six degrees of freedom including 3 translation and 3 rotation. In embodiments, a wearable neck brace actively controls the head of the wearer responsively to commands from a user interface such as an eye tracking input device. In further embodiments, a force-field is generated by actuators to provide assistance and/or training for weak muscles. Spring compensation may be provided for a passive support with flexibility. Encoders may be provided to generate treatment logs to support analysis of a patient's condition or progress or to provide therapy-facilitating (or athletic training-facilitating) feedback to the user.

Abstract: An orthosis (10) for correcting deformities in the head shape of babies and young children comprises a mesh layer (20). The mesh layer (30) comprises regions of varying stiffness in the mesh layer which are adapted to apply varying pressure to a wearer's head, so as to restrict undesirable growth and allow desired growth to correct the deformities. Accordingly, the mesh layer (30) provides a layer of uniform thickness but variable stiffness, so that a lightweight means of applying appropriate pressure to the wearer's head is provided. The mesh layer (30) can be manufactured by 3D printing, based on a scan of the wearer's head.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus regarding a Rotation & Abduction Device (“RAD”) for shoulder immobilization in treating shoulder instability, wherein the ability to maintain particular degrees of shoulder rotation and abduction is desired or necessary. An exemplary RAD shoulder immobilization system may include: a frame; a harness connected to the frame and including a waist support and a neck/shoulder strap; a sling connected to the frame and the harness; and a lining covering parts of the frame, the harness, and/or the sling. A method of treating a shoulder disorder may include: providing a shoulder immobilization system capable of shoulder rotation positioning adjustment and capable of shoulder abduction-adduction positioning adjustment; putting the shoulder immobilization system on a wearer; adjusting the shoulder immobilization system for shoulder rotation positioning; and adjusting the shoulder immobilization system for shoulder abduction-adduction positioning. Numerous other aspects are provided.

Abstract: A stabilization system configured to be arranged on a floor comprising a table having generally flat surface having a longitudinal axis for receiving a human body having a first hole, a second hole, and third hole within the flat surface, each hole having a hole shape with a generally vertical inner surface and configured to receive a bolster connector, a bolster comprising a bolster connector ‘having an outer shape corresponding to the hole shape, the bolster connector configured to be reversibly engaged by one of the holes, a generally flat surface generally perpendicular to the table surface when the bolster connector is engaged by one of the holes.

Abstract: An ostomy pouching device for the removal of biological waste from a patient. An embodiment of an ostomy pouching device includes an outer container housing an inner bag for receiving waste from a patient's bowel. The device includes a bowel connector to connect the bowel to the inner bag. The outer container includes an air exit aperture through which air may exit the container as it is displaced as the inner bag expands, and a gas tunnel for removing gas from the inner bag.

Abstract: An ostomy appliance includes a waste collection bag that is molded to form a front wall that continuously extends to form both a side wall and a rear wall. The rear wall is spaced apart from the front wall when the waste collection bag is empty. A bottom of the waste collection bag is defined by a curved bottom wall that continuously extends from both the front wall and a rear wall. The waste collection bag is formed to include a longitudinal curvature within at least one of the front wall and the rear wall, and a connector is integrally molded into the rear wall of the waste collection bag around a waste inlet.

Abstract: An ostomy armor includes a rigid base plate that covers a stoma of a patient and at least a portion of a waste collection bag attached to the stoma. The ostomy armor further includes a plate pad attached to the back surface of the rigid base plate. The ostomy armor also includes a belt that to hold the ostomy armor on the patient.

Abstract: A lateral rotation apparatus includes a first frame, a second frame, and a third frame that are independently rotatable. The first frame, the second frame, and the third frame support a person support surface having head, torso, and leg segments. A first pair of legs is positioned below the first frame to rotate a head segment to a head tilt angle in the range of about 7 to about 30 degrees relative to a horizontal support plane. A second pair of legs is positioned below the second frame to rotate a torso segment to a torso tilt angle that is within a range of about 5 degrees to about 10 degrees less than the head tilt angle.

Abstract: Method and devices for aiding in preventing obstructive sleep apnea are disclosed. In one aspect a device for aiding in preventing of obstructive sleep apnea is disclosed. The device may include a chin attachment member including a coupling to couple to an underside of a chin of a patient, a jaw support shaped to engage a jaw of the patient and having at least one locking member, and a body support shaped to rest on a chest of the patient. The coupling may an adhesive surface of the chin attachment member. Some embodiments may include a connection member, the connection member coupling the jaw support to the body support. The connection member may be a spring. In some embodiments, the connection member may be rigid.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are splints for a mandibular advancement device, each splint comprising one or more guided fins, wherein each guided fin is located at a distance D from back of the splint; a back post; at least one threaded rod connecting the back post to the guided fin, wherein the distance between the guided fin and the back post is changed when the threaded rod is turned either clockwise or counterclockwise; and a guiding mechanism.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hysteroscopic technique and specific instrument, applicator or device inserter, to insert a frameless, anchored device for intrauterine and intratubal delivery of bioactive substances for long-acting contraception and gynecological treatment. This is realized by the invention of a specially designed inserter allowing the passage through the narrow working channel of a specially designed hysteroscope for the precise insertion of an anchoring means, a non-biodegradable or biodegradable anchoring knot, or a hook, under direct vision in the fundal wall of the uterus, and to which a biological active component is attached which consists of a copper, copper-silver or another metallic ion-releasing agent, or a drug-eluting system for the release of a hormone or hormone-antagonist or other substance, active in the uterus as well as in the oviducts, and which can be hand-fixed to the hysteroscope by means of a thumbpiece fixed to the inserter tube to allow safe and controlled insertion.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a post-breast surgery thermal therapy apparatus including a vest including at least two compartments, wherein each compartment can accommodate at least one thermal therapy source (e.g., ice pack, frozen veggies, heat packs, etc.). The apparatus can include a neck strap and waist strap to secure the vest body to the chest area of a user.

Abstract: A cerebral protection system generally includes an array of cold packs, an insulating cover, and optionally a set of trays. The cold pack contains two reactive materials separated by a rupturable membrane. When the first reactive material and the second reactive material are mixed, an endothermic reaction occurs. The system can be used to induce hypothermia in selected regions of the brain when used. The system can be used to treat conditions including concussion, traumatic brain injury (TBI), heatstroke, cardiac arrest, respiratory arrest, anoxic brain injury, ischemic stroke, transient ischemic attack (TIA), or hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy.

Abstract: For the purposes of working on eye tissue, an ophthalmological apparatus comprises a laser source that is configured to produce a pulsed laser beam, a focusing optical unit that is configured to focus the pulsed laser beam into the eye tissue, and a scanner system for deflecting the pulsed laser beam onto work target points in the eye tissue. The scanner system is configured to guide the pulsed laser beam onto work target points along a scan line that extends across a work line at an alignment angle and to tilt the scan line depending on the work target point on the work line in such a way that the scan line extends substantially along an outer face of a lenticule to be cut in the eye tissue.

Abstract: For the purposes of working on eye tissue, an ophthalmological apparatus comprises a laser source that is configured to produce a pulsed laser beam, a focusing optical unit that is configured to focus the pulsed laser beam into the eye tissue, and a scanner system for deflecting the pulsed laser beam onto work target points in the eye tissue. A circuit controls the scanner system in such a way that the scanner system guides the pulsed laser beam into work trajectories that extend next to one another, in order, initially, to produce cut trajectories, separated by remaining tissue bridges, of a tissue cut to be undertaken in an area and in order, thereafter, to guide the pulsed laser beam in the remaining tissue bridges between the cut trajectories in order to complete the tissue cut.

Abstract: A tip for a phacoemulsification handpiece, including a tubular structure having an elongate portion with generally parallel sides and a flared end portion extending outwardly from the elongate portion and presenting a mouth that is larger in diameter than a lumen diameter of the elongate portion. The tip may include a plurality of internally extending structures coupled to an interior of the tubular structure. A method of surgically removing a crystalline lens of an eye, including evaluating the crystalline lens to determine the level of nuclear sclerosis, sectioning at least a central portion of the crystalline lens into a plurality of lens fragments by application of femtosecond laser energy and aspirating the lens fragments from the eye using a phaco-aspiration tip coupled to a source of suction. The method may include application of pulsed vacuum to aspirate lens fragments.

Abstract: For the purposes of working on eye tissue, an ophthalmological apparatus comprises a laser source that is configured to produce a pulsed laser beam, a focusing optical unit that is configured to focus the pulsed laser beam into the eye tissue, a scanner system for deflecting the pulsed laser beam onto work target points in the eye tissue, and a measurement system for optically capturing structures in the eye tissue. A circuit controls the measurement system in such a way that the latter captures a cut first outer face of a lenticule to be cut. The circuit controls the scanner system in such a way that the latter guides the pulsed laser beam onto work target points on a second outer face, positioned in relation to the captured first outer face, of the lenticule to be cut, in order to cut the second outer face of the lenticule.

Abstract: An ear endoscope device for use in a surgical procedure in an ear includes a handle, a visualization shaft extending from the handle, a tool guide extending from the handle parallel to the visualization shaft and configured to guide a tool into the ear with the visualization shaft, an imaging sensor at a distal end of the visualization shaft, and a light source. In some embodiments, the ear endoscope is combined with a suction device. In other embodiments, it may be combined with another tool.

Abstract: The methods, procedures, kits, and devices described herein assist with the healing process of tissue that was previously or simultaneously treated for a therapeutic or cosmetic effect. The methods, procedures, kits, and devices described herein can also provide temporary simulated results of a cosmetic procedure to allow for visual assessment to select the type of procedure or for treatment planning in advance of the surgical procedure.

Abstract: Wounds dressings, systems, and methods are presented for removing liquid from a wound site into a dressing and moving air through the dressing to evaporate at least a portion of the removed liquid. The air is moved in one instance by a Coanda device incorporated into the dressing. Other systems, dressings, and methods are presented.

Abstract: An article 1 comprises a hydrophilic foam layer 3; a reservoir cover 5 in contact with a first main surface of the hydrophilic foam layer 3, the reservoir cover 5 enclosing a reservoir cavity 7 together with the first main surface of the hydrophilic foam layer 3, the reservoir cavity 7 being for containing a fluid; and a hydrophobic foam layer 9 formed over the first main surface of the hydrophilic foam layer 3 and the reservoir cover 5. Fluid can be dispensed from the reservoir cavity 7 through a lower surface of the hydrophilic foam layer 3 by pressing on the hydrophobic foam layer 9 so that the reservoir cover 5 is compressed.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments relate to apparatuses and methods for wound treatment. In certain embodiments, a negative pressure wound therapy apparatus can include a spacer layer with an upper portion and a lower portion. The spacer layer can be configured to be wrapped around at least one edge of the absorbent layer with the upper portion of the spacer layer being above the absorbent layer and the lower portion of the spacer layer being below the absorbent layer. In some embodiments, a negative pressure wound therapy apparatus can include a first and second spacer layer and an absorbent layer. The first spacer layer can be positioned below the absorbent layer and the first spacer layer can have a perimeter larger than a perimeter of the absorbent layer. The second spacer layer can be positioned above the absorbent layer. The second spacer layer can have a perimeter larger than the perimeter of the absorbent layer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a decorative compression sock made from resilient elastic material for the prevention and treatment. The material is composed of a plurality of fibers. An aesthetically pleasing image is stored onto a sublimation transferable medium. The image is transferred from the sublimation transfer medium onto the compression sock wherein the image is permanently incorporated into the plurality of fibers of the material. The compression sock configured as a knee length tubular member having a closed end and an opened lower end. Compression is graduated from the toe, ankle and leg portion.

Abstract: In some embodiments, the present invention is directed to an actuator which includes at least the following: a pre-stretched electro-active polymer film being pre-stretched in a single or biaxial planar directions; at least one first semi-stiff conductor attached to a first surface of the pre-stretched electro-active polymer film, wherein the first surface is parallel to the single or biaxial planar stretch directions; at least one second semi-stiff conductor attached to a second surface of the pre-stretched electro-active polymer film, wherein the second surface is opposite to the first surface; where the semi-stiff conductors are configured to: fix the pre-stretched electro-active polymer film in a pre-stretched state and allow the pre-stretched electro-active polymer film to expand; a pair of mechanical connectors coupled to each end of an active region of the pre-stretched electro-active polymer film.