Abstract: An improved abdominal hernia repair system is presented comprised of a silicone layer backed up with a knitted or woven polypropylene fabric layer, the silicone layer possessing a regular pattern of slits that permit equilibration of fluid pressure across the device. A variety of therapeutic substances can be applied to the hernia repair device to promote healing, including aloe and other medicinal preparations. An improved inguinal hernia repair system is presented that is identical to the above except it does not contain the hydrophobic silicone component.

Abstract: An intraluminal device and method of fixation of an intraluminal device at a recipient having an esophagus, a stomach with a cardiac portion and a GE junction between the esophagus and the cardiac portion of the stomach includes deploying the intraluminal device to the recipient. The intraluminal device has a wall defining a cardiac member that is configured to the size and shape of the cardiac portion of the stomach and deployed to the cardiac portion of the stomach and an esophageal member that is configured to the size and shape of a portion of the esophagus and deployed to the esophagus. The intraluminal device having a connector connected with the esophageal portion and cardiac portion and deployed to the GE junction. The wall is fixed to the recipient to resist distal migration of the wall. The fixing includes the wall having a wall characteristic that is configured to facilitate tissue ingrowth.

Abstract: Embodiments herein provide differential dilation stents for use in percutaneous interventions, such as transluminal bypass procedures. In some embodiments, the stents may be used in the process of creating an arteriovenous (AV) fistula during a percutaneous bypass procedure, and such stents may have two or more specialized regions that are configured to adopt a predetermined diameter, shape, and/or tensile strength upon insertion in order to suit the needs of the vessel or procedure. The disclosed stents may be used for creating and/or maintaining an arterial/venous fistula for bypass of an occlusion in a cardiac artery using a cardiac vein, or the femoral artery, for example using the tibial or popliteal vein.

Abstract: Systems and methods for preparing a ligament graft construct for a ligament reconstruction or repair procedure are provided. In general, the described techniques utilize a reinforcement material having at least one suture tail extending therefrom. The reinforcement material is a ribbon or a ribbon-like flattened portion attached to or integrally formed with the at least one suture tail. To prepare a tissue repair construct, the reinforcement material is positioned on a first surface of a graft to extend from an end thereof and the at least one suture tail, coupled to a needle, is repeatedly passed through the reinforcement material and the surface of the graft to a second surface of the graft, and around a side portion of the graft to thereby create multiple suture loops. The tissue repair construct can be formed on each end of the graft.

Abstract: A selectively expandable breast implant and method for tissue expansion are provided herein. The implant includes a flexible shell, an expandable material inside the flexible shell, and a plurality of closed conducting loops within the expandable material. The closed conducting loops absorb energy from a varying magnetic field external to the implant and generate heat, to heat the surrounding expandable material, and the expandable material expands in size based on the amount of heat generated by the closed conducting loops. The expandable material comprises a plurality of expandable microspheres that expands in response to the heat created by the closed conducting loops. The heat induction mechanism enables the closed conducting loops to generate heat for expansion of the expandable material in the implant. The implant can expand uniformly or in areas designated for selective shaping.

Abstract: An accommodative hydraulic intraocular lens system (AHIOL) has a cylindrical actuator contained within which is a hydraulic lens assembly. The hydraulic lens assembly has a transparent elastically reconfigurable membrane coupled to a fixed focus lens by a bellows and a refractive hydraulic fluid contained in the space defined by the membrane, the bellows and the lens, and is maintained at the upper range of its diopter power by the elastic properties of the bellows, springs, or both.

Abstract: An intraocular lens inserter can include an energy storage portion, an actuator portion that provides temperature compensation, and a lens support portion. The energy storage portion can include a compressible energy storage device, such as a compressible fluid, springs, and other devices. The inserter can include an actuator portion operating with a substantially incompressible fluid. The actuator can be configured to provide an operator with control over the release of pressurized fluid so as to move a plunger for the discharge of a lens from an intraocular lens cartridge, discharge of the lens being limited based at least in part on pressure feedback from the pressurized fluid due temperature increases.

Abstract: A mechanical prosthetic heart valve, includes an annular support on which at least two movable flaps and several articular extensions are arranged in an articulated manner. Each flap includes a central part framed by two lateral wings that each cooperate with an articular extension by way of an end portion that has an articulation facet. The two articulation facets of each flap together make up a surface area of less than 5% of the total outer surface area of the flap.

Abstract: The present invention provides an intracardiac device suitable for minimally-invasive delivery, wherein said device comprises a device body and one more stabilizing elements attached to said device body. The stabilizing elements may be selected from the group consisting of: stabilizing wings having at least one portion with a thickness greater than that of the device body, wings comprising one or more auxiliary support arms, wings having a metal wire coil wound around them, wings having a leaf spring attached thereto, polymer-coated stabilizing wings, and mechanical stabilization elements comprising a rotatable jaw-like structure.

Abstract: A heart valve prosthesis that can be quickly and easily implanted during a surgical procedure is provided. The prosthetic valve has a base stent that is deployed at a treatment site, and a valve component configured to quickly connect to the base stent. The base stent may take the form of a self- or balloon-expandable stent that expands outward against the native valve with or without leaflet excision. The valve component has a non-expandable prosthetic valve and a self- or balloon-expandable coupling stent for attachment to the base stent, thereby fixing the position of the valve component relative to the base stent. The prosthetic valve may be a commercially available to valve with a sewing ring and the coupling stent attaches to the sewing ring. The system is particularly suited for rapid deployment of heart valves in a conventional open-heart surgical environment. A catheter-based system and method for deployment is provided.

Abstract: A system and a method for crimping a heart valve prosthesis onto a catheter shaft. The system comprises two components (1, 2) which receive the heart valve prosthesis (12) and are inserted into one another in the direction (14) in order to crimp the heart valve prosthesis (12).

Abstract: A clip for use during the loading of a prosthetic heart valve into a delivery device having an operating handle, a catheter assembly having a compartment for receiving the prosthetic heart valve, and an outer shaft joining the catheter assembly to the operating handle. The clip includes a first receiver coupleable to the operating handle of the delivery device and a second receiver coupleable to the outer shaft of the delivery device. The first and second receivers may be arranged orthogonally to one another so that in use the clip orients the catheter assembly substantially orthogonally to the operating handle.

Abstract: An annuloplasty repair segment for heart valve annulus repair. In one embodiment a multi-stranded cable replaces solid core wire for both the triscuspid and mitral valves. Cable allows for greater deployment flexibility for minimally-invasive surgical (MIS) implant, while still maintaining the required strength and similar tensile properties of solid-core wire. In addition, selective placement of point-welds or other such control points locally control other parameters such as the amount and direction of displacement as the ring undergoes external loading. Cable with well-placed control points result in a MIS annuloplasty ring with sufficient flexibility in the x-y plane to allow a surgeon to squeeze the ring into a small incision, such as for example 1 cm×1 cm, while maintaining structural rigidity under forces exerted on the implanted ring by the cardiac cycle and allowing for asymmetrical deflection to be designed into the product.

Abstract: A heart valve sizing ring is disclosed. The sizing ring includes an outer ring and an inner ring configured and arranged to couple to the outer ring. A tubular portion extends from the inner ring and has a plurality of suture holders arranged about an upper end thereof. The outer ring and inner ring having a pair of complementary mating surfaces configured and arranged to grip sutures therebetween when coupled together. When coupled around sutures, the assembled ring may be tightened down against the heart valve to test the fit as if the sizing ring were a similarly sized prosthetic heart valve ring. Commissures of the heart valve may be suspended from the suture holders of the tubular portion. The surgeon can then remove the sizing ring and replace it with a prosthetic ring.

Abstract: A method of implanting a penile prosthetic includes using a tool and grasping a penile prosthesis between a first jaw and a second jaw of the tool. The method includes inserting the first jaw and the second jaw and a portion of the penile prosthesis into the dilated corpora cavernosum, releasing the penile prosthesis from the jaws, and removing the jaws out the dilated corpora.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a cartilage prosthetic implant that can be used in orthopedics for a replacement of a damaged cartilage in a joint between opposing bones, for example in the case of osteoarthritis or trauma. The cartilage prosthetic implant described herein can replace the damaged cartilage at the joint without cutting bones of the joint. The cartilage prosthetic implant can maintain or restore a native joint anatomy, allowing for a natural movement at the joint. The cartilage prosthetic implant can be used as a permanent treatment or an intermediate treatment before requiring a total joint replacement. An example of the cartilage prosthetic implant is described for a knee joint replacement and is divided into a proximal implant configured to replace a cartilage at a distal end of a femur bone and a distal implant configured to replace a cartilage on a proximal end of a tibia bone.

Abstract: A method for treating arthritis of a joint includes identifying a bone lesion in a bone adjacent to the joint; and implanting in the bone a reinforcing member in or adjacent to the bone lesion. A kit for conducting the method includes: (a) at least one reinforcing member having a proximal face adapted to face the joint, a distal face adapted to face away from the joint, and a wedge-shaped edge adapted to pierce bone, wherein the at least one reinforcing member is planar and sterile; and (b) a container adapted to maintain the at least one reinforcing member sterile. Another kit includes: (a) a sterile fluid; (b) a syringe for injecting the fluid into a bone; (c) a curing agent adapted to cure the fluid to polymerize and/or cross-link; and (d) a container adapted to maintain the sterility of contents of the container.

Abstract: A component of an artificial joint according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, inter alia, a base plate and a post selectively removable from the base plate. Further, an outer surface of the post includes a layer of the bone ingrowth material along substantially the entire length of the post.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an interspinous dynamic implant. Provided is an interspinous dynamic implant comprising: an upper plate which adheres to an upper spinous process; a lower plate which adheres to a lower spinous process; a movable part, coupled between the front portion of the upper plate and the front portion of the lower plate, for enabling the upper plate and the lower plate to move upwards, downwards, left and right within a certain range according to the movement of spinous processes; an upper spinous process coupling means for tightly coupling the upper plate to the upper spinous process; and a lower spinous process coupling means for tightly coupling the lower plate to the lower spinous process.

Abstract: A prosthetic intervertebral spacer is disclosed. The spacer preferably includes a body and an interface extending away from the body for use during implantation of the spacer. Methods of implanting the spacer and tools used during such procedure are also disclosed.

Abstract: An intervertebral implant for being implanted between adjacent vertebrae is provided. The implant includes a generally elongate implant body having a length extending between opposite longitudinal ends thereof, a superior face and an inferior face. The superior face and inferior face include cortical teeth adjacent to the implant body longitudinal ends. Additionally, the superior and inferior faces include longitudinally central teeth intermediate the cortical teeth and have bone engaging ends. The central teeth have a sharper configuration than that of the cortical teeth bone engaging ends for biting into the softer central bone material of the vertebrae. The cortical teeth are arranged in a first density per unit area and the central teeth are arranged in a second density per unit area that is less than the first density.

Abstract: An intervertebral fusion device having a cage having an opening or window in its front wall that allows for the insertion of bone graft therethrough after the cage has been placed into the disc space. The device further has a faceplate that covers the front wall of the cage and provides features for securing bone screws to the adjacent vertebral bodies.

Abstract: An interbody fusion device including a body member, at least one side member engaging the body member, and at least one movement mechanism that engages at least one side member and the body member. A surgical method for maintaining a space between two vertebral bodies in a spine, including the steps of obtaining a medical device, such as an interbody fusion device, and inserting and coupling an expansion tool into an opening within the medical device. The surgical method also including slidingly inserting the medical device into a space between two vertebral bodies and rotating the expansion tool to move the at least one side member in a direction relative to the body member. The method may further include detaching the expansion tool from the medical device and removing the tool from the space between the two vertebral bodies in the spine.

Abstract: A spinal implant including porous and solid portions is disclosed. The implant includes porous portions on upper and lower surfaces and in an interior thereof. Methods of manufacturing and implanting such implants are also disclosed.

Abstract: The prosthetic joint has at least two members having each a cooperating articulating surface layer on a substrate material. At least one of said articulating surface layers comprises amorphous diamond-like carbon; or Titanium Nitrate (TiN) on a bonding layer bonded to the substrate material. The prosthetic joint provides a reduction of the number of wear debris and shows enhanced dry run properties.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cartilage slicing apparatus which enables cartilage pieces to be sliced with a form and thickness so as to be used in surgery.

Abstract: A prosthesis system can have an advantageous use over conventional prostheses in certain activities, including, but not limited to certain sports activities: The system includes, elastic member(s) that can store and release energy. The storing and releasing of energy in the elastic members happens during the movements made by the user and with the application of the user's own body weight while performing an activity. Implementations can also include a variety of routing configurations for the elastic member(s), as well as a variety of mounting points to integrate the elastic member(s) into the system, and/or a variety of adjustable anti-hyperextension members, and/or a variety of interchangeable shoes used for applicable activities.

Abstract: A braided stent system includes a stent body having a lumen formed by a plurality of braided members with interstices formed therebetween and a first expansion ring connected to the lumen of the stent body. The first expansion ring may include a frame defined by a plurality of interconnected support assemblies that are selectively positioned to impart an outwardly expanding radial force to the stent body, each support assembly can include a plurality of legs joined at a first intersection and connected to one of the other interconnected support assemblies at a second intersection opposite the first intersection. Each support assembly can include a claw portion mechanically connected to one or more of the interstices of the stent body so that the frame imparts an outward radial expansion force of the stent to facilitate use and delivery of the stent.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a medical tubular body that is excellent in visibility under X-ray fluoroscopic control, insertion property into a catheter and sliding property in a catheter, that suppresses contact of a marker with a tubular body or an adjacent marker in a diameter reduction state, and that is able to further reduce its diameter. The present invention provides a medical tubular body 100 comprising a tubular body whose diameter is expandable and a marker 121 provided inside the tubular body.

Abstract: A stent delivery system is configured to include an outer tube and an inner tube, with a space between the inner and outer tubes. In the space between the outer tube and the inner tube, a cylindrical mesh reinforcing spacer is provided at a position that is on the base end side of a stent. The reinforcing spacer is provided to be freely movable in the axial direction and radial direction. Even when the outer tube and the inner tube, which have been advanced into the lumen of a living body, are bent, the reinforcing spacer moves in the axial and radial directions and elastically deforms, thereby maintaining a substantially uniform internal circumference for the outer tube along the axial direction.

Abstract: A prosthesis implanting system includes a delivery sheath for receiving the prosthesis and delivering it to the treatment site and an alignment device on the sheath visible to a user for indicating a rotational and an axial position of the sheath with respect to the treatment site. The alignment device is part of a delivery assembly slidably disposed in a handle.

Abstract: Implant engagement mechanisms are disclosed for maintaining engagement with a stent until it has been fully deployed and expanded from a catheter or sheath. The apparatus, method and system involving these engagement mechanisms allow a physician to withdraw or retract a sheath prior to full deployment, thereby allowing for redeployment of the stent at a more desirable position.

Abstract: Methods, devices and systems for delivering a device assembly into a gastric or other space within the body, allowing the device to expand to occupy volume within the gastric space and, after an effective period of time, delivering a substance or stimulus to begin breakdown of the expanded device so that it may release from the body.

Abstract: A gastric tube for use in a bariatric surgical procedure includes an elongate tube and an anchor. The elongate tube has a proximal end portion and a distal end portion and defines a lumen along a length thereof. The proximal end portion defines an opening in communication with the lumen. The elongate tube includes a blunt tip, a light source, and an outer surface. The blunt tip is formed on the distal end portion and is at least partially transparent. The light source is in communication with the blunt tip for illuminating at least the blunt tip. The outer surface extends between the proximal and distal end portions and defines a side opening in communication with the lumen.

Abstract: A belt-like hip-girdling pelvic sling device for maintaining a desired amount of tension surrounding a person's hips and pelvis to securely support and stabilize a fractured pelvis, including a force-controlled buckle that automatically latches to control the tension and that includes a releasable latching mechanism. The latching mechanism maintains engagement of the buckle with a strap at the required position of the strap with respect to the buckle. The latching mechanism includes a movable member of the buckle that is moved to and latched in a position in which the buckle engages the strap, once a desired amount of tension is reached, limiting and maintaining the required tension.

Abstract: A support for an article has a body arranged for length adjustment along a length adjustment axis. A tensioning device is connected to the support and adjustment of the tensioning device shortens or lengthens a length of the support along the length adjustment axis. The body defines at least one opening overlapping at least part of the length adjustment axis such that length adjustment is governed by modification of the size of the at least one opening according to adjustment by the tensioning device.

Abstract: A foot ailment support and cushion apparatus configured for supporting an ankle and a plantar on a foot. The apparatus comprises an ankle strap and a plantar strap assembly. The ankle strap comprises a generally curvilinear band having an inner surface, an outer surface, two longitudinal ends, a minor edge, a major edge, a notch and an attaching means disposed on one of the two longitudinal ends, where the inner surface is opposingly disposed from the outer surface, the minor edge connects to the major edge at the two longitudinal ends of the band and the notch is disposed along a portion of the major edge. The plantar strap assembly includes two attachment ends and an elastic strap.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for manipulating the temperature of a surface are provided. Devices of the present disclosure may include a thermal adjustment apparatus, such as a controller in electrical communication with one or more thermoelectric materials, placed adjacent to the surface of skin. The device may generate a series of thermal pulses at the surface, for providing an enhanced thermal sensation for a user. The thermal pulses may be characterized by temperature reversibility, where each pulse includes an initial temperature adjustment, followed by a return temperature adjustment, over a short period of time (e.g., less than 120 seconds). The average rate of temperature change upon initiation and upon return may be between about 0.1° C./sec and about 10.0° C./sec. In some cases, the average rate of the initial temperature adjustment is greater in magnitude than the average rate of the return temperature adjustment.

Abstract: A lens aid, lens aid system, powered light source, and cleaning and storage compartment for the lens aid system that uses a lens cup of soft pliable material providing an improved visual method including a hands-free or one hand method for the insertion of a contact lens and more preferably a scleral lens into the eye.

Abstract: A hydraulically-driven Intra-Ocular Lens (IOL) insertion tool includes a body, a chamber within the body, a first fluid port providing fluid communication into the chamber, a piston positioned within the chamber and arranged to move within the chamber in response to the introduction or removal of fluid from the chamber, and an elongated member. The elongated member includes a distal end comprising an intra-ocular lens interface and a proximal end connected to the piston such that movement of the piston within the chamber causes corresponding movement of the elongated member.

Abstract: A method of irrigating a surgical site and aspirating fluid from the surgical site. The method includes directing a fluid through an aspiration conduit in a phacoemulsification hand piece using a vacuum pressure created from a pump in the hand piece interfacing with the aspiration conduit and directing an irrigation fluid through an irrigation conduit in the hand piece using a pressure created from the pump interfacing with the irrigation conduit. The method also includes increasing an irrigation fluid flow through the irrigation conduit by activating the pump in the hand piece, detecting a pressure associated with a surgical site using a sensor, and controlling intraocular pressure (IOP) by adjusting the pump speed based on the detected pressure.

Abstract: An apparatus for the treatment and/or prevention of corneal diseases includes an applicator head. The applicator head includes a radiation source capable of exciting a non-toxic chromophore. A control is operable to activate the radiation source to radiate, wherein at least one of the following two conditions is met: the applicator head includes a sensor capable of measuring a signal dependent on a position of the applicator head relative to the cornea; or, the applicator head is configured to be in physical contact with the cornea. The control is operable to activate the radiation source to radiate depending on a signal measured by the sensor or to activate the radiation source when the applicator head touches the cornea, respectively.

Abstract: A polarization beam splitter selectively decouples detection light onto a detector such that it has a polarization direction that differs from the emitted illumination light. This enables the detection of the light scattered back in the eye lens at a high level of accuracy, since stray light from reflections at optical components of the light path is suppressed. In the generating of photo disruptions or other incisions, the ray exposure of the retina may be reduced in that the incisions being furthest away from the laser are induced first such that laminar gas inclusions with an existence duration time of at least 5 seconds result. In this manner the laser radiation propagated in the direction of the retina in further incisions are scattered and partially reflected such that the influence impinging upon the retina is reduced.

Abstract: A surgical laser system can include a laser engine to generate a laser beam of laser pulses, a scanning delivery system to direct the laser beam to a target region and to scan the laser beam along a scan-pattern in the target region, and a pupil system to modulate the laser beam. In addition, a method of adjusting a pupil of a laser beam can include: generating a laser beam of laser pulses with a laser engine, directing the laser beam to a target region with a scanning delivery system, scanning the laser beam along a scan-pattern in the target region with the scanning delivery system, and performing a modulation of the laser beam with an adjustable pupil system.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention is a sleep device. The sleep-aide device includes a soft housing adapted to be disposed over a user's head, a microphone positioned on the housing to receive an ambient sound signal, a suppression circuit that receives the ambient sound signal and produces a suppression sound signal, and a set of transducers, arranged in the soft housing, which receive the suppression sound signal. The suppression sound signal has a magnitude and phase to substantially cancel the ambient sound signal at the user's ear. In another aspect, the sleep-aide device includes a microphone to receive an ambient sound signal, a suppression circuitry, which receives the ambient sound signal and transmits a suppression sound signal based on the ambient sound signal, and a transducer which receives the suppression sound signal, which has a magnitude and phase to substantially cancel the ambient sound signal at the user's ear.

Abstract: Disclosed are hybrid wound dressings that include at least one front layer of a hydrophilic absorbent material and at least one layer behind the front layer that is made of an open-celled polymeric foam made from high internal phase emulsions (HIPEs). The hydrophilic absorbent material may be a natural polymeric material; a synthetic, non-foam polymer; or a material like glass microfiber. Each layer has a rate of fluid absorption and a capillary suction pressure (CSP) for a working fluid like blood plasma. The CSP increases from the front layer toward the layers behind the front layer, such that fluid is drawn away from a wound.

Abstract: A filter material for entrapping particles and actively affecting the trapped particles within the filter. The fabric has a blend of hydrophilic superabsorbent fibers and non-superabsorbent hydrophilic fibers that is sufficiently porous as to allow gaseous flow through the fabric. The fabric having a thickness and the fabric has as a coating of a mixture of a chemically or physically active compound and a liquid carrier forming an active composition on both the outer surface of the hydrophilic superabsorbent fibers, and the hydrophilic superabsorbent fibers have a central volume also retaining the active composition. The central volume of the hydrophilic superabsorbent fibers acting as a reservoir for replacement of the active compound into the coating when concentration of active compounds in the coating are reduced to a concentration less than concentrations of the active compound within the central volume; and the liquid carrier is an aqueous liquid.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a device which is intended to deliver and maintain reduced pressure to body surfaces for application of reduced pressure wound therapy (RPWT) also known as negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT). During application of this type of therapy, a substantially airtight seal is formed around a section of tissue to be treated. This seal is formed by a dressing which provides fluid communication from a section of tissue to a reduced pressure source. Disclosed herein is a dressing system which is configured to enhance usability and functionality of this dressing. First, the system may be configured to allow full rotation of the fluid communication conduit to the reduced pressure source along the axis substantially normal to the dressing. Second, the system may be configured to include a one-way valve to prevent backflow of any drainage fluids. Third, the system may be configured with transparent windows covered by opaque flaps to allow inspection through the dressing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for making absorbent cores used in disposable hygiene pads, the method or device comprising three steps: (A) suctioning of wood pulp fibers mixed with super absorbent polymers into a net structure on a base tissue to form an absorbent core; (B) compressing and embossing absorbent material; and (C) shaping of the absorbent core. The method of the current invention can be used for making different kinds of absorbent pad products. While increasing the tear strength of the product, the method realizes and simplifies the process of making both the absorbent material and the hygiene pad utilizing the absorbent material on the same manufacturing line, and reduces the cost of making the absorbent pads. The absorbent core made by applying the method of the current invention has a new structure formed by super absorbent polymers and wood pulp fibers, wherein the structure enables the super absorbent polymers to be evenly distributed in between the wood pulp fibers.

Abstract: A composite sheet that includes a first sheet and a second sheet is disclosed. The first and second sheets are bonded to each other at a number of spaced apart discrete inter-sheet bond locations. The first sheet is a nonwoven material that has discrete three-dimensional deformations therein forming protrusions that extend outward from the first surface of the first sheet to their distal ends and wide base openings adjacent to the second surface of the first sheet. The second sheet is a generally planar sheet that contacts the distal ends of the protrusions on the first sheet. The second sheet is bonded to the first sheet at spaced apart inter-sheet bond locations where the first region of the first sheet contacts the second sheet.