Abstract: Disclosed are a detachable dental appliance which is outstandingly durable and can protect the teeth from clenching and bruxism and a fabricating method therefor.

Abstract: A dental impression that includes an underside and a connecting part. The underside has a negative form of at least one partial area of a jaw and at least one implant site located in the partial area of the jaw. The connecting part is a recess arranged on an upper surface of the dental impression opposite the underside in the area of the negative form of the implant site, and has a longitudinal axis defined along a depth direction of the recess. The recess has a geometry that is rotationally asymmetric about the longitudinal axis, and an external contour of the connecting part is asymmetrical in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the connecting part. The connecting part has a lowered base as a depth stop, the lowered base being within the recess and below the upper surface of the dental impression.

Abstract: A superstructure support for disposition between an implantation body and a crown of a prosthetic tooth replacement includes a crown supporting area with an upper engagement structure or supporting the crown and a lower area facing the implantation body and having a smooth microstructure surface provided with webs and grooves extending around the superstructure support and acting as bacteria barrier between the gum of a patient and the superstructure support when mounted onto the implantation body installed in the jawbone of the patient.

Abstract: A dental restoration system is disclosed. A dental restoration system includes an implant, retention component, dental component and driver tool. The retention component is seatable in a retention chamber of the implant. The retention component includes a driver section for interfacing with a driving head of the driver tool and a dental component engagement section with a threaded surface. The dental component includes a retention component interface surface with threads. The dental component engages the retention component via the threaded surface interlocking with the threads of the retention component interface surface when the dental component is inserted in the implant. The driver tool is used to rotate the retention component to engage the dental component apically. The retention component contacts the retention component wall and the dental component contacts an annular shoulder of the implant when the dental component is fully attached to the implant.

Abstract: A sinus implant includes an implant body having a mounting hole axially defined there through; a plurality of positioning threads that are provided in a periphery of the implant body, that extend spirally upwardly around the periphery of the implant body, and that have a width that gradually decreases in a direction from a bottom end of the implant body toward an opposing top end of the implant body; a pushing tip that protrudes from a top end of the sinus implant, that has a diameter that is reduced compared to that of the implant body, and that includes a flat end face having defined therein a recess space; and at least one spiral groove that extends around the periphery of the implant body across the plurality of positioning threads, that reaches the periphery of the pushing tip, and that intersects with and communicates with the recess space.

Abstract: A device including a coded pattern for use in dental procedures is provided. Related methods and systems are also provided.

Abstract: A dental restoration producing system of producing a dental restoration from a dental mill blank with one or more through-holes according to one embodiment, when the dental restoration includes no through-hole of the dental restoration, the superposed data generating section generates a superposed data in which at least one through-hole of the dental mill blank is not superposed with the dental restoration, when the dental restoration includes a through-hole of the dental restoration, the superposed data generating section generates a superposed data in which at least one through-hole of the dental mill blank is not superposed with the dental restoration and the through-hole of the dental restoration, or a superposed data in which at least one through-hole of the dental mill blank is included in the through-hole of the dental restoration which is larger than the at least one through-hole of the dental mill blank.

Abstract: A napkin band, the napkin band including: a generally rectangular portion; a sealed pocket located generally along the length of the rectangular portion; a length of dental floss located inside the pocket.

Abstract: A system, method and fabric having a dimensionally stabilized pore. The system has a mesh fabric having a pore, such pore having a first pore perimeter. The system has a support having a support outer perimeter. The support is received into the pore so that the pore perimeter is in contact with the outer support perimeter. When the fabric is thermoset, the pore permanently assumes the shape of the outer support perimeter.

Abstract: A method of implanting a surgical mesh in tissue includes providing an implant having an insertion aid connected with an end, and providing an insertion device having a handle, an actuator, an elongated shaft, and a cutting element. The elongated shaft has an outer wall with an opening for receiving the insertion aid. The method includes inserting the insertion aid into the opening of the shaft for connecting the implant with the insertion device, forming a surgical opening in tissue, advancing the distal end of the elongated shaft and the implant connected with the insertion device through the surgical opening, and engaging the actuator for moving the cutting element from a first position to a second position for severing the insertion aid from the end of the implant.

Abstract: A non-setting agent for positioning a surgical mesh prosthesis against a tissue defect during surgical hernia repair enables a surgeon to position the surgical mesh prosthesis at an optimal location against the tissue defect without pre-measuring suture location and pre-suturing. The surgical mesh prosthesis can be repositioned by removing and replacing, or by sliding, the mesh along the tissue defect without traumatizing the tissue. The positioning agent is provided with adhesion and lubricity characteristics providing an adhesion strength required to temporarily maintain the surgical mesh in place, otherwise unsupported, against tissue of a targeted tissue location, and providing a viscosity that permits removal and replacement, or slidable movement, of the surgical mesh along the tissue upon receipt of a non-gravitational external force applied to the surgical mesh so movement of the surgical mesh that is atraumatic to the tissue.

Abstract: A filter formed from a sheet is described herein. In one aspect of the invention, a filter is formed from a sheet of material and, following removal of portions of the sheet, the filter is folded into a shape for insertion into a blood vessel. In another aspect of the invention, features for a filter are formed from a sheet of material and incorporated into the filter.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an implant conveying device, comprising a pusher (20), a control component (21), a connecting wire (11) and a control wire (4). The pusher (20), of which one end is connected to the control component (21), is provided with a tube cavity (6) and a lock hole (7) communicated with the tube cavity. One end of the control wire (4) is connected to the control component (21), and the other end thereof is driven by the control component to be movably accommodated in the tube cavity (6) of the pusher. One end of the connecting wire (11) is connected to the pusher (20) or to the control component (21), and the other end thereof is used for passing through an implant (1) and then entering the lock hole (7).

Abstract: A blood filter delivery system for delivering a blood filter into a vein includes a push rod for pushing the blood filter through and out of a catheter, the push rod having a filter positioning assembly on one end. The filter positioning assembly includes positioner members, which retain anchor members of the filter. The filter positioning assembly can position the end of the delivery catheter near the blood vessel centerline before releasing the filter's anchor members, thereby helping to align the blood filter along the centerline of the blood vessel.

Abstract: The invention relates to an artificial vascular graft comprising a primary scaffold structure encompassing an inner space of the artificial vascular graft, said primary scaffold structure having an inner surface facing towards said inner space and an outer surface facing away from said inner space, a coating on said inner surface, wherein a plurality of grooves is comprised in said coating of said inner surface. The primary scaffold structure comprises further a coating on said outer surface. The primary scaffold structure and the coating on said inner surface and on said outer surface are d designed in such a way that cells, in particular progenitor cells, can migrate from the periphery of said artificial vascular graft through said outer surface of said coating, said primary scaffold structure and said inner surface to said inner space, if the artificial vascular graft is used as intended. The invention relates further to a method for providing said graft.

Abstract: A scaffolded stent-graft includes a graft material comprising an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface defines a lumen within the graft material. The scaffolded stent-graft further includes a scaffold comprising a mesh coupled to the graft material at the outer surface. The scaffold is configured to promote tissue ingrowth therein. In this manner, the scaffold enhances tissue integration into the scaffolded stent-graft. The tissue integration enhances biological fixation of the scaffolded stent-graft in vessels minimizing the possibility of endoleaks and migration.

Abstract: A bifurcated stem graft (10) comprises a body (100) and a side branch (200) that forms an acute angle with the body (100). The side branch (200) comprises a covering film (220) and a first bare stent (240) only disposed on the covering film (220). Part of the first bare stent (240) is positioned adjacent a boundary line (230) of the body (100) and the covering film (220) and is located in a vertex angle area (250) of the acute angle. Due to the fact that part of the first bare stem (240) is attached to the vertex angle area (250), after the stem (10) is released, the self-expanded part of the first bare stent (240) enables the vertex angle area (250) of the side branch (200) to be effectively supported, the covering film is not prone to shrinkage, and a leading wire can enter easily.

Abstract: An aortic arch device that is a unitary tube of graft material having a crimped unstented portion and a stented portion, a collar at the junction of the crimped unstented portion and the stented portion, at least one fenestration or lateral opening in the graft material to accommodate arteries in the aortic arch. Branches may extend from the fenestrations.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an endoluminal prosthesis, such as a stent graft that includes one or more fenestrations to accommodate endovascular disease, such as an aneurysm in cases where one or more side branches is involved. In one aspect, the prosthesis includes fenestrations that are pivotable to accommodate the dynamic geometry of the aortic branches.

Abstract: A whip stitched graft construct and method of formation. The whip stitched graft construct includes a plurality of tendon strand regions or soft tissue grafts placed together so that at least a portion of the plurality of the tendon strand regions are stitched together by employing multiple suture passes placed according to a whip stitching technique. Preferably, the multiple suture passes start at about the mid length of the plurality of tendon strand regions and are advanced toward one of the free ends of the tendon strands. The whip stitched graft construct is provided with at least two regions, one region formed of at least a plurality of tendon strand regions tied and whip stitched together, and the other region formed of untied segments of the plurality of tendon strands.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an improved Bone Tendon Bone graft for use in orthopedic surgical procedures. Specifically exemplified herein is a Bone Tendon Bone graft comprising one or more bone blocks having a groove cut into the surface thereof, wherein said groove is sufficient to accommodate a fixation screw. Also disclosed is a method of harvesting grafts that has improved efficiency and increases the quantity of extracted tissue and minimizes time required by surgeon for implantation.

Abstract: An intraocular lens inserter can include an energy storage portion, an actuator portion, 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, such as liquids or other noncompressible fluids. The actuator can be configured to provide an operator with control over the release of energy from the energy storage portion so as to move a plunger for the discharge of a lens from an intraocular lens cartridge.

Abstract: An intraocular lens injection system, a controller to control an intraocular lens injection device, a method for controlling an intraocular lens injection instrument, and a program therefor for preferably injecting an intraocular lens are provided. A push-out member including a drive part to push out a soft intraocular lens by the drive part, an observation member to obtain an observed image of the intraocular lens pushed out by the push-out member, and a determination member to determine a drive parameter of the drive part based on the observed image are provided. The intraocular lens includes an optical part and a support part to support the optical part in a patient's eye, and the determination member determines the drive parameter according to at least a shape of the support part.

Abstract: An engineered vocal fold mucosa, including an engineered lamina propria layer and an engineered squamous epithelium layer, is disclosed. The engineered lamina propria is made by seeding and culturing human vocal fold fibroblasts within a polymerized collagen scaffold, and the engineered squamous epithelium is made by culturing human vocal fold epithelial cells on the scaffold surface. The resulting engineered vocal fold mucosa is not immunogenic, and is capable of exhibiting the vibratory function and acoustic output of a native vocal fold mucosa. Accordingly, the engineered vocal fold mucosa may be implanted into the larynx to treat voice impairment.

Abstract: A prosthetic valve comprising a conical shaped sheet member comprising an extracellular matrix (ECM) composition, the sheet member having a plurality of open slit regions that are disposed uniformly on linear planes that are parallel to the sheet member longitudinal axis, and a proximal annulus engagement end diameter and length ratio in the range of 5:1 to 2:1.

Abstract: A prosthetic valve comprising a conical shaped sheet member comprising an extracellular matrix (ECM) composition, the sheet member having a plurality of ribbons projecting the sheet member proximal end, the distal ends of the ribbons being positioned proximate each other, wherein the sheet member comprises a conical shape.

Abstract: A treatment for bioprosthetic tissue used in implants or for assembled bioprosthetic heart valves to reduce in vivo calcification. The method includes applying a calcification mitigant such as a capping agent or an antioxidant to the tissue to specifically inhibit oxidation in tissue. Also, the method can be used to inhibit oxidation in dehydrated tissue. The capping agent suppresses the formation of binding sites in the tissue that are exposed or generated by the oxidation and otherwise would, upon implant, attract calcium, phosphate, immunogenic factors, or other precursors to calcification. In one method, tissue leaflets in assembled bioprosthetic heart valves are pretreated with an aldehyde capping agent prior to dehydration and sterilization.

Abstract: The present invention's goal is to devise an apparatus (here-forth called ‘punch-ball’) made of a tension-reversible membrane that will assume a particular three-dimensional predetermined shape when under tension, apparatus that will border a central empty space, central space limited by the interior face of the membrane, and central space that will be in direct communication with the exterior space outside of the external face of the ‘punch-ball’ through orifices in the membrane (here-forth called ‘punches’), punches that will not decrease the ability of the membrane to exhibit a tension force. The punch-ball can be used freestanding or in connection with an object representing a confined space that will be abutting the exterior face of the punch-ball when the punch-ball is under tension.

Abstract: A prosthetic valve comprising a conical shaped sheet member comprising an extracellular matrix (ECM) composition and an internal multi-link support stent structure, the sheet member having a plurality of open slit regions that are disposed uniformly on linear planes that are parallel to the sheet member longitudinal axis, and a proximal annulus engagement end diameter and length ratio in the range of 5:1 to 2:1.

Abstract: A heart valve system, the system including a radially self-expandable tubular body, a valve, and a tubular fabric. The tubular body having an inflow end and an outflow end. The valve being coupled to the tubular body and including a plurality of valve leaflets. The valve leaflet being supported by only two beams of the plurality of beams, and connection points linking the inflow end of the tubular body and the plurality of beams. A number of connection points being equivalent to a number of the valve leaflets. Additionally, each beam of the plurality of beams being directly connected to an adjacent beam so that the plurality of beams extends the entire circumferential length of the tubular body at the outflow end.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for crimping a medical device are disclosed. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to devices, systems, and methods for reducing the diameter of a collapsible heart valve prosthesis to be loaded onto a delivery device. The devices, systems, and methods using at least one funnel to crimp the heart valve prosthesis and load it onto the delivery system.

Abstract: A loading tool for withdrawing, crimping, and loading a stent-mounted valve into a delivery catheter, and for pushing the stent-mounted valve from the delivery catheter into a native heart valve orifice. The loading tool comprises at least one connector adapted for being removably connected to the stent of the stent-mounted valve. A crimping tool having a generally converging shape is adapted for use with the loading tool. Following connection of the loading tool to the stent-mounted valve, the loading tool operates to allow the stent-mounted valve to be drawn through the crimping tool, and loaded, in, a crimped state, into a delivery catheter. Also disclosed is a kit of the of the various components for effecting the delivery of the stent-mounted valve and a method for withdrawing, crimping, and loading a stent-mounted valve from a storage container into a delivery catheter for the performance of a transcatheter valve implantation procedure.

Abstract: A delivery device usable to deliver an inverting implant is provided that includes a positioning mechanism that automatically initiates the inversion process once a predetermined length of the implant has exited a delivery catheter. The positioning mechanism allows the implant to be safely and accurately deployed with reduced operator experience and in a greater variety of target locations.

Abstract: An annuloplasty ring having a three-dimensional discontinuous form generally arranged about an axis with two free ends that are axially offset. The ring is particularly suited for repair of the tricuspid valve, and more closely conforms to the annulus shape. The ring is more flexible in bending about radially extending axes than about the central axis. The ring may have an inner structural support covered by a pliable sleeve and/or a fabric tube. The structural support may have a varying cross-section, such as a C-shaped cross-section in a mid-section between two free ends and a rectangular cross-section at the free ends. A deliver template having a mounting ring with about the same shape as the ring facilitates implant, and may be releasably attached to a delivery handle. The deliver template may include a plurality of cutting guides for releasably attaching the annuloplasty ring thereto while presenting maximum outer surface area of the ring.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for laser-assisted machining (LAM) of bone without raising the temperature of the surrounding bone is discussed. The method of LAM of bone involves determining a target bone needing to be machined an then scanning a high power density laser beam along the bone at a machining rate that produces low-heat affected zones (HAZ) on the target bone. The process and apparatus is advantageous over conventional technologies because it provides a chemically clean, coherent, and monochromatic beam to the region to be machined.

Abstract: An implant for a hip can include a lateral augment adapted to be coupled to a lateral side of a femoral body implant. The lateral augment can include a body portion having a first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface, and a protrusion extending from the second surface. The protrusion can have a shape adapted to mate with a complementary shaped recess formed in the lateral side of the femoral body implant. An aperture can be positioned in the body portion and extend through the protrusion. A fastener can be received through the aperture and adapted to be threadably secured to the lateral bore. The fastener can be configured to have a length sufficient to pass through a portion of a greater trochanter for securing the portion of the greater trochanter and the lateral augment to the femoral body implant.

Abstract: A total knee replacement system including a distal femoral knee replacement component and a tibial component having a bearing surface and a tibial post with a posterior surface, wherein the distal femoral knee replacement component includes a body having a pair of medial and lateral condylar protrusions and an intercondylar region therebetween dimensional to receive the tibial post, the body further having a cam mechanism bridging the intercondylar region, the cam mechanism having a least a first, second and third cam surface areas, with each having a convex shape in the sagittal plane with different centers of radius wherein none of cam surface areas engage the posterior surface of the tibial post when the knee is in extension and wherein the cam mechanism includes at least one concave cam surface area between at least two of the three convex cam surface areas.

Abstract: A system and method facilitating replacement of comminuted bone fractures or portions thereof adjacent bone joints. The system and method employs a prosthesis to replace at least a portion of the comminuted bone fractures. The prosthesis serves in reproducing the articular surface of the portion or portions of the comminuted bone fractures that are replaced. In doing so, the prosthesis serves in restoring joint viability and corresponding articulation thereof.

Abstract: A first prosthetic ankle component (10) comprising: a first bearing surface (12) configured to engage a second bearing surface (22) of a second prosthetic ankle component (20); and a protrusion (16) or slot (26) on the first bearing surface, the protrusion or slot being configured to engage a respective slot (26) or protrusion (16) in the second bearing surface of the second prosthetic ankle component, wherein the protrusion or slot is further configured such that the interaction with the respective slot or protrusion permits the first and second prosthetic ankle components to slide with respect to one another in an interface plane defined by the interface between the first and second bearing surfaces, and wherein the protrusion or slot is further configured to restrict the first and second prosthetic ankle components moving away from one another in a direction with a component perpendicular to the interface plane.

Abstract: The disclosed subject matter relates a medical instrument having a rotational drive mechanism that can be integrated into a variety of medical devices, including a tool used as an external retaining ring removal tool or as a non-marring bushing inserter, or in a spinal interbody device. The tool can include a knob portion at a proximal end and a drive mechanism at the distal end. The drive mechanism can include a plurality of drive pins that can be actuated to extend outward by rotating the knob portion. The spinal interbody device can include a drive mechanism configured to translate rotational motion into a linear driving motion to cause locking projections to move into engagement with vertebrae.

Abstract: A spinal implant comprises an implant body extending between an anterior surface and a posterior surface, and including a first vertebral engaging surface and a second vertebral engaging surface. The implant body further including an inner surface that defines at least a first cavity and a second cavity spaced from the first cavity. The first cavity is oriented to implant a fastener oblique relative to a bilateral axis of a subject body. The second cavity is oriented to implant a fastener in substantial alignment with the bilateral axis. Systems and methods of use are disclosed.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a first member and at least one lock. A second member includes at least one ramp that is translatable relative to the first member to engage and rotate the at least one lock relative to the first member between a locked orientation and a non-locked orientation with an interbody implant. The second member is engageable with the interbody implant to move at least a portion of the interbody implant between a contracted configuration and an expanded configuration. Implants, systems and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: An expandable housing for an interbody fusion system has movable tapered external helical threaded members that travel along tracking to operably engage against the top and bottom shell members, urging them apart to cause expansion in the height of the housing. In an embodiment, the tapered members are disposed in a dual arrangement such that independent engagement of the tapered members along lateral portions of the top and bottom shells cause an angular tilt to the exterior surface of the housing when the tapered members are moved to different degrees. This function permits adjustment in the angular relationship between adjacent vertebrae and assists the lordotic adjustment of the patient's spine. When the functions of the device are used in combination by the surgeon, the device provides an effective tool for in situ adjustment when performing lateral lumbar interbody fusion.

Abstract: In various embodiments, an intervertebral disc prosthesis is provided. The prosthesis may be provided with an insertion adapter, such as a head, holder, or other carrier of the prosthesis. The insertion adapter may be configured to retain the prosthesis and to engage an insertion tool body. In various embodiments, the prosthesis and the insertion holder are provided in a sterile pack, with the prosthesis components and the insertion holder sterilized and packaged in one or more types or layers of sterile packaging. In various other embodiments, the prosthesis and an insertion tool are provided in a sterile pack, with the prosthesis components and the insertion tool sterilized and packaged in one or more types or layers of sterile packaging.

Abstract: Devices and methods for implantation of an orthopedic device between skeletal segments using limited surgical dissection. The implanted devices are used to adjust and maintain the spatial relationship(s) of adjacent bones. Depending on the implant design, the motion between the skeletal segments may be increased, limited, modified, or completely immobilized.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a provisional tibial prosthesis system for a set of prosthetic knee joints for implantation in a natural knee, the provisional tibial prosthesis system including a bearing component and a bearing support, the spacing of the bearing component from the bearing support is adjustable to allow for representation of a variety of different sized final tibial prostheses. In this system, only one provisional bearing component corresponding to each level of constraint is needed and shims are used to adjust the spacing of the bearing component from the beating support. The shims are slidably insertable between the bearing component and the bearing support in an anterior/posterior direction to allow for adjustment of the spacing of the bearing component from the bearing support. The number of provisional components needed during knee surgery is reduced and adjustment of the system only requires the knee joint to be distracted by a distance equal to the height of a particular shim.

Abstract: A socket to interface a lower limb which has undergone amputation and a modular element, includes a proximal portion allowing the lower limb that has undergone amputation to be inserted; a distal portion allowing the modular element to be fastened; an internal deformable layer made of silicone rubber, designed to be in contact with the lower limb that has undergone amputation; an external deformable layer made of silicone rubber; a structure made of rigid material arranged between the internal layer and the external layer, comprising at least two posts, each post extending substantially axially from a base on the distal side towards an end on the proximal side, the ends of the various posts being not linked, so as to separate from or approach each other due to the effect of deformation of the internal layer and of the external layer.

Abstract: An artificial or modified natural blood flow tubing has a helical-flow inducer to induce helical flow in such a fashion as to eliminate or reduce turbulence. One inducer is a tubular stent of expansible mesh having a helical vane.

Abstract: A tack device for holding plaque against blood vessel walls in treating atherosclerotic occlusive disease is formed as a thin, annular band of durable, flexible material having a plurality of focal elevating elements on its outer annular periphery for holding loose plaque under a spring or other expansion force against a blood vessel wall. The focal elevating elements are designed to exert a holding force on a plaque position while minimizing the amount of material surface area in contact with the plaque or blood vessel wall and reducing the potential of friction with the intraluminal surface. This approach offers clinicians the ability to perform a minimally invasive post-angioplasty treatment and produce a stent-like result without using a stent.

Abstract: A stent for reducing the passage of emboli into body lumen once deployed includes a structural portion and a barrier portion. The structural portion, when expanded in a conduit, provides sufficient strength to maintain an open lumen in the conduit. The barrier portion reduces migration of emboli from the wall of the conduit through the structural portion and into the lumen. Stent delivery systems capable of delivering and deploying the stent are disclosed.