Abstract: An inserter includes a knob at its proximal end. The knob actuates linear motion of a slide at the distal end of the inserter. The linear motion of the slide separates two pins that project from a distal end of the inserter. The pins engage and release corresponding holes defined in the faceplate of an implant. The pins can project at an oblique angle from the longitudinal axis of the inserter. The angle of projection of each pin can be different so that a jaw-like action is provided, which securely grasps the implant via the holes in the faceplate.

Abstract: A method for making a mould of an amputation stump, in which the amputation stump is inserted into a liner of a moulding aid, the liner having a longitudinal direction and a circumference, and the liner having an expansion coupling such that when the liner is extended in the longitudinal direction, this necessarily results in a reduction of the circumference.

Abstract: An anatomically accurate device of a human areola and nipple is provided for in the present invention.

Abstract: A liner is arranged for use in prosthetic and orthopedic devices. The liner defines first and second end portions, and inner and outer surfaces. The liner includes an inner layer having a frictional component and forms at least part of the periphery of the inner liner surface. The inner layer defines a plurality of apertures. A porous element is in communication with the inner liner surface and is connected to the inner layer such that the apertures permit a transfer of air from the inner surface to the porous element. A base layer adjoins the porous element and extends between the first and second end portions of the liner.

Abstract: Herein described is an osseointegrated interface device for engagement with an amputated limb including the skin comprising: a cap portion engageable with an osseointegrated device; wherein the cap portion comprises a surrounding flange; and wherein in use the surrounding flange receives the skin of the amputated limb at a distance spaced from the osseointegrated device.

Abstract: A stent is disclosed that has an elongated body having a proximal end, a distal end, at least one open spiral channel 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: Non-migrating stent devices and methods for using the devices are provided for treatment of visceral anastomosis strictures or vascular ostium high grade stenosis. For example, placement of a non-migrating stent may be appropriate following a surgical procedure such as hollow visceral anastomosis.

Abstract: A tip end portion of a strand forming a stent is rounded off. In a stent 10 formed by helicoidally braiding a plurality of strands 20, the tip end portion of each of the strands 20 is rounded off.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a stent comprising: a hollow tubular body portion; a hooking portion connected to one end of the body portion; and a hooked portion connected to the other end of the body portion, wherein the hooking portion is hooked on the hooked portion. According to the present disclosure, the stent may be manufactured by 4D printing method. Accordingly, the stent may be manufactured in an automated process at low cost, expeditiousness, simplicity, and no manufacturing site constraints.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a stent which is compressible to small diameter and usable in neurovascular applications. The device is a braided stent and has a crown geometry which enables compression to small diameter without cracking or tangling. Also disclosed is a method of deploying a stent to a body vessel and its use in a coiling procedure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a stent that uses a shape memory alloy wire, the stent being an expansion device installed on a part of a body lumen, which is constricted, or which has been constricted, so as to widen the passage of the lumen in response to the lesion part. The purpose of the present invention is to provide a method for manufacturing a stent using a shape memory alloy wire such that the stent maintains a high degree of conformability in a bent portion of a body lumen in which the same is inserted while substantially improving rigidness and durability against continuously applied fatigue, a stent manufactured thereby, and a jig for manufacturing the same.

Abstract: A prosthetic vascular valve includes one or more continuous loops of frame material or one or more strands of material that do not form a continuous loop. The frame includes a plurality of longitudinal portions, wherein a membrane is attached to at least one of the longitudinal portions, and wherein the membrane is configured to open and close. During implantation, the frame engages the inner surface of the vein wall and is biased against the vein wall to remain stationary. In use, blood flows from an upstream end to a downstream end, wherein the membrane mitigates regurgitation of the blood as the blood is conveyed through the subject vein.

Abstract: The invention provides an inflatable insertion device capable of being percutaneously introduced into a patient's body. The insertion device comprises an inflatable element having a distal end and a proximal end and which is operable between a collapsed condition and an inflated condition by introducing an inflating fluid therein. An elongate member extends internally of the inflatable element from its distal end. The internal member is capable of being withdrawn towards the proximal end of the inflatable element to result in the distal end of the element being withdrawn towards the proximal end internally of the element. The invention further provides a locating device comprising a catheter having a catheter tube fitted with one or more inflatable insertion devices at a distal end thereof.

Abstract: A gastric tube for use in a bariatric surgical procedure includes an elongate tube and a movable component supported on an outer surface of the elongate tube. The elongate tube has a non-circular cross section along at least a portion of a length of the elongate tube. The movable component is movable between an unexpanded configuration and an expanded configuration. In the unexpanded configuration, the movable component is disposed in abutting engagement with the outer surface of the elongate tube. In the expanded configuration, the movable component bows outwardly from the outer surface of the elongate tube.

Abstract: The invention relates to deflector (100) to deflect rope (130) in orthopedic or medical accessories, or athletic accessories, whereby the deflector comprises at least first subcomponent (110) and second subcomponent (120), whereby first subcomponent (110) and second subcomponent (120) are adjustable, respectively, with only one degree of freedom against one another, and whereby first subcomponent (110) and second subcomponent (120) exhibit, respectively, at least one rope guidance element (111, 112, 121, 122) to deflect rope (130).

Abstract: An orthosis for fastening to a human hand for immobilizing the carpometacarpal joint and metacarpophalangeal joint of the thumb of the hand has a stiff body which can be of multi-piece or single-piece design. The rigidity of the body enables the latter to support, to stabilize and to immobilize the hand and dimensional stability is provided such that the body can be placed in a simple manner with a defined shape onto the hand.

Abstract: A cushion for use with orthopedic casts for encasing wrists, forearms and/or hands, when a finger, such as the thumb, is not itself encased in the cast, is provided. The cushion is manufactured from a moisture-proof, non-absorbent, closed-cell synthetic material, in the shape of a portion of a section of a hollow tube, so that when the cushion is placed against a flat surface, an inner surface of the cushion encloses a cavity or an empty space open at one end of the cushion. When the supplemental cushion is in use, the webbing that connects the human thumb and index finger is positioned in that empty space, and more particularly encased within the empty space of the cushion, so that chaffing and injury to that webbing during thumb movement and extension are minimized, while the wrist, forearm and/or hand are encased in the cast.

Abstract: A dynamic tension system connects to an orthopedic device having a frame and a hinge connected to the frame. The dynamic tension system includes a cable, an adjustment mechanism connected to the cable and arranged to incrementally wind or release the cable, and a tension control device connected to the adjustment mechanism and arranged to limit the adjustment mechanism from winding of the cable past a predetermined tension level.

Abstract: A frame includes a front segment extending across an anterior side of a human and a back segment extending across a posterior side of the human in a fixed spatial relationship. A clamp bar extends between the front segment and the back segment to interface with a first lateral side of the human at a location between an ilium bone structure and a thoracic cage of the human. A lateral restraint is positioned between the front segment and the back segment and is configured to interface with a second lateral side of the human over an engagement area corresponding to a portion of the thoracic cage of the human. A downward treatment force is applied to the frame at a location opposite the clamp bar from the lateral restraint. The human works to laterally translate their spinal column toward the lateral restraint to maintain the frame in a near-level orientation.

Abstract: The Balloon Immobilization Device for Radiation Treatment of the present invention includes a catheter assembly with radiopaque markers and one or more lumina. The catheter assembly consists of a flexible tube and inflatable balloon. The flexible tube has distal and proximal ends, with one or more separate lumina within and along the length of the flexible tube. At least one lumen is in fluid communication with the exterior of the flexible tube at the distal end and the interior of the inflatable balloon and at least one lumen in fluid communication with the exterior of the flexible tube at the distal end and the exterior of the flexible tube at the proximal end. The inflatable balloon varies in shape and size and is made of a radiopaque material having varying degrees of radiopacity. Radiopaque markers are located at different locations on the balloon and flexible tube.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods of using a multi-functional tissue retention strap to displace and hold excess tissue out of the way of a target treatment area on a patient's body during a medical procedure. The tissue retention strap may be used to expose an area of the patient's body for a variety of purposes. The tissue retention straps of the present disclosure are ultralightweight and only require one person to operate.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates in general to a malleable and non-absorbent pessary having a solid cylindrical body formed of wax for use in improving symptoms associated with pelvic organ prolapse.

Abstract: A portable electrical heating system includes a controller, a heat delivery mechanism that is releasably and reusably attachable directly to a user's skin, and an electrical connection between the two that allows for selectively engagement between the controller and heat delivery mechanism. The controller allows for the selection of a temperature setting for the heat delivery mechanism. The controller includes at least one signaling device to indicate the power and temperature setting. The heat delivery mechanism includes a heating element, and further includes an adhesive layer that allows for multiple uses of the heat delivery mechanism.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and method for medical ice slurry production. In particular, systems and methods are provided for medical ice slurry production that enable an end user to produce and deliver a sterile medical ice slurry at the point of care.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a flexible frame, a coupling portion, and an insulating portion. The flexible frame is configured to support a thermal therapeutic member and is transitioned between a first configuration and a second configuration to place the therapeutic member in substantially continuous contact with a target portion of the body. The coupling portion is coupled to the flexible frame and is transitioned from a first configuration to a second configuration to retain the flexible frame in its second configuration. The insulating portion is transitioned from a first configuration to a second configuration to be coupled to the flexible frame. The insulating portion at least partially controls a transfer of thermal energy between the thermal therapeutic member and the target portion of the body.

Abstract: A non-invasive treatment method for reducing fats using a system (10) for performing a non-invasive treatment for reducing fats by cold application. The system (10) includes a central unit (12), a cooling device (14) for cooling a fluid, at least one applicator (16) for performing a non-invasive localized treatment of the fats by cold application, including a cavity, a suction conduit (18) opening up into the cavity (34) and arranged so as to suck up a bead in the cavity (34), and a transport device (20) for conducting the fluid from the central unit inside the applicator. The wall of the cavity (34) is suitable for being indirectly cooled by the cooling device and the cooling device (14) is arranged at a distance from the applicator.

Abstract: Ablation apparatus such as a catheter carrying an ultrasonic ablation device including an ablation transducer and a balloon reflector structure for directing ultrasonic energy from the ablation transducer into a ring-like ablation region is provided with an imaging ultrasonic transducer mounted on an imaging probe which may be inserted into or through a passageway extending through the catheter and into or through the ablation device to image the ablation region or neighboring regions. Alternatively, the imaging transducer may be mounted within the balloon reflector structure or distal to this structure.

Abstract: An in-ear stimulator for administering thermal stimulation to the ear canal of a subject includes (a) an earpiece configured to be insertable into the ear canal of said subject, the earpiece having an outer surface and an internal cavity formed therein, the internal cavity having an inner surface; and (b) at least one thermoelectric device thermally coupled to the earpiece internal cavity inner surface.

Abstract: A new method whitens the eye by continuously wearing away colored spots on the conjunctiva, such as nevi and pigmented lesions. The method includes the steps of selecting an area of the conjunctiva to be removed, including a colored portion; selecting and activating a motorized conjunctiva remover, which includes a body and an eye attachment with a tip; and, applying the tip of the eye attachment to the selected area of the conjunctiva to continuously wear away the conjunctiva until it is cleared of the colored portion. The eye attachments can be supplied with a variety of different tips.

Abstract: A method of delivering safe, suitable, and repeatable dosages to a subject for topical, oral, nasal, or pulmonary use and a device for droplet ejection includes a fluid delivery system capable of delivering a defined volume of the fluid in the form of droplets having properties that afford adequate and repeatable high percentage deposition upon application. The method and device include a housing, a reservoir disposed within the housing for receiving a volume of fluid, an ejector mechanism configured to eject a stream of droplets having an average ejected droplet diameter greater than 15 microns, the stream of droplets having low entrained airflow such that the stream of droplets deposit on the eye of the subject during use.

Abstract: A laser scanner is disclosed. The laser scanner comprises a laser source, a first optical element, and a focusing element. The first optical element is adapted to move along the optical axis of light from the laser source. The focusing element receives laser light from the first optical element and is adapted to move orthogonally to the optical axis. Optionally, the focusing element may include multiple focusing lenses. A first focusing lens may be adapted to move along a first axis which is orthogonal to the optical axis. A second focusing lens may be adapted to move along a second axis which is orthogonal to the optical axis and to the first axis. The laser scanner may also include a second optical element which receives light from the focusing element and is adapted to effectively increase the focal length of the focusing element without increasing its f number.

Abstract: A laser system calibration method and system are provided. In some methods, a calibration plate may be used to calibrate a video camera of the laser system. The video camera pixel locations may be mapped to the physical space. A xy-scan device of the laser system may be calibrated by defining control parameters for actuating components of the xy-scan device to scan a beam to a series of locations. Optionally, the beam may be scanned to a series of locations on a fluorescent plate. The video camera may be used to capture reflected light from the fluorescent plate. The xy-scan device may then be calibrated by mapping the xy-scan device control parameters to physical locations. A desired z-depth focus may be determined by defining control parameters for focusing a beam to different depths. The video camera or a confocal detector may be used to detect the scanned depths.

Abstract: An eye mask with face cover panel where the eye mask is made of an inner panel and an outer panel. The face cover is stored within the space in between the two eye mask panels. A releasable strap at the bottom of the eye mask panels holds the face cover inside the mask for storage. The face cover panel is held in the storage position by a left and right spring reel assembly. Small spring biased clips hold the cords of the spring reels in place when the user pulls down on the face cover panel to use as face protection. To return to the face panel to the stored position, the user presses on the spring biased clips to cause the face cover panel to automatically lift back up into the space between the inner and outer eye mask panels.

Abstract: An eye mask having pockets configured to hold materials over a user's eyes.

Abstract: Embodiments relate generally to devices, systems, and methods for monitoring sounds. A method may comprise monitoring environmental sounds with a hearing protection device; transmitting acoustic signatures from the hearing protection device to a portable electronic device; transmitting the acoustic signatures from the portable electronic device to a server; correlating the acoustic signatures with information in a database; transmitting a message from the server to the portable electronic device indicating the correlation; creating a suggestion with the portable electronic device based on the correlation; and transmitting the suggestion from the portable electronic device to the hearing protection device based on the correlation.

Abstract: Provided is a multi-layered non-woven wound dressing produced by a method including steps of: preparing multiple natural polymeric layers; stacking the multiple natural polymeric layers to form a polymeric structure; preparing multiple natural polymeric threads; and stitching the polymeric structure with the natural polymeric threads to enforce a formed multi-layered non-woven wound dressing and continuous crossing lines to enforce the formed multi-layered non-woven wound dressing to reinforce its longitudinal and transversal tensile strength for a pre-set period of degradation in wound.

Abstract: Some arrangements disclosed herein relate to devices and methods for treating a wound, comprising applying negative pressure to the wound through a cover applied over a wound, monitoring the internal pressure to the wound, and controlling the closure of the wound by controlling the amount that a wound packing material positioned under the cover collapses within the wound based on the monitored internal pressure. The wound packing material collapse can be controlled to ensure that the monitored internal pressure does not exceed a threshold value. Additionally, some embodiments or arrangements disclosed herein relate to a visualization element to visualize a location of a wound surface. The visualization element can comprise a radiopaque member that is configured to be positioned on or adjacent to a surface of an open wound.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a therapeutic sleeve for a medical patient. The sleeve has an interior side and an exterior side. The sleeve can include a fastener on the interior side. A wound care component such as an absorbent pad can be fastened to the interior side of the sleeve. The wound care component can be removed and replaced when it expires. The sleeve can be fabricated from stretch fabric, allowing the sleeve to conform to a patient's arm or leg.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and dressing are presented for treating a tunnel wound on a patient. In one instance, a reduced-pressure, tunnel-wound dressing includes a longitudinal core member formed from a closed-cell foam that is surrounded by a first longitudinal concentric member formed from a manifolding material. When subjected to reduced pressure, the longitudinal core member expands and the first longitudinal concentric member compresses. These actions create intimate contact between the tunnel wound and the dressing, oppose collapse of the tunnel, and when reduced pressure is removed provide clearance to remove the dressing. Other embodiments are presented.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are several embodiments of a negative pressure appliance and methods of using the same in the treatment of wounds. Some embodiments are directed towards wound dressings comprising a liquid and gas permeable transmission layer, an absorbent layer for absorbing wound exudate, the absorbent layer overlying the transmission layer, a gas impermeable cover layer overlying the absorbent layer and comprising a first orifice, wherein the cover layer is moisture vapor permeable. Some embodiments are directed to improved fluidic connectors or suction adapters for connecting to a wound site, for example using softer, kink-free conformable suction adapters.

Abstract: An absorbent article includes an absorbent element obtained by wrapping an absorbent body in a wrapping sheet, wherein the absorbent body is obtained by mixing and accumulating fibers and high absorbent polymer particles and includes an impregnation layer impregnated with a hot melt adhesive having melt viscosity of 1,000 to 6,000 mPa·s on at least one side of a front face side and a back face side thereof. A part of an internal surface of the wrapping sheet facing the impregnation layer is bonded to an external surface of the impregnation layer through an adhesive layer made of a hot melt adhesive having melt viscosity within a range of 4,000 to 9,000 mPa·s and having higher melt viscosity than melt viscosity of the hot melt adhesive impregnated into the impregnation layer.

Abstract: A medical packing device for use within a body cavity of a subject is provided. The medical packing device comprises an absorbent member having at least a first major side surface and at least one depression that is formed in the first major side surface and has a predetermined shape and volume. The at least one depression is defined by a continuous perimeter wall that is formed in the first major side surface and forms a reservoir capable of receiving and retaining a volume of a medicament therein.

Abstract: An absorbent article that prevents back flow and that uses cotton fibers in the surface sheet. The absorbent article is an incontinence pad having at least a medium volume for absorbing at least 20 cc of urine. A surface sheet is formed by coating, with a water-repellent, a spunlace non-woven fabric comprising 100 wt % of cotton fibers. The skin-facing surface side is provided with: a plurality of protrusions that extend along the longitudinal direction of the incontinence pad and are formed with gaps therebetween in the widthwise direction; and a plurality of recesses that extend along the longitudinal direction of the incontinence pad and are formed between adjacent protrusions. The recesses are formed thinner than the protrusions. A plurality of openings, which penetrate the incontinence pad from the front to the rear thereof, is formed along the recesses in at least a section (H) corresponding to an excretory opening.

Abstract: Provided is a stretchable laminate that achieves both a weight reduction and an extension strength, and that can be stably produced. Also provided is an article including such stretchable laminate. The stretchable laminate of the present invention includes: an elastomer layer; and an olefin-based resin layer arranged on at least one side of the elastomer layer, wherein when a longitudinal direction of the stretchable laminate is defined as an MD direction and a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction is defined as a CD direction, a ratio [10% extension strength in MD direction (N/30 mm)]/[basis weight (gsm)] of the stretchable laminate is 0.14 (N/30 mm·gsm) or more.

Abstract: An absorber having an absorption layer including a superabsorbent polymer and a spunbond nonwoven fabric composed of an olefinic polymer composition.

Abstract: A material engagement element sheet formed from a sheet material (10) incorporates a pattern of material engagement element slots (14), each slot containing an array of material engagement elements (20) which have a tapered distal section (30), a flange section (34) and a proximal section (32) which is attached to an edge of the slots in the sheet material. The material engagement element sheet material may be a single layer of shape memory material, or the sheet material may be a composite of different layers some of which may include pre-strained shape memory materials with distinguishable activation parameters. The material engagement element slot configuration allows for the simultaneous processing of the material engagement elements. The material engagement elements may be processed such that they are in a state that is substantially perpendicular to the surface of the material engagement element sheet.

Abstract: A protective umbilical cord cover having a containment portion being adapted to protect an umbilical cord of an infant and also an attachment mechanism being adapted to releasably attach the containment portion against the infant. The protective umbilical cord cover may also include an umbilical cord cover material that is constructed to form the containment portion, wherein the umbilical cord cover material is liquid impermeable in an inward-flow direction. The protective umbilical cord cover may also include an umbilical cord cover material that is constructed to form the containment portion, wherein the umbilical cord cover material is vapor permeable in an outward-flow direction. The protective umbilical cord cover may also include an umbilical cord cover material that is constructed to form the containment portion, wherein the umbilical cord cover material is vapor permeable in an outward-flow direction.

Abstract: A system for mounting a ventilator on a wheelchair is provided. The system comprises a first member and a second member. The first member is configured to be releasably fastened to the wheelchair. The first member comprises a first coupler structure. The second member is coupled with the ventilator. The second member comprises a second coupler structure that is configured to be releasably coupled with the first coupler structure to mount the ventilator on the wheelchair.

Abstract: Drifting karts in accordance with embodiments of the invention are described that include a front wheel drive train and rear caster wheels that can be dynamically engaged to induce and control drift during a turn. One embodiment of the invention includes a chassis to which a steering column is mounted, where the steering column includes at least one front steerable wheel configured to be driven by an electric motor, a battery housing mounted to the chassis, where the battery housing contains a controller and at least one battery, wiring configured to provide power from the at least one battery to the electric motor, two caster wheels mounted to the chassis, where each caster wheel is configured to rotate around a rotational axis and swivel around a swivel axis, and a hand lever configured to dynamically engage the caster wheels to induce and control drift during a turn.

Abstract: The patient positioning frame includes a posterior support, a lateral support, and an anterior restraint. The patient positioning frame can be placed on an upper surface of a conventional surgical table with the posterior support lying horizontally and the lateral support position vertically. A patient lies supine on the lateral support and is restrained using the anterior restraint assembly. The patient and the patient support are then simultaneously turned on the table to expose the patient's hip region for subsequent hip replacement or other surgery.