Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a trial including a mating element. A member has a tissue engagement surface and a mating part releasably engageable with the mating element such that the trial is interchangeable with a plurality of alternate members. Systems, implants and methods are described.

Abstract: The invention relates to a prosthetic joint which can be used as an artificial knee. Said prosthetic joint consists of a knee upper part (1), a knee lower part (2) and a fixing element (8) connecting said two lower parts. The knee upper part is rotationally arranged about the rotational axis (4) of the fixing element and rotation occurs counter to the force of an elastic element (17) which is arranged in knee lower part. Detachable fixing means (7), which are used to fix at least one rotational position, are provided between the knee upper part and the fixing element.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pneumatic, electromyographic exoskeleton. The exoskeleton includes a rigid frame designed to be secured to at least a portion of a user's body, a number of pneumatic actuators, each fixed to opposite sides of a hinge on the rigid frame; a storage tank designed to store compressed air to power the pneumatic actuators; valves coupled to the pneumatic actuators to control activation of the pneumatic actuators; electromyographic (EMG) sensors for sensing EMG signals in skeletal muscles of the user; differential amplifiers for amplifying each EMG signal to generate an amplified EMG signal; and a microprocessor programmed to receive the amplified EMG signals and to output activation signals for the pneumatic actuators.

Abstract: A vascular stent (1) for scaffolding a vessel (11) from the inside, wherein the stent is provided with a plurality of tube-forming elements (3A), (3B), and (3C) for forming a tube (2), the tube-forming elements combining with each other to construct a single flow path. Each of the tube-forming elements is formed by bending a strand comprising a single continuous biodegradable polymer, and first and second projecting parts (4, 5) are formed by successive alternation. Formation occurs in multiple stages in the axial direction of the tube by connecting using connecting legs (6) for successively connecting one side of the first projecting part and the other side of the second projecting part where the first and second projecting parts successively alternate. Elastic displacement parts (9) for performing elastic displacement by applying a pressing force to the tube are formed in the middle of the connecting legs successively connecting the first and second projecting parts of the tube-forming elements.

Abstract: A stent has a circumference and a plurality of members that define a lumen. The stent has three stable states, which include an unexpanded state, a partially deployed state, and a deployed state. The lumen has a first cross-sectional shape in the unexpanded state, a second cross-sectional shape in the partially deployed state and a third cross-sectional shape in the deployed state. The first cross-sectional shape of the lumen is different from the second and third cross-sectional shapes of the lumen, and the first cross-sectional shape of the lumen is a non-round shaped cross-sectional shape.

Abstract: A stent is described, which includes a plurality of stenting rings, each stenting ring including a plurality of struts and points of inflection, each point of inflection connecting adjacent struts, the points of inflection of adjacent stenting rings facing each other along an axis parallel to a longitudinal axis of the stent in a radially expanded stenting disposition while the stent is in an unbent configuration. Adjacent stenting rings are connected by connectors extending from a point of inflection on one stenting ring to a facing point of inflection on another stenting ring, the connectors being linear along an entire length thereof and parallel to the longitudinal axis of the stent, each of the connectors having a length shorter than a length of each of the struts.

Abstract: The present invention relates to tubular stents that are implanted within a body lumen. The stent has a cylindrical shape defining a longitudinal axis and includes a helical section and a closed endless ring section within the helical section. The helical section has of a plurality of longitudinally oriented strut members and a plurality of circumferentially oriented hinge members connecting circumferentially adjacent strut members to form a band, the band being wrapped about the longitudinal axis in a substantially helical manner to form a plurality of helical windings. The closed ring section interrupts the repeating helical pattern and separates the helical section into a proximal helical section and a distal helical section. The intermediate ring section includes a plurality of longitudinally oriented strut members and a plurality of circumferentially oriented hinge members connecting circumferentially adjacent strut members to form an endless ring.

Abstract: Examples of a stent is provided with interlocking joints removably coupling adjacent axial stent segments. Mating elements forming the interlocking joints maintain circumferential and axial engagement when the stent is in the radially compressed configuration, for example, during tracking of the stent to a treatment site of a body vessel, and become disengaged during radial expansion of the stent. The length of mating elements may be sized as large as the strut width. When disengaged, the disconnected the axial stent segments remain discrete stent structures separated from one another along the point of treatment.

Abstract: Method for sealing a stent graft in an endovascular aneurysm repair. Includes following steps/procedures. Positioning the stent graft to extend across an aneurysm in aneurysmatic host vessel. Introducing and placing a balloon catheter in the host vessel at a location distal to the graft distal end. Inflating balloon to pressure configured for unconstrained balloon expansion with maximal balloon diameter equal to or greater than smallest inner diameter of host vessel, thereby occluding normal blood flowing thereacross. Infusing contrast enhancing material through balloon catheter for allowing radiographic visualization of endoleakage between stent graft and a host vessel wall. Deflating and repositioning balloon to another location within stent graft. Pressurizing balloon to another pressure configured for plastically expanding selected section of stent graft from a smaller diameter to a fixed enlarged diameter.

Abstract: A pre-loaded stent graft delivery device having a guide wire catheter and a handle including a multi-port manifold with access ports, where an access sheath extends from each access port. A sheath is disposed coaxially around the guide wire catheter and includes two splits that enable the retraction of the sheath while the access sheaths are disposed within the respective access port of the manifold.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a brace system including an upper portion and a lower portion. The brace system may also include a first pulley rotatably coupling the upper portion to a first intermediate link positioned between the upper portion and the lower portion. The brace system may also include a second pulley rotatably coupling the first intermediate link to a second intermediate link positioned between the upper portion and the lower portion. The brace system may also include a third pulley rotatably coupling the second intermediate link to the lower portion. Further, the brace system may include at least one tension-bearing element substantially encircling each of the first pulley, the second pulley, and the third pulley.

Abstract: An orthopedic device has an elongate, tubular body defining a patella opening located generally at a center portion of the tubular body. A patella buttress including a buttress pocket is located on the tubular body and about the patella opening. The buttress pocket has various stretchability characteristics relative to the tubular body. A buttress element is associated with the buttress pocket.

Abstract: A physical training device is provided herein. The device may include a brace portion and a fastening mechanism for securing the device to a user's limbs, digits, joints, shoulders, legs, knees, ankles, feet, back, neck, head and/or joints. The device may prevent or limit movement of a user's limbs, digits, joints, shoulders, legs, knees, ankles, feet, back, neck, head and or/joints. The device may also include a brace portion having a spiral or helical shape such that it may be wrapped around a user's limbs, digits, joints, shoulders, legs, knees, ankles, feet, back, neck, head and/or joints. The device may also include a sensor for detecting movement of a user's limbs, digits, joints, shoulders, legs, knees, ankles, feet, back, neck, head and/or joints, as well as a feedback device to notify the user when movement is detected.

Abstract: A custom device and method for fabricating the custom device includes marking a body with reference points and/or other indicators. Multiple images of the body from multiple angles are then obtained. The images are used to determine the contours of the body and the other markings are located and used to design the custom device. The custom device can be fabricated as a single piece structure or in multiple pieces that are assembled to complete the custom device.

Abstract: A method of adjusting a snoring mouthpiece includes the steps of: reading a first medical image, establishing a first respiratory tract model, performing a first respiration simulation, reading a second medical image, establishing a second respiratory tract model, performing a second respiration simulation, calculating an adjustment distance, and adjusting the snoring mouthpiece. The method is so designed that tomographic images of a patient's respiratory tract are read at two separate times in order to establish models, perform respiration simulations, and thereby provide the correct distance by which to adjust the snoring mouthpiece. This allows the snoring mouthpiece to be adjusted rapidly and correctly and work effectively.

Abstract: A comfortable device for treating sleep apnea incorporates a mask, a flexible hose and a chamber for collecting expired air containing CO2. A sensor detects apnea and a control system automatically adjusts the amount of rebreathed CO2 to minimize apnea and also minimize arousal.

Abstract: An apparatus for temperature controlling an endocavity such as the rectum during thermal therapy of nearby tissues is disclosed. In some aspects the apparatus is mechanically configured to best conform to the patient. In other aspects the apparatus is designed to eliminate gas bubbles from forming or accumulating in certain volumes that would interfere with the thermal therapy. In other aspects the apparatus is optimized for use in cooling the rectum during ultrasound thermal therapy of the prostate.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for producing saline slush for surgical applications. A mixture comprising water and salt within a receptacle is attached to an assembly for making surgical slush while imposing complex rotational motion upon the receptacle. The complex rotational motion including rotating the platform with the attached receptacle around a first axis that runs through the platform while rotating the platform around an orbital axis different from the first axis to impose a complex motion upon the fluid within the receptacle.

Abstract: A water jet instrument may be used for manually performing eye surgery such as, cataract, or perform micro-surgery (remove cartilage), or any emulsification technique. The water jet instrument may be manually controlled or controlled by a system with a robotic control. The water jet apparatus defines a jet cutting area that is based at least in part on a flow rate meter and a feedback loop.

Abstract: An eye surgical cutting tool includes a tubular outer part and an axially movable tubular inner part arranged in the outer part. The outer part has a closed distal end, and the inner part has an open distal end. Both parts have an opening in the tube. Both openings are bounded on the distal side by a distal cutting edge in the respective tube. The axial position of the distal cutting edge of the inner part as a function of the circumferential direction initially proceeds towards the proximal end, and then back to the distal end again. The tool is provided with suction means to have, during use of the cutting tool, ocular tissue extended through the opening of the outer part into the interior of the outer part and to convey severed tissue via the interior of the inner part to a proximal end of the inner part.

Abstract: The present invention is an intraocular surgery system using a Venturi pump and capable of preventing clogging due to nucleus fragments, despite a reduced aspiration flow rate.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for performing an ophthalmic procedure in an eye are disclosed. The devices include a hand-held portion and a distal, elongate member coupled to the hand-held portion having a lumen operatively coupled to a vacuum source. A drive mechanism operatively coupled to the elongate member is configured to oscillate the elongate member. When in use, the device is configured to aspirate ocular material from the eye through the lumen. The drive mechanism retracts the elongate member with a retraction speed profile and advances the elongate member with an extension speed profile. The retraction speed profile is different from the extension speed profile.

Abstract: Drainage of body fluid from an area of undesirably high pressure can be accomplished by interconnecting an artificial non-blood fluid conduit with the vascular system. For example, an artificial non-blood fluid conduit can be inserted into the eye to fluidly interconnect the anterior chamber with a location of lower pressure. The conduit can have a growth factor for stimulating growth of new blood vessels in the location of lower pressure to connect the new blood vessels with the non-blood fluid conduit.

Abstract: Laser assisted cataract surgery methods and devices utilizing one or more treatment laser beams to create a shaped opening in the anterior lens capsule of the eye when performing a capsulorrhexis procedure. A light absorbing agent may optionally be added onto or into the lens capsule tissue, and the treatment laser wavelength selected to be strongly absorbed by the light absorbing agent. Alternatively, the treatment laser wavelength may be selected to be absorbed or strongly absorbed by the tissue itself, in which case no additional light absorbing agent need be used. Visualization patterns produced with one or more target laser beams may be projected onto the lens capsule tissue to aid in the procedure. The devices may be attached to or integrated with microscopes.

Abstract: An auto darkening mask which has a weld cap and a filter mechanism, wherein the filter mechanism includes a lens module, a connecting line and a regulating system; and the weld cap is provided with a visible window. The lens module is assembled inside the weld cap and is opposite to the visible window of the weld cap. The regulating system protrudes out of an outer side of the weld cap and is connected with the weld cap, and the lens module is connected with and controlled by the regulating system through the connecting line.

Abstract: A wound dressing, a method of manufacturing a wound dressing, and a method of treating a patient are disclosed. The wound dressing may include an absorbent layer for absorbing wound exudate; and an obscuring element for at least partially obscuring a view of wound exudate absorbed by the absorbent layer in use.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for dressing a wound. The apparatus comprises an absorbent layer for absorbing wound exudate, a liquid impermeable, gas permeable filter layer over the absorbent layer, a cover layer comprising at least one orifice and a first liquid and gas permeable transmission layer underlying the absorbent layer. The transmission layer is in fluid communication with the filter layer.

Abstract: A medical dressing comprising an absorbent adhesive layer having a pharmaceutically active agent incorporated, the non-skin-facing surface being provided with a backing layer and the skin facing surface being interrupted by a pattern of cavities. The cavities provide a storage room and distribution centre for wound exudates enabling the dressing to be applied to fast exuding wounds and at the same time allows for an increased initial release of the pharmaceutically active agent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a wound-covering article (10) having a film-like element (11) of reduced gas permeability, wherein said film-like element has a preparation (12) for attachment of a vacuum device.

Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus are disclosed for dressing a wound and for minimizing scarring. The apparatus promotes scar-minimizing healing of a wound where negative pressure wound therapy is applied, and comprises a wound contact layer containing silicone, polysiloxanes, or other related compounds.

Abstract: A manufacturing method of a microstructure includes providing a patch manufacturing sheet formed in a state in which a bottom layer is exposed on an upper part thereof; providing the patch manufacturing sheet on a first process substrate and a second process substrate; spotting a viscous composition at a plurality of positions spaced apart from each other on the bottom layer of the patch manufacturing sheet provided on only the first process substrate, or provided on both of the first process substrate and the second process substrate; contacting the patch manufacturing sheet provided on the second process substrate or the viscous composition to the viscous composition spotted on the patch manufacturing sheet provided on the first process substrate; moving relatively the second process substrate with respect to the first process substrate to stretch the viscous composition and to coagulate the stretched viscous composition; and cutting the coagulated viscous composition.

Abstract: After a human body has formed one of numerous calluses or sores due to various conditions of the human condition the present invention offers a means to aid in pain relief and/or an aid in therapy for sores and skin conditions normally considered to be caused by pressure. The present invention seeks to provide a device designed explicitly to transfer weight or pressure from an area on the body that causes the excrescence to develop. The simplest form is designed for use with a condition known as “Intractable Planter Keratosis” or “IPK”. Whether the IPK callus is caused from locomotion, or other sores caused by continual or inordinate pressure, the present invention in its simplest form is a thin disc approximately but not limited to 1? in diameter and a thickness of approximately but not limited to 0.036? with a hollow protrusion of approximately but not limited to 0.036? that covers a sore completely but isolated the sore from any contact with the disc or the protrusion.

Abstract: A therapeutic compression wrap is provided, comprising: a first front foam panel having inside and outside surfaces and configured to cover a front portion of at least part of a patient's limb; loop closure material stretched over and secured to the outside surface of the first front foam panel; a first back foam panel having inside and outside surfaces and configured to cover a back portion of the at least part of the limb; fabric stretched over and secured to the outside surface of the first back foam panel; and first hook closure material secured to side edges of the inside surface of the back foam panel, the first hook closure material matable with the loop closure material whereby the back foam panel is securable to the front foam panel.

Abstract: A therapeutic pressure band for applying pressure across a muscle or muscle groups on a mammalian limb is described. The band is particularly well suited for treating “shin splints.” The band includes a plurality of straps that are connected together via a connecting material. Ends of each of the straps have adjustable fasteners for securing and tightening the band around a limb. The band also possesses a plurality of pressure members (e.g., elongated rubber tubes) that apply separate and discrete areas or points of pressure in a line across a muscle, tendon, bone, or muscle group and generally perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the limb.

Abstract: An absorbent structure includes a first area of fibrous absorbent material and a second area of fibrous absorbent material. The first area has a greater basis weight than the second area. The second area includes a plurality of segments separated by vertical interfaces. Each of the vertical interfaces has a width less than 1 cm. Bridging of fibrous absorbent material extends across the vertical interfaces.

Abstract: A method and a machine for producing absorbent sanitary articles comprising a central body and pairs of front and rear side panels. The side panels are obtained from two continuous web materials on which a series of first transverse cuts are carried out, alternating with a series of second transverse cuts, defining on each of said web materials a first and a second succession of front and rear side panels in which each of the front panels is preceded and followed by one of the rear panels, and each of the rear panels is preceded and followed by one of the front panels, and wherein the proximal edge of each of the rear panels is aligned with the distal edge of each of the front panels and the distal edge of each of the rear panels is aligned with the proximal edge of each of the front panels.

Abstract: An undergarment configured to help absorb leaks of bodily fluids from a person suffering from mild to moderate incontinence or other conditions includes a main body made of a material that allows the absorption of bodily fluids and a crotch piece made of a material that allows the absorption of bodily fluids that overlays the crotch portion of the main body. The crotch piece of the undergarment can extend high enough and be wide enough on the front side of the garment's main body so as to offer an adequate area of protection to the user.

Abstract: An elastic diaper part has an inelastic substrate layer having a wide inner end for connection to a diaper and a narrow and opposite outer end spaced in a stretch direction from the inner end, narrower than the inner end, and adapted for connection to a closure. An elastic film is juxtaposed and generally contiguous with the substrate layer, and there is an array of parallel adhesive strips extending transversely of the direction between the substrate layer and the elastic film. Each strip adheres the film to the substrate layer, and the strips are each of a respective strip width and separated by spaces each of a respective spacing width. The strip and/or spacing width varies from the inner end to the outer end such that the diaper part stretches uniformly between its inner and outer ends when stretched in the direction.

Abstract: The application relates to an absorbent disposable incontinence diaper (2, 2a) of the open type having an at least three-part diaper cover (3) with an inner side (30) and an outer side (31), the diaper cover comprising a main part (4) and at least two separate rear side parts (16). The main part (4) has a front region (6), a rear region (8) and a crotch region (12), which lies therebetween in the longitudinal direction (21) and comes to lie between the legs of a user. The rear side parts (16) are arranged on both sides of the rear region (8) of the main part (4) in such a manner that said rear side parts (16) are fixed in first overlap regions (40) with the outer side thereof on the inner side of the main part (4) along rear, lateral longitudinal edges (20). The rear side parts (16) extend in the transverse direction (22) over the rear lateral longitudinal edges (20) of the main part (4) and have closure means (10).

Abstract: A reusable washable catamenial napkin pad is formed from a lightweight oblong fabric sheath or casing which encloses an absorbent cushion and a fluid impermeable liner. The casing is made of a rectangle of cloth which has its long edges folded towards each other and attached only partially in the middle. Then the cushion and liner are slid inside the casing by the user, with the liner on the bottom, forming the pad. The pad is attached by safety pins or similar attachment device to an elastic belt. When the pad has been used and removed from the elastic belt, the three components, namely casing, cushion, and liner, are separated for washing.

Abstract: A bed is provided. The bed may include a lift system which raises and lowers a support deck of the bed. The lift system may include multiple individually actuatable lift systems. The bed may include an expandable support deck. The bed may include a powered caster braking system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for reducing the risk of developing decubitus ulcers on bedfast or immobile patients and adjunct to the treatment thereof.

Abstract: An occupant support includes at least one non-fluidizable module 100 having a support structure for supporting the non-fluidizable module on a ground surface 76 and at least one fluidizable module 66 also having a support structure for supporting the fluidizable module on the ground surface. The fluidizable and non-fluidizable modules cooperate with each other to support an occupant. The support for the non-fluidizable module bears less than all the weight of the fluidizable module and, in the limit bears none of the weight. An alternative occupant support includes at least one non-fluidizable module and at least one fluidizable module cooperable with the fluidizable module to support an occupant. The fluidizable module is sized to support no more than about 50 percent of the length of an adult human body and most preferably no more than about 30 percent.

Abstract: Laminar-flow operating theater that comprises a support (4) that defines a horizontal plane, on which the patient (2) rests, which has a main longitudinal direction, on which support (4) there is, in addition, an operating region (R), laminar-flow-emitting unit (5) and an air-absorption unit (6), wherein the laminar-flow-emitting unit (5) emits the laminar flow in a horizontal direction which is oblique with respect to the longitudinal position of the support (4) such that said direction of incidence of the flow reaches the operating region (R) for the patient (4), and the air-absorption unit (6) is in a horizontal absorption direction which is oblique with respect to said longitudinal direction of the patient's support (4).

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the field of display technology, and in particular, to a smart wearable device. The smart wearable device comprises a glasses body, an auxiliary frame for its user to wear on the head, and a massage apparatus for the user to massage the head; the glasses body comprising a smart display means and glasses legs carrying the smart display means; both ends of the auxiliary frame being connected to the glasses legs, respectively.

Abstract: A driving module including a driving source configured to generate power, a gear train including a decelerating gear set configured to receive driving power from the driving source and a ring gear attached to one side thereof, and a rotary joint including at least one planetary gear configured to rotate using power received from an output end of the decelerating gear set and to revolve along the ring gear is disclosed.

Abstract: Method, system, and computer program product for providing turn-by-turn directions to mobility impaired individuals. Movement of users associated with certain mobility classes are tracked to determine when the users deviate from certain geographical features, such as sections of sidewalk. In the event of a deviation, a reliability score for that geographical feature is decreased. When another user of the same mobility class requests directions and a candidate path uses the same geographical feature, the decreased reliability score is applied to that candidate path to provide the other user with an indication that the path may be difficult to traverse. The user may select a different candidate path with a higher reliability score.

Abstract: Embodiments of crutches are disclosed. A crutch has a main body having a substantially vertical tubular member with a plurality of apertures formed therein; an angled portion extending upwardly from the substantially vertical tubular member; an arm rest support extending perpendicularly from the angled portion for receiving an arm rest; and a handle extending outwardly from the arm rest support. The crutch further includes a leg telescopically received into the substantially vertical tubular member, and a foot exchangably received by the leg.

Abstract: A method for retarding or reversing progression of myopia of a viewer contains the steps of using an immersive or non-immersive device to create a plurality of image planes in the eye of the viewer. While an image plane is located on the retina, at least one image plane is not on the retina, thereby generating myopic defocus. Immersive and non-immersive devices and systems for such a method are also described.

Abstract: A message apparatus includes a support frame, a moving unit, and a massage unit. The support frame includes an upright base wall. The moving unit includes two upright guide rails mounted to one of inner and outer surfaces of the base wall, a support seat including two slide members that engage respectively and slidably the guide rails, and a driving member disposed at an inner side of the inner surface of the base wall for driving the slide movement of the support seat. The massage unit is disposed at an outer side of the outer surface of the base wall, and includes a motor, a driving shaft driven rotatably by the motor, and a massage head coupled co-rotatably to the driving shaft.