Abstract: A medical device includes a base ring configured to be implanted within a body of a patient. The base ring provides a contact surface to a vertebra. Multiple layers of multiple leveling plates are configured to equalize forces applied to the contact surface of the base ring, where at least one of the layers of the leveling plates engages an inner surface of the base ring. A layer of multiple pads is included with a top surface of the pads configured to maintain a parallel plane and a bottom surface of each of the multiple pads is configured to engage a top surface of one of the layers of the leveling plates. A cover is configured to enclose the multiple layers of the leveling plates, the layer of the multiple pads and the base ring. The cover provides a contact surface to a vertebra.

Abstract: An embodiment includes an orthopedic fusion system comprising: a cage; a curved first channel coupling a lateral wall of the cage to a superior surface of the cage; a curved second channel coupling the lateral wall of the cage to an inferior surface of the cage; a third channel coupling the superior surface of the cage to the inferior surface of the cage; a curved first anchor configured to slide within the first channel; a curved second anchor configured to slide within the second channel; and a resilient member comprising a resilient first arm that projects across a portion of the first channel and a resilient second arm that projects across a portion of the second channel. Other embodiments are described herein.

Abstract: Stand-alone interbody fusion devices for engagement between adjacent vertebrae. The stand-alone interbody fusion devices may include a spacer or endplates and one or more inserts, members, or frames coupled to the spacer or endplates. The inserts, members, or frames may be configured and designed to provide the apertures which are designed to retain bone fasteners, such as screws or anchors, and secure the implant to the adjacent vertebrae.

Abstract: An acetabular cup extractor (10) is provided that is designed for extracting medical device implants. The acetabular cup extractor includes a fastener (12) for securing to an implant (14) and a cutting assembly (16). The cutting assembly further includes a blade (18) spaced and movably connected to the fastener and a handle (20) operatively connected to the blade.

Abstract: A surgeon can secure an acetabular component to an acetabular bone. The surgeon can insert a pair of anchors through a corresponding pair of holes in the acetabular component into a corresponding pair of pilot holes drilled into the acetabular bone. Each anchor is attached to a length of suture before insertion. The surgeon can tie the sutures from the anchors together, to secure the acetabular component against the acetabular bone. The surgeon can position the tied lengths of suture in a suture channel formed in the acetabular component. The suture channel can prevent the suture from interfering with a liner that contacts the acetabular component. The surgeon can repeat as needed, using multiple pairs of anchors, multiple holes and suture channels in the acetabular component, and multiple pilot holes in the acetabular bone. The surgeon can use soft anchors or screw anchors.

Abstract: A surgical instrument comprises a first member defining a cavity configured for disposal of a plurality of implants and including a distal portion that retains the implants with the first member. An element is configured to urge the implants in a first, release direction and the first member having at least one tab movable to prevent movement of at least one of the implants in a second direction. A second member is engageable with the at least one tab. Systems, spinal implants and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for introducing a spinal disc implant into an intervertebral space of a subject. The subject is placed in a lateral position, and the anterior face of the spinal disc intervertebral space is accessed, between the L5 and S1 vertebrae, from an anterior and lateral retroperitoneal approach. An operative corridor to the anterior face of the spinal disc space is established by introducing a retractor instrument anterolaterally to the spinal disc space between the anterior superior iliac spine and the anterior inferior iliac spine. The damaged spinal disc contents are removed from the intervertebral space through the operative corridor, and the implant is advanced into the intervertebral space at an oblique angle and pivoted to position the implant substantially laterally within the intervertebral space. Elongated retractor and insertion instruments, as well as a modified disc implant, are also disclosed for carrying out the method.

Abstract: A modular inserter assembly for use in inserting an interbody fusion cage into the disc space between opposing vertebrae comprises a depth stop and a modular inserter tip releasably attached thereto. The modular inserter assembly includes a cage attachment surface for releasable attachment to an interbody fusion cage, the depth stop including a movable stop axially movable relative to the inserter tip and being sized and configured to engage an exterior surface of one of the vertebrae to establish the depth to which the interbody fusion cage is to be inserted in the disc space. A plurality of modular inserter tips, each being configured for selective releasable attachment to differently sized interbody fusion cages are provided in a kit with the depth stop.

Abstract: A total artificial expansile disc and a method for posterior insertion between a pair of vertebral endplates are disclosed. The total artificial expansile disc includes at least one pair of substantially parallel plates that move apart along a first axis, in order to occupy a space defined by the vertebral endplates. In another embodiment, each of substantially parallel plates includes a first plate and a second sliding plate. An expansion device or tool is used to move the substantially parallel pair of plates apart along the first axis. A core is disposed between the pair of plates, and the core permits the vertebral endplates to move relative to one another. A ball limiter or ball extender prevents the core from being extruded from between the substantially parallel plates.

Abstract: Surgical tools which are used to separate from one another a femoral cup and an acetabular ball in an implanted hip replacement prosthesis. At its distal end, elements of the surgical tool engage the femoral cup and the acetabular cup. When proximal handles of the tool are squeezed toward one another, the engagement elements move away from one another. Thus, a surgeon is able to separate the femoral cup and the acetabular ball from one another without pulling the acetabular cup away from the acetabulum or the femoral cup and/or femoral implant away from the femur, thereby accomplishing the separation without disrupting any bone ingrowth.

Abstract: A disc preparation instrument for use in fusing spinal vertebrae comprises a modular scoring trial and a depth stop releasably attached to the scoring trial. The trial includes an elongate stem supporting a trial device at its distal tip. The trial device is insertable into a disc space and includes a rotatable rasp for scoring opposing vertebral endplates at a scored location. A stop, sized to engage an exterior surface of the vertebrae, is movable on the depth stop stem by rotation of an adjustment knob to a plurality of selectable distances between the proximal end of the trial device and the movable stop. An actuator releasably attached to the trial is operable to rotate the rasp. A plurality of modular trials, each having a trial device of different heights may be provided in a kit. Each scoring trial is selectively releasably attachable to a single depth stop.

Abstract: A prosthetic finger includes a main body and a terminal gripper at an end of the main body for enabling fine-motor grasping skills. The terminal gripper has at least two tongs movable relative to one another. The prosthetic finger includes a gripping mode and a flexion mode. In the gripping mode, the tongs of the terminal gripper are able to move relative to one another while the main body is not able to flex, and in the flexion mode, the main body is able to flex while the at two tongs is not able to move relative to one another.

Abstract: A control method for an arm prosthesis having at least one powered joint and at least one inertial measurement sensor (IMS) includes determining a motion and an orientation of the arm prosthesis relative to the inertial reference frame based at least on an output of the IMS and generating control signals for the at least one powered joint based on the motion and the orientation of the prosthetic arm.

Abstract: Y-stents and delivery apparatus for delivering the Y-stents include a delivery catheter with an open distal end having two, circumferentially opposed extensions separated by two receiving portions which receive an anatomical junction.

Abstract: A garment for reducing pain associated with pes planus includes an ankle band having an anterior portion and a posterior portion; and a foot portion that includes a first band wrapping around the foot portion. The first band has a superior portion and an inferior portion. The garment also includes a plurality of lift bands extending from the anterior portion of the ankle band to at least the superior portion of the first band so as to provide a pull on the superior portion of the first band toward the anterior portion of the ankle band.

Abstract: An orthopedic device comprising a first shell, a second shell, and a hinge connecting to the first and second shells. A first strap having a first end slidably connects to the first shell and a second end removably anchors to the second shell. An overlay extends over a portion of the first shell and forms a clearance with the first shell into which the first end of the first strap extends. Portions of the overlay secure to the first shell outside of the clearance.

Abstract: A connector for a strap includes a buckle assembly having a base part, and a strap mount flexibly depending from the buckle assembly. The strap mount is integrally connected to the base part such that the base part is rigid when the strap mount bends relative thereto.

Abstract: An artificial knee is configured to be worn by a person. Artificial knees include a thigh link configured to move in unison with a thigh of the person, and a shank link configured to be coupled to the thigh link. Artificial knees include a compression spring coupled to the thigh link at a first end of the compression spring, the compression spring configured to be coupled to the shank link at a second end of the compression spring. The compression spring is configured to provide an extension torque between the thigh link and the shank link during a first range of motion of the thigh link and the shank link relative to each other. The compression spring is configured to provide a flexion torque between the thigh link and the shank link during a second range of motion of the thigh link and the shank link relative to each other.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are sleeves for use with a fin of a mandibular advancement device (MAD), the sleeve comprising: a shell, having a wall defining a hollow interior, wherein the wall encloses the hollow interior on all sides except one, leaving an opening at one end of the body; the wall has a thickness in the range of from about 1 nm to about 5 mm; the hollow interior comprises approximately the same size and dimensions as the fin of the MAD. Also disclosed are MADs that use the sleeves. Also disclosed are methods of treating a patient using MADs that use the sleeves.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved intravaginal drug delivery devices, i.e., intravaginal rings, useful for the prophylactic administration of dapivirine in combination with either an antimicrobial compound or a contraceptive to a human. The present invention also provides methods of blocking DNA polymerization by an HIV reverse transcriptase enzyme, methods of preventing HIV infection in a female human, methods of treating HIV infection in a female human, methods of preventing unintended pregnancy in a female human, and methods of preparing intravaginal rings.

Abstract: The invention discloses an apparatus for adjusting the temperature of a body comprising a sheath for providing a channel from outside said body to a cavity inside said body, where said sheath comprises a guiding section being angular to said channel. The apparatus further comprises a heat exchange unit comprising an inlet and an outlet, an outer contour and an inner fluid channel, adapted for inserting through said channel of said sheath.

Abstract: A method of treating a subject with an ocular condition responsive to steroid therapy can include administering a threshold dose of a steroid to an eye of the subject in a therapeutically effective regimen that minimizes an intraocular pressure (IOP) increase above a baseline level.

Abstract: A cartridge droplet dosage device with a cartridge (1) and an actuation element (2), whereby the cartridge (1) includes a reservoir body (3), a cladding (5) and a plug (6), characterized in that a fluid groove (9) projects from the reservoir body (3) into an inner tube valve area (11), whereby the fluid groove (9) is releasable either by the yielding of a sealing rib (12) and/or by the yielding of a part of the cladding (5).

Abstract: Method and apparatus for performing a laser-assisted posterior capsulotomy and for performing laser eye surgery on an eye having a penetrated cornea are provided. A method for performing a posterior capsulotomy includes injecting fluid between the lens posterior capsule and the anterior hyaloids membrane to separate the lens posterior capsule and the anterior hyaloids membrane. With the lens posterior capsule separated from the anterior hyaloids membrane, a posterior capsulotomy is performed on the lens posterior capsule by using a laser to incise the lens posterior capsule.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for injection of a therapeutic agent into an area beneath eye tissue, such as a sub-retinal area or a suprachoroidal area. Example devices comprise an injector housing, a tubular element (needle or microcatheter), a first area within the injector housing configured to be selectively in fluid communication with the tubular element for delivery of a bleb-formation fluid, and a second area within the injector housing configured to be selectively in fluid communication with the tubular element for delivery of a therapeutic agent into the area beneath eye tissue. In some embodiments, the first area is a chamber within the injector housing, and the second area is an internal area of a tube within the chamber. The devices and methods allow, with a single needle (or microcatheter) insertion, high pressure bleb formation and low pressure delivery of fragile therapeutic agent compositions.

Abstract: A therapeutic system comprises an ocular insert placed on a region outside an optical zone of an eye. The ocular insert comprises two structures: a first skeletal structure and a second cushioning structure. The first structure functions as a skeletal frame which maintains positioning of the implant along the anterior portion of the eye and provides support to the second, cushioning structure. This first structure maintains the attachment of the therapeutic system to the anterior portion of the eye for at least thirty days. In some embodiments the first structure remains a constant size and shape, e.g. a ring shape, a ring with haptics, or a curvilinear ring that is confined to and restrainingly engages the inferior and superior conjunctival fornices so as to retain the implant within the tear fluid and/or against the tissues of the eye.

Abstract: An intraocular drainage device may include a monolithic silicone body having a flap, a rigid bottom plate having a portion configured to contact a corresponding portion of the flap, and a tube having a proximal end disposed between the flap and the rigid bottom plate. The corresponding portion of the flap may be configured to separate from the portion of the rigid bottom plate responsive to a fluid pressure in aqueous humor received from the tube. A plurality of parallel microgrooves may be formed on one or more portions of one or more outer surfaces of the intraocular drainage device.

Abstract: Systems, devices and methods are provided to deliver microporation medical treatments to improve biomechanics, wherein the system includes a laser for generating a beam of laser radiation on a treatment-axis not aligned with a patient's visual-axis, operable for use in subsurface ablative medical treatments to create an array pattern of micropores that improves biomechanics. The array pattern of micropores is at least one of a radial pattern, a spiral pattern, a phyllotactic pattern, or an asymmetric pattern.

Abstract: A wound care bandage for treating a wound is provided. The bandage includes an SIS layer to be placed on the wound surface and a cover to be placed over the wound. The bandage further includes a structure to provide a vacuum space. A method for promoting wound healing is further provided. The method includes applying the above-mentioned wound care bandage to the wound and creating a vacuum in the vacuum space to draw blood controllably from the wound into the SIS layer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a negative pressure wound closure system and methods for using such a system. Preferred embodiments of the invention facilitate closure of the wound by preferentially contracting to provide for movement of the tissue. Preferred embodiments can utilize tissue grasping elements to apply a wound closing force to the tissue.

Abstract: Pulpless absorbent cores and methods of manufacture are disclosed. A first exemplary method may comprise advancing a base carrier sheet in a machine direction, applying a first adhesive onto a top surface of the base carrier sheet, advancing the base carrier sheet within a first particulate material delivery chamber, depositing a first amount of particulate material onto the first adhesive within the first particulate material delivery chamber, applying a second adhesive onto the first amount of particulate material outside of the first particulate material delivery chamber, advancing the base carrier sheet with the first adhesive, the first amount of particulate material, and the second adhesive into a second particulate material delivery chamber, depositing a second amount of particulate material onto the second adhesive within the second particulate material delivery chamber, and applying a top carrier sheet onto the second amount of particulate material.

Abstract: Biodegradable facial pads for exfoliation purposes are disclosed. The facial pad includes a top layer and a bottom layer made of a hydro-entangled, non-woven fibrous material. A coarse fabric material that may have undulations to provide exfoliating effect is sandwiched between the top layer and the bottom layer. The coarse fabric layer is configured to provide stiffness to the pads so as to aid and facilitate exfoliation. The top layer, bottom layer and the coarse material layer are pinched together along the edges to form an exfoliating pad of specified weight. The top layer is configured to overlay the coarse fabric layer to incorporate the undulations in the coarse fabric layer. This may form exfoliating peaks and absorbent cotton valleys that are suitable for removal of dead cells from the skin when used for exfoliating purposes.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods and apparatuses configured to bond elastic laminates together between a rotating drum and anvil. The drum includes a fluid nozzle and a press member. As such, a first elastic laminate and a second elastics laminate may be advanced in a machine direction onto the rotating drum. A fluid is heated to a temperature sufficient to partially melt substrate layers of the first and second elastic laminates. As the drum rotates, the press member shifts radially outward from the drum wherein a length, L, of the pattern surface extends in the cross direction across a plurality of elastic strands of first and/or second elastic laminates. And the partially melted portion of the substrate layers of the first and second elastic laminates and the plurality of elastic strands are then bonded together by being compressed between the pattern surface and the anvil roll.

Abstract: Configurable absorbent articles are provided. The absorbent articles may comprise a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core positioned at least partially intermediate the topsheet and the backsheet. The absorbent articles may comprise a first waist region, a second waist region, a crotch region extending intermediate the first waist region and the second waist region, and an outer cover material joined to the backsheet and forming a portion of a garment-facing surface of the absorbent article. The absorbent articles may comprise a pair of leg cuffs and a fully removable fastening member. The fastening member may comprise a first fastener on a first surface of the fastening member and positioned proximate to a first end and a second fastener on the first surface and positioned proximate to a second end. The absorbent articles may also comprise a wetness guard.

Abstract: An absorbent article is provided, the absorbent article comprising a nonwoven web. The nonwoven web comprises staple fibers and a latex binder. The staple fibers comprise PET having less than 150 ppm of antimony.

Abstract: An absorbent article is provided, the absorbent article comprising a nonwoven material. The nonwoven material comprises core/sheath bicomponent fibers wherein the core is formed of PET resin. The present disclosure also provides a wipe comprising a nonwoven material, the nonwoven material comprising core/sheath bicomponent fibers wherein the core is formed of PET resin. The PET has less than 150 ppm of antimony.

Abstract: An absorbent article is provided. The absorbent article includes a nonwoven, liquid permeable topsheet, a liquid impermeable backsheet, and an absorbent core disposed at least partially intermediate the topsheet and the backsheet. The topsheet includes a layer of fibers and has a plurality of apertures defined in the layer of fibers. At least some of the apertures have a side wall having a portion disposed an angle in the range of about 55 degrees to about 90 degrees, in the range of about 60 degrees to about 80 degrees, or in the range of about 63 degrees to about 75 degrees, according to the 2D X-Ray CT Scan Test herein.

Abstract: A personal hygiene product with a digital element is described. In one embodiment, a conductive sensor assembly is disposed within the personal hygiene product that includes one or more moisture sensors that generate a resistive and/or capacitive signal indicative of saturation of the personal hygiene product when in wetting contact with menstrual fluid.

Abstract: A dispenser of feminine hygiene products, including feminine pads and tampons activated by a motion sensor. A motion of a person's hand or other object within a given distance from the motion sensor will close an electronic circuit causing a motor to rotate. The motor is attached to a shaft which rotates. The shaft retains a feminine product dispenser. The feminine product dispenser transports one of the feminine hygiene products to a retrieval tray. A time delay reduces the likelihood of or prevents someone from continuously activating the motion sensor to dispense all of the products in the machine.

Abstract: A support (10) for supporting a neonate is provided. The support (10) includes a body portion (12) including a shapeable material (16). The body portion (12) is configured for adjustment during use. A silicone layer (14) surrounds the body portion (12). The body portion (12) is (i) sufficiently pliable to enable adjustment thereof to conform to a shape of the neonate upon application of a stimulus (24) to the body portion (12), and (ii) sufficiently stiff to provide support for, and resist movements of, the neonate in the absence of the stimulus (24).

Abstract: Disclosed herein are apparatus, systems and methods for protecting a patient's groin area and better redistributing forces while distracting the patient's hip. These generally involve anatomically correct protective pad and/or a winged protective cup which be used in conjunction with one another or independently. The anatomically correct protective pad may include a groin-facing portion including a recess for housing/protecting a patient's genital region. The pad may further include opposing thigh-facing portions configured to align with the inner thighs of the and better distribute forces (e.g., distraction forces) away from the groin region and longitudinally across a surface area of the inner thighs. The winged protective cup may include a saddle or winged configuration including opposing wings extending from a cup portion and also configured to distribute forces away from the groin region and longitudinally across a surface area of the inner thighs.

Abstract: A support device, comprising a frame; a resting structure for a human body wherein the resting structure is pivotably attached at the frame and includes support elements configured to support a torso of the human body at the resting structure and a footrest; a pivot drive configured to pivot the resting structure at the frame about a transversal axis of the body between a prone position where a longitudinal axis of the body is parallel to a horizontal and a support position where the longitudinal axis of the body is inclined relative to the horizontal by a support angle wherein legs of the body support a weight of the body at least partially on the footrest; and an oscillation drive configured to induce an oscillation of the resting structure wherein the oscillation drive is supported at the frame and moves the resting structure parallel to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A method of controlling a mobility device including at least one drive component that drives at least one joint component is described. The control may include providing said mobility device, providing an electronic communication device having a control application to be executed by the electronic control device, receiving an input of settings information to the electronic communication device, the settings information being stored by the control application, electronically connecting the electronic communication device to the mobility device, and executing the control application with the electronic communication device to perform a session of using the mobility device. The electronic communication device executes the control application to control the at least one drive component of the mobility device to selectively configure and modulate the at least one joint component in accordance with the settings information.

Abstract: A garment comprises a body covering and support belts arranged on the body covering, the body covering comprising portions for covering joints of a wearer, wherein the support belts are arranged on the body covering to run along a surface of the body of the wearer so that each of the joint-covering portions of the body covering is positioned between one end of either of the support belts and the opposite end thereof, wherein the support belts are attached to the body covering so that the support belts and the body covering are separately and individually stretchable, and wherein the support belts each have a tension (T1) in a direction (S) connecting said one end and said opposite end of either of the support belts, and portions of the body covering that lie below the support belts each have a tension (T2) in a direction parallel to the direction (S).

Abstract: A haptic system for providing a gait cadence to a subject comprising a portable telecommunication device with a control unit and a wireless transmission means; a vibrotactile device configured to be tightly worn on a portion of the subject's body, including at least one motor configured to generate vibrations that can be perceived by the subject and an actuation unit configured to actuate the motor. The actuation unit is configured to receive wireless signals from the wireless transmission means of the portable telecommunication device and to cause the motor to produce vibrations responsive to the wireless signals. In the control unit a generation program is resident configured to generate cadence signals and to transmit the wireless signals responsive to the cadence signals by the wireless transmission means to the actuation unit. The generation program is configured to provide corresponding cadence pulses to the motor.

Abstract: A walking training system includes: a treadmill on which a walking trainee walks; a walking assistance apparatus that is mounted on a leg part of the walking trainee and assists walking of the walking trainee; and control means for controlling an operation of the walking assistance apparatus. The control means controls the operation of the walking assistance apparatus so as to cause the walking trainee to approach a reference position when the trainee is spaced apart from the reference position of the treadmill by a predetermined distance or more in a walking front/back direction while the walking trainee is walking on the treadmill, and increases the predetermined distance when at least one of a walking training amount of the walking trainee, a walking training level of the walking trainee set in the walking training system, and the speed of the treadmill is larger/higher/greater than a predetermined amount, level, and speed.

Abstract: Systems and apparatuses for coupling a leg portion of a user to a crutch are provided. The system includes a crutch and a leg brace coupled to the crutch. The leg brace includes an adjustable height portion, a leg receiving portion and a securing mechanism configured to secure a portion of a leg of a user to the leg receiving portion.

Abstract: A collapsible Wheeled Walker with two side frames and two height adjustable upper body supports. The apparatus includes a plurality of wheel direction locks each coupled to a wheel and adapted to lock the wheel in fixed moving direction or to release the wheel to turn freely. The apparatus may include a seat that is slidably attached to the two side frames and is movable between a front position for walking inside the frames and a rear position sitting. The apparatus may be converted to a transport chair by locking front wheel and releasing the rear wheels, and sliding the movable seat to the rear position. It may include an X-folder that facilitates collapsing the Walker to a small footprint. It may also include two forearm gutters as part of the upper body supports that give the user an upright walking posture for health benefits.

Abstract: A collapsible wheeled walker with two side frames and two height adjustable upper body supports. The apparatus includes a seat that is slidably attached to the two side frames and is movable between a front position to facilitate an ample walking space inside the frames and a rear position for a user to sit. The apparatus may include an X-folder that facilitates collapsing the walker to a small footprint for storage and transportation. It may also include a left forearm gutter and a right forearm gutter as part of the upper body supports that give the user an upright walking posture for health benefits.

Abstract: A rollator including a frame having first and second side frames extending along respective ones of a pair of planes. First and second upper body supports are coupled to and disposable at an adjustable height above the frame. A pair of forearm gutters are coupled to respective ones of the first and second upper body supports for engaging and supporting a respective forearm of the user during use. Each forearm gutter includes a peripheral edge, a forward midpoint on the peripheral edge, and a rearward midpoint on the peripheral edge. Each forearm gutter defines a longitudinal axis bisecting the respective forearm gutter and passing through the forward midpoint and the rearward midpoint. The forward midpoint and the rearward midpoint on each forearm gutter fall between the pair of planes.