Abstract: The invention relates to a film clamping element, in particular for carrying out dental treatment in the mouth area of a patient, comprising a vestibular ring (14) and a lip ring (12), between which and optionally beyond which a film (16) extends. The film is held in a stretched manner by the rings, and the film (16) and the rings are elastically deformable, in particular the film and the rings can be pressed together into a substantially oval shape. The invention is characterized in that the vestibular ring (14) has a recess on at least one circumferential point, the width of said recess being greater than the width of a frenulum and smaller than the radius of the vestibular ring (14).

Abstract: A removable, thin-shell tooth positioning appliance having a plurality of tooth-clasping elements for removably engaging attachments bonded onto selected teeth, with flexible curved interconnecting elements connecting the tooth-clasping elements on nearby teeth.

Abstract: Techniques and methods for utilizing ion implantation to modify dental archwires are provided. An example of a method of ion implanting a wire target includes providing the wire target in an ion implant system, implanting ions into the wire target such that a color of the wire target material after the implanting exhibits a changed appearance from the color of the wire target material before the implanting, and removing the wire target from the ion implant system. An example of a copper-aluminum-nickel (CuAlNi) wire includes an ion implanted atomic species wherein a color of an implanted CuAlNi wire is white, off-white and/or silver and further wherein the implanted CuAlNi wire exhibits mechanical properties of an unimplanted CuAlNi wire.

Abstract: A cement system for forming an implant comprises a reactive glass ionomer cement (GIC) powder, a polycarboxylic acid or salt, and a filler. The polycarboxylic acid or salt is included to initially provide a paste having a pH less than 7 when the cement system is mixed with water. In one embodiment, the filler is substantially inert when mixed with water and is selected from (CaO)(AI2O3)6, (CaO)(AI2O3)2, calcium silicate (CaOSiO2), and mixtures thereof. In another embodiment, the filler is substantially reactive when mixed with water and is selected from (CaO)2(SiO2), (CaO)3(SiO2), and mixtures thereof, and the cement system includes an additional acid to maintain the paste at a pH less than 7 for at least one hour after the cement system is mixed with water.

Abstract: An implant fixture is disclosed. The implant fixture contains an elongated shaft section, and a head section, wherein the head section contains at least one concave area for bone growth therein.

Abstract: A dental implant includes a generally cylindrical body, an interior bore, and a non-rotational feature. The generally cylindrical body has a main-central axis and is formed from cold-worked, high strength, commercially pure titanium having an ultimate tensile strength of at least about 900 MPa. The generally cylindrical body has a proximal portion and an opposing distal portion for anchoring the dental implant in bone of a patient. The interior bore is formed in the generally cylindrical body and has (i) a bore-central axis and (ii) a threaded portion for receiving a screw that is configured to removable hold an abutment in engagement with the dental implant. The non-rotational feature is configured to engage the abutment in a non-rotational fashion.

Abstract: Method and system for the construction of a total dental prosthesis, wherein the shapes of the upper and lower jaw bases taken in the plastic material are digitized and stored as a digital prosthesis model in a data-processing device, and the upper and lower jaw prosthesis bases are produced from dental materials according to the digital prosthesis model by ablative or constructive methods.

Abstract: Kits of parts comprising a coloring solution, a porous zirconia article, optionally application equipment, the solution comprising cation(s) of coloring agent(s) in an amount above about 0.05 mol/l, solvent(s) for the ion(s), optionally complexing agent(s), optionally thickening agent(s), optionally organic marker substance(s), optionally additive(s), the porous zirconia article showing a N2 adsorption and desorption of isotherm type IV according to IUPAC classification. Methods for coloring a zirconia article comprising the steps of providing a porous zirconia article and a coloring solution, applying the coloring solution to at least a part of the outer surface of the porous zirconia article, optionally drying the porous zirconia article of the preceding step, sintering the porous zirconia article to obtain a colored zirconia ceramic article.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tooth implant analog 10 with an elongated cylindrical body 11, of which the distal end 12 has a connection interface 20 for an abutment and of which the proximal end 16 has an outer thread 28, with an indexing element 22, which is attached to the outer face of the body, and with a depth stop element 18, which is provided on the outer face of the body.

Abstract: An oral care appliance comprises: a fluid pump assembly (46); a source of liquid (50); and a source of gas (12), wherein the pump is in operative communication with the sources of liquid and gas to produce a series of gas-injected fluid pulses, directed to a nozzle assembly (80) from which the resulting pulses are directed to the teeth. The individual pulses have a pulse width in the range of 0.001-0.5 seconds, a pulse height from 0.1-10 Newtons, and a rise/fall time range of 0.5-250 ms, a repetition rate in the range of 2 Hz to 20 Hz. The gas/liquid mixture range from 40-95% volume to volume, gas to liquid.

Abstract: A device and method for moving cargo above a floor inside an aircraft comprises a rigid under-floor. The device comprises a body part for supporting the weight of the cargo, lifting means and for lowering the body part from its lifted position into a retracted position, and a drive unit for moving the body part. The method comprises the steps of providing at least two devices in an aircraft, positioning the devices beneath the cargo, wherein the body parts of the devices are in their retracted positions. The body parts are lifted such that the weight of the cargo is supported by the body parts and the cargo is lifted above the floor. The cargo is then moved to a desired position and lowered into their retracted positions such that the cargo is lowered and the devices are moved away vertically from the cargo.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device for whitening teeth, including both a tank (16) for at least part of the whitening product in solid or semi-solid form, and a tank (17) of a product in liquid form and means designed to mix the products in powder form and in liquid form before they come out of a nozzle (14), the device also includes a duct (18) leading to the nozzle (14) and operatively connected to a pressurized energy source (219) from which, on command, a flow of gas extends; operatively connected in an intermediate position of a first stretch (18A) of the duct (18) there being the tank (16) of at least part of the whitening product; operatively connected in an intermediate position of a second stretch (18B) of the duct (18) there being the tank (17) of product in liquid form.

Abstract: A device, method, and system are provided for aiding in dental treatments. Such devices may include or consist of a dental gum guard. The dental gum guard preferably includes an at least partially arch-shaped flexible drape designed to conform substantially to a gum ridge anatomy. Preferably the dental gum guard has a plurality of holes, such as pre-configured cut-out holes (e.g., of varying diameter). The holes may allow for customized insertion over the teeth. The dental gum guard preferably provides a dry field.

Abstract: A system and associated method for manipulating tissues and anatomical or other structures in medical applications for the purpose of treating incontinence. In one aspect, the system includes a delivery device configured to deploy and implant anchor devices for distracting and/or retracting the urethra or tissues proximate thereto, or to maintain a position of a urethra in response to intra-abdominal pressures.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a device and a method for controlling fecal incontinence. The device of this invention is easily inserted into the anal canal, and is designed for remaining where required in the anal canal or rectum, above the dentate line and hemorrhoidal vein area, despite the peristaltic movements of the intestine.

Abstract: The invention relates to a thrombectomy device with a substantially cylindrical stent structure (1), which has a multiplicity of meshes (3, 4) and two connectors (5, 5?) that are arranged on different meshes (3) at the proximal end of the stent structure (1), and with a guide wire (12), which has a coupling element (11) to which the connectors (5, 5?) are coupled, with a slit (7), which extends in a helical formation across the jacket surface (8) of the stent structure (1), and with a tensioning bow (9), which spans the slit (7) at the proximal end.

Abstract: An embolectomy device includes a clot engaging structure comprising a plurality of interconnected struts forming an open cell structure having an inner lumen, wherein the clot engaging structure is biased to expand or otherwise expandable from a radially constrained configuration to a radially expanded configuration when released from a delivery catheter into a blood vessel; and a support structure positioned within the inner lumen of the clot engaging structure, the support structure comprising a plurality of connectors connected to respective struts of the clot engaging structure, wherein the support structure connectors are biased to move or otherwise movable from a radially constrained configuration to a radially expanded configuration to thereby cause or otherwise assist and/or facilitate and maintain expansion of the open cell clot engaging structure.

Abstract: A percutaneous transluminal device, comprising an elongated catheter, an interventional device operably coupled to the proximal end of the catheter, a filter operably coupled to the distal end of the catheter, the filter movable between a collapsed and deployed position 218, and an actuator wire for deploying the collapsing the filter. The filter including a filter chassis comprising a movable collar a fixed collar and a tubular braided scaffolding coupled between the movable collar and the fixed collar. Each wire of the braided scaffolding moving independently with respect to the other wires between the movable collar and the fixed collar as the filter moves between the collapsed position and the deployed position.

Abstract: Bio-adhesive textured surfaces are described which allow implants to be localized within a living body. Hierarchical levels of texture on an implantable medical device, some capable of establishing a Wenzel state and others a Cassie state, are employed to interface with living structures to provide resistance to device migration. Since a gaseous state is traditionally required to establish a Cassie or Wenzel state, and gases do not remain long in living tissue, described are tissue/device interactions analogous to the above states with the component normally represented by a gas replaced by a bodily constituent, wherein separation of tissue constituents develops and an analogous Cassie, Wenzel or Cassie-Wenzel state evolves.

Abstract: Medical systems, devices and methods for creation of autologous tissue valves within a mammalian body are disclosed. One example of a device for creating a valve flap from a vessel wall includes an elongate tubular structure having a proximal portion and a distal portion and a longitudinal axis; a first lumen having a first exit port located on the distal portion of the elongate tubular structure; a second lumen having a second exit port located on the distal portion of the elongate tubular structure; a recessed distal surface on the distal portion of the elongate tubular structure, wherein the recessed distal surface is located distally to the first exit port; and an open trough on the recessed distal surface extending longitudinally from the first exit port.

Abstract: This application is directed to a device comprising a covering attached to the device. A process of making a device with a specific covering attached is also disclosed. The application further discloses a method for the treatment of perforations, fistulas, ruptures, dehiscence and aneurisms in luminal vessels and organs of a subject.

Abstract: An endoluminal prosthesis (110) for a curved vessel includes a tubular graft defining a lumen between a proximal end and a distal end, the tubular graft comprising a proximal section (114) and a second section distal (116) of the proximal section, where a proximal end of the second section is adjacent to a distal end of the proximal section. The proximal section includes a first biocompatible material having pliable textile strands aligned in a first direction interwoven with pliable textile strands aligned in a second direction. The second section includes a second biocompatible material having textile strands aligned in a first direction interwoven with textile strands aligned in a second direction, where the proximal section is more pliable than the second section.

Abstract: Embodiments of an intraocular lens are described. The intraocular lens includes a lens having a center and having positive or negative optical power and a pinhole mask formed on the lens. The pinhole mask includes one or more annular sections whose centers substantially coincide with the center of the lens, each of the one or more concentric annular sections having variable opacity, and a central section that is permanently transparent, the radius of the central section being adapted to allow the central section to act as a pinhole when the one or more concentric annular sections are made opaque.

Abstract: An expansible ear canal insert for treating TMJ disorders and headaches which acts directly on the TMJ and associated ligament and muscle structures to reduce stress and loads placed on the articulator disc located between the temporal bone and the mandible, as well as supportive muscles and ligaments near the TMJ. The insert is adapted to expand by application of body heat. In the expanded condition, the insert provides support to the TMJ and associated ligament and muscle structures.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating a nasal valve condition including surgically forming an access path to create a pocket on a side of the patient's nose. The pocket is positioned between a soft tissue layer and opposing surfaces of upper and lower cartilages of the nose. The pocket spans a junction between the upper and lower cartilages. An implant is placed through the access path into the pocket with a length oriented to span the junction. A delivery system for placement of the implant includes a surgical tool for forming the access path and for delivering the implant into the access path.

Abstract: Prosthetic heart valves, which are collapsible to a relatively small circumferential size for less invasive delivery into a patient and which then re-expand to operating size at an implant site in the patient, include a collapsible/expandable stent-like supporting structure and various components of flexible, sheet-like material that are attached to the supporting structure. For example, these sheet-like other components may include prosthetic valve leaflets, layers of buffering material, cuff material, etc. Improved structures and techniques are provided for securing such other components to the stent-like supporting structure of the valve.

Abstract: A biological heart valve replacement, particularly for pediatric patients, comprises a tubular segment (A) comprising a proximal end (Ep), a distal end (Ed) and a central portion (Pc) arranged between said proximal and distal ends and defining a longitudinal direction of the valve. The valve further comprises at least one inner leaflet (C) attached in hinge-like manner to a connection zone (F) at an inner wall (W) region of said central portion, each one of said inner leaflets being movable between a closing position and an opening position of the valve. In order to provide growth adaptability, the tubular segment comprises at least one tubular growth zone (B; B1,B2) configured as a longitudinal strip made of a growth-adaptive biomaterial, with the remainder of the tubular segment being made of a non-growth-adaptive biomaterial.

Abstract: A personalized prosthetic valve for implantation at a native valve treatment site includes a self-expanding mesh and a plurality of valve leaflets coupled to the mesh. The mesh may be delivered to the native valve in a collapsed configuration, and in an expanded configuration the mesh engages the native valve. The mesh in the expanded configuration is also personalized to match the treatment site, such that the outer mesh surface substantially matches the treatment site shape and size. The self-expanding mesh forms a central lumen configured to allow blood or other body fluids to pass therethrough. In the open configuration, blood passes through the prosthetic valve, and in the closed configuration, the plurality of leaflets are closer together and blood is prevented from flowing upstream through the prosthetic valve.

Abstract: A prosthetic mitral valve with a frame comprises at least one arm shaped to deploy among a region of chordae tendineae of the native mitral valve to deflect these chords in order to pull the native valve leaflets around the frame to avoid paravalvular leaks. The frame may be made from two parts that are connected by sutures. The prosthetic valve may be deployed by a catherer comprising a deployment clamp attached to the valve frame where the deployment clamp is actuable to induce rotation of the frame.

Abstract: A method of crimping an implantable prosthetic valve can include placing protective material over at least a portion of the implantable prosthetic valve. The protective material can be configured to occupy space between open cells of a frame of the implantable prosthetic valve to prevent damage to a leaflet structure of the implantable prosthetic valve. The method can also include crimping the implantable prosthetic valve with the protective material on the implantable prosthetic valve, and removing the protective material from between the frame and the leaflet structure of the implantable prosthetic valve.

Abstract: A device (100) for the excision of a heart valve via a percutaneous route having a proximal (20) and distal (30) end, comprising an expandable cutting instrument, ECI, that forms a receptacle in the open configuration for receiving, compacting and containing the excised heart valve, an expandable cutting block, ECB, and a displacement mechanism (5, 6) for adjusting the distance between the ECI and the ECB (70).

Abstract: A prosthetic valve assembly includes an annular frame having an inner radial surface, an outer radial surface, and defining an inner lumen. The prosthetic valve assembly further includes a leaflet assembly including at least one leaflet having an inner radial surface and an outer radial surface. The at least one leaflet is disposed at least partially within the inner lumen of the annular frame. The prosthetic valve assembly includes a crimping accessory device having a handle and at least one shielding member removably disposed between the outer radial surface of the at least one leaflet and the inner radial surface of the annular frame. The at least one shielding member is configured to reduce physical contact between the at least one leaflet and the inner radial surface of the annular frame.

Abstract: A delivery device for a collapsible prosthetic heart valve may include an operating handle and a catheter assembly. The handle may include a housing, a piston cylinder, a piston longitudinally slidable within the piston cylinder, the piston and the piston cylinder together defining at least one pressure chamber, a deployment actuator coupled to the housing and rotatable relative thereto, and a pneumatic switch adapted to provide a pressurized fluid to the pressure chamber to apply a longitudinal force to the piston. The catheter assembly may include a first shaft around which a valve-receiving compartment is defined, the first shaft being operatively connected to the housing, and a distal sheath operatively connected to the piston, the distal sheath being moveable between a closed condition covering the compartment and an open condition uncovering the compartment. Longitudinal movement of the piston may move the distal sheath between the closed and open conditions.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an external cardiac basal annuloplasty system (ECBAS or BACE-System: basal annuloplasty of the cardia externally) and methods for treatment of regurgitation of mitral and tricuspid valves. The BACE-System provides the ability to correct leakage of regurgitation of the valves with or without the use of cardiopulmonary bypass, particularly when the condition is related to dilation of the base of the heart. This ECBAS invention can be applied to the base of the heart epicardially, either to prevent further dilation or to actively reduce the size of the base of the heart.

Abstract: A device for containing bone graft material includes a mesh outer sleeve extending longitudinally from a proximal end to a distal end and sized and shaped to correspond to a profile of an outer surface of a target bone. The outer sleeve includes a longitudinal slot extending along a length thereof. The device also includes a mesh inner sleeve connected to an interior surface of the outer sleeve via at least one strut so that a bone graft collecting space is defined therebetween. The inner sleeve is sized and shaped to correspond to a profile of a medullary canal of the target bone. In addition, the device includes an interstitial mesh extending radially away from an exterior surface of the inner sleeve toward an interior surface of the outer sleeve to hold graft material in the bone graft collecting space.

Abstract: Photodynamic devices for replacement of an articular head of a bone are provided. In an embodiment, a photodynamic device includes a photodynamic support member and an articular member attachable, either fixedly or removably, to the photodynamic support member and having a bearing surface. In an embodiment, the articular member includes a recess designed to receive the photodynamic support member. In an embodiment, the photodynamic support member includes an opening into which a shaft of the articular member can be inserted to attach the articular member to the photodynamic support member.

Abstract: A system for installing a labral graft includes placing anchors into a bone thereby immovably coupling the anchors to the bone, coupling a suture to at least one of the anchors, coupling sutures to a graft, using the sutures coupled to the graft to manipulate the graft into position and tightening the sutures, thereby coupling the graft to the bone. Additionally, the system also includes a graft installation funnel having a tapered funnel body and an annular space within the tapered funnel body that is capable of retaining a graft and easing installation of the graft. Further, the system for installing a labral graft includes a graft preparation device including a block with a longitudinal recess, the longitudinal recess having a cross section that mimics the natural shape of a tissue that is to be replaced by a graft, and suture slots.

Abstract: Intervertebral implants, assemblies, and methods thereof. An intervertebral implant includes opposing chamfered edges to reduce a diagonal distance between the edges. The reduced diagonal distance minimizes distraction of an intervertebral disc space during insertion of the implant. A tool for insertion and rotation of the implant is also provided.

Abstract: A knee prosthesis comprising a femur component defining a ball-like femoral condyle and a tibia component defining a cavity on its medial side corresponding to the ball-like condyle. The knee prosthesis enables pivoting of the tibia component about the medial side of the femur component as a function of the flexion angle ? as long as there is joint compression applied to the knee prosthesis as exemplified by muscle forces, weight, and ligament tensions, to enforce contact between the tibia component and the femur component. The geometries of the spherical load bearing surfaces of the medial tibia condyle and medial femur condyle provide the kinematic degrees of freedom and the geometric constraints required for proper guiding of the rolling and sliding surfaces of the femoral component and tibial component during articulation of the present knee prosthesis.

Abstract: A distal portion of a filament is extended beyond the distal end of a needle containing a gripper. A flexible one-way filament retainer with a snagging point is positioned adjacent to the extended filament. The needle with the extended filament and the one-way filament retainer are inserted into a cannula. During partial withdrawal of the needle, the snagging point of the one-way filament retainer hooks or retains the distal portion of the filament, depositing a section of the filament between the snagging point of the one-way filament retainer and the needle. When the needle is re-advanced, the needle pushes open the flexible one-way filament retainer, and the section of the filament is expelled or deposited in tissue. The needle can be rotated; the gripper engages and spirals the expelled filament to burrow into tissue. The method of needle partial withdrawal, re-advancement, rotation and pushing is repeated to pack and fill the tissue with interconnecting spirals of filament.

Abstract: An implantable orthopedic stability device is disclosed. The device can have a contracted and an expanded configuration. A method of using the device between adjacent vertebral body surfaces for support and/or fixation of either or both of the adjacent vertebrae is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of using a plurality of blades within a fixation device to attach to a vertebra is provided. Each blade includes a body having a central opening configured to rotate on a shaft within a housing of the fixation device, control openings on opposing sides of the central opening sized to engage prongs of a rotating tool, and at least one cutting extension with a sharp leading edge extending from the body in an orientation about an axis of the shaft, wherein upon rotation of the blade by the rotating tool about the shaft in a direction in which the at least one cutting extension is oriented, the at least one cutting extension will break an endplate of a vertebra and hook into the vertebra.

Abstract: A bone fusion method, system and device for insertion between bones that are to be fused together in order to replace degenerated discs and/or bones, for example, the vertebrae of a spinal column. The bone fusion device comprises a frame and one or more extendable plates that are able to be angled, rotatable, adjustable, and have top profiles designed to correct and/or match the replaced discs/bones. The bone fusion device is able to be inserted between or replace the vertebrae by using a minimally invasive procedure wherein the dimensions and/or other characteristics of the bone fusion device are selectable based on the type of minimally invasive procedure.

Abstract: A system and method for electrical stimulation in an orthopedic implant that includes at least one implantable component with an implant body, a plurality of electrodes, and implant circuitry is effective to convert an external wireless power transmission to an electrical current and effective to control the plurality of electrodes; and at least one non-implant with a power source, and transmitter circuitry to generate the electromagnetic field that couples with the implant circuitry.

Abstract: A spinal fixation device includes an outer housing and an end plate assembly coupled with the outer housing. The outer housing defines an aperture and a longitudinal axis. At least a portion of the end plate assembly is slidably received within the outer housing. The end plate assembly includes a first end plate configured to engage a vertebral body, wherein the end plate assembly is selectively movable between a first position in which the first end plate is spaced apart from the outer housing and a second position in which the first end plate is adjacent the outer housing. Further, the first end plate is selectively adjustable to an angular orientation of a plurality of angular orientations with respect to the longitudinal axis of the outer housing.

Abstract: An expandable implant includes a structural insert to provide a robust connection between an insertion instrument and the expandable implant. The structural insert can be made from a different material than the remainder of the implant to withstand compressive, tensile, shear, and torsional loads which may be present while inserting the implant into a patient. The structural insert may be formed as part of a bottom member of the implant or may be a separate element inserted into the implant body. The structural insert may provide a threaded connection to an insertion instrument. The expandable implant may include a bone graft port in fluid communication with a bone graft opening extending through the implant body.

Abstract: Intervertebral implants, assemblies, and methods thereof. An intervertebral implant includes opposing chamfered edges to reduce a diagonal distance between the edges. The reduced diagonal distance minimizes distraction of an intervertebral disc space during insertion of the implant. A tool for insertion and rotation of the implant is also provided.

Abstract: An expandable interbody fusion device includes superior and inferior endplates that are configured to receive a sequentially inserted stack of interlocking expansion members or wafers. The like-configured wafers include features on their top and bottom surfaces that interlock the wafers in multiple degrees of freedom so that the wafer stack is not disrupted when the fusion device is fully expanded. One of the interlocking features includes a plurality of prongs projecting from an upper surface of the wafers and into a recess defined in the lower surface of an adjacent previously inserted like-configured wafer. The prongs and recesses are configured to prevent retrograde movement of each new wafer in a direction opposite the direction of insertion. Other interlocking features prevent movement in the direction of insertion, transverse to the insertion direction and vertically within the stack.

Abstract: A spinal implant includes a first member defining a longitudinal axis and including a wall that defines an axial cavity. The first member further defines at least one lateral cavity configured for disposal of an instrument and is oriented transverse relative to the longitudinal axis. A second member includes an axial surface defining gear teeth and being configured for disposal with the axial cavity such that the teeth are offset from the longitudinal axis. The instrument is engageable with the teeth to axially translate the second member relative to the first member. Surgical instruments, systems and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A disassembly tool for disassembly of a first component of a prosthesis to a second component of the prosthesis for use in joint arthroplasty. The tool includes a first member having a radial portion operably associated with the first component and adapted to exert a radial force on the first component. A second member operably associated with the second component is also included and the second member has a second member longitudinal axis. A drive mechanism is coupled to the second member, such that as the drive mechanism is activated, the second member exerts a force against the second component in the direction of the longitudinal axis. Such exertion of force against the second member further causes the second member to move relative to the first member along the second member longitudinal axis.