Abstract: A dental model and related systems and methods, including a first component representing a portion of a patient's jaw and a second component that is demountably attachable to the first component, and a second component representing a dental structure of interest, such as the remaining portion of a tooth or a dental implant.

Abstract: A brush head for an electrically driven toothbrush includes a holding part (2) that provides at least one connecting element for mechanically coupling the brush head to the electric drive of the toothbrush, wherein the holding part (2) integrally forms a stud (4) defining a pivot axis (S) about which the brush head is pivotable, and a plate (6) which at its end facing away from the stud (4) carries at least one bristle bundle (8) which at its attachment-side end includes a thickening (14) formed by surface melting. For improving the brush head, a substantially disc-shaped bristle carrier (10) is connected to a holding part (2) and includes a bore that is penetrated by the bristle bundle (8).

Abstract: A power toothbrush apparatus may include a body having a cavity and an opening leading to the cavity. An electric motor may be situated within the cavity and may include first and second biasing members; a stator casing situated between, and linearly biased by, the first and second biasing members, the stator casing may further include at least one opening and at least one electromagnet to generate a magnetic field; and a rotor which may have opposed ends and which may extend through the at least one opening of the stator casing, the rotor may further include an output shaft. The power toothbrush may further include a workpiece having a brush head coupled thereto and which may be coupled to one of the opposed ends of the output shaft.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a fastenable device for oral area position detection that is fastenable to oral care implements.

Abstract: Described herein is a dispenser for dispensing fluid that, integrated into one hand piece, comprises a variable volume chamber with a plunger disposed within the chamber and a chamber inlet and outlet. The inlet and outlet communicate directly with a common chamber volume and the plunger translates in a linear direction relative to the chamber along a common longitudinal axis to expel fluid from the chamber (expel stroke) and/or draw fluid into the chamber (drawing stroke). The plunger is linked to a controller, a power source and a motor that drives translation movement of the plunger. The dispenser described herein offers a variety of advantages over the art including accurate dosing without the user having the manually regulate the dose amount—the amount to be dosed is related to the volume of fluid in the chamber which can be pre-set or varied automatically using sensors and controllers.

Abstract: A health device for male urinary incontinence includes a strap suited to be wrapped and closed as a ring around the penis and provided with at least one projection that is directed towards the inside of the ring formed by the closed strap, the projection being suited to be positioned at the level of the urethral canal.

Abstract: An applicator instrument for dispensing surgical fasteners includes a housing, a firing system disposed in the housing, an actuator coupled with the housing for activating the firing system, an elongated shaft extending from the housing, the elongated shaft having a proximal end secured to the housing, a distal end, and a first axis extending between the proximal and distal ends, one or more surgical fasteners disposed in the elongated shaft, and a distal end cap secured to the distal end of the elongated shaft. The distal end cap has a surgical fastener dispensing window for dispensing the one or more surgical fasteners from the distal end cap. The firing system includes a firing rod that extends through the elongated shaft for dispensing the one or more surgical fasteners from the distal end cap. The firing rod has a proximal section that moves along the first axis of the elongated shaft and a distal section that moves along a second axis that defines an angle with the first axis.

Abstract: A blood filter delivery system for delivering a filter into a vein from either a femoral or jugular access. The preferred system includes an introducer and a push-rod with a spline member disposed along the push-rod and a pusher member disposed on a distal end. The spline member has a main body, first and second boss portions spaced apart along the longitudinal axis to provide a gap for retaining anchor members of the filter during delivery via the introducer. In an alternative embodiment, a preferred filter includes first and second filter structures diverging in opposite directions. A link is connected to portions of each of the first and second filter structures so that each filter structure can be independently collapsed into a generally cylindrical shape.

Abstract: The present invention features systems for orthopedic repair of, for example, a joint. The present systems deviate from conventional systems by virtue of combining a finer prosthetic ligament with a robust anchor. The relationship between these components and their various features are described herein and result in joint reconstruction in human and veterinary settings that is less likely to fail over time.

Abstract: A reinforced graft construct for repairing a tendon or ligament formed by inserting a piece of material, such as suture, through the graft lengthwise. The material may be inserted along only a portion of the graft or along the entire graft. The material may be a reinforcement (reinforcing) material such as suture, tape, weave, or mesh passed lengthwise through the graft (for example, along the center of the graft). The ends of the graft may be whipstiched to provide additional fixation when implanted. The material may be bioabsorbable such that it will resorb away after a period of time in the body.

Abstract: An optical device comprising an optical hydrogel with select regions that have been irradiated with laser light having a pulse energy from 0.01 nJ to 50 nJ and a wavelength from 600 nm to 900 nm. The irradiated regions are characterized by a positive change in refractive index of from 0.01 to 0.06, and exhibit little or no scattering loss. The optical hydrogel is prepared with a hydrophilic monomer.

Abstract: An apparatus includes an intraocular pseudophakic contact lens. The intraocular pseudophakic contact lens includes an optical lens configured to at least partially correct a residual refractive error in an eye. The residual refractive error includes a refractive error that exists in the eye after implantation of an artificial intraocular lens in the eye. The intraocular pseudophakic contact lens also includes one or more haptics configured to be inserted under an anterior leaflet of a capsular wall in the eye in order to capture and confine the one or more haptics under the anterior leaflet and secure the intraocular pseudophakic contact lens against the artificial intraocular lens.

Abstract: A multifocal intraocular lens has an anterior lens surface which includes a first optic of a first radius and a second optic of a different radius. The posterior surface of the lens include an aspheric surface.

Abstract: Systems and methods involving an intraocular implant with input and/or output electronics are described. In some embodiments, the system includes an intraocular lens having at least one optic operably coupled to a haptic, one or more input electronics on the haptic and/or the optic; and one or more output electronics on the haptic and/or the optic for receiving and/or transmitting data.

Abstract: Accommodating intraocular lenses and methods of use. The accommodating intraocular lenses include peripheral regions that are adapted to be more responsive to certain types of forces than to other types of forces. For example, the accommodating intraocular lenses can include haptics that are stiffer in an anterior-to-posterior direction than in a radial direction.

Abstract: A method of maintaining a hydrophilic intraocular lens in a foldable state without immersing the intraocular lens in liquid water includes the step of storing the foldable intraocular lens within a substantially airtight package containing a water reservoir not in direct contact with the lens.

Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve includes a plurality of synthetic polymeric leaflets. Each leaflet has a base polymer and a polymer coating at least partially disposed over the base polymer, wherein the polymer coating includes polymerized units of a monomer comprising a zwitterionic group when the polymer coating is exposed to an aqueous environment at a pH of about 7.4.

Abstract: A method of reinforcing or repairing a bioprosthetic tissue for use as a prosthetic valve leaflet. The method includes evaluating a bioprosthetic tissue, identifying a defect in the bioprosthetic tissue, and selectively applying an adhesive to a surface of the bioprosthetic tissue at the defect prior to implantation in a patient.

Abstract: Prosthetic heart valve devices for percutaneous replacement of native heart valves and associated systems and method are disclosed herein. A prosthetic heart valve device configured in accordance with a particular embodiment of the present technology can include an anchoring member having an upstream portion configured to engage with tissue on or near the annulus of the native heart valve and to deform in a non-circular shape to conform to the tissue. The device can also include a mechanically isolated valve support coupled to the anchoring member and configured to support a prosthetic valve. The device can further include an atrial extension member extending radially outward from the upstream portion of the anchoring member and which is deformable without substantially deforming the anchoring member. In some embodiments, the upstream portion of the anchoring member and the extension member may be deformed while the valve support remains sufficiently stable.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are described including identifying a subject as suffering from a condition that causes the subject to have elevated central venous pressure. In response thereto, a device is placed inside the subject's vena cava such that an upstream end of the device is placed at a location upstream of junctions of the vena cava with all of the subject's renal veins. The device defines a passage through the device, at least a portion of the passage converging in a direction from an upstream end of the device to downstream end of the device. Other applications are also described.

Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve includes a stent having an expanded configuration and a collapsed configuration, the stent in the expanded configuration having a longitudinal axis, an inflow end, an outflow end, a first portion adjacent the inflow end and a second portion adjacent the outflow end. The first portion includes a plurality of collapsible cells each having a perimeter and an open center; and the second portion includes a plurality of struts spaced from one another in an annular direction of the stent, the second portion of the stent being devoid of structure between annularly adjacent ones of the struts, whereby the annularly adjacent ones of the struts are not directly connected to one another. A valve assembly is supported by the stent.

Abstract: The invention relates to a medical implant, comprising an expandable structure (100) which is designed to be expanded from a crimped state into an expanded state, wherein the structure (100) forms a tubular scaffolding in the expanded state, and wherein the structure (100) comprises a plurality of first struts (101) arranged along a periphery of the structure in said expanded state. According to the invention, the first struts (101) each comprise a recess (O), wherein the medical implant (1) further comprises a sealing member (200) arranged in said recesses (O), wherein said sealing member (200) is formed annularly in said expanded state.

Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve having an inflow end, an outflow end and a longitudinal axis extending from the inflow end to the outflow end includes a collapsible and expandable stent including a plurality of cells arranged in at least one row extending around a circumference of the stent. The stent further includes at least one engaging arm joined to one of the cells adjacent the outflow end and having a free end extending toward the inflow end, the engaging arm being movable between a loaded condition in which the engaging arm is oriented substantially parallel with the longitudinal axis of the stent, a partially-released condition in which the engaging arm forms a first angle with the longitudinal axis of the stent, and a fully-released condition in which the engaging arm forms a second angle with the longitudinal axis of the stent, the first angle being larger than the second angle.

Abstract: Stent-valves (e.g., single-stent-valves and double-stent-valves), associated methods and systems for their delivery via minimally-invasive surgery, and guide-wire compatible closure devices for sealing access orifices are provided.

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 method for delivering an implant including, a catheter having a shaft defined by a proximal end and a distal end and a bore extending therethrough; a first joint in the shaft, and a second joint in the shaft located distal of the first joint. The first joint and the second joint are separated by a first digit sized to receive the implant and located between the first joint and the second joint. The second joint and the distal end are separated by a second digit being sized to receive the implant. The implant is advanced through the first digit and into the second digit without bending the implant or the first and second digits by rotating the digits at the first joint and the second joint.

Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve includes a collapsible and expandable support frame extending between an inflow end and an outflow end and a plurality of commissures, wherein each commissure is formed with an elongate opening. A plurality of leaflets are supported inside the support structure and operative for allowing flow in a first direction from the inflow end to the outflow end and to substantially block flow in an opposite direction from the outflow end to the inflow end. Each of the plurality of leaflets includes tabs. The prosthetic heart valve includes at least a first panel of fabric covering the opening of a first commissure. The first panel of fabric is attached to a first tab of a first leaflet via a suture extending orthogonal to the first panel of fabric, wherein the first panel of fabric is positioned radially outwardly of the first tab.

Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve includes a collapsible and expandable stent extending from an inflow end to an outflow end and a plurality of prosthetic valve leaflets coupled to the stent. The prosthetic heart valve may also include a sealing ring coupled to the inflow end of the stent, the sealing ring comprising a tube extending circumferentially around the inflow end of the stent. The tube may be formed from a wire coiled into a repeating shape, such as a rectangle or a diamond, so that the tube is collapsible. A covering may at least partially surround the tube. The sealing ring may include a first filler positioned within the tube and/or a second filler positioned between the tube and the covering.

Abstract: Devices and methods for implantation at a native mitral valve having a non-circular annulus and leaflets. One embodiment of the device includes a valve support having a first region configured to be attached to a prosthetic valve with a plurality of prosthetic leaflets and a second region. The device can further include an anchoring member having a longitudinal dimension and including a first portion configured to contact tissue at the non-circular annulus, a second portion configured to be attached to the valve support, and a lateral portion between the first portion and the second portion. The second portion of the anchoring member is attached to the second region of the valve support while in a low-profile configuration in which the anchoring member and the valve support are configured to pass through vasculature of a human. The lateral portion is transverse to the longitudinal dimension.

Abstract: The ventricle of a heart can be reshaped by passing a plurality of catheters from inside the ventricle to outside the ventricle through holes in the ventricle wall. Fluid-tight bags are then delivered through the catheters and expanded outside the ventricle to a diameter that is larger than the holes. A fluid substance is introduced into the bags, and the fluid substance is configured to solidify into solid pads that are also larger than the holes. The solid pads are then pulled towards each other and locked in position in order to reshape the ventricle.

Abstract: A bone void forming assembly includes a support member having a head portion and an elongate portion extending therefrom. A guide member is connected to the support member and has a guide body including a channel extending therethrough. The channel defines an axis offset and obliquely angled relative to an axis of the elongate portion. The assembly also includes reamer having a cutting head and a stop member. A bushing is slidably connected to the reamer between the stop member and cutting head and is slidably connectable to the guide body via the channel.

Abstract: A system and method for improving mechanical assemblies, such as prosthetic implants, intended to be installed in living tissue such as bone. Force-imparting devices are adapted and may include angularity, which may be introduced with specialized additive manufacturing, which may impart congruent cross-sections while providing variable stiffness. In some cases, the variable stiffness may be “stretchy” in a longitudinal direction and “rigid” in a radial directional which may provide an assembly bias. Additive manufacturing may allow the material of a prosthesis to be varied (e.g., density/porosity) to create variable stiffness over a length.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an elbow prosthesis, including: at least one ulnar section, including a stem portion extending along a substantially longitudinal axis (x-x) between a proximal end and a distal end; at least one humeral section, including a stem portion extending along a substantially longitudinal axis (y-y) between a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end of the humeral section delimiting an engagement seat with the proximal end of the ulnar section; articulation pin between the distal end of the humeral section and the proximal end of the ulnar section, available along an axis (z-z) perpendicular with respect to the substantially longitudinal axis (y-y) of the humeral section. The proximal end of the ulnar section is engageable in the housing seat.

Abstract: This invention improves upon prior art total disc replacements (TDRs) by more closely replicating the kinematics of a natural disc. The preferred embodiments feature two or more fixed centers of rotation (CORs) and an optional variable COR (VCOR) as the artificial disk replacement (ADR) translates from a fixed posterior COR that lies posterior to the COR of the TDR to facilitate normal disc motion. The use of two or more CORs allows more flexion and more extension than permitted by the facet joints and the artificial facet (AF). AF joint-like components may also be incorporated into the design to restrict excessive translation, rotation, and/or lateral bending.

Abstract: A joint spacer therapeutically maintains separation of bones of a joint. A carriage is slideably retained within the frame and has at least one ramped surface. An actuator screw is threadably engaged with the frame, and rotatably connected to the carriage, to cause the carriage to slideably move within the frame when the actuator screw is rotated. First and second endplates engage the bones of the joint, and each has at least one ramped surface that is mateable with the ramped surface of the carriage, whereby when the carriage is slideably moved by rotation of the actuator screw, the endplates ramped surface slides against the carriage ramped surface to cause the endplates to move along an axis transverse to the longitudinal axis of the frame, to increase the height of the spacer. Piercing elements are connected to the carriage to pierce bone of the joint when the carriage is moved.

Abstract: An expanding implant (10, 10?, 10?) includes a base (12) having a contact surface (14) for contacting a first region of tissue and a displaceable portion. (24) having a contact surface (26) for contacting a second region of tissue. The base (12) has a proximal portion (16) in sliding engagement with, a distal portion (18) so as to define an arcuate path of relative motion between the proximal and distal portions. The base assumes an initial state with a first arcuate extent and is adjustable towards a second State by changing an: extent of overlap between the proximal and distal portions to vary an. arcuate extent of the base. First and second rigid linking segments (20, 22) are in articulating connection with the distal and proximal portions of the base, and with the displaceable portion such that adjustment of the base from the initial state towards the second state causes an increase in a distance between the contact surfaces of the base and the displaceable portion.

Abstract: A distance interbody device for introducing a biomaterial to a vertebral body includes a shaped body and a dispense mechanism operable to dispense biomaterial. The shaped body includes a top side, a bottom side, and a lateral wall forming a peripheral wall that extends between the top and bottom sides. The shaped body is provided with at least one through channel and at least one anchoring element. The through channel includes an internal reservoir for the biomaterial. The through channel passes through the anchoring element to at least one outlet opening located in the at least one anchoring element.

Abstract: Expandable spinal implants and drivers connected by a bendable joint are disclosed. The flexible connector allows the implant and driver to move to different angular orientations with respect to each other, and to apply rotational force or torque from the driver to the implant and its expansion mechanism. During insertion of an implant into the desired position, the driver may be oriented in the same or different direction than the long axis of the implant. After the spinal implant is placed in the desired position, the driver is used to expand the implant in selected dimensions.

Abstract: Intervertebral spacer implants with dynamic load spreading features responsive to external loads and having attachment mechanisms. The dynamic load spreading features having a native state and a loaded state, which complements vertebral end plate geometry and disperses load to the epiphyseal rim.

Abstract: A bone joint repair and replacement assembly. A first portion comprising a bone plate is configured to attach to a distal or proximal end of a bone proximate the joint, generally coaxially with an axis defined by the bone. A second portion comprising an articular surface is configured to attach to the first portion, generally normal with respect to the axis, and inserted into the joint. Although versions of the assembly can be configured for use with several different pivotal joints, the invention is particularly suitable for full or partial replacement of an elbow, wherein the articular surface is pivotally attached to the first portion. Another embodiment of the invention is provided to repair a fractured bone head proximate the joint, and still another embodiment of the invention is provided to repair rotator cuff-related shoulder injuries.

Abstract: A method for producing a three-dimensional, multi-cell object, in which polymerized structures are produced in layers by the irradiation of light radiation. To this end, use is made of photopolymerizable liquids which at least partly comprise biological cells. The invention also relates to a device for carrying out such a method and to the use of this device for producing an artificial organ.

Abstract: A prosthetic arm apparatus comprising a plurality of interconnected segments that provide the prosthetic arm apparatus with substantially the same movement capability and function as a human arm. The segments are connected to one another and connectable to a harness mount that may be adorned by the user. Each segment of the plurality of segments includes an actuator providing a portion of the movement capability, and each segment may operate independently of each of the other segments of the plurality of segments. One segment of the plurality of segments includes a non-backdriving clutch that transfers power from the actuator to an output interface of the segment when the actuator is actuated to generate movement of the output interface in either of two opposing directions and prevents backward transfer of power from the output interface to the actuator of the segment in both of the two opposing directions.

Abstract: A prosthetic foot insert with upper attachment member, a roof spring extending forwards from the upper attachment means, and a base spring coupled to the roof spring at least two points. A rear coupling element is provided for supporting the base spring, and a free space is formed between the coupling element, the roof spring and the base spring. The base spring, in the heel area, protrudes rearwards as a free lever beyond the rear coupling element.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the invention relate to increasing the functionality of a transfemoral prosthetic device. In one embodiment, the transfemoral prosthetic device is configured such that the prosthetic knee maintains a load consistent with a healthy knee walking on level ground, while the prosthetic ankle adjusts for the incline or decline. In certain embodiments, adjustments, such as a toe lift function, are automatically performed after about three strides of the transfemoral prosthetic device user and/or when each of the strides has a stride speed of at least about 0.55 meters/second.

Abstract: Bioresorbable polymeric tubes suitable for use in a stent have been produced by a using a die drawing technique, comprising: —deforming an orientable, thermoplastic polymer tubing (4) in the solid phase by drawing it over a mandrel (1) and/or through a die (3), where the mandrel (1) has a lead end and an exit end and the die (3) has an entry side and an exit side, wherein a drawing mechanism applies a drawing tension to the tubing (4) from the exit end of the mandrel (1) and/or the exit side of the die (3), said tension being insufficient to cause tensile failure of the tubing but sufficient to deform the tubing, thereby drawing the tubing over the mandrel (1) and/or through the die (3) in the solid phase to induce uniaxial or biaxial orientation of the polymer; and —collecting the deformed tubing from the exit end of the mandrel (1) and/or the exit side of the die (3).

Abstract: A tack device for holding plaque against blood vessel walls in treating atherosclerotic occlusive disease can be formed as a thin, annular band of durable, flexible material. The tack device may also have a plurality of barbs or anchoring points on its outer annular periphery. The annular band can have a length in the axial direction of the blood vessel walls that is about equal to or less than its diameter as installed in the blood vessel. A preferred method is to perform angioplasty with a drug eluting balloon as a first step, and if there is any dissection to the blood vessel caused by the balloon angioplasty, one or more tack devices may be installed to tack down the dissected area of the blood vessel surface, in order to avoid the need to install a stent and thereby maintain a ‘stent-free’ environment.

Abstract: One aspect of the present disclosure can include a frame structure adapted for use with a stent graft. The frame structure can include a scallop region and a Z-form region. The scallop region can have a first end portion, a second end portion, and a perimeter that defines an aperture. The Z-form region can extend from the scallop region and include a plurality of Z-shaped struts, each of which has a first end and a second end that is connected to the scallop region at different points so as to form a central frame structure lumen. The second end portion of the scallop region can include a backstop that is deployable from a first flattened configuration to a second erect configuration. The backstop, in the second erect configuration, is sized and dimensioned to extend into a lumen of an aortic branch vessel.

Abstract: A system for mechanically deploying intraluminal implants is disclosed. The system is used with an implant that is delivered and/or deployed via a pull wire and includes a handle having a funnel and receiving channel for receiving the pull wire, a slider having a thumb grip and a wedge, and a shuttle having a grabber for grasping the pull wire. The thumb grip is pulled proximally to retract the wedge to cause the grabber to grasp the wire and retract the shuttle but not the wire. An extension spring linked between the slider and the shuttle abruptly pulls the shuttle to retract the pull wire after the slider is fully retracted.

Abstract: An improved medical device reduces the loss of longitudinal length during expansion of a stent-graft from a compressed state to an expanded state. For example, the stent-graft is placed over a cover that provides resistance to expansion of the balloon during inflation, which reduces longitudinal compressing forces exerted on the stent-graft.

Abstract: A release device for releasing a medical implant from an insertion device, in which the implant can be released by a relative movement between a first and a second insertion element, wherein the insertion device has a proximal end, which faces the user during use, and a distal end, which is distanced from the user during use. Between the proximal and the distal end, a shortening region is provided, in which, when generating a targeted relative movement between the first and the second insertion element of the insertion device, a length of at least one of the insertion elements between the proximal end and the distal end can be shortened.