Abstract: Various embodiments of an impact absorbing pad are disclosed herein. Each pad is configured to protect a load bearing surface of an implant from damage when the implant is implanted. Each pad may have an attachment portion that allows the pad to be attached to the load bearing surface. An impactor tool may also be attached to the load bearing surface and utilized the drive a portion of the implant into a bone cavity. The pad may be removed by hand, removed with the tool, or implanted with the implant. Related systems and methods for using and making the pad are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides an expandable fusion device capable of being installed inside an intervertebral disc space to maintain normal disc spacing and restore spinal stability, thereby facilitating an intervertebral fusion. In one embodiment, the fusion device includes a body portion, a first endplate, and a second endplate, the first and second endplates capable of being moved in a direction away from the body portion into an expanded configuration or capable of being moved towards the body portion into an unexpanded configuration. The fusion device is capable of being deployed and installed in both configurations.

Abstract: An implant includes a body that defines an axis and has an interior. A counter element is disposed on the body to releasably fix a manipulating tool thereto. The counter element has at least two undercuts spaced apart relative to the axis of the body and each has a respective holding surface oriented towards the interior of the body. A bearing surface is on the counter element to rotationally fix the implant relative to the manipulating tool. The bearing surface is oriented non-coaxially with the axis of the body.

Abstract: An instrument for use in a procedure for inserting a spinal implant between human vertebrae may include a shaft and an end member. The end member may rotate with respect to the shaft. An angle of the end member with respect to the shaft may be varied when the end member is in a disc space between the human vertebrae. The instrument may include a slide for securing the end member at selected angles relative to the shaft. The end member may be separable from the shalt when the end member is in a selected orientation with the shaft. An instrument kit may include a shaft assembly and modular end members for various steps in a surgical procedure, such as disc space preparation, disc space evaluation, and spinal implant insertion.

Abstract: The disclosure provides apparatus and methods of use pertaining to a bidirectional biomechanical prosthetic finger assembly. One embodiment includes a metacarpophalangeal (MCP) pivot configured for swivelable attachment to a hand of a user, a distal coupler, and an articulation assembly rotatively coupled therebetween. A multiple-finger ring configured to receive a user's residual finger and at least one adjacent finger is disposed upon the articulation assembly, and may be adjusted to a target location based on a length of the residual finger. The articulation assembly is configured to utilize vertical movements of the residual and/or adjacent finger(s) within the multiple-finger ring to articulate the distal coupler within a plane parallel to an x-z plane, and the MCP pivot is configured to utilize lateral movements of the residual finger within the ring to articulate the distal coupler within a plane parallel to an x-y plane. Other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: The disclosure provides apparatus and methods of use pertaining to a prosthetic finger assembly. In one embodiment, the assembly includes a coupling tip and a distal ring coupled with the coupling tip. The assembly further includes a proximal ring coupled with the distal ring. A rocker formed in a Y-shape with a first end forming a single prong and a second end forming a split prong may extend between the coupling tip and the proximal ring. The coupling tip, distal ring, proximal ring, and Y-shaped rocker may all be hingedly connected such that movements of the residual finger within the proximal ring and the distal articulate the distal ring together with the rocker to curl and bend the coupling tip. Other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: A modular transdermal assembly configured to couple an external prosthetic device to a bone stump. The assembly includes a modular transdermal portion and a bone fixator. The modular transdermal portion includes an interface portion configured to couple with the external prosthetic device. The bone fixator is configured to be secured to the bone stump and couple with the modular transdermal portion to retain the modular transdermal portion relative to the bone stump.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to vascular implants and methods for fabricating the same. The implantable devices include but are not limited to stents, grafts and stent grafts. In many embodiments, the devices include one or more side branch lumens interconnected with the main lumen.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a stent graft defining a lumen having a first end and a second end, the stent graft comprising (a) a first portion at the first end of the stent graft having a first diameter and a first length, wherein a first stent structure of the first portion is balloon-expandable, (b) a second portion of the stent graft having a second diameter and a second length, wherein a second stent structure of the second portion is self-expanding, (c) a breakable restraint configured to be coupled to the second portion in a pre-deployment state and decoupled from the second portion in a deployed state, and (d) a third portion at the second end of the stent graft has a third diameter and a third length, wherein a third stent structure of the third portion is balloon-expandable.

Abstract: The present invention consists of an implantable structural element for in vivo delivery of bioactive active agents to a situs in a body. The implantable structural element may be configured as an implantable prosthesis, such as an endoluminal stent, cardiac valve, osteal implant or the like, which serves a dual function of being prosthetic and a carrier for a bioactive agent. Alternatively, the implantable structural element may simply be an implantable article that serves the single function of acting as a time-release carrier for the bioactive agent.

Abstract: There is disclosed an implantable medical stent system, including: a radially expandable stent comprising a filamental structure in a pattern surrounding a bore to form a substantially tubular wall along a length relative to a longitudinal axis; in which the filamental structure includes at least one arcuate crown with a crown peak having a radius of curvature located along a reference axis, and first and second arcuate crown shoulders on first and second sides, respectively, of the reference axis; in which the filamental structure also includes at least one pair of first and second elongated struts extending from the first and second crown shoulders, respectively; the first and second elongated struts have a region of constant maximum width at an intermediate portion and tapering toward the first and second crown shoulders.

Abstract: A vascular intervention device delivery system includes a catheter with a proximal end attached to a handle, and a distal carrier segment for mounting a vascular intervention device thereon. A retractable sheath is movable from a first position covering the distal carrier segment to a second position retracted proximally uncovering the distal carrier segment. A pull is attached to the retractable sheath and extends proximally from the retractable sheath toward the handle. A majority of the length of the pull has a cross sectional shape with a concave side that faces the longitudinal axis and is opposite to a convex side that faces away from the longitudinal axis. The cross sectional shape has a width that is greater than a thickness.

Abstract: Provided is an operation handle capable of shortening an entire length and enhancing operability. The slide mechanism (S) comprises a rotating body (4) that rotates in conjunction with a rotation of the thumbwheel (3) as the rotating wheel and a slide body (5) that engages with the rotating body (4), slides. The slide body (5) is configured by a 1st divided body (6) formed with a 1st engaging part (6A) engaged with the rotating body (4) in the initial state, and a 2nd divided body (7) formed with a 2nd engaging part (7A) engaged with the rotating body (4) in the initial state and not engaged with the rotating body (4) in the position where the rotating body (4) and the 1st engaging part (6A) is not engaged with each other. A power transmitting means (T) that transmits a driving force of the 1st divided body (6) to the 2nd divided body (7), to integrally slide the 1st divided body (6) and the 2nd divided body (7), is provided.

Abstract: The use of bifurcated catheter is disclosed for stabilizing working catheters for carotid percutaneous intervention of vessels originating from a tortuous aortic arch, which uses guide wires that used to enable the catheters accessing the left or right carotid arteries (CA). Also disclosed is the use of two independent catheters or a catheter and snare wire within a single sheath, as well as the implementations, associated problems and corrective solutions to the identified problems. Further additional uses of the bifurcated catheter/dual catheter, for access to and treatment of other exemplary tortuous locations where stability of the procedural catheter would make a difference are also disclosed in the current application.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a system for implanting membrane, a system and method for implanting a membrane and a stent respectively. The system for implanting membrane comprising: a body guide wire, a guide core, movably sleeved on the body guide wire, and a catheter, for releasably holding a membrane, the catheter is movably sleeved outside of the guide core, wherein the system for implanting membrane is provided with an adjusting mechanism for adjusting the axial position of the membrane released by the catheter, and the adjusting mechanism is detachably connected with the membrane. The adjusting mechanism detachably connected with the membrane according to the present invention can not only adjust the axial position of the released membrane, but also causes no influence on the normal work of the blood vessel of a patient after the adjustment and improves the implanting efficiency and effect of the membranous stent.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pusher assembly for an insertion system for a vascular implant. The pusher assembly has a catheter tube. The catheter tube has a tubular cavity for accommodating a guide wire and has a proximal catheter tube segment and a distal catheter tube segment adjoining the proximal catheter tube segment. The distal catheter tube segment is provided at least partially for movably accommodating a vascular implant on the distal catheter tube segment. The catheter tube also has a pusher unit for releasing the vascular implant, said pusher unit being proximally adjacent to a vascular implant loaded onto catheter tube. The pusher assembly is characterized in that the pusher unit is formed by individual, segment-like elements, which are arranged on behind the other and adjacent to each other and are arranged on the catheter tube in order to proximally adjoin the vascular implant.

Abstract: Catheter including a pressure chamber defined by proximal and distal seals and inner and outer tubular members. An actuator member, moveable between first and second positions, is disposed within the pressure chamber. Fluid introduced into the pressure chamber applies a force on the actuator member to move the actuator member toward the second position. A lock mechanism, disposed between inner and outer tubular members, includes a latch having an engaged condition preventing movement of the outer tubular member relative the inner member and a disengaged condition allowing movement the outer member. The latch is shifted to the disengaged condition when the actuator member is moved to the second position. With the actuator member in the second position and the latch in the disengaged condition, fluid introduced through the fluid flow port and into the pressure chamber applies a force on the proximal seal to urge the outer tubular member proximally.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to cannulae, delivery systems, methods of making cannulae, and methods of making delivery systems. A delivery system comprises an elongate outer tubular member defining an outer tubular member lumen, a cannula having a circumferential wall extending between a proximal end and a distal end and defining an interior lumen, and an intraluminal medical device disposed within the outer tubular member lumen distal to the cannula and not about the cannula. A pattern of openings arranged in an interrupted spiral extends circumferentially along the cannula.

Abstract: A prosthesis delivery device comprises a proximal end and a distal end, a prosthesis retention section at the proximal end, and a prosthesis retained on the prosthesis retention section. The prosthesis has a proximal end releasably attached at the prosthesis retention section and a distal end releasably attached at the prosthesis retention section. A sheath is slidably disposed over the prosthesis. A delivery handle near the distal end the delivery device comprises a rotatable inner cannula having a cannula lumen and cannula handle. The cannula handle is rotatable with the inner cannula. Further, a positioner handle is releasably engaged with the cannula handle. Rotation of the inner cannula releases the proximal end of the prosthesis from the delivery device and withdrawal of the sheath from over the prosthesis releases the distal end of the prosthesis from the delivery device.

Abstract: A stent graft assembly having a tubular body and a constraining patch attached to the interior surface of the tubular body. The constraining patch delineates a small passageway close to the inner surface of the tubular body. A cannula may extend through the passageway.

Abstract: An implant configured for ingestion by a patient. After the implant has been swallowed by the patient and is disposed within the target location, e.g. the patient's stomach, an inflation subcomponent causes the implant to expand from a compact delivery state to an expanded, volume-occupying, deployed state. In the deployed state the implant creates a sensation of satiety in the patient stomach and thereby aids in limiting food intake and obesity. After a predetermined time a deflation subcomponent is actuated and the implant reduces in size so as to allow it to pass through the remainder of the patient's digestive track. The device may further incorporate tracking and visualization subcomponents, as well as pharmaceutical delivery subcomponents.

Abstract: An intestinal barrier sleeve and corresponding treatments using the sleeve are provided herein. The sleeve generally includes an expanding section coupled to a tubular section at an interface there between. The expanding section is expandable from at least a first collapsed position to at least one expanded position, where the expanding section has a conical shape that when expanded retains the sleeve in the subject gastrointestinal tract. The expanding section may further include a plurality of petal-like elements extending radially from the narrow end of the conical shape and the petal-like elements may be interconnected with a webbing to form the conical shape.

Abstract: A sleeve that is inserted into intestine has an extendable length, varying length. When no food is ingested the sleeve is short. The length of the sleeve could be thirty or less centimeter. When food is ingested the sleeve extends into the intestine the full length and reduces absorption of food by the intestine.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for administering therapy to restore limb motion to patients in need are disclosed. The system may include a motion capture device to capture an exercise performed by a therapist. The exercise may be retrieved by the patient and used to generate a visual display used to guide the patient through the exercise in real time.

Abstract: A spiral brace has an inner surface that corresponds to a digital representation of an injured limb. The spiral brace can wrap around a length of the limb in a helical manner. The body of the spiral brace may be a single piece structure that is fenestrated to provide air circulation to the injured limb.

Abstract: Cervical neck brace comprises an anterior brace element, and a posterior brace element which is engaged or engagable with the anterior brace element. The anterior brace element is positionable anteriorly on a user to extend across a cervical vertebral region, and the posterior brace element is positionable posteriorly on the user to extend across the cervical vertebral region. The posterior brace element is a sheet including a central support, an occipital support, and two activation arms, which are hingably connected to the central support. The posterior brace element has a first storage condition and a second in-use condition. A posterior cervical neck brace device and a method of supporting a vertebral region of a user are also provided.

Abstract: A shoulder brace has: a support structure; strap retractors such as flat spiral torsion springs mounted to the support structure; and left and right shoulder straps each having a first strap part connected to the support structure and a second strap part connected to a free end of a respective spiral torsion spring. A method has the following stages: positioning a support structure against a user's upper back; looping left and right shoulder straps around a user's left and right shoulders, respectively; and in which each of the left and right shoulder straps connects to the support structure via a strap retractor, such as a spiral torsion spring for applying tension through the respective left or right shoulder strap to pull the user's shoulders back.

Abstract: A device (10) for counteracting gastroesophageal reflux in babies, including at least a flat rigid support (12), with a supporting side covered with stuffing or a cushion (11). The device includes mechanisms of assemblage (19) with a frame (30, 30?) including wheels. The supporting side of the rigid support has an inclination of 70-90° compared to the horizontal. The device also includes a sling (13) coupled with the rigid support (12) and fitted on the supporting side for placing and securing a baby (20) with his abdomen facing the cushion, in the space between the cushion and the sling. The sling includes a back rest (15) inclined in the same direction of the rigid support (12) and having an upper extremity higher than an upper extremity of the rigid support (12) and the cushion (11).

Abstract: A dental mouthpiece for use in treating snoring or apnea of a user is used with a hook mechanism that engages with a bracket when placed in the mouth. The mouthpiece includes a tray assembly having an upper tray and a lower tray, each of the upper and lower trays having a generally U-shape member extending along any one of the user's pair of dental arches and having a cutout, the upper tray's cutout able to receive the hook mechanism and the lower tray's cutout able to receive the bracket, and an adaptable resin disposed on top surfaces of the upper and lower trays. The tray assembly is oriented to permit the adaptable resin of the upper and lower trays to contact the user's dental arches. The hook mechanism engages with the bracket to enable the dental mouthpiece to maintain an open airway in the user's mouth.

Abstract: In certain aspects, the invention is directed to magnetic eye shields that comprise a magnet. When worn by a patient, the magnetic eye shields are configured to generate an intraocular magnetic field of sufficient magnitude and direction to move a magnetic therapeutic and/or diagnostic agent positioned inside the eye to target tissue within the eye. Other aspects of the invention pertain to kits which comprise such magnetic eye shields as well as one or more additional components, for example, one or more containers of a magnetic diagnostic and/or or therapeutic agent. Further aspects of the invention pertain to methods of treatment, which comprise intraocularly introducing a magnetic therapeutic and/or diagnostic agent into an eye of a patient and fitting a magnetic eye shield to the head of the patient, wherein the magnetic therapeutic and/or diagnostic agent may be introduced to the patient before or after fitting the magnetic eye shield to the head of the patient.

Abstract: Iontophoresis, a minimally-invasive methodology that uses a weak electric current to enhance penetration of ionized molecules into tissues, was found to be an effective technique for the intraocular delivery of large bioactive molecules, specifically lutein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a microsurgical device and methods of its use for treatment of various conditions including eye diseases, such as glaucoma, using minimally invasive surgical techniques. The invention relates to a dual-blade device for cutting the trabecular meshwork (TM) in the eye. The device tip provides entry into the Schlemm's canal via its size (i.e., for example, 0.3-0.2 mm width) and configuration where the blade tip curves up providing a ramp-like action for cutting the TM. The dimensions and configuration of the blade is such that an entire strip of TM is removed without leaving TM leaflets behind and without causing collateral damage to adjacent tissues.

Abstract: A medical device fluid sensing system in provided. The system includes a transmitter array positioned in association with a fluid maintaining device, such as a reservoir in a cassette. Electrical circuitry is connected to the transmitter array and configured to cause the transmitter array to transmit light energy at a predetermined wavelength and producing a desired absorption coefficient based on expected conditions within the fluid maintaining device. The system also includes a receiver array configured to receive light energy transmitted through the fluid maintaining device and originating from the transmitter array, and a controller configured to determine fluid level in the fluid maintaining device based on conditions sensed by the receiver array. In one embodiment, three transmitters and three matching sensors are provided in a surgical cassette, and when optical energy having predetermined characteristics is provided to the transmitter array, the presence or absence of fluid is determined.

Abstract: A device including a gas pressure device providing a variable initial pressure (PA), a fluid container providing a fluid for rinsing an eye, the fluid container being connected to a surgical handpiece to deliver the fluid into the eye at an irrigation pressure (PI) predeterminable by the surgeon. The fluid container is connected to a connecting element on a side which is upper in the operating position, and the fluid container communicates with a gas phase container via a mandrel of the connecting element on a lower side of the gas phase container, and the gas phase container and/or the fluid container exhibit(s) a gas phase and the gas phase communicates with the gas pressure device via the connecting element or a fluid container line, and the irrigation pressure (PI) of the surgical handpiece is adjustable via the variable initial pressure (PA) of the gas pressure device.

Abstract: A treatment device for the surgical correction of hyperopia in the eye comprising a laser device controlled by a control device. The laser device separating corneal tissue by applying laser radiation. The control device controls the laser device for emitting the laser radiation into the cornea such that a lenticule-shaped volume is isolated. Removal thereof effects the desired correction. The control device predefines the volume such that a posterior surface and an anterior surface are connected via an edge surface that has a width in projection along the visual axis that is wider than the one which a straight line in the same projection, that is perpendicular at the edge of the posterior or the anterior surface would have relative to the associated surface and connects the anterior surface to the posterior surface or to the perceived extension thereof.

Abstract: Laser assisted cataract surgery methods and devices utilize one or more treatment laser beams to create a shaped opening in the anterior lens capsule of the eye when performing a capsulorrhexis procedure. A light absorbing agent may be applied to the anterior lens capsule to facilitate laser thermal separation of tissue along a treatment beam path on the lens capsule. Relative or absolute reflectance from the eye, and optionally from a surgical contact lens, may be measured to confirm and optionally quantify the presence of the light absorbing agent, before the treatment beam is applied.

Abstract: Systems are provided for delivering a calibrated ultraviolet radiation pulse at a treatment plane during a laser-ablation treatment of a patient's eye. Exemplary systems include an ultraviolet radiation source, and a fluorescent plate positioned to receive an initial ultraviolet radiation pulse produced by the ultraviolet radiation source. The fluorescent plate generates a visible light pulse in response to the initial ultraviolet radiation pulse.

Abstract: A laser eye surgery system includes a laser to generate a laser beam. A spatial measurement system generates a measurement beam and measure a spatial disposition of an eye. A processor is coupled to the laser and the spatial measurement system, the processor comprising a tangible medium embodying instructions to determine a spatial model of the eye in an eye coordinate reference system based on the measurement beam. The spatial model is mapped from the eye coordinate reference system to a machine coordinate reference system. A laser fragmentation pattern is determined based on a plurality of laser fragmentation parameters. The laser fragmentation pattern and the spatial model is rotated by a first rotation angle such that the spatial model is aligned with the reference axis of the machine coordinate reference system and the rotated laser fragmentation pattern is aligned with the corneal incision.

Abstract: Some embodiments disclosed here provide for a method fragmenting a cataractous lens of a patient's eye using an ultra-short pulsed laser. The method can include determining, within a lens of a patient's eye, a high NA zone where a cone angle of a laser beam with a high numerical aperture is not shadowed by the iris, and a low NA zone radially closer to the iris where the cone angle of the laser beam with a low numerical aperture is not shadowed by the iris. Laser lens fragmentation is accomplished by delivering the laser beam with the high numerical aperture to the high NA zone, and the laser beam with the low numerical aperture to the low NA zone. This can result in a more effective fragmentation of a nucleus of the lens without exposing the retina to radiation above safety standards.

Abstract: The invention relates to an absorbent article for application to human or animal skin surfaces in the region of wounds, consisting of an outer covering (2) which is permeable for liquid substances, and of an inner layer (1) which is surrounded by the covering (2) and which consists essentially of a mixture of an amount of strongly osmotically active substances with an amount of osmotically comparatively weak or osmotically inactive substances, such as cellulose. The inner layer (1) is filled with osmotically active substances in such a way that it is possible to exert on a wound, with the wound fluids contained therein, an osmotic pressure via which the wound fluid can be removed from the organism to be treated, and thus it is possible to assist both in the surfaced wound region and in the depth of the tissue a normal interstitial hydration of tissue by directing endogenous fluids in their direction of flow to the patient's skin surface into the absorbent article, and keeping them there.

Abstract: A wound dressing system comprising a wrap and a frangible ampoule is provided. The wrap is configured to contact/surround a wound site and includes an oxygen catalyst. The ampoule includes an oxygen precursor. The catalyst and precursor are configured to form oxygen when combined. A wound dressing system including a container is also provided that includes a powder, wrap, and frangible ampoule. The powder is disposed within the container, which is configured to allow the powder to be dispersed onto a wound site when activated. The wrap, which may include an oxygen catalyst, is also disposed in the container and is configured to contact/surround the wound site. The ampoule, also disposed in the container, includes a liquid containing an oxygen precursor. The liquid is configured to contact the wrap when the container is activated. Further, the catalyst and precursor are configured to form oxygen when combined.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for treating webs are disclosed. In one embodiment, an apparatus for treating at least one web passing through the apparatus may comprise a first roller comprising a pair of spaced apart ends, a length extending between the ends, a circumference, and at least two bearer rings connected to the first roller between the pair of spaced apart ends of the first roller, a first pressure applicator coupled to the first roller and operatively connected to a load source for selectively applying a force to the first roller, and a second roller positioned adjacent the first roller to define a nip for receiving the at least one web.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems and processes for controlling the relative positions or phasing of advancing substrates and/or components in absorbent article converting lines. The systems and methods may utilize feedback from technologies, such as vision systems, sensors, remote input and output stations, and controllers with synchronized embedded clocks to accurately correlate component placement detections and placement control on an absorbent article converting process. The systems and methods may accurately apply the use of precision clock synchronization for both instrumentation and control system devices on a non-deterministic communications network. In turn, the clock synchronized control and instrumentation network may be used to control the substrate position. As such, the controller may be programmed to the relative positions of substrates and components along the converting line without having to account for undeterminable delays.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article having barrier cuffs is disclosed herein. The disposable absorbent article has improved pad curl characteristics which can facilitate application of the disposable absorbent article.

Abstract: An absorbent article includes a front waist portion, a back waist portion and a crotch portion between the front waist portion and the back waist portion. A one-side end portion of the back waist portion on a one side in a lateral direction is joined to a one-side end portion of the front waist portion on the one side in the lateral direction. The back waist portion includes a fastening portion on another side in the lateral direction. The back waist portion includes an elastic region in at least an upper end portion. A lateral distance between a one-side end of the elastic region on the one-side and the center of the crotch portion is smaller than a lateral distance between an other-side end of the elastic region on the other side and the center of the crotch portion.

Abstract: This disclosure provides systems and methods for an adjustable reusable diaper. Some systems include a reusable diaper including a sealing apparatus configured keep fluid sealed within the diaper. The sealing apparatus may include one or more elastic members and one or more gussets where one elastic member is threaded through channels of the one or more gussets. Some systems include a reusable diaper and one or more soaker pads configured to be attachable to the reusable diaper. The soaker pads may be of varying sizes and shapes and can be selectively attached to the reusable diaper to effect different absorption volumes and patterns within the diaper. The soaker pads may be received in one or more pockets of the reusable diaper. Some systems include one or more openings to a pocket to allow a user to more efficiently attach and position one or more soaker pads in a reusable diaper.

Abstract: An absorbent article includes a chassis and an absorbent assembly. The absorbent assembly is formed separately from the chassis, and attached to the chassis by an attachment area. The attachment area includes a front attachment zone, a rear attachment zone, and a central attachment zone extending between the front and rear attachment zones. The front and rear attachment zones have a first width and a second width, respectively, and the central attachment zone has a third width less than the first and second widths.

Abstract: A front edge of a disposable diaper includes a curved recess recessed rearward in a region including the center of the disposable diaper in a width direction, and a front straight portion extending parallel to the width direction from the outer edge of the recess. A rear edge of the disposable diaper includes a curved projection protruding rearward in the region, and a rear straight portion extending parallel to the width direction from the outer edge of the projection. A pair of first cutout portions is recessed rearward from the outer edge of the front straight portion and recessed inward from the front edge of the outer edge of the disposable diaper. A pair of second cutout portions is recessed frontward from the outer edge of the rear straight portion and recessed inward from the rear edge of the outer edge of the disposable diaper.

Abstract: In an absorbent article a three-dimensional opening hole mesh sheet, having a face which faces skin of a wearer of the absorbent article and a reverse or opposite side face within the absorbent article, is combined with an absorber which includes an air-laid pulp non-woven fabric. The mesh sheet has an array of mechanically embossed concave portions forming protrusions on the skin-facing face of the mesh sheet and recesses on the reverse or opposite face, i.e., the unexposed face inside the absorbent article.

Abstract: A modified diaper for allowing its top edge to be pulled back without placing one's finger inside the diaper. The modified diaper includes a diaper base that includes an edge tab. The diaper base defines a conventional disposable baby diaper. The edge tab defines an exterior flap which extends around the circumference of a top edge of the diaper base to form a finger slot that extends from around the entire exterior circumference of the diaper base. A user can insert their finger into this finger slot in order to pull the adjacent section of the top edge of the diaper base, and the portions of the diaper base adjacent to that top edge section, away from the waist of a wearer of the modified diaper without needing to stick their finger into the area between the wearer and the modified diaper.