Abstract: Embodiments are directed to an imaging apparatus, which in an embodiment includes a light source to provide light, optics, a translation mechanism and a detector. The optics include focusing optics to perform focusing of the light onto a non-flat focal surface and to direct the light toward a three dimensional object. The translation mechanism adjusts a location of at least one lens of the focusing optics to displace the non-flat focal surface. The detector measures intensities of returning light that is reflected off of the three dimensional object, wherein the intensities of the returning light are measured for a plurality of locations of the at least one lens for determination of positions of a plurality of points of the three dimensional object. Detected positions of one or more of the plurality of points are adjusted to compensate for the non-flat focal surface.

Abstract: A method is provided for shaping a custom dental restoration from a preform, wherein the preform comprises a preform body and a preform stem. A method is further disclosed for generating one or more nesting positions for the restoration design within the geometry of the preform body relative to the position of the preform stem. A method is further disclosed for generating machining instructions based on the selected nesting position to optimize machining for chair-side applications.

Abstract: An interdental cleaning tool (1) that includes a base (10) that has a shaft (20) shaped to be capable of being inserted between teeth, the base (10) being formed from a composite material that contains a synthetic resin, a reinforcement containing glass, and a copolymer having, as structural units, a polyolefin and an anhydride of an unsaturated carboxylic acid.

Abstract: An oral irrigator includes a base having a pump mechanism, a reservoir housed within the base and fluidically connected with the pump mechanism. A handle with a jet tip is connected with an outlet from the pump mechanism to receive a pressurized fluid stream from the reservoir to direct a fluid at a surface inside an oral cavity. The oral irrigator also includes a radiant energy source and delivery system for directing radiant energy at a surface inside an oral cavity.

Abstract: A brush head assembly (100) including: a hard platen (24); a plurality of bristle tufts (21), each of which includes a plurality of bristle strands having a proximal end (23) and a free end (25); and an elastomeric matrix (30) bonded to the hard platen, where each of the bristle tufts is bonded directly to the elastomeric matrix without a retention element. A brush head assembly (100) includes: a hard platen (24) with a plurality of bristle tuft holes (28); a plurality of bristle tufts (21), each of which includes a plurality of bristle strands having a proximal end (23) and a free end (25), where each of the plurality of bristle tufts are inserted into a respective one of the bristle tuft holes; and an elastomeric matrix (30) that at least partially encompasses the hard platen and the proximal end of the bristle tufts.

Abstract: A novel dental cassette featuring a ‘pop-in’ securing gripper-rails system to clamp odd-shaped dental instruments, while providing adjustable canting, gripping, and drainage capacity through its materials, design and engineering. The silicon gripping posts and feet, and the shovel-and-groove clamps, and the plurality of hex [preferred] holes, provide superior anchorage for dental instruments through autoclave and sterilization processes.

Abstract: An eye enlargement implant and a method of performing a cosmetic procedure for the beauty of eyes, which is capable of being inserted into the eyes so as to make the eye look crisper and bigger, and being removed when it is not necessary without causing eye inflammation and without having to be replaced, the implant including a ring-shaped body which is inserted between a sclera and a conjunctiva of an eyeball having an inner diameter portion having at least a size enough to surround an outer periphery of the cornea, and an outer diameter portion having a width size of 0.8 to 1.2 mm so as to cover a white portion and having a maximum thickness of 0.05 to 0.20 mm at the center portion, where the ring-shaped body has flexibility and a predetermined color which is similar to that of the iris.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embolism protection devices that may be deployed in the peripheral arterial system for the collection of loosened or floating debris, such as embolic material dislodged during or thrombi formed as a result of a peripheral intervention, such as an angioplasty, stenting, or atherectomy. The disclosed embolism protection devices are designed to be inserted distal to lesion in a lower limb artery via one of the arteries of the foot, such as the dorsalis pedis, posterior tibialis, or peroneal (fibular) artery, and they include a compliant mesh portion supported by a compliant wire support member, and the compliant mesh portion extends to form or couples to a solid catheter portion that extends out of the body during use, and that may be coupled to a stopcock or syringe for removal of debris.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, an implant in which cells are arranged in a fine pattern that is available for immediate implantation and that does not need to be removed after implantation is provided. The present invention relates to a cell-containing sheet, which comprises cells and a support comprising a bioabsorbable material, in which the support has a cell adhesion protein-containing layer on the surface thereof and the cells form a pattern on the support.

Abstract: A filter device for implantation in a gallbladder, comprising: a filtering portion configured to filter gallstones of a certain minimum size to prevent them from exiting the gallbladder through an opening of the gallbladder; a tail extending from the filtering portion away from the opening of the gallbladder and towards a distal wall of the gallbladder; and, a stopper located at a distal end of the tail, near the distal wall of the gallbladder when the filter device is implanted; wherein the filtering portion, stopper and the tail are configured to be of an overall length within the gallbladder that they, when taken together, extend substantially the length of the gallbladder from the distal wall to the opening of the gallbladder to prevent migration of the filtering portion away from the opening of the gallbladder.

Abstract: A hybrid endoprosthetic device comprises a stented tubular part and a branched tubular body connected such that a main lumen of the stented tubular part communicates with a main lumen of the branched tubular body. The branched tubular body has multiple branch lumens for connection with natural vessels of the vasculature, and includes at least one branch lumen for access to facilitate delivery and implantation of the hybrid endoprosthetic device by an endovascular step in a hybrid surgical procedure. The hybrid endoprosthetic device is configured to replace a part of the aorta and common iliac artery. A delivery system for use with the device is also disclosed.

Abstract: An endograft is provided for a blood vessel having a branch extending from said blood vessel, including a body having a wall defining a lumen and an exterior surface. The endograft body includes a first portion defining or being made to define a non-circular cross-sectional dimension, and a second portion defining a circular cross-sectional dimension. Modular systems including the endograft and methods for creating endografts according to the disclosure are described also.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for positioning radiopaque markings on medical stent devices are provided. Specific combinations of adjacent radiopaque markings and overlapping radiopaque markings on the stent devices are presented to provide specific feedback information to an administrator working to guide the stent devices through vessels.

Abstract: An introduction arrangement for a fenestrated or branched stent graft intended for deployment into the lumen of a vessel having a blind vessel extending from it. The introducer has a distal end intended to remain outside a patient in use and a proximal end with a nose cone dilator and an arrangement to retain the branched stent graft distally of the nose cone dilator. A sheath on the introducer extends over the branched stent graft to the nose cone dilator. An indwelling catheter extends from the distal end of the introducer and enters the fenestration or side arm and through to the nose cone dilator, the indwelling catheter has a guide wire extending through it. The guide wire can be extended beyond the nose cone dilator in use before the sheath is withdrawn from the branched stent graft so that it can be snared from the contra-lateral artery.

Abstract: A stent graft for placement in the thoracic arch of a patient has a tubular body defining a main lumen therethrough, a plurality of zig zag stents along the tubular body, each of the stents comprising a plurality of struts and bends, the bends being between adjacent struts. At least a first stent and an adjacent second stent having at least a pair of adjacent bends on the first stent aligned with an adjacent pair of bends on the second stent, whereby a first pair of adjacent struts of the first stent and a second pair of adjacent struts of the second adjacent stent together define a diamond shape region. A recess is within the diamond shaped region with the recess extending into the lumen of the tubular body. A fenestration extending into the tubular body within the recess in the diamond shaped region and a graft tube leading from the fenestration into the main lumen. There can be one, two or three diamond shaped regions, recesses, fenestrations and graft tubes.

Abstract: A method, system and devices for the reconstruction of ribbon shaped ligaments following the anatomical native insertion sites of the ligaments in the corresponding bones is described. The reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament of the human knee is depicted. The system includes means for positioning and creating bone-tunnels, the preparation of grafts and the fixation thereof. The devices intended for bone tunnel creation take into account the ribbon-shaped nature of the ligament and can be adjusted to patient specific anatomy and take into consideration the various typologies of the ligament insertion sites. The method and devices for graft preparation are construed to reflect the anatomy of ligaments under consideration as close as possible to native ligaments by imitating the ribbon-like nature of native ligaments. The presented fixation methods follow this principle and are intended to support the ribbon-like nature of the grafts and are intended to support in-growth of the grafts.

Abstract: An instrument for clamping and trimming the bone tendon portion of a graft to a desired size, comprising a pair of elongated handles each having jaws at one end; the handles being hinged together at a pivot point allowing the jaws to open and close in a scissor arrangement, the jaws defining a generally U-shaped trapezoidal receptacle when the jaws are closed about the bone tendon portion of the graft to be trimmed and the jaws comprising respective upper guide surfaces along their upper edges whereby, when a bone tendon portion is positioned in the U-shaped trapezoidal receptacle, the upper guide surfaces function as a guide for a blade of a saw to trim any excess portion of the bone tendon portion protruding above the upper guide surfaces.

Abstract: An implant includes a hollow container and a valve. The hollow container is configured to be implanted in an organ of a patient, and to contain filling material. The valve has first and second position sensors coupled thereto, and is configured to allow passage of the filling material to and from the container, so as to vary a volume of the implant.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to keratoprosthesis apparatuses comprising a flexible backplate and methods of manufacturing and implanting the new keratoprosthesis apparatuses. The keratoprosthesis apparatuses include a circular backplate composed, at least in part, of a titanium alloy. The circular backplate includes an annular rim portion having a central aperture extending therethrough. A plurality of tabs is positioned along the annular rim portion and extend radially inwardly into the aperture. A plurality of flexible appendages extends radially outwardly from the annular rim portion and is positioned along the annular rim portion at locations corresponding to the plurality of tabs.

Abstract: Medical kits and methods for performing small incision DLEK include a corneal transplantation donor tissue graft formed into an implantable and compact rolled configuration using the flexible substrate.

Abstract: An ophthalmosurgical injector system includes an injector, which has a handpiece, a plunger, and a dispensing device; an intraocular lens, which has an optic body and two C-shaped haptic arms protruding therefrom; and a cartridge, in which the intraocular lens is received. The dispensing device has an inlet opening at the proximal end and an outlet opening at the distal end. When the plunger is moved forward, the intraocular lens is conveyed from the cartridge through the inlet opening to the outlet opening of the dispensing device. When the intraocular lens is held in the cartridge in a compressed and preloaded state, a subregion of each of the haptic arms bears on and covers the optic body. In a plan view, the optic body of the preloaded intraocular lens has a circular surface area with a diameter of at least 4.0 mm that is not covered by the haptic arms.

Abstract: There is provided an intraocular lens injector for injecting an intraocular lens into an eye, including: an injector main body 5; an injection tube 7 attached to a tip part of the injector main body 5 and having a nozzle portion 7b; and an attachment member 16 having a protruding surface disposed in a state of protruding to outside from an outer circumferential surface of the nozzle portion 7b, wherein the attachment member 16 has an engaging portion 16b engaged with a sleeve portion 16a and is configured to be movable with respect to the injection tubed 7.

Abstract: Machine-learning techniques are used to train a classifier to predict auditory and language skills improvement in a patient who is a candidate for cochlear implantation (CI). One or more images of portions of the patient's brain are obtained, and quantitative data is extracted that represents the composition of one or more brain areas related to auditory and/or cognitive processing. For training of the classifier, data is obtained for previous CI patients whose improvement in language skills has been measured. Once trained, the classifier can be used to predict a likely degree of improvement in a prospective CI patient's auditory and language skills.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods for treating native heart valves are disclosed herein. A system for delivering a prosthetic device into a heart of a patient includes an elongated catheter body and a delivery capsule. The delivery capsule can be hydraulically driven to deploy at least a portion of a prosthetic heart valve device. The delivery capsule can release the prosthetic heart valve device at a desired treatment site in a patient.

Abstract: A transcatheter valve prosthesis including a tubular stent, a prosthetic valve component disposed within and secured to the stent, and a centering mechanism coupled to and encircling an outer surface of the tubular stent. The centering mechanism includes a self-expanding centering ring having an expanded diameter in the expanded configuration that is greater than an expanded diameter of the tubular stent in the expanded configuration and a plurality of self-expanding spokes radially extending between the tubular stent and the centering ring. The centering mechanism may include a base ring and/or a skirt. Alternatively, the centering mechanism includes a plurality of self-expanding loops. When each loop is in a delivery configuration the loop has a straightened profile that proximally extends from a proximal end of the tubular stent. When each loop is in an expanded configuration the loop has a U-shaped profile radially spaced apart from the tubular stent.

Abstract: Embodiments of a radially collapsible and expandable prosthetic heart valve are disclosed. A valve frame can have a tapered profile when mounted on a delivery shaft, with an inflow end portion having a smaller diameter than an outflow end portion. The valve can comprise generally V-shaped leaflets, reducing material within the inflow end of the frame. An outer skirt can be secured to the outside of the inflow end portion of the frame, the outer skirt having longitudinal slack when the valve is expanded and lying flat against the frame when the valve is collapsed. A diagonally woven inner skirt can elongate axially with the frame. Side tabs of adjacent leaflets can extend through and be secured to window frame portions of the frame to form commissures. The window frame portions can be depressed radially inward relative to surrounding frame portions when the valve is crimped onto a delivery shaft.

Abstract: Embodiments of a radially collapsible and expandable prosthetic heart valve are disclosed. A valve frame can have a tapered profile when mounted on a delivery shaft, with an inflow end portion having a smaller diameter than an outflow end portion. The valve can comprise generally V-shaped leaflets, reducing material within the inflow end of the frame. An outer skirt can be secured to the outside of the inflow end portion of the frame, the outer skirt having longitudinal slack when the valve is expanded and lying flat against the frame when the valve is collapsed. A diagonally woven inner skirt can elongate axially with the frame. Side tabs of adjacent leaflets can extend through and be secured to window frame portions of the frame to form commissures. The window frame portions can be depressed radially inward relative to surrounding frame portions when the valve is crimped onto a delivery shaft.

Abstract: A catheter device for implanting an implant includes a self-expandable framework and an outer shaft having a capsule at a distal end. The capsule surrounds the framework such that they are displaceable relative to one another, which permits the framework to be released in sections. A released portion of the framework expands automatically and can be re-introduced into the capsule. A ring structure is displaceable in the distal direction (R?) beyond the capsule, such that an already released, expanded portion of the framework is contactable by the ring structure to limit axial forces exerted on the capsule and facilitate re-sheathing. The framework can be a self-expanding stent that supports a heart valve prosthesis.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to stents, valved-stents, (e.g., single-stent-valves and double stent/valved-stent systems) and associated methods and systems for their delivery via minimally-invasive surgery. The stent component comprises a first stent section (102) a second stent section (104) a third stent section (106) and a fourth stent section (108).

Abstract: Prosthetic heart valves described herein can be deployed using a transcatheter delivery system and technique to interface and anchor in cooperation with the anatomical structures of a native heart valve. Some embodiments of prosthetic mitral valves described herein include an anchor portion that couples the prosthetic mitral valve to the anatomy near the native mitral valve, and a valve portion that is mateable with the anchor portion.

Abstract: An artificial cardiac valve is disclosed, which includes an outer stent; an inner stent nested within and connected to the outer stent; leaflets disposed inside the inner stent; and membranes attached to walls of the outer and inner stents. The inner stent is a cylindrical mesh tube, and the outer stent includes a first stent segment, a second stent segment and a third stent segment which are connected sequentially. The first stent segment is a mesh tube. The second stent is a mesh tube having a substantially D-shaped cross-section, and the third stent segment is a flared mesh tube. The first stent segment has a maximum diameter that is equal to a diameter of the second stent segment and to a minimum diameter of the third stent segment. In this stent design, the inner stent can withstand traction forces from the leaflets, and the outer stent is adapted to match the anatomy of the native valve.

Abstract: Various systems, devices and methods associated with the placement of a dock or anchor (72) for a prosthetic valve (120). The anchor (72) may take the form of a helical anchor having multiple coils (104, 108) and/or a stent-like structure. Various methods include different levels of minimal invasive procedures for delivering the prosthetic valve anchor (72) and prosthetic valve (120), as well as tissue anchors for plication or other purposes to the native valve position in the heart (14).

Abstract: Various systems, devices and methods associated with the placement of a dock or anchor for a prosthetic valve. The anchor can take the form of an anchor having multiple coils. The distal end portion of the anchor can be spaced radially outwardly from the next adjacent coil to help direct the anchor around native leaflets of a native valve. Various methods include different procedures for delivering the anchor and prosthetic valve.

Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve includes a frame having an inflow end and an outflow end, and defining a longitudinal axis. The prosthetic heart valve further includes a leaflet structure situated at least partially within the frame, and a covering disposed around the frame. The covering includes a first woven portion extending circumferentially around the frame and including a plurality of texturized strands or yarns extending along the longitudinal axis of the frame. The covering further includes a second woven portion extending circumferentially around the frame and spaced apart from the first woven portion along the longitudinal axis of the frame. The texturized strands extend along the longitudinal axis of the frame from the first woven portion to the second woven portion and form a floating portion between the first woven portion and the second woven portion.

Abstract: Prosthetic heart valve devices with tethered anchors and associated systems and methods are disclosed herein. A heart valve device configured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology can include, for example, a valve support for carrying a prosthetic valve. The valve support can be configured to be implanted at an annulus of a native mitral valve. The device can further include at least one elongated flexible member extending from the valve support in a ventricular direction, and an anchor coupled to the valve support via the elongated flexible member. The anchor can be shaped to wrap around an exterior area of an apical portion of the heart. In addition, the anchor can inhibit retrograde migration of the valve support.

Abstract: A method for performing a cranioplasty includes the steps of prefabricating a sonolucent craniofacial implant based upon information generated by preoperative scans, creating a cranial, craniofacial, and/or facial defect, and attaching the craniofacial implant to the cranial, craniofacial, and/or facial defect. The craniofacial implant is composed of a material that is sonolucent and exhibits attenuation of less than 6 dB/cm.

Abstract: A device and method for manufacturing artificial solid bone by metal 3D printing technology comprises: a metal 3D printing technology is used and preferably with Co—Cr alloy and laser sintering to form a solid bone with a specific change in shape and density; a synchronous cutting operation performed on approximately 80% of the preferred surface of the solid bone while the metal 3D printer unit is printing the solid bone, to make the solid bone have the following surface roughness: Ry<1˜2 ?m or less; and a synchronous polishing operation performed on at least one joint surface of the solid bone, to make the joint surface have the following surface roughness: Class A4=Ra0.063 ?m or less.

Abstract: An instrument for assembling an implant on a neck. The implant and neck being coupled via a taper having a taper axis. The instrument includes a frame having a distal portion and a proximal portion, the distal portion of the frame including a retaining member adapted to engage a portion of the neck. The instrument also includes a force applier retained in the proximal portion of the frame. The force applier includes a screw having a screw axis that is coaxial with the taper axis, wherein the screw is adapted to engage the implant. As the screw is turned, the force applier applies a force on the implant while the neck is held in place by the frame, thereby causing the tapers of the implant and neck to engage.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing an implant, wherein particles of the group of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) and/or high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and/or polypropylene (PP) are fused together layer by layer by means of a selective laser sintering method. The invention also relates to an implant produced according to said method.

Abstract: Prosthesis (1) for the mandibular side of a temporomandibular joint, comprising a head part (2) to replace the condylar head, in particular at the anatomic location, and an attachment plate, wherein the attachment plate is saddle-shaped having a lateral portion (3) and a medial portion (4) that have been formed and are intended for abutting both sides of the ascending branch of the mandible, straight below the arcuate notch in the upper end of the ascending branch of the mandible.

Abstract: Bone-contacting surfaces and free surfaces of orthopedic implants. The implants are additively manufactured, followed by mechanical, chemical, or mechanical and chemical erosion. At least some of the surfaces of the implants include an osteoinducting roughness that has micro-scale structures and nano-scale structures that facilitate and enhance osteoinduction and osteogenesis, as well as enhanced alkaline phosphatase, osterix, and osteocalcin expression levels along the pathway of mesenchymal stem cell differentiation to osteoblasts.

Abstract: A surgical implant with recesses adapted to capture fixation medium that extravazates during implantation. The implant includes an elongated stem having a distal tip configured for insertion into an implant receiving area of a patient. A collar designed to house recesses for capturing extravazating fixation medium is attached on the stem. The collar can be fixed to the stem by a separable collar-engagement feature or the collar can be fixed to the stem via structures on the stem.

Abstract: A glenosphere includes a body and a flange. The body includes a first body surface and a spherical second body surface, and includes an engagement feature to engage with an attachment structure attachable to a bone. The flange extends radially outward from the body and includes a first flange surface contiguous with a first body surface and a second flange surface contiguous with the second body surface. The flange has a flange length extending from a first end and a second end such that an angle defined by a first line from a center of the body to the first end and a second line from the center of the body to the second end is less than 180 degrees.

Abstract: Provided is an artificial vertebral fixing system. The artificial vertebral fixing system includes: an artificial vertebral main body, arranged between adjacent human physiological vertebrae; two longitudinal connecting rods, respectively arranged at two sides of spinous processes of the human physiological vertebrae; a transverse connecting screw, connected between the artificial vertebral main body and each of the longitudinal connecting rods; and a connecting portion, connected to the artificial vertebral main body; when the connecting portion is provided with a self-tapping through hole, the transverse connecting screw is formed into thread structure by self-tapping when being screwed to the self-tapping through hole; and when the connecting portion is provided with a threaded hole, the transverse connecting screw is matched with the threaded hole.

Abstract: An expandable, adjustable inter-body fusion device is presented. The inter-body fusion device can have a first plate, a second plate, and an insert positioned substantially there between the first plate and the second plate. The first plate, the second plate, and the insert define an interior cavity. Moving the insert longitudinally with respect to the first and second plates increases or decreases the distance of the first plate with respect to the second plate, effectively expanding the inter-body fusion device and increasing the volume of the interior cavity. The angle between the first plate and the second plate is selectively adjustable.

Abstract: An expandable implant is disclosed having an adjustable height for insertion between two adjacent bony structures or joint surfaces, for example between two adjacent spinal vertebrae. The implant includes at least one gear associated with at least one threaded shaft. Rotation of the gear engages the threaded shaft to expand the implant. The implant can be inserted in a collapsed configuration and expanded in situ. The invention also provides methods for using the implant to facilitate arthrodesis or fusion of adjacent joint surfaces or spinal vertebrae.

Abstract: An interbody system For implanting between vertebrae, the interbody system comprises a cage having a cage body that includes a graft chamber having a volume that receives graft material, a sagittal wall that forms a portion of the graft chamber, and a wall membrane that forms another portion of the graft chamber. The interbody system may comprise an interbody device that includes an aperture that receives a bone fastener, wherein the wall membrane interacts with the bone fastener. The wall membrane may bend as result of a force applied by the bone fastener to a portion of the wall membrane, thereby providing directional support to the bone fastener and/or forcing graft material from the graft chamber.

Abstract: Intervertebral spacer assemblies, systems, and methods thereof. A method of insertion includes inserting an intervertebral spacer and plate together using an insertion tool and, upon removal of the insertion tool, the intervertebral spacer and plate are no longer considered connected/coupled and act as separate components.

Abstract: A vertebral insert may include a first linkage, a second linkage, and a third linkage. The first, second, and third linkages may at least partially defining a cavity. The insert may be movable between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration, and the movement of the first and second linkages with respect to one another may be configured to reciprocally move the insert between the collapsed and expanded configurations.

Abstract: A system for use during surgical procedures. The system includes an implant and an inserter. The implant has a faceted post that rotates, ribs adapted to receive impact from an instrument to help position the implant, and stops. The inserter has a sleeve, into and from which a hook retracts and extends and on which a tab is disposed, and a pair of catches. The hook and tab combine to lock the post into position and to release the post so that the post can rotate. The engagements between the hook and the post and between the tab and the post permit rotation of the implant in situ. The stops and catches define an articulation range for the implant relative to a longitudinal axis of the inserter. A related method of using the system is also provided.