Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for designing an implant comprising designing a contour curvature of the implant so that an articulating surface of the implant is designed to correspond to a simulated healthy articulating surface of a damaged articulating surface of a joint. The implant is provided with at least one positioning mark designed to be used for determining the orientation in which the implant is to be placed in a recess made in a damaged articulating surface of a joint. Further, the present invention relates to methods for positioning and inserting a medical implant in a recess.

Abstract: An acetabular joint prosthesis may be designed to replace an acetabular articular surface. The prosthesis can include an acetabular cup, an augment, and an augment-securing mechanism configured to secure the augment to the cup. The mechanism can be reconfigured between an unlocked configuration in which a slider is slidable along a guide feature and a locked configuration in which the slider or guide feature is in an expanded form such that the slider is fixed in place relative to the guide feature. An unlocked configuration may include the augment-securing mechanism allowing rotation between the augment and the cup, with the augment being securable to the augment in multiple rotational positions. Also, the prosthesis may be configured to facilitate actuation between the unlocked and locked configurations, including moving an instrument to the prosthesis in an access direction that is substantially perpendicular to a rim of the cup.

Abstract: An artificial hip joint stem is used to replace the damaged femoral head or acetabulum and includes a stem body having a head fixing part, which fixes a head, and an operating space horizontally opened at the upper side thereof. A head insertion hole connects to the operating space. A screw part is inserted into the head insertion hole. An operation converting part is inserted into the operating space to vertically move by the screw part when the operation converting part is connected to the screw part. A fixing bracket is inserted into the operating space such that the screw part is fixed to rotate without changing the depth thereof. A variable operating part is inserted into a supporting surface of the stem body to adjust a horizontal width by means of the operation converting part. A movable pin fixes the variable operating part to the operation converting part.

Abstract: A joint prosthesis is provided and may include first and second stem structures and first and second bearing members. The first stem structure may include a generally U-shaped portion having first and second legs. The second stem structure may include first and second bearing surfaces. The first bearing member may be removably coupled to the first leg and may include a first laterally facing bearing surface rotatably contacting the first bearing surface. The second bearing member may be removably coupled to the second leg and may include a second laterally facing bearing surface rotatably contacting the second bearing surface. The first laterally facing bearing surface may be disposed between the first leg and a first lateral side of the second stem. The second laterally facing bearing surface may be disposed between the second leg and a second lateral side of the second stem. The second lateral side may oppose the first lateral side.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a system of gender specific pharmaceuticals. The system includes a first package of a pharmaceutical for use by a male and a second package of a pharmaceutical for use by a female. The first package includes a pharmaceutical for use by a male and a first label coupled to the first package, wherein at least one of the first package and first label includes a male specifier and a recommended male dosage. The second package includes a pharmaceutical for use by a female and a second label coupled to the second package, wherein at least one of the second package and second label includes a female specifier and a recommended female dosage.

Abstract: Arthroplasty components include an articular surface and a bone-facing surface. The bone-facing surface includes a concave arrangement of planar surfaces which converge as they approach a middle portion of the articular surface. Instruments and implantation methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention concerns a prosthesis comprising: a stem part comprising: a rod, configured for being inserted into a medullary cavity of a diaphyseal fragment of a fractured long bone, for securing the stem part to the diaphyseal fragment, and an epiphyseal end, fixedly secured to the rod by means of at least one linker leg of the stem part, so that a gap is formed between the epiphyseal end and the rod along said at least one linker leg; and an implant distinct from the stem part and comprising: an internal part located at least partially within the gap, and at least one fastener for fastening epiphyseal fragments of the fractured long bone to the stem part, said at least one fastener being secured to the internal part.

Abstract: Arthroplasty components include an articular surface and a bone-facing surface. In some examples, the bone-facing surface bears at least one anchoring element adapted for an oblique implantation trajectory. The anchoring element includes a reinforcement plate, a dowel, and surface features. Each surface feature resists forces acting along a different direction. In other examples, the bone-facing surface bears anchoring elements that deform along the primary or longest axis of the anchoring element during insertion. In yet other examples, the bone-facing surface is enlarged relative to the articular surface so that at least a portion of the perimeter of the articular surface is circumscribed by the perimeter of the bone-facing surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to an implant (1) for sealing a defect (7c) in the annulus fibrosus (7a) of an intervertebral disc (7), comprising a retaining portion (3) for introducing into the defect (7c), a flexible sealing element which is connected to an inner end of the retaining portion, and a securing element (2) which is connected to the outer end of the retaining portion and which can be fixed to a vertebra (8) adjoining the intervertebral disc in order to hold the retaining portion (3) in a fixed position. According to the invention, this is achieved in that a securing limb (2), which is angled relative to the longitudinal axis of the retaining portion, is arranged on the outer end of the retaining portion (3), said securing limb being designed for laterally contacting a bony structure of a vertebra adjacent to the intervertebral disc and being securable on the vertebra by means of a fixing element which can be moved relative to the securing limb. The sealing element has inner reinforcements.

Abstract: A prosthetic disc for insertion between adjacent vertebrae includes a core having upper and lower curved surfaces, upper and lower plates, and peripheral restraining structure on at least one of the upper plate, the lower plate and the core. Each plate has an outer surface which engages a vertebra and an inner curved surface which slides over the curved surface of the core. The peripheral restraining structure serves to hold the core against a curved surface of at least one of the plates during sliding movement of the plates over the core.

Abstract: Expandable fusion cages are disclosed which may be expandable in two substantially mutually perpendicular directions.

Abstract: Devices and methods for orthopedic support are disclosed. The device can have a first rigid section hingedly attached to a second rigid section. The device can be curved or rotated around obstructions along an access path to a target site. The device can be delivered to an intervertebral location in a patient.

Abstract: A mobile cage system for restoring motion kinematics of the spine featuring a pair of opposing caps that form a cavity and a nucleus disposed in the cavity. The system allows for motion of the caps relative to the nucleus. The mobile cage system provides sufficient support so as to eliminate the need for incorporation of a metal plate or rod and pedicle screws that may be used for spinal fusions. The mobile cage system of the present invention also prevents vertical collapse of the vertebrae and complete bone fusion, and the mobile cage system helps preserve intervertebral motion of the spine.

Abstract: A spinal fixation system includes an expandable disc replacement body and an adjustment mechanism. The expandable disc replacement body includes a first wall, a second wall, a hinge connecting the first wall and the second wall, and a first bone-screw receiving section at a proximal end of the first wall. The adjustment mechanism is positioned between the first wall and the second wall, and an angle between the first wall and the second wall can be varied by movement of the adjustment mechanism.

Abstract: An expandable intervertebral fusion device is provided including a core, an upper endplate for contacting a first vertebral body and a lower endplate for contacting a second vertebral body. The expandable intervertebral fusion device is configurable in a first state, a second state and a third state. In the first state, the upper and lower endplates are generally planar to one another and define a first height. In the second state, the upper and lower endplates remain generally planar to one another and define a second height greater than the first height. In the third state, a lordotic angle is defined between the upper and lower end plates.

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

Abstract: An implant includes a central wall extending from a first side of a peripheral frame portion to a second side of the peripheral frame portion, and a first helical bone contacting member attached at the central wall and disposed within the superior half of the implant. The implant further includes a first support member attached at the central wall at a junction coincident with the first helical bone contacting member and extending to a central region of the implant internal to the first helical bone contacting member. In addition, the implant includes a non-helical bone contacting member extending from a portion of the first support member that is disposed internal to the first helical bone contacting member.

Abstract: A spinal implant is provided including an upper surface, a lower surface, a front surface and a back surface, two side surfaces extending between the upper surface and the lower surface, the two side surfaces extending between the front surface and the back surface and an opening positioned closer to the back surface than the front surface. The opening is provided to contain graft material that spans between a cortical rim of the upper vertebral body and the cortical rim of the lower vertebral body. The method includes packing the opening with graft material, wherein the graft material spans between the decorticated cortical rim of the upper vertebral body and the decorticated cortical rim of the lower vertebral body.

Abstract: A spinal interbody device includes a base link comprising a first end and a second end, the base link including a cutout extending through the base link between the first end and the second end; a linkage including a first link having a first end coupled to the first end of the base link and a second end, the first link including a first aperture extending through the first link and defining a first longitudinal axis; and a second link having a first end coupled to the second end of the first link and a second end coupled to the second end of the base link, the second link including a second aperture extending through the second link and defining a second longitudinal axis. The base link and the first and second links define top and bottom surfaces configured to engage adjacent portions of bone, and first and second sides extending between the top and bottom surfaces.

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

Abstract: An orthopaedic surgical instrument is disclosed. The instrument includes an impactor head and a suction cup coupled to the impactor head. The suction cup including a distal opening that is defined by an outer rim positioned proximal of the impaction surface of the impactor head. The suction cup is configured to engage the orthopaedic prosthetic component to couple the impactor head to the orthopaedic prosthetic component.

Abstract: An articular ball impactor having a heat resistant material used during “heat shrink fit” process for providing secure fixation of Morse taper components in modular orthopedic implants. The female Morse component of the articular ball is heated by electromagnetic unit providing thermal expansion. Subsequently, it is impacted over the male Morse taper component and then cooled by commonly used sterile irrigation fluid allowing the female Morse component to shrink thus providing considerable compression, fit and significant reduction of micromotion that has been so widely responsible of fretting and mechanical corrosion.

Abstract: A prosthetic knee joint includes an upper part, a lower part which is arranged pivotably to the upper part, a fastening device arranged on the upper part for a proximal prosthetic element, a fastening device arranged on the lower part for a distal prosthetic element, a four-limbed joint system with four linkages articulatedly fastened to each other, which are each pivotable to each other around a pivot axis, wherein the upper part is arranged on the joint system. The joint system may be mounted pivotably on the lower part from a starting position counter to a spring force during a stance phase flexion, and the action line of the spring force may be aligned such that a moment acting against an inflexion of the joint system is present.

Abstract: A prosthesis foot is provided with a structural component with proximal connecting device for fixing the prosthesis foot to a lower leg tube, lower leg shaft or a prosthesis knee joint, wherein the proximal connecting device is designed as a joint or comprises as at least one joint.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlling an orthopaedic joint device of a lower extremity. The joint device has an upper part (2) and a lower part (3) mounted in a hinged manner on the latter. Arranged between the upper part (2) and the lower part (3) is an energy converter (5) by which, during walking, kinetic energy from the relative movement between the lower part (3) and the upper part (2) is converted or stored and supplied again to the joint in order to support the relative movement, wherein kinetic energy within one movement cycle is converted and/or stored and, within the same movement cycle, is supplied again as kinetic energy to the joint device (1) in a controlled manner and staggered in time.

Abstract: An interchangeable lock-pump prosthetic system that includes a universal dummy, vacuum pump, and mechanical lock. Each of the three objects have similar geometries for the purpose of fitting into a prosthetic, whereupon a user may for instance, swap the vacuum pump with the lock, depending on the needs of the user and without changing to a separate prosthetic. The universal dummy is an inactive component and acts as a placeholder during manufacturing of the socket, for the eventual inclusion of the vacuum pump or mechanical lock. The vacuum pump is a pressure dependent object that acts to remove any residual air between the socket and the elastomeric liner. The lock takes advantage of a mechanical locking pin which receives a properly configured liner, thus securing the user within the prosthetic socket.

Abstract: A stent (scaffold) or other luminal prosthesis comprising circumferential structural elements which provides high strength after deployment and allows for scaffold to uncage, and/or allow for scaffold or luminal expansion thereafter. The circumferential scaffold may be formed from degradable material, or may be formed from non-degradable material and will be modified to expand and/or uncage after deployment.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tubular sleeve for the atraumatic treatment of hollow organs, wherein the sleeve is folded in an initial state and can be unfolded in order to lie against an inner wall of a hollow organ in a final state. The sleeve is characterized in that the sleeve is formed of an outer wall and an inner wall, which are arranged concentrically to each other, wherein the outer wall and the inner wall are tightly connected to each other at ends thereof in such a way that an approximately tubular compartment is formed in the region between the outer wall and the inner wall and the folding of the sleeve is directed about a sleeve longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A medical device system may include an elongate shaft having a lumen extending from a proximal end to a distal end, a release wire disposed within the lumen of the elongate shaft configured to releasably attach a medical device to the distal end of the elongate shaft, and a securement member fixedly attached to the proximal end of the elongate shaft and to a proximal end of the release wire. A proximal portion of the securement member may be configured to translate proximally away from the proximal end of the elongate shaft upon application of a proximally-directed force to the proximal portion of the securement member while the elongate shaft is maintained in a fixed position, wherein the proximal portion remains connected to the proximal end of the elongate shaft after proximal translation away from the proximal end of the elongate shaft.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for removing air from a medical device, such as a stent-graft and/or its delivery device. In an exemplary embodiment, the stent-graft or its delivery system or both are exposed to perfluorocarbon, by immersing the stent-graft or flushing the delivery device to remove air from the stent-graft. Optionally, the stent-graft and/or delivery system may be flushed multiple times, e.g., with perfluorocarbon before or after flushing with carbon dioxide, saline, a bio-inert gas, and the like. Thereafter, the stent-graft may be introduced into a patient's body and deployed at a target location, such as the site of an abdominal aortic aneurysm.

Abstract: A stent graft delivery system includes a handle, a guidewire catheter extending distally from the handle, at least one tube, and at least one wire extending through the at least one tube, wherein each wire of the stent graft delivery system is configured as a loop at the distal end of the tube. The stent graft delivery system can be employed to implant stent grafts in a patient to thereby treat, for example, an aortic aneurysm spanning a region of an aorta that includes at least one arterial branch.

Abstract: The invention relates to a set of drivers for the insertion and connection of implants in conduits exhibiting a bifurcation, a main driver having an internal sheath provided with an atraumatic tip and an axial hole, an external sheath, a main implant disposed between the sheaths, the external sheath being provided with a groove along a part of its length, the internal sheath having a lateral hole facing said groove, said main implant having a window aligned with the lateral hole, the main driver having an extractable complementary sheath, a first end of which passes through the lateral hole, the window and the groove, a secondary driver having an internal secondary sheath provided with a secondary atraumatic tip which has a secondary axial hole, an external secondary sheath, a secondary implant disposed between the secondary internal and external sheaths, a main guide intended to be fitted in the axial hole in order to guide the main driver, a secondary guide passing through the bifurcation in order to be fit

Abstract: A balloon for medical treatments such as percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA), delivery of a vascular stents or stent grafts, employs reinforcement materials that are patterned so as to promote consistent folding of the balloon. Also disclosed are methods and apparatus for biocidal treatment using a balloon, including balloons with fiber fabric reinforcements.

Abstract: A delivery system includes a handle, a guidewire catheter, a nose cone at the distal end of the guidewire catheter that with the guidewire catheter defines an opening concentric with the guidewire catheter, a plurality of wires that extend distally from the handle and essentially parallel with and distributed radially about the guidewire catheter and a stent graft. The wires each extend between a portion of the stents and wall of the stent graft, whereby the stent graft is radially constrained until the wires are retracted. The delivery system can be employed in methods of treating arterial disease, such as aortic aneurysms.

Abstract: A suprapyloric anchor assembly includes an antral cap having at least three stabilizing members configured to reside in an antrum and engage tissue circumscribing a pyloric valve. A duodenal member is configured to reside at least partially in a duodenal bulb, and one or more tethers connect the antral cap to the duodenal member. The tether(s) is/are configured to allow passage of stomach contents through the pyloric valve. Optionally, one or more gastric balloon(s) may attached to the suprapyloric anchor and be inflated with the gastric cavity.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system to assist walking in spinal cord injured people, who preserve hip flexion capacity, comprising a pair of KAFO-type orthoses with: (a) an angular actuator (5) in each knee; (b) an orientation and acceleration sensor (6) on each leg; (c) a power supply and control system (7) to which all the sensors and actuators are connected; (d) a control algorithm deciding when to flex or extend the knee depending on the walking cycle, using information from the sensors.

Abstract: An exoskeleton includes two torque generators, thigh links, and a supporting trunk rotatably coupled to the thigh links. When a wearer bends forward in the sagittal plane such that the supporting trunk extends beyond a predetermined angle A with respect to vertical, at least one of the torque generators imposes a resisting torque between the supporting trunk and a corresponding thigh link, thus imposing a force onto a wearer's trunk and thighs to aid in supporting the wearer in a bent position. The exoskeleton may include an active or passive means for actuating the torque generators. When the supporting trunk does not extend beyond the predetermined angle A, the torque generators do not impose resisting torques between the supporting trunk and thigh links during the entire range of motion of the thigh links, thus enabling a wearer to walk, run, and sit without constraint while in a substantially upright position.

Abstract: A brace (101, 101A) and method (1300, 1400) of fitting a brace to a person are disclosed. The brace includes a belt assembly (102) for location around a body of a user and a strut (103) having a first end (104) configured to be secured by the belt assembly (102) and an anchoring location (105) spaced from the belt assembly (102). The brace also includes a first strap (106) for applying a force to the body of the user, a first anchor means (107) configured to retain a first part of the first strap (106) at the anchoring location (105) on the strut (103) and a second anchor means (108) configured to retain a second part of the first strap (106) at a second anchor location (109) to enable tension to be provided in the first strap.

Abstract: A tension band is provided comprising multiple straps coupled end to end using tension control systems. The tension control systems comprise a tension adjustment mechanism, such as a reel, and a tension member, such as a cable which spans the coupled ends of straps. Each tension control system can be operated independently of the other to draw together or separate further apart, the coupled ends of straps, in order to increase or decrease band tension and thereby selectively apply more or less pressure to different regions of the body part the tension band is wrapped around. The tension bands disclosed may be used around the head, pelvic/hip (sacroiliac) region or lower (lumbosacral) back region of a subject in need of pain relief and to provide support and/or strengthen those areas of the body.

Abstract: Provided is a sacrum pressing tool that can provide improvement in transmission function between the upper body and the lower body, thus improving the motor function, through stabilization of the sacrum per se at the time of not only body rest, but also body movement or physical exercise. The sacrum pressing tool includes a solid pillar-like base, and a pair of protruding portions protruding in left-right symmetry from opposed side portions of the base. A width between outer side faces of the pair of protruding portions is set smaller than a width between a pair of the superior posterior iliac spines, so that pressing faces of the pair of protruding portions press a sacrum solely.

Abstract: An inventive custom made split insole for use by diabetic patients, split into zones for normal and flat foot persons and five zones for high arch foot persons where these splits have projections which are hexagonal or oval in shape and have specific dimensions and specific spacing but are of uniform height and elasticity.

Abstract: A wrinkle prevention device is provided. The wrinkle prevention device includes a headband providing mini-pillows that can be selectively placed along the headband so as to minimize their bulk when preventing wrinkles during a restful sleep. The mini pillows are dimensioned and adapted to lift the side of a user's face off their preferred pillow. The headband may have an elastic portion for both providing a comfortable fit along as a non-slip surface preventing the mini pillows for moving during sleep.

Abstract: An ostomy barrier appliance for attaching an ostomy appliance to peristomal skin surrounding a stoma is provided. The ostomy barrier appliance includes a skin barrier, an inlet opening for receiving a stoma, and a convexity adjusting device arranged adjacent the skin barrier. The convexity adjusting device is configured to adjust the convexity of the skin barrier.

Abstract: An ostomy appliance includes a multilayer composite film comprising at least one foam layer. An outer foam layer can function as a skin contact layer providing comfort and softness characteristics that are comparable to a nonwoven comfort layer. Preferably, at least one foam layer includes a vinyl-bond rich triblock copolymer and provides sound absorbing properties. The multilayer composite film can also include at least one layer comprising a filler to further enhance sound absorbing properties.

Abstract: A drainage hag system for urinary collection comprises a urinary drainage bag (14) comprising a first inlet (16) and an inlet valve for regulating a flow of urine from a catheter (12) into the urinary drainage bog (14) via the first inlet, an outlet (22) and an outlet valve (24) for regulating a flow of urine (20) out of the urinary drainage bag (14). The drainage bug system further comprises a receptacle bag (26) of a foil or sheet material for emptying the urinary drainage bag (14) and comprising a receptacle compartment (28) for storing urine, and a connector for providing a connection between the receptacle bag (26) and the urinary drainage hag (14). The connector provides a second inlet constituting a receptacle inlet to the receptacle compartment (28) when connected to the receptacle hag (26) such that urine can flow into the receptacle compartment (28).

Abstract: The present disclose provides a fluency aid comprising: a masking signal generator; a switch operable to switch the masking signal generator between an ON state and an OFF state, wherein, when in the ON state, the masking signal generator is operable to generate a masking signal; a sound generator operable to receive the masking signal from the masking signal generator and generate a masking sound for output to a user of the fluency aid; and a voice detector operable to detect a voice of the user, wherein the masking signal generator is operable to generate the masking signal at least until the voice of the user is detected by the voice detector.

Abstract: According to one or more examples of the present disclosure there is provided a fluency aid comprising: an altered auditory feedback, AAF, generator operable to receive an input signal derived from speech of a user and to apply a predefined variation to the input signal in order to generate a feedback signal for providing altered auditory feedback to the user, wherein the AAF generator is further operable to automatically change a property of the variation that is applied to the input signal.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a fluency aid comprising: a first microphone; a second microphone; and an altered auditory feedback, AAF, generator operable to receive a first input signal derived from sound detected by the first microphone and to generate a feedback signal for providing altered auditory feedback to a user of the fluency aid; wherein the fluency aid is configured such that a second input signal derived from sound detected by the second microphone bypasses the AAF generator.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a fluency aid comprising: a pacing signal generator operable to output a signal for generating, at regular time intervals, an audible sound; and a controller operable, in response to a voice being detected by a voice detector, to control the pacing signal generator such that the output signal causes the audible sound to continue, stop or fade.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an applicator for placing and positioning an object, such as a medical or veterinary device or treatment, within an orifice of a human or animal body. More specifically, the invention relates to an applicator for placing and positioning a pessary within the vagina and to kits comprising the applicator and a pre-loaded pessary. The invention also relates to methods of placing and positioning a pessary within the vagina and to methods for treating stress urinary incontinence in a woman in need thereof.