Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to prosthetic valves and methods of use thereof. In one implementation, an expandable annular valve body may include a plurality of atrial anchoring arms and ventricular anchoring legs extending radially outward therefrom. At least one atrial anchoring arm may include a rigid portion and a flexible portion positioned radially outwards from the rigid portion. At least part of the flexible portion may be configured for placement at a location radially outward from an outer diameter defined by terminal ends of the ventricular anchoring legs.

Abstract: Methods and devices for reducing paravalvular leakage associated with a replacement mitral valve. The methods can include monitoring for paravalvular leakage between a replacement mitral valve and tissue proximate the mitral valve annulus; if a sufficient amount of paravalvular leakage is observed, deploying a tissue reshaping device at least partially within a coronary sinus; remodeling coronary sinus tissue with the tissue reshaping device to remodel at least one of mitral valve annulus tissue, at least one mitral valve leaflet, and left atrium tissue in an attempt to reduce the paravalvular leakage; and monitoring for a reduction in paravalvular leakage after the remodeling step.

Abstract: Disclosed is an invention that provides a method of treating a bone void of a patient through the use of an implantable device whilst minimising the potential for an increase in pressure within the bone void thus avoiding embolization of the void contents into the patient's bloodstream.

Abstract: A bone implant system to correct bone abnormalities and/or change bone morphology includes a bone implant and one or more bone anchors. The bone implant may be generally wedge shaped, and may be formed of one or more conjoined crescent shapes. The bone anchor slidingly engages the bone implant and the bone to provide fixation.

Abstract: A device for covering and/or reconstructing a bone defect site includes a cap (molded shell, rigid shell, molded body) having a rim and at least one fixing device for fixing the cap on a bone. The cap has a dimensionally stable (rigid) nature. A wall of the cap facing the bone defect or a wall of the cap facing away from the bone defect corresponds to the shape of the regenerated bone, at least one positioning device being located on the rim of the cap. A method produces a cap for a covering device for a bone defect site.

Abstract: A human or animal joint is treated by introduction of a device between the suitably prepared articulating surfaces of the joint, and the device is anchored in both these articular surfaces with a material having thermoplastic properties. For allowing at least limited articulation of the joint after implantation, the device includes two articulating portions, wherein one of the articulating portions is anchored in each articulating surfaces of the joint. On implantation a proximal face of the device is contacted with a vibrating tool and the vibration is transmitted through parts of the device to locations in which the material having thermoplastic properties is near the bone tissue of the articulating surfaces of the joint and in which liquefaction is desired. The liquefied material penetrates the bone tissue and, on re-solidification forms a positive fit connection between the device and the bone tissue.

Abstract: An intervertebral disc implant device (10) is arranged to be positioned with respect to at least one disc space that is respectively located between at least two adjacent vertebrae (e.g. C4 & C5). The device comprises a connector (12) that extends between and interconnects the at least two adjacent vertebrae. The device also comprises at least one pad (18) that is integrally formed with and from the same material as the connector to extend laterally therefrom. The at least one pad is configured for location with respect to a respective disc space between the at least two adjacent vertebrae. The material for the pad is continuous from side-to-side, from front-to-back and from a pad top surface to a pad bottom surface. A surgical procedure for deploying the device is also disclosed.

Abstract: According to some embodiments of the invention, an intervertebral disc replacement includes a first layer having a lower surface for contacting a first vertebral bone, a second layer coupled to the first layer, the second layer comprising a plurality of compressible column springs, and a third layer coupled to the second layer, the third layer having an upper surface for contacting a second vertebral bone. Each of the plurality of compressible column springs comprises a plurality of stacked coils, and each of the plurality of stacked coils has a spring constant (K). At least one of the plurality of compressible column springs includes a first coil having a first spring constant and a second coil comprising a second spring constant, wherein the first spring constant is different from the second spring constant.

Abstract: The present invention involves a system and methods for assembling and implanting a vertebral body implant. The vertebral body implant includes, but is not necessarily limited to, an expandable core body and endplates that can be attached at both ends. Endplates of various shapes, sizes and angles are attachable to the expandable core in a plurality of positions so that a suitable vertebral body implant can be implanted between vertebrae from an anterior, anterior-lateral, lateral, posterior or posterior-lateral approach.

Abstract: An intervertebral support system, comprising: a center portion having top and bottom recesses; a top portion having a bottom recess, the bottom recess in the top portion interlocking with the top recess in the center portion when the top position is positioned on top of the center portion; and a bottom portion having a top recess, the top recess in the bottom position interlocking with the bottom recess in the center portion when the bottom portion is positioned under the center portion.

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 central ramp, a first endplate, and a second endplate, the central ramp capable of being moved in a first direction to move the first and second endplates outwardly and into an expanded configuration. The fusion device is capable of being deployed down an endoscopic tube.

Abstract: An adjustable spinal fusion intervertebral implant is provided that can comprise upper and lower body portions that can each have proximal and distal wedge surfaces disposed at proximal and distal ends thereof. An actuator shaft disposed intermediate the upper and lower body portions can be actuated to cause proximal and distal protrusions to converge towards each other and contact the respective ones of the proximal and distal wedge surfaces. Such contact can thereby transfer the longitudinal movement of the proximal and distal protrusions against the proximal and distal wedge surfaces to cause the separation of the upper and lower body portions, thereby expanding the intervertebral implant. The upper and lower body portions can have side portions that help facilitate linear translational movement of the upper body portion relative to the lower body portion.

Abstract: A variable lordotic interbody spacer including a face plate, superior and inferior endplates coupled to the face plate via a hinge, an actuation frame between the endplates, and an actuation screw. The face plate includes actuation and stabilizer channels. Each of the endplates has endplate arms coupled by an endplate base, and includes actuation ramp recesses. The actuation frame includes frame arms coupled by a frame base in a generally U-shaped configuration, each actuation frame arm having a stabilizer feature passing through a corresponding stabilizer channel and having actuation ramp pins fitted to a corresponding ramp recesses. The actuation screw passes through the actuation channel, with a head retained at the front surface and a threaded end coupled to the actuation frame. When operated, the actuation screw moves the actuation frame between the superior endplate and the inferior endplate to adjust an angle therebetween.

Abstract: An orthopedic joint replacement system is shown and described. The system includes a number of prosthetic components configured to be implanted into a patient's knee. The system also includes a number of surgical instruments configured for use in preparing the bones of the patient's knee to receive the implants. A method or technique for using the surgical instruments to prepare the bones is also disclosed.

Abstract: An orthopedic joint replacement system is shown and described. The system includes a number of prosthetic components configured to be implanted into a patient's knee. The system also includes a number of surgical instruments configured for use in preparing the bones of the patient's knee to receive the implants. A method or technique for using the surgical instruments to prepare the bones is also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a guide device and a driver, which allows for the preparation of an anatomic cavity for screw fixation of an implant or spacer, including the guidance for hole preparation, and guidance for insertion of screws, and or anchors, while selecting the amount of rigidity, and selecting the amount of visibility.

Abstract: To reduce the stress of a patient as much as possible during a percutaneous spine surgery for inserting an interbody cage between two vertebrae, between which the intervertebral disk was damaged and was therefore removed, a guide sleeve is provided for the spine surgery, which is characterized by a non-cylindrical jacket. A kit is further provided for spine surgery with at least one guide sleeve of the above-mentioned type and a dilator, having an outer contour that is adapted to the contour of the lumen of the guide sleeve. A kit for spine surgery is further provided including a guide sleeve and an interbody cage, which is to be inserted through this guide sleeve. The lumen of the guide sleeve is adapted to a maximum cross-sectional contour of the interbody cage.

Abstract: A self-drilling bone fusion screw apparatus is disclosed which includes at least first and second sliding boxes. A first screw member having a tapered end and a threaded body is disposed within the first sliding box, and a second screw member having a tapered end and a threaded body disposed within the second sliding box. An adjuster adjusts the height of the sliding boxes. The screw members are screwed into vertebral bodies in order to fuse the vertebral bodies together. A plurality of the self-drilling bone fusion screw apparatuses may be attached together and/or integrated via a plate or cage. Also disclosed is a cervical facet staple that includes a curved staple base and at least two prongs attached to the bottom surface of the curved staple base.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for removing an implanted glenoid component from the glenoid of a patient includes a protective cannula and a flexible wire saw. The flexible wire saw is positioned in the protective cannula such that both ends of the flexible wire saw extend out of one end of the protective cannula, with a portion of the middle section of the wire saw forming a loop that extends out of the other end of the protective cannula. Surgical methods for the use of such a surgical instrument are also disclosed.

Abstract: A cylinder head, an element and a base plate of a longitudinal piston engine having a cylinder head body and a base plate comprising at least one element, the base plate being interposed between a combustion chamber and the cylinder head body, comprising an upper face facing the cylinder head body and an opposing lower face arranged to face the combustion chamber and being attached to the cylinder head body, the cylinder head body being made from a material with a mass density and hardness that are less than those of the material constituting the base plate. The base plate and the body are assembled by screws for fastening the base plate to the cylinder head that are located towards the periphery of the base plate and of the body and by at least one part for fastening the cylinder head to the base plate including a threaded end designed to be engaged in a corresponding orifice of the base plate, said orifice being located closer to the center of the base plate than the fastening screws.

Abstract: Orthopedic trialing systems include a stem, an adaptor and a trial member. The stem may be a trial or implant stem. The trial member may be a cup or head. The adaptor is used to account for the difference in the coupling of the trial member and stem and an implant member and stem. The stem has a first coupling feature and a shaft portion adapted to be received in a canal of a bone of a patient. The adaptor has planar top and bottom surfaces and at least one aperture therethrough. The trial member has a second coupling feature, wherein one of the first and second coupling features of either the trial member or stem extends through the aperture of the adaptor and at least partially into the other of the first and second coupling features for coupling together the trial member, the adaptor and the stem.

Abstract: An interactive exoskeleton robotic knee system for assist walking and gait training. The system comprises of an exoskeleton framework to be attached to the thigh and shank of the user's leg; electric motor; mechanical lock; motion sensor assembled on the lower limb unit, and a control box. The system provides extension and flexion movement in the knee joint.

Abstract: A prosthetic foot can include an attachment member, at least one first brace, at least one first flexible member, an unpowered actuator, at least one second brace, and at least one second flexible member. The attachment member can include a connector configured to connect the attachment member to a user or another prosthetic device. The at least one first brace can mount to the attachment member and the at least one first flexible member can connect to the attachment member by the at least one first brace such that a force between the ground and the attachment member can be supported by the at least one first flexible member. The unpowered actuator can mount to the attachment member and the at least one second brace can be mounted to the actuator. The at least one second flexible member can connect to the attachment member by the at least one second brace such that a force between the ground and the attachment member can be supported by the at least one second flexible member.

Abstract: Provided herein are devices and methods for connecting a transcutaneous external prosthetic device to a bone, such as a bone of an amputee. The device is a two-piece transcutaneous implant device to provide reversible connection for ease of implantation, reliability, and relatively easy access for removal, while maximizing tissue ingrowth to reduce risk of infection and attendant adverse outcomes. The devices provided herein comprise a prosthetic interface and a bone anchor. A through-hole that traverses a longitudinal length of the prosthetic interface and at least a longitudinal portion of the bone anchor receives a fastener to reversibly connect the prosthetic interface to the bone anchor implanted in bone. A connector may connect to a failsafe element which, in turn, connects to an external prosthetic device.

Abstract: A liner for an orthopedic or prosthetic device includes a core formed from a porous and compressible material, a first layer secured to the first side of the core and forming a first surface to the liner, and a second layer secured to the second side of the core and forming a second surface to the liner. The first and second layers may comprise different properties from one another and be formed from different materials including fabrics and polymeric materials. A polymeric film may be secured to the core or one of the layers to define at least part of a surface of the liner.

Abstract: A plaque tack can be used for holding plaque against blood vessel walls such as in treating atherosclerotic occlusive disease. The plaque tack can be formed as a thin, annular band for holding loose plaque under a spring or other expansion force against a blood vessel wall. Focal elevating elements and/or other features, such as anchors, can be used to exert a holding force on a plaque position while minimizing the amount of material surface area in contact with the plaque or blood vessel wall and reducing the potential of friction with the endoluminal surface. This approach offers clinicians the ability to perform a minimally invasive post-angioplasty treatment and produce a stent-like result without using a stent.

Abstract: Preferred embodiments of a stent with a high degree of flexibility are shown and described. The stent can include a continuous helical winding and at least one bridge. The continuous helical winding has a plurality of circumferential sections that circumscribe a longitudinal axis from a first end to a second end to define a tube. The circumferential sections are spaced apart along the axis. The at least one bridge is configured to connect one circumferential section to an axially-spaced adjacent circumferential section. The at least one bridge extends on a plane generally orthogonal with respect to the axis.

Abstract: Methods and systems of fabricating a polymeric stent are disclosed herein.

Abstract: Provided herein are systems and methods for creating and deploying an entirely extraluminal enterogenesis device that is actuated during the enterogenesis period after the surgery is completed via an automatically controlled in-vivo activation of shape memory polymer network. This enterogenesis device operates to grow an extended body lumen without any significant interventions (e.g., via additional surgical intervention) over the period of lumen lengthening. Furthermore, the enterogenesis device operates outside the body lumen to lengthen the lumen without interfering with the lumen's internal activity during the period of the enterogenesis.

Abstract: A device is intended to be attached to or interconnected with a medical implant, and intended to be attached to or interconnected with a catheter. The catheter is intended for implanting the implant.

Abstract: Systems and method for delivering and deploying an expandable stent to treat Intracranial atherosclerotic disease (ICAD) involving large and medium-sized blood vessels. The disclosed systems include a catheter, a shaft comprising a distal end disposed within the catheter, an expandable stent comprising a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the shaft is coupled to the expandable stent and the shaft is disposed within the expandable stent, and a plurality of struts, wherein a first end of each strut is coupled to the shaft and a second end of each strut is coupled to the expandable stent. Longitudinal movement of the shaft relative to the expandable stent extends the plurality of struts radially outward and expands the expandable stent, similar to umbrella. The plurality of struts provides radial force to the expandable stent in an expanded configuration to the vessel walls of the patient.

Abstract: A medical-device position adjusting method includes inserting a guide wire farther forward than a lesion area of the body lumen from the port member; inserting an anchor device into the body lumen and fixing the guide wire to an inner wall surface of the body lumen by the anchor portion at a position farther forward than the lesion area; inserting the medical device from the port member along the guide wire to a position of the lesion area; and fixing the guide wire and the port member with the proximal-end fixing member, causing the guide wire to move in an insertion/pulling-out direction through the operation unit so as to change a path of the guide wire in the body lumen, and adjusting a position of the medical device in the lesion area.

Abstract: Devices and systems to fit around a tissue or organ and methods of using the same. In at least one embodiment of an implantable device of the present disclosure, the implantable device comprises a first engaging component comprising a first rigid inner plate at least partially surrounded by a first flexible coating, a second engaging component comprising a second rigid inner plate at least partially surrounded by a coating selected from the group consisting of the first flexible coating and the second flexible coating, a first c-ring and a second c-ring coupled to the engaging components, and a cover flap coupled to either the first engaging component or the second engaging component and capable of either further coupling to the second engaging component when initially coupled to the first engaging component or further coupling to the first engaging component when initially coupled to the second engaging component.

Abstract: A control device for controlling a rigidity of an orthosis, includes a sensing circuit for sensing a falling motion, a signal generating circuit which generates a sensing signal based on the sensing of the falling motion, and a rigidity control mechanism which controls a rigidity of the orthosis based on the sensing signal.

Abstract: A tensioning device for orthoses for supporting and maintaining the function of the human body, particularly body-encompassing back orthoses, allows for an individual, segmental adjustment of the supporting effect through individually, separately designed pulley assemblies which can be attached individually and height-adjustably to a backplate designed as central element.

Abstract: The invention discloses an ostomy accessory (20) for an intestinal stoma of a mammal ostomy patient, adapted to be used together with an implanted constriction device with an artificial closing sphincter function for closing the intestinal passageway. The ostomy accessory is adapted to absorb secret from the mucosa wall of the part of the intestine which is distal to the constriction device, which may secrete or disseminate some liquid matter, which may thus spill out and cause discomfort to the patient, for example by staining the clothes of the patient. The ostomy accessory comprises an insertion portion (21) for insertion into said intestinal stoma and comprising an absorbing body (23, 24, 25) for absorbing and retaining liquid matter consisting of liquid secreted from a mucosa wall of the intestine (31).

Abstract: A system suitable for collecting and transporting urine away from the body of a person or animal may include an assembly having a fluid impermeable casing having a fluid reservoir at a first end, a fluid outlet at a second end, and a longitudinally extending fluid impermeable layer coupled to the fluid reservoir and the fluid outlet and defining a longitudinally elongated opening between the reservoir and the outlet. The assembly can further include a fluid permeable support disposed within the casing with a portion extending across the elongated opening, and a fluid permeable membrane disposed on the support and covering at least the portion of the support that extends across the elongated opening, so that the membrane is supported on the support and disposed across the elongated opening. The assembly can further include a tube having a first end disposed in the reservoir and a second, fluid discharge end.

Abstract: A mandibular protrusion device which comprises a maxillary dental tray, a mandibular dental tray and at least two lateral links. Each one of the lateral links has a first end removably engageable with the maxillary dental tray and a second end removably engageable with the mandibular dental tray. The maxillary dental tray, mandibular dental tray and the lateral links have complementary male and female members configured to be engageable and disengageable from one another in at least one engagement/disengagement configuration that is not reached when the device is worn or in normal use.

Abstract: A temperature control system may include a thermoelectric device, a controller electrically coupled to the thermoelectric device, a heat transfer structure thermally coupled to the thermoelectric device, a temperature controlled medium thermally coupled to the thermoelectric device and a temperature feedback sensor. The controller may be configured to sense a first value of an electrical characteristic of the thermoelectric device and to generate a first electrical control to activate the thermoelectric device in response to sensing the first value of the electrical characteristic of the thermoelectric device. The controller may be further configured to sense a second value of the electrical characteristic of the thermoelectric device and to generate a second electrical control signal to activate the thermoelectric device in response to sensing the second value of the electrical characteristic of the thermoelectric device.

Abstract: A thermal control unit for delivering temperature-controlled fluid to one or more patient therapy devices (e.g. pads, blankets, etc.) that are in contact with a patient is disclosed. The thermal control unit allows multiple patient therapy devices to be fluidly coupled thereto and to individually monitor the temperatures, flow rates, and/or connections/disconnections of the patient therapy devices. A user interface enables a user to designate outlet ports to the therapy devices as active or inactive, and the control unit provides notifications to the user if any of the active ports experience an undesired condition, or if a patient therapy device is connected to an inactive port. The user interface further allows the user to designate one of multiple patient temperature probes as a primary probe. The primary probe is used to control the temperature of the fluid circulating through the control unit.

Abstract: An apparatus having an inserter device with a shaft disposed in an interior space and an intraocular implant adapted to self-retain to an inner wall of Schlemm's canal. The intraocular implant has a proximal portion sized and shaped to reside within an anterior chamber of the eye, the proximal portion having a proximal opening; a distal portion sized and shaped to reside within Schlemm's canal of the eye, the distal portion having a distal opening, and a passageway extending in a straight line from the proximal opening to the distal opening to conduct fluid from the anterior chamber to Schlemm's canal. The shaft of the inserter device is adapted to advance the intraocular implant out of the interior space and through an inner wall of Schlemm's canal.

Abstract: A treatment method and apparatus for surgical correction of defective-eyesight in an eye of a patient, wherein a laser device is controlled by a control device, said laser device separating corneal tissue by irradiation of laser radiation to isolate a volume located within a cornea, wherein the control device controls the laser device to focus the laser radiation, by providing target points located within the cornea, into the cornea, wherein the control device, when providing the target points, allows for focus position errors which lead to a deviation between the predetermined position and the actual position of the target points when focusing the laser radiation, by pre-offsets depending on the positions of the respective target points to compensate for said focus position errors.

Abstract: Embodiments of this invention relate to a system and method for performing laser ophthalmic surgery. The surgical laser system configured to deliver a laser pulse to a patient's eye comprises a laser engine that includes a compressor configured to compress laser light energy received, the compressor comprising a dispersion or spectrum altering component provided on a computer controlled stage connected to a computing device. A user providing an indication of a desired pulse width received by the computing device causes the computing device to reposition the stage and the component provided thereon, resulting in a different pulse length being transmitted by the laser engine.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide methods and systems for analyzing the ophthalmic anatomy of a patient posterior to the cornea. The method may include scanning a focus of a femtosecond laser beam along a path within the patient's eye. A portion of the path may be disposed posterior to the patient's cornea. The method may also include acquiring a first reflectance image and a second reflectance image associated with the focus disposed respectively at a first location of the path and a second location of the path. The method may further include determining the presence or absence of an ophthalmic anatomical feature of the eye based on a comparison between the first reflectance image and the second reflectance image.

Abstract: A medicinal product (10) is for the care of an individual having at least one injury such as a burn wound or a skin abrasion, in particular with a large surface area. The product includes at least one functional surface (12, 12?, 14) to at least partially cover the injury and/or to fix the medicinal product (10) to the individual. At least one functional surface (12, 12?) includes stem parts (18) protruding from the surface. The free end-faces of the stem parts form an adhesion section able to adhere at least partially to the individual and/or to a further functional surface (12?), predominantly by Van der Waals forces.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods and apparatuses for assembling absorbent articles, and more particularly, methods and apparatuses for imparting a line of weakness into one or more layers of an advancing substrate. The advancing substrate may be a belt assembly including an outer layer, an inner layer, and one or more elastic strands disposed between the outer layer and the inner layer. The belt assembly may be rotated on a process member about a longitudinal axis of rotation. The process member may advance the belt assembly to a first laser source. The first laser source imparts a line of weakness into the belt assembly. A trim removal member may be used to separate the line of weakness forming a trim portion and a separation edge.

Abstract: A folding apparatus and method for forming a substrate including a discrete substrate including a rugosity. The folding apparatus may include a folding roll and a folding member. The folding roll includes an outer circumferential surface extending between the first roll surface and the second roll surface, and a receiving portion defined by the outer circumferential surface. The receiving portion may include an internal vacuum portion that may be operatively connected to an external vacuum portion. The folding member may be configured to associate with the receiving portion of the folding roll. The folding member may include a groove portion, a bonding portion, and a plurality of apertures. The folding apparatus may be used to bond a discrete substrate on a second substrate. The discrete substrate may include one or more rugosities.

Abstract: A holding region includes opposite skirt portions in a revolution direction of a holding pad each of which has at least opposite ends in a specific direction that extend along a first curve when the holding pad is at a first revolution position. The holding region includes a second area bearing on at least part of one side portion and at least part of the other side portion in a revolution direction of the holding pad when the holding pad is at a second revolution position that extends along a second curve. A delivery side holding region includes opposite side portions in the specific direction each of which has at least opposite ends in a rotational direction, each end being formed with a first recess. The first recess having a bottom surface that extends along an arc of the first curve.

Abstract: To surely prevent leakage, not to cause a wearer feel anxiety against the leakage, and to improve fit. There is provided a sanitary napkin (1) in which a convex portion (20) of an absorbent body that is high toward a skin side is formed at a skin side surface of the absorbent body (4) at a center portion in a width direction. The convex portion (20) is constituted by a front convex portion (24) designed to be provided at an area including a body fluid expelling portion of a wearer, a rear convex portion (25) designed to be provided at an area including an intergluteal cleft of the wearer, and a constricted convex portion (23) provided at an area connecting the front convex portion (24) and the rear convex portion (25) in a front-rear direction of a napkin whose both side edges are constricted toward an inner side.

Abstract: A stretch laminate includes a first layer including an elastomer film, the first layer having a surface, and a second layer including a nonwoven material, the second layer having a surface that is attached to the surface of the first layer. The tensile behavior in the transverse direction of the stretch laminate is within about 2.5 N/cm of the tensile behavior in the transverse direction of the film at an engineering strain of about 1.5, and exists independent of mechanical activation. A method of making the stretch laminate and an absorbent article having at least one region defined by the stretch laminate are also provided.