Abstract: A tool for compressing a stented prosthesis. The tool includes first and second sets of rollers. The first set includes a plurality of rollers arranged to define a first working region having a first working diameter. The second set includes a plurality of rollers arranged to define a second working region having a second working diameter. The sets of rollers are arranged such that the working regions are axially aligned. The first working diameter is greater than the second working diameter. A stented prosthesis traversing the first working region and then the second working region is forced to a compressed state. In some embodiments, the tool includes one or more intermediate sets of rollers between the first and second sets of rollers, with each of the intermediate sets of rollers defining a working region having a working diameter. The respective working diameters progressively decrease in a downstream direction.

Abstract: An implantable medical device for implantation within a passageway of a patient comprises a stent including a plurality of wires, at least one of the plurality of wires having a cross-section having a first tapered point, and a covering layer having an inner diameter and an outer diameter. In some embodiments, the plurality of wires may be disposed at least partially around the covering layer. Additionally in some embodiments, the first tapered point may extend outward further than the outer diameter of the covering layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a double stent comprising coaxially arranged stents, wherein a first membrane (4) being arranged between a first inner stent (2) and at least two outer stents (3), and a second membrane (5) being arranged on the outer stents (3), with the membrane ends of the first (4) and second membrane (5) being brought together at the ends of the stents (2, 3) and folded around to the inside of the first stent (2) and clamped securely under flexible tongues (6) of the first stent (2).

Abstract: A stent and method for treating an end of a pre-woven stent is provided. The method includes providing a pre-woven stent including a plurality of sharp wire ends. The wire ends are arranged in pairs. A separate cap is placed over the ends of the paired wires. The wire ends are secured to the cap, such that the sharp ends are covered by the cap. The cap may have a pair of leg portions that combine to form a curved bend portion. The cap may be flexible. The wire ends may be received in open ends of the cap. The cap may include a pair of legs portions connected by a flexible bridge portion. The caps may be disposed at different axial locations. The caps may be disposed at a single end of the stent, with the opposite end being without sharp ends after being pre-woven. Alternatively, the caps may be applied to both ends of the pre-woven stent having sharp ends at both ends after being pre-woven. The pre-woven stent is preferably a machine woven stent.

Abstract: A medical stent may include a tubular support structure including a plurality of struts defining a plurality of cells disposed between the plurality of struts. A polymeric coating may be disposed over the tubular support structure such that a first portion of the plurality of cells are closed by the polymeric coating in a first region of the tubular support structure and a second portion of the plurality of cells in a second region of the tubular support structure remain open to fluid flow and/or tissue ingrowth therethrough. The struts in the first region of the tubular support structure and the struts in the second region of the tubular support structure may be at least partially covered by the polymeric coating.

Abstract: An attachment mechanism for a medical implant system may include a first part fixedly attached to a distal end of an elongate shaft, the first part having a first longitudinal lumen configured to slidably receive a release wire disposed within the elongate shaft, and a second part fixedly attached to a proximal end of a medical implant, the second part having a second longitudinal lumen configured to slidably receive the release wire. A tubular distal portion of the second part may include an engagement feature configured to non-releasably engage the second part with the medical implant.

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

Abstract: An implant delivery system is described, having a distal tip and outer sheath that remain in a fixed position during implant delivery. A pusher mechanism within the sheath pushes an implant out of a gap between a distal end of the sheath and the distal tip.

Abstract: An intraluminal device and method of fixation of an intraluminal device in a mammalian lumen or hollow organ that experiences peristalsis includes a fixation system that is adapted to resist distal migration of the intraluminal device in the lumen or hollow organ. The intraluminal device has a wall surface configured to the size and shape of a mammalian lumen or hollow organ. A fixation system is adapted to resist distal migration of the body in the lumen or hollow organ. The fixation system includes a bio-absorbable material around at least one of the elongated members.

Abstract: Valve assemblies for use with expandable devices that are positioned within remote cavities and more particularly relates to the catheters/conduits used to inflate these devices with fluid.

Abstract: A gastric bypass device may include a first portion with an opening sized for receiving GI contents within an esophagus of the gastrointestinal tract, where a proximal end of the first portion includes first diameter, and where the first portion includes a first stent for anchoring the proximal end of the first portion. The gastric bypass device may also include a second portion located distally of the first portion, where the second portion is in fluid communication with the first portion, and where the second portion has an enlarged section with a second diameter that is at least about 150% as large as the first diameter.

Abstract: An ankle brace according to the present disclosure includes a medial pad, a lateral pad, a posterior wall, and at least one horizontal strap. The medial pad is configured to engage a medial side of an ankle. The lateral pad is configured to engage a lateral side of the ankle. The posterior wall is attached to the medial pad and is configured to engage a posterior side of the ankle. The at least one horizontal strap is configured to be secured to the lateral pad, secured to the posterior wall, and pulled in an anterior direction to apply an anterior force to a distal fibula of the ankle. The anterior force brings the distal fibula closer to a distal tibia of the ankle and thereby decreases stress on ligaments connecting the distal fibula and the distal tibia to one another.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods of correction of spinal deformity that overcome current limitations by utilizing a dynamic, multi-segment torso orthosis that allows motion during wear. The disclosed embodiments utilize a series of elastically coupled segments that conform to the circumference of the torso of a patient. Adjustable elastic coupling mechanisms are utilized to create and alter forces and moments that are applied to the torso through the segments. These elastic coupling mechanisms also allow each circumferential segment to move relative to the other segments giving the brace dynamic capability.

Abstract: Provided herein is a device for reinforcing the lower body during the performance of a compound weightlifting exercise including at least two thigh bands, each defining an opening for a wearer's thigh, at least two biasing straps, each biasing strap having a proximal end and a distal end, each biasing strap connected at the distal end thereof to one of the at least two generally circular thigh bands, and a waist portion connected to the proximal end of each biasing strap. When worn, each of the biasing straps extends between the waist portion and the thigh bands, over one of the wearer's buttocks and a rear portion of the wearer's thigh.

Abstract: A cervicothoracic spine restorator is disclosed. In the cervicothoracic spine restorator, a fixing structure is further included, such that relaxation of muscles such as pectoralis major muscle, pectoralis minor muscle, rectus abdominis muscle, and trapezius muscle or latissimus dorsi muscle can be easily performed. Further, the blood vessel may be expanded and the blood may be supplied smoothly to the head. This may help recovery and correction during a short correction period. There is an advantage that a separate correction mechanism, which is used for spine correction such as a abdomen band, is unnecessary.

Abstract: Lower back braces and materials for braces having an elastic base and inelastic strands or tightening mechanism(s) are provided. An elastic base material could be made effectively inelastic by tightening an inelastic cord that extends across the elastic base material. Additionally or alternatively, an elastic base material could include one or more inelastic strands that define one or more inelastic compression zones in an otherwise elastic base.

Abstract: An orthopedic ankle support is disclosed which provides an ultra-thin profile and selective restriction of movement of the user's ankle. In an embodiment, sections of a thin, tense material are welded onto a non-rigid body. The sections may include a tense anchor segment which may be proximate the heel opening and/or sole, and one or more tension segments that may extend from the anchor segment to upper portions of the support. In an embodiment, certain of the tension segments may be connected to an attachment portion affixed on the body, such as a thick lace-up area for tightening the support. Welding of the tension segments onto the body using thermal fusion obviates the need for uncomfortable stitching and material lumps.

Abstract: The self-adjusting tool (10) for correcting ingrown toenail uses self-adjusting elastic tension to lift the ingrown ends (N1, N2) of an ingrown toenail (N). In a first embodiment, the self-adjusting tool (10) includes two identical leaf springs (12a, 12b), each having a flat end (16a, 16b) and a band (14a, 14b) forming a flat loop at the opposite end. The two springs (12a, 12b) are interlocked by sliding the flat end (16a, 16b) of one spring through the band (14a, 14b) of the other, and the free ends (16a, 16b) are glued to lateral edges of the ingrown toenail (N) to flatten the toenail (N) by self-adjusting elastic tension. Other embodiments show at least one resilient member flexed across the ingrown toenail and anchored at opposite lateral edges on the ingrown toenail to pull the ingrown edges of the toenail away from engagement with the toe.

Abstract: A method and a device are described for an ostomy base plate having a storage configuration as delivered to a user and a use configuration as applied to skin of the user. In the storage configuration, a proximal side of the ostomy base plate is substantially convex, and in the use configuration, the proximal side of the ostomy base plate is substantially concave.

Abstract: An ostomy pouch replacement device allows ostomates with a surgically created stoma to collect, contain and dispose of bodily fluids during hygienic maintenance. The device is customizable to each ostomate's unique stoma diameter and provides a disposable waste receptacle having a hollow absorbent section and a solid absorbent section for sanitary, discreet and odorless disposal of both urine and excrement. The disposable waste receptacle may include a super absorbent polymer powder that becomes a gel in the presence of liquid. The device preferably consists of a disposable waste receptacle that may be positioned over the stoma and includes an absorbent inner material for capturing waste, a cap or plug for scaling the device after use, and a collar stand for pressing an adhesive wafer to the skin and for holding the assembled device in an upright position.

Abstract: The present invention is an absorbent mat, such as a bed pad or a change mat, e.g. for protecting an underlying support from soiling, with a perimeter seal to prevent side-way leakage, as well as method for the formation of such a pad or mat.

Abstract: A heat exchange module having a heat transfer fluid channel and a heat transfer plate in heat transfer relation with fluid in the channel. The reference side of a thermoelectric cooler (TEC) is in thermal contact with the plate. A heat transfer tile is in thermal contact with a user side of the TEC. The module is configured to be operatively positionable with the tile in heat transfer relation with skin of a patient.

Abstract: A handheld device for applying mechanical vibration to a body portion of an individual to treat a dry eye condition of the individual, includes: a housing; a member having a first portion accommodated in the housing, and a second portion that is moveable relative to the housing, wherein the second portion is for placement outside the individual, and is configured to oscillate to apply the mechanical vibration to the body portion, the member having an elongated configuration; and a motor in the housing, the motor configured to oscillate the member at an oscillation frequency sufficient to induce tear production when the second portion of the member is applied towards a surface of the body portion.

Abstract: A handheld device for applying mechanical vibration to a body portion of an individual to treat a dry eye condition of the individual, includes: a housing; a member having a first portion accommodated in the housing, and a second portion that is moveable relative to the housing, wherein the second portion is for placement outside the individual, and is configured to oscillate to apply the mechanical vibration to the body portion; and a motor in the housing, the motor configured to cause the member to undergo bending action in a reciprocating manner to oscillate the second portion of the member at an oscillation frequency sufficient to induce tear production when the second portion of the member is applied towards a surface of the body portion.

Abstract: A method to treat a dry eye condition of an individual, includes: receiving a switch signal generated based on a manipulation of a control switch at a handheld device; and activating a motor in response to the switch signal to oscillate a member at an oscillation frequency, the member having an elongated configuration, and having a portion for placement outside the individual; wherein the oscillation frequency is sufficient to induce tear production when the portion of the member is applied towards a surface of a body portion of the individual.

Abstract: A handheld device for applying mechanical vibration to a body portion of an individual to treat a condition of the individual, includes: a housing; a member having a portion that is moveable relative to the housing, wherein the portion of the member is configured to oscillate to apply the mechanical vibration to the body portion, the member having an elongated configuration; and a motor having a weight that is supported by the member.

Abstract: Apparatus to treat an eye with an ophthalmic laser system comprises a patient interface having an annular retention structure to couple to an anterior surface of the eye. The retention structure is coupled to a suction line to couple the retention structure to the eye with suction. Liquid is added above the eye to act as a transmissive medium. A coupling sensor is coupled to the suction line to determine coupling of the retention structure to the eye. A separate pressure monitoring circuit having a much smaller volume than the suction line is connected to the annular retention structure to measure suction pressure therein. A system processor coupled to the monitoring pressure sensor includes instructions to interrupt firing of a laser when the pressure measured with a monitoring pressure sensor rises above a threshold amount.

Abstract: A system, including a handpiece with a tool formed by a hollow needle and a lateral surface surrounding the hollow needle, where the hollow needle forms a first channel and a second channel is formed between the hollow needle and the lateral surface, an irrigation device, an aspiration device, a manifold device and a control device. In a first operating mode, the manifold device connects the second channel and the irrigation device for the exchange of fluids and connects the first channel and the aspiration device for the exchange of fluids. In a second operating mode, the manifold device connects the first channel and the irrigation device for the exchange of fluids. The pressure at which the irrigation device delivers fluid to the manifold device is controllable linearly in the second operating mode by the control device.

Abstract: A phacoemulsification needle comprises a hollow shaft with an interior surface, an exterior surface, and a distal end terminating in a distal edge. The shaft has a central bore extending there through. The central bore is defined by the interior surface of the hollow shaft. A first over mold is located on the exterior surface and distal edge of the hollow shaft. The first over mold covers at least a portion of a periphery of the exterior surface of the hollow shaft, the distal edge, and terminates at the central bore.

Abstract: A device for delivering ablative medical treatments to improve biomechanics comprising a laser for generating a beam of laser radiation used in ablative medical treatments to improve biomechanics, a housing, a controller within the housing, in communication with the laser and operable to control dosimetry of the beam of laser radiation in application to a target material, a lens operable to focus the beam of laser radiation onto a target material, and a power source operable to provide power to the laser and controller.

Abstract: An automatic darkening filter assembly for a welding protector and a welding protector that includes the automatic darkening filter assembly. The automatic darkening filter assembly has a housing that forms an opening in which a switchable light filter is arranged. The switchable light filter is retained by a first and a second resilient gasket that are arranged on opposite sides of the switchable light filter and which each extend circumferentially adjacent a periphery of the switchable light filter. The invention helps maximizing the robustness of the welding protector and facilitates assembly.

Abstract: A prosthesis for insertion in an ear to reduce pain resulting from TMJ disorders. The ear insert has a predefined shape conforming to the shape of the ear canal when the jaw is in an open position. The ear insert supports the TMJ and associated secondary musculature to reduce strain in the TMJ area, including the muscles, ligaments, nerves, and the temporo-mandibular joint itself. The insert is hollow in the inside to permit hearing and is made of a rigid material which retains the shape of the ear canal. A scalloped indenture extends across a surface of the ear insert positioned behind the tragus.

Abstract: A lower extremity wound information system can include a lower extremity wound treatment monitoring device and an external wound care information system. The monitoring device can include a moisture sensor placed at an external surface of a primary wound dressing. The moisture sensor generally would not be placed in direct contact with the wound. The monitoring device can also include a base unit placed on a posterior calf of the patient. The base unit can include a second sensor, a controller, and a communication module. The controller can receive and process information from the sensors, and determine whether to communicate information relating to the information from the sensors via the communication module to an external recipient. The external wound care information system can receive the information relating to the information from the sensors, and if appropriate, can prompt scheduling of a dressing change appointment for the patient.

Abstract: Dressings for closing an opening through a surface of a tissue site are described. The dressing includes a cover adapted to form a sealed space over the opening and a bolster. The bolster is adapted to be positioned adjacent the opening and includes a first plurality of holes. The holes have an average width to length ratio causing the plurality of holes to collapse in a direction substantially perpendicular to the opening. Systems, apparatuses, kits and methods including and/or using the dressing for closing the opening are also described.

Abstract: A negative pressure wound closure system and methods for using such a system are described. Preferred embodiments of the invention facilitate closure of the wound by preferentially contracting to provide for movement of the tissue. Some embodiments may utilize a stabilizing structure with removable sections.

Abstract: A reduced pressure tissue treatment system includes an applicator having an aperture, a first pad section, and a second pad section substantially covering the aperture and positioned substantially adjacent the first pad section. A fabric layer is located at least partially between the second pad section and the drape, and the fabric layer includes a woven or non-woven fabric made from a fiber material. A drape substantially covers the first pad section, the second pad section, the fabric layer, and the applicator. A reduced pressure source is in fluid communication with at least one of the first pad section and the fabric layer for providing reduced pressure to the aperture.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes a first strip of flexible material, a second strip of flexible material, and a stretchable strip. The first strip of flexible material has a length and a width. The second strip of flexible material is disposed on the first strip of flexible material. The stretchable strip is disposed on the second strip of flexible material. The stretchable strip protrudes from a plane of the first side of the second strip of flexible material. The stretchable strip of material extends predominantly along the length of the second strip of flexible material. The stretchable strip of material has a width, in at least one cross-section, that is less than the width of the first strip of flexible material.

Abstract: Herein is disclosed a composition comprising: a layer of water-swellable hydrogel, wherein the hydrogel has embedded therein a reinforcement sheet of liquid-water-permeable material, wherein the layer of hydrogel has a wound-facing side and a non-wound-facing side and apertures extend through the layer of hydrogel from the wound-facing side to the non-wound-facing side and through the reinforcement sheet, wherein the mean area of the apertures on at least one of the wound-facing side and non-wound-facing side of the hydrogel is at least 5 mm2.

Abstract: A pressure-sensing compression bandage having a plurality of pressure sensors provided to indicate the pressures applied by and/or the pressure gradient created by, the applied bandage at various locations along its length when the bandage is applied to a limb or other extremity.

Abstract: A sleeve for use with a foot, the sleeve including a compression portion operable to apply compression to the midfoot region of the foot. The foot sleeve further includes a raised heel support portion for abutment with the base of the heel region of the foot, and a ball portion for abutment with the ball region of the foot. The thickness of the raised heel support portion is greater than the thickness of the ball portion. The foot sleeve can be used for the treatment of plantar fasciitis.

Abstract: A tension adjusting and stabilization system and method can include an elastic compression bandage including long-stretch elastomeric yarns and an approximate 1:1 stretch characteristic. A change in length-wise stretch of the bandage results in an approximately proportional change in compressive pressure provided by the bandage. The system and method can further include a means for indicating a qualitative degree of tension of the bandage and a means for indicating a quantitative amount of pressure being applied by that degree of tension.

Abstract: A disposable pant-type absorbent article comprises an absorbent insert, wherein a region of the front or back section is made of a laminated elastic web material. A first adhesive material for securing sheets of web material of the laminated web material to each other is applied to a location adjacent an opposite lateral side of the front or back section, while leaving a first gap in the central area of the absorbent article free from the first adhesive. A second adhesive material for securing the elastic threads to the sheets of laminated web material is applied in the region from a location adjacent a first lateral side of the front or back section to a location adjacent an opposite lateral side of the front or back section, while leaving a second gap in the central area of the absorbent article free from the second adhesive material.

Abstract: A disposable finger mounted swab has an applicator end configured to contact a body part, natural orifice, open wound or surgical opening of a person or animal and an opening end arranged opposite the applicator end configured for receiving a finger of a user. An outer lining configured for direct contact with the body part, natural orifice, open wound or surgical opening of a person or animal. A water-resistant protective layer attached outer lining. A constricting band attached or integral with outer edges of the opening end of the disposable finger mounted swab and configured to maintain the swab in place on the finger during intended use. The swab may be packaged in a packet, wherein a substance for delivery using the swab is included in or upon the outer lining; the package or packet is hermetically sealed.

Abstract: A smart diaper to be worn by a user, includes an absorption pad that can absorb a liquid to form a soiled area, a first ionic compound in the absorption pad, a pair of electrode sensing circuits that includes a first electrode sensing circuit and a second electrode sensing circuit, which are in contact with the absorbent material, and a controller that can apply a voltage across the pair of electrode sensing circuits and to produce an electrical current that increases with area of the soiled area, wherein the first ionic compound can release ions in the soil area to increase the electrical current.

Abstract: An incontinence detection device and system is disclosed.

Abstract: On a skin-contact surface on a front-surface side of a sanitary napkin 1, in a plan view, a concave low compression part 10 obtained by denting, from a skin-contact surface side, a closed region part partitioned by an inside curve 12 formed of a curved line swelling on a front end side of the sanitary napkin 1, and an outside curve 13 that is located on a front end side than the inside curve 12, is formed of a curved line swelling on a front end side of the sanitary napkin 1 and has both ends that are connected respectively to the both ends of the inside curve 12 is formed. In the low compression part 10, a plurality of high compression parts 11 formed discretely respectively along the inside curve 12 and outside curve 13 is formed.

Abstract: An absorbent article including an absorbent main body including an absorbent core; and a pair of leak-proof walls. The pair of leak-proof walls are on respective widthwise side portions of the absorbent main body. Each of the leak-proof walls is capable of standing on a skin side in the thickness direction. The absorbent core includes a low-basis-weight portion in a widthwise central portion. The low-basis-weight portion has a basis weight of the absorbent core smaller than the basis weight in a surrounding portion. A joined part is formed by joining a surface of the skin-side portion and a surface of the non-skin-side portion, the surfaces facing to each other. The joined part is provided inside a distal end of the leak-proof wall and outside the low-basis-weight portion in the width direction. A part of the joined part and a part of the low-basis-weight portion overlap in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: The present invention is a multifunctional disposable absorbent article providing numerous features including, in addition to containment and absorption of bodily fluid secretions, improved feel, dryness, and comfort upon a person's skin, odor control and anti-microbial properties, and sufficient strength to support lifting and transferring of a person.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides substrates and laminates for absorbent articles and absorbent articles comprising the substrates or laminates. The substrates and laminates may have three-dimensional elements, land areas, and increased permeability regions intermediate at least some of the land areas and at least some of the three-dimensional elements. The increased permeability regions may be positioned adjacent to the three-dimensional elements. The land areas may have a first basis weight and the increased permeability regions may have a second basis weight. The first basis weight may be greater than the second basis weight.

Abstract: The wearable diaper and wet wipe combination disclosed herein may comprise, at least, a diaper, a storage pocket, and a plurality of wet wipes. Such a combination is advantageous to caregivers of diaper wearers requiring multiple daily changes, as the combination reduces the effective cost and difficulty of acquiring and keeping disposable diapers and wet wipes within proximity of each other. In a preferred embodiment the wearable diaper and wet wipe combination comprises three individually-packaged wet wipes enclosed in a pocket created by an affixed layer of material. Such pocket is located on the rear face of a disposable diaper and may be removably sealed so as to facilitate the storage of wet wipes and access to them when needed. A preferred system for manufacturing the present combination may involve the use of proprietary robotic arms for the manipulation and assembly of each component.