Abstract: Devices, method to produce devices and methods to perform bone augmentation using a bag having two membranes on one side and one membrane on the other side which is preferably perforated. The bag can be filled with bone augmenting material. The bag can be used in the jaws while placing the side with the one membrane towards the jaw bone and the side with the two membranes towards the gingiva.

Abstract: A method of forming an implant to be implanted into living bone is disclosed. The method comprises the act of roughening at least a portion of the implant surface to produce a microscale roughened surface. The method further comprises the act of immersing the microscale roughened surface into a solution containing hydrogen peroxide and a basic solution to produce a nanoscale roughened surface consisting of nanopitting superimposed on the microscale roughened surface. The nanoscale roughened surface has a property that promotes osseointegration.

Abstract: A dental implant for supporting periodontal tissue and the supporting bone is provided. The dental implant includes an implant member with inner canal for insertion into a periodontal bone socket, and an anchoring assembly. The anchoring assembly includes a first fastening element and radially equidistant cylindrical members. The first fastening element engages the implant member within the hollow axial cavity. The root section includes through-holes for radially and forcibly sliding the cylindrical members through them. When the first fastening element apically advances within the hollow axial cavity, the cylindrical members generate an anchoring force to anchor the dental implant.

Abstract: A system for fastening an orthopaedic implant either to a bone or to an orthopaedic implant, including a screw and a driver; the screwing having a first end and an apical end, a head at the first end and a thread at the apical end, a bore running axially from the first end of the screw along a portion of the screw towards the apical end of the screw, a first zone at the first end of the bore and a second zone at the apical end of the bore, where the first and second zones have clipping and peripheral engagement means, respectively, where the driver includes a head having first and second segments, the first segment having means for triggering the clipping means during an axial insertion of the driver head into the bore, where the second segment has means for engaging the peripheral engagement means, and where the second segment of the driver head has a rounded axial section, and the second zone of the bore has a rounded socket shape adapted to engage with the second segment of the driver head in various angle

Abstract: Systems, methods, devices and apparatus for mandibular advancement or retraction via bone anchoring devices are described herein. In various aspects, an apparatus for treating a patient via mandibular advancement or retraction comprises a plurality of anchoring devices positioned in the patient's intraoral cavity. Each of the plurality of anchoring devices can be positioned in bone of the patient's upper jaw or bone of the patient's lower jaw. One or more connecting structures can be removably coupled to and extend between the plurality of anchoring devices in order to displace the lower jaw anteriorly or posteriorly relative to the upper jaw.

Abstract: A dental tray system includes a maxillary impression tray configured to be filled with an impression material and to take an impression of an upper jaw side of an oral cavity; a mandibular impression tray configured to be filled with the impression material and to take the impression of a lower jaw side of the oral cavity; and a support plate provided between the maxillary impression tray and the mandibular impression tray, and configured to movably support the maxillary impression tray and the mandibular impression tray in a front-to-rear direction and rotatably support the maxillary impression tray and the mandibular impression tray.

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

Abstract: In a functionalization method for use in dentistry, and a method for same, the application device includes a support for receiving a partially processed shaped dental part for producing a dental restoration, and a dispensing device for the at least partial infiltration of a functionalization material onto the surface of the shaped dental part.

Abstract: The invention relates to a support body for a blank, whereby the support body possesses a receiving opening for the blank that is surrounded by an inner circumferential surface, which terminates in an upper and a lower edge, and whereby a blank fixed in position within the support body is bonded to the latter by means of an adhesive agent. In order to be able to easily introduce the adhesive agent into a gap between the blank and the support body it is intended that the inner circumferential surface possesses at least one depression and/or elevation extending to accommodate the adhesive agent.

Abstract: Provided is an interdental cleaning tool which has a simple configuration and can effectively prevent an occurrence of breakage of a core base portion when inserting the interdental cleaning tool into an interdental space or during interdental cleaning without reducing productivity of the interdental cleaning tool, and provided is a method for manufacturing the interdental cleaning tool.

Abstract: A suction tool for connection to a dental suction system can include an elongate body, a tip portion, and a screen mechanism positioned within the elongate body. The tip portion can extend over at least a portion of the elongate body. The tip portion can include an upper portion and a lower portion integrally formed with the upper portion and at least partially spaced apart from the upper portion by a recessed portion.

Abstract: An electric toothbrush of the present invention includes: a case having first and second drive shafts exposed therefrom, the first and second drive shafts being rotated in opposite directions and moved forward and backward respectively by a drive unit which is driven by a motor; first and second toothbrush bodies coupled to the first and second drive shafts by first and second coupling units respectively, so as to transmit the rotational force and forward and backward motions of the first and second drive shafts; a brush installed at the ends of the first and second toothbrush bodies so as to clean teeth by the rotational force and forward and backward motions transmitted to the first and second toothbrush bodies; and a third toothbrush body having an auxiliary brush, which is coupled to a third drive shaft of the drive unit installed in the case.

Abstract: An occlusion system implantable in a human or animal body, including a fluidic circuit which includes an inflatable occlusive sleeve, a reservoir with variable volume filled with a fluid. The reservoir includes a fixed portion and a movable portion, an actuator mechanically coupled with the movable portion of the reservoir to linearly displace the movable portion relative to the fixed portion for adjusting the volume of the reservoir. The actuator and the reservoir are laid out in a sealed casing containing a gas. A sensor mechanically bound to the actuator and/or to the movable portion, measures a traction and/or compressive force of the movable portion of the reservoir. Also included is a device for measuring the fluid pressure in the fluidic circuit.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a plurality of beads and a plurality of links joining the beads together. Each bead includes a housing, a passageway extending through the housing, and at least one annular magnet. The passageway defines an axis. The at least one annular magnet is coaxially positioned about the passageway. The housing defines a gap adjacent to the at least one annular magnet. The gap is sized and configured to allow at least one annular magnet to rotate relative to the housing about a rotation axis. The rotation axis is offset from the axis of the passageway. Portions of the links are slidably disposed in corresponding passageways of the beads.

Abstract: Described are pelvic implants and methods of surgically placing pelvic implants, the implants optionally including the ability to engage a spreader tool for spreading the implant within the patient, also optionally including a frame, exemplary implants being capable of being used to treat pelvic floor disorders, for example by supporting of levator tissue.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to skirted hernia repair devices which includes at least a first mesh layer having a first side, a second side, and an outer peripheral edge, a skirt mesh layer positioned on the first side of the first mesh layer, the skirt mesh layer having an inner peripheral edge defining an opening in the skirt mesh layer, and, at least one reinforcement member that prevents the skirt mesh layer from inverting.

Abstract: An applicator instrument for dispensing surgical fasteners includes a housing, and an elongated shaft extending from the housing. The elongated shaft has a proximal end secured to the housing, a distal end spaced from the proximal end, and a first axis extending between the proximal and distal ends of the elongated shaft. Surgical fasteners are disposed in the elongated shaft. The surgical fasteners are stacked at an angle relative to the first axis of the elongated shaft. A distal end cap having a surgical fastener dispensing window is secured to the distal end of the elongated shaft. The applicator instrument has a firing system disposed in the housing, and an actuator coupled with the firing system for activating the firing system to dispense the surgical fasteners through the surgical fastener dispensing window.

Abstract: A tissue defect closure system includes an endoscopic surgical fixation device and an implant. The endoscopic surgical fixation device includes a handle assembly and an elongated outer tube having a distal end and including a plurality of fasteners disposed therein. The implant includes an elongated hollow body having a proximal end and a distal end, and defines an elongated pocket therein. The elongated pocket is dimensioned to engage the elongated outer tube of the endoscopic surgical fixation device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device (1) for introducing a flexible prosthesis into a surgical incision, comprising a globally tubular body (2) having a proximal end (2a) and a distal end (2b), said tubular body being designed for receiving the prosthesis in a folded configuration in a sliding way, wherein the tubular body is provided with an open longitudinal slit (3) extending from said proximal end (2a) to said distal end (2b), and wherein said distal end is provided with a distal semi-tubular rounded extension (2c).

Abstract: A medical implant packaging assembly having an outer tray, an inner tray and a retainer The implant may include a tissue graft. The inner tray is formed from a moisture barrier material whereby the implant may be maintained in a hydrated state, thereby avoiding need for rehydrating steps that are required for dehydrated or cryopreserved implants. The outer tray and inner tray and a retainer are also made of transparent materials, enabling medical personnel to view the implant through these packaging components prior to and during surgery.

Abstract: A clot removal device has an expandable treatment member, a proximal section, and a transition section having a distal end connected to the proximal end of the expandable treatment member, and a proximal end connected to the distal end of the proximal section. A delivery wire has a distal end coupled to the proximal section. The diameter of the proximal section is smaller than the diameter of the expandable treatment member, and the transition section has a diameter that varies from its proximal end to its distal end.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for use in capturing embolic debris during a surgical procedure in a patient are provided. The methods include utilizing an embolic capture device that is configured for delivery into a patient via a transapical delivery approach and via an arterial delivery approach, and determining which of a transapical delivery approach and an arterial delivery approach should be used with the patient. The methods also include inserting the embolic capture device within a delivery system, and deploying the embolic capture device at a desired location within the patient's blood vessel that is downstream from the location of the surgical procedure. The same embolic capture device is configured for use with a transapical delivery approach and an arterial, such as a transfermoral, delivery approach.

Abstract: Embolic material capture catheters and related devices and methods employ a staged deployment of an embolic material capture element. A method of deploying an embolic material capture element in a blood vessel includes advancing the embolic material capture element in an insertion configuration through the blood vessel. A middle portion of the embolic material capture element is expanded via distal advancement of an inner sheath toward a distal end portion of the embolic material capture element constrained by a dilator assembly. The dilator assembly is then reconfigured to release the distal end portion of the embolic material capture element from engagement with the dilator assembly. Upon release, the distal end portion of the embolic material capture element expands to complete deployment of the embolic material capture element in the blood vessel.

Abstract: A visceral double-barreled main body stent graft and methods for its use, the stent graft comprises, a main body stent graft having distal and proximal ends, the main body stent graft's length ranges from about 100-120 mm and diameter at the proximal end ranges from about 30-45 mm, first and second lumens defined at the main body stent graft's distal end, the first lumen's diameter ranges from about 18-20 mm, the second lumen's diameter ranges from about 16-18 mm, the first and second lumens have about the same length from about 50-70 mm, the first lumen is secured to the second lumen along a shared length, and the main body stent graft defines a tubular wall that is contiguous with the first and second lumens such that any fluid entering the main body must exit through one of the first or second lumens.

Abstract: An implant delivery system for delivering a sheet-like implant is disclosed. The implant delivery system includes a distal guidewire port for receiving the proximal end of guidewire after the guidewire distal end has been affixed to a first point on bone or other tissue. The implant delivery system is tracked over the guidewire to a selected position defined by the guidewire attachment. The device includes an implant spreader assembly disposed proximate the distal end of a delivery shaft. The implant spreader assembly includes a first arm and a second arm. The arms are coupled to the delivery shaft such that the first arm and second arm are moveable between a closed position and an open position. When pivoting to the open position the distal end of each arm travels in a generally transverse direction to spread a sheet-like implant.

Abstract: A tenodesis anchor having an anchor member coupled to at least one fiber loop. The anchor member is inserted into a bone and the loop closed about a tendon to be anchored to the bone. Closing the loops additionally deforms the anchor member so that it remains within the bone, thereby securing the tendon trapped in the loop to the bone without the use of a staple.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dermal layer which is for grafting and has an improved graft survival rate, and a method for producing the same, wherein the dermal layer for grafting can be produced by filling a filling solution, including a DNA fragment mixture and chitosan, into an acellular dermal matrix from which cells have been removed. It was observed that the dermal layer for grafting produced in this manner, due to the filling solution filled therein and including a DNA fragment mixture and chitosan, increases the rate at which cells flow in from the tissue surrounding the graft and are fixed, and thereby alleviates an initial inflammatory reaction and promotes blending with the surrounding tissue.

Abstract: An implant-delivery sleeve may comprise an enclosure having at least one opening and at least one vent conduit. The vent conduit may extend along a surface of the enclosure to assist in removing fluids (e.g., blood and air) from the tissue pocket to facilitate implantation of the implant.

Abstract: An implant delivery sleeve is disclosed. The sleeve may comprise a first tube including a first segment, a second segment, and a third segment. The first segment may have a first stiffness, the second segment may have a second stiffness, and the third segment may have a third stiffness. The third stiffness may be greater than the second stiffness and the second stiffness may be greater than the first stiffness. The implant-delivery sleeve may be used to deliver a breast implant to a subject. The implant may be deformed within the sleeve, to advance it within the sleeve and extrude it from the distal end of the sleeve.

Abstract: A delivery sleeve for assisting delivery of a tissue implant may include an enclosure an orifice, and a throat. A cinching mechanism, which may include a fastener, may be disposed about the throat. The fastener may be used to fasten the cinching mechanism in a cinched configuration to maintain the throat in a closed configuration. The cinching mechanism may include implant-size indicators thereon. A lubricant or lubricious material may be included upon an inner surface of the enclosure. The cinching mechanism may be used to change the configuration of the throat from an open configuration to a closed configuration. The fastener helps maintain the throat in a closed configuration.

Abstract: An implantable device includes a first sealed flexible shell configured for implantation within a breast of a human subject, an elastic filler material contained within the first sealed flexible shell, and a second sealed flexible, inelastic shell, which is disposed within the elastic filler material inside the first sealed flexible shell and is inflated with a volume of gas. The second shell includes a material selected such that an amount of the gas escaping from the second shell does not exceed 10?8 Torr-liter/second when the gas pressure inside the second shell is 250 mbar higher than the gas pressure outside the second shell.

Abstract: A multifocal intraocular lens has an anterior lens surface which includes a first optic of a first radius and a second optic of a different radius. The posterior surface of the lens include an aspheric surface.

Abstract: Systems and methods involving an intraocular implant with input and/or output electronics are described. In some embodiments, the system includes an intraocular lens having at least one optic operably coupled to a haptic, one or more input electronics on the haptic and/or the optic; and one or more output electronics on the haptic and/or the optic for receiving and/or transmitting data.

Abstract: An accommodating intraocular lens (AIOL) for implantation within a capsular bag of a patient's eye comprises first and second components coupled together to define an inner fluid chamber and an outer fluid reservoir. The inner region of the AIOL provides optical power with one or more of the shaped fluid within the inner fluid chamber or the shape of the first or second components. The fluid reservoir comprises a bellows region with fold(s) extending circumferentially around an optical axis of the eye. The bellows engages the lens capsule, and a compliant fold region between the inner and outer bellows portions allows the profile of the AIOL to deflect when the eye accommodates for near vision. Fluid transfers between the inner fluid chamber and the outer fluid reservoir to provide optical power changes. A third lens component coupled to the first or second component provides additional optical power.

Abstract: Provided is an intraocular lens having a novel structure with high utility which is easy to adapt to patients, and can improve quality of vision (QOV). In an intraocular lens, an optical characteristic is set rotationally symmetric around an optical axis, and a spherical aberration of a size corresponding to a coma aberration remaining in a patient's eye after extraction of a human lens of the eye is set.

Abstract: An IOL delivery device which has a macro movement actuator which is actuateable to move an IOL into position in the device for the IOL to be delivered, and a micro movement actuator comprising at least one pivotable member which is pivotable to deliver the IOL to the eye. The pivotable member may comprise one or more wheels that are rotatable using one's finger.

Abstract: A tensioning device for attaching to the anterior capsule of an eye, and accommodative intraocular lens systems employing the device. The tensioning device includes a biocompatible, elastically reconfigurable ring for restoring at least a portion of the anterior capsule centripetal forces lost by capsulorhexis. The tensioning device also includes a plurality of penetrators configured for attaching the ring to the anterior capsule. The plurality of penetrators is biocompatible with the eye and partially embedded in a part of the ring configured for facing the anterior capsule.

Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve includes a support frame and a plurality of leaflets disposed inside the support frame. The support frame extends between an inflow end and an outflow end and includes a leaflet frame and a plurality of positioning members coupled to the leaflet frame. The leaflet frame has an undulating shape at the outflow end of the support frame and includes a plurality of commissure regions spaced apart from each other. The positioning members are disposed between the commissure regions of the leaflet frame and extend radially outwardly relative to the leaflet frame. The positioning members are configured to contact native tissue and anchor the support frame relative to the native tissue. The leaflets are coupled to the commissure regions of the leaflet frame. The leaflets are configured to allow flow in a first direction and to substantially block flow in an opposite direction.

Abstract: Embodiments include prosthetic valves and related methods. In an embodiment, an implantable valve is included having a frame that includes a plurality of frame struts. The frame can define a central lumen. An outer skirt can be disposed on an abluminal surface of the frame. The outer skirt can include a flap having a first end and a second end. The first end of the flap can be fixed to the abluminal surface of the frame and the second end can be free to move away from the abluminal surface of the frame. Other embodiments are also included herein.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for endovascularly replacing a patient's heart valve. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes an expandable anchor supporting a replacement valve, the anchor and replacement valve being adapted for percutaneous delivery and deployment to replace the patient's heart valve, the anchor having a braid having atraumatic grasping elements adapted to grasp tissue in a vicinity of the patient's heart valve.

Abstract: Apparatus includes an implant including a flexible longitudinal member extending along a longitudinal length of the implant and a flexible contracting member extending alongside the longitudinal member and along the longitudinal length of the implant. The contracting member is configured to facilitate reduction of a perimeter of the implant by applying a contracting force to the longitudinal member in response to an application of force to the contracting member. The contracting member is disposed at a radially outer perimeter of the longitudinal member and configured to apply a pushing force to the longitudinal member responsively to the application of the force to the contracting member.

Abstract: An interventional curvature device for temporarily adjusting the structure of a heart during a heart valve repair procedure in order to enhance the effectiveness of the heart valve repair procedure. The curvature device is adjustable between a collapsed configuration with a profile suitable for delivery of the device to a coronary sinus and great cardiac vein of a patient, and an expanded configuration for lodging of the device at the coronary sinus and great cardiac vein. The curvature device has a distal section that anchors within the great cardiac vein, and a proximal section that anchors within the coronary sinus. A tether is coupled to the distal end of the device and extends through the device and past the proximal end. An increase in tension in the tether increases the curvature of the device.

Abstract: Embodiments include implantable valves with attached polymeric components. In an embodiment, an implantable valve is included having a frame comprising a plurality of frame struts. The frame defines a central lumen and at least one of the frame struts defines a connection aperture. The implantable valve can include at least one valve leaflet including a coaptation edge and two connection portions, with one connection portion disposed on either end of the coaptation edge. The connection portion can be disposed within the connection aperture thereby coupling the valve leaflet to the frame. Other embodiments are also included herein.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein include devices, systems, and methods for reducing the distance between two locations in tissue. In one embodiment, an anchor may reside within the right ventricle in engagement with the septum. A tension member may extend from that anchor through the septum and an exterior wall of the left ventricle to a second anchor disposed along a surface of the heart. Perforating the exterior wall and the septum from an epicardial approach can provide control over the reshaping of the ventricular chamber. Guiding deployment of the implant from along the epicardial access path and another access path into and through the right ventricle provides control over the movement of the anchor within the ventricle. The joined epicardial pathway and right atrial pathway allows the tension member to be advanced into the heart through the right atrium and pulled into engagement along the epicardial access path.

Abstract: The present invention is directed generally to (1) an articulating junction, and articulation method thereof, wherein articulation is facilitated by a plurality of magnetic particles; (2) an articulating junction, and articulation method thereof, wherein the stability and fluidity of the junction is based, at least in part, on the magnetic field(s) of the plurality of magnetic particles; and (3) reducing the resistance to articulation and/or increasing the structural integrity and support, of the articulating junction, via electro-magnetism. Further, the present invention is directed generally to the synergistic combination of magnetic particles and preferred bio-implant-materials and additive-manufacturing methods along with Baker correlation codes. Further, the present invention is directed to an artificial joint for implantation into a living body and methods for constructing such an artificial joint.

Abstract: An implant system for total shoulder arthroplasties, hemi shoulder arthroplasties, and “reverse” total shoulder arthroplasties including a humeral stem having an enlarged head portion with interfaces adapted to removably receive various modular interchangeable components, such as articulating liners, spacers, and adapter inserts. The humeral stem functions as a universal platform that may be used in either conventional or “reverse” total shoulder arthroplasties, as well as hemi shoulder arthroplasties, and may remain implanted in place during a revision in which the implant system is converted between the foregoing configurations, for example.

Abstract: The embodiments provide various interbody fusion spacers, or cages, for insertion between adjacent vertebrae. The cages may have integrated ratchet assemblies that allow the cage to change size and angle as needed, with little effort. The cages may have a first, insertion configuration characterized by a reduced size to facilitate insertion through a narrow access passage and into the intervertebral space. The cages may be inserted in a first, reduced size and then expanded to a second, larger size once implanted. In their second configuration, the cages are able to maintain the proper disc height and stabilize the spine by restoring sagittal balance and alignment. Additionally, the intervertebral cages are configured to be able to adjust the angle of lordosis, and can accommodate larger lordotic angles in their second, expanded configuration. Further, these cages may promote fusion to further enhance spine stability by immobilizing the adjacent vertebral bodies.

Abstract: The embodiments provide various interbody fusion spacers, or cages, for insertion between adjacent vertebrae. The cages may have integrated expansion and angular adjustment mechanisms that allow the cage to change its height and angle as needed, with little effort. The cages may have a first, insertion configuration characterized by a reduced size to facilitate insertion through a narrow access passage and into the intervertebral space. The cages may be inserted in a first, reduced size and then expanded to a second, larger size once implanted. In their second configuration, the cages are able to maintain the proper disc height and stabilize the spine by restoring sagittal balance and alignment. Additionally, the intervertebral cages are configured to be able to adjust the angle of lordosis, and can accommodate larger lordotic angles in their second, expanded configuration. Further, these cages may promote fusion to further enhance spine stability by immobilizing the adjacent vertebral bodies.

Abstract: An expandable interbody spacer includes a first endplate surface located on a first side of the spacer and adapted to contact a vertebral endplate surface of a first vertebral body, a second endplate surface located on a second, opposed, side of the spacer and adapted to contact a vertebral endplate surface of a second, opposed, vertebral body and an expansion mechanism adapted to selectively apply a distracting force between the first endplate surface and the second endplate surface, whereby actuation of the expansion mechanism causes the spacer to transition between a compressed insertion configuration to an expanded fusion configuration. The spacer also includes one or more of a deformable surface, a porosity to promote bone on-growth or through-growth, a stiffness substantially equivalent to cortical bone, and structure distributing loads through the spacer substantially without transferring the loads through higher-stiffness structures.

Abstract: Spacerless artificial disc replacements (ADR) are disclosed. One preferred embodiment includes two saddle-shaped components to facilitate more normal spinal flexion, extension, and lateral bending while limit axial rotation, thereby protecting the facet joints and the annulus fibrosus (AF). Either or both of the superior and inferior components are made of a hard material such as chrome cobalt, titanium, or a ceramic including alumina, zirconia, or calcium phosphate. The articulating surfaces of the ADR are also preferably highly polished to reduce friction between the components. Metals, alloys or other materials with shape-memory characteristics may also prove beneficial.