Abstract: A method of crimping an implantable prosthetic valve can include placing protective material over at least a portion of the implantable prosthetic valve. The protective material can be configured to occupy space between open cells of a frame of the implantable prosthetic valve to prevent damage to a leaflet structure of the implantable prosthetic valve. The method can also include crimping the implantable prosthetic valve with the protective material on the implantable prosthetic valve, and removing the protective material from between the frame and the leaflet structure of the implantable prosthetic valve.

Abstract: An intravascular device includes a shaft having a body defining a major lumen and a plurality of minor lumen. The minor lumens are spaced about the major lumen. The major lumen and the plurality of minor lumen extend from a proximal end of the body to a distal end of the body. One or more wires may extend through the major lumen and/or minor lumen.

Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatus and methods for endovascularly delivering and releasing a prosthesis, e.g., an aortic prosthesis, within and/or across a patient's native heart valve, referred to hereinafter as replacing the patient's heart valve. In some embodiments the delivery system comprises a plurality of first actuatable element adapted to engage a plurality of second elements in a first configuration to capture the implant within the delivery system, and wherein the plurality of first actuatable element are adapted to engage the plurality of second elements in a second configuration and to release the implant from the delivery system.

Abstract: A profile altering tip is provided for a delivery system. The tip defines a first profile with a generally conical shape and a second profile with an expanded profile. During use of the delivery system, a tip profile control assembly can alter the tip from the first profile to the second profile.

Abstract: A device for percutaneously delivering a stented prosthetic heart valve. The device includes an inner shaft assembly, a delivery sheath assembly, an outer stability tube, and a handle. The sheath assembly is slidably disposed over the inner shaft, and includes a capsule and a shaft. The capsule compressively contains the prosthesis over the inner shaft. The stability tube is slidably disposed over the delivery sheath, and includes a distal region configured to be radially expandable from a first shape having a first diameter to a second shape having a larger, second diameter. In a first delivery state, the distal region assumes the first shape, providing a low profile appropriate for traversing a patient's vasculature. In a second delivery state, the distal region has the expanded diameter second shape, sized to receive the capsule, such as when retracting the capsule to implant the prosthesis.

Abstract: The invention includes methods of and apparatus for endovascularly replacing a heart valve of a patient. One aspect of the invention provides a method including the steps of endovascularly delivering a replacement valve and an expandable anchor to a vicinity of the heart valve in an unexpanded configuration; and applying an external non-hydraulically expanding or non-pneumatically expanding actuation force on the anchor to change the shape of the anchor, such as by applying proximally and/or distally directed force on the anchor using a releasable deployment tool to expand and contract the anchor or parts of the anchor. Another aspect of the invention provides an apparatus including a replacement valve; an anchor; and a deployment tool comprising a plurality of anchor actuation elements adapted to apply a non-hydraulically expanding or non-pneumatically expanding actuation force on the anchor to reshape the anchor.

Abstract: The invention pertains to penile implants that facilitate tissue expansion while not substantially inhibiting normal anatomical movement. The implants may be made of different materials or made in different configurations such that such that a measured property at a first location on said implant is different than said same measured property at a second location on said implant.

Abstract: A total knee replacement, comprising a femoral and a tibial component in articulating contact that can restore normal joint function. The articulation between the two components is controlled by four guide surfaces.

Abstract: An orthopaedic tibial prosthesis includes a tibial baseplate sized and shaped to cover substantially all of a resected proximal tibial surface, and a tibial bearing component sized to leave a posteromedial portion of the tibial baseplate exposed when the tibial bearing component is mounted to the baseplate. The exposed posteromedial portion of the tibial baseplate includes a chamfered profile which cooperates with a correspondingly chamfered profile at a posteromedial edge of the tibial bearing component to create a substantially continuous chamfer extending from the resected tibial surface to the medial articular surface of the tibial bearing component. Advantageously, this chamfer leaves an absence of material (i.e., a relief or void) at the posteromedial edge of the tibial prosthesis, thereby enabling deep flexion of the prosthesis without impingement between the tibial prosthesis and adjacent anatomic tissues or prosthetic structures.

Abstract: Method and set of surgical instruments for fitting a shoulder prosthesis, and the shoulder prosthesis. The proposed method seeks to interpose a bone graft between the previously prepared glenoid surface (G) of a scapula (S) of a patient's shoulder and the face of a glenoid prosthetic component opposite the articular surface. The set of instruments permit the bone graft to be taken from the upper epiphysis of the humerus (H), either in situ or ex vivo.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a stabilized ankle prosthesis configured for use in patients with compromised soft tissue in the ankle. The prosthesis of the present invention is a two-component design comprising a stabilizing lip configured to constrain movement in the general direction of compromised soft tissue.

Abstract: Disclosed is a wrist prosthesis, and methods for implanting same, the prosthesis comprising an elongated radial component having two opposite sides, the first side comprising a stem and the second side comprising a concave dish; an elongated carpal component having two opposite sides, the first side comprising a stem, and the second side comprising a ball end; a lunate component having two opposite sides, the first side comprising a cavity adapted to receive said carpal component's ball end, and the second side comprising a convex surface adapted to engage said radial component's concave dish; wherein said lunate component freely rotates and swivels with respect to both of said carpal and radial components; wherein said stem of said carpal component is adapted for rigid engagement with one or more carpal and/or metatarsal bones; and wherein said stem of said radial component is adapted for rigid engagement with a radius bone.

Abstract: A spinal implant apparatus that is an expandable spacer including features to minimize or eliminate spacer cant or offset during and after completing the expansion process. The spacer includes a top component, a base component in engagement with the top component, and an expansion mechanism arranged to change the top component's position with respect to the base component. The mechanism for causing expansion may be a screw, a cam, a wedge or other form of distracting device. In one embodiment, the expandable spacer includes a base component with a set of towers and a top component with a set of corresponding silos, where the towers and silos are configured to minimize or eliminate tilt of the top component as it extends upwardly from the base component.

Abstract: An intervertebral prosthesis for insertion between adjacent vertebrae includes upper and lower prosthesis plates locatable against respective vertebrae and having opposing, concavely curved recesses therein, and a core located between the plates. The core has opposed, convexly curved surfaces received in the recesses of the plates to allow the plates to slide in articulated manner over the core. The opposed surfaces of the core and the recesses of the plates have cooperating spherical curvatures. The recess of each plate surrounds a locating peg projecting centrally from the base of the recess and is bounded by an annular rim, such that the annular rims of the plates are arranged to contact one another at a predetermined limit of sliding movement of the plates over the core. The peg locates loosely in an opening located centrally in a curved surface of the core, whereby the plates can slide over the core in all directions while the peg holds the core captive.

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 so that a suitable vertebral body implant can be implanted between vertebrae.

Abstract: An adjustable spinal fusion intervertebral implant including upper and lower body portions each having proximal and distal surfaces at proximal and distal ends thereof. The implant can include a proximal wedge member disposed at the proximal ends of the respective ones of the upper and lower body portions, and a distal wedge member disposed at the distal ends of the respective ones of the upper and lower body portions. First and second linkages can connect the upper and lower body portions. Rotation of an actuator shaft can cause the distal and proximal wedge members to be drawn together such that longitudinal movement of the distal wedge member against the distal surfaces and the longitudinal movement of the proximal wedge member against the proximal surfaces causes separation of the upper and lower body portions.

Abstract: An expandable spinal implant assembly for insertion between two adjacent vertebral bodies includes a first body with a first superior endplate and a first inferior endplate, which are connected together. A strut is comprised by said first body and connects with one of said endplates, said strut including a first threaded through bore with a central axis. The spinal implant assembly further includes a substantially hollow second body having a second superior endplate and a second inferior endplate, and is engaged within said first body. At least one track is arranged on a second top inside face of said second superior endplate and/or on a second bottom inside face of said second inferior endplate, said track being oriented at an acute angle relative to the central axis of said first threaded through bore when said substantially hollow second body is at least partially engaged with said first body.

Abstract: Biomedical implants comprising portions made of disparate materials, such as intervertebral implants and related methods and instruments. In some embodiments, the implant may comprise a base portion comprising a first material and a secondary fastener portion comprising a second material having distinct physical properties relative to the first material. The secondary portion may wholly define a front end wall surface of the implant, and the base portion and the secondary portion may collectively define at least one of an upper surface and a lower surface of the implant.

Abstract: A system and method for inserting and aligning an acetabular cup in the human pelvic bone, including selectively combining aspects of a vibratory BMD3 and an axially-impacting BMD4, including initially utilizing BMD3 vibratory insertion to partially insert and perfectly align the acetabular cup into the pelvis, and subsequently switching to a BMD4 controlled impaction technique to apply specific quantifiable forces for full seating and insertion, wherein the proven advantages of the vibratory insertion prototype with the advantages of the controlled impaction prototype are combined in a single device.

Abstract: The embodiments provide a spinal implant that is configured for midline insertion into a patient's intervertebral disc space. The spinal implant may include structural guidance features to facilitate the angular approach of fixation elements into the apertures. The spinal implant may also be a configured with a tactile or visual feedback response feature to allow the user to know when the fixation elements are fully seated within the apertures.

Abstract: A spinal implant system includes at least one interbody implant having a first member including a tissue engaging surface and at least one mating element. A second member includes a tissue engaging surface and at least one mating element. An intermediate member includes at least one mating element. An intra-operative surgical tool is connectable with at least one of the members to engage adjacent mating elements and fix the intermediate member with at least one of the first member and the second member. Implants, surgical instruments and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A computer-assisted surgery (CAS) system outputs a leg length discrepancy and/or an offset between conditions. An inertial sensor unit is connected to an instrument(s) to produce readings representative of its orientation. A CAS processor unit has a coordinate system module for setting a pelvic coordinate system from readings of the inertial sensor unit, a tracking module for tracking an orientation of the instrument(s) relative to the pelvic coordinate system during movements thereof, and a geometrical relation data module for recording preoperatively a medio-lateral orientation of the instrument(s) representative of a medio-lateral axis of the legs and a distance between the legs, for recording after implant rejointing the medio-lateral orientation and the distance, and for calculating a leg length discrepancy and/or an offset, based on the distances and the medio-lateral orientations. An interface outputs the leg length discrepancy and/or the offset between leg conditions.

Abstract: A prosthetic system includes a prosthetic foot having an upper foot element with a concave-forward facing portion and foot portion extending forwardly therefrom. An intermediate foot element is disposed below the upper foot element and has a front portion coupled to the foot portion of the upper foot element. A lower foot element is disposed below the intermediate foot element. A pump system is coupled to the prosthetic foot and comprises a pump mechanism including a housing defining a cavity, and a membrane situated in the cavity. The pump mechanism is movable between an original configuration and an expanded configuration. An arm member is connected to the pump mechanism and operatively coupled to the intermediate foot element. The arm member is arranged to move the pump mechanism toward at least the expanded configuration upon movement of the intermediate foot element relative to the upper foot element.

Abstract: A hydraulic damping cylinder for a prosthetic knee joint, including a housing, a cylinder chamber in the housing and filled with a hydraulic fluid, and a piston arranged in the cylinder chamber and movable by a piston rod. In the housing there are provided at least two separate receiving chambers, which are of different size and are connected to the cylinder chamber by fluid ducts, for hydraulic fluid displaced from the cylinder chamber during a piston movement The receiving chambers are each separated, by a diaphragm, from a compression chamber filled with a compressible fluid that forms an energy store. Upstream of the larger receiving chamber, there is connected a throttle device which forms a flow resistance for the hydraulic fluid flowing into the receiving chamber so that the hydraulic fluid can be distributed to the two receiving chambers in a manner dependent on speed of the piston movement.

Abstract: A rehabilitation system with stiffness measurement on a body part to be rehabilitated is disclosed. The rehabilitation system includes a rehabilitation unit and a processor. The rehabilitation unit includes an exoskeleton brace holding a rehabilitation part of user and traction lines driving the exoskeleton brace for moving. When the exoskeleton brace moves, the processor analyzes tensions of the traction lines to obtain stiffness information relating to the rehabilitation part of user.

Abstract: Embodiments include methods of identifying a personalized cardiovascular device based on patient-specific geometrical information, the method comprising acquiring a geometric model of at least a portion of a patient's vascular system; obtaining one or more geometric quantities of one or more blood vessels of the geometric model of the patient's vascular system; determining the presence or absence of a pathology characteristic at a location in the geometric model of the patient's vascular system; generating an objective function defined by a plurality of device variables and a plurality of hemodynamic and solid mechanics characteristics; and optimizing the objective function using computational fluid dynamics and structural mechanics analysis to identify a plurality of device variables that result in desired hemodynamic and solid mechanics characteristics.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for connecting a medical implant to an insertion aid, comprising: a first spiral connecting device at the proximal end of the medical implant, a second spiral connecting device at the distal end of the insertion aid, a core wire, which in a first operating state of the system fixes the first spiral connecting device and the second spiral connecting device in relation to one another, wherein in the first operating state the first spiral connecting device and the second spiral connecting device at least partially engage in one another and the core wire extends through the first spiral connecting device and the second spiral connecting device.

Abstract: A deployment device for deploying a self-expanding branched stent graft. The device includes a branched stent graft retained on an introducer. The introducer includes a main catheter and an auxiliary catheter preloaded within the introducer and extending from distal the distal end of the stent graft, into the lumen of the stent graft and through an internal branch in the graft and out of the fenestration.

Abstract: A pre-loaded stent graft delivery device and stent graft, the stent graft delivery device. The stent graft has at least one fenestration or side arm and the fenestration is preloaded with an indwelling guide wire. The indwelling guide wire are configured to receive the access sheaths. A handle assembly at a distal end of the guide wire catheter. The handle includes a multiport manifold with access ports to the auxiliary lumens in the pusher catheter. Upon deployment of the stent graft into the vasculature of a patient, the indwelling guide wire can be used to facilitate catheterization of a side branch or target vessel through the fenestration or be used to stabilize the access sheath during catheterization, advancement of the access sheath into the target vessel and deployment of a covered or uncovered stent therein through the access sheath.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward an intragastric device used to treat obesity that includes a wire mesh structure capable of changing from a compressed pre-deployment shape to an expanded post-deployment shape with a greatly increased volume. The post-deployment shape contains a light weight at the top and a heavier weight at the bottom to ensure proper positioning within the stomach. In the post-deployment shape, the device contains larger spaces in the upper portion and smaller spaces in the lower portion to sequester food and delay gastric emptying. Alternatively, the device can be enveloped by a membrane containing larger holes at the top and smaller holes at the bottom to sequester food and delay gastric emptying. The device has a dynamic weight where the weight of the device in the pre-feeding stage is less than the weight of the device in feeding or post-feeding stage.

Abstract: An orthopedic device and method for using the same are provided for applying a dynamic load on a leg of a user. The orthopedic device has a rigid or semi-rigid frame including lower and upper frames, and a hinge assembly connecting the lower and upper frames. A dynamic loading component is used to urge the load on the user's leg on the basis of flexion of the hinge assembly on the basis of tension in an elongate element connecting the dynamic loading component and at least one of the lower and upper frames. A peak load is generated at a flexion angle between extension and flexion of the hinge assembly.

Abstract: A dorsal spine support device has a support element that is a single strap with a closure assembly. The single strap intersects itself in exactly three discrete locations. The single strap has a first end and a second end. The closure assembly has a buckle with a first portion and a second portion. The first portion of the buckle is connectable to and disconnectable from the second portion of the buckle. The first portion of the buckle can be secured to the first end of the single strap and the second portion of the buckle can be secured to the second end of the single strap. A pad can be positioned in a pouch. The pouch can be secured to the strap.

Abstract: A garment for restricting the range of motion of a wearer can include a body assembly with one or more garment forming portions configured to form a first side and a second side. The first side and the second side can be removably joined by at least one fastener. The garment further includes first and second sleeves coupled to the body assembly at first and second armpit areas, respectively. Each of the sleeves can be securely attached to the body assembly by first and second attachment devices, respectively. Each of the first attachment device and the second attachment device can extend vertically from the respective armpit area toward a distal end of the respective sleeve. The garment also includes first and second leg portions that can be joined by a third attachment device extending vertically from an inseam toward a distal end of the first and second leg portions.

Abstract: An ultra-thin highly conformable arc-shaped support film for a flange extender for an ostomy bag comprises a polyurethane film having an adhesive applied to at least one of a body facing surface and an ostomy bag facing surface, wherein the film has a thickness of about 5 pm to about 100 ?m and exhibits a high moisture vapor transmission rate even compared to thin films used for film dressings.

Abstract: The colostomy balloon plug has three parallel conduits with a combined charcoal and hydrophobic filter at one end of the largest central first conduit. The largest central first conduit is open at one end and has the combined charcoal and hydrophobic filter at its other end, for elimination of bowel gas. A shorter parallel second conduit terminates on one end in a first balloon and on a second end in a first one-way valve. A shortest parallel third conduit terminates on one end in a second balloon and on a second end in a second one-way valve. A syringe and extension conduit is selectively attached to the two one-way valves. Air, saline solution or sterilized water can be introduced from the syringe through the one-way valves of the extension conduit to inflate the two balloons about the largest central first conduit. The one-way valves prevent deflation of the balloons unless the shorter or shortest parallel conduits are cut to allow the fluid from the two balloons to exit and deflate the balloons.

Abstract: A liquid absorbent support cushion for a user is disclosed comprising a first member having first and second surfaces, the first member constructed of a first material in which the first member is substantially liquid permeable and the first material is substantially liquid impervious. The cushion includes a second member having first and second surfaces, the second member constructed of a second material in which the second member is substantially liquid permeable and the second material is substantially liquid impervious. The cushion also includes a third member, the third member is liquid absorbent; and wherein the second member is positioned between the first and third members and wherein the first, second and third members are constructed such that liquid passing through the first and second members is absorbed by the third member.

Abstract: A thermal device comprising a garment (42A) that may be placed against at least a part of the body (10), the garment (42A) defining at least one enclosed compartment (48, 50) defined between an inner wall (65) and an outer wall (66), and an inlet (21) whereby liquid may be introduced into each such enclosed compartment (48, 50). Each enclosed compartment (48, 50) contains dry material (30) comprising water-soluble chemical compounds that dissolve endothermically or exothermically, and also a compressed sponge (62). There may also be an air bleed valve (64) to bleed any air out of the compartment (48, 50) when water is introduced. The device enables a patient's body to be cooled or heated in emergency, needing only addition of water, and incorporating no toxic or hazardous materials.

Abstract: Relatively non-invasive devices and methods for heating or cooling a patient's body are disclosed. Devices and methods for treating ischemic conditions by inducing therapeutic hypothermia are disclosed. Devices and methods for inducing therapeutic hypothermia through esophageal cooling are disclosed. Devices and methods for operative temperature management are disclosed.

Abstract: An atraumatic microsurgical forceps may include an actuation structure, an actuation sleeve having an actuation sleeve distal end and an actuation sleeve proximal end, a surgical blank, and atraumatic forceps jaws of the surgical blank having atraumatic forceps jaws distal ends and atraumatic forceps jaws proximal ends. The surgical blank may be disposed within the actuation sleeve wherein at least a portion of the atraumatic forceps jaws extends from the actuation sleeve distal end. A compression of the actuation structure may be configured to gradually extend the actuation sleeve over the atraumatic forceps jaws proximal ends. An extension of the actuation sleeve over the atraumatic forceps jaws proximal ends may be configured to gradually close the atraumatic forceps jaws wherein the atraumatic forceps jaws initially contact at the atraumatic forceps jaws distal ends.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an articulating ophthalmic surgical probe includes providing a cannula having an outer diameter of 20 Ga or less and a slotted tip, permanently attaching a pull wire to the slotted tip, permanently attaching a metal anchor to a distal end of the pull wire, positioning a weld pin within a handle assembly that is sized to fit within a single hand, and welding the metal anchor to the weld pin within the handle assembly.

Abstract: Disclosed is a patient interface for affixment on onto a patient eye, said patient interface including: a negative-pressure cavity designed for fluidic coupling to the patient eye; a first negative pressure interface with a first negative pressure aperture for fluidically coupling the negative-pressure cavity to a negative-pressure device to charge the negative pressure cavity with a negative pressure; a second negative pressure interface with a second negative pressure aperture for fluidically coupling the negative-pressure cavity to the negative-pressure device to charge the negative cavity with a negative pressure; wherein the first negative pressure aperture and the second negative pressure aperture are arranged in a wall of the negative pressure cavity separate from and in close vicinity to each other.

Abstract: Wounds dressings, systems, and methods are presented that involve using a patient's body heat to enhance liquid removal from the wound dressing through a high-moisture-vapor-transmission-rate drape. Additional heat sources or devices, such as nano-antennas or electrical heating elements, may be added or used separately to enhance the removal liquid from the wound dressing. Other dressings, systems, and methods are presented herein.

Abstract: An oxygen-generating wound dressing is provided. The oxygen-generating wound dressing comprises a housing and a wound contacting layer. The interior of the housing comprises a barrier member to divide the housing into a reactant receptacle and a wound contacting layer receptacle. The reactant receptacle of the housing further comprises a first reactant receptacle, a second reactant receptacle, a check valve disposed between the first reactant receptacle and the second reactant receptacle, a flow regulating device disposed on the second reactant receptacle and a gas deliver tube for fluidly communicating the first reactant receptacle and the wound contacting layer receptacle. The entrance speed of the second reactant into the first reactant receptacle can be controlled by the flow regulating device. The oxygen partial pressure can be maintained preferably and the wound healing can be improved by using the oxygen-generating wound dressing of the present invention.

Abstract: A barrier system is provided for use in reducing infections associated with post-operative surgical incision and/or a percutaneous medical device, such as a catheter, that is disposed within the surgical incision. Such a barrier system may include: a barrier device having a skin-contacting surface and a catheter-receiving surface; and an adhesive composition configured for adhering to skin, the barrier device, and/or the catheter so as to form a barrier at or adjacent to an incision in the skin where the catheter is percutaneously inserted through the skin. A tensioning anchor and associated system of two or more tensioning anchors is provided for post-operative wound closure. A method for applying and removing the barrier device and tensioning anchors is also provided.

Abstract: A composite wound dressing includes an absorbent portion coupled to the vapor permeable backing with a first adhesive and a wound contact portion having a first portion coupled to the absorbent portion with a second adhesive, and the wound contact portion having a second portion coupled to the vapor permeable backing with the first adhesive is disclosed. Further a skin securement portion coupled to the backing portion with the first adhesive, the skin securement portion including a semi-self adherent adhesive, and a void having a first size, wherein at least a portion of absorbent is accessible through the void. The wound contact portion has a size greater than the first size of the void.

Abstract: A nursing pad assembly is described, combining adherence and water resistant advantages of silicone lamina with the comfort and absorption of an attached cloth layer. In particular, a nipple contact area passes through an aperture in the silicone lamina. In one embodiment the cloth layer includes at least three sub-layers engineered for toweling, wicking/absorption, and water resistant properties, respectively.

Abstract: A stretchable structure for absorbent article includes: a sheet-like member (12S) that is composed of one air permeable material (120) and has a plurality of pleats (80) arranged at intervals so as not to overlap in a fallen state and inter-pleat portions (85) overlapping in the state in which the pleats (80) are fallen; and elongated resilient and elastic members (90) provided between opposing surfaces (80a and 80b) of the pleats (80) along a longitudinal direction of the pleats (80). The pleats (80) are continuously or intermittently joined in the longitudinal direction of the pleats (80) such that at least the opposing surfaces (80a and 80b) of base portions (81) are not spaced from each other. Outer surfaces of the pleats (80) are not joined to the inter-pleat portions (85) except for both longitudinal ends of the pleats (80).

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an absorbent article having a body facing liner, a backsheet coupled to the body facing liner, an absorbent body positioned between the body facing liner and the backsheet, and a fluid acquisition layer having a body facing surface and a garment facing surface, the fluid acquisition layer being positioned between the body facing liner and the backsheet includes providing a web of body facing liner material in face-to-face relation to a web of fluid acquisition layer material, bonding the body facing liner material to the fluid acquisition layer material using an embossing roller, wherein the embossing roller has an axis and a circumferential surface having a circumferential lane, the circumferential lane having azimuthally-alternating target zone and channel zone embossing patterns, and phasing the embossing roller relative to the web to produce female products and male products.

Abstract: An absorbent pant is provided with a containment system defined by a wearing-facing surface of the absorbent pant. The containment system comprises at least one of the following: a pleated section comprising a plurality of pleats; a channeled section comprising a plurality of alternating ridges and channels; and/or a bubbled section comprising a plurality of hemispherical-shaped bubbles aligned in a plurality of rows.

Abstract: An object of the present disclosure is to provide an absorbent body that is both soft and resistant to twisting. The absorbent body of the present disclosure is as follows. An absorbent body for an absorbent article includes thermoplastic resin fibers and cellulose-based water-absorbing fibers, at least some of the thermoplastic resin fibers have a first section 6? exposed on a surface of the liquid-permeable layer side of the absorbent body, a second section 6? exposed on a surface of the liquid-impermeable layer side of the absorbent body and a joint section 6?? connecting the first section 6? and second section 6?, and the tensile strength in a thickness direction of the absorbent body is 100 Pa or greater.