Abstract: Disclosed embodiments and methods provide solutions for coupling and decoupling of a delivery device from a stented prosthetic heart valve with one or more release mechanisms. In situations when one or more sutures get tangled or caught upon attempted retraction of the delivery device and sutures after deployment of the stented prosthetic heart valve, a secondary release mechanism can be provided to sever the suture(s) or release the suture(s) from the delivery device. Exemplary secondary release mechanisms include high resistance inserts, cutters and balloon expandable devices. Methods of releasing the sutures from the delivery device or severing the suture(s) are also disclosed.

Abstract: A prosthetic device for attachment to a vascular structure includes a body with an axial length configured to be adjustable by manipulation of at least one design feature but not materially affected by simple luminal pressurization. The at least one design feature includes at least one of a reducing mechanism or a purse-string provided along at least part of a circumference of the body to actuate reduction of a diameter of the device. The prosthetic device may include a body with an axial length configured to be adjustable and at least one roll-down segment at one end of the body. The at least one roll-down segment may be configured to be facilitated or supported by integrated shape memory materials to maintain the roll-down characteristics.

Abstract: Devices and methods for providing localized pressure to a region of a patient's heart to improve heart functioning, including: (a) a jacket made of a flexible biocompatible material, the jacket having an open top end that is received around the heart and a bottom portion that is received around the apex of the heart; and (b) at least one inflatable bladder disposed on an interior surface of the jacket, the inflatable bladder having an inelastic outer surface positioned adjacent to the jacket and an elastic inner surface such that inflation of the bladder causes the bladder to deform substantially inwardly to exert localized pressure against a region of the heart.

Abstract: A device for treating tricuspid regurgitation includes a shaft and a first fixation mechanism disposed on a distal end of the shaft. The first fixation mechanism is configured to anchor the device to a first cardiac tissue. The device includes a second fixation mechanism disposed on a proximal end of the shaft. The second fixation mechanism is configured to anchor the device to a second cardiac tissue. The device includes an approximation mechanism connecting the first fixation mechanism and the second fixation mechanism, wherein the approximation mechanism causes the second fixation mechanism to move along the shaft toward the first fixation mechanism to approximate the first cardiac tissue and the second cardiac tissue.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for proper sizing and centralization of a shoulder humerus implant are provided. The method and apparatus replicate the proper stem height and position for a shoulder humerus implant, and may be used during trialing and maintaining the proper height and orientation during implantation. The apparatus further assists in maintaining the shoulder humerus implant stem at the center of the humeral canal to allow for proper cementing technique, and facilitates selection of the appropriate humeral head replacement.

Abstract: A surgical or arthroscopic method for resurfacing at least one surface of a hip joint of a human patient using a medical device comprising a first sealing member. The hip joint has an acetabulum surface and a caput femur surface and the method comprises the steps of creating at least one hole passing into the hip joint, placing the first sealing member between the acetabulum surface and the caput femur surface, thereby creating a sealed hollow space between the acetabulum and the caput femur using the first sealing member, and injecting a material into the sealed hollow space, and thereby creating an artificial hip joint surface.

Abstract: An acetabular prosthesis is adapted to be arranged in the acetabular of a patient for impacting it. The prosthesis includes a cup having a wall in the shape of a spherical cap intended to receive an insert within it. The outer surface of the cap is adapted to come into contact with the bottom of the patient's acetabular. The cap is extended at its peripheral edge by a cylindrical part, and at least one cavity is formed in the outer surface of the cylindrical part.

Abstract: An artificial joint implant (1) comprising a first element (2) with a socket (4) and a second element (3) with a ball head (5), wherein said ball head (5) is insertable in said socket (4) such as to form a ball-and-socket connection between said first element (2) and said second element (3), and the movement of said ball head (5) in said socket (4) is restricted by means of a protrusion (6.1; 6.2) engaged in a groove (7), whereby said protrusion (6.1; 6.2) has a central axis A2 and is protruding from the surface of said socket (4) and said groove (7) is provided on the surface of said ball head (5) or vice versa; —said groove (7) is positioned along a great circle of said ball head (5) or of said socket (4), —said protrusion (6.1; 6.2) has a shape allowing rotation of the protrusion around its central axis A2 when received in the groove (7); and—the surface roughness of the protrusion (6.1; 6.2) and/or of the groove (7) is at most 25 micrometers.

Abstract: An implant couples a first bone of a hand to a second bone of the hand. The implant includes a body that defines a median plane. The body also defines a first joint surface having a first central region that articulates with the first bone. The body further defines a second joint surface having a second central region that articulates with the second bone, and the second central region is disposed on an opposite side of the median plane of the body relative to the first central region. The first and second central regions correspond to profiles of first and second axial segments, respectively, the first and second axial segments are each one of a cylinder, a cone and a torus and are centered on first and second axes, respectively, and the first and second axes, as projected on the median plane, are substantially perpendicular to each other.

Abstract: An orthopedic device for implanting between adjacent vertebrae comprising: an arcuate balloon and a hardenable material within said balloon. In some embodiments, the balloon has a footprint that substantially corresponds to a perimeter of a vertebral endplate. An inflatable device is inserted through a cannula into an intervertebral space and oriented so that, upon expansion, a natural angle between vertebrae will be at least partially restored. At least one component selected from the group consisting of a load-bearing component and an osteobiologic component is directed into the inflatable device through a fluid communication means.

Abstract: Bone graft scaffold arrangements are described that can be used in minimally invasive posterolateral spinal fusion. The bone graft scaffold apparatus comprise a housing which comprises a cavity for receiving bone growth promoting materials and a plurality of apertures. In use these allow bone and blood vessels to grow through the plurality of apertures to form the bone bridge between vertebrae. Further the bone graft scaffold apparatus comprise at least one opening in the housing for receiving a shaft of an orthopaedic device, such as rod linking pedicle screws, or the shaft of a pedicle screw, or another suitable shaft in another surgical procedure. The apparatus can be attached to structural components such as rods and screws and used to form a continuous scaffold between vertebras to assist in forming a bone bridge.

Abstract: Disclosed are a fusion cage for a spinal surgery and a clamping device thereof. The fusion cage comprises a fusion cage body (1) and a triangular screw plate (2). A limiting groove (12) fit with the clamping device is provided at a rear end surface of the fusion cage body (1), the fusion cage body (1) is hinged with the screw plate (2), and each of three corners of the screw plate (2) is provided with a screw hole (23). The clamping device comprises two clamping rods (4) which are fit with each other, and a front end of each clamping rod (4) is provided with a clamping head (41), wherein each of face-to-face sides of the clamping heads (41) is provided with a limiting protrusion (42), a front end of each clamping head (41) is capable of being inserted into the limiting groove (12) of the fusion cage body (1), and the limiting protrusion (42) is capable of being clamped at a front side surface of the screw plate (2).

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

Abstract: Techniques and systems for distracting a spinal disc space and supporting adjacent vertebrae are provided. Trial instruments are insertable into the disc space to determine a desired disc space height and to select a corresponding implant. Implants can be also be self-distracting and the implant providing the desired disc space height can be implanted in the spinal disc space.

Abstract: A prosthetic adapter including a lower connector, an upper connector rotatably coupled to the lower connector, and a locking mechanism for preventing the upper connector from rotating relative to the lower connector. The locking mechanism is arranged to generally automatically retain a locked position when the lower connector is rotated to an original, predetermined alignment. An activation member is connected to and arranged for operating the locking mechanism.

Abstract: An adjustable seal system includes a suspension liner having a liner body and an outer surface. A plurality of seal bands are located along a height of the liner body. A seal component is arranged for removably securing to the liner body. The seal component includes open upper and lower ends defining an opening therethrough and an internal surface arranged to frictionally engage at least one of the seal bands and secure on the outer surface of the liner. The seal component also includes an upper portion descending to at least one seal, and a lower portion.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are related to devices and techniques for para-valve sealing of an expandable stent-valve implanted using a catheter. In some embodiments, a stent-valve is provided which comprises a seal sleeve/cuff containing material that swells when contacted by blood. A piercing tool may be included and used to permit a user to puncture the sleeve/cuff prior to introduction into a patient's body. In some embodiments, the sleeve/cuff has an integral tubular structure configured to withstand balloon expansion of the stent-valve during or after implantation. In some embodiments, the seal is provided as a separate component from the stent-valve.

Abstract: Provided herein are implantable devices, such as vascular grafts and access port for hemodialysis, that include a microporous sheath layer having a corrugated outer surface, and use therefore for reducing the risk of infection or stenosis.

Abstract: Provided is a flexible stent in which a free end strut does not tend to project outside when the stent is bent and shortening can be suppressed at the time of expansion of the stent. The flexible stent includes annular bodies having a wavy line pattern and connection elements that connect the annular bodies. The wavy line pattern is formed by V-shaped elements, in which two leg parts are joined by an apex part, being connected in a state where the apex parts alternately face opposite directions in an axial direction. A bending direction of one end part of the connection element and a bending direction of another end part thereof are opposite to one another. The end part of the connection element is connected to a portion other than the apex part of the V-shaped element of the adjacent annular body with the end part of the connection element being extended in a direction different from the direction in which the leg part extends.

Abstract: A method of deploying a stent includes receiving a delivery system loaded with a stent and securing the stent in a compressed arrangement by a stent holding assembly including first and second holders having a first protective cover disposed at one end for enclosing a first fastening assembly and a second protective cover disposed at one end of the second holder for enclosing a second fastening assembly, respectively, the stent coupled to the first and second holders members by the first and second fastening assemblies, respectively. The method further includes delivering the stent in an axially expanded and a radially compressed arrangement to an implantation site, retracting the first and second protective covers to expose the first and second fastening assemblies, and actuating the first and second fastening assemblies such that the stent radially expands to engage an inner wall of a lumen.

Abstract: Catheter including an inner tubular member, an outer tubular member movable relative to the inner tubular member, and a movable tubular structure coupled to the outer tubular member. A medical device disposed about a distal end portion of the inner tubular member. A proximal stopper is provided having a distal end and disposed proximal to a proximal end of the movable tubular structure. The distal end of the proximal stopper is spaced from the proximal end of the movable tubular structure at least a longitudinal length dimension of the medical device, wherein the outer tubular member and the movable tubular structure are movable in a proximal direction up to engagement of the proximal stopper to deploy the medical device from the inner tubular member.

Abstract: A handheld tool includes a handle; an implement mount configured to detachably accept and to rigidly hold a user-assistive implement; an actuator assembly mounted to the handle to physically manipulate the implement mount relative to the handle; a first sensor disposed to sense an orientation of the handle; a second sensor disposed to sense an orientation of the user-assistive implement; a controller disposed in or on the handle and coupled to the actuator assembly and the first and second sensors; and memory coupled to the controller. The memory stores instructions for identifying a type of the user-assistive implement attached to the implement mount, selecting a behavior routine based upon the type of the user-assistive implement identified, and manipulating the user-assistive implement relative to the handle according to the behavior routine to aid performance of a task with the handheld tool.

Abstract: A bariatric clamp may include substrate members overmolded in polymer forming first and second elongated portions with insert portions, and a bight portion having a flexible hinge wherein the inserts are engaged via a magnetic force to retain the clamp in a closed position to partition the stomach. In another embodiment, the bariatric clamp may include substrate members overmolded in polymer forming first and second elongated portions and a bight portion having a flexible hinge, wherein the first and second elongated portions are curved to conform to a curvature of a patient's stomach. In another embodiment, the bariatric clamp may include substrate members overmolded in polymer forming first and second elongated portions each having one or more suture portions formed via one or more recesses formed in the substrate members.

Abstract: A gastrointestinal device for treating obesity includes a three-dimensional porous structure configurable between a compressed pre-deployment configuration to facilitate delivery and an expanded post-deployment configuration. The porous structure includes a first opening at its proximal end and a larger second opening at its distal end. The porous structure also includes a sleeve coupled to its distal end. Optionally, the device further includes a suture at the proximal end of the wire mesh structure to facilitate retrieval and an anti-migration component positioned at the junction of the porous structure with the sleeve. The porous structure is deployed in a patient's stomach such that the anti-migration component sits proximal to the patient's pylorus and prevents migration of the entirety of the device into and through the pylorus. The sleeve extends through the pylorus, into the duodenum and ends in the duodenum or jejunum.

Abstract: Apparatus, system, and method are disclosed herein for controlling movement of an artificial orthopedic joint prosthesis in a mammalian subject. The apparatus, system, or method includes an orthopedic brace configured to control movement of an orthopedic joint prosthesis. The apparatus, system, or method includes one or more sensors and one or more controllers in communication with the one or more sensors. The one or more sensors are configured to detect a change in an orientation of a subject's position in an environment and configured to detect one or more alignment orientations of the orthopedic joint prosthesis.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method and foot support device for dynamically treating plantar fasciitis in the foot of a patient while enabling patient mobility. The method comprises applying tension to the ball of the foot via a strap held in tension by extending the strap to form a continuous loop, from opposite sides of the knee in the leg of the foot in treatment through an opening in a channel guide member oriented relative to the ball of the foot, with the strap connected at opposite ends thereof to the opposite sides of the knee in alignment with the rotatable joint of the knee and controlling dorsiflexion of the plantar fascia while the patient is mobile by slidably adjusting the position of the strap within the channel guide member in response to the mobility of the patient.

Abstract: A patella cup for use with a knee brace includes a main shell secured to a padded liner, and an upper shell disposed above the main shell, and secured at one end to the padded liner. The upper shell may include an extension passing under an upper end of the main shell, so that the upper shell is bendable rearwardly relative to the main shell. A lower strap and at least one upper strap are secured to the padded liner, such that each strap includes an elastic portion to allow each strap to stretch in length when pulled. Loops are secured to the padded liner, on lateral and medial sides of the main shell, with the loops secured to lateral and medial hinges on either side of a knee brace used with the patella cup.

Abstract: A multilayer orthotic/orthosis has a cover layer, a shell layer and a posting layer. The shell layer is formed of a thermoplastic having a moldable temperature. The rigidity of the shell layer, and in particular the rigidity of the thermoplastic is chosen to be of a magnitude to support the portion of the individual at temperatures below the moldable temperature. The shell layer, preferably the thermoplastic, has a flexibility above the moldable temperature to mold the shell layer into a shape to support the portion of the individual. The shell layer has two layers of woven polyester fibers (“scrim”) on the top and bottom. The scrim gives the plastic strength and prevents it from stretching excessively when molding. These unique properties make the material well suited for stacking multiple layers without having excessive bulking of material top lines. Both sides of the shell layer are coated with a layer of hot melt cement/glue/adhesive for easy attachment of various layers or other materials.

Abstract: Disclosed is a shoulder brace for immobilization of the arm and shoulder joint in neutral abduction/adduction. Methods of using the brace and methods of treating shoulder injuries are similarly provided.

Abstract: An ostomy pouch assembly (1) comprises a receptacle (2) for receiving material from a stoma of a person, and a mounting plate (4) for securing the receptacle to a person's body. The mounting plate includes a first layer (10) with an outer surface that is configured to be bonded to a person's skin and an inner surface. An intermediate layer (12) is located between the inner surface of the first layer (10) and the receptacle (2). A stress displacement or bonding layer (16) is located between the intermediate layer (12) and the receptacle (2) for bonding the mounting plate (4) to the receptacle (2). The region of bonding securement between the bonding layer (16) and the intermediate layer (12) has a first peripheral edge (20), and the region of bonding securement between the bonding layer and the receptacle has a second peripheral edge (26) that is located inwardly of the first peripheral edge (20).

Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems are disclosed for controlled delivery of a therapy, such as a stimulant, to a mouth of a subject via an oral device positioned in a secured configuration in the mouth. At least one of a tongue position stimulator (TST) and tongue position sensor (TSE) is provided, according to certain aspects. According to another aspect, a stimulus is delivered to the mouth and/or tongue via a mouthpiece secured to the subject's teeth. In another regard, a stimulus is delivered that generates a natural response to eliminate or reduce sleep disorders, such as for example at least one of snoring and obstructive sleep apnea.

Abstract: In a stimulus method, a stimulus applying apparatus is attached to an area selected from a group of specific parts of a body surface by an acupuncture needle(s) or heating etc. thereby releasing the stress, and a stress-free medical treatment method based on the stimulus method.

Abstract: A thermal eye pod assembly for use in efficiently heating and/or cooling a plurality of thermal eye patch members, as desired. A portable thermal eye pod assembly for use in efficiently treating a user's recurring ophthalmic conditions, accelerating a user's healing process, and providing a user with a relatively faster means of pain relief.

Abstract: A balloon catheter is used in a closed-loop heat exchange system for manipulating the temperature of a patient. The balloon catheter is positioned in the stomach of the patient, and then expanded with a heat exchange fluid delivered through a lumen formed in the shaft of the catheter. The balloon catheter comes into contact with the wall of the stomach, and the stomach substantially conforms around the expanded balloon catheter. The heat exchange fluid is allowed to flow continuously into and out of the balloon catheter. Heat is exchanged between the balloon catheter and the stomach so as to controllably alter the temperature of at least a portion of the patient. Anti-shivering mechanisms and automatic control based on temperature feedback from the patient may be used in connection with the heat exchange system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an ophthalmic treatment device, a control method therefor and a fundus lesion treatment method, the ophthalmic treatment device comprising: a treatment beam generation unit for generating a treatment beam; a beam delivery unit for forming a path through which the treatment beam generated from the treatment beam generating unit is irradiated into a patient's fundus; and a control unit for controlling the beam delivery unit to irradiate the treatment beam into a location adjacent to the lesion area of the fundus.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a system and method for indirectly determining weight on eye, the weight resulting from contact between the eye and a docking apparatus for laser ophthalmic surgery. The system includes a docking apparatus, a measuring device, a display and a processor that determines a relative distance between a detectable position of a component of the docking apparatus and a neutral position of the eye, determines the weight on eye by reference to sensed force-distance reference data, and generates and transmits a pictorial representation of weight on eye to a display. The disclosure further provides a method for indirectly determining weight on eye, the weight resulting from contact between the eye and a docking apparatus for laser ophthalmic surgery.

Abstract: A pair of safety glasses including a pair of arms extending from opposite sides of an eye glass shield member. A terminal end of each of the arms, opposite the eye shield member, includes a near terminal region curves inwardly toward the other arm and a far terminal region, further from the eye shield member than the near terminal region, that curves outwardly and wherein the far terminal region includes a trap defined by a hole through the far terminal region in communication with a slit extending from the hole to an exterior side of the far terminal region with a protrusion extending into the hole, from an edge of the hole, near the slit. The pair of safety glasses includes an earplug lanyard coupled through each hole of the pair of arms.

Abstract: The system of the preferred embodiments is an ear treatment device including: an electrical power supply; an electric heater coupled in electronic communication to the electrical power supply; a spray nozzle coupled to a fluid passageway; a fluid reservoir coupled to the opposite end of the fluid passageway from the spray nozzle; at least one of I) a pump, II) an ultrasonic mist generator, and III) a vapor generator designed to cause the fluid from the reservoir to flow through the fluid passageway and out of the spray nozzle; wherein the electric heater is adapted to heat the fluid in at least one of A) the reservoir, B) the fluid passageway, and C) the spray nozzle; wherein the nozzle is adapted to spray the fluid into the ear canal of a user. Preferably the ear treatment device of the preferred embodiments is designed to treat earaches in a user, and possibly to assist in the promotion of drainage of fluid from a user's middle ear and in some cases to treat ear infections.

Abstract: The present invention is an equipment and a method for handling web materials, in particular for recombining portions as are cut out from an essentially continuous web material machine-directionally offset with this web.

Abstract: A carrying device includes: a carrying section having a receiving surface to be in contact with a first sheet material that is continuous in a carrying direction, wherein one edge of the first sheet material is wave-shaped, the carrying section defining an inclined slit portion, wherein the inclined slit portion defines an opening on the receiving surface, wherein the inclined slit portion extends in an inclined direction so as to be displaced from a proximal side toward a distal side of a protruding portion while extending downstream in the direction of carrying the first sheet material, and wherein the inclined slit portion sucks the protruding portion along the wave-shaped edge; and a box defining a suction space that keeps the inclined slit portion under a negative pressure so that the protruding portion is pulled into the inclined slit portion by suction.

Abstract: Sensor arrangement and method for monitoring a person with a sensor arrangement, which includes measuring electronics and a sensor structure that can be fitted onto a base. The sensor structure includes at least one sensor, and the arrangement determines, by the data measured by the measuring electronics and the sensor, a change in the moisture of the base and the presence of a person on the base.

Abstract: Absorbent article having a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction, a front portion, a rear portion and a middle portion located between the rear portion and the front portion is disclosed. The article has a first longitudinal side edge and a second longitudinal side edge extending in said longitudinal direction, and a first transverse side edge and a second transverse side edge extending in the transverse direction. The article includes a liquid permeable topsheet, a liquid impermeable backsheet, and an absorbent core enclosed between the topsheet and the backsheet, and a first and a second fastening tab attached to said article. The first and second fastening tabs each has a first surface including a first fastener and a second surface including a second fastener.

Abstract: Roll-in cots having lift assist mechanisms and lift assist mechanisms are disclosed. According to one embodiment, a lift assist mechanism includes a force application member having an actuation element, an actuation mechanism comprising a first grasp handle and a second grasp handle, and a force transmission assembly. The force transmission assembly includes a first keyway plate that is coupled to the first grasp handle, a second keyway plate that is coupled to the second grasp handle, and an actuation pin that extends through both the first keyway plate and the second keyway plate, where the actuation pin selectively applies a force to the actuation element of the force application member.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention provides a mobile clinic including: an intermodal container defining at least a first opening and a second opening; a partition wall located within the intermodal container, the partition wall separating the intermodal container into an anteroom and a treatment room; and an access control device programmed to prevent passage from the anteroom into the treatment room until a user's donning of personal protective equipment is verified. Another aspect of the invention provides a collapsible structure including: a rigid base; a rigid roof; one or more collapsible walls extending between the floor and the base; and an erector system comprising four cross-bars. Another aspect of the invention provides a crate including: a bottom panel; a top panel; and a plurality of walls, wherein at least two of said plurality of wails including one or more conduits.

Abstract: A swing arm assembly for a foldable wheelchair consisting of a camber tube and adapters is disclosed. The adapters mount to the frame of the wheelchair and receive the ends of the camber tube. One end of the camber tube is pinned into an adapter such that it pivots. The other end is pinned in an adapter using a quick release pin. The camber tube improves the stability of the foldable wheelchair. When desired to fold the wheelchair, the quick release pin is removed and the camber tube is rotated approximately 90 degrees, thereby allowing the wheelchair to fold. The adapters may be mounted to the wheelchair frame or to stub axles if used. The swing arm assembly adds substantial stiffness and stability to a folding wheelchair.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus, such as a bed, recliner, cot, stretcher, operating table, or the like, includes battery-powered circuitry whose functions are reduced, but not eliminated, as the battery charge level falls below a threshold. Electrical power may be cut off to one or more components of the battery-powered circuitry while still providing battery-supplied electrical power to the other components of the circuitry. A user interface provides battery status data, including a replacement status of a rechargeable battery, and allows a user to select different formats for displaying battery status data. Such formats include displays of battery charge level information not only in manners specific to the battery, but also in manners relative to the patient support apparatus, such as displays of how many, or how much of, one or more functions the patient support apparatus is able to perform based on the battery's current charge level.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus, such as a bed, cot, recliner, operating table, stretcher, or the like, includes a control panel with multiple controls for controlling functions of the patient support apparatus. A control system disables at least a first control and changes an illumination state of a backlight when the patient support apparatus is in a particular state. In some embodiments, the particular state is the arming of an exit detection system and/or the deactivation of a brake on the patient support apparatus. The particular state may also or alternatively be tied to a particular mode of the patient support apparatus, such as a diagnostic mode, a maintenance mode, and/or a normal mode. The control system may also never illuminate a first icon on the patient support apparatus if it was initially configured in a particular manner, such as being intended for sale in a particular geographic market.

Abstract: A one-piece vest garment having a fashionable appearance wearable in public settings, with an adjustable tapered/secure fit providing efficient manual transfer/lift assistance to caregivers with mobility challenged patients at risk for falling and in need of assistance during standing, walking, sitting, or repositioning activities. It provides secure, steady, and controlled patient lifting while promoting good body mechanics for reduced risk of caregiver shoulder, hand, wrist, and back injury. Since the vest more evenly distributes pressure around a patient's body, in lift maneuvers patient skin tears, bruising, and joint dislocations are reduced.

Abstract: A monitoring system comprises a lift assembly configured to lift a patient; a control system configured to control operation of the lift system; and a reporting system in communication with the control system and configured to receive operational information for the lift assembly. The reporting system compares the operational information to a predetermined set of values to determine if the operation of the lift is in compliance with the protocols.

Abstract: A knee range of motion device utilizing tangential joint translation and distraction is disclosed. The device includes a carriage connected to a base, the carriage having a base attachment section; a thigh support section pivotally attached to the base attachment section; and a lower leg support section pivotally connected to the thigh support section. The device further including a carriage support extending between the thigh support section and the base, the carriage support pivotally connected to the thigh support section and adapted to slide in slots on the base; a first actuator connected to the lower leg support section to extend and retract the lower leg support section, thereby causing a foot support connected to the lower leg section to move; and a second actuator connected to the lower leg support section to raise and lower a calf support, causing an anterior and posterior tibial translation.