Abstract: A technique for accessing extra articular lesions or abnormalities or intra osseous lesions or abnormalities or bone marrow lesions or all has the step of positioning the localizing pinning member onto cartilage or subchondral bone to define a virtual pathway through the cartilage or subchondral bone towards or into or through the lesion or abnormality or a desired target to create the virtual pathway utilizing an intra articular localizing pinning member to determine a location of the lesion or abnormality wherein the utilization of the localizing pinning member includes the step to locate or stabilize or both and thereafter using the virtual pathway to create an entry access.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for use with a robotic system that has a control unit and a shaft portion that includes an electrically conductive elongated member that is attached to a portion of the robotic system. The elongated member is configured to transmit control motions from the robotic system to an end effector.

Abstract: A teleoperated surgical instrument comprises a housing configured to couple to a teleoperated manipulator and an elongated tube having a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The first end is mounted to the housing and the second end has one or more openings configured to deliver or receive a fluid at a surgical site. The instrument further comprises a flow control system in the housing. The flow control system includes a first tubular member coupled to the elongated tube and a first control element rotatable relative to the housing and the first tubular member. The first control element includes a receiving portion coupled to a shaft portion. The receiving portion is configured to couple with the teleoperated manipulator and rotate to control flow of the fluid through the first tubular member.

Abstract: A robotic surgical apparatus includes at least two tubes having a nested, concentric configuration with an inner tube positioned in an outer tube. The tubes are configured to deliver surgical therapy. A first tube carrier connected to the outer tube and a second tube carrier connected to the inner tube. The first tube carrier and its associated outer tube and the second tube carrier and its associated inner tube form a robotic arm assembly. An actuator for actuating the robotic arm assembly is configured to receive the robotic arm assembly via a tube insertion interface into which the robotic arm assembly can be inserted.

Abstract: A surgical instrument support arm of a teleoperated patient side cart may include a first arm portion including a first connector end and a second a second arm portion including a second connector end. The second arm portion may be removably connectable to the first arm portion via mating engagement of the first and second connector ends. The first and second connector ends may each include complementary mechanical connections and complementary electrical connections. At least one of the electrical connections of the first and second connector ends may include electrical shielding to protect against electrical interference in a position in which the electrical connections are matingly engaged. The electrical shielding may be configured to axially compress when the electrical connections of the first and second connector ends are matingly engaged.

Abstract: A master-slave same structure teleoperation fracture reduction mechanism includes a frame assembly, two parallel platform assemblies, a top platform connecting plate (9), an operating handle assembly, two fixing assemblies, a controller (15), six movement assemblies and 24 hydraulic pipes (26). The operating handle assembly is located in the middle of the upper platform (5), and the two fixing assemblies are located on the top of the parallel platform assembly. The two parallel platform assemblies are disposed on the frame assembly; the controller (15) and the six movement assemblies are disposed on the frame assembly; A top platform connecting plate (9) is connected to the fixing assembly parallel platform assembly. The hydraulic pipes (26) is in communication with motion hydraulic cylinders (7a) and the other end of the hydraulic pipes is in communication with one of platform hydraulic cylinders (7b). The invention assists a doctor to achieve fracture reduction.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to systems and methods for catheter manipulation. In particular, systems as described herein can be used to drive a catheter while maintaining control along three degrees of freedom. Systems as described herein can be used in a wide variety of settings, including MRI in which small, non-magnetic robot systems having motors that remain stationary during use are advantageous.

Abstract: A medical instrument according to the present invention includes an end effector that fulfills a predetermined function, a motor unit that generates power for driving the end effector, a transmission member that is connected to the end effector and the motor unit so as to transmit the power to the end effector, a tension holding portion that has a tension generation portion and a tension pulley which is connected to the tension generation portion and which comes into contact with the transmission member the tension pulley being configured to move such that tension applied to the transmission member in a predetermined magnitude, and a switch that can fix a position of the tension pulley.

Abstract: Minimally invasive robotic surgical instruments and related methods are disclosed. A surgical instrument includes an interface fitting that couples a proximal chassis of the instrument with a holding fixture of a robotic manipulator. A securing feature releasably prevents relative axial sliding between the interface fitting and the chassis. In response to binding of the surgical instrument within a minimally invasive surgical site so as to inhibit removal of the surgical instrument from the surgical site and inhibit disengagement of the interface fitting from the holding fixture, the securing feature can be released to allow relative axial sliding between the interface fitting and the chassis, thereby allowing the holding fixture and the interface fitting to be separated from the rest of the surgical instrument and repositioning of the robotic manipulator out of the way.

Abstract: The invention is related to a surgical device for patient-specific guidance of at least one tool used during a surgical intervention, comprising at least the following features: a) at least one carrier system which is arranged for fixation on a bone structure of a patient, b) at least one guiding system connectable to the carrier system, the at least one guiding system comprising at least one base module and at least one guiding part for precisely defined guidance of at least one tool used during the surgical intervention, c) at least one connecting means for establishing a mechanical connection between the at least one guiding part and the at least one base module, wherein the connecting means comprises at least a non-fixed operating state and a fixed operating state, wherein in the non-fixed operating state the at least one guiding part can be adjusted relative to the base module in a patient-specific adjustment and in the fixed operating state the at least one guiding part is mechanically fixated relative

Abstract: A lamp having a front surface from which light is emitted and that includes a high efficiency light source assembly producing a beam having a 3 dB beamwidth of greater than 100°, and which includes a substrate, a high efficiency light source supported by the substrate; and a dome-lens that contains the high efficiency light source. Also, an optical assembly is positioned to receive light from the light emitting diode assembly and to produce a headlamp light beam emitted from the front surface of the lamp. Further, an annular light block defines an annulus and is placed about the lens, so that the lens protrudes through the annulus, thereby creating a sharp boundary for the output light beam.

Abstract: The disclosure demonstrates a multipurpose illuminator used in medical examinations. The multipurpose illuminator described herein employs a housing incorporating two magnification viewing lenses each having different powered magnification that allows medical practitioners to view patient tissue and structures using two different magnifications. A battery power source is also contained in the housing to provide power to an illumination source. The illumination source may include an array of LEDs to provide light for viewing the patient tissue and matter. The illumination source and the lenses may be cross polarized relative to each other to provide enhanced viewing of the patient tissues and structures. A switch is provided to initiate the LED illumination source or to provide modes of operation that provide certain of the LEDs being illuminated.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods are disclosed for the cleaning of an endotracheal tube while a patient is being supported by a ventilator connected to the endotracheal tube for the purpose of increasing the available space for airflow or to prevent the build up of materials that may constrict airflow or be a potential nidus for infection. In one embodiment, a method for cleaning endotracheal tubes comprises inserting a cleaning device within an endotracheal tube while a cleaning member is in a compressed position, radially expanding the cleaning member to an expanded position within the endotracheal tube, and withdrawing the cleaning device from the endotracheal tube with the cleaning member in the expanded position.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for a medical adherence device. A medical adherence device includes a sharps bin, and an enclosure, the enclosure configured to display information on an output screen, receive medical waste and record information about the medical waste as the medical waste drops into the sharps bin.

Abstract: Method for producing a dentist tool formed by an overlay to be used by a dentist in removing tooth structure, said method comprising the steps of: acquiring three-dimensional data relating to a shape of a tooth and at least a part of a neighboring tooth; processing said three-dimensional data with a computer so as to determine an overlay fitting said tooth and fitting at least said part of said neighboring tooth; further processing said three-dimensional data with said computer so as to determine a predetermined part of tooth structure to be removed from said tooth so as to prepare said tooth for further treatment; determining at least two guiding edges of which a first and a second guiding edge are spaced apart from each other by a distance d of at least 0.

Abstract: An endo file for dental endodontic treatment includes: a head portion inserted into and detachably coupled to a hand piece; a tissue removing portion inserted, from the lower side of the head piece, into a patient's root canal for removing the nerve of a tooth; and a stress dispersion portion provided between the head portion and the tissue removing portion and having at least one horizontal penetration hole so as to buffer stress concentration generated during the rotation of the endo file, and to minimize endo file breakage.

Abstract: There is provided an endodontic apical plug including a wall, an open base and a closed tip, wherein the wall defines a longitudinal cavity extending from the open base of the plug to the closed tip of the plug. A width of the longitudinal cavity is greater at the open base of the plug and narrower towards the closed tip of the plug, the longitudinal cavity being configured to accept an injection tube connected to the injection device for filling the plug towards a root of a tooth. The longitudinal cavity comprises at least one lateral longitudinal opening in the wall of the plug, the at least one lateral opening being configured to, in use, enable a tooth filling material to pass through the at least one longitudinal opening and into a tooth.

Abstract: A fastener for embedment in bone includes a chevron-shaped thread pattern having a first radial superior surface at an angle beta on a blank relative to a longitudinally extending axis of the fastener, a second radial superior surface at an angle alpha inboard to the first radial superior surface and relative to the longitudinally extending axis such that the two superior surfaces form a V-shape geometry. The fastener further includes a flank surface underlying the second radial superior surface at an angle gamma, the angle gamma defining an angle with the longitudinally extending axis that is 90°, a relief surface underlying the first radial superior surface such that the flank surface and the relief surface form a V-shape geometry, and a radially-outermost surface adjacent to the relief surface and defining a major diameter of the thread pattern, the radially-outermost surface being parallel to the longitudinally extending axis of the fastener.

Abstract: A dental implant including an implant body having a top surface, and at least one non-annular cutaway portion longitudinally extending downwardly from the top surface along one side of the body and outwardly to the periphery, and a method for making the implant. The implant body preferably includes a body portion and a head portion integrally formed with the body portion, the body portion has a periphery and the head portion has a non-circular periphery, and the periphery of the head portion is smaller than the periphery of the body portion.

Abstract: The present application relates to an abutment system (12) and its use. The abutment system (12) comprises: a soft tissue level abutment part (10) adapted to be attached to a bone level dental implant (40) by means of an abutment screw (56), wherein the abutment system is adapted to selectively support both a cement-retained final restoration (66) and a screw-retained prosthetic component (68; 70). The present application also relates to dental methods.

Abstract: A device is provided for determining the angulation of an abutment for a dental implant. The device includes a conical projection extending from a housing. The conical projection is adapted for insertion into a hole in the dental implant. A rotary body is disposed in the housing and is rotatable among a plurality of different angular positions relative to the conical projection. A rod-shaped indicator is connected to the rotary body. The rotary body can be secured to the housing in one of the angular positions by a locking device. The device may be part of an assembly that includes an indicator device having a receiving opening for accommodating the conical projection and an indicator scale that includes a plurality of marked sectors corresponding to a plurality of predefined abutments, respectively. The location of the rod-shaped indicator relative to the marked sectors indicates the predefined abutment that should be selected.

Abstract: An apparatus and system is disclosed for dental modeling. The apparatus includes a first tray positioned opposite a second tray and a dearticulating hinge coupling the first tray to the second tray. The dearticulating hinge includes a first hinging element coupled to one of the first tray and the second tray and a second hinging element coupled to the other of the first tray and the second tray. At least one of the first hinging element and the second hinging element includes a disengaging element configured to engage a spur to uncouple the first hinging element from the second hinging element upon extending the first tray and the second tray beyond a predefined angle relative to one another.

Abstract: The invention shows a dental press furnace comprising a pressing punch (36) which acts on a green product (32) made of in particular a ceramic mass—possibly by means of an interposed ram (28)—, the green product (32) being guided in a press channel (30) which is configured in a muffle (24), and a pressure, distance and/or speed sensor detecting at least one motion parameter of the pressing punch (36), and comprising a control device for controlling the pressing process based on the output signal of the sensor, the trigger criterion for the start of the pressing process being a change of at least one motion parameter of the pressing punch upon heating and/or softening of the green product which change is detected by means of the sensor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for manufacturing a colored blank, which contains zirconium dioxide and is intended for the manufacture of a dental restoration, whereby raw materials in powder form, at least some of which contain one coloring substance each, are mixed with, zirconium dioxide as the main ingredient, the resulting mixture is pressed and subsequently subjected to at least one thermal treatment. To generate the desired fluorescence, it is intended that in the raw materials in powder form one uses as coloring substances at least terbium, erbium, cobalt, as well as one substance that generates a fluorescence effect in the dental restoration, however not iron, aside from naturally occurring impurities.

Abstract: Various implant analogs, model, and base designs are disclosed herein. In one example, an implant analog can include a main body and a second component. The main body can have an axis of symmetry and a passage therein. The second component can be received in the passage so as to extend substantially transverse to the axis of symmetry.

Abstract: The toothbrush includes a handle portion which includes a power drive system (14) and further includes a brushhead assembly (20), which includes a brushhead arm having a brush element (21) at a distal end thereof A drive train assembly (12) is responsive to a drive signal from the power assembly for converting the action of the power assembly to a motion of the brushhead assembly. A magnet (30) is secured to the rear of the drive train, with a Hall effect sensor (32) mounted within the magnetic field produced by the magnet as the toothbrush moves in operation. Pressure on the brush element produces a phase shift of the Hall sensor output. A processor (15) determines the value of the phase shift of the Hall sensor signal as pressure is applied to the brush member and produces a signal indicative of the pressure applied by using stored information (71) which relates phase shift to pressure for the particular appliance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dental matrix for use repairing and restoring inter-proximal cavities on a tooth with light-cured composites, the dental matrix comprising a matrix body and a plurality of light transmitting micro-pores positioned on the matrix body and overlying the inter-proximal surface of the tooth when the dental matrix engages the restored tooth. The present invention further relates to a method manufacture of such dental matrix.

Abstract: A shipping container that is configured to store, protect, and transport a dental impression is disclosed. The shipping container includes an exterior surface that encloses an interior area; a support located within the interior area that is configured to receive an impression tray that includes a patient's dental impression; and a means attached to or integrally formed with the support that is configured to hold the impression tray in place on the support and to position the impression tray in a standardized orientation. The shipping container, including its exterior surface and internal support(s), are made of a material that will not interfere with a selected non-invasive imaging scan. The shipping container is configured and used to obtain a digital scan of the dental impression, without the need to open the shipping container or directly handle the dental impression.

Abstract: A urethral plug having a plug body, a lanyard and a stopper. The plug body having a leading end shaped to spread tissue at the urethral, a central portion; a trailing end tapering down from the central portion, and a sealing ring encircling the central portion. The plug body is shaped so that when positioned within the urethra the plug body is retained within the urethra, to restrict urine flow within the urethra past the plug body.

Abstract: A medical device and method for facilitating a surgery through a body opening is disclosed. The medical device includes a flexible member configured to be placed within the body opening so as to cover a portion of the body opening. The flexible member includes a distal end portion with a closed end, a proximal end portion with an open end and an elongate portion joining the proximal end portion and the distal end portion. The proximal end portion is configured to extend out of the patient's body opening to cover an area around and outside the patient's body opening.

Abstract: An implantable fluid movement device is provided. The device is adapted to move body fluid from one part of the body of a patient to another part of the body and further adapted to secure the tube end of the fluid movement device to a location inside a treated patient.

Abstract: A medical device including an artificial contractile structure which may be advantageously used to assist the functioning of a hollow organ. Specifically, the medical device includes an artificial contractile structure with at least one contractile element adapted to contract an organ, in such way that the contractile element is in a resting or in an activated position, at least one actuator designed to activate the contractile structure, and at least one source of energy for powering the actuator. The medical device also includes a means for reducing corrosion of the medical device hence reducing the risk of the device dysfunction and patient contamination.

Abstract: Systems for providing support to body tissue to alleviate incontinence are disclosed that comprise an elongated incontinence sling having a central support portion adapted to be positioned to support any one of the urethra or anus and first and second sling end portions extending from the central support portion through body tissue and a tension adjustment mechanism acting on or within one or both of the sling end portions. The sling tension adjustment mechanism comprises one or more of a sling tensioning suture or band, a tensioning device coupled to a suture or band free end, a tissue anchor coupled to one or more of a suture free end and a sling end, a mesh fold, a suture tube, and a sling sheath in various combinations.

Abstract: An incontinence device is insertable into and removable from a vaginal canal of a human user to apply pressure upon a urethra. The incontinence device includes a distal body member having a central core, a first arcuate arm on a first side of the central core and a second arcuate arm on a second opposite side of the central core. The first and second arcuate arms flex inward toward the central core into a first compressed position during insertion and expand outward away from the central core into a second in use position to fill the space in the middle and superior thirds of the vaginal canal in order to retain the incontinence device in the vaginal canal. The incontinence device also includes a proximal pressure member extending from the body member for resilient movement relative to the body member; wherein the pressure member applies pressure to support the urethra for controlling incontinence.

Abstract: An incontinence device is used to apply supporting pressure to an anterior wall of an inferior third of a vaginal canal in the approximate plane of a pubococcygeal muscle and ultimately to a urethra for controlling incontinence. The incontinence device includes a first member having a first end and second end, as well as a second member resiliently connected to the first member. The second member is biased outwardly from the first member to direct the first end of the first member toward the anterior wall of the vaginal canal in a manner providing a support structure transferring upward force for support of the urethra by the first end of the first member.

Abstract: A multi-laminar repair matrix for repairing a tissue defect may comprise a top patch and a bottom compliant patch. The bottom compliant patch may be compressed and sized to fit through a tissue defect, and expand to a substantially planar state after being implanted to the tissue defect. The top and/or bottom patch may include adhesives. A tool for implanting a patch to a tissue defect may include a shaft, a plurality of arms pivotally connected to the shaft, and a control. The control may be configured to radially expand the plurality of arms upon actuation of the control.

Abstract: An embolectomy device includes a clot engaging structure comprising a plurality of interconnected struts forming an open cell structure, and further includes an attachment structure configured to advance and retract the clot engaging structure out of, and back into, respectively, the open distal end of a delivery catheter, the attachment structure comprising an elongated support member attached to one or more struts of the clot engaging structure only at locations on each of the respective one or more struts that are distal of a proximal end of the clot engaging structure.

Abstract: An orthotopic artificial bladder endoprosthesis includes a casing made of a PGA fiber fabric; the casing having two first connectors for the connection with the ureters of a patient and a further connector for the connection with the urethra of a patient; an inflatable element inserted in the casing; the inflatable element being switchable between an inflated configuration, in which it supports and maintains in position the casing, and a deflated configuration.

Abstract: An endoprosthesis has an expanded state and a contracted state, the endoprosthesis includes a stent having an inner surface defining a lumen and an outer surface; and a polymeric coating adhered to the outer surface of the stent. The polymeric coating includes a base and a plurality of protrusions extending outwardly from the base. When the endoprosthesis is expanded to the expanded state in a lumen defined by a vessel wall, the protrusions apply a force that creates an interlock between the vessel wall and the endoprosthesis.

Abstract: A primary stent-graft is deployed into a primary vessel to exclude an aneurysm. To maintain perfusion to a branch vessel covered by the primary stent-graft, a gutter filling stent-graft is deployed in parallel to the primary stent-graft. The gutter filling stent-graft includes a balloon that is pressurized and inflated by the patient's own blood thereby sealing any gutters formed around the gutter filling stent-graft. By sealing the gutters, the chance of type I endoleaks, migrations, and overall failure to exclude the aneurysm is minimized.

Abstract: A soft anchor assembly according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a sheath, a first flexible strand affixed as non-sliding relative to the sheath and a second flexible strand slidable relative to the sheath.

Abstract: Various methods and devices are provided for a graft fixation device for fixing a graft member within a bone tunnel. In one embodiment, a graft fixation device is provided having a radially expandable sheath adapted to be disposed within a bone tunnel, and a sheath expander adapted to be received within the radially expandable sheath to expand the sheath and thereby anchor a graft between the sheath and the bone tunnel. In an exemplary embodiment, the graft fixation device is particularly useful to affix a graft within a femoral tunnel.

Abstract: Described is an accommodating intraocular lens with a bi-convex, bi-aspheric, smooth surfaced optic held inside an anterior annulus via tabs. A second larger diameter annulus is positioned posteriorly and connects via a sloped surface to where the annuluses are at a maximum separation when viewing NEAR objects and minimum separation in the FAR position. The sloped surface is cut into ribbons, tabs and/or other annuluses without pushing the surfaces into the capsule when implanted; therefore, only the anterior and posterior annuluses have a force component against the capsule. The proximal edge of the anterior annulus is anterior to the apex of the anterior surface of the optic. The anterior capsule resting on the annulus leaves space for hydration of the capsule and reduces potential warpage of the optic. The annulus edge is designed to scrape posterior capsular opacification from the capsule.

Abstract: An accommodating intraocular lens implant is provided that is shaped so as to be assemblable into an assembled state in situ in a capsular bag of a human eye, and includes an anterior floating lens unit, which comprises an anterior lens; a posterior lens unit, which comprises a posterior lens; an anterior rim; levers, arranged to move the anterior floating lens unit toward and away from the anterior rim, in an anterior-posterior direction; and a circumferential rim, which is attached to the levers. The lens implant is arranged such that in the assemble state: elastic potential energy is stored in the lens implant as a result of deformation of the lens implant during a transition from a fully-accommodated state to a fully-unaccommodated state, and at least 50% of the elastic potential energy stored in the lens implant as the result of the deformation is stored in the circumferential rim.

Abstract: A vascular implant for replacing a native heart valve comprises a self expanding stent supporting a valve body having leaflets. The stent preferably comprises an anchoring structure configured to prevent the implant from passing through the valve annulus. For delivery, the implant is compacted within a delivery device and secured at one end. During delivery the implant is partially released from the delivery device, and positioning of the implant can be verified prior to full release. The implant can be at least partially resheathed and repositioned if desired.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide prosthetic valves having sealing members on the external surface thereof. The prosthetic heart valves of the present invention are preferably delivered by catheter directly through the apex of the heart or by other close range transcatheter delivery methods. Because these methods of implantation require a shorter length of catheter, a prosthetic valve can be more accurately oriented in the desired implantation location. Fluoroscopy can be used to further assist in orientation of the valve. The sealing members of the present invention can be positioned on the prosthetic valve such that, when the prosthetic valve is implanted in a native annulus, each provided sealing member is located adjacent to a commissural point of the native valve leaflets. Because the sealing members are precisely oriented on the prosthetic valve, a physician can ensure that the sealing members are aligned with the commissural points of the native valve leaflets.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of making a prosthetic valve that can take a first form wherein the valve is open and a second form wherein the valve is closed, the valve comprising a leaflet assembly having at least one leaflet attached to a supporting element, the leaflet having a free margin that can move between a first position wherein the valve takes the first form and a second position wherein the valve takes the second form, the method comprising providing a textile structure, and forming the leaflet assembly from the textile structure, such that a selvedge of the textile structure forms the free margin of the leaflet, wherein the textile structure is made by weaving warp and fill threads into a two-layer woven fabric having two stacked and interconnected layers, the two layers having selvedges at one longitudinal edge, and wherein forming the leaflet assembly comprises connecting two lateral edges of a single piece of the fabric to make a substantially tubular structure wherein the inner laye

Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve for implant in a human. The valve includes a wireform with undulating inflow cusps and outflow commissure posts to which flexible leaflets attach and coapt in a flow area. Each leaflet may drape over the top of the wireform in the cusp area, but have tabs that each extend underneath the wireform at the commissure posts to be secured along with a tab of an adjacent leaflet. The prosthetic heart valve may also be a dual-wire wireform, with the leaflets sandwiched therebetween. One wireform may be larger than the other, with the leaflets extending over the smaller wireform. The smaller wireform may have commissures that bend radially outward from the larger wireform to provide structure to which the leaflet tabs attach.

Abstract: In one representative embodiment, a prosthetic valve assembly for replacing a native heart valve comprises a radially expandable and compressible support structure, the support structure comprising an annular frame having a lumen extending from an inflow end to an outflow end, the support structure further comprising an annular sealing member extending radially inwardly into the lumen of the frame and having an inner peripheral portion defining an orifice, and a radially expandable and compressible valve component, the valve component comprising an annular frame and a valve structure supported inside of the frame for permitting the flow blood through the valve component in one direction and blocking the flow of blood in the opposite direction, wherein the valve component is configured to expand within the orifice of the sealing member and engage the inner peripheral portion of the sealing member when radially expanded.

Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve includes a stent having an expanded condition and a collapsed condition. The stent includes a plurality of distal cells, a plurality of proximal cells, a plurality of support struts coupling the proximal cells to the distal cells, and at least one support post connected to a plurality of proximal cells. The proximal cells are longitudinally spaced apart from the distal cells. Various strut configurations and connections of the struts to the proximal cells and of the proximal cells to the support post improve stent flexibility and reduce stress in the valve leaflets.