Abstract: An expandable interspinous spacer implant that is configured to be inserted into an interspinous space that is defined between a spinous process of a superior vertebral body and a spinous process of an inferior vertebral body is provided. The implant may include a superior housing, an inferior housing, and a distracting member. The superior housing may have an outer surface that is configured to engage the spinous process of the superior vertebral body and the inferior housing may have an outer surface that is configured to engage the spinous process of the inferior vertebral body. The distracting member may be disposed between the superior and inferior housings, such that activation of the distracting member distracts the superior and inferior housings apart from each other.

Abstract: In some embodiments, an intervertebral implant may include a body including a superior and an inferior surface. The implant may include a first channel extending from an anterior end towards the posterior end of the body. The implant may include a first anchor channel. The implant may include a first guide member positionable in the first channel. The implant may include a first anchor. When the first guide member moves from a first position to a second position the first anchor may be conveyed through the first anchor channel and couple the body to an adjacent vertebra. In some embodiments, the implant may include a first locking mechanism which inhibits, during use, the first guide member from moving from the second position to the first position upon activation of the first locking mechanism.

Abstract: A spacer for separating bones of a joint, the spacer includes a first endplate configured to engage a first bone of the joint; a second endplate configured to engage a second bone of the joint; and an actuation subassembly comprising a drive nut, a drive screw coupled to the drive nut, and a cam frame coupled to the drive screw, wherein the cam frame is disposed between the first endplate and the second endplate, wherein the cam frame comprises a proximal frame end, a distal frame end, and lateral frame sides, wherein cams disposed on the lateral frame sides selectively engage at least one of the first endplate or the second endplate.

Abstract: A vertebral disc including a superior surface layer, an inferior surface layer, a midsection between the superior and inferior surface layers and a hollow center. The superior surface layer and inferior surface layer each comprise a layer of lattice with pore sizes in the range of 200-900 ?m and a porosity of each layer of 55-75%. The midsection of the implant comprises a random or pseudorandom lattice interposed between the superior surface layer and inferior surface layer with larger, macro-pores of various sizes. There is a gradient of pore sizes along a longitudinal axis with the smallest pore sizes comprising the superior and inferior surfaces and the largest pore sizes comprising the midsection.

Abstract: Expandable vertebral body implants, systems, instruments, and methods of assembly and using the implants, systems, and instruments are disclosed. The vertebral body implant includes a body with a first end and a second end, a first rotating member rotatably coupled to the first end, wherein an end includes a plurality of first notches inset into the first rotating member, a second rotating member rotatably coupled to the second end, wherein an end includes a plurality of second notches inset into the second rotating member, a first extension member moveably coupled to the first end, and a second extension member moveably coupled to the second end. The expandable cage system comprises a vertebral body implant and an insertion instrument. Methods for assembling and using the vertebral body implants and instruments are also disclosed.

Abstract: A joint implant system adapted for use in joint surgeries. Among other things, the joint implant has an anterior cutting edge and a rotatable cutter supported by a rotatable shaft.

Abstract: A multi-articulated link knee joint includes: a knee unit in which an upper link unit rotates relative to a lower link unit by a multi-articulated link mechanism including a plurality of link units including the upper link unit and the lower link unit; a relative position detector for detecting a relative position of the upper link unit relative to the lower link unit; and an angle detector for obtaining a bending angle of the knee unit from the detected relative position.

Abstract: A multi-articulated link knee joint includes: a knee unit in which an upper link unit rotates relative to a lower link unit by a multi-articulated link mechanism including a plurality of link units including the upper link unit and the lower link unit; a cylinder device for assisting the motion of the knee unit and moving in accordance with the rotation of the upper link unit; a position detector for detecting the distance from the lower link unit to the cylinder device; and an angle detector for obtaining the bending angle of the knee unit from the detected distance from the cylinder device.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an expandable stent for implantation in a body lumen, such as an artery, and a method for making it from a single length of tubing. The stent consists of a plurality of radially expandable cylindrical elements generally aligned on a common axis and interconnected by one or more links. A Y-shaped member comprised of a link and a U-shaped member has relief dimples formed in the curved portion of a valley to reduce localized stress and thereby reduce fatigue failure that can lead to link structure failure.

Abstract: A stent delivery system includes a core member and a coupling assembly rotatably coupled to the core member distal segment. The coupling assembly includes first and second plates and first and second spacers. The first plate is rotatably coupled to the core member and includes an outer surface having three or more projections separated by recesses. The first spacer is coupled to the core member and disposed between the first plate and a proximal restraint. The second plate is rotatably coupled to the core member and includes an outer surface having three or more projections separated by recesses. The second spacer is coupled to the core member and disposed between the first plate and the second plate. A stent extends along the core member distal segment such that an inner surface of the stent is engaged by one or more projections of the first plate or the second plate.

Abstract: A stent delivery system includes a core member and a coupling assembly rotatably coupled to the core member distal segment. The coupling assembly includes first and second plates and first and second spacers. The first plate is rotatably coupled to the core member and includes an outer surface having three or more projections separated by recesses. The first spacer is coupled to the core member and disposed between the first plate and a proximal restraint. The second plate is rotatably coupled to the core member and includes an outer surface having three or more projections separated by recesses. The second spacer is coupled to the core member and disposed between the first plate and the second plate. A stent extends along the core member distal segment such that an inner surface of the stent is engaged by one or more projections of the first plate or the second plate.

Abstract: A stent delivery system includes a core member and a coupling assembly rotatably coupled to the core member distal segment. The coupling assembly includes first and second plates and first and second spacers. The first plate is rotatably coupled to the core member and includes an outer surface having three or more projections separated by recesses. The first spacer is coupled to the core member and disposed between the first plate and a proximal restraint. The second plate is rotatably coupled to the core member and includes an outer surface having three or more projections separated by recesses. The second spacer is coupled to the core member and disposed between the first plate and the second plate. A stent extends along the core member distal segment such that an inner surface of the stent is engaged by one or more projections of the first plate or the second plate.

Abstract: Devices, methods, and systems for prosthesis delivery to patient vasculature are provided. A prosthesis delivery device provided herein delivers a prosthesis to the vasculature of a patient and permits an operator to deploy the prosthesis using a single action mechanism to deploy the prosthesis at a standard deployment rate and a dual action mechanism to deploy the prosthesis at an accelerated deployment rate. Deploying the prosthesis at an accelerated deployment rate results in alterations to the deployed prosthesis structure because the prosthesis is deployed with increased axial compression that results in the prosthesis having increased radial force.

Abstract: A stent delivery system includes a core member and a coupling assembly rotatably coupled to the core member distal segment. The coupling assembly includes first and second plates and first and second spacers. The first plate is rotatably coupled to the core member and includes an outer surface having three or more projections separated by recesses. The first spacer is coupled to the core member and disposed between the first plate and a proximal restraint. The second plate is rotatably coupled to the core member and includes an outer surface having three or more projections separated by recesses. The second spacer is coupled to the core member and disposed between the first plate and the second plate. A stent extends along the core member distal segment such that an inner surface of the stent is engaged by one or more projections of the first plate or the second plate.

Abstract: An expandable intragastric device, configured for being positioned into the stomach by an endoscopic procedure is provided. The device is capable of assuming a minimum-encumbrance configuration for delivery into the stomach and an expanded configuration for use in situ. The device also includes a balloon structure, which is capable of assuming a deflated configuration for delivery into the stomach and an inflated configuration for occupying a part of the stomach inner space. The overall configuration of the device is such that, once it is delivered in the stomach, food passes into the inner lumen of the supporting tubular body and into the intestine.

Abstract: Various devices, systems, and methods that can be used in the treatment of obesity and related illnesses are disclosed. In some instances, the cecum of an obese patient is distended to a pathophysiological size for a therapeutically effective period. The distention may be achieved by introduction of an object that is of foreign origin relative to the body of the patient into the cecum of the patient. In some instances, the distention is achieved by a medical device that transitions from an undeployed state, in which the medical device is introduced into the cecum of the patient, to an expanded state in which the medical device distends the cecum by an amount sufficient to trigger a colo-gastric brake in the patient.

Abstract: The present invention provides an endoscopically implantable weight control device that forms a gastric outlet obstruction in a patient's digestive tract. The weight control device includes an inflatable body residing within the patient's pylorus and between the stomach and duodenum. The body features a first bulbous portion and a second bulbous portion, the exterior dimensions of the first bulbous portion exceeding the exterior dimension of the second bulbous portion. The body also includes an intermediate portion with exterior dimensions that are less than the exterior dimensions of both the first and second bulbous portions, wherein the intermediate portion resides within the patient's pyloric valve when the device is implanted. An internal passageway extends through the body, wherein the passageway receives and allows for the passage of chyme from the stomach to the duodenum.

Abstract: A method of performing bariatric surgery includes inserting a gastrectomy device into a stomach of a patient, positioning the gastrectomy device in a selected location in the stomach, transecting a portion of the stomach thereby reducing a size of the stomach, and applying a reinforcement scaffold to an outer surface of the stomach. The reinforcement scaffold is configured to maintain the reduced size of the stomach.

Abstract: Disclosed is a medical rehabilitation boot, comprising a unitary, foldable body form further comprising five individually-stitched sections, or pockets, each filled with either fiber or foam. The pockets are formed by custom-located stitches which form seams, the seams collectively joining an inner fabric and an outer fabric around the perimeter of the boot. The five sections consist of a left sidewall further containing an upper and a lower tube-hole, a right sidewall also containing an upper and a lower tube-hole, a rectangular bottom section having a heel arc at one end, an inner flap, and an outer flap. A continuous, one-piece outer fabric and a continuous, one-piece inner fabric form pockets of containment for fiber filling in four of the five sections. A sloped foam wedge inserted into the bottom section contributes to the functional comfort of a patient wearing the boot.

Abstract: A device for assisting a wearer in rotationally moving an ankle joint. A drive mechanism coaxially rotates with the ankle joint using a drive motor; a control device controls the drive motor. A storage stores a basic movement pattern and a corrected movement pattern that represent time-series changes in ankle joint angle in a gait cycled. A calculator obtains the corrected movement pattern by correcting the basic movement pattern based on input operation. The basic movement pattern is represented by a polygonal line or a Bezier curve, each of which includes a plurality of predetermined points serving as inflection points, or a combination of thereof. The calculator generates the corrected movement pattern corrected by adjusting positions of the plurality of predetermined points on the basic movement pattern, and, based on the corrected movement pattern, the control device controls driving provided by the drive motor.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for maintain a preselected tension between a first portion and a second portion of an orthotic brace include a controlled tension unit comprising a housing coupled to a first portion of the orthotic brace, the housing having a cavity formed therein, one or more constant-force spring mounted at or near a first end of the cavity, and a connector cable having a first end connected to an end of the one or more constant-force spring and a second end extending out of the housing through a second end of the cavity. The second end of the connector cable is configured to connect with a coupling element coupled to a second portion of the orthotic brace. In this arrangement, the controlled tension unit is configured to maintain a preselected tension between the first portion and the second portion of the orthotic brace.

Abstract: The present application generally relates to support articles and methods of making and using them. The support articles of the present disclosure provide compression and/or stabilization of sore joints, tendons, or muscles. In some embodiments, the support articles include a bump protruding from at least a portion of the backing of the article that can be placed directly adjacent to a sore or affected area to provide enhanced compression or relief.

Abstract: A urine collection system includes a urine collection device and a suspension system. The urine collection device includes a catheter and a urine bag. The suspension system includes a waist band, an extension strap depending from the waist band, and a thigh band attached to the strap. The length of the extension strap can be made adjustable either by proving the strap in two sections releasably attached to each other, or allowing the extension strap to fold over itself. An auxiliary thigh band can be provided in some embodiments. A pair of securing straps is provided on the thigh band for securing the urine bag. A fastener is provided on the extension strap for securing the catheter and for resisting pulling by the urine bag. The catheter further includes a branch, which, along with the fastener, resists the downward motion of the catheter. At least the waist band and the thigh bands can be provided with non-slip elements to help secure the system on the users' body.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments relate to a collection device for bodily fluids comprising a tubular material with a first end and second end. A portion of the first end is configured to be secured to a user and the tubular material may be folded over itself to form a first sheath and a second sheath. In some applications, the fluid collection devices described may be secured to a user using interlocking loops.

Abstract: A system suitable for collecting and transporting urine away from the body of a person or animal may include an assembly having a fluid impermeable casing having a fluid reservoir at a first end, a fluid outlet at a second end, and a longitudinally extending fluid impermeable layer coupled to the fluid reservoir and the fluid outlet and defining a longitudinally elongated opening between the reservoir and the outlet. The assembly can further include a fluid permeable support disposed within the casing with a portion extending across the elongated opening, and a fluid permeable membrane disposed on the support and covering at least the portion of the support that extends across the elongated opening, so that the membrane is supported on the support and disposed across the elongated opening. The assembly can further include a tube having a first end disposed in the reservoir and a second, fluid discharge end.

Abstract: A menstrual container, generally a cup configuration, incorporating a top with airholes to help break the suction when pulling out with the knob. A cylindrical elongated body with fish scale texture for better prehending, two rims designed around the top of the body to fortify anti leak properties and a knob at the bottom for facile pulling out of the cup.

Abstract: A system and method for sensing sleep abnormality in a user is disclosed. The system can include an accelerometer sensor in contact with the skin of the user to measure the deflection of the body during respiration and generate a respiration waveform. A controller receives the respiration waveform from the accelerometer sensor to determine a sleep abnormality measurement as a function of the respiration waveform.

Abstract: The invention described herein concerns a micro drop adapter that is adapted to engage with dropper bottles. The micro drop adapter engages with and surrounds the original tip of the bottle. The micro drop adapter comprises at least one inner tube that is urged against the original tip of the bottle forming a seal and a channel in fluid connection with the bottle. The micro drop adapter comprises an adapter tip that dispenses micro drops, which are drops having a volume of less than approximately 50 microliters. The micro drop adapter further comprises a cap.

Abstract: A surgical laser capsulorhexis system includes a laser source, configured to generate a laser cutting beam; a beam guidance system, configured to guide the laser cutting beam from the laser source; a beam focuser, configured to guide the laser cutting beam from the laser source and to generate a focused laser cutting beam, the focused laser cutting beam having a two-dimensional beam pattern; a beam coupler, configured to redirect the focused laser cutting beam; and a patient interface lens, configured to guide the redirected focused laser cutting beam to a tissue surface of a procedure eye.

Abstract: Methods of administering a liquid formulation of an ophthalmic agent to a topical ocular location of an eye are provided. Aspects of the methods include delivering to the topical ocular location a dose of the liquid formulation that can be wholly accommodated by the tear film of the eye. Devices and kits for practicing the methods are also provided. The methods, compositions and kits find use in a variety of applications, including therapeutic, diagnostic and cosmetic applications.

Abstract: Methods of administering a liquid formulation of an ophthalmic agent to a topical ocular location of an eye are provided. Aspects of the methods include delivering to the topical ocular location a dose of the liquid formulation that can be wholly accommodated by the tear film of the eye. Devices and kits for practicing the methods are also provided. The methods, compositions and kits find use in a variety of applications, including therapeutic, diagnostic and cosmetic applications.

Abstract: Methods of administering a liquid formulation of an ophthalmic agent to a topical ocular location of an eye are provided. Aspects of the methods include delivering to the topical ocular location a dose of the liquid formulation that can be wholly accommodated by the tear film of the eye. Devices and kits for practicing the methods are also provided. The methods, compositions and kits find use in a variety of applications, including therapeutic, diagnostic and cosmetic applications.

Abstract: Methods of administering a liquid formulation of an ophthalmic agent to a topical ocular location of an eye are provided. Aspects of the methods include delivering to the topical ocular location a dose of the liquid formulation that can be wholly accommodated by the tear film of the eye. Devices and kits for practicing the methods are also provided. The methods, compositions and kits find use in a variety of applications, including therapeutic, diagnostic and cosmetic applications.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are drug delivery devices and methods for the treatment of ocular disorders requiring targeted and controlled administration of a drug to an interior portion of the eye for reduction or prevention of symptoms of the disorder. The devices are capable of controlled release of one or more drugs and may also include structures which allow for treatment of increased intraocular pressure by permitting aqueous humor to flow out of the anterior chamber of the eye through the device.

Abstract: Described here are systems and methods for accessing Schlemm's canal and for delivering an ocular device, tool, or fluid composition therein. The ocular devices may maintain the patency of Schlemm's canal without substantially interfering with transmural fluid flow across the canal. The fluid composition may be a viscoelastic fluid that is delivered into the canal to facilitate drainage of aqueous humor by disrupting the canal and surrounding trabeculocanalicular tissues. Some systems described here may be configured to cut or tear the trabecular meshwork with the body of an elongate member located within Schlemm's canal. Other tools for disrupting these tissues and minimally invasive methods for treating medical conditions associated with elevated intraocular pressure, including glaucoma, are also described.

Abstract: Provided herein are vitrectomy instruments and related systems and methods in which example vitrectomy instruments have multiple rotating cutting edges for severing vitreous fibers. An example vitrectomy instrument may include a handle; an outer tube; and an inner tube configured to be rotated within the outer tube in multiple oscillating rotational cycles. The outer tube may include a port disposed at a distal end thereof. The inner tube may include at least first and second forward cutting edges, so that rotation in a first rotational direction results in both the first and second forward cutting edges cutting vitreous fibers drawn into the port. The inner tube may also include one or more backward cutting edges, so that rotation in a second rotational direction results in one or more backward cutting edges cutting vitreous fibers drawn into the port. Additional forward and/or backward cutting edges may be provided.

Abstract: Laser assisted cataract surgery methods and devices utilize one or more treatment laser beams to create a shaped opening in the anterior lens capsule of the eye when performing a capsulotomy procedure. The visual axis of the eye may be determined, during surgery for example, with a laser beam on which the patient is fixated. The capsulotomy may be centered on the identified visual axis. This enables the use of capsulotomy-centering IOLs centered on or in close proximity to the visual axis. The orientation of a toric IOL may be assessed during or after placement by observing the reflection from the back of the eye of a laser beam on which the patient is fixated.

Abstract: A protective equipment apparatus for protecting a user is described. It includes an eye shield defining a nose ridge and a pair of lateral ends, the pair of lateral ends including a first end and a second end, and a first arm adjustably secured to the first end and a second arm adjustably secured to the second end. The apparatus further includes a first ear protector adjustably secured to a distal end of the first arm and a second ear protector adjustably secured to a distal end of the second arm and a nose respirator secured to the nose ridge of the eye shield where the nose respirator includes a carbon filter filtration element. Also disclosed is a protective device for protecting the face of a user and a replacement kit including a replacement filtration element for the nose respirator and replacement first and second ear protectors.

Abstract: A welding control apparatus includes a light sensor configured to detect presence and intensity of welding light, a controller configured to count presence, intensity, and elapsed time of welding light, detected by the light sensor, and to determine welding intensity, weld time, resting time, and weld number, a memory configured to store the welding intensity, the weld time, the resting time, and the weld number, determined by the controller, a display configured to display the welding intensity, the weld time, the resting time, and the weld number, stored in the memory, a shutter driver configured to drive a shutter liquid crystal display (LCD) to vary a darkness concentration, and a setting unit configured to receive a setting value and a manipulation command, set by a user, and to transmit the setting value and the manipulation command to the controller.

Abstract: An instrument comprises a shaft assembly, a handpiece body, and a drive assembly. The shaft assembly comprises a plurality of coaxially arranged shafts and a tympanostomy tube. The shaft assembly further includes a flexible section. The shaft assembly extends distally from the handpiece body. The drive assembly is operable to drive the shafts of the shaft assembly in a predetermined sequence to deploy the tympanostomy tube. One or more of the shafts are configured to translate along the flexible section of the shaft assembly as a part of the predetermined sequence to deploy the tympanostomy tube.

Abstract: An acoustic metamaterial aural protection device ear cup which includes a dome having an opening, an interchangeable membrane stretched across the opening of the dome such that an airtight cavity is created, and a one-way vacuum valve; the valve is mounted to the dome, such that air can be removed from the cavity such that the membrane acts as an acoustic metamaterial, resulting in higher attenuation values at different frequencies.

Abstract: A method of retrofitting a hearing protector with an active communication device. The method has steps of providing a hearing protector, providing the active communication device and retaining the active communication device at the hearing protector. Further, a hearing protector is provided having two generally dome-shaped earmuffs, an active communication device comprising a loudspeaker and electronic circuitry which comprises a wireless communication interface, and wherein the active communication device has a mounting ring that is retained between an outer shell and a cushioning of the earmuff.

Abstract: A wound dressing is made from a tubular inner layer and at least one outer layer disposed radially beyond the inner layer. The inner layer permits egress of fluid from weeping wounds, prevents desiccation of skin disposed beneath the inner layer, and prevents desiccation of ointment disposed between the inner layer and the skin. The at least one outer layer absorbs fluids that leak through the inner layer, protects the inner layer from outside contaminants, and prevents fluids from escaping. The at least one outer layer is affixed to the inner layer, and each of the layers is elastic in at least the radial direction. Optionally, a layer of ointment may be applied to an inner surface of the inner layer. Note that the tubular inner layer may be either pre-formed or formed at the time of application.

Abstract: A medical dressing comprising a backing layer and a self-supporting substrate. The backing layers form a perimeter around the self supporting substrate and holds the self supporting substrate in place on a wound. The self supporting substrate comprises a valve. The adhesive article forms a sealed environment between the medical article and the surface surrounding the wound such that a negative pressure can be maintained in the sealed environment through the valve.

Abstract: A protective swatch implement including a waterproof swatch base pad that is configured to be operable for preventing a private area of a wearer from exposure or contact from infections or disease caused by germs, bacteria, and parasites that inhabit swimming pool water or natural bodies of water; a triangular-shaped notch segment is configured to be operable to allow movement without pulling when sitting and walking; an adhesive implement on a perimeter of the waterproof swatch base pad is configured to secure the waterproof swatch base pad to the private area of the wearer; an absorbent pad implement on a proximate center of the waterproof swatch base pad is configured to absorb a discharge or menstrual fluid from exiting the waterproof swatch base pad; and a display area operable for bearing at least one of, a pattern, a design, and a logo.

Abstract: Methods of making disposable absorbent articles are herein. The method includes the steps: obtaining a carrier web; obtaining first absorbent core web and a second absorbent core web; cutting the first absorbent core web in a nesting configuration thereby forming a plurality of discrete first absorbent cores; cutting the second absorbent core web in a nesting configuration thereby forming a plurality of discrete second absorbent cores; joining a discrete second absorbent core to a discrete first absorbent core and to the carrier web, thereby forming a laminate structure web, wherein a leading edge of the discrete first absorbent core is spaced from a leading edge of the discrete second absorbent core in the machine direction; joining a backsheet web to the laminate structure web thereby forming an absorbent article web; and cutting the absorbent article web into a plurality of discrete absorbent articles.

Abstract: Disposable absorbent articles are disclosed herein along with method of making the same. The disposable absorbent article has a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent system between the topsheet and the backsheet. The absorbent system has a first absorbent core and a second absorbent core which are offset from one another. An adhesive layer is disposed between the first absorbent core and the second absorbent core, at least in part.

Abstract: An absorbent tampon made of a compressed strip of needle punched fiber having a needle punch density of at least 5 punches per cm2. The strip has a minimum width of 30 mm and a minimum length of 100 mm and a minimum tensile strength of 10 N or greater.

Abstract: The invention comprises a diaper sensor device comprising at least two sensor units each comprising at least a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor; optionally a positional sensor; a microcontroller communicating with the sensors and comprising a transmitter for transmitting data from the sensors; a power unit supplying power to the sensors, the microcontroller and the transmitter; a flexible watertight casing; housing the sensors, the transmitter; and the power unit, and fastening means for fastening the diaper sensor device on the outside of the diaper. Furthermore the invention comprises a method and a system for determining the existence and class of human excreta in a diaper.

Abstract: An array of gender-specific disposable absorbent articles is disclosed. The array comprises: a first disposable absorbent article adapted to be worn by males and a second disposable article adapted to be worn by females. Both articles have in their longitudinal direction, a front portion, a back portion and a crotch portion between the front portion and the back portion. The first article has a first elastic component configured for providing fit and comfort to a male user. The second article has a second elastic component configured for providing fit and comfort to a female user. The first and the second elastic components each comprise a plurality of elastic elements extending at least partly along each respective article. The first and second elastic components differ from each other in at least the positioning or the elastic strength of the respective elastic elements. A method for manufacturing the array is also disclosed.