Abstract: Apparatuses for distal fibula replacement and related methods are described herein. The apparatus generally includes an implantable stem component including a proximal portion that is contoured to have an anterior overlap with a portion of a fibula bone of a patient, and a distal portion that defines a first channel configured to receive a peronaeus brevis tendon and a further defines second channel configured to receive a peronaeus longus tendon. Related methods include placing such an apparatus on the portion of the fibula bone of the patient.

Abstract: A kit for stabilizing an intervertebral disc space, wherein the kit includes a cage, a suture and a plurality of suture anchors. The suture anchors are pressed into the anterior faces of the vertebral bodies holding the cage, while the ends of the suture are formed into a loose, preformed Giant Knot to allow their tightening to be accomplished through a minimally invasive portal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a spinal arthrodesis system including at least two types of implants from among the three following types: an intersomatic implant (IS), including at least one passage (40) mating at least one anchoring device (1); an interspinous implant (IE), including at least two wings able to run along a portion of the vertebral spines (EI, ES); a facet implant (IF) including a bone attachment.

Abstract: The present invention provides an intervertebral implant for implantation in a treated area of an intervertebral space between vertebral bodies of a spine. The implant includes a spacer portion having an inferior and superior surface, wherein the inferior and superior surfaces each have a contact area capable of engaging with anatomy in the treated area, and the inferior and superior surfaces define a through-hole extending through the spacer body. The present invention further provides holes extending from a side portion to the inferior and superior surfaces of the spacer portion and a plate portion rigidly coupled to the spacer portion, wherein the plate portion contains holes for receiving screws. A fastener back out prevention mechanism adapted on the plate to prevent the back out of the fasteners from the holes and to secure the spacer to the plate of the intervertebral implant.

Abstract: An implant extraction device and method are provided that are designed for the direct anterior approach method of hip implant removal. The device includes a proximal end having a first aperture for receiving the neck of a femoral implant, and a second aperture through which a clamp shaft is delivered on an axis approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the first aperture. An arcuate column extends from the proximal end. The shape of the arcuate column effectively orients the extraction device and an attachable impaction frame relative to one another such that the force applied to the frame to remove the implant is essentially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the hip implant, thus minimizing the likelihood of damage to the femur bone caused by excessive or unbalanced forces.

Abstract: A system and method for allowing any surgeon, including those surgeons who perform a fewer number of a revision procedure as compared to a more experienced surgeon who performs a greater number of procedures, to provide an improved likelihood of a favorable outcome approaching, if not exceeding, a likelihood of a favorable outcome as performed by a very experienced surgeon with the revision procedure.

Abstract: Implants include fixation features which slidingly receive fixation elements. The fixation features may be negative or positive features, such as undercut channels or posts. Examples include unicompartmental tibial trays having a ridge protruding from the bone-facing side, an undercut channel formed within the ridge. Instruments are disclosed for preparing a ridge-receiving feature in bone.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a surgical cut validation tool is discussed. A digital bone representation representing a bone is received including a virtual bone outer surface. At least one cutting plane is positioned intersecting the virtual bone outer surface. A digital tool representation representing the tool is created, including a virtual planar surface corresponding to each cutting plane and a virtual tool outer surface with a virtual border surface portion. The virtual border surface portion extends from a junction between the virtual tool outer surface and each virtual planar surface. At least part of the virtual border surface portion is defined from a corresponding portion of the virtual bone outer surface such as to represent a corresponding portion of the bone outer surface. The tool body is manufactured using the digital tool representation. A tool and a method of validating a cut in a bone are also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus registers a patient's pelvis during surgery by establishing a patient-specific, supine pelvic reference plane. The apparatus may include an elongated support arm having three legs, at least two of which may be moveable along the arm. The first leg may contact the patient's right anterior superior iliac spines (ASIS), the second leg may contact the left ASIS, and the third leg may contact an anterior aspect of the ischium of the patient's pelvis below the acetabulum of the hip being operated on. The distances between the first leg and the second and third legs may be determined preoperatively so that the legs dock to the desired points. The apparatus may further include a direction indicator configured to point in a desired orientation for inserting an acetabular cup component in the patient's acetabulum.

Abstract: Anchoring system including a fastener and a clasp. The fastener includes a substantially planar base, a first clasp-engaging member protruding from a portion of the base and having an outwardly-extending flange, the fastener further including an adhesive suitable to secure the base directly to the skin of a wearer. The clasp includes a first end configured to engage and rotate about the first clasp-engaging member and a second end configured to engage a cable of a prosthetic or orthotic device, the adhesive having a sufficient strength to support manual operation of the prosthetic or orthotic device.

Abstract: A stent suitable for deployment in a blood vessel to support at least part of an internal wall of the blood vessel includes a plurality of longitudinally spaced-apart annular elements, and a plurality of connecting elements to connect adjacent annular elements. Each connecting element is circumferentially offset from the previous connecting element. Upon application of a load to the stent, the stent moves from an unloaded configuration to a loaded configuration. In the unloaded configuration the longitudinal axis of the stent is straight, and the stent is cylindrically shaped. In the loaded configuration the longitudinal axis of the stent is curved in three-dimensional space, and the stent is helically shaped.

Abstract: A method of delivering a percutaneous heart valve is disclosed. The percutaneous heart valve includes an expandable frame having a plurality of cells and a valve seated inside the expandable frame. The heart valve also includes a proximal anchoring portion and a distal anchoring portion having a plurality of distal anchors. After expansion, the proximal anchoring portion extends distally and a portion of each distal anchor extends proximally. A portion of each distal anchor is positioned radially outwardly from the frame and extends in a direction that is substantially parallel with the longitudinal axis. Proximal portions of the distal anchors are preferably spaced apart by less than two cell lengths from a distal portion of the proximal anchoring portion. During deployment, radial expansion of the frame draws the proximal anchoring portion and the distal anchors into closer proximity with body tissue positioned therebetween.

Abstract: An ostial stent is operable to be placed at the ostium of a patient's vascular system so as to improve vessel patency in the ostial region. The ostial stent includes a stent tube that presents spaced apart proximal and distal stent openings and a longitudinal stent passage that extends between the openings. The stent tube includes a selectively-expandable tube section and a self-expandable tube section. The self-expandable tube section projects longitudinally from one of the stent openings, and is automatically expandable to a flared condition for placement within the ostium.

Abstract: A method of introducing the stent and a system for intravascular implantation is disclosed. The stent for bifurcation includes two cylindrical parts: a distal part of smaller diameter and a proximal part of greater diameter, connected by two arranged as opposite longitudinal connectors having length of 0.5 to 8 mm and forming a cell of the stent having an enlarged surface area, the connectors having a curvilinear shape, in particular a sinusoidal shape.

Abstract: A braided implant configured as a flow diverter for treating an aneurysm. The implant can include a braided mesh configured to maintain a substantially consistent target porosity over up to a 1 mm vessel diameter range over a predetermined length in a tapered vessel.

Abstract: An open stent (a stent having open space through its thickness at locations between the ends of the stent), incorporating flexible, preferably polymeric, connecting elements into the stent wherein these elements connect adjacent, spaced-apart stent elements. Preferably the spaced-apart adjacent stent elements are the result of forming the stent from a helically wound serpentine wire having space provided between adjacent windings. Other stent forms such as multiple, individual spaced-apart ring-shaped or interconnected stent elements may also be used. The connecting elements are preferably longitudinally oriented.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment, a helical anchor is provided in a relaxed state. During deployment, a distal portion of the helical anchor is superelastically deformed to protrude longitudinally. The longitudinally protruding distal portion of the helical anchor is longitudinally advanced to cause the distal portion to pierce a prosthesis and a vessel wall. The distal portion returns to the relaxed state after passing through the prosthesis and the vessel wall. By superelastically deforming the distal portion during deployment, it is easier to cause the anchor to penetrate the prosthesis and the vessel wall. Further, by having the anchor return to its relaxed state after passing through the prosthesis and vessel wall, better clamping of the prosthesis to the vessel wall is achieved.

Abstract: The disclosure pertains to an apparatus for maintaining patency within vessels in the vicinity of surgical procedures which might otherwise be compressed and partially or totally occluded and methods of use therefor.

Abstract: A handle assembly for a delivery device the sequential release of trigger wires from a prosthesis to release the prosthesis from the delivery device. The handle assembly has two handles, one of which is a rotating handle. The rotating handle has a first and second trigger wire release mechanisms which operate to sequentially release a first and second trigger wire, respectively, and a locking mechanism. The other handle has a locking mechanism that prevents that operation of the second trigger wire release mechanism until the first trigger wire has been released.

Abstract: A device for delivering and deploying a radially expandable prosthesis is disclosed and comprises a proximal prosthesis release mechanism having a first resistance and a distal prosthesis release mechanism having a second resistance. The device further comprises an actuation mechanism for actuating the distal and proximal release mechanisms in a single coordinated movement and a biasing compensator for regulating the relationship between the first resistance and the second resistance. Additional aspects of the invention include devices and methods for delivering and deploying a radially expandable prosthesis.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a torque-compensating assistive wrist brace includes a hand member adapted to be provided on a user's hand, a forearm member adapted to be provided on the user's forearm, and an assistive linkage that connects the hand and forearm members together and that applies a balancing torque to a wrist of the user that counteracts intrinsic stiffness within the wrist and assists the user in rotating the wrist in both the flexion and extension directions.

Abstract: A therapeutic sock is formed from a knit sock body formed in a tubular shape and terminating in a closed toe portion, the toe portion being divided into a first compartment configured accommodating a big toe and at least one additional compartment for other toes. At least one of the compartments has a area of increased compression as compared to a compression in other areas of the sock. The area of increased compression can be disposed on the first compartment and extend longitudinally along a medial edge of the first compartment and/or can be disposed on the at least one additional compartment and extend laterally around a circumference of the at least one additional compartment.

Abstract: An orthopedic rail system which has a first component with a receiving element and a second component with a connection end for connecting to the receiving element. The receiving element has two opposing stop walls, and the connection end has two opposing lateral walls. The receiving element and the connection end can be connected to each other by at least one connection element such that the lateral walls rest against the stop walls in the connected state. The stop walls and the lateral walls each taper towards each other in a conical manner.

Abstract: A fluid collection system is provided. The fluid collection system broadly includes a baseplate having an adhesive backing configured to couple the baseplate to a patient's skin and defining a wafer having an approximately centrally positioned opening that receives a first end of a surgical drain tube, and a wafer connector disposed around said opening. An appliance includes a leaked fluid remover that includes a fluid remover connector operable to detachably couple with the wafer connector. The leaked fluid remover includes an outer septum and an inner septum for receiving the surgical drain tube. The outer septum is capable of moving about radially, axially and/or pivotally to alleviate side load tension on the septum caused by displacement of the surgical drain tube.

Abstract: The present invention provides an elastomeric composition for making elastomeric articles having at least one layer, such as but not limited to condoms, which have a deformation stress or modulus below about 1.5 MPa at 500% extension, comprising at least one polymeric material, at least one plasticizer and optionally at least one coating. The elastomeric articles also have unique tactile and tensile properties, such as conformability and low radius of curvature.

Abstract: This application relates to a method of covering a pessary device for relief of female incontinence with an overwrap. More particularly, the present invention relates to methods of conforming the overwrap to the pessary device using a sealing mechanism.

Abstract: Methods for the synthesis and use of several variations of styrene maleic acid-based polymers and the hydrogel tissue bridges that can be formed from such polymers. Specifically, a method is disclosed for synthesizing a styrene maleic acid-based polymer that can be dissolved in DMSO and injected into the vasa deferentia of male subjects, creating a hydrogel tissue bridge. This hydrogel tissue bridge can occlude the vas deferens, thus forming an effective male contraceptive. Additionally, this male contraceptive can be reversed by injecting the lumen of the vas deferens with a basic buffer solution to dissolve and remove the hydrogel tissue bridge.

Abstract: Disclosed is an ocular device including a first structure formed of a first material providing a first shape to the ocular device prior to positioning the ocular device on the surface of the eye, a second structure formed of a second, different material having a tubular structure and a lumen through which the first structure extends, and at least one therapeutic agent is dispersed within the second material of the second structure. The first shape of the ocular device conforms to a second, different shape after positioning the ocular device on the surface of the eye. Upon being removed from the eye, the ocular device retains the second shape or changes to a third shape different from both the first shape and the second shape. Related apparatus, systems and method are described.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices used to treat eyelids, meibomian glands, ducts, and surrounding tissue are described herein. In some embodiments, an eye treatment device is disclosed, which includes a scleral shield positionable proximate an inner surface of an eyelid, the scleral shield being made of, or coated with, an energy-absorbing material activated by a light energy, and an energy transducer positionable outside of the eyelid, the energy transducer configured to provide light energy at one or more wavelengths, including a first wavelength selected to heat the energy-absorbing material.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a device, an assembly comprising the device and a method making use of same, the device comprising an elongated member extending between a first end and a second end, and a segment proximal to the second end extending along a longitudinal axis X, said segment comprises at least one depression axially extending along at least a portion of said segment and an external surface having a circumference C; and one or more blades with a cutting edge peripheral to C and the one or more blades extending along at least part of said segment; the first end comprising an engagement element for engagement with a grip unit comprising a rotor to cause rotation of said device about said axis upon actuation of the rotor and the second end comprising a tissue piercing tip. The device, assembly and method are useful in creating a channel in a biological soft tissue, such as a drainage channel in the sclero-corneal junction area of the eye. This may be useful in reducing intra-ocular pressure.

Abstract: Configurations are described for conducting ophthalmic procedures to address cataract-related clinical challenges. In one embodiment, a one-piece patient contact interface may be utilized to couple a diagnostic and/or interventional system to a cornea of a patient; in another embodiment, a two-part configuration may be utilized; in another embodiment, a liquid interface two-part embodiment may be utilized.

Abstract: Embodiments of this invention generally relate to ophthalmic laser procedures and, more particularly, to systems and methods for creating synchronized three-dimensional laser incisions. In an embodiment, an ophthalmic surgical laser system comprises a laser delivery system for delivering a pulsed laser beam to a target in a subject's eye, an XY-scan device to deflect the pulsed laser beam, a Z-scan device to modify a depth of a focus of the pulsed laser beam, and a controller configured to synchronize an oscillation of the XY-scan device and an oscillation of the Z-device to form an angled three-dimensional laser tissue dissection.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices used to treat eyelids, meibomian glands, ducts, and surrounding tissue are described herein. In some embodiments, an eye treatment device is disclosed, which includes a scleral shield positionable proximate an inner surface of an eyelid, the scleral shield being made of, or coated with, an energy-absorbing material activated by a light energy, and an energy transducer positionable outside of the eyelid, the energy transducer configured to provide light energy at one or more wavelengths, including a first wavelength selected to heat the energy-absorbing material. Wherein, when the eyelid is positioned between the energy transducer and the scleral shield, the light energy from the energy transducer and the heated energy-absorbing material of the scleral shield conductively heats a target tissue region sufficiently to melt meibum within meibomian glands located within or adjacent to the target tissue region.

Abstract: A goggles system includes an inner frame dimensioned and contoured for positioning against a wearer's face with a plurality of interchangeable lens assemblies, where each lens assembly is removably attachable to the inner frame by an engagement mechanism that includes at least one tongue and groove attachment and at least one magnetic attachment. The lens(es) of each interchangeable lens assembly may be the same as or different from each other.

Abstract: A toroidal compression bandage includes: a soft fibrous material, defined by an absorbency of a predetermined amount; a compression bandage form comprised of soft fibrous absorbent material in a rolled, wrapped form and of a shape defined by a circle revolved in three-dimensional space about a circular axis coplanar with the circle, wherein the axis of revolution does not touch the rotated circle, to define a torus ring compression bandage; an aperture defined within a center area of the torus ring compression bandage as it is formed, the aperture having a predetermined diameter and configured for placement directly over a trauma wound to avoid contact with the trauma wound; and a compression surface defined on an underside of the torus ring compression bandage, the compression surface configured for circumferential placement around the trauma wound to avoid direct contact of the trauma wound, and for absorption placement around the trauma wound.

Abstract: A thermal reflective layer provided either separately or in combination with a wound dressing is provided. The wound dressing typically includes a top layer, and a bottom layer on an opposite side of the wound dressing from the top layer. The thermal reflective layer is positioned between the top and bottom layers and is formed of a plurality of thermal reflecting domes arranged in an array configuration with apexes of each dome oriented toward the bottom layer of the wound dressing facing the wound upon which the wound dressing is configured for placement. This configuration reflects body heat back on to the wound when the wound dressing is in place, and more rapidly increases the wound surface to a physiologically optimum healing temperature more rapidly than other conventional wound dressings, which improves the facilitation of wound healing. The configuration also enables wound visualization, and required wound piercing procedures.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of providing a disposable product with zero waste ear formation and attaching the ears to a running chassis web.

Abstract: A method of making a mechanical fastening strip and a reticulated mechanical fastening strip are disclosed. The method includes providing a backing having upstanding posts; providing interrupted slits through the backing, the interrupted slits being interrupted by at least one intact bridging region; spreading the slit backing to provide multiple strands separated from each other between at least some of the bridging regions to provide at least one opening; and fixing the multiple strands of the backing in a spread configuration. The reticulated mechanical fastening strip includes multiple strands of a backing attached to each other at bridging regions in the backing and separated from each other between the bridging regions to provide openings. Upstanding posts on each of the multiple strands have bases attached to the backing, and each of the multiple strands has a width that is greater than that of the bases of its attached upstanding posts.

Abstract: A transport unit includes: a transporting device that turns a pad 90 degrees while the pad rotates from a receiving position to a transfer position; and first and second receiving rollers that sandwich a sheet and an absorbent body between a holding surface and the respective receiving rollers at the transfer position. The holding surface includes first and second sloped surfaces that are aligned along a pad rotating shaft which extends at the transfer position. The first and second receiving rollers have outer diameters decreasing from proximal ends to distal ends and are disposed such that the distal ends are positioned on sides of first and second ends of the holding surface, respectively. The first and second receiving rollers are disposed so as to sandwich the sheet and the absorbent body between the first and second sloped surfaces and the first and second receiving rollers, respectively.

Abstract: A package comprising a stack of absorbent articles which are bi- or tri-folded, and each article comprises a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core between the topsheet and the backsheet. The absorbent core comprises an absorbent layer comprising a central portion, a first side portion and a second side portion, a first folding guide between the central portion and the first side portion, and a second folding guide between the central portion and the second side portion. Each side portion comprises a plurality of winglets, each winglet having a proximal side relative to a folding guide and extending outward from this proximal side. Neighboring winglets are separated by a gap between their neighboring sides. When the absorbent core is folded along the folding guides, the central portion and the side portions form a three-dimensional basin and the gaps between the winglets decrease, the neighboring sides optionally coming into contact.

Abstract: An absorbent article such as disposable diaper, training pant, and adult incontinence undergarment comprising an absorbent structure comprising superabsorbent polymer particles, the article being able to absorb and contain body exudates and having improved absorption properties and therefore being able to reduce leakage, especially at the first gush, i.e. when the article starts to be wetted.

Abstract: An array of packages comprising two or more different sizes of disposable absorbent articles may comprise first and second articles comprising first and second cores having different Channel Spacings, Curvatures, Arm Angles, and/or Lengths.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a removable leg rest for a wheelchair. The removable leg rest includes a base member configured to be mounted to a wheelchair frame having a wheelchair frame member. The removable leg rest also includes a leg support member pivotally coupled to the base member, and an actuator for pivoting the leg support member relative to the base member between a lowered position and a raised position. One or more mounting clips are used for attaching the base member to the wheelchair frame member. The mounting clips are configured to releasably engage a cross-sectional portion of the wheelchair frame member.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a frame, a support surface, an antenna adapted to be affixed to packaging of the patient support apparatus, and a control system for controlling various functions of the patient support apparatus. The control system includes communication circuitry that receives one or more configuration settings for configuring the patient support apparatus from an off-board device via the antenna. The communication circuitry receives and stores the configuration settings while the patient support apparatus is contained within the packaging and not physically coupled to an external source of electrical power. Configuration circuitry thereafter configures the patient support apparatus when the patient support apparatus is coupled to an external source of power or is supplied with power from a battery.

Abstract: A bed step stool for assisting a user into and out of bed including opposite sides, a head, and a foot comprising a first support to be disposed closer to the head of the bed; a second support to be disposed closer to the foot of the bed; a step assembly supported between the first support and the second support, the step assembly to enable the user to step thereon for assisting the user into and out of the bed; and a bed attachment that couples the bed step stool to the bed to stabilize the bed step stool.

Abstract: An excreta disposal apparatus includes a body having a seating unit correspondingly shaped to the curved shape of the genital area and buttocks of a human body and also has a disposal space open toward the genital area and buttocks of the human body to receive excreta discharged from the human body. A main body unit, for mounting between the legs of the human body, is connected to the seating unit and has an accommodation space therein. A discharge channel, provided in the accommodation space, communicates with the disposal space to discharge the excreta in the disposal space to the outside. A spray unit is exposed to the disposal space to spray washing water, wherein the spray unit comprises a washing unit having a rotary nozzle rotatable about a central axis and having, in the circumference thereof, spray holes for spraying the washing water.

Abstract: An examination chair has a seating surface, a back surface that is movable between a first position generally perpendicular to the plane of the seating surface and a second position generally parallel to and co-planar with the seating surface, a pair of arm members, disposed on opposite sides of the seating surface, each of the arm members having an upper section pivotally mounted to a lower section to enable the upper section to pivot away from the seating surface to permit greater access to a patient in the chair, each arm further containing a retractable stirrup member in the lower section thereof, and a scissor lift pivotally mounted to a carriage beneath the seating surface such that, when actuated, the scissor lift will raise and lower the seating surface.

Abstract: A cremation urn for storing cremated remains is provided. The urn includes a base, a front wall, a rear wall, a pair of side walls a top opening, an interior cavity for receiving the cremated remains, four corner beads configured at the intersection of the front wall to the side walls and the rear wall to the side walls and the corner beads extending from the base to the top opening and a plurality of stops positioned a distance above the base and secured at each of the corner beads within the interior cavity. The front wall, the rear wall and the side walls extend generally upward at outward angles from the base to the top opening to create a taper in the urn. The tapering of walls enables a second cremation urn to be nested freely within the interior cavity of the urn.

Abstract: An orthosis for stretching the tissue around a foot and a toe of a wearer includes a first member affixable to the foot and a second member operatively connected to the first member and affixable to the toe. A gear is connected to the second member and rotates relative to the first member to impart movement of the second member relative to the first member. A drive assembly is operatively coupled to the gear and drives rotation of the gear, thereby driving movement of the second member relative to the first member such that the toe moves relative to the foot.

Abstract: A user-actuated dynamic tension traction device is disclosed. According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, a traction device passively applies traction force to a user through the use of one or more rubber or elastic resistance bands coupled to a neck collar worn by the user. The resistance bands are anchored to a stationary surface (in a preferred embodiment a door). Traction is passively applied to the user, rather than actively, as the user moves his or her body away from the surface to which the resistance bands are anchored. As the user moves backward and stretches the resistance bands, tension is incrementally exerted by the resistance bands on the neck collar, and traction is gradually applied to the user's spine.