Abstract: Disclosed is a tip for an optical scanner, where said tip comprises a framework and an optical element. For some configurations the optical element is releasable attaching to the framework by a holding means of the tip. For some configurations the tip framework is formed in two materials of different thermal conductivities.

Abstract: A dental cleaning appliance includes a handle, and a fluid delivery system for delivering a burst of working fluid to the teeth of a user. The fluid delivery system includes a nozzle from which the burst of working fluid is delivered to the teeth of the user. The appliance also includes a brush unit which extends at least partially about the nozzle. The brush unit includes a bristle carrier and a plurality of bristles mounted on the bristle carrier. A drive unit drives the movement of the bristle carrier relative to the nozzle.

Abstract: The facebow with double bite forks uses two bite forks. The bite forks are connected to one common handle of the bite fork secured to the facebow frame. The assembly for the two bite forks helps to maintain a predetermined vertical distance of 1.5 centimeters between them. An infraorbital pointer is also attached to the facebow frame. It is secured in place to act as the anterior reference point. The adjustable earpieces inserted into the patient's external auditory meatuses are adjusted to be considered as posterior reference points. This assembly helps to record the facebow and centric relation positions simultaneously.

Abstract: A first amount of sperm of a first animal and a second amount of sperm of a second animal of the same species, the first amount of sperm and the second amount of sperm sex-selected sperm of the same sex, useful in the in-vivo or in-vitro fertilization of an egg of a female animal of the same species of animal for the production of sex-selected embryos and sex-selected offspring.

Abstract: Described are methods, devices, and systems related to implants for the treatment of a female pelvic condition. The implants include absorbable and non-absorbable materials and can be introduced into the pelvic area transvaginally. Meshes of the invention provide benefits relating to improved tissue integration into the mesh, reduced infection likelihood, improved patient comfort following implantation, or combinations of thereof.

Abstract: A blood filter delivery system for delivering a filter into a vein includes an introducer and a push rod with a spline member disposed along the push rod. The spline member has a main body, and first and second boss portions spaced apart along the longitudinal axis to provide a gap for retaining anchor member of the filter during delivery via the introducer.

Abstract: A full-function artificial organ fitting body comprises a cortex layer and an organ body tissue area. The organ body tissue area comprises a growth area, a differentiation area, a docking area, a branch arterial system, a branch nervous system and a branch venous system. The branch arterial system, the branch nervous system and the branch venous system are distributed in the differentiation area and form a main body three-dimensional skeleton structure with the outer growth area and the middle docking area.

Abstract: A debranching Great vessel stent graft and methods for its use, where the stent graft comprises, a main body stent graft with a first bifurcation defining a first leg and a second leg, the main body stent graft has distal and proximal ends, the main body stent graft has a diameter at the proximal end in the range from about 18 mm to about 28 mm, the first leg and the second leg each have a diameter in the range from about 12 mm to about 18 mm, the distance from the proximal end of the main body to the distal end of the first leg is in the range from about 30 mm to about 50 mm, and the distance from the proximal end of the main body to the distal end of the second leg is in a range from about 50 mm to about 70 mm.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing fixation of soft tissue (for example, ligament) to bone by employing a novel multi-piece device. The novel multi-piece device is a ligament fixation system consisting of a larger collar that is initially impacted into a bone aperture, and a smaller plug/bullet-shaped part that is impacted into the larger collar. During ligament repair/reconstruction, the graft is inserted into a bone tunnel with sutures from the graft extending outside the tunnel. The sutures are passed through a collar of the multi-part device and the collar is then inserted into the bone tunnel. The graft suture strands may be tensioned. Subsequently, the smaller plug/bullet-shaped part is impacted into the collar thereby maintaining the tension on the graft sutures. The plug/bullet-shaped part is tightened after the desired tension on the suture is achieved.

Abstract: The embodied invention is a nipple implant made from silicon and designed to be well anchored in position by attaching it to the skin of the patient. The implant includes support arms suitable for attachment to the underside of the dermis skin layer using sutures. An outer ring provides stability to the attaching arms and adds additional surfaces that will be surrounded by scar tissue to provide additional location stability. The nipple implant includes a center receptacle that secures a skin elevating plug that provides a skin protrusion. The plug is replaceable with an additional surgery to provide a gradual increase in the skin protrusion over a period of months. The area around the implant is tattooed to provide visual coloring that matches the natural areola shape and color.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a prosthetic capsular bag and method for inserting the same. The prosthetic capsular bag helps to maintain the volume of the natural capsular bag, thereby stabilizing the effective lens position of an IOL so that refractive outcomes may be improved with cataract surgery. The prosthetic capsular bag further provides an integrated refractive surface, providing a means for experimentally determining an effective lens position prior to inserting an IOL.

Abstract: A device prepares leaflets for cardiovascular valve reconstruction from a pericardial tissue sheet harvested from a patient. A cutter is adapted to cut a predetermined pattern having a selected leaflet size. A tissue marker automatically aligned with the predetermined cutting pattern is configured to mark suture positions on the leaflet in response to placement of the cutter. Cutting of a leaflet from the tissue sheet and marking of suture positions on the leaflet are obtained concurrently. A set of such devices spanning a variety of leaflet sizes may be provided in a kit that results in an ability to quickly obtain a properly sized and marked leaflet for reconstruction.

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

Abstract: A catheter is described for the transvascular implantation of prosthetic heart valves, e.g., including self-expanding anchorage supports, to reduce the risk to the patient during the implantation. Accordingly, a prosthetic heart valve with anchorage supports is temporarily housed in a folded form in a cartridge-type unit during the implantation. The cartridge-type unit can be fixed on the proximal end of a guide system, which includes a flexible region that can be guided through the aorta. Actuating elements run through the interior of the hollow guide system, permitting sections of the cartridge-type unit to be displaced radially about their longitudinal axis and/or laterally in a proximal direction, thus allowing individual sections of the anchorage support and the associated prosthetic heart valve to be sequentially released.

Abstract: A valve delivery system including a valve prosthesis, a first catheter, and a second catheter. The valve prosthesis comprises a first frame and a second frame. The first frame is configured to attach to the second frame. The first frame is releasably disposable at the distal end of the first catheter. The second catheter is slidably disposable over the first catheter. The second frame is releasably disposable at a distal end of the second catheter.

Abstract: A prosthetic valve is advanced to a heart of a subject while the prosthetic valve is in a compressed state thereof, the prosthetic valve including a plurality of snares coupled to a tubular valve body. The prosthetic valve is positioned within the heart such that the plurality of snares is disposed upstream of the leaflets, and the plurality of snares is expanded upstream of the leaflets. Subsequently the prosthetic valve is moved in a downstream direction such that the plurality of snares is disposed downstream of the leaflets. Subsequently, the prosthetic valve is secured at the native valve while the plurality of snares remains disposed downstream of the leaflets.

Abstract: A method is provided including inserting into a heart a tissue-adjusting member selected from the group consisting of: one or more artificial chordae tendineae and an annuloplasty ring structure. An adjusting mechanism of the tissue-adjusting member adjusts tension of the tissue-adjusting member. The adjusting mechanism: (a) includes a locking mechanism configured to restrict adjusting of the tissue-adjusting member by the adjusting mechanism, and (b) is shaped to define a first coupling. The method further includes, using a tool reversibly coupled to the adjusting mechanism, restricting the adjusting of the tissue-adjusting member by the adjusting mechanism, by facilitating movement of the locking mechanism into a locked state. The tool is shaped to define a second coupling that mates with the first coupling of the adjusting mechanism. The first and second couplings are coupled together and remain mated during the restricting of the adjusting of the tissue-adjusting member.

Abstract: Implantable valve for treating venous insufficiency having a self-expanding frame encased in polymer having a distal section for blood in-flow, a bulbous center section and a proximal section for blood out-flow. Polymeric leaflets have proximal ends forming a valve outlet which opens and closes in response to venous blood flow and distal portions integral with the inner polymer surface of the distal end of said bulbous section. The leaflets define a predominantly biomimetic sinus region with the bulbous section. Opening of the valve induces flushing of blood from the sinus region for smooth non-traumatic blood flow through said valve.

Abstract: A ventricular ejection device adapted to be delivered percutaneously or surgically in to a ventricle of the heart, and the device comprising of an anchoring stent which is adapted to be fitted along a perimeter to a myocardium of the ventricle, and a recoiling part in physical coupling to the anchoring stent, extends from the perimeter of the anchoring stent to a center of the device, and adapted to extend or recoil based on flow of blood into and out of the ventricle.

Abstract: An interbody spinal fusion implant includes a tapered body and a faceplate secured to the tapered body. The faceplate has a recess formed on a front face of the faceplate that is at least partially bounded by an interior surface. A first screw hole and a spaced apart first locking slot pass through the faceplate, the first locking slot having an elongated width. A first locking screw has a head and a threaded shaft, the threaded shaft passing through the first locking slot and being sized so that the threaded shaft can slide laterally along a length of the elongated width of the first locking slot. A first nut is disposed between the tapered body and the faceplate, the shaft of the first locking screw being threadedly engaged with the first nut.

Abstract: Porous regions are formed using selected additive manufacturing techniques. The porous regions can assist in fibro-inductive regions and/or osteo-inductive regions. A prosthetic member can be formed completely with the additive manufacturing technique and/or the additive manufacturing techniques can be used to form an augment portion that is added to the prosthetic member formed separately.

Abstract: A method of making a spacer device or a device to be implanted in a human body that includes a containment body and is suitable for treating a bone seat or a joint seat of the human body includes a base portion and side walls that extend from the base portion and that delimit between them at least one cavity, wherein the containment body has a plurality of pores and/or at least one opening, configured to place the at least one internal cavity in communication with the outside of the containment body.

Abstract: A sacroiliac joint fusion system that provides a method of fixation and fusion of the sacroiliac joint and sacroiliac fixation fusion implant which upon placement facilitates stability and fusion of the sacroiliac joint.

Abstract: A shoulder implant for reestablishing a coracoacromial arch in a subject, the shoulder implant comprising: a dorsal surface substantially shaped as a coracoacromial arch of a shoulder, the dorsal surface for engaging at least a posterior portion of the acromium of the subject when implanted in the subject; and an inferior surface substantially shaped as an acromiohumeral arch of a shoulder, the dorsal surface being opposite the inferior surface. The implant may have a spacer having a convex shape to simulate the anatomic contour of a acromiohumeral arch and the spacer coupled to a baseplate. In certain embodiments, the baseplate and the spacer have a convex surface that may extend the length of the inferior surface of the acromium and anteriorly to the coracoid process.

Abstract: Methods for surgically adjusting a curvature of a spine are disclosed. The methods provide for controlling the alignment of bony structures, such as vertebral bodies or portions thereof, as they are moved relative to one another during a surgical procedure. An intrabody implant disclosed and methods of use are also disclosed. The implant has an inclined surface, forming a wedge or other shape having, for example, an acute angle adapted to be placed between at least two separated portions of a single bony structure (such as a vertebral body). In some embodiments, the implant may be used to support portions of a vertebral body that have been separated surgically as part of a pedicle subtraction osteotomy and to orient the portions at a more predictable lordotic angle.

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

Abstract: An intervertebral disc prosthesis is disclosed comprising at least two plates, namely first and second plates, articulated about each other by means of a curved surface, namely articulation, of at least one of the plates, each of the plates comprising a surface known as a contact surface, intended to be in contact with a vertebral plate of one of the vertebrae between which the prosthesis is intended to be inserted, this contact surface for each of the plates comprising a geometrical centre at equal distance from at least two diametrically opposite points located on the periphery of the plate, in which the geometric centres of the plates are not vertically aligned, this off-setting of the geometrical centres of the plates engendering an off-setting of the edges of the plates in at least one direction perpendicular to the vertical axis of the spinal column.

Abstract: An expandable implant device for implantation at a surgical site is provided. The implant device is made of cortical bone and includes a top and bottom piece, both pieces configured to couple with each other. The top piece has superior and inferior surfaces, and at least a tapered leading end configured to distract open an intervertebral disc space so that the top piece can be slidably inserted over the bottom piece until a desired overlap is achieved. A composite interbody bone implant device is also provided including a body skeleton having a non-bone composition, such as a polymer, formed into a shape and including one or more cavities which can be filled with other material, for example, allograft material. A method of placing an expandable device into a disc space is also provided.

Abstract: An implant that includes a body and a plurality of arched bone contacting elements is disclosed. The body includes a peripheral structure and three support beams extending in a central region of the peripheral structure. Arched bone contacting elements extend between adjacent beams and between beams and the peripheral structure. The arched bone contacting elements include flared legs. The arched bone contacting elements may be arranged in V-like configurations on the superior and inferior sides.

Abstract: The intervertebral implant is in the form of a three-dimensional structure (10) comprising (a) a top side (1) and an underside (2) which are designed to rest against the end plates of two adjacent vertebras, (b) a left side face (3) and a right side face (4), (c) a front face (5) and a rear face (6), (d) a horizontal center plane situated between the top side (1) and the underside (2), (e) a vertical center plane (8) situated between the left side face (3) and the right side face (8) and (f) a plurality of boreholes (9) passing through the implant structure (10) that are designed to receive longitudinal affixation elements (20), the axes (19) of said elements intersecting the horizontal center plane (7). At least one of the boreholes (9) is designed in a manner that the affixation element (10) received in it can be rigidly connected to the intervertebral implant. Said connection is implemented using a thread or by matching conical surfaces.

Abstract: An implant (500, 600) includes first and second arms (14a, 14b) hinged to a base (12) at spaced-apart locations. An actuator (18, 22a, 22b, 602, 604, 606) is deployed to rotate the arms from an initial position in opposing angular motion towards a final position. A rigid bridging element (28) bridges between the arms so that deployment of the arms towards the final position displaces the bridging element away from the base. Engagement between the bridging element and at least one of the arms is via a double pin-in-slot engagement in which two non-collinear pins (30, 40) are engaged in respective non-parallel slots (32, 42).

Abstract: An expandable spinal fusion implant including a housing, upper and lower endplates, a wedge positioned within the housing and between the upper and lower endplates and a drive mechanism to urge the wedge distally between the upper and lower endplates to increase the separation between the endplates and expand the overall height of the distal end of the implant.

Abstract: A system for delivering bone graft material into an interbody fusion device (IBFD) in an intradiscal space of a spine, the IBFD having an open-frame with a hollow interior and an opening through its proximal end communicating with the interior. Included is an elongate channel having a lumen extending therethrough, the distal end being in engagement with the IBFD to align the lumen with the opening through the proximal end of the IBFD. An adjustable block is movably attached to the channel, the block having plural chambers containing bone graft material, the chambers being individually sequentially alignable with the lumen. A plunger pushes graft material from each chamber, through the lumen and into the IBFD. A distal end of a tamper is configured to be inserted through each chamber and the lumen and into the IBFD interior for tamping graft material deposited into the interior of the IBFD.

Abstract: The disclosure herein provides methods, systems, and devices for assisting alignment of humeral or femoral stems during replacement surgery. In one illustrative embodiment, a slotted disk is configured to position a prosthetic stem into a canal in the humerus when the stem is driven through the slot. In another illustrative embodiment, a similar slotted disk structure is configured to position a prosthetic stem into a canal in the femur.

Abstract: A cup impactor (1, 1?, 1?) is provided, adapted to assist a surgeon in controlling implantation of a cup prosthesis (9). The impactor has an impactor body (8), a drive train assembly (71), an impactor nose (38), and a clamping handle (5). The impactor body (8) has on its proximal end, an impaction plate (7) connected thereto, and an impactor handle (6) formed thereon for handling by the surgeon and, on the distal end, an impactor cup support portion (8a) having a receiver recess (8b) therein. A drive train assembly (71) has a prosthesis engaging interface (11) at a distal end thereof, and a proximal end on which a positioning knob (2) is formed. The assembly (71) received and rotatably mounted in the receiver recess (8b) of the body (8) so as to expose the prosthesis engaging surface (11). An impactor nose (38) mounts on the distal end of the impactor body (8), through which the prosthesis engaging interface (11) extends.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of inserting an implant comprising providing an expandable vertebral implant. The method further may comprise providing an angling inserter tool. The angling inserter tool comprises a handle portion, a base portion, and a tip assembly, the base portion being disposed between the handle portion and the tip assembly. The method further may comprise distally advancing a central shaft of the tip assembly with rotation into an opening in the expandable vertebral implant to secure the angling inserter tool to the expandable vertebral implant. The method further may comprise positioning the expandable vertebral implant in a patient's spine. The method further may comprise for causing the tip assembly to angulate with respect to a longitudinal axis of the angling inserter tool, wherein the internal shaft is coaxial with an outer cylinder of the base portion.

Abstract: A surgical tool and method for separating a femoral cup or a femoral ball from an implanted femoral implant without disturbing the femoral implant. The tool is comprised of upper and lower lever arms which turn on an adjustable fulcrum. The upper lever arm has a distal end adapted to engage a femoral cup or a femoral ball and the distal end of the lower lever arm engages the implant. Proximal ends of the lever arms engage a drive assembly which is used to cause the distal ends to move away from one another thereby separating the femoral cup or ball from the femoral implant.

Abstract: There is disclosed a system and method for dispersing sterile water from a circulating high-purity water system to a processing field containing allograft tissue. One embodiment includes a fluid inlet that is fluidly coupled with and configured to receive sterile water from the water system. The dispersion system also includes at least first and second fluid outlets that are selectively operable to deliver respective first and second fluid streams into different areas of the processing field. At least one of the first and second fluid outlets may be associated with a regulator valve configured to provide an adjustable flowrate to conserve water pulled from the circulating water system to meet the needs of the application taking place within the processing field. Other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: There is disclosed a system and method for dispersing sterile water from a circulating high-purity water system to a processing field containing allograft tissue. One embodiment includes a fluid inlet that is fluidly coupled with and configured to receive sterile water from the water system. The dispersion system also includes at least first and second fluid outlets that are selectively operable to deliver respective first and second fluid streams into different areas of the processing field. At least one of the first and second fluid outlets may be associated with a regulator valve configured to provide an adjustable flowrate to conserve water pulled from the circulating water system to meet the needs of the application taking place within the processing field. Other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for splinting and/or maintaining a cavity, an organ duct and or a vessel in a human or animal body, said device including at least one compressible and self-expanding stent that is composed of at least three phases.

Abstract: A kit of stents and an adjustable multi-lumen stent for adjustable interventional reduction of blood flow in a blood vessel. The kit includes: a first reduction stent having in an expanded conformation at least one widened section and a narrowed section, the narrowed section defining a central lumen providing reduced fluid communication between an upstream end and a downstream end of the first reduction stent; at least one expandable dilatation stent having a tubular form insertable into and expandable in the central lumen of the first reduction stent to define an enlarged central lumen; at least one second reduction stent having a narrowed tubular section insertable into the central lumen of the first reduction stent or the central lumen of the dilatation stent to define an reduced central lumen, and having an anchoring element at its upstream end.

Abstract: A medical fixation device having a device attachment portion, a compression bearing portion and a barb portion. The barb portion is separated from a device constraining means by the incorporation of the compression bearing portion.

Abstract: A method is provided, including, delivering into a heart of a patient an annuloplasty ring structure including a body portion and an adjusting mechanism configured to adjust a size of the body portion of the annuloplasty ring structure, the adjusting mechanism including a housing, and following the delivering, moving the housing with respect to the body portion. Other applications are also described.

Abstract: Tortuosity of vessels at or leading to the site of minimally invasive procedures is a problem for conducting such procedures as they increase the difficulty to guide the procedural catheters through tortuous vessels. Methods and apparatus for stabilization of the sheaths and catheters during access, procedures, and withdrawal in these tortuous vessels are disclosed. The apparatus and method for improving access include application of a pull component to the stabilized procedural catheter using a stabilization catheter/wire in addition to a push component from the percutaneous access to make the access easier while enabling use of more flexible catheters and softer wires. These methods and devices address the problems of trauma to the vessels during access, procedure and removal of catheters and wires, improve pushability of softer catheters and wires, and also substantially reduce substantially the procedure time.

Abstract: A balloon expanded stent delivery system includes an inflation constraint, such as a wire, spirally wound about the longitudinal axis in contact with a balloon and attached to an underlying catheter. A balloon expanded stent is mounted about the balloon and the inflation constraint. The delivery system has a predeployment configuration with the balloon deflated and the stent unexpanded. The system has a deployment configuration in which the inflation constraint constrains the inflated balloon to a spiral shape, the stent is expanded and in contact with the balloon, and the stent has a flow directing surface with a spiral contour that matches the spiral shape of the balloon. In a postdeployment configuration, the stent retains the flow directing surface with the spiral contour.

Abstract: An implant delivery system is described. The implant delivery system utilizes an implant, implant wire, delivery sheath, and a torque device. The torque device may include a cutting element to slit the delivery sheath and a clamp device to fix the position of the implant delivery wire.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a medical device may include a deflation catheter assembly. The deflation catheter assembly may include a tubular member having an outer surface, an inner surface, and a central lumen defined by the inner surface. The deflation catheter assembly may also include a plurality of passages extending through a side of the tubular member and from the inner surface to the outer surface. The deflation catheter assembly may also include an anchoring member coupled to the tubular member. A distal portion of the tubular member may extend distal the anchoring member. The plurality of passages may be at the distal portion of the tubular member. The anchoring member may be configured to move between an unexpanded state and an expanded state. At least a portion of the anchoring member may protrude radially outwardly from the outer surface of the tubular member when the anchoring member is in the expanded state.

Abstract: An orthopedic device has at least one flexible or rigid frame member contoured to generally correspond to an anatomical limb. The device also includes a tightening system having a dial tensioning device and at least one cable and/or strap connected to the dial tensioning device. The dial tensioning device has a rotary ratchet permitting incremental adjustment of the cable and/or strap. Adjustment of the dial tensioner in a first direction secures the frame member to the limb.

Abstract: A cervical collar for ensuring an open airway has an occipital portion, right and left mandible engaging sections extending from the occipital portion, and right and left sternum engaging portions extending from the occipital portion. Each of the mandible engaging sections has an adjustable airway opening member for assuring opening of the airway. In one embodiment, each of the mandible engaging sections has a baseplate, and a carrier for the airway opening member which is controllably displaceable along a groove formed in the baseplate. A strap is attachable to an anterior portion of each baseplate, so that right and left straps are simultaneously tensionable and fastenable together on the chin of a subject to ensure symmetric stabilization. The anterior triangle of the neck is unobstructed following fastening together of the straps and of the sternum engaging portions, to facilitate monitoring of various throat related clinical conditions following a traumatic event.

Abstract: Pressurized wound treatment devices and methods of use are provided herein. In some embodiments, such devices provide consistent or adjustable pressure to a treatment site. Such devices and methods are useful, for example, in treating or preventing inflammation and/or blood flow or loss at a treatment site.