Abstract: A hybrid dental tool is disclosed herein. The hybrid dental tool includes a flossing head and a handle portion. The flossing head can include a filament stretching between the leading arm and a trailing arm. The flossing head can be connected to the handle portion. The handle portion can include features that can receive and retain a pick. The pick can be a soft pick or a hard pick. The handle portion can further include an integrated pick that can be located at a free end of the handle portion.

Abstract: Embodiments of an instrument for retraction and suction during performance of an oral procedure are disclosed herein. In general, the instrument is profiled so as to operate as a retractor during use. Further, the instrument has a central passage and an end configured for attachment to a suction device. In this way, the instrument operates to provide suction for removal of, e.g., bone slurry, blood, saliva, debris, and irrigant, during an oral procedure. The suction is modulated using a port that remains uncovered when suction is not desired and that is covered by a user's finger when suction is desired.

Abstract: A drive train assembly (22) for a personal care device (10), the drive train assembly including a shaft (24) with a central axis and a plurality of pivot bearing notches (122); a motor (130) encircling at least a portion of the shaft and configured to oscillate the shaft about the shaft's central axis; and a plurality of stationary pivot bearings (120), where at least an apex of each of the plurality of stationary pivot bearings is positioned within a respective one of the plurality of pivot bearing notches.

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

Abstract: A multi-laminar electrospun nanofiber scaffold for use in repairing a defect in a tissue substrate is provided. The scaffold includes a first layer formed by a first plurality of electrospun polymeric fibers, and a second layer formed by a second plurality of electrospun polymeric fibers. The second layer is combined with the first layer. A first portion of the scaffold includes a higher density of fibers than a second portion of the scaffold, and the first portion has a higher tensile strength than the second portion. The scaffold is configured to degrade via hydrolysis after at least one of a predetermined time or an environmental condition. The scaffold is configured to be applied to the tissue substrate containing the defect, and is sufficiently flexible to facilitate application of the scaffold to uneven surfaces of the tissue substrate, and to enable movement of the scaffold by the tissue substrate.

Abstract: A stent with a selectively curved region. The stent includes a radially expandable tubular framework and a covering surrounding the tubular framework. A stent also includes a drawstring having a first end attached to the tubular framework at a first attachment location proximate the distal end of the tubular framework. The second end of the first drawstring is manipulatable proximate the proximal end of the tubular framework to deflect the tubular framework into a curved configuration.

Abstract: Extra-urethral implants and methods of use are disclosed. Implants can treat disorders or diseases of the prostate by, for example, enlarging the lumen of the prostatic urethra.

Abstract: An endoluminal prosthesis system for being deployed in a patient's aorta near the heart includes a graft having a tubular body with a lumen extending from proximal end configured to be deployed near a patient's heart to a distal end configured to be deployed away from the patient's heart. A collar around the graft is sized and configured to be sutured to a patient's aorta. Passageways in the middle portion of the graft permit fluid communication from the lumen of the graft to an exterior of the graft. A respective bridging branch is disposed at each of the passageways, each of the bridging branches having an inner opening and an outer opening so that the bridging branches provide fluid communication from the lumen of the graft to the exterior of the graft. A respective bridging graft is sized and arranged to mate with each of the bridging branches.

Abstract: An endoluminal prosthesis system includes a graft having a tubular body with a proximal end and a distal end. A lumen extends from the proximal end to the distal end. A proximal portion of the graft includes the proximal end; a distal portion of the graft includes the distal end; and a middle portion of the graft extends from the proximal portion to the distal portion. A plurality of connection branches are attached to the middle portion. Each of the connection branches has an inner opening at an inner end attached to the middle portion and an outer opening at an outer end disposed radially outwardly from the inner end. Each of the connection branches is pivotable in a proximal and distal direction and a circumferential direction relative to the middle portion. Further, each of the connection branches includes an expandable seal stent at the outer end.

Abstract: An endoluminal prosthesis system for being deployed in a patient's aorta near the heart, includes a graft having a main body with a proximal end configured to be deployed near a patient's heart and a distal end configured to be deployed away from the patient's heart. The main body defines a proximal portion of the graft including the proximal end; a distal portion of the graft including the distal end; a middle portion of the graft extending between the proximal portion and the distal portion. A connection branch attached to the middle portion has an inner end attached to the middle portion and an outer end disposed radially outwardly from the inner end. The outer end of the connection branch includes a terminal ring composed of at least two partial rings pivotable relative to each other and including at least one radially outward barb.

Abstract: Devices used to repair ruptured tendons are described, particularly a tendon grasping device and devices for the application thereof and to the uses if these devices; the tendon grasping device is made of a suitable for surgery bio-compatible material, a series of curved elements connected sequentially to form a hollow deformable structure; in use each curved element surrounds the tendon and the structure deforms between a radially extended condition and a radially retracted condition, in which each curved element firmly surrounds the tendon by applying pressure around the tendon without penetrating it.

Abstract: The delivery device for a breast implant has the shape of a rectangular cross section also enables to surgeon to orient the implant appropriately so that the flat bottom is parallel to the direction of the surgical incision. As such when the implant is delivered it would orient itself in the same plane as the surgical incision and hence in a plane more parallel to the chest wall.

Abstract: A method and system provide a multifocal ophthalmic device. The ophthalmic lens has an anterior surface, a posterior surface and at least one diffractive structure including a plurality of echelettes. The echelettes have at least one step height of at least one wavelength and not more than two wavelengths in optical path length. The diffractive structure(s) reside on at least one of the anterior surface and the posterior surface. The diffractive structure(s) provide a plurality of focal lengths for the ophthalmic lens.

Abstract: A heart valve prosthesis is provided that includes a first member and a second member. The first member comprises a first central portion to be disposed adjacent to a line of coaptation on a first side of two adjacent heart leaflets and peripheral portions to be placed into direct contact with the two adjacent heart leaflets. The second member is separate from or can be separable from the first member, for example during delivery. The second member has a central portion and peripheral portions configured to be placed into direct contact with a second side of the two adjacent heart leaflets.

Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve includes an annular frame that has an inflow end and an outflow end and is radially compressible and expandable between a radially compressed configuration and a radially expanded configuration. The prosthetic heart valve further includes a leaflet structure positioned within the frame and secured thereto, and an outer sealing member mounted outside of the frame and adapted to seal against surrounding tissue when the prosthetic heart valve is implanted within a native heart valve annulus of a patient. The sealing member can include a mesh layer and pile layer comprising a plurality of pile yarns extending outwardly from the mesh layer.

Abstract: Prosthetic heart valves having elastic leaflets and an elastic support structure are described. The support structure can store a load transferred from the leaflets as potential energy and then release it in the form of kinetic energy to exhibit a precursory transition from the closed position to the open position. The support structures can exhibit a sinusoidal movement profile at a base edge during the precursory transition.

Abstract: A device for the transvascular implantation and fixation of prosthetic heart valves having a self-expanding heart valve stent (10) with a prosthetic heart valve (11) at its proximal end is introducible into a patient's main artery. With the objective of optimizing such a device to the extent that the prosthetic heart valve (11) can be implanted into a patient in a minimally-invasive procedure, to ensure optimal positioning accuracy of the prosthesis (11) in the patient's ventricle, the device includes a self-expanding positioning stent (20) introducible into an aortic valve positioned within a patient. The positioning stent is configured separately from the heart valve stent (10) so that the two stents respectively interact in their expanded states such that the heart valve stent (10) is held by the positioning stent (20) in a position in the patient's aorta relative the heart valve predefinable by the positioning stent (20).

Abstract: An intravascular cuff acts as a lining between a native vessel and an intravascular prosthetic device. During deployment, the ends of the cuff curl back upon themselves and are capable of trapping native tissue, such as valve leaflet tissue, between the ends. The cuff creates a seal between the vessel and the prosthetic, thereby preventing leakage around the prosthetic. The cuff also traps any embolic material dislodged from the vessel during expansion of the prosthetic.

Abstract: Heart valve implants and methods utilizing those valves designed to reduce or eliminate the regurgitant jet associated with an incompetent atrioventricular valve. The heart valve implants, which are deployed via a transcatheter venous approach, comprise a collapsible framework connected to an anchored guide shaft, a valve portion and an apron which permits ingrowth of native heart tissue into the apron.

Abstract: A method for accessing a mitral valve that includes forming an incision and inserting a first catheter comprising a lumen. The first catheter is adapted to be directed towards a left atrium and the first catheter has a working length of approximately 15 cm to approximately 52 cm. The method further includes utilizing a trocar in the first catheter to penetrate a pericardium and utilizing the trocar to penetrate the left atrium. The method further includes accessing the mitral valve from an antegrade direction.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to delivery systems for delivering and deploying interventional devices to a targeted area within a body, such as delivering a replacement heart valve to a targeted heart valve. A delivery device includes a steerable catheter and a replacement valve delivery system positioned within the steerable catheter and configured to be translatable within the steerable catheter. The steerable catheter includes one or more control wires running from a distal end of the catheter to a handle at the proximal end of the catheter. Each control wire is coupled to a control of the handle such that manipulation of the control provides deflection and control of the steerable catheter.

Abstract: Methods and devices for reducing paravalvular leakage associated with a replacement mitral valve. The methods can include monitoring for paravalvular leakage between a replacement mitral valve and tissue proximate the mitral valve annulus; if a sufficient amount of paravalvular leakage is observed, deploying a tissue reshaping device at least partially within a coronary sinus; remodeling coronary sinus tissue with the tissue reshaping device to remodel at least one of mitral valve annulus tissue, at least one mitral valve leaflet, and left atrium tissue in an attempt to reduce the paravalvular leakage; and monitoring for a reduction in paravalvular leakage after the remodeling step.

Abstract: A collapsible and expandable prosthetic heart valve stent is provided and comprising an outer section, a valve support defining a flow channel therethrough, a transition section configured to smoothly transition the outer section to the valve support. The valve support is disposed within an interior defined by the outer section, with the inflow end of the valve support disposed inside the outer section's interior. In some cases, the outflow end of the valve support is at least partially defined by the transition section. The prosthetic leaflets are disposed on the inner surface of the valve support's flow channel and are located at or above the annulus of the heart chamber. A prolapse prevention system is attached to the stent to mitigate native valve leaflet prolapse.

Abstract: A cardiac tissue repositioning device comprises a first attachment member configured to be anchored to a first portion of cardiac tissue. The device further comprises a second attachment member configured to be anchored to a second portion of cardiac tissue. The device further comprises an adjustable body configured to be moveable between multiple positions and a locking mechanism configured to control movement of the adjustable body between the multiple positions.

Abstract: An inflatable prosthesis includes a tubular body made of an elastomeric material, and at least two longitudinal lumens formed in the elastomeric material of the tubular body, which extend through an entire length of the tubular body along a longitudinal axis of the tubular body. The lumens are separated from each other by a wall. A coil is embedded in the elastomeric material of the tubular body. The coil surrounds the lumens.

Abstract: There is a need for methods that can produce piezoelectric composites having suitable physical characteristics and also optimized electrical stimulatory proper-ties. The present application provides piezo-electric composites, including tissue-stimu-lating composites, as well as methods of making such composites, that meet these needs. In embodiments, methods of making a spinal implant are provided. The methods suitably comprise preparing a thermoset, thermoplastic or thermoset/thermoplastic, or copolymer polymerizable matrix, dispersing a plurality of piezoelectric particles in the polymerizable matrix to generate dispersion, shaping the dispersion, inducing an electric polarization in the piezoelectric particles in the shaped dispersion, wherein at least 40% of the piezoelectric particles form chains.

Abstract: An osteotomy implant includes a first surface extending generally in a first plane and a second surface extending generally in a second plane, oblique to the first plane. The first surface has a perimeter having a first linear edge, a first curve edge connected to the first linear edge, a second linear edge connected to the first curved edge, and a second curved edge connected to the second liner edge.

Abstract: Patient-adapted articular repair systems, including implants, instruments, and surgical plans, and methods of making and using such systems, are disclosed herein. In particular, various embodiments include knee joint articular repair systems designed for posterior stabilization, including patient-adapted posterior-stabilizing features.

Abstract: Novel implants, instruments and surgical techniques are provided for manipulating a spinal disc space in order to one or more of: optimize disc space preparation; optimize the positioning of implants within the disc space; achieve and maintain distraction during interbody placement; and provide sagittal balance during fusion.

Abstract: A variable gain impedance controller for use in a control system for controlling a motorized prosthetic or orthotic apparatus provided with a joint. The controller comprises a sensor input for receiving a signal indicative of an interaction between the apparatus and the ground, a torque sensor input for receiving a signal indicative of the torque at the joint, and a variable gain scheduler in communication with the sensor input to receive data therefrom thereby providing a variable torque gain. The variable gain impedance controller adjusts its control on the apparatus based on the variable torque gain and the indicated torque to increase the joint resistance to motion when the signal received from the sensor input indicates an interaction between the apparatus and the ground, and decrease the joint resistance to motion when the signal received from the sensor input indicates an absence of interaction between the apparatus and the ground.

Abstract: A prosthetic system includes a prosthetic foot having an upper foot element with a concave-forward facing portion and foot portion extending forwardly therefrom. An intermediate foot element is disposed below the upper foot element and has a front portion coupled to the foot portion of the upper foot element. A lower foot element is disposed below the intermediate foot element. A pump system is coupled to the prosthetic foot and comprises a pump mechanism including a housing defining a cavity, and a membrane situated in the cavity. The pump mechanism is movable between an original configuration and an expanded configuration. An arm member is connected to the pump mechanism and operatively coupled to the intermediate foot element. The arm member is arranged to move the pump mechanism toward at least the expanded configuration upon movement of the intermediate foot element relative to the upper foot element.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are provided for endoluminally fixating and endoluminal prosthesis to a vessel wall to preclude migration of the prosthesis.

Abstract: A stent (scaffold) or other luminal prosthesis comprising circumferential structural elements which provides high strength after deployment and allows for scaffold to uncage, and/or allow for scaffold or luminal expansion thereafter. The circumferential scaffold may be formed from degradable material, or may be formed from non-degradable material and will be modified to expand and/or uncage after deployment.

Abstract: An illustrative endoluminal implant having an elongated tubular member. The elongate tubular member having a proximal stent, a distal stent and an interconnecting sleeve. The proximal stent tapers from a first outer diameter adjacent the proximal end region to a second smaller outer diameter adjacent the distal end region. The distal stent has an outer diameter less than the first outer diameter of the proximal stent. The interconnecting sleeve is collapsible in response to an applied radial force such that the sleeve is positionable across a natural valve or sphincter.

Abstract: The present invention provides a guidewire adjuster and a delivery-system control handle provided with the guidewire adjuster. The guidewire adjuster includes a support mechanism which has a lumen for a guidewire to extend therethrough; and a driving mechanism for driving the guidewire to move back and forth in the lumen. The guidewire adjuster is able to drive the guidewire to move with respect to a sheath of the delivery system. The support mechanism is connected to the control handle of the delivery system and forms a lumen for accommodating the guidewire. A proximal end of the sheath together with the stent can be driven to move upwardly, due to the relative movement between the guidewire and the sheath of the delivery system. Therefore, the position of the stent can be adjusted by advancing the guidewire forward when the stent has been deployed at a lower position than expected.

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

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward an intragastric device used to treat obesity that includes a wire mesh structure capable of changing from a compressed pre-deployment shape to an expanded post-deployment shape with a greatly increased volume. The post-deployment shape contains a light weight at the top and a heavier weight at the bottom to ensure proper positioning within the stomach. In the post-deployment shape, the device contains larger spaces in the upper portion and smaller spaces in the lower portion to sequester food and delay gastric emptying. Alternatively, the device can be enveloped by a membrane containing larger holes at the top and smaller holes at the bottom to sequester food and delay gastric emptying. The device has a dynamic weight where the weight of the device in the pre-feeding stage is less than the weight of the device in feeding or post-feeding stage.

Abstract: Orthotic devices which utilize spinal traction and when properly placed helps impart the desired lordotic shape in the cervical spine, the thoracic spine, and the lumbar spine of a person are disclosed.

Abstract: An orthosis provides a wearer at least one of forearm supination, forearm pronation, shoulder internal rotation, shoulder external rotation, shoulder adduction, shoulder abduction, shoulder flexion, shoulder extension, elbow flexion, and elbow extension. It includes a shoulder assembly adapted to be secured to a wearer's shoulder and an upper arm assembly connected to the shoulder assembly and adapted to be secured around a wearer's upper arm. The upper arm assembly defines an upper arm assembly axis. A wrist assembly is adapted to be secured around a wearer's wrist. The wrist assembly defines a wrist assembly axis. A splint arm assembly includes an upper splint arm, a lower splint arm, and a pivot pivotally connecting the upper splint arm to the lower splint arm. The upper splint arm adjustably connects to the upper arm assembly and the lower split, arm adjustably connects to the wrist assembly.

Abstract: An orthopedic wrist device for stabilizing a wrist includes a panel that is flexible. Each of a pair of straps is coupled to the panel proximate to a respective opposing end of the panel and extends from each opposing side of the panel. Each of a pair of first couplers and each of a pair of second couplers are coupled to a respective strap proximate to a first end and a second end of the respective strap, respectively. The straps are configured to position around a wrist of a user so that the panel is positioned on an underside of the wrist. Each second coupler is positioned to selectively couple to an associated first coupler to removably couple the panel to the wrist to stabilize the wrist. A base is coupled to and extends from a bottom of the panel and is configured to support the wrist on a surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for positioning a human hand; the apparatus is designed to assist stroke victims or individuals with no or limited use of their hands. It allows for better airflow to the palm and fingers, keeps hands dry, and reduces collection of dirt, oil, odor-causing germs, etc. from collecting in the palm region. The device may consist of two cylindrical tubes secured together with bands and to the hand with a simple-to-adjust strap.

Abstract: A support for an area of a body that includes a hinge joint includes a flexible, elastically stretchable framework comprising an integrally molded network of interconnected, elastomeric segments defining a plurality of permanent openings; a structural hinge mechanism affixed to a first side of the framework, and a secondary hinge mechanism affixed to a second side of the framework. The structural hinge mechanism is larger than the secondary hinge mechanism so as to bias the application of pressure towards one side of the hinge joint when the support is secured to the area of the body. The elastomeric segments of the framework are designed in such a way as to asymmetrically assert pressure on the hinge joint when the support is secured to the area of the body. The structural hinge mechanism and the framework work together to bias application of pressure generally in the same direction.

Abstract: A method is provided for treating back pain whereby a person sits comfortably in a seated position in a chair and fastens their upper body above the waist to the seat back and fastens their lower body at just above the buttocks and then by means of leaning back allows the seat back to pull the person's upper body away from their lower body providing spinal traction.

Abstract: A valve assembly (100) for a penis pump (1102), comprises a valve cap (110) comprising a hole (115); and a valve stem (120) extending through the hole (115) in the valve cap (110). The valve assembly (100) is adapted such that axial motion of the valve stem (120) causes the valve stem (120) to mechanically interact with the valve cap (110), so that the valve stem (120) moves between a first position, in which the valve stem (120) seals a pump chamber (1108) of the penis pump (1102), and a second position, in which the valve stem (120) operates as a one way valve. Accordingly, axial motion of the valve stem (120) is used to select the function of the valve assembly (100).

Abstract: This disclosure relates to deodorizing compositions, ostomy devices, and uses thereof. In certain embodiments, the disclosure contemplates a deodorizer comprising a combination of citric acid and a citric acid salt, cocamidopropyl betaine, zinc ricinoleate, and optionally comprising a preservative such as a paraben. In certain embodiments, the deodorizing composition is contained loaded in a hydrogel or hydrophilic polyurethane. In further embodiments, the loaded hydrogel or hydrophilic polyurethane is placed in an ostomy device.

Abstract: A system suitable for collecting and transporting urine away from the body of a person or animal may include an urine collecting assembly having a body, a sealing flange, and a reservoir within the body and partially defined by the sealing flange. The sealing flange can define an opening such that the interior of the body is accessible via the opening. A peripheral edge of the opening can be configured to seal around a shaft of a penis of a user disposed through the opening. The urine collecting assembly can also include an outlet in fluidic communication with the reservoir. The urine collecting assembly can be arranged such that a fluid can flow into the body from the urethral opening of the user's penis, collect in the reservoir, and flow out of the outlet.

Abstract: A prosthesis heating apparatus for warming the entire prosthesis to prevent the prosthesis from withdrawing heat from the wearer's body, in particular, from withdrawing body heat from the bone to which the prosthesis is attached. The prosthetic heating apparatus can use cyclical timer switch or the disclosed dual switched circuit for turning an electric device on and off at set intervals.

Abstract: A thermal management system and a method of heating a water-surface load or sub-water load. The system includes an electrochemical power source which generates electrical power and heat as a byproduct or coproduct. The electrolyte contained in the electrochemical power source is configured to transport the heat that is generated by the electrochemical power source to at least one water-surface load or sub-water load.

Abstract: Devices and approaches for activating cross-linking within corneal tissue to stabilize and strengthen the corneal tissue following an eye therapy treatment. A feedback system is provided to acquire measurements and pass feedback information to a controller. The feedback system may include an interferometer system, a corneal polarimetry system, or other configurations for monitoring cross-linking activity within the cornea. The controller is adapted to analyze the feedback information and adjust treatment to the eye based on the information. Aspects of the feedback system may also be used to monitor and diagnose features of the eye. Methods of activating cross-linking according to information provided by a feedback system in order to improve accuracy and safety of a cross-linking therapy are also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides a syringe for use in an ophthalmic injection. The syringe comprises a body, a stopper and a plunger. The body comprises an outlet at an outlet end and the stopper is arranged within the body such that a front surface of the stopper and the body define a variable volume chamber from which a fluid can be expelled though the outlet. The plunger comprises a plunger contact surface at a first end and a rod extends between the plunger contact surface and a rear portion. The plunger contact surface is arranged to contact the stopper but not couple thereto, such that the plunger can be used to force the stopper towards the outlet end of the body, reducing the volume of the variable volume chamber, but not to move the stopper away from the outlet end.