Abstract: A tissue clip including an electrode assembly having first and second electrodes with an insulator disposed therebetween. The electrodes are configured to connect to opposite potentials of an energy source. The electrodes and insulator are deformable to shape the tissue clip to include upper and lower legs with a twisted central portion defined therebetween. The upper leg includes an outer facing portion having one end of the first electrode removably coupled to a first jaw of a forceps and an inner facing portion including an end of the second electrode configured to grasp tissue. The lower leg includes an outer facing portion having an opposite end of the second electrode removably coupled to a second jaw and an inner facing portion that includes the opposite end of the first electrode and is configured to grasp tissue.

Abstract: An intravascular catheter for nerve activity ablation and/or sensing includes one or more needles advanced through supported guide tubes (needle guiding elements) which expand to contact the interior surface of the wall of the renal artery or other vessel of a human body allowing the needles to be advanced though the vessel wall into the extra-luminal tissue including the media, adventitia and periadvential space. The catheter also includes structures which provide radial and lateral support to the guide tubes so that the guide tubes open uniformly and maintain their position against the interior surface of the vessel wall as the sharpened needles are advanced to penetrate into the vessel wall. Electrodes at the distal ends of the guide tubes allow sensing of nerve activity before and after attempted renal denervation. In a combination embodiment ablative energy or fluid is delivered to ablate nerves outside of the media.

Abstract: Apparatus, having an insertion tube that is configured to be inserted into a body cavity. The apparatus also includes a distal tip connected to the insertion tube, the distal tip having an external surface and a cavity formed in the external surface, the cavity being surrounded by a region of the external surface having a curvature. The apparatus further includes a microelectrode configured to fit into the cavity so that a surface of the microelectrode is contoured, located and oriented to conform with the curvature of the region.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to a catheter having a dual node multiray electrode assembly at the distal end of the catheter body. The dual node multiray electrode assembly includes a proximal multiray array with a plurality of spines connected at one end, each spine having at least one ablation electrode, and a distal node. The dual node multiray electrode assembly may have an expanded configuration and a collapsed configuration wherein the spines are arranged generally along a longitudinal axis of the catheter body. The distal node may be configured to be deployed within a vessel and the proximal multiray array may be configured to engage tissue forming an ostium of the vessel with the ablation electrodes. In some embodiments, the relative distance between the proximal multiray array and the distal node is adjustable.

Abstract: A catheter device provides a balloon structure and a side-firing laser lumen within the balloon to create lesions in the pulmonary vein (PV) in the treatment of atrial fibrillation. Mounted on the balloon so as to contact the PV when the balloon is inflated are one or more electrodes which may be used in a measurement mode, a treatment mode, or both.

Abstract: A method, consisting of ablating tissue for a time period, measuring a contact force applied during the time period, and measuring a power used during the time period. The method further includes ceasing ablating the tissue when a desired size of a lesion produced in the tissue, as estimated using an integral over the time period of a product of the contact force raised to a first non-unity exponent and the power raised to a second non-unity exponent, is reached.

Abstract: A catheter system can include an electrical adapter and a catheter. The electrical adapter includes a hollow adapter body having a longitudinally extending channel and an electrical terminal positioned within the channel. The electrical adapter can be configured to connect to an energy source. The catheter can include an elongated body having a proximal end portion and a distal end portion, and an electrical connector coupled to the proximal end portion. The electrical connector forms the outer periphery of the catheter along a portion of the longitudinal length of the catheter. The electrical terminal and the electrical connector contact each other when the electrical connector is advanced through the channel to an electrical contact position in the channel, and are isolated from each other when the electrical connector is proximal of the electrical contact position.

Abstract: A catheter device for renal denervation ablation includes a flexible catheter shaft having an electrically insulating expandable member in its distal portion with at least one electrode located proximal to the member, at least one electrode located distal to the member, and with openings in the distal shaft with at least one opening proximal to the proximal electrode and one opening distal to the distal electrode of said electrode pair, said openings connected through an inner lumen in the catheter that provides a path for blood to flow through the expandable member. In one embodiment, the device comprises a flexible catheter shaft with a multiplicity of recessed paired electrodes disposed in recessed spaces in its distal portion, such that an electrically conducting portion of each electrode is exposed to the exterior of the catheter within a recessed space, and with an electrical insulator separating the electrodes of each pair.

Abstract: Laser energy delivery devices and methods are provided. A laser energy delivery device for providing treatment to a subject may include a coupling adapted to couple to a laser energy generator. A sheath is coupled to the coupling, the sheath including a distal end adapted to be disposed in the subject. A plurality of transport members are carried by the coupling and the sheath, the plurality of transport members being adapted to receive laser energy at the coupling, transmit laser energy through the sheath, and deliver laser energy to the subject. A sensor is adapted to detect transmission of laser energy through at least one of the plurality of transport members.

Abstract: The invention provides a non-invasive device comprising an optical system having a laser light source for generating a light beam, being configured such that, in use, the light beam exits the device and impinges on an outer surface of the skin to be treated; the optical system being configured to focus, in use, the light beam at a position of a treatment location inside the skin, whereby Laser Induced Optical Breakdown is induced at the position of the treatment location; an opening disposed such that, in use, light returning from the skin enters the device as a measurement light beam; and a first and second intensity detection channel configured and arranged to detect the intensity in, respectively, a first and a second bandwidth range of the measurement light beam, wherein the first and the second bandwidth ranges both comprise a wavelength of light produced in the skin as a result of Laser Induced Optical Breakdown, and the first bandwidth range comprises the Second Harmonic Generation wavelength of the la

Abstract: The invention provides a treatment device (100) for fractional laser-based treatment. The treatment device comprises a treatment generator (80) comprising a treatment laser (20) and a laser scanning system (30). The laser scanning system comprises at least one movable deflection element and is configured and arranged for scanning laser light across an emission window (70) towards skin tissue (110) from a plurality of locations (74) in the emission window by moving the at least one deflection element relative to the emission window, whereby, in use, laser-based lesions (120) are generated inside the skin tissue. The treatment device also comprises a controller (60) for generating a predefined disposition of lesions (120) in the skin tissue by emitting laser light via selected ones of the plurality of locations in the emission window while the treatment device is moved relative to the skin surface (105).

Abstract: A cosmetic method of treating skin tissue with a laser source includes applying a plurality of short pulses of predetermined parameters to ramp up the temperature of the skin tissue to reach a desired temperature and then applying a plurality of short pulses to maintain a temperature dwell time. The predetermined parameters are selected from one or more of: pulse peak power, pulse duration, pulse repetition rate and laser wavelength.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for evaluating a patient with vascular disease. One method includes receiving patient-specific data regarding a geometry of the patient's vasculature; creating an anatomic model representing at least a portion of a location of disease in the patient's vasculature based on the received patient-specific data; identifying one or more changes in geometry of the anatomic model based on a modeled progression or regression of disease at the location; calculating one or more values of a blood flow characteristic within the patient's vasculature using a computational model based on the identified one or more changes in geometry of the anatomic model; and generating an electronic graphical display of a relationship between the one or more values of the calculated blood flow characteristic and the identified one or more changes in geometry of the anatomic model.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for to determining a blood supply and blood demand. One method includes receiving a patient-specific model of vessel geometry of at least a portion of a coronary artery, wherein the model is based on patient-specific image data of at least a portion of a patient's heart having myocardium; determining a coronary blood supply based on the patient-specific model; determining at least a portion of the myocardium corresponding to the coronary artery; determining a myocardial blood demand based on either a mass or a volume of the portion of the myocardium, or based on perfusion imaging of the portion of the myocardium; and determining a relationship between the coronary blood supply and the myocardial blood demand.

Abstract: The present disclosure sets forth a guiding tube for placing medical implants within body tissue. The guiding tube includes an elongated, dimensionally stable tubular body encompassing an inner channel adapted to receive a medical implant wherein the tubular body has at least one electromagnetic element, the element configured to exert an electromagnetic force on at least one magnetic element of the medical implant inserted into the inner channel of the guiding tube. The medical implant includes a stimulation lead having at least one directional electrode with an elongated body insertable into an inner channel enclosed by a tubular body of the guiding tube.

Abstract: A system and apparatus is disclosed to automatically determine the identification and selected information relating to instruments. The identification information may be read or determined by various reader systems and then transferred for various purposes. The identification information may be stored on the instrument with a storage system or printing and/or recalled from a memory once the identification is made.

Abstract: This invention is a system and method for utilizing artificial intelligence to operate a surgical robot (e.g., to perform a laminectomy), including a surgical robot, an artificial intelligence guidance system, an image recognition system, an image recognition database, and a database of past procedures with sensor data, electronic medical records, and imaging data. The image recognition system may identify the tissue type present in the patient and if it is the desired tissue type, the AI guidance system may remove a layer of that tissue with the end effector on the surgical robot, and have the surgeon define the tissue type if the image recognition system identified the tissue as anything other than the desired tissue type.

Abstract: A surgical instrument is disclosed including a housing and a tool assembly. The housing includes a power source configured to generate electrical power, a control unit in electrical communication with the power source, and a first element coupled with the control unit. The tool assembly includes a staple cartridge including a plurality of staples and a second element separate from the first element. The control unit is configured to effect wireless transmission of the electrical power from the first element to the second element. The wireless transmission of electrical power energizes the second element from a passive state to an energized state. When in an energized state, the second element is configured to selectively communicate data received from a sensor to the control unit. The tool assembly is remote from the housing. The second element includes a microchip that includes a dynamic memory device and a non-dynamic memory device.

Abstract: A parallel-type micro robot capable of precise control while minimizing size thereof and a surgical robot system having the same are disclosed. The parallel-type micro robot includes a base plate, a work plate, a main fixing shaft module, a horizontal movement module and at least one angle-controlling module. The base plate includes a base body portion and at least one base connecting portion connected to the base body portion. The work plate includes a work body portion corresponding to the base body portion and at least one work connecting portion connecting to the work body portion to correspond to the base connecting portion. The main fixing shaft module is disposed between the base body portion and the work body portion, and coupled to the work body portion such that the work body portion is rotatable. The horizontal movement module is disposed between the main fixing shaft module and the base body portion, and moves the main fixing shaft module along first and second directions intersecting each other.

Abstract: A robotic surgical system includes a surgical robot and a guide tube. The surgical robot includes a robot arm and a controller. The controller is configured to establish a software-based remote center of motion of a surgical instrument attached to the robot arm based on a location of a surgical portal in a patient through which the surgical instrument is inserted. The guide tube having a trailing end supported by the robot arm of the surgical robot, a leading end inserted in the surgical portal and maintaining alignment between the robotic arm and the surgical portal during a surgical instrument exchange, and an elongated tubular body through which an elongated shaft of the surgical instrument is inserted or removed during the surgical instrument exchange.

Abstract: A robotic surgical instrument comprising an articulation connecting an end effector to a distal end of a shaft. The articulation comprises joints permitting the end effector to adopt a range of orientations relative to a longitudinal axis of the shaft. An instrument interface connects to a proximal end of the shaft. Pairs of driving elements drive the joints. The driving elements extend from the instrument interface to the joints. Each driving element comprises a spoke which terminates at a distal end in a distal flexible portion that engages the articulation and at a proximal end in a proximal flexible portion that engages the instrument interface. In a straight configuration of the robotic surgical instrument in which the end effector is aligned with the shaft, the distal ends of the spokes of adjacent driving elements are offset along a longitudinal direction of the shaft.

Abstract: A gimbal for a robotic surgical system includes a support link, an input link, and a vibration assembly. The input link extends from the support link and the vibration assembly is mounted to the support link. The vibration assembly includes a central support, an end cap, and a voice coil. The end cap is moveable relative to the central support. The voice coil has an inner member that is fixed to the central support and an outer member that is fixed to the end cap. The voice coil is configured to vibrate the gimbal in response to a voltage being applied to one of the inner or outer members.

Abstract: A therapeutic device has a bridge portion adapted for releasable adherence to a patch of skin so as to lift the patch of skin above a sensitive underlying treatment site in reducing discomfort or pain associated with tissue compression at the treatment site. The bridge portion is elevated above the treatment site with an exposed adhesive facing the patch of skin to be lifted and/or stretched outwardly. With the application of pressure to elastically deform the device from its original neutral configuration, the bridge portion is brought into contact with the patch of skin, adhering the skin to the adhesive. When the pressure is removed, the device rebounds and generally reassumes its original configuration with the bridge portion lifting the attached patch of skin.

Abstract: Medical software tools platforms utilize a surgical display to provide access to specific medical software tools, such as medically-oriented applications or widgets, that can assist surgeons or surgical team in performing various procedures. In particular, an endoscopic camera may register the momentary rise in the optical signature reflected from a tissue surface and in turn transmit it to a medical image processing system which can also receive patient heart rate data and display relevant anomalies. Changes in various spectral components and the speed at which they change in relation to a source of stimulus (heartbeat, breathing, light source modulation, etc.) may indicate the arrival of blood, contrast agents or oxygen absorption. Combinations of these may indicate various states of differing disease or margins of tumors, and so forth. Also, changes in temperatures, physical dimensions, pressures, photoacoustic pressures and the rate of change may indicate tissue anomalies in comparison to historic values.

Abstract: Medical software tools platforms utilize a surgical display to provide access to specific medical software tools, such as medically-oriented applications or widgets, that can assist surgeons or surgical team in performing various procedures. In particular, an endoscopic camera may register the momentary rise in the optical signature reflected from a tissue surface and in turn transmit it to a medical image processing system which can also receive patient heart rate data and display relevant anomalies. Changes in various spectral components and the speed at which they change in relation to a source of stimulus (heartbeat, breathing, light source modulation, etc.) may indicate the arrival of blood, contrast agents or oxygen absorption. Combinations of these may indicate various states of differing disease or margins of tumors, and so forth. Also, changes in temperatures, physical dimensions, pressures, photoacoustic pressures and the rate of change may indicate tissue anomalies in comparison to historic values.

Abstract: A method for generating an augmented reality image for supporting the adjustment of the position of a surgical instrument during sinus surgery comprising the steps of: selecting at least one of sinus cells, cavities and orifices of the sinus in a pre-operative image by marking them with at least one geometric primitive or tube shaped object; using real-time intra-operative imaging for displaying the operating field; determining the relative positions at least between the real-time imaging of the patient and the pre-operative image data; computing a virtual image corresponding to a real-time image comprising at least one marked geometric primitive or tube shaped object based on the determined relative positions; combining the virtual image and the real-time intraoperative image for visualization in an augmented reality image.

Abstract: A device for establishing and maintaining a sterile environment for conducting surgical procedures is disclosed. In particular, the tent-like device provides an interior space attachable to a patient's skin to allow surgical treatment of the patient. Several aspects of the invention are directed to devices to be used in connection with such a surgical procedure using the tent-like device. According to the invention, an isolation device for providing a sterile operation chamber above a skin region of a patient is provided, in particular for performing a surgical procedure, said isolation device comprising an inflatable bag coupled to a support frame, the support frame having a transport configuration and an operation configuration. In the transport configuration, the first inflatable bag is confined, such as to have compact dimensions. In the operation configuration, the first inflatable bag is extended, such as to form said sterile operation chamber.

Abstract: A robotic surgical system can include one or more adjustable arm supports that support one or more robotic arms. The adjustable arm supports can be configured to attach to either a table, a column support of the table, or a base of the table to deploy the adjustable arm supports and robotic arms from a position below the table. In some examples, the adjustable arm supports include at least four degrees of freedom that allow for adjustment of the position of a bar or rail to which the robotic arms are mounted. One of the degrees of freedom can allow the adjustable arm support to be adjusted vertically relative to the table.

Abstract: A dental implant screwdriver harness system enables a dentist to restrain and stabilize an implant screwdriver, while simultaneously turning the driver head using only one hand. A tether attached to the dentist's hand/finger connects to a stepped socket assembly, comprising multiple driver sockets, which seat driver heads of several standard diameters. A flexible slotted driver shaft strap wraps over the driver shaft and holds the driver head down against a central socket base.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to methods for attaching a dental implant surgical guide and a dental implant to a dental surgical site including: assembling an implant combination, positioning the dental implant surgical guide including a double open-ended guide cylinder at the dental surgical site; rotating the implant combination through the double open-ended guide channel; and attaching a cap comprising a hollow cylinder to the double open-ended guide channel so the rim of the implant mount body is sandwiched between the dental surgical guide and the cap. The disclosure further relates to a dental prosthesis apparatus including: an abutment; a dental implant; a dental implant surgical guide including a first and a second double open-ended guide cylinder connected by a support bar; an implant mount including a rim; and a cap operable to engage the dental implant surgical guide and sandwich the rim between the cap and the dental implant surgical guide.

Abstract: A computer based method is used to design a healing cap of an implant. The method is based on a 3D computer plan of the implant that includes digital representations of positions of implants in the mouth of the patient. The method comprises loading 3D implant plan into a computer and combining the 3D implant plan with information about a prosthetic setup. The method determines a marginal edge of a healing cap of an implant based on a 3D representation of the existing patient anatomy, the 3D implant plan and the prosthetic set-up. The healing cap is then manufactured to the custom design.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods of developing and tracking delivery and patient progression through an orthodontic treatment plan. One method includes identifying deviations from an orthodontic treatment plan, including receiving a digital representation of an actual arrangement of a patient's teeth after an orthodontic treatment plan has begun for the patient and prior to completion of the orthodontic treatment plan. The method further includes comparing the actual arrangement to a pre-determined planned arrangement to determine if the actual arrangement substantially deviates from the planned arrangement, the comparing comprising matching teeth from a previously segmented model to a surface of an unsegmented representation of the actual arrangement; and calculating one or more positional differences between the actual and planned arrangements of at least some of the corresponding teeth.

Abstract: A cover for an orthodontic bracket having an arch wire laterally extending therethrough includes a body having a forward-facing planar surface and a rearward-facing recess configured for at least partially receiving the orthodontic bracket therein. The body includes first and second slots located on opposed lateral sides of the body and each configured so that the arch wire passes laterally through the first and second slots and the recess of the body when the cover is positioned over the orthodontic bracket. The forward-facing planar surface is provided with decorative indicia thereon. The cover is configured so that the cover does not bind movement of the arch wire relative to the orthodontic bracket, does not secure the arch wire to the orthodontic brackets, and does not alter the functioning of the dental braces.

Abstract: A method for securing a dental implant within a dental bone cavity is disclosed. The method may include inserting a dental wedge into the dental bone cavity and allowing bone tissues to grow toward and at least partially surround the dental wedge. Dental implantation systems for implementing the method are also disclosed. The system can include a dental wedge adapted to be inserted into a dental bone cavity.

Abstract: An alveolar membrane includes: a connecting portion being provided thereon with a through hole for an artificial toothroot to pass therethrough; a capping portion having its one end connected to the connecting portion and including a plurality of openings; and a fixing portion being located at an opposite end of the capping portion and having at least one digit that has a tip to be fixed in osseous tissue or between osseous tissue and soft tissue. With the connecting portion and the fixing portion at its two ends both fixed, the alveolar membrane firmly holds the osseous graft in position.

Abstract: PROCEDURE FOR THE INDIVIDUAL TRACEABILITY OF DENTAL IMPLANT PARTS AND UNITARY IDENTIFICATION SYSTEM FOR IMPLEMENTING THIS PROCEDURE that comprises: the association of each part (1), which is manufactured with a single identification code (2); the incorporation of that code (2) into the individual packaging (3) in which the part (1) is distributed and marketed, recorded on a radio frequency label (5) and/or printed on an adhesive label (6); and the implementation of specific management software in a website (4) on the Internet that associated the code (2) with traceability information of each specific part (1), associates implants with accessories and provides a user with access to it in that website (4). The unitary identification system consists of a code (2) that is unique and different for each part (1), which is a numerical code, and the specific management software that associates each code (2) with the traceability information of each part (1).

Abstract: Systems, methods, devices and apparatus for mandibular advancement or retraction via bone anchoring devices are described herein. In various aspects, an apparatus for treating a patient via mandibular advancement or retraction comprises a plurality of anchoring devices positioned in the patient's intraoral cavity. Each of the plurality of anchoring devices can be positioned in bone of the patient's upper jaw or bone of the patient's lower jaw. One or more connecting structures can be removably coupled to and extend between the plurality of anchoring devices in order to displace the lower jaw anteriorly or posteriorly relative to the upper jaw.

Abstract: A cluster mill blank includes a framework constructed to cooperate with a blank holder of an existing CAD/CAM system, and a plurality of sub-blanks attached to the framework forming an addressable matrix or cluster blank. CAD/CAM systems including such a framework, as well as associated methods are described.

Abstract: A dental flossing device is made of an elastic material. Its central structure is a resiliently stretchable elastic, bridge strip with a cross section having different shapes. When stretched, the strip has a changeable diameter to help remove debris between teeth. The strip includes corrugations or spirals along its length and may include different drugs or flavors to give the user a medicine or a taste while cleaning the teeth. At each end of the strip, there is an elastic opposing handle. Handles may be bridged by two or more stretchable strips. The two handles may have different dimensions and thicknesses, as well as different profiles; they may be resiliently stretchable so as to serve themselves as additional flossing members. The device may comprise more than two handles and more than one flossing strip and thus may form various configurations such as ring-like, chain-like, star-like, etc.

Abstract: A dental treatment appliance includes a handle, a nozzle for engaging the teeth of the user and for delivering a burst of working fluid to the teeth of a user, and a datum component also for engaging the teeth of the user. Each of the nozzle and the datum component is moveable relative to the handle. A control circuit detects relative movement between the nozzle and the datum component as the appliance is moved along the teeth of a user, and actuates the delivery of working fluid to the teeth of the user depending on the detected relative movement.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of forming a uniform coating onto a tooth surface, which method includes: forming droplets by spraying an orally acceptable coating material through a spray nozzle, and depositing the droplets onto the tooth surface to thereby form a uniform coating. In the method, the droplets have a volume-averaged droplet size of about 1 ?m to about 100 ?m, a spray including the droplets travels from a tip of the spray nozzle towards the tooth surface at a spray rate of less than about 10 milliliters/minute, and the droplets include a film-forming polymer, a therapeutic agent and/or a cosmetic agent.

Abstract: An injector device for veterinary use, such as to inject vaccine into the chicken breast muscle. The device includes a finger-held unit connected to a vaccine pumping main unit using a flexible conduit. The operator can quickly start an injection by stroking alongside the breast edge of a grasped chicken, using his fingertips to touch and select the muscle, then start an injection by pressing the finger-held unit against the chicken breast in a designated way. The electric buttons in the finger-held unit may activate a process that actuates a mechanism to inject a hypodermic needle into the chicken's muscle, the pumping system may-then be actuated to pump the vaccine into the muscle through the injected needle.

Abstract: A method of packaging a surgical implant is provided. The method includes receiving a portion of the surgical implant or a component coupled to the surgical implant at least partially within a recess of an implant holder. The recess includes a plurality of lobe shapes adapted to engage the implant or component. The recess only receives a top portion of the surgical implant or component couple to the surgical implant. The holder is inserted into a container. The holder has a first configuration in which the mouth of the recess is arranged to partially surround a portion of an implant or a component coupled to an implant. When the holder is at least partially received in the container, the recess grips the implant in a position spaced apart from the container. The holder also has a second configuration in which the mouth of the recess opens to release the implant.

Abstract: A multi-basket clot capturing device that includes a distal basket connected to a wire. The distal basket may be positionable distal of the clot and operable to capture a distal portion of a clot. A proximal basket may be connected to a hypotube that is slidably axially connected to the wire. The proximal basket may be positionable proximal of the clot and operable to capture a proximal portion of the clot. A cage can form between the proximal and distal baskets around multiple portions of the clot for capturing the clot. Sliding the wire distally, or microcatheter proximally, relative to the clot causes the distal basket to move from a collapsed state to an expanded state. The cage may be around at least two portions of the clot that are opposed.

Abstract: A gastroenterologic sleeve is anchored within the digestive tract, without tissue-puncturing mechanisms, by providing anchoring mechanisms that utilize the inherent shape of the stomach to prevent sleeve migration. In at least two embodiments, the anchoring mechanism expands to conform to the interior stomach walls. In other embodiments, internal pessary rings are held in place at the gastroesophageal junction by an external band. A delivery device is provided for implanting the various device transesophageally.

Abstract: A stent is provided that includes a body extending between a distal and a proximal end. The body is defined by a plurality of elongated members, with each elongated member extending between a distal end that is coterminous with the distal end of the body and a proximal end that is coterminous with the proximal end of the body. Each of the plurality of elongated members are arranged so as to define a lumen extending along the length of the respective plurality of elongated members, the lumen extending between the distal and proximal ends of the body so as to form a lumen length. Each of the plurality of elongated members are configured to permit drainage of a fluid from within the lumen to an environment external the stent along the entire lumen length.

Abstract: A dissection prosthesis system for implantation within a blood vessel includes a first prosthesis and a second prosthesis. The first prosthesis includes a first stent ring, a second stent ring, a first graft material band coupling the first stent ring to the second stent ring, a third stent ring, and a second graft material band coupling the second stent ring to the third stent ring. The second stent ring includes a plurality of openings that enable fluid flow from a lumen of the first prosthesis through the plurality of openings. The graft material bands may include band openings disposed therethrough to enable fluid flow from the lumen through the band openings. The second prosthesis includes a stent coupled to a graft material. The second prosthesis is configured to be disposed within the lumen of the first prosthesis.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide medical devices and methods for treating a target site within the body. For example, one embodiment provides a stent graft for treating a target site proximate to a bifurcated lumen, wherein the stent graft includes a first tubular structure having proximal and distal ends and a side wall extending therebetween. The first tubular structure includes an opening defined within the side wall and is configured to define a first portion having first and second ends and a second portion having first and second ends. The opening corresponds to the first ends of the first and second portions and the second ends of the first and second portions respectively correspond to the proximal and distal ends of the first tubular structure, and at least a portion of the first and second portions are configured to be positioned within respective branches of a bifurcated lumen.

Abstract: A graft for inducing helical blood flow, including a tubular body with fluid inflow and fluid outflow ends, and with inner and outer sidewalls. A lumen extends between the fluid inflow end and fluid outflow end. A compressible chamber is disposed between the outer sidewall and the inner sidewall. The compressible chamber has an incompressible seam that follows a substantially helical path around a longitudinal axis of the tubular body. When internal (e.g., blood) pressure increases on the inner sidewall, a vane element is formed that follows the substantially helical path around the longitudinal axis of the tubular body. The vane element may induce helical blood flow. The width of the compressible chamber may decrease in a compressed state (e.g., systole). The chamber may be filled with a predetermined amount of at least one of a gas, liquid, or vapor. The graft may have a second incompressible seam/vane.

Abstract: A system for an anatomical joint includes a first fastener, a second fastener, a prosthetic ligament member, and a biasing member associated with at least one of the first and second fasteners. The first fastener is operable to be connected to a first bone portion. The second fastener is operable to be connected to a second bone portion. The prosthetic ligament member is flexible and is directly coupled to both the first and second fasteners to support the first bone portion and the second bone portion for relative movement. A portion of the prosthetic ligament member extends from the first fastener to the second fastener and has an adjustable length. The biasing member is operable to bias the prosthetic ligament member to thereby maintain tension in the prosthetic ligament member.