Abstract: A rod (508) is transfemorally advanceable to the heart. An implant (460) comprises (i) a first frame (462), compressed around a first longitudinal site of a distal portion of the rod, (ii) a second frame (464), compressed around a third longitudinal site of the distal portion, (iii) a valve member (50), disposed within the second frame, and (iv) a flexible sheet (466), coupling the first frame to the second frame, and disposed around a second longitudinal site of the distal portion, the second longitudinal site being between the first longitudinal site and the third longitudinal site. An extracorporeal controller (569) is coupled to a proximal portion of the rod, and is operably coupled to the distal portion of the rod. Operating the controller bends the distal portion of the rod causing articulation between the frames. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: An annuloplasty repair segment for heart valve annulus repair. In one embodiment a multi-stranded cable replaces solid core wire for both the tricuspid and mitral valves. Cable allows for greater deployment flexibility for minimally-invasive surgical (MIS) implant, while still maintaining the required strength and similar tensile properties of solid-core wire. In addition, selective placement of point-welds or other such control points locally control other parameters such as the amount and direction of displacement as the ring undergoes external loading. Cable with well-placed control points result in a MIS annuloplasty ring with sufficient flexibility in the x-y plane to allow a surgeon to squeeze the ring into a small incision, such as for example 1 cm×1 cm, while maintaining structural rigidity under forces exerted on the implanted ring by the cardiac cycle and allowing for asymmetrical deflection to be designed into the product.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes tissue gripping devices, systems, and methods for gripping mitral valve tissue during treatment of a mitral valve and while a tissue fixation device is implanted in the mitral valve. The tissue gripping device includes a flexible member and one or more tissue gripping members coupled to one or more arms of the flexible member. The flexible member is formed from a shape-memory material, such as nitinol, and the tissue gripping member(s) are formed from a material that is more rigid than the shape-memory material. The tissue gripping member(s) are attached to the flexible member by threading or looping suture lines around and/or through the tissue gripping member(s) and the flexible member and/or by applying a cover material to the tissue gripping device to hold the tissue gripping member(s) against the flexible member.

Abstract: A mitral valve repair system includes a delivery sheath, a mitral valve repair device, and an actuator. The mitral valve repair device is disposed in the delivery sheath in an extended condition. The mitral valve repair device includes a pair of barbed clasps. The barbed clasps are in a closed condition while the mitral valve repair device is in the extended condition in the delivery sheath.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a thoracic prosthesis constituted by a right hemisphere ED and a left hemisphere ES joined together, or to only one of the two hemispheres, or to only one portion of the latter. The present invention further relates to a method for the preparation of a synthetic thoracic prosthesis PT constituted by a right hemisphere ED and a left hemisphere ES joined together by only one of the two hemispheres or by a single portion of the latter; all of the above being prepared without any direct interaction with human body and prior to implantation therein.

Abstract: The present invention provides scaffolds comprising dual structural organization for bone and regeneration. Methods for fabricating and using the scaffold are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a resorbable, macroporous bioactive glass scaffold comprising approximately 15-45% CaO, 30-70% SiO2, 0-25% Na2O, 0-17% P2O5, 0-10% MgO and 0-5% CaF2 by mass percent, produced by mixing with pore forming agents and specified heat treatments.

Abstract: The implants of the invention relate to improved implants formed using additive manufacturing techniques, the implants including a hemispherical cup portion, and an ischium flange, a pubic ramus flange and an ilium flange, each flange extending outwardly from the perimeter of the hemispherical cup portion, wherein the implant surface includes an area of integrally formed three dimensional scaffold on the bone apposition surfaces of the cup portion and on a bone apposition surface of at least one of the flanges of the implant. The invention also relates to implants with different surface texture and alignment features, together with methods for the manufacture of patient-specific implants of the invention.

Abstract: A medical device for implantation in a hip joint of a patient; the hip joint having a caput femur integrated with a collum femur having a collum and caput center axis, extending longitudinal along the collum and caput femur, in the center thereof. The medical device comprises an elongated portion adapted to at least partially replace the collum femur, wherein said elongated portion is adapted to be at least one of integrated in and connected to a prosthetic spherical portion adapted to replace the caput femur, and wherein said prosthetic spherical portion in turn is adapted to be movably placed in a prosthetic replacement for the acetabulum having at least one extending portion for clasping said prosthetic spherical portion. Said elongated portion comprises a restricting portion adapted to restrict the motion range of the spherical portion in relation to said prosthetic replacement for the acetabulum.

Abstract: The system and method serves in facilitating replacement of comminuted bone fractures or portions thereof adjacent bone joints. The system and method employs a prosthesis to replace at least a portion of the comminuted bone fractures. The prosthesis serves in reproducing the articular surface of the portion or portions of the comminuted bone fractures that are replaced. In doing so, the prosthesis serves in restoring joint viability and corresponding articulation thereof.

Abstract: A prosthesis (100, 200) comprising a bone attachment component (106) having one or more fixation structures (124, 224), wherein the prosthesis is configured to be selectively convertible between a mobile bearing prosthesis, in which a barrier (120) is secured to the bone attachment component (106) using the fixation structures, and a constrained bearing prosthesis, in which a bearing component (204) is secured to the bone attachment component (106) using the fixation structures (124, 224).

Abstract: Universal joint implant includes an artificial glenohumeral component having articulating surfaces. The artificial glenohumeral component can include a first portion for articulation against an artificial glenoid surface or natural glenoid of the patient, and second portion(s) for articulation against an artificial humeral surface or resected, natural humerus; and a universal joint connection. The connection includes a yoke to provide for a center of movement generally within or adjacent a volume defined by an upper head of a normal humerus, which otherwise would be resected; and a substantially spheroidal body, at least in part, dissected, yet connected to provide the yoke; a body pivotable with respect to the yoke for providing motion in a first direction; a rotatable glenoid fixing member, rotatably fixable about the artificial glenoid surface or natural or resected glenoid; and a rotatable humeral fixing member, rotatably fixable about the artificial humeral surface or resected humerus.

Abstract: A prosthesis that mechanically couples with both cancellous bone and cortical bone of a glenoid includes a head portion comprising a rear surface and an articular surface, an anchor member, and a plurality of deformable fins extending radially outward from the anchor member. The anchor member includes a distal end and a proximal end connected to the rear surface of the head portion. The plurality of deformable fins extend radially outward from the anchor member and includes at least a first proximal fin adjacent to the rear surface of the head portion positioned to engage with the cortical bone. The anchor member may also include at least one distal fin located proximate the distal end of the anchor member positioned to engage with the cancellous bone.

Abstract: An expandable implant for augmenting a damaged or otherwise torn posterior annulus fibrosus. The implant is deployable into an evacuated posterior disc space following a subtotal nuclectomy. The implant includes an inflatable balloon which is fixed to the annulus fibrosus to protect against migration. When inflated with a curable polymer, the posterior wall of the implant is intimately disposed along the inner surface of the annulus fibrosus to provide a substantially fluid-tight seal of the annular tear or defect and reinforce the weakened posterior annulus. The anterior wall of the implant sequesters the nuclear remnant to guard against disc remnant herniation. The implant can restore intradiscal pressure and disc height. An integrated posterior reinforcement band creates a strong, yet flexible and resilient structure, resistant to penetration of the implant through the annular tear or defect.

Abstract: An implant for therapeutically separating bones of a joint has two endplates each having an opening through the endplate, and at least one ramped surface on a side opposite a bone engaging side. A frame is slideably connected to the endplates to enable the endplates to move relative to each other at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the implant, in sliding connection with the frame. An actuator screw is rotatably connected to the frame. A carriage forms an open area aligned with the openings in the endplates. The openings in the endplates pass through the carriage to form an unimpeded passage from bone to bone of the joint. The carriage has ramps which mate with the ramped surfaces of the endplates, wherein when the carriage is moved by rotation of the actuator screw, the endplates move closer or farther apart.

Abstract: A system for fusing together opposing vertebra of a spine that defines a disc space therebetween. The system comprises a disc preparation instrument and an inserter assembly for use in the interbody fusion procedure. Disc preparation instrument comprises an elongate handle supporting a trial device at one end thereof. Inserter assembly comprises an elongate inserter supporting at one end thereof an interbody cage implant for insertion into the disc space. Disc preparation instrument provides a scoring element that scribes vertebral endplates at an appropriate scored location for anchor blades on the cage implant to engage the vertebral bodies. Inserter is used to introduce cage implant with anchor blades into the disc space to an appropriate depth so that the blades will be precisely positioned at the scored location created by the scoring element for penetration into the vertebral endplates.

Abstract: An intervertebral implant for implantation in an intervertebral space between vertebrae. The implant includes a body extending from an upper surface to a lower surface. The body has a front end, a rear end and a pair of spaced apart first and second side walls extending between the front and rear walls such that an interior chamber is defined within the front and rear ends and the first and second walls. The body defines an outer perimeter and an inner perimeter extending about the internal chamber. At least one of the side walls is defined by a solid support structure and an integral porous structure, the porous structure extending from the outer perimeter to the inner perimeter. The porous structure embeds or encapsulates at least a portion of the solid support structure.

Abstract: An intervertebral implant for implantation in an intervertebral space between vertebrae. The implant includes a body extending from an upper surface to a lower surface. The body has a front end, a rear end and a pair of spaced apart first and second side walls extending between the front and rear walls such that an interior chamber is defined within the front and rear ends and the first and second walls. The body defines an outer perimeter and an inner perimeter extending about the internal chamber. At least one of the side walls is defined by a solid support structure and an integral porous structure, the porous structure extending from the outer perimeter to the inner perimeter. The porous structure embeds or encapsulates at least a portion of the solid support structure.

Abstract: A spacer for separating bones of a joint, the spacer includes a first endplate configured to engage a first bone of the joint; a second endplate configured to engage a second bone of the joint; tissue engaging projections, wherein the tissue engaging projections are moveable from a retracted position to a deployed position; and an actuation subassembly that extends between the first endplate and the second endplate, wherein the actuation subassembly comprise a drive nut, a drive screw coupled to the drive nut, and a cam frame coupled to the drive screw, wherein the cam frame is disposed between the first endplate and the second endplate to engage the tissue engaging projections.

Abstract: ALIF spine implants, ALIF installation instruments/tools, and ALIF procedures using the present ALIF implants and present ALIF installation instruments for an anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) surgical procedure are provided. The ALIF implants are characterized by an ALIF cage and anchoring members. The ALIF installation instruments are characterized by a shaft having an inserter on one end that receives and holds an ALIF cage and anchoring members. The installation instrument allows insertion of the ALIF cage into a vertebral space, the anchoring members to be received in the ALIF cage, and then into vertebral bone. The ALIF cage is preferably, but not necessarily, 3-D printed having a central cavity, an end configured to accept a plurality of anchoring members and direct a portion of the anchoring members up and out of the cavity, a cutout configured to receive an anchoring member retention component, and an anchoring member retention component.

Abstract: An implant includes a body and a bone fixation system. The body includes an interior area disposed between a superior surface and an opposite inferior surface spaced from the superior surface in a vertical direction. In addition, the bone fixation system includes at least one blade disposed within the interior area of the body in an insertion position. Also, the bone fixation system further includes at least one strike plate engaging the at least one blade in the interior area of the body, the at least one strike plate being configured to move the at least one blade from the insertion position to an impaction position in which at least a portion of the blade protrudes past one of the superior surface and inferior surface of the body. Further, the at least one blade has a substantially U-shaped cross-sectional shape in a horizontal plane substantially perpendicular to the vertical direction.

Abstract: A stemless humeral component for replacing the humeral head of a patient's humerus includes a support flange having a number of cantilevered legs extending distally away from a bottom surface thereof. Instruments and methods for surgically installing the stemless humeral component are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring a version angle of a restored neck of a femur during a hip replacement procedure. The apparatus includes a broach. The broach has a distal end that is insertable into a medullary canal of the neck of the femur. The broach also has a proximal end that extends along a neck axis of the broach. The apparatus also includes a protractor. The protractor includes a rod which is attachable to the proximal end of the broach to extend away from the neck axis of the broach for measuring the version angle of the restored neck of the femur relative to a vertical direction. The method includes inserting the broach, flexing the knee at approximately ninety degrees, orienting the tibia vertically, attaching the protractor to the proximal end of the broach and using it to measure the version angle.

Abstract: A arthroplasty trial tool for a human shoulder can include a handle, a first sensor, and a user interface. The handle can include a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The first sensor can produce a first sensor signal as a function of a sensed shoulder condition. The user interface can be configured to display a first value as a function of the first sensor signal.

Abstract: In order to position an ankle prosthesis including a tibial implant and a talus implant provided with a talo-calcaneal anchoring keel, the invention proposes a surgical instrumentation assembly including: a tibial phantom (60) of the tibial implant, adapted so as to be attached to the tibia (T) of a patient, and an aiming guide (80) adapted for setting into place an instrumentation element (90) through the talus (A) and the calcaneus (C) of the patient, along an axis (Z-Z) for implanting the talo-calcaneal anchoring keel, the tibial phantom and the aiming guide mechanically cooperating with each other to restrict movement of the tibial phantom and the aiming guide relative to each other along vertical and medio-lateral directions, wherein the aiming guide is configured to guide placement of the instrumentation element.

Abstract: An orthopedic or prosthetic support including at least three layers that allows for aeration and cushioning of the enclosed area is described herein. The orthopedic or prosthetic support includes an inner cushioning layer which is compressed against the skin in use. An intermediate scaffolding layer is situated substantially parallel to the inner cushioning layer and is maintained in spaced apart relationship with the inner cushioning layer by spacer members. An exterior layer overlays the intermediate scaffolding layer and may be either a flexible breathable fabric such as velvet or a thermoplastic with a plurality of perforations. The inner cushioning layer and the intermediate scaffolding layer include a plurality of perforations providing air pathways through the two layers. The grid-like arrangement of spacer members also define air passages between the inner and intermediate layers which further enhance circulation of exterior air to the skin covered by the orthopedic or prosthetic support.

Abstract: A post-operative support apparatus for a patient's residual limb includes: a planar, stretchable and flexible wrap panel sized to wrap around an outer circumference of a patient's residual limb, along a length of the patient's residual limb, where the wrap panel includes one or more fasteners (such as hook & loop fastener components) for maintaining the wrap panel in place around the patient's residual limb; a pair of substantially rigid, elongated side support panels to respectively apply to the medial and lateral sides of the patient's residual limb, over the wrap panel; a distal cushion to apply against a distal end of the patient's residual limb; and a retainer maintaining the distal cushion against the patient's residual limb.

Abstract: A production method for a medical linear member is provided which is not abraded upon production and which includes a flat shape in a cross section. The method includes the steps of: forming a first spiral body (1) of an oval shape in a horizontal section by spirally winding a base body (3), in which a plurality of wires (2) formed of a shape-memory alloy is arrayed, around a winding core (4); subjecting the first spiral body (1) to first shape-memory treatment; cutting the first spiral body (1) into a first predetermined length; forming a second spiral body (5) of a flat shape in a horizontal section by compressing the first spiral body (1) in a direction along a short diameter; subjecting the second spiral body (5) to second shape-memory treatment; and removing the winding core (4) from the second spiral body (5).

Abstract: Medical devices and methods for making and using a medical device are disclosed. An example medical device may include an implantable medical device. The implantable medical device may include a stent having a covered portion and an uncovered portion. The covered portion may be releasably attached to the uncovered portion. A cover member may be disposed along the covered portion. The uncovered portion may include a release tab that is designed to release the uncovered portion from the covered portion. A removal member may be coupled to the covered portion for aiding in the removal of the covered portion from an implantation site.

Abstract: Provided is a stent having a novel structure, the stem simultaneously having both the stability of shape against the action of external force, such as compression force, tensile force, or torsional force, and high flexibility in the direction of twisting of the stem. Connection groups are provided at three or more positions set at circumferentially equally-spaced intervals, the connection groups each including connection sections which are disposed circumferentially close to each other between axially adjacent tubular divided bodies. The connection groups on both sides axially of each of the tubular divided bodies are provided at positions circumferentially offset from each other while at least one turning portion is present between the connection groups.

Abstract: This disclosure provides for a medical device to be implanted in the vasculature and a method for treatment in the vasculature. The device has an outer layer of a first material and an inner layer of a second material attached to the outer layer. The inner layer further has a plurality of elastomeric tensioners. If the device experiences relaxation, resulting in a decreased radial force against the vessel wall, the elastomeric tensioners may provide a contraction force to the inner layer and the outer layer, resulting in a maintained radial force on the vessel wall.

Abstract: An implant with an open-worked, hollow cylindrical main structure composed of a multiplicity of crosspieces, wherein the implant adopts a compressed state and an expanded state. So as to achieve a greater level of radial rigidity and an increased collapse pressure in the expanded state compared to conventional implants, wherein the deliverability is not adversely affected at the same time, the density of the crosspieces in the expanded state is greater than the density of the crosspieces in the compressed state, at least in one portion of the implant. The invention further provides a system including a catheter with a balloon and an implant of the type disclosed above.

Abstract: Delivery devices and vascular devices are described for addressing a target site within a body lumen. The delivery device includes one or more ultrasound transducers positioned to transmit and receive ultrasound signals so as to provide an image of an interior of the patient's blood vessel within which the vascular device is disposed in real time, as the procedure is taking place. Using the images provided by the ultrasound transducers, the longitudinal and rotational position of the delivery device (and the vascular device constrained therein) may be adjusted to align the vascular device with the patient's vasculature. In some examples, the vascular device being delivered includes fenestrations, whereas in others the vascular device integral branch grafts.

Abstract: A catheter assembly for delivery of an expandable implant having at least one branch portal, which utilizes a secondary sleeve for releasably constraining a middle portion of the expandable implant after releasing a primary constraining sleeve used for constraining the expandable implant toward a delivery configuration for endoluminal delivery; and methods of using the same.

Abstract: Stents can become twisted during deployment within tortuous vessels such that proper expansion against the vessel wall is inhibited. Stents can be twisted prior to deployment in a direction opposite the direction of twisting during deployment to facilitate full expansion of the stent against the vessel wall along the stent's entire length.

Abstract: In one aspect, a gastric balloon structure includes multiple isolated non-concentric inflatable chambers and a valve system for introducing fluid into each chamber, where the structure assumes, upon inflating, a curved shape conforming to a natural three-dimensional kidney shape of the gastric cavity.

Abstract: A gastrectomy device includes an elongated member and a tube. The elongated member has a proximal end and a distal end and defines a longitudinal side window disposed adjacent the distal end. The elongated member defines a first longitudinal channel, a second longitudinal channel, and a plurality of side apertures. The first longitudinal channel is in communication with the longitudinal side window and the plurality of side apertures is in communication with the second longitudinal channel. The tube extends through the first longitudinal channel. An array of lights is associated with the tube to provide illumination. The tube is movable through the elongated member between a first state, in which the tube is disposed within the first longitudinal channel of the elongated member, and a second state, in which a portion of the tube extends through the longitudinal side window of the elongated member.

Abstract: An adjustable orthopedic strut system with a locking system that utilizes an incremental or “micro” adjustment method that is size adaptable and easy to use. The adjustable orthopedic strut system has a locking system, adjustable support members, struts, and an indented molded track. The adjustable orthopedic strut system improves user fitting and sizing creating better support and comfort. The adjustable orthopedic strut system provides “micro” incremental adjustments on support members to allow strategic positioning of the support members near surgical incisions. Furthermore, the adjustable orthopedic strut system locks and telescopes on a non-interrupted strut surface with minimal “snag” points, thus reducing the difficulty in achieving fine adjustments.

Abstract: A knee brace incorporates an upper attachment assembly having an upper cuff with medial and lateral struts extending therefrom and a lower attachment assembly having a lower cuff with lower medial and lateral struts extending therefrom. The upper and lower medial struts are connected proximate a user's knee by a medial hinge assembly and the upper and lower lateral struts are connected proximate the user's knee by a lateral hinge assembly. At least one of the struts includes a mechanism dynamically extending the strut with respect to a rotation point of that strut in the associated hinge upon flexion of the upper and lower attachment assemblies between a flexed position and an extended position.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus provide an artificial knee. Such artificial knees may include a thigh link configured to move in unison with a thigh of the person, a shank link configured to be rotatably coupled to the thigh link, and a compression spring rotatably coupled to the thigh link at a first end and coupled to the shank link at a second end. The compression spring is configured to provide an extension torque between the thigh link and the shank link during a first range of motion of the thigh link and the shank link relative to each other. The compression spring is configured to provide a flexion torque between the thigh link and the shank link during a second range of motion of the thigh link and the shank link relative to each other.

Abstract: Described herein is a truss pad having a base body, wherein the base body comprises a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, wherein the first surface of the base body comprises five pressure pads, wherein the first pressure pad is located in the center of a rectangle that is formed by the second pressure pad, the third pressure pad, the fourth pressure pad, and the fifth pressure pad.

Abstract: A device for controlling blood flow through a vein is provided. The device includes a device body configured for implantation in or around the vein. The device body is capable of reducing flow through the vein in response to an increase in tissue pressure around the vein.

Abstract: Ostomy appliance components providing low profile containment of waste from a surgical stoma. Waste collection pouch configuration, positioning, and positioning structure relate to potential advantages in manufacturing and operation of components.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include methods and devices to prevent or treat upper airway disorders in mammals related to impaired airflow. One aspect of this invention is a tongue retractor (LTR) that indirectly retracts tongue base by its implant site in the frenulum area. This simplifies the insertion, adjustment and maintenance of the device. Another aspect of this invention describes a highly localized and fully implantable LTR that is inserted into the base of tongue to stiffen lax surface mucosa or mechanically couple it to internal tongue structures. Another aspect of this invention is an LTR inserted in or around the pharyngoglossal fold. This site allows retraction and stiffening of tongue base tissue as well as the soft palate and lateral pharyngeal wall.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system (100) for controlling a temperature, the system (100) comprising: a temperature sensor module (10), which is configured to measure a temperature value; a microcontroller module (20), which is coupled to the temperature sensor module (10) and which is configured to generate AC heating pulse signals by separate sequential code steps based on the measured temperature value; a coupling module (30) which is coupled to the microcontroller module (20) and which is configured to transform the generated AC heating pulse signals into transformed AC heating pulse signals using a transfer function which is substantially zero for DC signal components; and a heating module (40) which is coupled to the coupling module (30) and which is configured to generate heat according to the transformed AC heating pulse signals.

Abstract: A method and apparatus in accordance with a particular embodiment of the present invention includes applying adhesive onto skin of a human subject. An applicator is then brought into contact with the adhesive such the adhesive is disposed between the applicator and the subject's skin. The applicator is activated to cool a tissue region via the subject's skin, via the heat-transfer surface of the applicator, and via the adhesive. While the tissue region cools, the adhesive also cools, thereby reversibly strengthening adhesion between the subject's skin and the heat-transfer surface and forming a strong bond therebetween. The strengthened adhesion inhibits any movement of the applicator relative to the skin. After cooling the tissue region, the adhesive is warmed, thereby weakening the adhesion which allows the heat-transfer surface of the applicator to be easily separated from the skin.

Abstract: Injection devices for delivering pharmaceutical compositions into the eye are described. Some devices include a resistance component for controllably deploying an injection needle through the eye wall. The resistance component may be disposed on a removable injector attachment or on a portion of the injection device housing. Other devices may include a filter for the removal of air, infectious agents, and/or other particulate matter from the composition before the composition is injected into the eye. Related methods and systems comprising the devices are also described.

Abstract: An apparatus for reducing intraocular pressure is provided. A tube extends from an inlet end in fluid communication with an anterior chamber of the eye, to direct an aqueous humor flow from the anterior chamber to an outlet end in fluid communication with a cavity, defined by a housing, for receiving the aqueous humor. A proximal end of an elongate tubular member defining a longitudinally-extending channel is engaged with the housing such that the channel is in fluid communication with the cavity and such that a distal end of the tubular member is spaced apart from the housing, wherein the channel is configured to receive the aqueous humor from the cavity and to direct the aqueous humor through the distal end to a drainage site disposed distally to the anterior chamber and to the housing. An associated method is also provided.

Abstract: Devices and methods of implanting an intraocular shunt into an eye can be used to deliver the shunt to a location within the sclera. Some methods involve creating an opening in the sclera, and positioning a shunt in the anterior chamber of the eye such that the shunt terminates via the opening in the intrascleral space, thereby facilitating fluid flow through both the opening and the intrascleral space.

Abstract: A device for providing assistance in otologic surgery of a patient who is to be implanted with a cochlea implant. The device includes a mechanism for identifying the positions of an entry point (21) on the surface of the cochlea and of a control point (20) in the sinus tympani, and operable via the external auditory canal; a processor (100) to respond to the coordinates of the points to determine a straight-line path (T) passing through the two points and defining a docking point (22) on the outside surface of the mastoid bone; and a drilling mechanism (25, 27) for drilling a passage up to the cochlea through the mastoid bone along the straight-line path, so as to create a passage up to the cochlea.