Abstract: Medical devices and methods for endovascularly or transcatheterly replacing a patient's heart valve, including: a delivery system (9) having an entry profile of 30 Fr or less; a self-expandable annulus ring (10) disposed in the delivery system (9) including a self-expandable anchoring and clipping structure and multiple bridges (4) connected to the anchoring and clipping structure; and a replacement heart valve (11) disposed in the delivery system (9) and connected to the bridges (4). The bridges (4) are formed of a shape memory material; during deployment, the bridges (4) fold upwardly inside the self-expandable anchoring and clipping structure to lift the replacement heart valve (11) into position.

Abstract: A method of treating a defective mitral valve includes percutaneously advancing a prosthetic device into a patient's heart. The prosthetic device includes an insert member and anchoring member. The prosthetic device is contained within a sheath along a distal end of a delivery catheter during advancement. The anchoring member is secured to a muscular wall of the left ventricle and the insert member self-expands between native leaflets of the mitral valve. The insert member preferably includes a biocompatible fabric outer layer, a passageway, and a valve member disposed within the passageway. After deployment, the native leaflets of the mitral valve form a tight seal against the fabric outer layer of the insert member for preventing regurgitation, while blood passes through the passageway of the insert member for allowing blood to pass from the left atrium to the left ventricle.

Abstract: An implantable prosthetic device includes a coaption portion, paddles, and clasps. The paddles are moveable from a closed position to an open position. The clasps are also moveable from an open position to a closed position. The implantable prosthetic device can be used to repair a naitive valve, such as a native mitral valve. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a method includes delivering to a native valve annulus (e.g., a native mitral valve annulus) of a heart a prosthetic heart valve having a body expandable from a collapsed, delivery configuration to an expanded, deployed configuration. The method can further include, after the delivering, causing the prosthetic heart valve to move from the delivery configuration to the deployed configuration. With the prosthetic heart valve in its deployed configuration, an anchor can be delivered and secured to at least one of a fibrous trigone of the heart or an anterior native leaflet of the native valve. With the prosthetic heart valve disposed in the native valve annulus and in its deployed configuration, an anchoring tether can extending from the anchor can be secured to a wall of the heart to urge the anterior native leaflet towards the body of the prosthetic heart valve.

Abstract: A color-coded bioprosthetic valve system having a valve with an annular sewing ring, and a valve holder system with a holder sutured to the ring of the valve, a post operatively connected to the holder, and an adapter sutured to the post and having a color associated with the valve model and/or size. For example, the adapter may be blue to indicate that the valve of the system is a mitral valve of a particular type and/or size. The system may also include a flex handle that is configured to engage with the adapter. The handle has a color associated with the adapter such that a user is able to visually determine that the handle color matches the valve model. For example, the handle may have a grip that is colored blue to match the blue color of the adapter. Accordingly, the color-coded system enables users to confirm easily that the correct accessories such as the sizer or flex handle are being used with the correct valve.

Abstract: This invention relates to the design and function of a compressible valve replacement prosthesis, collared or uncollared, which can be deployed into a beating heart without extracorporeal circulation using a transcatheter delivery system. The design as discussed focuses on the deployment of a device via a minimally invasive fashion and by way of example considers a minimally invasive surgical procedure preferably utilizing the intercostal or subxyphoid space for valve introduction. In order to accomplish this, the valve is formed in such a manner that it can be compressed to fit within a delivery system and secondarily ejected from the delivery system into the annulus of a target valve such as a mitral valve or tricuspid valve.

Abstract: A stented valve including a generally tubular stent structure that has a longitudinal axis, first and second opposite ends, a plurality of commissure support structures spaced from the first and second ends and extending generally parallel to the longitudinal axis, at least one structural wire positioned between each two adjacent commissure support structures, and at least one wing portion extending from two adjacent commissure support structures and toward one of the first and second ends of the stent structure. The stewed valve further includes a valve structure attached within the generally tubular stent structure to the commissure support structures.

Abstract: Embodiments of a radially collapsible and expandable prosthetic heart valve are disclosed. A valve frame can have a tapered profile when mounted on a delivery shaft, with an inflow end portion having a smaller diameter than an outflow end portion. The valve can comprise generally V-shaped leaflets, reducing material within the inflow end of the frame. An outer skirt can be secured to the outside of the inflow end portion of the frame, the outer skirt having longitudinal slack when the valve is expanded and lying flat against the frame when the valve is collapsed. A diagonally woven inner skirt can elongate axially with the frame. Side tabs of adjacent leaflets can extend through and be secured to window frame portions of the frame to form commissures. The window frame portions can be depressed radially inward relative to surrounding frame portions when the valve is crimped onto a delivery shaft.

Abstract: A stent (300, 400, 400?) for a prosthetic heart valve includes a body having an inflow end (310, 410) and an outflow end (312, 412), and an anchoring section (340, 440) adjacent the inflow end. The anchoring section may include structure (342, 344, 420) that extends radially outwardly from the body when the stent is in an expanded condition. The stent may include a transition section (370, 470) between the body and the anchoring section, the transition section in the expanded condition of the stent having a diameter that is smaller than the diameters of the body and the anchoring section. When implanted into a native valve annulus, such as the mitral valve annulus, the anchoring section may help the stent resist migrating away from the native valve annulus.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided including a mitral valve prosthesis. The prosthesis includes an inner support structure having downstream and upstream sections, the upstream section having a cross-sectional area greater than the downstream section. The inner support structure is configured to be positioned on an atrial side of the native valve complex, and to prevent the prosthesis from being dislodged into the left ventricle. A prosthetic valve having prosthetic valve leaflets is coupled to the inner support structure. An outer support structure has engagement arms, downstream ends of the engagement arms being coupled to the inner support structure. The prosthesis is configured such that, upon implantation thereof: downstream ends of the native valve leaflets, downstream ends of the engagement arms, and downstream ends of the prosthetic leaflets, are disposed at a longitudinal distance from one another of less than 3 mm. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: One aspect of the present disclosure includes a system comprising prosthetic chordae, at least one attachment member including a channel, a female securing member, and a papillary penetration member configured to pass through the channel, the chordae, and the securing member when implanted in a patient's heart. The penetration member includes an axis.

Abstract: A system and method for restoring (e.g., replacing) a defective heart valve of a patient. A delivery system is manipulated to percutaneously deliver and implant a stented prosthetic heart valve to a native heart valve. A post-dilatation balloon is percutaneously delivered to the implantation site, and a compliant segment thereof is arranged within a region of the implanted prosthesis. The balloon is inflated such that the compliant segment expands and contacts the prosthesis, expanding a remodeling region of the prosthesis to a remodeled state. With these and related techniques, remodeling of an implanted, stented prosthetic heart valve to better match the native valve shape is possible, providing many benefits such as reducing the risk of paravalvular leaks.

Abstract: In certain aspects, the invention relates to a method ter generating a mitral repair ring for a corresponding mitral valve, comprising the steps of generating (S1) a reference circumference (13) indicative of said valve ring (130); generating (S2) a reference grid (2); inscribing (S3) said reference circumference (13) in said reference grid (2); combining (S4) said reference circumference (33) with a plurality of characteristic measures (15, 16,17, r1-r6) of said mitral valve (100); generating (S5) a three-dimensional reference grid (250); identifying (S6) on said three-dimensional reference grid (250) a plurality of deformation points (300-302) of said reference circumference (13); deforming said reference circumference (13) at said deformation points (300-303) so as to obtain a geometric model (10) of said mitral repair ring (10?); and generating said mitral repair ring (10?) from said obtained geometric model (10).

Abstract: Mitral valve implants and devices, kits and methods are provided for mitral valve repair. Devices comprise a body attachable onto the mitral valve annulus and a bridge connected to the body by two legs which are configured to support and position the bridge within a left ventricle (LV) of the patient when the device body is implanted, so that the legs and the bridge avoid contact with the LV walls, papillary muscles and chordae during operation of the heart. The bridge may be used to anchor valve leaflet tissue, provide support for leaflet re-modelling, possibly using external tissue, and/or anchor artificial chords used to modify and repair the operation of the mitral valve. Related medical procedures as well as kits and related utensils are also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for use in the transcatheter treatment of mitral valve regurgitation, specifically a coaptation assistance element for implantation across the valve; a system including the coaptation assistance element and anchors for implantation; a system including the coaptation assistance element and delivery catheter; and a method for transcatheter implantation of a coaptation element across a heart valve.

Abstract: An exemplary implantable prosthetic device has a coaption element and at least one anchor. The coaption element is configured to be positioned within the native heart valve orifice to help fill a space where the native valve is regurgitant and form a more effective seal. The coaption element can have a structure that is impervious to blood and that allows the native leaflets to close around the coaption element during ventricular systole to block blood from flowing from the left or right ventricle back into the left or right atrium, respectively. The coaption element can be connected to leaflets of the native valve by the anchor.

Abstract: An intracranial prosthesis comprised of a flat body having an interior ultrasound-compatible window and means about the outer portion capable of engaging a plurality of diagnostic instruments and/or intracranial delivery systems so that a practicing medical professional can monitor certain parameters of a patient or deliver therapeutic agents to the patient while using an ultrasound-monitoring device to image the patient's brain. The prosthesis is designed to allow for the continuous, uninterrupted, simultaneous monitoring of a number of parameters of a patient's brain at the patient's bedside.

Abstract: Defects and disease in human cartilage may arise from osteoarthritis, aging and joint injury, and are a major cause of joint pain and chronic instability. A soft tissue implant defined from anatomical scans of unhealthy tissue provides a shape and contour for replacing only unhealthy tissue while leaving healthy tissue intact. Patient specific scans identify the region occupied by soft tissue such as articular cartilage, and image an implant shaped to fit only the compromised regions. Surgical excision of the compromised region provides a shaped region for receiving the shaped implant, thereby leaving as much native healthy tissue as possible while completely replacing the volume of excised tissue.

Abstract: A prosthetic implant surface cap adapted for securement to an interface region of the prosthetic defined by articulating prosthetic implants. 3D printing or additive manufacturing is employed to form the surface cap adapted for securement to an identified interface region, in which the interface region is defined by engaging contact with adjacent skeletal structures in response to patient movement. The surface cap is disposed on the implant surface to contact the adjacent skeletal structures during articulated movement, and is adhered to the interface region of the prosthetic implant for absorbing and distributing the contact and frictional forces of the articulating skeletal members.

Abstract: A surgical implant may include a porous structure with interconnected pores for ingrowth of bone into the porous structure. The porous structure has an arrangement of fibres which are attached to one another, the fibres being arranged in stacked layers. The porous structure has a surface including different regions having different porosities. A method of making the above surgical implant is also described.

Abstract: The invention describes a system for producing a cranial operculum for a living being comprising: an acquisition device configured to define an area of planned removal of cranial bone on the skull of the living being; a first 3D detection device configured for 3D detection of the shape of the skull cap to be removed which is included in said area of planned removal of cranial bone; a second detection device configured to detect the points of the margin of the crater in the cranial bone after removal of the part of skull cap included in said area of planned removal; an electronic digital fabrication device configured to produce three-dimensional objects; a processing unit in data communication with said acquisition device, said first 3D detection device, said second detection device for detecting the points of the margin of the crater in the cranial bone and said electronic digital fabrication device, wherein said processing unit is configured to define a 3D digital model of the cranial operculum based on the

Abstract: An elbow prosthesis constructed in accordance to one example of the present teachings can include a capitellar implant having an articulating head and a stem. The articulating head can have a first articulating surface positioned generally between a lateral side and a medial side. A passage can extend through the articulating head from the lateral side to the medial side. The articulating head can define a counterbore formed at the lateral side and that is concentric with the passage. According to other features, the elbow prosthesis can include a coronoid implant that has a body and a stem. The body can have a superior articulating surface that includes a central ridge and an anterior buttress. The central ridge can be configured to accommodate articulation with a trochlea in an implanted position.

Abstract: An orthopedic trial implant having a plurality of bearing component augments of differing heights, where each augment releasably, slidably connected to the trial implant.

Abstract: An orthopaedic tibial prosthesis includes a tibial baseplate with an asymmetric periphery which promotes proper positioning and orientation on a resected tibia, while also facilitating enhanced kinematics, soft-tissue interaction, and long-term fixation of the complete knee prosthesis. The asymmetric baseplate periphery is sized and shaped to substantially match portions of the periphery of a typical resected proximal tibial surface, such that proper location and orientation is evident by resting the baseplate on the tibia. The baseplate periphery provides strategically positioned relief and/or clearance between the baseplate periphery and bone periphery, such as in the posterior-medial portion to prevent deep-flexion component impingement, and in the anterior-lateral portion to avoid undue interaction between the anatomic iliotibial band and prosthesis components.

Abstract: A total knee implant prosthesis is disclosed. The total knee implant prosthesis includes a tibial component including a pair of bearing surfaces and a post positioned between the bearing surfaces, and a femoral component configured to rotate relative to the tibial component. The femoral component includes a pair of condyles sized and shaped to articulate on the bearing surfaces and a cam positioned between the pair of condyles. The cam engages the post at a first contact point when the femoral component is at 0 degrees of flexion and engages the post at a second contact point located lateral of the first contact point when the femoral component is at a first degree of flexion greater than 0 degrees. The cam is disengaged from the post when the femoral component is at a second degree of flexion greater than the first degree of flexion.

Abstract: Shoulder joint implants are disclosed herein for use in shoulder reconstruction that are configured to facilitate the inclusion a central bone screw for augmented bone fixation. The implant can include a baseplate (or metaglene) configured to secure a glenosphere or other prosthetic component to the glenoid. To facilitate lateral or proximal insertion of a central bone screw through the implant, a throughbore defined along the central axis of the metaglene can be widened to accommodate the maximum diameter of the screw. To enable fixation of the glenosphere to the metaglene, a collet can be configured to engage the smaller diameter of a glenosphere coupling element and inserted into the central throughbore. The collet and the bone screw can be separate parts, thereby making insertion of the bone screw optional. Alternatively, the collet and bone screw can be integrated together to form a unitary construct.

Abstract: A surgical implant for a wrist bone fabricated on a patient-specific basis is based on a combination of the patient's own anatomy and an anatomical ideal from a database of scan data, and provides a patient-specific implant that minimizes spacing tolerance between adjacent bones to allow native cooperation between tightly spaced wrist bones. The three lower skeletal structures in the human wrist, including the trapezium, lunate and scaphoid bones, share a close, integrated geometry with the adjacent arm bones (radius, ulna) and remaining wrist bones. In contrast to conventional approaches that rely on reshaped connective tissue or generically shaped replacements, a patient-specific prosthetic restores the original geometry and spacing between wrist bones, allowing individual bone replacement without removal or fusing to adjacent bones, thus restoring a natural range of movement.

Abstract: An adjustable implant includes a telescopic body with first and second portions in sliding engagement, and a deflectable linkage formed from a first linking segment, an intermediate segment and a second linking segment pivotally interconnected so that adjustment of a length of the telescopic body causes a corresponding deflection of the deflectable linkage. The first linking segment and the second linking segment are formed with projecting features that provide a partial gear engagement between the first and second linking segments such that, during adjustment of a length of the telescopic body and corresponding deflection of the deflectable linkage, pivotal motion of the first and second linking segments relative to the intermediate segment about the first and second pivot axes occurs in a fixed ratio defined by the partial gear engagement.

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

Abstract: A prosthetic disc for insertion between adjacent vertebrae includes upper and lower plates, a core disposed between the plates, and at least one projection extending from at least one of the upper and lower curved surfaces of the core into at least one recess of one of the inner surfaces of the plates. The recess is oversize with respect to the projection to allow sliding movement of the plate over the core while retaining the core between the plates during such sliding movement. The projection(s) may include a rod extending through an axial hole in the core, multiple surface features of the core, or the like.

Abstract: An intervertebral prosthetic implant having a first endplate having a first surface configured to substantially engage with a first vertebral body and a second surface having an extension with a concave contact surface, the concave contact surface being spaced apart from the second surface. A second endplate is provided with a first surface configured to substantially engage with a second vertebral body and a second surface comprising a convex contact surface, and the second endplate having a securing element positioned along and above the second surface defining a first and second window on opposing sides of the second surface. The securing element extends along the width and length of the lower endplate and configured with an access hole. An extension portion extends from the first surface of the first endplate through the access hole of the securing element and contacts the second surface of the second endplate.

Abstract: An expandable intervertebral implant is provided for insertion into an intervertebral space defined by adjacent vertebrae. The expandable intervertebral implant includes a pair of outer sleeve portions and an inner core disposed between the outer sleeve portions. Movement of the inner core relative to the outer sleeve portions causes the outers sleeve portions to deflect away from each other, thereby engaging the expandable intervertebral implant with the vertebrae and adjusting the height of the intervertebral space.

Abstract: An implant or endoprosthesis suitable to be implanted in human or animal tissue includes two (or more than two) parts to be joined in situ. Each one of the parts includes a joining location, the two joining locations facing each other when the device parts are positioned for being joined together, wherein one of the joining locations includes a material which is liquefiable by mechanical vibration and the other one of the joining locations includes a material which is not liquefiable by mechanical vibration and a structure (e.g. undercut cavities or protrusions) suitable for forming a positive fit connection with the liquefiable material. The joining process is effected by pressing the two device parts against each other and by applying ultrasonic vibration to one of the device parts when the two parts are positioned relative to each other such that the two joining locations are in contact with each other.

Abstract: Medical devices in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention employ one or more coaxial screw gear sleeve mechanisms. In various embodiments, coaxial screw gear sleeve mechanisms include a post with a threaded exterior surface and a corresponding sleeve configured to surround the post, the corresponding sleeve having a threaded interior surface configured to interface with the threaded exterior surface of the post and a geared exterior surface. A drive mechanism can be configured to interface with the geared exterior surface of the sleeve, causing the device to expand.

Abstract: An acetabular cup remover with a blade for removing tissue adjacent an acetabular cup. The blade is oscillated against an arcuate section of tissue. Once a section of tissue is cut, an indexing assembly rotates the blade. The blade is again oscillated to cut a new arcuate section of tissue.

Abstract: A surgical instrument comprises a first portion defining a cavity configured for disposal of a first implant support member. A second portion defines at least one passageway aligned with the cavity and including a guide engageable with a second implant support member to orient the second implant support member with the at least one passageway such that the second implant support member is connectable with the first implant support member. Systems, spinal constructs, spinal implants and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to devices and methods for implantation of an orthopedic device between skeletal segments using limited surgical dissection. The implanted devices are used to adjust and maintain the spatial relationship(s) of adjacent bones. Depending on the implant design, the motion between the skeletal segments may be increased, limited, modified, or completely immobilized.

Abstract: A denuder, such as a bone stock denuder container, is disclosed. The denuder includes a nozzle and a container body. The nozzle is configured to be fluidically coupled to a source of fluid and to direct a fluid stream. The container body includes curved chamber wall that forms a wash chamber. The wash chamber is configured to receive a bone stock. The nozzle is configured to direct the fluid stream to impact the curved chamber wall.

Abstract: The present invention is an articulated orthopaedic foot (100) with shock absorption, which prevents the impact produced in each foot-loading cycle when walking or running, providing natural movement and stability for the user, the foot being adaptable to irregular surfaces and comprising: a central pin (1) pivotably joined to a pair of metatarsal plates (2); an instep subsystem (101) solidly joined to the pair of metatarsal plates (2) by securing means; an ankle subsystem (102) pivotably joined to the central pin (1), metatarsal shock-absorbing means (40) being positioned between the ankle subsystem (102) and the instep subsystem (101); a calcaneus support (13) pivotably joined to the central pin (1), calcaneus shock-absorbing means (41) being positioned between the calcaneus support (13) and the ankle subsystem (102), to absorb impact when the user uses the articulated orthopaedic foot (100); and coupling means (20) positioned in the upper part of the ankle subsystem (102), for joining a tibia prosthesis to

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

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an anchor for use with a medical device. The anchor includes a coil, a barb, and a turn connecting the coil to the barb. The anchor may be made of a shape memory material. The coil may have a first handedness, and the turn may have a second handedness opposite the first handedness. The anchor may be attached to the medical device by a friction fit, in some cases without being attached by welding, soldering, adhesive, or crimping.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an endoprosthesis where a preferably polymeric coating has a number of surface features such as protrusions or textures that are arranged in a micropattern. The endoprosthesis optionally has an expanded state and a contracted state, and in some cases includes a stent with a polymeric coating attached to an outer surface of the stent. The stent may have an inner surface defining a lumen, an outer surface, and a stent thickness defined between the inner surface and outer surface. The stent may comprise a plurality of surface textures extending from the stent surfaces, wherein the textures are arranged in a macropattern.

Abstract: A method of connecting an expansion ring to at least one end of a braided implant is disclosed. The method can include positioning the braided implant about a tube; everting an end portion of the braided implant over a first end of the tube; assembling an expansion ring to the braided implant, the expansion ring being a multi-leaved expansion ring including clips terminating with an open-ended coupling opening. The openings can be pushed over a set of intersecting wires of the braided implant at respective circumferential locations on or adjacent the first end of the tube. The method can also include closing the openings over the set of intersecting wire; trimming ends of the braided implant; and reversing eversion of the braided implant thereby positioning the expansion ring internal to the braided implant.

Abstract: Thin-film mesh for medical devices and related methods are provided. The thin-film mesh may include slits to be expanded into pores, and the expanded thin-film mesh may be used as a cover for a stent device. The thin-film mesh has a tube-shape and the slits may be angled with respect to a longitudinal axis of the tube-shape thin-film mesh. The angled slits allow for the thin-film mesh to expand in multiple dimensions, including along the longitudinal axis and along the circumferential direction of the tube-shape thin-film mesh. The slits may be provided in diagonal rows arranged in longitudinal columns. Longitudinal columns of different types of slits may be arranged along the circumferential direction on the tube-shape thin-film mesh to form a zig-zag pattern of slits. The thin-film mesh may be formed from thin-film Nitinol (TFN) and may be fabricated via sputter deposition on a micropatterned wafer.

Abstract: In one embodiment according to the present invention, a stent is described having a generally cylindrical body formed from a single woven nitinol wire. The distal and proximal ends of the stent include a plurality of loops, some of which include marker members used for visualizing the position of the stent. In another embodiment, the previously described stent includes an inner flow diverting layer.

Abstract: A deployment apparatus and method for deploying one or more stents to a bifurcated vessel is provided. The invention is particularly suited for T-type bifurcated vessels where a side branch extends from a main branch. The deployment apparatus has a primary inflatable portion for engagement within the main branch and a secondary inflatable portion for engagement within the side branch. A main stent is arranged on the primary inflatable portion and radially expanded within the main branch while the secondary inflatable portion maintains registration with the side branch. A side branch stent is then arranged on the secondary inflatable portion and expanded within the side branch while the primary inflatable portion maintains registration with the expanded main stent. A bifurcated stent system suitable for bifurcated lesions is also provided comprising a side branch stent with a shaped end designed to engage a similarly shaped side opening in a main stent.

Abstract: A surgical method includes forming a first tissue fold, piercing the first tissue fold with a needle, deploying a first tissue anchor from the needle, withdrawing the needle from the first tissue fold, deploying a second tissue anchor from the needle, with the first tissue anchor connected to the second tissue anchor to form a first tissue anchor pair, and attaching a gastrointestinal implant to the tissue anchor pair. The gastrointestinal implant may have a tether including a tether loop, with the gastrointestinal implant attached to the tissue anchor pair by positioning the tether loop between the tissue fold and first or second tissue anchor. The gastrointestinal implant may be a gastric sleeve or a device holding microbiota.

Abstract: Devices and methods of endolumenal formation of gastric sleeves are described. Some embodiments allow templating of a gastric sleeve by a gastric bougie, exposing a selected amount of tissue for suturing access, while maintaining sufficient internal working space for suturing within the template lumen.

Abstract: A non-water-activatable cast has one or more layers of sheet-like material which create a combined flexibility, stiffness, or rigidity so that the cast may be manually positioned in substantial contact with a lower extremity to be received within the cast. As such, the cast is not only readily deployable by a patient, but has predetermined flexibility located and selected to control ankle movement within a therapeutically appropriate range, whether used by itself or in association with a related orthosis, such as a CAM walker. In certain applications, the cast likewise offloads or otherwise redistributes force by virtue of the rigidity of the plantar impact surface on such cast and the rigidity of other cast portions.

Abstract: The invention relates a method for manufacturing an orthopaedic insole and to a product thus obtained, the method comprising: a first step (1) of 3D modelling a future insole with a specific geometry and which will ideally be formed by a soft surface (10) and a rigid surface (11); a second step (2) of software treatment for the “flattening” or modelling of the original soft upper part (10), transforming same into a soft surface or element (10a) obtained with its lower surface being completely flat and the relative thicknesses still being maintained; a third step (3) of manufacturing the soft surface (10a) obtained in the second step (2) by means of milling or additive manufacturing techniques; a fourth step (4) of joining the obtained soft surface (10a) to the rigid surface (11), obtaining a sandwich-type insole.